Wednesday 11 February 2009

Hello From Sun Valley!!


What can I say but I am having a fabulous time. Everyone has been so kind and so helpful and so sweet to me. I feel so very blessed. We arrived in Sun Valley today and guess what!

EILEEN WON A GOLD MEDAL TODAY!!

Sorry for shouting, but I just can't help myself! My buttons are popping!! I am so proud of my girl. I was able to talk to her on the telephone, but her coach would not allow me to come to the place they are staying at to see her. There was a special party tonight for all the athletes and their families, but the coaches for Team Canada, for whatever reasons had decided not to let their athletes go. I had hoped to see her there and hug her. (afterall, I have not seen her for a looooong 2 1/2 years.) When I was told they were not going to be there at the party, I was sad, but the kind lady at the venue gave us a number to call so that I could talk to her. I had been so very hopeful that they would allow me to come to her hotel room and just say hello and I love you. Her coach would not allow me to though, and would not relent at all. I understand that this is just the way it is, even though it does make me sad. Lura and I cried. We just could not help ourselves.

Never mind, I shall see her compete tommorrow and hopefully I will have a chance to say hello and give her a big hug then! Afterall, the Lord hasn't brought me this far just to drop the ball now!

Jen and Jean, it was soooo much fun meeting you and thanks so much for your most gracious and warm welcome at the airport and the wonderful little tour of SLC on the way to Erin's place. I still think you both look so amazingly young and I want whatever it is you guys are eating! (although it may be a bit too late for me now! lol) Erin and Patrick, what gracious and wonderful hosts you have been. Same with Lynell and her lovely family, and of course Lura and John. Y'all are more than friends to me, y'all are family and I love you so much! Dick and Lenis, I am so grateful that you stepped in and decided to drive us two old ladies up here and take care of us! You have been a blessing in disguise! You mean the world to me. I love y'all too!

To everyone else, I miss you and will be back next week with pictures and wonderful tales of my great adventure. In the meantime I send my love and a great big hello from Sun Valley!!
(No recipe today! Just lots of hugs!)



47 comments:

  1. Sounds like so much fun and laughter! Sorry you haven't been able to see Eileen yet, but know how proud you are - a Gold Medal already! Glad you were able to find time to fill us in! Continue having fun and cultivating friendships!

    Hugs,
    Winnie

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  2. Good for her. I know that will always be a bright spot for everyone. You go, girl.

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  3. Oh Marie, I'm thrilled for you. YAY for the Gold Medal, way to go Eileen.

    I'm so jealous you're in Sun Valley, I absolutely LOVE Idaho. Enjoy yourself.

    Hugs,
    Sandra

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  4. Dear Marie,
    This is a most unusual comment because instead of making it and wondering what you are doing across the continent and an ocean all I have to do is look across the room.....YEAH!!! Upps, I had better not yell...the other people in the room next door might be annoyed.

    I can't believe that I am here with you and Lenis and Dick. I have dreamed of spending time with you for so long and here we are.
    Dreams really do come true.

    I think that we are blessed to have good husbands that have supported both of us in making this trip. So my dear friend instead of wishing you a good morning like I usually do when I make a comment to you... tonight I wish you good night.

    I am so happy that Eileen got a gold medal today. Tomorrow we may freeze while we watch Eileen, my heart will be warm and happy that I get to spend this time with you. I hope that you will get to see Eileen and give her a hug tomorrow.

    Rest well and sweet dreams. Love, Lura

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  5. Hi Marie!!!! I am so happy for your daughter. A gold medal? That is soooo wonderful!

    It was so fun to meet you, talk with you and give you a hug!!! Thank you for the wonderful artwork too - I love it and will treasure it always! I am glad you made it to Idaho safely. I am praying that you will be able to see your daughter tomorrow!

    XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXO
    Jen

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  6. Congratulations to Eileen! I saw a piece about the games on NBC news the other day - what an exciting place to be right now!

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  7. CONGRATULATIONS EILEEN! I had everyone I know send her Gold Medal thoughts! I'll ask them to keep on coming!

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  8. YEA EILEEN!

    Best of luck getting to see your daughter & eve better luck on the her next event! (Yes, I know that;s nonsensical, but you get it, right?)

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  9. Congrats to your daughter ! How wonderful that she is doing so well. I know that you are sad not to talk to and see her. Hopefully you will before you all have to leave. Enjoy the time you have there and you are blessed with some really wonderful friends.
    'On Ya'-ma

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  10. I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! HOPEFULLY TODAY YOU WILL GET TO HUG HER!!

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  11. Big Congratulations to Eileen!!! Very exciting:)

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  12. Marie,
    It is so good to hear from you.....and to hear such good news of Eileens gold medal. Keep warm and smiling, I know that you will get to hug Eileen before long.
    Hugs, Barb

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  13. How wonderful about Lura's gold medal. Way to go, girl!

    And how nice to hear from you. Isn't it great how God knits people together -- I've never met you but just from reading your blog, I've thought of you daily and offered up a prayer for both you and your daughter.

    Enjoy your time and I look forward to the pics.

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  14. YAY Eileen!!!! Canada is proud of you!

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  15. I'm so happy for the both of you!

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  16. Dear Marie, Im happy you a lot of fun and so nice Eileen win a golden medal, fantastic!!.
    I miss you a lot . ...Huggs.Gloria

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  17. i'm laughing because someone said that lura got a gold medal:) GO LURA! :) hehe.

    anyways, CONGRATS on eileen's gold-that is just incredible!!! i'm so glad you were able to come to the states and see it in person. what a wonderful moment that must have been!!! and i'm so happy you are getting to spend time with dear lura. she is so sweet. i can't wait to see pictures of the two of you together! have fun and i pray that you will get to see and hug your eileen today.

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  18. How wonderful! I know you are having a ball. I'm praying for you to get to see your girl!

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  19. fantastic about your daughter! I do hope you get to spend time with her. but why would the coach not even let you hug her? is this is way of keeping them focused?
    take care
    tina

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  20. Major CONGRATS to Eileen!! So glad you're having a wonderful time! I know you can't wait to give her a big hug! Have a safe trip back!

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  21. Oh, Marie, such FANTASTIC news!! I am so thrilled for Eileen...and for you, that you got to see it happen! I do hope you will get to have some time with Eileen before you go home again. So glad all is well though...and that you are having a grand time with friends! Will be eager for more news later...Until then, ENJOY every moment! LOVE YOU HEAPS! ((BIG HUGS))

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  22. I am soo gloriously happy for you! Sorry that you haven't been able to hug your daughter, but your visit isn't over yet. I know you are very proud of Eileen even with out the Gold Medal - it just proves to the world what you already knew.
    Praying for your safe return and taht Todd is doing well. I am sure he can't wait for quick return also.
    Love and hugs,
    Ruthanne oxox

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  23. Dear Marie

    You deserve to burst the butons on your cardigan with pride. Lol! What a proud moment for you and a wonderful achievement for Eileen.
    I truly hope and pray that you get to give her a big cuddle tomorrow. What joy for both of you if that does come true.
    Congratulations and well done to Eileen and good luck tomorrow.

    Much love
    Jeanie xxxxx

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  24. Congratulations!! I know you are so proud.... I'm so excited for you to be there! Have a wonderful time!! :)

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  25. Yayyyyy we won a medal!!!!!
    GO TEAM CANADA... for your hard work

    AND GO TEAM "a year from oak cottage" for all the prayers..

    Marie i hope she wins all of tham
    good luck and love to both of youu
    hugs and prayerss
    fariah

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  26. Congratulations to Eileen!!! Marie I am so happy for you, what a wonderful experience! A GOLD medal!! WOW!! It doesn't get any better than that! Fingers crossed for you being able to meet with your daughter!
    Hugs,
    Elly

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  27. Marie, Congratulations to Eileen! Your being there must be the extra push she needs to succeed. Take pictures of her often so you can remember these wonderful memories you are making there and hopefully you'll be able to be with her before you leave. So fun being with you Friday night and showing you around and to feel your excitement at being there at last. Hugs to you!

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  28. Oh Marie:

    What lovely news. Congratulations to Eileen and you as well!! I bet Todd wishes he could be there with you.

    I can't wait to see the pictures and hear all about your trip when you get back to your lovely Oak Cottage!

    Love and Hugs:
    Kim
    Garden Painter Art

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  29. This is sooo exciting! What an adventure then Eileen took the Gold! I cannot wait to hear all about it and see photos!!!!

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  30. You just enjoy this special time, Marie! I just can't wait to here about the even itself! Bless.

    Love,
    Susie

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  31. Yeah Eileen!!! Yeah Lura and Marie! I'm so pleased you are all having such a delightful time together. I think about all of you every single day!

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  32. Oh Marie. I was so happy when I saw that your daughter had won a gold medal and I am glad to hear you're having a good time! I am praying that you get to spend time with her.
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  33. Congratulations to your sweet daughter! And boo to that coach who wouldn't let you see her. :( blessings, marlene

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  34. Marie, that is so brilliant! Way to go, Eileen!!!!!

    I hope that you have had a chance to see her by now!

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  35. Tears are spilling down my face Marie, not sad ones of course but tears of joy that Eileen has won gold and her mum is popping her buttons with pride (told you to get a zip!).

    I suppose I can see, in a way, why the coach wouldn't let you in. But doesn't he have a HEART? I couldn't have turned you away like that. Never mind - it's a little blip. Enjoy the rest of your trip and come home safe.

    love, Angie xx

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  36. Marie, I am so happy for you and glad your having a wonderful time.
    Way to go Eileen!!!!!!

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  37. Marie I'm so thrilled for you! Congratulations to Eileen on her gold :0)

    Rosie x

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  38. I am so glad to read that all is well at your end. Can hardly wait to read your next episode. You are rightly very proudof Eileens Gold Medal...what a great lass she is...
    much love for now Sybil xx

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  39. Congrats on your daughters gold medal, what a great accomplishment!!

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  40. Congratulations to your daughter...that is wonderful news!

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  41. Sorry for the late comment Marie I am just back from my break yesyerday.What great news.WOW!!and so you should be proud.Well Done Eileen Clap Clap GOLD !!!!! .Sorry you couldn't hug her that must have been heart rendering Marie ,no wonder there were tears.I would have filled an ocean had I not have been able to after that long journey,and such a long time since you saw her.I hope another dream is answered or my prayers that before you leave, you actually do get to hug each other after such a long time.ENJOY every minute Marie.Looking forward to reading more and seeing all the pics.I hope Todd has been well in your absence back home.A big thankyou from me to all your friends out there for looking after you like a queen, you are one,and so deserve it.Take Care God Bless.Kath xx

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  42. How exciting has this all been I am so excited for you. I can hardly wait to see your pictures. Congratulations to Eillen on her win and I'm happy you were able to make this trip.

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  43. Hi friend! We are sad you have flown back home, but we can't wait to have you back to blogging and get our daily dose of Marie!

    It was SO great to meet you!!

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  44. Marie, so happy to hear you had a safe trip over the pond. I'm a little behind in reading as we were up at Whistler, BC for 3 days so Bob could ski. I was able to use my laptop but it's so old & slow, it was less than ideal..so didn't do much on it. Have a wonderful visit and I hope you can get some corn seeds. Linda in WA

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  45. Marie that is just fantastic news. Sorry I've been off the air for so long, too much going on in the real world. I can't beleive I have found you in America when last I checked you were snug in the UK! What a wonderful trip and you got snow too.

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