Back at It

Well, this week I went back to work. I had two weeks off, but it went by very fast. I am a person who really does better with a schedule and plan. But, I sure enjoyed the freedom of not having to follow one for a while, anyway. And, at least by being back at work, I'm not so lonesome without Brooklyn and Chloe Bean. Even little Sissy (dog) will lie by the bedroom door where they kept their things and just be sad. Luckily, Tina dropped Sophie off this morning to play, and the three yorkies were running in circles, just having fun when I left for work. I think I needed a playdate too, because I feel like I'm in a funk, too. But, tomorrow more people will be around at work, and we'll catch up after I've not seen them in a month, because most everyone else took a month off. Hope you are all enjoying the last day of July!

Saturday's Sayings

First, you know how kids make up reasons they won't eat...well, our three year old granddaughter, Chloe, wasn't sure she wanted to eat her mashed potatoes and peas, after eating her bread and roast beef....so, I was encouraging her to eat....she told us "potatoes make me burp!"

That was a new "not wanting to eat" excuse...ha! But, she did eat them all up, and we had no burping incidents!

A Full Heart

Today is the final day of having our grandkids here. I know it'll be WAY WAY too quiet to even imagine in the following week.

If you are a grandparent, you can totally relate to the fact that they are just so much fun, so precious and just awesome.

There is nothing better!

Today my heart is full.

Hot Days.

Ok, I've been complaining about the long blast we have had of summer...too many days over 100 degrees. But, look how much fun can be had, if you just were a kid. Or acted like one! Are they not precious or what?

And, I realized this morning, that neither of my grandmas, Elsie or Helen would just keep on complaining about the heat. So, I will try my best to "buck up". Ha. Have a great day! Do something that makes you feel like a kid again!

**NOTE: updated photos in "summer fun" folder. Click on Picassa web folders in upper left corner, or go here: http://picasaweb.google.com/joaniemac22/SummerFun

SO SO LONESOME

This is how our two yorkies looked while we were gone (we only left them one night and two days...)

SO SAD!

ME TOO!
(Yes, they had people taking care of them...ha!)

A Whole Week???

Gee, I just logged on and its' been over a week since I posted? Wow, a lot can happen in a week.

We got Brooklyn back on Sunday ( a week ago yesterday). We intended to drive up to around Gillette, Wyoming for a couple days, but had problems at home with our 18 year old (can any of you relate????) and went home instead. But, we did take a quick trip mid week to South Dakota. It was a nice get away....here are a couple pictures, and you can view more "vacation" photos in the link on this main page...upper left hand corner...just click the link, then choose the folder labeled "vacation". (or you can go to the link here: http://picassaweb.google.com/joaniemac22)


Brooklyn hadn't seen Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, etc, so did all that, and he loved it. We also played adventure (mini) golf at Pirates Cove, swam, swam, swam and had an all out good time....so go look at the photos!

We then spent a couple days in Hartville and Guernsey, Wyoming...we had a big Ibarra family project of putting in a new fence...I'll save that for another day...

And, now this week, our little Chloe Bean is here visiting, so watch for updates and photos of her this week, too! Yippee!

Just another day at Work....

Every morning when I leave for work, Sissy just is so sad, she wants to be with me all the time. This summer she runs to the back gate to leave with me every day. Sometimes she even escapes when I open the gate and sits by the truck.

So, finally on this day, I thought OK, she can go with me. No one else would be at work, anyway. I'm filling in some hours I need yet this summer at the school, and doing some much needed work. So, having a little company would be nice.

So, she went with me. Oops, people in and out all morning...but, that was ok, since, well, you know, she is so cute....

Here is her day at work (we only did about three hours!!!!)

Sissy starts the day out playing with a tennis ball...

There is lots of computer work to be done....

Oops, caught maybe trying to see what that iced coffee was about...
When you get tired, just sit on Mom's lap and rest your head on the desk, right?
Ah....back home for a nap after a grueling day....

Saturday Sayings

This is from my grandsons mother: Brooklyn talking to his mom: "I wonder what it is like to be have a cat's life?...I mean I wonder what it's like to have a tail?" Pause.... "Probably like having a butt". We find these words very profound...he'll probably grow up to write speeches, or be a politician, dont' you think? Add your Saturday sayings to the comments below this post! Have a Great Weekend!

Happy Birthday Tina!

Wow, today Tina turns 27.

She is a joy as a daughter and we treasure her.

She is beautiful from within.

Happy Birthday, Tina! We Love You!

Summer Fun for the Dogs?

Even the dogs would like to have some summer fun!



Sophie (Tina's Yorkie)










Sammy









Sissy





Then, ...

Should I?????


















I can balance!!!!












Hey, brother, that looks like fun...













Yea...jump in...you can trust me!

More Summer Fun!

In July, when my grandson was here, he started practicing to be a scuba diver of sorts. He really thought it was great to get his "gear" on. I'm not sure if he's ready for deep sea diving just yet...

Green Thumb?

Don't you love the wonderful, full hanging baskets? The flowers are always so pretty and just wonderful!

I think they just really make a house look welcoming and just so cared for...



However, we have had over 12 days of between 90 and 105 degree weather. So this is what my pitiful, non-welcoming flowering basket looks like:




Not only that, but I have TWO of them, not to mention some baskets on the back patio that were once full and beautiful...that now look just about as pitiful...


Now, yes, I do water them, what a silly question....

Tea Parties

When I was growing up, my mother had a neighbor and friend who would come by to visit. She was a wonderful, wise woman, that we all loved. I always thought it was so great when my mom would serve hot tea from a real tea pot...you know, the pretty ones that have history. The tea somehow tasted so much better, and you just felt so much more special drinking tea from the pretty pot.

This past weekend, we visited our parents and attended a high school reunion (another story-another day). Anyway, on Saturday morning, my mother and I went by to visit one of her longtime, dear friends, whom is now also a friend to me. (Isn't it funny how you grow into some friendships, and how wonderful?) Anyway, we went by to visit (at a planned time). When we arrived, here she had the table set with pretty teacups and little plates, the teapot, and a plate of banana bread, already cut into small pieces and buttered. I just felt so special.

Now at my house, sometimes I could hand you a teabag, cup of hot water (from the microwave, no less) and maybe a snack, but gee, nothing so special. I think I should revamp my ways. Wonder if any of my friends or relatives would wonder what and why?

Anyway, we visited, laughed and enjoyed our tea. Afterwards, we took a walk through her beautiful yard outside, looking at her flowers, bird baths, and various other wonders, including a secret garden, where our friend says she can sit and talk to God. What joy she gets from her yard and her ways, serving us as such special guests and sharing so much. And, what joy she gave to us.

What a perfect morning. Thank you for the gift of that morning, Barb and Mom. I love you.

Saturday Sayings

My grandson was visiting with us at my parents house. He said "Grandma" and my mom went to see what he wanted....he said, "Oh, I meant my real grandma". Hence, she joked with him that she must be the "Fake Grandma".

I bet you can all figure out her new name now...