I hope I am..

Brrr...

2012-01-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I must say...winter has arrived. It was pretty darned cold last night and not very warm today either. We didn't get much snow but that's ok. Now, tomorrow they say 50-60 mph winds? Wow!

I didn't mention, but I went to the movie last week with a couple gals and saw "Warhorse". It was a good movie. There are parts that are hard to take in, but I am sure the story was on target with actual history.

Then, on Friday night, I went to a presentation at our beautiful new Performing Arts Center...it was called "Voices from Ellis Island". I loved this, and it has inspired me to read some books about Ellis Island and the people that immigrated during that time. Their stories are so interesting!

Zumba!

2012-01-17T06:00:00.003-07:00

I have been trying the Zumba class here. I started last week, and it is twice per week. So, I have gone only 3 times. I love it, but as you know, I am, uh, quite klutzy. But, it is fun, and so far I haven't tripped over myself. I can't keep up with all the moves but I keep moving, and it is great. There are a lot of people who go...all ages, sizes and types. Not one person is at the same performance level, and no one cares! I love it!

P.S. I don't think I'll EVER get some of the moves...not sure my body can even do some of them...ha! But, as long as it is fun and keeping me active, I'm good with that!

It is VERY cold here tonight....when we walked after work, I think my eyelashes froze together! Stay warm, my friends!

Google!

2012-01-16T12:13:00.001-07:00

Do you use google? I just love seeing the new logos that they put on their site. Today, of course, was one for Martin Luther King....

Isn't that cool? They come up with some really awesome ones, so if you don't go to Google.com, you need to start and check them out, if nothing else!~ Enjoy! (And, no, I am not employed by Google ... ha!)

Well...

2012-01-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

it is already January 10! Wow, the time has flown. We enjoyed spending time with all of our children at some point over the holidays so we were lucky. And, of course, the three grandchildren made the holidays all a bit brighter! They sure are our special prizes!

I had a touch of the bronchitis when Christmas break started and a bad flu as the break ended, so that was not much fun, but you just trudge along...right?

I have no right to complain, as I hear that yet another person I know has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Please say your prayers for all of our friends, be it close friends, relatives, or cyber friends who suffer with cancer. It is a cruel disease.

Meet Pixie!

2012-01-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

Our newest addition:

We met Miss Pixie via internet and were able to make her part of our family on Christmas eve day. She is cute, adorable and a lot of work! Sissy is adjusting to having a "baby sister" fairly well...she had been very lonely without our Sammy. We took her on our travels to Gillette, where she tortured poor Ruger (Tina and Adam's lab) and annoyed Sophie, although Sophie (Tina's yorkie) did play some with her. She then got to annoy my sister's lab, Kya, in Guernsey. At home, we "dogsat" for our friend and Pixie again annoyed the lab, Jax. All three labs basically just went and hid somewhere from her! Her little teeth are very sharp and she tends to bite their feet.

Anyway, we are now getting into a routine and all adjusting. She was ill and had to spend a night at our vets, but is doing much better. I am having to get up at night again! Ugh! But, we'll get through it! She's worth it, as Sissy was. We didn't have to go through the "puppy" stage with Sammy...

Holiday Trip

2011-12-26T16:51:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update as we are in Gillette with Tina and Adam. We had a nice trip, no bad roads! It was nice being here with them for the past few days. We heard from our other three children who all had a good holiday too! We are very thankful!

More updates to come....

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

"Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling."

Merry Christmas to my bloggy buddies, my faithful and wonderful friends, and my beloved family!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T06:00:00.002-07:00

"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart…filled it, too, with melody that would last forever."

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Day TWELVE) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-23T06:00:00.004-07:00

--
Moving on with the twelve pounds of Christmas~Here is day ELEVEN:
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the Twelfth pound of Christmas, my MIRROR said to me,
"Sooie, pig, sooie!",
"Grazing is for cattle",
"Schedule liposuction",
"I wouldn't wear that spandex",

"That's not on Weight Watchers",
"Don't go back for seconds",
"Cut back just a little",

"The dryer shrunk your jeans",
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On another note....Christmas vacation OFFICIALLY starts for me today. Hubby has been off all week! We are headed to spend Christmas in Gillette with daughter, Tina and her hubby. We will get to celebrate with daughters, Chrissy and Crystal over New Years weekend, and their families! Brooklyn will probably be joining us too! So, we will have lots of family time...that warms my heart!

We ALWAYS miss those that are not with us, but they are always in our hearts, thoughts, memories and with love. I am so blessed with family and friends!

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Day ELEVEN) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

--
Moving on with the twelve pounds of Christmas~Here is day ELEVEN:
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the Eleventh pound of Christmas, my nephew said to me,
"Grazing is for cattle",
"Schedule liposuction",
"I wouldn't wear that spandex",

"That's not on Weight Watchers",
"Don't go back for seconds",
"Cut back just a little",

"The dryer shrunk your jeans",
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On another note....HAPPY, HAPPY Birthday to my mama. She means the WORLD to me...I love you, Mom!

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Days Nine and Ten) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-21T06:00:00.008-07:00

--
Moving on with the twelve pounds of Christmas~Here are days NINE and TEN:
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the Ninth pound of Christmas, my cousin said to me,
"I wouldn't wear that spandex",
"That's not on Weight Watchers",
"Don't go back for seconds",
"Cut back just a little",

"The dryer shrunk your jeans",
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On the Tenth pound of Christmas, my brother said to me,
"Schedule liposuction",
"I wouldn't wear that spandex",

"That's not on Weight Watchers",
"Don't go back for seconds",
"Cut back just a little",

"The dryer shrunk your jeans",
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On another note....do you have a favorite Christmas song. I love "O, Holy Night". (But, I do like them ALL.) My dad's favorite is "Little Drummer Boy". My grandpa used to sing "O Christmas Tree" to us in German, so that holds a special place in my heart, too! I love Christmas songs, and especially having my mom play the piano while we sing! I'll miss that this year, but we will have to do it when we see each other!

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Day Eight) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-20T06:00:00.002-07:00

--
Moving on with the twelve pounds of Christmas~Here is day EIGHT:
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the Eighth pound of Christmas, my sister said to me,
"That's not on Weight Watchers",
"Don't go back for seconds",
"Cut back just a little",

"The dryer shrunk your jeans",
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On another note....do you bake a lot for Christmas? I used to do a lot, but have cut back a lot last year and this year. If we all gather, I try to make sure that I make a favorite of each child and hubby! I like fudge the best, I think. Do you have a favorite?

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Days Six and Seven) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-19T06:00:00.006-07:00

--
Moving on with the twelve pounds of Christmas~Here are days SIX AND SEVEN:
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the Sixth pound of Christmas, my father said to me,
"Cut back just a little",
"The dryer shrunk your jeans",
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On the Seventh pound of Christmas, my uncle said to me,
"Don't go back for seconds",
"Cut back just a little",

"The dryer shrunk your jeans",
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On another note....do you shop all year, or just before Christmas? I tend to procrastinate anymore on the shopping. And, I don't venture out at all for "black Friday" sales. Do you?

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Day Five) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-18T06:00:00.003-07:00

--
Moving on with the twelve pounds of Christmas~Here is day FIVE:
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the Fifth pound of Christmas, my friends all said to me,
"The dryer shrunk your jeans",
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On another note....
Do you have snow? Do you like at least a bit of snow for Christmas?

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Days Three & Four) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-17T06:00:00.006-07:00

--
Moving on with the twelve pounds of Christmas~Here are days THREE AND FOUR:
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the Third pound of Christmas, my mother said to me,

"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On the Fourth pound of Christmas, my grandma said to me,
"Are you retaining fluid?",
"You're big boned",
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On another note....
What are your family traditions? Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Do you have a special food or dinner that you serve? My traditions are inner-mingled with my husbands now... so we have some of his family traditions and some of mine. We open gifts (usually) on Christmas eve, and we used to have a fancy supper then earlier in years (like steak and shrimp). Lately, when I have hosted it, I have done simpler Christmas eves, like soups or meat/cheese trays. Then a more traditional dinner on Christmas day. We also have tamales and atole. (Atole is a drink, somewhat like cocoa...made with the juice from soaked oatmeal, evaporated milk, and sugar. Use a cinnamon stick or two as well).

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Day Two) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-16T06:00:00.005-07:00

--
Moving on with the twelve pounds of Christmas~Here is day TWO:
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the Second Pound of Christmas, my true love said to me,
"I really didn't notice" and
"Your butt still looks good to me"....

On another note....
if you haven't read or seen The Help, it is now out on DVD. I loved watching it again.

Do you like the Christmas movies? I love the classic ones, like "It's a Wonderful Life". Hallmark has had on Christmas movies continuously and Lifetime has had a lot too. Some are real tear jerkers! (That's the best ones!)

The Twelve Pounds of Christmas (Day One) ... and more tidbits...

2011-12-15T06:00:00.007-07:00

--
My mom had a new Christmas songbook when I visited recently...I should have started this TWELVE Days before Christmas, but since we are late, I will combine a couple days as we go....so, anywho.....

I'll give you day ONE today (and add thru the days before Christmas arrives)
Sing to the tune "Twelve Days of Christmas":

On the First Pound of Christmas, my true love said to me,
"Your butt still looks good to me..."

On another note....
just what did you think about Biggest Loser? I did not like the guy who won. I can't really pinpoint why, but just rubbed me the wrong way.

And, how do you like Ashton Kutcher on Two and a Half Men?

Catching Up...

2011-12-14T18:00:00.005-07:00

I seem to be "catching up" everywhere...home, work, blogging, facebook, email, reading my blogs that I follow..and what---Christmas?

Yikes! It is what 10 days away? It doesn't seem possible. Maybe I should buy a gift or two?

Anyone else out there not quite prepared?????

Really????

2011-11-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have a little catching up on my blog reading to do!!!!

Wow!

Better get busy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day is filled with family, friends, love, laughter, memories, dreams, thankfulness and, yes, great food!

Enjoy!

Great Horoscope!

2011-11-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22) Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Family members will be extremely supportive of anything you're involved in today. You'll be in a very generous mood right now and you may even want to buy things for your family that you know will make them happy. Just don't be surprised if you end up having to invest a little something in your home before the day is through. You’ll really feel like spending a lot of time around the house where you’ll be able to focus on your family and your private life. And you shouldn’t hesitate to concentrate your energies on the home front today. Spending time with those closest to you will provide you with a much-needed feeling of comfort and security right now.

Mantra: I will not be afraid to let the world know who I am.

Great Mantra, huh? :-)

The best things...

2011-11-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

My hubby came home the other day with a little gift...just what I wanted/needed. They keep my ears warm on my nightly walks....

As I said before, it's the little things....

Love It!

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I just really like this picture....

Presentations

2011-11-18T06:00:00.002-07:00

Wow...
It seems as if I have been only doing one thing lately, and getting behind on my other work chores. I did three presentations for work, and they took me a lot of time. But, then, again, I only had like 8 days to do two of them and 11 to do the one.   So, I was pretty consumed. My boss was hoping I would do a Prezi, but I haven't done one, and trying to learn and get all the information, etc into the presentations was just not being time effective, so I will learn Prezi after this.

I did them all in iMovie.

I even fell asleep twice on the couch working on them, with my laptop on my lap!   Silly me.

I hope that they turned out to be what the boss wanted/needed.

What have you done different lately?   I am always glad to learn! But, I may have gotten a bit crabby a couple times trying to perfect these....so I need to be a bit more tolerant!

Family Reunion

2011-11-17T06:00:00.001-07:00

We just attended a family reunion last weekend. It was so great seeing cousins and aunts and uncles! It is hard to explain, but somehow I felt like I was at my "roots". I wish my mom could have gone, and my sister too, but understand it doesn't always work out. My hubby is so good to attend! Tina went too, which meant a lot to me as well! I need to keep those extended family connections. Extended family is more important than we think. We had such nice visits....

Hope all is going well with all my blogging buddies...I have not been a very faithful blogger! And I have a lot of blogs to read, I miss the posts, and must get caught up!

Have a great day!

Sammy Sighs a Final Sigh

2011-11-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

Our Sammy boy went to heaven on Sunday. It was hard on us all. He is greatly missed.
RIP Sammy...my heart is hurting!

Happy Halloween and More....

2011-10-31T11:13:00.001-06:00

Happy Halloween! Looks like a beautiful fall day out there...been doing some things around the house today as it is "fall break". I have to go into the office here in a bit for a while, but hope to get more done here too...I am sure I won't accomplish as much as I hope to!
But, I am blogging for a little "break"!!

It will be fun to see our little ghosts and goblins tonight!

Here's a partial peak of my past week:

Last Sunday (Oct 23) we met up in Cheyenne with Brooklyn and his mom and Brooklyn came home with us for his fall break! He had a week off!
Monday was the 1:1 laptop rollout at our high school. This is a realization of a couple years dreams, and so exciting. It was a long, long day! But, awesome! We had 18 sessions that day for parents/students. I thought I was there to assist, but ended up we (Earl, whom I work with, and I ) had to talk at each session. Nothing like winging it! Got home about 8:30 that night! Crystal and Elijah spent the afternoon with Brooklyn and Crystal's hubby came over after work for supper and games of marbles!
Back to work about 7 AM (Tuesday, Wed, Thurs and Friday) with trainings, that I got ready for about midnight Monday night! :-) (really didn't plan ahead very well, did I?)
I helped take Elijah to the dr on Tuesday for his 6 month check up. He was so cute and happy. He did well and is at 15 pounds 2 ounces, which was great. He was really happy right up to the swabbing the thighs for the shots. Then he screamed. Poor little guy (I am sure it was cold). And the shots were not a happy time, but he did well. He got a rash on his head, so I was worried it could be a reaction but must have just been from crying so hard! Poor buddy!
The whole week was so busy! I had lots of work, and would forget to get up from my desk until I was stiff!
Wednesday night hubby and I went with Brooklyn to the movies. We saw "Real Steel". It was surprisingly good! And, always fun to go with Brooklyn as a date!
Thursday we had another 2 hour session for the laptop rollout for parents/students that could not come on Monday, and then I immediately went to a meeting at another school. Brooklyn had gone over to Crystals for a while, and wasn't ready to come home yet, so I trekked back after him later that evening.
Friday we had a busy morning, including staff meeting and a going away lunch for a great gal who is quitting. I took the afternoon off, and Brooklyn and I hung out, ran errands, and had fun together.
Friday night we passed up our weekly dinner with friends and Elijah came over. Brooklyn carved pumpkins for him and Elijah and was so proud! (Pictures to follow this week). I made his favorite spaghetti for supper, and we had a fun evening, ending with watching a movie. Elijah is enamored with Brooklyn.
Saturday morning, we got up and took the kids and grandkids to breakfast. Then, I put together some new shelves in the basement laundry room. Hubby offered to make the kids pork chili, so he got that going and they came over in the afternoon and carved a pumpkin for Elijah too. I made tortillas and we had a nice dinner followed by playing marbles. That was after Brooklyn got to ride the 4-wheeler in the alleys a while...a boy's dream come true!
We watched a football game Saturday night and relaxed. Go WYO.
Sunday, got up and had breakfast and headed back to take Brooklyn home (met part way again). Brooklyn and I played Uno against each other on iPads in the car...we had fun! The ride home was pretty quiet and lonely!

It's a Comin'!

2011-10-25T18:04:00.000-06:00

So, I think fall/winter is coming. We have been blessed with crazy warm (almost hot) weather still...but it is cool today and a nip in in the air! We don't seem to get much fall...although I sure like fall!

You may remember how every year I get a bit anal about keeping the leaves picked up. I have been a tad busy, so was behind in my home chores, but Saturday I got outside and got a lot of cleanup done in the yard. Hubby even helped...which he hates to do! It took a while to finish mowing as it had been a while. It felt pretty good to get something caught up!

As usual, each year, I looked across the street at a total big huge pile of leaves covering the lawn at the house directly across the street....all it will take is a perfect gust of wind.....

:-)

Hello Bloggies!

2011-10-22T19:00:00.001-06:00

Are you kidding? October 11? That is when I last posted? I thought it was like...yesterday. Wow!

Fun times have been had....celebrated Miss Chloe's 8th birthday with her October 15:

It is hard to believe that she is 8 years old..such a little young lady already!

We have seen Elijah:

He changes and grows so fast! He's trying to crawl, and can move his legs like crazy! He makes sounds and says I Love Grammy. (not really)....ha!

Brooklyn is coming to spend a week for his fall break. We are looking forward to getting him tomorrow.

So, that's a few highlights...more to come!

Yikes....

2011-10-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

Yowza: (Today's horoscope)

If you don't make an effort to watch your tongue, you'll end up having to deal with quite a few misunderstandings today. You'll tend to be a little narrow-minded when it comes to certain issues right now. But you should really try to compromise whenever you can today.

Even if you’re inclined to be a little rigid, just try to remember to keep an open mind. It’ll really help things go a lot more smoothly for you right now. You’ll be filled with an increased sense of independence today, and you should really try to get away from everything and enjoy some type of little adventure if you possibly can. Mantra: An open mind will see opportunities that others miss.

Think I better keep an open mind, and a shut mouth!!!

It's the Little Things....

2011-10-02T18:35:00.001-06:00

As I was looking at the bottle of chrome cleaner that has sat on my kitchen counter for at least 3-4 months, thinking why can't hubby put that away (I think it's now a standoff...he says "its' not bothering anyone"...and I want it out...), I suddenly remembered how just the other day, he drove me to an out of town dr. appointment and afterwards drove me thru a favorite coffee place without my asking...and later to the old-fashioned dairy for an ice cream cone. So, when he irritates me by talking to me from the living room while I'm in the kitchen cooking and can't hear a thing, and I think...if I were sitting right there, he wouldn't have a thing to say!, I need to remember these little things....they mean a lot. Sometimes, he'll grab my phone and charge it over night...he'll finish the laundry, or just another little thing...and that makes all the difference....

Biggest Loser!!!

2011-09-21T21:00:00.000-06:00

It started! Biggest Loser premiered last night. Well, I think I could train with either one of those guys (Bob or Dolvett)...ha! (And hubby would gladly train with Anna!)

I had to kinda cheer for the old team as that is where I'd be... :-)

Anyone else watch? (I know, I'm kinda strange....)

Books and Movies

2011-09-20T21:00:00.000-06:00

Some Recent reads~~

Room (Yes--disturbing...but GOOD!)
The Help (Aweome---highly recommend)
Water for Elephants (Started slow, and then couldn't put it down!)
A Stolen Life (Ok...pretty much followed the news articles (Jaycee Duggard story))

Some Recent Movies~~

The Help (GREAT....loved it!)
Unknown (Good)
The Rabbit Hole (zzzzzzz...thumbs down)

What do you recommend?

Remember when?

2011-09-19T21:00:00.000-06:00

I was watching a movie about a girls basketball team in the late 60's and it showed them in pe class...wearing these!

We had something very similar when I was in PE in school (however, we did later get to wear shorts and t-shirts).

Ours were green. Lovely, don't you think?!

Bad Blogger!!

2011-09-18T19:27:00.000-06:00

Wow, I have been a super bad blogger.   Why? No excuses.

I love blogging and I love reading blogs that I follow.   So, in the hopes of turning over several "new leafs" this week, I intend to get back to what I enjoy.

I have missed my blogging and my reading and my bloggy friends who comment.

I have even thought of many blogging ideas and then never written them...what the heck is up with that?

Fall is here.   I love the weather. I, however, have caught a nasty cold which is kicking my butt super bad tonight. I sure hope I feel better tomorrow.    I am cooking my self some good old comfort food-mac and cheese.   So, better go stir it up...so welcome me back...!!!

Blessings....

2011-09-02T18:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Anniversary!

2011-09-01T18:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Anniversary to two wonderful couples!

Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad!! I Love You! I am so proud to be your daughter!

And, Happy Anniversary to my Sis (in law) and hubby...Patty and Rich...Love you!

Wishing you many, many happy years to come!

Happy Birthday! (Now late)

2011-08-30T06:00:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday to my sister!!! (and friend!) I am blessed. I hope you have an awesome day, Jolyn!!!

I love you!

**this post was scheduled to post on August 30, but blogger somehow changed it to draft...sorry Jolyn!

Looking back at the week...

2011-08-28T20:56:00.001-06:00

Baby Elijah spent a couple days in the hospital. His acid reflux just got a bit too bad. He was a real trooper...but it made me so sad to see him there with an IV in his little arm! He got home and is doing pretty good! I got to keep him overnight last night and until early evening today, and had such a great time with him:

The best medicine is...

2011-08-23T06:30:00.008-06:00

family! I was lucky enough to spend this past weekend with my parents and mother in law. Just what the doctor ordered!

I guess you never out grow needing your parents!

We visited with my parents a lot, and just enjoyed everything! We got to visit with my mother in law both days too! My folks took us out to a favorite little Mexican restaurant (Liras) on Saturday night and my sister joined us. It was quite yummy! I had one of their super good (and large) margaritas too! My mom baked a very delicious cake and we enjoyed that in the evening! Then, my sister invited me over to visit on the deck with her neighbors and a friend, so I walked over and joined them a while. It was all in all a very relaxing wonderful Saturday! Then Sunday, I got to attend my home town church with my mom and sister...a small gathering, but a very good service. The visiting minister was someone I attended school with (he graduated a year ahead of me, and I was friends with his sister). I always enjoy attending the church I grew up in. I just feel at home there. (Not that I don't love my church and church family here!) After church I joined my husband at my mother inlaws and had one of her wonderful homemade mexican food breakfasts, and visited with more family there as well. After visiting, we loaded up and headed home. It was just the weekend I needed !! The dogs love going to see "grandma and grandpa" too! (and they are starting to be nice to their cousin dog, Kya, finally!)

I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents, mother in law and family!

Birthdays...

2011-08-22T06:30:00.002-06:00

Well, our first little guy turned 11 today...the 21st ( I am writing this post ahead of time...to post on the 22nd).

I cannot believe he is 11! We always tell each other that we are each other's birthday gifts! He was born the day before my birthday! He got a fun gift for his birthday and I think he was pretty excited!

We gave him his gift before he went home from his summer visit. It sounds like he had a great weekend with his parents and friends this weekend to celebrate!

The "YoMama" Hammer

2011-08-21T18:04:00.000-06:00

When the kiddos and hubby and I were in Lincoln a few weeks back, we had to stop at Harbor Freight (Tool Store, not one of my fav shopping venues...but ... I digress...)

While there, picking up some shipping blankets we needed for the dream car...hubby says to me at the end of the aisle..."Hey, YoMama Hammer".

I look at the display of hammers and think, what the heck? So, I said "what?"   He says "YoMama Hammer".

I said what kind of hammer is that? He said again "YoMama Hammer".

I was getting very frustrated...when he finally says....

.....

....

....

....

"You owe Mom a hammer!"

Oh, duh!   (When I painted her kitchen and dining room last spring, somehow her hammer got misplaced and neither she nor I have been able to find it!)

So, I bought the hammer....and I delivered the "YoMama Hammer" to my mother in law this weekend!!!

Done

2011-08-18T21:58:00.000-06:00

I'm done..

...done feeling like crap for doing my job
...done laying awake at night worrying about every little thing I do
...done trying to please each and every person, I can only do my best
...done letting my moods be totally destroyed
...done feeling like this
...done whining
...done

Thanks, bloggies...this blogging can be cleansing....tomorrow is a new day!

Just Another Monday....

2011-08-15T19:41:00.000-06:00

Today's horoscope~~
Some important people will be watching you today, so just think carefully before you say or do anything. And remember to listen carefully to your own intuition. Also be sure to watch out for some misunderstandings about money. Conflicts with friends and loved ones are bound to be popping up if you're not careful, and they could end up getting a little out of hand if you don't handle things properly.

You should really make an effort to keep a few things to yourself today. Just realize that most things will turn out better if you don’t reveal everything right now. Be sure to listen to what others have to say, but just keep your own opinions to yourself for the time being. Mantra: An open mind will see opportunities that others miss.

So, I was thinking I should keep my mouth shut today...but I had to do a presentation at work....yikes! We had our annual back to school all staff meeting. I hate doing presentations because I always am so unsure of myself. I really really hate talking in front of people, especially so many! My hands were so clammy....and I was near the end so I got to sit there and worry and sweat it out all morning. Oh, well, it's over now. Ha!

Hope your horoscope was a good one ~~

I like this....

2011-08-13T12:17:00.002-06:00

Television

2011-08-09T22:01:00.001-06:00

I wonder...do they think people don't want to watch televison? I have hundreds of stations (or so it seems) and there is NOTHING on! This weekend after Tina left I watched some of the I Love Lucy marathon, but there is just not much to choose from lately. I like "Damages" (on the Audience channel now); but I wish the new season for my old favs (Big Bang Theory, etc.) would start soon. I guess I should not care, but when you just want to veg out and relax, it would be nice to have something on tv!

Thinking of my sister tomorrow as she has surgery on her shoulder...hoping all goes well!

Thoughts...

2011-08-08T21:27:00.000-06:00

It was great having Tina home for the weekend!
Brooklyn is almost ready for his first days of Middle School!
Chloe is going to start 2nd grade!!
Elijah continues to enchant me!
Work has been extremely busy, with long, long hours!
Losing a friendship hurts, and deeply.
Today I miss my grandparents, a lot...
I am feeling melancholy.
I need to finish my class, and start more!

It's a good thing...

2011-08-06T16:06:00.000-06:00

to have my Tina home for a weekend! We hit some garage sales, cruised around in hubby's "dream car", had some good mexican food for lunch and now are relaxing, have Elijah here with us...all is well with the world.

Happy Weekend to ya'all!

uhoh

2011-08-05T06:30:00.001-06:00

Today's Horoscope:

You'll be feeling a little opinionated today, and you definitely won't be shy about sharing all your thoughts and feelings with others. Just be sure that you make an effort to listen to theirs as well. And remember to pay plenty of attention to anything that needs to be dealt with on the home front right now.

Your energies should be primarily focused on your home today. And if there are any issues that need to be dealt with around the house, just make sure that you talk everything over with your family first. Good communication will be extremely important right now. So just do what you can to get your points across without antagonizing others. Mantra: Clear thoughts lead to clear actions.

WOW, I better keep my mouth shut today!!! :-)

and another...

2011-08-04T20:45:00.000-06:00

I want to apologize to my blogging buddies. I didn't mean to go on and on about work. I guess my life lately has been very involved with work, and not much else. I certainly wasn't complaining nor was I having a pity party. I love what I do. I have felt a lot of accomplishment this week, so I guess I was a little over excited about it! I know everyone is busy and works hard, and didn't want to be misinterpreted as thinking I do more than others. I don't.

We had another big rain/lightning/thunderstorm again tonight.

I am just going to try to actually go to bed early tonight, and read a while...so have a great Friday my friends!

another day....

2011-08-03T20:19:00.000-06:00

Wow...time is really flying.   I am glad to report that I got the laptops finished setting up...yay!   Plus, I updated the software on the 12 that are kept in the training room, and got three computers ready for staff. I feel that is a good accomplishment!   And, I have been really busy working on creating some new report cards for the elementary school. One of the elementary secretaries has been a godsend, and after we worked together creating one, she tweaked it for the rest of her school. Now I need to do the same for the other elementary, which is more complicated because of the way the grades are given, so I developed a good headache today!   Then, I was trying to update our powerschool server (for the second time) and it just didn't want to cooperate. Guess I'll continue to read the 67 pages of directions...ugh!

We have trainings coming up next week, so we have had a lot of calls about that. The administrators are gone this week, so I hope I am giving the right answers...ha!   I think "I have no clue" is a pretty good answer, don't you? Ha!

I feel like I am making some progress at work, but would really like to check EVERYTHING off of this list this week, because next week will certainly generate a new list!

I get to go to another school tomorrow and work with some more great gals (secretaries) so I am looking forward to that and also with working with our head Nurse a while, too.

I had visits today from a couple friends/ coworkers as well, so that brightened the day! And, got treated to some home grown cucumbers, too...YUMMMY!!!

Since hubby is working out of town, the grandkids are not here, I don't have much "at home" news.   Been trying to learn to go to bed early, but last night I didn't make it...I'll try again tonight!

Sammy is looking and feeling some better...he'll be going in for another blood test this week. I'll update about him soon.

I seem to have thoughts all jumbled up in my head, so better just relax for a few minutes...have a good evening, blogging buddies!!!

Wow...

2011-08-02T22:58:00.001-06:00

Time sure can fly sometimes. I seem to have lost some somewhere! I finished reading Room tonight. Have any of you read it? It was a good read. Very different! Sure made me think about how people adapt to situations, even of the worst kind.

It is nice to relax at night with a good book....have several ready to read!

I have worked with some other folks here and there lately, and just have really enjoyed working one on one with some awesome people!!! Today was another day like that, where I worked about 3 hours with an awesome person! It's great to get to know people better one-to-one! (And, accomplish so much as well!)

I also have almost finished a task at work of getting the last of the laptops set up, and that is a good feeling...had 50 to do this week, and down to the last five when I left work today. Yay! Now, to keep checking more off my list this week!

I also had lunch today with a special friend, so it just has been a good "people" time lately ... can't beat that!

Looking Forward...

2011-07-31T21:24:00.000-06:00

Horoscope:

You'll be a little more focused and motivated than usual today. And if you're eager to start making some fresh starts in your life, now's the perfect time to begin making some positive changes for yourself. All your hard work should soon be paying off and you'll finally start receiving all the appreciation you deserve.

You’ll be in a pretty confident and optimistic frame of mind at the moment, and you may even end up being the center of attention right now. Just make sure that you’re able to get your points across today with upsetting others. Mantra: I will fully commit to my own actions.

I love this horoscope, and hope it is true. I have had the past week off, and am headed back to a busy time at work tomorrow. I have been enjoying my time with Brooklyn since May, and my week with Chloe. It was fun having all three kids together a bit as well! It has been so nice being with the kiddos. I took today for myself and had a lazy day. So, I face tomorrow and the week with a renewed spirit!

And, I totally love the mantra!!!!

Conversations with Chloe

2011-07-30T21:20:00.000-06:00

Here's one:

Chloe (age ... 7):   Grandma, you know I have a job.
Me: Really? Doing what?
Chloe: Well, I sell things.
Me: What do you sell?
Chloe:   Well, you know how I sew? I sew things, and then sell them at my friends house.   I sent out a bunch of invitations and a bunch of people came and bought stuff. I even bought stuff.
Me: Really?   Hmm. I'll have to ask your mom about this job.
Chloe:   Well, only my dad knows.
Chloe: And, it was a long time ago
Chloe: We don't do it any more!

Vacation

2011-07-29T16:23:00.000-06:00

We had the week off. It's already Friday, and I don't feel like I got enough time!   I ended up doing a few hours of work a couple times while I was off, which is ok, but then, I kept on getting texts, emails and calls and just decided it could wait.   If it's not an emergency, it can wait until Monday. So, now I am already thinking I will be drowning Monday? I think I should go back rested, with a renewed passion for my job and face each day with a smile! So...in re-thinking my "vacation", I am enjoying today with Chloe and Brooklyn.   I have been with them all week. We spent some time today with Elijah and Crystal, too!   Then, tomorrow, I return Brooklyn and Chloe to their parents.   Then, a lonely 2 hour drive home, all alone (hubby got called to work out of town).   To a lonely house.

Last night Brooklyn was talking to me on the couch and I teared up.   It is going to be awfully lonely around here. He has been here since right before Memorial Day weekend!

It has been fun with Chloe for the week.   We all enjoyed a quick trip to eastern Nebraska (blogging to follow regarding our trip).   And, then home to relax and just be kids.

And, for me to be "grammy".   There's nothing better.

Friendships

2011-07-26T22:51:00.000-06:00

Do you have friendships that last a lifetime?

I realized tonight after seeing a friend I miss so much, that I do! She is the true meaning of friendship, and I connected with her again tonight as if we saw each other yesterday. I miss her so much, and she moved years ago from me! We have always been able to talk about anything and everything, and there is never any judgment or envy on either part of us...and just so much joy. I feel so lucky that I got to see her tonight. (Our hubbies get along great too, by the way!) I need to reconnect with her much more often...

Lots of blogging to come...been busy with work and grandkids, but will be posting lots soon!

Catching up...

2011-07-19T20:53:00.000-06:00

Miss me?
I miss you all...
I hate not blogging!! I feel like a part of me is missing an outlet or something! More than that, I hate not reading my favorite blogs...so I hope to catch up on them all tonight!

To catch you up on me...

Still working away...plenty to do each day at my job!
Learned how to do a couple new things in scheduling (job) last week and I was ever so excited!
Also setting up a final batch of 110 (plus or minus) laptop computers... need to finish that hopefully this week, but it is not looking like I'll make it, even with extra hours.
Enjoying having Brooklyn here this summer...he enjoys it too, even on the "ordinary" days, and he is so good.
It is HOT
Elijah is as adorable as ever, and starting to play, laugh and smile more!
Chloe, our little princess athlete was picked to be on a traveling softball team...what an honor! (Grammy is So Proud!!!)
Hubby has been working out of town for two weeks...so it's just been me and my little helper.
Sammy is home and doing better...he is on some meds and will go in for a check up in 2 weeks.
Our yearly celebration "Heritage Days" is this week...I really don't care for it...and it is SO HOT!!
Hoping to take a week's vacation next week, regroup and enjoy some time away from work. Not sure of any plans, though!
I have been working around/with some different people, and enjoy getting to know them better!
Reading a new book on the iPad..."Plain Jane"...pretty good so far!
Did I mention it was HOT??

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday...late!

2011-07-17T17:05:00.000-06:00

I wanted to give a shout out to our beautiful daughter, Tina. I haven't been blogging well, between work, having Brooklyn here and helping out with Elijah while his parents prepare their new little place (painting and repairing)...so I hope she knows how much we do love her and wish her every happiness...Happy Birthday (July 13) Tina!!! xoxo

Sissy Speaks

2011-07-11T19:54:00.000-06:00

This is Sissy. My brother Sammy is real sick and in the hospital, and it makes Mom sad. Please keep Sammy in your thoughts...they are running tests, but are hopeful that it is Cushings Disease...which is treatable, however, we won't know more until tomorrow. He was pretty sick and couldn't get any air last night and it scared me and mom a lot.

Love, Sissy

The Drive In!

2011-07-10T11:17:00.001-06:00

Last night I took the boys to the drive in.   I thought it would be a new and unique experience for Brooklyn.   We had Elijah for the weekend while his parents are preparing a new home (painting and repairs)...so he was along too!

(Hubby is working out of town, so it was just me and my boys. )

It was fun and nice. There were lots of people out there, and tents and campers?   What's up with that?   I wonder if they spent the night?   When I was a kid, we went to the drive in sometimes (we had to go 30 miles away), and would take a big old paper bag of popped popcorn.

So, we took snacks and loaded up. The movies showing were "Judy Moody" and "Transformers 3".   Brooklyn was not too fond of "Judy Moody"...thought it was a "girls" movie! Ha.   Of course, he loved Transformers 3.   I didn't like it that much.

Plus, I got rather sleepy!   That's late for grammys...the second movie got over past 1 AM!

Baby Elijah did really well, sleeping after the first half hour through both movies!

However, when the movies were over, the car didn't want to start?   That was quirky, but we did get a jump from the office and got home just fine. (They must have this happen frequently?)   Our car is not that old, so not sure why running the radio for those two movies would run down the battery?   But, it all worked out.

Do any of you remember these speakers (picture to the right) they USED to have at the drive-in? You would hang them on your window inside your car!   Those were the days. :-)

Have a good Sunday!

Congratulations!

2011-07-05T19:35:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to our beautiful daughter, Tina, who became a "Mrs." on Friday! We are so happy for her! xoxoxoxo

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

I dont know about you, but this holiday isn't a big thriller for me. Kids love it, though! Getting dirty and blowing up things is especially fun for them! My favorite part of this holiday is being with family. I LOVE MY FAMILY! Wish we were ALL together, but I will enjoy so much being with those I am with!!!

Have a great day!!!

Happy Birthday!

2011-06-29T06:30:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday, dear daughter Chrissy! We love you so much, and you deserve all the happiness in the world!! xoxoxo

FOR SOME REASON this didn't post as scheduled on June 29, ( I had set it to post on June 29) but I am going ahead and posting it today....Love you, Chrissy!

Bike Wreck #1 of the Season...

2011-06-27T21:56:00.000-06:00

Well, I have been on my bike 3-4 times so far this summer...and I have already had my first crash of the season....YIKES!   Instead of bloggie buddy, JoJo calling me "jackalope" maybe I should be "bike wreck jackalope"!!   (If you don't know the unfortunate jackalope incident I had, you can find it here on this blog.) And, don't forget the "unfortunate bike incident" I had immediately after my jackalope incidicent that same year...followed later by the "unfortunate dance incident".

I should have known it was NOT a good night for a bike ride...I was a little sore from riding bikes on Sunday. So, I decided I'd ride my comfort bike...kinda a more relaxed ride.   I got on, and thought the seat was way too high. What? Did I shrink since last year? Hmmm. So, got it adjusted, then decided it was crooked.   So, adjustment time again.   Finally I figured it was me, not the seat...and we got on our way.   We were about 3-4 blocks from home, and Brooklyn was riding ahead of me.   All of a sudden, he started to fall, and he just kinda stood down and put his bike down.

Meanwhile, I screeched on my brakes, and tried to not hit him (we were on a sidewalk).   I crashed. I let out some obscenities. Rather loudly.    (Not horrible obscenities, but still...)   I noticed a jogger across the street. Wonder what he thought of my lovely little spectacle.

Heres the bruises on the inside of my knee. Kinda hard to envision from this photo... (I took it myself and had to somewhat contort myself to do that...) but it's swollen and red and bruising. And, I'm a little sore all over!

Yep, I'm the epitome of gracefulness. (Just so you know, I did finish the bike ride.)

Sayin' some prayers....

2011-06-27T18:30:00.004-06:00

I have been meaning to share this....but didn't know exactly what to say...so I'll keep it simple...please say your prayers for Julie at Another Chance Ranch, who started chemotherapy last week after her surgery...she is fighting (and bravely so) a battle with breast cancer. Her story is inspiring and brave. You can follow on her blog if you choose.

Meanwhile, lift up some prayers, please!

Today's Mantra: A pure heart is the greatest weapon.

Reflecting...

2011-06-26T23:08:00.000-06:00

Do you ever reflect on yourself and end up feeling sad? Or do you feel happy after reflection?   Or do you have mixed feelings?   I have been reflecting a lot this evening and thinking about how I can be a better person.   How can I be a better wife? mom? grandma? daughter? sister? aunt? co-worker? friend? person?

I think I shall make a list. Set some goals.   I have a LOT of room for improvement.   It makes me sad and frustrated with myself that I do not always make my best efforts at being who I truly want to be.   I want to be the best I can be of all of the people I am. Of all of my roles.

Maybe I should take a poll and see what others find lacking in me...meanwhile, I think I'll go to bed and face tomorrow brightly.   Thanks, bloggies, for always "listening"!

Today's Mantra:~~~~Mantra: An open mind will see opportunities that others miss.

Happy Dance...

2011-06-23T21:35:00.000-06:00

I had a great day, because I FINISHED with my state reports a whole week early. I have never been done this early, and many times worked late late late on June 30 to finish, and still had errors. I have zero errors and I am done...so just dancing the happy dance!!!

Now, moving on to many new projects at work, so I'll still keep busy! But, new and exciting things are always coming up...I love my job!

Here's my horoscope for today:

Some new doors will be opening for you right now, and you need to try not to be too rigid or attached to any old ways of looking at things. Some new opportunities for travel or education should be presenting themselves to you as well. And you should really try to be open to broadening your horizons in any way you can.

Be prepared to take advantage of many changing circumstances that could demand a great deal of you right now. Just realize that you’ll get back even more in return. You’re bound to be developing a greater sense of confidence in your own abilities, and it’s a great time for you to take the opportunity to start learning a few new useful skills. Mantra: An open mind will see opportunities that others miss.

So I'm thinking...learn new skills...fun! New opportunities...awesome! Bring it on!

Movie...

2011-06-23T06:30:00.001-06:00

On Fathers' Day we intended to go to the movies .. but time got away from us and we were unable to. So Tuesday night we went. The movie intended was "Green Lantern" (hubby's choice for Father's Day). When we got there he decided we'd see the new XMen movie. Neither movie would have been a choice for me, I'm not really into SciFi. But, being a good sport, I went with the boys. It was a pretty good movie. However, it was way into the movie and the boys (Brooklyn and Grandpa) would make a comment or two about how this or that happened...and I finally said, "so, what, is this movie BEFORE the other Xmen movies?" Yep. No biggie, except I haven't watched the other 2. I guess since they went back and made the beginning third, I can watch the other 2 someday (maybe) and follow along now. Hmm.

I'm more into the sappy love stories.