Dad got a Packers jersey from Tommy and I!!!
RETIRED
2 years ago
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
I've been a little bit busy....
My oldest has said to me "Are you ever going to blog again? We have had about 49 events, you know."
Brandi has said she is going to remove me from her blog list, so here I am.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving at home with my dad joining us. Mike and I cooked together and we ate at about 12:30. I loved eating at lunchtime this year. After dinner, Dad and Mike watched football, the kids played and/or napped, and I washed every dish and pan in the house by hand. My hands were so dry!! It was awesome to have it all done though.
Mike and I got up at 4am on Black Friday and hit Wal-Mart, but decided not to go to the "city" to shop all day. Another wise decision. I then napped for a while and we had taco pizza for dinner. All that wonderful food and all I wanted was taco pizza. Wierd!!
Since June, Brandi and I have both lost 45+ pounds with diet direct. I feel so much better!! Our friend Cara has also been doing this plan and has lost. I'm not sure how much though. She looks great! I have been off-plan for the last month or so and have only gained back about 3 lbs, because my cravings really have changed and I am making wayyyy smarter choices. YAY!!
The kids are doing very well in school this year. Oldest is working at Pizza Ranch and has saved quite a bit of her money. She is better at that than I am for sure!!
Middlest is in middle school now and involved in youth group, band, chorus, and bowling.
Youngest is in the PLUS program and bowling.
I have taken on another county working at WIC and doing the preschool fluorides 3x per school year, so I am basically working fulltime. How the heck did that happen??
My brother and his sons and wife came to Iowa this summer and brought along my mom, so we had a little reunion of sorts. We had a super time and had family pics done together. They turned out really nicely. We all were together along with my dad for some "fake family dinners" It is something that doesn't happen too often, but is quite entertaining. (My parents have been divorced since I was in 3rd grade)
If you are interested in seeing the photos, goto www.memoriesbybrandi.blogspot.com and look at late August.
Well, I am off to fold some more laundry. Happy Fall to all!!!
Brandi has said she is going to remove me from her blog list, so here I am.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving at home with my dad joining us. Mike and I cooked together and we ate at about 12:30. I loved eating at lunchtime this year. After dinner, Dad and Mike watched football, the kids played and/or napped, and I washed every dish and pan in the house by hand. My hands were so dry!! It was awesome to have it all done though.
Mike and I got up at 4am on Black Friday and hit Wal-Mart, but decided not to go to the "city" to shop all day. Another wise decision. I then napped for a while and we had taco pizza for dinner. All that wonderful food and all I wanted was taco pizza. Wierd!!
Since June, Brandi and I have both lost 45+ pounds with diet direct. I feel so much better!! Our friend Cara has also been doing this plan and has lost. I'm not sure how much though. She looks great! I have been off-plan for the last month or so and have only gained back about 3 lbs, because my cravings really have changed and I am making wayyyy smarter choices. YAY!!
The kids are doing very well in school this year. Oldest is working at Pizza Ranch and has saved quite a bit of her money. She is better at that than I am for sure!!
Middlest is in middle school now and involved in youth group, band, chorus, and bowling.
Youngest is in the PLUS program and bowling.
I have taken on another county working at WIC and doing the preschool fluorides 3x per school year, so I am basically working fulltime. How the heck did that happen??
My brother and his sons and wife came to Iowa this summer and brought along my mom, so we had a little reunion of sorts. We had a super time and had family pics done together. They turned out really nicely. We all were together along with my dad for some "fake family dinners" It is something that doesn't happen too often, but is quite entertaining. (My parents have been divorced since I was in 3rd grade)
If you are interested in seeing the photos, goto www.memoriesbybrandi.blogspot.com and look at late August.
Well, I am off to fold some more laundry. Happy Fall to all!!!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Puppy Photos
These photos were promised to Tommy yesterday, but alas I am always a day late and a dollar short. (Or several thousand as the case may be) HAHAHA
These are some fun pics with Pinkie.
She seems to be enjoying her new home except for the bath and the dress. The bath is a necessary evil, as she is a digger. The dress was only on long enough for some pics and then promptly removed.
She is doing very well at night. She sleeps through although she is quite an early riser. Fortunately, Oldest and Middlest are also early risers. She loves her Iams food and really adores the treats she earns. She has had some accidents in the house, but she is doing very well overall. Pinkie is interested in Bella, but Bella just wishes she would disappear I'm sure.
One night last week, Bella chased her to the basement, with 3 kids running after them, and had her boxed into a corner. We (the humans) have been waaaay more upset about this dog and cat war than they have. I am hoping and praying that they will end up being friends someday soon.
Pinkie also loves to nap with her sisters.
These are some fun pics with Pinkie.
She seems to be enjoying her new home except for the bath and the dress. The bath is a necessary evil, as she is a digger. The dress was only on long enough for some pics and then promptly removed.
She is doing very well at night. She sleeps through although she is quite an early riser. Fortunately, Oldest and Middlest are also early risers. She loves her Iams food and really adores the treats she earns. She has had some accidents in the house, but she is doing very well overall. Pinkie is interested in Bella, but Bella just wishes she would disappear I'm sure.
One night last week, Bella chased her to the basement, with 3 kids running after them, and had her boxed into a corner. We (the humans) have been waaaay more upset about this dog and cat war than they have. I am hoping and praying that they will end up being friends someday soon.
Pinkie also loves to nap with her sisters.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
It's a girl!
Two weeks ago today, we had another baby girl.....A puppy named Pinkie. She is too darling and quite smart. Middlest has been diligently getting up with her at 5:30am every day and taking her for a walk. She also taught her to sit. I think she is 12 weeks old now, but we don't have the exact birthdate. That kind of makes me nuts. We like to celebrate EVERYTHING around here!
That brings our tally up to 5 "daughters" now. Oldest, Middlest, Littlest, Bella the cat, and Pinkie the puppy. YIKES!! I have been so busy it is gross.
Mike has begun traveling a lot again so I am doing it alone. Oldest is the best assistant I could ever ask for though. I am really grateful to have such wonderful kids.
Work has been over the top busy the last 2 months. I always procrastinate and I ended up doing about 20 site visits to preschools and Head Start for their fluoride varnishes at the last minute. I did complete all of the visits and the little darlings got their fluoride. Now, I have an incredible amount of paperwork to do. Government jobs!!
Two weeks ago, on Friday night, we got to have Marley for the night!! That was sooo fun. She is such a sweetheart and so easy going. Only trouble we had with her was that she wanted to sleep too much. Not bad!! She is certainly welcome here anytime. Her mommy is attending cosmetology school and has class Tuesdays - Saturdays, so all of her family and friends are taking turns with Mar on Saturdays. I feel very blessed to be the only non-grandma whom has gotten the little darling for an overnight. I think I have made it pretty clear on this blog and in real life how much I adore Marley!! Her mommy knows she is in excellent hands here.
That Saturday, Littlest had a dance recital and Marley was soo excited to attend. She sat very well on Middlest's lap so her nana could take pics of my acrobat.
Later today, Taylor is graduating from high school and having a lovely party. I am contributing homemade brownies that I tasted earlier this week. They were the best ever! A lot of my friends are cake lovers, so there will probably be a sugar coma going on later. haha
Since summer is coming, I will probably be able to blog more regularly. I hope to do better.
Have a great week.
That brings our tally up to 5 "daughters" now. Oldest, Middlest, Littlest, Bella the cat, and Pinkie the puppy. YIKES!! I have been so busy it is gross.
Mike has begun traveling a lot again so I am doing it alone. Oldest is the best assistant I could ever ask for though. I am really grateful to have such wonderful kids.
Work has been over the top busy the last 2 months. I always procrastinate and I ended up doing about 20 site visits to preschools and Head Start for their fluoride varnishes at the last minute. I did complete all of the visits and the little darlings got their fluoride. Now, I have an incredible amount of paperwork to do. Government jobs!!
Two weeks ago, on Friday night, we got to have Marley for the night!! That was sooo fun. She is such a sweetheart and so easy going. Only trouble we had with her was that she wanted to sleep too much. Not bad!! She is certainly welcome here anytime. Her mommy is attending cosmetology school and has class Tuesdays - Saturdays, so all of her family and friends are taking turns with Mar on Saturdays. I feel very blessed to be the only non-grandma whom has gotten the little darling for an overnight. I think I have made it pretty clear on this blog and in real life how much I adore Marley!! Her mommy knows she is in excellent hands here.
That Saturday, Littlest had a dance recital and Marley was soo excited to attend. She sat very well on Middlest's lap so her nana could take pics of my acrobat.
Later today, Taylor is graduating from high school and having a lovely party. I am contributing homemade brownies that I tasted earlier this week. They were the best ever! A lot of my friends are cake lovers, so there will probably be a sugar coma going on later. haha
Since summer is coming, I will probably be able to blog more regularly. I hope to do better.
Have a great week.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday To You
Hello!
I was on the way to work this morning and saw 4 people on a busy intersection holding rather large crosses that stated: "He died for you" I gave the one gentleman that I met eyes with a big smile and a thumbs up!! It got me to thinking...
Middlest decided to join me at work today and actually did a lot of folding dental hygiene instructions and emergency tips and putting them into envelopes. She then stapled papers for me. I really worked her!! She decided to color with my highlighters about 10 minutes before we left to meet Grandpa Dan, Mike, Oldest and Youngest for lunch. We.had a nice lunch and then I went back to work and my dad went off to do whatever it is that happily retired men do. Mike and the three girls went to see the Hannah Montana movie. I am soooo lucky that my girls have such a wonderful daddy that would take them to see such a girly-girl movie that also happens to have Billy Ray Cyrus in it.
We have been trying to split the kids up lately because the constant fighting is driving me to insanity! Tomorrow Littlest is having a friend over and for once in my life I am not going to let Middlest also have a friend over. She isn't thrilled, but she got to come and work in my sweatshop today, so hey... Last weekend between the 2 nights and the 3 girls, we had 5 overnights. Way too much.
On Easter we will be going to an Amish town with excellent German food. My dad will be joining us. He has been treating me to lunch a lot lately due to my financial diet, so we will treat him to a wonderful Easter dinner. It is the same place we went in September for Oldest's 16th birthday. Oldest and I are already starting to salivate. It is our FAVE!!
Happy Easter to everyone.
I was on the way to work this morning and saw 4 people on a busy intersection holding rather large crosses that stated: "He died for you" I gave the one gentleman that I met eyes with a big smile and a thumbs up!! It got me to thinking...
Middlest decided to join me at work today and actually did a lot of folding dental hygiene instructions and emergency tips and putting them into envelopes. She then stapled papers for me. I really worked her!! She decided to color with my highlighters about 10 minutes before we left to meet Grandpa Dan, Mike, Oldest and Youngest for lunch. We.had a nice lunch and then I went back to work and my dad went off to do whatever it is that happily retired men do. Mike and the three girls went to see the Hannah Montana movie. I am soooo lucky that my girls have such a wonderful daddy that would take them to see such a girly-girl movie that also happens to have Billy Ray Cyrus in it.
We have been trying to split the kids up lately because the constant fighting is driving me to insanity! Tomorrow Littlest is having a friend over and for once in my life I am not going to let Middlest also have a friend over. She isn't thrilled, but she got to come and work in my sweatshop today, so hey... Last weekend between the 2 nights and the 3 girls, we had 5 overnights. Way too much.
On Easter we will be going to an Amish town with excellent German food. My dad will be joining us. He has been treating me to lunch a lot lately due to my financial diet, so we will treat him to a wonderful Easter dinner. It is the same place we went in September for Oldest's 16th birthday. Oldest and I are already starting to salivate. It is our FAVE!!
Happy Easter to everyone.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Windy and Rainy Weekend
This whole weekend was rainy, gray, and crappy outside. I was in pajamas the entire time!! I did shower and put clean pjs on. :) My best friends and I are on The Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover. Brandi and Skip began their makeover several months ago and have paid off their new vehicles and have a rather beautifully-sized savings account. Kelly and Randy are in better shape than we are, but I have begun the process. I have always spent a ton of money on crafts, decorating the house and dressing the kids. Mike has tried to reel me back from the ledge, but I was not interested at all. I am going to the bank tomorrow to find out where our automatic withdrawal for our van and truck are going. I think Mike is very excited that I finally saw the light!! Let me tell you, it was burning the retinas right out of my eyes!! I want to participate fully in our lives and get out of the debt we have accumulated. I have noticed that Mike is sleeping better at night the last few nights. I have accepted my share of this burden. YAY!!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
ALL ABOARD
Yesterday, my friend Dawn and I went on the train to Chicago for a dental convention. It was sooo much fun, but such a long and exhausting day! I got up at 4am. I was sick all week with the crud and thought it would suck, but God bless zithromax!!
We got to Chicago and grabbed a cab to the McCormick Place and spent the next 6 hours basically trick-or-treating from dental vendors. We then jumped into a cab and went back to the train and came straight home. What a day!! My shoulders and back are killing me from the haul I got. I had eaten a snickers at 5:45am and realized once we were in the cab that I hadn't eaten all day. Not normal for me. Dawn was on a mission and said if I even had to pee excessively, she would move on without me. Luckily I don't have Brandi's bladder. HAHA
It truly broke my heart to be in a city and not goto dinner. We had microwaved cheeseburgers on the train and $2 cans of pop. I was so hungry I probably would've eaten the cardboard box I carried my $9.75 meal in.
I arrived back at my house at 10:oo pm after driving 1.5 hours from the station. I went to sleep and slept til 9:30 am, got up and ate Mike's fantastic chocolate chip pancakes, had a quiet family reading time, as suggested by Tommy, and then went back to sleep until 5pm. I got up and made potato soup and biscuits for dinner, cleaned that all up and got the kids ready for bed. Not a very productive day, but I feel so much better than I did all last week. I missed 4 1/2 days of work due to bronchitis and strepish throat. Oldest had it the week before and I thought I did to, but had a negative test. 2 trips to the doc last week. UGH!
We got to Chicago and grabbed a cab to the McCormick Place and spent the next 6 hours basically trick-or-treating from dental vendors. We then jumped into a cab and went back to the train and came straight home. What a day!! My shoulders and back are killing me from the haul I got. I had eaten a snickers at 5:45am and realized once we were in the cab that I hadn't eaten all day. Not normal for me. Dawn was on a mission and said if I even had to pee excessively, she would move on without me. Luckily I don't have Brandi's bladder. HAHA
It truly broke my heart to be in a city and not goto dinner. We had microwaved cheeseburgers on the train and $2 cans of pop. I was so hungry I probably would've eaten the cardboard box I carried my $9.75 meal in.
I arrived back at my house at 10:oo pm after driving 1.5 hours from the station. I went to sleep and slept til 9:30 am, got up and ate Mike's fantastic chocolate chip pancakes, had a quiet family reading time, as suggested by Tommy, and then went back to sleep until 5pm. I got up and made potato soup and biscuits for dinner, cleaned that all up and got the kids ready for bed. Not a very productive day, but I feel so much better than I did all last week. I missed 4 1/2 days of work due to bronchitis and strepish throat. Oldest had it the week before and I thought I did to, but had a negative test. 2 trips to the doc last week. UGH!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Congrats to our State Champ!!
Our nephew took first at the state wrestling meet tonight!! Our family is a wrestling family and this was our first state win. His father and 2 uncles made it to state, but didn't win. (Not my husband--He wasn't a wrestler)
That is why when we got the 2 new nephews in the family this past few months, I put their weight as their first weigh in. HA HA
That is why when we got the 2 new nephews in the family this past few months, I put their weight as their first weigh in. HA HA
His Uncle Bobby has been an awesome coach and support to him!!
Congrats Sawyer!!
Congrats Sawyer!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Productive Weekend--with a bit of snow!
Saturday I got up and got laundry going and began organizing the kitchen cupboards. I needed to make a few logical changes and am pleased to have gotten that done. I now have a special shelf in a cupboard for my camera and it's case, etc. Mike was very helpful and kept up with my diet pill high very well. He hung a paper towel holder that I have had in the kitchen towel drawer for at least 18 months. He also hung Oldest's hooks, magazine rack and cork boards and moved her room around for her. She was thrilled!
We had to take the kids to bowling, but fortunately hardly anyone was there so it went really really quickly.
I finally undecorated the Christmas tree and got all of the snowmen and santas put away. Mike then took down the tree. I decided that we needed to clean out the closet where all of the Christmas and Halloween totes and the Christmas tree go. I had the kids drag out everything!
I then went in there and vacuumed all of the drywall dust and mouse poop. ----Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am completely terrified of all things mice. Their corpses, their traps, their poop, and most especially the live mice.---- I'm so proud of myself. No dead or live mouse sightings. YAY!!!! We are storing some boxes of stuff for Peggy and looked through a few photo albums. The kids loved seeing their dad in childhood photos. 1970's hair and collars!
While all of the totes were out, I decided that they should be gone through and condensed. Don't worry Peggy, I didn't touch your stuff!! I very easily start a project and get sidetracked into doing something else, but happily completed all of the projects I started. I had wanted to watch a movie with my honey, but he decided to watch SCI-FI/nerd tv, so I went to bed and read a great book.
We had to take the kids to bowling, but fortunately hardly anyone was there so it went really really quickly.
I finally undecorated the Christmas tree and got all of the snowmen and santas put away. Mike then took down the tree. I decided that we needed to clean out the closet where all of the Christmas and Halloween totes and the Christmas tree go. I had the kids drag out everything!
I then went in there and vacuumed all of the drywall dust and mouse poop. ----Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am completely terrified of all things mice. Their corpses, their traps, their poop, and most especially the live mice.---- I'm so proud of myself. No dead or live mouse sightings. YAY!!!! We are storing some boxes of stuff for Peggy and looked through a few photo albums. The kids loved seeing their dad in childhood photos. 1970's hair and collars!
While all of the totes were out, I decided that they should be gone through and condensed. Don't worry Peggy, I didn't touch your stuff!! I very easily start a project and get sidetracked into doing something else, but happily completed all of the projects I started. I had wanted to watch a movie with my honey, but he decided to watch SCI-FI/nerd tv, so I went to bed and read a great book.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Welcome To The World Justice!!
Justice Scott ******
February 9, 2009 @ 5:04am
8 lbs 13 0z--first weigh in
Mike's brother, Joe and his GF Tracy had a second son today. He is quite a love!! So cuddly and sweet. I just loved holding him and kissing his soft little head. I even got to change a poopy diaper. (I always seem to do that with babies in the hospital, don't I?)
Mike went out at about 2:15am to get their first son, Destry, at the hospital and brought him home with him. We were fortunate that our kids didn't have school today so Littlest and Middlest were spending the night with friends last night. Mike and Destry went to sleep in our bed and I went to Middlest's bed and got a couple hours of sleep. We were really excited, so we didn't sleep much. ;)
I had lots to do today including breakfast out with Middlest, Jena and her 2 kids, dental appts for Midd and Litt, and a haircut for Littlest. Destry joined us for all that fun stuff and some newborn shopping at Kohl's. We went then to the hospital to visit the newest member of our family. I realized at about 3:30 that I had forgotten to give the kids lunch, so they got a granola bar and I made a nice dinner of grilled chicken, green beans, and everyone's fave...Kraft mac and cheese. Everyone ate like champs. Wonder why??? I am such a WONDERFUL aunt and mother!!
During dinner I realized that Littlest had dance class in 15 minutes and my friend Jena called to see if we could watch her boy while she and her daughter did something with her kindergarten class. We raced to dance class and left oldest with the 2 extra boys and Middlest and a bunch of dirty dishes. It was the only day for parents to watch the dance class for the year.
Now the five of us are home alone, Destry went home with his daddy and I am downloading pics and realizing just how horrible I have been at blogging. I have 1,586 pics in a new folder. GEEZ!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Cara is AWESOME!!!
I had a really fun time last night. A group of girls got together to watch Fireproof. It was a rather cheesy movie with poor acting, yet still I loved the story of it.
I sat next to Cara and we had a great time making fun of the movie and enjoying it and even crying a little. She is a really great lady!!
My trip to Arizona was emotional and lovely and relaxing and stressful. Peggy had a chest scan while I was there and they found s0mething on her lung, so they delayed her first chemo appt. I was really disappointed to miss that, but happy to find out that what they found was just calcium spots. I wonder what they are from and how they got in there? She did really well with her first round of chemo, but is in a lot of pain and really exhausted now. She is taking really great care of herself and thankfully she is very strong!! Now if Ron's blood pressure would go down.....
While I was in Arizona, I got to spend some time with my nephews, sister-in-law, and my brother. Tommy and I went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast on Saturday and had the worst waitress known to man....
Tom had ordered chicken fried chicken and easy scrambled eggs. He got chicken fried steak and hard scrambled eggs. When waitress of the year stopped by to see how things were going.....
Tom: I'm pretty sure my chicken fried chicken is chicken fried steak.
WOTY: I did write that down wrong. I'm really sorry. Do you want chicken fried chicken??
Tom: No, thats ok. (He was too nice to mention the eggs)
WOTY: Gee, I hope you aren't a vegetarian.
Tom and Tammy: Stifling laughter. WOW!!
So I learned that day that chicken is a vegetable. Who knew???
After running all over Phoenix all day looking for Pittsburg Steelers Tshirts for the boys, we went to Red Robin for dinner and to see the movie Mall Cop. We had a lot of fun and had a nice visit. Sunday I got up at 5am to get home and work all week.
Thank you Tommy for all the driving around you did to get me from the airport to Peggy's and picking me up from Peggy's and bringing me back to the airport. You are great!!!
I sat next to Cara and we had a great time making fun of the movie and enjoying it and even crying a little. She is a really great lady!!
My trip to Arizona was emotional and lovely and relaxing and stressful. Peggy had a chest scan while I was there and they found s0mething on her lung, so they delayed her first chemo appt. I was really disappointed to miss that, but happy to find out that what they found was just calcium spots. I wonder what they are from and how they got in there? She did really well with her first round of chemo, but is in a lot of pain and really exhausted now. She is taking really great care of herself and thankfully she is very strong!! Now if Ron's blood pressure would go down.....
While I was in Arizona, I got to spend some time with my nephews, sister-in-law, and my brother. Tommy and I went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast on Saturday and had the worst waitress known to man....
Tom had ordered chicken fried chicken and easy scrambled eggs. He got chicken fried steak and hard scrambled eggs. When waitress of the year stopped by to see how things were going.....
Tom: I'm pretty sure my chicken fried chicken is chicken fried steak.
WOTY: I did write that down wrong. I'm really sorry. Do you want chicken fried chicken??
Tom: No, thats ok. (He was too nice to mention the eggs)
WOTY: Gee, I hope you aren't a vegetarian.
Tom and Tammy: Stifling laughter. WOW!!
So I learned that day that chicken is a vegetable. Who knew???
After running all over Phoenix all day looking for Pittsburg Steelers Tshirts for the boys, we went to Red Robin for dinner and to see the movie Mall Cop. We had a lot of fun and had a nice visit. Sunday I got up at 5am to get home and work all week.
Thank you Tommy for all the driving around you did to get me from the airport to Peggy's and picking me up from Peggy's and bringing me back to the airport. You are great!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
CLUSTERF**K
Middlest is going to a birthday party tomorrow right after school--if there is school--and needed a gift, so she and I set out to purchase one. I used my remote start and waited awhile to bring the temp of the van up to only -10 or so. It is currently -21 degrees. We went out and got in the van and I was surprised that it wasn't running. I went to turn the key and heard the ever-dreadful CLICKCLICKCLICKCLICKCLICK.
I thought for a moment of abandoning our journey, but Middlest was really looking forward to having some time alone with me and out of the house. I decided to dig Oldest's car out of the drift and give it a try. It started with only a small amount of begging. I had to back around the damn dead van and did so quite well--I thought--but we will get back to that later. Ok, so we were off like a herd of turtles to get the gift. When we approached the first light in town, I noticed that Oldest's tires were pretty bald when we began spinning out of control when some guy backed out in front of me. Middlest shed a few tears of fear and didn't ask to abandon our journey, surprisingly. As I began again I said that geez maybe we should buy Oldest some new tires. About 9 miles down the highway I heard a big thump and then dadut dadut dadut.....
I pulled over on the side of the highway and got out. YEP! FLAT! Middlest decided to have a meltdown at that point and vowed that this was the worst day of her life. I explained that things could've been a whole lot worse. (maybe???)
I called Mike's office and asked one of the guys to come and rescue us, which he did. Thank you so much Darryl!! Mike is still in Utah until midnight Friday. Does anyone notice a trend here? Mike is always out of state when these clusters occur. The refrigerator.
When we were dropped off at home I noticed one of our lovely lanterns laying flat in the snow. Apparently I didn't back up as neatly as I thought I had. I arranged to have a friend, Emily, pick me up for work tomorrow if my neighbor doesn't jump my van tonite. AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!
I am staying home for the rest of this day.
I thought for a moment of abandoning our journey, but Middlest was really looking forward to having some time alone with me and out of the house. I decided to dig Oldest's car out of the drift and give it a try. It started with only a small amount of begging. I had to back around the damn dead van and did so quite well--I thought--but we will get back to that later. Ok, so we were off like a herd of turtles to get the gift. When we approached the first light in town, I noticed that Oldest's tires were pretty bald when we began spinning out of control when some guy backed out in front of me. Middlest shed a few tears of fear and didn't ask to abandon our journey, surprisingly. As I began again I said that geez maybe we should buy Oldest some new tires. About 9 miles down the highway I heard a big thump and then dadut dadut dadut.....
I pulled over on the side of the highway and got out. YEP! FLAT! Middlest decided to have a meltdown at that point and vowed that this was the worst day of her life. I explained that things could've been a whole lot worse. (maybe???)
I called Mike's office and asked one of the guys to come and rescue us, which he did. Thank you so much Darryl!! Mike is still in Utah until midnight Friday. Does anyone notice a trend here? Mike is always out of state when these clusters occur. The refrigerator.
When we were dropped off at home I noticed one of our lovely lanterns laying flat in the snow. Apparently I didn't back up as neatly as I thought I had. I arranged to have a friend, Emily, pick me up for work tomorrow if my neighbor doesn't jump my van tonite. AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!
I am staying home for the rest of this day.
UPDATE
School is cancelled. I am scheduled to go to 2 different preschools and screen their teeth and put fluoride on them. I don't know if they are open or not.....
Currently it is -17 degrees with a wind chill of -33 degrees. Yikes!!
Currently it is -17 degrees with a wind chill of -33 degrees. Yikes!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I am freezing to death
Today it was -5 degrees before the wind chill. It actually registered on my van that way. BRRRR! The kids had no school and are planning on more of the same tomorrow. They are calling for -26 degrees with the wind chill at 6 am. I believe that school will at least be delayed. I have to work tomorrow, so I am glad that I don't have to make sure they are all up and ready before I go, but then again, I am afraid about how Littlest will look without my help. She did her own hair today and WOW! She sucks bad at ponytails. There were huge loops on top of her head. I winked at her and said "If anyone says anything, tell them it is from your hat" (She wasn't wearing a hat to bowling) We went out in the arctic air to bowl to make up for Saturday. Mike and the kids will be dropping me off at the airport 1 1/2 hours away from here for my trip to AZ. I spoke to Peggy tonite and she says it is 75ish. Bring it!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!
I cannot believe you are 62 today!! I am glad you liked your gift of the digital frame filled with photos from Tom and I and our broods. Tommy had a great idea!!
I wanted to let you know how much I love and cherish you. You are more than a mom to me... You are a wonderful friend. I always love talking to you and visiting with you. I am sad that we can't enjoy the simple little things that local moms and daughters get to do. Tonite we will get on the phone and enjoy a cup of tea together and just chat.
I love, admire, respect and enjoy you.
Love,
Pinky
I wanted to let you know how much I love and cherish you. You are more than a mom to me... You are a wonderful friend. I always love talking to you and visiting with you. I am sad that we can't enjoy the simple little things that local moms and daughters get to do. Tonite we will get on the phone and enjoy a cup of tea together and just chat.
I love, admire, respect and enjoy you.
Love,
Pinky
Another Sunday
Not much happening around here today. I thought I may finally take the Christmas tree down. Actually, all I can do is undecorate it. It is 9 feet tall and beyond heavy. Mike will have to take it down when he returns from Utah. It has snowed for the last couple of days and the county street sanders didn't hook us up for whatever reason. After bowling yesterday, I turned into our neighborhood and began a spin/slide combo toward the ditch. I remained very calm and decided to do as Carrie Underwood sings about and let "Jesus Take The Wheel". Fortunately the front of my van entered the ditch and not the side because I am 100% sure we would've rolled. I decided to drive through the field and came out on the low part. That got my heartbeat jumping for about a half an hour. Does that count as cardio?? haha
When Mike is gone, Littlest believes that it is her duty to sleep with me. It always amazes me that my 8 year old little girl takes up more space than my rather large husband. Anyway, last night my friend Jena kept the little 2 overnight. YAY!! I woke up in a panic this morning when Littlest wasn't in bed with me.
When Mike is gone, Littlest believes that it is her duty to sleep with me. It always amazes me that my 8 year old little girl takes up more space than my rather large husband. Anyway, last night my friend Jena kept the little 2 overnight. YAY!! I woke up in a panic this morning when Littlest wasn't in bed with me.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Weight Watcher Results for this Week
Apparently, I enjoyed the heck out of the Christmas season. I gained 2.4 lbs in the last three weeks. The truth is, I almost didn't go today, but my pal Chris said "Come on, we gotta do it!" So I went and I guess that is good....
Mike is gone to Utah until the 16th and I leave for Arizona on the 17th. Life will be interesting this week when I am trying to save money and watch what I eat very carefully and my chef is in Utah!! The good news is that while I am visiting my mother-in-law, I will probably wither away. She and her husband barely eat anything and are in terrific shape.
Middlest is planning her 11th birthday party. I will be taking 4 girls to a hotel with a really awesome water park. I will sleep in a cot and give the 4 girls the 2 queen beds. Aren't I nice? Hopefully, they will let me sleep in the room and not the bathroom. haha
My bestie is taking a course in Feb. on Dave Ramsey's money tips, etc. She will give Kelly and I the lessons the following evenings. We will all be rich soon, I hope. Brandi will be. She has an incredible sticktoitness about her. She lost over 8 pounds since December 18th. What a brat!!!
Mike is gone to Utah until the 16th and I leave for Arizona on the 17th. Life will be interesting this week when I am trying to save money and watch what I eat very carefully and my chef is in Utah!! The good news is that while I am visiting my mother-in-law, I will probably wither away. She and her husband barely eat anything and are in terrific shape.
Middlest is planning her 11th birthday party. I will be taking 4 girls to a hotel with a really awesome water park. I will sleep in a cot and give the 4 girls the 2 queen beds. Aren't I nice? Hopefully, they will let me sleep in the room and not the bathroom. haha
My bestie is taking a course in Feb. on Dave Ramsey's money tips, etc. She will give Kelly and I the lessons the following evenings. We will all be rich soon, I hope. Brandi will be. She has an incredible sticktoitness about her. She lost over 8 pounds since December 18th. What a brat!!!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Surprise Visit from Marley
We were delighted to have a visit from Marley and her mommy and grandma and Willie.
They were passing through town on their way home from dinner.
Middlest and I were the baby hogs this time.
Middlest and I were the baby hogs this time.
I especially love the pic of Middlest and Marley bumping fists.
It's the End of the Year as We Know It....(Giant Meme)
2008
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Attended a birth. I hope to do this again someday.2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I didn't make any this year. I didn't eat french fries at all in 2007, so I took a year off.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My sister-in-law, Jamie and my "bonus" daughter.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No, thankfully!
5. What countries did you visit? Only this great country. I went to New York City, Washington D. C., Colorado, California, and Illinois.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Better skill with money
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? September 11th. I had the honor of visiting all of the crash sites from 2001 in June. It was really much more meaningful this year on the anniversary after having been to all of them.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I got an awesome job in public health that I really enjoy doing and I really do like everyone I work with.
9. What was your biggest failure? Organization!!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I sprained my ankle when I fell down at the doctor's office. I was late to get middlest and I knew she would be upset. I ended up in the ER and Middlest ended up with a cell phone.
11. What was the best thing you bought? I buy soooo many wonderful things, it is hard to pick 1
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? All 3 kids do very well in school. We are very proud.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Rex's.
14. Where did most of your money go? Fun times with the kids
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Being in the delivery room and NOT in the stirrups.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Anything by Nickelback
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer? Happier, fatter, poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Exercising, but to be fair I should say that I wish I'd done some of...
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Gaining weight
20. How did you spend Christmas? My mom and stepdad and dad came to our house. It was very relaxing and fun.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? With "our" new babies. Kane and Marley
22. What was your favorite TV program? Desperate Housewives!!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate only hurts me, so No, but see my answer to # 13.
24. What was the best book you read? Twilight series
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? ???
26. What did you want and get? happy & healthy children
27. What did you want and not get? A big ol diamond
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Marley and Me--I was proud to help Jen crush Brad at the box office.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I attended an all day course in Pediatric Dentistry on my 38th birthday.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Having a better handle on our finances
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Mostly scrubs and sweats
32. What kept you sane? PROZAC baby!!
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I am always ready to look at Matthew McConaughey ;)
34. What political issue stirred you the most? I don't really get stirred by politics
35. Who did you miss? I always miss my mom and my brother and nephews.
36. Who was the best new person you met? I love Annie!! She is an awesome friend and I really enjoy being with her. We enjoy a rather sick sense of humor!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. It is not my place to judge people!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. I'm in over my head!!
A Visit From Kane
Today our nephew came over for a visit. We were sorry we didn't get to see big brother, but we had a fun time with the baby. Mike was quite the baby hog though.
Look at those shiny, beautiful eyes!! 
The kids were trying to get a smile by tickling him with a feather Christmas ornament, but instead we were treated to an Elvis snarl. Too stinkin cute!!
This little piggy went wee wee wee wee......... What is cuter than little toes???
Grandma Peggy made this soft, fuzzy blanket. He was licking it!!I think he LOVES it, Grandma!!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Get Well Soon Peggy!
My mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She will be receiving radiation and chemotherapy for it. We are feeling confident that she will make a full recovery, but I am going to Arizona to be with her for a week. I will spoil her rotten and be her personal nursie. I told her that she will rock the GI Jane look!! I will be leaving on the 17th and returning on the 25th. Mike is going on another trip to Utah and will return on the 16th, so it was the soonest I could go. Mike is starting up his travel schedule again.....Yippee!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
