The Singing Redheaded Biker Mama

Still fighting the crud

2009-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

I see that my last post was on April 9th. I looked back on the schedule at work and the first time that I was treated for this crud was March 12. It is now April 21 and I still have it!! I've taken 2 antibiotics, gone through multiple Hall's cough drops and cold medicines and I'm still sick! I am really starting to hate the taste of those cough drops. Yuck! Well, now the Dr. has suggested that I try some Sudafed. It made a difference, but still fighting it. Baby steps, as he says. Brian says I have to be better by Friday. It's my birthday!! 39 years old, ugh!! Now I just feel sick and old.

Sick

2009-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm tired of being sick!! I stayed home from work today to rest. I was treated for a sinus infection about 4-5 weeks ago and apparently the 10 days of antibiotic didn't quite kill it. I have been coughing my head off everyday since. Then earlier this week I started getting stuffy again. I finally had enough of it yesterday and booked myself an appointment with my doctor. He compared my sinus infection to swamp fires in Florida. He said that they get fires in the south from dry leaves continuously getting all packed down. You think you get the fire out, but deep down there are coals still smoldering underneath. This leads to another fire that starts hundreds of feet away. And, that is the way it is with my sinus infection. I finished the antiobiotic, and started feeling better, but didn't quite get it all "put out", so it flared up again. He put me on some heavy duty antiobiotics that he says cost about $80 a pill. Luckily, for me he gave me samples. He says that if I don't feel better after taking it for six days, to let him know and he will either give me some more or write a prescription for some of the same antiobiotic I took before to finish it off. He also said that I was his 7th patient of the day coming in with sinus crud. Welcome to spring in Iowa!!

So, I'm hoping to get some rest today. My head and body ache from coughing so much. I've got to get feeling better. I have way too many things to do this month. One party down last week and 2 this weekend. Not to mention Easter! Brian's sister turns 50 and so does a friend of ours. One party Friday night the next on Saturday. We then hope to be back from the Saturday night one in time to go have Easter dinner with his family and then supper with mine. Sure wish the rest of my family was here to celebrate with us....hint, hint!

Olson-Thomas household update

2009-04-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

What a week and it just keeps on getting busier from here on out.

The kids came for the week. Still missing one though. I guess her mother isn't tired of using her yet. At least Hallie is stilling coming and seems pretty happy to be here. Went to her school conference on Tuesday evening and she is doing great in school. She is behind on a couple of homework assignments. And, seriously, it has to be when she stays at her mom's because she usually does her homework in the first night here and turns it in early. We also found out that her mother didn't even show up for conferences last fall.

Friday we took Ty to meet with an Air Force recruiter. I can't believe we are planning his grown up future already. I'm not ready for him to be grown up, am I? We really liked what the recruiter had to say and are leaning towards this. He was ready to sign up. Matt and I told him to let it sink in a little bit first. In a couple weeks we will go to ISU's college of engineering to check that out and see if that may be in his future. Maybe that is an option too. The Air Force could help pay for that if that is the path he chooses. Did a little shopping while we were in town too. Birthday present for Ty and a book for me. Plus, took Ty out for lunch for his birthday.

We had to pick up supplies for making table centerpieces for a surprise 40th birthday for one of my best friends. We had such fun putting them together when we got home. Here is a picture of them almost finished. Brian did most of the work. Who knew he could be so fussy about how they looked. Everyone loved them. It was a Vegas casino theme.

After we made these, we went to the local fish fry. KJ spent the night with a friend. Ty was working as sound tech for the school drama. And, Hallie was at a birthday party. We picked her up after the fish fry. What a busy day.

Saturday morning, I had to get ready to go to the birthday party later in the day. But, first I had to rush off to do post-prom stuff. I'm on the donations committee. We organized the prizes that had been sent so far. Then rushed off to head to the party in Nevada which started at 3 pm. Brian wanted to get there early so that he could buy a shirt that he wanted at the Harley shop in Ames. His feminine side sure is showing. :) We made it in plenty of time, but worried about what the weather was going to be like for the evening and next day's ride home.

Anyway, the party was a hit. My friend is turning 40 next week and the party was pretty much a surprise. She did get a few giveaway clues. I knew that it couldn't possibly have been kept completely from her. We stayed the night at their house. Just Brian, Hallie, KJ and I went. Ty stayed home because of another showing of their drama production. He was very responsible and the boys that stayed and he even washed the dishes they dirtied while staying at our house. He had 2 friends over, even though I told him only one could. I had a feeling the other one would stay too. I guess I'll find out soon enough if they did something they should not have. The house was still in one piece. The dishes were done and he even helped put them away when I got home and carried out the pop cans they used. He is either buttering me up or is truly growing up.

Well, the weather was nasty coming home. We left their place in a snow storm. I think they had 6 inches fall when we left. The main roads were not plowed yet. We had to detour off Hwy 35 because of jack-knifed semi-trailers. Took a terrible backroad that had not even been plowed, but there was one lane that had been tracked over by the many cars ahead of us. Luckily, we only met 2 cars coming the opposite direction, and they had no choice but to pullover because of the 3 semis ahead of us. There was no way that our convoy could all pull over. We finally hit Hwy 20 and that was somewhat plowed and had periods of clear sailing and then 100% snow cover. By the time we hit Waterloo it was raining then outside of Waterloo it was all snow covered again. Then the further we got closer to home the roads were completely clear and we could drive the speed limit again. So, it was a very interesting ride home. And, here I am posting party pictures and blogging while the girls do their homework and Ty is playing with his new ITouch he purchased himself with the money he earned from his job and also some birthday money.

Life is good. Busy, but good.

For the birds

2009-03-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

My son says we are getting old, but Brian and I like filling our feeders to feed the birds. I love watching the different colors and types of birds that show up. Soon we will put out the hummingbird feeders too.

Today was no exception. I haven't seen any around our home before, but today on our deck was a bluebird! I love these. So beautiful with their bright blue backs and orange breasts. Usually we have finches, yellows and reds. This spring we have also had a number of woodpeckers. These are a good sign that we need to treat our deck as there were a couple pecking at the rungs of the railing. And, that same day there was a number of cardinals and blue jays in the yard. Plus, we also have a pair of mourning doves or "love doves" as Brian likes to call them. I like to imitate what they may be saying to each other, imagining that they are Brian and I as the male picks at the female and tries to scoot closer to her and her poking back and him and scooting away. :)

Speaking of the hummingbirds, last year I was going to take the cover off the gril to use it, but heard a buzzing from underneath. At first, I thought it may be a large bumblebee, but wasn't quite convinced of that. So, cautiously I lifted the cover and what should buzz out?? A hummingbird! Somehow it got caught underneath the grill cover. Luckily, I did not harm it and it buzzed away as soon as it was freed.

Spring is here!!

2009-03-21T11:34:00.001-07:00

It is such a beautiful sunny day, but here I am inside being lazy. Well, not really too lazy. I have cleaned the bathroom and have been doing laundry. Also, had Hallie try on her summer things to see what she needs. She is growing so fast it is hard to keep her in clothes. She is even outgrowing stuff that KJ could be passing on to her. Definitely built different because there is a 6 year difference in their ages. I'll be sending some more things your way sis, soon.

I've still been trying to get over an upper respiratory infection. Today is the last day of antibiotics. I started as a sinus infection and the doctor also gave me a nasal spray because he thinks I have seasonal allergies. That has helped, but I have been coughing up stuff ever since. Must have been sicker than I thought. It has been going on a week now. I guess better to get rid of it now than this summer when I wanna be well for riding.

We had the bike out for a short ride on Monday. It felt great. It was even warmer than one of the days that we went last fall. I know it is early, but this warmer weather sure has us itching to go. We might take a ride next weekend when the kids are at their other parents. Weather permitting.

Jealousy is an evil monster

2009-03-03T05:02:00.001-08:00

On Sunday I wrote about our great day mapping out our wedding ride. We had a really good day together. We are so in sync that sometimes it takes me by surprise.

Unfortunately, the good feeling was ruined the next day by Brian's daughter texting him to say that they would not be coming to stay with us for the week. That she felt it would work better if they just came every other weekend and sometimes visited after school. Brian was so heartbroken over it. But, after a few more texts in the evening, (she wouldn't answer when he tried to actually call.) we have come to the conclusion that she didn't have her phone at all. I seriously believe that her mother had her phone all along and was the one pulling the strings and masterminded the whole thing. There were too many clues to that fact.

All because she is jealous that we are happy together. Jealous that I am younger, prettier, can actually work a real job and make my own money, happier, etc. You get the idea. She is afraid of the girls liking me better. She is afraid that they will eventually want to stay with us and not her. Such paranoia. I could care less if any of that happens. I just want a happy existence with no fighting over clothes, who pays what bills, who gets to claim which child on taxes. Any of it. It's maddening. Kids are a lot of work and we should be a team in raising them, but her mind has become so warped that it can never happen.

I believe that when she is done using the girls to hurt Brian that they will be the ones hurt most of all. And, what can we do to stop it??

Wedding ride route

2009-03-01T18:22:00.001-08:00

Ok, Brian and I went for a drive today to scope out the route that we were thinking of for our wedding ride. The place I had in mind for the actual event we decided to scratch. It will be part of our route though. It is a magnificent overlook of the Mississippi river valley and a nice place to stop. There will be pictures! The only problem is that there really isn't a nice place to do it right there. So, we brainstormed about some other options. I want it to be significant and we both have to agree, plus it has to be accessible on motorcycle. The spot we have in mind is a short gravel ride to get to it, but I think it might work. We will scope this option out at a later date. And, we still are not agreeing on a date. He wants it earlier this summer. I am leaning towards later. I am more afraid of what the weather could bring early in the summer, but then it could rain anytime. Let's pray for a nice warm day with lots of sunshine!!

Time to relax

2009-02-28T14:17:00.000-08:00

This has been such a busy week. I had to work on Tuesday evening. Wednesday was Ash Wednesday service and our choir had to sing. Oh, and I had to make a salad earlier in the week for a funeral that day. On Wednesday evening we found out another member of the congregation died and that funeral was to be today, Saturday. Our choir was asked to sing for that. Thursday night was the only night that we actually could stay home and relax. There was a big winter storm on Thursday, so I got to come home early from work too!! Yeah! Then Friday was rush rush when I got home.

As soon as I got home, I helped KJ straighten her hair as she was going to go with us even though it wasn't our week for kids. Brian and I changed clothes and we headed over to the local fireman's Friday fish fry. When we got there the line was sticking out the door of the fire station and winding inside. We waiting 45 minutes to an hour before we could get our fish, etc. It was getting close to 7:00 pm and we had to get going to a danceline performance where we were meeting friends from out of town. Their daughter was performing. Luckily we made it in plenty of time to spare, but I think I could haven't eaten more fish!! Oh, well good enough for my diet. Besides it was a little greasy and I have been trying really hard the past month to eat healthy and I think the grease didn't set that well in my stomach. After the performance we went to the local bowling alley where our friends sat with the mother of one of their daughters and discussed buying a car for her upcoming 16th birthday party. That was interesting to sit in on. But, a nice change to see exes sit together in a relaxed atmosphere and talking amicably about their mutual charge. I really wish that we could do that with Brian's ex. I don't ever see that happening.

So, then after we got the kids all off to where they were going to be for the night, the other couple and Brian and I had a nice night out. Fun, laughter and conversation.

But, then it was up again and ready to go this morning. Had to take buns to the school for some peewee tournament that the rec board was putting on. Not sure why I still get asked to donate them, but I do. Two packages of buns every year. I guess it is the least I can do for the school kids. I'm just glad that I don't have to work the concessions all day. After dropping those off, it was on to the funeral. A little warm up singing before hand then sit through the funeral. It turned out to be an interesting one. I found out a little bit about the man and who he was related to that I knew. It is nice to be in a small community sometimes. I think the choir did an excellent job.

While I was doing this, Brian was doing his good deed by helping the neighbor move his daughter for the fifth time within a year. Luckily, she is young and they only had to make one trip. They loaded Brian up around 10:00 and he was home shortly after me. I made us a big breakfast/brunch and after our tummies were full, we laid down to a nap after our short night. And now here I am posting on my blog late in the afternoon. And, the fun just keeps repeating itself for every week from now until probably mid summer. Oh, isn't life fun when you have things to do!!

Meme

2009-02-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, I finally decided to take the time to do a meme that my sister tagged me on. I'm not sure how to tag anyone else. Not that there is very many others that read my blog anyway. But, at least I can write something about me. This is me, taken today.

And this is my purse. I can't really name just one thing in it because there are so many things in it. It really is just a tote made for me by one of my coworkers. She is very talented. I am not, at least not when it comes to sewing. I picked the fabric for her though. And, there was extra fabric in the Betty Boop material that she is going to make into a scrub top for me. I'm still waiting on that. The inside has many pockets along the walls of it where I can hold various things. For me it is the perfect size because I like to carry everything I possibly can in it. You never know when you are going to need something from inside it. Plus, when going to ball games, etc. you can always throw in some snacks and a water bottle or 2. Definitely a mom kind of purse. Plus, it is wide enough and roomy enough to find things without having to dig forever.

This and that

2009-02-22T18:46:00.000-08:00

It has been a while again since I have posted. I keep thinking that I will be more regular at this but I run out of things to add and when I think of stuff, I am not available to post.

This has been a fairly interesting week with the kids. Typical stuff probably, but interesting. We watched our school's girls basketball team win a game on Tuesday night in District play but then ended up losing a tough match on Friday night to end their run. I'm so glad that I did not have anybody playing. I am such a nervous wreck watching my own daughter play and this was hard enough when it is such a small school and you know these girls.

Brian's youngest daughter ended up staying the night with a friend and we picked up one of his other daughter's friends to go to the Friday night game with us. Ty of course could not bring himself to ride with us, of course. He rode with other friends. And what should we find when leaving the game?? Ugh, more snow. Most of our snow had melted and we ended up getting another 5-7 inches. Oh, well, spring is coming and it will melt later this week when temps get in the 50's.

KJ also started attending a pitching camp on Wednesday nights following confirmation classes. Her dad is taking her to it and catching for her. I'm so glad that he is taking an interest in what she does. And, I'm proud of her for doing this. I have wanted to get her involved with someone who can really help her learn how to do it correctly. After only 2 practices she has improved her form and says she is learning alot. People come from all over the state to have this guy coach them, so I am really excited to see what she can do this summer. And, maybe Grandma can see her play. (and maybe Grandpa too) I can't believe she will actually be playing high school ball already this summer!!!

Valentine's update

2009-02-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

Supper at the Brick City Bar and Grill was great! My lobster was actually not too bad. Since I have never been to the coast and had really good fresh lobster, I don't have much to compare it with, but it was good for the most part. And my dinner partners all enjoyed their steaks. And, surprise of all surprises, my son got a job there!! yeah, finally, no more forking over money for nights out and gas, etc. He is washing dishes and the funny thing is that is one of the first jobs that I ever had and at the same place!!! I talked to him today and he said that he was there until 1 am. Wow, that was a busy night. Good to see for that place. I hope they can keep up the good business in this small community.

After we ate, we sat out at the bar and added another couple, where we visited for a while. It was a good night for conversation with good friends.

Today, following church, we went over to another friend's place to check out the bar he built and watch the Daytona race. About half way through, we both decided we could use a nap, so we headed home. Now I'm posting while they announce that the race is finished due to rain with 48 laps left!! I must have missed a bunch during my nap, because a totally different few racers ended up in the lead. I am glad that the driver who was in the lead ended up in the back. But, my favorite driver didn't fair so hot today. Maybe next time.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T15:05:00.001-08:00

I texted a few of my friends and family to wish them Happy Valentine's Day today. I tried to tell them I love them as much as I can, because life is too short not to. Today has been a nice relaxing day so far for us. We slept in. I did some chatting with a friend on Facebook and then made a big breakfast late this morning. Then we finally decided to get cleaned up and go out and get a few things from the grocery story then when we got home we finished watching the American Idol episode that we missed earlier in the week. Turned out to be a week full of meetings.

Wednesday night was my first church council meeting at our current church and the a Post Prom meeting on Thursday night following the girls' district game. They won!! I'm really hoping the girls get a chance at state this year. They have some very talented girls on the team. We didn't make it to as many games this year as we would have liked to, but we did make a few.

Tonight we have dinner reservations at a local restaurant. Am hoping to try some good lobster. I haven't had that in quite some time. It's not as if it is readily available here in the Midwest. I have a goal to visit one of the coasts sometime and get a chance to taste some real fresh seafood. I guess I should start a bucket list, because I have lots of little goals like that that I wish to accomplish in the future.

Oh, and I got a nice gift basket from my sweetie for the day, full of chocolates and a bottle of wine. I got him some chocolates (homemade by a coworker) and a nice card. And we also hit the Harley shop today and bought each other a couple of tops. He got a nice shirt to wear tonight and I bought a vest that I have been eyeing. Gives us something nice to wear out. So, now I should get ready for that dinner date and will post and update tomorrow. I hope. I may be napping in between watching the Daytona race.

Happy Valentine's day to the ones I missed earlier. I love you all.

Long time no post

2009-02-10T12:18:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it has been this long since I last posted. Life has just been so busy lately. And, things always pick up in the spring. Before long we will have every weekend booked with activities and goings-on.

This past weekend, the kids had a pancake breakfast fundraiser to help raise funds for their trip this summer to New Orleans with their Luther League. I think the parents did most of the work. I know I was exhausted. We had a fairly good turnout. Mostly members of our own church, but that was nice too. They made around $600, which divided between 7 amounted to about $85 apiece. 3 of the 7 were ours, so you know there weren't many people involved. Just sets 4 of parents. One other couple had 2 kids going and the other couples had one child each.

Going to spend Saturday evening (Valentine's night) out for dinner with friends. Should be fun. My friend made reservations already. I still need to pick up something for my sweetie. He asked what I wanted, but I figured the ring was enough for this year. He has always been good about bringing me flowers the past couple of years to work. He sure has the my coworkers thinking he is pretty special. I think they are right.

Today is a sunny and beautiful over 50 degree day. I got the chance to take most of the day off, so I jumped at it. Have been busy getting some little tasks done around the house that I've been working on. And, wasn't looking forward to trying to cram it all in on my weekend. Thought I would try to do one of the meme's that Juli sent me, but my camera seems to have disappeared. I think KJ borrowed it. Will try sometime soon to get those done. I think they would be fun. As soon as, Brian wakes up, I am making him go on a walk with me. KJ and I did on Sunday afternoon that was a nice walk. Also, good mother/daughter time.

Sorry Dad!! I love you-happy belated birthday

2009-02-01T17:29:00.000-08:00

I am such a terrible daughter. I forgot my father's birthday. I even called to make it up to him, but he didn't answer. So, I will explain myself this way...and I'm sure I will get a call from mom, as soon as, she read this. :)

We had been planning a big weekend with friends, so that is mostly what was on my mind, but still no excuse for forgetting his special day. We left on Friday to do some shopping. Here is what we found.

Yes, it is an engagement ring!! I finally decided that it was time that I say yes to Brian's proposals. After over 2 years together and already living as man and wife, it was time. I can't see spending the rest of my life with anyone else. He and I are like soulmates and my friends say that they have never seen me happier. This is not a very good picture of the ring, and I should really put lotion on my hands, they look so dry and old! The ring is a solitaire triangle cut diamond and will be the engagement and wedding all in one. After all, we are older and it is not the first marriage for either of us. We are not planning anything extravagant and haven't really set a date, but it will be sometime this year and will be take place somewhere in our motorcycle travels. I think we may have the spot picked out. Then maybe we will just have a picnic gathering with our friends and family to celebrate this summer. Nothing too expensive or extravagant.

Hoping for Brighter Days

2009-01-26T18:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not really sure what I want to post tonight. No kids this week, so have some computer time to myself. I've ranted enough to everyone I know about the most recent trouble with Brian's ex. Just more of her greed and selfishness. I wish she would wake up and realize how much she is hurting the kids more than she is trying to accuse us of. I think she is just an unhappy person and is jealous of what Brian and I have together and is afraid that her kids might actually be happy here too. And, it wouldn't bother me if the kids were happy at her house too. Like I told mom it is so hard not to resent her kids when she acts this way. And that makes me stressed more than I need to be.

There are no games this week. KJ has just the one left next week. I took Friday off. We are going to visit friends for the weekend. We haven't had a get away all winter, so will be a nice change of scenery and hope it helps to get me out of this winter funk that I have been in. Everytime something doesn't go right it seems to send me into a downward spiral. We need some good news and fellowship with our friends to help pick up my spirits. Bring on the sun and warm weather I say.

Detox

2009-01-22T15:57:00.000-08:00

I am so happy that we got our TV back, although I'm going to miss getting to read as often as I did. I guess I really don't have an excuse. I can always go into another room or shut off the TV to read. But, I am such an addict. I guess we should have gone longer without it to completely detox me from it.

Speaking of detox. I've decided to cleanse myself from the negativity at work also. Everyday at breaktime I sit with the same group of gals and everyday it brings me down. Everything new we try to do to improve the clinic brings some negative comment of how it won't work or what is wrong with it. One even complained because I was putting people's birthdates in the newsletter that I write each week. Not the year, just the date. Come on! It's supposed to be a positive thing, a morale booster. How can it be wrong? Unless you are the sort that doesn't celebrate birthdays. But, I happen to know she is not. Just negative, negative, negative. So, I stopped taking my breaks with them and I hope that I can cleanse myself of the negativity and be a happy positive person again. I've tried sticking up to them, but when it is one again several it is so hard. So, I guess I am taking a passive approach? I don't know, but I'm starting to feel better.

Ramblings

2009-01-20T05:36:00.000-08:00

I know I said that I would post more last week, but I guess that didn't happen. I still wasn't feeling well and still not feeling the best yet, but at least there is a little improvement. I just didn't feel like sitting her long enough to put down my thoughts.

Well, I'm off today and taking this opportunity while the kids are getting ready for school to do it. Last week was pretty uneventful, still waiting for the satellite people to come and install a new receiver for us. So, not really sticking around much because there is nothing to watch. We spent one evening at the firestation watching that television, so we wouldn't miss the first episode of this season's American Idol. We did miss the next night though. Luckily, it isn't into the finals where we would miss alot. We normally would DVR the season anyway, so as not to miss any episodes. I have been doing alot of reading though this winter. I finished a series of 3 books by Nora Roberts last week and then finally got the 3rd "Twilight" series back from KJ's classmate and finished that. A coworker lent me some more books to read too, so will start on those probably later today if I find the time. I'm sure there are other things I should do today.

We went out for supper on Saturday night with friends. We found a spot that we will probably hit again. They have the best prime rib. It melted in your mouth. So, mom and dad when you are back again, we can maybe hit that spot sometime. We think we will probably go there again for their fish on a Friday night. I've heard that is good also. Sunday after church, we spent at WalMart stocking up for the week with the kids. We should be good enough now to finish out the winter, maybe. :) I doubt it.

This afternoon, KJ has a basketball game and one left after that. She is excited. I'm a little disappointed, because she doesn't enjoy basketball as much as I did. She says I am forcing her to go out next year, but I say I am not. I just want her to give it a try in high school and then decide because I know that high school will be different. That is where they weed out the players who won't make it. She really enjoys volleyball and track best, so far. After the basketball season, drama begins. She was supposed to have auditions last week, but missed out due to the weather. So, will find out this week what type of part she will have. She did so well last year that I am sure she will be fine again this year.

Then, she asked if we could go to the firestation again so as not to miss out on American Idol. She is so funny. We probably will. And, maybe tomorrow night too, if there isn't a meeting.

Catching up

2009-01-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Wow, seems like I haven't posted in ages. I hadn't been feeling well and I had to work early all last week, so by evening with having the kids around, I didn't feel much like putting any thoughts down. Well, now I sit alone as Brian sleeps, so I have some peace to do it.

Today I had a checkup with my surgeon. Looks like it will continue that way every six months for who knows how long. No problems, but he always seems to think he has to dialate things "down there". So, of course, when I return he has to check it and do it all over again. I always feel as if I have been violated each time. Today he must have done more than usual because it hurt more, there was some bleeding and I thought I was going to throw up. I think I would enjoy a pap more than this. Maybe.

Otherwise, family is the same as usual. Heather is getting her grades back up, except she is still failing Spanish, but that is getting better too. Maybe we won't get a letter from the school this week. Ty seems to be getting along with his dad a little better. KJ is still keeping us busy with activities. She told me that she will be auditioning for the jr high play soon. She got a lead part last year, so I am sure she will do fine this year. Hallie is growing in leaps and bounds and I'm not sure how we are keeping her in clothes. No exaggerations, she won't be able to wear KJ's hand-me-downs much longer. I think she is leaning towards being built like her mother, where Heather favors her Grandma Thomas.

I think I had better get out and shovel some more snow before daylight leaves and more falls. I'll try to post more this week to catch everyone up.

No TV

2008-12-30T17:05:00.001-08:00

I'm having withdrawals. We have been without out our satellite dish for over 3 weeks now. And, it may be another 3-4 weeks before our receiver is replaced. I can hardly stand it without TV. I am an addict. We have watched every video in our collection again and again.

I've learned how to play Guitar Hero and am getting pretty good at it. I might even get all of the kids' school papers and picture organized this winter. Maybe. But, most of all I have been reading more than usual. Which is ALOT. I, like my sister, love to read. But, I still think she reads way more than I do even though she does have five little ones. I have read the entire Chronicles of Narnia, except for the first one, but that is only because it is missing. I am still waiting for KJ's friend to return the 3rd in her Twilight series of books to finish that series. I'm not happy about that. I devour every magazine that I receive, plus the ones that Mom gets because I am getting all of her junk mail while she is away. And, now one of my coworkers lent me a vampire series by the author, Nora Roberts. I'll be starting those soon.

But, even so, as I am typing this, it is so quiet. We have no kids this week and Brian is sleeping, but there is no background noise from the TV. I don't like it. I can hear my typing, and the space heater running, and, oh, that stupid scanner. It squawks alot. Especially when it is snowing and you can hear all of the police chatter. It's quiet right now, though. Eerily quiet. I keep looking at the Christmas decorations and thinking that I should just put it all away. But, I will wait until after the New Year. I am still enjoying the lights of the trees.

A ROCK

2008-12-29T19:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, I think I mentioned a while back that we organized a Secret Santa exchange at work. Maybe I didn't, but anyway. At the beginning of December, we thought it would be fun to do a Secret Santa gift exchange at work. We have done it in the past with good and bad results. Some people were really into it and some not so much. Well this year yielded the same results.

The rules were that it would only be over about a 2 week period. No one was asked to spend a lot of money, just give little random gifts throughout the 2 week period and then a bigger gift on/around Christmas Eve. We asked that no one feel obligated to spend beyond their limits but to just have fun with it. I found some neat little gifts for my Secret Pal and randomly left them at her desk or in her mail box...a little gift box with some cherry cordial Hershey kisses, a handful of hot cocoa creme Hershey kisses left on her desk, a small tube of hand lotion, some Christmas earrings that I actually got free with another purchase, and then for the finale a neat gift box with a pair of Christmas socks, an ornament and some more kisses. Pretty nice, huh? And, I saw some of the neat things that some of the other coworkers received too.

Well, now we get to the not so great stuff. Guys apparently don't get it. Not everyone participated and that was ok, that was their choice. Well, 2 of the guys in the clinic chose to. One had to ask his wife if they could handle the finances of it first. Well, he did buy a gift, one gift, and that was some funny Santa frame thingy, I didn't see it, I just heard about it. Well, he goes up to the person whose name he had and says, "did you like your Secret Santa gift?" She was sort of speechless at this point and says, "well, yeah...." And he says, "Well, I'm your Secret Santa". And just spills it just like that. It wasn't even Christmas yet. Then we come to my Secret Santa. The first couple of days, I thought it was pretty cool. I came back from lunch to find a cookie on my desk, addressed to me. This happened 2 days in a row, the second time there was also a sucker. Well, the handwriting was pretty easy to figure out. It was obviously a guy's handwriting. So, I narrowed it down to the 2 that were participating. Then on the 2nd day, one of the lab techs shared how the xray tech had shared a cookie with her that day. Ding, ding, ding. I figured out right there that it was him!! Duh! So, I figured that from then on maybe I would either keep getting cookies or something else, but nope, nothing. But, that's ok, I guess I shouldn't be greedy. But, I was a little disappointed as I kept seeing my other coworkers keep getting some fun stuff.

Well, I knew that this xray tech was going to be off a few days here and there around the holidays, so I figured that was probably why I didn't see much after that. Then Christmas Eve came around and we realized that we hadn't planned very well how we were going to do the reveal. Many people had that day off. So, the ones who were there, just decided to give their final gifts and the rest could come back on the following Monday to finish up. Well, this xray tech comes up to me on Christmas Eve and says, "hey, I owe you. I couldn't find what I wanted to get you." So, I'm ok with that, I guess I'll let the suspense wait until Monday. I knew that he was working one final day at the clinic until he accepted a new position within the organization and would no longer be with us. So, right away this morning (the monday after Christmas), he hands me a leather Indian-type bag. It's really heavy. And, you know me and my sense of humor. I say, "What did you get me, a ROCK!" So, I unwrap the string around the bag and I pull it out and what do I find?? A ROCK!! He actually gave me a ROCK!!

Ok, so it is kind of pretty and all, not just some rock he dug out of the backyard. I think it is a quartz of some kind. I asked if it was, sort of hoping for an explanation or some hidden meaning, but he just said, "yeah, I think it is a quartz." Boy, did I feel dumb, I had to have shown some sort of disappointment on my face. What do you do in a situation like that? I don't remember telling him that I collected rocks or gave him any indication that type of gift was something I would enjoy. Brian likes it, but he also agrees that it is an odd gift. At least my close coworkers got a chuckle out of it.

I decided I would add some pictures for you to get the real effect.

White Christmas

2008-12-26T15:25:00.001-08:00

Of all the things that I wished for for Christmas, this is what I received. A white Christmas. You can see how much we have gotten and actually, I should have taken these yesterday when there was more snow. It started melting this morning and now those lights in front of the house are completely uncovered. After the first snow, they were barely peeking out from under the snow. We have been getting a drizzling mist and fog today. The driveway is almost all clear again. I hope it melts completely before it freezes into a sheet of ice.

As you can see, I also posted pictures of my first try at a gingerbread house. I bought one of those gingerbread kits at WalMart. I thought it would be fun for the girls to put together on Tuesday when they were home from school. Unfortunately, my plans didn't work out. Koree spent the night with a friend the night before and didn't get home until later in the afternoon. Heather and Hallie went early to their mother's for their Christmas there. They didn't get back until after 10 on Christmas Eve. Tyler and Koree didn't get back on Christmas eve afternoon from their dad's until I was almost done with the house and then we needed to get ready for church.

It is not a very good house as I was in a rush and no one was there to help me. I know what I may do different next time if there is a next time.

Teenage angst update

2008-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

I took Ty over to talk with his dad last night. He was afraid that his dad would just yell at him, so I had to go in with him. I did at least for support. He opened up about the way he was feeling and I am glad of that. I think he tends to hold things in and bottles these things up until he explodes and says things he doesn't really mean out of anger. I hope his dad understands that.

I did put in my own 2 cents in Ty's defense. He had said that every weekend seems to get busied up with doing stuff with his dad's girlfriend's family. I mentioned that maybe he could not have to go to these every time as a compromise. Also, I suggested that maybe his dad could sit down and relax once in a while and play Xbox with him or something else that Ty enjoys doing. He had told his dad that he doesn't really like standing around piddling in the shop.

His dad also mentioned that when Ty's friends come over they like to help themselves to the refrigerator and food, then leave messes all over Ty's room. They do that at my house sometimes too and I am torn on this part. I know it also bothers Brian. But, on one hand I want them to feel at home in my house. I don't want to run them off. On the other hand, I also don't like the messes they leave behind. But, I am not afraid to say, "hey guys! will you please pick up your messes." It's not like they are going to bite me or anything nasty when it is my own home. I think if I didn't say anything, they just plain wouldn't think of it. I don't think they do it out of disrespect. Kids these days are different than they were say when our parents were growing up and they were afraid of grownups.

So, Ty did at least get his phone back. But, he is without his car and Xbox for the week. I thought it was a little harsh that he took away everything. His dad says he will pick him up sometime later this week to open presents at his house. Apparently, they opened presents on Saturday without him. And, it is also so they can all sit down and apologize to each other. Ty to the other kids and those kids to Ty.

Teenage angst

2008-12-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

I got a call from my daughter last night asking if her brother was at my house. (the kids are with their Dad this week) Since I wasn't home at the time I told her that I didn't think so, but that we could find out. She went on to tell me that Ty and some of his friends were playing 'king of the mountain' on a snowpile near their father's home. Well, from the way I understood the story, their father's girlfriend's kids wanted to play along. They are quite a bit younger than Ty and his friends, so it sounded like things got rougher than they are used to and the younger ones went home crying. Typical kidstuff if you ask me. KJ says her Dad was mad and that they couldn't find Ty and oh, they got a puppy (i'll get back to that part).

While I was talking to KJ, Brian called Ty's cell and he said that it went right to voicemail as if it was off. Well, I happen to have one of his best bud's cell numbers on my phone so I give him a call and he puts Ty on. Ty confirmed his sister's story and says he doesn't want to go back to live with those (expletives) because his Dad is stupid and lets those kids do whatever they want and he never lets him do anything, etc, etc. He says he is staying with his friend tonight and that's it. I told him to go ahead and do that and cool off and he can set things right in the morning.

In the meantime, I'm thinking, ok, I should be getting a call from his dad soon. So, maybe 10-15 minutes later, my cell rings again and yes, it is their father. He is bawling and asking what is going on with our kids. I'm also thinking there may be alcohol involved because from past experience he doesn't bawl like that unless there is. I say that up until this point that I didn't know there was a problem. Ty hadn't really given me any indication that there was a problem other than that he did say once not long ago that he felt that his dad didn't want him to even have a social life. But, he said it so nonchalantly that I didn't really take it too seriously. I guess maybe I should have. Well, apparently after I got off with Ty, his dad caught up with him and tried to forcefully drag him out of his friend's house, tearing his coat. Ty threatened to call the cops on him and must have said some really hurtful things to him. His dad took away his cell phone, car and X-box, his most prized possesions at this point.

So, at this point he is crying, literally, to me that he bends over backwards for him and buys him everything he wants and that he lets Ty do stuff all the time and that he hardly ever helps him cut wood or help him around the house at all. I explain to him that I struggle sometimes with getting Ty to do stuff for me too. But, I also explained to him that he is 16 and he cannot expect him to hang out with Mom and Dad all the time. I had to remind him that I doubted that is what he wanted to do when he was that age. I restrained myself from reminding him that Ty is far better than he was at that age, and I also did NOT remind him of what he was doing at Ty's age and much earlier. Ty is a good kid and I trust and respect him. But, the two of them have no respect for each other. At least, that is the conclusion I have come up with after having a restless night of sleep.

I did call Ty again after talking to his dad to clear up stuff and to be sure that he wasn't just "playing" me. Obviously, I am getting 2 different views of the whole story. He used some very disrespectful terms for his father, which in after thought I should have corrected him on, but I felt he needed to vent and cool off. He said he was on his way to go bowling with his friends. But, he explained again that he was angry at his dad for always sticking up for the other kids and keeping him locked up all the time. I think that there is alot of pent up frustration from years of growing up with his father that I didn't see coming. I explained to him that he needed to cool off and then go talk to his father. He said he didn't really feel like talking to him. He also said he wasn't like his dad and that he wasn't going to go off and do something stupid. I believe him.

My thoughts are that their dad is trying too hard now to be a good dad and keeps trying to buy their affection instead of just hanging out with them and listening to them. I can tell when they come back to my house, how much they miss just being heard. Ty spends much of the first night at my house just talking to me and telling me what is going on his life and just everything. That is something his dad has never been good at. I used to crave it from him and I guess now my kids are too.

What do I do? I really don't want to be in the middle of their disagreement, but as a mother I want to help my son anyway I can. I think inside he is hurting and struggling with growing up and wanting to feel his own independence, but I want him to keep making good choices in his life. Do I interfere in this or do I let them hash it out themselves? I think I know the answer and I pray that it all works out for the best in the long run.

Oh, and back to that puppy thing. I can't believe he turned around and got them a puppy. Still trying to buy the affection I guess. Just last year he didn't want to keep our dog, Eddie, because of his new addition and that he was afraid the dog would poop and pee all over, etc. (He threated to give him away or kill him.) What does he think a new puppy will do?? Besides that, Eddie was always kenneled while everyone was away. He hardly ever has to stay kenneled at my house because Brian works 3rd shift. He can snuggle with him all during the day. And, he doesn't have accidents at our house at all. He is very well trained. Hmmph! Well, I guess the dog is better off too. He is in a home where he is loved.

My own snow day

2008-12-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it has now snowed here at least 12 inches and still counting. I tried my best to make it to work today, but didn't even make it out of the driveway. Since I have a downhill slope out of the driveway, I thought I could at least make it to the road and have slow going to work, but eventually get there. Wrong! I got stuck just before enter the roadway. Luckily, that is where I stayed and not stuck out in the road where my car would get run into and hurt somebody.

Just as I got myself stuck there, my cell phone rings and it is my coworker saying that she hopes I am not trying to venture out in this weather. We both decided that it most likely the clinic will close. Which is rare. I cannot understand why anyone would want to venture out if they don't have to, but when I worked in the pediatric office in Des Moines parents would bring their kids in the worst weather for WELL child checks. I can understand if they are really sick, but WELL. Why come if you don't really have to??

So, as I was saying. I am stuck at home and with no TV. Our satellite receiver went out sometime last week. We have been watching and rewatching some of the DVDs in our collection and that is already starting to get old. They are apparently upgrading and that has put a delay in our getting a new one plus the fact that these orders always seem to get mixed up. And, they don't understand why we feel we shouldn't have to keep paying for service that we are not getting. So, in the end we will get some free stuff (we hope) or we will get totally different service. But, in the meantime, I am going to have to either clean house, bleh, or find some other creative outlet to spend my day. There are lots of things I could do, but how ambitious am I today? :)

Holiday traditions

2008-12-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

I've started a weekly newsletter for the clinic where I work. For next week, I've asked my coworkers to submit some of their favorite holiday memories or traditions. This got me to thinking about the things we used to do growing up.

I remember when we were younger, all our aunts, uncles and cousins would gather on Christmas Eve at my mother's parents house. There we would open presents from them. I don't remember if we ate there too. I was pretty small. So, I mostly remember the presents. Knowing Grandma, I'm sure there was good food there too. After that, we would go home and Santa would have come while we were gone, so we would open presents from "Santa" at home on Christmas Eve.

As we got older and my younger brother and sister came along, that tradition changed. Then we as a family would go to Mass on Christmas Eve. While we all loaded in the car to go, mom would mysteriously always seem to take a long time finishing getting ready and take long time coming out to the car. Again, when we returned home, we would find that Santa had been there. Then, opened presents on Christmas Eve. This left Christmas day for visiting relatives or having them to our house for dinner.

I'm sure there were other things that my siblings can remember, but these are the ones that stand out most in my mind. Oh, and I used to love singing Christmas carols on the way to Mass when we were older, too.

I hope my own kids don't mind that we don't have traditional things that we do each year. At least we still get together with family and friends and do fun things. And, I still get to sing Christmas carols. Tomorrow night, for the second year in a row, Brian and I will be going caroling with our church choir. After that, we will head to our neighbor's for fellowship and snacks.

At least I hope we still can go. We are getting a bunch of snow and it is supposed to keep snowing for the next few days. My brother was kind enough plow our drive. I'm sure he will be back again soon as it keeps piling up.

Snow....and lots of it!!

2008-12-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of a winter weather advisory. As the day progressed, we had people cancel appointments for the afternoon and for tomorrow. It was a little of a treacherous ride home. I drove only 35 miles per hour at the most. I felt as if my tires barely touched the pavement. It had started raining around 3:00 pm. I am working early mornings this week, so luckily got to leave at 4 pm. I had to scrape ice from my windows before I left. After getting home, it started snowing on top of the ice. We have at least 2-3 inches since getting home and lots more coming. The weather forecast for tomorrow is 100% chance of snow. The kids' school is already delayed 2 hours for tomorrow. (they got out early today too) I really doubt that they will have school at all.

Brian got home from hunting yesterday not feeling well. Luckily, he had taken the night off, so he spent the night on the couch, and making frequent bathroom trips. When I left for work this morning, he was sporting a 101 temp. I tried to call and check on him throughout the day and he never answered the phone. I'm glad the kids got home early to check on him. He had me worried. I fed him some soup for supper and he seems to be feeling better. I have been encouraging him to stay home from work tonight for two reasons; to get better and to avoid having to drive in this weather. I doubt he will listen to me. Men!

Anyway, I am not looking forward to driving back to work in this stuff. Another good reason for him to stay home is so that I can drive his truck to work tomorrow. Although, I'm sure my car will be okay in the snow too. I'll leave early and just plug along until I get there. It really never has bothered me too much to drive in the snow. I would just rather stay home.

Shopping

2008-12-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

The guys went hunting this weekend, so I decided that it would be a good time to spend some time with my daughter. So, yesterday I took KJ and her cousin shopping. That was on KJ's list for Christmas. We found some really good bargains and I probably spent too much as usual. But, it felt good to knock off some of my list. Now, Brian and I have to find the time to go before Christmas to get the final things. I think I'll do some more online too and save us a little. There were so many people and now I know why I hate shopping at Christmas time. The one store that we found the best deals on was jam packed with stuff and people. I'm glad we only had to hit a couple of stores. I really kind of like the mall we went to, too. It is much smaller and there is alot less walking around. Plus, the other stores that we needed to go to were in a close vicinity, so we didn't have to drive around all day. There was however, one store that I prefer never to have to go in again. This store was so dimly lit and the music in it was blaring so loud that you could not hear the salespeople or see the sales prices on the tags. Plus, the stuff that was not on sale was way more than I wanted to pay. Trendy stores!! I'll stick to finding that stuff on Ebay.

Friday night we took the girls to the local basketball game. That was fun even though our teams lost. The girls game was close. (the other team is rated) The boys were way ahead in the first half then just kind of gave it up in the second half, but almost pulled it back together, then ended up losing anyway. Seems to be the Valley fate every year. We sat in front of my brother and nephew and were lucky to get a seat. We were late getting there and he called us from inside the gym to say that there were seats available in front of him. Thought we were going to be watching the game from the hall. We ended up sitting right next to the student section, which wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Oh, yeah, it was "red hot night", so everyone was wearing red, and I think that was partly the reason for the gym being so full, plus the fact that the other girls' team was rated. They are pretty good and their side was just as full as ours. The sad part is that part of their crowd left after the girls' game. Doesn't show much faith in their boys team. Another interesting fact is that both our girls and boys coaches went to school at the opposing school. I bet that made it extra hard to be beat by their home school.

So, now I am exhausted after spending that long day shopping, but still have to get to church soon. Took KJ to Sunday school and dropped off our pies and rolls for the senior holiday dinner. She will be helping to serve at it later, but first she has to acolyte at church. I signed her up for this month and next because she is only here every other Sunday and there are only a few confirmation students this year to divide it up with. Good thing she came to stay with me this weekend to get an extra Sunday in.

I think this afternoon we will be reorganizing her room. The guys finally came and put in the insulation. Now we have to put everything back in its place. But, I definitely need to vacuum first. And, I thought weekends were for relaxing. Yeah, right.

Proof that I am not a Photographer

2008-12-02T08:03:00.001-08:00

Funny, these pictures didn't look that blurry in the camera when I took them this morning. But, I thought I would post them anyway, so you could see the stockings that I talked about in my last post. I guess you get the general idea.

Well, I am off today. (working late on Thursday) Sometime today I have to make pies for the community Senior Citizen holiday dinner on Sunday. Then, KJ has a game this afternoon. And, I also volunteered to work the concession stand tonight for the varsity game. The junior class is doing the concession to raise money for prom. And, since Ty is a junior I get to help. I hope that they hit his dad up for it too I have already worked one evening at a volleyball game, after all. Oh, and Ty takes his turn too.

More Christmas

2008-12-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

I thought I would add some pictures of our Christmas trees so those of you who aren't here at Christmas time can see them too. As I was trying to play with my camera and capture the pictures in the light that I wanted, I noticed that there is actually a setting on it to capture snow pictures at night. I'll have to try that one with the next snowfall for you. I never really fancied myself a photographer before, but when you have a decent camera it really helps. Although, I still don't think I am that great of a photographer. At least you get the idea. And now that I look at the bigger tree, I see that there is a dark spot in the middle. Guess I didn't quite get the lights spread evenly. :)

It needs a little more something to make it sparkle. Maybe some silver bows. What I really miss is the silver icicles we used to put on when we were kids. That was my favorite part of decorating. But, I sure don't miss the mess they left behind. Kind of like Easter grass from Easter baskets. You end up finding that stuff for months afterwards.

You also cannot see the Santa on a motorcycle sitting under the tree. That was given to Brian last year by his sister. Someone gave it to her as a gift and she thought he would enjoy it more. He thought maybe it would be fun to find a Santa suit, dye his beard white and drive his motorcycle through downtown. Wouldn't that be funny. I would definitely post that picture.

I should also have taken pictures of the dining room. Koree had a great idea to hang the stockings under each of their pictures that are hanging on the dining room wall. Brian hung ours together on another wall with some other decor and we hung Eddie's above his dish. It sure makes the little room look cozy. I found the perfect sign to hang in our dining room too. It says, "Our house may be small, but God knows where we live." Fitting, huh?

First real snow

2008-11-30T15:33:00.001-08:00

Well, here is our first snow of the season. We haven't gotten nearly as much as my sister in Colorado, but it will slowly accumulate. The day pictures are from this morning. That snow all melted. But as you can see from the evening pictures it is coming down again and sticking to the ground.

The light pictures turned out a little blurry, but it was my first try taking night pictures with the camera. I like that you can see the snowflakes, though. At least you can the general idea of how it looks. I still think some lights on the roof would be nice. Maybe next year.

Decorating

2008-11-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

Today we decorated for Christmas. We have 2 trees; a 6-foot tree and a smaller tree that fits in our bay window. The one in the window has white lights with silver and gold ornaments. The bigger tree has white lights, red wooden-bead chain, and a variety of ornaments, some are homemade by the kids, some handmade and given to me and some figurines. It amazes me each year how much I have accumulated. I love finding new things and adding to my collection. I have some neat pieces that I really love and some that I wonder why I still hang onto.

We were a little disappointed, though, while putting our outside decor up. The snowflakes that we had up last year got destroyed because of all the snow and ice that stuck them up in the eaves trough. And, for some reason our penguin decided not to light. Brian even had it lit in the house before he took it outside, but something went wrong. We still put it out. It still looks good during the day.

Brian's girls had to leave early this morning to go with their mother so Koree helped me do most of the decorating and Brian got the outside lights ready. Ty as usual, played Xbox. So far, he is still home tonight too. I think I will see more of him throughout the winter, because most of his friends are out for basketball, so they are busy. We picked up an application for him to work at the local grocery store. I hope he gets a job soon. He needs one, so I don't have to keep forking over money for gas, concert tickets, etc. Good thing gas is down to $1.67/gallon.

Well, now I am in the mood for the holidays. The lights are all lit and I have scented oil warming with holidays scents. And the first winter weather advisory is now being forecast on the news. I'm glad I convinced Brian to put out those lights today or it would have never gotten done.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

2008-11-27T05:55:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.

What am I thankful for:

A loving God
My health
a roof over my head
plenty of food on the table
someone who loves me
good kids
a place to work
a car to drive
friends who care
and a close family with lots of nieces and nephews to love
and many other blessings too numerous to mention

Love you all!!!

Mrs. Thomas

2008-11-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so no, we did not get married. We were waiting as people were filing out of church this morning and an older lady member of the church says to me, "Good morning, Mrs. Thomas!". I guess I just kind of blushed and said good morning back to her. Then, I looked at Brian and he just grins and says, "Did she just say what I think she said?" haha, very funny! Well, I guess it is not the first time that something like that has happened. Another member of the church, who happens to be from Wadena, has know Brian's family for years, and is a neighbor to his parents asked one morning how "the Thomas's" were doing. Brian thinks it is a sign. Maybe it is. I don't know. Time will tell for sure. I am in no hurry to make that leap again. I want everyone in this family to be onboard before we make that commitment. Because, this time around I want to be 100% positive that I am making the right choice because it is supposed to be forever.

Saturday

2008-11-22T06:02:00.001-08:00

Well, I was thinking that I don't have quite as well an organized plan ahead as my sister, but as I am organizing my thoughts to post this, I guess maybe I do. :) I also have a spontaneous significant other and my well thought out plans for the day can be subject to change at a moments notice.

First things first though. I wanted to make a post on here and then organize the stuff I am watching or selling on ebay. I have already purchased some Christmas presents/stocking stuffers, so am proud of that. I usually don't start shopping until after Thanksgiving. I do this because I think that I would buy way too much if I started earlier. I would forget what I have already gotten or see something else that I think would be good too.

Then, I will do a few things around the house that I have neglected this week. Probably throw in a load of laundry, wash my bedding, scrub the bathroom, and hopefully also vacuum.

Our plans for the day are to drop off the cookie dough that people ordered from Heather. We got most of it delivered last night, but 3, we didn't catch at home. We are hoping to take care of that today. Then on to do some Christmas shopping/browsing. And, of course, get some groceries before the kids come back next week. I've been keeping things pretty well stocked lately, so we don't really need alot of things, just staples mostly. We have found that we go through about 6-8 gallons of milk on the weeks that they are here. Luckily, we have a grocery store in town and we frequent that at least once a week for those kinds of things-bread, milk, sometimes meat too. Their meat dept. isn't too bad. But, I wouldn't want to buy my bulk of groceries there (much too expensive).

We will need to get back by 6:00 pm too. We got a call last night from friends inviting us out for supper. It is funny how life can come around full circle sometimes. We have started socializing with my best bud from high school and her husband more lately. We kind of drifted apart when I was married, despite the fact that she is married to my ex-husband's first cousin. Well, now that he and I are no longer together, we have started spending time together again. She and her husband ride with us and we have gone out to eat with them a couple times now. Besides that, anytime she and I have seen each other we have always been able to talk on and on.

Well, on to ebay. I keep getting interrupted in this post by emails from a buyer that is asking questions about one of my listings. I hope she buys. It is good to find a home for all this inventory that I have had. I'm glad someone can use it.

Our Thanksgiving Plans

2008-11-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not copying my sister, really. I was originally planning on posting my Thanksgiving plans, but she beat me too it. Sister-in-law, Peggy, asked a couple weeks ago what our plans were and I said we would have to get back to her. as I didn't know for sure what the kids' other families were planning. Our other sis-in-law had said they were going to be out of town, so it would just be our two families. We went ahead and asked his Mom if it would be ok to ask Matt and Peggy's family to their house for dinner. Then, we thought we could head over to their house to watch football games. In the meantime, Tony and Amy's plans changed. (imagine that)

So, the plan is that on Thursday, we will head to Brian's parents for dinner. His mom cooks everything. She makes awesome homemade buns. Everyone hangs around when she takes them out of the oven and then we eat 2 or 3 while they are still warm and the butter is melting out of them. She makes her own yummy beans too. They are light in color, maybe white or navy beans, have a sweet sauce on them and she crumbles bacon in them. She also makes mac-n-cheese. I think my brother-in-law would like that. There will, of course, be the usual turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy. She also usually makes a coleslaw or some kind of salad to go with it. And the pies....she make awesome pies and a pumpkin dessert. Even picky KJ loves her apple pie. She even shared the recipe and I made a couple once. They were gone in no time. I think she ate at least 3 pieces of it.

Then we will head to Tony and Amy's later in the afternoon to play cards and eat supper. I know we will be stuffed, but I'm sure we can make room for more. I'm glad it turned out this way, because I do like to cook for everyone. I too, will most likely make "the beans". My kids like corn casserole and I will make these awesome sausage stuffing balls that I got out of Kraft Foods magazine. Peggy got the turkey and I'm sure Amy will do the rest. I like that we do it like a potluck, so no one gets bogged down with everything. I think Brian's mom enjoys doing it all herself.

I am glad to see that I did not lose this post. The power went out as I was proofing it. I would have hated to try to type it all again. Thank goodness for the autosave feature.

Well, I was going to type that I'm not sure yet what my kids will do for the day. They are with us next week and their Dad will be going to his girlfriend's family's for dinner. His mom will have theirs on the Sunday following. So, I will let them choose. I know they will want to come along to Uncle Tony's place. And, I will let them go with their dad on Sunday. Brian's girls will most likely come with us to their grandparents, they love her food. We won't know until the last minute what their mother plans for them.. Another one of the frustrating things about her. She usually has to see what suits her best at the moment. (Jules, I think you could probably come up with some actual psychological diagnosis for her) Usually she picks them up after they eat and takes them to her sister's house. Sometimes, they barely get to eat before she shows up and it is too bad, because they really don't like going to her family's place. Hallie would rather play with Tony and Matt's kids. She loves playing with Jayde. But, I guess we need to give her time too. I prefer to let the kids choose.

Mom you should be getting pics of the kids in the next couple of days. We sent them yesterday.

Rerun

2008-11-18T05:27:00.000-08:00

Yet, another busy week ahead. It is becoming a rerun, playing the same over and over. I worked yesterday. Am off today, but KJ has a basketball game this evening. First we have to go to the dentist. And, somewhere in there, I have to get the ingredients and make snacks for her confirmation class which is tomorrow after school. That should be fairly easy. Then choir practice in the evening, and work until 8 on Thursday night. Then the weekend begins. Sound familiar? Do your lives ever feel like reruns playing over and over again? I'm sure sometimes they do. Same boring life, same scene playing again and again. I like change and look forward to something that breaks up the humdrum of everyday.

I was just telling Brian last night, how I can't believe that I have been working at the clinic for 4 1/2 years now. I made it past the first 1-2 years without thinking it was time to move on and find something new. That is a record for me. I can't even believe that we have been living in this same house for 2 years. I don't think I have lived in any one spot for much more than that. I still like to look at the local real estate web sites and see if they have anything that I would like. Am always thinking of my dream house. I do love the location where we are at though and maybe someday.........we can build a dream house here. Or.....do like Brian thinks and wait for the neighbors to die and try to buy theirs. heheheheh! Just kidding.

He and I have been together about 2 1/2 year too. But, we keep having the same reoccuring nightmare. Just when we think things are going well with the kids, something happens to screw it up. And, it always seems to have something to do with his ex and his kids. I pray for guidance with this alot. You all know how I love kids. I love mine deeply. I love all my nieces and nephews as if they were my own, but I am finding it very hard to love his children. Maybe it is just the resentment I have toward their mother. Or maybe it is just that they seem to me to have more of her traits than their fathers. I don't know!!! It drives me crazy. I love him, but somedays I hate his children.

Right now the problem is Heather. She is 14. She is failing 3 out of 4 of her classes. Last year she was doing fine, mostly B's and not below that. I asked KJ what she thought was the problem, she said it was like she just didn't care about anything. I can tell that in the way she likes to keep her portion of her room and the way that she likes to shirk her duties when her father asks her to do dishes or other things to help out around the house. It frustrates me. We took away her phone for the week or at least until she gets her grades up. And that is a constant battle, because her mother calls one night saying how Heather has got to call her boyfriend, because he is going nuts not being able to talk to her. Who is the parent here?? So, Brian lets her and supposedly she broke up with him. I sure hope so. Then the one night when KJ and I were gone to one of her games, Brian made supper. There was a huge pile of dishes in the sink and they were still there when I got home. I find him on the couch and her on the computer. Are you kidding me?? So, of course I do the dishes and then ask him why she couldn't have done the dishes while he was making supper. Apparently, he asked her twice and she just ignored him. He yelled at her for being on the computer too. Right now, as I type this it sounds like nothing, but at the time, I am furious.

Then on Sunday morning he gets a message from his ex that Heather needs a new winter coat and proceeds to tell how Heather is afraid to ask, she had to buy Hallie one and she bought Heather's shoes and blah, blah, blah. Always so negative and defensive. No wonder I can't stand her. Anyway. Hallie really didn't need a new coat, she has one here that still fits her and is still good. Plus, Brian still pays her child support, so technically, she isn't really paying for those things, he is. Duh!

Sound familiar, yet another rerun. Please pray for me, for them, or wherever you think it is needed. I have tried praying for guidance in dealing with this, but I'm not having any luck.

Concert update

2008-11-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

Ty had a great time. He made it home safe and behaved himself. Our prayers worked. The ding-dongs did stay in Cedar Rapids with the brother of one of his friends (at his dorm/apartment). The concert was in Cedar Falls!! They might as well have just come home. Duh!

Rock concert

2008-11-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today Ty is going to his first rock concert. He asked me about a month ago if he would be able to go. Well, other than the ghost riding episode, he is basically a really good kid. Sometimes he makes lapses in judgment, but he could be so much worse. I said yes. I think at first he thought I would absolutely say no, because he made the excuse of how KJ had already gotten to go to a concert. I laughed, because after all, it was only Hilary Duff. I don't consider that a real concert, like the one he is embarking on. I told him that didn't really count. Besides, she went with her cousin and their friends, with their friends' mother and grandmother. Ty's will be a bunch of teenagers, mostly boys at a real rock concert. And, most of us know what goes on at rock concerts. Sex?, drugs, rock and roll!! But, with him I am not really too concerned. And, he assured me that someone else would be driving this time. Which, brings me to another worry.....someone else is driving. Aaahhh!! What if they are not a good driver? What if they get reckless with a car load of other boy teenagers and besides that it is snowing today. So far, at least it is not a heavy snow, just spitting a little. But, the pavement is still wet.

Then he also proceeded to tell me that they may not come home tonight. They may stay with someone in the city in which they are going. Again, I am torn. It would be safer, because it will be late, but where will they be staying? It might be at someone's dorm room. Will there be a party there? Will they get into trouble? Again, at least they will be in one spot and not on the road. So, many things to worry about. So, I will say my prayers again and wish for him to make good choices and stay safe. I hope you all will too.

Mom

2008-11-13T17:53:00.001-08:00

I couldn't title this one 'Grandma' like the last one, 'cause I know that would confuse you. My memories growing up with Mom.....how can I keep this short and pay due tribute. Obviously, I was with her the longest of the 4 of us. But, because I had a brother born so shortly after me, I didn't get much of her to just myself. :)

I remember that she worked alot and worked hard to provide for us. Don't be offended Mom, but I feel like we kind of grew up together, a little, because you were so young when you had us. I remember the first time, as a young teenager, when you told me how I came to be, and just how young you were. I think I did something to make you mad. Probably some teenage attitude. And, you let me have it. I think that was the beginning of us being closer and how I came to share almost everything with you. I think I have gotten to that point with my daughter too, and I hope to continue that friendship.

I remember Dad being gone alot on "stayaway". Once you got us up to either say goodbye to him or to wake us up to see him when he got home. I don't remember which it was. But, I do remember being in my pajamas and being sleepy and it was dark out. Before the younger 2 were born you used to get everything ready for us to go camping on the weekends. Did you know back then that you would be doing it all the time??

I guess at the oldest, I remember things alot different than Juli, because she was the youngest. I remember you being at work and me doing alot of the chores around the house to help out. Oh, how I remember those lists. Now that I am a mom too, I realize just how much those lists had to help you out. And, I feel guilty that I didn't put more effort into it. I didn't know!!! I appreciate it so much when I can delegate jobs and can relax when I know I don't have to do it all.

So, anyway, MOM, Happy Birthday! You really did teach me alot by setting the examples that you did. I love you!

Grandma

2008-11-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Had our company employee appreciation party on Saturday night. It was fun, we hardly ever get to do it because it is so hard to get that big of a place to agree on what they want to do. We usually end up spending the alotted money on pizza at lunchtime toward the end of the year. Those of us that were interested decided it was time to take over and plan something. We decided to go local and go bowling. So, we had a big pizza and bowling party. Unfortunately, only 25 of about 50 employees showed with spouses and significant others. But, that just made it more fun. Who wants to have a bunch of party-poopooers there anyway.

So, let me get to the reason for my title for this blog. One of the employees ended up bringing his little girl along with his wife. She really had alot of fun and I enjoyed watching her. On a previous night, I got to enjoy talking with another friends' grandkids. I suddenly got that motherly twinge that some women get with kids. Or may it is just me, because I can relate to kids so much better than adults. Probably because they don't intimidate me the way some adults do. I just love the way their little faces light up when I talk to them and treat them like they are important, because of course, they are. I have decided this twinge is different than the one I used to get when I was younger and considered having another child, because I decided along time ago that I wasn't going to be having anymore children. At least not biologically. No, this was a maternal instinct of another kind. For years now I have enjoyed the company of my nieces and nephews and loving them as if they are my own. Now I think that I am ready to advance to a different level, as grandmother. But, don't get excited, I am not going to be or planning on being one anytime soon. I just am ready for when the time comes. I am looking forward to the time when I can look into the face of another newborn and know that I was and will be a part of that little person's growth and love. And, I can spoil them and then send them back to their parents and not be tied down to them 24/7. :)

And, maybe that time will be sooner than I think, at least as a step-grandmother. As Brian and I advance in our own relationship, I could possibly be step-granny to one of his grandchildren in a nearer future than my children will be procreating. And, that I can handle better than I have been handling being stepmom to his children. Probably because this time I will be starting out with them as newborns and that to me is easier to grow into, rather than starting out with them half grown.

Crazy Days

2008-11-07T16:57:00.000-08:00

I can't think of anything to write. That is why I haven't blogged all week. My life this week has been fairly boring. Unless you call the crazy work week I have had unboring. The last couple of days have just been the kind of days where you just have to laugh, wondering what else can happen. These usually are reserved for full moon days. I know that is probably a myth.

So, anyway, the last 'how many' Fridays we have had a shortage of doctors, at the clinic that I work. For some reason, none of them seem to want to work Fridays and then we end up with about 2 out of 9 providers working. Well, of course, that makes our jobs as nurses and receptionists that much harder. How are these 2 doctors supposed to see every patient that wants to come in. We do the best we can, but then you end up with the ones who don't make appointments ahead and just come in and expect someone to fit them in or treat them without being seen. This makes for some really ornery nurses some days, because they are the ones that have to triage them and decide which ones we will work in now and which ones can wait until later at urgent care. Then there are the ones that seem to show up just when you think you have worked to capacity and have a laceration or fracture and you know they definitely have to be seen. And, not just one will show up most times, there are usually 2 or 3. It's really bizarre. Then you add the babies who decide to be born at the most inconvenient times. That leaves you trying to work in the patients from one doctor to another doctor, because the original one has to go deliver that baby. Then to top things off, after you have turned people away because the schedules are full, someone has the nerve to not show up for an appointment. Now isn't that frustrating, you could have seen someone else in that time frame. I guess I could go on and on with the stories.

But, don't get me wrong, not everyday is like that. There are days that go smoothly where everyone that needs to be seen, is seen, and everyone shows for their appointments. And, we really do like to put the patient first. It is just those inconsiderate ones that make your day frustrating. Especially the ones that are in the frame of mind that they are the only patient that a doctor has and that they are the only ones that have serious health issues. I don't want to belittle their ills, but they should realize that there just may be someone else sicker than they are and those patients made appointments ahead of time. And, the doctor or nurses are not just sitting around waiting for them to call or come in.

Well, that is enough of my venting. I guess I had someone to talk about after all.

Silent sideline coach I am not

2008-11-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

Ah, have I mentioned how hard it is being the mom of teenagers?? I think so, many times. Today, was one of those days, but in a different way than usual. Koree had her first basketball game for the 8th grade season. I really do enjoy watching them learn and grow and play. But, the first game or two can be so frustrating as they relearn the ropes. Well, her team has about 20 girls on it, so of course, not everyone can see most or all of the playing time. Luckily, the coaches she has had realize that they all need to play to learn their potential. Well, she did get some time in, but it is hard to watch her making what I feel are airheaded mistakes. I think though that once she is comfortable again, she will do fine. Just as she did in volleyball. Did I mention that she got voted "Miss Endless Effort" again by her volleyball teammates?

As I was saying, it can be very frustrating as a parent seeing the mistakes that they are making and not being able to really do anything about it, other than wringing your hands and pulling your hair out. So, for now I will be a silent sideline coach and I hope that their real coach sees that these girls really really need to start shooting practice and ballhandling and a little less running killers. I remember the days when I was playing and shooting and shooting and shooting. But, the good news is, the other team was an equal match. We won, by 2 points in double overtime. So, the torture lasted longer than usual. Oh, the agony. I know just how my own mother must have felt all those years ago.

November 1

2008-11-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

So, after an interesting Halloween......wow. On, Thursday night, I worked late and Ty wanted to go to a haunted house with 2 carloads of his teenage male friends. Scary, huh? He stopped by and got some money from me and I proceeded to tell him to drive extra careful and be home early, all the usual mom stuff. After all, he has only had his license back less than a week. Around 10:30 that night, as I lay awake worrying, I decided to call him to be sure he made it back to town safely. They were on their way. Then I get a call from Brian around 11:30 as he is on his way to work. Apparently, he heard it on his scanner that someone was following 2 carloads of boys with their "hands" hanging out the window. He tried to call Ty, but he didn't answer, so I called him twice. Luckily, he calls me back, because he knew that I and/or Brian would be calling him. Meanwhile, I had been praying constantly, waiting to hear from him and worrying that he would lose his license until he turns 18. He states that they had passed a car, that apparently did not like it and that person(s) proceeded to follow them closely with their bright lights on. The boys apparently were getting angered by this and threw one of their POP cans out at them. Well, the person decided they needed to call this in and reported that they were following a car load of boys who were throwing BEER cans out the window. The boys were in luck though, because they were familiar with the deputy on duty and he followed them to the house they were staying at and they told their story and he said everything was ok. Good, I am thinking that maybe my prayers were answered. So, that is the beginning to my story.

Next day after getting home from work, I decide to connect with the kids and get an itinerary for the evening. Ty is planning on spooking kids at a haunted house put on by another high school student. This sounds like fun, but I encourage him to let someone else drive for a change. I don't need anymore worried nights and really don't want him to have anymore temptations to get into trouble. As I am on the phone, I am looking out the window and notice that someone has driven through our yard, making some deep ruts that I can see from the house. So, of course, I question him about this, thinking he may know something about it. He says no, and I think nothing of it.

The weather turns out to be beautiful and I got off work a little early, so Brian and I decide to take the motorcycle out for a little spin to enjoy the weather before trick-or-treating. We head out of town going past the portion of the yard that has been driven through and realize that whoever went through the yard had slid going up it, nearly missing the utility pole in the yard and that some front end damage and alot of grass has to be stuck in or around the tires. We decide that we will do some more investigating when we get back. There are some college boys that live just down the street behind us, so we decide to go by there and check out their cars. Only one is home and that is clean. As we head back down the street to go home, we see that our neighbor lady is out sweeping her porch and we get another view of the yard. We realize that whoever went up the ditch had to be going quite fast and has not only dug in the yard, but has ramped it landing about 10 feet further in the yard, then swerving into the neighboring yard and narrowly missing their house and just inches from taking out their deck. In fact, some of our sod was laying on their sidewalk. Now we are really curious and the neighbor guy gets home about this time and he isn't too happy about the fact that someone narrowly missed hitting his house. He works at a car repair shop and inspects the damage to our yard and figures that whoever did it must have some front end damage.

We take Hallie to the town Halloween party and she hooks up with a friend to go trick-or-treating so we decide to do some investigating, still not so sure that it wasn't one of Ty's friends who thought they were being funny. We checked all their cars and don't see any sign of damage or grass. After, I finally hear back again from Ty, he comes to the same conclusion that we have that it has to be the college kids next door. He also informs us that they like to have parties at a house in the country down the road from us.

Well, today we had big plans to rake up leaves and also to burn the pile of branches and twigs that have accumulated in the back yard. Had a big bonfire. While we were out there, Brian did some more looking around and sees that whoever did the damage must have actually fallen asleep because they started out across the street at another neighbor, went off the road there, swerved and just missed our mailbox across the street and then entered the ditch in our yard. Scary, huh? Hopefully, we or the sheriff's department can figure out who did it. (we did notify them)

So, anyway, we got the yardwork done, peeled potatoes for tomorrow's Norwegian meatball dinner at church, and are now just being lazy. The weather is turning cold and we are watching Iowa get beat by Illinois. KJ has gone to help Kal babysit their little cousins. Ty and his friend Schori are here waiting for me to get off the computer so they can get back to Xbox. Brian is sleeping and his girls went to a wedding with their mother. Oh, and I did make a big pot of chili and some beer bread to go with it. YUM-O. I think I will go back to reading my book and curling up by the spaceheater.

Grey hair

2008-10-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

As I was getting myself ready for the day, I noticed a bright white hair showing in my copper colored ones. I know they are there, but I really don't like that they stand out so much more than they used to. I showed it to Brian and asked how I could miss such a stand out hair in all the red. Well, of course he has to point out that there is about 10 of them there. What!?!? Of course, he was kidding, but there were a few more than the one that so strikingly stood out to me. And of course, I had to investigate further to see if there really was more than the one. Mostly I found blonde or lighter red hairs mixed in there, but yes indeed, there were more white ones than I like to think about. I don't know if it is just because of my age or not, but I seem to notice alot more of them in the 2 years since my illness. I think that may have contributed to some of it, but I know that my genetics have something to do with it also. Grandpa John was white for as long as I can remember and I think mom's would be too if not for some help in covering it up.

Not so long ago, I had an elderly lady come up to me in WalMart to compliment my hair color. I've kind of become accustomed to it as it happens often. She asked if it was natural and proceeded to tell me how hers was that color once. And, it was obvious that the color in her hair was not a natural red. :) My great aunt Pat once told me that hers was my color too and that it just went white/grey overnight. Oh, joy! just what I wanted to look forward to.

I guess aging is inevitable, but after so many years I have become accustomed to having a beautiful shade of red. This, despite the fact that I hated it as a child. I guess the other kids were just jealous and felt they had to call me names to take the focus off themselves. I know that now as an adult, but it hurt as a child. I guess now I can look forward to experimenting with other colors, but I would really love to keep the color I have, cause only God could have done such a great job of getting the color just right. And, there are so few of us redheads that I have to remind other little redheads of how special they are.

I lived

2008-10-26T18:33:00.001-07:00

Funny how we stress over having company and worrying about making sure things go ok. Only to find it was not that bad. Everyone enjoyed each others company and Bridget's boyfriend said the food was awesome.

I was pretty proud of myself with the food. I cooked a turkey myself and then made turkey/dressing sandwiches with it. A coworker gave me the recipe and it was really easy. I had looked up the recipe online, but the one I found was really complicated. I didn't use as many of the ingredients as she did though, because her recipe called for a 16-20 lb. turkey and mine was only about 11.5 lbs. Besides, I have plenty of leftovers with what I had. I also made baked beans, which I never have gone wrong with. Guess I get that from my mother, she always made great baked beans. Throw in some chips and Kay's cake and it was a good meal. Plus, there is lots of cake leftover. I've had a couple pieces already and there is still enough for the kids to have some when they come back tomorrow.

Brian's ex even let us have the girls over for lunch without a hassle. I noticed a little tension between his sister-in-law and sister at first, but then things seemed to ease as we all joined the conversation. So glad to have everyone there together again. Since the death of Brian's nephew, the family has had some troubles and I hope today some fences were mended.

So, now my house is still clean after having company and I can relax for a few days before I have to start over again.

Cleaning

2008-10-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I need to entertain more. I've been cleaning all morning and making food for tomorrow. (Heather is getting confirmed) I've always thought my house was fairly clean, but boy when I know that someone is coming over, I have looked really closely in the corners, etc. and I have some killer dust bunnies growing. Yuck! So I have come to the conclusion that if I entertain more, I will clean better. Then maybe I won't be as stressed when I have people over, I will become accustom to it. It is also a good thing that I did a lot of cleaning last week. I don't feel that I have to pack it all in today. Plus, when Brian wakes up (he worked last night) he will help me. I'm assigning him the entryway. He can clean around all those deer antlers, they are his after all.

I suppose, now that I have eaten and refueled, I should get back to work on the next project.

Mom and Dad

2008-10-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my sister for posting on her blog and reminding me that it was Mom and Dad's anniversary today. I remembered to call her this evening to wish them a happy day. Sounds like Dad is gonna make them some beer butt chicken. You'd think I'd remember that they have been together 39 years considering I will be turning 39 next spring, Ugh! One year closer to the big 40. Yes, Jules, that means you will soon be 30. Ha! I would love to go back to 30, I didn't mind turning 30 at all. Maybe I will say that about 40 when I turn 50, and 50 when I turn 60. :) My good friend Ruthie, who just turned 70, reminded me that it isn't so bad, cause you know more when you get older and you can sit back and just watch people and just know stuff. Does that make sense?

I have the news on as I type this and am amazed. A couple weeks ago when we went on our last trip for the season, we went through a little town called Balltown, where there was a big line of people waiting to enter a restaurant there. A couple nights after that we learned that this place was kind of famous in that the previous building had burned down and had just recently opened after being rebuilt. They also said how good the food was there and I have heard some other people since then talk about how good it was. So, just yesterday, I was telling my good friend Tracy and her husband that we should think about going there to eat some night. Well, she emails me this morning and says the place burned down again!! Can you believe it? Sure enough, I have the news on and that is what they said. Guess someone doesn't want them to be in business. One of the ladies I was talking about said they had just been there on Tuesday of this week and there was a long line to eat there then. It must have been good, too bad we may have to wait to get to try it out, if we get to at all.

Well, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you.

I tried to add a picture from their wedding day, but I can't seem to figure out how to transfer it from my scanner program to my post.

Death and Affirmation of Faith

2008-10-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Not sure how to title this one. Maybe I should start doing that after I have written my post. As I look back, my posts seem very long. Maybe because I don't write everyday.

Found out this week, that one of our former PE teachers and long time coach passed away. I think anyone that attended Valley in the 30 years that he was there can relate to all of the games that he taught us and Mr Mack's rules of play. Mostly the rules that he made up for good sportsmanship during class. Like, never throwing the volleyball over the net to the opposing team when it was their turn to serve. Brian and I are going to attend the visitation tonight. I feel obligated and so does he since we went to school with his children and now our kids go to school with his grandkids. Also, we have grown accustomed to seeing him and his wife at every one of the grandkids' sporting events. And, joking with them when we disagree with a call made by the referee.

We decided last night that we will host a gathering of his family after Heather's confirmation on Sunday. Ugh! Nothing like making last minute plans. We have been going back and forth on whether we would do it or not because her mother couldn't make up her mind. And, she is known for waiting until the last minute. So, I guess I will be spending the next couple of days stressing and straightening the house for company. He reminded me that it wasn't that bad. But, you know how it goes when you have different company over and you just think you need everything perfect. Luckily, I had done a major cleaning last weekend, so I don't have to do so much, just the things that I didn't get done like the front entry. That is one that I put off because it seem so be such a big project. I think I will enlist Brian's help with that because most of the problem is dusting around his deer antlers. Yuck. I already have most of the shoes put away or arranged anyway. But, will need to vacuum. Then, there is always the bathroom and picking up the little clutter piles that I put off until they bother me too much to stand any longer.

Well, I better find something productive to do here at work. Some afternoons are kinda quiet, so I can get away with this. :)

Spending the day with my kids

2008-10-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't been on in a while either. Too many distractions at home sometimes. Actually, it's hard to get on the computer when Ty is connected online with his Xbox. He would play all day if I let him. I did get him off long enough to help Brian to mow the yard and rake up the leaves on Sunday afternoon. And, he helped me move the couch. I got a wild ambition to rearrange the living room. I like it, it seems a little cozier. I hope I can leave it that way for the holidays too. Will just have to find a new place for my tree.

Well, yesterday I took my kids shopping. I figured that Brian would be sleeping most of the day and he already had planned to take his daughter to get her haircut. I won't even go into the pain that turned out to be. But, shopping with my kids was actually pretty fun. We all kind of share the same sense of humor and they didn't even pick on each other as badly as they have in the past.

KJ needed basketball shoes and that is the main reason that we went. Of course, there were other things that I had to battle her against getting, because after all, she is my daughter and she enjoys shopping and getting new girlie things. Luckily, I held her off. Ty is the one who I thought needed things, but he said he had enough jeans to wear. I thought he might need some sweatshirts for the cooler weather, but he said that all he really needs is one, as long as, that one is clean. I did end up buying him one. Gotta love him. He is so easy to buy for.

We tried to stop by to get his license reinstated, but unfortunately, his dad hadn't gotten the SR-22 insurance filed soon enough, so he will have to go back and try later this week or wait until next week, when they are off for parent teacher conferences. I did have a chat about their report cards over lunch. They both said that they were doing well, even in the ones that I was a little worried about. I guess we will see for sure when I retrieve them. I'm glad that I don't really have to speak with their teachers much. They are basically good students. KJ struggles a little with organization and it usually takes one night of sitting out a game for her to get back on track. She doesn't like that much. And, neither do I.

Like I said, I really enjoyed the day with my kids. We laughed together, talked, and just all around had a good day. I have to enjoy them as much as I can before they are grown and moved away from me. I sometimes wonder if they talk with their dad as much as they talk with me. It seems they are starved for my attention when they come each week. Some days, when I get home from work, I can hardly break away to go to the bathroom, without them stopping me to share what they did the previous week. But, I wouldn't change it for the world. I love them and I have really enjoyed watching them grow into adolescents. They test my nerves sometimes, but I don't think I could ask for much better kids.

I was complaining about Brian's ex to them as we got home and of course, I was just blowing off steam. Ty looked at me and asked if I would like him and his friends to egg her house!! HA! I almost agreed to it if he wouldn't get caught, but of course, he said he was just kidding and I would never actually let him do that no matter how mad she would make me. That wouldn't be very Christian of me, would it. He just laughed. I hated to take them back to their dad after such a great day, but at least I got to spend the day with them rather than sending them off to school and me going off to work in the morning. That means the week without them will be that much shorter. Besides, they usually have to come back to my house for something anyway. Like, KJ's cell phone charger which is sitting on my dining room table waiting for her right now.

I suppose I had better wind things down here at work for the evening before I go home. It hasn't been too busy, I've only been interrupted in my typing a few times. :)

Teenagers, ugh.

2008-10-18T09:51:00.001-07:00

I'm writing this on a chilly Saturday morning. Was tempted to stay in bed, but then the bedframe broke as I rolled over to give Brian a kiss. So much for sleeping in. Actually, I had been awake for awhile, engrossed in a book that my daughter loaned to me, "Twilight". I think her grandmother bought the series of books for her on her trip to Colorado to visit her aunt and cousins. I also finally acquired the Chronicles of Narnia series back that her aunt bought for the kids awhile ago. I'll have plenty of reading material for winter.

Brian, who is known for sleeping in on Saturday, because in his excuse 'I'm a third shift worker', ended up having to get up to fix the bedframe. While he did that, I made my usual Saturday morning breakfast pizza. It turned out good, as usual, even though I cooked the second one a little long. We were engrossed in one of the movies that we rented last night. We/I only made it through 2 of the 3. His girls went upstairs and he fell asleep during the 2nd movie, "Iron Man". That is what they are watching at this time. Ty went off to work with his dad this morning and KJ is sleeping off her short night. She went to a Luther League lock-in at UNI last night and she said she didn't get to sleep until 6/6:30 this morning. Then, they left to come home around 8. She fell asleep almost immediately when she got home. Right now, she is in the middle of the living room floor as the others watch the movie. Hal is coloring quietly by herself. Which, if you listen closely you would wonder if she is actually by herself, because she is usually talking to herself.

Heather is watching the movie, but I think she is secretly seething due to her current exile into grounding. Early yesterday morning, around 3:30 am, her mother left a voice mail on her father's phone stating that someone had left an anonymous message on her home phone. The message said that Heather and another girl or girls had been out drinking at her last sleepover and was getting drunk. She stated that we shouldn't let her spend the night with a friend that she was planning to stay with on Friday night and that we didn't need to have a daughter that was getting drunk and getting hurt or raped or whatever. Kind of ironic, considering the older 2 have already done all of these things, with maybe the exception of getting raped. Or at least, I don't know if they have ever been raped, I do know, however, that they have been sexually active for quite some time. Heather, is only 14, and I was just telling Brian the night before that I felt that we were making progress with her and that she was so far, making some good choices in her life. Well, anyway, her mother also took away the new phone that she had bought her last weekend. As we were watching the movie last night, I noticed that she was holding her old phone, which I didn't think probably worked. I pointed it out to Brian. Soon after, she retired upstairs to her room and her sister followed. Then Hal came back and I asked what Heather was doing. She said she was talking on her phone. I said where and she pointed upstairs. I had Brian, go up to take it away from her and come to find out, she had taken his phone since hers did not work and was talking to her boyfriend on that!! Can you believe that? What nerve. In checking, she had been on there about 10 minutes before he took it away from her.

I seriously, do not like being the mother of teenagers. I don't think my nerves can take it. I don't even want to think what Ty has done when he is out. I don't think he has been drinking, but I most likely may be wrong. He has had plenty of opportunity, but I pray that he has made the right choices and has abstained for now. He basically has a pretty good class that is not prone to partying and drinking, but we all know that can change. And, he does have it in his genes. I have preached to both children how I feel that if it is a choice they choose to make, that they at least wait until they are adults and are able to deal with the consequences that can arise from making bad choices. This also applies to sex. And, he is a teenage boy and I do know that the opposite sex is on his mind quite often lately. Heaven help me. For some reason people keep bringing it up that I should be cautious that he may get himself into trouble in that way too. Once again, I hope he waits until he is an adult and can deal with the consequences that can arise from that subject too.

Well, it is after 12:00 and I still have not taken a shower. I have lots of stuff I want to get done this weekend, to prepare for winter around the house, and since I have seen this movie already, I should get going on some of it. Luckily, I am off on Monday, so that gives me an extra day to do things. I did spend some time on Thursday night doing some vacuuming and scrubbing of floors, so that helped some. But, I'm sure I'll take another break when the next movie starts. I'll probably be done showering by then.

Love to all.

The week ahead

2008-10-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is Monday again and we have another busy week ahead. Tonight is pretty quiet, although we are a little disappointed that tonight was the for the concert that Heather needed the dress for. If we had know about it, we would have attended.

Tomorrow night the girls both have volleyball games. KJ is away and it is her last. She was a little disapointed that I said we wouldn't be there, but Heather's game is home and it is Parent's night. Brian and I are hoping that only the senior parents have to walk out on the court as we do not want to have to deal with his ex for that. As she said in one of her many rants, I don't want to talk to her because I can't deal with it. And, yes she is right, because I shouldn't have to. If she was agreeable and not so defensive all the time I wouldn't have to.

Wednesday night the kids have a cookie sales kick off for their fundraising for the Luther League convention in July of next year. For those of you that I have not informed, the 3 oldest are going to the Luther League convention in New Orleans next summer. Until then they have to raise the money for the trip by doing fundraising events throughout the year. So, if anyone is interested, they will be selling cookie dough. I'll fill you in on the details when I find out more after Wednesday.

I don't think anything is going on Thursday because it is the end of the volleyball season. Koree just reminded me that she is going to need basketball shoes and they should be starting practice already later this week. Time flies, huh.

Then it will be the weekend and who knows what we will do. I know I have to start getting this place ready for the winter. The camper needs to be winterized and there is plenty of other stuff to do. For now, I'm going to bed.

Full Moon Psychosis?

2008-10-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

I said in an earlier post that I would sometimes post to rant about exes and today I have a rant. On Friday, Heather had asked her Dad if he would pay for half of a dress that she apparently needs for choir and also half of a new cell phone that she thinks she needs. Her phone still works it just broke a spring in the hinge. Well, recently Brian had asked her mother to pay for half of the down payment on a Luther League trip to New Orleans that will take place next summer. He also asked if she would pay half of the cost of a t-shirt and some other things that she wanted to be part of the volleyball team. Both times she refused. He also pays her child support and is also responsible for all of their school expenses.

Well, today she called again to ask if he would pay for half of the dress. He told her no, that he had paid for these other things and her mom would not pay half so he didn't feel obligated to pay half of these things. Well, of course he could hear her mother making threats in the background. He didn't feel that Heather should be put in the middle so he hung up.

Well, of course her mother calls back and leaves a voice mail, which states that he is a coward for hanging up the phone and not talking. Since he didn't answer that message she calls again. I answer it and am very angry at this point and tell her how she is the coward for not speaking to us when she saw us face to face the night before and also for putting Heather in the middle then hung up. Brian turned off his phone and she proceeds to leave 3 messages on his phone and one on mine. (We do have a home phone, but she never even calls that one). Each message she leaves is more psychotic and frenzied. I'm not an expert, but I swear we go through this about once a month or so, whether it has to do with the moon phases or just her manic phases. I don't know.

She went on to say what a bad father he is because he doesn't spend time with his children and that I must wear the pants in the family and tell him what to do, etc. What a nut! Oh, and she thinks she is the one that pays for everything, and that she is going to have his paychecks reviewed and try to get more child support because he makes more money than she does. I am hoping and praying that it backfires on her. I hope that a judge will see that she could make more money by getting a better paying job and working more hours and that he is paying more than enough considering that he has shared custody. They split like I do with my kids every other week. So, in a sense, he is paying for them to live here and at her house. Who is paying for everything here? Besides she signed a paper agreeing to accept the amount specified for child support and she has promised in the past to drop it if she and her current boyfriend got a house together. Well, they have since done that. I hope it doesn't come down to us having to get a lawyer, but we may have to fight to drop the child support all together or get full custody.

I am just so frustrated with it all and hope that by writing this I can express some of my anger in a more creative way rather than doing or saying something that I may regret.

Perfect Fall Day

2008-10-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

Stopping at Barney's.

The view just past Osborne, we had to stop and wait for some road construction.

A bluff overlooking Guttenburg. The picture doesn't do justice to the colors.

Yesterday was the perfect day for a ride. We have done this ride in the past it is an emergency services ride that benefits St. Judes. This is their 3rd annual ride and each year it gets bigger. They couldn't have picked a better day for the ride. The leaves were at their peak of color. Unfortunately, I couldn't get pictures of the best colors because we were moving down the road. We found a new route that we will definitely do again. I can't believe we haven't done this route before on our own. We have been pretty much everywhere around NE Iowa. This route showed some beautiful scenery and then ran along a bluff overlooking the Mississippi river valley. It was awesome. There were tons of bikes out. It is a thrill to pass others and wave knowing they were enjoying the ride as much as we were.

Living with teenagers

2008-10-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to get on here and get another post done, but it has been another long busy week. I have had to come into work early every day too. We have started opening the clinic early for fasting bloodwork and this week was my turn to come in early and open up. So, my usual evening hours for being online have been cut short because I am too tired by then to think of anything to post. Right now I am sitting here at work, posting while I wait for the first patient to come in. So, it will be short.

KJ had another volleyball game last night and also one on Tuesday night. I just love watching her play. She has really gotten good and it makes me proud to watch her. You can tell that she loves it. And, Brian also loves to go and watch her play. Both girls had away games last night and he and I chose to go and watch KJ. Not that Heather isn't pretty good too, but KJ is so much more fun to watch (at least in my opinion). Heather has a good serve but she doesn't get as much action as KJ. I can't wait until they are all in high school and we can watch them all play. I think they will be very good by then.

I so enjoy watching the kids grow up even though their teen years are and will be trying, but they could be so much worse. Reassures me that I did do something right in raising them. KJ is still defining herself as a person, figuring out where she fits in, and which classmates and friends suit her best. Ty has moved on to different friends than he had when he was younger, some choices I am not so sure about, but I know that he knows what is right and trust that God will lead him to making the right decisions. He didn't even fight me this past Sunday about going to church. The last few he has argued with me about not wanting to go and wanting to sleep in, but this time he got right up. I guess it helps that church is at 10:30 now instead of 8:30. :) I wonder about his faith sometimes, but I guess time will tell.

Well, I better get to work and will probably post this evening and definitely soon after our ride tomorrow. The leaves have really changed colors and I hope to get some beautiful pictures along the river. Maybe I can get a friend to take our picture together with the bike too.

Beautiful Fall Day

2008-10-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

Our ride yesterday was beautiful, but cool. We made sure to dress very warm as you can see from the pictures. Tracy had to stop at Dollar General, to get some warmer gloves to put under her thin leather ones and also a stocking hat for her head. I wore the nice camouflaged one that my mother knitted for me. It worked great. I also have a warm headband that can be used in different ways, yesterday I chose to wear it as a neckwarmer.

We were a little disappointed as our trip did not yield much for color. The leaves have not quite turned except on some of the north facing slopes. We hope our ride that is planned for next week will be prettier. The forecast also says that it will be cold. Around the 50's. Last year, on this same ride we were wearing short sleeves and it turned out to be 90 by the end of the day. Yesterday was in the mid-60's. Our faces were cold, by late afternoon it wasn't too bad.

I took a picture of the view from the side of our yard, where you can see that some of the leaves in town have changed, but the ones on the far hillside have not. Also, a couple of the pictures show that we indeed have leaves falling and will soon be raking. I've got one pumpkin in the yard as you can see, but need to get a couple more to add to my decor. If you look closely in the one picture with Brian's truck, you can see that we made a corn shock, from our sweet corn stalks, around the utility pole at the bottom of the driveway. I don't dare put any pumpkins near the end of the driveway though. I'm sure they would disappear and end up smashed on a roadway somewhere. The ones we grew last year, never did. Some people said they would but I think we are far enough back from the road that no one would dare try to get that close to the house.

I also added a nice picture of our motorcycle. It sits there so nice and shiny in our friends driveway. If you look in the background of that one, you will see pine branches laying on the ground. Their back door neighbor was at the top of that tree cutting them off. By the time we got back from our ride, he had the whole tree cut down. It was a very tall old pine tree. Our friends son said that his room would be alot brighter now without the shade of that tree there.

After our long ride we came home exhausted. Today, is cold and rainy. After church and Sunday school it will be a long lazy day inside watching movies with the kids. Ty, I'm sure will be back on the Xbox after I am finished posting this. They just finished off the leftovers in the fridge for lunch. I have a roast in the crockpot for supper and will probably also cook up the squash that I got from Brian's parents' garden. Will probably also have to make something else, as I don't think the kids like squash, except maybe Ty.

Busy week

2008-10-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

I'm taking the moment to add another blog and fill everyone in on our busy week. I think it was Monday when I last posted. Tuesday evening I worked and maybe it was a short one then. Brian had a fire meeting on Wednesday night and I went to church choir practice. We are working on a new song for Thanksgiving service. It's interesting. I struggle a little because I have a hard time hearing due to the fact that most of the women in the group are over 65 and their voices are a little on the warbly side. Besides that, I don't read music. On this night, there were only a few people that showed. Mostly men, one alto and another soprano besides me. I really would prefer to sing alto as I can't sing the really high notes, but they are short on the sopranos. Well, the one soprano that shows up besides me happens to be my neighbor lady and she is a really nice lady, but her voice has passed it's prime. She even used to be the choir instructor in her earlier years. But, nowadays her voice is really warbly and it is really hard for me to know the right notes when she sits beside me and you all know how bad my hearing is, so I try really hard to hear the notes from the piano. Luckily we sit right in front of it.

On this particular night the flies also have taken to going into hibernation mode and must have decided I was a nice place to do that. They kept clinging to me and I felt like I was crawling with them. Blech!

On Thursday we went to Heather's volleyball game. That was a disappointment. The other team was much better than ours, all teams lost. Last night, we went to the football game and that was also a disappointment. I think they lost 41-8. Reminds me of when I was in school and our teams were really bad. This is sad considering only a few short years ago our guys were consistently in the playoffs. This has been a bad year. The guys haven't won a single game.

This morning, I am sitting her typing and listening to KJ and her friends randomly playing their ringtones. She had 4 girls spend the night after the game. She has really been struggling lately with finding out who her real friends are. I like this bunch much better than the ones she has spent time with in the past. I hope she sticks with these. I'm sure everyone woman can remember their early teen years struggling through puberty and figuring out who they are. Heather ended up staying the night with one of her friends. I'm not really crazy about her choice of friends either, but then her class doesn't have the best choices. KJ and her still get along like sisters and I hope it stays that way. Hallie decided to spend the night with her grandparents so she can play with her cousin today. Ty of course, decided he was going to stay elsewhere since we had a house full of girls.

Today, Brian and I are planning on riding with another couple who I hope will still be able to ride. They called last night to say that their bike was still in the shop being fixed. They are hoping to borrow one today. We really wanted to go leaf looking. The leaves are changing like crazy and Brian had a good route to take. We will be leaving later this morning, hopefully. And, yes, I am taking my camera. It's gonna be chilly too.

Well, the girls think I need to make them pancakes. I was planning on feeding them anyway. It was TJ's pizza of course last night. Didn't take long to finish off 2 larges. Especially when big brother and his friends decided to help themselves.

Will post pictures later.

Busy Day

2008-09-30T17:08:00.001-07:00

I'm taking a moment while here at work to fill in the remainder of my day. I also enjoy a productive day and yesterday turned out to be a good one.

After leaving to go shopping, the weather turned out not to be too bad. The sun came out, although it stayed a little overcast and was still a little cool. I limited my purchases at Walmart and then hit Fareway big time. With the weather getting cooler, it was past time to stock up my pantry.

I got home and put everything away. Then finished the laundry, did the dishes, and got out my halloween decorations. By this time, the kids got home from school and there is always catching up to do when Ty arrives. The older girls decided to stay for the JV football game. I had to pick them up around 8.

I warmed up the leftover chili from the night before for supper and made cornbread to go along with it. The chili didn't turn out as good as we usually make it. We only had a can of Rotel tomatoes to put in it and that made it extra spicy hot, which I don't like. We were also out of chili beans, so we substituted black beans, which I love. Good thing I stocked up because now I have plenty of the ingredients that I normally use.

Well, maybe I'll add more later, for now I have to go.

Weekend fun?

2008-09-29T07:25:00.001-07:00

I'm finally getting a chance to sit down and write about my weekend. Today is a typical drizzly fall day and I'm off work. As soon as, I finish, I need to get to the store and stock up before the kids get home from school.

I apologize now. I did not get my camera out of the bag!! If the weather is nice, I promise to do it this weekend as the leaves are quickly changing and it will be beautiful.

We took off around 10:30 on Friday morning after packing up our bags and taking Eddie to the vet for boarding. We find it easier to do that than try to get a babysitter for him every time we are gone for the weekend. Although, I wish he didn't have to be in a kennel most of the time. And, I'm sure he doesn't like it either as he is used to moving about freely. So, we get everything loaded and head off for a beautiful ride. We mapped out our route, taking some roads we haven't yet been on. We have found that going to central Iowa, especially north central, is not one of our favorites. It is just too flat and windy. We arrive in time to take off and do some errands before our friends have to play in a coed softball league.

This couple is so busy. I really think they have too many irons in the fire because they are always meeting themselves coming and going. She was planning a 70th surprise birthday party for her mother, meanwhile also trying to keep up with their busy schedules. After the softball game, which was entertaining, and luckily they just play for fun, because their team really wasn't very good, we head to the other side of Ames to meet up with my friends brother. He has flown into town from Las Vegas to attend the birthday party. We visit with them at his friends house for a while and then decide we need to get back to their house and get to bed at a decent time as we had a lot planned for the next day.

Bright and early the next morning at 6:30 am, Dan and Brian head out to meet the mother of his oldest daughter's boyfriend to pick up his daughter. They have about an hour and a half drive to meet him halfway. She lives up near us, but since we were riding the motorcycle, we couldn't very likely bring her along with us, which we have done in the past. Meanwhile, JoJo and I are getting up to go to her gym for a workout. We spend a killer (for me anyway) hour working out and then spend half an hour in the sauna. I haven't sweated that much in ages. Whew! Ok, so you gotta understand that my friend's clock does not run the same as anyone elses. She is forever misjudging time and crams everything she can in, with no sense of how long it will actually take to get it all done. So, we are about 10 minutes late for the workout and then as we are finishing our sauna she looks at the clock and says we need to get home take a shower and be to Ames by 9:00 for her facial appt. The clock says 8:45. Now mind you, it is going to take us a few minutes to get home, take a shower and then it is about a 10 minute drive to Ames. She is thinking we can accomplish this. Yeah, right. So. nevertheless, we are 20 minutes late for her appt. I have some errands to run, but, I really don't want to go out in public with no makeup on and not having had a chance to do my hair. So, I decide to wait. I also have a facial appt but not for another hour and a half after hers. I'm not really sure why hers took so long, mine only took and hour. The facial is alright, but I much preferred the massage she gave to my face and shoulders. I caught myself dozing a couple of times as we had such a short night the night before. So, I get finished and find that my friend is nowhere to be found. I give her a call and she has gone shopping!! and getting her nails done!! Ugh. I'm starving, because by this time it is noon and I haven't eaten breakfast or anything all morning and she has ditched me. So, I decide if she is going to be a while, I'll walk over to a coffee shop that is not too far and get a sandwich and wait for her. I finish the sandwich, use the bathroom and buy a drink and she is just pulling up.

Then it is on to run around and pick things up from the party. Luckily she has gotten most of this while I was getting my facial. So, we are rushing around and she is brainstorming on what we have to get yet. She gets a call from one of her daughters who has a softball tournament of her own to go to. So, she arranges for another mom to pick her up and we also have to arrange to get another girl picked up. Meanwhile, during all of this, her other daughter also has a fishing outing for girl scouts, which her husband has to attend in between lining up the keg and doing some of the other errands for the party. See what I mean about meeting themselves coming and going. So, we have picked up the odds and ends, drop them off the party location and now it is midafternoon. She has to attend at least one of the softball games for the first daughter and Brian and I are worn out by this time. So, we lay down for a nap before we have to get ready for the party. Oh, and it felt good too. I could never spend every weekend on that schedule. Weekends for me are supposed to be relaxing.

The party is a hit. Her mother is thoroughly surprised and is elated that her son and his wife also showed up to surprise her from Vegas. Everybody pitches in for clean up and we head out of there to their garage where a bunch of us hang out and have a few drinks and share stories.

The next morning we get up late. The youngest daughter of our friends, she is 10, has decided that she wants to make us all french toast for brunch. It turns out really well. By then, noontime is closing in on us and the weather is not looking so good. We decide we had better hurry and pack up to go. The sky is overcast and cool and looks like it could possibly rain on us. Luckily, it did not. The further we got north, the more the sun came out to warm us. Luckily we had our heavy leathers on too. The sun was warm, but the air was much cooler than a couple of days before. I was wearing a sweatshirt and then just a tshirt that day. But, this day was long sleeves and warm jackets. I hadn't brought my heavy leather jacket though, which would have been much warmer. We took a different route home, which I enjoyed much better than the few days before. I think we will use that route again. It was 4 pm by the time we reached West Union and dropped off Dan's daughter. By the way, Dan rode his motorcycle with us to take his daughter home. Too bad, he had to ride his home alone. At least the weather, was nicer than when we began.

Since, we were in town, we had to stop by his daughter and her boyfriends place for a short visit, then it was on to home, where we warmed ourselves with a pot of chili. Brian ate then fell asleep as he had to work that night. I busied myself with doing up the laundry and catching up on stuff on the computer. I never did get on to do this blog. Figured I'd save it for today. Which brings me to a close since I have to get that grocery shopping done. My list has grown quite long.

I'd really rather stay in today, since the weather is drizzly and cool. Oh, well, it's gotta get done. Catch ya next time.

I feel better

2008-09-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Didn't get any posting done lately and I'm sure my sister is ready for a new update. Wasn't feeling well on Wednesday evening. I think there was some virus going around where I work as my coworkers were all feeling yucky. It lasted about 3 days. Just felt achy and tired, no fever or other symptoms. Was glad to wake up on Thursday feeling better. Had to go to Ty's meeting with the DOT.

The meeting overall went well. Although, she did not lift the suspension of his license. Apparently the violation was much more serious than I thought. I went away from there ready to cry and feeling very humbled as a parent. I've always trusted him to make good choices and boys will be boys. But, apparently the statistics regarding boys in his age group are very high for being killed due to car accidents. Especially when there are other kids in the vehicle. This is one of those instances where we feel invincible and think it will never happen to us, but he was very lucky that someone was not killed or hurt. And, I'm taking it a little more serious than I did before. Although, I do believe he has learned his lesson. I still believe though that the he is paying a much larger penalty than someone who is caught drinking and driving. He paid $180 for the fines, his license is taken for a month, and he will be on a probationary driver's license for a year. On top of that, he will have to pay another $50 and file SR-22 insurance before he can get his license back again. Like I said, much more serious than I thought.

Then at noon, had to go to my annual health screening for work. We have to fill out a questionnaire, schedule the appt online, nurses from Gundersen in LaCrosse come down and take our height, weight, and CO2 levels and then tell us whether we have jumped enough hoops to qualify for a discount on our health insurance. We also were awarded a Gundersen windbreaker this year for doing it. I'm of course overweight. All that weight I lost being sick found it's way back. So, we can print off a risk assessment plan for how to improve, which I did and am working on. It will be more fruits and vegetables for me and get some more exercise in my week. And, I still qualified for a $360 discount off my health insurance for the year.

Went to lunch at the Townhouse next. I was sure to make better choices from the menu. Brian, however, stuck to his favorite pork fritter and fried cheese curds. Even though, he was classed as being obese on his health assessment. I wouldn't say he is obese, maybe overweight, but not obese. But, because of his height and weight, that is where he falls. At least on the very low side of it. I'm pushing him to exercise with me more too.

Then in the afternoon, we got a short ride around the countryside before we headed to volleyball games again. We planned to hit a couple of Koree's before going to Heather's but unfortunately they had some bus trouble and the game was postponed until 5 instead of 4 so we missed her. Went on to home where I had a message from Ty who was desperate to get into our house. Apparently, he had big plans to go to see his girl--friend. Not really sure why he had to get ready at our house, but the friend that he was taking him lives here in town. (Ty is at his dad's this week) So, we got him settled, changed our clothes and headed to Heather's volleyball game. The freshman didn't do too good. I missed the JV/Varsity reserve game as I was volunteered to help in the concession stand. Apparently, the junior class is in charge of it to raise money for prom and since I have a junior this year, I got to help. I hope to never have to do it again. I was pretty much in charge of making sure that the airheads that were working didn't mess up the money. In fact, the other mother that was working, didn't want to deal with the money either because she couldn't count back change. So, anyway, I snuck out as soon as I could to watch the Varsity play and I am glad I did. What an exciting game. I think the opposing team really thought they could whip up on us. But, the girls rose to the challenge and beat them 3 out of 4 games. It was really exciting.

So, now I better get off this thing and get packed and ready for our riding trip. I will try and remember to get my camera out of the bag and get some pictures posted. This weekend won't be as pretty as the next couple though. I hope to especially get some good pics in the next couple weeks as the leaves change.

We ride

2008-09-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Finally got to ride for a little while tonight. The weather was warm and a little breezy, but it felt so good to get out and let go a little. Believe it or not, Brian and I have some of our best talks when we ride. May be hard to believe considering how loud our bike is, but I just lean into him and talk and he turns his head and talks back. Most of the noise from the bike goes behind us anyway. Ask anyone who has followed us.

Today was one of those days that reminds me that I really do need a few days off. The clinic where I work has been under construction for the past year and is finally coming to a close, but the worst has come before the best. Everyday, we hear the complaints from patients on how hard it is to get in the place and where can we park. Plus, for the past few weeks, we haven't a had a full week go by where either the computer has gone down or the phones have not worked properly. If you had an employee like that, wouldn't you fire them?? Kinda how I feel about our computer system.

I also believe that NE Iowa contains some of the most ignorant people in the world. Of course, I haven't been around that much, but boy some people are just stupid. You wonder how they remember to breath everyday. I certainly have my occasional 'brain farts' but.....wow. I guess that is what you get when you work in customer service most of your life. You meet all kinds.

Family

2008-09-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Heather's game. They played Indy and who should be in the hall when we arrive but my cousin Kelly and aunt Michelle. We sat with them on the opposing side, but cheered for our team, of course. It was good catching up. Spotted Ty across the way and texted him that #15 was his cousin. He says "why do I have so many cousins that I don't know?" I say, "because I do!" Funny. Also, discussed the fact that she will be turning 40 next week and that reminds me just how old I am getting. Although, I have another year and a half to go. Guess I better hurry and get busy trying to accomplish all those things I wanted to do before I got OLD!!

The week ahead will be a busy one. She has another game tomorrow night, but is away and we pretty much told the girls that we would only make the away games this year. Wednesday night choir and then another home game on Thursday. Thursday, in itself will be a busy one. Meet with the DOT in the morning to discuss Ty's "ghost surfing" episode, gotta go back to work, but just to do a health screening, then go to the game in the evening. Friday is a fun day!! Weather permitting, it will be riding the motorcycle. I can't wait!! The weather is still warm and the leaves are changing. It should be great! Will be riding to central IA to see friends who are throwing a surprise 70th for her mother. Gotta pick up some gag gifts on the way. She is such a fun lady and will be like gagging a friend my age rather than a 70-year old. Hopefully, Saturday we can ride a little with our friends down there before the party and then ride home again on Sunday. I am so looking forward to having a long weekend. I even have Monday off.

I really should take a week off for vacation. There are somedays where everyone at work can just grate on your nerves. The patients, the coworkers, everything. Hopefully, this weekend will help me to recharge and be fresh and ready to face another week. It really is hard to be nice all the time.

The kids are at their other parents this week, so hope to update this a little more for the week.

Weekend update

2008-09-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

I'm taking the opportunity at a chance alone to add yet another post. The kids are still asleep and it isn't quite ready to get them up and ready for Sunday School. Today is the first day for the year. I like the later hour much better. Because we share a minister with another small local church they alternate church times each year. Last year church was at 8:30 am with Sunday school following. This year Sunday school is at 9:20 and church is following at 10:30. This allows us all to sleep in a little from our weekday schedules, yet we still have a purpose for getting up for the day. Not that we don't on Saturdays, it's just that the older 2 teenagers like to sleep most of the mornings away.

This weekend, however was an exception for Tyler. He went to bed early on Friday night and was up earlier than usual on Saturday morning. The loss of his license for the month has put a damper on his social life. He actually spent the whole weekend at home with us. Although his cell phone kept him in touch with everyone. Namely a certain girl.

Ok, so let's back up a little and go back a couple days. KJ had a volleyball game on Thursday. It has been amazing to watch these girls grow up in such a short time. Last year they were fumbling first time seventh grade players and this year more experienced 8th graders. And not just a chosen few, but all of them. I can't wait to see what they do when they reach high school. KJ, I am glad, has a few more athletic skills than her mother, or at least she does in volleyball. My niece, however, reminded me of myself. She was a go-getter, but the ball went everywhere, much like me when I play volleyball. Which is why I never played competitively in school. Just in the backyard with her father when it was just him and I. I'm sure her skills will also improve with experience.

Back, to KJ. Brian was doubtful upon seeing the size of the opposing team that the girls could beat them. But, boy did I love rubbing it into him when they beat them 4 out of 5 games!! With the 'scrubs' as he likes to call them, losing the 4th game by only 2 pts and then beating their better players in the 5th game. HA! take that!

Well, Friday rolls around and the football game is away so we decide to just hang out at home with the kids. We decided that it would just be a family weekend for a change. No friends over or going to someone elses. I don't mind them doing it sometimes, but it gets to be an everyweekend thing and it gets tiresome when your home sanctuary is invaded. (I don't think they get to do it much at all at their other parents) I really wish we had a bigger home, so that I could send them to the basement or off into another side of the house. It's not that I don't want them around, I just wish for them to have their own space to hang out. A family room or game room all their own and another where we can be too. It was really needed last weekend as we watched the Iowa/Iowa State game while the girls were wrestling with each other on the floor. This would have been a great opportunity to send them somewhere else. Even though it was funny watching them.

Saturday morning comes around and this is always my opportunity to make a big breakfast. I gave up making them during the week long ago when the kids became big enough to do their own and I got tired of trying to do it and then having them wait until the last minute to get up and then not eating what I made them anyway. So, they began making their own toast or frozen waffles or pouring their own bowl of cereal. I reserved pancakes, muffins, eggs and sausage/bacon for the weekends. I've gotten really good, thanks to Brian, at making a breakfast pizza. It dirties alot of pans, but it is soooo good. And since my kitchen is so small, I can wash the dishes as I go. Anyway, this Saturday morning was one of those times when I was trying to get Brian to make up my mind on what to make for breakfast and he wasn't getting the job done. So, I decided that I'd try my hand at making the fixin's for breakfast burritos. Turned out pretty good. Although, Ty and I were the only ones that actually ate them as burritos. I also made plain eggs as I knew that the picky girls wouldn't eat anything with peppers and onions in it. Oh , and some good crispy hashbrowns.

It's finally getting late and I'm trying to get myself into the shower but the phone rings, so I'm discussing the call with Brian and then the doorbell rings. It's a boyscout selling popcorn. Not a clue who the boy is but I decide that he is the first to come to my door, so he gets my business. Although, I can't understand why someone would let their child come to the door with crusty snot and food all over his face. Especially while in a boyscout uniform. But, then I find out who he belongs to and then I understand. They take care of their home the same way. I get him squared away and start for the shower again. (I really hate answering the door in my pj's) I realize my daughter has beaten me to the shower. And, then the doorbell rings again. Oh, for Pete's sake!! It's AJ and Amy and they have come to sell popcorn too!! Well, it's Brian's turn to fork over the dough. $20 for popcorn, ouch! I guess it's for a good cause. And, if I had known my nephew was a boyscout, I would have just gotten from him even though it is really hard to say no to young kids even with snot-crusted noses.

I finally get my shower taken and chores around the house done with lots of delegating to the kids. KJ pouting and grouching the whole way. By this time, it's mid afternoon and we decided to get movies to watch for the evening. It is so much cheaper doing it that way then trying to pay for the 6 of us to go and get popcorn, treats, and pop. Besides we decided to get out our fryer which we purchased last winter. We got chicken which I cut into strips, HUGE sweet onions, and some cheese curds. We breaded them all ourselves and dipped into the fryer, learning tricks as we went. It was fun, but of course not really good for my triglycerides. We learned that you really need a good wet and dry coating to make the batter stick, one large onion was more than enough, (I didn't even cut up the second and we will still be eating the leftover rings today) one pound of chicken was enough, and don't dump the chicken all in at once, they really stick together.

Enough rambling for the morning. I need to get the kids started showering. I've finally figured out how to add pictures, although, I do not have one of Heather.

As I proofread through this, I realize it is a lot about food. I hope that my future rambling aren't all about food. Even though I enjoy it. Brian and I both do, cooking and eating together, not just motorcycling. Oh, we did get a short ride in around town Friday night too. After getting the lawn mowed we needed to cool off. Ok, now I really do need to get the girls up.

Finally an update

2008-09-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten a chance to sit down and actually add another blog. For you my sister, I do not always have the chance to sit down at the home computer by myself to do this uninterrupted. Mostly on the weeks that the kids are here. Ty has become so addicted to his Xbox that he had me subscribe him online so that he can play with his friends remotely. This means he has to hook up to our internet connection and that means no one else can use it for the hours that he plays. And, since I have the day off, I have taken the opportunity to sit down and type. This may be long. :)

And, as I say that, I am interrupted by the dog who needs to go out to do his business.

Ty--for those that don't know, has finally gotten himself a girlfriend. You will find him endlessly with cell phone in hand, texting her at any time of the day. Unfortunately, since he has lost his license for the next month, and she goes to another school, he won't be seeing much of her, unless he is driven around by one of his 'cronies', as Brian likes to call them. But, I think they pretty much owe him anyway. He has done more than his share of carting them around.

KJ--busies herself with school activities, the current one being volleyball. In fact, we have a game to go to this afternoon. It is a home one, so that is the one we will go to this afternoon. Since I have the day off, I will go early to watch my niece. She also has a cell phone now, but mean mom has limited her to 250 texts a month. (so far, so good) It helps that they are in school now.

Then that brings to the blending part:
Heather--Brian's 3rd daughter and one of the two that lives with us. She is also in volleyball this fall and also has a game this evening, which is away, so we have chosen to save the gas money and go to mostly home games this year. It was easy last year when they were both in jr high and games were the same day in the same location. Can't wait until next year. Not sure what we would do if Ty was in more activities. Heather has informed her Dad that she will not be going out for basketball, which I knew was inevitable. She is not exactly the overly athletically ambitious type, so I figured by the time high school rolled around she would be done with that. She really likes volleyball though and that is why she chose to stay out for that. And, she apparently has a talent for singing, so there will be choir activities to attend.

Hal--Brian's 4th and youngest daughter being just 7 is in the 2nd grade this year and just continues to annoy the older girls. She has been the biggest challenge as she doesn't really know how to act her age. She wants to hang out with the older girls and act older, yet from what we can tell, she is spoiled by her mother and treated like a small child. But, then she also lets her choose her own bedtime, which seems to be late into the night. At least we can somewhat offer her some structure and guidance at our home. She has grown physically by leaps and bounds this past year. Things that KJ grew out of last year, she can wear now. (but KJ is not real crazy about passing on her clothes to her). She would rather pass them on to her cousins.

Bridget & Abbie--Brian's 2 oldest girls and the biggest challenges of all. Actually, Bridget has really come around and is maturing the way she should. She has even taken to hugging me the last couple of times she has been to see us. She has a steady part-time job and is attending classes at the local community college. She lives with her on again-off again boyfriend which we are not real crazy about, but yet, I have seem some of the good that he has done for her. That doesn't count the many tattoos and piercings. Then there is Abbie. Believe it or not she was the one I liked the best at first. But, not so much, since she called me a f'ing b****. She has been affected the most by her mother and father's divorce. And, with her rebel personality, that hasn't been much fun.

The most recent difficulties with her are the fact that she called a week or 2 ago to ask her Dad for money to do her hair so that she could have her mother take her senior pictures. Ok, this is coming from a girl that should have had the pictures taken last fall like a normal senior and then graduated last spring. But, she messed that up by not attending and now is trying to finish at the local community college by taking alternative high school classes. Which is actually what she was doing last year. This just means that she can take the courses at her own pace, taking about 16 hours a week. She was getting A's in the classes she attended and even made the honor roll. But, she was dropped from the program last spring because she couldn't get her lazy behind out of bed and to the classes. So, frustrating. If she would have just followed the rules at our house and lived here, she could have benefited by some guidance. Instead she chose to live between her mother and her sister's houses or with friends for as long as her friend's could tolerate her mooching. She still has a lot of learning about the real world. So, anyway, we made the hair appointment for her and paid for it ($56 for a hair color!!). At least we know that it went for that and not more beer and cigarettes.

Then there is Brian, my hero. The one who enjoys spending time with me and has shown me the world on a motorcycle. The one who has helped me through my medical illness. (and no I haven't forgotten what Mom and Dad did for me either) The one that amazes me everyday with the things he does without me asking him to and is always thinking exactly what I'm thinking. Is that what it is like to have a soulmate? If not, I'm guessing it is the closest thing to it. Ok, so he isn't as perfect as that, but close. He is still a man after all. :)

I'll try to post pictures later when I have figured it out.

First time

2008-09-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is my second time trying to write my first blog. I've been inspired by my sister to start this. I've always wanted to start a journal and I guess this would be the modern day version of the handwritten journal. I'll be venting my frustrations with trying to blend two families and dealing with exes.

I also hope to use this as a way of sharing my motorcycling adventures and love for it. I've seen more of Iowa in the past year since starting to ride than I have in the last 38 years. God has blessed us with some beautiful country in NE Iowa and we really take it for granted when we don't get out and take a good look at it.