More Christmas!

I just had to add some more pictures from Christmas. We had such a great time watching Jackson enjoy the whole thing. He's such a cute little guy. Everything is a tractor and 'oh-oh' is his favorite thing to say! Grandma got him the tractor and he loved every minute of the time he played with it. It came with a wagon but he couldn't quite maneuver as well as he wanted so basically let it sit under Mike's chair. Another toy was a baseball game with lots of buttons and noises. His Dad helped him with that one. He was getting pretty good by the time another new toy came on the scene. Jim & Mandy got him a car lamp from "CARS" and he was bound and determined that he was going to play with that 'tractor.' Beth finally hid it and he kept crawling up on the chair trying to find it. That was certainly a hit as far as gifts were concerned. And he only fell off the chair once!

Barb got a very uniquely wrapped gift. She had no clue what was under the paper. Turned out to be a snake for her flower garden. Beth, Glee and I went to a craft fair in Dubuque and found the snakes and some bird feeders. Ron got the bird feeder and Glee got Barb the snake! It'll certainly add something to her garden next summer. A conversation piece if nothing else!

Every year we say we're going to cut down on packages or expenses. From this picture you'd think we bought out the stores, but it's really not as bad as it looks. I very seldom wrap anything that doesn't have a box. I just can't get the wrapping paper around something if it doesn't have solid sides. Glee is an exception as she wraps a number of things to their shape!! We also have a lot of 'gag' gifts that keep appearing on Christmas Eve. The numbers just keep getting bigger every year! Sure is fun watching people open them. I got to the point where I checked everything carefully hoping a chicken wasn't going to pop out at me.

I'm looking forward to being in Ankeny/Urbandale over the weekend. Plans are to leave early Wednesday afternoon. I've taken the afternoon off so I can drive during the daylight hours and it's not supposed to snow on Wednesday. Last forecast I saw said snow for Thursday, Friday and now Saturday. Barb, Jim & Mandy may have a houseguest longer than they really want one! I was told to bring my books and my laptop so amuse myself while they have other things to do. I'm hoping to be able to go to the local craft store in Ankeny. It's a great store and I'd love to just spend some time browsing! The snow can come after we're all home from our holiday celebrations! Like February!!!

It's Bowl Week. I know Barb's checking games on the time as she's in a pool. The only one I'll really sit down and watch is probably the Outback Bowl as the Hawkeyes are playing. They play early in the day so I'll have to get up that morning! Actually I enjoy football, high school, college and professional. One of these days I'm going to get to go to a professional game and watch my team play! Go Colts!!!

Well, my tummy says it's time to eat. I have chili defrosting in the microwave so I best get to it. It just seemed like a chili day to me. And it'll make great leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Everyone take care. Be careful where you step out there. I had an employee fall on the icy sidewalk this morning -- another workman's comp claim!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Another Chicken!!!

The Sass/Foels Families


Another Chicken!!
Our Children


We got a duplicate!!



The Foels Family

Barb & I!

Greetings to all! Hope everyone has recovered from the Christmas holiday! Or in my case the first round of the holiday. Jim & Mandy weren't able to be with us this year as it was their turn to be with Mandy's family so . . . I'm heading in their direction later in the week to spend some time with them and Barb and open some more presents!

Barb got here safely on Wednesday afternoon. I already had all my stuff packed and downstairs so we could pack it up and take off. Glee had told me to take 128 instead of 65 (gravel) and we shouldn't have any problems. She was right! The worst part of the journey was the road past their place and that wasn't that bad either!

Everyone was waiting for us. Why does that always happen? Jackson had just gotten up from a nap and wasn't the most friendly of kids but that soon changed! What a cutie!! He sure had a good time. I'm not sure he completely understands what all the packages were about but he had a ball with the paper. Grandma gave him a big tractor that he could push around and did that!! I think he finally ran down around 9:00 - 9:30! That's really late for him. The rest of us made it past midnight, but not very far. Beth had to work Christmas Day so they went home and the rest of us ate more food, watched a little TV and headed up the stairs for bed!

As you can see we did the traditional 'kids in front of the tree' pictures. Added a few adults to all the pictures. But they're great memories! It was the usual gifts -- chickens, chickens, chickens!! I gave one of mine to Glee and another to Mike, but as you can see I received two new ones back! Can't get rid of the darn things. Wait until next year. Ron got the dreaded black cat! It was fun and as always we laughed a lot, ate too much and basically had a wonderful time.

Glee had a great brunch on Christmas Day. We played some cards and checked over all our gifts from the night before. Barb and I took off around 2:00 or so. Bad weather was predicted for late that afternoon and into the evening. Barb was planning on staying in Dubuque until today so the weather worked out well. The ice last night gave me a scare but roads were good when she left today for home. She arrived without an incident so all are bad where they belong!! For now!!

Barb and I did some shopping on both Friday and Saturday. It rained a lot around here on Saturday and then turned to fog, ice and snow. But as I said, the roads were good when she left this afternoon. We did some cleaning and organizing of my storage closet. Turned the mattress in my room (hard job to do alone), watched some Christmas movies and just visited a lot. It was great having her here for the length of time that I did. I love having my kids home!!!

Best wishes to all for the holiday season. Here's hoping 2009 is good to all. Lots more adventures and journey's for all of us. God Bless.

Good Snowy Morning to You!

Winter has come early to Dubuque. We've been under a number of storm watches, warnings, etc., but this one actually got here and left it's mark! The last I listened to Snack he said we have around 9 inches of new snow. I went downstairs earlier to put some laundry in and checked the parking lot and nothing has been done to that yet! Glad I wasn't going to work today!!

I took the day off to finish some shopping, cleaning, wrapping and writing . . . and Tom (my boss) called this morning around 6:30 and called work off. We have a number of people that live outside the City and the majority of our clients won't be getting in either. Hope I can use my annual leave time for another day. Don't think I'll get going very far from home today!

I took some pictures when I opened the garage door to check the lot. They're not wonderful so think I'll wait until another time to post them. It's really quiet around here. No traffic! I heard a plow last night before I went to bed and one went through this morning around 5:00 but nothing since. Like I said, it's a little quiet.

My kitchen table is full of boxes, bows and paper. I promised myself I would get the wrapping done of all things that are here. I'm waiting on a couple of items through the mail and have 2 more gifts to pick up and then, I think, I'm done! But I guess we're never done! I can always think of something else for someone . . . . I do love Christmas!!

New snow is always so pretty -- unless you have to go out in it and get stuck! My receptionist at work has had a terrible time the last couple of days. Her husband is in the hospital so she's been spending time after work with him. The other night on the way home she ended up in the ditch. It was deep enough she couldn't drive out and had to walk to call a tow. We keep telling her she needs to get a cell phone. Fortunately she didn't do any damage to her car and is back on the road again. John came home from the hospital yesterday, but when I talked to her this morning she was hoping to get out as soon as possible as he needs a prescription filled for pain. Hope her son can help her out with that. John had part of his lung removed and is in a lot of pain. He's a heart attack survivor and former cancer survivor. This is cancer again so say a few prayers for him that all goes well this time.

I'm looking forward to Christmas Eve. Looks like we'll definitely have a white Christmas. Hope it's not so much that we can't get to my sister's. Barb is planning on coming home on Christmas Eve day and we're hoping to get to my sister's before darkness. Once we're there if we can't leave right away is fine. We always have such a good time when we get together. Pictures to come after the holiday. Jim & Mandy will be spending the holiday with her families in the Council Bluffs area. I'm hoping that I can make it to Des Moines over the New Year's holiday and we'll have our family Christmas then!!

Work has been extremely busy lately!! We're working on making corrections to our Head Start program. We had a review last March that wasn't so good and now we're trying to change a number of things and better the program. Some of my duties have changed within that program and I'm busy trying to get all personnel information inputted into a program called Child Plus for tracking and monitoring purposes. We have a deadline for all our corrective actions of February 1. The review team will be back to re-check everything and monitor the program again. We intermediate goals between then and now. This is also a very busy time of the year for the agency as we're involved with a program called Santa's Helper. It's a program to help low-income families have a brighter Christmas. We publish stories in the newspaper regarding our families and are fortunate enough to have the public respond with donations of all kinds of things. Some groups adopt families and give them a great Christmas, some is montary donations and we either get the family what they've requested or give gift cards to different stores in Dubuque. Whatever way the gifts keep coming in, need to be sorted and then distributed to the different families. Lots of busy people in the office!!

The sun is out! Or trying to come out. I should probably get back to my gift wrapping and then onto some other projects that need to be completed.

Have a great weekend!

Wheee!

I about had a heart attack -- I wanted to put some pictures in my blog tonight and couldn't find the camera cord. I had my computer checked out and put the cord away . . . but the question was where did I put it??? After searching all over the room I finally checked under the TV and there it was! Just where I put it. So, I can now add some new pictures to my ramblings.

Odie came to visit me over the Thanksgiving weekend. Jim & Mandy arrived on Wednesday evening (with Odie) and they spent Thanksgiving Day with Jim's dad while Odie stayed with me. He's such a good dog. We baked pies, peeled potatoes, made beds, dusted, vacuumed and other exciting things when you're getting ready for a big day. He really was good. Around 7 or so he acted like he needed to go outside so I said the magic words, put my shoes and coat on and away we went. Jim told me to hang onto the leash-- tight! He really meant TIGHT! We flew down the steps, out the door and up the street. He did his job, pulling me the majority of the way and we found our way back to my place. We played tug-a-war with a toy we made and we both took a nap together.

Jim & Mandy made dressing balls for our Thanksgiving day appetizer. They had a little help (as you can see) with Jackson. Jackson took to Jim immediately and seemed to want to see what they were doing so Jim lifted him on the chair and he helped!! The dressing balls were fantastic! Everyone enjoyed them.

I had a full-house! My place isn't small but when you get a number of people here it seems that way. Jim, Mandy & Odie, Barbie, Glee & Ron, Beth & Jackson and Mark & Sandie celebrated Thanksgiving with me. It was great having them all here. Mike and Karsten had to work and we'll get to spend some time with them at Christmas (I hope).

It was fun having Jackson around. Have to get used to the pitter patter of little feet. Next year at this time I'll have a little granddaughter to brag about. I'm very excited about that. I was a little worried about Jackson and Odie being together but they got along great. Like I've said before, Odie is a good dog.

Friday morning Barb, Jim & Mandy got up early and did some shopping. They weren't able to find everything they planned on, but were successful with some of their purchases. I heard them take Odie out and the whole group leave. They were back around 8:00 or so and all went back to bed. I got up around 8:30 and chased Barbie off the sofa and sent her to my room for the rest of her nap. Poor Barb, attempted to sleep with me while they were here and I know there were a few times when she elbowed me so that I'd move and quit snoring. Sorry about that Barbie, I can't seem to do anything about it. Jim and Mandy were my first guests on my new futon. They said it was fairly comfortable! Barb got it the last night of the weekend!! She said it was fine too.

One of the projects for the weekend was putting up my tree. I have a 7 1/2 foot tree with lots and lots of ornaments. Barb, Mandy & I got the branches all in order. Barb put them in the tree and shaped it. Jim, Mandy & Barb strung lights. Mandy was busy taking ornaments out of boxes and putting hooks on them. We all decided there must be a better way to put my ornaments away. We're working on that!! It would make it simpler to get them out -- that's for sure!

As you can see the crew did a great job. Jim did Christmas singing for us. That kept us in stitches for part of the day! He certainly takes after his dad when it comes to making up his own lyrics. When they can't remember the lyrics they just make them up!

We ordered pizza for lunch and went out for supper. I've been telling Jim & Mandy about Mario's for quite some time so we decided this was the time to try it out. The food is great there! One of my favorite places to go in Dubuque. I think Jim & Mandy enjoyed it. They went home on Saturday night. We finished eating and came back and helped load their car. Jim and Odie took one last hike up the parking lot. Now Odie can really move when that leash is around his neck, but Jim was pulling him up the hill when they started on their trek. I think in the end Odie won!!! But it was fun watching them.

This is the finished product. I think we put 600 lights on it and I'm sure there's at least 375 ornaments. I've gotten smarter in the last few years and put the base of the tree on a slick cardboard so that it's easier to push it back into the corner. We decorate all sides of it. It looks great at night with all the lights on!! Thanks kids for all the help. I appreciate it more than you know. Are you willing to come back in January and do it all over again -- only backwards???

I have a meeting in Des Moines Thursday. We had snow today but it seems to have moved out of the area and Barb tells me the roads are good in the Des Moines area. I thought about going down tonight but after all the snow around here decided I would rather drive during the daylight hours. Makes a long day, but goes with my job.

I have some projects lined up for the weekend. Hopefully I can get a little shopping done too. Have to put packages under that tree now that it's done.

Take care all.

Excitement!

I'm so excited! Mandy called me last Friday to tell me that they're having a girl!! After all they have been through I am so thankful that we have finally arrived at a point where it looks like all is well and we're expecting a GIRL!!! Now I can start looking for all those cute little girl things out there.

Speaking of babies -- I met two of my great-nephews over the weekend. My brother's boys were both home (Cedar Falls) with their new grandbabies. Nick & Danelle are currently living in Virigina Beach (Nick is in the Navy) and Josh and Keeley are in Johnston. Josh isn't that far away but we never seem to get together and this was a great opportunity to see all. Nick's little guy is Juneno (I'm sure I didn't spell that right but you get the idea) and Josh's little guy is Jerret, or Jer for short. Both boys were born real close together datewise, but this is the first they've all been together. The boys are darling and it was great seeing everyone else too. Sandie's sisters were there with some of their kids and we haven't seen any of them forever either. Real home week!!! So . . . my brother has 2 little grandsons, my sister has one and I'm going to have a granddaughter! How cool is that!!!

I took some pictures and was going to post some but this afternoon Ken came and picked up my tower. I've been having some trouble with the speed and an unusual noise so they came and got it to check it out. He thought from what I told him and from the looks of the tower that it may be the fan and the fact that the whole machine needs a good vacuuming and cleaning. I'll be very happy if that's all that's wrong. We discussed memory, etc., and I know one thing I need to do when I get my big buddy back -- burn CD's of all my pictures. I have so many in there and would feel terrible if I loose them all.

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. My children will be here as well as my sister and some of her family. Jim, Mandy and Odie are coming Wednesday night and will be spending Thanksgiving Day with their dad and his wife. Odie and I are going to get everything ready for our big meal on Friday. I have to do the grocery shopping tomorrow night after work. I talked to my friend the butcher and he put back a turkey breast and was going to take care of a ham for me too. I figured with everyone but me having turkey on Thanksgiving they may want another choice of meat. Barbie will join us on Thursday evening and all are here for the weekend. One of our projects will be putting up my tree. I have all but 3 boxes already upstairs and ready to go. I need help in arranging my room(s). Hopefully we'll have time to arrange my craft/spare bedroom. Mandy is excellent at doing that kind of thing and she'll be here so . . . I'm going to put her to work!!

Glee, Ron, Beth and Jackson will be joining us on Friday. Karsten and Mike both have to work. Told both of them I'd send home some turkey and dressing. Mark & Sandie are going to try and make it, but have something on in the morning so guess we'll just wait and see. I'm looking forward to seeing Jackson again. Hey Beth, I've got my laundry basket all ready for him! He can push it around to his delight!! Jackson is such a sweet little boy and he's definitely all boy. What a cutie!! I'm sure we'll have some pictures of all this fun.

I'm going through some special training at work for the next couple of days. Actually I have one day in already. I'm going to become more involved with our Head Start program as far as personnel is concerned. The program has a tracking program called Child Plus and I already have it loaded on my computer and have been messing around with it. Now I'll actually know what I'm doing. They can track almost everything they do in the program. Helps me too with my statistics for my CSBG reports. It's interesting. The Head Start group are a real fine bunch of people to work with. I'm enjoying it and learning something too.

I don't know if my house is going to be as clean as I'd like it for all my guests, but I can assure everyone the food with be good. I've just been so tired lately that when I get home I usually take an hour or so before I go back at it. Almost got the spare bedroom ready for occupancy!!

Hope every one has a great Thanksgiving. We all have much to be thankful for. Peace to all. Enjoy your holiday.

Ditto

I must have craft fairs on the brain! Last weekend there was a big one here in Dubuque at the Grand River Center. That's such a cool place to go to anyway but this made it extra special.

Glee & Beth stopped by around 9:30 and we took off. I told them I'd drive because Glee always drives to everything. Found a place to park in the parking garage. Didn't have to walk in that wind that way.

I was so excited when we paid our way in. I got an Alaskan quarter for my change. The guy gave it to me then took it back and gave me a half dollar. I requested the quarter back . . . of course he had to dig through his money bag but we found it!! Beth & Glee thought maybe he was hitting on me! That'll be the day!

The show was great. I actually found a bunch of things I wanted. I even finished some of my shopping for members of my family. And we really had a good time just wondering around. I've been told to always bring my cell in case I get lost! How do they know that they aren't the ones lost????

We decided to go out for lunch before they had to return home. We stopped at Mario's. One of my favorite places to eat. Had a great lunch and then hit the road again. Glee & Beth went out to Sam's but I decided I was too tired and drug my stuff upstairs and watched the end of the Hawkeye game and then took my nap. It was a good day shopping.

Work has been very busy and getting more so. I'm scheduled for training 2 days next week. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. My family will all be here. Hopefully my brother and his wife will be able to join us. They're going to try. Unfortunately Karsten has to work but he's sending his little boy and wife. We'll send him back some turkey and dressing!!

We're planning on putting up my tree Thanksgiving weekend. I have so much stuff to drag upstairs. I've already started it and have almost everything up here. Now, we have to put the tree together and put the lights on. I wished now I would have bought a tree with the lights already on it, but they're so heavy!! Barb promised to string the lights for me! I love Christmas and the color that goes along with it. My tree goes up early and comes down late. Last year it was February before I got it down. Got busy on the weekends and never got to it until them. The colors were great!!

Back to work for me. I really had a great time this past weekend. I love craft fairs!!

Craft Fairs

I'm a little slow in getting things on my blog lately! Guess I'm just getting old . . .

Last weekend (November 1-2) my sister Glee, my niece Beth and myself made a trip to Ankeny. We spent the weekend with Barb and went to the North Pole Craft Fair in Ankeny. It's a fantastic craft fair and we really had a great time.

Glee & Beth picked me up around 7:00 p.m. and we were off on our adventure. It's always an adventure when you're with my sister and niece! We had some good laughs before we even got to Ankeny. It was Halloween so we asked Barb for some treats when we got there. She obliged and gave us some! She said she actually had about 20 kids this year. The development that she lives in doesn't have a lot of kids so this was an exciting Halloween for her.

Beth brought us pictures of Jackson in his Tigger outfit. What a darling Tigger!! I think he could really bounce like Tigger too! Jackson is at the stage in his life where nothing much scares him and he's climbing all over everything. He has the bruises to prove it! Beth says every time they take him to daycare they ask if the bruises were done at home or at the center!!! He'll grow out of that! (I hope!)

We all found something at the fair. We started out at one of the middle schools hoping the crowds would thin out a bit at the high school. It was crowded but not as much as last year. At least it didn't seem that way! We decided later Saturday evening that we had missed a room at the high school but there wasn't a lot we could do about it then. It was fun!!!

We went out for supper on Saturday evening. Came back and played some board games. Barb & I rule on Trivia Pursuit! We did a lot of laughing and even gained back the hour we lost in April (or whenever we went to daylight time).

Went out for breakfast on Sunday morning. That's where the pictures were taken. There's some others but I thought since Christmas is coming and I want some presents too I better not put them on!! We did a little more shopping on Sunday morning and then took off for home. It was a great weekend and we're hoping to do it again soon.

Work has been extremely busy lately and very stressful. Maybe it's me! We have Tuesday off as it's Veteran's Day and I'm looking forward to doing some shopping and probably some scrapping! I'm collecting lists from my family so that I can get my shopping done. We had snow flurries on Saturday morning. I guess it's that time of year but I'm not ready for it yet!!

I have finally finished Jim & Mandy's wedding album. I literally took it apart and put it back together again. It actually is two books cuz there's so many pictures. It turned out real well and I'm very happy with it. Hope they will be too!!

My family is coming here for Thanksgiving. Barb, Jim & Mandy will be spending Thanksgiving Day with their Dad and his wife but will be here for the evening. We decided two big meals on one day was more than they could handle so . . . we're having turkey again on Friday. Both Barb and Mandy expressed an interest in shopping on Friday so while they shop I'll dog sit and make the meal. Glee, Ron and Jackson are coming. Hopefully Mike will be along too. Both Beth and Karsten have to work and we couldn't figure out when to have a meal when they could be here so we'll miss them and I'll even send home some turkey and dressing for them! I'm looking forward to having Jackson around for a few hours. He's such a cute little kid! I'm also looking forward to having my daughter, son and daughter-in-law here for a couple of days. They've promised to help put my tree together and maybe even help with the decorating! I love my tree and all the ornaments but it is a chore to get all the lights up, etc. It'll be a real family project this year!!

Cold weather is here and I suppose it won't be leaving us for a while. I finally had to break down and put some heat on. I put my down comforter on the bed and put away the summer quilt I use. I have a new look to my spare bedroom so when my kids come they can actually sleep in a bed. I just have to go out and get some sheets for it. Notice in a couple ads they have flannel sheets on sale so . . . off I will go!

I've spent a lot of time this weekend watching football. I really do love that game. My Colts pulled one off this afternoon. Our Hawkeyes did the same on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately our Cyclones didn't do as well. Maybe next year guys!!

Well it's time to get at a couple of things before bed. Hope all have a good week at work. I have board meeting this week as well as the holiday in the middle. Maybe I can leave early on Friday and do a little shopping them too.

Take care all.

We're Playing Tag!!

I've been tagged by Mandy!! Being the intelligent human being that I am, I know no other way to answer the tag other than put my answers in my blog. Mandy are you there???

Ten Years Ago
1. I was newly divorced and lost
2. I worked at good 'ole Operation: New View
3. Read a lot of books
4. Got my first computer (and learned how to use it!)
5. Learned how to become independent (grew up)

To Do List
1. Pack for my weekend trip
2. Finish projects at work before leaving for weekend
3. Complete Christmas cards (I'm making them)
4. Arrange furniture in 'craft room' (or at least come up with a plan)
5. Enjoy life

Five Snacks I Enjoy
1. Chips with ranch dip
2. Grapes
3. Popcorn
4. anything chocolate
5. soda

Places I Have Lived
1. Monona, IA
2. Serra Vista, AZ
3. Madison, WI
4. Epworth, IA
5. Dubuque, IA

Jobs I Have Had
1. concession stand at local theater
2. secretary @ Eska Company
3. Bookkeeper @ Mississippi Dairy Plant
4. secretary @ Torbet Drug Company
5. HR Director, Operation: New View

Pet Peeves
1. gossip @ work
2. people who chew gum in public
3. whiny people
4. people who don't use their directional signals when turning
5. rudeness

Things That Bring Me Joy
1. My children, all three of them (Barb, Jim, Mandy) and spending time with them
2. Knowing that I'm going to be a grandmother!!! Wow!
3. My sister and her sense of humor
4. My scrapbooking obsession!
5. Christmas

People I Tag (you're it!)
1. Mandy you're one up on me. I don't read anyone's blog but yours! But this was fun!!

I am so excited about becoming a grandmother. I'm driving my friends crazy with questions about gifts, toys, educational things . . . it is so much fun. I'm planning on things I can buy the little person for Christmas. My sister sent me a note and said I'll enjoy it! It's a wonderful time of your life. I believe her and I'm looking forward to having a little one around again. Seems like a long time since there's been one. (Actually it has been a long time, but I still remember how to hold a baby, change diapers, feed them, and most of all -- how to love them.)

I enjoy my great nephew, Jackson, very much. He's at such a cute stage in his life. He's one! He's walking all over the place. Learning how to climb on things. His birthday was a lot of fun. He's such a boy!! But just think in April I'll have one of my own to play with and love.

I really do lead a very dull life lately. It's nobody's fault but my own and I can't seem to get myself out of the rut I've gotten into. I'm looking forward to this coming weekend with my daughter, my sister and my niece. We're going to the North Pole Craft Fair in Ankeny. I enjoyed it last year and can't imagine not having a great time this year. Beth is joining us this year so . . . unless she gets sick we should have a good time.

I decided to try making my own Christmas cards this year. So far, so good. Now all I have to do is get up enough courage to send them. Actually I've enjoyed working on them the last couple of evenings. I finished Jim & Mandy's wedding album(s) FINALLY! They probably thought I lost the pictures or forgot them. I haven't and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I have a couple of friends proofing my journaling and then I can turn it over to the newlyweds! Sorry I'm so slow in getting it done! I have to admit to enjoying doing it very much. Like I said earlier my scrapbooking has become an obsession!!

Work has been extremely busy and stressful of late. October is a terribly busy month for me. I have my final reports (statistical) due in Des Moines by Friday. (Not going to happen. I've already asked for an extension until November 14.) Our quarterly newsletter was due and needed to be collected, inputted and then published. We had our annual all-agency staffing this past Monday and I put the majority of that together for the agency. I also had a CSBG (Community Services Block Grant) stats meeting the afternoon of the all-agency. I attended a Planner's Meeting in Urbandale last Thursday. Makes a long day. Got up at 5:00, left around 6:00 a.m. and got back home around 7:00! Was I tired the next day? You bet!! We're in the process of getting our Head Start staff completed and everyone we hire has to have an employee orientation. There's always a bunch of paperwork involved with that process. Have 3 scheduled for tomorrow! And my usual workload . . . I'm not complaining, just explaining why I'm so tired all the time!!!! If I'm truthful, I'd rather be a little too busy than trying to find something to do. One of the reports that's due is a narrative with success stories, lots of statistics and addiitonal informtion regrading what the agency has done within the last year. I'm currently working with data for 2007, 2008 and we've begun our 2009 fiscal year October 1. Sometimes I can't remember what year I'm working in!!

I'm making plans for Thanksgiving. My kids are all able to be here. I'm excited about that. Odie will also be visiting and I really do adore that dog!! Only thing about being here is he always wants to go outside and explore. And that's usually when the rest leave me home to dog-sit. He loves my steps, I hate them. I do volunteer to dog-sit so don't feel sorry for me. He's a great dog!! Wished I could have pets where I'm at right now. Maybe in the future!

If you're a Phillie fan you're happy tonight. They won!! I stay busy on weekends watching football (go Colts!) and NACAR. And there's always those old movies that everybody loves!! Soon the snow will fall and I'll close out the world and do my thing -- scrapbooking, reading, watching TV and the other usual things -- like working!

Enough! I'm certain by now I've put some of you to sleep (if anyone other than Mandy ever reads this). I really am excited about the grandmother thing!! What a wonderful experience!! I continue to say a pray for our newest Davis and other members of my family. Mandy had some rough days at the beginning, but things seem to be getting better for her lately.

Hoping to spend a weekend in Des Moines in December. The weather will decide if that happens or not. I have to admit that I'm getting older and weather bothers me a whole lot more than it used to. Senior Moments!! I'd love to be able to do some shopping with Barb and Mandy. We shall see.

Night all!

Birthday fun

Saturday was a beautiful day and a beautiful day to celebrate your first birthday! And that's what we did. Jackson Dean Foels turned one on October 1st, but Beth and Karsten celebrate with the families on Saturday. What a cute little kid!! He's running around and getting into everything but it's so much fun to watch him. He talks about whatever -- nothing is really understandable yet -- that'll come soon enough. Bets and Karsten made a great dinner. We had grilled hamburgers and all the fixings and of course, birthday cake!!
I drove up to Glee's on Saturday morning. She was just leaving when I pulled into the yard. She was going to leave me!!! Actually I got a later start than I expected . . . but did get there just in time to catch a ride with her. She had a small problem this weekend -- you couldn't understand her unless you were right next to her. She was loosing her voice when I got there and by the end of the day it was pretty much gone!

When we got to Beth's the little guy was sleeping. Both parents said he was a bear and hoped he slept until at least 11. Well he did! Beth went up to wake him right around noon. Karsten said the noon whistle would wake him anyway . . . but we all got to see the birthday boy just before we sat down for dinner. Daycare had called Beth a couple of times during the week as he was running a fever. She went and got him on Friday and when they got home he was fine. Karsten says 'he's playing hooky!'

Jackson sat between Glee and I at dinner. It's fun having a little one around you. He really eats well! And you're not going to believe this but he . . . loves tomatoes!!! What a kid! Glee said she gave some to him just to see what he would do and he gobbled them right up. At least it's healthy!!

There's a lot of pictures on here. Jackson fed himself his cake -- and then he had a bath before opening his presents.

He got some really cool things. He loves remotes -- Grandma Shirley found that out. He put hers' in the cat water! The first thing Beth said was pick up the remote and told Mike to watch his phone!! So one of his gifts was a remote control of his own. I think it was Sesame Street! He got all kinds of books, puzzles, and all kind of toys to hit, push, etc. Daddy made him a beautiful toy box. Beth said it looked a lot smaller in the garage! He fits well in it!! Uncle Mike got him a basketball pole, hoop and basketball (go figure). Grandma Glee's pretty good at putting them in the net!!! She'll have to work with Jackson on that.

Great Grandpa Sass made him a little rocking chair that looks like a bear. He loved it!! It sure didn't take him long to figure out how to sit down in it -- and how to stand up on it!! This could be a problem! He also has learned how to crawl up on the coffee table. He thinks it's great and Grandma Glee about has a heart attack!

He enjoyed his special day. More pictures at a later date. I just have a heck of a time getting them lined up within my blog. Guess I better go back to the teacher (Mandy) and get some additional instructions.

I had intended on staying with Glee and Ron for the weekend but Glee really didn't feel that good. She says she was fine but she was ready to take a nap when I left. I think we're going to try and do something on my birthday. That would be cool!! Get well soon Glee!

It was raining when I got up this morning. It's a little fall like out there today. Guess we better get used to it -- I think it's here to stay. I've got boxes all over my bedroom. I don't have room for all my clothes to be out at one time and I went looking for long-sleeves last Friday so . . . I'll live with it this way for a little longer and then pack away summer things.

I watched my Colts finally win a game! It didn't look very good until the 4th quarter but Peyton pulled one out! They needed the win. Unfortunately I watched the Cubs last night and that chapter has now been closed . . . again! I'm a NASCAR fan too and the race today was exciting. Tony won one Glee!!!

Well, it's time to get to work. I have laundry to fold and figure out what to have for my evening meal. Probably nothing too exciting -- I ate too good yesterday.

Have a great week everybody!

New News!

What a beautiful day we have today! Wonder how long this will last?? The feel of fall is definitely in the air -- football weather. I really miss Friday night football. Even the cold evenings -- I just plain miss football! Course I can remember a couple of nights when I sat in the rain that turned into snow and walking home was an adventure. First you had to get down the hill from the football field in Epworth!

It's been a while since I wrote. I haven't done anything that was real thrilling so didn't have anything to write. Well tonight I have some news. It may not be what anyone is looking for but it's news to me.

Barbie was here over the weekend and one of the first things she said to me was -- when are you getting something done with your hair??? Well, tonight was the night. Glee has been after me to not get it permed and wear it a little shorter than I have been. Sooooooooooo, I went to Sarah tonight and this is what I ended up with. What do you think?

I take awful pictures when someone else takes them but even worse when I try doing it myself, but it gives you the idea of what I had done. We've talked about putting highlights in but will see how this all works on within the next couple of weeks. Think it's going to be much easier to take care of, but probably need cutting more often!!

We celebrated Barb's birthday this weekend. I bought her some presents and put them all away in a gift bag for her to open when she got here. She seemed pleased. Told her we could take them back and exchange if she wanted. She didn't take me up on it so . . . guess they were okay.

We did some furniture shopping on Sunday. I've been wanting to change my spare bedroom/craft room for some time and Sunday was it. We stopped at Shopko and found a futon that looks great in my new 'den.' I'm not sure how Barb got it drug up the stairs but she did it. That gal is strong!!! Thanks so much Barbie!!! It took a little doing but we got the old bed taken apart and the new piece put together. But not before we had to take one part apart again as we put it together upside down. Duh!!! Actually Barbie did the majority of the putting together. I can't thank her enough. What a great birthday present. She promised me that she wouldn't even get me a card!!! Now we have a place for her to sleep when she comes and a place (other than on an air bed on the living floor) for Jim & Mandy to sleep. And the room looks much bigger. I still have scads of scrapbooking stuff sitting around, but that'll come. A little more arranging. Come check it out anytime!!

Barbie was hard at it in these two pictures and finally took some time out for a beer and a short rest. She left me to put things away as she had to get back to the big city. I really do appreciate all that you did for me for the weekend Bob!! Love you!

So I have some things to put on my Christmas list. Like regular size sheets, and colored pillows for my new futon! Family alert -- I'm already looking for Christmas lists from all of you!!!

Work has been a bear lately. I'm having some trouble getting some of our jobs filled. I think I have 5 open right now. Plus we now have a union in our Head Start program for the classroom personnel, so that makes a difference on how I open those positions. I'm not against unions, I just don't think they belong in a Head Start classroom. But guess we'll learn to live with it.

End of the year is quickly coming for me. Our fiscal year is October 1 through September 30th so I'll have all kind of final reports that will be due October 31. All part of the job, but it's all the little things that come inbetween!!!

I better get something to eat as I'm hungry and Knight Rider (new edition) is on tonight. Have to check that one out.

You all take care out there.

Labor Day Weekend

So where did summer go? I can't believe that summer is almost gone and fall and all the activities that go along with it are almost here.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. I didn't do much but it was nice not to have to go to the office on Monday and be able to sleep in a bit.

Jim & Mandy came late Saturday night. They were on their way to Chicago and a mini-vacation and thought an overnight was better for their health than driving straight through. It was a very short visit, but I was glad that I could see them for the short amount of time that I did. They went to see the Cubs play on Sunday and were going to be bums for the other two days planned. Hope they had a good time!! Cubs, unfortunately, didn't win the day they were there.

We had hot and muggy weather and now the hurricane is bringing us some rain. Actually we need the moisture. I hear all my friends that have gardens and lawns that things are starting to get extremely dry! More hurricanes to worry about on their way. When Barbie lived in the Charleston area I went out to visit during hurricane season. First thing I noticed when I got there was candles and water placed by the doors. Her answer was hurricane season!!! Nothing happened while I was there (thank goodness) but it's always something the east coast worries about this time of year. I so want to go back to Charleston one of these days. I enjoyed the time I spent there. It's an old city but lots of things happening and lots of things to see. Especially when you're from Iowa!!!

We're getting busy at work. Head Start classes have started and all the fun of enrolling kids and assigning them to classrooms, etc. It's been hectic and probably won't settle down much until the end of the month. But that's life!! Fuel season will soon be upon us and that's always fun. We get really busy in October/November and then December is here and we participate in the Santa's Helper project and that keeps us hopping!

I noticed Christmas things are out already. When I was a kid they at least waited until after Halloween!! I was at Hobby Lobby the other day (aren't I always) and they have all their trees up and all kinds of beautiful ornaments out. Of course I had to check them out, but family, you'll be happy to know that I didn't buy anything . . . . yet!!!

When you're a crafter you have to pick up things for the seasons when they're out or when the season finally does arrive there's nothing left to finish your project. My scrapbooking is coming along nicely. I've gotten to the reception part of Jim and Mandy's wedding. I've been organizing my pictures of their wedding within my photo program on my computer. I finally got smart and divided everything up so I can find the photos I want for my pages. I have processional, before service, service, etc. When you get to the reception part you have sub-groups -- like garter throwing, bouquet toss, dollar dance, etc. It's fun!!! I've promised a wedding book to the gal that does my hair. We're going to decide if she wants me to put the pictures in for her or just do up the book with the embellishments and she do her own journaling. Keeps me out of trouble, but not out of the craft stores!!

My sister and I went to a big craft fair in Ankeny last fall and are planning on it again this year. Barbie will try and get early-bird tickets so we can have breakfast before we go shopping. It's pretty neat really. With the early-bird ticket you also get to shop the first hour with only the early-bird people shopping with you!! I have a list already! This year my niece Beth is coming with us. The show is November 1 so Jackson will be doing his trick or treating a night early. He's actually too little yet to remember much of it, but there's always pictures!!! He's going out as Tigger! He should make a darling Tigger!! Daddy said he'd be babysitter for the weekend. It would have been nice to have Jackson with us but carrying a baby around at craft fairs is heavy work so guess we'll just enjoy his company at a later date. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my daughter, sister and niece. I'm hoping Mandy (my daughter-in-law) will also be able to join us for the shopping!!

I have Christmas lists started. You never know when you might run across something someone wants. From everything I've heard this winter is suppose to be worse than last year. I don't know if Dubuque can handle much more snow than we had last year. We have over 75 inches of the white stuff. Guess we'll take what we get and handle it as well as we can!!

I should probably get back to work. It's actually cold in here today. You just can't keep some people happy no matter what you do!!!

Hope all is well with everyone. Take care.

Reunions

I attended a family reunion over the weekend. All at once I'm one of the oldest in my family! That's scary!!! My sister, Glee and her husband, Ron, hosted the Klingerman family at their home on Sunday. The Klingerman's would be my dad's side of the family. My Grandma Baade originally came from southern Minnesota so . . . a lot of family are still in that area. They live around the Rochester area and beyond. The numbers are dwindling . . . less every year. All that's left are cousins. Every other year the gathering is in Iowa so next year we'll make the trip to Minnesota. It's an interesting day. You never know for sure who's coming but know that there will be plenty of food and lots of visiting.

Glee's children were there. I enjoyed spending some time with Jackson. He's such a darling little boy. He's so good with a bunch of strangers! We kinda passed him around for a bit in the afternoon. My brother, Mark and his wife, Sandie, were also able to be there. That was a plus. We don't see much of each other and they only live in Cedar Falls. Sandie and Mark are anxiously awaiting news of their first grandchild. Son Nick, and his wife are expecting any day now. Actually she's overdue so . . . we're all waiting to hear the news. Hopefully soon, Danielle was due July 7th. Nick and Danielle are stationed in Virginia. Nick's in th Navy and in and out of port. I can't remember the last time I saw him!!! Brother Josh and his wife, Keeley are also expecting so it's a lively time in their household at the present. Josh and Keeley's little bundle should arrive sometime in August!!

It's kinda fun getting together with relation you don't see very often. We talk a lot about old times when Grandma was still here. We also bring each other up-to-date on what all our famlies are doing. Lots of cousins in Minnosta that we don't see often at all. But their parents, or grandparents fill us in when we get together.

Mark & Sandie stayed a little later and we 5 all had a good visit. Hopefully we can all get back together soon, with our children, and have a real Baade family reunion!!!

I'm hard at work on a scrapbook for Jim & Mandy of their wedding. I do so love scrapping. I spend a little time everyday of the week on something associated with scrapping and the weekends I usually try and get X amount of pages done on whatever project I'm working on. Jim's wedding is so much fun to work on. It's like re-living the whole thing again. So many pictures were taken. Some extremely good pictures and I can't seem to decide which to scrap so end up with lots and lots of pictures. All of them are great memories

It's very humid in our area these days. I put the air on in the morning so that I can do something when I get home at lunch or for the evening hours. I usually end up shutting in down around 8:30 or so and use my tower fan the kids got me for Mother's Day. Sounds like the humidity is going to be around the majority of the week. Fair time. It's always warm for fair!!

I best get something done around here. Hope all have a good week. Talk to you soon!!

Just another day . . .

First of all, how do you like the blog? Thanks to Mandy I now feel like I too am in the 21st century. She did such a great job on the first one, that I asked her to make the change on this one. I'm impressed. I love it! Thanks for the long-distance fix Mandy!!

I read Jim & Mandy's blog before I do much of anything. Gives me ideas and reminds me that I need to continue to write in mine more often. So here goes . . .

I complain all the time that I'm boring (and I think I am) but I did finally DO something this weekend. I and a friend went to the local production of Beauty and the Beast. They did a great job and I enjoyed it very much. Local productions are put on in the Grand Opera House. The Grand was originally a theatre and I can still remember going there to watch movies. One that sticks in my mind is the Dean Martin films where he was a super sleuth!! Anybody else remember them?? The next production is Peter Pan and I may pass on that one. Depends if anyone asks me or not!!!!

I spend the majority of my time in my spare bedroom doing what I love -- scrapping!! My sister says it is no longer a hobby but an obsession! Probably!! As of late I've finished a number of projects in record time. My biggest expense seems to be my ink. I have the majority of my pictures all scanned and in my computer or on CD's, but when I work on a project I change the size of some of the pictures. I finished a baby book for my niece (her Christmas present 2007), another baby book for my sister (Grandma brag book) and a Christmas book for a gift for the upcoming holidays. I've found a place on-line that has some of the cutest stickers and emblishments and have added to my current collection of that. I did a book of Jim & Mandy's wedding for Mandy's mom, Jackie, and she was so gracious when she gave me a thank you card and added a gift card to Michael's and now I'm itching to use it. I asked Mandy if she wanted a black/white album or one with some color. She gave a very nice compliment and said to go ahead and do whatever cuz she likes my work. (Tell your friends, etc., as I'm trying to get a business started on the side with scrapbooking!!) Anyway, my project right now is a complete book for Mandy and Jim. This one could take some time. I have pictures of the engagement party (everyone has their copy of that), Mandy's shower in Dubuque (copy of that to the bride) and am now working on the wedding day itself. I have all kinds of shots of the rehersal supper (compliments of my daughter -- she took lots of pictures) and lots and lots of snapshots and wedding pictures from the photographers and family to work with for the before wedding fun (getting dressed, etc.) through the service, after the service, pictures at the park and the reception. I also have some pictures Mandy forwarded to me of their honeymoon. I told both Mandy and Jim this will be at least a 2 book project and probably 3!!! I can never decide which picture to put where and they had so many good ones taken of their wedding day. I'm excited about it.

It's fair time in Dubuque County and for the first time in over 15 years I am not going to work there. I just can't get up enough ambition to go to work for 8-9 hours, and then hike out to the fairgrounds and stand out in the middle of a parking lot and direct traffic. I'm sure the fair will continue without me. I already miss the people I worked with on this project but to be truthful my health just won't permit me to do that anymore. I might sneak out some evening just to say hi! I always worked the paid lot and know that Kevin will probably let me come in 'free' for a short visit with those that are there.

I gave in last week and went to the doctor. I just haven't been feeling very well. Been taking time off from work hoping that whatever has a hold on me will give up and leave my system but that hasn't been working either so . . . off to the doctor. We had a long talk and as usual they wanted some of my blood. I stopped in Friday on my way to work and gave them some. I have a beauty of a bruise to prove it!! I have an awful time giving blood for testing and my nurse is now used to me and my problems. This time she used a butterfly needle and took it out of my forearm. Hurt, but we only had to do it once!! Results came back on Monday. I'll live until I'm at least 60 years old!!!

Actually my C1A came back at 6.8 (down from 7.3), my blood pressure was a little high (130/80), my cholesterol is at 130, I've lost 11 pounds and all the other junk they tested for came back fine. So what is my problem??? Stress! They told me it is stress! Well, I guess I'll just have to learn to live with the dizziness, the stomach aches and headaches, cuz I can't afford to quit this job!! Life goes on . . . .

We have a family reunion scheduled for this coming Sunday at my sister's. There are not many left on this side of the family. This would be my grandmother's side (or Dad's). Only people left are cousins and the majority of them are getting up in years. Unfortunately my children won't be able to attend. I wished they could, but they too have other things planned for this weekend. Barbie is on vacation and Jim & Mandy have a conflict. It's kinda fun sitting and talking to these folks as they tell a lot of stories about my Grandmother Baade and my Dad. Interesting, but boring for my kids!! Always plenty of food . . . .

Sorry no pictures this time around. Although I've been looking through some old pictures and find some I'd like to put on here but I'm at work at the present time so guess they'll just have to wait.

Speaking of work, I should probably get back at it. I'm working on our quarterly newsletter. Trying to come up with some activities that our Dubuque office has done in the past 3 months and upcoming events we have planned. Doesn't sound all that difficult but when you sit down and try to do it . . . I have a Senior Moment!!

Catch you all later . . . .

Summer

Barb & Mandy's Uncle Harry on July 5th.

Bob trying to grab the rope off the garage with a tiki torch!!

The other newlyweds -- Cheryl & Jesse.

My sister.

Jim & Mandy at Macaroni Bar & Grill in late June.

Yes, summer is definitely here! Hot and humid weather, rainy mornings, hot afternoons! And parties on Jim & Mandy's deck!! I spent part of my July 4th weekend in Ankeny/Urbandale. Jim & Mandy invited a number of family members to help 'baptize' their deck. Jim had replaced a lot of boards, painted, put back together, they bought a beautiful patio set and some new torches so . . . it was time for a party. And it was a great party!

Harry, Bob and Jesse brought tools to help trim trees around the house. Jim drug a lot of branches to the back of their property that afternoon. Harry used Jim's new ladder to get to the top roof and cut additional branches down that needed to be removed. While up there he asked Bob to throw him up a rope so he could lower the chain saw back down. Bob responded with throwing the rope . . . only it landed on the garage roof rather than the house. But as you can see he retrieved it! It was amusing!!! And I don't think it was part of the party entertainment.

Mandy fixed a fantastic supper. We had grilled brats, hamburgers and hot dogs, cheesy potatoes, and baked beans -- every kind of chips you could think of, fruits, dips, brownies, snicker salad, cookies, ice cream, strawberry shortcake, etc. Everyone brought something to share but Mandy did the majority of the work. No one left the tables hungry! If they did it was their own fault!!

My sister and husband came down for the weekend too. It was nice they were able to come. They have a Canadian trip coming up shortly. I'm sure they'll have a great time.

I came home on Sunday. Took a different route than usual -- I usually go 151, #1, and then 80 into Des Moines. Since all of the flooding my route has had to change. Highway 1 is currently not travel able. Barb & Jim both told me to take 151, 380 and 80 and I'd have no problems. I do kinda remember going that way many years ago but have gotten into the habit of going on 1. I had no problems at all -- until I came back home. I have no clue what I did but all at once I realized that I was on 151S/30W and heading back where I came from!!! So . . . I took a quick scenic trip through parts of Cedar Rapids and got back to where I was supposed to be. Only took me a few extra minutes and I got home okay. Duh!!! Guess I must be getting to the age where I have to have everything written out for me!!! But I will venture out again soon. I want to spend some time with the kids again. I need Mandy's advice on a couple of things and visiting with them is as good as an excuse as any!!!

I always complain I never go any place or see anyone but after looking over my calendar for the last month find that this is not true. I've seen more of my sister in the last 6 weeks than I did all of last year. She came down for a long weekend and some major shopping. I certainly enjoyed that a lot. Always fun to help spend someone else's money!!! The following weekend my niece had a party and Barb and I were both invited so . . . we headed north on Saturday afternoon. Made a stop at Glee's to check out the new bedroom. It's cool!! Had a nice time at Beth & Karsten's. Spent some time with Jackson, but would have loved to have spent more. Maybe next time. The following weekend Glee called me on Friday night to see what I was doing the next day and said she was getting her car serviced could I pick her up. Well that was really hard as we went out for breakfast and a little shopping. The really weired part of that visit was that I took my car to have a light replaced, pulled into the garage and she started talking to the guy fixing the light. She worked with him at Cabela's at one time. From there we went to Kohl's and we ran into some people she knew, went to Target and the same thing happened. I live here and didn't see a person I knew at all! We went to Perkin's for breakfast/lunch and our cousin and his wife were there!! At least I knew them. Like I said it was interesting! We missed a weekend and then spent time together at Jim & Mandy's again. Now I probably won't see her again until the holidays!!!

I had a vision appointment late this afternoon. I'm waiting for my eyes to come back to normal. I was really hoping it would stay cloudy this afternoon but the sun came out just as I left for the doctor's office. I got home okay, but boy is it bright out!!!! Eyes turned out fine. Don't even have to get new lenses!

As usual I've been scrapping. Finished Beth's book that I gave her for Christmas. Took it with me to Urbandale and gave it to my sister, so Beth should have it by now. Told her I'd be happy to add pictures if she wanted. "You snap 'em, I'll scrap 'em"!!!

I did a book for Jackie (Mandy's mom) and finally got that finished and Mandy got it to her. I had a very nice surprise from Jackie at the party. She gave me a beautiful thank you card but also included a gift card to Michael's. Thanks so much Jackie! You really didn't need to do that. I'm beginning to think that scrapbooking has become an obsession rather than a hobby!! And I do love it!!!

Time to do some dishes. I actually made myself a decent supper. I made out a shopping list for tomorrow night -- I'm just about out of everything!! I've decided it's about time to plan my meals and try and eat more healthy!! A friend of mine at work plans her meals for about 2 weeks in advance. She said it really helps on the budget and you can always change something if necessary.

I have a co-worker that was told her husband has cancer this morning. She's having a real hard time with it. He's beat it before, plus a couple of major heart attacks, and this one has gotten both of them down. John's not certain he really wants to fight this one or not. He's scheduled for some tests on Monday, but the last time I talked to Donna she wasn't sure that he would even do that. Say a prayer or two for both of them, please. They've been through a lot in the last 7 years and are about to start on it again -- if he decides to do treatments.

Best go. I told my sister I'd try to keep this up better than I have been. I'll try!

Take care all.