Update

Nothing terribly exciting happening in Dubuque. I use my blog as a log when I do pictures, etc., so that I remember what I do. Some times it actually works!!

We had snow yesteraday afternoon and last night. Woke up to about 3 inches, maybe a little more. The majority of it is gone already, but you can still find it on the north sides of the buildings. I noticed I still have some on my deck.

I've been dreaming about what to do with my deck. I also am thinking about looking for a different place. I've done some looking, but first floor apartments are hard to find. At least in the neighborhoods I want to live in. Something will come up. If I stay, I'd like to get one of those small tables with a couple of chairs for the deck. I found a darling waterfall that I could put in one corner and some great looking lights to put around the deck. It could happen!! My biggest problem is that my deck has a west front and is very hot until 8:30 or so in the evenings. I guess I can have some late suppers out there!! MMMMmmmmm -- have to think more about that.

I talked to Jim tonight. Mandy is at 37 weeks so we could have a baby any time now. I'm so excited about becoming a grandmother. I should probably figure out how to get to the hospital just in case Barb is out of town. I want to go down and see the whole family after the birth. Of course we have to take pictures of this historic event. I already have tons of stickers and paper for little Baby C.

My family is trying to figure out how to get together for Easter. Jim & Mandy definitely can't travel and my sister and her family might have some problems traveling to Des Moines. Jim said they would definitley understand and he already knows that I'll be down there as soon as he calls and lets us know Baby C is on the way!! I'm sure we'll figure something out.

Tomorrow it's back to work. I seem to keep busy. I sit here at home somethings wondering what I'm going to do the next day -- I get to work and there's all kinds of things happening that I have to take care of. Wished I was as important as that sounds!!!

Time to go. Everyone have a great week!!

One More Time . . .

I've been trying all week to get some pictures on here of Mandy's shower and haven't had much luck. Finally today it worked. I have no clue what I was doing wrong, but apparently I figured it out!!

Jim called tonight and asked if I'd checked out their blog lately. Told him no, but I just came from there and you really need to check it out. They have pictures of the Baby "C's" room on it. It's delightful. Can't wait to see it!

We had a shower in Dubuque for Mandy and Baby C on Saturday, March 7th. It wasn't the nicest day of the month (it rained) but we certainly had a nice group of people. The Hy-Vee out in Asbury has a beautiful community room that you can use for occasions such as showers. Jim wanted to take the big flat-panel TV with him, but we didn't think that was a good idea. We provided the menu and the guest list and Hy-Vee did the rest. Easy way to do a shower.

Barb provided the games (she's good at that stuff). The name the baby animal game was fun. I didn't know half of them. Glad I got to cheat before we got there!

Got pictures of the mother-to-be and the daddy and of course, the hostesses. I think Barb deserves most of the credit for this one. I just looked up addresses and provided some odds and ends. It was fun.

Jackson was there and provided some of the entertainment. He's such a live wire. It was fun watching him run around and play with the balloons, etc. Just think, a year from now I can watch my granddaughter run around and play!

I haven't been feeling real well lately. Had my semi-annual check-up and all those numbers came out great. Don't know if I have a touch of flu or there's something else going on. Guess I'll just take it a day at a time. Can't do much more than that anyway. I'm just tired of whining about it and frustrated with the whole thing!! Maybe spring weather will help. I sure loved those days when we could have our windows open and let some nice fresh air in.

Weather doesn't sound too wonderful for this weekend. Rain and/or snow. Was hoping we were done with the snow part, but . . . . we live in Iowa so we will take what we get!!

My girlfriend from Monona bought a condo here in Dubuque and has been down the last couple of weekends. She stayed here one weekend and I took the tour. She doesn't take possession until April but I did get to see the outside and the area that she'll be living in. We had a good time. We only got lost for about half an hour. I swear we went by these two girls that were playing volleyball (practicing) at least 4 times. They probably wondered about us too. Last Saturday she was down again. She's been looking for a job and found one. She'll be office manager for a business one of her nephew's has. I'm looking forward to her being back here in Dubuque.

I'm working on another wedding album of Jim & Mandy's wedding. I made one for them (of course), Jackie (Mandy's mom), Harry, and Barb and thought maybe Bob would like one too. I'm getting good at this one. He may not get it until after this grandchild is born, but he'll get one. I think it took me almost 2 years to get Beth & Karsten's done. Glee keeps telling me my hobby has become an obsession -- she might be right. I certainly enjoy it.

Have lots of meetings coming up at work. Some are in Dubuque and some out of town. At least I won't have to worry about weather. Or at least I don't think so.

Since I just finished my supper of ham and eggs I probably should go and do some dishes. Basketball games on TV tonight. I listen more than I watch these days anyway!!

Take care.

It's March!

Is it March that comes in like a Lion and out like a Lamb? Or the other way around? I do know that it's cold in Dubuque. But there is hope because by the end of the week we're supposed to have higher temperatures and rain. I'd rather rain than snow.

This weekend is Mandy's baby shower. We've just about got everything decided as to what we're having and doing. It should be a lot of fun. I talked to Mandy yesterday and she's feeling very pregnant but willing to travel this weekend. Plans are for them to come in on Friday night and leave shortly after the shower is complete. Pray for a safe trip for all.

Barb and I went together and bought them a baby crib. It's one of those that can be used as a bed later. They picked out what they wanted and we watched ads, etc. for a good price on one. Finally it came on sale at Target. That same weekend Jim called and said they had found a different one that they liked better. It was discontinued but would match some of the furniture they already had. They had called around Des Moines and found that there was only one left and it was in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Wonderful! This was Super Bowl Sunday. They told Jim they would hold it for 24-hours and he asked me to get it. Like I have a truck or a car that it would fit in!! I scrambled all morning trying to get a hold of friends that do have a truck or SUV, etc. Finally I called the local Wal-Mart and got the number of the Dodgeville Wal-Mart and called them. After much conversation they said they would hold the bed if we definitely wanted it. Since it's one-of-kind and discontinued, it couldn't be returned. Jim & Mandy definitely wanted that bed so . . . the manager I talked to said she would hold it until we got there. More telephone calls. Finally Barbie called her Dad and asked him if he would have time on Monday to go and get it. He probably could have gone that Sunday, but he and Linda, like a lot of other people, were having a Super Bowl party and couldn't get there and back in time. End of story: Harry went up to Dodgeville and picked up the bed. Barbie found a good price on a mattress. Harry had a class to go to in Ames so spent the following weekend with the kids and took the bed to Jim & Mandy's. He even helped put it together for them. I'm very anxious to see what this bed looks like. I'm also very thankful that Harry was willing to go and get it. Of course on Monday morning there were all kinds of people I thought of, but we had made the arrangements so left them be. The next gift the kids ask for has to be easier to purchase and bring home!!! It was an adventure and life is full of these little trips!

I've been doing more scrapbooking again. I kinda quit for a while. I couldn't come up with anything I was happy with so just quit. But I'm back and so are the creative juices! I've just finished a book for Beth all about Jackson. Even got some Christmas pictures in there. He's such a cute little guy. It was so most fun working on that book! Want to do one for his grandmother too yet. I'm now working on another wedding album for Bob (Mandy's dad). He'll be a grandpa before he gets the wedding album but he will have one. One of these days I need to do one for myself. None of them are the same and I keep finding different ways to use all the pictures that the kids had taken at their wedding. Keeps me busy and out of trouble!

Work has been very busy lately. We had fiscal monitors in last week. My counterpart on the State level came with them. His name is Greg and I love working with him. He's very easy-going and understanding. When I don't understand something I either email him or call and he explains everything in detail so that I get my reports, etc. in correctly. I had a nice visit with him on both days that they were here. Our agency has received word that we will be receiving a large amount of stimulus money for our CSBG grant. That's my baby. I write that grant. Everybody has their wish list and we're compiling them and decided what we're going to spend our money on. If we don't use it, it will go back to the State so we might as well get some of the equipment that we've wanted for so long. I know we're updating our computer system, looking into laptops for our outreach people, cell phones for the same. Maybe we'll finally be in the 21st century!! We're still working on our Head Start program problems. We've gotten through one bunch of monitors and more will be coming in April. It sure makes life exciting.

I had my 6-month appointment with my doctor last Friday. My numbers are all pretty good. Didn't loose any weight. That's a bummer. Just have to work harder and eat better. I have a very bad habit of not eating supper and when I do get hungry I just snack. Have to re-train myself again. Or at least eat healthy snacks.

I took the day off today to take care of some personal items. Everything seems to be going okay. Back to work tomorrow. There's always something that needs to be done when you can't go during the weekend, etc.

Sounds like I'm going to Colorado in June. Glee called and said they have a date. I told her I'd think about it, but by the time the conversation was finished I had kinda decided I'd go. Barbie changed jobs so doesn't have a lot of vacation time so won't be going with us this year. My girlfriend Marilyn, is moving in June and hoping to have a job to come to when she gets here. She doubts that she'll have enough time. Glee said there's plenty going so not to worry about that. I love the Rocky Mountain National Park and all it's beauty. I just wished I was able to handle the thin air better and my legs would function better. I can still enjoy the beauty of the park. Hikes around Bear Lake, Sprague Lake and Lily Lake are easy and there's a couple other short hikes that I can do. It's just a beautiful part of the world.

I'll keep you posted. If there's anyone out there that wants to be kept posted!!

Talk to you soon.

February is half gone!

Where did it go? I finally got around to changing my blog from Valentine's to something wintery. Maybe the weather will be fantastic from here to spring and I won't need my beloved snowmen!

I've had a long weekend and was hoping to get a lot done but could have felt better. I did get some of the things on my list finished and still have some for this next weekend! I've been working each evening on a scrapbook project. I took advantage of Walgreen's special at Christmas time and got a lot of pictures copied (lot cheaper than my printer) and have put the majority of them in a book for Beth about Jackson. I've really enjoyed working on these. He's such a cute little boy and she takes good pictures!

Won't be long and my first grandchild will arrive. I'm so excited! I've already told everyone I work with that when the call comes -- I'm outta there! Barb & I have a shower planned for March 7th. Hope the majority of the people we invited can attend. We're trying a new place again. You can no longer get a room reserved at the Midway without putting down at least $125 and I love Mandy and all but really think that's a little steep! So we're going to the community room at the Asbury Hy-Vee. They will also be doing the food for us. Basically all Barb and I have to do is invite people, show up, decorate, and enjoy. Hopefully all will go well.

I've been listening to the local news station and sounds like a couple of snow storms are on their way! Guess which ever way the decide to go will depend on how much snow we get. I guess I'd rather have snow than ice . . . so we'll wait and see.

Worked on my federal taxes a bit tonight. Think I get something back. I usually have someone else do them for me -- I'm always afraid I'll forget something or whatever so I pay!!

My life has been pretty boring lately. Guess I should get to feeling better and go out and find something to do with myself.

Take care all.

It's January . . .

It's definitely January -- cold, cold, cold! It's supposed to warm up this weekend and then I suppose it'll snow next week! Oh well, we live in Iowa and what can you expect???

Nothing exciting has happened of late. I ordered a bunch of pictures through a Wallgreen promotion (sure saves on my printer). I've just finished my book of our Colorado trip in 2007. I'm a little behind. But I certainly enjoy scrapbooking and am still considering trying to start a business with my obsession!!!

Beth sent a bunch of pictures of Jackson so now I can work with babies again. I've started a collection of little girl stickers, quotes, etc. so I'll be ready to scrap when Baby C arrives! I'm looking forward to that event, plus the fact that the weather should be warmer by that time. At least I hope so.

Our Head Start review is this coming week. I've been checking and double checking on my files and inputting everything I can get my hands on. I hope this all goes well. It certainly doesn't help a person sleep at night.

I finally got my tree down. Or most of it! The ornaments are all sitting on the kitchen table and the box is still sitting in the middle of the living room floor. That's this weekend's project. Putting everything back and re-arranging my living room.

Have a food giveaway on Saturday. Looking forward to that. Bill will be there. Or at least I hope he will. It's always fun to touch base with him again. He appears to be getting weaker every time I see him. But he's still able to walk, feed himself, take care of himself and that's more than half the battle. We usually go out for breakfast and have a nice talk.

Got my hair cut last week. It was really getting long again. Guess we'll try a body perm the next time it needs cutting. The way I go it'll be July before that happens!!

Like I said nothing special has happened. It's almost Friday and it's PAYDAY. Guess I'll go do some grocery shopping tomorrow night and then finish my Christmas putaway!!!

Stay safe & warm!!

Great Nephews!!

Bear with me. I'm trying out this new program and trying to figure out how it works. Obviously it works as I ended up with Jackson's picture making dressing balls in my blog. So . . . here goes some more of the great nephews! I'm sure I'm going to end up with duplicates of Juneo and Danelle, but the one of Josh and his little guy, Jer and Grandma Sandie are new. It was really great seeing everyone. Wished we would have taken pictures of the grandparents with their new grandbabies and the moms and dads, but there was a full house and it was hard to get everyone together. And it's fun sharing pictures of your family with others.

I've been trying out some new programs for my blog. This is one of them. I can move pictures around in a different way. This is Jackson helping Jim & Mandy make dressing balls on Thanksgiving. It's he a cutie!!

New Day, New Do!!

I finally got my hair cut! Every time I make an appointment it either snows so much I couldn't get there or my job responsibilities interfered. I canceled at least 2 times because Tom just had to have me at the office. It was getting really long and if I'm going to wear it short -- it should be short! Yesterday afternoon (about 3:00 p.m.) I couldn't stand it any more so I called Sarah and she could get me in today at 4:15. Told her I'd take it, plus it wasn't supposed to snow!!! Wouldn't you know it, about 4:30 Tom came in and said he had changed his mind and he needed me to take minutes at an Executive Committee that was being held tonight. I told him I had an appointment for my hair and would be keeping that. I would try very hard to be back on time. Well, I got to the shop a little early and Sarah was ready for me. I was back in the office before 5:00 p.m. And I love my hair!! I think I'll probably get a perm the next I have it cut, just for the body part. But by not getting a perm every time I go (like I've been doing) my hair will stay more healthy. She said today it was looking pretty good for an old lady!! Anyway, I'm very happy with my new do!!

Took minutes tonight. Thought the part I was to take minutes at was going to be short and sweet but turned out to be a 2 hour meeting. Tonight was also Tom's performance review by the Executive Committee. They recommend to the full board any kind of procedure they feel needs to be done. I'm sure he'll get a raise! We have so much money, you know!!! I was there for the explanation on our Head Start Program. I've been doing a lot work with that program so at least I understood the majority of what the director told them. We had worked up a Quality Improvement Plan that wasn't accepted, so tonight Peggy presented additional monitoring tools that had to be approved by our BOD. Full board doesn't meet until next month but guess the Executive Committee can give an approval and we'll go on from there. Glad that one is out of the way. I've gone through some of those files 3 and 4 times. I keep second-guessing myself and then go back and double check. Think I'll quit while I'm ahead. I've got all my memos out regarding physicals and have sent in a number of criminal records checks. Hope everything goes smoothly on my part when the review team comes back.

Tomorrow I'm going to Maquoketa to sit in on an interview for one of our centers down there. We have an opening for a Teacher Associate and will be interviewing 2 applicants tomorrow afternoon. When we come back I'm done for the week. I did some work on Monday (it was a holiday for us) and have put other extra hours in this past two weeks. I need to get my butt home and keep at my cleaning. Hopefully I'll get a lot done this weekend. Sounds like it's going to be cold so . . . good reason to stay home and get something done!!

Have a good weekend!

FRUSTRATION!!

It's been a very frustrating day for me. I have this long-weekend and wanted to get so many things done but . . . nothing seems to want to work out right.

I was going to take my Christmas things down, but running up and down the stairs today was out of the question. My knees hurt too much. Tomorrow is another day.

So, I decided my room needed a good cleaning. The first thing to do was to get the boxes of scrapbooks and albums out and finished. That shouldn't be too hard! What do I know??? I made a book for Barb that spans her birth to 5-years-old. It was bulky so we decided I should make it into at least two that were manageable. Okay. I started on that. I found another album and page protectors that all matched. Turned out great! At least the first one did. I got everything together for the second one and noticed that the covers are warped. What a bummer! Good thing Hobby Lobby is open tomorrow cuz I'm going to get out there and get some books that aren't all goofy! One down another to go. Jim's book also too big and half the page protectors didn't match so . . . I'll put it back together with everything matching and again, manageable size. The first one of that worked out great. It takes more time than I thought to move everything from page protector to another but it was fun reviewing what I had already done. Got to the second one and, you guessed it, run out of page protectors that match. Another thing on the list for Hobby Lobby. Barb's are sitting in the big chair in the living room, Jim's are on the coffee table. I will finish them tomorrow sometime!!

Okay, so that didn't work as well as I thought it should. Did I mention I took a little nap this afternoon between football games. I tried watching the Hawks this morning but just couldn't keep watching as it was such a bad game. I know they're young, but geeeeez!

When I made calendars for the family for Christmas I didn't make one for me. So I best get one done because I don't even have a calendar at work right now. I started this project one evening last week. Got as far as April, realized there was a mistake and corrected it. Well I corrected it so well I lost the whole calendar! For gosh sakes!!!! I quit.

Last weekend I lost my Internet so couldn't work on my calendar then. Got hooked up with Qwest Friday. I did it myself. Had to track down my modem but UPS came through on Friday and by 11 p.m. I was hooked back up to the Internet. I now have to anchor my telephone lines down again between my bedroom and the second bedroom, but I do have Internet. That's another weekend project!! I still don't have the laptop hooked up but will live on that one.

I just finished my calendar about half an hour ago. I don't know if I'm doing something different or it's the new anti-virus I have but I had some problems getting my calendar loaded and making some clipart work. Whatever -- it's done. Complete. Laying on the floor waiting for me to take it to work and put a spine on it so that I can hang it up!! Hurray!

Did I tell you all that I've resigned my position as President of the Piss & Moan Club. Decided life is too short to complain all the time. When I start doing it I just say "Shut Up Joy!" It's working . . . so far!!

Work has been hectic. I'm still working on getting all the Head Start files together. I think I'm just about there. One more go through and I should be happy with what I have. Now to get everybody to get their physicals and criminal records checks back and I can celebrate. Sounds like the review team will be back early February. Hope it's the second week and not the first!!

I brought the agency newsletter home with me. Hopefully I can get it done and sent on its way Tuesday morning when I get back to the office. Maybe I bit off more than I can chew!!

I need to do some other cleaning but to get back at a scrapbooking project too. I'm trying to organize my scrapbook stuff. I've been looking into different types of storage that I can use. Want to be able to put my paper into some kind of storage and then hopefully have that container by on wheels. You can't believe how heavy paper gets!!! Maybe I can spend some time at Menard's this week.

Here's hoping the snow will stay away for a while. Dubuque already has 44 inches for the year. Above what we had last year and broke all kinds of records in 2008. Duh! I think is beautiful, until you have to shovel it, drive in it or fall down in it!!

Hope everyone is well. Thanks for the ear. I feel much better.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Hope everyone celebrated, Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a good time AND remembers it all!

My plans changed some since I last wrote. Things at work got a little busy and I wasn't able to leave at noon on Wednesday so worked through lunch and left around 3:00 p.m. My kids were both celebrating in their own way so I decided I'd drive down on Friday. I spent New Year's Eve watching old movies and playing computer games. New Year's Day I was in front of the TV like a lot of Iowans watching the Hawks win their bowl game. It was a good game, as long as you were an Iowa fan!

Barb called late in the afternoon to send me greetings and asked what I was doing. I was doing the same thing she and Jim were doing. Eating and watching football. On the spur of the moment I decided to leave then and head west! I got to Barb's around 7:30 -- not too bad a time! I perfer to drive in the daylight during the winter months but the roads were all great so no problem. I always call Barb when I pass "Ted's Place" (which is an auto repair shop on 2nd street) and this trip was no different. She said they had decided not to have soup for supper that we were going out. So we did! Jim went home and got Mandy and we had a nice supper together at Okeboji Bar & Grill. (Hey Barb did I spell that right?) We came back and Barb gave us all our stocking stuffers!! Mandy wasn't feeling real good so they decided they best go home. Before they got out of the driveway she was sick and back in the house. She apologized to everybody but all I was worried about was her. She was fine after being sick. She also had a doctor's appointment the next day and was going to talk to him about having an upset stomach more than she thought she should. Her appointment went fine. The doctor told her to eat slower and eat more often. She's doing so well and the baby's fine too!

Friday everybody had to work but me so I enjoyed my time at Barb's by reading, watching TV and using my computer. I did a little cleaning for her (not much, but a little). We were having our Christmas that evening. Mandy brought a delicious chicken pot pie and Barb and I had made cookies before everyone got there.

We took pictures. Barb used the timer on her camera and Mandy figured out how to work mine so we got some good shots. I still haven't figured it out but she did!! She also forgot her camera and I've attempted to send her copies of all the pictures I took. Hope she got them!!

We had a fun time opening our gifts. We missed Jim & Mandy at our annual Davis/Sass/Foels Christmas party but Barb brought all the gifts back with her so we had the pleasure of watching them open their gifts.

Barb bought a taller tree a couple of years ago and I just wanted everyone to see it. We made so much fun of her 'little' one that I had to put a picture of the new one in!

The kids were real happy with all their gifts. Jim did get 2 docking stations and tried his darnest to talk Mandy into two more remotes for his game but he failed at that one. Glee, the basket you got Mandy was a great hit.

She couldn't figure out what is was!! Ya think!! She told me when I talked to her on Sunday that it was sitting on the hearth and the cats love it!! I got a beautiful Fossil watch from them, and a snack set that Mandy's dad's wife (Deb) made. It's really cute and hopefully next Christmas I'll be able to use it. Cute idea!! Barb got her heated mattress pad and loves it! It was a nice evening.

We slept in on Saturday. Barb had a couple of errands to run so got myself dressed and off we went. We left some things off at the Salvation Army and then stopped off at the scrapbook store in Ankeny. It's a great store and I had considered going Friday and just browsing but stayed home and did nothing instead. Barb is heading to Vegas in February and picked up some paper and stickers for her next scrapbooking venture. I'm working on 2007 Christmas, my Colorado trip from 2007 and more baby pictures for Beth and Glee. I'm still lovin' every minute of it. I've also started collecting paper and stickers for the new granddaughter we shall soon have. That should be fun.

Barb took me to an ISU women's basketball game on Saturday. They have great seats. Right down on the floor and close to the action. They played Vanderbuilt (spelling). Vandy is ranked 20th, ISU is not rated at the present time. It was a great game. I really enjoyed it. They won!! With about two minutes left of the game the PA announcer told everyone it was starting to rain and some was freezing so everybody drive carefully, blah, blah!! Well he was certainly right about the freezing part. The sidewalks and parking lot were plenty slippery! I'm a big chicken when it comes to ice. I have no control over my feet (or body) and also none over my car when I'm behind the wheel. Barb was a sweetie. She drove extra slow because of me. I know she would have used the passing lane a couple of times but because I was with her stayed behind a car that was only going 30 mph as some times. It took us almost an hour to get home. We did slid past her driveway but made it up to put the car away. The decision was made not to head to Jim & Mandy's. The news was reporting that the city and state officials were asking people not to drive unless it was necessary. So we stayed put.

Sunday the streets in Barb's complex were glare ice. Looked like a skating rink! I kept checking the road conditions on the internet and everything pretty much cleared up but parts of 151 close to home. And Barb's complex -- it was still very icy! People were driving but very cautiously. Jim & Mandy came over around 2 and had lunch with us. Jim was heading to work (he's only about 10 minutes away at Barb's) and Mandy stayed and we had a great visit. I had made the decision to stay in Ankeny for another night. The last time we checked the road conditions they were finally fair around Dubuque but I really didn't want to drive in the dark so stayed put. Got home Monday afternoon. Everything was okay. But you could definitely see where there had been a lot of ice! Not my favorite kind of weather. It was a great visit.

Now it's time to take all the Christmas things down. I hate loosing all the colors. My tree will probably stay up until Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday holiday. We have that Monday off and it'll give me 3 days to get all my stuff down and put away. I invited the kids but they all said they were busy!

Well I've bored everyone long enough. Here's hoping we all have a great year. More adventures and more journeys for all of us. Take care and God Bless.

I had other pictures posted but when I went back into edit some of the text I lost the pictures. I've tried at least a dozen times to get them back in here but it's just not going to happen tonight. I'll try again either tomorrow night or later in the week.

You'all take care.

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!