Winter just doesn't want to leave us, does it? Sounds like more cold weather is in store for us for at least another week. I guess that's better than more snow!!
I'm a Great Aunt again! Beth & Karsten had a baby boy on Monday, February 15. They named him Tristan Ronald. He weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. (I think that's what she said) and was 19 1/2 inches long. Mom, Dad & Baby Tristan are doing fine. Beth will be going home tomorrow. I didn't feel real well today so took a sick day and stayed home and thought it best if I didn't go to the hospital tonight either. I'm pretty sure my car can find it's way to Farmersburg in the near future. Congratulations Foels' Family!!! Welcome Tristan to the family!!
When you say your prayers tonight or tomorrow morning, please say a pray for my friend Marilyn. Marilyn will be having surgery tomorrow morning. She has a form of cancer (there's so many kinds out there) but the doctors feel that they have caught it in plenty of time so surgery was scheduled. Please send prays heaven ward for her. Thank you.
Nothing special happening in my life these days. I'm a little boring. I do need to let Beth know that I actually got my Christmas tree and stuff down before February 1st. I did keep all the snowmen up all over the place, but we'll have snow on the ground for a couple more months, then they go to the storage room also.
Work is keeping my busy. I have a Planner's Meeting coming up February 25th in Des Moines. I also have a Program Review Meeting the night before so think maybe it'll be a short night for me. My plans are to stay in Des Moines for the weekend and spend some time with my darling granddaughter, son, his wife and my daughter. I've requested that we do nothing special, just kinda hang out. Thought that sounded like a good idea. Mandy puts lots of pictures on their blog about Charlotte and I personally thank her for that. She's growing so fast and it's so great to be able to see the changes, even if it's only in pictures. So I'm looking forward to playing with my granddaughter!! She'll probably wear me out before half an hour!!
Think it's time to think about a vacation. I'd like to go back to Colorado, but haven't found anyone else that really wants to commit to going out this year. Guess I'll work on that a little. I've also talked about going back to Charleston. I loved it out there so much. It's a trip no matter which way I go. Probably end up staying home -- it's not as expensive!!!
I'm working on a Creek Party scrapbook for myself these days. Have about 2 pages to go and that's finished. I've never done anything for myself for Jim & Mandy's wedding so might start on that project too. I've worked up a flyer for my scrapbooking business but haven't really gotten anything out there yet. I should probably get at that. I know the economy is slow (and bad in some places) but there must be a couple of people out there that would like to have their pictures put in a memory book! Guess we'll see!!
The news is on so I probably should think about getting ready for bed. Not necessarily sleeping but at least getting ready! Good week everyone!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
I know, Christmas is over . . .
It's a chicken chucker! We have this thing about chickens in my family and my sister found this some years ago and finally gave it to me. As you can see, I was amused!!
Jackson saying 'cheese'
Barbie helping Jackson get a gift open. He helped all of us open our gifts.
Glee found a Cyclone stone for Barb. It'll look good in front of her house.
Jackson and his tractor shirt.
I should be doing something other than fooling around with my blog, but I was working on some pictures today and these caught my eye. And I keep falling over my chicken chucker! I'm taking down my trees (piece by piece). I figure by tomorrow morning I can take the big tree down completely and put it back in its' box. The "JOY" tree will probably wait until the middle of the week or another weekend. The ornaments are currently residing on my kitchen table. The majority of the boxes are up here but still in my craft room (second bedroom). It won't take that much time to put everything in the right box, just the ambition to do it.
The weather is depressing . . . it can't seem to decide what it wants to do. Not that I have any place to go, but seeing the sun would be great! Maybe this next week. I don't even bother with the weather forecast on weekends, unless I'm leaving town. This time of year I pretty much stay at home and work on inside projects. Who am I fooling, I work on inside projects all year long.
I'm working on a scrapbook for myself currently. I started it just before the holidays and am halfway finished. I found a beautiful scrapbook for Christmas and decided it was time to put something together for myself. Nothing like traveling down memory road again. I've never done anything with all the wedding pictures of the kids so that's on the list for this years' projects too!! I continue to collect pictures of Charlotte and Jackson for their books. Won't be long and they'll be another little one I can scrap. Beth & Karsten's baby is due in late February. I'm looking forward to the hospital visit and all the excitement of a new baby in the family. Beth has her babies in Dubuque so I luck out -- as long as someone goes with me. I can get lost in a hospital faster than anyone you know. I'd put down bread crumbs if they'd let me!!
Well, Lethal Weapon (the original) is now beginning and I have a page in front of me that needs to have somethings added. I best get at it. Couldn't resist putting extra Christmas pictures in.
Have a good week all! Stay warm and dry!!
The weather is depressing . . . it can't seem to decide what it wants to do. Not that I have any place to go, but seeing the sun would be great! Maybe this next week. I don't even bother with the weather forecast on weekends, unless I'm leaving town. This time of year I pretty much stay at home and work on inside projects. Who am I fooling, I work on inside projects all year long.
I'm working on a scrapbook for myself currently. I started it just before the holidays and am halfway finished. I found a beautiful scrapbook for Christmas and decided it was time to put something together for myself. Nothing like traveling down memory road again. I've never done anything with all the wedding pictures of the kids so that's on the list for this years' projects too!! I continue to collect pictures of Charlotte and Jackson for their books. Won't be long and they'll be another little one I can scrap. Beth & Karsten's baby is due in late February. I'm looking forward to the hospital visit and all the excitement of a new baby in the family. Beth has her babies in Dubuque so I luck out -- as long as someone goes with me. I can get lost in a hospital faster than anyone you know. I'd put down bread crumbs if they'd let me!!
Well, Lethal Weapon (the original) is now beginning and I have a page in front of me that needs to have somethings added. I best get at it. Couldn't resist putting extra Christmas pictures in.
Have a good week all! Stay warm and dry!!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Family Christmas Gathering
Jackson way 'up there!'
Keely, Jarret & Josh
Ron & Jackson 'resting'
Jackson got a police car from Barb!
The Baade Kids
Betsy opening her gifts!
Barb & her physical therapy socks
Barb visiting with Jarret
Mark and his family
We made it through the weekend without snow!! We missed Mandy, Jim & Charlotte, Kallie and Nick and his family but everyone else was able to make it. Charlotte was sick and Mandy wasn't feeling real good either. Nick and his family are out on the east coast and didn't get back for the holidays this year. Kallie had a get together with some of her friends. Sounds like Charlotte and Mandy are both feeling much better.
It was fun having everyone here. A little crowded but we had a good visit. Everyone brought something with them so of course we didn't go hungry. But I did run out of cheese soup and the chili was close! Next time I'll know better how much to make.
The little ones are growing so fast. Jackson is talking in sentences and cute as a button. Jarret is running around and beginning to talk. He's such a cutie and a red headed one!! Bailey even came to visit for a bit. We're hoping to get together a couple times more this spring and summer. Glee & Ron have a wonderful campsite to entertain at and Josh said something about all going down there too. It should be fun.
I had Monday off as a paid holiday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) and did absolutely nothing. Well that's not quite true, I did put dishes away, picked up a little and did some laundry. Other than that, I enjoyed my day off and sat around and watched TV, read and did a little scrapbooking. I have all kinds of new pictures to scrap, plus a bunch of old ones to finish!!
I noticed the top string of lights went out on my big tree now. I've already changed the top string on the JOY tree. Well, the big one will keep until it gets taken down -- this weekend, I hope. I just have to get started and it'll come down fine. Barb brought a lot of the boxes up for me and I drag another up when I get home in the afternoon. I hate taking down the tree. All the color goes out of my living room! I'm going to leave the snowmen up for a little bit longer and then it'll be time for Easter and nice pastel colors.
Sounds like more weather coming in for the weekend. We didn't get a lot of ice (thank you very much) but the majority of the school districts around here called classes, just to be safe. Snow and whatever on the way for the weekend. Bad weather all over the country!! How many days until spring?
Best I get some other things done around here. Have a good week!
It was fun having everyone here. A little crowded but we had a good visit. Everyone brought something with them so of course we didn't go hungry. But I did run out of cheese soup and the chili was close! Next time I'll know better how much to make.
The little ones are growing so fast. Jackson is talking in sentences and cute as a button. Jarret is running around and beginning to talk. He's such a cutie and a red headed one!! Bailey even came to visit for a bit. We're hoping to get together a couple times more this spring and summer. Glee & Ron have a wonderful campsite to entertain at and Josh said something about all going down there too. It should be fun.
I had Monday off as a paid holiday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) and did absolutely nothing. Well that's not quite true, I did put dishes away, picked up a little and did some laundry. Other than that, I enjoyed my day off and sat around and watched TV, read and did a little scrapbooking. I have all kinds of new pictures to scrap, plus a bunch of old ones to finish!!
I noticed the top string of lights went out on my big tree now. I've already changed the top string on the JOY tree. Well, the big one will keep until it gets taken down -- this weekend, I hope. I just have to get started and it'll come down fine. Barb brought a lot of the boxes up for me and I drag another up when I get home in the afternoon. I hate taking down the tree. All the color goes out of my living room! I'm going to leave the snowmen up for a little bit longer and then it'll be time for Easter and nice pastel colors.
Sounds like more weather coming in for the weekend. We didn't get a lot of ice (thank you very much) but the majority of the school districts around here called classes, just to be safe. Snow and whatever on the way for the weekend. Bad weather all over the country!! How many days until spring?
Best I get some other things done around here. Have a good week!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Christmas Memories
One more Christmas to go! I am having our family Christmas this coming weekend. I'm really looking forward to it. My brother and his family (minus Nick & Danelle) will be coming, my sister and her family (minus Mike's Kallie) are coming and my children are coming. It will be a houseful but so wonderful to all be getting together. The weather even sounds like it will cooperate.
This Christmas was a different one for me. The first time in 62 years that I wasn't with my sister. I would like to continue the tradition started many years ago with my grandmother and our parents, but I guess it's time for new traditions and moving on in our lives. I had a very enjoyable Christmas Eve with Jim & his family and my daughter Barb. Barb and I spent part of the Christmas Eve day and evening with Jim & family. We got to all go to church together. It was a beautiful service. Snowed, but then that even makes it more Christmas Eve. Mandy prepared a delicious dinner, we opened presents and enjoyed watching Charlotte. Got some great pictures of my little darlin'. She's growing so fast. I'm glad I get to see her as much as I do. Wished it could be more often, but the distance does create some problems now and then.
I can remember as a child going to church on Christmas Eve, participating in the Christmas Eve services, receiving our brown paper bag full of hard candy, nuts, an apple and orange. Everyone who attended services got the same thing. The majority of the time when we left church it was snowing. Christmas snow. You know, the sparkly kind that makes everything look so beautiful. From church we would go to my Grandmother Baade's place for oyster stew and gift opening. Santa came during the night so we were all up very early the next morning. My dad usually took a little time to spend with us before having to go out and do his morning chores. My grandmother would join us for a big Christmas dinner and other family traditions. As my grandmother got older, my mother took over the tradition of Christmas Eve and our traditional oyster stew supper. We attended church, as usual but came home rather than going to Gram's. She just wasn't up to doing the supper any longer. Gram Baade would stay overnight and join us for all the fun on Christmas morning after Santa came. As we got older our boyfriends and girlfriends joined us for this tradition. After my first child arrived we continued with our Christmas Eve tradition. My husband was drafted so a couple of Christmas' we lived with my parents. Fortunately Harry was able to be home for Barbie's first Christmas. It was special having him able to come home. He was drafted in the fall and able to stay with us until we sold our mobile home, moved me and the baby back to the farm and have our daughter baptized. He was in boot camp over Christmas and able to get leave to come home and be with us. Our Christmas Eve tradition continued until the death of my Dad and Grandmother. Both of them passed the same year, the same week (within 2 days of each other). After the passing of my father and grandmother my sister and I took over the tradition, taking turns having it in our homes with our families. We started a sleep-over the past few years. When you came to my house it was always a little crowded but we sure had some good times.
It's now time for new traditions. Our families are growing and making their own traditions. Hopefully including us "old" people in their traditions. Like I said, I had a wonderful Christmas with my son and daughter and look forward to many more in the years to come.
I am also looking forward to getting together with my brother, sister and all our families this weekend. It's time our children get to know their cousins and their children. Both Jackson and Jerrett are running around and Charlotte is rolling all over the place. I'm looking forward to seeing the interaction between the little ones. It should be a lot of fun. Hopefully I can get everyone together for some pictures and more memories for all of us to keep in photos.
I never make New Year's resolutions . . . I make New Year's goals. I don't always reach those goals but I do take the time to come up with some. It's time for Joy to do something for Joy and 2010 is the year. I spend way to much time alone, tucked away in my home. It's time to get out and do something. My friend Marilyn and I have decided we're going to get together once a week for an evening out. It maybe just picking up sandwiches from Jared's place but at least we'll get out and get together. We spend time on the phone, but never seem to be able to get together. Times are a changin'!!! (Or at least I hope they are.)
I would like to take some time off and get away from Dubuque. I love my city and my home, but I also like to do some traveling. No definite plans have been made at this time, but you never know what we'll come up with.
This weekend is a long weekend for me. We have Monday, January 17th off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Maybe I'll get my big Christmas tree down and the majority of Christmas packed away. If not . . . there's more weekends coming.
I have some scrapbooking projects started, more planned so I think I'll probably have enough to keep me busy for a while. I'm sure winter is far from over. State basketball time always brings snow and every time you plan something special out-of-town . . . it snows! But that the good part of living in Iowa. If you don't like, I guess you need to move!!!
Enough Christmas memories. We'll be making more this coming weekend. To my children and other family members . . . drive safe. The door is always open and they'll be plenty of food and fun to go around.
God Bless.
This Christmas was a different one for me. The first time in 62 years that I wasn't with my sister. I would like to continue the tradition started many years ago with my grandmother and our parents, but I guess it's time for new traditions and moving on in our lives. I had a very enjoyable Christmas Eve with Jim & his family and my daughter Barb. Barb and I spent part of the Christmas Eve day and evening with Jim & family. We got to all go to church together. It was a beautiful service. Snowed, but then that even makes it more Christmas Eve. Mandy prepared a delicious dinner, we opened presents and enjoyed watching Charlotte. Got some great pictures of my little darlin'. She's growing so fast. I'm glad I get to see her as much as I do. Wished it could be more often, but the distance does create some problems now and then.
I can remember as a child going to church on Christmas Eve, participating in the Christmas Eve services, receiving our brown paper bag full of hard candy, nuts, an apple and orange. Everyone who attended services got the same thing. The majority of the time when we left church it was snowing. Christmas snow. You know, the sparkly kind that makes everything look so beautiful. From church we would go to my Grandmother Baade's place for oyster stew and gift opening. Santa came during the night so we were all up very early the next morning. My dad usually took a little time to spend with us before having to go out and do his morning chores. My grandmother would join us for a big Christmas dinner and other family traditions. As my grandmother got older, my mother took over the tradition of Christmas Eve and our traditional oyster stew supper. We attended church, as usual but came home rather than going to Gram's. She just wasn't up to doing the supper any longer. Gram Baade would stay overnight and join us for all the fun on Christmas morning after Santa came. As we got older our boyfriends and girlfriends joined us for this tradition. After my first child arrived we continued with our Christmas Eve tradition. My husband was drafted so a couple of Christmas' we lived with my parents. Fortunately Harry was able to be home for Barbie's first Christmas. It was special having him able to come home. He was drafted in the fall and able to stay with us until we sold our mobile home, moved me and the baby back to the farm and have our daughter baptized. He was in boot camp over Christmas and able to get leave to come home and be with us. Our Christmas Eve tradition continued until the death of my Dad and Grandmother. Both of them passed the same year, the same week (within 2 days of each other). After the passing of my father and grandmother my sister and I took over the tradition, taking turns having it in our homes with our families. We started a sleep-over the past few years. When you came to my house it was always a little crowded but we sure had some good times.
It's now time for new traditions. Our families are growing and making their own traditions. Hopefully including us "old" people in their traditions. Like I said, I had a wonderful Christmas with my son and daughter and look forward to many more in the years to come.
I am also looking forward to getting together with my brother, sister and all our families this weekend. It's time our children get to know their cousins and their children. Both Jackson and Jerrett are running around and Charlotte is rolling all over the place. I'm looking forward to seeing the interaction between the little ones. It should be a lot of fun. Hopefully I can get everyone together for some pictures and more memories for all of us to keep in photos.
I never make New Year's resolutions . . . I make New Year's goals. I don't always reach those goals but I do take the time to come up with some. It's time for Joy to do something for Joy and 2010 is the year. I spend way to much time alone, tucked away in my home. It's time to get out and do something. My friend Marilyn and I have decided we're going to get together once a week for an evening out. It maybe just picking up sandwiches from Jared's place but at least we'll get out and get together. We spend time on the phone, but never seem to be able to get together. Times are a changin'!!! (Or at least I hope they are.)
I would like to take some time off and get away from Dubuque. I love my city and my home, but I also like to do some traveling. No definite plans have been made at this time, but you never know what we'll come up with.
This weekend is a long weekend for me. We have Monday, January 17th off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Maybe I'll get my big Christmas tree down and the majority of Christmas packed away. If not . . . there's more weekends coming.
I have some scrapbooking projects started, more planned so I think I'll probably have enough to keep me busy for a while. I'm sure winter is far from over. State basketball time always brings snow and every time you plan something special out-of-town . . . it snows! But that the good part of living in Iowa. If you don't like, I guess you need to move!!!
Enough Christmas memories. We'll be making more this coming weekend. To my children and other family members . . . drive safe. The door is always open and they'll be plenty of food and fun to go around.
God Bless.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
A Picture Is Worth . . . .
Barbie are you having problems with that gift?
Jimmy & his stepladder!
Charlotte & GJ playing before Christmas Eve dinner.
GJ & her favorite granddaughter!
Jimmy & his daughter at church.
Charlotte's first Christmas Eve.
Our little elf finally ran out of steam! Dad's shoulder makes a great place to nap!
Charlotte's Christmas Eve dress. What a beautiful baby.
Barb still likes opening presents on Christmas Eve.
This is my Christmas Elf. Mandy says she's not an elf, but she looks like one to me
in this darling outfit her parents got for her.
Even Grandma's get into the act on Christmas Eve. GJ got somenew sofa pillows for her new sofa. Thanks Barb!
Mandy is happy. Barb got her a gift certificate to have her hair done.Can't wait to see what it looks like.
Odie's dressed for the Christmas Eve fun.
So many packages, such a little girl.
Just about ready for church and GJ had her picture taken with Charlotte.
The Davis Family.
The 'other' Davis Family. Me & my kids. Mandy took theshot. Can't you tell she's a great photographer!
Barbie & Charlotte having fun.
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words so . . . here's some pictures from my Christmas Eve with my family. I drove to Ankeny on Tuesday already. Those darn weathermen kept on talking about the snow storm that was coming and finally scared me good. Barb called me at work on Monday (she never calls me at work, and very seldom on my cell) to ask when I was getting off for the holiday. My boss had told me I could leave after the mail was in and letters completed on Wednesday afternoon. Well, we all know what Wednesday afternoon was like. Dubuque had a lot of rain and some ice. Ankeny had rain. We had an all-agency staffing planned for Wednesday morning but after hearing all the weather forecasts, that was cancelled. After my phone call from Barb I went in and begged my boss to give me some extra time off. I took 2 days without pay, but I was able to be with my family on Christmas Eve.
The trip down wasn't exactly a piece of cake. Dubuque had gotten 3-4 inches of snow the night before and the highways were a little dicey, but as you can see I made it into Ankeny without any mishap. I'm sure I frustrated a number of drivers out on 20 as I stayed in the slow lane and didn't drive real fast until the roads cleared!!! Once the roads were clear I sailed into town.
I spent Wednesday at Barb's doing laundry, reading and catching up on some of my computer stuff. Still didn't get cards out to anyone. And I made a lot of them this year.
Thursday was my day with my kids at Jim & Mandy's. This is the first Christmas in my whole life (62 years) that I didn't spend with my sister. Don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful Christmas with my family, but have to admit I missed Glee and her gang. But we're all scheduled to get together on January 16th (weather permitting) and I'm sure we'll have a great time. I had a wonderful time with my children. Would do the same thing all over again.
Barb and I loaded up the sleigh (Barb's car) and took off for Urbandale around 1:30. Mandy came to the door and told us to keep it down, if possible, Charlotte was trying to nap. We made numerous trips in the house with all our goodies, but the little rascal woke up anyway. And yes, we tried to be quiet!! She was so cute in her little 'elf' dress. I just love that little girl to death!!
Mandy had a fantastic dinner for us. Had a little trouble with the wine bottle, but Jim got it open and we enjoyed it very much. We left the dishes on the table and adjourned to the living room and the present opening began. One of the pictures is of Jim's stepladder (or a picture of him holding a piece of paper about a stepladder). I have to tell you the story behind it. I did get him a stepladder (7 footer). Barb actually picked it up and got it over to their house one afternoon. Between her and Mandy they 'hid' it under the bed in the spare bedroom downstairs. Jim knew that Barb had been over (she picked up another package from me to Mandy) and asked about it. Mandy gave him some story about an awkward and/or heavy gift I had purchased for him and that Barb had brought it over early. She gave him a few hints about Glee helping me pick it out. He came to the conclusion that I had bought him one of those 'big' (and heavy) rocks for their front steps, front yard (or whatever they wanted to put it). He fussed about it (Mandy's words) for quite a while and that was that. He couldn't believe that I would buy one of them when after asking Mandy if he'd like one (two years ago) that I went ahead and bought one anyway!! On Wednesday night (the night before Christmas Eve) their kitchen ceiling started leaking (AGAIN!). Jim had taken Barb's stepladder back (darn it) and decided he better get out the extension ladder and get on the roof and try and get rid of some of the ice that had formed. Mandy hated to see him do that so . . . she told him about the ladder. She said the look on his face was priceless (Mastercard!!) Anyway, that's the story behind his stepladder. I would have loved to let the story go on for a bit before he opened that particular gift, but glad that he was able to use it when he needed it. That's why I bought it for him! We put it to use when we took pictures of the whole family. Made a great place to sit the cameras!
It was so much fun watching Charlotte. She loves the paper. She loves to rip it off the packages, but after ripping it off, you guessed it, it goes into her mouth! It was still fun watching her and just being with her. I think everyone was more than happy with what they got for Christmas.
We went to the 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. It was snowing by then, but Jim's a good driver and got us there and back without a mishap. The service was beautiful. Charlotte was a good little gal. She got a little fussy toward the end, but she's only 8 months old!! Hope is a beautiful church. The candle service was wonderful. I particularly like the burro that brought Mary into the church for the story of Christmas. He/She was really cute!!
Barb and I finished loading up the car after the services and headed back home. Jim, Mandy and Charlotte then had their own Christmas Eve tradition. We had something to drink, watched a little TV and headed to bed. Christmas Day this big kid of mine, came running into my bedroom and jumped on the bed to wish me a Merry Christmas. It was a merry Christmas!! And it was a white Christmas!! Santa came during the night and left me some things in my stocking. (Actually I borrowed one of Barb's as I didn't know he was coming!) He brought me some scrapbooking things (fantastic) another snowman for my collection and some medication!!! Yep, medication! Barb needed to use some flex money and spent some of it on me!! Thanks Barb!!
Saturday morning it was still snowing (on and off) and cold, but we braved it all to do some returning. When I ordered Mandy's coat I accidentally ordered two. Duh!! There wasn't a problem in taking it back, just had to take it back. Bob had called Jim & Mandy and told them they didn't think they were going to have Christmas with the weather being the way it was. I mean, they didn't get together for Christmas on Christmas Day. Everyone had Christmas. They were home so we called to see if we could spend a little time with them again. Jim, Mandy & Charlotte had Christmas with her Dad and Mom and families New Year's weekend. Hope it was a good one!! I don't get to see Charlotte as much as I'd like and this was a great opportunity. As usual, she was cute as the dickens! She had a great visit from Santa and showed us all her toys and new clothes! We brought pizza and everybody enjoyed that. It was a great visit.
Barb and I did some shopping. Actually I did most of the shopping. I had coupons for Dress Barn and there's a good sized one in Des Moines so we just had to stop. I've limited my checking account to just what I need to pay bills so didn't have a lot of cash with me but my daughter came to the rescue. We found some wonderful things. Barb has good taste and had me trying on all kinds of tops and pants. Got some new jeans (needed them badly) some dress slacks (gray), and a couple of sweaters. Wow! I also got clothes from the children. I have a whole new wardrobe! We didn't stop there, we next went to the shoe store. I have some problems with my feet (or foot) and it's hard to find something that I can wear. It's also a little depressing, as there's not a lot that fits my fat little foot! Barb to the rescue! She found some!! I got a beautiful pair of brown slip-ons and a cute little black pair of ballet-type slippers. I'm set!!! Got home and washed everything up and relaxed!!
I came home on Sunday morning. Got into Dubuque around 2:00 p.m. I had a wonderful Christmas with my children. I hope that we have many more in the future.
My trees will stay up for a couple more weeks. I have a Christmas party here tomorrow night. The family gathering, as I said earlier, is scheduled for Saturday, January 16th. I hope my children get here. My nephew from Johnston and his family will be joining us, as will my brother and his wife (Sandie & Mark). Glee, Ron, Beth & Karsten and little Jackson and Mike and Callie. I'll have a houseful but it should be fun. I've been making some gifts and there's a few still under the tree for those that are coming. Should be fun!!! Can't wait to see how the little ones interact with each other.
I'll be a Great Aunt again in February. Beth & Karsten are expecting a little boy sometime the end of the month!! I'm excited about it. Beth has her babies here in Dubuque so that way I definitely get to see them when they're very little and brand new!!! Just like when Charlotte was born. Maybe not quite that fast -- I think I got to hold Charlotte before she was an hour old! That was a thrill!! Just take care Beth, we're all anxious for that little one to get here.
I believe I can now say . . . this ends the lesson for the day.
Sorry about the rambling on and on. I keep thinking of things we did. Got some great pictures and love sharing them with friends and family. I'll keep the next one a little shorter!!!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Merry Christmas!
My "JOY" tree in the hallway.
Winter Wonderland with my snowmen on top of the TV.
My big tree in the living room.
My little tree in my 'craft room.'Are you all ready for the holiday? I have everything that I bought wrapped. I have a couple of things to pick up yet and then wrap and then I'm done. Or I'm quitting!! I'm also hoping that the weather will treat me nice so that I can get to my daughter's and son's for the holiday. I keep watching the weather channel and it keeps changing so . . . guess I'll wait and see what happens between now and Wednesday morning!
My house looks pretty good. All my decorations are up that are going to be up. We're having Christmas here in January so I'll enjoy my trees and decorations for some time. But I love Christmas so it won't be a hardship.
It's jeans week at work. Always is just before the holidays. We have an all-agency staffing on Wednesday morning. The agency is providing a breakfast buffet (we pay $5.00) and then a meeting following. I guess they aren't providing the complete meal, but the better portion of it. We have a number of awards to present and a little housekeeping to get done before the first of the year. I get my 25 year plaque. It was 25 years in September, but our October meeting was cancelled so . . . we'll try for Wednesday morning. It's at the Mid-Way here in Dubuque. It's a nice place to gather. My hopes are to be able to leave around 1:00 or 1:30 for my childrens'. I don't want to drive in the dark this time of year, especially with unpredictable weather. Getting old!!
I have a friend coming over Tuesday evening to help me pack up my gifts and get them in my car. I can pack the suitcase later in the evening and finish on Wednesday morning. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my kids. I'm especially excited to be spending some time with my granddaughter Charlotte. She's growing so fast and I want to get to know her a little better. Have a few packages for her . . . but grandmother's can do that. Spoil the kid!! I'm sure a lot of pictures will be taken.
I'll miss my sister and her family. Told them to take lots of pictures too. Jackson is such a little goer right now and so much fun to watch. I'm sure he'll enjoy the holiday very much. There's some packages under my tree for him too. My sister's birthday is in December so there's some for her too!! January 16th should be fun.
I see my Colts are still undefeated!! Go Colts! And the Saints got beat so the Colts are the team to beat. Hope they go all the way to the Super Bowl. They have been my favorite team before they left Baltimore! I'm a die hard Colt fan.
Here's Christmas wishes to all. Hope this is the best holiday ever. Take care in your travels so that you get where you want to be safely. Enjoy the times with your loved ones. Make wonderful memories and take lots of pictures.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Thanksgiving
I know, I know, Thanksgiving is over and done with . . . well not quite for my family. Because we are all growing with more children and more places to go we didn't get together before or on Thanksgiving, but decided December 5th would work fine. It did, and it didn't. Jim & Mandy found they had something on their calendar, my sister didn't check her calendar and it was opening day of deer hunting season and my daughter also forgot something on her calendar and wasn't able to be with us. The rest of us made it!!!
Mark & Sandie, Beth, Karsten & Jackson, Mike & Callie, myself and Ron & Glee spent a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon together. I actually got there on time! Jackson was at the door to greet me. Ron was taking a shower. Mike & Callie pulled in right after me so Jackson and I went and greeted them at the door. He's such a sweet little boy. And he loves his Uncle Mike!!! Mark and Sandie weren't far behind. It was good getting together with everyone. We really have to do that more often. I spent the weekend with Glee and never took a picture. We were just commenting on that this afternoon before I left for home. Duh!!!
Mike had a basketball game Saturday night so all decided to attend. Well, most of us. Karsten decided he better head home and work on his truck. He hopes to have it done by Christmas. And he hasn't graced the gym in Postville since he graduated. He didn't want to break his record! Mark and Sandie came with and that was nice. They didn't stay for the whole game as they were heading back to Cedar Falls yet Saturday night. Mike's game was supposed to start around 6:30, but they were just in the first period of the girls' game when we got there. They had a double, double header! JV played first, then the varsity teams. We were still home before 10, just barely!! Postville played Ed-Co. Mike has a young team but some of the players looked pretty good to me. Unfortunately they lost in an overtime game. There were some officiating calls that were pretty bad, but Mike's team just wasn't ready to play and Ed-Co was out for a win!! It was exciting, but not one of Mike's more favorable moments. They play M-F-L Mar-Mac Tuesday night and if it wasn't supposed to snow I probably would go up and watch the game. I'm afraid I might get there and not get back!! It't been a long time since I've watched high school basketball. Was fun!! I enjoyed it very much.
Jackson kept us all busy. We found out he can jump from the bleachers into someone's arm (mostly his grandparents) and has a ball doing it. He finally settled down by the 4th quarter. When we got there he was looking for Mike immediately and got really excited when he found him. Mike happened to be sitting on the stage just watching the game and as soon as Jackson spied him and got down from Papa's arms took off. He loves his Uncle Mike!! He's at such a good age right now . . . he's really fun to watch and be around. Kids are great, aren't they?
Got home around 5 or so tonight. Cold in my place. I shut down the termostats before I left. Now it'll take a little time to warm everything up. That's what blankets are for!!! I have my suitcase unpacked and put away and a bunch of Christmas gifts laying all over my bedroom floor. Guess I should start wrapping some.
I have a friend coming Monday evening to help drag all the Christmas boxes back downstairs. My kitchen will look much better when that's finished. Maybe I can talk him into bringing up my wrapping paper box!!
Sounds like snow for our part of the world. Some tonight (heard 2-3 inches) and more heading our way on Tuesday. Winter wonderland. Isn't that what everyone wants??? Not!!
Mark & Sandie, Beth, Karsten & Jackson, Mike & Callie, myself and Ron & Glee spent a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon together. I actually got there on time! Jackson was at the door to greet me. Ron was taking a shower. Mike & Callie pulled in right after me so Jackson and I went and greeted them at the door. He's such a sweet little boy. And he loves his Uncle Mike!!! Mark and Sandie weren't far behind. It was good getting together with everyone. We really have to do that more often. I spent the weekend with Glee and never took a picture. We were just commenting on that this afternoon before I left for home. Duh!!!
Mike had a basketball game Saturday night so all decided to attend. Well, most of us. Karsten decided he better head home and work on his truck. He hopes to have it done by Christmas. And he hasn't graced the gym in Postville since he graduated. He didn't want to break his record! Mark and Sandie came with and that was nice. They didn't stay for the whole game as they were heading back to Cedar Falls yet Saturday night. Mike's game was supposed to start around 6:30, but they were just in the first period of the girls' game when we got there. They had a double, double header! JV played first, then the varsity teams. We were still home before 10, just barely!! Postville played Ed-Co. Mike has a young team but some of the players looked pretty good to me. Unfortunately they lost in an overtime game. There were some officiating calls that were pretty bad, but Mike's team just wasn't ready to play and Ed-Co was out for a win!! It was exciting, but not one of Mike's more favorable moments. They play M-F-L Mar-Mac Tuesday night and if it wasn't supposed to snow I probably would go up and watch the game. I'm afraid I might get there and not get back!! It't been a long time since I've watched high school basketball. Was fun!! I enjoyed it very much.
Jackson kept us all busy. We found out he can jump from the bleachers into someone's arm (mostly his grandparents) and has a ball doing it. He finally settled down by the 4th quarter. When we got there he was looking for Mike immediately and got really excited when he found him. Mike happened to be sitting on the stage just watching the game and as soon as Jackson spied him and got down from Papa's arms took off. He loves his Uncle Mike!! He's at such a good age right now . . . he's really fun to watch and be around. Kids are great, aren't they?
Got home around 5 or so tonight. Cold in my place. I shut down the termostats before I left. Now it'll take a little time to warm everything up. That's what blankets are for!!! I have my suitcase unpacked and put away and a bunch of Christmas gifts laying all over my bedroom floor. Guess I should start wrapping some.
I have a friend coming Monday evening to help drag all the Christmas boxes back downstairs. My kitchen will look much better when that's finished. Maybe I can talk him into bringing up my wrapping paper box!!
Sounds like snow for our part of the world. Some tonight (heard 2-3 inches) and more heading our way on Tuesday. Winter wonderland. Isn't that what everyone wants??? Not!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
The JOY Tree
This is a JOY tree
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around my place. A tradition I've done for many years is to put my Christmas tree up Thanksgiving weekend. Well, this year was no different and my tree is up! In addition to my big tree there is a JOY tree in my hallway! As I was talking to a friend of mine recently, it came up about all my Christmas ornaments and especially my JOY ornaments. I love Christmas and have many, many ornaments for my tree(s). I've got to the point where I can't even get them all on one tree. I've left a few off the last couple of years. She thought a JOY tree was a great idea. I didn't think that sounded too bad either so it became a reality Sunday afternoon.
Barb had given me her old tree a couple of years ago. I never did get it to the people I was going to and now I'm very glad I didn't. It fits so well in my little hallway (right outside my bathroom). There's about 30 ornaments on it and they all say JOY one way or the other. I'd like to add a couple new ones (and probably will), but it looks pretty good for the first time out.
I had to go out and buy some new lights on Sunday morning. And I didn't get lights all the way around, but since it's in a corner you can hardly tell the difference. Also my big tree has lights and garland all the way around, but there's a spot in the back that does not have ornaments (I think the JOY's belong there!).
A friend of mine drug all the boxes upstairs for me last Tuesday. They sat around here for a couple of days and then Wednesday afternoon (after work) I started putting the tree together. I'm thankful for friends who are willing to help me get my stuff up the stairs. Going down is not a problem (I can always tuck and roll) but bringing boxes, groceries, etc. up on some days is very hard. Don't believe the stories about the Golden Years! They just ain't true!!!!
Barb made a quick visit here on Wednesday night. She told me she would help get the Christmas stuff upstairs and put the tree together. She was very surprised (and pleasantly so, I hope) that she didn't have to do any of that. I had the tree halfway done by the time she got here. We finished putting it together and then went to bed. When she got up Thursday morning she started putting the lights on for me. She got them all up before she left for her Dad's for Thanksgiving dinner. I know I could have gotten it done, but bet it wouldn't be completed yet!!! I'm a little slow when it comes to climbing up and down on ladders!! I finished the tree on Saturday. Like I said, I'm a little slow. I did manage to get it pushed back into the corner where I want it. Learned a long time ago to put shiny cardboard underneath the base (it pushes so much easier that way).
Got a call from my son and his family on Thanksgiving Day wishing me a good one. That was cool! Made my day!! Everyone had something on for Thanksgiving Day this year so I had a TV (turkey) dinner and put up my tree. Watched some football (what else?) and did a little sleeping too! The tree is up (the big one), the JOY tree is complete and the majority of the decorations are put where I want them (or think I do). Sounds like Jim and his sisters will be able to come over tomorrow night and help drag all the empty boxes back downstairs. Sometimes it's a real pain to live on the second floor!!
My family (or those that can) are getting together this coming weekend at my sister's. I'm planning on that plus going to a basketball game that evening. Mike's team will be playing at home and since I haven't seen any of his teams play yet . . . thought this was a good time!! I'm sure we'll have a very enjoyable day together!!
I'd love to say that I'm done shopping but that just ain't true! I talked to Jim tonight and asked him what he and Mandy wanted for Christmas this year. He couldn't come up with anything. That was a bummer, but I'll think of something between then and now!!
Have a trip planned for Des Moines on Thursday. It's a Planner's Meeting. Guess I'll leave on Thursday morning and come back that evening. Makes for a long day, but if everything goes okay at the office I should be able to leave a little earlier on Friday. Get started on my sleep!!
I gave myself a sore foot putting up the tree. I stepped back and right on the end of one of the branches. It punctured my foot, bleed and is sore, but seems to be okay. I've been watching it closely and had our nurse look at it today at work. She'll continue to monitor my foot (poor woman) and if there's a problem I'll hike off to the doctor. What a dumb thing to do! Barb asked if I was wearing shoes . . . of course not . . . that's about the first thing I take off when I get home. I do, however now, wear slippers. Live and learn.
Have a great week all.
Barb had given me her old tree a couple of years ago. I never did get it to the people I was going to and now I'm very glad I didn't. It fits so well in my little hallway (right outside my bathroom). There's about 30 ornaments on it and they all say JOY one way or the other. I'd like to add a couple new ones (and probably will), but it looks pretty good for the first time out.
I had to go out and buy some new lights on Sunday morning. And I didn't get lights all the way around, but since it's in a corner you can hardly tell the difference. Also my big tree has lights and garland all the way around, but there's a spot in the back that does not have ornaments (I think the JOY's belong there!).
A friend of mine drug all the boxes upstairs for me last Tuesday. They sat around here for a couple of days and then Wednesday afternoon (after work) I started putting the tree together. I'm thankful for friends who are willing to help me get my stuff up the stairs. Going down is not a problem (I can always tuck and roll) but bringing boxes, groceries, etc. up on some days is very hard. Don't believe the stories about the Golden Years! They just ain't true!!!!
Barb made a quick visit here on Wednesday night. She told me she would help get the Christmas stuff upstairs and put the tree together. She was very surprised (and pleasantly so, I hope) that she didn't have to do any of that. I had the tree halfway done by the time she got here. We finished putting it together and then went to bed. When she got up Thursday morning she started putting the lights on for me. She got them all up before she left for her Dad's for Thanksgiving dinner. I know I could have gotten it done, but bet it wouldn't be completed yet!!! I'm a little slow when it comes to climbing up and down on ladders!! I finished the tree on Saturday. Like I said, I'm a little slow. I did manage to get it pushed back into the corner where I want it. Learned a long time ago to put shiny cardboard underneath the base (it pushes so much easier that way).
Got a call from my son and his family on Thanksgiving Day wishing me a good one. That was cool! Made my day!! Everyone had something on for Thanksgiving Day this year so I had a TV (turkey) dinner and put up my tree. Watched some football (what else?) and did a little sleeping too! The tree is up (the big one), the JOY tree is complete and the majority of the decorations are put where I want them (or think I do). Sounds like Jim and his sisters will be able to come over tomorrow night and help drag all the empty boxes back downstairs. Sometimes it's a real pain to live on the second floor!!
My family (or those that can) are getting together this coming weekend at my sister's. I'm planning on that plus going to a basketball game that evening. Mike's team will be playing at home and since I haven't seen any of his teams play yet . . . thought this was a good time!! I'm sure we'll have a very enjoyable day together!!
I'd love to say that I'm done shopping but that just ain't true! I talked to Jim tonight and asked him what he and Mandy wanted for Christmas this year. He couldn't come up with anything. That was a bummer, but I'll think of something between then and now!!
Have a trip planned for Des Moines on Thursday. It's a Planner's Meeting. Guess I'll leave on Thursday morning and come back that evening. Makes for a long day, but if everything goes okay at the office I should be able to leave a little earlier on Friday. Get started on my sleep!!
I gave myself a sore foot putting up the tree. I stepped back and right on the end of one of the branches. It punctured my foot, bleed and is sore, but seems to be okay. I've been watching it closely and had our nurse look at it today at work. She'll continue to monitor my foot (poor woman) and if there's a problem I'll hike off to the doctor. What a dumb thing to do! Barb asked if I was wearing shoes . . . of course not . . . that's about the first thing I take off when I get home. I do, however now, wear slippers. Live and learn.
Have a great week all.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
I just checked Jim & Mandy's blog. I have a darling granddaughter! Isn't she the cutest thing!!! I'm looking forward to the holidays and spending some time with my little Urbandale family. I'll be staying with Barb and enjoying her company too. Hope they all enjoy mine!!
I had company for the weekend. Glee, Beth & Jackson came Saturday to do some shopping. What fun to spend time with Jackson. He is such a sweet little boy. And so good. I know his mother will argue with me about being good but considering he rode in his car seat from home to my place, from here to the Mall and sat again in his stroller. He was really good. We stopped at the Humane Society at the Mall and looked at the dogs and cats. He got really excited when he saw the cats and called them by name -- his cat's name! But it's so much fun to watch his expressions and listen to him talk. He's growing up so fast. Oh, it was nice spending time with his mother and grandmother (Damma) too. We didn't get a lot of shopping done, but it was fun just getting out and being with other people.
I don't see my sister as much as I'd like too, but have been with her the last 3 weekends. Wow! Wonder what she's doing this next weekend. Beth & Glee went with me (or I with them) the first of the month to the craft fair in Ankeny. That was a nice weekend. Last weekend there was a big craft fair here in Dubuque and Glee came down on Friday night and we went to that on Saturday. Like I said, I've seen a lot of her lately.
I have a friend coming over tomorrow night to help bring all my Christmas stuff up from my storage closet in the basement. I'm going to just take my time and get everything together. Deadline is Monday, November 30th. To be done by then! I should be able to make that.
Work has been busy. I spent a week promoting our programs to a group of individuals that will be loosing their jobs in 2010. Pink slips have not gone out yet, but they're coming. The company is trying to do as much as possible for their employees and I'm part of the group that goes into businesses and plants when closings happen. It's kinda depressing. Makes a person thankful for what they have!! I did finally get my State reports finished on Friday and saw it on its way. I'm sure there will be some touch up that has to be done but the biggest part of it is finished. This is a short week (jeans week) at work. I'm planning on finding a home for all the lone papers laying around, making up folders and just plain cleaning out the place. We have a potluck on Wednesday and I'm leaning toward making pumpkin bars or apple crisp. Have to see how ambitious I feel on Tuesday night.
Thanksgiving will be spent putting Christmas together at my house. I bought a turkey TV dinner for Thursday. I also bought a small (3 lbs.) turkey breast. I love turkey. I still have to pick up cranberries, can't have turkey either real or TV without cranberry sauce. I have a co-worker that has no place to go on Thanksgiving either so may ask her if she'd like to join me. I can put her to work stringing lights!!!
I have so much to be thankful for. First of all I'm employed. I have a job. I can pay my bills. I have two wonderful children, a beautiful granddaughter and daughter-in-law. I have a sister and family that I love dearly. These people make my world go around. They're all very special for me, and I thank God every night when I say my prays that they are part of my life. My health is fairly good (aches and pains come and go and I'll just keep on truckin'). I live in a country that gives me my freedom to do what I want and be what I want. For all of this I am thankful. We seem to overlook Thanksgiving in this country (and it's our holiday, no other country) and go directly from Halloween to Christmas. I'm as much at fault as the next person. But I am thankful for what I have and guess I just want everyone to know that. I have friends that I'm thankful for. They keep me sane (or crazy, whatever the day provides). You get out of life what you put into it. It's just like a job -- you have to work at it to make it what you want it to be!!
To my family and friends, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember those you love. Stay safe if you're traveling and everyone come back home safe and sound. God Bless All!
I had company for the weekend. Glee, Beth & Jackson came Saturday to do some shopping. What fun to spend time with Jackson. He is such a sweet little boy. And so good. I know his mother will argue with me about being good but considering he rode in his car seat from home to my place, from here to the Mall and sat again in his stroller. He was really good. We stopped at the Humane Society at the Mall and looked at the dogs and cats. He got really excited when he saw the cats and called them by name -- his cat's name! But it's so much fun to watch his expressions and listen to him talk. He's growing up so fast. Oh, it was nice spending time with his mother and grandmother (Damma) too. We didn't get a lot of shopping done, but it was fun just getting out and being with other people.
I don't see my sister as much as I'd like too, but have been with her the last 3 weekends. Wow! Wonder what she's doing this next weekend. Beth & Glee went with me (or I with them) the first of the month to the craft fair in Ankeny. That was a nice weekend. Last weekend there was a big craft fair here in Dubuque and Glee came down on Friday night and we went to that on Saturday. Like I said, I've seen a lot of her lately.
I have a friend coming over tomorrow night to help bring all my Christmas stuff up from my storage closet in the basement. I'm going to just take my time and get everything together. Deadline is Monday, November 30th. To be done by then! I should be able to make that.
Work has been busy. I spent a week promoting our programs to a group of individuals that will be loosing their jobs in 2010. Pink slips have not gone out yet, but they're coming. The company is trying to do as much as possible for their employees and I'm part of the group that goes into businesses and plants when closings happen. It's kinda depressing. Makes a person thankful for what they have!! I did finally get my State reports finished on Friday and saw it on its way. I'm sure there will be some touch up that has to be done but the biggest part of it is finished. This is a short week (jeans week) at work. I'm planning on finding a home for all the lone papers laying around, making up folders and just plain cleaning out the place. We have a potluck on Wednesday and I'm leaning toward making pumpkin bars or apple crisp. Have to see how ambitious I feel on Tuesday night.
Thanksgiving will be spent putting Christmas together at my house. I bought a turkey TV dinner for Thursday. I also bought a small (3 lbs.) turkey breast. I love turkey. I still have to pick up cranberries, can't have turkey either real or TV without cranberry sauce. I have a co-worker that has no place to go on Thanksgiving either so may ask her if she'd like to join me. I can put her to work stringing lights!!!
I have so much to be thankful for. First of all I'm employed. I have a job. I can pay my bills. I have two wonderful children, a beautiful granddaughter and daughter-in-law. I have a sister and family that I love dearly. These people make my world go around. They're all very special for me, and I thank God every night when I say my prays that they are part of my life. My health is fairly good (aches and pains come and go and I'll just keep on truckin'). I live in a country that gives me my freedom to do what I want and be what I want. For all of this I am thankful. We seem to overlook Thanksgiving in this country (and it's our holiday, no other country) and go directly from Halloween to Christmas. I'm as much at fault as the next person. But I am thankful for what I have and guess I just want everyone to know that. I have friends that I'm thankful for. They keep me sane (or crazy, whatever the day provides). You get out of life what you put into it. It's just like a job -- you have to work at it to make it what you want it to be!!
To my family and friends, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember those you love. Stay safe if you're traveling and everyone come back home safe and sound. God Bless All!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Plans??
Glee & Odie had a tug-of-war!
Jim with his darling daughter!
Charlotte with her GJ!!
I was told this is a 'blue' elephant!
Are we having fun yet??
My sister is going to try and get as many of us together as possible for Thanksgiving December 5th. It's kinda one of those 'plans' that those that can make it will, and those that can't will try and make it next year. Mike has a basketball game the evening of the 5th so I think I'll try and attend that too. That should be fun, haven't gone to a high school game for a long time!!
Glee, Beth and I went to Ankeny November 7th to the North Pole Village Craft Fair. We used the Hotel Barb and had a very enjoyable weekend. Got some things for Christmas and had a good time too. My legs won't let me walk for a long period of time (nor my left foot) but I found times when I could sit for a minute or two and went right back at it. It's the same when I drive for longer periods of time. Getting out of the car must look pretty funny to anyone that doesn't know me. I have to get my legs to cooperate and gooooooo! Not bad enough yet that I can't go where I want, just have to take a little more time.
We spent Saturday afternoon/early evening with Jim & Charlotte. Mandy had a wedding shoot and wasn't able to be with us, but I got some nice pictures of my little Charlotte and had a nice visit with Jim. We were able to get together with the whole family on Sunday for an early lunch. Charlotte was a doll. She was a little tired and finally gave up and fell asleep in her carrier. What a sweetheart!
Work has been very busy of late. Got all my meetings in with the Thermo-Fisher Scientific group and even got my board meeting done. Now to get at the minutes and work on my state reports. State is due by Friday, November 20th. I'm looking forward to the weekend and being lazy!! I'm afraid I have some long days ahead.
Tomorrow I must get my driver's license! I've put it off forever and am down to the wire. I have until Tuesday to get it without having to take the test again. Why do I leave things go? To start with I forgot it was due and then got busy (or used that as an excuse) and now will have to do it. The driver's license office has moved so have to find it too. Getting old can be the pits!
I've been doing some Christmas shopping and working on some scrapbooks. I did one for a lady that retired from our agency this past week. I didn't think it would take as much time as it did, but it turned out quite well. We had a retirement party for her today. She's been with the agency for over 36 years. Don't think I'll make it that far. I celebrated ??? my 25th year September 28th and doubt that I'll make it beyond 29 years. Think I'll retire and then go out and find a job!! Isn't that what a lot of people do?
Christmas plans are coming along. Talked Mandy this evening. I'll be traveling to Ankeny and Urbandale for Christmas Eve this year. Mandy has invited me to spend the day (Christmas Eve day) with them. Barb will be there too, I think. I'll probably spend Christmas Day with Barb and then head home for part of the weekend. Hope the weather cooperates so that I get where I want to be!!
My side of family haven't got a date set yet to get together. Hopefully soon those plans can be made. As our families expand, so do our plans.
My Colts are on, so I best sit down and cheer them on. Hope for a victory.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The wind is blowing something fierce here! Sounds like winter out there! The leaves are certainly having a great time blowing all over the place!! But the weatherman says we might get to 46 tomorrow -- a little cool for the trick or treaters tomorrow night. Of course when you're their age the cold doesn't really bother you!!
I made a trip to Des Moines on Thursday. It wasn't the most pleasant day to be traveling. When I left it was cool but trying to clear up. As I got out onto Highway 151 there was a beautiful rainbow in front of me (and to my right) as I moved on down the road. I haven't seen a real rainbow in years. I forgot how beautiful they are. I actually thanked God as I was speeding down the road for giving me such a beautiful welcome on my gloomy Thursday morning.
I was in town for a Planners Meeting. I'm a member of the sub-group (Planners) with ICAA and was elected Chairman on Thursday. I take over my office in February. We have a meeting the first week in December again but Marla and Cheri will still chair that one. I also have a co-chair (what a wonderful idea that is). Janell is from Creston out in western Iowa. We've got the state covered for our winter meetings. Last year our December meeting was called because of a blizzard! One of the things we've done for the last few years is exchange cell phone numbers. Some of us leave pretty early in the morning of the meetings and you can catch us on the road. I know I was almost to Brooklyn last year when I got the call. So I give up my secretary job for chair. Hopefully I'll only serve a year and then the younger ones can do their thing!!
Today I had a Rapid Response meeting at 4:00 p.m. We have a business leaving Dubuque within the next 6 months and I'm a member of the team that goes in and tries to help the employees out with different options that they can use or do after the lay-off or plant closing. This plant will put about 350+ people out of work. They won't be starting the layoffs until after the first of the year, but what a bummer for the holidays. I hope that I can direct some of them to different programs that we have and help some of them. This company employs people from Wisconsin and Illinois as well as Iowa so I'll have some homework to do on community action agencies in WI and IL.
It's end of our fiscal year, so I've been busy working on final reports. I finally finished my activities report tonight. Now the fun ones start. We also will have to begin to report on our stimulus funds. Tracking some of that money and the uses of will be a challenge. The stimulus funds are wonderful but they sure cause a lot of paperwork. Sounds like New View may get a visit from the federal monitors this coming year. Maybe we'll luck out and it won't be our turn. If we do get the lucky straw, I'm not looking forward to it.
Picked up some essential groceries tonight on my way home and intent to stay here for the weekend. I've been working on two different scrapbooks and hope to gain on both of them over the weekend. Mandy and Jim have given me some great pictures on a DVD. I've got them all in date order (that took a little time) and when Walgreen's has photo specials usually take advantage of that and order some pictures. The other book I'm working on is for Beth (my niece) . Actually the book is basically about Jackson, her son. Jackson will have a baby brother in February so I best keep at this one so that it's up-to-date when the new baby comes. I enjoy working on both of these books. Mandy takes fantastic pictures of Charlotte (and Jim and Jim takes pretty good ones of Mandy and Charlotte). It's a family thing!!!
Speaking of scrapbooking, I better get at it. I don't have to get up in the morning so I can pull an all-nighter if I want.
Happy Halloween all!!
I made a trip to Des Moines on Thursday. It wasn't the most pleasant day to be traveling. When I left it was cool but trying to clear up. As I got out onto Highway 151 there was a beautiful rainbow in front of me (and to my right) as I moved on down the road. I haven't seen a real rainbow in years. I forgot how beautiful they are. I actually thanked God as I was speeding down the road for giving me such a beautiful welcome on my gloomy Thursday morning.
I was in town for a Planners Meeting. I'm a member of the sub-group (Planners) with ICAA and was elected Chairman on Thursday. I take over my office in February. We have a meeting the first week in December again but Marla and Cheri will still chair that one. I also have a co-chair (what a wonderful idea that is). Janell is from Creston out in western Iowa. We've got the state covered for our winter meetings. Last year our December meeting was called because of a blizzard! One of the things we've done for the last few years is exchange cell phone numbers. Some of us leave pretty early in the morning of the meetings and you can catch us on the road. I know I was almost to Brooklyn last year when I got the call. So I give up my secretary job for chair. Hopefully I'll only serve a year and then the younger ones can do their thing!!
Today I had a Rapid Response meeting at 4:00 p.m. We have a business leaving Dubuque within the next 6 months and I'm a member of the team that goes in and tries to help the employees out with different options that they can use or do after the lay-off or plant closing. This plant will put about 350+ people out of work. They won't be starting the layoffs until after the first of the year, but what a bummer for the holidays. I hope that I can direct some of them to different programs that we have and help some of them. This company employs people from Wisconsin and Illinois as well as Iowa so I'll have some homework to do on community action agencies in WI and IL.
It's end of our fiscal year, so I've been busy working on final reports. I finally finished my activities report tonight. Now the fun ones start. We also will have to begin to report on our stimulus funds. Tracking some of that money and the uses of will be a challenge. The stimulus funds are wonderful but they sure cause a lot of paperwork. Sounds like New View may get a visit from the federal monitors this coming year. Maybe we'll luck out and it won't be our turn. If we do get the lucky straw, I'm not looking forward to it.
Picked up some essential groceries tonight on my way home and intent to stay here for the weekend. I've been working on two different scrapbooks and hope to gain on both of them over the weekend. Mandy and Jim have given me some great pictures on a DVD. I've got them all in date order (that took a little time) and when Walgreen's has photo specials usually take advantage of that and order some pictures. The other book I'm working on is for Beth (my niece) . Actually the book is basically about Jackson, her son. Jackson will have a baby brother in February so I best keep at this one so that it's up-to-date when the new baby comes. I enjoy working on both of these books. Mandy takes fantastic pictures of Charlotte (and Jim and Jim takes pretty good ones of Mandy and Charlotte). It's a family thing!!!
Speaking of scrapbooking, I better get at it. I don't have to get up in the morning so I can pull an all-nighter if I want.
Happy Halloween all!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Birthday
Charlotte likes oatmeal. Can't you tell?
Just hangin' out at GJ's!!
GJ & her favorite granddaughter!!
Ta da!!
Charlotte helping me open my birthday present.
All rolled up in her quilt!!
More present opening.
She had a great time and takes beautiful pictures!
It was my birthday this past weekend and Jim, Mandy and Charlotte came to visit. Charlotte has never been to my place before so this was a new experience for her. She's such a good baby. I had a great time talking to her, holding her and just plain being around her. Come again real soon little darlin'!!
The kids got in late Friday night (or early Saturday morning) which ever way you want to put it. Charlotte woke up and wasn't real happy about going back to sleep but eventually got there. Thank goodness she slept in a little bit on Saturday morning. I think it was around 8 when she got up. She sure is a bright-eyed little thing in the a.m.
Mandy and Jim made their own breakfast. I opened my gift from Barbie. Charlotte helped!! Thanks Barb for the beautiful tops! The picture of Charlotte and I I'm wearing one of them. Everybody got cleaned up and ready to go and off we went to Galena. Galena is a great little city to visit. This past weekend was the pottery tours. It was busy! It's always hard to find a place to park but when there's something special going on, it's doubly hard. We ended up on Bench Street (typical) just up from the flood gates. Found some steps to get us all down to Main Street and started our journey for the day. Charlotte was really a good baby considering she was in her stroller a lot of the time. Daddy carried her part of the time. None of us really bought a lot but it sure was fun checking out the stores and just browsing. It would have been a little more fun if the weather would have cooperated. It was overcast and cloudy all day. Even got a little nippy toward sunset. We packed up and came home around 5:30. Fed Charlotte and then the rest of us got ready to go out for supper. Jim & Mandy took me to the Olive Garden. It's one of my favorite places to eat. I enjoyed Charlotte throughout the evening. Rented a movie (which we never did get all the way through) and got everyone settled down for the night.
Sunday morning got up early. I told the kids I'd like to take them out for breakfast so after getting everyone ready and Charlotte fed we trucked off to Perkin's. It was a typical Sunday in Dubuque. Everybody goes out to breakfast on Sunday!!! We didn't have a real long wait but Charlotte was really tired and wasn't content to sit in her seat so between Jim and Mandy she was entertained and we were able to eat.
It wasn't long and it was time for them to return home. I really enjoyed my weekend. It was so great having them here. Charlotte is a beautiful baby and I just love her to pieces!! Got a lot of pictures and spent some quality time with all of them. Hopefully they can come back again soon.
I have a meeting in Des Moines on October 29th and am hoping to connect with all of my children on that date. It always depends on what's going on at the office as to if I can go in the night before or whatever. Plans have also been made to spend the weekend of November 6, 7 and 8 in Ankeny. It's the annual North Pole Craft Fair and Glee, Beth and I are planning on attending. Mandy wasn't real sure that she wanted to go, but we're planning on doing something together on the 7th. Gotta see my little gal whenever I can. We also want to do some planning for Christmas that weekend.
Work has been extremely busy these past weeks. We're putting in a new computer system and having some problems getting it done. It's also the end of our fiscal year and the beginning of our heating season. There's always a fire to put out somewhere!! I celebrated 25 years on September 28th with the agency. That's a long time to be in one place. Plans are to retire from there some time in the future.
Did some major organizing of pictures just before Jim & Mandy came. They had to have a place to sleep so I had to clean off the futon and actually got something done. I'm in the middle of a scrapbook for Beth of Jackson. He's such a little rascal and such fun to do pictures of. He's really growing up fast!!! But I guess they all do. Faster than we would like them to.
I'm listening to the football game. Once in a while I glance over at the screen to see what the noise is all about. Good game tonight. Baseball playoffs are upon us also. Haven't really paid much attention to that sport this year. I'm a NASCAR and football fan.
I best call it a night for this time around. I got some real nice pictures of the fall colors today at my lunch. Got some of the bluffs in Dubuque. The sun was out and the pictures turned out quite well. Next time.
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