Happy Easter!

Family

Last Saturday (April 16) Mandy & Jim celebrated Charlotte's 2nd birthday. They had a party at their home for her and her 2 year-old cousin, Leyton. I think he's 5 days older, I always get that mixed up. I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked to but here are some that I took.

Charlotte opening one of her cards. Mandy had a circus theme for the party so Charlotte's all dressed up for the ball! Isn't she a cutie??

I got Charlotte some summer lawn toys. A sprinkler snake, a new swimsuit (with skirt) and some sunglasses. She tried them on immediately!

Mark, Sandie, Josh, Jerett and new baby, Griffin Starr were at the party too. It was great seeing all of them and I got this great picture of the boys! Isn't Griffin a sweetie? He never woke up once during the whole thing!

I got to hold him. What a thrill! It's been a long time (at least 2 years) since I've held a real little person. He's such a sweet little boy, but I still don't know what color his eyes are??? Glee, myself and Sandie took turns. It was so much fun!

Grandma Sandie and her little darling.

Jim joined the fun with the 'red' nose. There were a lot of them around that day.

Jim and his darling daughter (with her hat!!!).

We had pizza for lunch and Charlotte enjoyed her a lot!

April 3rd I was invited to Glee & Ron's to celebrate??? Beth's birthday. I didn't get any pictures of Beth but I did get this one of Tristan. You ought to see him motor!!!

Grandma's always have time for their grandsons. Glee and her boys.

Jackson likes being in Grandma Glee's lap.

We're back in Urbandale and April 16th. I don't seem to get together with my brother and sister very often so we took the opportunity to have our picture taken together. Sandie you did a great job! I love it.

The pictures are worth a thousand words. And any of you out there that read this blog, if you have some of Charlotte's birthday party would you consider sharing? Just send them in an email to happy4fridays@yahoo.com. I missed a lot of the good stuff.

It was a poopy day for a birthday party, but the Davis house was jumping when Glee and I got there. Jim and Jesse were trying to put a bike together for Charlotte, the little ones were playing under the big top and the adults were congregated around the dining room table. Mandy had a great looking table in the dining room. Lots of goodies to eat!

Jim & Mandy made Charlotte's playroom into a tent. They hung red and white plastic tablecloths from the ceiling down to represent the sides and had banners all over the place. It was really cute. Balloons all over the place. The little ones had a great time. Charlotte and Leyton were both dressed for the circus. Charlotte had her little tutu (red) with a black and white striped tank and a cute little black jacket. Leyton had on red spenders with a big red bow tie and white shirt and black shorts. He was really cute.

We ate a lot of pizza and watched the kids open their gifts. Spent some time visiting with Sandie, Mark and Josh. That was cool. Glee and I left around 1:30 to do some shopping. You know we don't get to the big town very often. Jim called us around 5:30 and wondered what we were doing. I had told him I wanted to take them out for supper and spend a little quality time with all of them. They were all pooped so we decided to just go over for a couple of hours and visit. Jackie was staying the night and there with us. I had a great time with Charlotte. We fed her baby in the kitchen, read a bunch of books and I got kicked out of the chair by my darling granddaughter!! When we left she had pooped out in her Mom's arms. Hope she slept the whole night. It was a big day for such a little girl.

Glee and I headed home (Barb's house) and picked up something to eat and watched some TV before we gave up for the evening. Sunday brought up bright sunshine (finally) so we had to stop and get Glee some sunglasses. We stopped for breakfast and got to Dubuque around 4:00 (I think). Glee helped me drag my stuff upstairs and took off for home. Beth was bringing over the boys' pictures and she didn't want to miss that. We had a nice weekend together. I guess you call that sister bonding!!

I forgot Charlotte's Easter basket here so hope to get it to her this coming week. I have a meeting in Des Moines on Thursday. If nothing else I can leave it at Barb's so at least it will be in the neighborhood. I'm not sure yet if I can stay for the weekend (I'd sure like to). We have federal monitors in the office for our Head Start Program and it will depend on how everything goes Monday - Wednesday. Jim & Mandy were originally going to Chicago for a ballgame on Saturday and Sunday and were going to stop here for a break. I was really looking forward to seeing them here, but maybe some other time.

Happy Easter Everyone! It's spring, time for renewal. God Bless.

MY GRANDDAUGHTER!

Grandma did some shopping and bought Charlotte a CD player. She's busy putting the CD's into it. This is just Charlotte being Charlotte!

Charlotte loves books, but get bored real fast. She'll sit down with you and let you read to her (about 2 pages) and then she says, "Good-Bye." Then you start another book or she's off to find something else to do.

Barbie took her turn reading.

See, she found her own book. Grandma went on a shopping spree and the Elmo book came out of that adventure.

Enjoying her teddy grams and CD player.

Having ice cream after her bath!

We're socializing at the dining room table.

Another book shot!

Charlotte showed me how she changes her baby's pant!! Cute.

Playing with the toys at Barbie's house.

Reading a book at Aunt Barbie's.

Charlotte and her beads from New Orleans!!

February 24 I had a meeting in Des Moines with my Planners group. Since I'm the chairman it's one I don't miss. I usually stay overnight at Barb's and if time permits stay for the weekend. The 24th meeting I had more than enough time in on my timesheet that I was able to stay for the weekend. It was great sleeping in on Friday morning and spending time with my children.

My meeting was over early so I headed to Barb's. I was just settling down for a quick nap when I heard the garage door opening. It was Jim. He ate and I visited with him until he had to go back to work. Barb made supper on Thursday night. She made tacos! They were good! Mandy brought some homemade dipping sauce and it was fun watching Charlotte. She'd ask for a chip, and then demand dip, dip, dip!!

Barb had been in New Orleans a couple of weeks before this visit and brought back Charlotte some beads! She sure had a blast with them. She's such a girlie girl!

Friday I slept in. I remember saying good-bye to Barb and turning over and sleeping some more. It was great. I wanted to do some shopping so headed out for Target, etc. I spent a lot of time and cash at the Ankeny Target. Got Charlotte a couple of outfits, a couple of toys and books. Got some stuff for me too! I don't see her or her parents very often so probably spoil her real good when I do come.

Friday night it was Mandy's turn to cook. She made stuffed shells! Boy were they good. We were welcomed by the dogs and Boomer! That Petey -- he's one big dog and loves attention. And you can't miss him as he's so big already! I gave Charlotte her gifts after supper. She really liked the CD player.

Jim & family were heading for the Omaha area on Saturday so Barbie and I slept in again. When I got up I could already smell the bacon and eggs. We had a leisurely breakfast and took off. Barb had a couple of errands so we took care of them first. It was snowing slightly!! We went to the fairgrounds to a big craft show. I didn't buy a lot but certainly enjoying looking at everything! Talked to a couple at one of the tables and they sent me free passes for the craft fair in Dubuque the first part of April. That was cool! We did more shopping. Barb found some shoes and other things. We spent some time at Valley West Mall. That's a nice mall in Des Moines.

I took laundry, as usual, so finished that up on Sunday morning and headed back to Dubuque after lunch. It was a nice weekend. I hope to do that again soon. Charlotte's 2nd birthday is coming up so I'm sure I'll spend another weekend in the area. Hope the weather is nice. I'm tired of slush, snow flurries and rain. Guess I should be happy with the rain and not ice or anything associated with it. It was a good weekend.

Unexpected Visitor

My daughter, Barb, came for the weekend! She texted late Thursday night that they were coming home early because the ISU women had lost their game and wondered if I wanted some company? Duh! What a dumb question. Told her there would be clothes in the washer with quarters under the Downy bottle when she got here and I'd be home around 5:00. Well, I was able to leave around 4:35 and just barely beat her here. (I did get the wet clothes in the dryer before she came.) She knocked on the door and asked if I was decent? Katie and Emmett were with her and needed a potty break. Katie and her dad were on their way to Madison to visit with brother Scott and his new baby. Mary was already there so Katie thought she could drop Barb off and pick her up on the way home. Emmett would be going back with Mary and Katie would have company from Dubuque to Ankeny. Worked out well for all.

I was really kinda embarrassed at the way my place looked but no one seemed to mind (except me). I had told Barbie we'd go out for supper. We did. We went to the Dubuque Mining Company. I love their burgers! We both ate well. We watched some high school boys basketball games. Saw Kyle receive an award for the all-state team. Good for him! I know Sandie is very proud of him!! It was really windy on Friday night here in Dubuque. I still have a cough that bothers a lot and I got up early in the morning to get some cough medicine and surprised the heck out of Barbie (and me) when I woke her sleeping on the sofa! She said it was so noisy in the spare bedroom that she couldn't sleep! She surprised me a little too! When I got up Saturday morning she was back in the bedroom. I started taking the snowmen off the top of the entertainment center and trying to find the boxes, etc. I let her sleep in a little bit. Barbie ran up and down those steps so many times this weekend. I'm surprised she could walk by Saturday evening! We did a lot of moving things around. I decided to get rid of some of my things (Barb and Katie are planning a garage sale some time in the future so sent some things home with them.) I had a couple of things that I just don't have room for any more and Barbie kinda liked them so . . . they found a new home. It was getting time to eat and I needed groceries so we went out to HyVee and had lunch and got groceries. The food isn't too bad!!! At least it filled our tummies. We came back and finished the living room. It looks great! Found some of my pictures and other stuff and got everything back in place.

We made pizza for supper. Actually Barbie did most of the baking! I sat and watched -- does that count for anything? We watched some more basketball. Barry Shay and Charlie Zahn were both honored during halftime for their officiating to the state. That was kinda cool. I haven't seen either of them in years so it made it interesting!!

Barb let me sleep in on Sunday. She had the bathroom all cleaned by the time I woke up. It's so nice to have a maid! She did so much over the weekend. I can't thank her enough. I didn't even feed her properly. Hopefully one of these days when she comes we can just visit and I can actually feed her a decent meal. I just can't seem to get over this flu or whatever it is I have. I'm so tired all the time and my bones hurt! If it continues I guess I'll have to go back to the doctor! I'm really tired of not feeling well . . . I just want to feel good again.

Katie texted that she'd be coming through around 1:30 p.m. We decided I better get a new shower curtain. I still had my snowmen one up, so off we went. Stopped at Shopko and didn't find anything that really thrilled me so went to Target. Found one I really liked! And since we were there decided to look for something for Charlotte for Easter. That was fun. Found her a basket and a few other goodies to put into it.

We stopped at Burger King on the way home and got something to eat. Like I said, poor Barbie didn't get a decent meal the whole time she was here. She even made muffins for breakfast!! She really got a lot done and I truly do appreciate everything she did. Katie got here around 1:30 and between the two of them they got everything drug down the steps and out to the car. Barb took a bunch of recycle stuff back for me too. I am assuming that they got home okay. Didn't get a text saying anything else. Thanks Barbie for everything!!!

Went to work today. I still don't have an office put together. The guy that was supposed to put the desks together didn't show up again. I guess the only people that are really put out are myself and Brenda. Brenda has part of her desk together, but all mine and the stuff that goes into it, etc. is still sitting in our small conference room on the second floor. I'm really getting tired of not having my stuff near by and able to do my job. We're going to try and put it together tomorrow. And it would certainly help if I felt better. My work doesn't get done if I'm not there so guess I'll just tough it out and get it done! Hopefully we get the desks back tomorrow!

I should probably get some more pictures back on this blog. Have some cute ones of Charlotte the weekend I was in Ankeny/Urbandale. Maybe next time. Spring is in the air, things have to get better all around. At least attitudes will be better (even mine).

I've watched a lot of stuff coming out of Japan. What I see is almost unbelieveable! What a disaster!! I hope I never have to live through anything like that or any of my family either.

Congratulations to Keely and Josh Baade on the birth of their son, Griffin Starr. He was born over the weekend. Keely had a few problems getting him into this world, but sounds like all is well now. God's Blessings to all!! Hope to see the newest Baade soon.

FLU

I'm tired. I can't sleep. I can't breath and I think part of me is scared! Last week they told me I had Influenza Type A. Couldn't work all week. To be truthful I wasn't capable of working. My house is an absolute mess. I could care less about eating. And it seems that all I do is take pills of some kind.

I'm short almost 30 hours on my next paycheck. That'll certainly help all the stress.

Well, today I went back to work. That's a mess. My desk/desk is sitting in the middle of the office. My monitor, keyboard and printer are in the middle of it. My CPU is sitting next to the desk. I have a chair. That's it! Oh, my phone was on the floor. My computer desk is in pieces and we haven't been able to find the guy that's to put it together. My stuff is all over the place and still in boxes. The new carpet gives off an awful odor! Turned my computer on and nothing happened. It must have taken 1/2 an hour to get to a sign-in screen. Finally it gave up completely so at the present time I have no computer in the office. A lot of work to be finished and/or started but nothing to work on. The printers aren't working, the copier doesn't work and the phones are acting up. I feel like shit! My clerk is off with some health problems so I have to be at the reception desk for her 15 minute breaks a.m. and p.m. and cover it for lunch. She was santizing the phone when I left for the doctor's office.

Oh, my doctor is off sick so I had to go to one of his associates. I guess that's okay. I coughed again for about half an hour. I now also have a sinus infection! I just want to feel better. I'm tired of being alone with all this stuff and having all the mess at the office as well. The last time I checked my computer I had lost everything -- I mean everything. All my files, my pictures, my shortcuts to the majority of my work. Please let them figure out what's wrong and give me my STUFF back! I can't loose some 20 odds years of work!

I'm on another medication. I'm not supposed to use a lot of dairy products with this one. There are also some crappy side effects. I have a medical release for tomorrow. Oh goodie, I can start all over again and try and put some order to my professional life. I wanna go home!

It's March already!

I haven't written much lately, have I? Guess there hasn't been that much to write about. Life's been pretty boring!

Actually I've spent this past week home - ill. I haven't been this sick in a long time. I've had a day or two here and there when my meds have upset me or had a bad headache but nothing like what I've experienced this week.

Last Thursday (2/24) I had a meeting in Des Moines with my Planner's group. I'm currently the co-chair. Wednesday (2/23) I had a meeting with our Program Review group at work so that was a long day plus getting up early on Thursday to get to Des Moines in a timely manner. I had already made plans to stay over with Barb and spend some time with her and Jim and his family. I got to the meeting with no problems. In fact, it was a very informative meeting. Lots of things going on with the government trying to decide if they're going to keep running or not. Whatever decision is made is going to have an impact on community action. A lot of the agencies are already making plans to cut personnel and try and continue with all services with less employees. New View hasn't really made any decisions regarding this.

After the meeting I headed out to Barb's. Actually the meeting is about 10 minutes away from her house. Really easy to get there and back. We meet at the county supervisors' offices. It's Polk County's public works building. Nice place to meet. The majority of the planners do not like going downtown (I'm one of them) so it's been working out quite well to meet there.

I was settled in for the afternoon taking a nap, when the garage door opened. It was Jim coming for lunch. His offices have moved to Ankeny and some days he picks up lunch (or raids Barb's frig) and eats at her house. He ate, I watched and we had a nice visit. Barb was making supper for all of us that evening. We had tacos! They were very good and the evening visit was as well. Charlotte is talking up a storm. I don't always understand everything she says, but it's interesting talking to her and interacting with her. She's so darn cute!! How can one person be so lucky as to have such a darling granddaughter!

Barb was losing her voice. She said she was fine just the voice thingy. It's Friday as I write this and she still hasn't completely recovered. Hopefully she will soon feel up to par!

I slept in on Friday (of course). Took a shower, checked my bank account and prepared to do some shopping. It was payday and I had to make sure that my check was in the right place. It was! I did some shopping in Ankeny. I had a great time. I picked up a new toy for Charlotte (a little musical CD player) that she had a great time with. Found some clothes for her. Jim had already got the one shirt that matched some pants so Mandy was going to take that back and find another top to match the pants. Picked up some stuff for other members of my family. Bought a few things for Barb's guest closet. I use a lot of that and noticed some things I use at home were gone or missing so re-supplied it. It's the least I can do.

Came home and took another nap. I really wanted to go to Memory Bound (my all-time favorite scrapbooking store), but I was really tired so missed it this trip. It really is an outstanding scrapbook store. I do want to get back at some scrapping. The Shoppe at Kennedy Mall has closed. I still have a couple of bags in my trunk. I think I can turn the majority of them into books for my family and friends. Going to try anyway.

Friday night was stuffed shells night at the Davis Family manor. They were great. Mandy always comes up with something that is so tasty. And I did enjoy being around Charlotte. I wished on more occasions than one that I lived closer so that I could spend more time with Charlotte as well as Barb, Jim and Mandy. I miss them all.

Petey just loves me! Or at least that's the way it always seems when I go to their house. Mandy told me she thought he intimidated me (I think maybe he does too). He's so big and friendly! I don't think he'd ever hurt any of us, but he's just BIG!! Both dogs and Boomer got all excited when we got into the house on Friday. Petey got so excited that he lost his balance and ended up with all fours going all over the place. He is a big puppy! Jim got everybody settled down and our evening began. Jim & family were heading out for Omaha the next morning. Bob was taking all the children and grandchildren to the circus the next afternoon. Check out Mandy's blog for a great picture. Sounds like they all had a great time.

Slept in again on Saturday morning. Barb made bacon and eggs for breakfast. We headed out to the fairgrounds to a big craft fair. It was snowing (what else is new) The show was great. Found all kinds of things I would have liked to buy and did buy some. The show will be in Dubuque on April 2. Talked to a couple that will be there and they are sending me tickets to the show. They said they didn't know anyone in this area so . . . I'm getting admission tickets from them. Nice. Barb wanted to do some other shopping too, so we headed to Valley West Mall. I like that mall. We left there to go to Famous Footwear (she was looking for some shoes). Decided we should have visited Younkers when we were there so headed back. One nice thing about shopping for shoes, there's always a place to sit. By this time I was getting tired. She also found some great looking shoes!

After a great day of shopping we decided Olive Garden in Ankeny sounded good for supper. It was around 5:00 p.m. so we figured it wouldn't be too busy - so what do we know. I went in and put our names in on the list. It was an hour wait! We, along with a lot of other people, waited. We found a couple of stools at the bar and had a nice drink. It didn't take an hour to get a table but seemed like it. The meal was great. They now have a steak entree that I ordered and enjoyed very much. I'd order that again. We also had a great waitress. Headed home to watch some TV and go to bed early.

I had a date with the StudMuffin in Farmersburg for lunch! It was Tristan's first birthday party. I had called Glee the day before to let her know what the weather was like in the Des Moines area. And told her I'd let them know Sunday. I left Ankeny around 10:00 a.m. The roads were great and I figured I could get to Farmersburg for the gift opening. I didn't feel real good on Saturday night but figured it was because I was just tired. The closer I got to Dubuque the worse I felt. Finally decided I best just go home. I did take the time to wash my car (red shows the dirt a whole lot more than tan). Picked up some food and came home. I drug up some of the stuff I bought and basically crashed. I called Beth and apologized for not getting there. I wasn't sure what I had but thought it best for all of us that I not bring it into their home. We've decided to get together as soon as I'm able. I'm going to bring a pizza and the gifts. Beth will provide the house. Can't wait to see the boys!!

Monday morning came and I really felt awful. I called Tom and told him what was going on. I had a doctor's appointment at 2:00 p.m. Thought about going in before the appointment but didn't really feel well enough to do that. Our dog track grant was due by 5:00 p.m. that day. I don't know why we always wait until the last minute but that seems to be the MO of the majority of the agency. Got to the doctor and they checked a number of things out and gave me the verdict that I have Influnaza A. Wonderful! Picked up some medication that cost $90 for 10 tablets. Was told the usual - lots of fluids, lots of sleep, etc. Was not to go back to work until I was fever free. I'm still waiting for that! My boss has some problems with me being sick so I have to have a note from the doctor for everyday I'm not in the office. That extra hassle really doesn't help much when you don't feel well. My doctor is great. They faxed the information Tom needed so I could stay home and get well.

I walked an associate through the grant and we were able to get it off 3 minutes to 5. They have accepted the grant and now we wait to see if we'll be awarded anything. The awards don't come out until May.

I can't seem to get rid of this awful virus. I have coughing fits (for lack of better words). They last up to 15 minutes. My throat is very sore. I've lost my lunch (or whatever meal) more than once since this all began. I did call Tom this morning and told him I didn't feel it was good for any of us (my co-workers as well as myself) to show up at the office. I think we'll get through this. I told him where to find everything and I'm sure he can find someone to retrieve the info from my computer. I may not have a job on Monday but the damn board packet will go out. At the present I don't care - I will on Monday. I'm just tired and sick. I want to get well. I want to be able to go up and down my stairs and finish bringing my stuff up from last weekend, get groceries, do laundry and anything other than sit in this damn chair and feel crappy! Things must get better!!! Enough on that. Maybe my life isn't boring - yes it is!

My weekend is going to consist of trying to get stronger, get rid of this awful cough and get ready for another week at work! I do a little at a time and then get tired. I haven't had a full meal since getting sick. The Olive Garden was great! Eggs, toast and last night I made lasagna. What I had of it was good and it did stay in my tummy! Thank goodness!

Enjoy this post! I just re-read this and it's really not that exciting. But my life at the present.

I'm going to try and do some scrapping this weekend. It's also girls state basketball weekend. I enjoy watching the games on TV. Exciting!

Christmas

None of these pictures are in any kind of order but I really did want

to share them with everyone. We had such a good time. The Davis Family

from Urbandale, Barbie from Ankeny, Ron & Glee from Luana and

Karsten, Beth & boys from Farmersburg got together on

Sunday, December 19th. Charlotte was wondering what everyone

was doing. I think Mom was looking into a box while Jackson looked on!

Christmas Eve at Jim & Mandy's. Charlotte got a wagon from her

Aunt Barbie. She loved everything about it. Barb & Jim are putting

it together with the help of the Munchkin!

It wasn't together yet, but Charlotte had a great time rocking in it!


Brother & sister putting together the wagon. Charlotte was nearby
looking on and waiting impatiently!



Opening the wagon! It was a big box and Charlotte was definitely
curious about the whole thing.


Saturday, December 18th my family came to stay for the weekend.
I sat down in this chair and Charlotte insisted I sit there all night.
She'd go over and pat the chair and say 'sit,' 'sit.' She's so cute!

(Wouldn't it be nice if just once I'd take a good picture with the munchkin?)

My new Christmas tree. Got a little smaller one but this one has pre-lit lights.
Didn't take an much time to put it up!!


We took family pictures on the sofa this year. My son and his family.

Mom & daughter just thinking about everything!!

Christmas Eve Day with my favorite granddaughter! Isn't she a cutie!

Barb gets the greatest shots and I dearly love this one. Thanks Snick!

Mandy liked Rock Star Mickey too!

Jim helped pass out presents.

Charlotte in her unfinished wagon! She loved it anyway! She rocked!!

Helping Barb open a gift.

Glee, Ron & their precious grandsons! Aren't they darling! (the kids, not the adults.)

Well maybe the adults are too!

The Foels' Family. They didn't like the sofa so chose the chair.

Charlotte was trying to go down the stairs so Mandy was rescuing her in the background.

Jim, Mandy & Charlotte.

Charlotte dancing with Mickey!! Check out the shoes! They light up

all over her feet. They are so cool!!

Me & my family. Thanks Glee!

Charlotte really was a big help! Just ask Barb & Jim.

No matter what the occasion Charlotte is a big help. Opening

gifts at Grandma Joy's house.

Just doing what Mickey told her to do!!

The family at church. It was a beautiful tree in their fellowship hall.

Barb & I in front of the same tree.

Barb & her tree.

Barbie & Charlotte!

Karsten & Tristan.

Beth's boys. I love this pic!

Like I said, the pictures are mixed up because when I try and move them around I lose them, so I gave up and decided to just label them as I downloaded them.

We all got together on Sunday, December 19th with my sister and her family. Mike wasn't able to be with us and we really missed you Michael!! Hopefully next year we can all be together. I was going to be lazy and just have soup but decided since we were all going to be together a ham dinner with the trimmings was called for. Everything turned out real well. I don't think anyone left the table hungry. The brownies that were made for dessert, however, didn't turn out at all. Karsten finally decided they were a challenge to him and found in the middle of the pan that they were still edible! That was one disaster I hope doesn't happen again!! We had a great after noon together. My kids came in the night before so we had a chance to do some visiting too. Got re-acquainted with my granddaughter. That was fun!!

Sunday the rest of the family arrived (minus Mike) for dinner and some gift exchanging. Jackson kept opening doors trying to find my toy room. I think Grandma Glee has that little man spoiled rotten! What a cute kid to spoil! Jackson was my biggest help. He passed out the majority of the gifts and helped me open every one of mine. Thanks everyone for the great gifts!! I appreciate them all!!

I had Thursday and Friday off for Christmas holiday so went down to Barb's on Thursday. I had a surprise for my kids. I bought a new (new to me) car on Wednesday and was able to drive it down on Thursday to show them. I got 'kid approval' so did a decent job on my selection. I got a 2007 Ford Fusion. It's a red one! I like it very much. Now I have to sell my old one, but think I can do that fairly easy. Hope so. If you know of anyone that needs an extra car, send them my way.

The car deal came about on the Sunday we were all together. We were just visiting and I mentioned that was probably going to be on my list for the coming year. Karsten started telling me about a car Joe had and before I knew it I was on the phone talking to him. He brought the car as far as Dyersville on Wednesday and it was mine!! I drove the Christmas holiday weekend without plates but had the proper paperwork so didn't have to worry about that, but I did get the plates, registration and paid the taxes on the following Monday.

I spent Christmas Eve day with my children. Mandy had a wonderful lunch and some great appetizers. I want the recipe for the soup, the cream cheese spread and the cookies. Please Mandy? They were great. It snowed (of course) but Barb drove the red sleigh to Jim's house so he could check it out. Got his okay too! We had a bite to eat and then proceed to the living room to open gifts. I think the first one was the wagon. By this time Boomer was sitting on top of the box and Charlotte wanted up there too. She really got excited. It was so much fun just watching her this year. She's such an enjoyable child!! Everyone got lots of presents and lots of really nice things. Jim ended up with 2 wireless printers, but was able to return one for something else he wanted or needed. Sorry about that Jim. Jim , Mandy and Charlotte got me a set of Temptations serving pieces. It's a 13 piece set of rectangle dishes. I love it! What a wonderful surprise. They also got me a few other things that were pretty special too. One thing that stands out is my Christmas ornament from New York City. How cool! Barb got me a new sweater, some sweat pants, a pre-paid perm and assorted other goodies. Thanks all of you. It was a wonderful Christmas.

We went to the Christmas Eve service at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. I dearly love that church. To begin with we (both Jim and Barb) found rock-star parking when we got there at 4:30 (we were going to the 5:00 p.m. service). We took our coats off and went into church. The usher asked how many, Jim said 4 and we were ushered down to the third row from the front (more rock-star treatment). What a beautiful service. Lots of singing (they have some very talented people in that congregation) and a wonderful Christmas story. A little boy got away from his family and appeared on the stage. He kinda stopped to check everything out and eventually (before anyone could grab him) ended up right near the pastor. Pastor asked him if he was looking for the Baby Jesus? The little guy didn't answer but stopped moving. Pastor told him he could go up and look at the Baby Jesus. They had a real baby in the manager on stage at that time. He said that was what Christmas was all about. The Baby Jesus! By that time dad or grandpa got ahold of him and off they went. The congregation applauded! It was so cool. The whole service was. The kings came out of the congregation singing, the special group sang wonderful songs and ended the service with candle-lit Silent Night. It was beautiful. I turned around to look at the congregation from where we sat and all the candles were lit. The whole building was bathed in candle light. What a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve.

Snowing when we left (of course). We went back to Jim's and had another bowl of soup, loaded up our goodies and left the young kids to enjoy Christmas Eve with their daughter. Charlotte is such a cutie. She asks for Hugs and Kisses. Of course I wouldn't think of giving her any-- NOT!! It really was a wonderful day with my children.

Barb and I drove back separately on Christmas Day. She wanted to spend some time with her Dad. They had a real nice visit. Harry is doing well after his surgery. She stayed with me Saturday and Sunday night. Did a few errands for me on Monday and then had lunch with her Dad on the way home. She had Monday and Tuesday off. Everything turned out well for all us. Mandy & Jim made it to Mandy's family this year for Christmas. Thank goodness! Sounds like they had a great time too!

Sorry for the length. But I really did have a great Christmas. I am blessed with a wonderful family. I enjoyed this year more than a lot of them. Plans are to get together with my sister and her family again next year (at her place). Be prpared Glee & Ron!! We're invading!! Just think Charlotte will be 2, Jackson 4 and Tristan 1+. Won't that be fun with all the little people???

Merry Christmas All. Hope your's was as great as mine.