Mother's Day

Hope everybody had a great weekend. I sure did. I had a board meeting on Thurday night so was able to take the majority of Friday off as OD (off duty) time. I took care of some errands, etc., around town and 'got out of Dodge' around 1:15. I arrived at Barb's house about 4:30. Glad I have a key so that I was able to get in. She's suppose to get off work at 3:30 p.m. but had paperwork to do so I just moved all my junk inside and waited for her.

We made connections with Jim to find out what he and Mandy were doing for the evening. He was out with friends (a coworker was leaving) and Mandy was on her way to pick up Jayke. Jayke is Mandy's nephew from Council Bluffs. He spent the weekend with them. What a cutie!!

We stuck some laundry in (I always take my laundry to Ankeny)! We decided we were hungry so left a phone message for the kids and took off for Old Chicago. Had a little wait but did that at the bar and a great meal after. As usual there were plenty of leftovers so . . . Barb has lunch for a couple of days this week!!

Watched some movies when we got home. Have you ever seen "27 Dresses". It's a riot! One of the gals at work was just talking about it Thursday morning and when Barb said she had it, I had to see it! If you haven't seen, do. It's a really cute movie (chick flick!).

Our plans were to go to Farmers Market on Saturday morning, but it was raining nicely when we got up. Change of plans! We grabbed some breakfast and took care of some errands. Barb wanted to go flower shopping so we headed to Mernard's and bought flowers for her flower boxes. We even got them in the soil before we left for Jim & Mandy's. They look real good!! The sun finally came out later in the afternoon, but it sure was windy and cool. Rain came back for the evening hours.

I just had to go to the scrapbook store in Ankeny and pick up a few things. Scraping is my life!!! We also made a stop at the Dress Barn and got me some new tops for spring/summer. I'm hoping it soon gets warm enough to wear them. Can't wait.

I've been doing a lot of scrapbooking (surprise, surprise) and finally finished a book for Jackie (Mandy's mom). I had promised her one at the wedding. Mandy was checking it out when we took the picture of her and Jayke. Jayke found pictures of his mommy and his grandma. It was really fun watching him pick people out of the book. Hope Jackie enjoys it as much as I did putting it together.

We had lunch at Barb's. Did some more laundry and headed to Urbandale. Jim & Mandy gave us the grand tour of their home. It's great. They've done a marvelous job so far and have some great ideas for the future. I love it! I enjoyed my evening with my children. Jim grilled ribs (in the rain) and Mandy had stuffed potatoes, salad, burnt garlic bread (sorry Mandy, had to put that in) corn-on-the-cob (delicious) and fresh strawberries and bananas with a fruit dip. It was a fantastic meal. Mandy had just told Barb and I that she usually ends up burning the garlic bread -- about 2 minutes later that's just what happened. We ate most of it anyway!!! Jayke is a great kid to be around. He's very entertaining!! He's a very sweet little boy. I can see why Jim and Mandy love having him around.

Mandy & Jayke went to get movies while Barb and I tried out Jim's Wii game. Is that how you spell it? He has Guitar Hero II. What a hoot! Jim's pretty good at and Barb didn't do too bad either. I could really get into those games. I got booed off the stage the first two times I tried it but finally got all the way through one song and didn't die! It was fun. I want to try bowling next time. Beware Jim & Mandy I'll be back!!

We watched "P.S. I Love You" while Jayke watched "Sherk" and went to sleep. He's such a good boy. It continued to rain, but it was a great evening with my children.

Sunday was very windy. Barb lost her grill cover -- someplace. We looked around for it but didn't find it. At least her Iowa State and Cubs hangings didn't disappear. We decided to all go to the late church service together. Barb already belongs to St. Stephen's and it's just down the street from Jim & Mandy's house. Worked out real well. We went to the comtemporary service. Jayke enjoyed it. He was very good in church. Jim & Mandy bought me an orchid to wear to church and out for dinner. That was so sweet. I love flowers and they know it. Thanks so much kids!

Mandy wanted some pictures of us since it was Mother's Day and here are a couple of them. There's one with Barb, Jim and I too, but that's in Mandy's camera. I'm sure she'll send one on soon.

We had lunch together and then it was getting to be time to take off. Jim, Mandy and Jayke were going to McDonald's Playland until it was time to take him home too. Barb and I headed back to Ankeny and copied some pictures for me of Christmas. I'm a scrapbooking nut and wanted some pictures from a different angle than the ones I have. Hey family, if you have some good ones, let me know and I'll get some copies from you. Got packed up and left Ankeny around 3:30. Always takes longer than you think it's going to.

I faired pretty good on Mother's Day this year. Got a new shower curtain, and beautiful towels from Barb. I can now take down my snowman curtain. Barbie also bought me my shirts at Dress Barn. Thanks sweetie! I love all of it! Jim and Mandy got me a tower fan (with remote). My apartment is air conditioned but it's a window unit and he mentioned to Mandy that the bedrooms get pretty warm sometimes so they decided on the fan. I love it! I was thinking about buying one myself. Now I don't have too. Jim & Mandy also got me my orchid. It's lovely. It was a good Mother's Day weekend. Thanks guys. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Hope we can do that again some time soon.

There, I finally wrote about something other than scrapbooking or how boring my life is. Things are looking up! Have a great week. Talk to you soon.

Nothing new

It's Sunday night and I've had the usual uneventful weekend. I'm basically a very boring person of late. We had a long meeting on Thursday night so I left work early on Friday. Don't know why, I didn't do anything but . . . it seemed like the thing to do at the time.

A couple of months ago I was told to bring my blog up-to-date so I did. But as you can see (if anyone actually reads this stuff) I haven't been doing anything.

My friend Tanya ended up back in the hospital on Wednesday, had surgery on Friday, and went home on Saturday. I haven't heard from her since she arrived home. Hopefully someone will know tomorrow what's happening. Her husband asked that no one call so until she calls us I guess we're in the dark! That's life.

Sounds like the weather is going to be nice this next week. Hope so. I could use some sunshine in my life right now. Whatever we get, we'll accept -- unless we move! It's Iowa!!

That's about it. Told you my life is pretty boring right now. Better days coming . . .

A Busy Weekend

This wasn't one of my best weekends as weekends go. The weather was beautiful and I had hopes of spending some time outdoors but . . . that didn't happen.

I got a call Saturday morning around 10 from a friend of mine. The first call she made to me I ended up accidentally hanging up on her and thank goodness she called right back. I was scrambling around trying to find my cell phone when she called back. She asked if I would do a favor for her and being the skeptic that I am, I said sure, if I can. She then told me she was in the hospital and needed me to do some phone calling for her. She had gone by ambulance on Friday night (Saturday morning) and didn't know at the time she called was exactally happening. She said she was a lot of pain and they were doing some tests.

I called the people she wanted me to and then called my friend Betsy. I had asked Tanya when she called if she could have visitors and was informed that was okay. Betsy and I decided to go up after lunch. She picked me up around 1:00 and we spent the majority of our Saturday afternoon with Tanya. Her Mom and one of her neices came later in the afternoon. Her girls weren't allowed on the floor she was on because of all the flu going around. We were asked to leave by one of the doctor's halfway through the afternoon and decided to visit the nursery. One of our co-workers had had a baby on Friday so we went and visited her and her husband and got to hold the new baby. What a cutie! A little girl named Lila Ann. It's really hard to resist a newborn.

We went back to Tanya's room for more visiting and eventually left around 4:00 p.m. They still don't know just what the problem is.

Monday I went to our Maquoketa Head Start Center to do an orientation and while down there got a call from Tanya again asking if I could give her a ride home. Told her I'd called as soon as I got back to Dubuque to find out where she was, etc. She beat me to it. As we were getting ready to head back she called again and said she was waiting for a prescription and then home. Someone from her church group was helping out. I enjoyed my time in Maquoketa. We have a brand new kitchen in our center there and it nice to be able to see it. (As you can tell I lead a very exciting life -- a kitchen at a Head Start Center is exciting!!!) I think I need a life!!

Tanya is now home and still experiencing a lot of pain. They put her on a number of different pain killers and have decided if the one she's on now does not work she'll have to come back and more than likely they'll have to do some exploratory surgery! We've had some long talks the last couple of days. I hate hospitals. I also can get lost at Finley. The only other times I've been there I was a patient. Glad Bets went with me so I found my way out of the building. I would have used the wrong elevator bank when we left -- eventually I would have found my way back to the parking lot but . . . like I said, I hate hospitals!

I'm still waiting for spring. There's talk of snow over the weekend again. I know it won't last but it's a pain to drive in and move (if shoveling). And it always seems to come on weekends! I want to do something with my deck this spring/summer. I have a friend that knows more about flowers than I and we're going to try and find something I can hang without burning up in the sun. I have a west front to my deck. I also want to buy a small table and chair set to put out there. I'd like to get some use out of the deck but have never gotten around to buying any furniture, etc. Hope we find something that I like AND can afford.

I'm still scrapping a lot. I have a lot of projects I would like done before summer really gets here. Betsy and I have a couple of shows booked for this fall so I need to keep working on those books too. I do enjoy it very much, but there are days when I wonder what happened to my creativity!! I always find it.

Lots and lots of rain here tonight. Weatherman told us to expect periods of very heavy rainfall this evening. Well rain is better than snow!

It's Board of Director meeting week. I have a feeling this one could be lengthy. Well that way I can leave work early on Friday. Get a head start on my weekend (please don't snow).

Best get at some of my scrapping and need to make a couple of phone calls tonight.

Hope this finds everyone well.

Where Is Spring?

Okay, who took spring? I thought for a little bit last week it was here, but it disappeared again. We had 3-4 inches of snow on Wednesday. We broke the record for the most snowfall in Dubuque this year so it can quit now. PLEASE. This weekend was down right cold. So, I ask again, where is spring?

Our federal review is over. I haven't heard the results yet, and sure I will sometime this week. The reviewers were still in town Friday. I'm glad it's over, now we can get on with our jobs and not keep looking over our shoulders every time you leave your office!

I took an hour of annual leave on Friday and had my hair cut and permed. I'm not sure I like the perm. I shampooed my hair this morning and I can't find any curls. Hopefully when I use the curling iron in the morning there will be some. If not, guess Sarah will get a call!! It feels better -- it's not so long.

I got a couple new toys to play with for my scrapbooking. For Christmas Barbie got me two templates from Creative Memories. She got me the ovals and the gems. They're really cool and make great mats. Makes my books look even better. I've enjoyed using them since the holidays. I finally found a consultant here in Dubuque and called her last week and ordered the circles. They're cool. Ann called me on Saturday and dropped them off on her way to work. I've enjoyed using them very much . . . so far. I'm trying to organize my scrapping stuff. Just when I think I've got a handle on it . . . it looks a mess again. I did get the room vacuumed and dusted. That part looks better.

Think it's time to get at windows and curtains. I know the windows certainly need washing on the outside. I have friends that own a window cleaning business so think I'll contact the rest of the tenants in the building and see if everyone would like their's done at the same time. They might give us a discount.

I feel a little better. More like doing something so . . . it's a start. I'm still a very boring person, but I'm working on that.

Hope this finds everyone well. Talk to you all next week!

Happy Easter!

Easter Greetings! I worked on this Sunday but couldn't get my pictures to copy and finally figured it out today. Senior Moment!

Such memories! It's been a long time since my children have been this little and that we dyed eggs. They seemed to be having a great time. And they really are cute!

I didn't go any where for Easter this year. I had planned to go to my daughter's but the weather sounded lousy (and it turned out very nice) and I guess what it boiled down to was I just didn't feel like the drive! Barbie had tickets to the Women's NCAA games in Des Moines. I did enjoy watched them on TV. I'm happy to say ISU won their first round game but couldn't quite get around Vivian and the Lady Knights. I'm sure Barb, Katie and Lauren enjoyed it anyway!

Jim & Mandy celebrated their 6th month anniversary. I'm hoping that we can find a weekend where everyone is in Des Moines and we can get together. I've yet to see Jim's house and anxious to see it. I also have a couple of packages for them . I need to do some personal shopping. Barb keeps telling me I need to buy some tops that fit and I guess maybe she's right. I also need a couple pair of dress pants for work and another pair of jeans. I love shopping, just don't like paying the bill!!

I spent Palm Sunday with my sister and her family. Beth's little guy is so cute. He's rolling all over the place and dearly loves my sister's celing fan in her dining room. It was fun being around a little one again. They grow so fast! We had a great dinner and did a lot of visiting. I took one of my latest scrapbook projects up for some proofing! I wanted a couple of opinions on how I had put my latest book together. Basically Glee and Beth thought it was okay and did find a couple of journeling errors that I too had found.

I've been working on books of Jim & Mandy's wedding. I have the one for Mandy's mom complete and am now working on one for Barbie. It gets easier every time I do one. I really do love scrapping! I'm in the process of getting an inventory together and hope to open a home business with a friend of mine. We're considering having a stand at the local Farmer's Market. Maybe not every weekend but every other or some such thing. Have to get in touch with the City and see what kind of arrangements can be made.

We are currently going through a federal review of our Head Start Program at work. It makes the tension a little heavier than usual. I've dug out more personnel files and answered a lot of questions regarding the files and my latest needs assessment. They'll be gone by Friday (thank goodness) and hopefully we can get back to normal.

I made an appointment to have my hair cut on Friday. Can't wait!! It needs a color job again too. Think I'll wait until it's curled and shorter!!

Well, since I made the pictures work I feel like I accomplished something. I've got the garbage drug out for the week and should probably conquer the kitchen. I've been real lazy lately! I've lost my appetite lately so don't eat much of anything but have a habit of cheese and crackers, etc. around 8:00. I don't always put everything away.

Doctor appointment this a.m. Had to go back and have some meds checked. I've been experiencing practically all the side effects listed on the bottle!! My doctor tells me they'll get better as my body adjusts to the medication. Hope so. Some days its rough but I think I can get through it. My numbers have been good lately and don't have to go back now until July. Yipee!!

I lead a very boring life. Just don't do much lately. Must be getting old. Hope this finds all well. I stopped at the Credit Union this afternoon to pick up some cash and the girls were telling me we can expect snow Thursday or Friday. I'm real tired of winter! One thing with snow this time of year it melts fast!! We still have a number of good sized piles hanging around Dubuque.

Take care all.

Check It Out!

Like I said on the previous blog -- it's been a long time. Meant to mention that you all should check out Jim & Mandy's blog. It's great. Mandy redid the whole thing and I love it. I even checked out where she got it from and am a little scared to try something new. So Mandy, next time you guys are home want to help create a new look for my blog????

Check out Mandy's photography blog too. Mandy you did a great job on that. Love it!

Gotta run. Check that out!!

I'm Back!

I have been reminded by a number of friends that they haven't read anything new on my blog for a while. Well -- it has been a while, like the first of the year. I guess I haven't had anything to share with anyone. Still don't.

Like I tell Barb & Jim, I'm boring! I haven't done much of anything since the holidays. Been sick. Does that count for doing something?? Obviously there's some kind of bug going around the Dubuque area, and New View in particular, that's been causing all kinds of illness. I spent 3 days at home and finally decided I better get my butt back to work. I'm don't know if what I had/have is the flu bug or a problem with a new medication I'm on. I have a doctor's appointment next week so will talk to him about it at that time.

I did do the doctor/blood work thing right after Christmas. My numbers are good. My blood pressure was up a little but I was also experiencing some discomfort with some stomach problems. Hopefully the next visit my pressure will be back to normal. The doctor wasn't real concerned so I'm not either. I'm fortunate that the meds I am on are on HyVee's $4.00 list. Sure saves a few bucks every month of the prescription bills!

It's been a winter of lots, and lots, and lots of snow. I think the count is up around 72 inches for our area. The worst snow in years! We had a couple of days when we didn't report into work cuz you just couldn't get there. We've also had our share of ice!! A lot of the school districts have had to call classes numerous times since the holidays. Now they have to make up that time. I'm thinking I'm glad I'm not a school administrator with weather like this. Spring is just around the corner, and it can't get here fast enough for me.

I'm still scrapping. I'm currently working on books of Jim & Mandy's wedding. I never do a book the same way so it gets interesting some times. One of my projects for this spring/summer is to organize my craft/bedroom. I've looked at some cool ways to organize but haven't gotten around to deciding on what I really want. Plus I keep thinking I should probably look for a different place. One with less steps!!!

Jim & Mandy moved into their new home in January and I didn't get there. I have to admit the snow makes a big chicken out of me. I'm always afraid I'm going to run into someone or they into me. I'm looking forward to spending a weekend in the Des Moines area soon and getting to see the house and their pets. Well and Jim & Mandy too! Pictures they've posted on their blog look great and can't wait to see the original thing.

I'm planning on spending Easter with Barbie. Jim & Mandy are going away for the weekend but Barb will be home. She has tickets to the NCAA tournament on Saturday and Monday but will be home the rest of the time. I think I'll go down on Friday afternoon and come home sometime Sunday afternoon. UNLESS there's a snowstorm!! And that's not impossible either!! But that's the plan for now. Barb took a vacation in January and I'd love to see the pictures. It was one of those WARM places!!

That's about it for me. Told you I was pretty boring!! Maybe better weather I'll get going and do something again. My scrapping keeps me occupied and I love it. My friend Betsy and I are still organizing so that we an get an at-home business going with scrapping and card making. Wish us luck.

Take care all.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to All! Hope this finds everyone is good spirits and ready to tackle a new year. Have you all made your New Year's resolutions? Have you broken any yet? I gave up on New Year's resolutions years ago. I just make personal wishes and/or wish list that I contend with throughout the year. Last year I had 3 wishes. Of those 3 two came true. Here's hoping for the same success this year.

Couldn't write anything without adding some pictures. I can't seem to get them in the body of my text so this seems the best way to do it. My family had a great time at Christmas and these pictures show some of the reasons why!

Glee modeled her newest hat (helmet) which can also be used to mix cookies, etc., up in. It's that 'big' bowl she requested on her Christmas list. ISU strikes again. Mike got an ISU spinner (that's what I call them) from his folks. He said it would look nice hanging on his patio. Jackson was such a good baby. And he's such a cute baby! I think he's listening to something his Grandma Glee was telling him. Got a picture of the newlyweds by the tree. They look happy. Last, but not least, Barbie and her new luggage tag! She's going on a cruise in late January and my sister thought this was appropriate!! My sister and her husband are heading to Mexico later in the month also. Now me -- I get to stay home and work!!!

Did everyone celebrate the new year? I watched some TV and played some computer games and went to bed around 2:00 a.m. Nothing exciting, but did see the new year in!!

I've been on vacation since December 21st and hate the thought of going back to work tomorrow. Wonder what my desk looks like? I called in on Friday to get my timesheet there on time (need that paycheck Friday) and took care of a couple other things for Bridges Out Of Poverty, but other than that didn't really think too hard on the office. Tomorrow will be soon enough!!

I've been doing a lot of scrapping. I'm working on a book for my neice. I told her I would do a book for her new baby. Just about have that completed. We can always add pictures at a later date. Talked to my sister this morning and she said she got a couple of good pictures of Jackson over the weekend, so we may have some new ones to add already!!

My wedding pictures came Monday. I ordered some prints from Jim & Mandy's wedding. Ordered 2 - 14x11's and an 8x10 of the whole group. They're great! I got one of Jim & Mandy and another of Barb & Jim. Now I have to get them in the frames and back up on the wall. Jim & Mandy also gave me a copy of their wedding pictures CD and I'm anxious to get at those. I promised a few people a book of their wedding. Now to get at it!!

Got a call Saturday from a lady that is interested in my work. I think I'm going to exhbit some of my 'stuff' at a show here in Dubuque in March. Want to talk to a friend about it and then must get to work. I did a couple of books for Christmas presents for my friends (the kind where you put your own pictures in) and they turned out pretty well. Guess I better get to work!! I'm excited about the whole thing, just hope that something comes of all the hard work I've been putting into these projects.

I best get back at the scrapping. Back to work . . . . it's a short week and then we have a weekend again. Sounds like rain around here. There goes the snow!!! But we did have a very white Christmas!!

Take care all. Until next time . . .

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! Hope you had a great Christmas. We sure did. As usual lots of pictures were taken. We used my ugly green chair as our base for pictures this year. We actually couldn't get in front of the tree for all the gifts. The first two shots are of the tree and all the gifts. Ya think we had enough? The next one is my family. Aren't we a good looking bunch? Picture #4 is my children and Odie. Odie is Jim & Mandy's dog. Picture #5 is Jim with his brand new ISU sweatshirt! He was very happy about it. The last picture in the bunch is of all our kids. Barb, Jim, Mandy, Mike, Beth, Karsten and the newest member of the family -- Jackson. Jackson is Beth & Karsten's son. Isn't he adorable? We all think so.



Jim & Mandy arrived for the holidays on a snowy, icy, windy Saturday night. The Davis' had their Christmas Saturday, December 22nd at Duaine & Linda's in Luana. I got a call from Barb around 5:00 p.m. that they were heading out and that the roads and the weather were terrible. It took them over 3 hours to get here. Mandy & Jim drove one car and Barbie and her dad and his wife were in another. They all arrived at their respective homes safely but it was a bad trip for all. I was so happy to see Jim & Mandy when they finally got here. Thank goodness for cell phones. I was able to talk to Barb a few times to find out where everyone was! Jim & Mandy slept pretty good Saturday night -- they were pooped from the trip.



The weather didn't cooperate very much better on Sunday. My children were all getting together with their father in Cascade -- but there was a lot of ice and snow with windy conditions so Jim & Mandy made the decision to stay here for the day. I kept them busy getting ready for Christmas Eve festivities here. Barb made the decision to head back to Ankeny Sunday afternoon. Thankfully she made it safely. Monday dawned much better and the kids went out to do some last minute shopping. Odie and I held down the fort!! I had a couple of errands to take care of after lunch.



Glee, Ron and Mike arrived around 5:30 with Beth, Karsten, and little Jackson not far behind. Barb called around 3:00 and said she was on her way! She had to work Christmas Eve Day, the rest of us worked it out so that we didn't have to! We had plenty to eat while we waited for her. She got here around 6:30. It was great having everyone together for the holiday. We sat down and ate chili (which Jim & Mandy made) and cheesy potato soup.

Gift opening is always a lot of fun for us! Lots of gag gifts. This year Karsten got the CHICKEN, but I also got 2 more! One is a chicken keychain that plays the chicken dance song and the other crows! We'll see where those go next year!! Mike got Mikey money ($300). He told me when Jim & Mandy got married that I owed him $300 so that's what he got!! Jim and I had a good time putting that together! Mike also told me he needed candles for his home so . . . he got candles!! He got used candles, used candle holders and new candles! Barbie got her fuzzy pen again! Glee got some darling things for her rock garden. One was a frog from Jim & Mandy and Barbie found her a bug to put out when the weather is good! Can't wait to see what they all look like.

I fared very well. I got an ISU jacket from my daughter, beautiful towels for my bathroom (I'm changing colors, etc.) from Mandy & Jim, a wonderful pullover fleece from Jim & Mandy, music box, reed difuser, snowman lamp, Mandy & Jim gave me a beautiful book on their wedding (what a keeper!) and they also gave me the CD of their wedding. I promised a number of people books about their wedding so . . . this should keep me busy for most of the winter. I got other things as well, but sitting here and trying to remember is not working. The majority of them have already been put to use or put away. The tree will stay up for a while (when I get ambitious enough to put everything away), but I'll enjoy the lights and colors until I get to that point!!

Jim & Mandy took off for Council Bluffs after the gift opening. We just couldn't talk them into staying and leaving the next morning. They got into Des Monies around 3:30 or so and Council Bluffs a little after 6:00. They enjoyed Christmas Day with Mandy's dad's family. Roads were good going back to Des Monies.

We had a nice dinner on Christmas Day. Spent some time just visiting. Ron & Mike, Beth, Karsten & Jackson left after dinner. Glee stayed with Barb and I another night as she was picking up their new car on Wednesday! That was fun!! Barb and I went with her. Got some good pictures and got to see the new car. It's pretty cool!!!

Barb left this afternoon (Thursday). She helped me with some laundry, and putting some stuff away. We did some shopping both Wednesday and today. I had a couple things to return and was lucky and found something to replace what I returned. Hope Jim likes it! Barb should be home about now. Sounds like more icky weather coming for the weekend. Before Barb left we did some grocery shopping. I think I can handle whatever comes as long as I don't loose my electricity!

One of my gifts was a cutting system from Creative Memories from Barb. Can't wait to try that and a couple of other things out. I have Jim & Mandy's wedding to play around with, as well as a couple of books for my neice and sister. I'm going to do a baby book of Jackson for Beth & Karsten and a brag book for my sister and her husband. Should be fun!! I really do enjoy my scrapbooking!!

Well, it's about time I quit boring everyone and do something constructive around here. Like sweep the kitchen floor. It looks like it could use it!!

Hope all is well with everyone. Hope you all made some wonderful memories of Christmas and have many more in the new year.

Peace.

Where did the time go??

Can you believe that it's almost Thanksgiving? This fall sure went fast! Course we were a little busy with Jim's wedding, Beth's baby and my birthday. It kept us all pretty busy! Added some more pictures of wedding, baby and birthday.

As I told you all last time I wrote, my birthday party was really a surprise. One of my gifts was a new digital camera. It's so cool! I'm still learning how to use it but some of these pictures are from it. The one of Barbie holding Jackson and the one of Jim & Mandy. Aren't we all a great looking bunch!! It was really fun!! Glad I dressed up a little more than I was going to. Marilyn suggested I might want to. Now I know why!!! My sister gave me some wine (just like what we drank in Colorado) and a couple of snowman items. I love snowmen! I'm not particularly fond of snow, but love those little creatures made of it!! She collects Santas and I collect snowmen! Not hard to figure out what to get us for Christmas!!

I'm celebrating Thanksgiving in the usual way. I'm putting up my Christmas tree and all the other goodies in my house. Have to do some re-arranging of furniture, but think I have it figured out for this year. My friend Marilyn, is coming for Thanksgiving dinner. Actually she's bringing the turkey, pie and cranberries. I'll supply the rest. She volunteered to help with the tree. Don't think she has a clue what's involved with putting my tree up. I'll have pictures! Don't I always?? My children are both busy this Thanksgiving. Jim & Mandy are going to her family and Barbie has to work. My sister invited me for dinner but think I'll just stay home and do the tree thing. Now if only the weather cooperates!! Sounds like a storm is brewing in the west. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Went to a craft fair in Dubuque over the weekend. Found a couple of things for family and friends. It was fun. Went with a co-worker and Marilyn and her sister Roni. I think I bought the most, but I do have a couple of people on my list already finished. And a good start on a couple more. Betsy and I went partially to check out what others do for tables, etc., at the fairs and we're thinking of getting a table for some spring shows and get our scrapbooking/card business going. We're planning on an ad in the local papers about scrapping holiday pictures. We'll see what that brings!!

Work is busy. I have two newsletter to get out before Wednesday. I know the one will go but have my doubts on our agency one. We have a number of people that just can't make deadlines and of course, that makes me late too. We'll do what we can with the time we have. Our agency has Friday off also as a holiday. Gives you a nice long weekend!! And I'm looking forward to it.

I'm working on some books for Christmas presents. They're going pretty well. Maybe I'm just getting faster at what I do. They still look the same!!

Well, it's 8:15 p.m. and I haven't had supper yet. Think I go rustle up something to eat and watch a little TV yet tonight. See if my ghost shows up again during the night. I have a touch lamp in my bedroom that goes on and off by itself. Hasn't done it for some time but started in again over the weekend. Weird!!!

Here's wishing a blessed Thanksgiving to all. If you're driving to your Thanksgiving dinner, pleae take care. Have a great one.

Surprise!

Well I had the surprise of my life Saturday evening. A friend came to spend some time with me for the weekend and said she wanted to take me out for my birthday on Saturday night. Sounded good to me and the two of us have a great time doing things together. She came Friday night after work. We spent the evening eating pizza and gabbing about anything and everything. Saturday morning we got up and went shopping! One of our favorite things to do together. She was looking for votives for her church so we made some stops at St. Vinny's and Salvation Army. Luckily she found some at both places. We also made a stop at Hobby Lobby to put together a gift for my daughter's birthday. Barb's birthday was early September but with all the excitment of the wedding and all I never did get a proper gift to her. We found something that between us we could put together for a fairly nice gift. I also spent a little money on more scrapbooking items as I have several projects I want to finish for Christmas gifts . . . hope I get the majority of them done!

We got back to my place around 3:30. Both of us were pooped so we spent some time just relaxing. I finally decided I better take a shower and clean up for the evening. I was going to wear jeans but Marilyn thought we should dress up a little bit. Glad she talked me into that! I was ready to go around 5:45 but she insisted that I watch the end of a football game we were watching and then we had to go to her sister's to deliver something she had forgotten! So off we went. I drove. We were going to Olive Garden for supper. Drove into the parking lot (and it's always full) and got rock star parking right across from the front door. I remarked that there were a number of people waiting, but noticed there was a bench free so thought we could just sit and talk some more before we were seated. She stopped to check in and the gal said follow me. I made another remark about knowing the right people and followed the hostess. Walked around the corner and there was my family!! Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Cameras flashing and people yelling! Was I surprised?? YES! Very much so. My children, Barb and Jim & Mandy came in from Ankeny/West Des Moines, my sister and her husband were there and my neice, her husband and their new baby joined us. It was definitely a surprise, but a wonderful one. My birthday was the 17th but in the middle of the week and everyone was busy the weekend after. I thought maybe someone would come home the following weekend but they told me they were all busy, etc. Actually my children have a life of their own so I was disappointed but definitely understood, but the surprise of having them there was great! Thanks for making the trip guys. It really meant a lot to me.

I need to thank my sister, as I understand it was basically her idea. What a wonderful way to remember you 60th birthday! I haven't had a birthday party since high school, so this one was extra special!! My children got me a new digital camera (of which I love and can't wait for Christmas and all the pictures I can take). Jim set everything up on it so basically all I have to do is point and shoot! My sister and her husband gave me a bottle of wine (just like what we drank in Colorado), a snowman candy dish and another snowman for my collection at Christmas. Thank you so much. I love them both. The wine will get drunk real soon. We sure enjoyed it in Colorado! It's definitely a birthday to remember. Pictures next time!!

Can't write in my blog without wedding pictures (or some pictures of some kind). Since the wedding it the last big event in our lives (baby baptism coming up next) you get wedding pictures. These are some of my favorites. I have no clue what was so funny but Barb, Jim and I are certainly having a great time. I love the one of Barb and I. It's a keeper! The one of Jim & Mandy is one of my favorite snapshots I've seen so far. They look so happy! My sister had a great time and hamming it up with Jim is one of her favorite things to do. The picture of Barbie and Glee is great too. Lots of memories.

Jim & Mandy have got some of their pictures back from the photographer. I'm getting ready to order my prints. I definitely want a couple of larger prints for my livingroom wall. I also want a number of the 4x6 size shots for scrapbooking. Want to make up a number of books for different people. I'm looking forward to that project. I love weddings, and this one was very special.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Obviously I do. Work has been busy. It's end of the year for me. Our fiscal year ends September 30th so there's all kinds of statistical reports due to Des Moines. I've requested an extension on those. I should be able to get everything together by November 16th. Or at least that's the plan. We had an all-agency staffing today. Lots of work goes into those meetings. I also had a CSBG (community services block grant) stats meeting this afternoon. We went over all the stats for the year and plan on some changes in our reporting data. It's good to get together like this, but we had so many priority projects going at once it's a little hectic. The agency is also involved in a day-long workshop entitled "Bridges Out of Poverty," We're doing the registration part of it. Well we also sent out the flyer. We used snail mail as well as emailing a little over 100. That was an experience. I had a terrible time getting them out but finally they all went but 3. Bad addresses, I guess.

Hopefully things will slow down a little in the near future.

My sister and I are traveling to Ankeny for the weekend. Ankeny has a big craft fair this coming weekend. We're doing the 'early-bird' thingy. Barb and her friend Katie are season ticket holders to all ISU football games and there's a game being televised Saturday. When they televise games they start earlier in the day. This one starts at 11:00 or 11:30. Anyway, to make a long story shorter . . . Barbie is getting us early-bird tickets to the craft fair and my sister and I are going to spend our Saturday morning attending that. The early-bird part is a hot breakfast, goodie bags from vendors and the chance to shop early. Hopefully we'll find something we like and want to buy. I'm hoping Mandy can join us later in the morning to shop with us. She told me Sunday she really didn't want to get up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday for a craft fair. She gets up around 5:30 every morning for work. Guess we'll let her sleep in. Hope she can meet us later in the morning.

I'm hungry. Think I'll go find something for my supper. Just wanted to post some more pictures and thank my family for the wonderful birthday party. Thanks guys. I love you.

More wedding pictures!

I just couldn't resist putting more pictures in my blog. They aren't in any specific order (as you can see) but the way I uploaded them. I always try and put them in the body of my blog and that doesn't always work so thought I'd try it this way . . . this time.

Don't Jim and Mandy look happy? They were just coming out of the church on this shot. They had an absolutely beautiful day for their wedding. Next we go to the reception and Barb & Dan. Barbie walked with Jim's college roommate and friend, Dan. They make a great looking couple, don't they? Dan and Sara are the proud parents of a baby girl, Grace Addison, born in July. Dan and Sara live in Des Moines also.

The next picture has absolutely nothing to do with the wedding except that he's the newest member of our family. My neice, Beth, gave birth to this beautiful baby October 1st. His name is Jackson Dean. He was 8 lbs. 2 oz., 20 inches long and according to his Grandma Glee "wonderful!" Jackson was born in Dubuque so I was able to visit Beth & Karsten while they were still here in town. He really is a beautiful baby. What wonderful eyes!!

I'm just all over with these pictures but . . . the next one is two of my old neighbors and oldest friends from Epworth -- Cheri Clancy (Amke) and Doris Bierman. Doris and Amke were able to attend Mandy's wedding shower and we just had to have a picture for old time sake! We really must get together one of these days and hash over old times!!

Back to the wedding. Mandy and her bridesmaids. That's Barb on the far right. They all looked so beautiful in their black dresses.

Last, and certainly not least, the bride & groom at the reception. By this time they were very relaxed and took some great pictures.

The photographer Mandy & Jim had took over 1200 pictures of their wedding. They have them posted on-line and I can't wait to get a hold of some of them to do some scrapbooking. I promised Jackie (Mandy's mom) a book, would like to make one for Jim & Mandy, Barbie and myself. That should keep me busy for a few evenings!

What a rainy weekend. Did you get a lot done at your house? I worked a food giveaway on Saturday morning and came home and took a long nap. I think it lasted until later in the afternoon. I did see our Hawkeyes beat Illinois. That was a surprise! Didn't accomplish much on Saturday. Sunday I got in the spirit of cleaning and got a few things done. It needed it. Being out of town for a couple of weekends in a row doesn't do much for my cleaning!!

I finished a scrapbooking project and spent some time organizing pictures and my room before beginning another project. I love to scrapbook, but sometimes it takes a bit to get me going on a new project. Once I'm started I'm okay.

I should probably get a little more done around here tonight before I call it a night. I just had to add some more pictures. I'm sure more will be coming! It really was a nice wedding and everything turned out so well. And Jackson is a cutie!!

Best go. You all take care. God Bless.

Wedding!

The biggest event of late was Jim & Mandy's wedding. They were married on Saturday, September 22 in Omaha, Nebraska. I've posted some snapshots that Barb or I took at the wedding, rehersal and reception. I'll add more at a later date. They aren't in any specific order but turned out pretty good.

The first one is the bride & groom! They and the wedding party took a boat ride between the wedding service and the reception. As you can see it was an absolutely beautiful day!!
Next we have Barb & Jim taken at the church during the official picture-taking! Don't they look happy! I think Glee took the picture but we're all happy about the event that's going to take place!! My family!! Another shot of Barb & Jim. Barb had a beautiful dress and looked great. Next is Mr. & Mrs. Jim Davis as they left the altar at the church. Got a great picture of Jim, Harry and LInda (Harry's wife) at Spagetti Works in Omaha at the rehersal supper. Mandy had a picture taken with each of her attendants and this is the one of Barb & her. Last, but not least (for this trip down memory lane) is JIm, Harry and I. We clean up pretty good, don't we???




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I had a great time. Jim booked a room for Barb and I at the Holiday Inn at the AmeriStar Casino. My sister and her husband and son came in on Saturday and stayed at the same hotel on Saturday night.

Jim and Mandy had a note on the back of their program for my niece (or Jim's cousin) that read Good luck especially to Jim's cousin Beth who is having a baby boy any minute! What a sweet thing to do on your wedding program. Unfortunately, Beth hasn't had her baby boy yet. She had another doctor's appointment today so we'll see if anything happens in the real near future.

I personally had a great time. More pictures to follow at a later date of the reception. I'm real anxious to see the pictures that the photography took. He took a lot so my checkbook may get clobber real well.

Best look for something for supper and do a little housework. Hope all are well. Have a good week.

More Colorado

I have no clue if anyone even reads this blog but I do know that I worked on this a couple of weeks ago and when it was time to post I screwed something up and didn't have time to go back in and correct -- so here I am today!

I'm still enjoying looking at my pictures from Colorado. As always, I want to share them with whomever may be taking the time to read this.

After spending Saturday night 'star gazing' we headed out for some hiking on Sunday. First stop was Alluvial Fan. I love waterfalls, mountains and lakes (but I'm a terrible hiker) but enjoyed the short hike to the Fan and we took lots of pictures while we were there. The top two are at the Fan. That's our group, minus the picture taker (Glee). That's Barb, Rob, Mary, me, Ron, Diane & Jim with the fan behind us all. As you can see it was a beautiful day for a hike.

After our stop at the Fan we continued onto Old Falls River Road. It's a beautiful drive up the mountain on a gravel road (one-way). We made some stops for pictures and took a short hike at Chasm Falls Trail. Our destination for the day was the Alpine Center and the hike??? up to the top. As you can see Barb and I made it to the top. It took some doing but we did get there. Glee, Ron, Barb and I were the adventurers for the day! Glee got the shot of Barb and I just as we got to the top of the stairs. It's a bit of a stretch from there to the sign that Barb and I are at but I'm so glad that Barb prodded me into doing the walk. Barb experienced a stomach ache just about the time we got to the top, but we sat for a few minutes on a couple of rocks and she felt better. It was a beautiful view from up there!!! The rest of the day was spent in dodging rain! And road work. When we came into the park there was a sign explaining work was being done on Ridge Road but we didn't pay much attention. Well we found out where and what. It took us hours to get down off the mountain and it was icky! Rainy!!

We had two birthdays while we were in Colorado. Rob's was on Sunday and his wife, Mary, celebrated on Friday. We decided to go out for supper on Sunday night so made reservations at GrubSteak for 7:30 and off we went, minus one. Ron wasn't feeling real good and decided to stay home and rest. The meal was great. We talked the waitress into giving Rob a free beer and singing Happy Birthday to him! They had just brought the beer and were getting assembled to sing when Rob & Mary's phone rang. It was Ron and he wanted someone home as soon as possible. He was extremely ill. Barb, Glee, Rob & I took off in her car and got back to the cabin as quickly as possible. Ron didn't look very good when we got there. He had tried to get a hold of Barb but her phone had died as we left the yard for supper, and was finally able to get through to Rob & Mary. Rob and Glee got him into Rob's car and Barb & I took point to find the hospital. I had the phone book in my hand (lot of good it did me, I'm not very steady in a crisis) but with a little luck saw the hospital sign and Barb got everyone there okay. Estes Park has a very small hospital, but they did a great job on Ron. He had High Altitude Sickness. Jim, Diane and Mary found us and waited for the results. We headed home while Glee and Rob waited for IV's to help Ron through the crisis. Haven't heard yet what the bill was but the personnel at the hospital were very nice and we were all thankful they were there. Ron was restricted to no hiking for 48 hours, no intoxicating beverages for that same amount of time and lots of rest!

Monday morning saw Jim, Diane and Rob heading out for Cheyenne to check on daughter Erin's house. Glee, Mary, Glee and myself took off for Lily Lake. It's a very easy hike around the lake and a great way to start the day. And we got some beautiful reflection shots!

We took our hike and then headed back into town to pick up Ron for breakfast. We ate at the Egg & I. The food was great! If you're ever in Estes Park, Colorado, stop in.

We spent a lot of our afternoons and early evenings playing baggo or cornhole, or tailgate party games. Jim made a number of the games for Christmas presents last year and we put Barb's to work. That's Rob and Barb working out their game plan. We had a great time with that game.

Hopefully all the pictures I posted will be there. I loose some every once in a while! Guess I'll have to have Mandy give me some more lessons in Blogging 101!

It's time to get something done around here for the day. The weather is beautiful (September 9th) and I need to push some dust around. Wedding plans are about complete. I've bought another dress for the wedding. I think I like it! I'm looking forward to the day and all the excitment a wedding brings to a family. I'm sure I'll have many pictures to share with all of you. Probably more Colorado too. I do enjoy writing this blog even though it frustrates me at times! Senior Moment!!!

Go out and enjoy the day! Soon we'll be complaining of snow, sleet and ice. That I am not looking forward to!

Have a good week.

More Vacation!

COLORADO!

Vacations! Aren't they great? I got back from Estes Park, Colorado on Sunday, August 19th. We had a great time. Estes Park is one of my very favorite places to visit. The biggest problem is getting there. You have to drive all the way across the state of Iowa and then you get to be in Nebraska!!! There's not a lot to see in Nebraska, but we made it without too much mishap.

Barbie and I met up with the rest of our bunch in Kearny on Friday evening. We actually made pretty good time and got into the hotel around 9:30 p.m. We were up and off the next morning by 8:00 a.m. Here's the Rockies!! They are so awsome!! Majectic! Beautiful! If you haven't figured it out already I dearly love the Rockie Mountains. I'm in awe of their 'biggness' and the wonderful of nature when walking in them or just standing there and looking at them. The first picture was taken as we were coming into Loveland, CO and our first sight of the Rockies!!

There were 8 of us this year at our 'home away from home' in Estes Park. My daughter and myself, my sister Glee and her husband Ron, Rob & Mary Sass and Jim & Diane Sass. Rob and Jim are 2 of Ron's brothers. We celebrated 2 birthdays while we were out there and did a lot of walking, talking, eating and drinking!!! Oh, and picture taking!!!

We got into Estes around 2:00 p.m. MT on Saturday. Diane and Jim were already there as they flew into Denver that morning. They had some business to attend to in Cheyenne during the week and had to leave early for another vacation planned in northern Minnesota. Shopping was the first thing on the list. Diane, Glee and Mary headed for Safeway while the rest of us put beds together and clothes away!

Saturday night the chefs (Ron, Jim & Rob) decided chicken on the grill sounded good. As you can see they worked real hard at that meal. It tasted great! We did a lot of grilling when we ate at the cabin.

Another of our favorite pasttimes in Colorado was playing Baggo! Son Jim made a number of sets of these games for Christmas. Barb's was an ISU set and we used it practically every day during our stay in Estes. Barb and Diane played against Mary and I in this game. Notice Barb's form -- beer bottle in hand she threw her big and probably put in it the hole! We had a great time playing with this game.

Notice the garbage can tipped over in the background? We found bear claw marks on the top of the can. In the journel left at the cabin it was mentioned that a black bear when through the yard 2 weeks before we got there. We didn't see one (thank you very much) but the fact that they're around does make a person think. We left the garbage can in the garage when we left!! Thought it was safer that way!

Saturday night the decision was made to watch the metor showers. After fooling around in the cabin yard (we were trying to put the yard light out) for some time we decided to head into the park and find a nice quiet, dark spot to watch the show. We piled everyone into one car (that's 8 of us) and off we went. It was a spectular sight! Some of us saw more than the others but we all saw some of the show. Thanks Jim for telling us about this awesome sight!!! The majority of us woke up with a slight stiffness in our neck from all our gawking but it was worth it!!

Did a lot of hiking (both short and long hikes). I even did some this year. Like I said I love it out there!

It's 7:00 a.m. and I need to get ready for work. More pictures and more comments later in the week. We have a lot going on in our lives right now. Baby and Bridal showers this weekend, then a holiday weekend (yea 3 days off!) and a wedding the end of the month. I'm not sure this old lady can keep up!!!

Talk to you soon. Have a good day!

Vacation time

Vacation time will soon be here! My daughter, my sister and her husband, and 2 of her brothers-in-law are heading to Estes Park, Colorado for a week. I'm really looking forward to it. Jim & Diane are flying out and will meet us there. My sister and her husband along with Rob & Mary are driving out and will meet Barbie and I in Kearney, Nebraska Friday night or Saturday morning, depending on what time of night we get in. The Sass bunch is leaving Friday a.m., while Barbie and are leaving sometime Friday afternoon. Both Barb and I are working part of Friday. I can't wait to see the beautiful mountains of Colorado again.

I've been busy. Went to a family reunion July 29th in Rochester. Our numbers are dwindling but we still manage a few people every year. Next year it will be back in Iowa. Maybe the Iowa kids will all make that one!

This past weekend we congregated at my sister's to spend some time with my brother and his wife. I was lucky and both of my kids were able to be with us. Unfortunately Mandy, Jim's bride-to-be, was unable to be with us. I was so hoping she would get to meet Jim's godfather before the wedding. Jim came home on Friday night to go to a surprise party for one of his friend's and Mandy had plans to have a yard sale. Rain delayed the yard sale but Jim was already here so he joined the rest of us. We had a nice meal together and catch up on what everyone's been doing lately.

My brother's son is getting married one of these days. He's in the Navy and everytime they plan something orders come in for Nick to leave. They're going to continue to try and hope to be married before the 1st of the year.

We have a new baby coming in the family. My neice, Beth (and my godchild) is expecting her first baby the same weekend Jim and Mandy are getting married. We have baby and bridal showers planned when we get back from vacation. Keeps us all busy!!

Jim and Mandy will be getting married September 22nd. We're still making plans for some of the wedding but the majority of the plans are finished. I'm excited about the whole thing. It'll be a long weekend and a short one. It'll all be over before we know it. I'm hoping for lots of pictures from everyone so I can do a book for them for Christmas (2008). I'm a little slow in finishing that type of project, but they usually turn out real well.

It's hard to believe that summer is almost over. I worked the Dubuque County Fair, helping park cars. The weather wasn't too bad for standing out in a field and telling people where to put their car! I said this was my last year, but last Saturday I had breakfast with Bill and some of the other guys and they're talking about doing it again next year. I still think a 60-year old woman doesn't belong standing out in the field with the sun beating down upon her! We'll see!! I only worked the week evenings this past year. Gave up the weekends because it's just too long hours.

Time to get at some other stuff around here. I've been doing some packing for the trip. Want to pack the majority of my stuff on Thursday evening so that I can take off from work. It should be a fun trip! I'll post pictures!

Have a great week.