BUNDLE UP AND STAY WARM!

Today I got to spend time with my Julie. She came home because she had a meeting in town but it was only an hour long so we spent the rest of the day together. It was great to just hang out and talk (though we did have to do it over the volume of the munchkins!) They were also delighted to see their big sister.

Rob had been gone overnight and got home just in time to spend the last couple of hours with her before she had to head back on the train. We decided to order out for some chicken wings and watch the Croods together.

We got 9 inches of snow yesterday. It started snowing the night before and just didn't stop I couldn't believe it. I had to hire some neighbor kids to come and do the driveway since Rob was gone and since I am dealing with a bit of tendonitis. It took the kids nearly all day to do our driveway, sidewalk and steps--and Carly even got out and helped them. She is such a little champ!

I sure hope that is the largest dump of snow we have all winter. I am all for snow--but just in teenier groupings. It is very windy right now though. The winds got as high as 78 mph today and they knocked over a semi on the freeway near us. I don't think anyone was badly hurt but it was definitely scary. It has also been really cold. It is 3 degrees right now but with the windchill factor it feels like -24 degrees. I don't know about you but there ain't nothin' I gotta do outside when it's that cold! Lol! Stay warm people!

A VISIT

We had a nice visit with our daughter Sara and son-in-law Stephen tonight. They came late afternoon today and stayed for several hours. They are in Portland finishing schooling but have been at Stephen's parents in Southern Utah for the holidays. It was so great to see them and get a chance to catch up. Grandpa even came upstairs for the occasion which is saying something!

Sara and Stephen

CHRISTMAS 2014

We had an EPIC fail Christmas morning when it came to electronics! Rob got the video camera all set up for gift opening and went to get a blank tape and realized we didn't have one. I said, "No problem I will tape it on my phone." I got maybe three minutes in when my phone gave me the signal that it was completely full and I'd have to start deleting old pictures if I wanted to tape more or take any new pictures! Gah! I then thought I'd go get the regular camera and found the battery wasn't charged and the charger was nowhere to be found! So, any photos I am eventually able to post here will be thanks to my daughter Megan who (bless her heart) had a working camera on her phone!

Well, none of that stopped us from having a lovely Christmas with our family. Grandma and Grandpa and our little ones and two of our older daughters were able to be with us. We had a great dinner made almost completely by Grandma who cooked her guts out! She made a yummy ham and lots of fixins!

We celebrated Grandma's birthday the Saturday before with all the kids and their families here. Everyone went out to eat and then came back to the house for cake and ice cream and opening gifts. It was fun to have everyone together.

Grandpa has been struggling more lately getting around. His legs aren't working as well and he is having to use a wheelchair more to get around. He is still able to walk a little but his legs have gotten quite a bit weaker and he doesn't always know if they are going to work for him or not. Thankfully, he has a chair lift in the house and we are able to get him most of the way in and out either by wheelchair or chair lift when he needs to go somewhere.

We spent the week before Christmas looking for a new car. Rob has really been wanting to find something with towing capacity. He has been wanting to get a trailer for a long time but we haven't had anything that could tow a trailer. So, since our van was on it's last legs anyway--I finally agreed it was time to look. It took us several days and lots of looking but we found ourselves a Nissan Armada. It isn't brand new but it is still new to us. :) And, I like it. The one problem -- it is bigger than my last vehicle so I am going to have to practice parking it in small parking spaces--well, small to it. Lol.

Well, I hope your Christmas was both Merry and Bright! I will work on finding some pictures I can put up! Take care!

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Well, I don't know how much Christmas shopping you have done but I'd say we are about halfway there. Some of it we did early and were very thoughtful about it. The rest we have saved for the last minute panic mode. I mean really, it's no fun unless you get out there and fight your way through the malls and the Walmart crowd. Just kidding. Lol. But I did figure out that I save 100% on the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales by just plain not participating!

Actually, we are pretty close to done. The things I have given up over the years are things like trying to get Christmas cards out and wrapping everything before 2 or 3 a.m. on Christmas morning.

We have spent more time this year teaching the kids the Christmas story each night. We spend a few minutes with them just before we have family prayer and during the last week we have made a special effort to help them understand the real reason we celebrate Christmas and what it stands for. I know they will always be excited by the sights and sounds of Christmas. I just want them to always remember our Savior, Jesus Christ is the biggest part of why we are celebrating.

So, anyway--we are trying not to overdue on the commercialism this year and put a lot more effort and thought into what is most important. Hope it is a wonderful season for you and yours.

ALL BETTER NOW

We've had a few days of people not feeling very good. Grandma was feeling ill and went to the doctor on Friday. He gave her an antibiotic she thought she'd had before and it ended up making her sicker. She spent most of the night vomiting. Grandpa has had his ups and downs.

Jono and Carly have been hacking for over a week. Megan's been sick for a few weeks. Julie hasn't been feeling very good for the last little while and Rob and me have been really headachy! There, now that I have all the moans and groans out--I feel all better.

We got a teeny weeny bit of snow here today--the fly in the wind type stuff. It melted before it hit the ground. It's been a little bit colder but it's still not too bad outside. Hope your weather is decent. Night all.

ZIPPITY DOO WHO?!

Our "Elf on the Shelf's" name is Madigan (pronounced Mad Again). Yes, I believe that may have been intentional. Lol. We pulled him out of his hiding place about a week ago and he began making his surprise visits. The first day was FABULOUS! Jonathon had not behaved that well for me since --well to be truthful, since he was a sleeping babe in arms. I didn't have to get after him once. He did everything I asked him. He was happy and didn't fight with his sister. I absolutely could have kissed that little Elf!

Madigan has shown up everyday faithfully. Some days he brings the kids a note reminding them Christmas is coming and Santa is watching. He says some nice things too. Other days he's doing some sort of action. He showed up this morning zip-lining in the dining room. Oh my! He's got so much energy! But I can't say I'm crazy about the ideas he's giving Jono! Really Madigan--zip-lining in the dining room?! C'mon man! It won't be long till I find Jono sliding zipping across some ceiling in the house! Well, I guess as long as he's minding otherwise I will just have to deal with it! Thanks Madigan for helping make things a little quieter around our house these days!

Our little friend was busy setting up his zip-line while we slept!

Madigan with a note reminding the kids both he
and Santa are watching and listening! This was one
of his first stunts! Crazy elf!





 

OH REALLY!

Jono wanted to go with me to run errands today and I wasn't sure he was going to get to go. He had been a little pill all morning. Finally, he straightened up enough that I let him go. We got in the van, all strapped in and ready to back out when he said:

Jono: "Mom, I am tired of sitting in your car."
Me: "Well, I can always leave you at home."
Jono: "No! I am tired of sitting in everyone's cars! I want my OWN car!

OH.MY.WORD! I almost burst out laughing. Where does my little five year old come up with thoughts like this. He couldn't begin to reach the pedals, let alone see over the steering wheel! Thank goodness! Lol!

Thankfully, I've got a few years before I really have to worry about this. Yay!

LUNCH ANYONE?

Jono wanted to make his own lunch today. It's the first time he has ever asked to do that so I figured it would be a good thing to encourage. (Did I mention he's very strong willed? Oh, and creative.) This is what he came up with. Yes, that's strawberry cream cheese on toast--and leftover candy corn from Halloween. Thankfully, he didn't offer to make me one. Though he did ask if he could have seconds. Um, that was a big negatory! No dice buddy!

Oh and I'm back on lunch duty! Once was definitely enough! At least for now. But I certainly give him points for creativity! Crazy kid!

THE TOOTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TOOTH

My baby girl lost one of her front teeth tonight. Then a few minutes later she lost one of her front teeth . . . literally. We couldn't find it anywhere. She said she just set it down on the counter but it was no where to be found. After many tears and having searched everywhere we have determined the only possibility left was that one of the dogs ate it. No, we will not be attempting to retrieve it. The Tooth Fairy will just have to get over it and deliver anyway! ;o

HAPPY SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!

Today, I got a happy surprise! Julie didn't think her schedule would work to be able to come home on her birthday but she was able to work it out after all. So, I picked her up at the train station late in the day and we were able to have a family dinner, birthday cake and presents together. It was a fun evening. We even got Grandpa to come upstairs! Yay! Julie was even able to stay overnight. I'm going to send her back on the train tomorrow! So nice to have her here for a bit. Megan was able to spend the evening with us too. She's not feeling very well but she came over anyway! Feel better Megs!

Here's a few pics of our evening! Carly and I were there but we are totally missing from the pictures! I was behind the camera but I'm not sure what Carly's excuse is! Hmmm. Oh well. Happy Birthday Julie!



Grandma and Julie
 

Jono, Grandpa and Julie

Grandpa and Jules



Getting ready to blow out the candles!

Megan and Grandpa

HAPPY 21st JULIE! I'M MISSING YOU!

This amazing little girl captured my heart right from the start and has never let go. She and I are so much alike that sometimes we frustrate each other but then after we're done we laugh. We hug a lot, we talk a lot and we love a lot. I cannot imagine my world without her in it. I am so blessed to call her mine. I am flabbergasted that she's turning 21. That means I've had her for almost exactly 10 years--I'm just short a few months. Wow, the time has truly flown by. I inherited Julie when she was eleven. I guess I thought she'd be a little girl for a lifetime, but that lifetime flew by before I knew it. I was looking at Carly yesterday who is just a few months short of turning 7. And I couldn't help but think she is just four years younger than when Julie was when I got her. It almost makes me feel panicky about how little time I have to teach her all I want to and to spend precious moments with her. Time is just so short.

Happy 21st Birthday to my amazing, loving, happy, positive, loyal, trustworthy, giving, wonderfully sweet  and  precocious daughter Julie. I am so proud of who you are--and I know I speak for your other Mom as well when I say that. You make us both proud Jules!

Have a wonderful Birthday Jules! Wish you could be here so we could celebrate with you. I love you so much--more than you can know.



My beautiful Julie through the years . . .



HERE'S THE GRANDKIDS . . .

The ones who were able to come to Thanksgiving dinner at the house this year. Aunt Sarah took this photo. Thanks Sarah!

Here's who you're looking at from L. to R. (standing in back) Ashley and Alyssa Ridgeway (Susan's girls), Caitlin McOmber (Sarah's daughter, Megan and Julie Dyer (my girls), Ian McOmber (Sarah's son and standing in front are my wee ones--Jono and Carly. Missing from the picture are two of our girls who weren't with us this holiday our oldest Katie and middle daughter Sara and her husband Stephen.

Hope you had a terrific holiday weekend! We did!

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR . . .

We had a houseful today. It was the good kind of houseful. Family. Our kids, my sisters with their families and, of course, my parents. Mom and I baked all day yesterday and part of this morning. My sisters both brought their goodies and my niece Caitlin made a yummy blueberry pie. I can't forget to mention that my hubby baked the turkey. He always does our turkey and it's always so perfectly moist and tender. Well, enough about food. It was just so great to have so many of us together. We were missing our daughter Sara and her husband and our oldest Katie. Other than that everyone was here.

I think we managed to tire Grandpa out pretty quickly but he stayed upstairs till the bitter end. Sarah and Grandma helped him back downstairs as Sarah and her family were leaving. He rested for a few hours and I checked on him just before starting to write this and he was sitting up watching TV and looking and feeling much better.

Our daughter Julie came up last night and spent the night but had to be back home this afternoon so she could work her retail job for Black Friday. :( We were grateful to have any time at all with her today and even more grateful that Susan and Russ could give her a ride back.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is here and almost gone already. This year has gone by so quickly. My little kids are growing up so fast. There are so many things I am grateful for but family is one of the biggest. I am so blessed to have a loving husband and kids I love so much. I am also grateful for my parents and siblings. I'm grateful to have been born in this wonderful land of freedom and plenty that we all too often take for granted. And I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ--for my Heavenly Father and my Savior. There are many other things I'm grateful for but those are the most important.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We sure did!

SIX YEAR OLD FOR RENT!

Have you ever felt like giving a doctor a piece of your mind for keeping you waiting for a long time? Have you ever had other things to do but you were stuck in a doctor's office way beyond your appointment time? That's happened to me lots of times but I've never had the nerve to say anything about it. Even if they have  apologized for being late, I have always said "Oh, that's alright" even if it wasn't. I've never wanted them to make them feel badly about making me wait too long.

Well, the other day I had an eye appointment and I had to pick Carly up from school on my way to it so I just took her with me. We waited for a bit before I was called in. Then they did some tests on me and sent us to another waiting room. They called us back in and did some more tests and had us wait some more. Carly does not like to wait. She kept telling me how bored she was and that she wanted to leave. I tried to keep her entertained but that's not real easy in a doctor's office. We waited about ten more minutes and then the doctor came in. Before he could even get his whole greeting out--my sweet little six year old loudly said "FINALLY!" I was surprised and mortified! Thankfully, the doctor had a sense of humor. I apologized and told Carly it was not appropriate behavior but the Doc said it was O.K. because he didn't enjoy waiting in doctor's offices either. He engaged Carly and joked around with her about it so I guess it didn't bug him too much.

Anyway, if that kind of thing ever happens to you--I have a 6 year old for rent! Lol!

IT'S ABOUT TO TURN WINTER HERE

And I'm not ready for the cold. We are supposed to have a huge Winter storm coming in starting tomorrow evening and going through Monday. Don't get me wrong -- I love snow. I just don't love the cold. Wish I could have it both ways.

We took the kids skating last night and they had a blast. Rob even skated with them. I did not skate. I ordered us a pizza and watched the coats and took pictures. Important "mom" duties. Trust me, no on wanted me on wheels. I am a whirling dervish on wheels. Heck, sometimes I don't need the wheels! Seriously though, I am so out of control when I get on any kind of skate or ski. Look out world! Let's just say I know my limits and I've learned to mind them. Hahaha!

I can hardly believe it's almost Thanksgiving, which means it's almost Christmas! Time sure has gone by fast this year. So much to do and so little time to do it in. Well, better get some sleep so I'm up to doing it.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST PAYCHECK YOU EVER GOT?

Do you remember how excited you were to get paid and to see all those dollars add up? Do you remember being surprised by how many of your dollars disappeared to taxes and Social Security before they even made it to your check? Yah, me too. It was pretty frustrating. Okay, frustrating is a nice word. Maddening is probably the better word.

My little girl has had a couple of opportunities now to do some movie work. This last one she got paid $100 for and she was excitedly waiting for the check to come. Well, it came in the mail today and she was struggling to get it open. She asked me to help her, so I did. When I got it open I showed it to her. It was for $90.81. I was surprised ~ and I said, "Oh, I didn't realize they would take taxes out of your check sweetie. That's interesting." She grabbed it and looked at it and immediately the meltdown began. I mean--the full melt down. You know--the melt down WE ALL WANT TO HAVE every time we see how many federal, state and Social Security taxes are taken from our checks!

I had a hard time not busting a gut that my 6 year old was so upset about it! She doesn't even need $100.00 let alone understand how much it is--but she was so genuinely upset they took her money! Her "mad" went on for several minutes!

She finally started to feel a bit better when Grandma mentioned that maybe when daddy filed her taxes she would get all of her money back. Lol. I'm pretty sure all is well now--as long as she gets a tax return! Hahaha! (p.s. I'm not telling her over half of what they took out went to Social Security and she won't be getting that back. I suggest you don't either! Lol!)

I just wanna kiss those tears away!

Sure love this sad little face!



 

NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN

The kids had a church program today. They had to memorize their parts and both did really well. Getting there was the hard part. So much drama--so many "I can't(s)"--at least from my little girl! Jono's part was really easy (very few words) but Carly had to memorize John 3: 16 and she had never learned words like "begotten" and "everlasting" before. While we were trying to commit it to her memory she kept saying "God so loved the world that he gave his only forgotten Son" . . . Lol. Took us a few days to wipe out "forgotten" and replace it with the right word. Luckily she performed flawlessly! No one was FORGOTTEN~Yay!

WHERE'S MY MICKEY MOUSE HAT?

Jono left his hat in Grandma and Grandpa's room so you know what that means. Possession is nine tenths of the law. Yup. You guessed it. When Jono came back in the room - this is what he found:


He was not amused. Lol!

Maybe that will teach him not to leave his things where they don't belong. Yah, probably not. But one can always hope! :p

FIFTY-SIX YEARS AGO TODAY . . .

Something AWESOME happened. Dun, Dun, Dun . . .


These two amazing people married each other
November 7, 1958

And they are still hanging out with each other today
Ain't that sweet!
November 7, 2014

JUST FOR TODAY

Today has been a busy day. I started the morning out early getting Carly to school, then one of my nieces arrived to spend a few days with us. After that I had a doctor appointment with a NEW DOCTOR (see old blog about losing mine to Obama care.) Still not happy about that one! Then Jono, my niece and I went to lunch. We had Chinese food--okay, it was Panda Express--but it was as close as we could get today. Lol. The rest of the day went on about the same, one thing after another keeping me busy.

Tonight before dinner I helped a woman who was looking for a certain kind of job find one. Then after dinner, I helped a man re-work his resume. I am actually really enjoying my calling as the employment specialist. I just wish I had more hours in the day to do it. I currently have about twenty people who need help and I wish I had more time to help them all--so I could get them working or help them get better jobs more quickly.

Grandpa had an off day today. Grandma stayed close to home to be sure he was alright. We weren't sure if he just wasn't feeling good or if one of his medicines got mixed up but he was really sleepy all day and didn't have much interest in socializing. He was doing better tonight, though and seemed more like himself.

Rob's brother is doing better. Actually, I can't remember if I even blogged about this or not but Rob's younger brother had a massive heart attack last week and came very close to dying. He hasn't taken really good care of his health over the years but we still were not expecting this. He's not completely out of the woods yet but it does look like he has a chance at recovery right now.

MY JULIE ANN

I am so proud of my sweet daughter Julie! For the last 5 days she has been in Kentucky working her heart out for team McConnell. It's not so much that we were huge McConnell fans, though I am now since he provided my daughter with such a terrific experience these last few days.

Julie is a Political Science major and was offered an internship to work on Senator McConnell's campaign during the days running up to the election. She has spent these days working the ground game for him along with other college students from around the country. It's been a fantastic experience for her and she met lots of new friends and even a few of the senators. See the proof below.

I guess one of the things I really love about how much she loves her major and how much she loved being a part of this campaign--is that it's one of the few things she got from me. I couldn't give her the DNA she carries or so many of her early memories--but there are little ways this little girl -- okay big girl is mine too. Her mom and I truly share her. But it makes my heart smile when I can see just a tiny bit of me in her. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART JULIE ANN~YOU DID FANTASTIC WORK!!

Julie with the new Senate Majority Leader
(I'm sure he owes it all to her--Lol!)

And here she is with Rand Paul. He just kept stalking her until she'd take a photo with her. (kidding)



Jules with Rob Portman

 

MY HALLOWEEN CUTIES

The kids had fun trick or treating at their big sister's office this afternoon and then again tonight in the neighborhood. Carly went as Anna from Frozen and Jono as Iron Man. Mommy and Megan were exhausted by the end. Thank goodness we had sugar to perk us up at the end! Lol!

Princess Anna

Yes, even Iron Man was once a young boy

The munchkins with Megan +
Lots of candy =
A totally fun time!

FAREWELL UNCLE WHITE SOCKS

Today was filled with not-so-very-good things but among them was one very GIANT sadness. We lost a very important and treasured member of our family. My Uncle Bob (Robert McKamey) died just before midnight. He just recently learned he had cancer and had gone home from the hospital with Hospice care, but it came as a surprise to me, at least, that it happened so quickly. We were told he had weeks, not months to live. Still, I didn't expect him to pass quite so quickly.

My Uncle was a very dear, kind man. He was a tease. He was shy. He was loving. He was good to his family. He is someone who has always, always been a fixture in my life. I don't like it when the permanent fixtures in my life move. It's like coming home to a dark house and finding out someone has moved your furniture around on you only when you bump into it. Change is never easy. Especially the change we experience when we lose members of our family.

Always together these two

I love this photo--I've always called him Uncle White Socks (if only I'd seen the white shorts picture Lol!)

Bob and Kaye
Such a great shot both of them

 

It's time like this I have to stop and remember the words a dear friend spoke at a funeral of someone I loved. It was simple but powerful. He simply said: "We didn't come here to stay." I will have to paraphrase the rest of what he said because I don't remember it word for word but it was the idea that we are only on this earth for a very short period of time in the whole span of our existence. And when we leave this existence it is just to continue on our journey. We can be together forever. It is part of God's eternal plan. We have a loving Father in Heaven and a Savior who died to make it possible. I love you, Uncle White Socks! I will see you again! Tell everyone hi for me.

PUMPKIN BOWLING!

We had a Church Halloween Party the other night and had to come up with a game for kids to play. I checked Pinterest and found a cute idea. Pumpkin Bowling!

The little kids loved it! I only wished I had one of those electronic pin setter machines! I spent a couple of hours on my knees and rear end re-setting toilet paper rolls! Not a ton of fun! Hahaha!

The game idea I found -- had 3 finger holes cut in the pumpkin just like a bowling ball would have so you could easily toss it. However, I figured that could get rather messy so I just found a pretty round pumpkin without too much of a stem and it rolled really nice for the kids. They sure had fun knocking these little ghosties down!

OF COURSE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORCE CHURCHES TO PERFORM GAY WEDDINGS . . .

Made ya look! Lol. Actually--this is the title to a well thought out, well written article by Matt Walsh--that is if you like satire and dry wit. If you've never read his blog, you should. Here's the link:
http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/of-course-the-government-should-force-churches-to-perform-gay-weddings/

Just thought I'd share. Hey, it was better than nothin'. :)

LOOK, I'M HERE!

I think, I'm getting worse at this, not better. I was just about to give up and go to sleep for the night when my daughter Julie's words were ringing in my ears. She's been giving me a hard time for not blogging. So, here I am.

It's been a rough week. Lots going on. Grandpa has cellulitis again. His doctor that we absolutely loved left doctoring. Just quit and went home to finish raising her kids. Thanks Obama. Don't anybody (Obama fans) yell at me. Yes, I'm frustrated about it. She was my doctor too and she was FABULOUS! I mean really, really FABULOUS! True story--None of us got to keep our doctor. It just wasn't worth it to her and she quit!

Anyway, back to my story--Grandpa has only seen his new doctor once. And he's only seen his wound care doctor a couple times. His cellulitis usually comes on through a bed sore that we have trouble keeping healed. When he gets it his post polio kicks in for some reason and his polio leg just won't work. So, we have trouble getting him out of the house. We tried for a couple of days to get one of his doctors to call in an antibiotic or approve homecare because we couldn't get him out of the house. (This wouldn't have been a problem with his old doctor.) But they wouldn't do it without seeing him. They wanted us to call an ambulance and have him taken to the ER. We were not enthused or amused by that thought.

Finally, the next day for some reason Grandpa was feeling a little better and my sweet husband finished work a little early and he was able to help us get Grandpa in the van. So we took him to an urgent care nearby. They fixed him right up and ordered home health for us. And so now he is feeling and seeming much better! Yay!

A BLOG, A BLOG!

Maybe it's the homework, the nightly reading, spelling words, trying to have dinner as a family and get things cleaned up before bed--wait, that sounds like "Life" doesn't it? I guess it's life that's been keeping me from blogging lately. I have a friend who had her kids later in life. I think she had her first one at 44 and her second at 46 and as they were getting to be around 8 and 10 she started to say she believed it was God's comic timing. I'm starting to believe the same thing.

I'm great at getting up and getting the kids ready for school and pre-school but on the weekends and days they don't have school - my slightly worn (out) body begs to stay under the covers in my warm bed. My little ones come in one at a time when they wake up and snuggle with me--then beg me to get out! Luckily for me they both tend to sleep a little later--Carly not as much as Jono. Although, I installed the darker curtains for just that purpose! I know . . .  evil genius!

Mostly what's been going on around our house is adjusting to the new school year. Carly had a hard time at first finding friends. I think I wrote about that--but things are good now. Jono loves his pre-school. They are both in gymnastics. Jono never stops his gymnastics--truly, he never stops. He does it in the living room, in the yard, on the sidewalk, in the grocery store, in Sam's Club, in Costco, at the doctor's office. The other day he put his skates on -- helmet and all and I was in the kitchen making dinner and I heard a big thud. I turned around and sure enough -- he'd done a round off in the living room skates and all. This boy! They are both good at gymnastics but if he put his mind to it I think the boy could be an Olympian. I mean, the interest is definitely there. He loves it!

Grandma and Grandpa are doing well. They've both had check-ups recently and the men in the white coats have not come to get them yet! Lol. Although, I think Grandma's fights with her computer nearly put her over the edge. She finally gave up on it the other day. I think she finally got tired of talking to the people in India for 5 hours at a time to try to fix it! Definitely not her idea of a fun time. She has a new one on the way so she will be spending her time learning a new one soon. At least that will be time well spent!

We are missing our Julie and hoping she will come visit soon. It's been way too long since we've seen her--more than a month. Hint, hint! :P

Well, that's really all the news from here. I'm pretty proud of myself for getting this far tonight. Hope all is well for all of you! Take care. Love, Nancy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I had a really lovely birthday with my family. I got to sleep in as long as my four year old would let me. Then mom and dad took us all out to eat. After that we came back and opened presents and had cake and ice cream. I heard from my older girls. Megan was here with us but Sara and Julie called. I also heard from some really good friends. It was just a really nice day.

We took several photos but I didn't realize till I was going through them that I didn't get one of me with mom. So that's on my "to do" list.

Here's a few of the shots we did get:



Mama and her baby boy!



Me and my Megs



Mom and Carly



Big Sis with the sibs



Me with the first man I ever loved. Love you Daddy!

TENDER MERCIES

The beginning of this school year has certainly been harder than the one last year. Carly made tons of friends in Kindergarten but she has seemed more shy and reticent this year. She came home the first few days telling me no one would play with her at recess. It broke my heart but I tried to stay positive with her. I asked her questions. "Did you ask anyone to play with you? Did you try finding your friends from last year on the playground? Did you try . . . ?" The answers that came back just made me sad. She had asked and had tried and had been turned away.

I decided to go in and help in her class and see for myself. When I did, I talked to the teacher about it and she suggested we go out during recess and watch for ourselves. Sure enough, there were lots of twosomes and Carly would wander around and approach but never get invited in or in some cases actually get turned away.

The teacher asked Carly to play with a little girl in her class that only speaks Spanish that needed a friend, too and her teacher and I tried to help them communicate with each other. That helped for a little while. But there were other girls in the class who could speak Spanish so that success was short-lived. Her teacher told me that a lot of first grade girls get it in their heads that they can only have one best friend and she would have a talk with the class. Well, my little girl remained sad through the first couple weeks of school and my heart was so heavy. I was praying about what to do when I realized that prayer really might be the answer. (Light Bulb! Lol!)

When Carly came home that day I sat her down and told her we really needed to pray for her to find a friend. I told her we would start praying every morning when I woke her up that she would have a good day at school and feel happy and also find new friends. That very day when I went to pick her up she came running up to me with her new friend Brenna. I saw her coming toward me, hand in hand with a little friend and just started saying a prayer of gratitude. Everyday since that one she and Brenna have been fast friends. My little one has started seeing the sunshine again and having happy days. She is finding others to play with and I am seeing her old confident self return. I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord and for the blessing of prayer--of being able to just talk to our Father in Heaven when our hearts are heavy and we need His help.

ICE CREAM DAY . . . NEAR DISASTER

So, Carly's teacher sends out emails from time to time asking for help in the classroom. I've gone over and helped her out before. She sent out one last week asking if any mom or dad was available to help her today in the classroom with ice cream. I looked at my schedule and responded to her that I could. So, I headed over at the designated time. When I arrived in the classroom they were discussing their favorite flavors. The teacher turned to me and asked "What kind of ice cream did you bring us?" Uh, uh, uh .  .  .

You saw that coming, didn't you? Well, I didn't. Lol! Never entered my mind I was BRINGING the ice cream! DUH! I have got to get into teacher mind reading mode! Don't worry. I recovered quickly. The school is only a short distance from a store and I was able to run and get ice cream and get back in time! Whew, close call!

I had to sneak out on Jonathon to go to Carly's school to help. The Kindergarten teacher used to let me bring him but First grade is different--much more serious. So Grandma saved me. She and Jonathon planted flowers I was gone. I was really nervous he would be really mad at me because he had told me earlier in the day he really wanted to go pick Carly up today. I knew she would be coming home with me after I helped at the school but I didn't want to upset him. I was hoping I could find something to keep him busy while I went. Anyway, his reason for wanting to go was super sweet. He said, "Mom, when we go get Carly, you give me the keys so I can open the door for her and then I will say, "There you go M'lady!" Lol!

Rob's been teaching him the importance of being a gentleman and he has really taken it to heart. Rob always opens my door for me. Once in awhile Jono tries to and Rob has to remind him it is Daddy's job whenever he is with Mommy. Jono knows he can open it for me when Daddy is not there and he relishes the chance to do so. But he's extremely happy now that we've told him he can be the main door opener for his sisters. That has also calmed some of the competitive energy between him and Carly!

One more funny for the day. Grandma was warming some leftovers up tonight and asked Carly what she wanted. Carly told her she just wanted some rice with Karaoke sauce. Then got her the Teriaki sauce from the fridge to put on her rice. Lol! My kids make me laugh . . . well, most of the time! Night all!

SHE'S CLEAN!

Grandma had her second year check-up today for the bladder cancer and got a clean bill of health. We love getting great news like that! Thanks for all the love and prayers on her behalf! We know that helps!

I have been pretty punk today. I had some dental surgery yesterday on my gums and slept most of the day yesterday and didn't feel like doing much of anything today. I did take Jono to his official first day of pre-school. I also gave him a haircut before he went. He looked pretty cool and was excited to go. Other than that, I've been a pretty big bum. Hoping tomorrow I will have some energy back.

Rob is on-call this weekend and wasn't home a whole hour before he got called out again. He's back home now and hopefully will stay that way for the rest of the weekend.

Well, just wanted to let everyone know Mom's news. More later!

CATCHING UP

Aunt Susan came up yesterday to help Grandpa with some of his work and ended up spending the night with us. She didn't get finished in time to drive home before dark so she stayed and worked some more today and then drove home after the work hour traffic rush. It's really great of her to come and help especially since she has such a hard time driving through the big city by herself.

Jono had his welcome back to pre-school today. He was so excited! He actually starts on Friday. He is going back to the same pre-school this year he went to last year but for 3 days a week instead of two. He's an August baby and was a preemie so we are not sending him to Kindergarten until he is six. Rob is an August birthday also and he really wishes his parents had held him back a year. He was always the last chosen for everything because he was the youngest. So, we figure this will give Jono a much better shot at being not only the oldest but maybe even the biggest. We can hope anyway. :)

Carly is loving being a first grader. She has a wonderful teacher. We just love her and she loves Carly! It's fun to get her up every morning and get her ready. She wakes up with a huge smile on her face and can't wait to get to class.

Grandma is doing well and Grandpa has been up and working hard at his desk this week. The weather here has been really nice. It's been warm but a mild warm with a nice wind. I love this time of year.

Well, that's all the news for now. Take care.

OUR DAY

Today was just a normal day. Carly had school. I let Jono have a friend over. Grandma did some gardening. Grandpa did some paperwork. I did a little bit of shopping and I actually got some organizing done in my bedroom. I also got some laundry done as well.

Tonight we had back to school night at Carly's school and got to meet her teacher. I met her briefly when I took Carly the first day but we got to know a little more about her and see her personality. It was fun. We took the kids out for a taco afterwards and then came home and got them in bed. Now if we could only get ourselves there. We seem to never get to sleep before midnight! Guess that is my cue to sign off! Night all.

SCHOOL RULES

Carly's first and second day of school went really well. She only has 2 kids in her class from last year so she is making lots of new friends. Jono had a playdate today with his friend Ellie. I had to take him there. He was so funny. He wouldn't let me get in the car or out of it until he opened the door for me. He's been watching his daddy and I guess he wants to be just like him. I love it! I am grateful my husband is such a gentleman and that Jono wants to be a gentleman too.

My sister Susan came up with her girls yesterday and helped Dad organize his paperwork. Dad had a neurologist appointment later in the afternoon. The neurologist thinks the weakness he's been experiencing in his one leg may be due to Post Polio Syndrome which is kind of what we've been thinking.

Carly had afternoon Kindergarten last year so this getting up really early to get her ready for school is a new thing and I can't say I love it. But then neither does she! Everyday when I go in to wake her up she tells me it is too early and she needs to sleep a little more. Lol! And that from my early riser! She is usually the first one up in the house! Not anymore! Hahaha!

It's been a rainy week so far and I can feel the weather starting to change. It's cooler and I think we may be shifting into Fall already. It seems a little early for it to start cooling down but it will be a nice change. It's been a really hot summer. Well, that's all I know for now. More later.

SUCH A SLACKER

Yep, that's me--head slacker. Actually, I just haven't been finding enough hours in my day to get everything done and often my blog has been the one to suffer.
Been getting kids ready for their first days of school and preschool. Seems like I've been doing another million or so things besides that as well. Anyway, it's that time! Carly's first day is finally here. She has been acting really nonchalant about it--that is until I put her to bed tonight. When I went to her room to help her pick out an outfit for morning before tucking her in tonight she was bouncing off the walls. That is the first real sign I've seen from her that she's excited and happy to be going back to school. It made me laugh.

Jono doesn't go back to pre-school until after Labor Day. He is a bit sad that he has to wait another week but I'm sure he and I can find some kind of trouble to get into in the mean time.

Julie and Megan were both here this week to celebrate birthdays. Rob's was Thursday and Jono's was today. We've had way too much sugar this week--that's for sure!

Grandma and Grandpa are doing good. Susan and her girls came up this past week to help them with some paperwork and organizing. I think they are planning to come back this week to help also.

We had a surprise birthday party yesterday for Jono. It was so funny. When his friends jumped out to surprise him, he went speechless. Hilarious reaction for the child we can never get to be quiet. Lol! It went on for ten minutes. He literally couldn't or wouldn't talk. We floored him! Hahaha! It was too funny. I said, "If I'd known this was all it took to get him to quiet down, I'd have done this a lot sooner and a lot more often! Ha!



Mama~ Overjoyed with her boy!

Happy Birthday Bubby! I love you to the moon and back!

FATHER~SON, MOMMY~DAUGHTER TIME

Rob was supposed to go on his first Father-Son camp out with Jono this past weekend. It was a church one and Rob's been planning to go since before Jono was born--in his head anyway. Lol. Anyway, his plans fell apart and it didn't happen. He was so disappointed and so was Jonathon. Oh and so was Carly because we were going to have a Mommy-Daughter weekend while they were gone. So,we all found a way to make lemonade out of our lemons.

Rob set up a tent in the back yard last night and we had a campfire by the creek. We made tin foil dinners and roasted marshmallows. Then Carly and I came in and got into jammies and cuddled in Mommy and Daddy's bed and watched a movie together before we went to sleep. Jono and Daddy played games and watched a movie downstairs and then went camping in the tent.

This morning, Daddy and Jono got up and went to get breakfast and then went fishing. It took going to two different spots but finally Jono caught 2 fish. They were small and he had to throw them back but he loved it!

Carly and I went to a friend's garage sale, then we went and grabbed some lunch for a picnic in the park. We had our picnic and then went to the other side of the park to feed the ducks. There were hundreds of ducks and they all wanted the bread we brought. They were loud and some of them followed us. So we had to throw bread to them to sidetrack them. They were funny ducks.

After we fed the ducks we came home and re-grouped and then headed over the the amusement park. I let Carly get her face painted. She was so excited. I never do that because it's kind of expensive but I splurged today. I figured we were making happy memories.

Carly with her Dragonfly

My pink and purple painted happy camper!

 It was a really hot day. So, when we were done-we went and got some cold drinks and went home to cool off. Then, I taught Carly how to make pancakes and we made breakfast for everyone for dinner. Did that make sense? Lol! Well, that was our fun! 

OH B.O.Y!

I watched my friend Robin's little girl this week for a couple of days while she had to be away. Our kids have grown up together almost as close as siblings. Almost. I have to qualify that because Jono and her daughter, Ellie decided about the time they learned to talk that they were going to marry each other. Lol. They pretty much stick to that story, too except when they get cranky with each other--which lately seems all too frequently. They are both at that "turning or turned five" and "know it all" stage. Oh Yay! 

Well anyway, all the kids were busy playing and I happened to walk into the living room only to find a wedding fully in progress. Carly was in full wedding director/minister mode and Jono and Ellie were happily playing the bride and groom. They had stuffed animals and dolls as either their guests or children, maybe both. I got there just as they were saying their "I do's" and luckily in time to hear Carly say "You can now kiss her--." She looked at me and then added: "On the cheek." I quickly and loudly concurred--"Yes, on the cheek." To which, Ellie said, "So we can kiss but on the cheek? OK, Jono, on the cheek." My boy says, "OK" then proceeds to kiss her on the lips. Yep, people--I've got me a handful when this kid is a teenager and really finds out he likes girls! YeGads! BOYS! Whatcha gonna do with them?!

I managed to get this cute photo by telling them they couldn't have a wedding without a wedding photographer. They totally bought it--and loved posing. Lol!

MORE GOOD GRANDPA NEWS!

Grandpa is doing so much better! He was up and at his desk working today. The antibiotics they gave him worked really fast and he's doing great! He's able to walk and seems so much stronger. I can't believe the difference a day makes. Yippee!

GRANDPA UPDATE

Grandpa's been pretty sick for a few days. His cellulitis kicked back into high gear and he started running a high fever on Sunday night and early Monday. He has sore that keeps breaking open and we are pretty sure that's the source of the infection that keeps causing his cellulitis to flare up. The wound doctor gave him a huge shot of antibiotics yesterday and again today and sent him home with some meds also. Grandpa is doing much better today--thank goodness. He was pretty weak yesterday but is in much better shape today. We are really grateful for modern medicine and the power of prayer. Lots of prayers were getting said on his behalf, too--so we know that helped also. Hopefully, we are done with this--but I will keep you posted!

OUR SUMMER HARVEST

Rob and I are extraordinarily bad gardeners so this year we killed everything in our garden spot on purpose and decided to let it sit empty for a year and rest. In essence, we are giving ourselves a time-out and our garden spot a well-deserved rest! Lol.

The good news is that we have four raspberry bushes we've planted over the last few years and they are still alive. A couple of them are even really strong and have berries on them! We aren't going to have buckets of fruit this year but I am so impressed that we have real, live berries I want to show them off! The one I took the picture of is the sturdiest one. I went out to pick the red raspberries off of it and just before I did I noticed some wonderfully plump blackberries toward the bottom. We have planted both types and I'd forgotten which bush this was! Good thing I saw those or I'd have picked these before they ripened! The black ones were delicious!

Blackberries masquerading as red raspberries! Almost fooled me!

Yummy!



Grandma planted our tomatoes this year. She did one of those hanging baskets. She thought she had regular size tomatoes but they ended up being cherry ones and we found the first ripe one yesterday also! So, it was harvest time all over! The kids loved it!

One Lonely Ripe Tomato

A Lovely Weedless Garden~Just My Speed!

OH, THE PAINS OF CHILDHOOD

   It's been a busy and frankly exhausting couple of weeks. Since housing sales have been up in this area our neighborhood has started to feel a bit nomadic. Seems like there are "For Sale" signs everywhere and while that is good for the local economy it can be hard on the heart-strings. The past two weekends Rob and I have spent our Saturdays helping friends move.
   One of the friends we helped was one of the first and best friends I made here. She and her family moved to the next town over so one of their kids could get into a school program he needs. Her youngest kids have been my kids best friends and so the move has been especially tough on Carly and Jono. Their best friends are no longer right around the corner.
   We've had a couple of play dates at their new home but their kids are so excited about their new friends in their new neighborhood that they haven't wanted to do much with their old ones. My little ones have a hard time understanding that and it hurts their feelings. It will take some time. Hopefully, there will be some new kids moving into our neighborhood soon and they can make new friends. And hey, it's only a couple of weeks until school starts and that will bring new friends too. Oh the pains of childhood. Wish I could make them all better.

WHO'S GOT YOUR BACK? :P

Well, it's been awhile again. Grandpa has been pretty weak this last while. He's healthy enough I think. Just tiring out really quickly. He did alright having his tooth pulled but I think it wore him out and he wasn't able to eat anything solid for a few days after so that probably only added to tiredness and weakness.



    Grandma finally got a diagnosis on what's been going on with her foot. She has Tarsal Tunnel syndrome. Who knew there even was such a thing? I mean, besides doctors. Lol. They are having her do a few things in hopes to avoid surgery on it and so far so good.



     Took the kids to a water park with a friend yesterday and managed to get myself a nice burn on my back. I was so busy sun-screening everyone else I guess I missed some places on me. I really thought I got my back too but I guess that's why you always want someone else to have your back. Lol! Ouch!

TOOTHLESS ISN'T JUST FOR DRAGONS

Grandpa had some oral surgery today. He had to have a back tooth pulled. Luckily it was in a spot where it won't be missed. He did great! He was a little weak after the surgery but he is doing fine. Poor guy, the dentist won't let him have anything but ice cream and pudding and the like for 48 hours. What a life! Jono would be in Heaven! Just add Cheetos to that and he'd think it was perfection personified! Lol!


I am a little surprised the kids didn't ask to see his tooth or remind him to put it under his pillow so the tooth fairy would visit him. I am sure they will think of  it in the morning. They were a little pre-occupied with playing today. I guess I have all night to come up with some funny line for what the tooth fairy does if you forget to put your tooth under the first night.  . . . Or why the tooth fairy won't accept a tooth the dentist pulls--or even better--why the tooth fairy won't take a tooth that's been chewed on for more than 50 years! Lol! Like I said I've got all night . . . me and insomnia that is. Hahaha!

YOU MOVE ME -- NOT!

Rob and I are offically wiped out. This morning we went to spend a couple of hours helping some friends move and ended up spending more like 6 1/2
hours helping them move. That wouldn't have been so bad except the temperature outside read 97 degrees and since they had the doors wide open on both houses they turned the air conditioning off to the houses. Needless to say it was one long, hot, exhausting day! 


We came home laid in bed and watched a movie. We were so hot neither of us even ate dinner, though, don't worry, we did feed the kids.


I'd forgotten how awful moving a whole home is. Remind me why people do it when they have a choice? I know there are times when people don't have a choice. But when someone has a perfectly good home and just decides one day they want to lug thousands of pounds of belongings between two different buildings--sometimes many, many miles apart--why would anyone in their right mind do that? Yah--"right mind" -- that's the key. See what I'm saying? Lol! That's my point.


#NOMOREMOVESPLEASEESPECIALLYINTHEHEAT!

JUST A FEW THINGS

It ended up taking us several days to get Jono's over his vomiting but it had a weirdness factor to it. It only happened at night. So strange. We never did figure out what was making him sick either because we were all eating the same things. Oh well, we are just hoping we are completely done with it. No fun for anyone!


Grandma has a doctor appointment in the morning to checkout some pain and neuropathy she's been having in her feet. Hopefully, they can figure out what's going on and get her some relief.


Grandma and Grandpa got out for a little while yesterday since Grandpa had a dentist appointment. Grandpa's legs haven't been cooperating very well the last little while so they didn't wander very far beyond the dentist office. He is walking but his legs tire out really quickly.


It has been so hot here this past couple of weeks. We actually hit 101 degrees two days ago and it's been near 100 the last couple of days.


Sally and Seth--Grandpa's sister and brother-in-law-should be back through here tomorrow evening. They fly home on Thursday morning. They have been sightseeing through-out Utah and Arizona for the last couple weeks. They are going to stop in one last time before they fly home. It will be nice to see them one last time before they head for home.


Well, not much else to tell. Night all.

OH VOMIT!

Saturday night out of no where Jonathon started throwing up! He wasn't running a fever or feeling sick before that. Once he started though, he couldn't stop for a couple of hours. I finally remembered we had some medicine from a previous vomiting illness, so I gave him some of that. Within a short time he not only stopped throwing up, he fell sound asleep. I felt so bad for him I was so glad we had something that helped and gave him a break. I expected to be up in the night with him again but I wasn't. I woke up to a bright eyed, cheery and very hungry boy today. I still kept him home from church as a precaution.

He did great all day. No sign of illness and then around 8 p.m. again, out of no where he suddenly starts throwing up again. Gah! I think he's allergic to evenings! Back to the meds and to bed little one! Poor little guy!

BEST BUDS

Grandma just told me the cutest story. She said Jono was downstairs this morning sitting between her and Grandpa on their bed--his favorite place to be. While he was sitting there he said, "Sometimes, I lay on Grandpa because I love him so much! I will never stop liking him!" Isn't that adorable.

Grandpa with his brand new Grandson and namesake

Have you ever seen so much trouble in one place?

I love my Grandpa! He's the best!

Give me a kiss Grandpa! I need some sugar!

Just hanging out with my best bud! Careful on the turn Grandpa--don't lose me!

Good thing this boy has such an adorable side since he's in the frustrating fours right now! Hahaha!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!

Today my dad turned three quarters of a century old. Now that's a milestone, to say the least. Wow. We celebrated his birthday yesterday on the 4th of July like we always have and let it spill over a bit on today. His sister Sally and her husband flew out to spend his birthday with him. They are continuing on a 2 week vacation through the west now. My sister Sarah and her daughter Caitlin came. Susan wasn't feeling well so she didn't make it. But two of my older daughter's came and we Carly and Jono were here. And the day before another one of my girl's and her husband were here. We've had quite a few people around to help celebrate.

My dad is one of the most decent, humble and kind men I know. He is generous to a fault. You can ask anyone and they will vouch for that. He has always set an example of hard work, honesty, doing what is right, following through on a promise made, having integrity and honor and being a good person. I love my dad with all my heart and I feel so blessed and proud to be his daughter. He is such a good man and I just want the whole world to know that such people do still exist. I LOVE YOU DAD! Thanks for being one of the great ones!



Grandpa with his cake



Grandpa, Sister Sally and Grandaughter Carly
 

My three generation photo- Grandma, me and Jules



Carly, me and Rob



The Women-folk
Megan, Carly, me, Julie, Sally and Grandma



Megan, Caitlin, Julie, Jono and Sarah



Me, Carly and Jono



Sally, Grandpa and Seth



Grandpa with his little sis, Sally



Me with my little sis, Sarah



Grandma with her namesake, Miss Carolyn Alexis (Carly)



My splitters
Carly and Megan -- stretching things out