HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

We had a fairly nice day today. Carly went to school in the morning instead of afternoon because it's end of term and they are out tomorrow so the teachers can do grades. They had a Halloween Costume Parade and party so she had fun. Then we went to big sis Megan's work and trick or treated through her building and really got a haul of candy! Later in the evening I took the kids through the neighborhood while Rob handed candy out at the door to scary creatures. Then we watched Monster University with Megan and the kids. We are both beat!

Last night we took the kids over for one last run through the amusement park. We only spent about an hour there but it was enough for the kids to feel like they'd been there. It was pretty cold but they do this Halloween gig called Frightmares where the whole place is decorated for Halloween and there are haunted houses (which none us wanted to go through.) Anyway, it was the last night it was open for the season so we wanted to go one last time.

Rob and I got out to vote today also. Mom and Dad are going tomorrow. It is early voting still and it ends tomorrow. The election is next Tuesday. We are electing a mayor and 2 city councilmen. It seems more important than ever to get out and vote these days.

I will leave you with a photo of the kids in costume. Carly was a princess and Jono was a dragon. This is a girl from Megan's work dressed up as Tinkerbelle posing with them.

BLOWING IN THE WIND

The weather here is changing. We've had some high winds which of course emptied the trees of all the beautiful fall leaves. It snowed about a foot in the mountains today and we got some cold rain. Snow is in our future for sure. It's truly a spooky time of year!

Nothing much happening around here. Everyone is well for once. Yay! (Knock on wood.) We are thankful for that. Not a whole lot to tell tonight.

I'm starting to feel a little better, so that's something, I guess. Well, I will stop there. More later.

LITTLE MAN STRIKES AGAIN

My cute little boy was so sweet to me in church this morning. He climbed in my lap, snuggled really close and asked, "Mama, when I grow up will you marry me?" He said it with such genuineness that it made my heart melt. I was trying to find the words to tell him it probably wasn't such a good idea, and he sensed that was what was coming so he repeated his question but this time with a great big PUH-LEASE? at the end. Although, I didn't get a chance to really answer him because by this time Daddy had heard the question and little man was treading on Daddy's territory, lol!

Daddy stepped right up and answered him for me. He told him he was too late he had already married me and he'd have to find his own wife! Jono took it okay since he had his Mom to hold him. Lol! He's such a cute little man. I think I suggest he wait at least a few more years before he runs off and gets hitched.

NOT TOO FAST!

Well, today I got Crazy Hair day right! Yay for me! Rob and I ended up making a quick run to Provo this evening so we got to see Julie for a bit and say Hi to Susan and Russ.

Grandma and Grandpa got out for a ride today just to run a few errands. It was a gorgeous day here. The leaves have turned here already but it was warm enough that people were out in shirt sleeves. I hope it continues for at least a little bit. It's almost like getting a little extra bit of Spring weather. I love it.

Today after I picked Jono up from pre-school I let his friend Ellie come over for lunch and to play for awhile. I put their lunch on the table and Ellie said a quick prayer. As soon as she finished Jono let her know it was a little to quick to meet standards. Lol. He said, "Not too fast! Jesus doesn't like it too fast!" Oh my word. Only from the mouth of a four year old! Hahaha!

MAMA GOT A CRAZY HAIR

So, this week at Carly's school is Red Ribbon Week and they are teaching the kids to say "NO" to drugs and alcohol. Everyday they do something different. One day they wore their shirts backwards or inside out, another day they wear red, another day they have crazy hair. You get the idea.

Today I got Carly all ready for Crazy Hair Day. She was pretty excited but a little nervous and wanting to look crazy--but still cute. We went through several ideas and finally settled on one pigtail sticking straight up on her hair (aided by a wire in the pigtail) and the other pigtail made into a circle on her head. She was pretty happy with that.

I drove her to the drop off spot and she jumped out and looked around and said, "Mom, I don't see anyone else with crazy hair." I told her there were probably just some party poopers and not to worry about it, that she would be one of the cool ones. So, trusting her Mama, she ran off to join her friends.

I went on home and was cleaning off the dining room table about an hour later when I came across the flyer with instructions for Red Ribbon Week. I just about had a panic attack when I realized I'd sent my sweet little girl to class with crazy hair a day early! Holy Crap!!!! I wanted to go and save her but there was nothing I could do. I felt so awful and I was so worried about how she was going to do being the only one with crazy hair.

When I went to pick her up, I was just waiting for her reaction. I wasn't sure if she would be in tears or if I would get yelled at. I decided to just wait and see what she said before I apologized so I didn't make it a bigger deal. She didn't even mention it. I couldn't believe it. Finally after we'd been home for about ten minutes she just said, in kind of matter of fact tone, "Oh, Mom--Today wasn't Crazy Hair Day! It's tomorrow!"

I said. "Oh yah, Honey, I realized that after you left. I'm so sorry. Did anyone like your hair?" She said, "Yah, they did--but they kept touching it and I didn't like that! Tomorrow, I want you to put both pigtails straight up!" End of conversation.

I think I got off pretty easy. Funny thing. I just saw one of my friends on Facebook (in a different city) post a picture of her daughter, a bit older than Carly, but she painted her daughter's hair blue for Crazy Hair Day and took her to school only to find out it was the wrong day, too! Luckily for them they realized it on the way in to school and were able to take her home and wash her hair. She was just a bit late! Oh well, I guess some of us Mama's just have a crazy hair now and then! Lol!

WISHING FOR SIMPLER DAYS

Ever have one of those days when even your skin is exhausted? Well, today was one of those days. I think I overdid yesterday and my body did not appreciate it. Yesterday I got back on my treadmill and into my exercise routine after quite a long vacation. I intended to make it a habit but my body was having none of it today. I am not giving up though--just listening to my body for today.

Seriously, after I got Carly to school and did my round of car pool I felt like I just sat and stared at the walls. Maybe that's because I did. I looked around the house at even the small things I could do and they wore me out. Gah!

It's OK though. Things are going to get better. I just need to eat better, get more rest and get more vitamins in my system. Working on it!

Rob came home a very happy camper today! He got to turn in his old vehicle and get his new one. When I say "old" that's a relative term. It was less than 3 years old but they change them out according to mileage and he drives quite a bit in his job.

I spent this evening going through old photographs looking for pictures of my Grandfather on my Mom's side as a baby or young man. I'd forgotten I had so many pictures. Still, I didn't come up with any of him that young. I have him as a young Navy Officer and maybe just a little before that--but nothing as a baby. He was born before 1900 so I guess it's possible his family didn't take any. My Grandma was born just after 1900 and we have some of her so it would be nice to find some of him also. But, thus far, no luck.

It's neat to go through old pictures and letters and see what was happening so long ago. It sure was a simpler time. It kind of makes me wish things were still simpler, you know . . . but with air conditioning and cars. :)

THE WEEKEND

Jonathon is doing a little better today. I didn't let him go to church today but we did go to a friend's home for dinner tonight and he did just fine. He is still on meds to try and knock this thing but at least they are helping!

It's starting to really cool down here. I wouldn't be surprised if we have a good snowstorm here sometime soon. In other words, the frost is definitely on the pumpkin!

Carly is really enjoying school. She is excited to go every morning. She loves learning to read and has lots of new friends. Jono loves his preschool too. He goes twice a week and is learning all kinds of new things there. He always comes how with a project he's made and something new he's learned.

Well, that's about all that's happening around here. Night everyone!

COUGHS, COLDS AND INFECTIONS . . . OH MY!

Sorry for my absence the past few days. The kids have been sick and I had a migraine that was off the Richter scale yesterday. Of course, last night was also when Jono decided to go down hill on us. He has had a cold and that's never a good thing when it starts to get cool outside. Sure enough he has a secondary infection and his breathing has gotten bad.

I watched him really closely all day yesterday. He and I stayed in bed while I nursed my head and made sure he got his breathing treatments and other medications. Even with all that, he got worse in the evening and we had to take him to the urgent care. Luckily, Rob and one of our neighbors gave him a blessing before we went. That calmed him (and me) down and they were able to get his breathing normalized enough to bring him home last night.

He has done okay today. It will take a few days for all the meds to really kick in and him to sound and feel better but he is doing better than he was. I am so grateful we were able to catch it before it was to the point where he needed to be hospitalized.

Carly had been sick, too but she is feeling much better now. She's hardly coughing at all and her temperature is back to normal. Yay for one success anyway! I am doing my best to keep them away from Grandma and Grandpa so they don't get them sick, too. Though, that is easier said than done.

Well, that's about all for tonight. Hope you are all well and happy!

MISSING

MY WATERFALL

MY BEST BUDDY

THE SIGHTS OF HOME

PHOTO TIME

I found some great shots from a few years ago on an old back up drive. I'm just going to put a few on here tonight but I may share a few more here and there over the next little while. These ones were taken at or near the time my cousin Bill Klebusch died and much of the family got together. I think that was about eight plus years ago.

A couple of the pictures were taken a little bit longer ago. I don't know why I chose them so randomly. It was just fun to look back. Sometimes it is. I love all of these people so much. The world changes and people come and go in our lives--and that is never easy. Little ones also grow up. Caitlin, who is in the last photo is now a sophomore in college. It's so hard to believe! Time sure flies!

Well, enjoy your day--you will never get THIS day back again!

The Brackney kids with their Mom, Louise

Me with my closest cousin, Ned

My cousins Jonnan and Ned at our family waterfall

My mom and me

My niece Caitlin, my Dad and my Mom--about 10 -11 yrs ago

 

OUR WEEKEND

We had a good weekend even if it wasn't a very productive one. I think we are all just plain worn out. Grandpa is recovering nicely. He only has one or two more home nurse visits left since he is doing so well. Thanks for all your prayers. We know those have helped a ton and we are so grateful for them.

We had a rainy Sunday here. That was just fine. We made it through our outdoor recital yesterday without any rain so we were fine with the moisture today--and we can always use the extra water here.  It is getting a bit chillier day by day. You can definitely tell it is fall now.

I taught Sunday School today. We were out of church last week due to our Church having it's semi-annual General Conference. They have a world-wide broadcast of our church leaders speaking to us twice a year so we can listen from our homes or attend in our meeting houses to watch on satellite. Anyway, the kids were happy to go back to their Sunday School classes today.

Well, not much else to tell. Hope you had a nice weekend. :)

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

The little ones were in their first recital tonight. They've been in dance for about six weeks now and have really enjoyed it. Although, I think they want to do gymnastics more than they want to do dance. You see we promised them they could do gymnastics after they took dance and when the recital was over tonight they both asked if dance was done now so they could start gymnastics! This has been a Creative Dance class where they learned Tumbling, Hip Hop and other styles--so they really have had some fun.

Anyway, they did one number tonight and it was cute--but they really may be done and ready for Gymnastics!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejqMX9O32TY

AND SO HE DID!

A conversation overheard in our home this morning:

Jono: Look at my teeth Grandma--they are squeaky clean!!
Grandma: Oh, they do look nice. Did you just brush them?
Jono: Yep, with your toothbrush!

Hahaha! And sure enough--Grandma's toothbrush was all wet! Nothing like a four year old to gross you out first thing in the morning!

HERE'S TO ULCERS

Grandpa's scope went really well. He was even able to have some donuts afterward and he needs them, too because he's gotten pretty skinny the last couple of weeks. Anyway, they found several ulcers in his tummy and sent him home with some prescriptions for those that he will need to take for the rest of his life. I'd say all in all, we are pretty grateful it turned out to just be ulcers! And as it turns out--his mother had the same problem so it runs in the family.

Well, that's all I know for now. Have a great day!

GRANDPA'S GALL!

Grandpa is having a scope of his gallbladder in the morning. He's had a few vomiting episodes that have happened out of the blue lately and so they want to check out his gallbladder. Of course, they always think they are doing him a big favor by making him the first patient on the doctor's list, so he and Grandma have to leave the house around 5:30 in the morning. I will keep you updated on what we find out. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks so much!

OVERHEARD IN GRANDMA'S VAN

Our car needs some work on it and so it has been in the shop for a few days. I was driving to pick Carly up from school in Grandma's van today with Jono when he started quizzing me. It went like this:

Jono: Mommy what's wrong with our car?

Me: Um, well - it's broken.

Jono: IN HALF?

Hahahaha! My little boy cracks me up. I was laughing too hard after that to explain much else. That definitely has to go into "The Darndest Things" File! Lol!

PRETTY DARN SCARY

This is from Alex Jones' Info Wars.  I can't vouch for it, but the story is scary.

Obamacare Fines to be Seized From Bank Accounts?

Bank Accounts?
Man who attempted to sign up claims he was threatened with drivers license being revoked, federal tax lien on home.
Paul Joseph Watson

      Infowars.com
      October 2, 2013

A man who attempted to sign up for Obamacare online was told that a fine of over $4,000 dollars a year for refusing to take out mandatory health insurance could be taken directly from his bank account, and that his drivers license would be suspended and a federal tax lien placed against his home, according to an entry on the HealthCare.gov Facebook page.

If true, the implementation of Obamacare is going to be a whole lot more draconian than Americans have been led to believe.

 

Will Sheehan claims that when he tried to sign up for Obamacare and then register to opt out, he received an ominous warning. Sheehan’s full Facebook post reads;

“I actually made it through this morning at 8:00 A.M. I have a preexisting condition (Type 1 Diabetes) and my income base was 45K-55K annually I chose tier 2 “Silver Plan” and my monthly premiums came out to $597.00 with $13,988 yearly deductible!!! There is NO POSSIBLE way that I can afford this so I “opt-out” and chose to continue along with no insurance. 

I received an email tonight at 5:00 P.M. informing me that my fine would be $4,037 and could be attached to my yearly income tax return. Then you make it to the “REPERCUSSIONS PORTION” for “non-payment” of yearly fine. First, your drivers license will be suspended until paid, and if you go 24 consecutive months with “Non-Payment” and you happen to be a home owner, you will have a federal tax lien placed on your home. You can agree to give your bank information so that they can easy “Automatically withdraw” your “penalties” weekly, bi-weekly or monthly! This by no means is “Free” or even “Affordable.”

Sheehan went on to point out that the site makes you input all your personal information before giving you an indication of the costs, meaning a database of the “uninsured” is being built. He added that he could not afford to pay the premium so would have to break the law and pay the fine, leaving him with no health care coverage.

 

The federal government has consistently denied that any fines pertaining to Obamacare non-compliance could be seized from bank accounts, despite reports last year that the IRS had hired 16,500 new agents to harass citizens who attempt to evade the new law.

 

“There’s no criminal sanctions for not paying this, and there’s no ability to levy a bank account or do seizures,” then-IRS commissioner Douglas Shulman said in April 2010.

 

In addition, Americans who refuse to pay for mandatory health insurance “shall not be subject to any criminal prosecution,” according to the law itself.

 

Section 1501(g)(2) of the Affordable Care Act also states that the IRS cannot “file notice of lien with respect to any property of a taxpayer by reason of any failure to pay the penalty imposed by this section.”

Either Sheehan’s claim that he received this notice is a lie, or the feds have been dishonest with the American people all along, and the revolt against Obamacare is about to take “don’t tread on me” to a whole new level.

LET'S GET THIS STRAIGHT!

This morning I got up early and took Carly to have her hair done before time for her afternoon Kindergarten class started. I decided to go ahead and try straightening her hair with a mild kiddie perm. I was going to wait until she was a little older but her hair has gotten so long it really has become difficult to come through without damaging it. I usually keep it in micro braids but even that damages it. So, anyway--we started a new adventure today and I have one very happy little girl.

Once her curly hair was straightened, it was even longer than it seemed. The biggest thing for her though is being able to brush her hair herself. She has never been able to do that before. She has never even owned her own brush--other than a set I had for her as a baby. Her favorite thing out of this whole day is being able to brush her own hair.

Below are a couple of photos of her after she was done at the stylist's. Isn't she gorgeous?!



This is her right after the stylist finished

 

Carly, tonight before bed, combing her hair with her new brush!

CHECKING IN AND CHECKING UP

Grandpa is still doing well. He and Grandma are both kind of tired and in recovery mode but still doing better than when they were at the hospital. He had some home health care come today just to get him signed up for the program. They will come a few times a week for a bit to check on him. He has a check-up tomorrow with his regular internist. She is really a terrific doctor so he will be in good hands.

Not too much else going on here. We are having rain tonight that could turn to light snow. I'm not sure we are ready for that kind of cold yet. Hopefully, it will be brief and back to a bit of warm. More later.

DADDY'S HOME!

My Daddy that is. Yep, they let Grandpa out of the hospital. He was able to walk in the house by himself--well, with a little help from his walker but that was pretty exciting given he'd lost the use of his legs last week! He is doing pretty well. I went down to see if they were ready for supper and he was sitting at his desk doing paperwork--so I guess things are back to normal. Lol!

He still on some meds for infection and we are watching him closely but other than that, I think he is doing well. I think he probably will have a little too much help from a couple of children for the next few days. The kids have really missed him and Grandma. They couldn't do enough to help as they were coming in the house. They wanted to help unload the car and get the stairlift ready and help Grandpa walk. So, I will probably have to keep them extra busy so they don't have time to be quite so helpful! Hahaha!

Well, just wanted to update you on the happy news! Have a great day!

MORE GRANDPA NEWS

Okay, so Grandpa didn't get to come home today, but I'm not sure Grandpa's really even sick anymore. I starting to suspect that the Doctor's and nurses just really like him and mom and want to hang out with them! I mean, they are pretty cool, right?! Lol!

Seriously though, the doctors want to keep Dad tomorrow and possibly Thursday as well. They just don't think he's got the Cellulitis infection as cleared up as it needs to be in order to leave. He did meet with the physical therapist though and they think he is doing great as far as walking and moving around.

So, I guess it's just a waiting game at this point. I will let you know when I know something. Keep your prayers coming. Love Nancy