Working gal

Well I have been working at Walmart for about a month now. It's going ok. I actually get a bit of exercise. A lot of walking (it's a big store) some heavy lifting. I was sore for a day or two. I worked seven days in a row and so now I have three days off in a row. I thought we were open Christmas but they do close at 8 pm Christmas Eve and Reopen on Dec 26th. That is good and I am off Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and New Years day.

Yesterday I did some deep cleaning around here. I figured better to spend one whole day then all the three days cleaning. I got it all done. Today I want to do some cooking so I can freeze some meals for next week. I also want to get all the presents wrapped.

I saw The Blindside with my friend last week, it was a really good movie. Don't be surprised if it is nominated and wins some awards.

That was Quick

Here I have been applying for jobs a few a week since about June. Then I get a job, then once I start the job I get a call for an interview. And there is a job fair today they are doing interviews, and I am on the list. Even I am having trouble keeping up with it all.

So I worked Monday night and Tuesday night. Wed I was offered a job a t Walmart. It is pending due to mandatory drug test and background check. I went to job 1 and told them I am quiting but I will finish out the week. I will work Thurs, Fri, and Sat. and Sun. night as planned. After bowling this morning I will go the job fair for an interview at Waltonwood. They do have full benefits for, full-time workers. My only concern is working full-time days means Paul will really have to take a lot more time off to haul the kids around for appointments etc. I am usually in charge of that stuff.

At least at Walmart if something comes up you have lots of people to switch your schedule around with so it seems a little more flexible to me. When you have kids this can be a really good thing. There are some benefits, for both full and part time but the pay isn't so good to start.

Also Full time days would mean rushing home to make dinner, haul kids to and fro, it seems a little overwhelming to me to think about that. Since I never had to do that even when I used to work. I am sure eventually we would adjust but I can see some stress in my future.

So first no jobs now maybe 2. Maybe even 3. We met a woman who works in the school cafeteria (I have put an application ) She knows the head person and thinks she could help get me in. That would only be 2 to 4 hours per day and you get the same days off as the kids, and the summer. I am supposed to get the info from her on Sat at R's basketball game. When it rains it pours! Watch what you pray for you just might get it.

Stay tuned for the installment. Even I don't know what what will happen. Good thing God is in control because I sure am not!

It's November

Where have I been? No where special. Just not in the mood to blog.

I got a job! I start tonight. I will be leaving in about 20 minutes. I am still looking for a job with benefits but this just might do for now. I will train tonight and tomorrow night. My regular schedule will be Thur, Fri, Sat , Sun all midnights and then the next week just Fri and Sat night. It rotates back and forth like that. One good thing this doesn't inter fear with Dr. appointments etc. and I won't miss any school events. I worked out a car pool with the neighbor so she takes

the kids in the morning and I will do the after school pick up. the only problem I see is that sometimes I may not have a lot to do and I will have to train myself to stay awake. I will mostly be by myself, so that will make it harder to stay awake.

Took Nat to Dr again and they retested her iron. It is still around 10 which is what it was last time (up from her first test of 8) He wants me to give her more iron pills 2 three times per day and test again around Thanksgiving. If it still is low he really thinks we need to consider having the OB Dr. put her on the pill. Her thyroid tested out fine again.

That is it for now. I will try to update how the job went.

Happy birthday Grandma Sharpe Sept. 11th 2009

My mother in law will be 86 years old today. We will have her over for dinner tonight. 8 years ago on her birthday we called her up after we got our eldest off to school. As soon as she picked up the phone we began a rousing chorus of birthday. As soon we stopped singing she said turn on the TV! turn on the TV! a plane has hit some buildings in New York! So of course we did and then stared awestruck as we watched our country be attacked. Paul couldn't turn off the the TV for days. He stayed up late (well he always does but even later) and watched everything he could about what happened. Myself after a day or so I just wanted it to stop. I didn't want to see those building going down anymore. It was a very sad day indeed for our country. Praise God we have had no further attacks like this. God Bless America

Well, Natalie's EEG came back normal, that is good thing, so it doesn't appear she is having seizures. The next test will be an all night sleep study. It is possible she isn't restfully sleeping and that could be a cause for her chronic tiredness lack of focus etc. The chiropractor has her on a few new vitamins and she said give them at least a month or so to see if we notice improvement.

Already getting her up this week for school has been a challenge . (except the first day)

I just discovered their is a canned pumpkin shortage. Who knew? I went to two stores this morning in search of this and none to be found. I asked and was told they haven't had any for a awhile and didn't know when it would come in. I use this in a quite a few recipes, and wanted to make a birthday cake with it today. Oh well on to plan B.

We went to 9Th grade open house last night. We managed to find all the classes without getting to lost. Her teachers seem pretty nice and all seem excited about what they are teaching.

updates, labor day school and whatever else

I am doing very well after my hernia repair. Very little pain and I was able to move around by Thursday. My ear surgery was a much harder recovery.

Now I have what I think is an abscess tooth. I believe I had had at least one root canal on this tooth already. I think that will make 3 or more of these in the past year or so. The dentist seems puzzled as why I keep getting them. I brush regularly, I have 2 check ups a year etc. since it was the holiday weekend I will be calling to have a look see on Tues.

It has been a nice long weekend. We watched Kit Kittredge (An American girl) Although it was a kids movie it was actually quite good. Since it relates to the depression there were many things that we could relate to what is going on currently.

We also went to visit our small group friends and had a nice afternoon eating and talking.

Yesterday we went out to Irish Hills after church to my sisters lake house. We had some good food and my brother in law took us on a nice pontoon boat ride around the lake. We enjoyed some nice weather for a change too.

Today Labor day, the rest of the family will catch up on a few remaining outdoor projects. Although the house could use a good cleaning again a quick touch up by the kids will have to do for now. So not so much labor going on around here.

Natalie has been sick again all weekend, sore throat just generally feeling blah.

We are still trying to get some natural remedies from the chiropractor. We just want our old Natalie back. She really hasn't been herself or felt well for months and months.

I have not started sorting pictures as I had planned, maybe later today.

Tomorrow is a big day around here. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! Natalie will leave about 6:20 on the bus, the other two will follow about 7:30. It will only be half day so they will all be home by noon.

Surgery tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning (bright and early I might add) I will have a hernia repaired. This is it I am done with surgeries! I have had enough, thank you very much.

Hopefully all will go smoothly. They a real hard time getting the tube down my throat when I had my ear surgery. I should be home by 1 or 2 in the afternoon, and then I will probably just sleep.

Everything is good to go. The house is clean, meals are in the freezer, the kids know what they have to do. Hopefully I can restrain myself from over doing. I may have said once or twice, I do not make a good patient. I do not like lying around doing nothing for days on end.

My youngest borrowed the movie Coroline from the library tonight. Weird movie, it was supposed to be for little kids. I think most kids under 9 or so would be scared by this movie, it was kind of creepy. I keep trying to get New in Town from the Library but it's newer movie so you can't reserve it and it is hard to catch it when it is turned in. I have a couple of other movies on request that should show up in the next few days. I plan to sort pictures for scrap booking and watch movies over the next few days.

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone.

Getting ready

It's almost that time folks. Summer is fading fast. Schedule pick up today for our Jr. high kids. Friday morning at 7:30 am for Nat. As always it seems like everyone kind of wants to go back to school but we will miss the lazy days of summer. School isn't all that bad when you think about it. hanging with your friends etc. Plus as much as we love to get lazy in the summer it's not a bad thing to be busy and productive. We still have some shopping to do, Mar has absolutely no shoes other sandals left that fit her. She was wearing my shoes for awhile last year but I am a 61/2 or 7 (depends on the shoe) She is pushing size 8. That is surprising because she is a little bitty thing. At her physical they said she is in the 10% for weight and 10% for weight. I think she takes after both her grandma's who both had long narrow feet. She has very long fingers and toes too. She has nice looking feet. We told her she should look into becoming a foot or hand model.

We played Michigan Rummy the other night. That was fun I hadn't played it in years.

We had a small bonfire last night. We are trying to burn out a pine tree stump. Hopefully last nights fire did the trick. Next up we need to have a fire in the back lot. The branches have been piling up this year.

If the rain clears up I will finish up my weeding. I got a good amount done yesterday. I do not have a green thumb my gardens fail miserably year after year but boy I sure can grow the weeds! I am really good at growing weeds.

I need to get a lot of stuff done this week and weekend so I can relax after my surgery. I am hoping to get the groceries stocked and few meals put in the freezer. The kids know how to do laundry so I am good there. They do help with cooking and can do OK with supervision.

I am just not good with sitting around waiting to heal. I have decided I will spend my down time getting my scrapbook stuff in order and sorting pictures. I will probably catch up on a few movies I have wanted to see.

I am looking forward to getting back into a regular routine again. I enjoy doing things spur of the moment but I also like to keep a rhythm going.

whats the matter with kids these days?

I just have to face the facts. I am not an everyday kind of Blogger. I get to it when I can.

I enjoy it but I often feel I don't have anything interesting to say anyways.

Now for the title. Well if you old like me (LOL) then you know that is an old song. I love my kids to pieces but they are really a puzzle to me. I think I have some strange ones sometimes.

With the exception of Marlo they just don't like to socialize much. Imagine the horror of having parents who have to beg you to call your firneds invite them over. We have this big lovely backyard and creek, and pool, and ping pong table and fooseball table, and basketball hoop. All sitting waiting for someone to use them.

Why would you want to sit around the whole summer doing nothing when you could have friends over and swim or talk or play games. Now to be fair the R man has had a friend over twice this summer, Nat had friends over once, on her birthday. Mar has had friends over less than last summer but frequently. I just don't get it. Why would you have to be asked or told to call friends or to have someone over. I have told the kids you should be happy we want and let your friends come here. Some parents want nothing to do with having teens over. We just are not on the same wave length. We have talked to a few other parents who have said their children also at home and don't make much effort to call friends. Why do I find this just plain weird.

All I have to compare things to is my own childhood and I must say there were not very many days I wasn't playing with someone either on my street or from 5 to 10 blocks away. We rode our bikes back and forth so it wasn't a problem. If I wasn't playing with someone we were on the phone. And of course when we played it wasn't video games (they were not invented yet remember I am old) We swam, we rode bikes , we played kickball, baseball, assorted ball games, roller skated (with clamp on roller skates) we rested, we made plays, we sang songs, we played monopoly, we played cards games and we just found stuff to do.

I am glad for them that school will starting because at least they will be out and about each day among the living. Don't get me wrong I enjoy having them around but they need to be around kids there own age too.

Well enough ranting about that.

Seems like this has been the summer of appointments, Dental, orthodontist, School physical checkups, vision checkups, neurologist, Tutor, Drivers Ed, chiropractor and dermatologist. And I have my hernia surgery scheduled finally, for Sept 2nd. It doesn't look like the Walmart will be ready until at least the first few weeks of Sept. I am hoping that I will be back on my feet when they finally call.

If not I am hoping something can be worked out. That was the earliest date I could get for the surgery.

Oops!

I hit enter so fast it made that into a new post with a blank page.

I guess the days really fly by. After our really fun trip up to April's cabin we haven't done a whole lot.

The girls are off visiting my sister about and hour or so away. we will pick them up on Sun.

R man has a friend over today and they are swimming up a storm. Finally perfect pool weather.

Honey and I had our 18th anniversary of it happened on a bridge. Otherwise known as our wedding day. It really did happen on a bridge. Doesn't seem possible that it has been 18 years. I barly feel that old. We didn't do anything much this year. (cut backs even in the celebration dept.)

We did take the kids to the ford road mini golf the other night, that was fun.

Last night Paul and R man and I went to the par 3 course at Huron metro park. (which is by the way the same park we were married in.) I haven't golfed in about 4 or 5 years so I am a little rusty but I did ok. I should have really kept up with golf, I like it.

We also went to the show last week and saw the new Ice Age movie. It was the only movie that was suitable for all ages that we could agree on. No one was that thrilled but I had 4 free movie passes (from a contest of course) and they were going to expire. We couldn't let that happen so Ice Age it was. It was cute but not the movie I would have picked. I've seen worse.

I love this warm steamy weather very much. Cold weather makes me hurt hot weather does not. I know hot can be uncomfortable but I'll still take it over being cold any time.

Wow has it ben that long.

coffee talk, and Up North

Well only two of the coffee talk ladies were able to come on Thur. We had a nice visit and the kids got to swim and play in the creek. It was fun catching up.

Friday a very spur of the moment phone call sent us scrambling and packing. We invited ourselves to a friends cabin near West Branch. They have 5 children, we have 3 and some other friends would be coming on Sat. with their 4 children. Not to worry they have a camper that sleeps 8 and all the boys slept in that. With beds and sleeping mats, pull out couches etc, we managed to fit everyone in. What a blast. The kids got to try their hand at driving a 4 wheeler. We played captured the flag. Everyone participated in this. They have a row boat and a paddle boat , and a little trampoline anchored off shore for jumping on. It did rain on and off on Sat. It didn't bother us. We played numerous card and board games. As well as some group participation games. The kids all got along well and the adults either joined in the fun or just watched and laughed at all the silliness. It was a great time. I hope we can do it again sometime.

My dad's only sister is visitn from Florida. She is staying with her daugher for a month or so. We are trying to go see her but the date keeps getting changed for one reason or another.

We haven't seen her in several years. We are shooting for Wed. I will enjoy visiting with her.

Once I take a look at the pictures from up North I will post a few of the best ones.

Camp Dearborn.

I went to visit a friend on Monday. They are staying at Camp Dearborn for a week.

They have been doing this for years. I have missed the last year or two so it has been awhile.

I took the girls and they loved it. They really want to go there. I don't know if we can work it out this year or not. I have fond memories of Camp Dearborn. My family never camped there but we did take a lot of day trips there. I did camp there a few times with the family who lived across the street from us. It really hasn't changed much. The nice things is the kids can run around and play and do things on their own. They still do Chicken Fat in the morning. (exercises to a song called chicken fat) They still have the teen dances at the canteen each night. You can still paddle boat, or fish. two beaches for swimming and paved roads for bike riding. My youngest wants to go camping this summer so bad. Our big family tent broke during a boy scout trip this summer. So Camp Dearborn would be perfect because they supply the platform tents with a fridge and a cook top and electric. Also 6 beds per tent. (Camp cots really but at least it's not the ground)

No promises being made, if we do this then we won't go to six flags. You can rent the tents by the day but it is much cheaper by the week. Paul may not stay the whole time he may come back to work and just come up for both weekends.

We still have some camping going on. We still have a 2 man tent and the girls have been trying to camp in the backyard for over a week. It has either been to cold, or raining, or rain prediction.

So tonight is the night. They just finished setting up. I hope the bugs don't carry them away.

South Haven Pictures

My getaway with the gals from

church. South Haven on beautiful Lake Michigan.

South Haven Retreat.

The quick trip to south Haven with the gals was a blast. I actually wasn't sure where we were going because I didn't plan any of it. I only knew we were going west to Lake Michigan.

The B& B we stayed at was perfect for our group. It was very quirky but it had lots of beds and plenty of room. We even had a kitchen table to play games on. The wether was so so but we did get some beach time in. Lots of shopping and eating too. Mostly just hanging out and talking. Of course we solved all the worlds problems.

The kids survived and it sounds like they did a good job making the meals while I was gone. when I came home on Thurs. they were finishing up a load of laundry. How cool is that.

The boys heads out of Sunday for Scout Camp. The girls and I will go to Camp Dearborn on Tues. to visit with a friend of mine who is camping there this week.

I haven't downloaded the pictures yet, when I do I will put them in a separate post.

Lots of errands to run today, and then a party tonight with some friends. They are hosting a 50th birthday party for all of us who turn 50 this year. (Me and a couple others have a whole year to wait but we will help them celebrate anyways.)

Here is a link to the girls new website. I think they did a good job.

http://natalienmarlo.webs.com/

short vacation

Tomorrow morning I am heading west with my friends from church. (Just the gals)

I am really looking forward to some laughs and good times.

We cleaned house today, and did all the laundry. Then I had the kids tell me what they would be making for lunch and dinner each day. Since I will be gone 3 days, they each get one day to make both lunch and dinner. They gave me the menu and then I went went grocery shopping. They will be in charge of the cooking and clean up.

Natalie has her official learners permit for driving. We picked it up today. She needs a lot of practice, but we will get there.

Be back on Thursday evening.

Garage Sale.

The kids insisted we have a garage sale. I had no heart for it. I have had one to many in the last few years and I find them a pain. I knew purple heart is coming on Sat. to pick up used clothing etc so thought OK why not what doesn't sell is going out on Sat. We made a little over 130.00 and got everything cleaned up just as it started to rain. The extra garage is looking pretty good. I have made it my mission the last few years to not hang on to stuff. I hate stuff. OK I like stuff but but I hate having stuff I don't need or use. I hate cleaning and then putting stuff I won't use right back where I got it from, never to be seen again until the next time I clean. We also sold lemonade and made watermelon cookies. (they just look like watermelons. )

I am attaching a picture. They turned out pretty cute.

The kids are making dinner tonight so I am here typing up my new post. There are some advantages to having teens.

I called Walmart again about the job and they are still setting up so she is still waiting. She told me again that I am on top of her list to call. So I am guessing as soon the they have things ready to roll she will call me. She didn't have a date. I just hope it is after the 23rd so I can go on my mini vacation with my care group friends.

Right now it has been a pretty laid back summer not to much going on.

Global warming? Not here.

So much for global warming. Maybe some parts of the country are having heat waves this summer, but it hasn't hit Michigan yet. Now for those that like it on the cool side you must be in heaven. Me, I just keep my sweater or sweatshirt handy.
Today is pretty nice but with the breeze going you won't catch me in the pool. I do not like to shiver when I come out of the water so it really needs to be warm for me to go swimming.

No more on the job at Walmart. I spoke with the woman who will hire me and she said she is still waiting for the official word that she can hire people. So I will wait a few more days and call again. Just to let her know that I am still interested.

We just might get to go on a short little vacation after all. I won 4 tickets to Six flags amusement park today. The closest one is near Chicago. I have a hotel gift card I won that will cover 1 or 2 nights stay (depending on the price of the room) and I am awaiting a free night stay coupon for red roof. We still have to pay for one ticket (57.00) but could be a fairly cheap trip if we keep it short and pack some of our food in the cooler like we usually do.

I am hoping to go on a short trip with my small group friends, unless I begin working about then.
I have some prepaid gift cards I won that should cover most of the expenses for that trip.

Natalie is not doing well in drivers Ed. I don't think they are going to issue her the papers to get her learners permit. The instructor is concerned because her reflexes are very slow. Also she seems to have moments of spacing out. She has always done this to a certain extent . She did see a neurologist when she was younger. They never really did anything, just diagnosed her with developmental delays. (which basically means she was not up to par but they don't know why or what to call it) I tried to get her in with that Dr. and they couldn't see her until the middle September. So I called someone else and they will see her the end of the month. They did check her for epilpesy long ago. There is a form of it where you don't have seizures but you zone out for a few seconds at a time. I will have them recheck for that. She was having greater than normal trouble concentrating towards the end of this year. So we shall see. Her hand eye coordination has always been poor; which can be a problem for for a beginning driver. Paul has taken her to an empty parking lot a few times and he noticed the same problems the instructor is having.

We had a fun night July 3rd. We had some friends over and then watched the fireworks from our front yard. They shoot them off at the park across the street. On July 4th they have an old fashioned picnic at the same park. So we went and played a few games and had hot dogs and ice cream. Then we picked up Grandma Sharpe and we played some family games.
All and all a nice weekend in spite of the cooler, dreary weather.

Michael Jackson dead at age 50

I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. I remember so well singing along to ABC 123, I thought Michael was a a cute kid. he is only one year older than me. What a surprise to hear the news.

Two other Hollywood legends died Farrah Fawcett also died today, and Ed McMann died a few days ago. My kids were pretty clueless about all these people. Except, they did think they had heard of Michael but didn't know much about him. I remember star search, and Charlie's Angels and Thriller.

In other news we went to the relighting of the Penn theater Marquee. The new one looks pretty good. Paul and I like going there for the old movies.

We lost a good size branch in our backyard this afternoon when a sudden storm blew through.
Russell and I had to run out in the rain and take the swing off the pool cover. It blew in and it could puncture the cover. We got soaked! Luckily the storm was over quick and it cooled things off a bit.

Pool is open!

The pool is officially open today! We are late this year. Just as well as the weather has been pretty cold. Plus we had VBS, and graduation parties every weekend and scout stuff.
The water is about 76 and the heater is running. Thankfully the heat wave arrived just in time.

No news on my job. I did call yesterday and the gall that I interviewed with has been on vacation pretty much since I saw her. she will be back the end of this week. The girl I talked to yesterday said not to be concerned. I am pretty confident I have a job just waiting to see when it will start.

Lots of running around so far this summer. Lots of appointments. Ortho, Eye doctor, Chiropractor, Drivers Ed. Mom's taxi at your service.

The men will be leaving for a Scout backpacking trip this weekend. The girls and I will be helping out at our church food pantry. Nat and I have birthdays on Saturday and Sunday. She will have a pool party with her friends on Monday. I don't really do birthdays anymore. Maybe next year for the big 50 but this one is a good one to lay low.

You can't outgive God

I mentioned Natalie's acheivements to my online friends. (refundcents.com) A few ladies asked if they could send her some cards. She received 2 yesterday and one today. The card today contained 10.00. She thought it was pretty cool that strangers would send her cards.
Receiving mail is always fun when it's not bills. She also told me that she had donated 10.00 of her own money at VBS this week to help the mission School in Africa. I had no idea she had donated that much and that is just the amount that she got back today.

Mar and I will be going to the VBS fun party tonight, Nat has drivers Ed, the boys have a Scout meeting. I am looking forward to the picnic tonight but I am glad VBS is over. With all the other appointments and such this week I am tired. But we had a fun week. The kids enjoyed being helpers. Overall I think this VBS ran the smoothest I can remember.

VBS

Vacation Bible School is keeping us pretty busy. This year seems much more orginized and seems to be running smoothly. I am the leader for the 5th grade boys. We have had 4 or 5 boys per day. One of the boys is our pastors grandson. I was a bit embarresed this morning. When I got to our chairs the pastor and grandson were waiting. he told me that the other boys were teasing him the day before and calling him names. My co leader and I had seen the boys roughhousing throughout the morning, you know poking pushing wrestling. It looked like they were all joing in and laughing. The grandson never told us that there was a problem. And while we hung near them most of the time, I will admit I wasn't always withing actual earshot of them.
Anyways I talked to all the boys today and told the grandson to let us know if there is a problem. Had he told us I could have taken care of it right away. I feel it made me look like I hadn't been doing my job.


No word yet from Walmart she did say it may be a week or so. I am very impatient.

2 ortho visits this week , Good news for marlo, they can finally start putting the braces on next week. The poor thing has my small small mouth. (and all the problems I had at her age)

VBS and a possible job

I am catching up on posts because, well I don't know; I just haven't posted. No excuse I just haven't done it.

Vacation Bible School starts next week at church. I helped with the decorations on Fri. night.
Monday through Thurs. the kids and I will help. We pray the children who attend will be touched by God's grace. Our theme is African Safari


I had an interview with Walmart, I talked to three people and it sounds like I will be hired. They are in the process of hiring about 200 to 300 people because they are expanding the store to include grocery items. She did tell me it may be a week or so before they call back. It's not my dream job, but I think it will work. If I am able to get full time they do have benefits. I plan on working nights so that we can still have dinner as a family, and I can take the kids for appointments etc.


Let summer vacation begin!

Funeral

Last week one of my high school classmates passed away at the age of 49. He was our class president, and an all around nice guy. He was one of those people everyone liked. He was nice to everyone. He was very popular but he was not stuck up. I haven't kept in touch with many classmates and probably would not go to that many funerals of former classmates, but George was special.

He leaves behind his wife of 25 years and 3 children. He had a heart attack at home, which caused him to fall and hit his head. the fall caused a closed head injury. He went into a coma, and did not come out of that, they had to declare him brain dead.
A few of us that communicate on facebook got together at the funeral home and went to a classmates house after to chat. It is interesting to see how we have all changed after 30 years.

In Memory of George Katsarelas . Crestwood High School Class president 1978

The funeral home was totally filled so it is apparent the George still remained someone that everyone loved.

8th Grade graduate.

Our eldest is now offically a high school student. How does that happen? They had a great ceremony at school in the morning. We had a huge surprise. A poem Natalie had written was chosen as one of two to put in the program and the yearbook. The principal mentioned the poems right away and told everyone to look at it in the back of the program. Way to go Nat we are so proud of you.

She also received awards for partipation in Math counts, science olympiad and a few others. I think her name may have been mentioned more than an other. She had come a long way from my 3.5 pound baby who had developmental delays. She is becoming a lovely young woman.

In addition to graducation another new chapter has started in her life. Drivers training.

I think all this is harder on me than it is on her. So many changes all at once.

New Addition to our family.

We have a new family member. Bob (or Bobby) the parakeet. Mar, has wanted a pet for so long and we finally decided we are not ready for a dog. (as much as we love them) A parakeet seems like something we can handle. He seems to be adjusting well. he is chirping more each day. we let him out and he flies like a dive bomber. At first he was crashing into the walls and celing but now he seems to know the boundries a little better. No words yet apparently it takes time. some parakeets never talk.

Welcome to the family Bob!

Testing

some of my refund cents on line pals wanted a picture trail link. So I am copying the link for a test. http://www.picturetrail.com/uid12431699

Home Alone (almost)

It will be just two bachlorettes this weekend at our house. the men are going white water rafting in Pa, with the boy scouts. The eldest daughter will be at Camp Linden Girl scout camp.

We don't have to much planned. I did tell Marlo we could go out for chinese. Not everyone in the family is a fan but we like it. We might go to the show and she will probably call a few friends to come over.

My back feels about 80 to 90 % better but will continue to take it a little easy just in case.

back in the saddle again

Somehow I strained my back and had major pain over the weekend. I ended up in ER on Sunday morning. I can take a lot of pain but it was bad. I have sciatic nerve pain. I went to the chiropractor twice on Monday and again Tues. I will go again tomorrow. I am feeling 80 to 90 % better already. I used to have neck problems when I was a kid but never low back pain. Actually haven't had much of any kind of back or neck pain in years.

Now let me tell you I can loaf with the best of them but this forced rest is not for me! I don't think I could take a life of leisure. I mean really, I like to be doing stuff. And then of course I like to rest to rest when I want to. It's the forced part that kills me. So of course even though it hurts or tires me I try to sneak in some work because I just can't lie around all day and night.

Althought it wasn't probably the best choice in movies, I watched an old one last night called The Day After. (this is the 1983 version) It was redone a few ago and renamed the Day After Tomorrow, Anyways it was a good movie but it gave me weird ngihtmare type dreams. It was pretty graphic in parts. It was the story of what would happen after an atomic bomb hits. Cheesy acting and such but they made their point. Next time I have to remember to only watch happy funny movies when I am laid up.

It will be just me and Marlo this weekend. Natalie is off camping with the girl scouts and Russell & Paul will be white water rafting with the boy scouts. I think we will go to the movies.

Since I haven't been out and about much I don't really have any interesting comments or news.
Still waiting to hear from the surgeon to see if he wants to fix my hernia. Just so everyone knows I am getting all of my health issues out of the way at once and then I am done for a long time.

Good News. Free Stuff and Books

All of Natalie's tests have come back. she does Not have Celiac. Her liver, thyroid kidneys etc all good. Her Iron is still low but it is higher. She was at 8 the first test (they want you to be at 12) and she was up to 10 for this test. So we keep her on Iron for awhile. He told us keep a log of her worst symptoms, because we think they are monthly related. If that is the case then we will take her back to the OBGYN for another evaluation.

I treated Paul to a free lunch form KFC today and I had a Free ice tea from Arby's to go with it. Oprah had Free two piece meals posted yesterday on her website. this is fro KfC new grilled chicken. We got two pieces of chicken, a roll, mashed potatoes, and I had Cole slaw, DH had an extra scoop of mashed. Everyone in line had the coupons. Line was out the door but went real quick. Most people bought drinks or something else not me I just took my two free meals to go and left. Then off to Arby's they had their new ice tea today for free. I tried the peach. It was good but a little to sweet for me. Took everything home and we had a nice lunch.

Last week we bought 30 boxes of cereal. Why so much you ask. Well most of it was on sale for 2.75 and some for 2.00 I had coupons good for one 1.00 off each box. 1.75 for cereal is a decent deal. We go through the stuff like water. To make the deal even nicer for every ten boxes we bought 2 free movie tickets printed out. So 6 free movie tickets and 30 boxes of cereal.
Then Kmart has a deal buy 4 hershey bags of candy (on sale of course0 and get a free ticket to night at the museum. Since our VBS needs hershey kisses and I had coupons for them 4 bags of kisses to donate and a free movie ticket.

I really really like Ted Dekker's novels. He writes a very fast paced who done it mystery type of book with christian themes. Hard to really describe his books but every time you think you know what is going on he changes the plot again and you start guessing all over again. Well I just finished reading one of his more recent ones. And I did finally finish it but while the subject is very current eventy(is that a word) It just took me awhile to really get going on it. In a nutshell
a law is passed banning anyone from claiming that their religion is better or the only way to salvation. Anything said against anyone else is considered a hate crime punishable by law.
You can still have church , have different religions but you can not say anything that would defame or condemn any one else. In spite of this being slow to get into I highly reccomend his books. I think the best one to start with would be Blink or Three. (I think three was made into a christian movie) I also just finished the latest Beverly Lewis novel. Very good but it really leaves you hanging at the end so I am guessing it will be at least a two or three series of books.

Hog Wash

School has been cancelled for two days due to a suspected case of the swine flu.
What a bunch of nonsense. A few months back I went to pick up one of the kids for an otho. appointment and there about 10 kids trying to get into the office to go home because they felt sick. (the secretary told me other kids had already gone home.) This never made the news and the school was not shut down for cleaning parents were never notified that a dozen or more students had gone home sick all in one day. I hope they don't have to make these days up because they shouldn't be off to begin with.

I am all for taking precautions but I think the media has made this into something it is not. Just my own opinion of course. Now a lot of people have died from this in Mexico, but for some reason I don't think one person in the US has died from this. (except a little girl who was visiting here from Mexico)

We will be cleaning the garage today and picking up sticks in the yard. Since the kids are missing track and they have a meet on Wed. I want them to do some running. I have already informed them they will not be sitting on the couch all day watching TV or Playing video games. If they cooperate they can do that later. That should be motivation enough.

Happy Birthday Sweetie

Today is my Sweetie's birthday. He never wants much of a celebration, so we went to the Penn last night to see Benjamin Buttons. It was a very good movie. Marlo made her dad a plate of cookies while we were gone and has them all set up on plate with a card for him this morning.
she is going to be at Camp Howell all day with the scouts. (so he hasn't seen them yet he will when he gets up)

Paul and Russell will be helping a fellow Scout with his Eagle project for half the day. Then we have to go check on his mom and set up her meds. for the week. I will cook a nice dinner and that will be about it. I threw him a surprise party a year after we were married. And we had a little party when he turned 50. Other than that he never wants a big fuss.

Marl's birthday is later this month and she wants to have a sleepover. Natalie often has a pool party for hers the end of June.

I'll just be catching up on laundry and cleaning today, busy week for me I wasn't home much

I had real nice lunch with my UPS pals.

I thought I was going for ultra sound at the Dr, yesterday but it was a CAT Scan and I had to drink 2 large bottles of barium (yuck) It bothered my stomach the rest of the day. The dye they inject you with gives you weird sensations for a few minutes. The Dr. should be calling by Tues. or Wed.

Took Natalie in to Dr. they took a lot of blood they will check for Celiac and thyroid and iron etc.
He suggested chart her tiredness and problems and if it gets much worse (like we suspect) around her monthly time I need to take her back to the OB GYN. They have seen her twice but wanted to wait a bit and see if things leveled out on their own. I hate to have her on the pill but we will see, Dr seems to think in some cases it can really help. Lab said to give Dr. until Fri or Monday of next week to get results.

Ladies night out 4-29-09

I should have added this to my post but forgot. A picture of the ladies last night. The window let in a little to much light so not such good quality.

nothing much.

I don't know if I have been in a funk or just busy, in any case blogging hasn't been at the top of the list. Paul and I have spent quite a bit of time going to see his mom, helping her, getting more services set up for her at assisted living etc. She seems to be doing a little better the last few days.

I have been taking kids to the ortho. both planned and unplanned visits. I had to see the surgeon about my hernia, and now have an ultra sound set for Fri. Natalie has another Dr. apt. on Fri, and I will be meeting my former UPS friends for lunch on Fri.

Had a really nice dinner (and then dessert) out with my care group firends last night. Sort of a send off well wishes for our friend who has to have a stem cell transplant and will be in the hospital for about 3 weeks, and then confined pretty much to her home for the summer.
She has a really good attitude and they feel she is a good canidate for this. We all know to put troubles like this in Gods hands but it isn't always easy to really let go. At least for me because I LOVE being in charge and running things. I know God can do a much better job than I but still I persist. Wonder why? A work in progress I guess.

The kids have their first track meet today after school. They are prediciting rain from noon on.
I don't know if they cancel them or if they run in the rain. Not very fun for the fans. Paul is signed up to be a timer. (better him than me)

Off to bowling, only two more times for the season. I bowled awful at the beginning of the season, got really good in the middle and have been steadily getting worse again. Last week a lady on the other team had 6 strikes in a row, and then she missed. I would love to see a 300 game.

Sick girl

Natalie has been dragging herself around for a few months now. Paul and I have been getting on her for being a little lazy. Yesterday she just went right to the couch after school and couldn't get up. Finally we agreed to let her stay home and rest and miss the swim meet. I was hoping that if she rested she wouldn't have to miss school today. After resting all night she still couldn't get up this morning. So I called the dr. and got her in this morning. They did the finger prick to test her iron and such. The dr. said she was WAY low in iron and something else but I am not sure what it was. So they took urine and said that was ok. They sent us downstairs to the lab for a full blood work up, and she has to do the at home stool kit to check for blood. So although I am not glad she is sick I am glad that found something. I hate it when you know you don't feel well but they tell you that you are fine. She said expect a call by Fri. or Mon. at latest and they will tell us what she will need to take.
Yikes makes me feel bad I didn't take her in sooner. But I did mention she was tired all the time at the last visit about month or two ago and they said she seemed fine but to call if it persisted or got worse. I should have probably pressed them to take a blood sample then. But they seemed to think she was just tired because she had a a virus then.

Political rantings

I do not like what Obama is doing . A lot of other people don't either but no one seems to able to do anything about it. I enjoy reading books about the end times so I like looking for things in life that mimic stuff from the books I read. I KNOW they are fiction but still sometimes fact and fiction have a funny way of blurring together. Plus, I also read the Biblical account so I don't base my beliefs on fiction. Just seems like things are really eaded towards a major meltdown. A lot of talk lately about one world currency etc. This is not a good thing, and has been talked about in years past but never before with any kind of plan in place.
The only thing that is good about all this is some of us already know the ending. The ending is good in fact greater than any of us can imagine. The hard part will be making it until that point.
And if those of us who believe in Pre-Trib Rapture are right it just might be in our lifetime. (meaning my generations lifetime)
Probably 2o or 30 years ago I didn't know the difference between a liberal and a conservative and if you had asked me which one I was I wouldn't have known. I can proudly say that I now consider myself to be an offical conservative. What may even be worse is I like talk radio. And although I listen to some liberal talk radio I like the conservatives the best. I NEVER in a million years would have thought I would ever like or listen to talk radio. When I have it on the kids say please can't we have some music. I understand right where they are coming from because I felt the same way when my parents listened to stuff like that. I am probably offically in the old foggies club. I am not sure when this took place but I am pretty sure if wasn't long after the kids were born. Having children just changes your perspective on everything. At least it did for me. My kids already have called me old Fashioned. Funny I don't feel old or out of fashion but I am sure they are right. I don't worry about it because I think it is the natural order of things. I thought my parents were very out of it and old fashioned too. Then you get to be about 25 or 30 and things even out.

Good news

I saw the ENT today. He said everything looks like it is healing well. He did flush some of the packing out but said he can't really do more because of the ear trying to heal. It might be 1 or 2 months before I know how much hearing is restored. He told me my operation was more complicated than most he does, because of my small ear canal and he had to drill through the bone to get to the ear drum and then he punctured my ear drum, so I have more packing behind the ear drum than most people. Lucky me! So it does feel less clogged and he sounded very optimistic so I am happy. I go back in 2 weeks.

I went grocery shopping and then I have been cooking up a storm the rest of this early afternoon. Slow cooker spagetti and homeade chicken noodle soup. Going to have to make some dessert later cause my coffee talk friends are coming over tomorrow morning. They are not picky so most anything I make will be fine.

Weekend stuff

We went to a memorial service for Paul's uncle. He was 98 so it was more of a celebration of his life. He actually had been pretty with it until just the last year or so. So now his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren are the new generation. He was the last of his generation. He and Paul's dad played cards, more than anyone I know. His uncle lived to play cards. They mostly played cribbage. Something I never learned. But they like pinocle and Paul's dad would play just about any kind of card game. He lived a full and interesting life. It makes me wonder what will be said about me upon my passing. People always say such good stuff about the dead person at funerals. I wonder how many of those people actually told the person all the good stuff while they were alive?

Other than the funeral a rather lazy weekend. My sister came into town so she came over Sun. afternoon. (they moved about an hour away) I put in a few more on line applications. and just generally relaxed.

I have an appointment with the ear doctor on Tues. The stuffiness is going away and now if I plug my good ear I can actually hear things most of time.

We have the late time for the swim meet this week. It doesn't start until 6:00pm.

I am thinking of having the CCC gals over for coffee talk on Wed. if it works for most of us.

Go West Bull Dogs!

Two swim meets this week, plus a choir concert and I am tired!

The swim meets are fun but long, luckily hubby and Nat sold seat cushions for our school.
West lost on tuesday and won on Thursday. On Wednesday night we had our first middle school choir concert. It was a little different, then just your standard choir standing and singing. They did sort of like a mini play of Annie with some people acting and singing and the choirs (all three grades) singing background. It was very cute and the kids did a fine job. The regular music teacher had surgery a few days after the semester statrted so this was all arranged by the sub. This sub had just graduated in Dec so this was his first long term teaching position. apparently his course of study was neither Jr. high or music but he did an exception job. The kids really liked him too.

2 more weeks of swimming left!


If you notice lots of errors in my posts it's because for some reason my dyslexia has gotten worse over the years. It also flares up more when I am tired and or in a hurry. Nat has also shown sign of having some issues with this. There really isn't a cure you just have to find ways to check yourself and work around it.

Just wondering.

Why is it that I have three kids who can figure out how to play a video game in one or two trys. No matter how complicated a computer game is they seem to find a way to play it .
Then you show them how to clean a bathroom, a bedroom , a kitchen over and over explaining in great detail (probably for the last 3 to 4 years) what to do.

Each and every week that they are asked to clean they act like they have never done it before or have no clue how to begin, and no interest in learning. Hello we have been over this at least once or a hundred times. I have shown you what I like done. I refuse to give up because I want them to know the basics so they don't gross out their roommates some day. Plus let's be honest I like having the help. And they are part of the family and therefore they need to do their part.

On a more positve note they did cooperate with the outside chores this weekend (far better than the indoor chores) We have a lot of propterty and there was a lot of sticks etc. to clean to clean up. We are not totally done but we made really good progress. I personally like the outdoor chores better than cleaning toilets and sinks but some jobs have to be done even when you don't like them.

It felt so good to be outside and moving around. I feel pretty good. I enjoy lying around loafing as much as the next guy but I can't take it for to long. Especially when the lying around is not by choice. I do not make a good patient because I like to always be doing something.

Gving thanks

After hearing about the tragic deaths of 4 high school students who were killed by a drunk driver Dh and I said some prayers. Then I got a prayer request that a friends co worker lost two of her sons (ages 21,23) in one day. My daughters friend from school lost her father last week (age 36) in a car accident. So I'm feeling like any problems I may have are not such a big deal. You just never know when you time will come. I am glad I am ready to meet my maker. How about you?

looking for work

I have been busy putting in applications online and in person all week.

I hate filling out applications. I have come to the conculsion that computers are great and it does simplify things for both employee and employer but I believe by having only on line applications available the person applying is it a big dissadvantage.

How on earth do they decide who even to call in for an interview based on the stuff from your application. It used to be you had to walk into a place ask to speak to someone who would then give you an application. They might even talk to you a bit right then and there. The advantage as I see it is you can put your best foot forward. You go in looking sharp and prepared. The next guy (or gal) who comes in doesn't have their hair combed are wearing jeans flip flops etc.
Now who are you going to call back for an interview? Now with everything online you don't even get a chance to present yourself before you are eliminated.

Anyways this job seeking venture should keep me busy for the next few weeks hopefully until someone calls and then I will be busy working.

I'm Back!

I took a little breather to recover from my ear surgery. I still can't fully hear from that ear but the stuffiness is clearing up each day. Apparently they packed the inside of my with stuff that will dissolve over time. I will see the doctor again in 2 weeks. No dizzyness or other sideffects that I know of. They had abit of trouble getting the tube down my throat so I had a very sore throat for few days. Doctor told me I must inform them anytime I have surgery how much trouble they had.

Slumdog Millionaire

Wow what a good movie. compared to the poor people in India I have not troubles at all!
I realize it was only hollywood but still I am sure the slums they showed really have, and do exist.

A very thought provoking film to say the least. Left me counting my blessings.

I like fluffy funny love story type movies : you know chick flicks. Sometimes it is good to expand the horizons. I do like other type movies too but chick flicks are well fun! I usually go to the movies to laught to relax. I don't mind serious or theme movies but fun is usally my first choice.

Scrapbook weekend and economic woes.

I got to go scrapbooking all day on saturday. It was fun and I was pretty productive I nearly finished a whole year in Nat's book. Paul is always so good about letting me go on getaways with my friends. I could pull out my stuff and scrapbook at home but it isn't nearly as much fun.


Paul doesn't have a worry bone in his body. He always says I do enough for everyone. Plus he just always remains calm about everything. Back many months ago when I would bring up the bad economy he brushed it off, he always told me "we're ok don't worry so much etc. etc"

Well our stocks (like everyone elses) have really gone in the tanks. We didn't just have stocks for our retirement they were a major portion of our income. His business didn't make us as much income as out stocks. So our income is falling rapidly and his business phone is not ringing nearly as much, and a customer owes him a LOT of money. So I've noticed he is beginning to worry, and that worries me. Because like I said this man does not worry.

I already am the bargin shopper, coupon queen guess I will have try harder. Also once I recover from my ear surgery Looks like I will have get serious about finding a job. Funny thing though the more he starts to worry the more I have been trying to find my strength in the Lord. (doesn't mean I don't worry , just that I am trying to rely on God instead of me)

But for the moment we are all safe and sound and we have everything we need.

Friends Family and misc.

After hosting what I thought was a fun party. I started thinking about friends and friendships. I must say I think I have the nicest friends I have ever had in my life. Back in my younger years I didn't make the best choices in life or friendships.

I clung to friends (who really were not friends) and I did things I clearly knew were wrong because I was afraid if I didn't these people wouldn't be my friends. I didn't really have anyone telling me that I could find other friends. And I was to scared and needy to try. I thought I needed those people even though they weren't doing me any good.
Thankfully I manged to crawl out of the bad life and get on with a new life. I did find new friends, good friends people who actually cared about me. Of course now it is clear to see God's hand all over it but I didn't know that back then.

Now the Lord blesses me over and over (and of course I don't really deserve it which makes his love even more wonderful) I have a really great husband , I have 3 good kids, and I have been blessed with many good friends. The baggage of the past fades and the memories don't bring as much anger or sadness as they once did. I try to concentrate on the new life the Lord has provided. Unfortunatly I am not always successful. Sometimes the smallest thing will just bring out knee jerk reactions from my past. Not a pretty sight when It happens.

My youngest sister could use ongoing prayers. If I thought I had some bad friends and a mixed up life my sister wins the prize hands down. Her unending saga has been going on for over 30 years and unless God himself changes her I doubt her circumstances will change. I can't tell you how hard it is to watch a sinking ship, you offer to throw the life ring or send the resuce boat but there is always a reason why she claims that won't work. Nothing left to do but watch the ship sink knowing that she is going under. The rest of us are left to wonder are we being mean , or cruel to end the bailouts. She doesn't really want our advice or opinions, so we are left to watch
the destruction. No fun for anyone that is for sure. So the prayers continue that her mind will be cleared and she will somehow straighten out her life at this late age. Things have only gotten worse since my mother died because my mom always bailed her out and always stood up for her no matter what she did. I think she feels none of us are on her side and she lost the only person who was. Not true of course as we are on her side, we just can't continue to support her poor choices. A good example of love the sinner hate the sin. We all still love this sister but we have decided not to bail her out of her messes.

Oscar Party fun.

Here is some of the snacks that I served today.

Oscar Party Sponsered by True North

I hosted my first House Party. House is party is a company who asks for people to be party hosts to promote their clients products. You don't buy or sell anything but the Client provides you with a party pack so your guests can see the product you are trying to promote.
It's a fun excuse to have a party and it gives some product exposure to the sponser.

The weather didn't cooperate today and several of my friends didn't come because they live across town. One had a sick daughter and one had a sick dog. But several friends did make it and we had a good time.

I think I would do it again depending on the product.

I will make an attempt to download a few pictures from the party so we shall see.

I am slow to catch on

Still trying to get this blog thing going. There is some confusion as to how to reply and how do I get any messages people send to me. My 13 year old son has been busy with lots of home work so I have to wait until he has some free time to help me get this all going. He is very good at figuring out all this tech stuff.

Paul went with me yesterday (he is so sweet)so we could both meet with the ear surgeon. I have had progressive hearing loss in both ears but far worse in the left. After having several tests done it looks like my hearing loss is the kind that can be fixed with surgery. The risk for complications is about 1 or 2 % which is small unless you are one of the 1 or2 % that it happens to.
We decided that we liked the doctor and it is worth the risk. My lack of hearing has been more frustrating than I have let on. We are just waiting for the hospital to call and set up a date. I will have to take it easy for a week or two but other than that sounds like I can expect a full recovery. The docotr thinks since I have very small ear canals that instead of going through the ear like they do in most cases that they will have to make a little incision behind my ear to get in and make the repair. He siad this is not a big deal and not to worry about it.

Coupon Crazy

In one of my online groups I belong to we had did superbowl squares. You didn't have to pay to get a square instead you agree to send out an envelope with coupons and or other small goodies to the 4 winners. I won the 4th quarter and the envelopes have been coming daily. I have received about 50 cards so far. I have mountains of coupons. It is like christmas around here.
Only a die hard coupon Quessn like myself could understand.

Well I guess I will take the plunge.

when I first heard about Blogs I thought why would someone want to do that.
After subscribing to and reading a few of my friends blogs I think I understand.
So here goes I guess I will give it a try.

I am not sure how interesting my life is and writing is not always my strong suit but maybe it will grow on me.

Nothing much going on today except one sick child who I am taking in for a strep test in just a little bit. I thought we were all done with the sickness. One can always hope.

Beautiful bright sunny day today and that always lifts my spirits. Even when it is the coldest days if I can just have some sunshine I feel better. In the winter I love taking a nap near a window where the sun can come down on my face. I will take heat over cold anytime. (unless you are talking about the fire of hell )

DH and I saw Austraila last night at the local Penn theater. It was a good movie (long) but interesting. It did take a ways into the movie before I really understood all of what was going on. Once I got past that I really enjoyed it.