2012 good bye 2013 ....

2012 good bye... 2013 may you be a better year.
Recap of the things that have happened this year.
We have had several funerals ~ families and good friends.
We have a family member who was diagnosed with brain cancer ~ he received good news ~ not malignant and was a fatty tissue type. (He is less than a year old.)
We have a family member who has been diagnosed with brain cancer ~ she will ring in the new year, but will not be here much longer. Her diagnosis was just a few days ago and it has already doubled in size. Prayers to all the family members in Heaven to help welcome her into Heaven. (She just turned 60 in November.)
My sweet hubby has retired.
I spent weeks in England, Wales and Europe visiting family and friends with my granddaughter, daughter and son-in-law ~ When in Wales felt like I belonged there.  Thanks family for making me feel so welcome.
I have been crocheting up a storm. I have started a new book. I have gotten a few things off my "need to do" list.
I have taken trips to visit family and friends here in the states.
Rachel and Ashley stay with us quit a bit because they are going to the private Catholic school and like not being so rushed in the morning.
Mom is still with us. Celebrated her 94th birthday.  Still gets around good for her age. She still loves cooking. Loves going to church and being active in Eastern Star and church activities.
Lara, Chris, Victoria and Katelyn spent Christmas Eve and day with us. Went to church for the Christmas Eve service. Love having them here. Don't look forward to the day Santa will come to their home instead of mine. ( Know that is selfish, but I can't imagine how lonely Christmas will be without them.)
Rachel and Ashley went to Texas and spent Christmas with their father and his wife and stepchildren. Also his parents were there.
Had a picture taken of the three girls and one of the grandchildren with Santa. Love it.
I have written a blog post for every single day this year.
I know there is more... but my brain is telling me it is time to stop and go relax and bring in the New Year quietly here at home with the love of my life.
Have a safe and blessed New Year!

And the stockings were hung

And the stocking were hung in hope that St. Nick would soon arrive.
A little late posting, but hey I have been busy cooking.
Family in Wales.... see my clock you gave me sits on the mantle.

Katelyn and her princess thing

Katelyn loved this Christmas present. She even discovered the hidden compartment.

Been a shoppin'

Went shopping for New Year's Eve and Ashley's party. Got the Brisket that Rachel has been wanting. Party planning. Food almost all bought. Now to get the Christmas decorations down and put away and the food made... wow time is flying by.

Almost 2013

Almost 2013. Hope it is a better year. Well I have had fun this year. But it could be better. My great hubby has only 2 more days of work and he will be retired. Then he can be the "LAZY BUM" he has always wanted to be. That could be bad for his health. So I hope he sleeps for his first couple of weeks, figures out how boring it is and finds something constructive to do.
Well all for today. Need to get some food cooked, a birthday party planned and party food cooked. I also need to get things ready for my hubby to take to work tomorrow since it is his last day of the 2012 year to work and the next to the last day he will ever work at this job.

People of Ohio.....

People of Ohio it is time you get rid of the BUM Boehner! He is un-American... He is the worst person in the UNITED STATES Congress. He is working against America. Get rid of him... or we will be in a depression caused by his B--- S---!
Shame on everyone that has voted for him. Forget party lines. Think what is really good for America and he isn't.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas... we have a little snow... not enough to call Christmas snow. However tonight... well we will see. I guess if it does we can at least call it a Christmas snow.
Gifts are all unwrapped and Katelyn loved her apple Santa brought.
Have a blessed day.

Christmas Eve

Here it is Christmas Eve... well actually Christmas morning. I was so busy cooking and finishing my gift wrapping that I didn't have time to post anything.
We had my sister and her husband over last night. Rebecca also came. So we had a house full with Victoria, Kristina, Lara, Christopher, Katelyn, James, My mom, Marianne and Andy and of course me.
I baked a spiral ham, baked mac and cheese, baked beans and potatoes with a cheese sauce. We talked and played games.
After all of that we went to Christmas Eve Mass.
Off to bed and then hoped Santa would arrive in the morning.

Family get together....

We were all here. Took the grandkids to see Santa and have a picture made. What fun. Also the three girls had their picture done with Santa. We all ate lots of food, took 2 hours to open all the gifts and had lots of laughs. Casi and Shane got a hotel room and the kids went swimming.
Rachel and Ashley left for their dad's house in Texas. Miss them already. Hope you girls be good and have fun. Love you.

We did it...

We  did it. We were able to get everything made the girls wanted to take with them. Wow did that ever wear us out.

The girls have made their food list.

The girls have made their food list.
Pickle wraps, cookies, granny's log, cheese ball.... They want to take this stuff with them for the long car ride to their father's house. So we will see.

Retirement... just 4 more days of work.

My hubby only has 4 more days of work... Woo Hoo! He is ready in some ways and in others I think he is wishing he hadn't decided to retire. Oh well.... welcome to retirement. Now get out and find the "dream" job. LOL

Christmas shopping done....

Christmas shopping done... Nope I have a few more gifts to purchase. Not until after Saturday though.

Ashy has the flu........

Ashy has been complaining of a score throat for a few days. Kristina took her to the doctor's on Wednesday. They tested for strep throat... nope... they tested for flu... yep. So Ashley is done with school for the 2012 year. Doesn't go back until 2013.

Shopping....

Shopping.... will it ever end? Yes Christmas Eve. Well I say that now, however I have a tendency to shop year round... hiding gifts here and there. Now just to think where I have hidden them all.
Been busy for 2 days wrapping. Of course I did not spend all that time wrapping.

How many more days?

How many more days? Well I am sure the 1rst graders I have been working with today could tell you.
Some are more excited about the 1st day of winter than the Christmas holiday.... Such silly students.

School shooting.....

School shooting, it is going to destroy families. I think about all the comments I have been reading on the Internet from people. Gun control... well those guns were legal. Nothing against the law. (I hate guns. Do not support having a gun to carry anytime, anyplace.)
I have a hard time accepting the fact that we keep seeing the pain and suffering in the news. How will the people that need to heal, heal if we keep put it out there? How would you feel? I read one person saying, "How can you call the teacher a hero that locked the students in a closet?" Well that teacher is a hero. She may have saved many more from dying. Why did he attack the two kindergarten classes? Were they the first he could get to? Were they the most venerable? Were they the one that would give the least resistance? Why attack a school?
I have read two different things of interest about school tragedies today:
1st the most deadly:
Bath Township, May 18, 1927, three bombs were exploded at the local school. It killed 38 elementary students in the 2nd to 6th grades. Also killed were 2 teachers and four other adults and the bomber. 58 others were injured. The bomber ~ school board treasurer. He drove up in his car, set off a bomb to kill and injure those who went to the school to help. This is the worst one ever. Not Virginia Tech, Columbine or Newtown. This one no guns were used. No Hollywood movies to blame. Just an ill person.
This column speaks volumes about the news media and may be something we should think about.
Morgan Freeman's statement about these random shootings....
 "You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here's why.
 It's because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single victim of Columbine? Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he'll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.
 CNN's article says that if the body count "holds up", this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer's face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer's identity? None that I've seen yet. Because they don't sell. So congratulations, sensationalist media, you've just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.
 You can help by forgetting you ever read this man's name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem."
Thanks Reagan and your Republican Congress. You can be blamed for a lot of this. You sent a lot of mentally ill people home to families that feared them or to the streets to live, where everyone needs to fear them.
Congress get your act together. Stop thinking cuts in issues that make people "need" to kill so they can do what ever they want to justify what has happened to them.

Getting the goodies....

Getting the goodies all made. I have so much to do and I know I will be very busy next week. I know I will be subbing at least 3 days. Wow.... I need to really get my act together. LOL

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping.... almost done. Have a few more things I need to pick up. Wow... Just when you think you are finished.....

Busy, busy, busy!

Busy, that is what I am. I have been subbing almost as much as if I was still working. Wow. Nice to have the "overtime" pay for once in my life. I really like subbing with the little ones. They are so much fun.

Wow ....

Wow it seems I have fallen 5 days behind. I need to catch myself up on my writings.

Oh no....

Oh no he won't be ..... My husband is retiring in just a few weeks. He is watching those shows he watches every morning.... NO you are not going to have the squawk box on all day with those shows. I will have the cable turned off!

Miss K...

Miss K is learning to talk really well. Wow it just doesn't seem possible. In my mind she is still a baby. Love ya K.

Christmas....

Christmas is just 15 days away. Bummed out that the girls will be with their father in Texas. But we will have them back home in time for the new year party.
Going to miss ya girls.

update

Update: Ashley's team won the state championship game. WooHoo. She is only in 5th grade and she is rather.... short so she didn't get to play much. However they made sure she was in the pictures, that she had her picture taken with the trophy and that she had a good time.
She told me just before the game when she saw the larger than normal crowd, "I have butterflies. "
After the game and all the cheering we headed home and stopped at a steak n shake in Champaign.... it took an hour.... poor service, food sat waiting on someone to serve it.... terrible.
Oh well what can you expect at 11:00 at night.
Any ways~ way to go Toppers. Let everyone know you will be back again next year.

Christmas parties

Christmas parties have begun. The girls went with their grandfather and their mother to the corporate party, while I stayed home and finished our tree. Now if I could just get those gifts wrapped.
Tonight they are at a party put on by grandpa's union.... stating, free goodies and of course a guest visit by Santa.

It's beginning.....

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Hall House. Tree is up. Many decorations are up. Not doing every room this year.
How ever, I am ready for the Christmas break. I will be missing three of my granddaughters and three of my grandsons, HOWEVER my little cutie Miss K will be here with her big sister Victoria. Oh and her parents too. We have invited Kristina to come stay since her girls will be in Texas.

Looky, Looky

Looky, Looky..........

Ashley scored in the semi-final game. Way to go Ashley!

IESA Girls Basketball

2012 Class 7-1A Girls Basketball - Game 6 Scoreboards
Danville Schlarman   vs.   Sigel St. Michael's Final 
Score
Danville Schlarman 44   Sigel St. Michael's 20
Danville Schlarman Scoring Leaders   Sigel St. Michael's Scoring Leaders

10 Cecelia Damilano       1 Bailey Schumacher 4   8
12 Chian Scott       11 Micah McWhorter    
15 Carrigan Gard       13 Rachel Buening    
20 Arieal Scott 1 6 2-3  22   14 Brittnay Krampe    
21 Anaya Peoples 5 1 1-2  14   15 Abby Flach    
25 Sabrina Hantz       2 Jolene Bueker   0-2  0
32 Jayden King       20 Jenelle Vogt    
40 Taylor McMasters       3 Shanna Nieburgge 2   4
43 Capria Brown       31 Emma Fearday    
44 Janie Gross 1   2   32 Leah Jansen 3  0-2  6
5 Ashley Wallis 1   2   4 Isabel Lee    
53 Alexis Dietzen 2   4   5 Sadie Bueker 1   2
54 Gabi Hughes            
Team Totals 10 7 3-5 44   Team Totals 10  0-4 20

Game Comments: The second semifinal game saw the Sharpshooters of Sigel St. Michael�s take on the Hilltoppers of Danville Schlarman. The Hilltoppers once again were on fire from outside the arc. #20 Ariel Scott had 6 three pointers for the game and 3 in the first quarter. Ariel set a new state record for most three point baskets in a game. The previous record was 4 set by Zahna Medley of Springfield Calvary in 2006. # 21 Anaya Peoples of Danville added a three of her own in the first quarter to help give the Hilltoppers 18-8 lead they wouldn�t relinquish. Ariel Scott was the leading scorer of the game with 22 points. Bailey Schumacher was leading scorer with 8 points for Sigel St. Michael�s.
 The Sharpshooters will meet Okaw Valley in the 3rd place game on Thursday. The Hilltoppers will be playing for their first state title against the West Lincoln Broadwell. 

Sugar Gliders

Kristina has some sugar gliders. Do they ever stink! Just how do I convince her to get rid of them so they don't stink up the living area of everyone else?

Basement

Basement, we are going to make the basement into an area where the girls can practice dribbling the ball. Hahaha. When they are here they always want to practice basketball dribbling on the second floor. Uhhhh no. So grandpa said he would get them an area in the basement where they can practice.

Dec. 1, 2012

Wow, It is Dec. 2012. Where has time gone?
Lots of changes going on around here. We are turning the attic into an office for Kristina since she has so much stuff. Portable heaters will keep it warm and this summer we hope to redo all the walls, upgrade the electric box and add outlets up there.
The girls are doing great in school. High Honors.
Today the principal at the school I sub in told me, "You are here so much we need to get you a key." No I don't think so. I just want to sub enough to make a little extra cash so I can do the attic.
The boys have grown so much. I almost didn't recognize them. They are both going to be taller than their mother soon. My mom was here for Thanksgiving and boy can you tell that they are related to her side of the family. Mr. A looks just like my mother's brother at that age.   Of course we all thought Uncle G looked an awful lot like Elvis at one point in time.
We haven't seen Miss K for about a month. They were in Washington D.C. over Thanksgiving. Can't wait though. About 24 days till she will be here again. She is getting so big. I love looking at her pictures. She is so cute and is such a happy baby.
You know if I had my way all of my children, their spouse and their children would be living right here with us.
I didn't win that elusive lottery so I guess my "dream" still hasn't come true.
My mother is doing really well for someone that is 94. I talk to her each day and see her most every day.
My husband has just one month left and he will be retired. I just hope he finds some other programs to watch as I really get tired of the same ole news programs all day long. The people on these shows and their opinions really get on my last nerve. I would rather watch boxing as the news constantly and listening to others opinions.
Well I have said about all I have to say. Happy Dec. And remember this is the season for Jesus....

DONE! DONE! DONE!

Done! Done! Done! One of my major projects on my to do list is DONE!
Wow. I sure do feel the relief of crossing it off the list....

Oh me oh my.... Do I really have to....

Oh me oh my do I really have to....
I am heading off to the attic to finish it today... wazoo.... so need to get this finished.
My sinuses are killing me. K needs to get her things moved in here and I need a break. I have so many things on my to do list that I must get this done.
I have to make cookies today for my mother to take to Eastern Star tonight. It's time to change officers and move people up through the stations and to retire the "head cheeses."

Look at the date....

Look at the date. Nov. is almost done. Wow.....
Hope all is well with everyone. We are all doing just fine.
Well time to get the girls off to school.
Start warm....

Up in the Attic.....

Up in the attic it is almost cleaned.... Found somethings I have never seen.

I don't think.....

I don't think I will get all of my gifts made for everyone at the rate I am going. UGH!

I need....

I need to get the Christmas tree out, the decorations and start planning the food for the family Christmas get together.

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday....I personally did not shop. Just couldn't get into it. Many people did shop.
Christmas I am so not ready for you to be here already.

Happy Thanksgiving....

Happy Thanksgiving. May you and your family have a wonderful day of remembering the good times and those that are no longer with us. Get out the ole slide machine and movie projector and have a good time... laugh a little, make fun of your hair and clothes, cry a little ~ missing the ones who have gone on... telling a new generation of the things you have done with your family ~ introducing them to relatives they may never have met, and remember we live in one of the GREATEST countries in the WORLD!

Black Friday?

Just how many people are going out Black Friday shopping....NOT ME! There is absolutely nothing that will save me that much money to stand in those crazy lines.

Wow Time sure is flying....

Wow! Time sure is flying by. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and then it will be Christmas before you know it.
I have been getting ready for Thanksgiving.
Christmas don't come so quickly.... LOL

Getting ready

Wow, we are getting ready for the big day. The girls have school today, the boys don't and Miss K is in Washington D.C. ~ going to the pentagon and the White House... How super fun.  I need to get off of here and get things done... Many salads to make and lots of things to clean... like polishing the good silver.....

taxes....

Taxes... the republican party keeps saying that the 1% pay a higher rate.... well I don't know about you folks, but I pay more in taxes than the 1%. When they receive hundreds of thousands dollars back and I only get ... well nothing, many times we have to pay... then I think I am paying more than them. We pay around $18,000 a per year in income taxes out of our check. Guess what the most I have ever gotten back was $500. Which means I am still paying $17000+ in taxes.
My granddaughter said her father made a stupid comment on FB during the elections. "I don't pay taxes, they take it." Well ... Taxes are a part of the working and retirement system. Without them we wouldn't have people in your "dream" career... police. Or as I call them... "legal" bullies!
Taxes are a part of our world. It doesn't matter what country you live in, you will have taxes. They were around long before this country was even founded.
So what is my conclusion... a flat tax. It does not matter if you are rich or poor. One tax. No deductions... just a flat tax. No more IRS forms, no more whining that others aren't paying their fair share.
I have said my peace. Now on with the good life. I have to complain once in a while, just to destress!

Onions could save your life....

Reposting from a friend on FB.
ONIONS! I had never heard this!!!
 PLEASE READ TO THE END: IMPORTANT

 In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu...
 Many of the farmers and their families had contracted it and many died.
 The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.
Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser. She said that several years ago, many of her employees were coming down with the flu, and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu.
Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied with this most interesting experience about onions:
Thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmer's story...but, I do know that I contacted pneumonia, and, needless to say, I was very ill... I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put it into an empty jar, and place the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better.
Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.
This is the other note. Lots of times when we have stomach problems we don't know what to blame. Maybe it's the onions that are to blame. Onions absorb bacteria is the reason they are so good at preventing us from getting colds and flu and is the very reason we shouldn't eat an onion that has been sitting for a time after it has been cut open.
LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS
 I had the wonderful privilege of touring Mullins Food Products, Makers of mayonnaise. Questions about food poisoning came up, and I wanted to share what I learned from a chemist.
 Ed, who was our tour guide, is a food chemistry whiz. During the tour, someone asked if we really needed to worry about mayonnaise. People are always worried that mayonnaise will spoil. Ed's answer will surprise you. Ed said that all commercially-made mayo is completely safe.
 "It doesn't even have to be refrigerated. No harm in refrigerating it, but it's not really necessary." He explained that the pH in mayonnaise is set at a point that bacteria could not survive in that environment. He then talked about the summer picnic, with the bowl of potato salad sitting on the table, and how everyone blames the mayonnaise when someone gets sick.
 Ed says that, when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the 'victim' last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it's not the mayonnaise (as long as it's not homemade mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It's probably the ONIONS, and if not the onions, it's the POTATOES.
 He explained onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. He says it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator.
 It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!). Ed says if you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down.
 Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions.
 Please remember it is dangerous to cut an onion and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates toxic bacteria which may cause adverse stomach infections because of excess bile secretions and even food poisoning.
Please pass this on to all you love and care about.

Scrapbooking and our family history

I have begun scrapbooking and doing a family history for our children. I plan to publish it in a book form for them. I will be doing real scrapbook pages and then I will scan them and digitize them for the printer. I may even just do some by using Microsoft publisher and then write it for them.

Sad but true....

Sad but true our family just doesn't get together like we use to. To many grandchildren and adults going in all different directions. It makes me kind of sad. I miss taking pictures and posting them.
SO since there are fewer picture taking moments, then I will just start scrapbook years and years worth of pictures.

Not only Rachel, but Ashley too....

Not only did Rachel make high honors, so did Ashley. I am soooooo proud of my granddaughters. They take school very seriously.... well at least Ashley does. She studies and freaks about every test... even when she knows all of the material.
Austin and Devon also did very well in school.
Katelyn... well she will be smart also when it is time for her to go to school... wow only four more years til kindergarten.

Rachel..... Woohoo High Honors.

Rachel made high honors. She received a certificate for her achievement. So proud of her. Rachel is one of those students were learning comes pretty easy, however she is only going to put enough effort in it to get her A. No more. ... we need to work on this.

CRAZY....

Crazy ..... It is about time for Thanksgiving. We are breaking with tradition possibly this year. Mom and I are still discussing the menu. Since it will only be one daughter and her two children, mom, my husband and me, we are thinking noodles..... However this is not set in stone yet.

Peer Court

Ashley was asked to be part of peer court. She really enjoyed it. Some of the punishments were not what she wanted. However she did feel most were fair enough.
She has been asked to be one of the attorneys. She will love that.
Ashley said that after interviewing one of the parents, the jury decided the defendant need a "stiff" penalty. They would have punished the mother if they could have.

Well one large....

Well one large stack of magazines are done. I am working on the second large stack and it is almost complete. Then I need to start on those two smaller stacks in the bookcase in my office.... I found a magazine that went back to 1994.... I have been a "pack-rat" with some magazines I guess. Can't wait to get them all finished. Sending a large box of magazines to Lara so she can get the things she wants and then she can pitch them. ....

finally

I think the girls father has finally understood how they feel about everything that he does for his step-children, current wife and not for them. Maybe he finally understands that his children should always come first. I guess going full time Army and a commanding officer reminding him has helped.
He purchased an Iphone 4s for Rachel for Christmas. She feels a little more loved now.

The stack....

The stack is growing smaller. Of course there are a few more stacks to do. Maybe by spring I will have them all finished... LOL

Gotta jump....

Gotta jump.... I am getting lots of swagbucks points. Hahahaha. I can't wait. Hope I get enough I can give my youngest at least $50.00 towards a new camera by Christmas.
If you don't have swagbucks. Sign up under me. I will get 1000 points for your first 1000 points. It is sooo easy to earn them.

Swasgbucks... another $100.00 into my account....

I have reached another $100.00 into my account. Woohoo. Now my husband will get that camera he wants so badly for Christmas.
My next goal is to give my youngest some cash to help her purchase a new camera for herself.

Sometimes....

Sometimes I just wonder. Wonder if I will ever get through all of the things I want to scan. My goal is to downsize a lot. So I will just keep plugging away.... woohoo. My youngest daughter will love all the magazines I am sending her way very soon.

Gotta love

Gotta love those preschoolers. They make teaching so much fun. I have heard all about each and everyone of their's Halloween. Love it. Now they are getting ready for Thanksgiving. And then it will be Christmas.

Time change

Ugh... I hate time change. IT just throws your body and mind into limbo.....

The girls got new jackets

The girls got new jackets today. Their mom took them. The new jackets cost over $100 each on sale.

Quaker...

Quaker is fixing up their building. They are putting on new siding. It looks so different. The rumor is that they are going to put it on the market to sell.
That won't affect us ... but it might the younger people.

Trick or Treat

We had so many people that we ran out. The bad part is that there were some adults by the end of the evening. The one adult was mad because I ran out of granola bars... well if you hadn't come with a van load of about 30 people... well I wasn't going to give him a granola bar any way... He was like 35 years old.
Halloween is for kids, not adults...
Turned out my lights when the next van load pulled up. So did all the neighbors. We got hit first and then they all disappeared....

Da Boys

Went to see our two grandsons and their folks. Spent the night. Devon needed me to update his laptop and get him all working again. Done. Shane is having some problems with his, but he will need to take it in so it can be fixed. It is missing a key line of command and the CD player and the Internet won't work. I need to see if I can get it on a flash and then have him try and fix it.
If not time for a new one.
Austin is reading a stack of books for school
Casi she is helping Devon's teacher with some kind of project with the students on the IPads.
Other than that, not much else.
Still haven't won the lottery.

Need....

Since I moved 5 posts to another blog, I need five, well 4 after this one to have at least one post for each day... yeah and boooo

Yeah because I actually have done it and boo because I have to think of something to write.

Heading out....

Heading out in a few to go visit my boys.... We had a little freezing rain about 6 o'clock this morning. So now it is all gone and I will be heading out as soon as I go to the bank and get me some cash. Later gators.

3 days...

So far there has been 2 days of school in November and on Monday there it will be 3. I will have subbed everyday of school in November on Monday.... hahaha.
I love it.

Nov. 1

Wow we are now in the Thanksgiving count-down. I will be getting ready with the holiday planning. Cookies, candies and food. The kids are looking forward to coming by after school and helping with the baking and cooking. Yeah. So now I need to get a grocery list made and start planning the times to do everything. Love it....

Pumpkin carving ......

The girls finished their homework, had a basketball game..... then the fun began.

Grandpa and I let them carve their pumpkins all by themselves. Their creativity was flowing, however time was limited to just an hour. Their mom would be home by then from a photo shoot. Then home they go.

Here they are carving away.... Excuse the red eyes.... They liked them for Halloween.

 

 

Sub.....

I have been so busy subbing. Wow. I can feel the money rolling in. My sister is subbing a long term sub job. Her husband is not real happy with her doing that. She told mom she didn't think she would sub any more.
Subbing makes you respect subs even more.

How time flies....

Here it is the last few days of October. Where or where has 2012 gone?

Parties, parties and more parties.

Rachel and Ashley have been busy going to parties. Kristina has been busy taking pictures at parties for people who have hired her. Wow and in a few days I will be busy planning for Thanksgiving.

HAHAHA....

Five little pumpkins sittin' on a gate.
The first one said oh my it's getting late.
The second on said there's witches in the air.
The third one said but we don't care.
The fourth one said let's run and and run and run.
The fifth one said let's have some Halloween fun.
Then Hooooo went the wind.
And out went the lights.
The five little pumpkins rolled out of site.

My children use to love this little poem. Get one to learn counting to 5.

Just when?

Just when will trick or treat be this week? I guess it will be on Halloween evening.

Here it is the last Saturday....

Here it is the last Saturday of October. Next Sunday time changes again. I thought it was dark early these past couple of weeks, but now it is going to be real early. At least when I get up in the mornings it will be light out.

Where or where?

Where or where are these people buried in the cemetery? I have been on the hunt for some folks at one of our local cemeteries. Winter is quickly approaching, so I won't be doing much more searching until next spring.... So folks I will get to your requests on warmer days.

Wow.... what a .....

Wow what a storm we had. Lighting was going across and down from the sky. Very little thunder. Lots of rain. Just think it could be snow.
The storm brought down a large branch from the neighbor's tree. I will try to get a picture of it.

It's time......

Well it seems that it is time again to be doing our fall clean up. We had a small storm this morning. The neighbor has another large tree branch down.
 We are cleaning out closets. It is amazing how much stuff accumulates in closets.

Can't believe.....

I can't believe how hard it is to make a post every single day. Not many more days left in this year.
In just 10 weeks my husband will be retired... wow... Time is going by quickly. Wonder what he plans to do with his time except ~ eat, sleep, watch TV and poop.

More, and more and more....

I have been scanning more and more and more cookbooks, recipes and magazines. My stack is getting smaller and smaller. Of course Lara's is getting bigger and bigger.
Downsizing since we are both retired. ..... Woohoo!

It seems strange as my husband and I have never in all of our many years together, been not working. Wow. We have had like a week or two vacations, but never unlimited number of days together. It is really going to take some adjustments on both of us.

Busy girls- Ashley chosen as a member of an elite basketball team, Rachel made cheerleader.

The girls are sooo busy.
Ashley is now playing basketball for an elite basketball team. Rachel made cheerleader.
Rachel has a boyfriend and they try to do things together. They want to go to the movies this weekend.
Rachel also has a hit-a-thon this weekend. 50 pitches to raise money for her softball team.
Kristina has been so busy with her photograph.
Life is never dull around here.

I think it's

I think it's about time I go and visit my little buddy. I won't have time for at least another week.... Wow I sure do miss visiting with my boys. I see the girls everyday now. I miss seeing my Miss K also.  I just need to win the lottery.

I have been subbing

I have been subteaching much more this month. I will be very busy next month also. Wow I do like this... Sometimes though it can be very frustrating.

Miss K... shots?

Miss K got some live virus shots. She hasn't been feeling well. So her mom made an appointment for today... well guess what.... that's right she is better today.... ugh... it always happens. lol

Covered Bridge Festival

Went to the Covered Bridge Festival... it was kind of disappointing this year. I didn't think it was as nice. Last year we went to the other places, besides Rockville and I thought it was nothing but junk... Flea market type stuff.
The booths in Rockville has some handmade things, but the MADE IN CHINA bunch seemed to get a few booths.
It was also disappointing because Billie Creek was not open. That was always the highlight of the day.

I am making....

I am making my hats for the bazaar. So little time and so much to do..... I will succeed. I will succeed.
I will win the lottery..... LOL!

Sewing... costumes and crafts

Sewing costumes and crafts.... I love these kinds of days. Helping Lara with Miss K's costume. This will be the first one that Lara has made...

Lara and I sewed a bunch of spots on that costume. By hand.....
So much fun. I miss the days of working on costumes.

Skype with Katelyn

Katelyn and I skyped tonight. Grandpa joined in. She showed us her new laptop. However the laptop wasn't near as much fun as the Ipad.
I know this child will be loving computers, cell phones and anything else she can get her hands on.
This past weekend we spent time with lots of family members. Miss K had her first birthday party... It was so nice to visit with everyone.

basketball.... Ashely's season is over... Rachel's in full swing.

Ashley's season is over. They have their pictures next week. So it has been a long yet short season. I believe they only lost one game all season and finished 2nd in the conference with the only school beating them placing first. Way to go girls.
Just a note... if Ashley were just taller, she would be a beast.....
Rachel's team is just getting started with their season. They are in a tournament this weekend. Tonight's win put them in the championship game tomorrow. Way to go girls. Proud of you both.
Also Rachel's boyfriend came over after school with her. He isn't as tall as her, very quiet and polite. He was a very nice young man.

Wednesday already....

It is Wednesday already. The girls only have 2 more days this week. Wow this school year is flying by. Checked Ashley's grades yesterday... All A's and B's ... spelling is killing her with that B.

planning to hit....

Planning to hit some craft fairs next season. Getting my list ready. Making my plans. My hubby will be retired soon and then we can go together.... Wow... this will be the first time in our life together that we will be free to do what we want, when we want. It will sure be different.
 I found a part for him for the motorcycle that will allow him to record his motorcycle ride. He is excited as he wants to see himself riding and wants to share those rides with others.

Making....

I have begun my things for the church bazaar. I purchased some patterns today also for Lara and I to make. So now I need to get the ole sewing machine out, oil it, clean it and start a sewing.... I love winter.... I have been planning a family history quilt. Maybe I can get some of it done this winter. I know my mother will love seeing it. She always has stories to tell as we look at old pictures.

It that time of the year....

It is that time of the year again. Just doesn't seem possible.... Covered Bridge time.
Rachel wants a new IPhone... 99 cents with an upgrade. ... and then a $36.00 one time activation fee.... I don't think we are suppose to pay any activation fees with our plan so I need to check.
If not, then I will get her a new IPhone.

Project for Miss K's birthday.

I made this for Miss K for her birthday. I think it turned out cute.

Miss K's birthday....

We had such a great time. Lots of stress preparing... but fun in the end.
Family from all over came to Miss K's birthday. Laughter, story telling and just plan ole fun....
Of course, Mom, took charge and bossed all of us "staffers" around. So glad she knows how to do that. Maybe at 94 I will too.
Here are a few pics from yesterday.... enjoy.

J.O.B.

‎Saw this on facebook. Thought it was great.

97% of people work a J.O.B. (Just Over Broke). All of them want a M.B.A. (Massive Bank Account). They are clueless on how to create wealth and be R.I.C.H. (Residual Income Creates Happiness), continuously surrounding themselves with H.A.T.E.R.S. (Having Anger Towards Everyone Reaching Success), and then wonder why they are P.O.O.R. (Passing Over Opportunities Repeatedly)! Open your mind, make a decision, and make a change!!

motivate....

I need some motivation today.... Here it is.... need to get basketball uniforms washed and dried as both have games again tonight, then tomorrow night.... need to finish something for Saturday. I need to make some cookies for the girls.... need to get some thing planned for tonight's meal... oh so much to do and so little motivation today.

Planning for my Katelyn ...

Planning for my Katelyn's first birthday bash. Can't wait to see her. I will also get to see my grandsons Austin and Devon... Wow I sure do miss them all.

Ashley's Diorama

Here is a picture of Ashley's history project. Planned, diagrammed on paper, practice on a spare box and wallah ... the finished project.

Last day....

Today is the last day of September. It is beautiful, sunny and just the right temperature. Love it.

Took the girls and some of their friends....

Took the girls and some of their friends to the movie yesterday. Went to see Hotel Transylvania. Ir was really good for a cartoon. Enjoyed it. The kids laughed and so did I. Well worth the $50.00 I spent.

Headwraps

I found a pattern for headwraps and the girls want me to make some. So off to the store to find the right colors. Ashley wants to give them as gifts for Christmas.

Almost October

Wow it doesn't seem possible. October is just 2 days away.... Christmas is just around the corner. I know my cousin in counting down the days. She will be retiring in just a few months. I know my husband is counting down the days as he will be retiring in just a few weeks. HOOT HOOT.

Wow... A Police Chief ... A Deadbeat Dad!

Here is a link to a story about a DEADBEAT DAD.

http://news.yahoo.com/police-chief-resigns-nm-force-gone-dog-200452443.html

So now the dog has to learn how to answer the phone?

crochet anyone?

I have been very busy crocheting. Love it. I have also done some knitting and some sewing. Christmas spirit... oh yeah. Maybe I will make extras and sell them.
Lara turned one of her old jersey's into a dress for Miss K. Lara you may have a great idea.

Sunday

Yesterday both of the girls went with friends. Ashley started out early in the morning and went with the twins to their grandparents campsite. She was gone all day. They road bikes, had a "huge" campfire, ate and just had fun.
Rachel went to watch Luke play football. After the game she went with some friends to Wendy's and then Custard Cup. They ended up at a friends house that lived by Wendy's and play some flag football. She told me she had a great time.
Grandpa took both girls to the school to shoot some hoops.
Love having the girls around so much. Making me young again.

Birthday parties .....

Both of the girls have birthday parties today. Ashley this afternoon and Rachel this evening. So talk later.

Chocolate chip cookies

Rachel told me I make the best chocolate chip cookies... so here is the recipe.

2 1/4 cups unsifted flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. Beat butter with sugar and brown sugar at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture. By hand stir in chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

I make only enough for a quick after school snack for the girls. The remain dough I prepare in balls and freeze. By doing this you can have fresh bake cookies anytime.

94 and counting.... wow what a game.

Mom is 94 today. She looks very young for her age. Most would guess in her 70's
Rachel had a game last night. She is very smart handling the ball. She makes passes that are unbelievable at times. Grandpa said he needs to take her and Ashley out to practice shooting free throws.
It was a great game. So proud of these two granddaughters. I am proud of all my grandchildren. Of course Austin will be having his own fishing show soon. He fishes about as good as his mother. I am sure the two of them are having "who catches more" battles.

On with our life....

On with our life. I don't have to prove any thing to anyone. I am me and my thoughts are my rights. Knowledge I have is my knowledge. If I choose to share with you, to maybe save you, then that is my choice. You may not like the things I have to say... but they are ALL true....
That being said...
Ashley is having so much fun here. She is having friends over a lot. Rachel is having friends over also. Rachel has a boyfriend.... She was at his sectional game last Saturday and missed a wedding of a cousin of her father's. They are all acting so pathetic and like she should have been there.  Sorry, but kids don't always value the same things as adults and they don't always see value in things that others do. I am sure they will not make her wedding someday, because they will have families and it just may not fit what they need or want to do, and no one would EXPECT them to be there. Going to any activity is a personal choice and you should never be belittled because you choose not to go.
My mother is rather disappointed that more of her grandchildren can not make the birthday dinner. I told my sister when she planned it for a Friday evening, that most could not make it. Our son lives 8 hours away, our one daughter and her family live 3 hours away and one other daughter and her family live 4 hours away. All have students meaning their children would have to leave school early to make it.  Also my nephews all live 2 hours away and they also all have children and they don't get home from work until around 7 o'clock in the evening. It sounds like even my sisters two children and their families are not going to make it. Maybe we can plan a little something along with Miss K's first birthday bash.
Ashley and her friend Haley are upstairs, sounds like a rumble... maybe I should check on them....
Rachel isn't home from school yet. Not sure what is taking her so long.
Ball game tonight in Heritage. Ashley and Haley are riding with Kristina. Rachel has basketball practice and so she is not going to the game.

Well ....

Well I have come to the conclusion that IT and his WIFE will always come here. I guess she needs something to keep him in her life and I am her TARGET. SO WIFE #3 of IT... I am writing my journal someplace else and you won't ever find it. HAHAHAHAHA. So Little Lu you can go ahead and add my link again when ever you want to.

Paranoid people

Paranoid ~ don’t you love Paranoid people. Why do you keep coming here? Are you worried that this is the realism of your life? Do you see what is happening in your world as what has happened in the past wives? Just leave us all alone. Go live your pathetic life. If you have so little in your world, change it! You don’t have to live in it. You can leave. You can get out. You can get help. Help yourself and your two children. Leave these children alone. They don’t need your help. They are already out of it and don't care to return.

Yeah baby

Welcome Texas.... and you know who you are! HAHAHAHA I love laughing at you.

Ashley has won some kind of art contest. She will have her work on display for at least two years.... Way to go Ashley... guess you got Grandpa Hall's abilities to do art.
Tonight Ashley had an awesome game. The girls on the other team were twice her size, but that didn't stop her.
Ashley and Rachel both have their homework complete. Ahhh to relax.
Tomorrow night Rachel has her first basketball game of the season. Wednesday night Ashley has a game. Thursday night Rachel has a game and Ashley has the unveiling of her art work.
Friday is my mother's 94th birthday party and this year the girls will be there. Every birthday is important as we don't know when the last will be. I also sub that day.
Saturday is cleaning and getting organized day and Sunday church and check to make sure everything is done day.

Making....

HUMMM TEXAS HAS BEEN HERE TODAY! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MESSING WITH YOU! GET A LIFE FOLKS!

what a weekend

Busy....
The girls had basketball practice for school, Rachel's boyfriend had a sectional baseball game for school, and they had skating practice and a birthday party.... and this on top of homework that seemed to never end. Ashley has worked 12 hours on homework this weekend. Very little free time to do anything else. She even did her extra credit work... typed it even. She has had little time to play with friends.
Ashley is studying her flashcards for a test in history on Wednesday. She is so driven to have good grades. Spanish homework, English homework, science homework and worksheets in social studies and a new prayer to memorize. Rachel is loving her school, not a whole lot of homework for her since she has study hall the last period of the day.
The girls father's cousin was married this weekend, however the girls decided not to go.

Ashley and her team.

Ashley is a very aggressive bball player. She is so intense. It is fun to watch her. If we could only figure out a way to make her taller, she'd be unstoppable.

The Tail of the Dragon

The Tail first ride for Robbie.... Grandpa decided it was time to teach him so real roads to ride....