Palmer Arena Ice Skaters

We should be proud of all of our skaters in Danville...They took first place at the U of I competition. What a great bunch of kids... and they sure do practice hard. Come on down to the arena and enjoy their last performance for this year. Sat. April 10th.

Here are a few pictures of the kids skating... of course I have more of my grandchildren than anyone else.

Spring Break 2010

I don't know where the time went to. It is time to go back to work and I didn't get a thing done... Oh well as an "ole" Cub fan... I always have summer!

I have spent time with my family... except my husband and one son-in-law... Both are in Tennessee... my husband motorcycle riding and Chris is there on work and to visit his family.

I will see my husband on Tuesday.

Hope everyone has a great Easter. My daughter Lara and I are spending Easter together. Ham slice with pineapple, brown sugar and cherries... baked beans... and baked mac and cheese and who knows what else we will "throw" on the table.

Lara and I went to the boat tonight... took our normal $20 to "waste" and that we did... It took about 2 hours - penny slots ----

Rachel and Ashley

Rachel and Ashley have started a "cooking and craft" blog for children. They are planning their first posting. Grandma will be helping them. So keep in contact... more to come soon.

Skating in Oak Lawn

The girls had a blast. I did not make their team performance in the early morning, however just before going on the ice at 3:00 Rachel turned around and there was grandma and Aunt Lara. Turned around again and there sat Uncle Chris - much to all of our surprise. He arrived back from Vegas just in time! Girls you did great. Good luck in two weeks.


























Rachel waiting!








Ashley, our little spinner

Hoodie Hoo Day

Hoodie Hoo Day must have worked. We went from 6 - 8 inches of snow to rain. Way to go Judy Frazier... You were successful this year. However, we have had enough rain today, and tomorrow will be even more.... It could be snow!

Snowy Days

We have had two more snow days. Rachel and Ashley have been here since Monday Night. Of course they are hoping for another snow day.

Rachel and Ashley built a snow room in the yard. They used most of the snow, so I guess it will be there until spring. Sledding was the highlight of the snowy weather.

Homemade veggie soup was on the menu, as that is always one of their requested meals.

Grandpa was home everyday that they were here.

They are such good girls. Having fun is all they think about. I don't think Rachel has mentioned her boyfriend once the whole time she has been here.

I really would like to go see the boys, but they are having worse weather than us!

Super Bowl Sunday

The big day in Pro Football is almost here. I am not going any place as I have to work on Monday. I hear there are some schools that are not having school Monday because so many students will miss because they stayed up too late watching the game. Maybe the game time should be 2:00 o'clock instead of what it is. Then students will be awake for class... Only an idea...

A new site for family fun

I just found this today in class. We were searching history to prepare writing a paper. Check it out. I also added the link to family fun area.

http://www.thehenryford.org/education/resources.aspx

It's Official

Phil saw his shadow! Six more weeks of winter.

Genealogy

genealogy - I am organizing my information that I want to do more research on. This means that I feel I have finally gotten all the information that I need to put back in my program there. I have reached one more goal. WooHoo! Spring break is just around the corner... well it is weeks away... I need to start now writing down what I need to do. I want to go sit at the library and bring up those old articles in the newspapers... I want to go there and read and read and read.

Go to my genealogy blog if you are interested in family history. I will be posting articles I find about people.

Today is Groundhog Day

It is 5:37 a.m., the sun is not out yet, I wonder will that crazy groundhog see his shadow today.
Weather forecast is cloudy with a chance of flurries.... Does that mean our groundhog will not be see his shadow? Does this mean winter is technically over? You all know it doesn't matter if he sees his shadow or not... spring is still 6 weeks away. It will still be cold for at least 6 more weeks here. Reality.
However don't we all wish that the groundhog could be correct and we only had to deal with winter until yesterday...lol...

Today is also voting day in the primaries. Oh no not more of those ads!!! I can only take so many of them. I guess I will not be watching too much TV for the next year. It is overcast, groundhog day; does this mean that campaigns will end today...sorry no, it means they are just getting into full swing.

GroundHog Day

I need to get Groundhog Day and put it in my bag of work. Every other year we enjoy this movie. It helps get us out of the "winter blues" mood. The students enjoy having a break from all of the stress of work and we get to enjoy popcorn and some laughs together.

What do you think the ground hog will predict for the winter weather?

:( Last Day of January

It is the last day of January. Where did this month go. We are now one month into 2010. It seems that the "older" we get the faster the months go by. I did accomplish many things this month, however I have many more things to do.

In the family we did have a death, my genealogy studying cousin, Margaret. My family members can go to our private site and read her orbit there. Her knowledge of the family will truly be missed. I am sure she had much more that she could have shared with me. Rest in Peace Margaret. I know you are in Heaven talking to all those that have gone before.

We were able to move Casi and her family into their new home. We didn't take any pictures, bummer, because it was a little muddy. Austin and Devon went to the hotel with Lara and me and we swam. We also watched a movie on the TV and played on our laptops. The boys are so much fun. Of course we ate pancakes as that is Devon's favorite food at Ugaldies.

Have a great day. Remember Ground Hog day is just 2 days away. Maybe he won't see his shadow in this area of the world.

Supper

Lara and Chris are staying tonight for supper. We are having spiral ham, baked beans and mac and cheese. Kristina, Dustin and Rachel are coming also.
For lunch today we all went to Monical Pizza.

Here is a link to their coupons and specials.
http://www.monicalspizza.com/listing.aspx

Rachel 11 years

Wow it doesn't seem possible that 11 years ago we were all sitting in the hospital waiting room waiting on Rachel to be born. She took forever!!! The wait was well worth it. She looks and acts sooooo mature. I don't remember being like that at 11. I think I was just getting into music, by the Beatles, hiding in my room when playing the record by the Beatles, still liking my Barbie dolls, playing board games, watching Mr. Ed, Jettsons, Beverly Hillbillies and loving spending time with my "girl" friends. Wow I think back and wonder why 11 year olds don't think that way today. Rachel wants to know if she can DATE!!!

Go Colts

It seems the Colts are headed to a chance at the Super Bowl again. Note, there is no guarantee to that. We are hoping.

Christmas Over, New Year's Over, Snow Days Over...

Christmas is over, New Year's is over and now we have had our allotted snow days for the year. Time to think spring break, then graduation, then summer vacation... That right according to Tom White we are only 56 days away from spring break. Mother nature gave us much needed days off without other commitments, and summer is not far off. Had a great genealogy day yesterday... found information I had not been able to find before. Hoping to get to the library to check out more. Yesterday they closed early and I didn't even venture out except to the garbage can and mailbox. Today I will probably venture out at some point. Need to go to the bank... but their website says they may not be open today... I guess I can survive without going until the weather breaks. I don't need groceries except bread...
Hope next weekend will be better so we can go help Casi and Shane move into their new home. The weather has caused delays...

New Link Section

Just added a new link section for coupons. Hope you will enjoy them.

Darn Ambulance Drivers.

Another Christmas has passed. It is now officially the day after. I was asleep, when like many nights ambulance sirens were "blaring." Usually they are coming from one of the smaller communities to our hospital. For some reason in the middle of the night, they think they have to blare through town. You can hear them from one end to the hospital. During the daylight hours, no sirens. So why at night? I mean this is Danville... not Chicago or some other big town. Traffic is almost nonexistent in the middle of the night. I guess those volunteer crews think we all need to be awake if they have to be. Only difference being, I don't receive any compensation (Yes volunteers do get paid!)I have been told by volunteers that they can charge the insurance or the victim more with the sirens blaring. Turn off the sirens at night... If you happen to meet a car, use the alert horn... Please think of others. You cannot drive over the speed limit... you have the right-of-way in traffic and at all lights... I can see your lights much better than hear your siren if I have on my radio or others in the car talking... so why the siren in the middle of the night?

Water Park in the Winter?

Yes we went to the indoors water park this weekend. All the grandchildren were there. We had tons of fun. Devon even decided that he liked water more than just the hot tub.
Big brother Austin and Aunt Lara get Devon to walk in the water. Big brother then leads him to the pirate ship. Soon Devon needed no one, just his desire to explore.


Leading Devon to the water: Lara and Austin!


Big brother wants to take him to the ship. They are a pirate hunting.


It seems a bit scary to the wee little one.


Austin explains the water coming up from the ground.


Look at me I am getting braver.


Look how proud I am of my self. The grinning shows it.

Casino?

That's right we went to the boat in MC. Lara, Chris, James and me. How much did we spend, not much... we only took $60.00 for us all to "loose!" We didn't loose it all, but most of it. It was fun. Most of all it was nice to just spend time with Lara and Chris... Let's don't forget that 20 pound cat Tiger too. He's such a ham...
He really wants to be a "dog." LOL

Rachel and Ashley did not make it to...

HAHAHA

Been Looking For

I have been searching and searching for some long-lost relatives. I think I have finally found them. Woohoo. We are excited to find them. I am sure the kids will be too.

We are heading out to the riverboat with Lara and Chris tonight. Penny slots here we come. Maybe we can come home a dollar or two "richer." LOL

I have to get my Christmas cards out soon.

Early this morning I had the opportunity to talk to some of the folks in Wales. Rodz remember when you all come in Oct. --- Indianapolis to watch American Football... GO COLTS!

Indiana Season ticket special only until Dec. 15th

Here is the information from their site. Link here: http://www.indianabeach.com/

And...

It happened... New Orleans won. Colts and Saints are both 11- 0.... Can you feel it?

Will it happen?

Chris are you watching Monday Night Football? I am getting ready to. You know what is at stake? Will the COLTS be the only undefeated team? Talk later!

Disappointed

It was nice that Jason and his 3rd wife and friends came to the girls baptism. Disappointed that they found it necessary to text, post, and basically be disrespectful and rude during the service. I guess you cannot expect anything more from self-centered, selfish adults. Too bad an important moment in HIS CHILDREN's life was not important enough to be polite and center his attention on them and their world. I would expect my children to act better than that when they would visit a church not of our faith. So little to ask... politeness and manners. Guess when you are arrogant you can treat others however you want... How disappointing ... Not really, he has always been arrogant...

4th Generation Baptism

The girls made the decision to join the church and to be baptised. Mum did the ceremony with them. She represent the 1st generation and the girls the 4th. The girls father, step-mother number 2, and two of their friends attended.


Rachel being blessed.


Ashley being blessed.


A Proud great-grandmum. She wanted to do this ceremony with the girls. What a great memory!


And the minister said, "This is a first for me... 4 Generations..." Proud of you girls for making your choice. Welcome into the church family!

Thanksgiving Photos

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving --- Great Company-- Great Food

Mum has now lived through 91 Thanksgiving Feasts. We had been to the hospital with her just a few days earlier. She has been soooo busy at church that she became exhausted. The ER doctor could not believe she was 91 let alone 91 and NO MEDS!

I have to say I am so thankful to have such a great family and boocoos of friends. Friends and FAMILY not limited to just here in the states, but across the globe.

Thanksgiving weekend started with me driving to get Devon and Austin. They came to spend the holiday with us. Casi and Shane did that "shopping til you drop" thing. I don't think they were able to get all of their shopping done. Casi said the things they were looking for were not on sale... Grandpa took the boys home early this morning as their father's side of the family are celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas this weekend. Martha told Casi to tell me she was "stealing" my idea to combine the two. The boys were excited because they are going to unwrap gifts today. We shopped all day yesterday so they could find just the right gifts for today. Austin kept forgetting who he was shopping for. His list of wants kept getting longer and longer.

Mum and I worked on Thanksgiving food Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning. She did much of the work, doing it while I was at work. That was not the deal Mum! I think she really feels left out if she doesn't have a major say in the prep. She prepared the meals every Thanksgiving until a few years ago, and then it became my job.

Marianne, Andy, Rebecca, Adam and his family all came. I will post pictures of the baby soon. Rebecca and Austin discussed his roll in her up coming wedding. He is so worried he won't get things right. She assured him he would. I think she is thinking of having Devon in the wedding too now.

Jack, Janet and boys where there also. What a great time getting to visit with them again. We don't see them much.

Kristina and Dustin came. Everyone was shocked with the announcement of the up coming wedding. Kristina swore she wouldn't marry again after the disappointing marriage she had. She now has a great guy that loves her and the girls and that is all that matters. We missed the girls as this was their year for Thanksgiving day with their father. They were disappointed because they didn't spend it with his family but his 3rd wife's family. Oh well! They will get over it. They did make it in time, late though, to see the boys before we had to take them to their grandma and grandpa Davis' house.

Lara and Chris spent their Thanksgiving in Louisiana. They were with Chris' family. I can't wait to hear how much fun they had and see all of their pictures. Many I'm sure.

I am so Thankful that I have such a wonderful and loving family. A great husband, and wonderful daughters and son. I am so thankful that I go to the best church around. For all the wonderful people that attend there and love my children and grandchildren so much. To my wonderful children, their spouses, and their children... I love each and everyone of you. Our time spent together is precious.

The Christmas Choir

I just finished watching The Christmas Choir. I watched it last year and found it very touching. It is a story based on true facts.

Kraft Foods has special ecards they are asking people to send. When you send an ecard they will donate meals to a food project. Here is the website, go there and send an ecard. http://www.americangreetings.com/channel/kraft/ Their goal---- 1 million meals.

Bless you!

What a weekend

Friday, class just starting, my cell rings...well vibrates loudly. I look it is my mum. She never calls me during the work day so I answered. My students went right on with their preparation for class. She was ill and needed me to come home. I called my sister and told her that mum was ill and wanted us to come right away. She was a little slow (my sister)... in the meantime, Debbie G. begins preparing for me to leave. They couldn't find a sub so she got to play teacher. The students pretty much know what they are to do, and so subs don't mind coming to my room. I spent 7 hours in the ER waiting and waiting. It was hard for them to figure out what is wrong with her since every test comes back with negative results. All day waiting and waiting. Finally they decide they are going to keep her over night at least. The next morning when I arrive at the hospital with her Bible study materials and her word search book, didn't bring her clothes though, she tells me they have already released her and she was just waiting on me to get there... so I went back home, picked up her clothes, and my wonderful hubby goes and gets her vehicle, and he drives her home.

I hadn't been home from mum's more than 45 minutes, when Kristina calls. Jason called to see what she wanted him to do about Rachel falling out of the tree. (DUH!!) So back to the hospital ER. Only a badly sprained ankle. She is on crutches, and ice skating is out for a few weeks. Probably until the first of the new year.

Rachel went home for a little while Saturday night and then wanted to come spend the night here. She wanted to make sure she was able to go to church. Her mom brought her back in town. Church was a blast for her. Since Ashley's dad won't bring her to her church, she missed it. (SO SAD!) However, Rachel made sure she picked up all the activities they did for Ashley.

Sunday afternoon, Rachel wanted to go back to church to participate in the Christmas practice. She called Ashley and she wants to also. So they will be in the Christmas Eve program.

Not much else, except I didn't get much of the things done that I wanted to this weekend. Maybe next.

My Granddaughters Rake the Pile

The girls wanted to jump in the leaves this weekend, so if you want to play you have to rake. Here they are doing a great job of getting the large pile of leaves they had to jump in.

It is always great to have the girls over. Yes it was "candy" weekend, but we survived the sugar highs. And boy were they wound up with it Saturday night. However it is always great to have them over. We all love them so much. They can do NO WRONG!

Marge and Jeff Visit

My cousin Jeff and his mother flew in for the weekend. They came to visit me and Aunt Tilly. Aunt Tilly has been in the nursing home for sometime now. Marge is now legally blind. She seems to have adapted quit well. She is getting books on tape to listen to and she purchased a 42 inch TV so she could see it again. We had a really great time. Such a short visit, however she wanted to see the leaves changed one more time.

While we were having one of our many conversations Jeff commented, "You know here in the states I see few people that look like me. However when I go back to the old country, to the town our grandparents came from, everyone looks like me." We know now after many years of searching, our grandparents came to this country with very few other relatives. Maybe that's why so many of them look like us.

Covered Bridge ---

The next weekend, after Casi's house, we went to the Covered Bridge Festival. Kristina, Dustin, Rachel, Ashley, Lara, Chris, Makenna, Dad and me walked, and walked, and walked. Here are the as we leave pics and the coming home pics. Lara has the pics of while we were there.