So far...

So far behind on things for here. So I will try and get caught up in the next couple of days.

Prayers

Prayers to Oklahoma. Are schools really a safe place? Are there any safe places in a school from tornadoes? Probably not many. PRAYERS go out to OKLAHOMA and the families that lost so many children today.

Indiana Beach first trip of the season.

Took our first trip to Indiana Beach. It was sooooo much fun. It is great when you have great company to "goof-off" with. Love all of you!

Only

Only 221 days left till Christmas. I guess I better get busy on my shopping.

Stormy weather....

Stormy weather. Not bad here yet, however they are saying they are on their way. Stormy weather. .....

house full...

The house will be full Friday night. Can't wait to see my youngest grandbaby again. .... Love ya Miss K.

Katelyn and her book.

My daughter posted some pics of Miss K. She is looking at a book. I told my daughter that I think she is trying to give them a hint that she wants a Dalmatian.  Reasoning: 1. she is pointing to a Dalmatian on one page. 2. she is resting her head on the same picture of the Dalmatian and has that I wish you were real look in her eyes.

I know...

I know I missed 2 posts in April so maybe I can make them up this month.

Ash and me

Ashley and I have been scrapbooking pictures. She is getting more and more into it. As soon as school is out we can do a little better at planning the pages and making them spiffier.

Been busy

I have been keeping busy. So busy that I have not been keeping up on the house work. The girls have already been told that when school is out they will be required to help pick up.

May 7...

Already May 7th. The girls only have a few days of school left. Rachel made state so she will miss the first day of finals. Ashley has a picnic and then a half day of school next week. So time is a flying.

I need...

I need to get motivated to work on family history again. I think when school is out I will have more time. I have so much I need to include in my files. I need to get motivated!

Rachel and church

I think going to the private religious school has finally gotten the girls really into going to church.
Rachel got up and went on her own last Sunday. Ashley really wanted to go, however she has a very bad cold... weather changing playing havoc with her. Next Sunday they can both go.

Wowzeers....

Wowzeers, have I been busy this week...
Worked my job as Administrative Assistant M, T, W, subbing TR and Friday. Have taken pictures for the church newsletter Monday, Wednesday morning and Wednesday night, will be taking more pictures on Friday night. I have already started the June newsletter for the church. Went to Rachel's track meet. She is throwing state qualify distances so it looks like we will be having at least 2 more weeks of track. Ashley's school is having their family fun night the same day as our Mother's Day banquet. All parents had to sign up for one session, I signed Kristina up for set-up and clean-up. It looks like a busy, busy month.
In two weeks I will be the Administrative Assistant full time. Wow and I thought I was busy.... hahahaha

just found out....

Just found out that my youngest daughter will be here for the Mother's day banquet... Yeah! Can't wait.

Skype

Just skyped with my youngest grandbaby. Loved it. She loves to give kisses through the computer. She is so much fun. Love you Miss K. XOXOXOXO

I was...

I was talking to a teacher at the school today while waiting on Ashley. Asked her if she was keeping a count-down to summer... OH yeah she was... 12 teaching days and 14 teacher days. Lets see I am working 5 of those days.... Can't wait for summer. Of course I still work my other job.

Indiana Beach...

We are purchasing our season tickets to Indiana Beach this weekend. Doesn't seem possible that it is time to do that again.

Weather...

Well they are saying it will be in the 80's by the end of next week. Hopefully no rain for a week or so. The fields need to dry out or corn prices will be higher.

The power...

The power was out at school yesterday. The kids noticed before I did as it was their nap time. So instead of listening to music I read more stories to them.

Swagbucks...

Getting ready to collect some more swag real dollars. Yes I have enough points again to cash in for some good ole USA dollars. ... LOVE IT! no work just play.

NO MORE....

NO more rain. It is being predicted for three days next week. I don't know about some of you all, but we can't handle much more here.

Mother...

Mother's Day isn't too far away. Don't forget your mom (moms) on this special day.

my daughter....

My youngest daughter is so busy with school that she hasn't posted anything new for a long time to her blog.... I miss seeing videos of my precious granddaughter.

going...

I am going out hunting this morning in the cemetery. So I will be looking for just two graves. I love doing research on family history whether it is mine or someone else's.

some people....

Some people are already looking forward to the football season. Wait, basketball isn't over, baseball just started and they are talking football. Don't they know that football means school?

Still....

Still subbing and still working at the church half days. Wow it is almost the end of the school year. You can count down the days now on your fingers and toes.   HEE HAW!

researching

I have been researching the history of Memorial Day. I am writing an article for the church newsletter. I need to go to the public library to see what information I can find from the past celebrations in our local area.

See my....

Katelyn figured out a way to have her own swimming pool. Only she will fit in it.

HAHAHAHAHAH

GOT TO LOVE HER!

Visited Miss K

                   We went to visit Miss K today... Here are some pics.

                                   I got the ball. See I can get them.

                          I'll collect all the balls so we can do it again.

                          I can climb up the steps and back down them.

                Here ya go grandpa. The balls are all collected again.

                                   See I can drive this here buggy.

 

Mommy that is mine. You're too big.

Falling behind

I am falling behind on my posting. I will get caught up....

Updated

I went through the links for the craft section on the right hand side links. The ones that didn't work I deleted. I will be working on the others later.

Someone

Someone broke the window out of my car last night. They took the little bit of change I had in there. I am not sure if I had a checkbook in there or not. SO I filed a police report, got a new window and I think I will get a very touchy alarm system, maybe even some security cameras. This is so ridiculous. The police told me that there have been a rash, about thirty, in the area. No wonder I have been seeing all those cars with the plastic over the driver's side window. Get a life person. You need to get a job and stop doing stupid crap like this to hard working people.

It is sooo windy.......

It is so windy outside. I thinks a storm is brewing!

Planning...

We are planning a trip to go see our youngest granddaughter... When will they be available and us be available? Miss you Miss K and your folks too.

been to see....

Been to see my 2 youngest grandsons. We went to visit since it was our daughter's birthday. Had so much fun with them. Love seeing them when I can.

Sleep overs...

The girls have had two sleep overs this weekend. Friday night Ashley had a friend and Saturday night Rachel had a friend.
Ashley and her friend crashed by 8:30 and Rachel and her friend by midnight.
I can remember sleep overs were we didn't sleep all night. Went home went to church then had lunch then crashed.
Times sure have changed.

Oh spring is here....

Oh spring is here. We had a beautiful day yesterday.. It was very windy, but very mild temperature. Went to the cemetery to do some grave finding for individuals. Wonderful weather.

Only...

Only 261 more days til Christmas. Better start that shopping now. LOL

Met up with a new...

Met up with a new cousin. Not really a new cousin, just do not remember ever meeting him. He and his wife met with me at the library. Oh he has some new information and possibly some new pictures. Can't wait.

Here it is...

Here it is April.... School is almost out. My cousin said she had like 42 more days until she retires. Oh yeah. She will be loving that.

Loving the job

Loving my new job. Am I fool for working again? I don't think so. I love what I do and I love the people.

Mom

Mom  has been in the hospital. She had one of those attacks like before she had her gallbladder out. They said a stone was in her liver. Well it was too large to take out at her age so they put a stint in.

What a beautiful day....

What a beautiful day. It was a little cool, but it was sunny and bright. I subbed in the preschool today so we went outside to play. Ah spring....

Here it is almost...

Here it is almost 3 am. I think I may go back and try to sleep..... Couldn't a little while ago. Maybe this time I will.

Grandpa and his temper

My mother told me a story about her father just the other day. It seems my grandfather had a "hot" temper at one time. The story goes like this. Grandma told grandpa that my Aunt Selma needed new shoes. He responded with we should just get her iron shoes she wears them out so fast. Then grandma said her feet were growing and she needed shoes. Grandpa got angry about having to purchase another pair of shoes for Selma. He stated this is the last pair he was buying her. Well it turned out to be the last pair as Selma died a few weeks later from what they believed was food poisoning. However as I read the death certificate I believe she died from

appendicitis. She was only 3 years old, the others had eaten the same food as she.  Grandpa went into depression and was inconsolable. One day he was walking and went into the Old Free Methodist Church near his home. He talked with the minister and became a member. 
My mother was not born when Selma passed, neither was her brother.  Aunt Ethel was as she was the oldest.  My mother said she never knew of her father having a temper. I personally never saw him with a temper. I knew him as a very religious, God fearing person. I know he wore out numerous Bibles in his life time. I always believed it was because he was religious all his life.
I have found some cards that led me to ask my mother some questions about her father and her mother.
I knew grandma was pregnant before they married with Aunt Ethel. And then I found this notes that indicated they "liked their wine." Mom said, "I have heard my parents talk about that when I was younger, however I never saw my father or mother drink wine."
I am guessing that the death of Aunt Selma lead to this change in life style.

Off to work

Off to work on my scrapbook . Later gators.

Need basket ideas

I need some Easter basket ideas. Miss K doesn't eat much candy. The girls don't need candy... HUMMMMMM Think. Lara came up with the idea of puzzle pieces in the eggs and then put the puzzle together as they find the eggs. That is a COOL idea. I just might do that.

Need to find

I need to find a book with some fun facts or something for the church newsletter. HUMMMM .

holy cow

Holy cow it is baseball season already. Winter sure went by quickly. I would much rather watch baseball or football over basketball on TV. Of course I don't watch much TV any ways. Usually it is background noise if I watch at all.

Everything bought

Everything is bought for the Easter meal. Guess I should check that twice I don't want to be trying to go to the store with a house full of people.
Ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, baked mac and cheese and green beans, Hawaiian rolls and dessert - my sister is bringing that.

Going to try

I am going to try the recipe that my cousin's son is ranting about. I found the recipe and think I will send it with mother for the Easter breakfast at church.

Hello....

Hello, any one out there? I am going to go do some research and return some books to the library. Think I will go tonight.

10 inches

10 inches of snow... well some places around town measured 11. It is almost all gone. It melted very quickly once it stopped snowing. They are telling us we may get some more snow this weekend. But not 10 inches.

Library time

Library time for me tomorrow. I am going in the morning since I will have a house full tomorrow afternoon and evening. Can't wait. Love having my family home.

Miss K

Miss K will be here for Easter. The bunny better be ready for a little one around here. Going to get her picture with the bunny Sat.

In Texas

My husband has spent the last two weeks in Texas visiting our son. So he is headed home now... yeah. I have had the house all to myself all week. Everyone has been gone. They are all headed home. Yeah.

Got it done....

I got it done... all three bulletins and the monthly newsletter. Woohoo. so glad... I did it.

Time for the Illinois...

Time for the Illinois basketball game. Round 3. Been along time since we have gotten this far. Go Illinois.

I can't believe...

I can't believe how many people I have already added to my friends family tree. They are so happy.
I also did a photo of his brother for him and then I was able to find some pictures of both his' and hers' family. They had never seen them. Now that makes you feel great.

snow pics

over 6...

Over 6 inches and still coming down. Wow... Santa must be thinking.... why is the Easter bunny getting snow and I didn't.  LOL

Reba...

I wish the show Reba was still on. I have started watching the reruns and find it to be unique and refreshing. I love the fact that the ex-wife, ex-husband and the new wife can seem to coexist. I like the fact that Reba helps them through the rough waters of their marriage. I just think it shows lots of tolerance and understanding. It also shows that the two exs' still love each other and how they know they should probably should still be together, but a mistake ended their relationship as man and wife. This is very hard to explain. Watch it if you can. I think it is a super good show.

Golden Girls

I am watching TV land Golden Girls... So a rerun... ugh! Better than anything else on the tube....

OKAY ILLINOIS>>> Let's win tonight

Hoping for a victory tonight... GO Illini.

Things I need to get done at work.

This is Palm Sunday. This is Holy Week. There will be three services this week, plus a newsletter to complete before Easter Sunday. Wow. Will I be busy. I also have to finish writing the checks for this month. Okay Monday I am ready for you.

Thank goodness for spring break

Thank goodness for spring break. Yes the students are on spring break. And it is snowing here. Hahaha. No snow day for schools. I have read many teachers' complaining on FB about it snowing. Think about it this way.... you don't have to make it up.

Scrapbook

Think I will work on my family history scrapbook. Mom told me on the phone she was so bored... Told her to write some memories for me to include in my scrapbook.

Thank goodness

Thank goodness for the DVR... Not a thing to watch on TV. So bored. Snow keeping me inside today. Should have ran this morning. Oh well....

Spring and SNOW!!!!

Here it is March 24 and we are having our only major snow storm this year. At least it's not the real windy, with twister clouds like it could be.
I know... be prepared... we could get some real bad storms still.
The wind is gusty tonight and the roads were cleared once today... however ours is snow covered again. Not many cars out and it is a little dangerous.
Hot chocolate, popcorn night.

Sec. of Church

I am the administrative assistant of our church.. Sounds important. I do the job of type, get to practice my bookkeeping skills and answer the phone. I enjoy it as it is not as stressful as teaching... at least not right now.

March 24, 2013

Wow, today I noticed I have not written but 1 blog post all month. I need to get busy and catch up on everything.

just that....

I have seen this a couple times on FB. I thought it was worth doing again.

 

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan".. All grades will be averaged a...nd everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail and no one will receive an A.... (substituting grades for dollars - something closer to home and more readily understood by all).

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test average was a D! No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed. Could not be any simpler than that. (Please pass this on) These are possibly the 5 best sentences you'll ever read and all applicable to this experiment:

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!

5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

Here it is the ....

Here it is the end of February. 2 months down in the 2013 year. Time is going by quickly. It will be time for school to be out in just 3 months. Wow... If I were still teaching, I would be praying for NO snow days.

And another one...

And another one is finished. Yes I have cleaned out yet another tub of various items related to school and genealogy. Wow, I am beginning to feel success. Now to just keep up that positive energy.

wow... rain, rain go away....

It has poured down rain most of the day. At least it was rain. Just think if it was snow we would be buried. The weather man isn't giving us much hope of an early spring... said snow in forecast rest of this week and next week could be another big one.... Well we just haven't had any big ones yet this year. SO ......

Tomorrow...

Well tomorrow will be my first day as the church secretary.... Wishing myself good luck.

I absolutely love.....

I absolutely love skyping with my youngest granddaughter. I wish my other grandchildren would skype that live away from here. I do miss all of them. Come on let me win that lottery.... LOL I want to just visit them all!

Oh the family tree...

I am working on the ole family tree still.... I keep finding more information... so exciting. Sad part is it is time to pay that ancestry.com fee again. So expensive....!

Found!

Found! Yes after reading several article that my great-grandmother Jones had been interviewed for, death of family members and a few for various birthday's of hers since was the oldest living person in one community... each birthday marked by an article and interview of her... I have finally found proof of the infant son she talks about. Now to find someone that know something... well it won't be a family member as my mother is the only one still living, so off to the library for some deep reading. I sure hope I find something soon. I want a name! I want a date! And since the surname is so common and there were actually two families with a husband and wife combination the same, this could be a challenge.

And the....

And the purging continues...! Yes I am still at it. It seems I get done with one stack and then I go and find more and create another stack. It does feel good to dispose of all this stuff. Now just to continue.

We were ....

We were ready for the storm to hit... well we got a little and when it started we were bracing for the worst. About 4 inches of snow with ice on top. Salted the steps and going out to brush the snow off the windows of the car. It has started to melt. Tomorrow will be a tough day to drive if it gets too cold tonight.

Miss K...

Miss K and I skyped again. She was so funny. Her dad called me. She was trying to watch her cartoons and kept moving around the screen to see what was happening and then she would come back to the screen and talk and then move again. Her daddy was moving the Ipad so she couldn't watch the TV. Soon she was pinned against the wall. So we decided she really wanted to watch Bob the Builder more than talk to grandma. LOL

Oh no I am allergic...

Oh no I am allergic to the weather.... LOL. I finally broke down and went since I was having a hard time sleeping and just plain ole breathing. Sinus problems with all of this wild weather. The meds seem to be working.

Going back to work

I am going back to work... just part time. They need a secretary at the church so I am going to be the new secretary. It is not many hours, but it will fill some time.
My husband is finding that retirement just isn't what you dream about. It in reality means you have a lot of time... if you don't fill it with something, you get old an fat.

More recognition...

More recognition... Ashley is gone to the state boys junior high basketball championship in Peoria today. They are being honored. What a great thing all of this has been for her.

Last Friday.....

This is the last Friday for the month of February, 2013. Wow.

Friday....

Friday the 7th grade girls basketball team are being honored at the state playoffs. So proud of these girls. They will be taking Miss A as she played with them even though she was only 5th grade. Way to go girls. One more honor for you all!

Honors again....

Honors again for both of the girls..... R and A. Woo hoo. So proud of them. Well we are on the last quarter of this school year. That means spring is ready to spring.....

Been....

Been working on my family history again. I have found a great deal of new information. Now to just "digest" it and get it all organized. At one time someone told me that all the people in America with my maiden last name where related. I am beginning to think so. I wish my aunt B and her friend were both still alive. I could finally tell them, "Yes, you are related."

Wow, where has time gone?

Wow, where has time gone?
It is now the 20th of February. This month is almost over. It seems we have some kind of storm going to hit. They just aren't sure how or what. Wish Robert Reese was still alive and giving the forecast. The ones that have taken his place just aren't as good as he was. Maybe with time they will get better, but right now I have NO FAITH in them. I know it is hard to predict things, but at least he was closer than them. Also, I think because of the newer equipment that the national weather service is using we are not getting good reports as they seem to be too sensitive and cause false reports of bad weather. I don't know. Just makes planning your week so much harder.

Muhammad Ali's advice to his daughters...Powerful!

One of my friends posted this on FB ~ Every woman should read it! I don't know who originally posted it, however I think I will purchase the book.

 

Muhammad Ali's advice to his daughters...Powerful!

An incident transpired when Muhammad Ali’s daughters arrived at his home wearing clothes that were quite revealing.
Here is the story as told by one of his daughters:
“When we finally arrived, the chauffeur escorted my younger sister, Laila, and me up to my father’s suite. As usual, he was hiding behind the door waiting to scare us. We exchanged many hugs and kisses as we could possibly give in one day.
My father took a good look at us. Then he sat me down on his lap and said something that I will never forget. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Hana, everything that God made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to.
Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground, covered and protected.
Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell.
Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You've got to work hard to get to them.”
He looked at me with serious eyes. “Your body is sacred. You’re far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered too.”


From the book: More Than A Hero: Muhammad Ali's Life Lessons Through His Daughter's Eyes.

Volleyball

Rachel is in full swing with volleyball. She loves sports and she loves cheerleading. Next year she can't cheer and play sports. It doesn't seem possible that she will be high school in just a few months.

Rachel is heading for a school dance

Rachel is heading for a school dance tonight. Then a bunch of them are going to the movies. She is really growing up.

motorcylcle show

My wonderful husband and I are going to the motorcycle show. We have not been for a long time. Can't wait to see what there is to offer.

Scanning, scanning and moare scanning

I am now working on scanning things that are in another tub. I have finished two.... woo hoo!
I am beginning to feel good about this.

Wow no school....

Monday is a holiday. I think I will go help Mom at the church. The secretary got a new job and so now they don't have one. She wants me to work it into my schedule to do the job. I am thinking about it. It is only 20 hours a week and I can still substitute teach while I do the job. Just have to work out my hours there when I can't be there.

Haven't been....

I haven't been on FB much. Ashley has been sick and I have been substitute teaching quite a bit. Ashley has had the flu and she has been down with bronchitis.

Wow only 1 post this month

Wow I have only posted one post this month. I need to get caught up. I have been pretty busy, so I guess that is a good excuse.
NOT!

think about this

Grandmother Says... Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee; "Which are you?"

A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard fo...r her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft.She then asked her to take an egg and break it.

After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked. "What's the point,grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.

"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?

Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?

---AUTHOR UNKNOWN