Almost a month to the day!!

Well I have been playing with different blog accounts and not finding anything I can get a handle on. I'm not majorly impressed with any of them so guess I'll stick with blogger for now.
My daughter got on MySpace and I like her site but didn't have much luck messing with one for myself. So here I am back to blogger. Although I did get the newer version of it.
Let's see. This month in review has actually been pretty good. I usually get pretty stressed around Christmas but this year was different somehow. Maybe it is because we decided to make some gifts and put a limit on our spending ( and stuck to it!!). That seemed to really help. We are not in debt and it feels great!!! Now if we can just keep at it through this new year.
By the way in case I forget...Happy New Year!! I hope and pray everyone has a great year.
I was really wishing for a white Christmas but that just didn't seem to happen, but guess what...now we finally got snow! I love it. Snow makes everything look clean and fresh. The kids love making snowmen and throwing snow at each other. Of course there is always sledding too. It is not bitterly cold so that also helps. It is just some nice winter weather.
The boys really enjoyed Christmas and all the fun presents that they got. J's favorites are his Airplane from Santa and the huge slot car track that was a present to him and his brother from his Grandma and Grandpa. B loves that track too but he also loves the RC truck that he got from his Secret Santa.
James is busy finishing up some projects that he started before Christmas. He was hoping to get a shelf unit made in our livingroom for DVD's and movies but so far he's been too busy doing other things.
We've spent a lot of time socializing this month. It has been fun to spend time with family and friends. We are planning on having several over for New Year's Eve. Should be a good time for all.
Christmas was a little nicer this year as we didn't have to rush from one place to the next. It actually stretched out over 3 days and was quite fun. We spent time with James' Grandpa and his wife along with other family members on the 23rd. Then on Christmas eve we were at his parents house for a few hours and then my mom's with my family for the evening. Lots of food and laughter at both places. Christmas Day was at our house and was just as relaxing as there weren't a ton of people here. Only glitch in the whole thing was trying to get my webcam up and running on Christmas Day so that the family here could visit with my daughter and her family in Washington. Didn't work as planned and she didn't get to see everyone. Oh well, there will be other opportunities.
Now it is on to the New Year and new opportunities. Reach out and grab hold the ride is going to be great!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!!

Christmas is well on its way!!!

Well hello again! I know its been forever since I last posted, but life has been kind of busy. I am happy to say it isn't just all work that has kept me busy. We have been spending quite a bit of time with family and friends. After all what are the holidays all about if not being thankful for all of our loved ones?
HH's back is much better finally! He spent almost 3 weeks sleeping on the floor as that was better for his back than the pillowtop mattress we have. He also went to the chiropractor 2 or 3 times a week there for awhile. Now he is down to once a week and is less restricted in what he can do at work. He and the little guy are playing PS2 in the other room. We got some new to us games from a friend of his at work. They also gave us a stack of DVD's to go through. We didn't have most of them and they are kid friendly so that was really cool.
We got our tree on Friday, HH, J, B and I all went and found the perfect tree. The boys wanted a full one this year so I told them it would have to be a short one. We found this really pretty 4 footer at the place we go every year. They are reasonable and their trees usually last till after Christmas. So then yesterday HH, J and I set it up and decorated it. B is with his mom this weekend. We saw them today at the WM store. Anyway it is a beautiful little tree. Although we need to find a topper for it. I use to have an angel, but it was from when CB and I were married and I figured that it was time to get something that was for me and HH and our family. So I sent the angel out to Tawny and her family. She was really glad to get it.
Well now it is time to start getting ready for Christmas with all the fun of the season. We have decided to make a bunch of our gifts this year as money is tight. I'm looking forward to it and I think HH is too!! The kids and grandkids are the only ones we plan on buying for. We are even making stuff for each other. I think it will be lots of fun!!
I am planning on having a two day CM open house and crop in 2 weeks. I will have it here at home as that will save on trying to get a room at a reasonable price. So then everyone who comes won't have to pay such a high crop fee. I think it will just be $5 to crop as long as they want. I know I can't get as many here but since it is two days I think that will help. Pray for it please.
J is doing great. He has learned to count to 100 ( he has to look at the numbers sometimes to get them) and can do some adding and subtracting if he uses his fingers or other visuals for counting. He knows his ABC's and can also sound out simple words. He loves it when I read to him and have him tell me some of the words. He can tell you how to spell his first name and is working on his middle and last name now. Now all I have to do is get him to sit still and learn to write it!! He doesn't really like to sit and write letters. He is however finally getting where he sits and colors sometimes with me and the other kids I take care of.
B will be 9 in February and J will be 5 in March. That seems unreal to me. Also the fact that HH and I have been married 6 years in February!! Wow that went by fast. For the most part I still feel like a newlywed. We have our ups and downs but it seems we always are together in all that happens. He is a very supportive, loving person and I pray that I can be the wife he needs me to be.
We are in a small group now through our Church. It is fun to spend time with people learning what Christ wants for us. We are learning to serve together and it has been fun.
We also finally have a handful of really good friends to spend time with. We have truly been blessed in the last couple of years. God is so good and faithful.
Well I suppose I better get going. Time to fix supper and then spend some quality time with my guys! LYL and have a great week!!!

Today is more Rumblings than Ramblings!!!

Rumblings, Grumblings, whatever!!! This weekend was really a good weekend with a bummer ending. My mom and I went shopping Saturday morning and I finally got some nice clothes for me. I never shop for myself but I decided it was time. I am very happy to say I was blessed and found what I wanted at reasonable prices. Everything I bought was on sale. I am blessed!!! Than Saturday afternoon, James and I went to our friends, K & M's house, to fell some trees to get ready for Sunday's activities. Sunday we went to church and than Sunday afternoon we got together with our small group and our friends, K & M, and we split, stacked and hauled wood for a family that is in need. The day was awesome. We had a lot of fun and fellowship as we worked. James back had been bothering him all week and it just happened that toward the end of the day he picked up a branch in one hand and had the chainsaw in the other and when he turned to throw the branch out of his way....Bam!! His back went out. I guess he about hit the ground but being the He man that he is he didn't quit and take it easy. Nooooooooo my man had to keep going and tough it out. Well actually he finally agreed to quit sawing and just run the splitter. So that was better but a little too late! When we were done he was walking kind of like a bent old man. Instead of coming home and taking it easy we decided to go to Wendy's for a bite with our friends. Everything was fine until we went to leave. He made it almost out the door when down he went. Something pinched and he had a hard time walking. Fact is he couldn't get back up he had to crawl forward and then R & A helped him up while I got the van and drove it over by him. We took B home to his mom's and dropped a now sleeping J off at home where his big brother, Levi, could watch him while we made a late trip to the ER. They took x-rays and gave him a shot of good pain killers and we were able to walk out of there and get some prescriptions filled and come home. That pain med really worked for him. Than today I made him stay home from work and take it easy. We also went to the Chiropractor to get him some help. He goes back on Wednesday and isn't to lift more than 20 pounds all week. Dr. even gave him a note for light duty at work. He has been moping around here all day as he is a very physical, stay busy kind of guy!! So that was our weekend!! Hopefully, this week will go better. Please pray for him to heal and also please pray that I find another little one to watch. See ya later!!

53 Days till Christmas Eve

Well I just counted and yes it is official, we have only 53 shopping days till Christmas Eve.

Halloween was fun. J finally decided he would be Superman and Daddy was a miner with his hard hat and "head-light". We took him to friends and family to trick or treat. He had lots of fun and actually got quite a bit of candy, and in the process our little sweetheart blessed several people with his "twinkly" eyes. One of our friends said that J was the first Superman he had ever seen with such a twinkle in his eyes. He was just such a happy kid last night and he spread his love around to those he was with. Sometimes I think the best part of the different holidays is how the kids act. He is so innocent and fun-loving that it just touches my heart. So we had a fun family outing last night.
This morning I have my kids again. J, and 2 others are having fun playing and now they are watching "Frosty The Snowman". It is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Usually I wait until the day after Thanksgiving but they were in need of something new and different from the normal stuff they like to watch!
Today is a good day. God has blessed me with a wonderful, loving husband and both my little and big boys are blessings too. Levi is planning on moving out after the first of the year. I'm not sure how he is feeling about it but hopefully he will do okay with it. I just want my kids to succeed and be happy. I also want them to follow Christ and His will for their lives. That is my prayer today and everyday. Please pray that James and I will follow God's direction for our lives also. Sometimes it is hard to know what God has in mind and what decisions we should make.

How the time flies!!

This is why it has taken me so long to post!! My grandbabies were here for a week and I spent every spare minute with them!! I couldn't believe how much little Ellery had grown in three weeks! She is such a sweetie! Of course so is her big brother! A is a real sweet big brother. He loves to cuddle his sister, at least until we get the camera out, then he is gone!! T & E went out while they were here and I got to babysit the little ones. Wow! That was a trip. I had them overnight and of course was afraid I wouldn't wake up with the little one. So I didn't get much sleep even though she actually did really well! It is funny how with your own little ones you are so use to it that you can sleep and you hear them with no problem, but watch someone else's and it is a different story!! Anyway, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to be with my little grandchildren. Funny thing is I really don't feel old enough to be a grandma yet. Maybe it is because of my wonderful four year old son!!!




Jeremiah is wonderful. He loved having everyone here too. He likes playing with A and absolutely loves holding and cuddling Ely. These pictures were actually taken when we were at Tawny's. I will post the more recent ones next time.

Life has been pretty busy all in all. I am taking care of three little girls and it is time for me to start working with J and one of the girls to get them ready for school next year. I am going to set aside time each day to work with them on letters, numbers, colors, etc. J actually knows all of these but he needs to learn to write them. He can even read simple words as he has learned to sound words out. I am totally impressed with how he is doing, but he doesn't like to write so I have to figure out a way of making it fun! The one little girl is a bit behind him but hopefully I can be patient and a good teacher for her. One of the girls is 4, one is 5 and one is 8. The five year old is in Kindergarten every other day. I am working with her on writing her name. The eight year old is in third grade and is a sweet girl. I guess really they are all pretty sweet but the younger ones push against the rules quite a bit. Feel sorry for their parents when they get a little older. LOL. Girls can be so much fun!!
Well I suppose I better get in gear. I already got my Biblestuding done and checked email and such. So now I need to get busy with the other chores of the day. James should be out soon for breakfast and then we'll be off and running!!! I have to get ready for my crop that I am holding tomorrow and also we are having company for supper tonight so have to prepare for that!!
Well have a great day and keep smiling!!

Oh yeah, just for you Don....
1. Praise songs
2. Carmen - No Monsters
3. George Strait - We really shouldn't be doin' this
4. Carmen - I've been delivered
5. Trace Adkins - Hot Mama
6. Josh Turner - Your man, Long Black train, etc.
7. Kentucky Headhunters - Dumas Walker and other songs
8. More George
9. More Trace
10. Runaway Bride soundtrack

Does that work Don? I'm not tagging anyone unless they consider themselves tagged when they read this!!!

I am sooooo excited!!

My daughter and her family will be here tonight. She called about 7am my time and said they were leaving. They should get in sometime later this evening. I am praying that their trip goes well. She wasn't sure how it would be since the baby has to be nursed every 2 or 3 hours. Hope the kids are good for them!! They will be staying with my mom as she has a bigger house and plenty of beds! I am just so excited to see those little ones. Ely is 6 weeks old tomorrow. My how time flies! Anyway it will be great to have them here for the week. I even have Monday off so no extra kiddos.
Well I kind of had some bad news earlier this week. I don't know if I had said anything earlier but Levi got engaged a few weeks back. We were all so happy because Becca is a real sweetheart. She is a Christian and just a very nice girl. Anyway, things had actually progressed kind of fast and after they got engaged it hit Levi how fast they were moving and he started having second thoughts. So needless to say this last week they broke it off. They both agree that it was sailing along a bit fast and they needed to step back a little bit. They also realized how different from each other they are. Becca is very committed and Levi is still at that point where he goes back and forth between being mad at God (for his Dad's death) and being okay with things. He isn't anywhere close to being committed yet and I just have to keep praying that soon he will be. But that means that for now he and Becca are done. She stopped over last night to visit with me and James. She is having a hard time because she really enjoys being with our family too. So this is going to be tough but like I told her, she is still a part of our family even if they don't get married ever. Please just pray for both of them as I know Levi is hurting to, although he doesn't always show it the way others do.
Well I suppose I better get going for now. Gotta run to the bank. I'll try to write again later but not sure that will happen. James is out and about right now but when he comes back I kind of want to go shopping for a pair of jeans. So take care until next time. Oh yeah....Don please write soon I miss reading your blog. At least E is consistent and I get to see pics of my niece and nephew and hear how you all are doing!!! Love you all!!

Heeeectiiiiiic!!!

Can we say BUSY!! Wow its only Tuesday and I feel like I've been going at high speed for a week! Yesterday was a blur. We had a great weekend. Got groceries and did some other shopping on Saturday and had an actual "date night" with my honey. No kids. It was awesome. Actually spent the night alone as the little one stayed with Grandma N. That is the first time in a long time he has wanted to spend the night anywhere. So it was really nice. Then Sunday we picked him up for church and then after lunch it was off to Grandma's with him again so Hubby and I could go help some friends cut down trees and haul the wood away. Worked hard and had some fun at the same time. It is always fun to work together! Then we had supper with them and visited for awhile before going to pick up the little guy again and head home to bed. So of course nothing was done at home since we had been gone basically all weekend!! So Monday was a bustle of activity for me. I had an appointment at 10 am and it was chaos before and after that. First my daughter calls, then while I am talking to her my sister calls and wants to bring me coffee and visit. I told her come on over but hold the coffee, I already had some. Then I continued to talk to T until B got here. Oh yeah and the gal I babysit for called too so we could make sure the schedule was straight. So then B and I visited for a little bit and my mom showed up to watch the Littles while I went to my appointment. So lets see then it was Appointment, buy stamps and send off CM letters. Come home and start on the normal routine + watch and play with and feed kids. James came home for lunch and then finally I get my little break. Naptime was definitely invented by and for MOMS!! Read a few pages in my romance novel and washed clothes at the same time. Then it was time for snack and time to get supper started. My last child leaves at 7 pm and that is when I finished drying my last load for the day. Whew!!!
Today is a bit better, although I have my little guy + 2 extras to take care of. But today they are being pretty good and right now is naptime (I really do bless the Mom who invented it!)
So everything is nice and quiet as I sit and type at my keyboard. I also had fun getting my new slideshow up and running. Hope everyone enjoys it!!

I'm back!

Well hello again. What's that I hear...you missed me? No way! I haven't been gone that long have I? Oh well yes it has been almost a month!! Well you know how it is, no computer, no posting!!! So do you want to know what I've been up too? You do! That's great! I'm so excited.
On August 26th I made the long trip to Spokane to be with my daughter and her husband for the birth of their second child. This baby was due to be born on September 6th via C-section, but decided that since Grandma came early to see mommy than she wanted to see Grandma early too! Charlotte Ellery Stillar decided to appear a mere 6 hours after Grandma got there. Boy was I glad I had decided to go early!! Ely, as her parents are calling her, was born on August 27th at 12:30am. She was 3 weeks early (from her due date) and weighed in at 6 lbs. 15oz. and was actually about 21 inches although her hospital record says 18 1/2 inches ( at her two week appointment they measured her 3 times at 21 inches and decided she had been mismeasured at the hospital). She has LOTS of curly hair that is the same color as her mom and dad's. She went through about a week of jaundice and then things started looking up. I was there for three weeks and enjoyed loving on her and her big brother Aidyn. They are both precious little loves.
I am very glad to be home though. I really missed my handsome hubby and everyone here. I think he kinda missed me too!!! Anyway it is great to be back and I will post some pictures at a later date.

Hazy days

I'm sorry it has taken so long to post. Things were kind of busy over the weekend and I played catch up on Monday. The big news around here is a fire that started on Tuesday morning. It started in Emerald Hills and grew from 50 acres the first few hours to 1,100 by that night and is now at around 5,000 acres. Many homes are in harms way but praise God the firefighters have saved all but 2 so far. The fire is still uncontained and winds overnight and this morning have made things pretty harsh. They evacuated all of Emerald Hills Tuesday and that mandatory evacuation is still in effect. They also temporarily evacuated an area close to Hwy 87. They have brought in a Type 2 incident command team and FEMA will kick in I guess. So that should help. Although our firefighters have done
an awesome job so far!!!
If you are interested in seeing what is going on go to montanasnewsstation.com or kulr.com for more information. There are pictures and video clips. Anyway that is what has kept me from blogging. Oh yeah not to mention that because of the fire and where it is we lost power from Tuesday afternoon until last night when it finally came on about 9:30 or so. Kind of hard to use the old computer when there isn't any power!! I'm posting a few pictures for you all to see.

The first, third and last pictures are taken as we sat in the church parking lot. The houses you see are in the new subdivision that is being built where the big field across the road from the church use to be. The fire actually topped the ridge and came part way down before they got that part out. It is still smoldering today.
The second picture is looking at the backside of the fire from I-90 between Billings and the Pryor exit. We went back out yesterday because they had closed that portion of interstate for awhile on

Tuesday. I didn't take pictures but the fire actually crossed the interstate in places and there were a lot of fence posts, trees and other areas that were still smoldering. It was pretty weird after just being there the day before!
It is pretty bad and I just ask that everyone would pray that there will be no loss of life and that houses can be spared. Thanks everyone!! Hopefully I can blog more later but for now thats all. Over and Out!!

Up, up and away...

Well I just got home from the airport. I took Becca (Levi's girlfriend) and her family to the airport. They are headed for Orlando. She was a little nervous and a lot excited!! I hope they have lots of fun together.
After dropping them at the airport J and I went to Wendy's and got drive-thru. Then headed up to park and watch the airplane take off. We had about a half hour to wait and we just enjoyed watching the other planes. I think he would stay up there all day if we could. He loves the planes. His favorites are the FedEx planes and the Fire Bombers because they are so huge and loud. He says he wants to go in the Army so he can drive tanks, fly jets and do other cool stuff. Wonder if he will still feel that way when he is all grown up!!
I got the boys new room painted and the wall border up. We still need to put the kicker board up, but other than that I think it is ready for me to put stuff away and get them moved into it. Hope it works okay. J isn't too sure about being in a different room and so far from Mommy and Daddy. But I think it will be better as he will be able to hear us when he first goes to bed and there is more room to play in this room. It use to be the master bedroom so it is the biggest bedroom in the house. I painted it Monterey Blue on the bottom, White on top with a Batman border and it will have dark wood trim around the floor and windows. I think it will look cool when it is totally done. Then once Levi moves out later this fall, I can repaint the boys old room and it will be a craft/exercise room for James and me. I already have a border picked out and some decorating ideas in mind. Just have to wait and see what gets done.
I leave for Tawny's in just a 2 short weeks. I am so looking forward to seeing my baby and her babies! I just realized yesterday how terrible much I miss her. She has been having some problems in her pregnancy and I just wish I was there to help out where ever I could. Hopefully this 2 weeks will go fast and then the time I spend out there will creep by!!! Yeah right!! It never seems like you can stay long enough. That's okay though because I guess they are coming here in late October or early November. Before the snow flies anyway. I feel very blessed that I get to see her as much as I do. I just miss her so much. Having kids is great until they grow up and move away!!!
I suppose I better get moving and get something done before James gets home. I want to make him a nice supper. I've been kind of a witch here lately I think. He never complains but I know that I've been kind of grumpy! So I need to do some make up with him. Don't you love making up....I sure do!!! Talk at ya later!!!

Today is a new day!

I am so glad yesterday is over. It started out good but kind of went south! We got up and ready for church with no problem. Church was awesome. I really enjoyed the music and the sermon was very thought provoking. I love it when a sermon gets you thinking! Then B went to a friends for the afternoon and we came home after stopping to get something fast at Wendy's. Okay here's where it starts to go south. Saturday night the gal I child sit for had called and asked if I could watch her little girl on Sunday while she took here boys to the fair. Well I talked to James and he said that would be okay. So when we got home after church she dropped her off. She was in a pretty good mood even though she wasn't going with to the fair. I was surprised! So anyway, we took off to run around. We had to return the lawnmower we had bought as it wasn't cutting right and had some mechanical problem. Then we went to a few shops to look for another mower. All in all E and J were pretty good little kids. Then we did the WalMart thing and the Costco thing and came home. Kids still being pretty good! James took the mower he had borrowed back and went to pick up B. Well he ended up bringing B's friend A back too. A can get a little wild and I had told James the only time he could be here is when James is here too. So they all started playing together and we got supper going. That's when it started. Here comes E in tears cause A said something mean to her. When confronted A denied it, although E doesn't usually cry for no reason! So I talked to A and he sat there and started arguing with me. I really hate it when kids argue with an adult!! So I took care of that and had him apologize to E. Supper was a constant stream of "Shhh, just eat" or "Elbows off the table" or "Don't talk with your mouth full" and "Lean over your plate, please". With 4 little ones it wasn't a very fun meal. So see E's mom was suppose to get her at 5 or so and instead we ended up taking A home first at 7:30 then on to B's mom's to drop him off, then up to the airport as we had promised J we would stop and watch the planes for a few minutes( this promise actually happened way earlier in the day but this was our first opportunity to fulfill it!!) then off to see if E's mom was home yet. We dropped her off at a quarter to 9. Her mom had just got home. She was really apologetic, but it really irks me when people are late. And come on 3 hours late that is just...well anyway, I'm glad yesterday is over and today is a new day. I will have four little ones today including my J, but I am thinking it will still be a much calmer day!!

On a happier note...yesterday was my BIL's birthday. Hope you had a good one Don! James tried to call but we figured it might have been kind of late over there. LYL BIL and SIL HAGD!!!

Oh what a beautiful morning!

It smells so fresh and nice outside today! I woke up this morning, opened the curtains and had to smile. What a beautiful morning!! The sun is poking through the clouds and the ground is still wet from the downpour we got last night. There is just a hint of fog and the air smells crisp and clean. Not to mention that it is quite a bit cooler today!
It was great last night to lay in bed and hear the rain on the roof. What a peaceful thing to fall asleep with. We had enjoyed a nice evening with friends, eating, visiting and playing horseshoes until dark. Then when they left it was bedtime and the rain started coming down hard. It was awesome.
Okay enough about our wonderful weather. It has been a busy week and shows no sign of slowing down which in a way is okay with me. I spent the week babysitting and getting a room ready to paint, along with keeping up the normal day to day stuff. Then Friday, I mudded the holes and when that dried, I primed the walls. Then yesterday I was able to paint. Got it all done too. Kind of surprised myself as I am doing two colors and had to wait in between colors for it to dry. Now today we have to get the trim and get it up. Then this week I babysit again and have to get the room back in shape as it is the boys room and the toy room!! The little guy wants to help me paint so today I told him he could help paint the trim for the livingroom. It has been needing to get done for a long time. James got it cut and now I just need to get it painted and up. We are hoping to get new windows in the house someday but who knows when that will happen. Just wait and see I guess.
Talked to Tawny yesterday. She had been having contractions and wasn't feeling well. She was kind of worried she might be going into labor and asked if I could come out early if she was. Then she called last night and was doing better. Things had settled down for her. So hopefully she will last until September. I am really looking forward to going out there to see them and to be there when she has the baby.
I think that about catches up with my week, but if I think of something I'll be back!!!

What a way to learn about someone!

I have been tagged by my SIL.
A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. dishwasher at a Mexican food place
2. youth leader
3. wife and mom
4. babysitter

B) Movies you watch over and over:
1. Pretty Woman
2. Wedding Planner, well anything with Matthew McConaughy!(yum)
3. Dirty Dancing
4. Both Zorro movies with Antonio Banderas

C) Four places I have lived:
1. Worden, MT
2. Billings, MT
3. Darby, MT
4. Pompeys Pillar, MT (hmm, get the drift...I've always lived here!!)

D) Four TV shows I love to watch
1. Grey's Anatomy (love McDreamy)
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Without a Trace
4. CSI Miami and the original CSI ( in that order)

E ) Four places you have been on vacation
1. Las Vegas
2. Spokane, WA
3. Newport Bay and Lincoln City, OR
4. Rapid City, SD

F ) Web sites you visit daily
1. johnsonsjunction.com
2. blogs
3. billingsgazette.net
4. eharlequin.com

G) Four of my favorite foods
1. Jade Palace Orange Chicken
2. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (any kind of gravy!)
3. Steak
4. Tacos (Johnson or sloppy)

H) Four places I would rather be right now
1. reading a romance book
2. cropping
3. playing at the lake
4. taking a nap!

I) Four friends I think will respond
1. Don
2. Colleen
3. I'd say Elizabeth but she is the one who tagged me.
4. Pretty sad but that's all I can think of...Guess I need some more blogger friends!!!

Have fun!! Hope I hear from some of you!

Finally pictures of my finished project!!

Okay I've been promising pictures..well here they are. At least they will be if I can get this to work!! The first one is looking at the deck from the lawn. I love sitting in my swing and looking out over the yard in the early morning or in the evening when it starts to cool off. I still need to do some work on the rock around the bush and then I need to plant some smaller flowers around the bush too. After doing this rock work and seeing how pretty it is, I would really like to do a little more in a few other places around the yard. Maybe a water feature or whatever they are called. I want to make sure and use this same type of rock though. There is also a concrete slab at the front door that I would like to replace with a large stone someday. Not sure when that will happen though. And of course the house could use new windows and siding but that takes a bit of money so will have to wait. This rock work only cost about $30 because the rock was free so we only had to pay for mortar!
The next picture is sitting on the deck looking out into the yard. When I sit in my swing and look out over the yard, I dream of what I want to do in it. Some day the old shop will be gone and a new one will be put up all the way at the back of the property. Maybe we will have a little basketball court for the boys where the old shop is now since there is a nice little concrete pad there. The corral also needs to come down and all the junk needs to be either organized or taken to the dump!! We will need to plant quite a bit of grass but it will be beautiful. We also will need to plant some trees and of course more bushes and flowers.

The last picture is looking in the gate. We only have the privacy fence on the side of the drive way, but some day we hope to have the 6 foot fence around all of the yard except looking out the back. That way it would just be quieter and of course more private.
We spent yesterday and today working on our neighbors trees. James climbed up in them and trimmed and cut down branches that needed to come down. I worked on the ground cutting limbs up enough to drag them and get them in the trailer to take to the dump. We took one load this morning and James took the second load this afternoon. We are both pretty tired but it was well worth it. James really likes to do this kind of work, and it is something we can do together. I really enjoy that.
Well I suppose I better go. I am hoping to go visit my niece and her new baby. Then I hope to come home and just rest! I am sure James is hoping for a little rest also.

GTKM: Favorite time of day...evening when it cools off

Now tell me something about you!

Calgon take me away....

This past week has been too hectic! I had a party for James' 30th birthday on Sunday afternoon. I think everyone had a good time. Just a lot of visiting and relaxing. Really needed that after the week we had. I spent all of last week cleaning up from the camping trip and getting ready for the garage sale. I think I washed about a ton of laundry and dishes. Then took two or three days to get all the garage sale stuff out and tagged. Friday and Saturday I spent outside working the sale. It really went very well considering how hot it was. Made almost $200 in 2 days. I figured that was worth the trouble!! Then of course Sunday was spent preparing and having the party. The guys played horseshoes and the girls visited and played with the kids. It really was enjoyable. The only fly in the ointment was the fact that I ended up getting in an argument with my dad the night before and that is still bugging me. Oh well, I can't control how he is so I might as well get over it.
This week has been going okay. Jeremiah has been going to a Backyard Bible Club every morning for about an hour or so. It is at his Aunt Becky's and he is loving it. First two days I almost couldn't get him to leave. They have an inflatable "castle" that the kids can jump in. He totally loves it. I think he would spend all day in there if I'd let him! He finally understood that if he kept fussing about going home, he wouldn't get to come back the next day. Soooo yesterday he made sure and didn't fuss at all. He really is a pretty sweet kid.
Last night my brother called to let us know that his step-daughter, Joy, was in the hospital having her baby. I called this morning and found out she had it about 3am. Its a boy, but that is all I know right now as Rod didn't have details. I'll go up later and see her.
Tawny is due in about 5 weeks now. She is getting pretty excited. So am I as I get to go out there for two weeks when she has the baby. Wish I could fly but it is way too expensive, so I guess I will drive. Not sure whether I should take the van or the car. It would be nice to try the van out on a road trip!! I really do enjoy driving it. Never thought I'd be a van mom!!!
The weather has finally cooled off a little so we have been enjoying the great outdoors more. I think I will actually go out today and work in the yard some more. I need to take a picture of the rock work we did, but I want things to look nice first!! Okay so I'm a little weird about things like that. I hate taking pictures and then when I get them back I notice how yucky the background is! So now I take a little care about background, before taking the picture. Just makes sense.
Well it does to me anyway.
Okay I'm definitely "rambling" today so I guess I'll go for now.
Oh yeah, the movie.."She's the Man".. it was kind of cute in a weird way. I am waiting for the one with Antonio Banderas to come out so we can watch it. I think it comes out the end of this month. I love watching his movies!! Also Matthew McConaughy.
Well have a fun day all!!

And so another week gone by!

Well last weekend was great! Everyone had a blast and got a lot of sun! We were pulled around the lake on a big "tube" by my brother Rod in his boat, rode Wave Runners of a guy that we met up there, and later his wife brought their boat up there and we rode a three man tube behind their boat. Brendon wasn't too sure about the tubes, although he did ride in the three man tube and did okay. He also rode a Wave Runner with his dad and that wasn't too bad as long as Dad took it easy. He did enjoy riding in the boats though and playing in the shallow water. Brendon was also the only one to catch fish when the guys went fishing.
Now Jeremiah on the other hand loved everything. He rode both tubes with his Daddy and had perma grin just like Daddy!! He fished but didn't catch anything. His favorite part was "the Wave Runners and the tubes and fishin' ". I asked him and that is what he said!! Guess he enjoyed the whole trip. Bet we go again sometime!!! Daddy seemed to really enjoy his Birthday weekend too. The only bad part was that he ended up with bad sunburn on his very white legs. That will teach him to listen to his DW and put on sunscreen next time BEFORE being in the water for a few hours. He was already pretty red when he finally put it on.
Sunday he wore sweatpants and a T-shirt to play in the water!! Pretty cute let me tell you!
Then on Monday when he went back to work, I had to buy him decent shorts so he could wear them to work instead of jeans. Poor guy, today is the first day he has been able to were pants again. Still rubbed him a little but not too bad.
Today and tomorrow my neighbor and I are having yard sales. It is intensely hot, but we still had a really good turn out. That's about all that is going on for now. I need some sleep but want to watch a movie first. Think it is "She's the Man". Hope it is good. I'll tell ya what I think of it later.

The weekend is here again!!!

Yea!! I have been babysitting for the past three days from 5:30 am until 7 pm. I am so ready for a break. I am free now until next week some time. Okay not really free as we are preparing for a camping trip. I got groceries today and now I have to prepare foods and pack stuff up. I'm kind of looking forward to it, even though I'm not really "into" camping. It should be fun though.
Yesterday James came home for lunch and cut down some really big limbs on the neighbors tree. These branches have been a concern for awhile as they hang out over where we park the cars! When he left for work I went out with nippers and started trimming smaller branches off the big ones he had cut down. That way when he got home he could cut them up. Only thing is we are under fire restrictions because it is so dry here. So he had to wait until this morning to do use the chainsaw again. There is a list of things not to use during the hours of 1pm and 1am. The chainsaw happens to be one of them! Anyway, he finished that job up early this morning and then during his lunch he took the branches to the dump. His dad went with him as they had some stuff to haul away too.
We are hoping he gets off early tomorrow as he already has his 40 in this week. Then we can get going before traffic gets heavy after work.
Jeremiah loves going to VBS. He is having so much fun! He loves meeting new kids and learning new songs. I love watching him when he sings. He is just so darn cute!! Yes I know I'm a little prejudiced, but others say he is cute too so I know I'm not TOO prejudiced!!
I guess that is about all that has been going on this week.
I'd love some feedback on the slide show. I'll be adding more pictures to it soon I hope.
Have a great weekend!!

Learning new things!!

Well what do you think? Do you like my slide show? It didn't take long to put it together, but it took a little bit to figure out how to get it on this blog!! They had a way to put it on as a post but I wanted it to play at the top of my blog. So I sent an email SOS to my dear SIL and she gave me the information I needed to get it up and running. Thanks Elizabeth, I really appreciate all the help you give me on the blogging stuff and webpage stuff. I'm still working on a webpage. Not sure if I really need to do that or not.
Well on to other news. We spent most of the weekend working outside on the neighbor's trees. Well actually, James and the boys spent the day cutting them down. I ran into town to get groceries, then came home and did housework. I also got supper done so I could help when it was time to put the branches through the chipper. About 5pm our friends, Keith and Mara, came over with a chipper and we worked until 8pm getting it all chipped and then Keith hauled it over to the back of our property with the Kubota. (spelling?) Then everyone came in and we had a picnic supper of cold chicken, potato salad, fruit salad, baked beans, and chips. We were all so tired and hungry, that I don't think it would have matter what we ate. Then after everyone left, the boys were put to bed and we sat out on the deck with a fire in our chimnea. That's the first time we've had it burning. It really was kind of relaxing just to sit there and talk with Levi and his girlfriend, Becca.
Sunday morning it was off to church and then home again for a quick bite of lunch. Then we headed to the lake to swim with some friends. We all had a really good time splashing and swimming. That is the first time Jeremiah has been there. He really had fun playing in the sand. Brendon was pretty brave, except when James would try to get him to come out and learn how to swim with him. The main thing was that everyone got cooled off and had fun too!!
After we all got home, James and the boys went to his folks to pick up some stuff for the dump, and I went to a baby shower for my niece Joy. She is due the beginning of August. Poor girl really is uncomfortable right now.
Now here I sit at my computer enjoying some quiet time. I have Emily today, but took her and Jeremiah to VBS. It is the first time for him and he was pretty excited. It was a little weird for me to drive away. I'm so use to him being with me or with the Grandparents that to leave him with someone else was kind of strange. I guess I better get use to it though since he will start school next year.
Well MHH just called and wants me to bring him something to eat for break so I have to run for now. Hope all is well. Take care and God Bless!!

Rock Paradise

Okay I know that could be taken a few different ways, but it has to do with my little rock area off my deck. I am happy to announce that it is DONE!!! Little did I know when I started that "little" project that it would take so long!! I started doing the mortar yesterday morning and then it got too hot to be outside in the direct sun! So I started back up again this morning and stayed with it until I was finished, finito, done, phew!!! I think it looks pretty good, but then I am just a wee bit prejudiced as I did a lot of the work. MHH helped get the stones and even helped place the big ones and sand in a few, but I did the rest of the placing and then mortared them all!!! But I am so glad we did it. I really do like how it looks. Levi even put the chimnea down on one of the big rocks for me last night and moved a log stump that we had been using as decoration by the deck. I just keep thinking of more things we can do now with the rocks. But that will just have to wait for another time. Now it is on to finishing the livingroom. I'm kind of excited to get that done as it has been almost 9 or 10 months since we started that project.
Finishing projects is the name of the game this summer and fall. If we get them done, then I will start on new ones, but certain ones MUST get done first!!
On to other news in our little household.
Night before last I was needing a little me time, so I went for a drive. James and Jeremiah were watching a movie together so it was the perfect time!! I ran down to DQ and got an oreo cookie blizzard. MMMM....mighty fine!! It is always a toss up between that or a Raspberry Cheesequake. I love them both and on a hot evening ice cream is awesome!! Anyhow, I started driving around just looking at properties in the area that are for sell and also some of the new sub-divisions going up. When I returned home I was feeling much better and had my music up loud. Guy Penrod and the Gaither Vocal Band are so good. I can really get to praising when I am listening to them. Well I had parked but was still listening to the music when a head popped up over the wood fence. Levi smiled then down went his head. Pretty soon the gate opens and Becca ( his girlfriend) peeks out and smiles. Now this is just a little strange but not too much. But then they did it again. Hmmm...something is definitely up with them. I start wondering what's going on, but continue to wait for them to come to me. Finally, Becca comes out with Levi following. He says "Hi, Mommy!" (he calls me this when he has been up to something, otherwise I am mom!) Then he sticks out his tongue. Can you guess? Come on try! He finally did it...yep, he pierced his tongue. The little terd!!! I couldn't believe it. But wait it gets better. He didn't do it alone. Oh no his sweet little Becca got hers pierced too. She was worried I would be mad at her or think badly of her. I told her I wasn't. I mean come on they are both 20 this year so its their decision not mine! Well last night they were both feeling pretty sore. She was hurting enough that she finally had him take the post out. She asked if I'd ever really thought I'd wanted something and then when I finally got it realized it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Yep. Been there done that.
Levi still has his in and he will probably keep it. Be praying for him. I'm hoping he too will decide its not exactly what he really wants. He was pretty swollen and sore this morning! Pretty hard to eat when your tongue is swollen.
I can truly say I will never pierce that piece of my anatomy. James keeps teasing me and wanting me to get my belly button pierced, but I don't think that will happen. Told him he could pierce his!!

Life is never boring!!!

I've decided that life really never is boring. If I don't like the way things are going I just have to wait a little while and things will change. Two days ago or was it three. I had an awesome day then the next day was a total downer. Now today is a new and better day. I love how God can wipe the slate clean and start fresh in the morning. He IS an Awesome God!!It's not that today was wonderfully spectacular or anything. It was just a good day. It actually kind of started last night and then just continued on into today. Jeremiah went to bed early, Levi wasn't home yet so James and I were able to have some time to ourselves. That doesn't happen much around here and it seems like when it does we don't know what to talk about or do. Last night was different. We really had a good time talking, laughing and joking with each other. I love times like that. It is like time slows down and we can really relax and enjoy each other. Those are some of my favorite times.Today went well too. Just kind of hung out with Jeremiah and did a little housework and an errand or two. Then we had lunch with Daddy and he played a couple of games with Jeremiah before going back to work. Jeremiah really enjoyed the daddy time. Then we went to my friend's house. She just had a baby about 2 weeks ago and I hadn't been over to see her yet. Jeremiah loves going over there because she has a little boy that is about a year or so older than him. They play pretty good together. Today he got to jump on a trampoline for a little while. He thought he was pretty cool stuff! Had to show me his "tricks" that he could do. It was fun to watch him. He kept calling it his "talent show". We really got a kick out of that. Anyway her baby is adorable. It is a little girl and they named her Ellie which is funny because that is what Tawny and Evan are naming their baby girl when she is born. Only difference is in the spelling. They will spell it Ely. Well it was fun to hold a little one again.We came home for a few minutes and then went up to James' work to let him know we were going to go out for supper. He was headed to BioLife, so he will grab a bite on the way home.Jeremiah and I grabbed tacos and went up on the rims by the airport to watch airplanes takeoff and land. We saw quite a few but the best was a fire plane that came in and then after a bit took off again. Man was it loud. Loved it!!!!!Well that is the way my day went. Like I said, nothing major, just a nice day.

Puny...what an odd word..

and yet that is exactly how I feel. Puny! Yesterday was an awesome day. Got up had breakfast with my HH and got him off to work. My little gal I take care of was here and the two kids had a great time together. Hardly any fighting or bickering. I was in bliss. My mom and I took them and did a little garage saling and then I came home and got to work. I baked a strawberry shortcake for MHH and then whipped up some homemade stroganoff. It turned out pretty good. I felt great giving him a real home cooked meal. Sometimes I feel like I am just throwing things together, so it was kind of nice to actually have something planned out. My mom came back over in the evening with my niece, Katie. She had some of the strawberry shortcake and really enjoyed that. So my day just went really well. Jeremiah went to bed on time and by himself. So then James and I could spend a little couples time together. Went to bed, fell asleep and the boom it hit me. About 2 am I woke up and felt terrible. My stomach was giving me fits. I guess I should back up a little bit here. When my mom stopped over she also brought us a treat. It was two M&M brownie cookies with chocolate and vanilla ice cream sandwiched in between. I only had about a quarter of one( they were kind of big) and that was all it took. Before going to bed I had a bad case of heartburn. Now I'm back to the original 2 am thing. I was sick to my stomach for a couple of hours and finally it settled down and I was able to go back to sleep. So of course today I felt PUNY all day long. Just tonight I am starting to feel more like myself again. (Heaven help us!!) Anyway, I was able to do laundry and get a few small things done inside and then this evening after it finally started cooling down, I went our and worked on the rock area that we are making. I almost got half of them sanded in and steady. Hopefully I can finish that part tomorrow and then we can mortar them. Then I can get a picture and post it. Hope it looks as good as I am wanting it too!
Well I am being paged by my little guy. So I am going to go for now. Have a good day tomorrow and may God bless you all!

Today is a much better day!!

Yesterday is over and today was a brand new day. Boy am I ever glad of that. Although yesterday did end okay. I got to talk to my sweet daughter, Tawny. That is always a highlight to my day. She was feeling kind of bored and needed a pick me up. Glad she chose me to pick her up!! Little Aidyn was being funny and talking up a storm in the background. I love to hear his little voice. It really great to talk with her.
Today has been wonderful. This morning I got up and going at a decent hour. James headed to work and I took Jeremiah over to his little friends house to play while I went shopping. Not the normal blah grocery shopping. No Way!! Today it was all about me. And boy did I enjoy myself. I went to Ross for the first time in years. I ended up spending a couple hours looking and trying on mounds of clothes. It was a blast. I walked out of there with 2 shirts, a dress and a pair of shoes and I had only spent $36. Then I decided I might as well go to JC Penney's and see what they had. Well they were having an awesome sale. Could hardly believe my good luck! I got 3 shirts and some dressy pants for a grand total of $12. I am totally so excited. I love getting good bargains. It makes my day. So now I am in high spirits. Even though I know I have to go back out tonight to get the normal grocery shopping done. I don't care because I had fun today and actually got some new clothes that I really like.
I suppose I better get in gear and get the Garage Sale over with so I can use some of that money and have some fun again!!! Nah! I think I'm okay now. Just needed a break and to do something that was totally for me. That just doesn't happen very often. I'm so glad I took the time today to do it! Now I can be a much happier me!! James and the boys will probably be glad of that. Well I gotta run. Have a wonderful evening!! Blessings to all!

One of "Those" days!!

Ever have one of "Those" days. The kind where it starts out great and then things just start going downhill!! Well that's how mine has been. We had so much fun last night and I was so excited to sit down and post today. Then it happened... I finished creating and went to post and ...nothing...nada..it just kinda froze. Man was I fired up!! I tried to see if it had posted anyway but it didn't look like it. Tried to sign out, wouldn't work. Darn it all, I spent a lot of time on that. So I shut down and decided to get in gear with other things. Started the wash, cleaned up the house and started doing my very favoritist thing in the world bills(NOT). Yuck I hate doing it. It always puts me in a bad mood. You know too many bills not enough paycheck! Yeah! Well anyway the mail came and Jeremiah and I went out to get it. Opened up the bills and about passed out. Sheez louise, Water up by $40 and Electricity up by about $50. That's about a bunch of bunk. So I sit down and start figuring things out and trying to rearrange our finances. (Again) Well I guess it won't be too bad if we don't get too many other things going up too. Oh yes I forgot I had started dishes too and by this time the water was freezing cold. Had to start over there and it was time for James to be here to eat lunch!! Also had some problems with my washing machine but I got that one under control without too much fuss!!! And during all of this my little sweetheart Jeremiah keeps wanting some mommy time. Or at the very least for someone to come over and play with him as his big brother had to go back to his moms house. So finally after things settled down some... ie...James went back too work, Jeremiah has his cousin over to play, clothes almost done, etc...I finally was able to get back on and write some more. Of course, I thought I would have to redo everything I had done this morning. Lo and behold, there it was my lost post. You can bet I have been singing some praises. I really wanted to catch up with my DBIL on posts. Actually what I'd really like to do is get a few up on him but we will see how that goes.
Well I really am praising now because things are finally looking up again. I just hate having one of "Those" days! Don't you?

Happy 4th of July Recovery Day!!

Well yesterday was awesome! James and I had gone out to my Dad's on Monday and got a pickup load of flat sandstone. It was a good trip and we had lots of fun even though it was work. Some of it was quite large and heavy. We had decided to add flat rock to extend the deck and have a place for the chimnea that we have. When we got home it was pretty late in the afternoon and we had other things to take care of. So we didn't get started until yesterday. We had to do some digging so the rock would be easy to mow around and then we added sand for a base. After we placed the first to huge rocks it was like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. We would try different stones in different spots until we got one that looked good. We managed to get them all placed but have to go back and put more sand under some of them and then when they are how they need to be we will add colored mortar. I'll see about posting a picture when we are done.
We had to quit early yesterday as we had to go get the sand and mortar, and then we headed off to the big fireworks display at the park.
We were amazed by all the fun things they had for the kids to do. All the games and inflatable toys were free to play. It was great. Brendon and Jeremiah both went on the inflatable climbing wall. Brendon made it to the top and repelled down like he had been doing it all his little life. Jeremiah made it half way up and lost his footing. When he looked down to find a place for his foot he realized how far up he was and told the man " I think I can come down now please". It was cute. He really doesn't like heights very much, but we were surprised he went as high as he did. Oh course, I don't have pictures because I forgot the camera in the car and none of us wanted to walk all the way back just to get it. So our memories from yesterday will just have to be written about instead of being able to look at the pictures and remember. That's okay. Lesson learned I guess. Anyway, the boys had a blast and then we decided it was time for Levi and Daddy to have some fun. They had a real rock wall there and they climbed that. It was fun to watch them too. James almost made it to the top and then lost his footing and slipped. Once you start to go there's not much you can do about it. So Levi headed up and we thought he was going to fall too, but he hung there by one arm while he got his footing and his grip with the other hand. Well he made it, so of course poor James got teased pretty bad for awhile.
After a little while we caught up with Levi's girlfriend, Becca, and her family. We found a good spot to cop a squat and waited for the fireworks. The boys were pretty patient. I was totally impressed. Then at a little after 10pm the first rocket went up. It was great. They had awesome fireworks and the finale was unbelievable. We will probably go there again next year. We were all impressed and had a great time. I've never been quite that close to all the action before. I mean we were sitting right under them when they were going off. It was like so cool. We were laying there on the blanket and you could feel the blasts in your chest when they went off. IT WAS AWESOME!!!
We didn't get home till about 11:30 or so and James had to get up for work this morning so I'm sure he will be dragging today. I better go for now as he will be home soon for lunch. I'll try to write more tonight. Have a great day all!! Especially my BIL and SIL. Love you guys!!

PS. I'm catching up Don!! ;)

Back again...

Hey there. I'm back and ready to go on with my story. How boring can it be. Well actually it could probably be pretty boring but I will try to make it fun.
As I said on the last post this has been a busy weekend. Saturday James took some stuff to the dump and then went to the recycling center. He made a healthy chunk at from recycling. When he got home and showed me how much he made I told him he should put it away somewhere in a "Hunting Fund" so he will have it this fall. He said he was going to get it in quarters so he wouldn't spend it. That's a lot of quarters!!! Anyway I convinced him he should just let me put it a place where he couldn't get into it when ever he gets a wild idea!! He agreed. He has a hard time when it gets close to hunting season. He starts getting excited about hunting and then he starts seeing things that would be great for hunting. You guessed it he wants to buy it then. Well thats where I come in. I help him remember how much he needs for the actual hunting trip and he starts thinking if he really needs this thing or not. Usually its a not! But tonight he bought a fletching tool and stuff so he can fletch his own arrows. Actually I think this is probably a good idea as it will save him the cost of having his arrows refletched. He also got a pretty good deal, I think.
Hmmm. ..back to my story....So Saturday while he did all the running and getting rid of junk, I tried to work in the yard. Tried because I couldn't get the darn mower to work. This is really irksome to me as I am use to having a mower I can start with one or two pulls. My mower bit the dust a week ago and I am now using one that James was given awhile back. It is just a regular push mower but hey it works. Well it usually works. Saturday it decided to be a pain in my... you know. So I had to wait for James to get home to start the stupid thing. So into the house I went to work on mounds of laundry (again) and dishes (once more) and picking up after everyone (a daily occurence). Can ya tell how much I like working inside?????
Finally my handsome honey (forever more known as MHH) came home and helped me get the mower going. He mowed the front yard and then I mowed the back while he worked on the pump. He figured out what was wrong with it so now we need to get some parts and hope that will fix it. The lawn really likes to be watered once in awhile ya know!!!
Saturday night our friends Rob and Amy came over with their son Austin. Yep same Austin that was over all day earlier in the week. We all had supper together and then we adult type people played horseshoes. It is only the second time this year that we have been able to get out and play. We had lots of fun. Rob and Amy are a blast to cut up with.
Well that pretty much sums up Saturday. Sunday was Church, lunch and the rest of the day was total relaxation. Don't know how we managed that but we did. Jeremiah and I even got a little snooze in. I love it when I get to nap with him. He is a real cuddler. I'll miss it when he gets to be too big to snuggle with mommy. But he's not too big yet!!!
Well today is Monday but the days not over yet so I think I'll wait awhile to post about today.
Only 2 more to go to catch up with you DBIL.
Love you all!!

Here's talking to you...

Well I'm talking to my BIL and he's giving me guff because he has 4 posts to my 1. So now I have to get in gear and play catch up!!
Last week we had some friends over for supper. It is always fun when they come over. We ate and visited for hours. (No Don we didn't eat for hours, we talked for hours.) The boys played good together and that is always a good thing.
I think it was on Tuesday we had Brendon's little friend Austin over. Whoa...was it ever a long day. I forgot how wild boys that age can be. It was definitely a "Calgon take me away" day. I was totally ready for James to get home and take over. Holy cow!! I don't think I will ever have them together all day again. Maybe just part of the day. They were good, don't get me wrong, its just WOW I'm not use to that anymore.
Wednesday I went shopping. Pretty normal thing to do. Ho Hum..
I talked to Tawny and they are all doing well. Looking forward to September when little Ellery will be here.
Okay I gotta go for a little bit. Stay tuned for further news.....

Oh what a beautiful morning....

Oh what a glorious day!
I have a sinking feeling, I won't know what to say!!
Nah, just kidding. I always can talk or write as the case may be. So how are all of you? I'm doing pretty darn good. Starting to get some projects finished that have been ongoing for quite awhile!
The Garage Sale will be this month. I love having garage sales. Getting rid of my junk, cleaning out the garage and getting paid for the stuff I have been packing away all winter and spring. Yep I love it!! I've also been working on an area to put our outdoor chimnea. We have to go to my dad's to get some more sandstone before I can finish it. I think it will be really cool when we get done.
I have to put trim up in the livingroom and then I'm not sure which project to start next. If I can get James motivated, I'd like to make and put a shelf unit up that will cover the short wall behind the TV. It would be a great place to put all of our DVD's and movies. Just takes time and a little money.
Set the kids pool up a couple days ago. They have been begging for it so Levi and I finally did it. Jeremiah loves to play in it as does Brendon. Last night we laughed so hard at them. Of course they had no idea that we were watching. Brendon was showing Jeremiah how to go underwater with goggles and a snorkel. That was fun and then they started cannonballing into it from over the side. Brendon can clear the side when he jumps but Jeremiah doesn't always make it. It is quite funny to see him bounce backward off the side. He finally made it and was so proud!! Anyway they sure have fun in it. Which is good as today is suppose to be unbearably hot (again)!!
Well I think I better get started on the day before it gets to hot to move. I'll write more on my projects as they are started and completed. Tell me what is going on in your life.
And DBIL tag your it! ;~)

Okay! So it's been awhile...

Holy Buckets!! I can't believe its been so long!! My BIL sent me and asked when I was going to post again so here I am. I didn't think it had been long but wow! Okay enough of that!!
Everything is fine here. Can't complain...well at least not too loudly! : ) We have just been unbelievably busy. Summers are always hectic. James works more hours and this year so am I. My little gal that I babysit is only suppose to be here 2 or 3 days a week but for the last 2 1/2 weeks I've had her pretty much every day. Makes for a long week. Weekends have been busy with picnics, crops, work, Mother's Day and Father's Day.
We had a family picnic ( my mom's side) on Father's Day. That was fun. I hadn't seen a lot of my cousins in a long time. Seems like the only time we all get together is when there is a death in the family or serious illness. So it was great just to get together to have fun. We had it at the park, so the kids had a blast. There is a playground, a tennis court, and a wading pool with squirters and fountains. It was a great day.
The weekend before, I had a crop. It was really pretty good, although there was a mixup with the room and we had to set up in a different room so we couldn't stay as late as usual. It still was a good crop and I finished quite a few pages. Then today I went to my sister's house and cropped with her. I think I finished about 4 two page spreads, or 8 pages. I love getting things done. I am only 2 years behind. (give or take a month)
I am getting ready to paint the inside of my house. I need to finish the trim in the livingroom then I am going to do some finish work in the boys room and paint it. After that I want to clean out the game room and paint it, then maybe do some work in the hall and washroom. Last but not least I want to paint my cupboards and the kitchen. We will see how far I get. I mean I still have to keep up with the kids and the housework!! A woman's work is never done!! Ha! Ha!
Levi has a new job that he started on Monday. I hope it works for him as he seems to really like it and he gets to work days...outside. Makes life a little easier on all of us.
Well I better get going. James and Jeremiah want to have some fun. Have a great day all!!

Home again and back on track!!

Well I am home again. Our trip to see Tawny and her family was great. The little one is not so little anymore. He was standing on the step waving at us when we got there. He is adorable (and not just because I am his Grandma either!!) His hair is quite a bit longer and has curl to it. I was surprised that Tawny was letting him have longer hair but it is very cute on him. He is a very happy little guy too. Mommy and Daddy are very good with him. He is very obviously a very loved and very gentle little soul. Tawny is doing pretty good all things considered. She has Placenta Previa so please be praying for both her and the baby. They will be checking again in a few weeks but they aren't expecting it to migrate back up, so she will probably have the baby earlier then expected. Right now she and baby are doing well. She just has to take it easy or they will put her on bed rest. Which could happen anyway toward the end of her pregnancy. Their new house is cute. I really liked the way it was set up and it has a nice back yard and porch. We really enjoyed our stay and I can't wait to go out again in August when Ellie is born.
Things are going well here too. While I was gone, James went to work on our bed again. He raised it another 6 or 8 inches, removed the headboard and moved the mattress up further on the frame so that there is a bench made from the frame at the end of the mattress. We have a waterbed frame and we have always wanted to make it a pedestal bed. When he raised it the first time it made the shelf headboard useless for us. Now the shelf is on our dresser which is really nice and he is making a hanging shelf for above the head of our bed. He is a very talented guy! Can hardly wait till it is all done. I have lots of finishing touches to do to the livingroom, boys room, kitchen, and playroom. Then maybe we will put the house for sale and see what happens. Just have to wait and see what is decided.
James has been very busy with his job, coaching Little League, and side jobs. Then add in all our other activities and it makes for a very busy schedule.
This past weekend we had our first grad party for Joy, then this Friday we have one for my niece Stephanie. And Becky will turn 30 on Monday so need to plan something for her.
Suzanne was here this weekend for Joy's party and graduation. It was so good to see her and get to talk with her. I really have missed being with her.
Mother's Day was awesome. We were in Spokane and Tawny took us to a spa. We were there for about 3 or 4 hours. We had mini facials, Mud in our hair, paraffin wax on our hands and feet, a 20 minute massage, and a foot and lower leg spa and massage. By the time they were done with us we felt pampered and totally relaxed! I loved it and hope to do it again someday.
Well, I think that about catches things up for now. Hope you all are doing well.
Please be praying for:
Tawny and her pregnancy
God's will in our lives as to moving
Levi and Becca
James and I to stay unstressed through the long summer!

Rambling On...

I'm starting to get just a tad excited. On Wednesday, Jeremiah, my mom and I are headed to see my daughter and her family in Spokane. James and Levi get to fend for themselves for a week. It is always so much fun to go see them. I just don't like the trip there sometimes. It takes so long. Oh well it is totally worth it.
On another note...Grey's Anatomy...my all time favorite show I think. I love the ins and outs of each character. Last nights show was awesome. I can't believe there are only two more episodes till reruns for the summer. I really enjoy the Meredith-Derek thing, and the Izzy-Denny thing and now George finally has someone. At first I thought she might be too much for him to handle but now I think he will be good for her. She has a soft side. Alex is actually one of my favorite characters. He acts like such a tough guy, but under it all he really is a softy and will probably be one of the best doctors in the end. I don't like Addison, but that is just because of the role she is in. I want Meredith and Derek together!! Maybe Addison could find someone else. Anyway I am rambling!! Oh yeah that is why this is Rhonda's Ramblings!! LOL
I have to get in gear now and do the shopping for the guys so they will have food in the house while I am gone. Just hope they cook some of it, instead of going out to eat!! So I will blog when I get back from Spokane. Have a great week and be safe.

What to do....

I'm sitting here at my computer wondering just what to do. There are so many options that I just can't make up my mind. Ever have one of those days? Or maybe more than one of those days? Should I work or should I play? Stick with the job I have or get a new one? Fix the home that you live in up or look for a new one? There are only a few things that I am not wondering about. I know I love the Lord and want to do His will. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I love my husband and my kids. I know I am so looking forward to spending a week with my daughter and her family. And I know that I love my life! So some things are obviously non-negotiable. But....lots of other things are!!!
We have been looking at modular homes and checking out prices and such. But it always comes back to the fact that we like where we are located and it would be much cheaper to fix what we have and then later maybe add a shop for James. We have plenty of room to do it and this house is nice, just needs some updating!!! So I guess maybe that question is resolving itself. Work or Play well obviously I am playing for the time being! I really do enjoy blogging just don't always have the time. Oh yes the job...I am currently babysitting a little girl a couple days a week, (when I actually get her) from 5:30am till 7 pm. Her mom is a nurse and only works three shifts a week, but lately it hasn't even been that much. I'm also suppose to start sitting two more girls full time but not sure when that is going to happen. In the mean time I am needing something to earn a little extra. Not sure what to do. CM just helps me pay for my hobby, and I am not into being a committed sales person that way so that won't help. So what to do!!! I've thought about giving up on the sitting and getting a job outside the home but then I would miss so much with Jeremiah. I guess I just need to be content in my circumstances! (Hmm now who in the Bible tells us that!!) If the Lord has something different for me then He will have to show me what to do.
Okay now that I have done my ranting and raving!! I will get on to other things.
I am so excited! Next Wednesday, I leave to go see Tawny and her family. My mom, Jeremiah and I will be there over Mother's Day and Tawny has planned a special day for all of us. We get to stay for a week and I am so looking forward to it. I haven't seen her since January. ( I know "boohoo" it could be a whole lot longer!!) But anyway with her being pregnant it will be fun to see how big she is getting and also Aidyn is walking now and that will be fun. She and Evan bought a new house in February, so she has been excited to show us that too. It should just be a really fun time.
I guess that about catches you up on what is going on in my life. I'm also into getting the yard looking spiffy. I love Spring and Summer. Winter can get me down but when it warms up and turns green and beautiful outside, I just can't wait to get out there and get things done. Too windy today though. Might blow me all the way to Florida or something. Wouldn't that be a trip!! (One I would dearly love to make) Well I better get my self in gear again! You know how it goes "Busy, Busy, Busy!!"

Wonderful Weekend!

I love the weekends. We all get to be together and spend time having fun together.
Okay well most weekends are that way. I'd say my Friday was the best. It was in the 70's, clear and a perfect day to be outside. The kids played and had fun while I cleaned in the yard and mowed. I love mowing!! I really do!! The smell of a fresh cut lawn and the way it looks does something for me. I worked on my flowerbed in the back and we made some plans on how we want the deck and yard to look eventually. Since I worked outside all day, we ordered pizza for supper. That is always a treat!!
Saturday was hectic!! It all started with Opening Ceremonies for Little League at 10am. Brendon is in Coach pitch again this year. Next year he will be in Minors and Jeremiah will be in T-ball. James got roped into being Asst. coach for Brendon's team. Anyway, we started at 10 like I said and then I had to leave to be at a Vendor Fair by 11 to set up my CM stuff. I was there until 6pm then home. Meanwhile James and the boys took a load to the dump and then there were Baseball pictures at 12:30 then home again for a little while till B's game at 3pm. Then after we all got home we got a call about 6:30 asking what we were up to and would we want to go to Mackenzie River for pizza for my step-mom's birthday. So we loaded up and went out for supper with the whole family. It was fun to spend time with everyone. Had lots of good laughter and visiting. Food was good too!! Then home to get the boys their baths and get them to bed early as we had church today.
We got going early enough for a change that we went to the 9:15am service. The boys stayed with us as Jeremiah has a little cold and he can't be in Kids church. Service was good. Pastor talked on the DiVinci Code book and put things into perspective for people who are getting up in arms about it. After all it is just a novel. Not fact. Truth be know there are some "facts" that really aren't fact at all. But anyway it was really good. The Bible always has been and always will be the only true account of Christ's life. I trust what God Breathed!!!
Now this afternoon we are pretty laid back. Boys are napping, James is playing PS2 and here I am at the computer. My favorite place sometimes. It is pretty dreary and rainy out or I would work in the yard again. Hope tomorrow is nicer. It is suppose to be.
Well take care and have a wonderful week.

Tag your it...

Hmmm... Haven't seen this before, but I'm pretty new to blogging. So here goes.
My SIL has a blog and when I went to read it I found out she had been tagged and she was tagging me and several others.
Here's the scoop. I get tagged, have to pick someone and write 5 things about them, then tag some other people. So I will write about my little sis, Becky
1. She has 2 children
2. She is very involved with their lives.
3. She runs the Little League Concession stand.
4. She is an awesome cook.
5. She is one of my best friends!!!!

Now I am tagging Renee, Markay, Don J., and my MIL Kathy.
If you aren't a blogger you can always do this by email I would think. But blogging is so much fun.
Must go for now kiddies are hungry!!

Its morning...

and here I sit at the computer again!! This has been a pretty good and productive week. James finally got the trim cut for the livingroom. Yeah!! So now I just have to prime and paint it. Then the livingroom is done. Except for replacing the window someday. I think the next project will be finishing the work in the kitchen ( refinishing the bottom cupboards) and finish the boys room. There is still a little trim work to be done there. I am planning a garage sale in June, so have been going through one room at a time to get rid of stuff. Should have a pretty good sale. Yesterday I went out in the front yard and started the spring cleaning. I got the flowerbeds cleaned and today hopefully we can turn the ones that have nothing in them and then plant some seeds!! Also need to mow as we are planning a BBQ tomorrow with family for Easter.
Sometime today we will also dye our Easter eggs. Jeremiah has been looking forward to this all week long. He is so excited that we will probably have to do it right away this morning. LOL. He is such a kick. Last night when his Daddy got home he was playing on the computer and he made his Daddy come sit with him and play the game. They sat there before supper and then for quite awhile after supper playing. It was cute. James is such a good dad.
Yesterday, my mom, the kids and I went shopping and then later we went to look at modular homes. Boy are some of them nice. I so love this one. It has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, a livingroom and family room, a country kitchen with attached utility room. The master bedroom is almost the whole end of the house. It was really nice and I expected it to be quite expensive, but it wasn't. The man said it was 79,800 and that is with them bringing it out and craning it onto a foundation. I didn't think that was too bad. Oh well it is just a dream for now. Maybe in a few years when I go back to work full time.
Hmmmm... I think that about catches me up for now. I better go eat and get ready for the day. Can't wait to get outside and get to work. I love my yard!!!

Happy Easter to everyone!

Rain, Rain go away I really want some sun today!!!

Okay, I really am glad for the moisture. I even like it when it rains but....it has been doing this now for a couple of days. We were teased one day with some wonderful 70's. Now we are back to shivering in the coolness! Alright enough with my complaining!!
How is everyone out there? I am doing pretty darn good. Had to cancel my crop this weekend due to everyone already having other commitments. That's okay though, think I will do some painting or maybe go ahead and spend the time cropping here at home.
We are changing rooms here. The gameroom has been Levi's home for the past couple of months, but with me babysitting, I need the room to be a toy room. Levi is back in with the boys in their room now. We made it strictly a "bed" room. They sleep there and their clothes are in there. That way when Levi is sleeping during the day he won't be woke up by all the noise from the kids. The room he was in is just off the kitchen. The boys room is in the back of the house and should be quieter. Also this gives the kids more room to play! It is the biggest room in the house. I am hoping to paint it first before moving everything in but it is so darn chilly I'm not sure if I should. Not to mention I can't open windows with the weather the way it is.
On to even better news!!! Tawny called me on Tuesday and they found out the baby is a girl!!!! Yea! Now I can go out and buy those cute outfits I keep finding. I was so hoping for a girl. Now they will have one of each! I think I might even get something for her today as I am going shopping with my mom.
James is doing well. He is really enjoying his job more these days. I am so glad to see him happy. The boys are doing well too. Jeremiah is such a kick. He is learning so much. I accessed him the other day with some flash cards that we have. He knows his colors (some in Spanish!), can identify his letters, all uppercase and most lowercase, knows shapes and can count to 13 and sometimes higher. He can also add and subtract pretty good from 1-10. So we have started "school" for him and the little girl I watch. We work for about an hour a day. That way she will be ready for kindergarten this fall and we will see what we do with Jeremiah. It all depends on what happens at the school here in the next year!!! Becky is running for school board and will probably get a position as no one else seems to want to step up to the plate!!! Hope she does! It will be a good thing I think.
Well I better get going. Have to run my errands. Hope you all have a great day!!

I Love Rainy Days...

It has been raining since last night here. I love the way it sounds on our roof. Laying in bed listening to it is so relaxing. Anyway, it is still raining today even though it is suppose to get up to 50 sometime. We will see.
Well I used that wonderful Mexican Vanilla. MMM...Boy was that yummy!! First, I made chocolate cookies with it, then I made our french toast with it. Talk about wonderful! I can see that this little bottle won't last long!!
Went to my little sister's crop last weekend. It was a blast! She is so good at organizing her crops and she always has lots of games and prizes. Some of the games are crazy and we all laugh A LOT!!! She had us blowing small wooden matches through straws first to see who could get one or more in a basket, then we decided to see who could blow one the farthest! Well I lucked out and actually got one in the basket and another gal became known as the "Blowhard"!! She really made that match fly. We were all laughing so hard I think that is why no one else had a chance! It was great. We did scrap too! Everyone had a good time and actually we all got a lot of pages completed.
Saturday was also Prom for one of Levi's girlfriend's, Dani. So the two of them stopped up at the hotel so we could take pictures. It was great. They looked awesome and it was fun to take pictures in the hotel as it is one of the nicer ones here. I will try to post a picture soon. This was the first time Levi has been in Tux with tails since he was about 4 years old and in a wedding. He looked so awesome. They had a great time. He bought her a big bouquet of flowers with 6 white roses. She was so excited about it because it is the first time anyone has given her flowers. It was great!
I am moving things around again. Actually, I am moving the boys into the back bedroom and moving all the toys, games, etc. into the front bedroom. This will make it easier for Levi to get some sleep during the day when I have kids here. The back rooms are quieter and that way the kids are here where I can keep an eye on them. I just have one little girl part-time right now but will have 2 more in a month or so. I am also hoping for a little boy but his mom hasn't called yet so not sure about him. I'll end up with 2 full time, 1 part time and 1 afterschool. That would be just right so hope it works!
Anyway should be a very busy day today. Then tomorrow we are planning on taking Mom and Dad J out for Mom's birthday! I think we will go for chinese, she likes chinese and mexican food she said as long as its not steaks!!
Well hope everyone has a great day! See you next week!

What a weekend!!!

This weekend was wild. We have 4 Birthdays in 3 days, so celebrating is always interesting. Saturday was my dad's and my birthday, Sunday was Jeremiah's 4th birthday, and today is my father-in-laws birthday. So it makes for a busy time. The dad's and I celebrated Saturday night together. James and I made steaks, baked potatoes and had a salad. Then for dessert we had Strawberry Shortcake!! One of my favorites, as chocolate does a number on my stomach now. Anyway it was a good time and we really enjoyed the parents being here. I got such a kick out of my daughter out in Spokane. She forgot my B-day again this year, but her little boy was playing with her cell phone and he called me ( The funny part is that he is only 1 year old!!) They let him play with the phone sometimes and it never fails he pushes the button to call Grandma, and then his parents hang up on whoever he calls!!! So then I'll call them back and talk to the little one for awhile. T was so embarrassed about forgetting again. I told her it was okay, I'd just forget hers this year!! : ) She laughed and said that would be pretty hard to do as I plan on being in Spokane for her Birthday this year.
We had Jeremiah's party on Sunday. Uncles, Aunts, Grandparents and Cousins galore!!! He was so excited. The best part was when we made him hide his eyes so we could get his BIG present out. James and I had bought him a bike and boy was he excited. Of course it had to snow Saturday night so we had about 6 or 8 inches on the ground, but he didn't let that stop him. He has been riding it in the house and is being very careful not to run into things!!! We can hardly wait to see what happens when he takes it outside! Anyway, it was a really nice day of fun and laughter. My brother, Rod, and his wife, Leanne, just got back on Saturday from a Caribbean Cruise. They really had a lot to tell us and had some pictures too. They gave me real sterling silver earrings from one of the places they stopped. They are very pretty. They also brought us back some Mexican vanilla. MMMMM.....It smells so nice. Can't wait to bake some cookies and try it out.
So how is everyone out there doing? I would love to know who actually looks at this. I know 2 of my favorite in-laws do, but figure they may be the only readers. Guess I should email other friends and family and let them know I'm doing this. My daughter knows and enjoys reading about home and family.
I guess that's about all for now. I've got to go bake those cookies and see if the Mexican vanilla makes them taste better.
Oh I forgot, I bought myself a cool birthday present, the third movie in the Love Comes Softly series. It is great! Thanks to Don and Elizabeth for getting me the first two and therefore getting me started!! Love you guys!
Have a great week! RJ

Time for another update...

I'm not very good at this blogging thing!! I forget to come back and update stuff. Things got pretty hectic again and I don't spend as much time online as I was. I've started babysitting again. Right now I only have one extra but she is here 2 or 3 days a week from 5:30am until 7pm. She is 5 years old and a real pistol. She is getting used to our ways now and our schedule. It has been a new experience for me. I have had her for 4 weeks now and the last 2 weeks I had her for the whole week. Now I go back to her normal schedule of 2 or 3 days a week. Then sometime in April I will get 2 more little girls just a couple of times to get them used to me and our house. Then in July I will get them full time. When school starts there will just be one everyday, one every other day, and one after school. So that won't be too bad. The money works well and I get to be home with Jeremiah. He will be 4 next weekend. I can hardly believe how fast the time has flown by.
We just had supper at Gram and Grandpa Johnson's. It was Uncle Matthew's birthday supper. We all had a nice time and it was good to be with everyone. We had steak and potatoes, and then brownie sundaes for dessert. Everything was great. I am stuffed!!!! Now we are getting ready to relax for the rest of the evening.
I had a crop yesterday and that was fun. It was a small one so I was able to get quite a few pages of my own done. In two weeks my sister Becky is having a Cabin Fever Crop!! She has lots of games and prizes and it will be a blast. We are looking into having a weekend crop in Red Lodge. We found a really nice banquet room to have it in that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. But we are still in the planning stages of that one. Becky is the brains behind big crops like that. She really loves to get them going.
I just really love getting together with the ladies and visiting and sharing ideas! I love scrapbooking!!!!! Never thought I would say that! : )
Well I better go for now. Jeremiah wants me to play Hotwheels with him and Daddy before bed.
Hope you all are good. I will try to update more often. Maybe once a week if I can.
Love you all. Have a great week. Thanks for keeping me going Elizabeth!! love ya!
Bye for now.....

My how time does fly...

Wow I can't believe it has been almost a whole month since my last post. Sorry about that. Things have been so hectic around here. Brendon's B-day is this weekend and we will have a party for him on Sunday. Which reminds me..."Happy Anniversary to Don and Elizabeth" Hope you have a great weekend! Any special plans?
Okay Brendon's B-day...he will be 8 years old. That is hard to believe! He was only 2 when James and I got married. Which we just celebrated on Feb. 3rd. We have been together for 5 wonderful years. We had a wonderful weekend together. No Kids!! We went out to eat and then just spent time together watching movies, going to church and running around town. It was very relaxing and fun. Then on Sunday, the 5th, we picked Jeremiah up and went to look at a pup. Well we have now added one more to our family!! Freedom is a 10 month old Cocker Spaniel mix. Although she isn't a short dog. I think maybe she has some Brittany or Springer in her. She is black with some white on her muzzle, tummy and feet. She has long, floppy ears and beautiful, brown, soulful eyes. She is really a peach although a bit timid around new people. She and Jeremiah hit it off immediately.
The rest of the month has been busy with Creative Memories, a new babysitting job, and taxes. I finally got taxes out to the accountant yesterday and this weekend is another Crop. The new little girl I babysit is a really good girl so far and I will get a couple more in July.
Anyway that has been my life in the last month. Hope all is going well with everyone and thanks for your prayers! Take care!!!

Happy Friday!

Oh how glad I am that this week is done! I've spent many days deep cleaning and also doing inventory for my Creative Memories business. I am almost done. Always leave the worst for last so sticker counting is now on my list to do.
I am really looking forward to this weekend. Hopefully, I will get to do some cropping. Seems like I am always too busy doing other things. We have Brendon this weekend so that will let Jeremiah have fun. He loves playing with his big brother.
I am still looking for a job. Not sure what will happen. I have had a few calls about babysitting but so far nothing serious. I really wish that I could get some kiddos. Oh well what ever God wants I will do. Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone and do new things. I got my CM letters in the mail yesterday. So should start having responses sometime this next week. I am really excited about them. I have to get an order ready to go on the 1st. Well I suppose I better get back to work. Please pray for my family, and especially for my daughter's in-laws. There is a special need there. Thanks and have a wonderful weekend!!

What a wild week!!

Wow! This past week flew by. Tawny, Evan and Aidyn were here and it was a blast. We celebrated Aidyn's 1st Birthday while they were here. He actually doesn't turn 1 until February, but this way we all got to celebrate with him! This is the first time Evan has got to meet many of his in-laws. Tawny and Aidyn have visited several time this past year but Evan has always had to work. We all loved getting to see him. They are such good parents -- I love watching them with Aidyn. While they were here Tawny found out they are expecting again. Sometime in September they think. They are really excited about it.
Well on to more news. James got a vacation from RV work as he had Jury Duty for a week. It was suppose to last longer, but they called a miss trial on Monday morning. So he gets to go back to work now. He has been really stressed at work and today he talked to one of his bosses and he got some answers to questions he had. He seems less stressed tonight.
I had an interview to babysit some kids but I think I am going to say no. I need to make a little more than I would if I watch them. So I put in an application at WM earlier today. I am hoping that will get me some part-time work. Tomorrow I work at the school, subbing. Just pray that God will put me where he wants me. I want to be in His will and do what is best for our family.
Everything else is going well. I am going to have 2 CM crops in February. Hope to pick up some more business this way.
Well I'm off for now. Blessings to all!

What a wonderful day!!!

Today is a wonderful day! My daughter, her husband and my grandson came for a visit. I haven't seen them since October when I went to Spokane to see them! I can't believe how big the baby has gotten. He is now 2 weeks shy of being a year old. He turns one on Feb. 1st, but we will celebrate while they are here this week. I have really been looking forward to spending time with them. I am also grateful that Evan got to come with them this time. This will be fun to let him get to know everyone that is now his family on Tawny's side. They all look great!! A.G. has lots of blonde hair. I am surprised that his mommy hasn't cut it yet but it sure is cute. I absolutely love it. He was hesitant at first wasn't sure about so many new faces but when he saw J he went nuts again. He just wanted to hug and love and kiss him. J didn't know quite what to think but being the good little uncle that he is he just giggled and let A do it as much as he wanted. He was very gentle with him and it was fun to watch.
Tawny and I plan on doing some scrapping while she is here. Part of her Christmas present is gifts from Creative Memories. I am looking forward to doing this with her!! It's been awhile since I have had time to crop so that makes it even more fun.
This week will be long and fun and totally wonderful. I love having family around and all the laughter and fun they bring.
Hope everyone out there has a great week. God Bless you all!