Wednesday...

Wow, well, it's Wednesday. The past couple days I had what you'd call...."blogger's block"?

I had the weirdest dream the other night that I was captured by pirates...I guess from watching too much Pirates of the Caribbean or something. And being a deaf captive...that'd be something, wouldn't it? At the end I turned into their first deaf pirate. Go figure. I would make a terrible one, wouldn't I? I'd miss all those orders from the captain.

Anyway, Happy New Year. Eve. Yeah.

We originally planned on going up to Flint but if not many people are in town, I figured, why not just stay home?

Then Ashley asked if she could have a party. Sure....

So who's coming? One of her best friends, Anna.

Just those two.

"Mother, we'll just stay up to watch the ball drop on TV, then we'll scream and toast Happy New Year and then go outside and scream some more..."

Sounds like a great plan. I'll probably be in bed already.

Around 8 pm, "Mother, can we go buy the stuff we need for the party?"

The list:
Sparkling cider---make it look champagne-ish.
Food.

Food---I'm not sure what that'll be but it'll be something. And since it's a two person party, will keep it very small. And cheap.

Arrr, Arr....

La dee dah....

Happy Sunday, y'all.

Nothing exciting going on. I realized the post I did yesterday didn't go through and I did not intend for it to be posted at all. So forgive me. It was a moment of "writer's block" or something.

The kids are at grandma's.

YAY!

It's just the husband and I.

Ah.

Kinda nice not having to break up the bickering between the siblings...and waiting for my turn on the computer. It's actually very, very, nice and quiet.

I hope to get a lot done this week. Do some work for Deaf Cafe, catch up on the laundry, bag up clothes we no longer need and give away to charity, and try to finish working on the 2 bedrooms.

Haven't decided if I'll take down the Christmas stuff yet. I need something to put on the mantle since I took the big tv down from there.

Guess I'll just chill out a bit before going over to visit my dad....

Post-Christmas...

Well, the kids are still sleeping. I woke up with an achy tooth. Must be from all the sweets I had this week...

One thing I forgot to share.

Coming home from my sister's Christmas Eve, I was driving home carefully. I knew one of my headlights was out. And well, there's really nothing you can do about it on Christmas, right? Nothing's open. And living in a small town can be a bit of a problem (but I really don't care about that...).

I drove not fast. Just slow enough but at a comfortable speed. Didn't know what the roads would be like going home...after all, it had been raining all day.

Red flashing lights. If you see only ONE red siren light on the middle of a car roof, you know that's the State Trooper.

Huh, what did I do?

So I dutifully pulled over. Of course I was blinded by the search light. I turned on my overhead light and kind of kept both hands out so the officer could see. But had to block the glare of the search light bouncing off my mirror. He thankfully stood in front of that mirror to block the searchlight. I was able to see him very clearly. Most officers do not come up that far to your window. They tend to stand "at your shoulder" and ask for your id's, etc. Not this one. Hm...that was a surprise.

"What seems to be the problem, sir?"

"Are you aware your headlight is out?"

"Oh yes, sir. That's why I'm driving carefully home. And I will have it taken care of immediately when something is open."

He actually smiled. Asked for my license. Had to dig through my purse for that one. I should really have asked for a nice wallet for Christmas. Out came receipts, lipstick, change, etc. Aha, here it is!

My husband is sweating a little. I don't know if he was nervous or just sweating it out from having too much to eat.

I'm feeling just fine. Within minutes, the trooper comes back, and smiles, tells me I'm all set. And....

"Merry Christmas."

"You too, sir. I wish you a very merry one too. Thank you."

And put my license away, turned off my hazard lights, and carefully got back on the road and off to home. If I could whistle, I would have done that. We drove home in silence.

Gave silent thanks to God.

I shared with another sister who stopped by yesterday, and shared this. And she commented because if I have a very good driving record, that is why he let me go. If I had any points or tickets, I would be in trouble. ALSO....I have the Deaf Cafe-Flint magnet on the "butt" of the van so that is why the trooper came up to block the light. Awww.

Truly a very Merry Christmas.

I never got to make the eggnog bread. I have too much other food that needs to be eaten. I have 3 pies yet to finish. I have ... just too much.

Today, not sure exactly what I'm doing. Probably take the kids to their grandma's for the week.

And another crazy weather ahead.

Have a good post-Christmas day. It's just so nice to be off, and sleeping in....ah yes.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone! Merry Christmas!

And it's even pretty with snowing outside! Not the slushy, wet day we had yesterday!

It's just...

.....lovely!

The family and I had a grand time at one of my sister's last night. She has this beautiful huge home on a lake south of Jackson....and having all the nieces and nephews, I swear Jordan (almost 2) is the busiest kid of them all. But it was great to be able to finally, FINALLY, hold the youngest of all, Madeline. She is one and just an adorable baby.

And I'm sure everyone was pretty surprised to see how much Ashley has grown. She is officially a teenager, so I know everyone was pretty...taken aback. I was very proud of her.

The Apple Pie Party Dip was a hit...and I'm glad I made that.

This morning....

"No, Honey! Don't use the haircutting scissors to open a package!!!!"

Okay, back to this. Joshua and Ashley patiently waited for both me and husband to wake up. Then we opened gifts.

Very lovely things such as a little water fountain, and a new tea pot from the husband. I had gotten a sweet angel from the daughter. Lovely things. We don't need much.

Well, I will make egg nog bread and just find a pan to slap it in.

EGGNOG Bread

2 eggs, beaten
1 cup eggnog
2 teaspoons rum flavored extract (I am opting out on this...)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup butter softened
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350. Grease bottom only of a 9x5 inch loaf pan or three 3x5 inch loaf pans.

Blend together the eggs, eggnog, rum extract (again, not using, not have...so necessary?), sugar, vanilla and butter.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Add to eggnog mixture and stir just enough to moisten; pour into prepared pan.

Bake bread in large pan for 40-60 minutes or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Breads baked in smaller pans require 35-40 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and remove from pan. Cool completely, wrap tightly and store in fridge.

So, you're welcome to join me in my kitchen and try this out with me.

Again, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Bakin' away

Oh, come on into Kirstan's Kitchen.

I'm trying out a couple recipes.

Apple Pie Party Dip. That is with 1 1/3 cup of peeled, diced up apples. Then 2 tsp of apricot preserves mixed with it, and a couple teaspoon of fresh lemon juice (I squeezed a lemon to death for this one), then toss in some cinnamon and stir it up. Chill it for a while. Well, I put it in the fridge for overnight. It looks like a fruity salsa. Then to go with it, to make your own cinnamon tortilla chips. I was fortunate to find freshly made tortillas and cut those up, spread butter on those and sprinkle cinnamon over it (yeah, cinnamon with sugar) and bake for a few minutes in the oven at 350 degrees.

Hmmm....

At the same time I made sugar cookie dough last night and this morning just baked a couple batches. I made my own icing (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, stir it up then add food color for color)....Since I couldn't find my christmas cookie cutters I just rolled them in balls and let them become...."ornaments". And with those, it was easy to dip them in the icing. I had several different sprinkles to decorate so I did that.

I originally planned to make eggnog bread BUT...I do not have a loaf pan. SO...that will have to be done some other time. *darn*

Oh yes let's not forget the usual cheese & cracker tray and pepperoni slices.

We will leave around here about 1:30 or so and head out to a sister's house that is on the lake. She has 3 daughters...all under 6 years of age. Busy mom. And it'll be a fun-filled house.

What are you guys up to today? What are you guys bakin'?

Merry Christmas Eve.

Tuesday in a Tizzy....

I wrote to two of my friends saying, "nah, I'm not going to risk going out to the mall or store".

*cough*

After I hit send, I found myself getting dressed and ...

....went shopping.

Oh hey, it wasn't bad at all! I got there at 10 am! Yes sirree I did! And it wasn't even crowded! So I was very happy.

But the JcPenney's in Adrian is very tiny. So it was very...tiny.

And not much but I was able to find great stuff for my husband, and found something for my daughter, which I really, really, really, really, really hope she likes....as her fashion style is something I can't even...comprehend! Josh is easy to shop for.

Oh yeah I treated myself to new snowboots and a pair of sneakers as my husband sort-of stole mine....

THEN...I went to Meijers.

My list is at home and I'm trying to figure out what I need. So I was mainly focused on picking up some pies for our family gathering tomorrow...then getting something for my own little family's dinner, and getting some other stuff I need to do. Yeah.

I was very happy to get out of there. Ech.

I would like to take a moment and thank my friends and family for those who sent their condolences. Thank you. I will miss my grandmother. We want to say thank you.

And, tomorrow, I shall write more.

I need to go get couple more things....but will do it downtown...and I should be done.

Happy Birthday, Ashley!

December 18, 1995---Ashley Marie was born around dinner time.

The pregnancy itself was very interesting. Because you were my "longest" baby, I was never able to sit comfortably w/o you kicking me in protest. Being of short stature, it was no easy feat. I truly did waddle. And haven't seen my feet for the longest time.

When it was time for us to go to the hospital, your "Aunt Dee" came to take me to the hospital. Your daddy was out of state on a job assignment, and there was a storm going on that time, he was unable to make it home in time. Aunt Dee picked me up around 3:30 in the morning. She stuck it out with me until you were born.

You came just in time for dinner. I was actually getting very hungry at that time, but wasn't allowed to eat ...

Your grandma & PoPo were there, along with Oma and Aunt Dee. It was a big celebration.

Your daddy was able to come home 2 days later---when the storm let up.

Watching you grow up is a learning experience...every day. From a very patient puzzle solver to being gentle with people of all ages. And being very friendly with those who were of various disabilities. You had such compassion, it was truly a blessing.

I am truly blessed to have you in my life. I look forward to whatever the future brings into your life.

I love you, Ashley.

Love, Mom

I fired myself....

I fired myself.

I was making this great lasagna dish. Thinking, oh this is gonna be so yummy num num.

I did everything right.

After 45 minutes, I check on the lasagna. Ohhh, the oozy cheesey cheese...and I cut into it to test the doneness of the pasta.

*thunk*

Um....okay, maybe another 10 minutes in the oven.

So I waited.

Test again....still dense. *scratches my head*....

I look at the box.

Duh! *smacks my forehead*

The box I had was for the kind you're supposed to BOIL.

I didn't use the right box...the kind that you DON'T HAVE TO BOIL...but will cook as you bake it.

I fired myself tonight.

But to do damage control...I took the TOP layer noodles off...as the bottom 2 were edible. Not as dense.

And threw in some garlic toast (that I thankfully did NOT BURN)....

......................................and it's actually quite good.

Yeah. Next time, check the box. Make sure I use the RIGHT one!

Typical Teen?

I'm learning how to be a mom to a teenager...well, Ashley will be a teenager...TOMORROW!

I have to stop and look back at my own teenage years...and I can imagine what my mom had gone through with me. Then my sisters. We 3 were nothing alike. Different personalities, different choices.

For her birthday party on Friday she is having a night of games. We would be setting up the dining room into an arcade style or game room....so up the chandelier it goes, and push everything to the walls and clear the floor.

And she's having some boys over. But don't worry, everyone. Again I say, this party will be closely monitored by the *MOM* (again, pointing at myself).

It'll be exciting.

I look forward to Ashley's teen years....I'm trying to keep a very positive outlook on this.

Not feeling detached...

Well, I know that HOT BATH I had last night soothed my po' achin' hips....because when I got out of the tub last night, I could miraculously move with ease! And of course, a good night's sleep helped.

We all slept hard, I know that.

I had been feeling detached ... really, my hips felt detached from my body.

I'm fine now.

This week is another busy week for me.

With Ashley's concert tonight, and having the "WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM EST WEDNESDAY" on my weather bug alerter thingy on my desktop...

Brrr!

And I'm again wearing a hoodie sweater. I think I can get used to this.

Okay, back to my busy week ahead....will have to do some bakin' and getting our home prepared for Ashley's Birthday Party on Friday...yes...it's a boy/girl party. Oh don't worry...it'll be closely monitored by the MOM....*pointing at myself*... and the boys have to go home probably 10 or 11 pm....the girls can stay and slumber. Will recreate the dining room into a "game room" or arcade or whatever, with the old traditional TWISTER game in the middle of the floor. Yeah. That'll be fun.

I will officially start my Christmas Vacation on Friday! WOO! And be off for 2 whole weeks! WOW! So, 3 more days....til I can escape.

Everyone at work are starting to feel burned out, so I know everyone's in a very good mood this week....

Sorry nothing witty or funny to blog about today. I couldn't find my good glasses but found my old ones....(blue frames...) and well, not too bad. My eyes finally adjusted to it...and I have to say, not bad.

Sunday Snoozes

On the way home Friday, I took the back roads....and of course, a woman had the misfortune to slam into a doe. Poor thing. Her windshield was smashed up, and the doe laid there dying in the middle of the road. Had to drive AROUND them. There were several good samaratians helping that woman so I knew she was in good hands.

(that reminds me, GET A CELL PHONE, KIRSTAN!)

We had a wonderful Deaf Cafe program Saturday night. Whew. But I'm paying for it with my sore hips, already. Having to kneel for a lonnnnnng time onstage, and waiting for the soloist to realize it was time for her to get up here NOW and SING! My hips were screaming....and charley horses going on at the same time. Even the kids' uncle who came to check out Josh's debut as a main role character in one drama knows me very well...could tell I was trying not to fall apart.

That happens when you're 40 and you have joined all those older people who breaks their hips or something.

I'm cooking ... no, baking sugar cookies right now with my own homemade powdered sugar frosting (food-colored, too).... (red and green...)....and just dipping them in. I couldn't find my own christmas cookie cutters at this time so I just rolled them up into balls, slapped them on cookie sheets and threw them in the oven. Then when cookies are done, I take 'em off onto cooling rack then I let it cool off a wee bit, then start dipping them in the frosting. Yum.

And they're for my student assistants at work. Yeah.

We were sooo tired from last night, even Josh got really sick during the night...ate too many brownies and peppermint patty candies. He's feeling better now...but yeah. Whoo. Being so sick, we decided best course of action was to come straight home instead of going to church. I don't want the risk of Josh getting sick again during church. Good thing, because we ALL napped...well, I know I did. And so did Josh. My hips were very thankful.

Oh yeah, he did great as his character of a boy buying a pair of red christmas shoes for his dying mom (this is from a song, and was turned into a movie...)...and a man was touched and helped this boy out by paying the rest of it. Josh did very well.

We also did the Charlie Brown Christmas too...so that was fun. I missed a lot so I will have to ask someone for the video so I can watch!

Well I better go finish up bakin' and frostin' those cookies then settle down for the night.

Oh my hips...

Snowing!

Well, the commute in this morning was lovely. No deer (knock on wood!), no ice, no...stupid drivers! Did get stuck behind a "turtle" but was able to pass that driver and get to work on time.

I realized it's been a couple days since "Irkday". The irkness have gone away. I have been fighting off headaches...with the weather temps constantly changing....up...down...up...down....what a roller coaster of a ride.

Got a hold of a friend of mine from my Gally days. It was just a pleasure to be able to hook up with them. I never thought I'd hear from those friends again...but the internet can be a wonderful thing! The memories. I do have many good memories so there is something good about that. And it is truly a small world when my husband actually knows these people...so I feel better. And yes, my husband knows I've been in touch with these friends...in fact, we joke about it because of one of them being my husband's former fraternity brother....if he actually contacted his frat brother by email:

"Hey dude, remember your homecoming dance date in '88?"
"Yeah? what about her?"
"I married her!"

Well, this is Deaf Cafe-Flint weekend, so got an exciting program ahead. I'm looking forward to it.

Have a great weekend and be safe, wherever you are!

Today is Irkday

A friend said she is irked today. Why? Close to bedtime her kids decided it's time to do homework.

I'm irked...I had to remind my husband that the kids' chair is NOT designed to hold an adult or our weight. We will break it. The living room is set up comfortably, so the loveseat isn't that far away from the big tv....so yes, you can play Wii from there. It's really not that far away....

So he got irked with me.

So, today, I declare it....Irkday. (thanks, Amy, for that new word)

Happy Irkday.

Bleah!

Last night my son threw up. All of his supper.

If his taking a nap late in the day was any indication how sick he was getting, I would've known that.

But noooooo....I didn't . I just assumed since it was so cold, and we were all tired and just wanted to stay cuddled up in our blankets and warm beds....that would be acceptable.

So I let him stay home today.

He's feeling better.

Good.

This afternoon at work, I noticed I was coughing just a leeeeeetle bit....but then my throat just got sore FAST! Oy.

On the way home, I grabbed a hot drink from McD's and that helped. It's just sore on one side of my throat. I betcha tomorrow both sides will be swollen and I'll be guzzling hot tea and coffee and whatever HOT to soothe my throat.

But hey, it won't get me down ...I'm tougher than one thinks.

I'm just gonna finish my dinner and crawl in bed and just .... relax. Just for tonight.

Charlie Brown's Christmas will be on...awwww. I am going to watch it so I can study my Sally character for our upcoming Deaf Cafe program.

Linus is Sally's sweet babboo, and my husband plays Linus....so...yeah.

Overslept...

I know Saturday I slept a lot.

*wait a second...let me think....what did I do on Saturday??*

Right...yes, I slept a lot. It was the kind of day you wanted to stay in bed, curled up in your warm blankies and just....sleep. After I had my hair done...I've gone blonde this time!

Today I did my usual Sunday routine...go to church, have a potluck afterwards then come home to start a load of laundry THEN another nap.

Well, the minimum time of nap is 2 hours. The maximum is 2 hours. Not a minute less or more.

I ...
.....overslept!

Egads.

5:15 pm, Ashley wasn't home from her friend's house, and Joshua was conked out on the couch! I had slept for nearly 3 hours! EGADS!

Threw a pair of jeans, socks and a pair of Josh's pants and shirt in the dryer. Please dry in 20 minutes!!!

Sent my husband to store to pick up some more hot coca mix....came back and we all trooped over to my sister's house for advent candles and just hang out.

It was quite lovely.

Now we're home and ...I'm just catching up on emails and my postings....then will run off to watch some tv and chill out ...

Might nod off again...who knows? It sure is cold today. Brr!

Shiverin' on Saturday

Inviting a big family over for dinner causes one to go and get into the cleaning frenzy....and operate on very little sleep, strength and...patience.

Oh I have patience with the company I invited over. I have patience with my family. No problem. Just not with myself. And I kick myself in the rear end for not being more careful with myself. After all, I am old. Yeah yeah....

At least this forced me to get off my duff and do the "deep cleaning" business. My house ain't messy, just a bit cluttered to show how busy my family and I are. And, you know some people lives here.

So when my sister came in last night, I think she was expecting....more clutter? As I sit here at the computer in the dining room (just a wee tiny desk with only the computer....) I look into the living room and I see some areas I missed with the vacuum. So shoot me.

But I was complimented, because I have the majority of my Christmas stuff out and decorated. I really decked out all!

Had a great dinner and had more than enough to feed 10 people! My lasagna turned out really well, so I have to compliment the chef. I did something right. As the kids asked for seconds and my husband had 3 helpings. Oink.

It was too cold to be outside to see the Christmas Parade last night so we trooped back inside and watched from the window. Well, Opa and I kind of watched out the window but the kids were having too much fun playing with Wii. Yeah, my family got an earrrrrrrrrrrrrly Christmas present for the Galofre Gang...yeah. Wanna go bowling but too broke? Come on over, we'll bowl for free. And oh yeah, no smoking in here or some obnoxious loud guys .... Wanna play something more energetic? Tennis or baseball, can. Maybe ping-pong? Sure, we got that too.

Anyway, it was very good having company over....and getting into the Christmas Spirit.

It is snowing this morning, I think we're in for a wintry storm right now. I just dropped my husband off at his boss for a meeting this morning. Swung by my sister to drop off her stroller, as there was no room for it in Opa's car last night. Then I'm home to finish today's post, then head out soon in 20 minutes for my fabulous hair appointment.

My favorite hairdresser is there no more. boo hoo. BUT, there is another one there I like so she got me in for today. Yay.

Maybe I'll go blonde today. And I'd like more "SPIKE" please??? After all, I'm still 29. (*snort*)

Stay warm.

Let me share with you a poem I received in an email today:

Please Read. It's not long and it's awesome literature!
I found this beautiful winter poem and thought it might be a comfort to you. It was to me, and it's very well written.

'WINTER'
a poem by Abigail Elizabeth McIntyre


' Burrrrrr, It's Cold ! '

The End

Nearly DONE!

Okay, I'm really caught up in the Christmas Spirit!

I bought this HUGE poinsettia and it took me a while to figure out WHERE to put it. I finally put it on the corner hutch in my dining room. My dining room is pretty much all set as far as being decorated.

The mantle is coming along very nicely. My great aunt and my grandmother had given me some Christmas stuff from years past and well, I love antique stuff. My great aunt LOVES Santa Claus. She had give me this sterling silver one of St. Nick...and a beautiful "Father Christmas" tree topper...so those I can handle. I do not like the very cartoonish fakey plastic-like Santas they have out there. They take away the real meaning of Christmas. I do admire St. Nick for his idea of spreading gifts...it's the spirit. The real meaning of Christmas is really all about Jesus.

Anyway, before I get all riled up about the fakeness of Christmas, I rearranged the living room ONE MORE TIME! and boy does it look great. And away from the front windows (and drafts). Yes, I could put plastic up to keep it out but have you guys seen HOW TALL my windows are??? I need a crane to get up there!

I have company coming over this evening for dinner. Opa, my sister & her family---yeah, the real sweethearts....and my own family. So I'll be whipping up my famous Lasagna for dinner. Yum yum yum....

Okey dokey...well, I better get going so will try to BLOG tonight or tomorrow. Maybe my sister will snap pictures and I can try to share.

Happy Friday, y'all.

Wet Wednesday evening...

Well, I finally, FINALLY went to the city's post office and BOUGHT some stamps....and while I commented on the lack of coin-operated stamps dispenser machines (they only take debits or credit cards now)...she agreed with me how inconvenient that can be for some people.

Then as I put the stamp on that envelope addressed to my grandmother in AZ, I felt myself get emotional. Got me thinking....this will be the last letter & card she will ever get from me before the angels sweep down and take her home to Heaven.

The sweet post office lady asked what was wrong because I was just kind of standing there holding that envelope to my heart. Trying not to break down or sob my head off.

I told her quickly about my grandmother being very ill...she understood and stamped it and put in the bin to be sent out tonight.

Got in town to pick up Josh from Opa's. Since I was late leaving work, and had to stop at the P.O. on my way home....I did not have time to make a dinner at home. So I treated the family to some KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)...not my favorite food or place but hey, it beats the burgers and fries and pop. I got the chicken with the mashed potatoes and corn! At least that'll sustain me ...for a while.

Now I am heading over to my sister's to watch her two precious angels....well, they're always well behaved when I'm around. Last time, I put them both to bed, and they actually STAYED in bed, and fell fast asleep. Impressive. I must be doing something right...as an aunt. LOL.

Stay safe ...have a good evening.

Sunny for a Wednesday

So far, it's still sunny. I'm glad.

No ice on the roads.

I noticed there are NO stamps dispensers in the small town post offices I stopped at yesterday and today (after they had been closed for the evening)....

And I'm trying to mail a card/letter to my grandma. I will go to a CITY PO and try to snag a stamp so I can send this off. There is one here in this city I can swing by after work....yeah...I'll just take a different, scenic route home. Yeah.

Anyway....nearly done with decorating my home. I do have a few more and hopefully can be done by tomorrow night. I've invited my dad over for dinner on Friday and then to join me to see the Christmas Parade on my block...(one great benefit of living downtown, everything's nearly at your doorstep!).

Then come in for hot coco and cookies? Yum. Will also invite my sister and her kids as well...

I better get back to work....my break time's up! Will try to blog more...when I can.

Miss me?

Ahh, you guys are so sweet!

How was your weekend?

My week + weekend was really great! Enjoyed bowling and surprising "Milkboy" at the alley. It was good and very sweet the family invited my family to join them. If I had known there would be NO turkey involved, I would've cooked something .... big. But nah, we...the husband and I...ate leftovers from whatever we had the day before....

But that's OKAY! Really, seriously, it was okay! We just enjoyed not having to make a huge fuss over anything.

Friday I went up to Flint to help Brenda out with building a Snoopy Doghouse for our upcoming Deaf Cafe program (December 13th, y'all!)...and well, since Brenda wasn't really feeling that good, I will wait to ask her to take a picture of it for me....so I can share. Brenda and I had a lot of fun doing that. Among other things.

Good news...my husband got his job ...back. It's the same company but one guy left in a hissy fit so....the CEO asked husband to come back and be the main web guy. And he only needs to report to the CEO, not the "hissy" guy. So...husband spent all Sunday afternoon/evening talking with CEO guy and well, I guess we'll have a very lovely Christmas this year.

Well, I had CPR/AED training today at work, so I had fun with that. I'm now certified to save anyone's life....

Anybody need some saving?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

I am doing something...unusual this year.

I had 2 guests beg off coming over today, which is fine as I did not want to struggle with another turkey again....(yeah, yanking that neck out from the cavity...eww)....

Instead, we are taking Josh to "Milkboy's" SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY at the Bowling Alley.

Huh? On Thanksgiving?!

Yup.

Yes, I know, unusual but how often will his birthday fall on this particular day?

Yeah.

And, of course we are celebrating Thanksgiving as well, so no biggie.

I'm going to take a nap....and send my husband out on a mission. Visit the CVS store and pick up a birthday card and we'll just slip in $10.00 in. We really have no clue what to get "Milkboy".

By the way, might have to come up with a new name for him as he's on a diet and needs to limit his dose of milk. Ah.

Anyway, y'all have a happy Turkey Day....and don't eat too much.

Hugs to y'all,
Kirstan

Tunes for a Tuesday

Actually, a really FUN clip here. I have always been amazed with how much time people have on their hands...OR...they just like to be extreme when preparing for Christmas.

Just watch the whole thing...you might find yourself dancing a little towards the end. I did.





This was sent to me through Brenda from a Tami in Canada. Thanks, Tami.

If you want to see more of his clips, go to www.holdman.com and you'll see more of these fun shows. Really cool!

Moody Monday---

I guess some of us are extremely tired---or burned out. I know I am. I'm looking forward to being off the rest of the week. Also dealing with the unknown...unlike my friend's, Brenda. Different kind of unknowns.

My grandmother is near the end of her life. While I will miss her, it's even harder being across the states and not being able to drop everything to see her right now. And when the time comes, will I be able to go out there for...the funeral? I. Do. Not. Know. It all depends on my finances at that time. I know Grandma is just tired of being sick, of hurting, and just wants to let go of earth and fly towards Heaven. At least I know she has something to look forward to (just like my own mother did!). So I am prepared for that.

This morning my stepdad, whom I'll call, "Opa" (which is what all the grandkids call him anyway!) is having a surgery done on his leg. I did not get all the details but at least he's being very positive about it, and I am too. I gave him a hug because I need to hug him for good luck and to show my love and support. I told him to let me do my thing as his daughter and cheerleader and hug the stuffings out of him! It should be an outpatient deal, removing something cancerous from his leg musle. And I'm thankful that my brother-in-law will be able to get Josh after school and drop him off at home.

I only have to work today. I'm off the rest of the week. Yay.

Let's see...not going to have my usual traditional Thanksgiving---but to surprise Josh's friend at a surprise birthday party at the bowling alley on Thursday 6 pm! Milkboy does not know what he's in for! It was extremely hard not to talk to his mom about gift ideas, what to bring to share, etc. LOL. And Ashley will be feeding the homeless on Thursday...and wants to eat with the family she's joining with. I am so proud of her. Her passion is to help the homeless. I must be doing something right with that girl, after all.

Well...oh wow, it's snowing. Brrrr.

Have a happy Monday.

Suddenly Sunday

We had 55 hungry people yesterday at the feastival and it was sooooo good to see everyone there. Some people I've not seen in a long time...made new friends...and the food was pretty much all gone. My turkey went pretty fast, so I know I did something right!

I had a very tiring day though. I didn't think I'd be so tired already. I know the cold weather can be a factor ...

Josh invited his friend, "Milkboy" over and well, you can imagine my surprise when I woke up around 4:30 am and saw that the boys were STILL AWAKE!

Grr. So I said, "Okay...you guys ... SLEEP NOW! When we get up at 8 a.m. you two have no right to complain how tired you are! You're BOTH going to church!"

Well, they didn't dare complain. It only takes a look from me to behave.

After church, took them to the mall to burn off some energy....and I was already ready for a nap!

I did visit a Sprint store there...and they had so many purty cell phones there. After talking to my sister last night about HER phone (Palm), and gave me good reviews on them, I decided when I get my "bonus" check with my next paycheck, I will buy myself something like that ...and go from there.

Well, since the Music Awards will be on tonight, I'm going to poke around see what's good on tv. Ah....

Good night, y'all.

Thanksgiving Feastival...

Whew. I roasted a turkey last night in those baggy things and it came out really well.

I was really tired, and a bit cranky. I waited a while for it to cool down a smidge before ripping it from its bones...and putting them in a pan...and wrapping it all up, ready to go.

I even got smart alecky with my husband when he asked me why not just bring the whole dang thing ...as a whole...and let the people just carve a piece for themselves.

I snorted. HA! I don't think so!

So I continued taking it all apart and got it all wrapped up and saved all the drippings ... and everything is in the fridge right now.

Hands off, y'all. This is for the annual CCBC Thanksgiving Potluck---today.

I'll be blogging about this later tonight if I survive.

Jane Doe...

Doe. A deer. A female deer.
Fa...a long, long way to run...

Okay, I nearly slammed head on into a doe. It wasn't a Buck Deer, but a doe...a Jane Doe.

My heart was slamming away in my throat. Took a long time for my heart to crawl back into its proper position in my chest.

While I think they are gorgeous to see...I'd like them to be....far far away....
and nowhere near the road(s).

I was emailing 2 friends about this ...this morning.

And also shared my interesting morning at Dunkin' Donuts. I wanted to get a cappucino from there. They have really good coffee beans.

It was busy, and there was a gaggle of kids with their dad...changing their minds what kind of donut(s) they wanted....and I thought my turn would never come.

By the way, it was 16 degrees this morning, and my van window was frozen shut, so can't roll it open. Hence, having to go INSIDE to get my dose of caffeine.

Finally, asked for a large cappucino please with caramel. I figured it'd be sweet.

When the guy FINALLY got around to handing my cup to me, I thought, wait, it's light! So I took the lid off and looked inside.

"Uh....it's only half-full".

The manager who happened to be there cracking his whip around Indiana Jones style looked in my cup, then looks at me, "you know cappucinos have all that foam on the top, but lattes, they fill it up to the top."

I just blinked at him---"I know, but for the price I paid for it, does it only have to be 1/2 full and...uhh...where's the foam?"

We both peer into my cup together..."I'm sorry ma'am but you ordered a cappucino and it should be foamy...."

Well, the clock was ticking and I felt God nudging me to stop arguing and get my heinie over to work ...right now.

I smiled....not in a very nice way, so forgive me.

And left.

Arrived at work and opened the lid of my cup.

And added hot chocolate mix to it. It brought it up a bit more....made it 2/3rd full.

And sweeter.

Yum.

Oh yeah, the guy must've forgotten the caramel because there weren't any.

Now I'm on break...and I hiked down to the cafe and ordered a small LATTE, you know, the kind that isn't full of foam on the top. It comes all the way up to the top of the cup. And...oh yeah, flavor? Peppermint.

Yum. Now I'm a happy girl.

Let's go way back....

Before the internet or PC or the Mac.
Before semi-automatics and crack.
Before Playstation, SEGA, Super Nintendo, even before Atari.
Before cell phones, CD’s, DVD’s, voicemail and e-mail.

Let’s go...way...way...way back...

I’m talkin’ bout Hide and Seek at dusk.
Red Light, Green Light.
Red Rover Red Rover...
Playing kickball, dodgeball until the first...no...second...no...third streetlight came on (we didn’t have streetlights)
Ring around the Rosie.
London bridge.
Hot Potato.
Hop cotch.
Jump rope.
Duck...Duck...GOOSE!!
You’re IT!
Mother May I?
Hula Hoops.
Seeing shapes in the clouds (still do that today)
Endless summer days and hot summer nights (no A/C) with the windows open.
Running through sprinklers.
Happy Meals.
Cereal boxes with that GREAT prize in the bottom.
Cracker Jacks with the same thing.
Ice pops with 2 sticks you could break and share with a friend (or sibling)
Parents stood on the front porch and yelled (or whistled...) for you to come home (my friends always let me know when my mom hollered for me)...no pagers or cell phones.

...but wait...there’s more...

Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons,
Bugs Bunny, Fat Albert, Road Runner, Smurfs, G-Force & He-Man, schoolhouse Rock (I still watch cartoons)
Wonder Woman & Superman Underoos,
FONZIE....AYYYY...(let’s not forget Laverne & Shirley)
Playing Dukes of Hazard.
Catching lightning bugs in a jar.
Christmas Morning.
First day of School.
Bedtime prayers and Good night Kisses.
Climbing trees.
Swinging high as you could to try and reach the sky.
Getting an Ice Cream off the Good Humor Truck.
A million mosquito bites and sticky fingers.
Jumpin’ down the steps.
Jumpin’ on the bed.
Pillow fights.
Sleep-overs.
A 13” black/white TV in your room meant you were RICH.
Runnin’ til you were out of breath.
Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt.
Being tired from PLAYING.
Work: meant taking trash out or doing dishes.
Your first crush.
Your first kiss (I mean the one that you kept your mouth closed and eyes open).
Rainy days at school meant playing “Heads Up 7UP” or “hangman” in the classroom, remember that?

Oh I’m not finished yet...

Kool-Aid was the drink of the summer.
So was a swig from the water hose (sometime do that still)
Giving your friends a ride on your handlebars.
Wearing your new shoes on the first day of school.
Class Field Trips with soggy sandwiches.
When nearly everyone’s mom was at home when the kids got there.
When a quarter seem like a fair allowance-and another quarter a MIRACLE.
When ANY parent could discipline ANY kid, or feed him or use him to carry crogeries...and NOBODY not even the kid, thought a thing of it.
When your parents took you to McDonalds and you were COOL.
When being sent to the principal’s office was nothing compared to what awaited you at home.
Basically, we were in fear for our lives but it wasn’t because of drive-by shootings, drugs or gangs...
Our parents sand grandparents were a much bigger threat!
And some of us are still afraid of ‘em! (yep)

Didn’t that feel good?
Just to go back and say, “Yeah I remember that!”

Well, let’s keep going!

Let’s go back to the time when...
Decisions were made by going “eeny-meeny-miney-MO!”
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming “do over!”
“Race Issues” meant arguing about who ran the fastest.
Money issues were handled by whoever was the “Monopoly” banker.
Catching fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening.
It wasn’t odd to have two or three “best” friends.
Being old, referred to anyone over 20.
The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was cooties.
Nobody was prettier than Mom. (still isn’t)
Scrapes and bruises were kissed by mom or grandma and made feel better.
It was a big deal to finally be tall enough to ride the “big people” rides at the amusement park.
Getting a foot of snow was a dream come true.
Abilities were discovered because of a “double-dog-dare”
Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles.
The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team.
Water balloons were the ultimate, ultimate weapon.
If you can remember most or all of these, then you have LIVED!!!

A BOY?

Oh Joy!

I waited for some GOOD NEWS alllllll day yesterday and when I finally showed up at one of my sister's house to pick up my son, that sister and I were wondering why our other sister hasn't contacted us yet.

So my sis checks her cellphone and saw that our pregnant sister did indeed call.

On Tax Day, 2009, Andrew Wolfgang B. is due.

I'm havin' a nephew! Woohoo! Yeehaw! *dancing the jig*

Very exciting.

The drive home was actually very nice...no problems with the roads at all. A huge difference than that nerve-wracking, nail bitin' drive that morning. Whew. I sang along with Amy Grant and other singers their Christmas songs on high volume all the way home. I think my van actually "danced" with the music blaring.

Got home, and the husband did bring out the christmas stuff. So Josh and husband started decorating the tree. Why, oh why, do they always focus on ONE area...and not spread it around? Hm. Well, it's still pretty and ...

....*shhh* ... when they weren't lookin', I moved some around...spread it out a bit. Much better.

A friend told me last night, "I REFUSE to listen to any Christmas songs. I REFUSE to put up my Christmas stuff...until the day after Thanksgiving."

I agree, BUT...I won't have time next week to do that, and I always set it up after we've stuffed ourselves with Turkey, corn, pies, etc. I'm just slowly putting out decorations....a bit at a time each night.

Well, I'm just happy my pregnant sister is doing well and having a boy. It's going to be so sweet. I know she reads my blog so I won't spoil the surprise what I'm gettin' her/baby for Christmas/baby shower.

Slippery 'n slide...

"How was your drive in this morning?" one co-worker asked me.

"Did they close down any roads this morning?"another coworker asked.

"Did you have any trouble getting here?" coworker number 3 asked.

"Dear (supervisor), I was an hour late getting to work due to major black ice/icy conditions on my way to work. I've filled out a slip using personal time for that one hour. Please stay safe" and hit send to my supervisor. My supervisor is doing the 4 days a week deal for work, to save on gas. Smart. And ... safe for today.

Oy.

Talk about stress. I have no nails left to chew. I started out by clearing off my van at 6:10 a.m., fought to open the doors (they were all frozen shut) and warming it up. Then going back upstairs and shake Joshua up some more to get him going. Bundled him up, woke up Ashley, "don't forget to close that door...SNUGLY!" and fought to open the passenger side door open....buckled him up and then came around to my door. My door froze again. Fought with that, got it open then realized the defroster didn't work fast enough. Got my scraper out (where the heck are my gloves???), scrape scrape scrape.

*brrr*

Back in the van, then as I shifted into Drive, the van slipped little. Brakes felt funny (sure, the stuff is between the brake shoes and the tire part thingy)...get to my dad's to drop off Josh.

Back in the van. I needed gas. Got gas. Got coffee.

THEN....

decided to take US-12 (aka, Michigan Ave)....from Tecumseh to Clinton was one long slippery drive.

Not bad.

Turned right on US-12, thinking, wow, lots of cars today. It's 6:45 already...and I'm 15 minutes behind.

Black ice. Icy spots. For the next 12 miles.

8 miles in, there was a really bad accident that just occurred. That really shook me up because 1. the emergency guys weren't there yet, so obviously the accident *just happened that moment*. 2. the good samaritans were helping this woman of the SUV down on the ground...she did not look good. They were covering her up with blankets. The SUV had hit some pick-up truck...so both the truck AND the SUV were pretty smashed up. Amazingly, though, the driver of the truck was fine....and HE was the one helping that poor woman...she got the worst of it. It was a head on collision.

As I approached that much anticipated intersection that leads me into Saline, there were firetrucks and ambulances and a cop flying by. As one cop car rounded the corner (of that intersection)...that car skidded and I thought for a moment he was going to slam into the car that was stopped at the light. No....he quickly corrected himself and took off. At this point I'm bawling my eyes out. What in the world has come over me???

Going through Saline, the roads were much better. I'm looking at the clock, it's 7:45, and I'm thinking, I need a payphone. Well, every gas station I drove by did not have a phone.

"Because now everybody has a cell phone...."

Pfft.

By the time I get to Ypsilanti, it's already after 8 am.

I had to park at the end of the earth and dash to the library.

Clocking in around 8:25. Whew.

I am okay now....could use some chocolate. Could use some ...good news. I am waiting to find out if I'll have a niece or nephew ... who is due to make his/her debut sometime in April. The appointment is at 3:30...(do I have to wait that long??? whinnnnne)....so I'm looking forward to that. I love being an aunt.

"What time do you think you'll be back in town tonight?" my other sister emailed me...since she is picking up Josh from school for me today.

I replied:"Lord willing, I'll be in Tecumseh by 5. This...is...when I need to start thinking SERIOUSLY about.... investing in ...a...cell phone."

Cell phones. Oh man. Any suggestions what type I should get?

Snowy Sunday

As I sit here at my husband's computer, I look outside, and see snow. It's pretty. No snow on the ground yet....but it's snowing. Still pretty.

I took Ashley to her Solo & Ensemble yesterday in Charlotte, which is somewhere close to Lansing? Battle Creek? Whatever, it takes about 90 miles one way. Yeah. And half a tank one way. Yeah.

Ashley and her 2 other friends/bandmates played 2 pieces and they did pretty good. I did listen to the judge make some suggestions and I had to agree with her at one point. Oh, sorry, someone kept asking me...WHAT DID THEY PLAY? Sing? what?

The Alto Sax.

I'm really impressed with Ashley and her 2 friends. They did really well. They are also judged between 1 and 5. If you get a 1, you get blue medal. 2-you get a red medal. 3-5 you get nothing, with 5 being reaaaaalllly not good. Ech.

Ashley and her 2 friends got 1! OH YEAH! They were jumping around, "sweet!", "yes!", etc....and high-fiving each other. Then it was time to go home.

All for a 90 second piece?

Back on the road for another 1 1/2 hour drive, another half tank gone.

Oh no, I'm not complaining. No no no. But it was good to see Ashley smiling a lot. And her band teacher had been there and he was very proud of the girls. Oh yeah, buttons nearly popping off his suit.

Well, I need to shake my kids awake and get ready for church. My husband is teaching SS and I'm just going to wrap up reminders of our upcoming Thanksgiving party next Sat...and making sure everyone is ready. Etc, etc.

So, maybe when I get home, there'll be snow on the ground?

Another TGIF.

Phew. What a week.

I think I'm really starting to feel my age.

Either that or it's just the shorter daylight hours we have nowadays.

Been overcast this week, so it made it difficult for me to wake up yesterday & today. Hm.

Last night during my videophone meeting with the Deaf Cafe team, I had gotten a phone call from my dad. So....you can imagine how busy I got there.

Making plans to take ASL lessons with my husband on Saturday morning. This is when Ashley comes up and tells me I'm taking her to her solo & ensemble thing in Charlotte (1 1/2 hour northwest from home).

*blinking fast....* "Excuse me? I thought you were riding with your friend?" (and all my carefully planned out plans for Saturday crashed down around my feet....)

Okay. Fine. Sure. (dramatic sigh...the things I do for my kids)

So, I guess I can sleep in a little bit more tomorrow. But would have to hit the road about 9:30.

Mapquest, ready or not, here I come....

Country Technology....

Click on the cartoon to see it in bigger size.

Received this from L.W....a friend...thanks! It really made my day! Enjoy!

Weighty matters

Well, I came across a blog sometime during my break and thought, wow.

My sister and I were talking about our weights...and how we need to lose weight.

Well...I have mentioned a few times I am stuck with this 10 lbs of ...whatever...that keeps gaining or losing...but never more or less than the 10 lbs frame.

Ugh.

So....*gulp*...I'm going to ATTEMPT to try to do something about it. I really do not want to hear the doctor telling me, "They all say that" every time I try to tell her I have been careful what I eat, I exercise plenty (uh, ok, some), and I don't go for fatty food. I admitted I need to cut down on my sugary drinks....giving up my coca-cola would be extremely hard and NO I DO NOT LIKE DIET coke. Blech! But at the same time, I do not like her. I'm changing doctors. I felt she wasn't really "LISTENING" to me. *sticking my tongue at her*

I really do need to lose more.

I am thankful, though, that I can wear Large and size 16. I used to wear XXL and size 22w (plus size standards)....now I'm just wearing regular Large and regular 16 (not wide or plus size!). And so far, so good.

I'd LOVE to go to size 12, but if I can make it to 14, then I'd be happier than a puppy with a bone.

"For Christmas I want...."

• computer
• laptop
• cellphone
• my own phone line in my own room...
  
• Playstation...3? Portable? something....
• Wii
• video games
• palm pilot
• dye my hair red

What am I? An ATM?

Uh....

Those...
are...
expensive....
stuff.

Is it too late to put anything on layaway?

I can hear my bank account sobbing over the thought of being spent on electronic stuff.

HOWEVER...my goal is to get my very own laptop. I don't like having to wait for my turn. Hey, aren't I the authoritative figure (other than my husband) to have first dibs on the computer (we have 2)????

Last year Christmas morning....I had to wake up Josh. I woke him up, and asked him, "Do you know what today is?"

He sleepily replied "yeah, it's Jesus' birthday..." and snuggles deeper under the covers.

Okay...."Well, I guess I'll just have Santa take the presents back ..."

He shot out of bed and ran for the presents under the tree.

At least my kids do not have high expectations this year. With the way the economy is, and many problems...job losses, homes being foreclosed, people moving away seeking better opportunities (and still not any better out there than it is here)....I am proud of my kids.

I must be doing something right.

Slush? Snow? What? *UPDATE*

I'm sitting by the window admiring downtown. The businesses are having their open houses this weekend--they've lit up the Christmas decorations and the trees have lights in them already.

And we've not had Thanksgiving yet. Huh.

Oh. My. Goodness.

What a weekend!

I stayed at Brenda's house this weekend. The house was pretty full...and we had fun. My husband and I did sleep downstairs in the basement...on our own high rise air mattress. It was quite comfy. However, being in someone's home that isn't yours one might tend to have trouble falling fast asleep. I did. My mind was ... BUSY.

Saturday morning I got a call that our guest speaker and guest song leader had an emergency. Sharon (guest song leader) had a phone call about her brother in the ICU. So they took off. They had to cancel us and dash home. Sharon's brother is brain dead due to blood clot that developed in his lungs. So it's just a matter of time before he dies. He's only 44. So young.

The second we heard about this, we quickly had to develop plan B as far as who would lead the devotion for Deaf Cafe...and what about the team doing a song?

*gulp*

I originally had an idea of Brenda's husband (and fellow DC team member) playing the Billy Mays character break out in the song, "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus" by Jars of Clay/Blind Boys of Alabama....

We decided that I would lead the song.

*gulp*

Took 3 practices...and just when I thought I got it....

I kind of goofed up during the program. But I don't even remember much of it.

The program was successful.

We had 109 people in attendance! WOW!

Then later that night, in bed...my mind was so busy. I kept telling my mind to shut up so I can sleep.

PFFT.

This morning, I tried...TRIED ... not to yawn so much. Oh no, church was NOT boring, honest!!!

It's just me.

I did drink 2 cups of coffee. But that didn't even help!

Now I'm home maybe I'll lay down a bit and "chill".

How was your weekend?

*UPDATE* Sharon's brother passed away sometime during the night. Got the news from her this morning. She is truly heartbroken. Brother was only 44. Please keep Sharon Hoge in your prayers during this difficult time. Thanks.

Her message: PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!

You think you got time to play with your life and think you don't need Jesus right now?????

Hell, you don't have that time to play around with your life! How do you know you will live to be 70, 80, 90?

You think you are safe to play without accepting Jesus to save your soul? Well, thank God Charlie was saved and suddenly he lost his life.

Thank God he didn't play with his life and he is 'SAFE'.

People! Think! How much longer are you gonna play around with your 'soul'?

OxiClean

Okay, I am really debating whether to experiment with OxiClean.

See, Billy Mays had been hawking this on his infomercials. Didja know he is famous for his signature "yelling"? Yeah, read him up in the wikipedia.

Anyway, for our Deaf Cafe program tomorrow night, we're doing some kind of spoof about him and what cleans those dirty rotten stains, etc.

I have several stains on my carpet throughout the house. However, I'm hesitant to try it out. So I need to test a corner (of anything) to see if it works. Ah, my dirty socks? I'll go out and walk in the dirt....squish it around....yeah.

I found this at the Family Dollar. My Hubby and I were standing there looking at all these cleansers, laundry soap, bleaches, and everything that can really sterilize that store....and I was about to give up....then I saw it. Just a weensy weensy bottle. Hm...

Well, one of our Deaf Cafe actors will be very good at improvising so...I'm not worried.

*thinking.....staring at the thing....*

Here goes. I'll let you know the results.....

Thrilled with Kids...

I do have to admit, I'm very proud of my kids. I really am.

I went to a Parents/Teachers Conference last night for Ashley's school I was to meet with 2 of her teachers. Mr. B and Mrs. M (one after the next...not at same time).

Mr. B was just full of praise, telling me how mature, how friendly, and how ... attentive she is in class, and very respectful (I could see that in her report card...but not the grade...)....BUT (of course, there's always a but in there, right???)...need to improve in homework area. Would like to see her cut down on her chatting away with her friend (whom I took to concert with us).

*sigh*

Okay....and I gave him permission to talk with her about improving. We know she can succeed. Just need to apply better....in the homework section. Got it.

Went over and waited by Mrs. M. When I introduced myself as Ashley's mom, Mrs. M's face just lit up. HUGE smile. Gushing the same stuff Mr. B did. My buttons were straining on my chest cuz I was bursting with pride. HOWEVER...I am troubled with Ashley's grade...still. Same thing with Mr. B's class....need to improve in homework area. Yes ma'am.

Well, before I went to the meeting(s), Ashley had given me her report card. Not ALL A's and B's but a couple C's in there. Hm....so I pretty much laid down new rules for her.

After school...come straight home. Do NOT detour to friend's house or some other location (unless after school club). Come straight home, grab a snack, and sit down with your homework. No phones. No computer. No tv. No friends unless working together on SAME stuff/class. If done, may go play/call/watch tv. Whatever. But homework comes first.

"Yes, mother".

Good.

I'm still proud of her. To hear compliments from people how well mannered she is, yada yada...I know I did something right.

Also my mantra: Do NOT put yourself in any situation you know you might get stuck in/hurt or can't get yourself out of. Then all will be right with the world.

That goes for y'all too.

Don't you hate it when....

Well, I was in the middle of composing a great email to a couple and don't you just hate it when....

The power flickers for a very quick second, you didn't have time to even blink, and the computer, tv and phone and lights and everything electrical goes off for that very quick second....

The cable came back on. The phone's fine...but not the internet.

And I lost that very "great email"....grrrr.

I have those package deals....the cable/internet/phone deal. It's great. Really. I just would like someone to make some extra time and come out, clean up the tangle of wires and whatnots outside the building---I'm serious...it's all knotted up and a tangled mess, and not sure what cable goes into what window or unit (there is 4 units in my building).

Stayed up late last night watching the polls. Reactions in the house was ... mixed. I'm just not sure what to think at this time, but I am praying that God has everything under control and we won't fall apart as a country.

Gonna catch up on news and stuff...

Election Watch

Election Day....

This morning my daughter asked me if she could volunteer or help out at the Obama center this afternoon. I told her that was fine. Before y'all start debating or disagreeing, I have to let you know, I do not share my political views with my family or friends because I would prefer to agree to disagree and respect anyone's political views or opinions.

I do admire Ashley's interest in our political world. After all, our children are our future. Never know if one of our children will be the next president.

One suggestion I'd like to make to y'all....think deeply and if you feel comfortable with your decision, vote.

Go...shoo.....I'll be voting after work today.

Guess What?

Today I've made it....

I'm FORTY years old now. Oh egads.

I got a couple happy birthday emails from couple friends, an e-card from a sister through Hallmark (so cute! thanks!)....and picked up one card this afternoon when I dropped off Ashley's friend off at the Diva Dropoff place (it actually sounds better than calling it the "divorce swap" thing where parents meet halfway pickup/dropoff kids...).

Came home, my husband was still crabby so I had him go take a nap. It did him wonders. Feel better, honey? I surely hope so!

Took it easy around here and watched my show, Extreme Makeover-Home Edition. I really enjoy watching those shows. Tonight's was really good...and the comments the young man made, comparing himself to the old, beat up punching bag. If it wasn't for the man who "saved his life", he would have turned out worn out, beaten up like that old beaten up punching bag. That was real profound moment.

This begins a new week, and I'm starting to feel better now. I do need to have a cough drop (hall's or something) when I go to bed. Otherwise I'd be coughing all night. Weird, but it works for me. Yeah.

I guess I'll go crawl off to bed and try to get some rest. For some reason the kitchen is LOUD. I know it's the motor on the fridge. I hope the fridge doesn't give out. Maybe it's just bored and wants to get jiggy or something.

Saturday Sniffles...

Well, I'm getting over the worst of my maladies of the cold, seasonal allergies and that gosh-awful sinusy thing I had going ...

I'm still stuffed up so my voice changes---from normal to deep to high pitched...whatever is going on in my nasal area. Bleah.

But hey, I was up for going over to see a friend whose birthday is today. I got her (and me, too) a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and had ice cream with that, and her yummy coffee. We had 3 hours worth of catching up done tonight. We both have been so busy with school, work, kids, etc., that it was hard to try to find some time to hang out together. Well, I told her earlier this week I was coming over tonight with a cake ... and we'll grow another year older together....and we did...

Friday night went well for my kids. I came home and my kids took off...my husband was sweet enough (after practically pushing him out the door) to take them out...well, my son, really. My daughter and her friend went to a friend's halloween/slumber party...and my son walked all over with my husband so he got quite a bucket full. So I was happy he had a good time. The weather was perfect so I was happy about that.

I did dress up for work---wearing my halloween skirt and my witch's tights that shrunk somehow (some "one size fits all"...NOT!)...and a bat hat. My friend did take a picture of me. Hey Brenda, you gonna email that to me? Send it to me so I can check it out! I might want to post it unless you want to??

Well, don't forget to set your clock an hour back!! YES...we get ONE MORE HOUR of sleeeeeeep! Woo hoo!

Tired on Thursday

I'm home still...been home yesterday with horrific congested head and cough and my head just wanted to explode. The kind of "Mommy, I don't feel so goooood!" and have a good cry.

Was able to get in to see the doctor yesterday and thankfully I didn't have to wait long for my turn. The waiting room was so full, they had to open up another area for "overflow". Many sick kids. Ech.

I do have a combination of cold, cough and seasonal allergies induced sinus infection. Wow. So the doc prescribed some meds and told me to take those, drink more fluids as I'm little bit dehydrated and get more rest. I was told I should be feeling better sometime later today---once the meds start attacking those bad guys in my body. If only the sinus headaches would go away!

And tomorrow is Halloween.My kids are very excited. I have not been able to locate my halloween skirt and my special hat is missing one googly eye. So I need to ask the hubby to search the floor for that missing eye. Maybe I'll make an eyepatch for that hat...(it's a cap with bat wings...that has eyes on it). We'll see.

Chicken dumplings sounds like a good thing to eat for dinner tonight? Yeah. I only have onions but...that's better than nothing. I'll probably just keep it simple. I do love my dumplings.

Better throw the chicken in the crockpot while I'm thinking about it. Hmm....

Cracked Soles...

This morning...I went looking for my usual brown comfortable shoes for work.

I looked in the hallway. Nope.
I looked in my room. Nope.
I looked in the kitchen. Nope.
Dining room. Nope.
Bathroom...nope.
Ashley's room? nope.
Josh's room? noooo...

Living room---I even peeked under computer desks, the couches and behind.

Nope.

*sigh*

Walking around in my heavy winter coat, purse over one shoulder, keys in another hand, and in my socks (of course I'm all dressed...minus the shoes!).


So I put on my old worn out brown shoes with cracked soles. Why I never threw it out, I don't know.


Some days we might feel broken down...cracked up or whatever.

Not sure what to make of what kind of day I'll have for today.

Having a bad day?

Oh gosh. Someone pointed out to me I've been little snippy these days and I found myself apologizing for like the millionth time this week. Oh. My. Goodness. *slaps self* Even I'm having a bad hair day...today. It just won't cooperate. And my makeup didn't do its job either. Guess it really shows what a snippy snit I am right now.

Something good is happening RIGHT NOW! I am actually SMILING. A friend from my Gally days found me on facebook, we hooked up, and she has started reading my blogs! She's going backwards so it's interesting what she has to say about some of the posts I've done so far. She's still wayyyyy back there, but soon will catch up to today's...eventually. Hi there! All caught up now? *waving a big hello*

I just completed writing 3 scripts yesterday and I wrote another one for update version---and included other team members ideas. So hoping the team members will work it out.

My son isn't feeling good. Got the cough...and the sniffles. And I've caught the sniffles.

Last Saturday evening, I sent my sister and brother in law out for their long overdue anniversary dinner date, and played with my niece & nephew. We did carve pumpkins and Katelin being 5 years old, did a great job painting her witch on her pumpkin. So cute. Jordan didn't care for it, and just ran off to play with his toys.

They grow up so fast.

Really not a whole lot to report today...so maybe tomorrow's a better day....? oh yeah, we might get snow on Wednesday. Strong possibility.

I survived LIVE Rock Band concert 2008!

Oh...

my...

goodness.....

I survived sitting there listening to 4 bands...live....blow me away out of my seat (nearly, really).

My daughter and her friend...

LOVED IT.

*shaking myself*

No matter how deaf you can be, it can really blow you away. I didn't know whether to keep my hearing aid in or out. Kept it in. I could hear the words little clearer (but still can't make out what they say...they're too far away and I have old eyes....)

I was impressed, though, with the bands. The Cab, the Plain White T's, Dashboard Confessional and Panic at the Disco all played....

I liked the Plain White T's and the Dashboard Confessional better than the other two. The lead singer for Plain White T's looks so much like the YOUNG Paul McCartney of the Beatles. Wow!

When we got to the EMU's Convocation Center, I expected it to be jammed or traffic problems or ...something.

Nope, I parked pretty close to the Convocation Center. Wow. It went pretty smooth. We got there around 6:20 pm. Not bad.

When we realized our tickets was for "any seat in the lower bowl" we found a good spot where we could see them in front of us. But not up close on the sides where people would really crowd around there and jumping/standing around...while this old fart wants to sit and "chill".

It is such a different experience when I went to see Duran Duran in concert at The Palace in Auburn Hills, and my sister and I were on the floor, and I could barely see anything as there had to be TALL people in front of me, who STOOD up the whole time....and their arms up in the air....that didn't help this short gal.

Anyway, leaving after Panic at the Disco finished their round, we got out w/o any problem.

Wow.

And got out of the parking lot w/o any problem...in fact, I didn't have to wait in line or anything. The EMU or Ypsilanti (or both!) police did a great job! You guys rock!

Smooth out the lot and onto the roads to head home.

Smooth sailing home.

Got home pretty exhausted. The girls are getting ready for school as I type this, early Friday morning!

Few things came to mind as I review last night....it wasn't bad for a 3 1/2 hour concert. One band didn't show up (supposed to be a 5 band thing...) so I'm thankful it didn't become 4 hours or 5!

The way they did the lights and the screens...whoa. The lights to go with the beat or the music...awesome. That I wish for Deaf Cafe. We'd LOVE to have those lights when we do our music....but that probably cost millions of dollars, right?

The subwoofers and the speakers and amps or whatever...those big monsters that blare you out of your seat...oooh, awesome. My seat vibrated the whole time. I had no opportunity to "relax" but just kind of sit/dance to the beat.

I think I would enjoy concerts at the EMU Convocation center more than I would at the Palace. BUT AGAIN...it would depend on who's playing.

And concerts at the Convocation center is a heck of a lot CHEAPER too....

And I'm glad I didn't stand around with those who got the floor (which is the main floor, leading up to the stage....)...they had NO SEATS.

Good experience. I did try to floof up my hair ...spike it a little, and try to look cooler or blend in with the young'uns....but...I guess I'm getting old....age will defy you no matter how hard you try. Oh well.

I had fun...and the girls were very happy. Their very first live rock concert. Yeah.

Middle of the week...

And I need lots of Chocolate.

I just made myself some hot coco, and ate a chocolate pudding for breakfast.

Not healthy, right?

Well, pfft. I can eat anything I want as long as I don't go overboard.

Currently on my break right now, realizing I've not blogged for couple days.

I had a nightmare (or...morningmare? It happened around 4 this morning) about trying to find Ashley's band shirt...and how it was still filthy dirty and I was running out of time getting it cleaned and ready for her concert...and then the black tights went AWOL. Then when found it, her black skirt ran off and hid.

And it was 5 minutes to 7, and I'm hollering at my family that they can't do this to me! Ashley is supposed to be at the school at 6:35!

I woke up. I wanted to end the dream on a good note, but that didn't happen.

Woke up Ashley before I left:

• come straight home after school! no excuses!
• look for your skirt and tights. I don't care if you have to upheave the room or not. where you put it, you will find it.
• take a shower. you'll feel better after all of this.

My friend Brenda was telling me about her daughter's room. It's a wreck. However, her daughter tells her that she can find her things easily that way. (uhhh...okay....)

So they compromised and one corner will be for her clothes....and that way, Brenda is a happy mom as she can see most of the floor.

Hm....I appreciate that idea, Brenda. I will try that.

Joshua on the other hand, if he knows company's coming over, he shoves (or hides) things under his bed or whatever. They never make it into the toybox, dresser or where it belongs. At least his room's clean. And I can see the floor.

So....will have to dash home, whip up dinner (if my husband remembers to take out the meat from freezer...now????)...and get Ashley ready for her band concert.

Please, Lord, please??? She keeps her shirt clean and finds both her skirt & black tights????

Sunday...sunday...sundaaaaay....

Today was just a gorgeous day! Fall...really a beautiful fall day!

Yesterday late afternoon my family and I "hiked" (drove, really) over to our church for the Fall Festival that was going on. Oh wow! So many fun costumes and we even had a headless guy who carried his head around...(you just had to see it...it was funny, not that gory!)...and one family was just so adorable. They had found a great deal on costumes for the kids at a yard sale. A really well made cow costume for a young boy, perfect for their son, and a really CUTE chicken costume for their not yet 1 year old baby! OH how cute! They only paid 4 dollars for these 2 costumes. Mom made up her own costume by attaching a pink curly tail to her pink sweat pants, wore a pink sweater with a hood, attached pig ears and made a nose out of felt and using rubber bands (or elastic? it looked like rubber bands)...and the dad was being the typical Farmer. So cute! They had a bale of hay, and they posed.

Me being one of the 3 judges, I had to be careful not to play favorites as this family were good friends of mine---well, they ended up winning first place (2nd time 2 years in a row!). WOW! Very creative. I like!

Chili cook-off....there were 10 different ones to sample from. Yum.

Caramel poured over cut up apples, popcorn, hot dogs, fried donuts (really those biscuits you pop open and bake? deep fry 'em...shake cinnamon or powdered sugar on 'em) and...lemonade. Lots of candies and treats. And I got a toothbrush as a bribe from a tooth fairy trying to win the best looking trunk of treats. LOL.

Today was just a "take it easy" kind of day. We had a large group today at church, which was really nice to have.

Took a nap, made a yummy dinner and I just finished a delicious glass of chocolate milk.

Helping Josh with his student of the week project. I decided I would just print out pictures instead of sending in real ones. So far it works. I might have more but need go easy on the ink.

What have you all been up to this weekend?

Gooooood Morning!

Ashley waited patiently for me to come home yesterday. I was taking my time getting home...Josh was spending time over at Bobbie's to play with my niece/nephew and eat pizza.

I could see Ashley in the window watching for me. I live in a downtown building in downtown Tecumseh...which is a great, awesome place to live---everything nearly right at your doorstep. And downtown being only 2 blocks long. Yeah. Want coffee? Visit the Daily Grind across the street over 1/2 block..... Need a barber? Just the next corner on my right. Need books? Cross the street and walk another half block. Want to buy antiques? It's just RIGHT THERE across the street from me. Want order pizza? Heck, they're practically in my backyard (or, really, side yard)...I could holler out the window my order if anyone is standing outside their back door for a smoke or getting ready to deliver....yeah, the perks of living downtown!

Anyway, I cut through the free city parking lot to get over to my street and park in front of my building....and I can see her in the living room window (mental thought: that's where I'll put the Christmas tree up this year)....

The second I pulled up to the curb in front of my building, Ashley runs out....

"Mom! (what happened to "Mother"?)....Can I go to this fundraiser thing to raise homeless awareness in Adrian??? "J" invited me and "E" to join....there'll be a radio station there and we'll be living like homeless...."

"Sure." (I've not even turned the engine off or unbuckled my seatbelt...)

"YES!"

I come inside and I give her and "E" sleeping bags. I told them it will be very, very cold, and they need to be very, very warm! The "oh my blanket is enough" and I'm saying, NO...TAKE THE SLEEPING BAGS!

They're home now...and thankful I made 'em take the sleeping bags.

They are more aware of what the homeless go through every day. Brrr!

It was funny, as I talked to "J's" Grandma yesterday (who by the way was picking up all of "J"s friends all over Tecumseh), Ashley remarked, "I'm doing a lot of church stuff this weekend!"

I laughed. I wished them well and to have fun but to really think about the plights of the homeless especially during these troubling economic times...people losing jobs, homes, etc.

Another "church thing" we're doing today is going to my church in Ann Arbor, for the Harvest Festival, which is a fun event for families, especially for kids, to play games and get treats (whether you win or lose...) and there will be car trunks full of treats...this year will be outside so that's nice. Families signed up to fill up their trunks full of treat...and they have the bouncy stuff kids can bounce around in....and fill up with so much sugary treat, I'll have to make an appt with the dentist....

I look forward to that....the harvest festival, yes. The dentist, no.

Well, I GUESS (in a big *sigh* way) I will do some laundry and will try to clean up ... SOMETHING....around here....and help my kids put together...costumes....something.

Have a wonderful Saturday y'all. It's truly a fall day.

Oh yeah, please keep clicking on those ads you see on my site. You don't need to order anything. Just be patient, click on all of 'em if you can. Just bear with me. Help raise funds for my gas tank! The van will thank you from the bottom of its' full tank....(heart). Mwah!

*Dear Reader in (or around) Wyoming, MI, could you please send me an email who you are? I can't help notice that you in my map you visit my blog frequently. I'd like to meet you! Thanks! *smile*

what's up?

Well, not a whole lot.

I had to deal with processing MANY posters at the library so that's been a challenge. I do like it though (wow, when did this keyboard become so loud???)...and it's interesting to see different poster designs from years past.

I know there's not a whole lot to report. I feel the twinges in my kidney again---so I guess I'll break out the cranberry juice ---and try to see if can get it under control. I have been careful with my diet as of late so ...

but hey, can be part of aging, eh?

LOL.

Um...maybe something exciting will pop up for my next post...stay tuned.

Heaven and Hell of a day....

Again, as I left the library at 4:03 pm (give or take...I know it was after 4 pm...), the preacher was back preachin' the gospel again.

The crowd was smaller, though. I was startled by some of the signs held by the protesters. I stopped and I was just ... appalled, I guess. It isn't worth repeating in this blog.

But then I looked for the preacher...and he wasn't standing on the bench like yesterday, but lost in a small mob...and his voice booming over the hecklers and the protesters.

Of course there were few "Amens" from his supporters.

And today, only one cop was standing guard.

Earlier today I received sad news that Ellen's mother passed away this morning. Mother had been sick with pneumonia and was in ICU for a few days. They had to put her on a ventinlator and they were planning to take it off tomorrow.

Guess God had a better plan for her.

Ellen knows she has many family and friends here praying for her and her family.

Ellen, please do know that you have everyone thinking/praying for you today and for your family. May God give you and your family the comfort and strength.

My Faithful Readers...

It's nice to KIND OF know who might be reading my blogs. Of course my closest, bestest friends all over USA (any overseas??) will read my blog.

I sometimes check to see WHERE my readers are reading me from...and this morning when I checked, I saw someone in Nazareth, ISRAEL visited my blog site. WOW! I'm so honored.

I also see my friend in NY checking up on me. With 4 kids, the youngest being the newest addition since April, the only way she can check up on me is to read my blog when she's got those RARE few moments of Mommy Time....I know she's very busy...so I forgive her for not staying in touch. At least I know she's still alive and kickin' over there in NY. Thanks, girl! I miss you!!!

I'm waiting for my husband to come back from the store. I do pray he got the right stuff.

Oh yes, as I left work, remember, I work in an university library....there was a horde of protesters and supporters....and a line of police standing watch.

The preacher is back, preachin' hell and heaven...

I was little concerned though, because the protesters were really too close to him, I was afraid they'd knock him over. He was standing on one of the benches...and I was surprised over his loud voice---very clear...over the jeerings and hecklers. I do have to admire his guts, though, to stand up to that. I just said a prayer for him...and left. As I walked away, I noticed there were 3 members who came with that preacher talking with some students so I had to smile. Way to go, God!

Got gas for 2.87! WOO! And oh yeah, my van was so happy, it upped the gas mileage from 18.0 to 19.1 mpg! (I have this cool gadget that gauges everything I do...how many miles I've traveled, or how many gas left in the tank ---really, how many miles I have to go before I'm on gas fumes, etc)...it was purring and smooth driving. I must be doing something right.

Lots to be thankful for!

Oh yeah, it's 80 degrees outside...on this fine Oct 13th. Ah.

Honey? Are you back yet?

Me Tin Man?

This morning, I woke up and couldn't find my glasses.

Hm....okay...maybe it fell off somewhere. I am at Vonnie's house and we stay the weekend at her house every Deaf Cafe weekend. Every month (except next month, she'll be in Hawaii and I'll be camping in Brenda's backyard!)....we stay at her house in her Coca Cola room. Yes, the Coke room full of coke stuff....coke bottles, coke toys, coke bears, coke posters, etc. Even the bed spread and pillows and all that have Coca Cola stuff all over it (logos, not the actual liquid stuff).

So being nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other eye....it took my eyes a couple hours to adjust. Oh I can see...just not 100% perfectly. I took migraine pills to prevent getting cross-eyed and headachey.

We had a lazy dazy day....taking our sweet time and mentally/physically getting ready for our Deaf Cafe program tonight (okay, it's really 1 am Sunday morning I'm posting this...but it's still Saturday to me, OKAY???)...and just moments before we leave, my sweet husband brings my glasses to me.

Okay, I ALWAYS put my hearing aid and my glasses TOGETHER...ALWAYS! Always. I put both on top of dresser...together. Always. Same as I have for the past few years I stay at Vonnie's house. Same spot. Always.

Tell me how my glasses ended up in my husband's suitcase??? On the other side of the room???

That is a mystery that might not be solved but ...

My eyes said, "Okay, here we go again...need to readjust...."

And since I can't take my migraine pills for another few hours, I had to actually feel my eyes readjust.

BOING! Ow. That hurt.

Great program tonight. The team members did a great job tonight. I know it was all God. Seriously.

We didn't practice until today....and we were more like, "we'll just go with the flow".

And we did.

Great fun we had.

And the most energetic we've had in a long while.

We went out to eat afterwards....and as I got up from the table, I really felt it in my joints, my bones...my feet, my back...

I'm getting olllllllllld.

Yikes.

Tonight (well, an hour ago), I chatted with Vonnie, my husband and another friend...we were shooting the wind and came up with a fun new program idea---the Wizard of Oz.

I know I'll be sore in the morning (okay, around 7 am or so)....and I am the Tin Man. Creak...creak....creak.....

migraines....back pains...oy!

Well, not sure if it's a migraine, you see.

Just something that likes to annoy the right temple of my head.

You know the feeling but can only describe it in surround sound...like this:
throbbbb...throbbb....throbbb....

Back pains...even the strongest Tylenol does not work.

Oh I know! *raising hand*

I'm getting OLDER! In about 3 weeks...I'll be 40 ...*sob*

I really felt it this week. I have to be careful how I turn over in bed...or get out of bed. Or sit down/stand up...or even walk!

My weight is pretty much the same...I might lose some but always the same annoying 5 to 10 lbs that comes and goes. I try....

At least few years ago, I used to be a 24wide plus size ...in clothes...now I'm down to a wonderful regular (read my lips: reh-guuuu---lar!) size 16 and proud of it. No, it's not even plus size 16. Just plain 16. That is such a wonderful blessing.

Now if I can work myself down to 14, I can jump with joy (and probably throw my back out).

Got a busy day tomorrow and a busy weekend ahead. We have our Deaf Cafe program so I'm excited. And tomorrow is Kayla's birthday...the big 13. Woooo....

The Heat is On!

Oh-wo-ho, oh-wo-ho
Caught up in the action I've been looking out for you
Oh-wo-ho, oh-wo-ho
(Tell me can you feel it)
(Tell me can you feel it)
(Tell me can you feel it)
The heat is on, the heat is on, the heat is on...
(Glenn Frey-founder of Eagles band...)

Okay, I get an email from my husband...the ac/heat guys came and went...and now the place is thawing out.

Yeah baby.

Guess I can put away SOME of the blankets and quilts I have piled up in the living room

Oh by the way...please please please help this poor lady out! Me...me, yes. Anytime you guys peek at my blogs, please, please take a moment or two and click on any ads you see on my postings. They'll pay me for you guys lookin' at them. No need to buy or sign up anything. Just click away!

All proceeds will go towards my gas tank. My van and I thank you very much from the way bottom of our hearts (and tanks). Oh yeah, please help Brenda out too....click on the ads too! Any ad. No need to buy/sign up anything... just click away. Keep those pennies coming in!

Monday Blues...

A bluesy jazz tune ....

It is a grey wet day today at my end of the world. I have a friend who is really feeling blue and all I could do was lift her up with prayers. Praying she feels better soon.

I have the no-heat-yet-at-home blues....I've had my husband convinced I know what I am talking about. The AC/Heat guy never, ever, ever came back to reinstall the wiring thingy back up with the furnace. He never came back. So...so far it's not developed frost inside the home. We're comfortable, but we'd like a little warmth, please.

I got the Coca-Cola blues....the university I work at is switching over to Pepsi. I am addicted to Coca Cola...and when I went to buy some coke, they said, sorry...only Pepsi now. Ohhhh.

Well, I have some at my desk so I'll just drink that up. And start buying my own to bring to work.

Well, in spite of the Monday Blues...I had a wonderful, WONDERFUL time over the weekend. My husband and I attended a special workshop in Sterling Heights at Memorial Baptist Church. Brian Sims, a pastor of Brentwood Baptist Deaf Church in Brentwood, Tennessee, came up and we had a blast. Deaf Cafe was honored to participate in the program by having song/skits. I know the deaf in the Detroit/Sterling Heights area had a blast.

So much going on to think over, and new lessons applied. And strong encouragement from Brian to my husband, I noticed it lifted my husband's spirits. I thank Brian from the way bottom of my heart. Thanks!

Well, lunch break is up....(another bluesy moment? nah...)...and I have more than enough to do. I find when I have more than enough to do, I'm happy being kept busy and the feeling of accomplishments.

Have a bright, happy Monday....