Hurtlin' towards 2010

Hard to believe 2009 has gone by so fast.

In fact, December is coming to an end...too fast.

WAIT! SLOW DOWN!  

I know many of us are trying to keep up, and sometimes we feel we are so way behind, when will we ever have time to ...like, you know...catch up?

Today I met a friend halfway to pick up my son.  We hung out in McD while our sons romped in the Playland. The friend and I chatted about many random things.

See, earlier, I had been fighting off a migraine...it was one of those very stubborn ones...and no meds I had at home would work. Finally, before I headed out to Brooklyn (Michigan!) to meet up with the friend, I stopped at CVS to get something something.  I got the excedrin's migriane and popped a couple. Drank some coke (I know, I know...I should have had a tall glass of water with that...) and headed out for the 25 minute drive Out West.

Ordered a kids' meal for Josh, and a yogurt parfait for me, chatting with the friend, I started to forget the pain in my head.

Midway during our conversation...it was gone. YAY! 

I thanked her for that.  With many people I know being gone for the holidays, it's kind of hard to meet with friends in person and just...chill out.  She needed it, and I needed it. It was awesome.

I'm starting to look forward to New Year's Eve. I am excited to try my latest recipe on my friends...the bacon wrapped water chestnuts. I know my friend's husband will fall in love with it and try to sneak off with the tray. Yeah. He tends to do that a lot, every time I bring something delish-ious over.

Annnnd....I think I will make that heart-clogging dip as well.  So easy to make.That, I know, will be gone in matter of seconds.


For 2010, it will be a new start, a new year of new beginning and a new chapter in my life. No looking back, but moving forward...and looking forward to what God has planned for me. 

Christmas Eve 2009

Happy Christmas Eve!

This morning I worked in the kitchen without my glasses or my hearing aid. I kind of like that, sometimes. Early enough but not too early...to get started on marinade sauce for the bacon-wrapped chestnuts (YUM!)...to bake later on.

The pie is bakin' away right now.  I attempted to put the top shell on (one of those ready made ones you buy at the store) and it...crumbled apart on me. How dare you!  So, I threw that away, and quickly googled on crumb topping for pies. Oh, Google saved the day!

Looking back over the year of 2009, I have to say, whoa. Where did the time go?  It flew by so fast.  Didn't I just blog about Halloween?  No? Oh.

Anyway....this afternoon, the big family will gather at my sister's house here in Tecumseh. It will be a fun-filled afternoon.  I'm responsible for appetizers and desserts. So, I've pretty much checked off my list.  Only two is half-checked off.  When the pie's done, then a full check.  The bacon-wrapped chestnuts will be checked off later this afternoon.

I watched The Nativity Story movie (it came out a few years ago) and while they were pretty much 95.5% biblically accurate, it was fun to watch where Mary and Joseph had been traveling, and during one of their stops, they talked about what it'd be like to raise the baby.  Joseph's comment, "I wonder if He'll learn anything I teach Him?" really set me back a bit.  Trying to imagine knowing the fact you will be responsible for raising the Child of God...it just was so beyond ..I mean, mind-blowing.

Strange Way to Save the World

Sure he must have been surprised
At where this road had taken him
'Cause never in a million lives
Would he had dreamed of Bethlehem
And standing at the manger
He saw with his own eyes
The message from the angel come to life
And Joseph said...

(CHORUS)
Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade
Why Him, with all the rulers in the world
Why here inside this stable filled with hay
Why her, she's just an ordinary girl
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the world

To think of how it could have been
If Jesus had come as He deserved
There would have been no Bethlehem
No lowly shepherds at His birth
But Joseph knew the reason
Love had to reach so far
And as he held the Savior in his arms
He must have thought...

(CHORUS)

Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the world
...this is such a strange way to save the world...Saving the World

Up and at 'em!

Man, it's nearly 4 a.m. on a Wednesday. 2 more days until Christmas.

I had gone to bed pretty early, as I was just so doggone tired yesterday. It was one of those days knowing it was your last working day of 2009.  And it feeling like a Friday, where the clock never seems to move.

It was a moment, when, you look around your desk, and all the books that needed to be checked in/out, processed, or just taken back where it belongs or whatever. And finally announcing to the 2 other ladies working in the office, "I'll just do them when we come back 'next year'--(which would be Jan. 4th)"  They both agreed that it was a very good idea.

It was another moment, where, you are enjoying a delicious take-out lunch, not realizing how HUGE your battered fried "giant mushrooms" are, that you have to cut it up in 4 pieces to enjoy them. And what's left, save it for later to enjoy.

Again, another moment, where, you decided the Library's mail-room sorting room needs rearranging, and as the tables are pulled away from the walls, you see years' worth of dust and dirt piled up. I mean, dust bunnies multiplying by large quantities. Yikes!  And, the 2 women from BBC's "How Clean is Your House?" would put us to shame over the dustiness of that room. Oh yeah, I, Kirstan, rearranged the tables with wonderful help from my student assistant, asking for HER opinion (she is one of few who delivers the mail in the building) how the sorting tables should be set up: baskets for each department for us to throw their mail into...throwing out ..."junk" and just feeling lots better. Going through 1/4 roll of paper towels as we dusted, washed, wiped down EVERYTHING in that room.  Now, that room just needs....posters and pictures on the walls. Good thing I dressed very comfortably in jeans and t shirt.

It was also a moment, where, you just want to put your head down on your desk and...relax.

I was asked what did I drink that morning. My bundle of energy was just out of control in some ways. My excitement of it being the last day of 2009 for work, and still feeling burned out, anxious for a much needed 2 week vacation.

I came home, and was very pleased to see my home is still clean!  I had people over on Sunday to celebrate Ashley's birthday. So, knowing everything is in good hands, I announced to my family, "I'm taking a hot bath!" and I filled it up with hot water, and grabbed a book, and soaked. That. Felt. Good.

My husband has a bad cold. So we're working on getting him to feel better.

Today, in a couple hours or so, I will drive up to Ann Arbor's Mall (of terror, horrors and madness) to attempt for the millionth time, to grab a very simple thing...a gift card...from my niece's favorite store in the whole wide world.

Last Saturday I failed in my mission to do just that. I went into the store, around 2:30 pm in the afternoon, only to find a million mile long line inside the store. All I wanted and needed, was a gift card. I just wanted to go up to the counter, grab a card, pay it, and get out of there....fast. Wasn't that simple. I'm sure there were others who lined up for that same purpose. *sigh* And, I don't wait in lines. I'm not that patient.

After that, I plan to visit Walmart and finish up some shopping, and get some groceries as well. Walmart's should not be that bad, right? I mean, they got millions of check-out lanes...so I really have nothing to worry about, right?

I guess I'll just crawl back in bed and relax a bit before getting up..."later" for my trip to the Mall.

The Future Opa's Band!

Yesterday, I picked up Josh from my dad's house. Josh left school early because he wasn't feeling good. So Opa picked him up from school.

And my niece, Boo, was there...or did she come over to visit Opa? (I never really quite caught how she ended up there...)

Opa: Josh took out his recorder to show me some songs he is playing...
Me: Oh, cool!
Opa: So, I sat at my piano, and played along with Josh...and gave something to be used as a drum for Boo to bang on....
Me: *grinning widely*
Opa: So we became our own band....
Me: Opa's Band!

Much later...we met up again at my daughter's Winter Band Concert. The kids did great, we commented on how much grown up some of the kids were becoming, etc., etc.

As we waited in the lobby afterwards for Ashley to meet up with us, I commented to Opa about Ashley's wish...

Me: Ashley wants a drum set for Christmas....
Opa: Why? Where would you put it...???
Me: Well, we could rearrange her room and make room....
Opa: You are crazy to think that...it'd be just too loud, especially for your neighbors...
So I think a bit...
Me: Hey! I know!  We'll use your garage! You can drag your piano out, give Boo the tools to play as drum(s), Josh on his recorder and Ashley on the drumset. Hannah (another niece) with whatever she plays, and all your grandkids can gather with you...playing something. It shall become, Opa's Band!
Opa: *rolls eyes at me, scoffing*
Me: Oh, c'mon! That'd be so awesome and you'd all be famous!  Yeah, Opa's garage band or something...that would be really something there....all the kids would just love it!

He just chuckled.

Ah...I know Ashley wants a drum set, but not sure if that would be possible, but she can continue to dream. One suggestion I have for her is just use the school's drums.

Gifts that keeps you full....

Wow, doesn't it look lovely? The pickled pickles and the peppers were given to me by my sister in Lapeer. She has a lovely garden and picked many to can them and enjoy in recipes.  The jar on the far right is something fruity so I have to try it and experiment. I have no idea what it could be...she promised me it's not bananas.

Another friend gave my family and I homemade strawberry jam (jar on far left). I am so looking forward to trying it! 

I was not home all day yesterday. I and my son went out to visit my Lapeer sister, only to get off on the wrong exit (I needed to go 10 more miles for the next exit!)....got lost for 45 minutes, no sense of where North and South is. Got very frustrated but kept calm and cracked jokes with Josh. Finally found the right way and arrived just in time for a very yummy lunch with my sister, her husband and baby Andrew.

I truly enjoyed the time I spent with Andrew. He's just got the biggest brown eyes and long eyelashes. Why do guys get that?  C'mon!   I had been slammed with a migraine...it was a 2 day marathon for it, and thankfully my sister had something I could take, and take a short nap in her guest room. Thanks, sister!  As soon as Josh and I left, her medicine she gave me started to kick in.

Deaf Cafe was a great program last night. They put on fun Scrooge-type dramas and skits. The songs were beautiful...and John B. led a great devotion last night. I really enjoyed it.

So, anyway....Jesus is the reason for this season. Don't forget the true meaning of Christmas. What is its purpose?  To remember God's greatest gift ever...and Jesus' ultimate gift for us.

wakey wakey....

Well, this week I have gotten up earlier than usual to take my sister to work this week. In that process, I also drive my niece over to Opa's house before we head out on our 40 minute commute to her work then mine.

Early this morning, as I was posting the 10th day of the 12 days of Christmas song on my Facebook, my sister pops up an IM to inform me....

Jedi is sick too.

Well, isn't that dandy.  Boo was sick Tuesday evening when my sister picked her up from Opa's. Then this morning, I just felt it deep in my guts, that my sister would let me know she was staying home today.

Sure 'nuff, Jedi got sick too.  "I'm staying home today...see you tomorrow!"

The life of being a mom. And I got amazing big sister/mommy vibes!  Oh the power!

So, now, at 5:30 am-ish, I'm just poking around killin' time, wishing my husband didn't accidentally break the coffee pot (the glass one for the coffee maker), and thinking about where I want to buy a cuppa coffee, and debating what to wear today.  Oh yeah, on the Christmas shopping list, a new coffee pot...probably snag one from Goodwill or somewhere. I only need the coffee pot. My coffee maker works just fine.

Yesterday was amazing. Or...interesting. Or...frustrating? How about all three?

First off, the drive to work was fine. Little slushy/slippery and bit foggy...and made it to work just fine.

Had a great "Holiday Luncheon" for all those union members of my Local 1975 yesterday. The roast beef was just to die for...it was perfect. Another friend and I were both in agreement that this year's luncheon was the best.  Oh and the cake...oh my! I was stuffed!

THEN...back to work, and I'm trying to create a quick shortcut on my Quick Launch (on the toolbar) from the shared drive, when suddenly, some files were deleting from the computer! Panic mode here. AAAAACK!  So I stopped whatever...I have no idea why it deleted when I was merely trying to put it back into its folder...(I never had that problem before with the old computer).

So, 3 of us stayed until past 5 pm slowly dragging one file by one into the shared drive, and ran into some glitches. In a good way, we needed to address that problem, but in another way, it was still not good because well, it wasn't suppose to act up on me like that.

I do like to think I'm computer savvy...heck, I have a husband who is a true computer geek, and another friend who knows a trick or two with Office, but I pretty much can hold my ground.

When we got our new work computers, we have noticed many differences from that from our old computers. Sometimes I miss my old computer, but not the slowness of it.

Oh, the verdict...someone in the IT department was saving everything into his flash drive...and this morning, we'll see if we can fix that one glitch (a huge report with the longest file name in the world was creating us headaches)...and breathe easy.

Ehhh....so...finally, at 5:15 pm, I called home to let them know I was on my way home. My son was sobbing...he cut his thumb a little. *sigh* 

Driving home was a real challenge.  Betty is a small car...you see. A Ford Focus....I love her to death. But driving in 60 mph winds is not ...fun. Very challenging, and oh yeah, very dark.  Hard to see what will be blowing in your path. I've probably run over a million loose sticks....branches...

So.......let's see how today turns out.

Happy Thursday, y'all.  

Precious sleep....

Yesterday was such a long, sleepy day. No matter how many cups of coffee I had or how frequent I got up from my desk, I could simply not stay awake.

I knew it was gonna be a long day. 

Of course, you are all familiar with coming right in the house as you get home, to be bombarded with the famous "What's for dinner????" question.

I still had my coat on, mail in one hand, and stuff from a store in the other hand. I looked at him, and said, "I haven't planned dinner yet. You can find something to eat in the kitchen...."  

Truly, we do have plenty where he can choose from.

And I'm fighting off exhaustion.  Since I wasn't in the mood, I suggested to my husband why not he and son go to the church for the free dinner? And I'll just crawl in bed and just rest. After all, I really lack in energy.

So off they went, and after dinner, they'll go to a friend's house for bible study. I can imagine the boys there hiding and ready to ambush Josh as he gets out of the car....they did that last week with water guns. Fun. Funny boys.

Ahh...

Ashley made omelettes for herself. Her very first one. I really will have to encourage her to do her best to learn and cook for herself. After all, mommy won't be around forever to cook for her. She just simply loves the way I cook certain things, oh yeah, that includes how I make hot chocolate. She likes the way I make it. Uhh...just get hot water, then pour the hot coca mix in it. Stir. Bingo. I guess she just likes the mommy touch to the things I create. How sweet. 

Then... I ended up falling asleep ....in my warm bed.

Now, I'm off to get all gussied up and get my hair up. Face on. Dressed. And go out brave the snow and cold weather, wipe my car off...and prayerfully can head over my sister's house without any problems.

Brrr. 

I was very glad to get the much needed sleep I needed ...

Snow!

Well, like my daughter's BF says in her facebook....snow glitter?

That's one good way to describe it.

Flurries came down...and there were some areas where snow ... actually stuck to the ground.

How purty! I can't wait...I think.

That means I need to dig out winter gear. Meaning...gloves, scarves, hats, boots....*shiver*...oh and make sure the sleds are accessible if my son wants to tackle any snow hills.

Christmas specials are on right now. One is one of my few favorite movies when I was growing up...

I still love this movie ...even after nearly 30 years!

The past couple days I spent some time watching the Harry Potter movies on TV. They were having a marathon, in honor of promoting their latest movie coming out on DVD tomorrow.  Interesting, though, with these HP movies they showed, there were MANY scenes that were never shown in the movie theaters or on DVD's. I found that very, very interesting...but all in good fun.

So...yeah. I guess I'll just grab a couple cookies, a glass of milk and go back watchin' that old 1970 movie...memories...ah memories...

My nephew's 1st Vacation...

What I did on my 1st Vacation

By Andrew Beier

I went to Tucson to visit my Great-Grandparents for the first time over Thanksgiving.  I made lots of new friends on the airplane and everyone told my parents how good and quiet I was; little do they know what I do at night!!

I had lots of fun in Tucson.  I got to meet my new cousin, Sunshine (we don’t have those pictures yet).  She kept doing that high-pitched, loud girly scream that I didn’t like too much.  I got my revenge, though. We were taking pictures and I pulled her hair (my favorite thing to do).

Grandma Irene was lots of fun.  She read me books and took me out in the garden.  She even gave me a flower that I tried to eat, until Mama caught me in the act and took it away from me!

  

She also taught me how to play the piano.

I was so good at it; I could even do it while eating!

Grandpa John was also lots of fun.  He talked to me, played with me,

and even tried to convert me from an MSU Spartan to a UA Wildcat.  I don’t think so!

 

I got to go to lots of new places – but then again since I’m only 7 months old, everywhere is new for me!  We went to Saguaro National Park where I got my nifty new Junior Ranger hat. Now I can collect pins of all the places I go!

 

 

We went for a walk and I got to see lots of different cactus.  Mama tried to hide from me, but I found her!   

Boy, it sure was hot that day!  I drank lots and lots and lots.  My parents sure got a surprise that evening!  I had Papa calling for Mama (who was ignoring him), until he started yelling, “ALARM! ALARM!” Mama and Grandma came running and Papa went running in the other direction.  All I can say is, a bath sure is nice to sit in after such a warm day . . . . .    

I also went to Old Tucson, which is Papa’s favorite place to go.  He’s into the westerns and country and stuff.  We went for a stagecoach ride with Clementine and I don’t remember the other horse’s name.  It was really bumpy but fun! 

 

Mama tried teaching me to shoot, but she’s not a very good shot.

 

or is she?

But then I got locked up for the dirty deed . . .

I eventually made my escape, though!  Thank goodness for the high-speed locomotive!

 

I also got to go to the Sonora Desert Museum.  It was so neat there! We went through this cave thingy and my parents put these bat ears on me.  I was not amused.  As if I need bigger ears to help me hear my fussing and crying . . .

 

I found this just laying around and wanted to bring it home as a toy for Max and Toby, but my parents said, “No Way José!”

 

We also saw these Javelinas (I have no idea how to spell it, I’m just a baby!) and Papa was thinking that it was getting close to lunch time.

There was this Humming Bird house that had all these humming birds in it.  They were zooming around and landing on branches, then zooming off again.  I don’t how many were in there, but there were a lot!  Mama said she could have stayed in there for hours watching them.  But, I started crying and fussing (hello . . . tired and cranky baby here) and we had to leave.

 

The day before we flew home, we went to Phoenix to meet with Cousin Betsy and Yago.  They were very nice.  I liked their house and cat.  I wonder if they still want children after I spent the night?

So, that was my vacation. I had fun.  I think Mama and Papa need a week to recover.  I wonder how they’ll do when we go to Germany in the summer?  I’m not sure, but I know I’ll be having fun!

A very wet Wednesday

It's December already, and we had rain all day.  I just looked outside and shivered.  Wet.

I had spent the past few hours cleaning, cleaning, cleaning...wow.   And decorating as well. Once I get one more thing cleared off, I would be able to put out more of my Christmas things...but at the moment they are all cluttered atop my "mantle" (a built in bookshelf that houses many things! Even the TV!)...I had wondered how I did it last year. 

So, one nativity set is AWOL, and I don't have enough surfaces to spread out ....

Found more Christmas lights!

Gotta figure out where I'll string it up....Ahhh...I love Christmas decorating.

More Turkey for Tuesday...

My family and I visited a church that provides dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We decided to check it out...and it was a perfect opportunity for this mom who did not feel like cookin' after a long, busy day at work.

The people were very friendly, and very warm.  So my husband, son and I sat down at one table, and they served us as if we were in a resturant. How cool was that???  Lemonade was pretty tart, I think, but still good.

We had what might be considered in this (points at myself) person's opinion, leftovers from the church members' thanskgiving dinners...thrown all together in the church's kitchen????

Nah.  I'm kidding. The turkey were little dry, and everything else...little tired lookin'. I wonder if we are just plain turkeyed out?

My in-laws had sent my family ham for Thanksgiving but we opted for a real Thanksgiving dinner...and saved the ham for later.

Yesterday my husband thawed it out and we were able to use it for lunch and such. I shall whip up something fancy tomorrow evening with it. What shall it be? 

I may be no Rachel Ray or anything, but I can whip up a great feast out of practically nothing.

I have a busy schedule ahead...and just called my dad to invite him over for the Christmas Parade my town is having on Friday.  The best perks of living downtown is that you can see everything from your windows...if it's too cold outside!  I plan to provide hot drinks and cookies and such.  Yeah.

Oh man, I better stop blogging and start prepping the home for the invasion.....

Saturday-ish kind of day

When I'm given a day off BEFORE and AFTER Thanksgiving from work, it can kind of throw me off balance a little here.  This is the 2nd year in a row that my place of employment did this "energy savings" kind of deal, and oh yeah, we always have the Friday after Turkey day off every year. But adding Wednesday to it, it's just really awesome.

And can really confuse this person here. Me. Yeah. Me. Woke up thinkin' it's Saturday. Then I turn on the tv, or read my FaceBook, and everyone's talking about Black Friday. Uhhh huh. Ok. 

Nah, I'm not a fan of Black Friday anyway. I tried it one year. I wish I never tried it.  So, I will never go again.

Ate leftovers for breakfast, then lunch, then midafternoon snack. Yum. It's always the best.

So, ok, today is Friday. Josh is now at Milkboy's birthday party, and Ashley is at her friend's house.  All is quiet, and my house is halfway decorated for Christmas. I just seem to be missing ONE...ONE of my nativity set and it is not sitting well with me. So, tomorrow, I plan to dive into that closet and see if I can locate it.  I just cannot believe it is not there with the other Christmas Stuff I stored with.

My sister is enjoying 80 degree weather in Tucson, AZ right now. I'm just so envious of her at the moment. I'm glad she is down there visiting with the grandfolks with her husband and baby.  It'll be good for G'pa and G'ma to meet the newest baby.

Alright, off I go to relax this evening.  Have a good evening, y'all.

Happy Thanksgiving....

To everyone. Don't forget to be very thankful wherever you are.

Usually I'd come up with something witty or something silly or something serious.  The past week was pretty hectic for me.  And during all that time, I surely do have a lot to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my family, my friends, a roof over my head, food on my table (well, you know what I mean!), clothes on our back, and a warm place to be.  A big family that are loving and watches out for each other. And many friends who are there for each other.

So, with that being said, this is probably gonna be a very short blog.

Have a very Merry, Happy Thanksgiving.

Life in general...

Last night I realized this one person met me when I was 19. "That long ago?"  Wow.  22 years later, and still here.

Life has flown by so fast, it comes to the point where a representative of your Retirement Plan (mine is MSPERS or something like that) is coming around to talk about our choices...or options or...what to expect.   So in a few weeks, there'll be a 2 hour presentation about that...oh yeah, the Great Bobini and I both requested an interpreter to be there.

Anyway, onto other things that has been on my mind lately....when looking back over my accomplishments and my failures. And how TIME has been to me during those years.

There is:

A time to heal. To heal wounds that have been caused by my past actions. I'm looking forward to closing that chapter soon.

A time to ponder...about many things going on in everyone's lives.   And mine.

A time to pray...for many things. And not forgetting to give praise as well.

A time to laugh...laughter is the best medicine. I can be feeling really crappy but if someone can make me laugh, then it is all right in my world.

A time to cry...a way of releasing things that one holds inside oneself. I have to stop holding in so much...and just release ...

A time to grow...to become stronger mentally, physically (pffft), emotionally, spiritually and more mature.

But...need to give all my time to God. Not just, you know, open up an appointment book and slot Him in for some of my time. No. It should be the 24/7 ongoing deal.  I need to remember to keep doing this...be consistent about that.


So, at this point, I have to: "be still and know that I am God" and remember that He is always in control.

Twenty years ago today...

I remembered my first real job interview in a real job setting...in an University!

I had applied for a full time position in the Admissions Department.  I had worn my "work suit" which was a pretty plum colored jacket with skirt, and a nice blouse. It was one of the few High School Graduation gifts given to me. "For your future, honey..."  I'm sure many ladies out there remembered those days where you try to match up many things with one skirt, right? And wouldn't that scarf look lovely around your neck?

Anyway, during the interview, I sat with one leg crossed over the other. Answered the questions and shared little bit about myself.  When the interview was over....

My foot fell asleep!

*gulp!*

So I carefully and tried gracefully to cover up my sleepin' foot.  As I shook hands with the 2 interviewers and saying thank you, I carefully but, dragged my foot out of there.

Didn't dare to look back.  Went to my cubicle...and sat down. Oh, why the cubicle? I was working as a temp for that department I interviewed for. Yeah.

I angrily told my foot to wake up...shook it and all.

What do you know...a week later, I got the job.  

That time, I started out in Admissions, then moved up the ladder a bit to the Library. In the Library, I called myself sort of a floater...but not really. 

In the Library, I worked in:

• Circulation
• Acquisitions- book mending/donations
• Government Documents
• Cataloging
• Government Documents
• finally, Acquisitions in the wonderful world of Interlibrary Loan with 2 other teammates.

During my years at the University:

• I've had 3 children, losing one to cancer.
• Lost my mother to brain cancer 7 years later.
  
• Lived in 8 different places.
• Went through 10 vehicles.
• Got myself married to a wonderful man...(I love you, honey)
  
• All my sisters married and had children...bringing me to a total (both sides, y'all) of 6 nephews and 7 nieces. 
• Healthy children, healthy home...

and truly blessed.

And I'm starting to feel the 20 years in me now...

This post was brought to you by the letter...W!

Okay, Jedi couldn't say W.... did you know you say it, "double U"?  Yeah? Yeah, I thought so. Sometimes we never think about how things are sounded out.

My evil sister woke me up from a delicious nap yesterday....so I groggily woke up, and being so disoriented, I agreed to go shopping with her...and her daughter...and my son.

Uhhhkay....and she felt so guilty, she bought me a mocha from McD's. That sure helped!

We hiked around Walmarts, and I think we did a 5 mile walk. I'm feelin' it already.  But a great work-out!

Stopped at JcPenney's so my evil sister could buy some jeans or something. Took turns taking each kid to the restrooms.

Came home, and niece wanted to hang out with us...so I held her hostage for a couple hours.

After a while, I took her home, and her brother, Jedi, was ready to read me his ABC book. Oh how precious, except for a very runny nose and gunk all over his face. I gently wiped his nose for him....little more presentable.

I just...LOVE being able to hear him read the abc's to me....until we arrived at the W. He just mumbled something...I asked him again. He just looked at me, grunted, and I said, Double U?  He just smiled and laughed as if to say, "yeah, that's it!".

LOL.

I realized Sesame Street is celebrating their 40th ... birthday? Anniversary? 40th year of being on the air. How awesome is that. Grew up watching them and now today, so many characters still the same, but also new characters, or some characters have moved on.

I haven't watched Sesame Street in a long time...

Today is a very sunny day...on Ottawa Street. I can't wait to see what this day brings. 

This post is brought to you by the number 8..."eighteen!"

My 2 1/2 year old nephew, "Jedi" can read.

Oh yes he can! He's such a smart boy! A genius. Who could not speak for the longest time. Until he had his tonsils taken out.

Last night I went over to my sister's house to use her digital camera to take picture of my son.

As I entered the house, he came running up to me, and bows his head, wanting me to kiss the top of his head. Satisfied, he runs off to hug Josh and play with toys.

After snapping a picture of Josh, I sat down to visit a very short time with my sister.

Jedi comes over with his book with numbers.

He read it to me.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five (he's rapidly pointing at each number as he goes along). Six. Seven. Eighteen! Nine. TEN! I think he likes saying eighteen instead of eight for the number 8.

Recognizes 20, 50 and 100 (I didn't quite catch him saying hundred...)

Yay! We clap hands. Then I randomly pointed out a number to him, he'd shout with glee the number (and correctly!). Eight is still eighteen!

Made such a huge deal.

He probably read it to me 3 or 4 more times. Then I said, I gotta go now....Josh has a lot of homework to do.

He just glared at me. So he reads the book to me. One. More. Time.

Ever since he had his tonsils taken out over a month ago, his vocabulary just burst wide open and talking up a storm. I may be hearing-challenged, but I did love hearing his voice. So sweet.

I'm sure when I see him on Saturday, he'll read the Alphabet Book to me.....I can't wait.

Such a smart boy....

Wednesday...

Well, I have found it harder to make myself get up in the mornings.

While it's nice to have some brightness for my morning commute to work...not having to worry (a little) about running into bucks and skunks and such....*knock on wood*

It's still hard to get this ole body to adjust to the time change.

By 7 pm, I'm yawning wider than a tired dog....and ready to go to sleep.

*yawn*

Yesterday the family treated me to a birthday dinner at Lone Star. It was quite very lovely, and good eats. It is also extremely nice to have my appetite back as well.

A couple days ago, I hurt Betty. I am a very good driver, and I'm very good about staying on the road, etc.

However, no matter how GOOD you are, you are still bound to have a little or big accident.

I looked down for a brief second...(that's all it took, folks) for me to find myself hitting the curb and scraping the side of Betty against a sign pole.

AGGHHHHH!

So I pulled over into someone's driveway, and got out to check the damage.

Oh, whew. My tires are fine. But man, OUCH! I scraped the side of her "nose" and the "hip" of Betty. It's not deep, and no dents (well, maybe one tiny one)...and it's all cosmetic damage.

I could feel my heart falling down to my feet....and I just felt so bad.

....tsk.

At least Betty forgave me because she kept going...and knows it was not on purpose.

I would never do that kind of quicklookingdownforaquicksecond where it might cause me to jerk the wheel little and hit a curb. And scrape against a sign pole.

Well, it's 6 am, and I need to get my rear in gear and get going.

Happy Halloween!

Yesterday my husband & son and myself went to see a deaf magician in Ypsilanti.

The Great Bobini.

And it was great to run into many local deaf friends I've not seen in years. Also running into hearing people who also are involved with our local deaf community!

The Bobini's house was completely made over into a haunted house. I mean, the whole front yard was just full of decorations. The front of the house was covered with what is made to look like a castle. Then going into the front room (or is it the screened front porch?) is like a haunted room with a casket, skeleton, etc.

They really do go all out.

Bobini wanted to dress up in a costume this year, so he put on his Evil Kneivel costume (which I tried not to make fun of....it was just so funny and geeky), while his wife dressed up as a nurse. Why? Because "my husband is constantly breaking bones all the time..."

Ahhh...got it.

We ate and chatted in the basement---lots of yummy food.

Then went outside to watch the show. Wow. I was really impressed.

Ran into many people from the University I work at so it was nice to chat with them.

My husband became one of Bobini's victim (excuse me, volunteer) for one of the tricks. Ended up with a new underwear. (If you wanna see it, ask my husband!)

The weather was wet, but perfect. Blustery, the leaves blowing around, and temperature wise...just right. Not cold. Not hot. Just right.

And it's blizzardy in Denver, Colorado!

*shivers*

Today, I have 2 choices. Shovel everything in Ashley's room to one side of the room and make room for her new "used" love seat ....OR...just say, forget it and store it in my storage shed.

I think I'll just push everything over to one side, do what I can in a short time....

Then enjoy the rest of the day...and evening.

And have a safe, happy Halloween.

My Thriller drive....

It was a dark and foggy morning....

It was so foggy, I can't for the life of me figure out...

WHY would I want to drive into the Fog....

Blindly, of course.

Hey, I'm not the leader. Go around me, please! I am horrible leading in the Fog.

Sure I can be a leader in other areas, but not in the Fog.

And worrying about meeting that HUGE Buck again....

Safely deposited my sister at work, then safely arrived at work ... in one piece.

During all this time, I had the Thriller song in my head....*shakes head*

Oh Deer....

I saved a deer's life today.

Early this morning as I drove my sister to work before heading onto work myself, on the country roads, I saw what I thought was a huge dog sitting on the side of the road.

Now, remember, country roads do not have street lights. And it was extremely DARK this morning.

(did I ever mention how much I hate driving in the dark? now you know)

When I slowed down to a rolling stop, the animal turned its head towards me.

It was a huge buck. Buck is male deer, right? Huge antlers. Many points (hunter speak) on the antlers.

I stopped.

He stared at me, then turned around and bounded away.

My sister gasped, "OHMYGOODNESS!"

My heart was in my throat. But I was glad I didn't go too fast, and I'm very thankful I was very alert ...thanks to the yummy coffee my sister lovingly bribed me for ride to work this week....

That buck was...H-U-G-E!

A couple weeks ago I saved a raccoon's life by not letting Betty run over it.

Moving along here....

Today was a challenge for me. The atmosphere (air-wise) at work was really...just something...wrong with it. I wasn't the only one feeling sick-ish.

My teammate was out sick so I had to cover for him today. Not too bad, but didn't realize how time consuming it could be. Because other than doing his stuff, I had to do my own stuff for the first couple hours this morning.

(not complaining, seriously. I do love my job!)

Around 2 this afternoon, I started to get sick. It is something in the air.

Ugh. I hung on until quitting time at 4, and was able to make my escape ....and didn't want to drive on the back roads with constant stop-signs so I took the freeway home. On cruise control.

And trying not to get sick.

Made it home, tossed some money at my family to go feed themselves.

Now I'm feeling better after napping, showering, taking my maxalt...catching up on news and reading John B's deaf devotion.

I suppose I can now say good night...and look forward to another yummy coffee from my sister in the morning.

The floor!

I can see the floor in Ashley's room!

GASP!

And how can a girl like her accumulate so much...stuff?

We've started a project of turning her bedroom into a loft style room. Since she is inheriting a really snazzy (but used) gold loveseat from her cool Aunt Bobbie, we decided to get her room prepped for that. Trade Ashley's bed for my futon bed...

Uhhhh...huh.

With it being the biggest room in the house, and constant problems with leakage when it rains...that room is really not meant to be a bedroom but it works.

I probably sneezed 3/4th of my brains away...

Lots of trash bags ...

Lots of clothes to give away to Goodwill...

And a couple cute costumes to give to Jordan... for his future Halloween get-up if he feels like it.

Hee.

I just know Ashley will find long lost/forgotten/"Ididn'tknowIhadthis" items lurking under the piles of things we must hack away at...

Another kind of BLAH

My husband was reading my B.L.A.H. post last night...(he checks it out whenever he can)...

B = Be
L = Lazy
A = At
H = Home

I had to laugh.

I wish ...

I'm on the mend now. The Quils, Day and Ny, have been so wonderful. They really stick with you when you've got the flu.

And I'm starting to feel better.

It rained all night, it just made it a very sleepy morning for me to wake up to...but I'm thankful it's Friday.

I can sleep in tomorrow.

B.L.A.H.

Just when I thought I was on my way to full recovery from whatever I had a couple weeks or so ago....

Something else comes along and hits me head on with some other bug.

Blah.

And I was blaming it on the dusty, musty ole donated books I had to list on a spreadsheet. Well, that could have made whatever I have little worse...but...at least THAT project is done and I prayerfully do not want to touch those kind of books again.

So, nothing mind-shattering news to share or anything like that today. Sorry, folks.

I need to go find my friend, NyQuil, and make sure we are set for tonight.

Yeahh....

Sunshine or not...

It's Friday and...

the kids have disappeared.

Okay, that'sfinewithme.

I suppose I can just go ahead and soak in the tub, read a book, and just enjoy the start of the weekend.

My co-workers and I have been struggling with daily headaches and other ailments lately. Our building is 10 years old and starting to show its age. There is a big room next door to our department that was flooded a year ago (or so) from heavy rains we had, and well, we still have problems. That room (really, an auditorium) has been closed off indefinitely until they can find the problem. Whatever is in there or if it's from the vents from our replaced cooler/chiller whatever ...we don't know.

I usually feel great when I arrive at work. Believe me, I do like my job! Usually around after lunch, my head starts to hurt and I sometimes want to crawl somewhere into a corner and just cry. The "I don't feel so good, mommy" kind of moment.

Anyhoo...well, my kids have disappeared and my husband seems to be kinda feeling better, I think. Must be all the hot tea he's been drinking.

If I don't blog again this weekend, I wish you all a happy (and HEALTHY!!!) weekend.

Been a while...

Since I did any postings.

Have a lot on my mind and in my heart.

The stuff on mind: an annoying thing called, weather-related allergies/sinus headache that loves to throb behind one of my eyeballs, and I just want to pop it out, soak it or something ....or just reach inside behind my eye and yank out the throbbing pain thingy in there!

You know what I mean.

The stuff in my heart: I'm coming to realize a lot of things, learning many things and being spiritually encouraged by some strong Christian people. Also moments of being spiritually battered.

The past couple months has been a struggle for me, and for those I've hurt, through my deep sin that I've had for the past year. I've been reading a chapter from one of Rick Warren's book on how to restore relationships. If I had read it before, maybe things would have been different. I don't know if the circumstances would be any different. Maybe it would. Back then, I can only say I was probably being a coward.

I was also encouraged to read a book that talks about spiritual warfare (dealing with how Satan attacks us) so as soon as my husband finishes reading his, I will take a crack at it. My friend had shared with me that I should read it and it would give me a better idea of the Spiritual Warfare that's going on. Many of my friends are saying the same thing as well.

I was reminded that if I've already asked God for forgiveness, I should know that He is a very forgiving God. He sees my heart and knows. And with His love, and in His time, things will work out. And to be very patient. Only in His time.

The sun is back!

It is so nice to wake up to sun shining in my sleepy eyes this morning. We've had a week (ish) of rain...and yesterday I kept reassuring some people, the sun will be out tomorrow!

And Tomorrow is here...Today! Yeah!

Yesterday I swapped my husband for Ashley's friend, K. While my husband hangs out in Flint and participate in Deaf Cafe's program tonight, we will be celebrating K's birthday this afternoon. I plan to bake chocolate cake for her ...probably a 2 or 3 tier? Will I be able to accomplish that feat? Ehhh...we'll see!

So Ashley, K and friends are gonna poke around downtown for our annual AppleUmpkin festival. 2-3 blocks worth of vendors setting up...oh yeah, the parking lot on the next block over, set up carnival rides...and from last night, I know there's a Ferris Wheel! Whoa! It just lit up the night sky last night.

Right at my doorsteps, there will be vendors selling ... flea market kind of "treasures". When one of my sisters used to live here, she always called them...junk. But to others, we know it's a treasure for them.

I probably will poke around just to look around. No shopping for anything. If they have free samples, I will try 'em.

Sometime later today, Ashley and her friends will help K celebrate her birthday with cake and ice cream.

Now if I can only get the dining room put back together....

What a Wednesday...

Well, first off, I'm slowly on the mend with my cold. Too bad it's not allergies. Allergies I can handle, but colds...ugggh.

When I speak, I "feel" like I "sound" like someone who has her fingers crammed up her nose...that's how stuffed my nose is (when it's not running a marathon).

Wait, I hear myself as the female version of the Urkel. Yeah....haw haw haw *snort*

Anyway, I come home tonight and there's almost nobody here.

Husband is snoring away on the couch.

I start to head towards the kitchen, following my nose....the phone is ringing...

"Hi Mom! I'm going to Youth Group tonight with my friend...that ok?"

Uhh...sure. Then, she says: "I LOVE you, Mom. See you tonight...mwah!"

Awww.

I check the crockpot. The beef in there was just lookin' and smellin' so scrumptious!

I come over to the kitchen desk and there's a note from my son..."Mom, I am going to the library bye." Awww...scribbled in orange crayon on blue paper.

Well, really not a whole lot to report tonight. I am truly exhausted...


Ahh...now the son has returned...and the husband stopped sawing logs...

Ugh...

Not sure what it is today...allergies or cold?

I mean, I sneezed a lot the past couple days, got so many "bless you's" from Josh. Sniffles and the occasional cough.

And I thought my brain was gonna leak out of my nose or something...

I know many of us are looking forward to this weekend. In my household, it's homecoming weekend. My daughter will be decked out in orange and black and going to the football game tonight with some friends. Go Tecumseh Indians!

Josh will help me bake cakes tonight...for a cake walk tomorrow. Not sure if I'll be going for the fellowship tomorrow... if I keep feeling so...under the weather, so blah.

Happy Friday to you all...and have a great weekend.

*psst... just took my temperature. 101 degrees temp. blah....

How Fabulous is this?

I am in total agreement with my friend, Brenda, when it comes to Facebook. She mentioned how wonderful it is to be in equal communication with friends and family! Hard to keep in touch via emails/letters/phone calls....but Facebook makes it much easier...strange, huh?

On the spur of the moment last night, I had been thinking about a couple relatives in AZ, whom I have not seen in ... years. More than 20 years. Perhaps more than 25 years! I would have to sit down and really do the math...but another time.

So I went ahead and searched for one of them. I was very happy to see he was only 1 out of 2 that I successfully found and sent him a friend request.

Then of course, we became FB friends. And his sister found me through him as well. Actually, he had been talking to his sister at that time and well, she jumped online and got ahold of me! YEAH!

Oh you gotta love Facebook!

This relative is ...my 2nd cousin on my mother's side. So, and he is a giant. I mean, really! Nearly 7 feet tall and he played Frankenstein for Halloween as long as I could remember and I was always amazed at his height and I just adored him. Until I got older, of course, you know how teenagers can become! Oh yeah, I used to be one! I think the last time I saw him and his sister was when I was around 13.

Anyhoo, he had been a Sargent for a police force. I like to imagine what kind of cop he was. Being so tall and very....you just had to know him...I can imagine all the bad guys fearing him!

Through Facebook, I found out he has retired very recently, after serving 28 years, and he had adopted a cute boy, and just recently adopted a 12 day old baby girl. How sweet. I know he and his wife are wonderful parents, and it's just amazing they are able to give a wonderful, warm, loving home for these babies.

His sister, from what I can tell, is residing in New Mexico. I have not heard from her in ages as well, and I have thought about her often.

I know my sisters don't remember them very well, but at least they know we still have family left from my mother's side.

I look forward to being in constant touch with them ... through Facebook.

You gotta love Facebook! :o)

Moody teens...

*scoffs*

I am making my usual favorite meatloaf for the family, only to find out the kids have become vegetarians.

So I am in no way going to alter the menu...so if they get hungry they can have some meatloaf. Or go out and find some grass to chew on.

Over the weekend, I had bought some pizza rolls that were on sale...and my daughter just blew up because my son is helping himself to some. They are cheese filled pizza rolls...and according to her, it is hers.

She screamed at me.

I calmly told her to knock it off and can always buy more since it's on sale this week. It's really not a big deal.

After all, the food in the house is to be shared by everyone.

Unless you've bought it, we will hands off. But since I, the mom, with the paycheck, bought the food, it is for the family.

"FINE!" as her door slams.

I calmly tell her, if she kept it up like that, she can forget this weekend.

This weekend is Tecumseh's homecoming weekend.

We'll see how long this lasts.

After all, who can resist Mommy's famous meatloaf and cream cheese mashed potatoes?? Hm???

Stiff on Sunday...

What a sleepy morning. It's overcast and right now, raining.

Yesterday my family and I headed out to a mall in Southfield for Deaf Celebration Day. While my husband and son helped out with the Deaf Cafe's table, my daughter took off with her bffinthewww running around the mall, I wandered along bumping into many friends I have not seen since 2 years ago's Deaf Awareness Day at another mall. Also some I have not seen in years! So, it was awesome to bump into so many of them, and catch up on news.

At one point, I needed to sit down for a bit, and was thrilled to see a longtime family friend of my kids' grandparents and sat down with her. At the same time, I got to chat with her friends as well.

One thing she was trying to figure out why one particular deaf man would want to go to a party in his honor knowing he will die in a few days. The party is really, Celebration of Life. Will have a potluck party after church services this evening. So listening to her complain about it, and when she gave me an opportunity to share my input, I just merely said: "Look at it this way...if you knew you were dying, I'm sure you would want to live your life to the fullest and grab any moment you can with your friends and family. I know my daughter did that until the day she died. She lived her fullest until 3 days before she passed away. And I have no regrets allowing her to party like there's no tomorrow...."

That stopped her ranting and it opened up many doors for us to discuss people and dying, and what we believe in. Finally she did agree with me that our bodies are just a shell of our souls. When I mentioned that my daughter had a closed casket service, she was startled..."WHY?"

Well, some family members cannot handle it, and well, I have no need to see her in the open casket again...I was with her when she died, and what is in the coffin is nothing. It's not even her. Just her shell...then went on to share that Rachel had touched a lot of people. Also I did it because I know of a couple people who would really break down if it was an open casket. And that it was a decision the family as whole agreed on. And it was the right decision I've made.

"What color was her coffin?"

My mind went blank. I could not remember. 14 years ago and I cannot remember. I looked over at the family friend, and she was surprised too...she said she thinks it was white. I looked at another friend, who I knew since 1988, and she remembered it being white. Finally I looked back and I said, "I think it was white. But I know ONE person who can answer that, and I'll have to ask her tomorrow".

So later today at church I will have to ask this person, what color was it? It isn't really important to know exactly what it was, but it's interesting that I can remember someone else's funeral and the flowers and coffin and perhaps the service itself. But for Rachel's own funeral, I barely remember anything.

Anyhoo, so I finally asked her, "so, when you die, where you gonna go?" she pointed upwards, Heaven....and yes she is a believer of Christ.

So, I was happy with that. Got up and made more rounds at the tables. Running into people. Actually, you guys, don't YOU love it when a person comes up to YOU and say HEY! HI! or just grab you into a hug, "Long time no see???"

I love those moments. Oh yeah, and trying to remember my name is fun too. I love to watch them think so hard trying to remember my name but end up calling me (ex's name) ex-girlfriend. My husband was a good sport about that.

Later, a young dad (and fellow DC team member) and I were standing off to the side outside the Deaf Cafe table, we were both watching my daughter and her bff snap self pictures of themselves. It was so interesting to watch two 13 year old girls pose and make faces, snapping away. I looked at the young father and said, in 10 years your daughter will be doing that too. Be ready.

He just chuckled.

Coming home was a hassle as the construction was going on, and the signs for freeways were very confusing...and I need a GPS!!! But we did get home safely.

And I find myself very stiff this morning. I didn't realize spending a whole afternoon walking the mall can be hard on your body.

I'll live.

So when I get home later after church, I am looking forward to a long nap.

Yeah.