June 21, 2010

So a quick update, since I should be writing my book or calling editors and agents for contest.

Bob is back from wherever Bob was. Milwaulkee? How the heck is that spelled, anyway? We are having a belated Father's Day dinner this evening.

Drew will be here within the hour for a two weeks plus visit. He intends to get his motorcycle back in form and most of the family is intending to go to Branson.

Rachel has been busy being Mom and is looking forward to our Branson trip.

Veronica finished summer school musical class. We saw her performance last Thursday night. She had a whole row of fans. Her Grandpa Jim and Grandma Dee, Aunt Bekah, Great Grandpa Don and Great Grandma Jane, Me, Great Grandma Martha, Great Aunt Bev, and Mom and Cash. She did quite well and was thrilled that everyone came.

Cash took my sister Bev on a tour of Grandma Martha's new house and began with the big closet. That's where all of the toys are!

For our third Fabulous Friday with Grandma Goldie we went to the Warrensburg pool. Quite nice! Although Cash took a dive at one point and I had to fight my way against the current in the current pool to save him.

Mom and I have been walking. She is losing weight. Me, not so much.

I am going to meet with administrators Tuesday to work on the new Career Ladder program. I don't know that they consider me a plus there, but I want the new program to be done right. That probably means to my standards, but I just don't want to start completely over if the state brings it back.

So, I am off to fight a new week.

Oh, I bought a new computer. How exciting!

Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping into the future!

Well, I am back.

Yes, I took a big break, almost an end. Lots going on, boredom, and an unfaithful obsession with Facebook are somewhat to blame. But I find I like to have a weekly reminder of what we do.

But first a summary of what we have been doing.

Bob was headhunted last year changed jobs, promises were not delivered upon, changed back to the old job, and now changes there seem to be sending the company in a new direction along with Bob. Still kind of the same job, and he seems ready for the new opportunities. He continues to do some geeky gaming and it makes him happy.

I just finished my 24th year of teaching and currently trying to write and finish my first novel. I am trying to take off the summer, but things keep coming up. The state dropped Career Ladder and now I will have MUCH less to do at school. I may have to focus on teaching. I have enacted Fabulous Fridays with Veronica and Cash. So far, we have been to Paradise Park and Dairy Queen and the big Park Playground. Our next plan is go to the new water park. I even bought a bathing suit. Old one still fit, but I bought it a husband ago and just decided it was time.

Speaking of husbands, next month Bob and I will have been married 11 years this July. He doesn't know what day that is.

Rachel recently gave up working for her dad as it was just too stressful. And it really was. She did Bob and I a favor and used Amazon points to get us a decent tv. Some shows on the other one had gotten so dark we couldn't see anything.

Drew's return from active duty in Afghanistan last month is truly the BEST news any of us have had in a year. He is now in CO and planning a visit home in the next week or so. This sounds corny, but I honestly felt like I could breathe easier once he returned. I didn't realize I had been literally holding my breath while he was gone.

Mom and I have been spending time together. We walk in the morning with the Senior Citizens. I think Mom is the youngest next to me. And finally a place where I am the youngest! Next month we are going to ROMCON, a conference for readers and writers and it looks like great fun.

Veronica is performing in a musical this week on the History of Rock at summer school. Looking forward to that.

Cash is still attending the Christian daycare. But he has been in some trouble for planning soldier with pretend guns. Also, he put the word on me this week when he called me "Grandma Goldie Alice!". I knew was in trouble then.

Mike and Ryan are in CT. Things are not good for them, but as they are now adults some of this is due to their choices. It is frustrating to us not to be able to make their lives better.

Xena the cat is shedding everywhere and Jack, the incredibly ugly beta, survives.

Getting ready to clean the kitchen, get my small pool ready, and maybe go see a classmate at the Civil War re-enactment. Then I will write on my novel, and make Sunday evening dinner for the family.

Have a great week.

Thanksgiving in Review

Well, it's over and preparations for another work week are underway. The week in review.

Bob sat at home last week. He may work this week...he still gets paid and he is happy. He did go visit his parents a couple of times. His mom is getting around better.

I went to school two days! Wednesday was so long ago I almost forgot what I did. I think Bob, Veronica, and I went to buy groceries at WalMart and then to Rib Crib. Veronica ate two kids' meals. She is growing.

Thursday, Mom, my sister-in-law Debbie, Bob and I, Rach, Veronica, and Cash came for dinner. We did the whole turkey thing. The food was great. However, Debbie made some beautiful deviled eggs which I managed to flip the container over onto the floor when getting them out of my refridgerator. Thank goodness for tupperware. Drew called in the morning for a visit and that helped me be in a good mood. Kids spent the night and Rachel went shopping in the night. Lines were LONG.

Friday Bob and I took the kids to the downtown festivities. Cash and Veronica did a hayride, rode a little train, and got to see Santa. Veronica was skeptical, but Cash was not afraid this year.

Then we came home and met Rachel and Robin for Christmas Craft Night...the annual evening of snacks and crafting. Many snowflakes were made and we had a good time.

Saturday, I sat around and Bob did his laundry. Veronica stayed here for awhile and she beat me three times at Crazy Eights.

Sunday, Bob sat around and I went with my mother to Columbia to visit my Uncle Wilbie at the Veteran's Hospital. He has had pneumonia.

We were going to eat somewhere in Columbia, but I thought we still had an exit to go. Wrong, and in case you were wondering...The Bobber Cafe in Boonville, not up to Macaroni Grill or Olive Garden par.

This week turned cold and we were infested with mice! Never had this problem before, but I think we have caught the parent mice and the kamikaze babies. It was crazy!

Now I must go grade some papers as the school day will soon be here.

Hope your holiday was great and your coming week even better.

The week in review.

Hello to all. Get prepared to share for "What I am thankful for" moments on Thursday!

Bob spent his first week in Forney employ at home in his bathrobe and fat pants. Yes he was home ALL week.

I spent much of my time at home this week also in p.j.s. I took off Monday because we had such a busy and demanding week before that I still needed to rest. Worked Tuesday, half of a day Wednesday, no Thursday or Friday. Some type of sinus thing and it knocked me on my butt! Saturday, I rallied, finished a murder mystery for a party for my work friends and stayed out late at the party. The murder mystery went really well despite the fact that I wrote it under the influence of cold medicine. Then it karoeke (I never spell that word correctly.) Today finds me back in my p.j.s resting. I have two whole days to get through this week before we are off for Thanksgiving. Whew, I hope I make it.

My mom fed us Ham and beans, fried potatoes, and cornbread Thursday night and Bob was thrilled to actually get some homecooked food. I haven't been cooking.

Baby Cash (Okay he is a big boy. I know.) came over Friday night while his mom and sister went to their first 3-D movie. I think they were seasick...Cash and I read some books and then he told me to shut the lights off...he was going to bed. He is just like Drew in that when it is time for him to go to bed, he just says goodnight and goes to sleep. Drew used to tell people to go home when it was his bedtime.

Drew is doing okay. He had a few rough days when he was frustrated with the Army in general...but he seemed more positive. He sent us a list of things he wants, so we are in the process of gathering them up. We will making him crafts and cookies this weekend.

Thursday, we are having Thanksgiving dinner at 1:00. Come on over if you like. However, we don't bake pies...we do buy some. And for my whine, this is the first Thanksgiving without Drew here.

Friday, we will be having Christmas Craft Night. It is our annual family kickoff for the Christmas season. I torture everyone by coming up with crafty projects that we all participate in. Did I mention we are not good at crafts?

Veronica is well. We are getting our hair done this week. I can't remember if I said that she got all A's on report card or not. She continues to be a really good reader. And still loves to tell jokes.

Several people thought Rachel had a wreck this week, but it was actually Dan's wife. Their vehicles are similar and many people know where Rachel works. In the wreck, nobody was seriously injured that I know of.

Talked to Ryan last week. He is doing well. Still living with one of his friends.

For those of you that don't know, I made November my own National Scarf Month. I have so many scarves, I decided to wear one a day at school. My students have been waiting each day to see what scarf I wear next. Some of them have even been wearing their own to show me.

My students this year are really neat kids. I am able to enjoy teaching them. Some years are harder than others on the enjoyment level.

That's all I've got to share. Normally, I would be doing laundry on Sundays, but when you don't work most of the week, you really don't have much to wash.

Have a happy holiday...eat turkey...and don't forget to nap.

And I am thankful for the many people who make my life more interesting and loving.

Old ways win.

Many of you know of my unfaithfulness to the blog. I have been facebooking and found a number of my former classmates and friends. However, I miss the blogging for the weekly update and people complain. So, I really am back this time.

And now the update.

Bob is starting his new/old job on Monday. He was working at another company that paid him really well, but working conditions and staff were very unpleasant. So, he is back to working at the old job that still pays him a lot more than I make. I would write more about him, but I haven't seen him much for months.

Me. Busy as always. There has been so much recently that it depresses me to think about it. I have taught, presented workshops, organized much of parent teacher conferences, organized Veterans Day assembly, done work for my writer's group, and bought some new furniture. I am tired and am taking Monday off to re-group. Thank God my mom made me some meals over the last few weeks. The good news is that I have accomplished A LOT and now don't have as many things coming up. The bad news is all of this action, has taken a toll on my body. Nothing is really wrong with me, but I am really sore all over all of the time. I know, I need to slow down.

Rachel is busy decorating her office and working with textbooks at her dad's business. She has reorganized the whole system. Wonder where she got that skill. And the children keep her VERY busy.

Drew is still in Afghanistan. His base is located near the Packistan border. I think he sees more action than he tells me. He is frustrated with the idea that nothing much seems to be accomplished with the Afghan people. They don't value what can be done. He is grateful for the many things people here have sent him and the kindnesses shown. It still embarrasses him a little.

Haven't had the opportunity to speak to Michael recently. Ryan is living with a friend in an apartment. The friend works and Ryan is currently in charge of cooking and cleaning. He seems content.

Veronica is great. She just got all A's on her report card and we were proud. She has good friends and continues to be a nice caring little girl. Not too shocking, but she is an excellent reader.

Cash is a little ball of fire. He is mostly potty-trained and Johnny Cash's, Ring of Fire, Song is his favorite. He is good buddies with Poppie Bob.

Bob's parents are doing okay. Toni was hospitalized for weakness recently, but is much more mobile now.

My mom sold her property and is house hunting. We keep her busy with doing things to help us out. I feel guilty at times.

My sister Bev is working a lot. My brother Bill and sister-in-law Debbie seem to like living in the country.

The cat and the fish are still alive.

Everyone, have a great week and remember to think of the things you are thankful for. (I am thankful that a blog is a personal writing and I don't have to feel guilty that I ended that last sentence with a preposition.)

And now it is November

Okay, I am really am back this time. I have been unfaithful to blogging with facebook for some time now, but I think this venue works best for me. Catch up time.

Our family has been well but busy!

Bob-Been working new job...doesn't like it...things are changing this week. But first he goes to Kentucky after being in Texas next week. His mom was in the hospital and is now home. We took the kids up to see her a while back and that made her happy. Herman, Bob's dad, struggles along.

I have been busy at school...of course. This week are parent conferences, and Veteran's assembly and planning for murder mystery party-but I have Friday off! Hurray. Saturday I have my writer's meeting.

Rachel has been accomplishing a great deal at her job working for her dad in the textbook business. She has been reorganizing and making herself an office. She also dyed her hair auburn. A different look for her.

Drew called this morning and he is still in Afghanistan. He is satisfied but really looks forward to the day when he can have his own room back. Seems to be okay dealing with homesickness, but misses driving his truck.

We haven't talked to Mike and Ryan for awhile. Mike was thinking about going to culinary training and Ryan is living with a friend and job hunting.

Veronica is moving along in third grade. She is still a talker. She has been having some breathing problems, but it is that time of year.

Cash is moving along with potty training. Very stubborn, that boy. Cute. We took both kids to the train restaurant in Crown Center and he was THRILLED!

Both kids had a great time at Halloween. Cash was an elephant and a train engineer and Veronica was Abbie off of NCIS. You know the goth girl who is a smart scientist. She wore makeup for her costume and it sort of took us back just how pretty that girl is and is going to be in her teens. It's coming sooner than not....Rachel was Zeva off of NCIS with braid, official hoodie, hat, and badge.

Tonight we are having a weinie roast. We try to do dinner on Sunday evenings.

My mom has sold her Oklahoma house and is looking to buy one here. She has been well, with one really bad high blood sugar day. Her friends from Oklahoma are coming to visit next weekend.

Bev, my sister, stopped by the other night. She is doing well but is busy.
Bill, my brother, and his wife Debbie have moved out in the country closer to Harrisonville where Bill works. Debbie had some knee surgery but is doing well.

The cat and the fish are still alive.

Oh yeah, Bob has made a lot of money recently, so I bought a new bedroom set, two couches, and a recliner...and he wanted to buy a gun...really!

That's it for the week in review...I will try to update each Sunday.

Okay, okay I am back.

It is August and I have been remiss when it comes to keeping the family blog up to date. I let myself get over committed and the blog paid the price. I will just tell everything that has happened that I can think of and post a bunch of pictures.

Bob-has traveled the world. He has been to South Africa and Peru. He also is now working at a different job. A company contacted him and offered $11,000 more and he was gone. He still travels, but will mostly be in the surrounding states.

I am starting my 24th year of teaching in the morning. Last year I taught, chaired career ladder committee, worked after school on GED program with students, am or was president of the Heartland Romance Authors and Kappa Nu social sorority. We had new administration and though it was not a poor performance, it was a year of transition. I worked my butt off (still big however). This is my brag. I was teacher of the term and teacher of the year and favorite 8th grade teacher in the yearbook. I work with great people and we all worked so hard we ALL deserved these honors!

Rachel is working for her dad at the textbook company. She finds it challenging at times. She lives over by Warrensburg in nice three bedroom house and if she can keep the huge lawn mowed, all is well. She keeps very busy with the kids.

Drew finished basic training for the Army. He is stationed at Fort Carson, CO, but is actually deployed in Afghanistan for fifteen months. He is a sniper and seems to be thriving in the military. For the first time in his life, he is muscular and weighs MUCH more than he every has because of his muscles. Currently he is on a post in the middle of nowhere, bored, and craving junk food. We got to see him a few times this year and it was nice. We had a joint family party for him and that went well.

Ryan and Michael live in CT and finished high school this year. They are both job hunting.

Veronica is going to third grade. She looks like Rachel and is getting much taller. She is beautiful and there are moments when you just know she will be a beautiful woman. She is bright and witty and just learned that "Your Momma" jokes exist. She spent the summer days with me and my mom. And she is looking forward to competing in the Holden Fair PreTeen Contest. She never minds not winning, because she has a good time no matter where she goes.

Cash is two going on thirty. He speaks much better than other children his age and he is hilarious. He loves Sissy, Momma, and Grandma Goldie in that order. Sometimes Grandma over Momma. I spoil him. He also adores Drew and Bob and Grandma Martha. He goes to a Christian daycare and enjoys everything except the part where they have to sit down to read the BIBLE. He would much rather watch a movie. He told us that. He knows everything about tractors, bobcats, loaders, dozers, and excavators.

Both kids love frozen waffles and that is the first thing Cash asks for, "Hot sausage and 'affles". Veronica is a big I-Hop fan.

My mom is selling her place in Oklahoma and is renting a place here in Holden. We call each other daily and usually see each other. She is having a good time with the grandbabies and looking up relatives and old friends.

In June, Bob, me, Rachel, Veronica, Cash, and Mom all went to Colorado to see Drew off before he deployed. We all had a really good time visiting. We went to some sights that I saw as a child, Dan and I took Rach and Drew to when they were little, and now I have taken my grandkids. Of course, the drive across Kansas still SUCKED!

This year Bob and I have been married for ten years. To celebrate he met me in Washington, D.C. where I was attending the National Romance Writers of America conference. That was awesome. We spent a couple of days in Washington, D.C. seeing the sites. I cried at the Holocaust museum, because in all the years of teaching about the Holocaust and The Diary of Anne Frank, I have never met a survivor. I also got to stand in the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I have a dream speech." Bob and I visited Arlington and several war memorials. With Drew serving, we understand the sacrifices of the people honored there.

Then Bob and I drove to CT. We went through New York and it was just as bad as when Dan and I went through it when Drew was a baby. In CT we got to spend a couple of days with Ryan. Mike was a little confused and didn't want to see us. However, I got to meet the rest of Ryan's mother's family and we had a really nice visit with them. The boys' grandparents, Dave and Dolores, are great people and it was nice to see them again. I also got to go and get in the ocean. I love that!

I have a break through in the psoraisis front. I went to a new doctor who did not help, went to another that did and purchased a special machine that is helping clear up my arms. My injections cost about $700 a piece and I take two a month. Thank God for insurance. The way things are going, I may get to wear 3/4 sleeves. A serious miracle!

Traveling is pretty much all I have done this summer. We did buy two 2009 vehicles this summer. Got some good deals and even took advantage of Cash for Clunkers. Oh, and can I mention how happy I am when tomatoes and sweet corn get ripe. I LOVE THEM! I have organized the house some and now I must go take the trash out. Not too exciting, but sometimes that is good too.

I will get some pictures up soon.