One month from today I will be in America's Dairyland. Home of the Cheeseheads, more importantly, HOME! Alright, I wasn't born or raised there, but my hubby was, and since we have been married I love going there.
Actually I could almost be a cheesehead. I grew up 30 miles south of the Southern Cheesehead border. The area I grew up in looks like the Dairy State. Most of the people talk like the cheeseheads. Some of the old locals in my hometown are even smart and cheer for the right football team, the Green Bay Packers!
But one month from today, one month from right this minute, I will be sitting on my in laws huge screened porch, enjoying the peace & quiet, listening to the woods go to sleep for the night. I love visiting my in laws. It's so far out in the country, in the woods. It might be hours before a car passes by. The evening excitement is to get in the car after supper and drive around looking for and counting deer as they come out of the woods for their evening meal. We look until our eyes hurt from straining in the dark to see them. If we are lucky enough, we end up close enough to town to go to the drive in for Ice Cream.
Life is so much slower there. Days blissfully pass by, until the last few days of our vacation, when they go so quickly, as if to catch us back up to the hurried pace we usually live at.
One month from today, but I'm not counting!
:J
Monday, August 07, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Back to School!
School starts this week for Kiddies in our county. Kids in the neighboring county went back last week. In honor of the occasion, I made this journal to donate to my MIL's church bazaar. I have to admit, I cheated and used a Paper Pizzazz Almost Done kit.
I always loved the first day of school. New challenges, new friends, sometimes even a new school. The smell of chalk and freshly waxed floors, a clean notebook and a new desk with your name on it. I think the first thing I did was to open my reading book and see what new stories we would be reading. I loved a good story, still do.
Some things were always the same. Same bus stop, same driver, every year. Same cafeteria food. I had the same elementary principal, art teacher and music teacher every year.
We didn't have computers, or even tv. I remember when something important would be on TV we would all crowd into the music room and watch it. EVERYONE, the whole school! It wasn't a big TV either, just a small TV on a roll cart. But it was color!
I hope everyone has a good first day this year and a good school year too! Study Hard! Meet the challenge! READ everyday!
:J
I always loved the first day of school. New challenges, new friends, sometimes even a new school. The smell of chalk and freshly waxed floors, a clean notebook and a new desk with your name on it. I think the first thing I did was to open my reading book and see what new stories we would be reading. I loved a good story, still do.
Some things were always the same. Same bus stop, same driver, every year. Same cafeteria food. I had the same elementary principal, art teacher and music teacher every year.
We didn't have computers, or even tv. I remember when something important would be on TV we would all crowd into the music room and watch it. EVERYONE, the whole school! It wasn't a big TV either, just a small TV on a roll cart. But it was color!
I hope everyone has a good first day this year and a good school year too! Study Hard! Meet the challenge! READ everyday!
:J
Saturday, August 05, 2006
I Have Lived for Days Like Today!
It wasn't the weather, or the fact that I had all my housework and laundry done by 11 a.m., it was a phone call. In the middle of the day, that interupted my scrapping and it was a call that made me smile, inside and outside, one of those deep in your soul, satisfying, giggly smiles.
The phone rang and it was DS2, Kevin, calling me from Tallahassee. He never calls on Saturday afternoons. He always has more important things to do then, like playing Madden 2006, excersizing or doing his laundry. But he called and I asked, "what's up?"
"I just called to say I love you and to thank you for raising me the way you did." Hmmm, my head spun as I picked my jaw up from off the floor. "Oookkaaaay, what's up??" I asked again. Expecting bad news, I need bail money news, I lost my apartment news, you know the news you know you will hear when you never hear from them and then they call.
"Well, mom it's a long story, but ya know, you did raise me right" (Thank you GOD!) someone noticed. I had to know, "So what's the story?"
"Well, it's Justin, (his roommate of 4 years, and best friend for 7 years) He wrecked his car last night, put it in the ditch, (2006 Mustang Convertible, his 3rd mustang I know of) and then after he called road service, he came back to the apartment and left the car in the ditch" Btw, it isn't even his apartment anymore, his lease was up in July.
"Oh really" I said. "Why didn't he stay til the wrecker came?"
"Well mom, you know him, he said he had a drink, one drink, and that he was afraid the cops would come and he would get a DUI"
"Oh I see, I don't think that he would get one for one drink, do you?"
"Well mom, I dunno, but after he got to the apartment, he and his frat buddies continued to drink, then the tow truck guy called and said he couldn't move the car until they filed a police report." "So Justin was going to just let them impound the car and go get it tomorrow."
At this point none of this was making any sense to me. Why would he do that?
"So at that point his buddies decided to call a cab and head down to the bar that they were headed to when they wrecked." "They asked me to go, but I didn't" (Thank you GOD!)
"About that time the police showed up and wanted to know what had happened. I told Justin to tell the truth, even tho his buddies said not to."
Okay and........
"Well he got a ticket for careless driving." "But that's not all of it, he had called his parents, (the ones who continue to buy this guy new mustangs to wreck) and they went psycho on him."
Well duh what did you think would happened?
"They told him he was worthless, and that the only way he continue to live in their house, would be with no car, no cell phone, and no credit cards."(Which they pay all of)
Well hello, he is a 23 year old college grad, who has never worked a day in his life! It's time!
"Well Kevin, that's their perogative, they pay his bills."
"I know mom, but even when I do the stupidest stuff, you & Dad have never said I was worthless"
"Well Kev, it's time for Justin to grow up and find out what the real world is like, maybe this is what he needs to do it." "He isn't working?"
"Nope"
"Wow"
"So that's why I called, to tell you thanks for making me work for everything, not handing it all to me, and for never telling me I was worthless, even when I probably deserved it." "Your psycho moods are nothing compared to his mom's." "I love you mom!"
And that's when I smiled, that big inside the soul, satisfying, giggly smile. Because I had those doubts. When "everyone else" was doing it, and Kevin wasn't allowed. When "everyone else" got brand new cars for graduation and he didn't. When "everyone else" was so important and I didn't care what "everyone else" thought. He was going to do it our way. So this is one of those days I waited for. I knew they would come, other parents who didn't bend to "everyone else" told me they would. It felt so good. Even tho my job with them is not ever done, and even tho not a one of us is perfect, that inside the soul, satisfying, giggly smile felt so good.
I love my boys!
:J
The phone rang and it was DS2, Kevin, calling me from Tallahassee. He never calls on Saturday afternoons. He always has more important things to do then, like playing Madden 2006, excersizing or doing his laundry. But he called and I asked, "what's up?"
"I just called to say I love you and to thank you for raising me the way you did." Hmmm, my head spun as I picked my jaw up from off the floor. "Oookkaaaay, what's up??" I asked again. Expecting bad news, I need bail money news, I lost my apartment news, you know the news you know you will hear when you never hear from them and then they call.
"Well, mom it's a long story, but ya know, you did raise me right" (Thank you GOD!) someone noticed. I had to know, "So what's the story?"
"Well, it's Justin, (his roommate of 4 years, and best friend for 7 years) He wrecked his car last night, put it in the ditch, (2006 Mustang Convertible, his 3rd mustang I know of) and then after he called road service, he came back to the apartment and left the car in the ditch" Btw, it isn't even his apartment anymore, his lease was up in July.
"Oh really" I said. "Why didn't he stay til the wrecker came?"
"Well mom, you know him, he said he had a drink, one drink, and that he was afraid the cops would come and he would get a DUI"
"Oh I see, I don't think that he would get one for one drink, do you?"
"Well mom, I dunno, but after he got to the apartment, he and his frat buddies continued to drink, then the tow truck guy called and said he couldn't move the car until they filed a police report." "So Justin was going to just let them impound the car and go get it tomorrow."
At this point none of this was making any sense to me. Why would he do that?
"So at that point his buddies decided to call a cab and head down to the bar that they were headed to when they wrecked." "They asked me to go, but I didn't" (Thank you GOD!)
"About that time the police showed up and wanted to know what had happened. I told Justin to tell the truth, even tho his buddies said not to."
Okay and........
"Well he got a ticket for careless driving." "But that's not all of it, he had called his parents, (the ones who continue to buy this guy new mustangs to wreck) and they went psycho on him."
Well duh what did you think would happened?
"They told him he was worthless, and that the only way he continue to live in their house, would be with no car, no cell phone, and no credit cards."(Which they pay all of)
Well hello, he is a 23 year old college grad, who has never worked a day in his life! It's time!
"Well Kevin, that's their perogative, they pay his bills."
"I know mom, but even when I do the stupidest stuff, you & Dad have never said I was worthless"
"Well Kev, it's time for Justin to grow up and find out what the real world is like, maybe this is what he needs to do it." "He isn't working?"
"Nope"
"Wow"
"So that's why I called, to tell you thanks for making me work for everything, not handing it all to me, and for never telling me I was worthless, even when I probably deserved it." "Your psycho moods are nothing compared to his mom's." "I love you mom!"
And that's when I smiled, that big inside the soul, satisfying, giggly smile. Because I had those doubts. When "everyone else" was doing it, and Kevin wasn't allowed. When "everyone else" got brand new cars for graduation and he didn't. When "everyone else" was so important and I didn't care what "everyone else" thought. He was going to do it our way. So this is one of those days I waited for. I knew they would come, other parents who didn't bend to "everyone else" told me they would. It felt so good. Even tho my job with them is not ever done, and even tho not a one of us is perfect, that inside the soul, satisfying, giggly smile felt so good.
I love my boys!
:J
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Questions from My Sister in Law
She sent me this via email, but I'm sharing with you. Won't the family be shocked when they find out about me after 20 years! Now I challenge YOU!
Things you may or may not have known about me.....
A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Stripper
2. Gas Station Attendant/Pumper
3. Grocery Cashier
4. Data Specialist
B) Movies you watch over and over:
1. Field of Dreams
2. Hope Floats
3. Top Gun
4. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
C) Four places I have lived:
Illinois
Indiana
Virginia
Florida
D) Four TV shows I love to watch
Fox NFL PreGame Show
Who wants to be a Millionaire
Unwrapped
Made in America
E ) Four places you have been on vacation
Colorado
Pennsylvania
Key West Florida
Wisconsin
F ) Web sites you visit daily
Monkey Friends Chatter
Packers.com
Various Friends Blogs
PensacolaNewsJournal.com
G) Four of my favorite foods
Manny's Pizza
Fried Chicken Dinner with Collard Greens & Yams from Coles
Bratwurst
Seafood
H) Four places I would rather be right now
Visiting any of my family
Lambeau Field watching the Packers beat the Bears (or anyone else)
Key West Florida
Scrappin' with my friends
I) Four friends I think will respond
All my Monkey Friends
MLF
Erin
Ms. Karate Kid herself
Things you may or may not have known about me.....
A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Stripper
2. Gas Station Attendant/Pumper
3. Grocery Cashier
4. Data Specialist
B) Movies you watch over and over:
1. Field of Dreams
2. Hope Floats
3. Top Gun
4. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
C) Four places I have lived:
Illinois
Indiana
Virginia
Florida
D) Four TV shows I love to watch
Fox NFL PreGame Show
Who wants to be a Millionaire
Unwrapped
Made in America
E ) Four places you have been on vacation
Colorado
Pennsylvania
Key West Florida
Wisconsin
F ) Web sites you visit daily
Monkey Friends Chatter
Packers.com
Various Friends Blogs
PensacolaNewsJournal.com
G) Four of my favorite foods
Manny's Pizza
Fried Chicken Dinner with Collard Greens & Yams from Coles
Bratwurst
Seafood
H) Four places I would rather be right now
Visiting any of my family
Lambeau Field watching the Packers beat the Bears (or anyone else)
Key West Florida
Scrappin' with my friends
I) Four friends I think will respond
All my Monkey Friends
MLF
Erin
Ms. Karate Kid herself
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Are YOU Ready for Some FOOTBALL!??!
Yes this is the Man, the Iron Man of football. I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon than watching him lead the Green Bay Packers to victory! 16 years! This man has given this game his all for 16 years! 
Brett Favre is an awesome player, on and off the field. He holds numerous records in the NFL, more than anyone else. The record I most admire is his record for consecutive starts. He plays hurt, sick, cold, hot, any day, everyday. And he plays hard!
I am ready for football season, I live for football season, I am a fanatic! I love High School football. I am a lifetime member of our High School Quarterback Club, and it was an honor to receive that membership! Our friends are all football parents, we even get together in the off season, even tho some of us have kids who graduate. We have made so many great friends through this game. School doesn't start for me really until that first Friday night of football season. The players, coaches, cheerleaders, band, concessions and crowds, that is my Utopia. I would be down on the sidelines if they would let me. One of my greatest thrills was to be on the "Chain gang" on the sidelines for an All Star High School Football game. So fun!
I was blessed with 3 sons who loved to play the game. I was blessed with a husband who was tolerant enough to teach me the rules, the plays and the positions on the field. I have loved football for as long as I can remember, I even watched practices when I was in High School.
Some would say I have no life, but to them I say, "FOOTBALL is life!"
Go Pack!
:J
Brett Favre is an awesome player, on and off the field. He holds numerous records in the NFL, more than anyone else. The record I most admire is his record for consecutive starts. He plays hurt, sick, cold, hot, any day, everyday. And he plays hard!
I am ready for football season, I live for football season, I am a fanatic! I love High School football. I am a lifetime member of our High School Quarterback Club, and it was an honor to receive that membership! Our friends are all football parents, we even get together in the off season, even tho some of us have kids who graduate. We have made so many great friends through this game. School doesn't start for me really until that first Friday night of football season. The players, coaches, cheerleaders, band, concessions and crowds, that is my Utopia. I would be down on the sidelines if they would let me. One of my greatest thrills was to be on the "Chain gang" on the sidelines for an All Star High School Football game. So fun!
I was blessed with 3 sons who loved to play the game. I was blessed with a husband who was tolerant enough to teach me the rules, the plays and the positions on the field. I have loved football for as long as I can remember, I even watched practices when I was in High School.
Some would say I have no life, but to them I say, "FOOTBALL is life!"
Go Pack!
:J
Monday, July 31, 2006
See Mom Does Know Everything!
This evening after dinner, DH, DS3 and I were sitting around enjoying conversation at the dinner table. DS3, Patrick's cell phone rang, he looked to his father for permission to answer and since we were done eating, he nodded yes.
At this point I have to back up to this afternoon when I got home from work. I asked Patrick what his plans were for the evening and if he would be home for dinner. He told me yes he would eat with us, but he was going to a baseball game after. Okay fine.
About a half hour later he said his plans had changed, that he probably wouldn't go to the ball game but was going to Barnes & Nobles. HUH? WHY? Who are you going with? Katrina? (his latest GF that I knew about). No, he was going with someone else. Who? He wasn't telling.
Fast forward back to dinner. After the person on the other line must have asked what he was doing I heard him tell that he had just finished dinner with his parents. Then he said "No I am not going to tell her hello for you!"
Aha! I thought, someone I know! All the kids from school, especially the girls, want to say hi to me when they call. DH said "I bet it's that redheaded girl, the one you didn't like, who skipped school to come over here when no one was home, I bet that's who he's talking to"
By then Patrick had left the room, but said, "I'll tell you who it is after I hang up" and to which I told him I wanted 3 guesses first.
Well after he hung up DH guessed the red head, to which Patrick disgustingly said "NO!"
(thank you God) I prayed.
So I guessed, "____, (the girl you work with and used to date)"
His eyes got as wide as saucers and his mouth dropped. "How did you know???"
"Mothers know everything and don't ever forget it" I replied.
Actually between you girls and me, It was a very lucky guess!
Left him wondering tho!
:J
At this point I have to back up to this afternoon when I got home from work. I asked Patrick what his plans were for the evening and if he would be home for dinner. He told me yes he would eat with us, but he was going to a baseball game after. Okay fine.
About a half hour later he said his plans had changed, that he probably wouldn't go to the ball game but was going to Barnes & Nobles. HUH? WHY? Who are you going with? Katrina? (his latest GF that I knew about). No, he was going with someone else. Who? He wasn't telling.
Fast forward back to dinner. After the person on the other line must have asked what he was doing I heard him tell that he had just finished dinner with his parents. Then he said "No I am not going to tell her hello for you!"
Aha! I thought, someone I know! All the kids from school, especially the girls, want to say hi to me when they call. DH said "I bet it's that redheaded girl, the one you didn't like, who skipped school to come over here when no one was home, I bet that's who he's talking to"
By then Patrick had left the room, but said, "I'll tell you who it is after I hang up" and to which I told him I wanted 3 guesses first.
Well after he hung up DH guessed the red head, to which Patrick disgustingly said "NO!"
(thank you God) I prayed.
So I guessed, "____, (the girl you work with and used to date)"
His eyes got as wide as saucers and his mouth dropped. "How did you know???"
"Mothers know everything and don't ever forget it" I replied.
Actually between you girls and me, It was a very lucky guess!
Left him wondering tho!
:J
Saturday, July 29, 2006
For A Friend
I have a project that has been keeping me busy for the past few months. I wanted to make a special gift for a friend's daughter. Something to track her high school memories, and where she is in life right now. It's been fun watching her grow to this point, and over the summer she has grown from that sweet, sassy little girl into a confident young woman. I'm going to give her Lunch box photo album this week, right before school starts, I hope she likes it! To read more about it, continue below!
The box honors Courtney's high school and it's mascot, the Jaguar. She is in the class of 2008. The first few "pages" are for recording school life, a special dance, sports (she is a soccer player) "Girl!" is what her mom & I say to her when Courtney says something to shock us.
Courtney is a family girl, She's the baby in a family of 3 girls and one boy. She is spoiled by her daddy (and momma) and loves her neices & nephew, and the family dogs, Scooby, Tinkerbell, and Teddy(bear). Courtney's school interests include theatre so I created a section for that. Courtney has never been a girly girl until this summer. I find that funny because I actually had the girly girl pages done before she went through this transition. Now she loves shopping and dressing up. Last week she had her eyebrows done and hair streaked. Look out world!
I hope her next two years are memorable for her. I always tell her, "IF you can't be good, Be good at it!"
I hope you enjoyed my collage.
:J
The box honors Courtney's high school and it's mascot, the Jaguar. She is in the class of 2008. The first few "pages" are for recording school life, a special dance, sports (she is a soccer player) "Girl!" is what her mom & I say to her when Courtney says something to shock us.
Courtney is a family girl, She's the baby in a family of 3 girls and one boy. She is spoiled by her daddy (and momma) and loves her neices & nephew, and the family dogs, Scooby, Tinkerbell, and Teddy(bear). Courtney's school interests include theatre so I created a section for that. Courtney has never been a girly girl until this summer. I find that funny because I actually had the girly girl pages done before she went through this transition. Now she loves shopping and dressing up. Last week she had her eyebrows done and hair streaked. Look out world!
I hope her next two years are memorable for her. I always tell her, "IF you can't be good, Be good at it!"
I hope you enjoyed my collage.
:J
Weekend Ramblings
It's a gorgeous day here at the Western Gate. There is a promise of showers this afternoon, but we get used to that here.
This morning we are headed to the beach for a walk and to enjoy the waves. Last night we lounged in the pool, which was a balmy 92 degrees. Our pool has never been that warm in all the years we have had it. The sun doesn't even hit it most of the afternoon. Swimming last night was so relaxing and I could have fallen asleep there. Instead we came in and watched "Failure to Launch" funny movie! I have yet to have a son who stayed at home to long. The youngest is still here, but is only 19, so we have a few years til we have to hire someone to chase him off.
Speaking of him, he cleaned his room! Unbelievable. Maybe it's because the dog wouldn't even sleep in there anymore. LOL! Anyway, it's clean and looks so good! HE even vacummed!
Maybe he is finally growing up? Speaking of the youngest child. He has now decided to go to the family reunion with us. So yesterday I had to go get his ticket. I am excited he is going. He will only stay the weekend, but that's okay, he'll be there! My hubby's family has not had everyone together in quite a few years. Not everyone will be there, but probably the largest number of people we have had in awhile.
Other great news! In talking with my brother who lives 3 hours from the inlaws, I mentioned we were going to be there. I of course invited him to the reunion, but he asked what we were doing the following weekend. He has tickets to the Cubs game and wanted to know if we wanted to go! HOW COOL! I can hardly wait. This should be such a fun trip!
Well, speaking of tripping, I need to get moving around here to get to the beach.
Have a sunny day!
:J
This morning we are headed to the beach for a walk and to enjoy the waves. Last night we lounged in the pool, which was a balmy 92 degrees. Our pool has never been that warm in all the years we have had it. The sun doesn't even hit it most of the afternoon. Swimming last night was so relaxing and I could have fallen asleep there. Instead we came in and watched "Failure to Launch" funny movie! I have yet to have a son who stayed at home to long. The youngest is still here, but is only 19, so we have a few years til we have to hire someone to chase him off.
Speaking of him, he cleaned his room! Unbelievable. Maybe it's because the dog wouldn't even sleep in there anymore. LOL! Anyway, it's clean and looks so good! HE even vacummed!
Maybe he is finally growing up? Speaking of the youngest child. He has now decided to go to the family reunion with us. So yesterday I had to go get his ticket. I am excited he is going. He will only stay the weekend, but that's okay, he'll be there! My hubby's family has not had everyone together in quite a few years. Not everyone will be there, but probably the largest number of people we have had in awhile.
Other great news! In talking with my brother who lives 3 hours from the inlaws, I mentioned we were going to be there. I of course invited him to the reunion, but he asked what we were doing the following weekend. He has tickets to the Cubs game and wanted to know if we wanted to go! HOW COOL! I can hardly wait. This should be such a fun trip!
Well, speaking of tripping, I need to get moving around here to get to the beach.
Have a sunny day!
:J
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Surprises are Nice!
My first day back to work after my four day weekend, I came into work to find this on my desk. My dear friends, JW & Cheyena, had been to Key West and brought me a souvenier, this mug from Margaritaville! It is a great size for my get me going coffee in the morning.
JW is one of my adopted sons, a history teacher at our school. Before he met Cheyena, a science teacher, he was a bachelor boy far from his Mama in Nebraska. JW always got my dinner leftovers, since he told me all he could cook was spaghetti. So he would make a big pot of spaghetti and ate off it all week.
Cheyenna and I met when DS3 was a junior. I helped her sell tons of Poinsettia's to help fund WFHS's 2nd prom. She is a bundle of energy and like a daughter to me. This year Chey and JW "hooked up". They are such a cute couple! I'm glad they have each other now. I just don't know what I will do with my leftovers now!
:J
JW is one of my adopted sons, a history teacher at our school. Before he met Cheyena, a science teacher, he was a bachelor boy far from his Mama in Nebraska. JW always got my dinner leftovers, since he told me all he could cook was spaghetti. So he would make a big pot of spaghetti and ate off it all week.
Cheyenna and I met when DS3 was a junior. I helped her sell tons of Poinsettia's to help fund WFHS's 2nd prom. She is a bundle of energy and like a daughter to me. This year Chey and JW "hooked up". They are such a cute couple! I'm glad they have each other now. I just don't know what I will do with my leftovers now!
:J
Sunday, July 23, 2006
It was NICE!
I could tell a definite difference in the humidity level this morning when I let the dog out. It almost felt cool. No blanket of warmth the minute your face hit the outside of air conditioning.
The day started lazy. We had planned to be at the base at 8 am to do grocery shopping as soon as the store opened, but I didn't even wake up until 8:30! After grocery shopping we had planned to hit the beach, but it was still so nice when we got home that we decided to just enjoy the yard and pool for the day.
After I got the groceries all put away, lunch eaten and the Sunday paper read, I was exhausted and napped for two hours! WOW! Couldn't believe that! I finished up a paper bag album I had been working on, and cleaned the scraproom up. Decided it it was time for a swim. DH & I lounged around the pool for a few hours and had just gotten out when DS3 came home for dinner between the double shifts he is working today. He gave us a hard time for being "lazy" and I replied with the typical teenage reply, "Sucks to be U!" LOL!
DH grilled Bratwurst on the grill and we accompanied it with broccoli salad, macaroni salad and sweet tea. YUMMY! Pre meal while he grilled were fresh bing cherries. YUMMY!
After dinner, he and I got reading material and sat on the back patio reading and enjoying the breezes for about an hour. We took turns throwing the ball for the dog, so he would be happy too. So nice, So peaceful. Days like this is what makes it worth living.
Tomorrow he heads back to work, while I have a day planned browsing Michaels, HL and Jo's. Like I tell him, if I don't use the coupons they send, they will quit making them! Hopefully my new Cricut will be delivered and I will stop by work to pick it up also.
But today was nice. I needed that!
The day started lazy. We had planned to be at the base at 8 am to do grocery shopping as soon as the store opened, but I didn't even wake up until 8:30! After grocery shopping we had planned to hit the beach, but it was still so nice when we got home that we decided to just enjoy the yard and pool for the day.
After I got the groceries all put away, lunch eaten and the Sunday paper read, I was exhausted and napped for two hours! WOW! Couldn't believe that! I finished up a paper bag album I had been working on, and cleaned the scraproom up. Decided it it was time for a swim. DH & I lounged around the pool for a few hours and had just gotten out when DS3 came home for dinner between the double shifts he is working today. He gave us a hard time for being "lazy" and I replied with the typical teenage reply, "Sucks to be U!" LOL!
DH grilled Bratwurst on the grill and we accompanied it with broccoli salad, macaroni salad and sweet tea. YUMMY! Pre meal while he grilled were fresh bing cherries. YUMMY!
After dinner, he and I got reading material and sat on the back patio reading and enjoying the breezes for about an hour. We took turns throwing the ball for the dog, so he would be happy too. So nice, So peaceful. Days like this is what makes it worth living.
Tomorrow he heads back to work, while I have a day planned browsing Michaels, HL and Jo's. Like I tell him, if I don't use the coupons they send, they will quit making them! Hopefully my new Cricut will be delivered and I will stop by work to pick it up also.
But today was nice. I needed that!
:J
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Happy Birthday Mom!
This is my Mom, Martha Carroll Henke Moore. Today she would have been 84 years old. She was born on July 22, 1922 at home on Wheeling Island, West Virginia. She was the oldest of 3 children in her family.
My mom had a long, eventful and at times, tragic life. Her youngest sibling, Albert, died in infancy. Her mother died when she was 7 or 8 and she was sent to live with Aunts and Uncles. She was seperated at times from her younger sister, Norma because of this. Her dad died when she was 13. This picture was taken on the front steps of her grandparents home when she was 3.
After graduating High School, she moved to Chicago to go to Business College. She became a secretary, eventually a school secretary at the elementary school in my hometown. She worked for many years there. She also was heavily involved in the PTA, even serving on the Illinois State PTA Board. She also knew how to have a good time, loved a good joke and laugh.
Mom gave up her career to have my brother and I. She was a stay at home mom for quite a few years after we were born. My first day of school she walked me back up to the elementary school where she had worked for so many years and made sure I was okay before she left. I still remember the crisp, cool morning as she took my hand and we walked down the street. This is us as we left for my big adventure.
Mom was always there for us as we grew up. She went back to work, sometimes working at night so she could be there when we got home from school & to cook our dinner. After my brother and I grew older, she opened her own antique business and became a well known and respected authority on primitive antiques. Many people would travel many hours from Chicago to buy from her shop.
Even while she worked, she was always there for us, even when we didn't want her there. She gave good advice when we didn't want to listen. Mom let us learn the hard way if that's what we wanted to do.
I miss her alot. But I know she is with me every day. My mom was also very spiritual, possessing a gift of foresight and very strong intuition. Her faith led her to overcome many obstacles in life.
Happy Birthday Mom!
:J
My mom had a long, eventful and at times, tragic life. Her youngest sibling, Albert, died in infancy. Her mother died when she was 7 or 8 and she was sent to live with Aunts and Uncles. She was seperated at times from her younger sister, Norma because of this. Her dad died when she was 13. This picture was taken on the front steps of her grandparents home when she was 3.
After graduating High School, she moved to Chicago to go to Business College. She became a secretary, eventually a school secretary at the elementary school in my hometown. She worked for many years there. She also was heavily involved in the PTA, even serving on the Illinois State PTA Board. She also knew how to have a good time, loved a good joke and laugh.
Mom gave up her career to have my brother and I. She was a stay at home mom for quite a few years after we were born. My first day of school she walked me back up to the elementary school where she had worked for so many years and made sure I was okay before she left. I still remember the crisp, cool morning as she took my hand and we walked down the street. This is us as we left for my big adventure.
Mom was always there for us as we grew up. She went back to work, sometimes working at night so she could be there when we got home from school & to cook our dinner. After my brother and I grew older, she opened her own antique business and became a well known and respected authority on primitive antiques. Many people would travel many hours from Chicago to buy from her shop.
Even while she worked, she was always there for us, even when we didn't want her there. She gave good advice when we didn't want to listen. Mom let us learn the hard way if that's what we wanted to do.
I miss her alot. But I know she is with me every day. My mom was also very spiritual, possessing a gift of foresight and very strong intuition. Her faith led her to overcome many obstacles in life.
Happy Birthday Mom!
:J
Monday, July 17, 2006
Yes, I'm Losing my Mind
I feel like the kid who has just gotten to the school yard and realized I've missed the late bell.
Or when I get to a store in time to see the last great sale item go out the door.
Or like when I open that carton of Chocolate Marshmallow Ice cream to realize all that's left is the funk on the lid.
What has got me so down? Why am I heartbroken? Cause I can't get on my favorite Scrapbooking site!!!!! It must be down. Maybe some left handed wrench fixed it for good. AHH! I feel hopeless, lost and alone!
I miss my sisterhood. The laughter, the tears, the encouragement, the enabling and the inspiration. Come back to me! Let me in!
I need the fix! I need my candy! Please! Before I need a drink!
What's going on? Does anybody know? HELP!
Don't leave me wondering!
:J
Or when I get to a store in time to see the last great sale item go out the door.
Or like when I open that carton of Chocolate Marshmallow Ice cream to realize all that's left is the funk on the lid.
What has got me so down? Why am I heartbroken? Cause I can't get on my favorite Scrapbooking site!!!!! It must be down. Maybe some left handed wrench fixed it for good. AHH! I feel hopeless, lost and alone!
I miss my sisterhood. The laughter, the tears, the encouragement, the enabling and the inspiration. Come back to me! Let me in!
I need the fix! I need my candy! Please! Before I need a drink!
What's going on? Does anybody know? HELP!
Don't leave me wondering!
:J
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Silly Husband, Just Doesn't Understand!
Yesterday my darling husband and I ventured out to the WM that's across town. We needed various things and shopping at that WM as opposed to the WM down the street, is a much more pleasurable experience.
I like the craft dept on that side, and while we were at the WM over there, I picked up two boxes of buttons to use in my crafts. I had full intentions of paying for them with money I had saved, but when we got to the check out counter my darling husband said to put them up there with the rest of our purchases.
Well this morning DH & I went back to that side of town for breakfast at one of our favorite spots, The Reef. While we were eating breakfast, I mentioned I wanted to go back to the WM since we were on that side of town again. He looked at me like I was nuts and asked "Why?"
"Well it's like this, last week I had $36 dollars. I told myself that if I had $20 left by Saturday then I would treat myself to those two boxes of buttons. Well, I had $20 and intended to pay for them last night, but YOU INSISTED on paying for them. SO I still have $20 to spend on buttons and there's one more box I don't have. SO I want to go by WM and buy those buttons."
He looked at me like I had grown 4 ears. "I guess there is logic in that somewhere," he said.
"Well dear, you don't have to go in, I will only be a minute, and then we can go on with what we have planned for the rest of the day," I said.
As we pulled up to WM, I asked if there was anything he needed and he gave me that look. I told him I was going to get a bottle of water and asked if he wanted one. He gave me that look. So then I asked him if he wanted me to put money on the WM card so we could get gas while we were there. He gave me that look. So I jumped out of the car, got my buttons, my water and the gift card and then hopped back in the car. We got gas and went on with our merry way. I'm happy. But was feeling guilty for some reason or another. So when we got to the Navy base I told him he should go ahead and get the golf clubs he has been eyeing all summer every time we go in the store. And he did. I figure that gives me rights to spend as much as he did on the clubs right? Silly man, he just doesn't get it.
Left him wondering,
:J
I like the craft dept on that side, and while we were at the WM over there, I picked up two boxes of buttons to use in my crafts. I had full intentions of paying for them with money I had saved, but when we got to the check out counter my darling husband said to put them up there with the rest of our purchases.
Well this morning DH & I went back to that side of town for breakfast at one of our favorite spots, The Reef. While we were eating breakfast, I mentioned I wanted to go back to the WM since we were on that side of town again. He looked at me like I was nuts and asked "Why?"
"Well it's like this, last week I had $36 dollars. I told myself that if I had $20 left by Saturday then I would treat myself to those two boxes of buttons. Well, I had $20 and intended to pay for them last night, but YOU INSISTED on paying for them. SO I still have $20 to spend on buttons and there's one more box I don't have. SO I want to go by WM and buy those buttons."
He looked at me like I had grown 4 ears. "I guess there is logic in that somewhere," he said.
"Well dear, you don't have to go in, I will only be a minute, and then we can go on with what we have planned for the rest of the day," I said.
As we pulled up to WM, I asked if there was anything he needed and he gave me that look. I told him I was going to get a bottle of water and asked if he wanted one. He gave me that look. So then I asked him if he wanted me to put money on the WM card so we could get gas while we were there. He gave me that look. So I jumped out of the car, got my buttons, my water and the gift card and then hopped back in the car. We got gas and went on with our merry way. I'm happy. But was feeling guilty for some reason or another. So when we got to the Navy base I told him he should go ahead and get the golf clubs he has been eyeing all summer every time we go in the store. And he did. I figure that gives me rights to spend as much as he did on the clubs right? Silly man, he just doesn't get it.
Left him wondering,
:J
Saturday, July 15, 2006
It Rained!
This morning DH & I were sitting in the living room, shades closed, drinking our morning coffee and discussing the progress of the day, when suddenly it dawned on me that there was an unfamiliar noise happening. Then I realized it was the sound of rain hitting the leaves outside the window! The most amazing thing about the rain was there it was sunny out and we had no thunder or lightning. We watched it rain a few minutes and figured with the sun shining, and the steady rainfall, that this was one of those Florida humidity showers that briefly interupts whatever it is you are doing. Finally after about 20 minutes DH said he needed to head to the bank and get back as he wanted to work on both the cars today. Off he went and an hour later I peeked out the back door to see this.
It was still raining pretty hard. The dog and the cat acted like two kids who had been trapped in the house for days. Chasing each other all over the house, tearing up rugs and each other. After about an hour and 45 minutes, the rains stopped, the sun came out and life returned to normal. As usual, a daytime shower in Florida is followed by unbearable humidity so I'm in the house for the day. Until time I can hit that pool for my afternoon swim.
watering at the westerngate,
:J
It was still raining pretty hard. The dog and the cat acted like two kids who had been trapped in the house for days. Chasing each other all over the house, tearing up rugs and each other. After about an hour and 45 minutes, the rains stopped, the sun came out and life returned to normal. As usual, a daytime shower in Florida is followed by unbearable humidity so I'm in the house for the day. Until time I can hit that pool for my afternoon swim.
watering at the westerngate,
:J
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Buckle It Up & Be Careful!
It's the second time in as many weeks that our day at school began with horrid news, another group of teens in our school family killed or badly injured in a car wreck. In both wrecks the factor was, someone wasn't wearing a seat belt.
All the kids involved were "good kids", honor students, involved in their communities, ball players, homecoming court, student council, our bright & caring future. Right now 6 of these "best of the best" kids lay in hospitals with severe injuries that will change their futures, one is dead, setbacks that they weren't thinking about as they were beginning the best years of their lives.
Both accidents happened in the late afternoon, on the interstate. Two of the kids were on vacation with their parents, the other five were on their way to a championship baseball game to cheer on friends of theirs. Good clean fun. No drinking, no drugs, no seat belts.
Please buckle up, pound it into anyone who gets in your car, buckle up! Yes, seat belts are uncomfortable. Yes, it seems okay to remove it as you are just cruisin' on down the interstate. But as Lindsey, Jonathan, Naomi, Tyler, Josh, Jordyn and Brianna would now tell you, Buckle Up!
All the kids involved were "good kids", honor students, involved in their communities, ball players, homecoming court, student council, our bright & caring future. Right now 6 of these "best of the best" kids lay in hospitals with severe injuries that will change their futures, one is dead, setbacks that they weren't thinking about as they were beginning the best years of their lives.
Both accidents happened in the late afternoon, on the interstate. Two of the kids were on vacation with their parents, the other five were on their way to a championship baseball game to cheer on friends of theirs. Good clean fun. No drinking, no drugs, no seat belts.
Please buckle up, pound it into anyone who gets in your car, buckle up! Yes, seat belts are uncomfortable. Yes, it seems okay to remove it as you are just cruisin' on down the interstate. But as Lindsey, Jonathan, Naomi, Tyler, Josh, Jordyn and Brianna would now tell you, Buckle Up!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Another Week Begins
I count Tuesday as my week beginning because in the summer I am fortunate enough to work 4 day weeks. That gives me 3 day weekends, with Monday being my day off. I love this schedule, and wish I could do it year round.
Today, Monday, my mother in law called me. I love it when the phone rings with out DH home and it's their number. It means they are calling to talk to ME! I always talk to them when they call but it's not the same as when they know their son is still at work and I know they want ME!
I love my in-laws and I'm very blessed to have good ones. Especially since my parents are both gone, and I still NEED parents! LOL!
Ma called to tell me she got my Blueberry Pineapple Cobbler recipe, but I needed to explain to Pa that no she didn't need to mix the cake mix, she just needed to dump the cake mix. So I set him straight! She also told me how excited she was that we would be staying so long when we visit them in September. She has "boutique workshop" on Mondays, so I will get to go with her two Mondays! Boutique workshop is the get together every Monday to make crafts to sell at the "Christmas Boutique" at her church. It's quite an event. I wish I were going to be home for it.
Apparently Pa is excited that we will be there so long also. He has a list of things he wants DH to help him with, mostly thinning out the trees on their 5 acres of Pine forest. DH loves working outdoors, especially when it's not in Florida heat. The guys will work and we girls will craft shop. Sounds like my kind of vacation!
:J
Today, Monday, my mother in law called me. I love it when the phone rings with out DH home and it's their number. It means they are calling to talk to ME! I always talk to them when they call but it's not the same as when they know their son is still at work and I know they want ME!
I love my in-laws and I'm very blessed to have good ones. Especially since my parents are both gone, and I still NEED parents! LOL!
Ma called to tell me she got my Blueberry Pineapple Cobbler recipe, but I needed to explain to Pa that no she didn't need to mix the cake mix, she just needed to dump the cake mix. So I set him straight! She also told me how excited she was that we would be staying so long when we visit them in September. She has "boutique workshop" on Mondays, so I will get to go with her two Mondays! Boutique workshop is the get together every Monday to make crafts to sell at the "Christmas Boutique" at her church. It's quite an event. I wish I were going to be home for it.
Apparently Pa is excited that we will be there so long also. He has a list of things he wants DH to help him with, mostly thinning out the trees on their 5 acres of Pine forest. DH loves working outdoors, especially when it's not in Florida heat. The guys will work and we girls will craft shop. Sounds like my kind of vacation!
:J
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Lazy, Boring Me
It's been one of those weekends, lazy & boring. Even tho I have a list of things I SHOULD do, I'm thinking it can wait. Usually when I have this lazy, boring feeling, shortly after that my life gears up exploding with something and makes me glad I took a lazy, boring weekend to charge up.
Yesterday was a lazy day. Even tho I cleaned and did laundry, I also watched my all time favorite movie, Field of Dreams. I don't know why it's my all time favorite. I certainly like football better than baseball. But FoD just appeals to me.
Maybe because it's Iowa, and when I watch it I can smell the corn growing in the fields and feel the twilight evening of a good baseball game.
Maybe it's because we took the trek to the middle of nowhere in Iowa where there really is a Field of Dreams in the middle of a cornfield. We played ball on the field with a bunch of other people of all ages and walks of life. Every one took turn in the field and a turn at bat. No one argued balls & strikes, no one debated whether you were safe or out. We just played. It was awesome.
Maybe it's because it takes me back to my childhood & memories of my dad and his love of baseball. He had offers to play farm league ball, and didn't because of family commitments. He listened to the Cubs game no matter where he was, or what he was doing. He took us to the local ballpark. My brother played, and on the nights he didn't play, my dad just wanted to go watch. Some nights we just played ball in the backyard, my dad pitching to everyone in the neighborhood.
Maybe because Field of Dreams is about making your dreams happen. Crazy as they sound, maybe we should make more of our dreams happen. Believe. Go out on a limb. Risk.
But for today I'm lazy. I may watch a movie or two, scrap some, and then tonite I will fix steak with baked potatos and blueberry cobbler for dessert. But for right now, I am a practicing slug.
Off to nap,
Yesterday was a lazy day. Even tho I cleaned and did laundry, I also watched my all time favorite movie, Field of Dreams. I don't know why it's my all time favorite. I certainly like football better than baseball. But FoD just appeals to me.
Maybe because it's Iowa, and when I watch it I can smell the corn growing in the fields and feel the twilight evening of a good baseball game.
Maybe it's because we took the trek to the middle of nowhere in Iowa where there really is a Field of Dreams in the middle of a cornfield. We played ball on the field with a bunch of other people of all ages and walks of life. Every one took turn in the field and a turn at bat. No one argued balls & strikes, no one debated whether you were safe or out. We just played. It was awesome.
Maybe it's because it takes me back to my childhood & memories of my dad and his love of baseball. He had offers to play farm league ball, and didn't because of family commitments. He listened to the Cubs game no matter where he was, or what he was doing. He took us to the local ballpark. My brother played, and on the nights he didn't play, my dad just wanted to go watch. Some nights we just played ball in the backyard, my dad pitching to everyone in the neighborhood.
Maybe because Field of Dreams is about making your dreams happen. Crazy as they sound, maybe we should make more of our dreams happen. Believe. Go out on a limb. Risk.
But for today I'm lazy. I may watch a movie or two, scrap some, and then tonite I will fix steak with baked potatos and blueberry cobbler for dessert. But for right now, I am a practicing slug.
Off to nap,
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Today's Big Wave Goes Out to Savanna, IL!
Well hello from the Western Gate! Savanna is my hometown, where I spent the first 19 years of my life. So Savanna, stop by say HI! and tell me who you are and how you found me.
:J
:J
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Happy Independence Day!
What Were They Thinking?
Seriously? Have you ever stopped to wonder about the actual creation of our country? I think if John Adams, George Washington, Ben Franklin and their cronies were around today trying to start this country, we would think they were a bunch of crazies!
They didn’t really do it for their own personal gain. They created a country for all, one nation under God. Freedom, for anyone and everyone. Sure it was slow going. It took awhile to get women’s rights and black's rights. Even the Irish, the Polish, the Japanese and the Hispanics have gone through their rough times here in America. But everyone is a lot better off in the United States of America than anywhere else in the world. It’s mind breaking when you think about it. Did Ben & John and George think it would come to this? We are Free, free to be, anything. AWESOME!
Freedom, to be me, to be you, to agree or disagree. Men & Women of all races have died, side by side to protect what our nation was founded on, Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness. Thanks to them too! Raise one to them this weekend & remember those in less free countries standing watch over us as we celebrate our freedom.
This weekend after I exercise my freedom of speech on this blog, I’m exercising my freedom to travel where I want, (my sisters) eat what I want (shrimp, corn on the cob, melons of every color, triple berrry, apple rubarb pie and more food than could feed a small village somewhere), and shop as long as my money lasts. I will probably read a book of my choosing, listen to my kinda music and dance to my hearts content.
So thanks guys! 230 years ago you founded this wonderful country I was born into. Thanks for doing something for someone other than your self. I’ll raise one to you this weekend. Thanks. Now if only you could come back and teach the current Fathers of our Country a thing or two.
Happy Independence Day from the Western Gate!
Seriously? Have you ever stopped to wonder about the actual creation of our country? I think if John Adams, George Washington, Ben Franklin and their cronies were around today trying to start this country, we would think they were a bunch of crazies!
They didn’t really do it for their own personal gain. They created a country for all, one nation under God. Freedom, for anyone and everyone. Sure it was slow going. It took awhile to get women’s rights and black's rights. Even the Irish, the Polish, the Japanese and the Hispanics have gone through their rough times here in America. But everyone is a lot better off in the United States of America than anywhere else in the world. It’s mind breaking when you think about it. Did Ben & John and George think it would come to this? We are Free, free to be, anything. AWESOME!
Freedom, to be me, to be you, to agree or disagree. Men & Women of all races have died, side by side to protect what our nation was founded on, Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness. Thanks to them too! Raise one to them this weekend & remember those in less free countries standing watch over us as we celebrate our freedom.
This weekend after I exercise my freedom of speech on this blog, I’m exercising my freedom to travel where I want, (my sisters) eat what I want (shrimp, corn on the cob, melons of every color, triple berrry, apple rubarb pie and more food than could feed a small village somewhere), and shop as long as my money lasts. I will probably read a book of my choosing, listen to my kinda music and dance to my hearts content.
So thanks guys! 230 years ago you founded this wonderful country I was born into. Thanks for doing something for someone other than your self. I’ll raise one to you this weekend. Thanks. Now if only you could come back and teach the current Fathers of our Country a thing or two.
Happy Independence Day from the Western Gate!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
