Fun Week!

I had a great week. So many family members here. It all started last Saturday when Benny and his friends arrived early in the morning. I cooked breakfast for them, they showered and the day started. We also went over to my cousins house (on Jamie's side of the family) for a pre-4th of July picnic. On Sunday, Bob and Shirley came over to Chris and Randy's and Mark, Tommy and Danny flew in. Sunday evening brought Jamie and Jess in.

On Monday some of the family gathered at our house. The plan was for Chris and I to prepare for the birthday bash on Tuesday - that never happened. What did happen is that we had a ball! We played badmiton, the washer game, horseshoes, ate and drank, built a fire and just had a plain damn good time!

Tuesday was the birthday bash! It was great! Bob and Shirley came over early and was able to have a nice visit with Jamie and Jess before all the guests arrived. The deck held up - LOL. All the cousins came over, Jamie's brother and sisters were there, as were other family members and friends. I think everyone had a good time. I was so proud to have my family see all the work we have done. We sure did eat and drink alot! The only bad part was that Benny had to leave to go back to NC but at least he got to see Granpappy and Grandma Miller.

Wednesday we kind-of recouperated while Mark and the boys went and visited with Sally and Grandma Seavey. But when they got back.....the party started all over again!

On Thursday, Bob and Shirley invited us all out to lunch before they headed back to AZ. Chris, Mark and the boys went and visited with Gail and David for the afternoon. By dinner time we were all gathering on the Miller's deck again! Jamie and Jess' friends come over and it was good to see some familiar friends of theirs. Chinese food was on the menu this night!

Friday was the day for Mark and the boys to return to FL. I cooked them breakfast, they showered and it was off to the airport. I sure do miss them already. We definitley do not spend enough time with them.

Tonight, Jamie and Jess have gone to visit thier Aunts and Uncles on his Mom's side of the family. We were invited and would have loved to go but Jamie was exhausted! All the late nights and early rises to go into work caught up with him. Matter of fact, while I'm writing this, he's fast asleep on the couch! LOL

Jamie and Jess leave Sunday morning so we get one more day with them. We'll make the most of it. We won't see them again till we go down in January to see the new baby. Jess looks great! She hasn't started showing yet. But, I remember 3 weeks ago Marchelle wasn't showing either (or barely anyway). One thing I find comical is that both girls are craving lemonade!! Could this be a girl for the both of them????

Well here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure....

Corbin and Andrew

Here's the most recent pictures of Corbin and Andrew and this is Jamie and Jess' new house. Can you believe how big they're getting? I couldn't believe how different Corbin looks from a year ago! 

Happy 75th Birthday!

Here's a picture of Bob, my father-in-law. His 75th birthday is today but we celebrated yesterday with a birthday bash at our house. Happy Birthday Dad!!

Life - How Beautiful

Jamie and I have been noticing lately that every time we walk out the front door that a bird flies out of our hanging plant. "Can't be" we both comment, "must be some kind of fluke." Well today Jamie watered the plant before he left for work and the bird came flying out and hit him in the side of the head and was going crazy. We were talking about it tonight and decided to investigate. Sure enough - there's a nest in our hanging plant. How wonderful! I've never seen this before. What a wonderful thing to experience. For the past several years, they have been building nests in our arbor vidies but the crows have also been watching and have killed all the eggs. This year one bird was a little smarter! I hope they hatch. A new life born right on our porch! Luckily, it's over to the very edge so now we know where not to water!
 

Construction Zone

Here's Jamie and Randy starting the first post. They were able to put all 11 posts in on Saturday. Yes, I did help. It was rough standing out there in the cold (50 degrees with winds up to 25 mph) but I moved that tape measure all over the place while they measured, remeasured and one last measure before the stone went in the holes! LOL Although the temperature was about 20 degrees cooler for what it should be here at this time of year, it's perfect deck building weather! 

How Funny is This?

Isn't this the cutest picture? Michael went to dinner with Moriah, Jimmy, Mason and Coop the other night and they went to the park too. Bubba found these glasses at the playground. I just have to smile every time I see it. Moriah said it the best in her blog entry "it's about being 3, seeing the world in new cool glasses and seeing the world all tinted blue. Small things. Big laughs." Thanks Moriah for the use of the picture!!

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to ME! Today is my 5th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe that we have been married 5 years already. Time has gone by so fast and then again, it seems like yesterday. We've actually been together for 17 years and even as I reflect back on that it doesn't seem like it's been that long. We've raised 6 children between us and are now enjoying the empty nest although I wish they didn't all live so far away. So, what are we going to do for our anniversary? Build a deck!! What could be more romantic than that? LOL

Jamie and Randy are going to the gravel pit and buy more stone for the posts. The lumber is supposed to be delivered this afternoon and by tonight, hopefully, we'll have a least a few of the posts in. On Sunday, Randy is coming back and we'll continue on. It's supposed to be rain-free for most of this week which will allow Jamie (and me?) to continue building. I don't think I ever envisioned myself building a deck but I think I'll be learning how this week. After all, the birthday bash is just in a few weeks!

Mimi Again??

Yes again!! Grandchild #7 on the way. Congratulations to Jamie and Jessica!! They found out recently that they were expecting around December 5th. They will, unfortunately, miss our gathering at Christmas time in NC, but Jamie and I will head to Texas in January to see the newest one. I can't believe that both Marchelle and Jess are pregnant and due within 3 weeks of each other.

So, I will go to NC for the birth of Marchelle and Tyler's baby, then Jamie and I will head to NC for Christmas and then Texas in January. This is going to be a hectic end of the year!!

I think these kids are costing me more money now that they all grew up and moved away!!

It's So Exciting!

Last night friends of ours came over from out of town. We met at the house then went out to dinner. Can I tell how exciting it was for me to show off all the work that we've been doing over the last few months?? I was so proud for someone to see it. It made me realize just how happy all these little changes have made and how much I love my house and yard!

Jamie and Randy dug the holes for the deck this week. Course, it's rained ever since but the deck is started!! Our pool cover broke this winter when a bad wind storm snapped the cable that holds it to the pool. Jamie was able to fix it enough to get us through the winter but that turned out to be a good thing. We had it all ready for the garbage pickup when Randy came up with the idea to use it to cover the holes they had dug. They were able to place it over the entire area that the deck is going so there's only a small amount of water in some of the holes. There are 11 holes and each are 42" deep. Can you imagine if they were all filled with water???

I can't wait for the deck to be finished. It's going to be tight to get it all done before July 4th but I know Jamie will have it done. Today we went to the store and purchased some chairs for the deck. Four of them are just your basic high-back plastic chairs and four are fabric folding chairs. With the patio set we already have, that gives a total of 12 chairs for the deck. And YES, they will all fit as the deck is 20' x 22' - it's huge!!

July 4th is going to be a fun day for us! We are throwing a 75th birthday party for my father-in-law Bob. Shirley and Bob are coming in from AZ. Jamie's brother Mark and boys (Tommy and Danny) are coming from FL. Jamie & Jessica are coming in from TX and Jeana plans on coming in from Buffalo. I can't wait!! I just wish all the other kids could come home too!

We're Getting There

Wow, what a past couple of weeks!!

Friday we had all the carpets and furniture steamed cleaned and changed the living room and our bedroom around. I also bought new lamps for both rooms and we are loving the new look. So fresh, modern and clean looking. I really didn't want all those white bedrooms, but I have to say that the look is really refreshing and bright.

As you know, last weekend we took out 3 of the 4 dead pine trees. Today we took out the last one. Actually I only did a little, it was Jamie who did all the work. And he did it in between rain and hail storms. It looks SO nice. Jamie even rounded out the stump and put stone all around it and then set the bird bath on top of it All that's left to do is to fill the pond in with the dirt we'll dig from the poles for the deck and then mulch. It's so exciting to see all this coming together. I've waited so long for those damn trees to be taken out!! Maybe I should've bought Jamie that chain saw years ago!! LOL

Here's a picture of the nature center.

Happy Mother's Day

First, to my Mom - I Love You and thank you for making me the woman I am today.

Second, to my daugher Corine - you have three beautiful children and I love them all so much.

Third, to my daughter Marchelle - you can't see your child yet, and you can't feel your child yet, but you can hear your child and to you, I say, Happy 1st Mother's Day. I am looking foward to meeting my new grandbaby.

Fourth, to my step-Mom, my mother-in-laws - you are all inspirational to me. You too have help me to be the woman I am today and I thank you for believing in me and supporting me.

Fifth - to the rest of my extended family and friends, Happy Mother's day to you, I hope your day was great.

My day was hectic. First, I woke up at 230 am to Scout being downstairs drinking water and her tags hitting her dog dishes. It was like an alarm clock going off that I couldn't shut off. My first thought was that she was going to get sick b/c alot of times when she drinks too much she throws up. So down the stairs I went to let her outside. Well, by that time I was wide awake, so I turned the coffee pot on and stayed up. I did lay down on the couch around 5 am for about an hour till I heard Jamie stirring.

We took showers and off to breakfast where we met my long-time friend Robin, two of her boys, Tyler, Todd and his wife Julie and our other friend Jen, her husband Frank and their daughter Anna. We had a great breakfast and lots of laughs.

When we left there, Jamie and I went to BJ's, Lowes, the car wash, and the flower shop. Off to home we headed and when I opened the door, Jeana was standing there! What a surprise!! Her car wasn't in the driveway which is why I didn't know she was there. She drove home from Buffalo with a friend of hers to surprise me. But, the surprise was on her b/c our chore for the day was to take down 4 dead pine trees!!

We did get down 3 of the 4 tees. Let me tell you how tired and sore I am!! I coudn't even think of cooking dinner so we bought and Jeana went and picked-up Chinese. It was good!

I am exhausted and it's just after 8pm and I'm ready for bed!

Too all the Moms,
I hope you had a great day!

Baptism

This was Saturday morning at Alyssa's baptism. She is such a happy girl. She smiles all the time. I have never seen a happier baby. Here she is with Mommy, Daddy and Godparents Moriah and Jimmy.

T-Ball

This is Michael's Tball game we went to on Thursday night. We arrived in NC around 5 pm and by 6:45 we were on the field. This brought back so many memories of watching Benny play so many years ago. The kids are all distracted by a blade of grass blowing in the wind. They didn't know where to run once they hit the ball. It was too funny to watch. I had alot of fun sharing this moment with the family.

Rambling on Friday

What a week! We moved into our new office on Monday. I threw everything into the new closet, file cabinets or my desk drawers! I am so unorganized right now. Thank God my boss is leaving Sunday for 6 weeks of training with one of our regulators because I wouldn't be able to find anything if she asked for it!! I will spend the next 6 weeks fixing up the office and making it look nice and when I'm not doing that maybe I'll do some real work - lol (maybe!!).

I keep asking myself what am I going to do without her there? I suspect I will find many things to do. For example, the first week will be devoted to figuring which files I put in which cabinet. The second week I am taking vacation and spending a couple of days a home and then heading down to NC for Alyssa's baptisim. The third week I want to clean-up her emails and be able to have only 1 page of emails at a time (that will be a real challenge) then I'll cleanup mine. After that, well, maybe a couple of extra vacation days and chillin out in the new digs!

I am really looking forward to vacation. I really miss the kids and grandkids and am so looking forward to some hugs and kisses from them. I'm anxious to see Marchelle and if she sprouted any since I last saw her. Being outside in the warm air. Seeing Moriah and the boys. It's going to go so fast. But before I do anything, I have to go get Michael a present b/c I don't dare go down without gifts for the kids!!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone!

Jeana came home this weekend and today I'll cook a nice dinner for us.

She actually wanted us to get her a basket, and fill eggs with money and hide them around the house!! I don't think she likes this growing up and being an adult sometimes!! She's too funny. We did buy her some white truffles, so she'll have to settle for that.

Enjoy your day!

Final Moving!

Tomorrow I move into our new administration building. It's beautiful. The guy in charge of the building did a great job. Friday we had a ribbon cutting ceremony and free lunch for all the employees.

My furniture is beautiful. It looks like something a lawyer would be sitting at. It's absolutely gorgeous! It has 4 pieces to it - a back desk, a side arm with a hutch on top and a front desk- all cherry. It is so nice that I'm afraid to use it!!! I need to go get some coasters. My boss and I also have a little kitchenette. Yesterday I went to Target and bought some mugs, soap, strainer and a bunch of other little things. It's like moving into a new home.

My office also has a waiting area in it with a cherry table and 2 plush chairs.

The bad part is all the crap I have to move over there. I have gone through my area and cleaned out alot, but my boss is a pack rat!! She saves everything and we have no bookcases in her office (yet), God knows what I'm going to do with all her stuff! I'll figure something out. The other bad part is she is out of town on Monday so I get to do it all myself!!

I'm going to be a Mimi again!!

Congratulations Marchelle and Tyler! They are due November 13th.

He or She will add to the growing number of November birthdays - Alyssa, Stacey, Michael, Corine and Rich (sure do hope I didn't forget someone!!)

So happy of your news and so happy I dont' have to keep it a secret anymore!!

Now I need to add my next baby star tatoo.

My Weekend

Our bedroom is finally done! It looks great and I'm so happy with it. Put up the new curtains, new comforter, etc. It will really look done after I can find some black dressers (which won't cost me my left arm) and some new lamps. The art I bought for the walls looks great. I need to find some lamps that I like. I am really happy how this has turned out.

Still a few touches on the spare room. Need to take Jeana's boxes out of there and fnish packing up the rest. Still need the closet doors and a small chair. Since last week was so bad, I'm hoping to get the picture to the framer this week.

What I really need to do is take a day off from work and do this stuff!!

I'll try to post some pictures this week.

Rough Week

It was a rough week at work.

On Thursday, we had to let 32 employees go as part of our downsizing. Yours truly had to be there to "greet" the employees as they came to see our HR department and learn about their severance packages, unemployment and how learn to apply for new jobs, etc. What an emotional day that was for me. To see them come in shock and disbelief that their daily life as they new it for many years had came to a screeching halt was very hard to witness.

I did not know that was a job I was going to perform that day and I'm glad I didn't know prior to doing it. However, as I reflect the job my boss had my do that day, I can only defend her decision. With all the new management we have, I'm sure it must've been alot easier for them to walk an employee out the door since they don't have the relationship with them that us established employees do.

The reality of the day began to sink into the employee after they were tapped on the shoulder and had to make the walk outside the plant (for the last time) and over to the training center must have just been overwhelming for them. When they walked into the HR area, there I was. We shared hugs, tears, goodbyes, and best wishes. I had to collect their envelope of company belongings and escort them to an HR representative.

It was an emotionally draining day and week. But I went to work the next day - they did not.

I do not want to ever do that again, but if I asked, I would do it in heartbeat. If I comforted one of those employees, then I did good.

Some of my co-workers treated me on the cool side the next day. Perhaps they consider me to be a part of the "evil management team". That's ok. I get paid the big bucks, so to speak, and sometimes, being in my position, the job isn't always as glorified as some people think. My boss considers me a part of her leadership team and I just did my job for the day.

Here are the boys!

This is Colin














and this is Tyler

Welcome Colin and Tyler!!

The boys have arrived!!

Colin was born at 2:25 am and weighed 4 pounds and was 17". Tyler arrived at 2:38am and weighed 4.2 pounds and just over 17". They are healthy and breathing on their own. Mom is doing good and just glad that it's all over and I can't blame her. After being in the hospital since last Monday....well, need I say more???

I'm just glad that boys are healthy and Katy is doing good. The boys can come home once they're stabilized at 4 pounds (as you know, they'll lose a little) and pass a few tests. BUT, they did both take formula today and the doctors were surprised at how much they ate. They pee'd the amount they were supposed and "the other" should come within the next 24 hours so they're doing great!

Marchelle said it was a very emotional experience to watch someone give birth as she's never seen that "up close and personal" before. She said she began to cry.

Thanks to all for keeping Katy and Ron in your prayers!

Still not there.......

UGGGHHH! We're still not done with our room. Not even close.

We were so busy this week. Seems like we met friends out for dinner almost every night. Friday night I had a dinner for work and Jamie was tired and didn't paint (can't blame him there!).

Marchelle came up late Thursday night to be with Katy as it looked like she was going to deliver the boys. Marchelle was sleeping Saturday morning so we were tip-toeing around here until she got up then we did a few things. Jamie was tired so he took a nap and when he got up he did some trim and Saturday night we went out to dinner with friends. Sunday morning she was sleeping so we tip-toed around here again. Today was sunny and warm and exactly what I knew would happen did.....Jamie wanted to work outside. This is the reason I just wanted to paint everything white and get it over with before it got warm out.

I received the new comforter and curtains and the sheets should arrive this week and I can't wait to use them!!

My patience is being tested and I can tell you that I'm about ready to loose the battle with it.

I have a hard week at work ahead of me. I'm already looking forward to next weekend. I already hope you have a better one than me.

Hang in There Katy!!

Hopefully, by the time you read this Katy will have delivered the twins. She has been in pain since the beginning of the week when she went to the hospital. They just broke her water so they're hoping that before midnight the boys will be born. Last night Jamie and I went to dinner and Marchelle met us there and she got a call saying Katy was 6 cm and Marchelle ran to go back to the hospital. I didn't have time to tell her it probably would still be awhile. So here we are 24 hours later and she's only 9 cm and has been for the last several hours. They have just begun to induce her laber so it shouldn't be too much longer now. I'll let you know as soon as I do.

Where does the week go???

Here it is Sunday again. I have not written in a week! It was a busy week.

There are just all kinds of things going on at work that it's hard to keep up. By the time I get home, I don't want to think! I just want to relax and the place I relax the best is on the computer but not to think about what to write! All I can handle is something that doesn't require more than 2 brain cells to accomplish.

Wishing it was warm(er) out so we can get those windows open and smell some fresh air. My favorite smell of spring and summer is fresh cut grass. I just love it and I'm looking foward to it. I saw some crocuses peeping through so I know we're close. Just have to get by the next 2-3 weeks and we should be in the clear for weather BUT this IS Rochester and if you've ever lived here you know it can be 70 one day and 2 feet of snow the next.

We are soooo much closer to having everything done! The spare room just needs the pictures hung and a new closet door! I've been showing extreme patience through all this but it's starting to wear thin but I'm hanging in there!! The office just needs the pictures hung and it's over!!

Our room has the primer on it and it's all cut in for the first rolling. Jamie's going to do a wall or two a night. I can't wait. Just seeing the ceiling done was exciting. Then on to the bathroom with a new vanity and flooring!! Yipeee! Now there's a room that needs a makeover!

Scouts days are numbered as far as lounging in the bedroom goes. When the room is painted and we have the new bedspread, the door will be shut during the day and she'll be forced to lay downstairs. Don't feel too bad for her. She has her memory foam bed and there's a couch and loveseat - both of which are now covered with sheets to keep her hair off.

The carpets are next! I'm going to call and get some estimates on having it professionally done. The cleaners you rent at the store just don't do a good job. And since I've been on a cleaning roll since December, I'm not going to be done till the fat lady sings!

Weekend's Almost Over

As usual, the weekend has gone by too fast. So much to do and so little time.

The office and the spare room are just about done. We put a couple of coats of paint on the dresser for the spare room and we'll let that dry and it's pretty much done. We had to paint it because Jodi had painted it a few times over the years and the multi-color look just wasn't working. It's looking good! New knobs for the drawers too. I received the sea green bedding and I love it. I also bought some sea green drapes with tiny white strips in them. I just need a few pictures to put on the wall and the closet doors still need to be installed and then it's done.

The office is just about done. Went through a bunch of stuff that was thrown in there from the other rooms so it's getting cleaned out. I bought red curtains and a black canvas picture with two red poppies on it. I'd like to get a couple of more pictures with red in it to top it off.

Our bedroom is a total disaster. Jamie started cutting in and putting on the base paint. I don't know how long this is going to take but with both of us working late, I'm sure it'll be awhile.

Last night we went to a dinner and silent auction. I've never been to one before and it was really fun. It was a fund raiser for a school that my boss' daughter goes too. I put a bid on 4 items and I won two of them. One was a 3-piece luggage set but not like the normal one. There are two big bags that look like duffle bags and are on wheels and the third piece is a garment bag.

We also won a childs guitar. I'm really excited about this. At Christmas Taylor told us she wanted a guitar for Christmas, and of course, we didn't get her one. The perfect opportunity was last night and I won it! W'ere going to surprise her when we go down for Alyssa's baptisim. I better get a present for Bubba or he's going to feel left out!

Once I have the rooms a little more together, I'll take some pictures.

Saturday

What a day! I woke up a little after 3 am and my first thought was "I'm late for work". Not really late for work, but just late getting up for work. I flew out of bed only to realize that it was Saturday. I am instantly tired and creep back to bed, get all snuggled under the covers and what do I realize? I'm WIDE AWAKE! Well, why fight it? I'm normally up at that time anyway. So, I just went ahead and proceeded my day like any other. Downstairs to let the dog out, get some coffee and hop on the computer.

Now, my thinking was that I would just hang out for awhile and then go back to bed later. Never happened. Jamie went to work and left ME a "honey do" list of all things I needed to get done while he was at work. Normally we would've run these errands together but since he went to work, I went ahead with the chores. Off to Target, Lowes, and the Pet Store. Spent a little too much in Target, but I love that store! Got another couple of gallons of paint, got the dog some new toys and a harness so we can start to take walks with her and she won't choke herself. I bought 4 new guest bath and hand towels and washclothes, some new shelves for the living room. I bought a red lamp shade for the office only to get it home and found out the lamp has a bulb shade, so, you know what that means? Another trip to Target to get a lamp that fits the shade. Darn!! LOL

I also purchased a webcam at the urging of Jamie Jr so we can see and talk to him, Andrew and Corbin....live!! I can't wait till he calls tomorrow so we can try it out. I'm going to try to convince all the kids to make the purchase. How fun would it be to talk to Taylor and Michael like this too?? I could see them every day!

The remaining of the day I was cleaning out the room and hall closet. Taking things down, throwing it out. It's amazing the stuff you collect and for what? To collect dust? I'm am definitely scaling down after this. This was a great eye opener. I just have so much "stuff" and the house keeps getting lighter and lighter. Some day when we do move, it will be alot easier.

Tag, I'm It Again

Ok, well Moriah has tagged me again. So here I go....

1. Smartest thing I ever did
Had kids when I was young

2. Dumbest thing I ever did
Hate to admit it, but I've done way too many dumb things.... so I'm not going to admit to anything in writing!!

3. What is something you would've changed about your life....
Nothing. It's what made me the person I am today and I try to be a good person.

4. What is my worse feature?
My weight. I've gone up and down since I was young. Right now I'm up (working on getting it down again). Getting wrinkles is very hard.

5. What is my best feature?
My boobs, of course!!

6. Why are you with the person you are with?
Because we've helped each other to grow in life. I knew he was my soul mate the second I met him.

7. Today I am (blank). 10 years from now I'll be (blank)
I am 47 and in 10 years I'll be 57 which really hurts to say, believe me.

8. The best material gift I ever received was
Handmade gifts from my grandchildren. Photo albums from my kids. A card and flower from my daughter this weekend (thanks Marchelly). Pictures from Moriah.

9. One quote you say over and over?
Never miss an opportunity to pee.

10. The best thing I ever did in my life
There are many best things I did in my life. Watched colored TV for the first time on Grandma and Grandpa Page's TV in the 60's. I was a brownie and girl scout for many years. Grew up with boys. Went to church. Graduated high school. Got divorced. Got married again. Had wonderful kids/stepkids/grandchildren. Got promoted. Bought a car with my own money.

Some of My Other Friends

Here is Barry, Karina and Gabriela. I met Barry when I was working at Penney's. We worked alot together and became a good team. We had the same values and morals and actually smiled when we took cared of customers AND folded their clothes before we put them in a bag. Gabriela is 2 weeks older than Taylor. She's so sweet. We love going out with them. Sometimes we go out as adults and sometimes we go out with Gabriela too. We don't get together enough. Just wanted to share some of my other friends with you.

Getting There!!

Well, two of four rooms are done - the office and guest room (formerly known as Jodi and Jeana's room). They'll probably always be known as Jodi and Jeana's room. Very pristine white and very bright but it looks so nice! I just ordered sea green bedding for the guest room - thanks to Corine and Aunt Judy.

I searched every site known to man for the right bedding. The bedding that I liked were either sold out or only came in king or some other reason was not available. I've spent the better part of the week searching. So, I finally bought some bedding off of linensource.com. I hope it's nice - now I can't wait to get it. Finishing touches on Jeana's room - oops, I mean the guest room, will be mirroed closet doors, drapes and the accessories. I'll have to figure out what I want once I get the bedding.

I think I've decided to do the office with white, beige and a splash of red - what do you think?

Next weekend will be the hallway and our bedroom. We've also decided that a new vanity is due in our bathroom which, of course, will mean a new floor. As I've told you, everything is 17 years old this year and I think it's time! All I have to do now is wait for Mike to come up and help Jamie with a new kitchen floor. He's so good and quick with installing the pergo flooring. I just feel this need to update my house and right now! I don't know why I'm so eager and impatient about it, but I am. Yes, I do, after 17 years who wouldn't want to update? I just have a whole list of small projects that I would like to do.

It looks like our weather may be on the brink of changing and getting warmer. By next weekend we may even get to the 50's!! That's big for us in NY at this time of year. Hmmm, maybe while Jamie and Vinnie are doing the painting, I'll sneak out and vacuum my truck!

Winter - I hate it and the salt that's on the outside of the truck and on the inside floor and the door - yuk! It just gets on everything. I can't stand it.

Me and Some of the Fam

Marchelle came home this weekend to visit Katy so we stopped over to see them and go out to dinner. Of course, Katy couldn't come with us, so we'll take her out after the boys are born.

Katy

Here's Katy! Eight months pregnant with twin boys Colin and Tyler. Katy's had alot of challenges with this pregnancy and she's bedrest until they're born, so we're hoping she can hold off as long as possible. For those that don't know, Katy is Marchelle's best friend. Good Luck Katy - we all love you and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Some of my BEST Friends

Pictured here are Kathryn and Larry. Two of the best friends I could ever know. I've known Kathryn since childhood. Her mother was my crossing guard for elementary school. Back then (in the 60's), we actually walked to school if you lived less than a mile away. It's true! You can't find two better friends. I love them dearly. Jamie and I traveled to NO when they were married - one of the best weddings I've ever been to. She's mighty white, isn't she Larry??? LOL - Inside joke. I will never forget that for as long as I live!!!

It's Coming Along

The office is painted but looking at it today, it looks like it's going to need one more coat. Then it will be VERY bright in there. Forgot how bright a room can look in white. Jeana's room, the new "guest" room, is all primed. Hopefully these two rooms will get done this weekend and our bedroom complete this weekend. Ok - need some ideas for colors. White walls, light beige varigated carpet. I was thinking of making the office into a southwestern style. The guest room I'm having trouble with. Blues, reds? Feel free to help me out.

A Plug for Moriah

As you've heard me over and over thanking Moriah for the wonderful pictures of my grandchildren, I wanted to do something for her. It's a small thing, but now you can see some of her and her partner's work. It's great! And if you live in NC, then you need to get your pictures done by them!

www.cmstudiophotography.com

We Started!

The painting has begun! We have Jeana's room almost completely primed. The dry wall has been fixed and on Sunday we'll sand it and finish priming. The office has been all primed. We're starting the ceiling in the office tonight and tomorrow I'll run out and get some paint for the wall. I am determined to have one room finished on Sunday. I can't wait to see it done! I'm already trying to figure out how I want to rearrange the room - not that there's much in there to begin with. This is so fun! I want a new lamp in there too so I see some shopping in my future.

How cute are these picutes of Aly? She is getting so big! I can't wait to pinch these cheeks (all of them - lol!). She sure does look alot like Taylor!!  

Newest Picture

Here is the most current picture of Taylor, Michael and Alyssa. This was taken a couple of days ago by Moriah. She does such a wonderful job and surprised me the other day when I went into her blog and she had this waiting for me. What a great start to a day. This is the picture that's going to go on my desk in my new office. I absolutely love it. I just wanted to get in my car and drive down there to hug and kiss them and Moriah too! I can't wait to see all the rest of the pictures but I'll probably be crying by the end of the CD. Now I just need to get Jamie to get me some pictures of the boys! 

What A Day

Today was a really busy day at work. It started out "normal" enough but as the day wore on it got busier and busier. Phone ringing off the hook, calls that had to be made, calendar scheduling and rescheduling and rescheduling, emails to handle, arrangements to be made and on top of that, deal with all the whiners! Do you want some cheese????

Sometimes it is hard to believe I work with adults. They act so childesh and for smart people, I would just like to tell them if they got their head out of their butt long enough, they might actually figure out an answer on their own. Now don't get me wrong. I'm sure I'm one of those people too sometimes, but I just wonder about it all.

It's funny how sometimes your personality clashes with other people. A person can come up and ask you a question and you're fine with it and another person comes up and can ask the same thing and you're instantly upset with them. I don't know why that is.

Today we had all-in-one cable installed. This means that we have cable, phone and our ISP all through the same company. Cable claims we will save about $75 dollars a month between all our bills. I'll be watching it closely.

Corine also sent pictures of the kids. I can't believe how big the baby is already. Aly is really filling out and looks like she's getting long. Taylor looked a little sad to me and Michael, well Bubba always looks the same. Always smiling with that hint of "devil" in him.

That's it for tonight - tomorrow is a new day and new attitudes!

New Truck

Congratulations Tyler on your new truck!! How many grandchildren do you think it can hold? LOL

 

Rambling On

Jeana's room still needs to be prepped for painting but last night we bought all the ceiling paint. I've decided to do the whole upstairs in white. Right back to the basics. I've decided to do that because it really needs to be painted and with us working so much I figured it would cut down on all the cutting in. This way we can just paint and Jamie may actually let me help! Later when we've really thought about what colors we want, we can do some trim work and add to it. I can't do the ceilings (well, I could but being so short, I'd have to be on a step ladder or something and that drives me crazy trying to paint). So for now, I have to wait till Jamie gets that finished before I can start. I am really looking forward to some fresh paint! And I can't wait to start. Being that's it's getting towards the end of winter, I'm sick of being indoors. I need to do something and painting would do it for me right now.

Today it's really cold here. With the windchill it's -4. We don't have much snow which is really unusual for us but I'm not complaining. Ok, maybe some complaints on how cold it is. Brrr, just can't help but crank the heat. Jamie is always warm but even he hasn't complained about me turning the heat up.

I bought a new camera last weekend. It's a Kodak V-570 and it's the first camera with a dual lens. I am loving it. It's pretty simple to use yet has alot of features. I've just been taking shots around the house to play with it. I'm looking forward to taking some new pictures of my grandchildren. Now all I have to do is either get to NC or TX! Eventually, I'm going to purchase a printer dock.

I am really bored today. I'm in that slump where I want to do things and don't at the same time. I want to do spring cleaning but I know once we start painting, I'll be doing that, too, and I don't want to move things twice. I want to clean the carpets but I'd like to wait till the rooms are done.

So many things to do around the house this year. We really need new windows, a new roof and I'd like to get a new fridge and stove. All these things are original with the house and it'll be 17 years old this year. We'd also like to add the lower half of the deck. This is one thing we have always wanted. We love to spend our time outdoors in the summer and it's a pain in the butt for Jamie to always have to move the table and chairs to mow. I'm hoping we can do this. Last year my sister & brother-in-law added to their deck in the back and it's to die for. It really is beautiful and really inspires me to get ours done.

My father-in-law is doing a great job on his blog. He learned how to post pictures and his blog is growing. Keep it up Granpappy!

On my daughter's blog she has a story about how how you might be a redneck if you cleaned out your car with a leaf blower. This has to be one of the funniest stories. Can you imagine? The poor woman who got caught doing this is none other than her best friend across the street! Poor Moriah. Getting caught by your neighbor is one thing and to have it posted all over your blog is quite another! Good thing Moriah is such a fun loving person and loves to laugh AND can laugh at herself. Too many people cannot do that.

Here's a picture of my dog Scout. You've read about her previously in my blog. The most spoiled and loved dog! Scouty....it's cookie time!! Isn't she so cute?

Mark's Retiring!

Hello! My daughter is upset with me because I haven't written in my blog in a few days. Well, I've been busy - not really - but it always sounds good!

Actually, this week was a busy week. Lots of things going on at work and I stayed late once or twice. Last night I went out and celebrated with friends from work.

Another co-worker, Mark, is retiring. Here I go again with the "where did the years go?" My God, how can so many years go by in a flash? Mark's a funny guy - a real practical joker. I can't ever remember talking to him without laughing at some point. That really is a key to life. You must laugh every day. All the "old timers" were there. Great friends, great laughs. Some of our co-workers from my old company were there. I haven't seen them in years and it was good to see some old friends.

This is really a great story. Mark has worked at the company for 36 years and I've known him for almost that long. His wife, Sue, is retiring on the same day and they plan on just having fun in their lives. I can't think of anything better. That's why we work right? To retire and have fun.

Congratulations Mark & Sue - enjoy retirement!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy 50th Birthday Al!!

Happy Birthday OLDER brother!! Al's wife Jean gave him a surprise party over at a friends house Saturday night. We had a great time!
 

Happy (Belated) Anniversary

Happy 28th Anniversary Bob & Shirley!

This is my father and mother-in law and yes, I have to admit, I didn't recognize their anniversary! Shame on me!!

I wish you many, many more anniversaries!

Love you!

One Happy Steeler Fan!

Here's my son-in-law Tyler. He's been a Steeler fan forever! These pictures were actually taken before the game, but the smile hasn't left his face yet!

 

Congratulations Bryan!

Bryan is in the Air Force and is shown here receiving a medal and an award for Airman of the Year. Congratulations Bryan! Alot of hard work over the years is rewarding you. Everyone that knows you is very proud of you and your accomplishements.

That cute little pooch on the end is Bryan's beloved dog Kato (isn't that picture too funny?)

My son Benny and Bryan were in the 822nd Security Forces together at Moody AFB in Valdosta, GA and served in the Iraq war March - August 2002.

Bryan's Mom, Janet, and I met online when our sons convinced us both to "reach out and touch each other". We talked on-line getting to know each other for a very long time before our boys were off to war. When the war started, we were in constant touch with each other. Janet's a wonderful woman and I love her dearly. We got each other through a difficult time and I know I was able to cope b/c I had her and she understood what we were going through. Finally, the word came that our boys were coming home and we decided we were going to be there for our boys when they stepped off the bus.

What a wonderful day that was in Valdosta, GA. We decided to meet at my hotel. I knew it was her. She stood staring at me and I stood staring at her. Janet? Sharon? Then we just went to each other and hugged. We had finally met. After talking online for over a year we were standing face to face.

The next day we arrived at Moody AFB and assembled in the area they set aside for relatives. We watched the sky for the plane to go over and we would know our sons were really back. It came, it landed and what seemed like hours, the buses rolled up with our fine men and women on them. Families cheered and waved flags. Everyone hollering and clapping and cheering and holding up signs so their loved one knew where to go. The doors opened up and they came running out scanning for their families. Tears flowed, hugs and kisses abounded. Our boys were home! We spent the rest of the day (and week) spoiling them with home cooking or taking them to restaurants and just plain loving them (like only Mom's can).

After a time, Bryan moved away to do other things in the AF (code of Mom's - we don't talk about what they do!). Benny decided that four years was enough for him and moved on. I'm happy to say that Bryan and Benny still keep in touch with each other. I love Bryan like my own son and I'm proud to say that he has taken his own initiative to stay in touch with me and keep me abreast of what he's doing.

Bryan, here's to you! I Love You, I'm proud of you and keep up all the good work. 

Come Out Corine!

C'mon out of the closet Corine! LOL.

There really is a joke to this. My daughter and son-in-law, who recently bought new bedroom furniture had to temporarily put their computer in their walk-in closet. Their computer was in their bedroom until the new furniture took all the space up so the only place for the computer was in their large walk-in closet with an extension cord to a receptacle in the other room.

My husband and I are really ribbing them about being southern rednecks for that one!

Well Mike, I think you need an addition to the house!!

All in fun - we love you guys!

Happy Birthday Jake

Happy 28th Birthday Jake!

Jake is the 2nd of 3 kids who turn 28 this year.

Jake is my nephew and a great guy. During the day he is lumberjack and by night he's a lover of music. I don't know anybody who knows more about music than Jake. He plays the guitar and drums and has played in various bands. He loves all kinds of music but blues are his favorite.

Hope you have a great day Jake! Love ya

Superbowl Sunday

Here we are on Superbowl Sunday. Who will be the champs? The Steelers? The Seahawks? Only time will tell now. I don't really care who wins this game, I just hope the game is exciting to watch. And don't you just love the commercials? I think it's the only time I watch TV that I actually look forward to the commercials. Let's hope they're everything we expect!

Here's a picture of my son Benny when he was a superbowl hopeful - LOL. He was 11 at the time and considered to be an older/lighter player. Which meant he was old for the team but was allowed to play on that team due to his size and weight (league rules). He stopped playing a few years after that and got into wrestling instead but when he was playing football he was quick and because he was so little was able to make some great moves and always scored at least one TD if not more during a game. Ahh, the good old days.

Enjoy your today and hopefully, your team wins!

Decorating Advice for Parents

Do not, I repeat, do not ever allow your kids to put stickers of the stars on the walls and ceilings. And, if you think it would be fun for them to use the paint that they can draw with on thier walls - think again. Be very careful when thinking about allowing them to do this. Why? Because someday you will want to redecorate the room and that's when the nightmare starts - believe me! I am just starting to redecorate one room now that the youngest has moved out and what I mess I have on my hands. I was finally able to peal all the stars off the walls - ruining my nails trying to do so. And trying to get that paint stuff off took some of the dry wall with it. I still have to get the ceiling done but that's going to have to wait till it's dark so I know where they all the stars are. It's impossible to see them during the day. Just a little piece of advice for those of you with young children.......

White Squirrel

Have you ever seen a white squirrel before? I never did until my daughter took this on one of her day trips.

Yes, It's Friday Again!

Yeah! It's Friday again!! Woo Hoo! I just love Friday's. It starts right when you get out of bed and realize that, yes, today is Friday. Dress down Friday. I always wear jeans and a hoody to work. I can get away with that and it's my favorite. During the week, I wear jeans and blazers. You feel good right from the start because there's no thinking "what do I feel like wearing?" Doesn't even matter if you feel "fat" today, because today the big ol' sweatshirt comes out. The feeling lasts all day because you're so comfortable. Love it!

Today we had Superbowl Friday at work. It's a tradition that started years ago. Our department orders pizza and wings and everybody dresses in their favorite sports team. There were an awful lot of Steelers fans! I didn't see one person dressed in Seattle colors. We had 10 sheet pizzas and I can't even tell you how many wings and bottles of pop (that's soda for anybody south of NY) LOL, but there wasn't one morsel left!

I also toured our new admin building and it's really shaping up. I'm getting really excited to move. All the offices are now dry walled and the electrical work has started. One thing I found out is that my office is hard-walled. I thought it was going to be open so that was a surprise.

Enjoy your weekend - I know I will!

Why?

Why do people go into work sick? They just make other people sick.

Why do you seem to have bad hair days when you see lots of people and the one day you're not going to see anybody it turns out perfect?

Why is it that you can watch a show you hardly ever watch and decide to watch that particular show again and it's the same show you watched the first time?

Why do so many people think they can sing and try out for American Idol?

Why is it that Monday - Friday the alarm goes off and I don't want to get out of bed and the weekend comes and I wake up at the same time and can't fall back asleep?

Why does no-chip nailpolish still chip?

Why do the leaves have to fall off the trees in the winter?

Why do I live in NY?

Groundhog's Day - 2/2/06

Happy 28th Birthday Marchelle! ILY. Today is my oldest daughter's birthday. When she was little she used to tell everyone her birthday was a national holiday. Well, not really, but kind of. I mean, everyone does look to this day nationally to see if "P" Phil (I'm not going to even attempt to spell it) will see his shadow or not and if will Spring be close. So hear's to you M, live it up and have a wonderful day!

Wednesday and Friends

Today was a pretty good day. Not a great day but it was ok. It started out hectic at work and then slowly dwindled all day. My boss is out of town and it is sure evident when she's not in the office. I think it's great to have days like those. I was able to actually mingle with some of my co-workers - something that we don't get to do all the time. But the mood was right for reminiscing and I laughed so hard at some of the stories. Hard to believe I've spent 25 years of my life at the same place with pretty much the same people. It's like we all grew up together. When I sit and think about it, back in the early 80's the average age of the person working around me was probably about 25. I, myself, was only around 20 years of age. Imagine that - 25 year olds running a nuclear plant! Don't get me wrong, we still had the "old" folks there but hey... they were in their 30's, 40's and my God, practically dying 50's. And now, I am part of the "old" folks working there! It seems unbelievable that that much time has gone by. We're starting to get alot of young blood in there and it seems good to mentor "the kids" with the knowledge that you have so they can keep the plant running safely. After work some of us girls met with a couple of our recent retirees for dinner. It was great to see them and they were happy to see us. We filled them in on what was going on at work, had general conversation and, as always, had some good laughs. Hopefully we can do this a few times a year. I said in the beginning that it was an ok day, but really, it was a great day!