end of November 2015

Well here we are at the end of November

a lot has happened in this short month

next up is Christmas, and I hope to enjoy as many 'live events' as I can

followed by the new year 2016 amazing

it's been a good year - different but good because God is good

another Emmaus study is over only this one will be in two parts - Romans 1 - 11 this time ; in the spring it will be the remainder of Romans with Galatians I so enjoy these studies

I have been listening to Christmas music on my cd player can't seem to get past the wow Christmas disc 1 :) my new favorite song this year so far is 'You're Here" by Francesca Battistelli - JoAnna Hannah and I saw her live at the fair two summers ago. JoAnna and Hannah got to meet her that night.

I had a good day, and we were't real busy at the store but my day flew by! Andy was my manager today, Denise took a personal day. I like working with Andy, he is my favorite manager, and he tells us how we did on our drawer when he counts it at the end of our shift. Today I was plus .36. I had so many 1's in my drawer sheesh!

Rainy day with itchy eyes is no fun! But Praise God I can see and that it's not snow - at least not yet

happy December to  you!  

The Lord's Day - last Sunday of the Month

Well one more day of November! I gotta say it's been an interesting time. I have really been missing Doug a lot! Probably since Friday was the 7th Anniversary of when my entire way of life changed. I have been on an emotional roller coaster with so many memories flooding in like waves on a beach. Some big others small and I find myself reliving days gone by yet so excited for the Holy Christmas Season. I have been overwhelmed by God's goodness and by the age old story of Emmanuel's birth - God with us! He is so wonderful

I went to Maranatha at 8 and found out the service was at 8:30 today. It was ok I went downstairs to find the restroom and saw what the basement of the church is like. It's really neat plus they have a whole band/worship team set up down there I am assuming for the Youth with a live camera feed of the Sanctuary. I went back upstairs and sat and listened to the music team lead and each time I see them I am really impressed how it's not about them - it's all about Jesus.

The service was neat! A Y member Jerry who I talk to at the Y in the early mornings son, Justin is a Missionary/Artist in Turkey. He uses his art to share the gospel! They (his wife and two teen age kids) have a gallery in Turkey, Istanbul I believe and they host art shows, mentor and teach young artists all while sharing the love of Jesus in Art! It was unbelievable. Being an art lover I thoroughly enjoyed his power point presentation of his sketches , into drafts into works of art that the people of Turkey can identify with. :) such a blessing.

I booked out of there and headed to River to attend with Mantz's and Tim Bell and his two youngest boys Aiden and Morgan. Such a blessed service! I cried all through the first part of the service at the goodness and faithfulness of God and the overwhelming joy He places in the hearts of His children. Funny, turned out that was Pastor Steve's message to day, Joy . Wonderful time.

I was invited to Michael and JoAnna's for lunch with the Bell's and we had a great time talking and laughing and just enjoying each other's company. The boys ended up going to the shooting range and I came on home. I was going to get the rest of Christmas put up and when I moved the tree, the rice lights came unplugged and now they are toast. So time to throw those out. I have plenty of lights so that's not a problem and actually the new sets I put on the tree I like better :)

And that brings me to now and you know what's next  yup my bedtime goodnight to you all.

Remember that Jesus loves you this I know for the Bible tells me so.

whew a Saturday

I slept till almost 5 when I heard Alyssa coughing, so I knew she had come downstairs and she was sleeping on the couch. So I got up and went to the bathroom, took an aspirin cuz my head hurt, then went  back to bed and put ear plugs in.

I woke up a little after 7 and lay in bed thinking about the events of yesterday ugh! trying to go back to sleep but failed and about 7:45 I heard Alyssa get up and go back and get up and . . . well you get the idea. Finally I told her to take another allergy pill, she did and she was able to go back to sleep and slept till  10 when I finally woke her up. The other two girls were up and hungry and the cinnamon rolls we got last night were finished baking.

It was so nice to stay in my pjs all morning! I talked to Marilyn and made plans for our Christmas gathering for next Sat (before the Iowa game!) then Tricia texted and wanted me to call her so when I got off the phone with Mar I called Tricia and we bought our airline tickets to Arizona ! whoop!

I took the girls home, all but Hannah JoAnna picked her up earlier because she and Gabby were going to spend the day together. Anyways I took the girls home then came home and got ready to go to a movie with Tricia

We went to see Bridge of Spies - very good movie but it made me really sad - I will not go into all of that here. Excellent movie based on true events.

Now you know what time it is . . . yup time for bed early church tomorrow and I think I will be double dipping again :)

Finally Friday

Oh and what a day! This was one stressful day and I am so glad it's behind me!. At the Y I had a very rude member go off on me this morning to the point where I was shaking so badly I am not going to relive it - suffice it to say glad it's behind me!

Then at Hy Vee everything that could go wrong with a WIC check did, in my line! of course! I hate it when I am trying my best to get the customer checked out and the item they are trying to buy won't clear for whatever reason on my computer and they are standing there making remarks to each other about me or my ability to check . . . come on people show a little grace here!  Like I said, glad it's behind me

Iowa WON!!! 12 & 0!!!! Whoo Hoo!!!!!!

Now I am hearing 3 giggling girls doing who knows what upstairs as I sit here and try to blog :) I am glad they are here.

Planning to sleep in tomorrow all the way until I wake up!

I hear my bed calling my name!!!!!

Thanksgiving Day 2015

got up at 5am to be ready to be at the Y at 6:30 - and this girl was tired not getting to bed till almost midnight

worked with Ann Front Desk it was mostly good except for two people who did their best to ruin our day but it didn't!!!!

Had a nice chat with Eric

got my garbage and recycle bin out

got my little Christmas tree up and the lights plugged in that was enough for the day

Came home and ate leftovers and caught up on Face book and other computer things

JoAnna and Hannah came over and we watched Night at the Museum 3, ate popcorn and we watched a Christmas Movie I don't recall the name right now - it was cheesy super predictable and cute I think we all liked it

they went home, I finished up my dishes and tried to put my house back like it was before we had Thanksgiving here but oh well that can all wait too.

Heading to bed another early day tomorrow and work both jobs - looking forward to a free weekend!

Tuesday 11/24/15

It smells like Thanksgiving in here! I am trying to get the giblets cooked so I can finish the dressing and go to bed! But man, my house smells like Thanksgiving wonderful! I am so excited for the kids to all come tomorrow it's been way too long since we have all been together and tomorrow is the day!

It's been an emotional day and I am not sure why but one part is I was awake last night till after 2 and I remember being awake after that for a time before my alarm went off at 5:45 needless to say I did not get much sleep then working both jobs today, this gal is tired! I got into Facebook between jobs and there were all these posts from the kids from 'on this day' and it was pictures of Dou and the family and memories - i finally broke down and cried, something I have not done for a very long time and I decided to get out of that and get to Hy Vee so I could get my shift over. Otherwise it was going to be a yucky shift.

It wasn't I was on express and I have not worked there since last winter! I worked by Denise which was fun when she was there, she is the front end manager so she has lots of things to watch and keep moving but when we had a chance to chat that was fun.

I am enjoying being recognized by so many customers when I am in the store and after watching the video that Ash shared about Wellington Heights (we've reached new heights, Wellington!) I really do feel like it is a friendly place to be and nice to feel a part of a neighborhood. Sure it's scary at times, but more times than not it feels comfortable.

I had a nice phone conversation with Michael sharing with me some changes that are taking place in his and JoAnna's basketball lives. It was really nice to hear Michael again. He has been through so much loosing both of his Dad's in a year and with his recent neck problems, it was just nice to hear Michael coming back into his voice and heart.

I started watching Cake Boss, and for some reason that show really intrigues me. I think it's because they are creators of fun/ beautiful things. But that show is fun and crazy, I can't believe that big crazy family all working together. I don't go out of my way to watch but if I happen to catch it I like to watch.

And seeing a blurb for a new show Kate plus 8 on a Date! PLEASE! She must need the money  - sad

funny story about me - Friday I had made my list of things I wanted to get done and had it all timed out so I could have everything done, showered packed and ready when Michael got off work at 4. Things were going along just fine and I was hurrying so I could jump in the shower, so I was cleaning up some dead leaves off of my houseplants. Well, As I was snipping away I snipped the cords, not one, not two but all three of the cords for my blinds at the window next to the driveway! I knew it the minute I did it too and I was so angry then I just burst out laughing thinking of telling my family what I had done! Only me!

I texted my Mom a little while ago and told her I was so excited to be able to let the moon shine on the dressing tonight. When I was growing up she always told me that that is what made the dressing taste so good was the moon shone on it. It was nice to be able to share that bit of a memory with my folks with them so far away.

Ok, my eyes are turning into slits and I am afraid if I blink I may bleed to death (my eyes are so bloodshot!) sleep well everyone!

11/23/15

Another really good bible study tonight next week is the last in this session. I can't believe it's been 12 weeks!

Had a really good day at work, it went by super fast which is always a good thing

Turkey is in the fridge (since Thurs) thawing out I want to have it ready tomorrow night to put it in the oven on Wed

Cold tonight but such a beautiful sunny day

I had a great time with Marlys this evening

now I am ready for bed

Sleepy Sunday (oh these titles!)

It's not even 7pm and this gal is ready for bed! Actually I think I am going to head there soon so whoop te do! why not no reason to stay up. I can go to bed and read or listen to an odyssey and if I fall asleep well ok then. I didn't sleep much last night.Hannah spent the night and we stayed up till 12:30, I know on a church the next morning night plus she was pretty stuffed up and in the night I had to put earplugs in so I could sleep! And i was up pretty early to shower, and get ready for church so I certainly can go to bed early if I want

I found my Pine Lake Jacket today! I had thought I left it somewhere and I was so bummed that I didn't have it anymore but I looked in the office closet for some extra hangers and voile~ there it was hanging there all nice and just waiting for me to discover it.

The last time I mowed I was sure I had left my 'burnin hot log mover" (I don't know what you call it and that seems like a good name), anyways I thought I had left it in the fire pit. I was sure someone had come into my yard when I was gone and stolen it right out of my fire pit! I was not happy one bit! How can someone just come into someone's yard and take things that obviously belong to someone else? I was thinking I would have to find another B. H. L. M. to take it's place and each time I thought of it i would start a slow burn. Finally I got tired of this and I asked God to forgive my bad feelings and just take all of this from me. Well last Friday I was out filling the bird feeders and getting things wrapped up for the snow to come and I went down in back and remembered putting the B. H. L. M.  in the bottom of the wheel barrow! Eureka I cried well, not really but it sounds better to me on this crazy tired night. Anywho,  I now have my burning hot log mover AND my jacket and all is right with the world.

This morning whilst I was getting ready for church and Hannah was eating breakfast I turned on my Kindle to listen to You Are A Good Good God and had it on repeat. We get to church and guess what song we sang second Yup! It was wonderful! I had never heard the song before last week at Veritas and now this morning at Maranatha. I love stuff like that

Ok heading off to bed it's 7: pm officially bedtime!

Sunny Saturday after SNOW

My alarm was set for 6:30am just in case the Jr Warriors were heading for Mason City. JoAnnie texted about 6:50 saying they had cancelled coaches weren't too thrilled about not playing but the parents didn't want to travel with the weather iffy so it was a no go weekend.

I got up to find SNOW!!!!! And lots of it. In a way I was glad we weren't going because I knew I had to get dug out so after my quiet time I got dressed and headed outside. It was warmer than I had expected but the snow was wet and heavy but it shoveled pretty easily. One thing about one car in the drive is I have a longer driveway now so more to shovel. It took me about an hour I think the dumb guys that scrup out Kum and Go always make a mess for me to clean up between where our sidewalks meet and they half way cleared part of my drive but made more work for me! what the ?????? grrrrrrr I was not happy with them.

I filled the bird feeders too and made sure the rabbits had some seeds on the ground.

I came in the house to cool down when I was done and waited for the Iowa game. JoAnna texted to see if I got the game on my cable that they might come watch but then maybe Michael would be more comfortable tat home.  It was on ESPN2 and they had a lady caller - not my cup of tea, so I got Doug's old stereo from the basement and turned on WMT to hear the radio guys. The tv was a little slower than the radio feed so I would hear what happened then see it. I got a text from JoAnna partway through the first half saying she and Hannah might come over later. Then she asked if I wanted to eome and hang out at their house. So I went over and had brunch and watched the second half. Their roku feed keep going out so we missed two of our touchdowns but we cheered anyway! We had a really good time. Chapman was being really funny climbing all over me and being all over the place. He had seen Hannah and I with our Pink Bear Fight and he wanted in on it too. He was such a goof and couldn't find his ball, he was glad Gramma came over.

When the game was over we went out to the Cotton Gallery - a shop in Marion that sells athletic clothing discounted. I got two shirts and a pair of yoga type pants go me! There was tons to look at and very reasonably priced.

Heading off to bed I am bushed and my back is a tad sore from shoveling and sitting around all day.

Oh yeah, I dreamed I got a puppy a little light brown and white fluff ball who I called sugar, it looked like a cookie hence the name sugar cookie ha! I wonder what that was all about?

No Work Friday :)

I was supposed to have an appointment today that got re scheduled so I had a day off! I slept till 7:30 got up and had my quiet time then I started in on my cleaning list. I have gotten so much done it's great. The only reason I am in my computer now is I thought I should probably stop and eat a sandwich then finish the chores, shower and pack for overnight, maybe two depending on the weather.

I got the turkey yesterday after work and he is sitting in the fridge to thaw out for Wed!!!! I am so excited for everyone to be together it's been since 4th of July! And I am so ready for food and family time maybe not in that order then again . . .

I just got a call from Ash telling me she got a new job! She starts on the 30th of Nov. I am just giddy for her to start something new and make a little more money. Regular days Friday till 2 and no weekends! And the gal who interviewed her worked at Bonanza for several years. I remember Kit and she remembered Doug and I :) so cool I am so excited for Ash.

I am also excited to have my house under a little better control, now if I can just figure out the timer for the bird light I will be just fine!

Ok time to get back to it and get this chore list all the way finished!!!!!

Thursday before a 3 day weekend!!!!!

Kim and I had a pretty easy day today. Not a ton of crying whew! Rehyna wanted to be held but she is a snuggle bunny so that was good. Max kept pretending he was crying but he played most of the time. At one point I was talking to one of the other kids and I said Yay! and Max started clapping hee hee then I was taking to a mom and I was holding my hand in a certain way and Kim said look at Max he is holding his hands just like yours! ha it was great. Then Josiah came and we have not seen him for about a year and a half I couldn't get over how tall he was! Wow

Kay told us to day Dec 11 will be her last day at the Y. She had told Amy and me yesterday that the call she had gotten while we were in our 'meeting' was Frontier offering her the job she had interviewed for. When she said you are not going to be happy to Amy I thought Amy was going to cry. Her eyes teard up and got really red, I felt so bad for Amy but I told Kay even though I did not like her leaving, congratulations on your new job! She was happy I said that to her. She has not been happy at the Y for quite a long time and she is way too young (with a young daughter) to be so stressed out over her job. She has worked many shifts covering for people it's just too much. Like I said, I don't like it and I will miss her terribly but it will be a good change for her. So we will just have to see what this new chapter is like.

I got a text from Brian a bit ago, he was saying Robbyn wan't feeling too well tonight but her blood pressure was pretty good, he was thinking she is dehydrated. She told me this morning she was feeling a little crampy but not too bad and she went to work on not much sleep yesterday :( poor girl

Hy Vee today was my 3 hour shift day and it went by really fast which was good. I had one lady who was in a huge hurry and was complaining about putting all of her stuff on the belt to check out only to hear the person on that register (the one behind me) say they could not log on so she had to put all of her stuff back in her cart and come to my line and then I took so long helping another customer and she was gonna be late picking (somebody) up! She had two little children with her and her little girl just kept smiling at me and was so cute! So I just said, yeah that computer has been acting up all day and just checked her out and didn't listen to her complaining to me about being in a hurry- after all If you are in such a hurry don't get all these groceries and try to get out of the store quick when there is always a lot of people at the store right after school and work - but I didn't say anything . . .I just got her checked out AND bagged up as quickly as I could. Sheesh!

Another lady said to me when I was bagging her stuff, if you are humming you must be having a pretty good day :) I told her I was and I try to everyday because I believe it's a choice. This is what I was humming:


Oh I've heard a thousand stories of what they think You're like
but I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead night
and You tell me that You're pleased and that I am never alone

You're a good good Father
it's who You are
it's who You are
it's who You are

And I am loved by You
it's who I am
it's who I am
it's who I am

O and I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
but I know we're all searching for answers only You provide
cause You know just what we need before we say a word

You're a good good Father
it's who You are
it's who You are
it's who You are

And I am loved by You
it's who I am
it's who I am
it's who I am

Because You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

O it's love so undeniable I, I can hardly speak
peace so unexplainable I, I can hardly think
and You call me deeper still
that You call me deeper still
that You call me deeper still
into love, love, love!

You're a good good Father
it's who You are
it's who You are
it's who You are

And I am loved by You
it's who I am
it's who I am
it's who I am

Housefires 2

I heard it for the first time on Sunday at Veritas Church and I loved it so I downloaded it on my Kindle and put it on repeat so it's burning into my heart and brain.

I am ready for bed and I don't have to get up in the morning till I feel like it! I want to do some cleaning and prep for Thanksgiving and then packing for Mason City with Jr Warriors for a tourney!!!! Whoop!

strange day

Amy kept saying at work today something was brewing

*Jack had a poopy diaper
*Allie had to go potty really bad but we got her there in time
*Anna came and cried the whole time,  we had to get her mom
*Charlie came after a long absence and was pretty good except Anna set him off and he cried a lot but once I took him and let him look out the window he was fine then his mom came
*Amy was waiting for a call from her daughter's principal
the sky was clear and sunny then it got really dark
*Kay was in for a meeting and told us of the events that had transpired since the weekend
*Kay also told us that Julie is now working at Hy Vee on the West side as the one who does the shopping for the online shoppers and Cindy is now working at a Care Facility doing the laundry and they both really like their jobs.
*I found out Ash didn't get the job at Hibu but after hearing about her 2nd interview I was glad she didn't
*I went to Robbyn's appointment - nice to chat with her and Brian strange weird setting however
*Isaac was sick so he didn't go to Wed Night Matt's boys were spending the evening with Aunt Maria for her birthday so they didn't go either so I had a free night!
*Strange goings on in the world and in my world
I guess Amy was right

But I am so very thankful for this verse: Psalm 139:16 . . . all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

free night, rainy cool day

This is not going to be long because I want to go to bed.

Rainy day! I got to the Y right about 7:25 and of course it was really raining and there were puddles everywhere but I didn't melt, I am the salt of the earth as my Mom always says. However my shoes were wet at work hissboo, but I got a funky towel and put my umbrella on it and hung my jacket over it - it was upside down the umbrella not my jacket - so they could both dry out whilst I was at work.

Had a nice chat with Easton, she is from South Africa and is very chatty which is nice, she also knows her job so that's a good thing too! We had a pretty easy morning. Kay worked for Bryan for a bit so I left when it was 11.

I came home to find Andrew here listening to desert bus and doing laundry. I asked him to bring in the 2 50lb bags of bird food from my car which he did ! whoo hoo!  I ate lunch and changed into dry socks and dry shoes that was nice.

My shift at Hy Vee what pretty uneventful except for a lady who had a certificate for Hy Vee milk - who went off on me about she can't drink milk can I substitute Almond milk for the regular milk. So I called Andy my manager over and he handled the whole situation for me while she yelled at him and loudly complained about the free milk. I wanted to ask her if you can't drink the milk why did you take the certificate?

When I got home from Hy Vee Andrew was just finishing up his laundry and after he left I got some dinner and watched McFarland USA - Watch it if you get a chance! Good movie based on true events! Good movie

Time for bed and Adventures in Odyssey :)

It's chilly and rainy and all I want to do is . . .

I got home from work and there was a message on my machine that I needed to call my dentist - extraction scheduled and appt confirmed for Friday had to be changed Dr is not going to be there! Bad news I had to schedule this appt about 3 weeks out to get the time off from work! The good news is I have a day off on Friday! So I will go through this again next month

I had a huge cloud settle on me before lunch today. I didn't feel great and my head hurt but I pushed through and took a couple of advil at lunch. I got my free meal today after work :) nice to have a hot meal that I didn't have to make!

Bible study tonight, I always look so forward to Monday's study. Book of Romans and I feel like I am really learning a lot. Half of the Book now the other half during the spring session plus the book of Galatians.

I am gonna go lay down and watch the news and then get ready to go to the study.

What a beautiful Lord's Day

I was so ramped up last night after the Iowa Minnesota Football game I had a hard time settling down to go to sleep but finally I did and I slept great.

Up Early to have my quiet time and get ready for the 8:00 service at Maranatha. Dale and Marlys were going then and Jerry and Anita were going to visit. It was so great to see them and to hear Pastor Aaron's sermon. Wonderful message really great worship time. I was blessed and knew God was so present for me to lay down my burdens, and my pains and any physical needs I might have all at the foot of the cross. Just what He knew I needed today!

I did not stay for Sunday School because I didn't want to leave the class early and be rude so I skipped. I drove to Hardee's for a bacon and egg biscuit before heading downtown for the 10:30 service at Veritas - Yup today I double dipped and it was GREAT! Another really good message and good worship time. I saw a young man named Michael who works in produce at my Hy Vee and talked with him for a second. He came from Veritas in Iowa City - this one is a church plant. I was sure blessed to see him! Saw a few familiar faces there. but was really blessed to be with Matt, Sheila and Jillian, Isaac went to Veritas Kids and joined us when we were heading out.

I ran to Walmart to get some bird food and other things I needed and got to see Nicole, finally she usually is not working when I am there but had a hunch she would be there today and sure enough she was. It was so great to see her. She is excited for Thanksgiving for us all to be together she is planning on bringing our dessert appetizer Puppy Chow! Then as I was shopping I heard her name called over the intercom to come to a certain register to cover for a 15 minute break so when I was ready I looked for that number and she checked me out! So I got to see her twice! She said Navya is walking around things and talking quite a few words. She said Sydney never leaves her alone and plays with her constantly and carries her around! What a good big sister she is to her baby sister!

I stopped and got a couple of 50 lb bags of bird seed, that reminds me I need to get them out of my trunk! ha! It was way cheaper than it usually is so I got two.

I had just gotten home and sat down at my computer and while  I looking at Facebook Malinda Preston had put a pic of a black truck loaded with a bunch of wood from a tree.It looked to me like Michael's truck to me so I texted JoAnna and asked her about it. She said yes indeed it was Michael's truck they were cleaning up a huge branch from the neighbors that had come down on their porch during last week's storm and asked if I wanted to come help them clean it up. Sure! why not so I grabbed a sandwich and some milk, my hat gloves and outside shoes I mow in and went to help them clean up the branch. It was HUGE! We got everything cleaned up and loaded into the truck bed and into a little trailer to take out to the cabin and I told Michael I would go help him unload it out there, the girls had basketball practice. It was nice to have some time with Michael and I figured they have helped me out so many times it was a little way I could help them out. Hannah and I had a rousing game of bearball, it's where you take a little pink stuffed bear and throw it at the other person whilst running and dodging and laughing and telling Chapman no! It was great fun only I am the one with the last laugh! ha!

I got home and showered , looked at stuff on Facebook and dinked around on the computer thought I would blog for today and think I will go to bed early . Why not? Early day again tomorrow and a  long day with my 8 hour shift at Hy Vee then a two hour Bible Study and early day on Tuesday!

Before you go to sleep tonight thank God for taking you through this extraordinary day! Can you believe this weather?

Sunny Saturday

I ended up sleeping for 8 hours! And boy did I need that! I got up and took a shower, had my quiet time and then got ready for Hannah's game. I texted Sheila that I could come get Jillian if she was ready but didn't hear back from her. Last night I had asked her if she could bring her to Regis because I was so tired I couldn't even think about leaving early to go pick her up :( but I ended up having enough time. She finally texted when I was almost to Regis saying they  had just gotten up, they were up till after 2 with April and her girls and grandson. I am so glad they have had this time together.

Two wins one loss today, the girls should never have lost that second game but it is what it is and they did.

Jillian and I went to lunch at Mikey's she had a burger and fries and I had eggs, bacon and pancakes. It was nice to have just the two of us and have a chance to catch up.

I got a text from JoAnna asking where I was Hannah wanted to come over so we headed home and when we pulled in the drive they pulled in right behind us. So the girls have been here this afternoon. Jillian kept saying she was so tired. Hannah was going to play the Wii first (after their trip to Kum and Go of course!) then Jillian was going to take her turn (I think) Jillian layed down on the couch to watch and she was all huddled so I got the brown magic nap blanket and covered her up and sure enough she went to sleep!

Iowa game on tonight at 7 so I will watch that but want to watch the news at 5 to see what's new today.

I was able to talk to my folks for a while today, that was nice. So good to hear their voices!

My plan was to clean my house today but the girl came. . . got my bathroom cleaned and my dishes done! Yay me!

Friday

I can't believe how tired I am tonight, do you think maybe sitting around all evening has done that?

Such a beautiful day but cold! And it's supposed to be really cold tonight. I am so thankful for my warm house and my comfy bed.

Pretty nondescript day, same with the evening except for the horrible terrorist attacks in Paris my oh my makes my heart ache for the families of those involved

I need to go turn off my brain and close my eyes

easy day

I woke up at 3:55am and had a terrible time getting back to sleep, so this is going to be short, I am heading to bed early!!!!

It's been so windy it's crazy the temps are really not so bad but that wind!

It was a pretty easy day in child watch only a couple of times did Kim or I have to really step in and take toys away or have to deal with a 3/4 year old being pretty bossy and having to set them straight. That is why I have the name tag on and you don't, so there! ha

Hy Vee really flew by it's only 3 hours on Thursday but I was busy the whole time and it went fast.

Got to go and watch Alyssa's orchestra concert. They did really good! She told me she was pretty nervous that's why she didn't look up awwwww. Val and Nathan were there with Ava Stuff. It was nice to see them and a pretty quick concert. I remembered to take my camera and get some pictures. Yay me

One more day then the weekend hooray!

wet and wild wed

how crazy that we heard the tornado sirens tonight! It's November!!! We didn't hear the sirens at all this summer and now it's Nov and we have a tornado warning

I opened my Facebook ' on the day ' this morning and saw a picture from Smith's wedding rehearsal of my kids all singing Karaoke and I just lost it. Each picture of their wedding and rehearsal just brought up so many emotions today and feeling the pain of losing Doug before their wedding . . . I was on the cusp all the way to work. When I pulled  up Sheila was there whew! so I was able to talk with her and tell her about my crazy dream of me yelling (and waking myself up!) at Brittany because she was not taking care of little Andrew - these crazy dreams have got to stop!!!!!

Amy and I had a good shift in child watch the kids were pretty good only Rheyna, Jacob's little sister was not having it today and cried for the first time in our time of watching her. She even cried when Mike, her dad came to get her. It was so unlike her and I felt really bad. Poor girl the other kids were just kids. Tomorrow I will get Kim (as my co-hort) and we have lots to catch up on. So it will be a good day. Then a 3 hour shift at Hy Vee then Alyssa has an orchestra concert hooray!

JoAnna picked up Jillian and Isaac tonight for church and I picked up Colton and Asa. Asa got in the car and asked me if i had any food he was starving. That poor kid is always starving. We did have a good laugh about his apple disappearing when he went to the bathroom however. The boys said they had a good time at church, when I went to get the boys they were watching the 10 hour version of  "It's Raining Taco's" I am sure if you google it  . . .

While the kids were in church JoAnna, Tricia and I went to Walmart. It was fun chatting and looking there to pass the time. JoAnna and I went to Lowe's (Tricia went on home) then we went to Auto Zone then to Hy Vee looking for an ice scraper with a metal blade. I think she found one on Amazon, we did our best to try and find one. When we went to Lowe's I told JoAnna how strange it is for me to go to places that Doug and I used to go to all the time and now I never go there.  Lowe's is one Sam's is another (she had said if she had a Sam's card we could go there and look at the overpriced items) strange the things that go through your mind.

Now I am ready for bed, I feel like that is a recurring theme in my blog ha!

let's see . . .

Tuesday evening, almost bedtime . . . I have not been sleeping real well, strange and weird dreams along with nightmares that I don't let myself get into which means I wake myself up and then try to go back to sleep without thinking about the nightmare grrrrrr can't I just sleep and not dream or have good dreams????  The latest dream had me with several elephants that I was training to do tricks like at the circus

Work was good today but boy was I glad to be off work. I wanted to go for a walk on this last lovely day but then I thought I should go get my nails done. I broke another sometime at work and figured why not just go get them done. I was the only customer getting a pedi and mani so it was nice and relaxing only they did me right away because I was the only one so I didn't get a lot of time to sit in the chair. Oh well now they are done again and look so much better. I was bummed because they didn't have my favorite color changing kind but oh well what's a girl to do?

I came home and had some dinner and got a text from Andrew asking if I could keep Tyler overnight, so I have a house guest. He is getting so big and he has the cutest little goatee on his chin. He is 6 months old and very kitten still. I also found out that Brittany is doing part time Nanny work watching Bailey, her mom worked with me at the Y for a time in child watch! Talk about a small world!!!!

I got a couple of loads of laundry done and the second load is in the dryer gee aren't you glad I told you that little tidbit?

I think I need to go to bed!!!!

Monday Nov 9

City on A Hill

Casting Crowns

Did you hear of the city on a hill, 

said one old man to the other

It once shined bright 

and it would be shining still

but they all started turning on each other

You see, the poets thought the dancers were shallow

And the soldiers thought the poets were weak

And the elders saw the young ones as foolish

And the rich man never heard the poor man speak

And one by one they ran away

with their made up minds to leave it all behind

And the light began to fade in the city on a hill

the city on the hill

Each one thought that they knew better

But they were different by design

instead of standing strong together 

they let their differences divide

And one by one they ran away

with their made up minds to leave it all behind

And the light began to fade in the city on a hill

the city on the hill

And the world is searching still . . .

But it was the rhythm of the dancers

that gave the poets life

it was the spirit of the poets 

that gave the soldiers strength to fight

it was the fire of the young ones

it was the wisdom of the old

it was the story of the poor man

that needed to be told

It is the rhythem of the dancers

that gives the poets life

It is the spirit of the poets 

that gives the soldiers strength to fight

it is the fire of the young ones 

it is the wisdom of the old

it is the story of the poor man

that's needing to be told

One by one will we run away

with our made up minds to leave it all behind

as the light begins to fade 

in the city on the hill

One by one will we run away

with our made up minds to leave it all behind

as the light begins to fade 

in the city on the hill

The city on the hill

Come home . . .

to the city on the hill 

And the Father's calling still . . .

Come home . . .

a non Sunday - Sunday post

Up and at the kitchen table with my coffee at 5:30 am time to pray and spend time in God's Word before my day began. Typical early day when I have an early day

I had to be at Mantz's by 6:50 so we could head to Ia City for the game/games depending on the outcome of the first game.

First game was good, they won by 20 played a team not so well coached so we were all happy about that one.

Between games I walked around the field house whilst the girls and coaches rested. I did not keep track of the laps but I was cold when I started and by the time I was almost finished I was so hot I went outside and walked to cool down. What a beautiful fall day!!

Game 2 was a bloodbath without the blood. The other team went up by 10 points and they were physical!!!!! I felt bad for our girls getting beat up by them but we came back within 2 points at the half. Second half  they finally were getting called for the fouls but none of our free throws were dropping neither were our baskets and they could not miss. There was some differences with the score book and the scoreboard and the refs said the scoreboard was right . . . really? since when does the scoreboard outweigh the official score book? grrrr then the assistant coach from the other team was running the clock (why????) and the scoreboard and gave a girl two points for 1 free throw TWICE but the scoreboard is right? It was not a fun game we ended up losing and the girls are pretty banged up. I felt bad for Hannah she did not talk most of the way home, we stopped to eat and was better a little,  but she is one sore girl tonight.

Back to work tomorrow . . . I need a day of rest from the weekend! Oh well there will be lots of days when I wish I had something to do so I am going to enjoy this while it's here.

Heading off to bed  - - - see you when the birds fly!

Saturday

I was up early to head to Ia City with the Mantz crew and Arrie for basketball their first game was at 9 but we needed to be there by 8:45. The first game was crazy! We were up by 10 or so and the other team came back and at the end of regulation hit a shot at the buzzer which put them ahead by 1 ugh until our score keeper went to the ref's and said that was not a 3 pointer it was only a 2 so after conferring for a bit sure enough the game was tied so that meant overtime! The girls ended up winning  but man I was trembling so bad and so shook up I told JoAnna and Hannah both no more close games but did they listen????? Nooooooo

The girls were not to play again till 4:40 ( what kind of maniac does that to any team????) anyway we drove to Steak and Shake and had lunch, on Michael (Thank you, Michael for springing for lunch!) then we drove back to Cedar Rapids dropped Arrie at her house and went to Mantz's to wait for the second game. We all layed around I finished my book and napped for a bit but pretty soon it was time to head back down there.

We had time between before the game so I walked around the field house inside, just to get some walking in while the coaches talked to their team. The girls ended up losing the second game and were pretty beat up by the 'physical' play of the other team. Not a fun game :( Now they play at 8am sheesh, so this old gal is heading to bed!

Friday Nov 6

Today Alyssa turns 12! I can hardly believe it!

Got to work at the Y a little before 7 it was a pretty uneventful morning, other than the phones not letting us transfer calls that wasn't much fun grrrrrr

Sheila came to work and we spent a few minutes catching up then I headed home to grab a quick sandwich and change for Hy Vee

When I went in to work my HR Roxanne called me into her office and asked if I could work any days from 10 to 2 doing check out for the pharmacy. Nope, because I am at the Y she was just checking she said she wanted someone in there that could be trusted and had a good work record ( nice!) then she asked me if Chad had talked to me, (Chad is our 2nd Store Manager) no I told her and she said go punch in then come back in here. Great what is all this about?

After I got my stuff in my locker and got punched in I went back in her office and she told me to have a seat . . . she said it was time for my yearly review oh ok! On all the things they rate on I got mostly above expectations :) that was nice to hear then she told me she was, well actually it was Aron our Store Manager was giving me a 75 cent  raise, she just got to tell me! Wow that was huge! I was singing all afternoon.

It was a good afternoon, I had a couple of laughs with customers, got to do 'go backs' and saw Sherman Hopkins he was a friend of Matt's back in school days. He told me after I told him who I was that he was having a really bad day and he was really angry but seeing me helped lift that for a minute :) I think I will add Sherman to my prayer list :)

Just finished listening to the Kennedy Wash Football semi-final game, Kennedy won 21 - 7 Wash just could not get it together. Kennedy is now 12 & 0 Kim and Amy will both be really happy and I am happy for them but it would have been nice if Wash could have pulled it out!

Heading to ded to read A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson, just when I think I have the story figured out she puts in a new twist! I love reading her!

Thank you precious Jesus for the blessings of today because I know they are gifts from Your hand!

random

rainy Thursday night

Ashleigh came for dinner and several rounds of skip bo

new baby in child watch, Bennett he is just adorable

work was super busy but it made the 3 hour shift fly by

had so much fun at the park with Jillian, Isaac and Hannah yesterday! beautiful day and so blessed by kids who have a sense of adventure. So happy I can make them laugh with my 'slipping'

prayer at Maranatha last night - makes me see how far I have come but oh so far to go!

season finale of project runway #13 is on right now

Alyssa turns 12 tomorrow how can that be possible

strange not to have lunch with my folks on Wed - they are now back in Arizona getting ready for their church sale which used to be at the end of January

strange dreams last night and it felt like I slept a really long time - someone asked me 'what anniversary did you come from' my answer 'Christmas Day' then I woke up - that did it I just got  up knowing I would not go back to sleep

Friday already tomorrow! And first week of November is quickly coming to an end wow!

ready for bed now

Already There

From where I'm standing

Lord, it's so hard for me to see where this is going 

and where You're leading me

I wish I knew how 

all my fears and all my questions are gonna play out

in a world I can't control

When I'm lost in the mystery 

to You my future is a memory

'cause You're already there, already there

standing at the end of my life 

waiting on the other side

and You're already there, You're already there

From where You're standing

Lord, You see the grand design that You imagined

when You breathed me into life

and all the chaos comes together in Your hand

like a masterpiece

of Your picture perfect plan 

When I'm lost in the mystery 

to You my future is a memory

'cause You're already there, already there

standing at the end of my life

waiting on the other side

You're already there, You're already there

One day I'll stand before You

and look back on the life I've lived 

I can't wait to enjoy the view 

and see how all the pieces fit

One day I'll stand before You 

and look back on the life I've lived

'cause You're already there, You're already there

When I'm  lost in the mystery 

to You my future is a memory

'cause You're already there, You're already there

standing at the end of my life

waiting on the other side

You're already there, You're already there

You're already there

Casting Crowns

introducing . . .

Sheila posted the following:

When was the last time you thought about how you would introduce yourself . . . (actually recently I have introduced myself to several new coworkers and I am not sure I would share all of this but it's a fun thing to blog)

by the numbers
I am 63 some days I feel way younger other days I feel way older! Then some days I feel like I am just what I am.
I was married to Doug for a couple weeks shy of 36 years and what a ride that was. I have been a widow for 6 1/2 years now and I am pretty ok with it. I miss him all the time and I like to think he would be very proud of the woman I have become on my own.
I am the mother of six wonderful kids 2 boys and 4 girls.
Grandmother to 14 grandkids, 10 girls and 4 boys  and  8 great grand kids 4 girls and 4 boys all truly amazing, each one unique and truly gifts from God.
I have one love bird Salmon, that was his name when I got him. We have a funny nightly routine. When I cover him at night I say 'goodnight' and he does a funny little noise back, so I will repeat 'goodnight' and he will repeat the same noise, this would go on for a long time I suppose only I do it a couple of time and let it drop.
I also have one silver angel fish and one large plecostomus in a 55 gal aquarium and 4 little guppies who are old and just hanging around.
I am the 2nd child of 4 the oldest girl I have 2 brothers one older, one younger obviously and 1 sister.

I currently work part time at 2 jobs. At the YMCA downtown and at the First Ave Hy Vee and I like both of my jobs very much, not the job so much but the people I work with and the people who are members, children or customers.

I am in the process of finding a new church home. It's been kind of nice seeing what is out there after being in the same place for over 25 years and tending to think that is what church life is. Interesting journey for sure.

and that's enough for this round :) I am invited to Stevens' for dinner then a orchestra concert so I gotta go!!!!!

my day

my day started at 4:50 am for some reason I have been waking up most days at this time, not sure why. I remember thinking now if I go back to sleep I have this much time, no I only have this much because the alarm is set for . . . just got back to sleep and get up when the alarm goes off!

anyways, I got up at took a shower, fed the bird and the fish, poured my coffee and sat down for my quiet time.When I was finished I got ready to go to Hy Vee for my 8 hour shift which I have on Mondays when I am scheduled from 8 - 4 that is. We have a new gal starting at Hy Vee names Ieisha, she was to bag for me and while she was standing there I was telling her what to do if this certain thing happens, and just talked her through many different scenarios. I kept telling her its repetitious and you will catch on and if you have a question don't be afraid to ask someone. It will all make sense in time and you will be just fine. She's a young mom with two boys one 2 who is autistic and one a month old! Wow busy Momma!

Came home from work and Andrew was here doing laundry, he had told me the other day he was planning to come and do laundry today. I talked with him for a bit then told him I wanted to take a walk since it was still light and such a beautiful day, so I got ready and headed out. I didn't walk as long as I usually do because I wanted to be home before dark. without DLST it get dark fairly early!

Went to Bible Study at New Covenant and now I am home from there and ready for bed. My introduction will have to wait for another time when I have more time. Early day tomorrow, this gal need to get to bed!

PS     I think it's very interesting that I have been hearing 'Already There' by Casting Crowns a lot recently (I don't listen to the radio much but when I do I hear it a lot! then on my on this day on FB that was the song I shared a line from 2 year ago. very interesting indeed

November 1, 2015

November the month to blog . . .

this is going to be brief because I am tired and I want to read

slept in today! much needed I loved waking up to sunshine this morning after the past few days of clouds

went to Sunday School and  Church to the later service by myself because I wanted to sleep in. Pastor Aaron's sermon was a really good one, again. Using John 17 - Jesus' prayer he built the message of taking our prayers to the next level on these two words 'so that'. When Jesus prayed He was asking these things 'so that' God's ultimate will would be done. There is a lot more to the message than that but I am way too tired to go into it all tonight. A quote Pastor shared - general requests get general answers, specific requests get specific answers. It really spoke to my heart.

Stopped by Wendy's on the way home and got some chili :)

Went on a walk with my lovely sister around Cedar Lake - such a beautiful day!

Came home and layed on the couch wanted to nap but didn't I ended up watching Paul Blart 2 oh man what a dumb movie!

Now I am ready for bed, I hope to blog again tomorrow . . .  we'll see