Wednesday night New Year's Eve eve

Geez how did we get to Wednesday already?

Strange how slowly Christmas comes and how quickly it's over :(

still listening to Behold The Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson, I tried listening to something else . . . just not yet, I guess

House full of kids tonight although by the sound of things you would never know it. They are growing up

Good day with Amy, I sure do love that girl - saw some kids we have not seen in a while

Alyssa Jillian and Hannah made spaghetti tonight and it was good.

saw Matt and the boys for a minute - basketball will be starting for both boys very soon - they are coming tomorrow night for game night and chili

some really great news from Robbyn tonight

getting new neighbors next door downstairs

saw Krysten for a second when she came by to get her new phone cover

I don't work tomorrow till 2 yipee!

Friday I work noon to 4 then basketball on Saturday and Robbyn and Brian will be back

bedtime for this gal and no getting up early tomorrow!!!!!!

Christmas 2015

I woke up at 6:45 and got up so I could have my quiet time before Michael came to pick me up. I was to call when I got up or he was to call me if he got up before I did. But I wanted to have some time alone with God so I did just that.

What a blessed time it was too. So sweet. He has really shown me this Christmas season God with us, Emmanuel. How God became the human being Jesus Christ, born of a woman so the God of the universe could pay the price for sin that we as fallen men and women cannot pay. Such a truth! The old old story being ever new again at this time of the year.

I eventually texted JoAnna and told her I was up, she said Michael had just gotten  up and he would come soon.

What a morning filled with blessings being with Michael, JoAnna and Hannah. They take their time opening gifts and enjoying the gift they received before rushing on to the next one. There were many gifts for me, many of them brought tears, but I was told no crying so I did my best not too, but my heart was bursting with thankfulness to God for this special Christmas morning, my first one alone, since Andrew moved out.

My last gift from them was a pillow JoAnna made, a quilt type of the shirts Doug wore. I just lost it when I opened that. The tears just did not stop. I could see him in each shirt and being able to 'feel' the fabrics of the shirts just flooded with memories and the tears would not stop. It was such a touching moment, I was glad I was with them feeling the love and care in the room, and almost as if Doug were with us. Powerful moment. It's a really beautiful pillow too. It sits on my bed now and I cherish the love that went into making it. JoAnna told me she was going to do that I just was not ready for the beauty of it and the memories that flooded. Happy Anniversary, Doug.

We laughed and ate some great food. A blueberry, raspberry croissant bake YUMMMM! Some bacon and hash brown squares and of course candy and my very own Christmas stocking  with candy and a couple of cuties and one of my gifts was circus peanuts :) whoop!

We watched The Nativity Story and I was blessed again. One thing I got from the movie was when Mary asked who will believe me (that the angel told her she was to bear God's Son? Zechariah and Elizabeth believed her! So did Joseph! God's wonderful plan.

Hannah came over for the afternoon and we sat and watched a Hallmark Christmas movie and layed around. I got on the computer and played some solitaire. And cooked the beans. At 5:45 we packed up and headed for Matts.

What a great time. I am always blown away by his Christmas decorating! It's amazing. You just look and look and see new little displays and new things he has added. He really has a knack for doing that and so much stuff! I thought I was bad ;) It's nice to see how he celebrates Christmas :)

So many neat gifts from the kids . . . and when JoAnna's gifts were opened there was quiet a moment in the room. It was neat.

Good food, lots of talking, kids being kids and being loud, it was a great time. Everyone was there except for Rebecca and her family and the California girls of course. Sheila got some great photos of the night and a big group family photo, then families. What a blessed night.

Thank you, Jesus for your gift of family!

When I got home there was a message on my answering machine from Charles he wanted to wish me a Merry Christmas . . . so this morning I called him. Mary answered but she was just getting up, so I told her I would call her back in a while. I did call beck and had a really nice chat with her. Then she said Charles was still working on getting up he would call me back when he was up and ready to talk. He did call and we just had the nicest visit! I called my mom but they were on the way to the dog groomer's and she would text me when they were home. . . they must be having the longest grooming in history! I will try her again tomorrow.

Ready for bed now. This gal has a full heart!

twas the night before Christmas

Well so much for posting all week, I have been busy!

Tuesday I had a pretty good day, till I went on break and suddenly I was so tired I couldn't hardly stand it. Denise came up to the break room and asked if I was ok! After that my afternoon kinda took a nosedive. was really stressed out because one of my managers was really stressed and I felt it was my fault because I didn't take my break till 3 and that's when he came in and all of this was just dumped in his lap. I have never seen him so down :( I have really been praying for him - lots going on in his life I am sure.

I got home and was just in a funk. I got a call from Michael asking me if I wanted to do a Mission Possible! Sure I said game for anything. It was about 5:15 and he said Star Wars starts at 5:30 get ready we will be right there to get you! Whoop! So Michael and JoAnna came and picked me up and we went to see Star Wars The Force Awakens. Well, instead of going to the 5:30 we went and Michael bought tickets for the 6:45 showing and we ran to Walmart so he could exchange a pair of gloves, which they didn't have any in the size he needed so we just headed back to the theater.

It was a really good movie! I liked it a lot. They even bought popcorn! Sweet.When we got out of the movie Liz said Ben was working in the ticket office so we sneaked up on him ;) he shut the window ha! It was so good to see him! but we didn't stay long because he was working afterall!  It was nice to talk about the movie with them afterward. Michael really knows the Star Wars story!

Wed I had a good day working with Amy. Her back is really bothering her after being in the car accident! We had 23 kids and they were wound up! Wow! but it was the day before Christmas Eve after all! It's always so fun working with Amy. She really is good with the kids and makes it fun for them and for me :) I had a couple of new kids which is always nice. Bryan is going to be a really great supervisor and he proved that by coming in to Child Watch and telling Amy and I how he would handle a certain situation ;) it will be fun getting to know him better. He is my adopted Grandson after all (that's what he told me once)

I got quite a lot done after work and made another batch of caramels. I watched the Nativity Story and cried most of the way though it realizing again how faithful God is and how the old old story is ever new each year. Emmanuel God with us what a beautiful gift He has given to us.

Thursday - morning off got all of my wrapping done, last minutes things bought and wrapped before I went into work at 2. I decided since I had over an hour before I had to leave for work, to make another batch of peanut butter fudge. Yipe! I was beginning to freak out when the time kept ticking away and the fudge was not getting done. Well, it did and I got to work on time! Man we were busy!!! All 7 registers were open and busy! I worked on register 1 the farthest one from anywhere! I had a good time helping Chad get things checked out and joking around. It was nice to see the upper management in such good moods today. Then to be in the store with out anyone else in there was really different AND we had to go out the side door walking by Aron, Chad and Delaney :) and the parking lot was DARK no lights at all. Very strange indeed

Got home and changed my clothes quick and off to church. It was nice to see so much family. Stevens' Mantz, Stuelke's and Tricia's Brad and Candy, Mitch and Bree and the kids, Brent Nikole and the boys :) Josh did a great job with the music, new twists to old Carols. Sheila got some really cool shots of the candles being lit at the end of the service ;)

Then after church the kids came here and hung out and snacked Michael worked on my computer to help it run a little faster ;)

Ok I am pooped and heading to bed Merry Christmas 2015 everyone!

Monday Christmas week

I had a good day at work ;) I took some treats for our Christmas lunch that was today. Always so nice to walk in to the store and be greeted by several people :)

My shift was good. Antwon (not sure of the spelling) the police officer was there today and when he is there he will bag for me which is great! It was nice having the help and nice to chat with him. While I was helping a customer's son who was one dollar short on his order Antwon came over with another officer and arrested the dad of the kid! WOW that was so weird! The next customer in line paid for the kids order - I felt so bad for that young boy :( but that's what will happen if there is a warrant out for your arrest.

I finally got to go to lunch ;)  they served bbq pulled pork sandwiches, party potatoes, white cheddar mac and cheese, an assorted veggie tray with dip and frosted sugar cookies along with all the treats the employees brought. It was so good!

After work, I stopped by the bank then came home to change my clothes and headed to North Liberty to meet up with Mo and Viv Smith ;) Liz told us about a place down by Coralville Mall  Quintins it was very good. We had a great visit very relaxed and good food. It was so nice to get to see them and catch up, and to see and hear how well Viv is doing :)

I came back to CR and stopped for gas, $1.80 whoop! Now I am home for the night and it's time for bed!

catching up

ok many days to recap let's see how this goes

Wednesday:
I went to get my nails done and chatted with Kelly whose daughter Lizzie plays on Hannah's basketball team. Nice long relaxing pedicure and my manicure - well first in filing my tall man finger on my left hand she filed my skin! yeow! I jerked away from her and she apologized over and over. I told her it was ok but I had to wear a bandaid on it for a few days and typing was not fun with my left hand so who wants to update? It's finally better but still tender. My thumb on my right hand right next to the nail is split open, that happens this time of year when it gets cold so between my thumb and finger i have had two gimpy hands. Aren't you glad I told you all of that?

I took the Valley kids and Stuelke kids to church, JoAnna was picking up the Stevens' kids and while I was waiting for JoAnna, I got a text saying she was going to Walmart when she dropped the kids off. Take me I told her so she and I went to Walmart. We stopped at Aldi's first and I got some milk since I was out and some peanut butter, fudge making time ya know. At Walmart I got a new Sweater coat, I have always wanted one Merry Christmas to me! That night I  laying in bed reading when at 10:15 ish my phone(landline) rang. I thought it was kinda wierd but did not hear the special ring (for family) it was just a regular ring,  so just waited for the answering machine to pick up. Next I hear Laurie S's voice saying she was missing me and she loves me. It was the neatest few words I have heard in a long time! I got up and answered the phone and we chatted for about 15 minutes. What a sweet phone call. There are so many people from Valley View I miss!

Thursday:
Work at the Y and Hy Vee was fine both places nothing special nothing crazy. At least that I can remember :)
I texted with JoAnna about going to Cedar Memorial to hear Wash's Madrigal Singers. I was going to be there first so she said to save seats. It was halfway full when I got there about 6:10. Julia Clair came and talked to me. Their Maggie is a Senior (!) oh how is that possible? Andrew was in scouts with David and Andrew Clair. It was nice to chat with her and soon Mantz's showed up. It was a really nice concert, Colin's little sister, also a Senior and Mads co president had a solo on Do You Hear What I Hear - such a lovely voice. I told Colin afterward I missed seeing him at the house regularly. He said he had just seen Andy and invited him to bring Brittany but alas. . . she works till 6.
Came home and got in bed to read my book and cried. I stopped reading because I didn't want to be done with Leota's Garden just yet.

Friday
I got up earlyish to be at the dentist by 8. I was pretty nervous about having this tooth out but my nerves were all for naught. God's faithfulness ruled the day.And with it being only one tooth and on the bottom, it did not bleed like the last ones. Praise God and I made sure I drank lots of water and milk that I had gotten the night before ;) I had a cutie with my coffee then late morning I made some oatmeal and for a late lunch I had some chicken noodle soup. Never a bit of pain! Praise God for His grace and mercy to me! I have to have more work done, four cavities filled, four more teeth pulled and partials made, so if you think about it I would appreciate prayers about all of this. God has never failed to come through for me when I need something and He is not about to start now.

I layed in bed resting when I got home from the dentist.Finished up Leota's Garden and cried and cried. Texted with Mom, Sheila and Eric at the Y. Then, I put in a new Odyssey but it would not play so I got another new one and lo and behold it was ' Pokenberry Falls Christmas' George Barkley and Odyssey's version of It's A Wonderful Life' hand picked for me by my loving Father because He is the One who wrote my story. Later, about 12:15 the phone rang and it was Andy from Hy Vee wondering where I was. I picked up and told him what had happened with Drew . . .  looks like Drew dropped the ball! Not my problem. I watched Hallmark Movies all the rest of the day into the evening. Texting with JoAnna when she checked in on me and shared with me about Hannah's game that I missed. I just couldn't drive across town, just didn't feel like I could and since they had three girls with them, I didn't ask for a ride. Went to bed and slept great!

Saturday
I slept till 8 then got up and had a nice long quiet time :) that was so nice. After that I balanced my checkbook and paid bills :) always a good thing to get done especially when I still have some shopping to do.

JoAnna called and asked if I was going to Young at Harp. I said well I am not sure, NO! yes I am going are you? She said they planned to go to the Y so she would meet me there. I got my dishes washed, took a shower and got ready to go figuring I would stop at the store and take back the cans I have been driving around in my car for about a month! I got in the store and took my cans and Andy came to help me. I told him about Friday and me requesting the time off way in advance and that Drew had oked it. He said Denise was freaking out because it's not like me to not show up when I am scheduled. I stopped to chat with Cheri (a checker)  learning she was just getting over pneumonia! Then chatted with Dennis Linda E's brother whilst I got some turkey for lunches. Said hello to Chad and several customers who said hello to me. I wasn't sure if I was going to get out of the store or not! I was on my way to the library when JoAnna called and asked if I could pick her up so I told her I was on my way.

The harps were beautiful they played in the mail lobby this year. One of the harpists was JoAnna's lactation coach when Hannah was a baby. Hard to believe that was 12 years ago! Hannah ended up spending the night and what a help she was. Not only physically, she frosted and decorated the spritz cookies while I made carmel and peanut butter fudge, but also for my spirits, I have been so up and down and feeling pretty low about my teeth :( we did a lot of laughing!!!!!

Sunday
Church at Maranatha for the Children's program. It was so cute. There were these two little boys in the front row, the one just belted out the words really loud and off key but it was so stinkin' cute. The last song they sang was 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' and when they sang Go! they raised their fists and yelled Go! The last time they sang it the bigger kids led the little ones up the aisles singing Go Tell it! I started to cry knowing that was a Word from God to His church this season to TELL the good news everywhere. We sang Christmas carols and Light of the World You stepped down into Darkness, opened my eyes let me see, beauty that made this heart adore you all for love's sake became poor . . . perfect song at the right time. Then as Pastor Aaron prayed the opening prayer for the service I just stood and cried in agreement with what he prayed over us. I am always blessed how he says, for the next few minutes (for the sermon) let us only see Jesus . . . the sweet tears that flowed this morning was such healing balm for this weary heart. His message was spot on for the message I needed today. Praise God for this Holy Blessed season when He came to earth as a baby. God as a baby - Jesus the name told to  Mary and Joseph to name the baby means, Jehovah saves. Immanuel God with us. He came to save us from all of our sins and to stay with us forever! Hallelujah

We met Mantz's at China King for lunch then I putzed around and did a little shopping before I came home, which brings me to now (I napped a little then watched a Hallmark movie that I had sen before, watched the news  then came in here.

Ok I think that about wraps up what is going on with me sans the crazy laughter sayings and the strange dreams . . . thanks for reading to the end!

cold today! brrrrrrr

Winter is back at least with the cold air. No snow and I am ok with that.

being at the Y without Kay was strange today but it all worked out ok, she has left a big hole in my Tuesdays and Fridays (Wed and Thurs too but I will have Amy and Kim)

Jimmy asked Eric who was going to do Kay's job. Eric told him he had two more interviews but hoped to have someone hired by the end of the week. Jimmy then wanted to know who it was! Eric said he did not know yet. . . Jimmy wanted to know boy or girl so I spoke up and said one or the other. Then Jimmy said well who???? Eric said he would tell everyone at the same time, but Kathy had to know first :)

Hy Vee was good today the last part of my shift I worked at register 7 which is express right by the door. It all went fine and it never ceases to amaze me how many people come to express. I was so tired I was glad to get out of the store tonight.

Came home and did some almond bark pretzels, watched the news then M*A*SH then got ready to go see Xan's concert at Franklin! I was shocked at the cars! but turns out it was 1st/2nd then 3rd/4th tons of people. Just as I was getting ready to park, by Ashleigh.s house, I spotted Jillian, Issac and Sheila, they had the same idea :) so we walked in together, and sat together across and one row down from Brian, Robbyn and Alyssa. Xan did a great job and played the 'bells' on one song.

Now I am finished with this and need to go to bed (and read!!!!)

rain rain go away . . .

The sun almost came out today. I need to see some clear sky and sunny days!

Sat was a fun day traveling to Mt Pleasant. Hannah rode with Paula and three team mates so it was just Michael, JoAnna and me in the car. The games were interesting. Walking into the gym was like stepping back into the past. Open bleachers to the floor made me a little queasy and not comfortable at all! The girls had to squeeze down between the bleacher seats to retrieve a water bottle then a slide, I was glad when we could move down closer to the balcony walkway. It was so hot in there and loud! ugh. Girls beat Prairie pretty easily first game Hannah has 20 points, JoAnna let the other girls who don't see much playing time get some good minutes.

The second game the teams did not show up so it was a forfeit. We were to play Prairie again but they didn't want to play our girls again hmmmmm I wonder why :) So Coach Jo asked the parents if any of them objected to the girls playing a boys 5th grade team. Play the boys or don't play was basically the option. So they played the boys. Hannah had 18 points almost outscoring the whole boys team. The boys gave the grils a run for their money, but they were no match for the fundamentally sound, taller Warrior girls. We went to pizza ranch and had a nice time with Paula, Liberty's mom, Dave, Lizzie's Dad and Joan Paige's grandma (she is the one who went to Regis with Doug) got my Christmas shopping done there too at least for the kids' 12 days gifts.

Sunday I went to Maranatha and I was half an hour early AGAIN! sheesh The Mission presentation given by Kathy Knight was wonderful! Church was good too, they sure do a lot of really cool music that really speaks to my heart and Pastor Aaron's messages are always just what I need to hear.

Sunday we got together at Mantz's to celebrate Doug's life. 7 years, how can it be 7 years already? I had a great time. I love my kids and grandkids so much! It's really neat for me to see them enjoying each other so much! Got the 12 days gifts delivered whew!

Came home from work and baked spritz cookies only to have the first 3 pans break as I took them off the cookie sheet grrrrrrr oh well parts of cookies are just as good.

I saw Steve E again today at Hy Vee weird! AND I found out that Dennis in the meat department is Linda Elliott's brother! Small world!

my book is callin my name so am going to go read

sweet dreams y'all

Friday evening Dec 11

Just home from the Christmas concert at New Covenant and what a wonderful evening. Such great music and laughter and all the Glory went to Jesus whose birth we celebrate. I am so glad I went. June picked me up and afterward we stopped at Culver's and had a bite to eat and great conversation.

It was an ok day at the Y pretty busy then of course popcorn Friday. I got a picture with Kay and one final good bye then a picture with Sheila and Kay and I. I got 600,000 grand from Amy then she told Eric she and I were going to retire and he said oh no you are not going anywhere :) She will be missed terribly but life at the Y will go on.

Hy Vee was pretty ok but every customer who had a complaint about something not ringing up right any other complaint came through my line today ugh! I could just feel the weight of all of that descending on me! When Denise sent me on break I said I am not sure I will be back, she said I wouldn't blame you. But I did and finished out my shift and my drawer was plus twelve cents! whoo hoo.

When I was waiting to clock in I noticed the schedule for next week and I asked for Friday off because I am to have a tooth pulled. Well Drew scheduled me! He was sitting eating lunch and I went over to him and Chad and I said to him that I had asked for next Friday off - well there is a not on the time off box no more requests for New Years eve or New Years Day, when I started talking to Drew he started to shake his head no thinking I was going to ask about one of those days. When he heard what I had said he got up and looked at the schedule and went in his office to see if I was indeed scheduled or if there had been a mix up on the sheet. He said yes, I knew you had asked for that day, and I scheduled you it was my fault I will fix it. Those are words he does not say very often so on the schedule by my time on Friday are his initials, it will be his task to find a replacement because I did what I was supposed to do. It was nice to hear him say that I think he is finally beginning to like me.

Jillian and Hannah had their winter concert last night. They really sounded great and it was neat to see them in choir together. They had a nice selection of music. Once they were done Matt and Sheila and I booked out of McKinley and headed to Grant Wood for Isaac's winter concert, we got there just as the kids were coming out to get to their places on the stage! Isaac had a speaking part and he did such a great job I was one proud Gramma! Afterward Sheila invited me (and Ash and Holly) over for homemade ice cream sandwiches with chocolate chip cookies yummmmm.

It was so nice to see Holly and Ashleigh and get caught up with them. Holly has had some traumatic times but just got hired for a new job at Casey's, and things are looking up. It's so nice to hear how much Ash is enjoying her job :) nice to see the girls so happy. It was a fun evening.

Time for bed, busy morning tomorrow then to Mt Pleasant for basketball. Another busy weekend but I am looking forward to family time!

Finally the SUN

What a great day, sunny and warmer and it's December!

Easy day in Child Watch we had 7 kids total five at one time then 2 for the last hour and a half.

Sheila and I gave Kay her gift today and got a great hug from her. not too many tears

Got some more Christmas shopping done today :) got the 12 days scriptures written out too whew now to copy them

I saw a couple of ladies who come in to Hy Vee all the time working at the Dollar Store! cool

Matt brought the boys, picked up Xan and Alyssa Matt TS brought Jillian and Isaac :)

Women's Christmas party tonight :) such a great group of women.

ready to go read!

another cloudy day

Tuesday starts early since I have to be at the Y at7:30 but what a beauty of a sunrise this morning for a minute. While I was home it was so clear and so beautiful but by the time I was on my way to work it was cloudy and gloomy.

The Y was ok today. Mildred came in and was not happy with me about our 'policies' at the Y for putting people on to memberships for little or no money. It's only the Y after all - is what she said to me! and kept dropping the F bomb! Sheesh lady you are already getting a really cheap membership why should the Y just let you add any adult on to yours for little or no money. Oh well I just did my job and helped her calm down I hope. I have always liked her I don't want to not like her now. I did get to see JoAnna and her crew so that was good and some other funny things happened thanks to one of my favorite people but that's for another post.

Other than that it was pretty uneventful :) which was fine by me. Hy Vee was pretty ok too. I got to do lots of go-backs one of my favorite things to do next to getting the carts but it's cold out so Denise sends Chuck. I did get to see the machine where big bills are checked and a better way to tell if the bill is counterfeit. Someone took a fake hundred so we have to be extra vigilant now. From the date it was taken I was not working whew!

Came home and looked at FB for a minute till I got too sleepy. I knew Robbyn would be coming to bring the blood pressure cuff after 5 so I laid down on the couch with Mannheim Steamroller blasting under the magic nap blanket but it must have been out of magic ;( it was great listening to the music and watching the pictures play in my brain.

Dinner out tonight for 'Candy Cane Pie'  with Liz Sheila (Liz drove) Janet. Cindy, Dianne, Marlys, Deb, Anita, Jill and Deb's daughter in law and her Mom. So good to see these women and be able to chat and catch up with our lives. I sure do miss these wonderful ladies.

Home now. I got Kay's gift in the bag and her note written, I cried all through it I am really going to miss that girl. It's a picture frame with two little snow people on the base, and there is a photo of Ashleigh, Sheila and me she was boss to us all. The Y will be a different place with her gone.

Ok I am ready to go to bed and read for a while, I forgot how much I enjoy Francine Rivers' stories!

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday RECAP

Friday
I got home from work so tired. Friday is my early day and both jobs day so I was tired. Jing brought me a cool glass water bottle with two different purple straws filled with red popcorn! What a sweet gal! I was pretty busy with receipting when Teresa came in to do the popcorn, what a load off! Even though I like doing it, Friday it was nice to have that part of Friday taken away.

The afternoon at Hy Vee was ok I saw a guy I knew from 46/47 years ago. Steve Early who used to hang out downtown. It was so weird all we did was stare at each other not believing what we were seeing. He looks the same that was really strange, but cool at the same time. He wanted to talk but I was busy with customers, so couldn't stop and talk to him. I imagine he will be back.

When I got home I was so tired I lay down on the couch to watch the news, always a dangerous thing to do! ha I was just getting comfy when Hannah called and asked what I was doing and said she and her mom were bringing pizza and coming to watch Christmas movies. We ended up watching Christmas with the Kranks  - I had seen it I think at the theater with Doug but not sure . . . anyway I did way more laughing this time than the first time I saw it. After they left I watched some M*A*S*H* then went to bed before I ended up sleeping on the couch.

Saturday
I got to sleep in YAY then a nice leisurely quiet time, wrote some Christmas Cards and got them in the mail, a Birthday card sent and a Card and letter to my folks. I got my apple dump cake in the oven and got in the shower. I got ready to go downtown to hear Sheila sing. That was fun I got to see Matt, Isaac, Jillian Ashleigh, Liz & Ben, JoAnna and Hannah. Sheila asked JoAnna and I if we wanted to sing with her so we sang Silent Night and Away in a Manger. That was fun! We also saw Jenn and Randall from the Y.

I got home in enough time to pack the Apple Cake, and change my clothes then it was time to pick up June and head down to Johnson's with the group we have met with for over 40 years! It was a smaller group than ususal but what a blessed time. Great food wonderful fellowship, worship through the carols and a great time of sharing. Marilyn had asked us to think about what we wonder about with the Christmas story that the Bible does not really tell us. It was a great discussion, made us think a little more deeply about His coming. I think I will save that for another post.

I was getting ready to leave Johnson's they live out by Solon so it was going to take a good 25 minutes to get home, plus I needed to drop June off, when I looked at my phone JoAnna texted and said she and Hannah were home watching the Big Ten Championship game if I wanted to stop by and watch with them I could, so since June lives close to Mantz's I went there and watched part of the second half. The game was getting good but Hannah needed to rest because she had three games the next morning, so I left and came home.
Watched the disappointing end to the football game then went to bed.

Sunday
I was up till midnight and had to be up by 5:30 so I could be over to JoAnna's by 6:45 to go to Mt Vernon for the games. the first game was at 8 while we were waiting for the game to start Kristen Shaw came up to me and said hello and we chatted for a bit her daughter played on the opposing team. It was nice to see her she said she has 4 children her husband was with their older son at another game another place. Warrior girls beat them handily. I felt bad but not too bad! ha It was FREEZING in the gym. I thought about opening the outside doors just to get it warmer in there! Shesh!!!!

During the game Hannah had a girl on the other team land on her knee and she was crying pretty bad. I was pretty worried when JoAnna pulled her out and had her sit and flexed it, had her up walking around then sitting with ice on it. She played a little more but not much. I prayed and prayed and I know JoAnna had prayed over Hannah because that's what she does for the girls when they get hurt.

After the game I was sitting over at a table away from the girls reading Leota's garden (which I do not remember at all so it's great!) when JoAnna came over and you could tell she was shaken. She said, ' I just don't know what to do about Hannah, do I play her or rest her.' One game is not worth her really injuring her knee more. So we prayed together asking for wisdom and healing again for Hannah and peace for JoAnna. All this time Hannah sat with the girls with her leg propped up on the table with ice on her knee as they played with dice. (on the way home Hannah said when she was on the floor the other girl kicked her in the knee) I don't like players who play dirty.

One of Hannah's teammates had a knee brace in her bag so Hannah wore that the second game and played more. That seemed to help. At one point there was what we thought was a simple jump ball we we heard techincal foul on number 1 - wait that's Hannah! What the?????? I am still not clear why she had a technical foul called on her, but what happened according to Hannah when she and the other girl went for the ball they ended up on the floor and Hannah's hand was under the girls head. When she pulled her hand out the girls head went down and hit the floor, the other girl rolled over and slammed the ball on the floor. So I am still not sure what was up. Well Marion got two free throws plus the ball due to the T. Hannah was so upset! She was on the court in front of the bench talking to "Coach Jo" crying saying she needed a sub and "Coach Jo" said Hannah Sue, you are not coming out of the game you are not getting a sub, you are a much better player than this now get out there and do what you know to do. Well that did it because Hannah got a missed shot rebound and she came down the court her eyes flashing, her nostrils flaring - daring anyone to stop her and that was that. No more fear in that girl and she played like a Jr Warrior the rest of the game. AT 2 minutes left in the game the other coach was yelling at our time keeper and the ref because the clock was supposed to stop and it was running, Faith had never run the clock before and the coach whose team was down by 12 was having a hissy fit. Ref said calm down! I am trying to get this and she is new to the clock I will fix it! When the assistant coach said something and the ref  T ed him up! Ha! JoAnna looked over at me and said, payback!

The third game was a glorified practice, which was nice so the girls could run some plays at game speed which they can never really do in a practice. The other team was no competition at all . After we were done with getting T shirts for winning and taking pictures we went uptown to a pizza place with Hannah's team mate Paige, her Mom ,Kate and Kate's mom but I don't know her name. I wish I would have asked her yesterday, duh, my mind must have been just lazy because I didn't ask her anything I wished I would have after our lunch. She knew Doug she was a couple of years behind him at Regis.

Dedric and his team came in after we had ordered, to eat the pizza's they had ordered by phone. They had been at a tournament in Tipton.

Sunday evening I went to Dubuque with Dale and Marlys Starlight Carols at the Marble Chapel at Emmaus College. What beautiful music! Several songs with different arrangements it was truly wonderful! When we were waiting for the concert to start there were three girls one playing piano and the other two playing violins. We were sitting by a gal who worked in the business office who knew Mr Glock our bible study teacher from Monday nights. I was just sitting there minding my own business when a girl came and sat down in the seat in front of me and unbeknownst to me my foot was in where the bottom of the seat and the back came together like in an old movie theater (only wooden seats) oh man! It hurt so bad, I thought my big toe was broken! but Praise God when I got up this morning it did not hurt as bad but it will have a bruise! Thank you Lord, that it was not broken!!!!! On the way home we stopped in Peosta and had Dairy Queen. I was so glad to finally get home, since I almost fell asleep in the car ;)

Monday
Late night early morning today was a good day. Pretty uneventful but that's ok, I did some grocery shopping after work, got some gifts wrapped and other tasks done, now I am ready for bed!

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today in child watch Chelsea a mom who came to the Y regularly when she was pregnant with her little girl Amayah (she has 3 older boys all very active!) when she had Amayah they stopped their membership or something not sure, anyways she has come a few times but Amayah does not like it in child watch. She has come in with her next older brother but he is fine to play and she is just not happy. They are regulars in Hy Vee and each time I see her she is really happy to see me, I kept telling Chelsea, you need to bring her and let her get used to it because once the kids figure out Mom is coming back they tend to settle down and have a good time, then they throw a fit because they don't want to leave! All that to say Chelsea brought her today and she was determined to not be happy well, it was my mission to get her acclimated today she cried for almost an hour but it wasn't crying because she was upset she just wanted her way. She stopped crying for a little bit and played for a time, I know I got through to her because she was talking to me about looking out the window and stuff but then we got busier with littler kids and I was afraid she was going to set another one off crying so I went to get Chelsea, but told her bring her again soon! She is almost there.

we didn't have any kids after noon and got to leave early today that was so nice! I had enough time to check the computer and do my dishes before Hy Vee :)

my shift at Hy Vee went quickly - we were super busy so glad to be home. I got the last of my ornaments on the tree, it's done for this year. Not sure if I will put up Mickey's clock shop even though I have had requests for it. Not tonight that's for sure.

Top Chef is back! I am excited hoping to get things done so I can go to bed directly after because tomorrow is my early long day. One more week with Kay :(

Wed Dec 2 full day

Worked at the Y in child watch - we had six kids learned some disturbing news :( got hugs from Amy, Brian, Andrew & Kay.

Met Pat ODonnell my new health care provider - she had Marie, Doug's mother as a patient when she was in the hospital with her heart attack. She knew Doug, (she was a painter for a while too)  she knew my former Dr Sheila Sawyer - we connected what can I say. She changed my medication - I liked her. I told Jesus on my way there I was a little afraid and I felt Him reassuring me it was going to be fine, this day had been written in His book before I was born. What peace!

I stopped by the library and picked up my book I had on hold :)

Stopped by Treasures and got a new pair of slacks and 3 new tops! Plus some other stuff, had a $5 off over $20 coupon spent $24 all together whoop!

went to get my new meds it wasn't ready, I told them I would come back so finally got home right before 4

I ate some dinner and watched the news about the new shootings in California :( then it was time to go after meds, pick the kids up and get to church.

Saw my sister for a second, then JoAnna and I sat in Relate` and talked while the kids were in youth group/kids program

Laura was out to dinner with her boss, so the boys came here. We played Yahtzee and I read them The Three Little Wolves and The Big Bad Pig - they didn't call him Big and Bad for nothing ya know

full day and I am beat but so thankful for Emmanuel God WITH us!

Tuesday Dec 1st

Bring on the Christmas music and the celebrating I am ready to celebrate the birth of our King Jesus!

Pretty quiet day at the Y for which I am  really thankful. It was a little hard walking into Kay's office today knowing she has only days left. I am so going to miss her!

Easton was entertaining as usual. It's neat to hear her young enthusiasm about life. She has a great opportunity in front of her I hope she makes the best choice.

Hy Vee was good today, nice to work with Tina always one to give a hand when you need it and sometimes when you don't. I enjoy her. Denise was back today too :)  My friend Sheila came through my line and she seemed a little blue, not her cheery self. I am praying for her, I asked her if she was ok and she said yes , , , and yet

Got a wonderful report from Robbyn today! Praise God for His grace and blessings! He is so wonderful

Free night you know what that means yup early bedtime! ha!

Dr appt tomorrow to meet a possibly new professional in my life- I got the paperwork all filled out. I go after work then hope to stop by Treasures we'll see

listening to the new Chris Tomlin Christmas Worship cd JoAnna loaned it's great!

I heard Joy to World by John Mark McMillen that Sheila posted to my FB wall - totally JMM it's great I would like to hear more