A long full day

I had a pretty good day at the Y. So nice to see Amy and Kim maybe one day Kim and I will be able to work together again, until then we can just quick chat during our shifts.

I had a kind of hectic morning . . . a guy came in for a membership, the phone would not stop ringing, there were people comining and coming to check in so that means I have to push the button for them to go in the doors. The computer would not let me enter any info for the membership so I had to resort to the check in computer so I only had one scanner working. people do not like that. If they can't go in right away the world will stop turning don't cha know! Then when I was ready to take a payment, I could only do the prorated fee not the yearly fee grrrrrrrr. finally I let him just make that payment and told him I would figure it out when my supervisor came in. Bryan called in the meantime to tell me he was on his way and Danielle's bus was late but she was on her way too. No wonder it was so crazy and it was just about 9 that's the crazy time!

I had a nice chat with Jan, Mary had come down so we (Danielle and I) could go up and try some of the goodies that had come from Bob's house. I was happy/sad to see my shift end. I really like Danielle.

I came home and ate some lunch, let Chapman out and got ready for Hy Vee . . . Today Amber taught me how do do the inventory counting. You scan the barcode then count the number of product and enter it into the gun hit enter and move on down the row. I counted tooth brushes, floss stuff like that, then moved over to the deodorant wow there are a lot of brands! That was fun. Andy one of the front end managers whom I really like, came and said Amber is teaching you to count? You are really moving up in the world. I am not sure if I have been promoted or what's up but I like it. Denise said she would call me to the register if she needed me but when she needed someone, my name was never called. Then Amber set me to stocking the back stock and what was left needed to go into the specified bins. That was fun except for the part where we had to stack and re stack the bins, which are heavy with product. After my break which I wanted to drink a pepsi but had a Mountain Dew instead . . . she sent me to re stock some of the back stock. Well I looked and looked and looked some more for where this certain vitamin supliment went, and mind you the area is not that big but do you think I could find it???? I checked upc numbers on those tiny tags but to no avail even after Amber described to me where it went I still could not find it. She came to help me and she had double faced a product so there was not an empty slot. She started to laugh and said nothing like sending you on a wild goose chase! It was close to the PreNatal vitamins I had told her yesterday the story behind that and we had a good laugh. During the counting I was only fired once ;) Amber is a sweet gal with a young daughter. Her mom works Customer Service as does her step-dad Delaney who is one of the front end managers whom I worked for when I first started. Nice people. Her inventory count has to be done by Jan 3 and she has a lot to do so that's why I am helping as is Chuck so we will see how longs this lasts with me helping her.

McKinley 7th grade had their first game today. They beat Lasalle by 40 points. Dale who works at the Y anyways Dale's daughter played on the Lasalle team as does Bella Lesie Carrs daughter. I felt bad for them but they played JoAnna's Junior Warrior team and they did not stand a chance.

I went to dinner with Ben, Liz and Mo to Pig and Porter tonight in the Newbo district. What great food! It was fun to catch up with Mo and Smith's It was a nice time but this old gal is tired!!!! all that up and down the little step ladder and up and down the stairs today at Hy Vee I need to go to bed!!!!

Monday night Christmas week

My soul the time sure flies by!

I have a smart phone now - I love the talk to text feature

Chapman is here for a visit

Friday I was told I got to help Amber in HBC at Hy Vee - Micheal M the dairy manager said there was an email that i was not to check but to be Amber's helper. Chad told me today to check because one of the other checkers called in. So I checked and got to stock I really do like that! The time just flies by!

I cleaned out a spot in my stampin room to work on a gift and I have decided that I am going to clean, purge and get the room ready to use once again! I have so many things, stamps, inks, papers punches etc and I am ready to create once again! 8 years is long enough

In the cleaning, I ran across the Kathy Mattea's Good News CD and have been listening to it non stop! Her sweet voice is soothing for my heart.

I have been going through a strange time . . . lots of tears, tons of missing, feeling badly about things, being really happy and blessed, not feeling Christmas this year, excited for Christmas . . . see what I mean? All over the place here! It's all part of life I guess.

It was so great to be back in church yesterday! I have missed 2 weeks due to being gone to basketball tournaments. Hannah had one last Sat but it was here in Hiawatha so not far to go.

Sure has been cold and it snowed huge flakes and a lot coming down. I was glad we didn't get more than we did.

Waiting for some laundry in the dryer then I am heading to bed. Both jobs tomorrow then dinner with Mo, Ben and Liz after Hannah's game at McKinley and sending them off

 

Tuesday Dec 6th

Today my older brother turns 66

Jr warrior girls played well tonight with out Jada and Hannah

Hannah's ankle is still swollen and bruised but she is walking better

i found 6 bucks at the game!

cold cold cold!

ready for bed I got up at 5 but get to sleep in till 7 tomorrow!


JoAnna shared with Lizzie's mom Kelly whose Dad is going into hospice  "and that's ok"

I get to work with Amy tomorrow Yahoo!

Got Miranda's card in the mail today plus a letter to my folks!

Dr tomorrow for a blood draw

Good news from Krysten that's it's not cancer in her thyroid!

I get to see Sheila tomorrow at work Yay!

off to bed for me!

December 1

I got a text from Kim yesterday wanting to know how I was and when we could get together for coffee or something . . . today Kim, Amy and I met at Hy Vee Market Grill Edgewood to catch up. We had a great time. I miss these girls so much. After working with them for nearly 4 years and now not seeing them or just in passing. Well, it was just what this girl needed!

Home now for the night, I have a load of laundry in the dryer and waiting for project runway to come on
thinking I need to start thinking about packing for Sat night but that can wait!

Feeling a little blue tonight so many changes, nothing stays the same except for God's love and His whole Being! Thank you Lord, that You never change in my ever changing world!

rainy with a little bit of snow Wednesday

well, guess who decided to make bread at 9:00 pm yeah me and guess who needs to be up early for work tomorrow yeah, me oh what was i thinking?

after taking the boys home from church i watched dolly parton christmas it was good i hope there is more to come. at the end she was in dollywood and was talking and singing and to think that dollywood has been threatened and affected by the wild fires makes me sad. the fires have been horrific!

i was blessed so much by the clear presentation of the gospel in dolly's show. i am proud of her for shaing her faith so openly.

lots going on in my life and in the lives of the ones i love the most. so thankful for the gift of prayer to Jesus Christ who can do something about all of it

The Sun!!!

Today was the first day we have seen the sun in many days! Thank you, Lord!!!

Work was fine today, Bryan was Danielle and it was nice catching up with him.

I got a letter written to my folks and in the mail today.

I was the only checker this afternoon - the only scheduled one others were there to check but it was me!

Asa had a game tonight, Colton was so happy to see me! He told me I was the best Gramma ever :) He also told me he lost his paper with God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - so at half time I re wrote the words. He was thrilled. He sang the whole first verse and chorus without looking at the words! I got lots of hugs and holds. Pat O'Donnel was at the game it's the second time we have run into each other at a basketball game.

This is Us - Oh my goodness! That show just gets me more and more drawn in! And now next week is the fall season finale! What the what!?!

I was told by a customer that I am her favorite checker today. That is so nice to hear. She has recently moved to Marion so I don't see her as often. I sure do like my customers.

Heading to bed I am cold and tired. See ya tomorrow

First Sunday In Advent

My eyes flitted open a little after 7 but closed again knowing I had the luxury of staying in bed a few more minutes. The house was quiet so I just enjoyed the warmth and comfort of my bed, knowing soon I would need to get up and shower, make sure Colton was up and fed before church. Right about 7:45 I heard Colton get out of bed so I thought I should get up as well. I bid Colt a good morning, did you sleep well? Fixed him an apple and peanut butter and told him I was going to shower.

During my quiet time Colt was coloring a picture of Noah and when he asked me something about the flood, Holy Spirit opened the door for me to share the gospel with him. What a blessing. At one point I was crying and he told me not to cry but I told him because of Jesus' great sacrifice for me and how much He suffered because of sin . . . Colton's eyes filled with tears that did not fall but I know Holy Spirit was working in his heart. It was a blessed morning for me and this young boy I love so much.

All the way to his house we sang God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen :) I had written the words down on a piece of paper for him and we sang it for his Dad when he answered the door :) All the other kids went home Sat after playing their 'find' the jenga block, playing outside, a rousing game of Pay Day and some chocolate chip cookies. Asa spent the night with Alexandre so it was just me and Colton here. He went to bed easily and I dropped into bed exhausted. It was a good weekend. I missed Jillian and Isaac.

Church was good as usual. I am always so blessed with Kathy K leads. She loves Jesus so much you just can't help but join right in and praise Jesus with her. She really knows how to marry songs together to bring your heart to a place of surrender in worship. Great service. Pastor Aaron's message again one just what I needed to hear.

I came home from church and set about cleaning my living room and even re arranged it. Got if finished so ate some lunch then went to see Sully. What a good movie! Wow. It all happened not too long after Doug died so I don't have a clear memory of it but I do remember seeing a tiny bit of news coverage. It was a really good movie!

Home again now watching the news maybe a movie or maybe bed early. I don't work till 10 tomorrow yippee

Black Friday

Oh how I wanted to stay in bed this morning!

Stuelke boys for the weekend- Xan texted to see if he could come too. Then Hannah, then Alyssa! The Stevens kids both had plans for the weekend or they would be here as well. I am so tired I am hoping I can get these yahoos to bed fairly soon.

Pretty uneventful day at the Y, it was nice to have Sheila come! Nice to have Eric and Bryan there too, it's always so nice when they are there, just to know if I need help with something they are there. Always nice to chat with them and hear what they have been up to.

Today was Norma Zumr's funeral, she was a regular at the Y, I will miss seeing her every week. She was 81.

Hy Vee was busy then slow, busy then slow. Andy had me stocking items in aisle 3 & 4. Sun dried tomatoes, marinades fish and chicken breading. It's always fun to do that plus it helps me know where things are in the store better. I don't have to be back to work till 10 on Monday Yahoo!

Did I mention I was tired?  I hope the kids sleep in tomorrow but knowing the boys . . .

I guess I will go and see what else I can do online before I get the kids settled

Thanksgiving eve

I am so thankful for the Thanksgiving eve service at church tonight. Hearing Pastor Aaron's message to get our hearts in the right place, being able to bring a Thank offering, and then hearing so many from the congregation give their praises to God for what He has done. The children sharing was such a blessing!

Excited to work with Sheila tomorrow and then see family for dinner, at least some of them and for a short time - it will be fun anyways!

cold and rain brrrrrr

It was a pretty uneventful day and boy am I tired.

My Y shift started off with a new guy Scott who was just shadowing . . . not sure where he will end up. He's a really nice guy, he has 2 girls 10 and 8 - lives in Ely. Firefighter maybe? I will have to check on that one.

Bryan is feeling better, he had been pretty sick but he's on the road to recovery, now we need to get Jing healthy and we will be back to normal-ish

My shift at Hy Vee was pretty uneventful too. Chatted with my friend Sheila and leaned about Mel another customer. Talked with Tina - who has cancer - I told her I would be praying for her. We had another new gal start yesterday I guess, well she said today was her second day, anyway she was there today and needed help a couple of times. One of the other new hires came through my line and thought she could get alcohol with food stamps??????? wow. One more gal came in when I was getting off to finish her training. New faces everywhere.

I had to get groceries and I can never just shop because everyone wants to chat. Which is fine and part of the reason I like working there. Then I went and did a bit of Christmas shopping yay me and now I am blogging and getting ready to shower before This Is Us!

See you on the flip side!

full weekend!

Mannheim Steamroller was fantastic!!!! Robbyn and I sat in the second row almost center!!! It was great being up so close to see the different instruments and the faces of Mannheim. Robbyn and I both thought it was last year we had seen them nope it was 2014! Thank you again Robbyn for the gift of Mannheim! It was wonderful!

We were able to park at Quaker and walk but man oh man was it cold! My jaws lock up when I get really cold, Robbyn told me hers did too- we had a good laugh about that! My seat was next to a really big guy who was super nice since we chatted a lot before and at intermission. They had never seen them before I told them they were in for a treat and I was right. The guy reminded me so much of Doug. Oh how I miss that guy!

Saturday afternoon Robbyn picked me up then we went to pick up Sheila and go to Irwin's cool house for an open house reception for my sister and her new husband Aaron. It was a really nice time. When we got there Ben and Liz were already there, so were Josh and Courtney Meisner and their boys, as well as Steve and Ginny. Phil Owens popped in then Duane McLean and Michael Fox. When another couple with their kids came in we took our leave and I came on home.

Yesterday (Sunday) I drove over to Mantz's to ride with them to Davenport for Beyond The Baseline's basketball tournament. What a great day! The girls won their first 3 games the first two were really no contest the third game was a little closer but our girls pulled ahead after a technical foul and an ejection on #17 for slapping Lauren in the face. After that it was all the Starz. The girls had a two game break between game 3 and the championship game against the Bulldogs of Xavier. During the break the Starz and the Bulldogs did a mannequin challenge! It was fun to see these two teams yucking it up together. Two Cedar Rapids teams - longtime rivals yet friends

The Starz fell to a 14 point deficit in the first half only to come back and lead by 1 but the Bulldogs were too much for them and the Starz lost. Hannah told us the Starz have never beaten the Bulldogs. Hannah however has played on a couple of teams that have beaten them so next time, Bulldogs!

Between game three and the championship game JoAnna and I went out for a walk. One can only sit in the building for so long. We walked down a block then turned left and crossed the street and down another block was a lookout spot over looking the Mississippi. It was so beautiful and the houses were so cool. I wished I had taken my camera but I have walked around there before and didn't know that cool stuff was down there. Next time if we go back I will take my camera and get some shots!

I worked an 8 hour shift today and Praise God it went by really quickly! A new gal started and I had to go help her a couple of times after Denise left her alone. It felt good to know what I was doing :) It was a good day lots of people in great moods. Oh! I also got 100% on my secret shopper! Denise was really happy for me as was Jeannie. Trying to not get a big head about that and just keep it up with my customers! On a sad note :( 2 young boys the one I saw was prolly 7 were caught shoplifting today. Oh my heart hurt. Praying that God will use this to turn these two hearts to the straight and narrow. They will be banned from the store. I would not want to be that mom when the police knock on the door :(

Well, it's time for the news, so I will go for now and get something to eat before bible study. Two more weeks and this 12 week study will be over! My o my how the time flies!

Skipped Friday & Cold Saturday

I know, I know I skipped posting Friday but I got home late, was tired and cold so went to bed. Well that's not actually true, I got home about 9:30, had something to eat so I finished off the taco dip I had taken to the women's gathering and watched undercover boss, THEN went to bed and read for a long time as my mind unwound from my long Friday.

Friday at the Y consisted of being teased and teasing Amy, receipting and writing out personal training coupons,getting caught up with Sheila and hearing about Jing being sick again, starting the popcorn and chatting with Bryan and Eric about working on Thanksgiving.

Home for lunch between jobs then off to Hy Vee- it was slow then busy typical Friday. When I walked in the store Cheri was calling for managers, she was being really harassed by two male customers. The police were called and when I came down to sign in to my register #6 (Denise's register because #5 was not yet counted) four police officers came in. They talked with Cheri, then reviewed the video, those guys will be banned from the store. A little excitement for a Friday and some insight into how our store works. One of my customers was asking for cash back, we can give up to $50 - he was asking for $100 - he said Oakland Road gives that amount we probably don't because they are a much bigger store with more money available. Made sense to me plus the fact that we have a very different clientele. I really like working there. It can be stressful and boring but I so like my regulars and they seem to like me as well. I like my co workers and the feeling that I am part of a team of workers.

Last evening Maranatha Women hosted coffee and conversation. After work I came home and changed into my pajamas, ate a bowl of cereal and sat down to watch the news. I was so cozy and comfy I really did not want to get re dressed and go back out but I did and I am so glad I did.When I got there there were 6 round tables set up with ' things' to do at each table. At the table I sat at was coloring books and colored pencils. Which turned out great because I could sit and color as we chatted, it made me feel less conspicuous and made it easier to 'meet' these women, a few I had never seen before. I like to go to the early service 8am most of the women have families with young children so they go to Sunday School at 9 then to the 10:45 service. I had a great time getting to know these ladies a little bit. Two gals, Brenda and Barbie are sisters. I have met Brenda several times, she is friends with Lisa my neice. Funny story. She looked at me one Sunday and said are you Kathy? I know Lisa and she told me you were coming here and I just saw a picture of you!!!! Ha she recognized me from that picture. She told me she had prayed and prayed for Doug when he was in the hospital and was kinda upset with God when he died. Anyways I met her sister Barbie. There also was Laurie, Marlys, Jean, Rebecca who is the Sunday School teacher for this session on Sabbath rest I just was in her class last week. She is a 5th grade teacher ( I believe) but she also used to teach a 5:30 am class at the Y and she knows JoAnna! And her son who is in 5th grade plays for Jr Warriors! Then there was Andrea who has an adorable 4 month old Matthew who has so much hair it looks like a wig! The two hours went by so quickly. I am so glad I went.

I woke up this morning a little after 7 but wanted to go back to sleep. I got up and went to the bathroom then got back in bed - something I rarely do, and stayed cozy in bed till after 8. I got up and turned up the heat and had a nice long quiet time. I saw a beautiful male cardinal at the water pan, and made me think I need to put some seed out for the birds.

Reception for my sister and her new hubby this afternoon then Mannheim Steamroller tonight with Robbyn! I am super excited! And the fact that I can stay in my pajamas till later bonus!!!!!

Thursday

My folks made it to Arizona!

Had Wendy's chili for lunch/dinner

took an hour nap on my couch

slow day at work AGAIN

Eric came in with a little tablet that we may start checking kids in to child watch with

lots of down time at work today

beautiful day outside and I took a nap!

project runway is on soon but my dishes are done and I will be ready to go to bed when it's over

Sheila at work tomorrow and popcorn Friday - I hope there is popcorn and bags

windy wednesday

The boys always want to play tag after wed night and it's most fun outside when they can run in the parking lot where no cars are. I told them I was too cold and was going to wait in the car, Colton said he wanted to sit with me too. He told Isaac that Asa always tags him and he never can tag Asa back! Isaac said he would be it and he would chase Asa but Colton said no, he didn't want to.

When he got in the car he started singing - "tidings of comfort and joy" so the two of us sang God rest ye merry gentlemen a couple of times. I told him he had a really nice singing voice. He said, I know I have been singing since I was five (he's 7) ha! Isaac came to the car and said he couldn't find Asa that he went back inside the building so just like that Colt was out of the car going to help Isaac. Pretty soon the three of them were out chasing in the parking lot again.

Colton asked me why I can't come in the room with them, I said oh I can come in there. He said why don't you come in and help me learn the stories. Oh my heart. Guess where I will be on Wed nights coming up? I heard JoAnna talking with him outside the room about making different choices next time. If I can help him I am going to be there for him! that boy holds such a dear place in my heart ;)

Ran by Walmart and saw my cousin Scott and his wife Dee Dee and got a big hug from Scott! That was great! JoAnna ended up taking the kids home for me so I could come straight home. Now it's time for me to hit the hay! early day tomorrow!

 

basketball tuesday

I got off work at 4:07 because I had people in my line and I didn't want to leave them to go to another line so I stayed till I got my last customer taken care of then I had to get some milk and peanut butter finally I got out of the store and home.

I ate dinner and soon I was off to Asa's game. He played well, but they ended up losing :( that was hard on him. He had 3 points a basket and a free throw but he was killin it on rebounds. I sat by Colton who was playing on a tablet and kept wanting me to watch him. I had a great time there.

I came home and waited for Mantz's to pick me up for Hannah's game at Isaac Newton a very nice facility!
The girls were playing awful the first half, the score was tied at half time. The second half the girls came out to play and won by 10. Whew

So now I am ready for bed, later day tomorrow today I had to be to work at 7 to relieve Jeannie who had to be to work early.

It was so foggy when I went to work but the sun burned all the fog off and it was a beautiful day! Cool but so pretty!

night

Beautiful, cool Sunday

I got up early because I wanted to go to early service followed by a new Women's Sunday school class. I got seated and listened to announcements, stood up to sing when Dale and Marlys came in :) it's always such a blessing when we go to the same service. Although I am starting to get to know people it's always nice when they are there.  Mark with Heartland Youth for Christ was our mission spotlight and he showed a video of a young man named John and how Jesus has changed his life. I know John from Hy Vee also one of the adults who works with him:) I am hoping they come into Hy Vee again and I get a chance to talk with them! I cried a lot during the worship so grateful and blessed by what Jesus did on the cross for me! After I cried through the video of a life changed by the power of Jesus love. I was challenged again by Pastor Aaron's message. We closed with Hallelujah Thine the Glory - made me remember Joel Marie when she was little and made me smile.

I went to Sunday School and three women talked to me, I had met Beth before but the other two were new. Stacey the other gal who was in the newcomers class was there and she sat by me. I am not sure she knows any of the ladies or not. I knew a couple of them, I sat next to Amber's Mother, Amber is in our Monday study. So I am starting to get to know people.

Came home and made brownies and apple salad to take to Aaron & Tricia'a for Thanksgiving when I got a text from T saying their oven had somehow turned off and the turkey was not ready so they were backing dinner up to 4:00.  Well, do I nap or see if there is a movie on.

I went over to Ben & Liz's since Liz is working on bundling  my home and car insurance so I could sign papers and go over things with her. She got my insurance down $56 per month! Whoop!

I had a really nice time at Thanksgiving.It was nice to see Brad and Candy, Chris and Brittany, Brent, Nikole Max, Tyler and Quinn. Such sweet boys and good huggers too!! I had a nice time visiting and seeing the improvements Aaron is making in the house hoping to sell it sooner than later. The food was great I ate way too much but oh well. It was a nice visit with everyone.  It was super hard saying goodbye to my folks - it always is :( they will be leaving Tuesday morning.

I stopped by Mantz's on the way home Hannah had to ask me some questions about diseases for a Science project for school. Now finally home and ready for bed. I don't work tomorrow till 10 so I get to sleep later than last week yipee!!

Great Saturday

I got to sleep in :)

had a long quiet & really good quiet time

did two loads of laundry

cleaned some of the front yard weeds

mowed the lawn

cleaned off the porch

washed the hummingbird feeders

got the air conditioner cover on

took a shower

Dad came and he and I drove to watch Hannah's games Won . .  Lost . . Won

before the final game I brought Dad back so he could get his truck and go home

went with Mantz's to Prime Time for dinner and to watch the Iowa game - great cheeseburger yummmm

Iowa upset Michigan whoop!!!

I had an upsetting call yesterday between jobs and I was upset and wanted to worry a lot and just started to pray and give it over to Jesus and kept worrying and giving it back. I finally said Ok God, I know You have this under control, and I really can't do anything about it. So I am going to just give it to You again and watch and see how You handle it. Well I didn't have to wait long. I watched God answer it today. He is so wonderful!!!!!! Praise His Holy Name!

time for bed I am bushed

Friday finally

It's been a long week, well, maybe not long so much just eventful

I dropped my car off and when I got off work they hadn't even gotten it in the shop! So my Dad came and picked me up from the Y brought me home, he drank a cup of coffee and watched fox news while I ate my lunch and changed my clothes and got ready for Hy Vee. Then he dropped me off there and said he would come back at 4 to get me to take me to my car. What great parents I have!

Super busy at Hy Vee today! Louis was there for about 40 minutes before I had a chance to even say hello to him! I didn't get a breather till after 1:30 to be able to get bags, change and clean my register! Wow but I got a doughnut for break I suppose for Veteran's Day.

Picked up my car and headed back to Hy Vee for a few things on sale then home to eat and shower before Sheila and Jillian picked me up to go see Grease. It was good, just not the version I am used to.

I get to sleep in tomorrow hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday and such a beauty of a day

The day started out cold but it turned into such a beautiful day! One did not even need a jacket! Glorious!

Into the Y early for Tammy then Child Watch with Hilary. The hour I cover for Tammy went by quickly. I went back to Child Watch Room and called about my car they could look at it this morning. Turns out I need a new oxygen sensor. He did not have time today to get to it but I can drop it by when I go into work tomorrow and pick it up when I get off.

Hilary and I had a few great laughs at the antics of the kids today. The little ones we had are just beginning to talk and will mimic what we say. It was so funny. No Beee buh = Max saying no one can ride the Zebra except him. Then Max had a Ronald McDonald toy riding a tricycle with a purple helmet and Hilary said No Ronald! Max's phrase was No olnol - then he would just keep saying it because we were laughing. Then Cassie had another diaper and she kept trying to get Hilary to pick her up and let her sit on her lap! She was stinky!!! Her mom usually does weights for 20 min not today! I had to go find her so she could change her stinky baby! That little girl is a stinker in more ways than one!

I went to Mom and Dad's for lunch Sheila joined us too after her walk, I got off early and didn't know how long it would take to pick up my car but I got it right away so we decided to just meet up there. We had a great lunch and a really nice visit. They leave for Az next Tuesday :( it will be nice for them to be warm and active this winter.

Waiting now for project runway. I took a shower so I won't have to in the morning. I think Bryan said he will be there training Dan for the early morning shift Jackie left. Dan is a Y member and I know him from checking him in. So it will be nice to get to know him a little better, he's not Jackie she and I  got to be friendly seeing each other on Friday mornings.  

I am hoping he will take some of Ann's Tuesdays so I won't have to be there to open the y at 5 am Jan, Feb and March but we will see. Jeannie, Gayle and Ray will each take mornings and I told Ann I would too. She has covered for me several times, it's what you do.

Popcorn Friday tomorrow, I get to work with Sheila and see Jing then Hy Vee then the weekend Yipee!

I was up till almost midnight watching the election returns, I was not going to even watch but I started then it was like a train wreck and I couldn't look away. I woke up during the night after 3 am and looked at my phone where a text from KGAN said the AP had declared Donald Trump had won the election. Such shock and unbelief from all of the newscasters, quiet in time square . . .  very strange. I did not think he would win I can't even say I am happy he did BUT I also know the first scripture I read when I opened my devotional this morning said, " I have granted help to one who is mighty, I have exalted one chosen from the people." Psalm 89:19 It was just confirmation to me that God was so in control of this election! hallelujah! I don't know why God has allowed this man to be voted in as our next president but I do know God has a plan and it's a good one. I also know with all of the things happening in our world and in our city the earth is longing for salvation and Jesus is the only answer.

So I was tired at work today. We had 9 kids come early and the oldest was 3! One little boy who is a twin Sammy had to really be watched today. He was being really aggressive but I think he and I have come to an understanding and I think there was a break thru with him ;) so for all the stress of all those kids today some good really did come of it. 

I texted Bev and asked her if by chance she had an opening today or tomorrow afternoon for a hair cut and she said yes! So I was able to get my hair cut today. I had worked a Sunday shift at the Y and I had told myself with that money a hair cut was in the plans and today I got it! yay

My check engine light is on in my car - boo! I will see if I can get it in to be looked at tomorrow while I am at work . . . Thank You God for your mercy and your provision!

I had to go to Hy Vee Oakland to get my medicine so I dropped in to see Liz whilst I was close. It was so nice to chat with her and catch up a bit. And get a big hug. Just what this momma's heart needed.

The Youth group led a worship and prayer night tonight and they did a fine job. The kids had a good time and it was so sweet to see Gracie ( who is 4 maybe) raising her hands while we were singing. I was blessed! 

Tim F talked to me tonight about a computer :) we will see what comes of that

This gal is tired so it's off to bed for me. In early tomorrow for Tammy then lunch with my folks prolly the last one before they head back to Arizona :( 

Election Day 2016

Well today our great nation chooses a new president. I have not been happy with either candidate :( If this is the best America has to offer . . . anyways tonight or tomorrow we will have a newly elected president. I am so thankful to God Almighty that HE is still on the throne and this is just one more piece in the puzzle of mankind's history that He is putting together!

I had a good day. At the Y then at Hy Vee. My drawer was over .92 - I know Jerome was on my register for a while when I was on break. I hate to think I shorted someone change :( Nothing I can do about if now. . . The day went by quickly enough and soon I will go to bed (yea the high point of my night!) I started Always Greener on my Kindle, easy fluff read just what I need right now.

I got a text from Brittany asking for some help so of course that's what you do as a Mom you help. Met them at the store to find Andrew is really sick with a cold. Poor guy! I felt so bad for him. Hopefully he will take his meds and go to bed and rest!  Hard to believe my baby is all grown up and about to be married.

It was a lovely day, I got to watch the sun come up on my way to work thank You, Lord for that.

tomorrow I get to sleep in till 7 yipee!

Good night everyone. Go to sleep in peace, God is awake.

Monday

Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong day! Usually Daylight saving time doesn't bother me but for whatever reason this year it is. I am so tired. Today was my long day at Hy Vee too so that was part of it. We were pretty busy but it was ok. Long days I get half hour lunch that was nice but it goes by way too fast.
I saw Amanda today too, always nice to see her and get a hug.

Bible Study was good again.  more sessions then this one will be over. I have to say I really have a new respect for the Apostle Paul from this study. And for that I am really thankful.

ok heading to bed . . . I don't know how to end this conversation so now I will just roll down the hill ;)

Alyssa is 13 & beautiful day

Another really beautiful day here in Iowa. Sun shine, clear blue skies, when I got up at 6 to take a shower the sun was just coming up. Back to 'real' time and it's nice to see it lighter in the morning, not happy with it being this dark at this time of night, I am ready for bed!

Church was really good again today. Pastor Aaron challenging us with 'why not me'? It was another great motivating service.

I stopped by the store on the way home from church and had my shopping started when I realized I had left my coupons and my list at home, Grrrrrrr. So I came home and got my list and drove back and did my shopping. Came home a second time and put away the stuff I had gotten and then ate some lunch and dinked around online.

Alyssa and I went to see Pete's Dragon today for her birthday. What a good movie. I cried and wanted to gasp for air but held it together as best as I could and loved the movie. It was fun spending the time with her and talking about the movie and her life in general. I can't believe she is 13! Time is flying by way too fast!

I got a call from Sheila this evening with some unsettling news. But that is her story to tell not mine.

Now to post this then off to bed to begin a new book.

Beautiful Saturday & Fall Back

Well Wash ended up winning ;) Uni Dome next Friday for the Warriors.

I woke up this morning after a very stressful dream! I got a new register at Hy Vee and it was really small at least the screen was so I had to use the side of my pinky to hit the buttons (like I have to do on my Kindle) and nothing was in the right place. Every time I would try to hit a certain button before I could and if I got close to the screen it would bring up a new screen grrrrrrrr. I was trying to void two items and each time it would take me to a different screen. I looked for Denise to help me but  all of the lanes were packed and she was at express and I was down past register 1 . I was trying to check out Andrea and it kept messing up and she had her phone on camera so I could see what I was doing on the tv too. Then my screen was HUGE and laying on a bed. I could not see it all because of the lights reflecting off of it and again right before I touched the screen to hit a certain button it would change and take me some where else. Oh man it was so stressful!!!!!! I was glad to wake up but hard to shake the feeling.

I finally remembered it was Saturday and there was basketball today yipee!!!!

The girls played really great. The first two games were blowouts, then they got Marion for the championship, it was their tournament, and they have never beaten the Warriors so they wanted it bad. Warrior girls proved too much for them and walked away with the championship once again. Hannah played with four fouls and was beat up pretty bad that's what happens when four girls defend one player :(

We went to Louie's Scoreboard for dinner. They had Pizza on a Cracker Crust. Doug would always call thin crust pizza - pizza on a cracker. Boy was it ever good!

Finally home now (obviously) and ready for bed. I am going to go to bed and read this book for Sunday School class tomorrow.

Fall Back tonight! See you in the spring, Daylight Saving Time!

Friday finally

What a week! It's been good but so many late nights and early evenings are kicking my behind. This is going to be short and sweet then I am going to bed. I want to listen to the Wash game and if I fall asleep oh well.

Popcorn Friday and we were busy for a while but mostly quiet - not typical Y November. I worked with Sheila, got to see Jing but no Bryan he had to go to Des Moines to pick up his nephews at the airport, I forgot he told me that. I also got to see Ray, he opened today since Jackie is not there anymore. Nice to see him and catch up. I also had a nice chat with Jerry A from Maranatha :) he's a racquetball regular on Friday mornings. I got a hug from Amy and chatted with her too. Hoping we get to work together again soon! I miss her crazy self. Nice chat with Stacey too. It was a good morning.

I had a guy come through my line at Hy Vee this afternoon who is usually really nice but he was really snippy and short. He told me he had gone to the Dr and his landlord changed the locks on his apt and left the door open. No wonder he was beside himself. I felt bad for John, but I did not get upset with him, i felt so bad.

Watching M*A*S*H I get so emotional at some of the episodes. So many memories watching that show not only with Vietnam in my history but watching that show so much with Doug . . . missing him a lot. That happens when I stroll down memory lane. Also being tired plays into my emotions.

I had a nice call from JoAnna tonight, she was waiting for her family to get back from Erskin shooting baskets so she called to chat. Basketball tomorrow!

Saw Matt at the store today too. It's always so great to see him there. He did not come through my line but I did chat with him for a minute.

I got to Hy Vee and went to clock in and it said not scheduled what??? I looked at the list and sure enough I was not on for today but tomorrow NO WAY. I went and told Drew and he said no you are Friday just write your name on the list. No list. I went and talked to Roxane and told her the same thing she said that Chad. . . someone has messed up the schedule two times . . . oh well it wasn't me and I was ok. Denise was really happy to see me come in.

Ok well this is longer than I intended but that's what you get. It' almost half time and Wash is leading City High I am going to go get in bed and listen to the second half!

until tomorrow!!!

the longest day

My alarm went off at 5 and I remember thinking I will wait for it again and went back to sleep. It was a very short night being up till after midnight watching the Cubs win the World Series. I texted with Michael and then had to text Bryan because I knew he would be flying high. By the time I got settled down to sleep two seconds later my alarm went off. Thursdays I cover front desk for Tammy so she can take her home-school son to a class and it's only for an hour but today that hour took forever.

Child watch was so dead today! We had four boys, then at 10:30 we had no kids at all. I told Hilary if we get anyone it will be Cassi at 12:30 unless we can get out of here before she comes. We chatted and walked around, trips to the bathroom and to the front, when I thought I am going to turn on some news and see what's going on, only to find the tv wasn't working. Well duh! When we cleaned out for the flood and took everything out of child watch, naturally the tv went too. Well when they hung the tv back  up no one hooked the cable wire back into the wall outlet! I always wondered why the cords hung so weird and looked so different well today this genius figured it out and got it hooked back up. The phone too! We have been dead in the water without the phone, not being able to hear pages and stuff. The phone cord to the hand set is toast so I will check tomorrow with Mary or Kim and see if there is one somewhere we can swap out.

Drove to Sheila's after work and she drove to my folks where we had been invited for lunch. Had a nice visit with them and good food to eat.

Came home and finished the laundry I started yesterday and dinked around online. I got out of the computer to go watch the news and ended up laying down to watch falling asleep for a nanosecond till I got a weather update on my phone - boo! prolly a good thing so I can sleep tonight.

Project Runway and popcorn tonight. Just livin' the dream!

Early day again tomorrow after all it's Friday but I get to work with Sheila and hopefully see Jing and Amy  maybe Bryan but then again he may be gone, time will tell. Then to Hy Vee for another busy shift it should go by fast!

Wednesday

Stressful game! Trying to blog during the commercials thinking I need to get to bed oh well I will sleep some other time.

Prayer tonight at Maranatha, I hated to leave early but had to go pick up the kids. It was a really good prayer meeting. God is so faithful and good to meet me right where I needed tonight.Pastor Aaron reminded us from Psalm 145 God is faithful and in control of all things!

Ugh this game!

Had a nice chat with Sheila to day at work. It was Danielle's birthday. Poor Hayley has to move again :( I feel so bad for her being as young as she is and to have so much drama and so much going on in her life!

I talked to Avadine today about my hospital/dr bills, got that set up. Then the phone rang and since I thought it was the gal calling me back, she said she might I answered it. A  man asked, "Is Doug there?' why do the pauses seem like they take forever? Finally I said, "Doug passed away in 2008" super long  pause he said, " I am sorry, I did not know that I will update out information." When I hung up the phone I had a huge Quaker Me Oats that was pit of the stomach, breath knocked out of ya feeling and I just cried and cried, but then the Lord reminded me that He is with me and all is well.

Now there is a rain delay! At the end of 9 it's tied so extra innings UGH!

well I am going to close this and go to bed not sure if I can wait out the rain . . .

Blog Month let's see how this goes

I cannot believe April Fools was my last post. Where in the world has this year gone? So much has happened since my last post where do I even begin?

Mom and Dad brought spaghetti over for dinner what a nice surprise and blessing. We had a nice visit and Dad took my leaf blower to see if he could get it running. All the little locust leaves are nearly impossible to rake but blowing now that's way easier.

It was such a beautiful day today! I had to be to work to cover for Ann at 7 so another early morning and I am about wiped out. Every morning since last Thursday! Tomorrow I get to sleep in till 7 whoop! It could only be better if Amy were going to be at work with me.

Game 6 of the world series tonight it's do or die for the Cubs.

Several new faces at Hy Vee, hard to keep everyone straight. Oh well that's what goes on, people come and people go.

Almost game time so gonna close - maybe one of these days I will get ambitious and blog the 'lost' months!

April Fool

Yesterday at work at the Y Will G comes in, I haven't seen him for a long time. I know him from watching his boy in child watch. Anyways I said hello and I had not seen him he goes yeah I just got signed up again but I have a question for you. Ok . . . He had a kitchen size garbage bag full of towels from the Y and he said, I brought these back - great! I am wondering if since it's a dollar for an xtra towel, can I get a dollar for each one of these I am returning? They are all clean and stuff . . . Well I said, you will have to talk with Eric, there is nothing I can do about that. Well I washed them and they are all clean and good. Yeah, I can smell they are clean but you are gonna have to talk to Eric. I told him wait a minute and i walked into Bryan's office (Easton was sitting in there too and they both heard the conversation) I said to Bryan, you need to come here and hear this. So Bryan comes out and Will goes through the speel again. All of a sudden here comes Amy around the corner and I knew I had been got again! What is it with her and the towels!??!?!?

I laughed so hard!!!! Will could hardly hold it together. So I said to Bryan, we need to call Eric down! This was too good to pass up. Bryan could not figure out how to get Eric to come down so I went to the phone, dialed his extension and when he answered i said I have a member who has a question about the towels can you come down. Sure I will be right there. Now, mind you we get crazy requests like this a lot so it's not out of the ordinary to get members who want crazy favors.

So Eric comes down and Will starts in again, he could not even look Eric in the eyes or he would give it all away. He told us before I called Eric that Eric had just helped him get his membership back and he didn't not want to mess that up. . .  so Eric patiently listens to Will and says yeah, thanks for returning the towels but I really can't give you any money for them. Bryan is in lost and found and I am making popcorn but had to go into Bryan's office because I was laughing . . . Eric is trying to explain why this is not possible and trying to be super nice. . . finally I told Eric April Fool!! His face turned bright red and he started laughing! He was got good too just like me. When I told him it was Amy he said I am going back there and talk to her. When he went into childwatch he told Amy she was fired! What a trickster Amy is! She told me it was because I asked her if she had lost an earring I said oh no you had this schemed up way before that!!!!

Part of the reason I really like my job at the Y - I work with some amazing funny people - all the bad times pale in comparison to the fun we have there.

Random Catch UP

This is not going to be in any particular order

Monday was Emmaus study - I drove on my own Marlys was going but didn't know if she would last the whole time. If she didn't they were going to leave early so I just drove. Another good study :) I sat in the back at a table with Amber. It was fun listening to her laugh. She works on cross stitch while she listens. Marlys was coloring since she can't crochet. We usually sit in the front.

Wednesday March 2 - Dinner with the River of Life Women, great food, better fellowship, awesome prayer time with these women who love Jesus!

Wed pm spent the afternoon with Marlys helping her (hardly) then going for coffee and just chatting. I am so thankful for her friendship and love

Saturday - basketball marathon! 5 games plus part of Asa's game and all of Colton's! My voice was hoarse from yelling, my feet ached so took off my shoes during the last game. So great to watch our girls beat the Lady D's - all heart was the Warrior Girls team . . . I am going to miss them!

Sunday another tourney four games - they won three then played the Lady D's again. I had to leave right after half time to go to a meeting and was very angry when I left due to the lousy calls by the ref! JoAnna ended up benching her starters toward the end of the game, so the Lady D's could win. I was glad because it's not worth any of the girls getting an injury and with them being so tired from all those games it would have been easy and the other team . . . let's just say Lady in their name did not reflect the way they were.

Tuesday at the Y I was trying to close out my drawer and Eric was on my receipting computer helping a new member when Easton answered the phone. She called my name and asked me if I had talked to a lady about towels last week. I told her no, but she said the lady wanted to talk to me. Huh? So I answered the phone and this lady began asking me about the towel policy. I explained to her one towel per member unless you pay $1.00 then you can have an extra one. Well when did this begin? I told her about a year and a half ago. Well I used to come in there and get as many towels as I wanted . . . the poor lady was not having any of my answers and I was being very polite but firm in what i was telling her but she would just not let it go. At one point I thought she had hung up so I said, hello? a couple of times when she finally came back on the phone. asking me some asinine random questions and why couldn't she have as many towels as she wanted and not have to pay. This poor lady who was special needs, due to the way she was talking was beginning to get on my nerves when all I wanted to do was get my drawer closed out and get out of there so I could go home and eat lunch before Hy Vee . . . anyways I was being very kind and patient and trying to get off the phone when all of a sudden I turn and look and here is Amy, the gal I work with in Child Watch talking to me on her phone! I said AMY!!!!! and hung up the phone, all the while she is laughing  her head off. The guy who was getting a membership started to laugh and said he could hear her talking down the hallway! When I thought she had hung up she was in the laundry room laughing so hard she could not even talk! Oh that girl! She told me later she was using her British accent - well to me it was special needs all the way!!!!!! I laughed all afternoon about that joke! Oh man that was so funny. What started it was Amy was walking by the front desk and I asked her where she was going ( to get a parent??) she was headed to the locker room to use the bathroom because they were cleaning the bathroom by child watch. I innocently said to her you will have to go upstairs because they locker rooms were closed,. She goes, really?? and I said no, and she said, Oh You! Little did I know . . . We have so much fun there :)

Arizona tomorrow and this girl is ready to fly away and see my parents!!!!!  I will blog when I get back

Tuesday warmer day

it's warming up outside and the snow is melting again :) we are supposed to be to 50 by the weekend.

Not much has been happening yet it seems I am busy all the time hmmmmmm

Emmaus study last night. Mr Glock was in rare form as we did lots of laughing. Mom, the kids are calling me Big Head --

I got to work with Bryan today at the Y since Easton is on a trip to see her Grandparents

Hy Vee went well, I saw Chad at the store, he said hi to me and chatted a bit when I asked about Martha

Yesterday as I was going into Hy Vee Matt and Brook were just pulling out of the parking lot, I had a glimpse of them anyways

My Mom ate a substantial amount yesterday and the food tasted good to her. Praying this is the turnaround I have been asking God for!

Marlys got a splint today for her arm. It makes my stomach lurch thinking about her poor arm

Hannah texted today and said she had found a dress :) then asked if I was going to be home they were gonna stop and show me. I was blown away by how she looked in it wow! Look out Micheal and JoAnna she's growing up way too fast!

Jillian had an orchestra concert tonight. It was so nice listening to the music. I just closed my eyes and enjoyed the sounds. They have really improved so much! It was so great to see Stevens' and Ashleigh :) I am glad she told me about this concert. It was a good one.

ok I am tired and ready for bed . . . till next time . . .

frozen

oh man that wind! it's not so bad outside until the wind hits you YIPE!

my computer was down but Tim fixed it for me :)

I was 2cents short on my drawer at work today. Angela said, "geez Kathy 2 cents short, really!"

a couple of long boring days at work at Hy Vee not many customers and nothing to do and try to look busy.

Started a new Bible Study tonight - so nice to see Joanne, Willene and Julie as well as Marlys, The Study is on Forgiveness

Mom is slowly recovering from her surgery, her progress is slow but she keeps moving forward. She told me Dad has been taking wonderful care of her.

Last Wed after church Asa and Colton came here until Laura came to get them. We were just having a snack and were going to play crazy 8's when I said, man! Someones feet really stink! Colton said yeah, mine they smell like cheese sticks! Well of course I had to laugh right out loud at that statement. I told him he should have hid Dad wash his shoes and he said, it's not my shoes I got my socks out of the dirty clothes. Well then I was really laughing! Oh that kid.

Asa and Colton both had games on Saturday. I was really impressed with how much they had improved in two weeks! Matt is doing an outstanding job coaching them. He said, I never think they are listening then you see them doing things in the games and I know that they are :) It's been fun

I was sorry to miss the Y annual meeting but was so happy to be with Hannah on the game of the weekend game! First off we were just relaxing in the motel when I asked Hannah if she wanted to go down to the lobby with me to get coffee. When we got down there . . . there was the team they were to play next eating all kinds of stuff. The parents were drinking beers and wine. We walked over to the counter where the coffee was and there was a huge pan of brownies and a huge pan of toll house pan  cookies! I got the coffee quickly and we left and no we did not help ourselves to any of the cookie or brownies. As we were waiting for the elevator a blonde hair lady was waiting too, and she turned to Hannah and asked her if she was ready for her next game. Hannah said yes and we got on the elevator. We get back to the room to relax some more because we had over a half an hour before we needed to go to the gym which was literally right across the street from where we were staying. JoAnna likes the girls to be there an hour early. I had just finished my coffee when JoAnna got a call from Sherry that the games were ahead and our game was starting in 20 seconds! No team ready to play means a forfeit. There were 5 of our girls there warming up so Jo said we would be right there. We walked in the gym and the girls took the court. JoAnna said to the girls in the pregame huddle "I don't care!" I don't care that we didn't get to warm up, I don't care we were all in a rush, just get out there and play your game. And what a game they played. Hannah could not miss, seems like everything she shot went in even her free throws. Paige took a charge! Ari had a perfect behind the back pass to herself and scored. The other team could not stop them! It was incredible. Hannah ended up with 31 points. Final score was 60-40. Anytime a team has scored 40 points on us they win well not that night! Whoo hoo! Oh and the blonde lady who asked Hannah are you ready? Yeah it was the coach of the other team. Hannah told us later that when she walked in to the gym and saw the other team she said I am gonna beat you. At half time when JoAnna was talking to the girls Hannah was over on the bench by herself rocking and her lips were moving, JoAnna said. She told the girls I don't know what she is doing but here is what what were are going to do . . . and went through the game plan with them. Later Hannah told her Mom she was singing and praying ;) she knows where her talent comes from and she was in a zone that He had given her for that game!

if;Gathering was interesting. Several great testimonies of what God had done in the lives of women and a great challenge to me personally.

Wed night is a new study on prayer at River - it's been nice getting to hear from different women I am enjoying it

Still attending Maranatha, I so enjoy Pastor Aaron's messages! Then last Sunday out to River as well.

I went to River to hear Dr Ben  Carson speak too. That was another wonderful testimony of God's amazing grace in his life.

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday! Wow how can that be possible?????

Emmaus Study starts on Monday! Whoop!

Time for bed early day today and I didn't sleep well due to my friends next door having to clear away the inch of snow we got in the night!

January 19 catch up ( I hope)

I can't believe it's been 9 days since I posted anything. Let's see if I can remember

I got a $10 cash gift from an old friend yesterday at work he told me Merry Christmas

I am reading Mark of The Lion series again after all these years, some of it I remember most I do not. It's really helping me understand why people have such a hard time believing in Jesus, strange but the books are so good. I have forgotten how much I enjoy Francine Rivers

Tournament in Iowa City Saturday and Sunday good games two wins two losses - both to the same team. Girls did a great job. I am very proud of them. Lizzie scored a basket and our fans just went crazy :) that was fun.

Red Lobster with Mantz's for JoAnna's birthday it's been a long time since I was there.

Last Wednesday evening there was nothing to do while the kids were in classes so JoAnna, Tricia Dorothy Juett and I sat in Relate` and had a very nice visit. Matt had had my car all day since his jeep needed a new alternator (thank God it was under warranty) so while I was home all afternoon without my car I got all of Christmas put away YAY for me.

Tuesday my car did not start! Michael came and tried to jump it but I was pulled up too close to the garage and he could not get to it with the jumper cables. He came back at night and put my car on the charger and got it running, one of my terminals for the battery was loose he thought with that and the cold that's prolly why it didn't start. Not a bit of trouble since that!

Monday night, Michael has a class he is going to so they come here to eat dinner that JoAnna makes then she, Hannah and I have been having a little Bible study together. Last week we looked up what the Bible says about friends last night we talked about why and how sin entered the world, sacrifices, who was Abraham and what did God promise him . . . things like that. Reading those books I wondered what Hannah actually understood about Biblical History, not that I am an expert by any means but I have read and learned a lot in my 63 and a half years :)

I did not pick anyone up today or even yesterday ha! (Did ya see what I did there?)

It was a long four hour shift at Hy Vee today that went by really fast! I am not feeling great and just wanted to be home with a hot cup of jo and in my sweats. The Y was crazy with the phone ringing off the hook this morning sheesh! I was glad to get out of there today.

I am going to go watch the news and eat some soup then to bed early. Dentist appt at 7 what was I thinking?????? Child Watch tomorrow then a free afternoon! maybe I will nap one can always hope

Sunday January 10, 2016

Today my oldest son turns 41 how in the world is that even possible?

Ia City today to watch the Iowa Women play with Mantz family and most of the Junior Warriors Team ;)

Church this morning was great. I really felt the Lord's presence and His voice speaking to my heart. Hallelujah!

Just home from dinner at Carlos Matt took me there for his birthday, and introduced me to Brooke (I don't know if she spells her name that way or not) I liked her.

Lord, what do You want to teach me? (O Lord make my heart willing to pray this and pay attention!)

Saturday at the North Pole brrrrrr

It's so cold but only because we have not really had winter but my o my it's cold!

went to bed last night and read for almost 2 hours such a good book!

slept in till about 7:30 but layed in bed till almost 8:30 so nice. I got up and took a shower and did what I needed to do then started the coffee and sat and had my quiet time. I let the cats down from upstairs where Andrew had put them so I wouldn't have to try to wrangle them :) Tyler is not used to going down steps but he finally came down on his own this morning. He tried to play with Staasica (sp) but she growled and hissed just to let him know she is the boss. He backed off for a while ;)

Andrew and Brittany came to finish their laundry and played Lego something, such an interesting game they play with a little portal and tiny pieces that work on the game as well - very high tech to this old gal. It was fun and I understood it a lot but with a split screen with them both playing and not really getting the whole thing . . . I did enjoy watching them

I went and got my hair cut and colored. It feels so much better, so much of it was broken off. I am going to try and not do so much hot roller ing it and see if I can get it into better condition. It's so thin and old heck I have had it my whole life ha!

I met Tricia at the theater after my appt.  We saw The Intern - such a good movie, I was not expecting it to be how it was at all. so good though

ready for bed now. I have dinner plans with Matt tomorrow for his birthday ;) should be a very good time

night!

first Friday after new years

I had a good day :) at the Y we were busy, mostly with the phone, but got to see Jing, share with Amy my discovery of the Jeremiah verse from Wed night Adventure in Odyssey , & make popcorn first time since last year!

I came home and scarfed down a peanut butter and blackberry jelly sandwich :) chat with Andrew who was here doing laundry and quickly head into Hy Vee.

I worked register 6 which is express but only for a short time, we had four checkers so Denise said I could go help Amber put away her truck! That was fun stocking deodorant, shampoo, feminine pads, cough syrup, lotion tooth paste, stuff like that. Denise told me I should talk with Drew about doing that on my short shift days hmmmmmm???????

Delaney told me i had a perfect drawer! Cool! I had one another time too two for me! yay!

Came home from work and talked with Andrew some more. And I have two grandcats spending the night.

I am tired tonight and a little cold so I am going to go to bed and read and if I go to sleep bonus!

Thursday Jan 7, 2016

Just home from my Dad's cousin, Duke's visitation. Duke (LeRoy) and my dad grew up together, first cousins, Duke had 7 sisters so anytime he could spend time with his boy cousins I am sure was greatly appreciated. Duke never complained and was always ready with a joke or a smart-alec remark, hmmmm remind you of anyone? He lost his (second) wife Beverly 7 years ago on January 4th he died on January 3rd 7 years later. His first wife Jean used to work with my girls at Blimpie. They were a big part of my growing up years since my folks and they were really close friends. He will be greatly missed but we are assured we will all be together again one day.

Good day at works ha! Kim and I had lots of catching up to do since we had not worked together since before Christmas. It was nice to talk with her and keep an eye on the kids, we were and have been pretty busy with it being the beginning of a new year, hopefully some of these kids will get to be regulars and we get to watch them grow up a little. Lots of babies which we have not had for a while.

I have a hair appointment on Saturday and then maybe a movie with my sister hooray!

one more work day then two days off :)

Next Friday I am not scheduled at Hy Vee yahoo!

heading to bed, my book is calling my name. Voice In The Wind by Francine Rivers it's been a long time since I have read this series of books and I am just now getting into the good part. Hard reading at first, and very graphic ugh

lots of dreams this week too some good some not so good oh well ya get what you get

January 3, 2016 Happy Birthday, Doug

Today Doug would have been 66. It just doesn't seem possible we have been without him for 7 years! I never thought . . .

The kids are all gone home, so a very quiet house today. Which is ok with me, I have the stereo and the tv to keep me company but they are lousy game playing partners! Ever tried to play Yahtzee with one of them? They never remember it's their turn or to accuse you of not rolling the dice properly!

I had a great time with the kids. Over break I saw each of them although Isaac just and only yesterday. Alyssa, Xan, Jillian and Isaac went with me to Tipton for Hannah's tournament. They were so good sitting through four games. It was boring for them but they made the most of it and had a good time. Plus it helped pass the time for Xan and Alyssa as they waited for their folks to come back. We plus Michael, JoAnna Hannah and Keiarra (sp) went to IHop afterward to eat dinner. That was fun too but boy was I ever glad to finally get home. It was a long afternoon!

Church this morning was wonderful Mr David Glock was the guest preacher today, He teaches our Monday night Emmaus Extension Study. It was not only wonderful to see him but to listen to him preach was just like Monday study only more formal.

Trying to get Doug Day figured out sheesh! I don't like to be the one making all of the plans when all my brain wants to do is veg after all the activity with the kids. It seems strange with them all gone now. I have really missed the chaos of having kids in the house. It's so different with them all so much older. I would tell them I am going to bed you guys go to bed at a certain time just don't wake me up early, and they never did. I am one very blessed Gramma I'll tell ya! So many grand parents don't even get to see their grandkids much less get to spend as much time  with them as I get to. Thank you Lord, for that blessing.

9 weeks till Tricia and I travel to Arizona to see our parents. That will be great!

Back to the real world tomorrow with full weeks of work :) it's been a great holiday season for me! Thanks in part to my wonderful kids but all of it came from the hand of my loving Heavenly Father who loves me unconditionally.