Our Tree & Decor

More pics later. XOXO 2 All.

Ho, Ho, Ho

Merry Christmas to all!

Ooops

er...... that would be "a BIG help." :)

Happy 2 Day B4 Christmas!

Hello all. My shoulder continues to improve - real progress now. The pain is mostly a memory; it hurts to do the exercises but that is normal (so I've been told.) I'm still limited in what I am supposed to do. No lifting, pushing, or raising my arm without support but I never thought I'd be so thrilled to be able to put on deoderant!

We had such fun with Eric, Joni, and Jason for the few days they were here. They were such a bit help with getting me in the Christmas Spirit: decorating, cooking, shopping, playing games. We are looking forward to having everyone here for Christmas and the addition of Mom and Dad to our group.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday season, and safe travels to wherever you may roam.
Love,
Jerry & Diana

Family newsletter

Hello all!

So sorry I didn't get to writing this past month. Things sure seem hectic these days!

Life is good here. Scott's job has been keeping him very busy, with lots of travel, meetings and early morning conference calls. He leaves for work most days by 6:30, but comes home around 4pm so it's not too bad. He has this week off as well as next week, and we are enjoying all of the extra time together as a family. It's been nice for me to have an extra set of hands, too.

Evan and Rowan are growing like weeds. We had their 15-month pediatrician appointment last week, and they are both still in the 97th percentile. They are both walking (and running!) and talking. We don't understand what they're saying most of the time, but they are trying. Christmas has been fun already, with more festivities to come this week.

I'm doing well on all fronts. I've been spending a lot of time cooking, including doing my own baking so that I can ensure the kids are getting whole grain and not that processed crap, as well as the added benefit of sneaking some fruits and veges in there. It's been fun to experiment and tinker with recipes. I've also been working out like crazy, and have started running again. My plan is to train for a 5K, then 10K, then 10-mile, then half marathon in 2010. My first race is St. Patrick's day, so I have ample time to train for that one, and have spaced the others out as well. This should help me carve off that last 30-pounds, too. Other then that, I've just been hanging out with the kiddos and occasionally meeting up with one of my girlfriends for a playdate (for the kids) or dinner out.

We are traveling to WV next week to visit Scott's mom. It will be a great visit. Evan and Rowan are so much more flexible now, and we've enjoyed getting out and about with them. It should be a grand adventure with free babysitting built in. Fun for all. :)

Scott gave me one of my Christmas presents early...a new laptop! It's a Dell Studio 15, and man, is it fast! It's got a pink cover and he gave me a funky sleeve to keep it in, so I'm all set, now. No excuse for not blogging or uploading pictures!

I'm very excited for Christmas. One of my favorite gifts is a book I ordered for Scott. It's written by a man who ran a marathon every weekend for a year, called "See Dane Run." I've heard it's very inspirational, and I ordered it straight from his website so it's going to come signed with a message to Scott (should be here tomorrow, I hope!) He's going to be so surprised! No, he doesn't check this blog, and relies on me to share family info, so don't tell him!

Anyway, we're really into the season, just like usual, but it seems to be more fun than ever with the kids getting more into it. At least the paper, bows and Christmas tree anyway (they like their new toys, too.)

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!!!!
Love,
The Millers

Christmas Lights

Well as promised in our NL a picture of our outside Christmas lights.

All the Pitts in Florida!

Eric and I arrived in Tampa on Friday and have been soaking up every minute of our visit. Friday night, the entire family went to a VERY nice restaurant for dinner (thanks again, Jerry!) and had hours of conversation and laughter. It was perfect (yes, PERFECT, even though we had a reservation and STILL had to wait over an hour to be seated!).
Saturday morning, Mom, Eric and I hit the mall early for some power shopping. We completed about 80% of our Christmas lists before we hit our tolerance threshold. We stopped at Publix and bought sides for a delicious steak dinner. We all pitched in to get the house and tree decorated - didn't take long at all and it looks so festive! I spent the rest of the evening boxing up all the gifts to be ready for wrapping and the rest of the family played euchre until Jason went home. Then we played a round of Trivial Pursuit. Another fantastic day of family fun!
Yesterday, Mom made pancakes to fuel us for our final trip to the mall. Being the shopping experts we are, we had our final purchases made in record time - home for lunch! We spent the rest of the day playing cards/games and I finished wrapping the presents and put them under the tree while we watched "Elf" - one of my FAVORITE Christmas movies.
This morning, Eric and I are heading to Fort Myers and will see the Grandparents for lunch, cards and LOTS and LOTS of hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, Sandy I can remember when. I miss it so but hearing from many does help.
Brent and Candi's NL came and that's like a visit. Thanks kids. LOVE

Christmas Addendum

THIS is what I'm talking about - grandkid heaven!

Westphal Christmas

I wish I had pictures to post but hopefully, Tracy will share some. We had our family gathering yesterday and it was wildly successful. Cody even made it. He has been wandering the past year but found his way back to Michigan a month ago and to our house yesterday. I had all my grandkids around me for the first time ever!

RaeAnn and Jon, with Dylaina and Kaelyn (16 and 14 now!), Paul and his new fiance Denise, Tracy and Scott with Rowan and Evan (naturally), Cody, Ray and I had a laid-back day of visiting and munching and gift exchanges. The big draws in the white elephant exchange was a hot cocoa set and a diaper-wrapped gift that couldn't be opened until the end of the game. The result though, as "picked" by Dylaina was a handful of lottery tickets and cash. She was stoked!

We are so happy with our little family although I had to chastise them all for waiting a full year in between family gatherings. I guess I'll just have to do something about that!

Happy holidays and love to all!

P.S. It's NL time again unless we hear from the editors that we'll skip this month because of all the festivities and Christmas cards going out. XOXO

Home from Virginia

Headed to Richmond, VA on Tuesday for a team meeting with my region. My manager's territory includes Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, western Pennsylvania, and all fo Ohio, so we don't have a chance to see each other very often. The week gave us a chance to get to know each other and train with each of our national accounts (Sears, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Best Buy). It was great getting to know all my teammates and sharing ideas and best practices.

Wednesday night we had a team gift exchange and enjoyed some "libations" and laughter. Thursday night we all headed to Funny Bone - a local comedy club and enjoyed (you guessed it) more laughter and libations! We definitely work hard but we can play hard too! :)

OK so I was feeling down yesterday but this season is difficult for me to get thru. As you know I've always fussed a bit for everyone, baked and cooked trying to please and that is gone now.
We have a beautiful day here with the temp warming up and folks are out and about.
No shopping this year, just checks/bonds and that too is different. We mailed the family cards today, now we'll see how long it takes for you to get them.
Love to each of you and happy snow if/when you get some.

Joni and Eric, gram has a tear in her eye looking at all your pic'. The coffee pot and cup display is very special and thanks for the memories.
This is a difficult time of year for me, this year, and your entries are much appreciated.
We have a fiber optic 3' tree this year and I have yet to get the outside lights up and door wreaths down. Just don't have the incentive.
Jim and Kathy your letter with house picture is so nice and that brings back special thoughts of last March when we were together.
I am a speaker in the Christmas program at "R" hall this year and that is interesting. Seems good to be back into something like that again.
I'm serving at Mass Christmas eve and that will highlight my holiday.
Dad is as well as possible with his arthritis worsening as time passes.
I must leave you for this time as it is late and not much uplifting to write.

The Great Cookie Project of 2009

So Adrianna (the Cincinnati rep) and I decided that we'd like to bake cookies to deliver to our accounts for Christmas this month. Well, we didn't really think our plan all the way through and only scheduled about 6-8 hours for our baking marathon.

Twenty-five hours and 40+ dozen cookies later, we finally finished the baking and decorating! Whew...what a project!

On the up side, we had fun and laughed A LOT! I'll be posting more pictures on Facebook if you want to check them out...

Outside lights

Stockings hung with care...

Our Christmas Tree

Thought I'd share a few pictures of our holiday decor!

Thanksgiving and beyond...

Glad to hear that all had such wonderful celebrations on Thanksgiving. Eric, Mozart and I drove to Buffalo, New York to spend the holiday with my aunt and family. We stayed with my cousin Matt and his wife, Lora. Some of you may remember that we ventured to Buffalo at the end of December a couple years ago for their wedding. We enjoyed our time with family - played a lot of Beatles Rock Band, cards and board games. Dinner was delicious. My Aunt Chris makes amazing stuffing - even Eric ate some and liked it!

The drive home was way longer than we would have liked. We were way-layed about an hour north of Columbus. Traffic literally came to a screeching halt. The freeway looked like a parking lot. We traveled about 12 miles in just over 2 hours - ridiculous! The crazy part is we never saw any indication of why - no accident, no construction...bizarre.

Eric got the lights up outside before we left and we put the tree up but didn't decorate it until we got home. The house feels very festive with the tree, garland over the mantel and our stockings "hung with care" in front of the fireplace. Enjoying the holiday season this year. :)

Pictures

Thursday

I'm not supposed to be typing; too early for the movement on my arm. Get stitches out today. Feeling better today than any time in last 2 weeks - so far anyway. Here are pictures from Thanksgiving. Lori brought a new game. I forgot the name already.

We had a wonderful day at the Pitts. Jason and Lori played rope ball with Jerry trying to give J some pointers, (he had never played b4.) Diana was much better than we expected her to be and handled warming the food with help from Jerry and Jason. We played Euchre and of course I, mom./gram was on the winning team, most of the time, with Jerry as my partner.
Lori did a great job chauffering us on the trip and we stayed overnight at a Day's Inn, Clearwater.
Lori's birthday today and we 3 went to Red Lobster for supper. It was special, good and different.
Some "C" decorations went up today here in the Park. We will have to do our own this year as the O'Connors won't be here until Feb. Oh well, I have to find them first.
Have a super weekend and your place J&K sounds festive.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Aunt Di, hope you're feeling better soon.

We're hanging out watching the Macy's Parade until after naptime, when we'll head over to Carolyn's house to enjoy the day with her and her family. I'm looking forward to seeing them all, and showing off Evan and Rowan.

Evan is taking more and more steps, and I'm sure Scott will be amazed at all of their new tricks. He'll be home the day after tomorrow, and we cannot wait. I've gotten used to single parenthood, and it's not as hard as it once was, but I am definitely ready for my coparent to return.

Much to be thankful for this year, not the least of which is family. Lots of love to all.

Happy Turkey Day

Diana has a lot of pain and can't do much. She is in good spirits and we are looking forward to dinner with Lori, Jason, G & G.
(Playing Doctor isn't as much fun as I remember)

Thankful.

We're glad to be home from our trip to GR. The kids had a great time and it was good catching up with Tricia (and her 9-month old twins,) but solo travel with 14-month old twins is HARD. Home is like a vacation, now. :)

Doing okay with Scott's absence, since we're keeping busy, but am counting down the days now. I've gotten used to doing it all myself, so having him home will really make it seem like vacation!

Evan is walking...yay! He's so darn proud of himself (and so am I.)

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm thinking of family especially this year...

Tracy, Scott will be home before you know it. Hang in there girl. Rest as best you can, you cannot afford to get wore out completely at this stage. The video of Rowan on the steps is precious and your calling to Evan really touched my heart.

I saw our orthopedic doctor today for my one year check for my knee. I mentioned an ache I was having in my other knee,hip and the end results, bursas, cortisone shot, exercises and ice.
All will be fine.
T'giving plans are made with Pitts for us to motor there, take most of the food and enjoy. Lori, Dad and I have a motel for T night and the next day is Lori's birthday. We expect to get home sometime Friday.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL. LOVE

Hello People...

I live! My shoulder hurts when I move it but I am able to move it at least as much as I did before the surgery. PT starts Monday and I'm sure range of motion will increase as the pain abates and I can exercise more. Still don't know what we'll do for T'giving; we're kind of waiting until after PT to see whether I'll be able to tolerate the car ride. Jerry is a GREAT nurse:) Thanks for all your thoughts and kind words.

I tried, I really did......

....but I just couldn't come up with any news to share in the NL. I've been working like crazy, Ray hasn't, and much of my free time is taken up with the kiddies. Our family Christmas gathering is just 3 weeks away and since I took three days off work next week, we'll be getting out decorations and the tree. Lots to do, so little time. Love you all - hopefully we'll do something interesting between now and next month :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Jerry, thanks for your comments and we are not being true to our family by omitting writing to each other here.
Thanks for the news about Diana. Does the therapy start soon?

Blog

You're right, Jerry. I do check it daily and it has been getting stagnent. Does this mean everyone has written for the NL? (Oops, I need to do that yet - heh heh, embarassed!)

Home

We are home from the surgery. Everything went OK. The damage was more extensive than expected: A full tear of the rotator cuff and several bone spurs. Di is doing good but still can't feel anything from the block.
The blog has been somewhat dormant lately so I don't know if anyone checks it everyday like me.
I am putting on my nurse uniform.

Shoulder

Good Morning People. I have to report to the surgery center at 8:45 so it'll probably an hour after that before they start. Jerry will call Mom afterward. Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes. Later.

Mo looks sleek. Of course, going to a b'day party he would have to get 'dressed up. Good to see you write in the blog and hope others follow. Hi Eric.

Birthday Party with Friends

Mozart was invited to the birthday party Monday night for the dog of my new friend, Cathy. Her dog is a sheltie named Ozzy and he's 13. One of Ozzy's other furry friends also turned 3 , so they had a big dog party - even served "doggie" ice cream, complete with a Milk Bone topping! We think Mo had a good time but he didn't really care much about what the other dogs were up to. He mostly layed on the ground by us and observed everyone else. Nonetheless, he was exhausted and slept like a babe that night!

PICTURE: I tried to take a picture of the birthday dessert that was served before Mo devoured it - that's the Milk Bone on top! :)

Hurricane Ida

We may get a touch of rain, but no other effects from this storm. I get permanent fillings today from my dentist. The Endodontist was apparently able to save both my crowns - what a nice surprise for all the pain! Shoulder hurts. The cortisone shot effect has totally worn off so I'm actually looking forward to the surgery next Wednesday. Dreading the PT afterward but hopeful for full use of arm/shoulder again.

Hello all! I know it's been a while since you've heard from the O'Connors, so here's a brief update. We've been busy!!

The high school I work at was just named #1 in the state, so there's celebrations being planned for that. Also, we're on our 10th year so there's a big whoopla along with that. My department, along with the freelance help of my genius sister is working on a documentary to recognize ten years. It's a lot of work because we have so much material to go through and so many people to interview. It was all our current principals idea, and she assured us she would be involved a lot in the process. However, you can't trust people of power because she really hasn't been any help at all....we've been doing all the work just hoping she'll like what we're doing. The video is supposed to be done at our annual auction, which takes place in March/April.

Pat is also busy with work and Jonny Rumble. Work has him just finding new fitness venues to sign up, then install their TVs. He was recently on a team who worked a week long conference in Chicago. He says he met a lot of potential clients and got to know his bosses from NYC. The singer of his band is still nursing his broken leg, but is out of a cast. They've had a few shows already with im sitting down, but they still rock! They plan on finishing their next album before Thanksgiving.

Flynn is great!! He's on the potty now, which is amazing. He still wears the night time diapers, probably for a while. He loves to drink water, juice and milk a lot so until we all feel more confident with him in the bathroom himself (at night) he'll probably stay in those diapers. He dressed as Flynn the Builder for Halloween, hence the picture. We went up to Crystal Lake for trick and treating and had a great time! He continues to love school, reading, counting. He'll recite the Pledge out of nowhere, and can sing "You Are My Sunshine" on command. Good stuff.

Hope you're all well and good. It's been mild weather so far up here, but I'm just waiting for the winter to come. I will def write more in the NL next month, we're very sorry for our absence.

love

vanessa

What a beautiful day in the neighborhood! 60's and sunny all day. Happy birthday, Tracy!

Congrats Joni and that will sure reduce the food bill for meat. Gram

Rewarded with meat

So, I apparently won a sales contest at some point over the summer and earned a gift certificate to Omaha Steaks. FedEx just knocked on the door and delivered 12 - 6oz. Top Sirloin Steaks. YUM!!! Wish we had some of you here to share. ;)

U bet, that's ur g'ma.

R U SERIOUS???

LOL I just read the NL... Kinda hard for me to accept that my Grandmother is using 'OMG' and Grandfather said 'groovy'. I love you G'pa & G'ma!! Glad to see you are not letting this computer age knock you back! (Now I wish my Mom was as 'with it')...did I say that out loud?? ROFL

LOVE YA!!!

News update.

Just a quick note to let all know that we are doing fine. I have posted a lengthy update on our blog (http://alleycatsquared.blogspot.com/) so I won't repeat myself. We have pretty much adjusted to life with a newborn. She is now sleeping 5-7 hours a night (yippee), is very alert when she's awake, and is SPOILED by her sisters. I can't hardly turn my head when she fusses & she is surrounded by at least 2 of the older girls.
I really have nothing else to report. Pictures are posted regularly on my Facebook. Tomorrow is Alan & my 11th anniversary!! Can't believe it's been that long sometimes, & sometimes it seems longer.
Love to all!!

20 Days Later...............

Twenty days later & the tree looks a little different. We have lots of leaves to move from under the trees to the just started leaf pile!

Rainy Friday

Hi all,

I've been bad about posting here. I guess it's because I feel connected through Facebook, and post our news on my own blog.

I visited a doctor yesterday about the overwhelming fatigue I've been feeling for the last couple months. I started getting dizzy spells a couple weeks ago, and that's what pushed me to see if there's something more at work here than parenting twin toddlers, being overweight, or turning 40. The doctor had a couple theories, including postpartum hypothyroid (low) and chronic fatigue syndrome. They're also checking my iron levels. I'vc done some research online and all three fit. For once, I hope they find something wrong with me so I can fix it. I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.

Other than that, life is good. We're looking forward to celebrating my 40th with Jon and RaeAnn and girls in TC next weekend.

Rowan is walking and climbing, and Evan is crawling like the devil (fast!) The doctor says they are likely not walking yet because of their large stature. It's hard to balance when you're that tall! Other than that, they're doing great and saying more words and surprising us with new tricks every day.

Mom, congrats on making it through your rough stretch at work. I know it's been real hard on you.

Love to all!

YAY ME!

I made it! The grant close-out reports are done and on their way to the funding source! I only have a little left to do to get ready for the audit (11/10-11/12) so the pressure is WAY off and I don't have to work this weekend! This has been a tough month!

WOW! Suzanne how did you feel touring the house of the elite?
Would love to see more pics.

NEWSLETTER

COME ON YOU G'KIDS OF THE MCQUEEN FAMILY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU, albeit Suzanne who wrote a week ago. G'PA SO ENJOYS YOUR LETTERS.

I'm just learning Vista with help from a class. My computer will upgrade to a "7" free and I'm sending for the program.
Gads, Diana, you should know how to set these things up with all that you do.
Weather is wonderful and we are enjoying the folks returning too.

Here are a few pictures from Bill Kurtis' home, just wanted to share them with you.  The garden photos are from their backyard; it was too big to fit into 1 photo, so I had to take 2.  I also included my favorite room of the house--absolutely love the hand-painted walls.  Lemme know if you want to see a few more, I've got their kitchen, great room, more garden/outside photos, and my other favorite room filled with checkerboard floors, and Asian art.  BK and Donna are only the 2nd owners of the home, it was first bought by Rudolf Diesel as a wedding present for his daughter (or maybe his niece? can't remember).  Either way he invented the Diesel engine and this house is awesome!  P.S. If you look closely at the home, you can see their stretch golf cart out front.

Tooth Trouble

I'm still a bit sore, but on the road to recovery after 2 root canals and 3 weeks of jaw pain. A bone infection, the dentist said, so I started antibiotics and had the first root canal on the 15th. I was still in pain so went back and had to have another on the 22nd. That one was the very back molar and my jaw is still sore from being forced open for 1 1/2 hours and the tooth is still a bit tender but definitely getting better.

Jerry's computer died last week, so we bought a new laptop for me yesterday and he took my "old" one that I bought last year. My new one has Windows 7, a 17 inch screen, and a better graphics card. Yay for me.

I thought it was going to get cold, but it looks like we're to get back to fall-like temperatures this week. Also yay. Happy Sunday, all.

days

Hang on Diana, we are almost thru October. The longer nights are nice 'cuz the sun doesn't shine in Dad's eyes before he gets up. Closing the blinds isn't an option, I like some light.
Life can be tough, especially with tooth trouble and the weekend upon us. Hold on.

Florida, Florida

We had a short Fall spell, but we're over it now. Today promises to be back in the high 80s, but the humidity will be a middling 70%. It's OCTOBER, people!

Just a little rant, there. I totally forgot to mention that I had to have a root canal last Thursday. A molar started hurting on Sunday and just got worse, so... But, wait, there's more.

My mouth kept hurting and getting worse so I called that doc back, went in and I have to have a second root canal today. The molar NEXT to the original hurter was actually the root of the problem:) And the hits just keep on coming...

Not so nice.....

....and today is windy and rainy. Ah, life in the Mitt!

Beautiful Michigan

It is an absolutely breath taking day in central Michigan. Temp in the 60's, no breeze and lots of sun. I love this time of year!!!

nl

I'm not steeling Sandy's thunder but it's time for NL. PPLLEEAASSEE!!
Our heat is on the way out, AGAIN, and maybe for good this year. We can dream.

heat

Well, HOT MONDAY -- no relief all week. Mind you now I'm not complaining. Folks arriving keep telling about their tough summers, we listen. Quiet is quickly ending and the roadways are much busier. We go with the flow.
Have a great week and again thanks for sharing your color with us. LOVE

tree

Oh my gosh, breathtaking. Thanks so much for sharing. This will go on home page. I love you all. Mom

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L fall day!

LOVE that tree Aunt Kathy/Uncle Jim! My friend Brittany arrived from Florida yesterday and is loving our amazing autumn weather. We just came back from an hour long walk with the dog an had a great time looking at all the turning leaves.

Will have to take the camera next time to share with you all! :)

Fall Color

One of our favorite trees right now.

OK

Well, your comfort zone sounds perfect. ENJOY!
Bet your windows are open and the country air just wafting thru your house. Can you tell I envy you that delightful Fall season? Yes, 'ti true.

Comfortable, comfortable, comfortable

We're not setting any records here on the banks of the Pigeon River. It's a comfortable 46 degrees and Jim is finally able to work outside in his long sleeves. Still time to play more golf before the s__w flies.

HOT HOT HOT!

Saturday and all next week will be the same. Setting records, that is.

HOT

OMG - We set a record today. 95 with a heat index of 103!

TGIF!

Hi all.

Things are going well in the Miller household. We're finally cold-free (mostly) and back to normal (what is normal, anyway?)

We have our big mom-2-mom sale this weekend and I can't wait. I love a good organization project, and Scott and I spent some time at the pole barn a couple weeks ago getting all of our outgrown baby clothes and items organized for tomorrow. The veteran MoMs (mothers of multiples) in my group said that it would take me, a rookie, hours to get set up, but I said, "NAY! I am organized!" Okay, so I didn't say that, but I did feel smug internally. Let's hope I'm right and my preparation pays off. Mom is coming to help, and I'm looking forward to seeing her almost as much as she's looking forward to seeing Evan and Rowan.

Tomorrow evening we head to GR for a wedding. It will be nice to have an overnight, though I'm always anxious to come home.

Scott is really busy at work, and is traveling a TON. He's gone to Pittsburg for four days next week, and will be in Belgium for eleven days in November, over Thanksgiving. I'll go crazy at home alone, so I may hit the road to visit my friend Tricia in GR (also a MoM) and the Fiebings in TC.

Evan and Rowan are learning things like crazy. Rowan repeats pretty much everything you say, and Evan is Evan...into everything and getting bigger everyday. I took them with me to a doctor's appointment yesterday, and my doctor, also a father of twins, couldn't believe how big they are. They make me laugh every day.

Life is good.

Thursday

Hurray! The accreditation review is OVER and we received a perfect score! That's the second review in a row that we have not had any recommendations - a very rare occurance in the world of rehab facilities. So, that stressor is behind me and the next is on the radar. The annual audit starts 11/10 but I have a month of work getting ready for it. BUT, on the positive side, I actually have a day off tomorrow (Friday) and I am spending the ENTIRE weekend with the Millers. I'm helping Tracy with her mom2mom sale on Saturday then staying with the kiddies on Saturday night. I'm SO excited!!

Enjoy your weekend, all!

Raise the Roof

So our landlord hired a company to replace our roof (badly needed). They got started about three weeks ago and then the rain came...and it came...and it came...and it came. Needless to say the progress on the roof came to a screeching halt. Fortunately, the company owner is a VERY hard working man and made up for lost time with a vengance once the skies cleared. After days of loud pounding and stomping on our roof, we finally have a beautiful new roof! And now all the noise has moved to the landlord's house next door...their turn to deal with the chaos. :)

Aside from the rainy beginning, we're loving the amazing fall weather! It's such a gorgeous time of year and we're enjoying it tremendously.

My job is going well, I'm staying busy and still loving it. And this weekend, I have some fun planned. One of my sorority sisters is coming in to town from Florida to visit for a long weekend. She arrives on Friday and we plan to play A LOT while she's here. Should be a nice reprieve from the long work days.

Eric is well. He's still working at the restaurant and keeping busy on his days off looking for a better job opportunity. Mozart is spoiled and happy and keeps us constantly entertained. He's so smart and mischieveous. If we don't exercise him enough, he gets a look in his eye and you just KNOW he's going to hunt down trouble. We're definitely glad to have the little rascal in our lives.

Off to bed...have a long day tomorrow so need the rest.

Brandy Lynn

SORRY I haven't posted much, been busy/tired/busy/tired (rinse, repeat). Brandy is sleeping ATM, so I have a minute. I can hardly believe she will be 3 weeks old tomorrow!! Already!! Ugh. I took this picture today... Brandy in her car seat (favorite place to nap) getting ready for a snooze. THANK YOU, Grandma, for the afghan! We use it all the time!
Ok, I've had time to take a quick breath, but that's about it. More info posted in my blog http://alleycatsquared.blogspot.com/
LOVE to ALL!!!!

Fall

I seem to hit the wrong key and everything disappears. Twice now and I'm hoping this time to just let you know we are doing GOOD and looking forward to the folks returning, as they are daily.

Finally Friday!

Another week down! I made it through the fiscal year end OK and our accreditation survey begins this next Monday. So work has been really hectic. Ray had a delivery in WI on Wednesday so he got off the farm for a little while. More work this weekend but looking forward to next weekend when I will spend the whole of it with the Millers! That's a vacation to me!!! Have a great weekend all.

Congrats, Lori

Congratulations on finishing your house, Lori. And thanks to Jim and Kathy for posting the "after" pictures. It looks cute, cute, cute!

Lori's Home

Some pictures we took at Lori's Open House.

Sunday, Sunday

I was thinking about you all day, Lori, and wishing we could be there for the Open House. Can't wait to see pictures of the "finished product."

Not much going on around here. I still LOVE my job, although I don't have an office or permanent workplace yet. I share a small (really small) cubicle with my partner. He places students who are returning to Pinellas County from DJJ (Department of Juvenile Justice) commitment programs back in an educational setting and I follow-up to make sure they get there and are attending. If not, I bug their Probation Officer to do their job because most of the kids are under "School Rule" which means it would be a violation if they did not attend. Once they are in school, we have a GRAD team that works with them to earn a diploma or GED. Luckily, he is a very nice guy and we get along great.

The office is having a get-together next Friday after work so Jerry will be able to meet some of the people I work with.

I saw my shoulder doc last week and he is sending me for an MRI; I scheduled it for Wednesday. The cortisone shot helped a lot, but I still have a lot of pain if I move my arm the wrong way.

I went for my walk early this morning and it was already 77 degrees with 93% humidity. This is the time of year I miss the north. We'll have at least another month of this heat. The love bugs haven't even started yet; that's the real sign that Fall is coming.:)

Happy Friday!

I just love Fridays! This has been a short week for me. Flynn was pretty sick earlier in the week. He woke up on Sunday a different kid, he was tired and really cranky. Had a terrible cough, and a slight fever. He spent most Sunday asleep, which gave Pat a peaceful football day while I was at Bears. By Monday, Flynn was still feeling awful, so I stayed home and took him to the doctor. She said it wasn't a flu or an infection, but probably a bad cold. As of Monday night, his fever was still present so we kept him home another day. By Tuesday, he still sounded hoarse and his cough was still there, but his fever was gone and he was mostly back to himself. He went back to school Wednesday after a follow up at the doc.

Tonight I have my first game of the season at United Center, preseason hockey. Doesn't sound too exciting, but I'm working on a new machine this season. I went in for training on the new Crossfire machine last week, but tonight's the night I get to try it out. It's basically the same as my previous animation playback machine, just a few different bells and whistles.

Saturday morning we're heading to Jackson for Mom's open house. Flynn's excited, yesterday he was on his tricycle and said he was going to ride it to Grandma's party. We're looking forward to visiting, the work that she has put into that house is amazing. She's really turned it around into a beautiful home. Hope to see some family there!!

Have a great weekend all!!

It's Friday

YAY! We decided not to go north because rain (and cold) is forecast for the entire weekend. I'm spending time with the Miller kids on Saturday and we will probably take Melodie out for her birthday on Sunday. I'm still getting tomatoes from my grape tomato plants and big ones from my one other plant. That one is going gang busters. I could easily pull out my canning equipment again but I'm freezing some now. Yum!

Miller update

Hi all,

Sorry I missed the NL cutoff, but between this blog, Facebook, and our own blog, I feel like we keep everybody pretty well informed of our goings-ons. Especially since there aren't all that many that aren't baby-related.

This past weekend we had our 1-year birthday celebration. For an update on that click here! We held it at a pavilion in a park near our house, and Scott's mom came over from WV to join us; we had a lovely weekend.

Evan and Rowan's one year check up was yesterday and they are doing very well. If you want to read more about what they are up to, click here! Evan had his first real haircut a couple weeks ago, and he looks great.

Scott's job is going great...he's traveling a bit more, but usually for just a day or two at a time. He's extremely busy. Healthwise he is back to normal, thank God.

The rest of us had a round with a nasty cold last week, but we're all 100% now, too.

Next month we have plans to go to Grand Rapids for a wedding overnight, and the following weekend are going to the UP for our friends' Chris and Kay's son's baptism (Scott is the godfather...just as Chris is our kids' godfather.) Chris and Kay also have twin boys, so that should be a fun visit. I'm also selling a bunch of our loot at a mom-2-mom sale with my twins club. Hope to make some good money on all of our baby gear, but am not looking forward to the organizing it will take to get ready. Oh well.

Other than that, life is status quo and we are just busy trying to be good parents.

Love to all!

(p.s. if you do not have access to my blog and would like it, just let me know!)

NL oops

Missed the NL this month, so small update here. '01 Grand Prix has a broken sway bar on left front, courtesy of wear and tear and Chicago speed "humps." Makes loud thunking noise sometimes, so didn't want to chance driving to Midland for twins' party yesterday, which I regret. Realized it's time to store the '01 and get used to my "Florida" '04 car, especially since I get a $6 refund on my insurance, if you can believe it.

One noteworthy event occurred on my way home from Chicago to Jackson. On I-94, in middle lane, I look in side-view mirror and see short headlights for a long distance. Considering all the trucks and SUVs on the road, it caught my eye. Eventually, 22 (yes, I counted them) Vipers passed on my left, with snazzy personalized license plates, a race car No. 91, convertibles, etcetera. Just a surprising delight.

One more reminder: My open house is this Saturday, 9-26, from noon to 6:00. Would love to see family before heading south for the winter.

Tomatoes

Since Sandy shared last week I thought I would share our 19 quarts of tomato juice we canned Friday night. Today we helped move Jim into a house he is sharing with someone he works with. I only have a partial address so will wait to share that.

Happy is this day. After reading ALL the blogs, facebooks and comments I'm honored to be the beginning of all this, as you claim.
It seems chocolate cake was a hit Tracy and thanks for fulfilling my wish. Of course, the kids thank you too.
I was so engrossed in absorbing all the news and pictures this morning Dad had to remind me to shower and get ready for our eye app. How mundane can that be.
Oh well, he is now shaving and we will be out of here,
Love to all. Gram

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Evan,
Happy Birthday to Rowan,
Happy Birthday dear Miller Twins...
Happy Birthday to you!!!
xoxo

Welcome!

Welcome to the family, Brandy Lynn Dewey......

Weekend

It was wonderful to spend some time with Vanessa, Patrick, Flynn, Suzanne, Jim, Doug, Brian, Nikki, and their assorted friends the past couple days. Flynn knows exactly how old he is, and was thrilled by people singing "Happy Birthday" and blowing out candles. Still a novelty, I guess. Got to fly my Macaw kite yesterday along Lake Michigan. The wind did all the work, and it pulled valiantly to stay up.

Joni was gracious enough to order my washer/dryer combo for the last appliance needed in my Jackson house. It's a stackable, apartment size, and the best option for the space.

Turning a negative into a positive, a lesson learned via Eric and Joni's challenge is cover all your bases, all the time, taking no chances with so-called professionals. Asking for names of all contacts, keeping records, getting supervisor's approvals, is still no guarantee of a fair fight, yet can make one feel less helpless. There are ways of salvaging bad credit.

Suzanne is struggling in this economy as well, so my thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends in their times of need.

Horray!

Big Day indeed! Good luck Candi and Alan, praying for you guys and thinking about you! Can't wait to hear the news!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVAN AND ROWAN!! I love 1! The day after Flynn turned one he started walking.... its so much fun!!

Big Day

We'll be thinking of you today, Deweys. Good Luck and Best Wishes!

And a BIG Happy Birthday to the Miller twins.

Beautiful weekend in Dayton

Hello all,

Sorry I haven't written sooner after my last post. I hate that it was such a downer...don't like being a gloomy Gus, even when circumstances may warrant it. As for our situation, we are investigating our options for fighting the outcome. Thanks to all of you for your words of support and encouragement.

Moving on...it has been an incredibly gorgeous week here and we've been taking advantage of the weather as much as possible. Eric's friend, Chris (a.k.a. Heavy), from Massachusetts arrived on Thursday morning and they immediately headed for the golf course. Friday the guys hit the gym and played some basketball then we all went for Chinese food for dinner and then stayed up late playing cards and Wii Bowling.

Saturday we slept in a bit then ate a big breakfast and the boys played video games for awhile. Then we met a bunch of people from Eric's work at a local bar and we all headed to the Italian Festival. We had a great time just hanging out, drinking a little wine, and people watching. After a couple hours we headed to a local wine bar with a couple of the girls and had a fantastic time! When we arrived, there was a small wedding party there dancing and having a great time. The bride and groom included us as if we were invited guests - even offering us cake! The bride and I are now Facebook friends and she invited me to join her and a couple of the girls that were there for their weekly Girls' Night out - yay!

This morning I went to church while the guys worked on waking up. Currently, the boys are at B-dubs for an afternoon of football. Mozart and I are hanging out with the windows wide open, enjoying the beautiful afternoon.

Hope all of you are well and have a wonderful week ahead!

Did you know?

For football fans: In the 1931 Rose Bowl game, Five-Yard Fogerty carried 25 times and gained exactly 5 yards on each carry. It was in that game that teammates celebrated the oddity of Fogerty’s feat by slapping palms—the practice now known as exchanging high fives.

I am amazed by the procedure that zapped my varicose vein. There was one day of minor tenderness, but no real pain. The hardest part was trying to find something to wear with the lovely compression stocking. :) Although, it did feel good to wear it. I decided to go ahead and have the left leg done and that appointment is tomorrow morning. We're switching insurance companies next year and who knows if they will approve it?

I know we've got a few CMU fans out there, but can you believe that game? I bet Dantonio had some choice words for his Special Teams guys.

Happy #3 to Flynn!

Saturday

Whew! Tracy and I canned 55 quarts of tomatoes today. I was at it from 8:30 until about 6:00 and Tracy and Scott arrived around 1:00. She helped me tremendously - I would have had to can for 2 days to get what we did and I'm exhausted as it is. It was great having the twins here at the house and we even let them open their birthday gifts a tad early. Ray was happy to show them the chickens and ducks and a horse at the neighbors. They were quite amused by it all. I'm going to bed early tonight - like soon!!

Friday Fun

Just got back from 'End of the World' Bookelia, excellant fish.
We took our time traveling to show Teri and Brent the changed scenery along the way. We turned on Matlacha Blvd and toured the area to see canals with boats and pretentious places. It was most interesting.
It sounds like a busy, fun weekend for most of us, including here in Florida.
Teri and Brent worked diligently at my list today and I will have to dream up some more jobs, sorta.
Cards sound interesting to me.
Enjoy your weekend and Love from us.

finally FRIDAY!

Hey fam! I'm feeling a little giddy because its Friday! It's been an extremely hectic first week of school for us. All kinds of tech issues that we have to resolve, plus all the video documenting I have to do. We even had this huge production company rent out our Recital Hall for a press release of Billy Elliot, the musical. Hopefully things will calm down soon.

This weekend is going to be great! Brian and his gf, Nicole are coming in tonight, and my Dad is coming in later. We're having a 3rd bday party for Flynn on Sunday. My Mom will be coming in Sunday for the party and his actual bday (monday). He's so excited, he actually walked into our room this morning, and told Pat, "Daddy, wake up, Grandma and Grandpa are coming today!" He's never gotten out of his room to wake us up, guess that's something to get used to.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Stay tuned for some picts from our party.

Thursday

Hubby is finally home from RNR - hope he stays for a few days. Planning to can tomatoes on Saturday; the Millers are planning to come over to help. Work is ridiculous busy - yech!

Leg

Good Morning. The procedure went fine yesterday. I even would have made it to work on time if the doctor had been on time because it only took about 15 minutes. It was not painful, just stung a bit when he was sticking the numbing compound into the vein. This morning, my thigh is a bit sore, but not bad. I have to wear a compression stocking for 10 days during the daytime and go in this afternoon for an ultrasound to check it. But it isn't so uncomfortable that I'll miss work or skip having the other leg done next week.

Holiday End

Hi, all. We had a nice Labor Day. Jason came over and we went out for lunch at a cool marina-side restaurant called Ozona Blue. Many of you have been to Molly Goodhead's not far from there. This had indoor & outdoor seating with a dock for boats to tie up. There was a pool and misters and fans to cool things off. (We ate inside:) Then Jason got to look at our vacation pictures. Don't laugh, he said he enjoyed it!
He has a new roommate. Ross is a friend of a friend and Jason knew him in high school, sort of. He works at the Home Shopping Channel as a cameraman. He has a dog and Toby seems to mostly enjoy the company.
Tomorrow morning, I have the varicose veins in my right leg laser zapped. They have been hurting and this is the latest and greatest treatment. It isn't surgery so there's no prep and no restrictions post-treatment so I am planning on going to work right afterward. I'll let you know how it goes.

Jason and I went to the Tigers-Rays game Sat night. Jason's friend gave him the seats (right behind first base) and a parking pass real close to the field. We had a great time and the Tigers won. However the cowbells gave me a huge headache.

Labor Day Weekend

Hello all...hope all of you are enjoying the long weekend! Our weather here is gorgeous - highs in the low 80s during the day and low 70s high 60s at night. Even though Eric and I both worked Friday and we both work tomorrow, we did have yesterday and today off together. Yesterday was very laid back. We slept in, caught up on the newspaper, and then went grocery shopping.

Today was a bit more productive. I went to church this morning, then this afternoon we went to a festival that is an annual event for a local high school. We were amazed how HUGE it was! They had rides for little kids and big kids and games for kids and adults. The most popular games are Black Jack and Texas Hold 'Em - they even had custom Black Jack tables that had the schools mascot and logo on them. It was pretty cool!

After checking out the festival, we headed to Meijer to finish our grocery shopping and then headed home to start cooking...and cook we did! First I made smoothies as a "snack" to keep our tummies happy until dinner. Then I made meatballs and meatloaf and Eric grilled marinated chicken. With all the choices, we had to pick something for dinner...so we made angel hair pasta and shrimp tossed in pesto topped with grilled chicken - YUM!!! And we're set for dinner for the week - so many delicious choices and we don't even have to leave home!

Eric is co-chairing a Fantasy Football League for J. Alexander's (the restaurant where he works) and the draft is tomorrow night after work. He's been planning/prepping for his draft for over a month now, he's like a little kid, he's so excited! :)

That's all for now...hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day!

Friday before holiday weekend.....

3:00 PM - On your marks.........

TGIF!

Joni and Eric, I can't tell you enough how bummed out I am for you both. I can't stop thinking about your situation. Hoping this stays in the past where it belongs, and doesn't effect your future. It just flat out sucks.

Things are going well with us. Scott is at about 95% and is back to work full time. He even started exercising this past week, though he is taking it easy so don't worry...It's been great having him back to normal.

Evan and I have been fighting a tummy bug all week. We both feel pretty close to normal, but Evan now has quite the diaper rash on his bum. I guess we should consider ourselves lucky that this is his first real bad case of it. I've been letting him parade around without any pants or a diaper every once in awhile and that seems to be helping. I hope I'm not setting myself up for future pants-less behavior, but it's probably coming anyway, so what the heck. It's been helping.

We don't have too much going on this weekend. My dad and stepmom are still in the area - staying at Midland fairgrounds - so we'll probably go visit with them tomorrow so they can show off the twins to all of their friends also staying there for the RV rally that's going on right now. Sunday we have a BBQ to go to, and Monday we'll just take it easy. Nothing too crazy.

Hope everybody has a great loooong weekend!

change of scenery

Well everyone, we're finally finished moving. Mostly anyway. There's a small load of stuff that is left at the old place, along with cleaning supplies and tomato plants...both things we have to have. Jim and Suzanne helped with some painting on Tuesday, and Suz went back last night to start the clean up job. I plan on returning Saturday morning to finish everything, turn in my keys, and NEVER go back!

We managed to fit all our stuff, after a bit of downsizing, into our new apartment. It actually has a lot more space than I thought. Flynn's room is the only room totally set up, complete with new Race car bed, that's the picture. Got both our couches and TV in the living room, still leaving enough space for Wii playing. We have a lot of work to do on our dinning room, and getting all our clothes put away. I think we're going to make room for our fish tank again, Flynn just loves fishes. Met our neighbor yesterday while the movers were doing their thing. We live in a 2 flat, and the basement is reserved for the landlords traveling family whenever they come through. So the residents are us and this other family living above us. Stay at home mom with 2 daughters, a 6 month-old, and a 3 year old, just a week older than Flynn. Dad works downtown by day, rocker by night, just like Pat. I hope we'll be great friends!

Moving stinks, I'm glad its over now. I hope the next time we move will be to our own purchased home instead of rented apartments. That's our goal. Thank you so much Mom for coming by and helping! Suz, thank you a thousand times for helping, bringing Jim, and just offering your overall kindness and support. Couldn't have done it w/o family!

Things in Dayton

I'm feeling pretty crummy for the fourth day in a row. Started with a sore throat and stuffy head, now the congestion has moved into my chest giving me a rattling cough. Ugh...

We've also had a trying week in regard to the townhouse we left behind in Fort Myers. As many of you already know, we started trying to rent it out as soon as we learned we were moving. After four months and no lookers (because of a saturated market) we decided to bite the bullet and list it for sale - knowing it would be a Short Sale. We made payments as long as we possibly could and stayed in constant communication with the bank. As a matter of fact, we were in touch with the bank BEFORE we ever missed a single payment to let them know our circumstances. The response: "You are currently not in default on your loan. Therefore, not a priority. We are only working with homeowners in default 90 days or more."

Since we'd carried two house payments as long as we could (mortgage in Florida, rent in Ohio), come January we could no longer make the mortgage. Again, we filed the proper paperwork and hired a real estate agent that specializes in Short Sales.

We received and accepted an offer for sale in April and submitted it to Wachovia along with a VERY long list of information they demanded. After months of following up via phone calls, faxes, emails, and letters - meeting their EVERY demand - we were consistently told that they were inundated and had not assigned a loan negotiator to our file.

Then at the beginning of August we received a letter in the mail saying that a final foreclosure has been issued and it will be sold in foreclosure on Aug 27. I immediately called our Realtor to find out WHAT THE HECK???

She was stunned and said she'd find out ASAP what was going on. She spoke with the bank and found out that the loss mitigation department had NO IDEA we had a short sale submitted. They said that they would put a "stay" on the foreclosure if we submitted updated paperwork since everything was "outdated" from the April submission. We did so, immediately, and once again played the waiting game. Meanwhile, our Realtor was in contact with the bank on a DAILY basis.

Then last Tuesday (8/25) the negotiator the Realtor had been working with added 2 additional documents to the "MUST HAVE" list before they would officially postpone the foreclosure. Negotiator said we had to have it in by 3pm on Wednesday (8/26) and we complied. Then on Friday (8/28) our realtor received a phone call followed by an email, stating that all information needed for a complete package was received "too late" to submit to the attorneys and postpone the foreclosure.

The foreclosure went as originally scheduled on Thursday (8/27) - screwing the buyers out of the house, our realtor out of ANY compensation for her eight months of hard work and us out of any chance to salvage the damage to our credit.

Our realtor called me with the news while I was on the road for work and I had to pull over b/c I was sobbing so hard. This is the most infuriating situation I've ever been in. We followed all the rules and not only paid by losing our home and credit...but now, Eric's opportunity to find a better job could be compromised because of bad credit. We've found (through personal experience) that more and more corporations are giving credit scores and history a lot of weight in the hiring decision - even if all the other job criteria is met.

I know "this too shall pass". And I'm glad that it's over, in spite of the means, but right now I'm furious and am mourning the loss.

help

Monday hauffeuered a neighbor to the Retina Eye Center and it took 2 hours to get checked. He had little bleeding and did not get a shot in his eye and we were thankful for that. He took us to Shrimp Shack for supper and when we got home he sent 1/2 homade lemon pie with us. He is close to blind and a severe diabetic, can't drive anymore and the folks in the Park take turns transportating him.

FYI our Sunday night card playing group were together and the women slaughtered the men. Card game was bid euchre and it challenges all. Of course the men "let us win" but the score indicated otherwise.

Busy week

Ray left for RNR yesterday but had trailer trouble before he got to Clare. The spring on the Gator trailer broke but he was rescued by Paul and another friend of Ray's. I'm going up Friday after work, one of the thousand flocking north for the last hurrah of summer. Ray said the trees are already changing color up north. This pic is from a couple years ago.

This is a busy training week for my new person. It will be quite intense starting today after lunch. But to assuage that, Tracy is bringing the kids over to MP for lunch and "show and tell" for Gemma at the office. A great relaxer for me!

Update

I sat through the calling of 3 prospective jury panels. They randomly call 30 numbers at a time and missed me each time. Yay. Job is still going great. Our DJJ team has a meeting tomorrow to get our "process" down on paper so we meet the criteria for the state & federal grants. This might clear up some questions for me.

Next week, I'm having my right leg treated for varicose veins. It is a relatively new procedure called endovenous laser therapy and uses a laser fiber inserted into the vein. Laser ablation inside the vein makes the vein close up. The veins are quite painful during/after jogging and even walking sometimes. It is very low risk, there is no general anesthesia so no prep, and I can go to work right after. The left leg is scheduled for the following week.

Gemma Grins

I stayed with the kiddos last night so Scott and Tracy could go out. The twins really do change so much from week to week. Evan is crawling on all fours and both are pulling themselves up all over the place. They are such happy babies and are easily amused with funny faces and goofy sounds. And when Tracy said Evan was chewing on his bed, she wasn't kidding! It isn't just bite marks - he has shredded the wood! Luckily, she has bumpers on the rails now and he just can't figure out how to chew on the vertical slats yet. They make me laugh all the time with their antics. The Miller house is definitely my happy place!

Free Saturday

Doctor offices closed today so our calendar is free. I had 2 biopsy's this past week, l right knee area, the other my ulcer on my tongue(no comments.)
Tongue, OK, nah I can talk all I want. Knee showed cancer and have another app. next week. jolly time in hot town always.
Miss all of you and counting the days until Teri and Brent arrive, have started the second page of 'honoy do'es'.

Paradise on the banks of the Pigeon River

We were visited by momma & 2 babies tonight. West of the house eating apples.

PT, DOP, JD

I have Physical Therapy this morning for an on-going shoulder problem. I got a cortisone shot a few weeks ago, but it hasn't been the miracle cure (or relief) I had hoped for. Guess I need to keep my appointment on the 10th with the Orthopedic Surgeon.

Dropout Prevention job is going great. I'm still without a computer, an office, a list of official duties, etc., but I've been working with another member of our Transition Team and figured out some things. Our function is to place kids returning from a Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) program to a Pinellas County school. Part of my job will be to follow up and make sure they actually get there. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful.

I'm scheduled for JD - jury duty - on Thursday. I have to call tomorrow after 5 to see if they still want me to report, but they usually do. I'd try to get out of it, but they'd just call me later. There is really NO convenient time for this inconvenience. Part of our democratic process, civic duty, and all that. Sigh.

Monday

Worked Saturday, "farmed" Sunday. The only news from the Ranch is that Ray is getting serious about selling it - lock, stock and barrel. The neighbor wants to buy it to expand his livestock transporting business. He currently farms 32 acres now. I don't know that it will happen quickly as Ray and I are quite a bit apart on the price we want (that's a switch, for the sellers to be at odds). We are also a bit apart on where we want to live. So, there are several barriers to the whole deal that have to be torn down. Don't hold your breath. I don't think we are moving soon - but then again, it could happen like Jim and Kathy's new place. You just never know.

blog

Guess folks are busy farming and not writing that much. I miss that too.

WOW!

Mozart is going to be completely thrown off schedule. You TWO enjoy the days. Play a game or two unless the weather drags you outside. Remember to count how many days until you won't want to go out to play, bbbbrrrrrr cold, wet with snow, etc. (4 letter words).

A day together

After another 8-days in a row of work, I finally had a day off. The craziest thing happened, Eric has the day off too!!! Yep, that's right, we had an ENTIRE day off together! :)

Eric let me sleep in...boy did I need it! He took the dog on a bike ride while I was snoozing. When I got up, we went to Red Robin for lunch...yummmmmmm! After lunch we headed to the mall to window shop and pick up a few things we needed.

When we got home, we decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and took Mozart for another bike ride. I can't believe it's the end of August - it only got up to 70 degrees today!

Oh, and I just found out about an hour ago that my training scheduled for tomorrow has been rescheduled, so I get another day off - TWO days in a row - woohoo!!! So it looks like we have another "date day" to look forward to...wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Congrats Brent

WOW a graduation Brent I hope your family makes that awesome occasion. December and g'pa and g'ma McQueen will not be able to make it.
We will celebrate while you are here.

Graduation

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be graduating from Emporia State University on December 19th at 10am. The ceremony is in Emporia, KS. SO excited!

I'm up, I'm up... time for a nap.

I wish I had time for a nap. Today is an early day. I'm up & got the kiddos on the school bus. It picks them up just 2 blocks away, which is nice. We went to Open House Monday & they got to meet their teachers & all were excited to start on Wed. This week they have had all early outs, so was kind of a short week. They will get into the grind & on schedule next week. All 3 have made some new friends (duh) and are enjoying the new school.

Another day of tests for me today. We have a sonogram at 10am, then NST at 11. No Doc visit this week, but next week starts them weekly. Plan is, Tuesdays I have NST & Doc visit, and Fridays is NST & Sono. As of today, we have 26 days til Delivery Day!!! We have just about everything ready, clothes washed, diapers unpacked, crib set up. My Dad & Deb ordered us an infant car seat which we should get around the 24th, then all we wait on is the little one. We are excited, but a bit nervous, of course. I'm ready to be done with this pregnancy schtuff. I still have not gained much weight, tho, and am still down by 10 pounds since January. Who'd have thought pregnancy would make for a good diet?

It's about time to get Alan up & head to the hospital (Doc's office is in a building right next door). Love to all & have a glorious day!!

Life in Freeland

Haven't posted an update in awhile; figured I'd better check in.

Scott is on the mend, though still very run down and tired. He ended up losing 24 pounds in three weeks, so I expect that took the wind out of his sails a bit. He's definitely doing better, though, and returned to work this week. He's been taking it easy, though, to avoid a relapse.

The babies and I are getting back ino our routine. As I type this, Rowan is happily stuffing her face with bb's and Evan is munching on Cheerios, his favorite. She's a fruit and veggie girl, like her mommy, and he's a meat and bread guy, like his daddy. I can only get him to eat fruits and veggies if they're mixed with other stuff. Oh well. We're about to head out for our daily 30-minute walk. I'm not back to kickboxing yet, but I've been so tired it's been hard to consider. I'm only down 3 pounds after Scott's ordeal, but funny how lack of sleep does different things to women than it does men.

This weekend we have plans to convert our guest room to a playroom for the kids. The house sure isn't flying off the market, and all the stuff we'll have will easily move to the new house. We're going to Ikea down in Canton to load up on organizers and decorations, and moving the queen size bed to the pole barn (don't worry, Mom, we got a tall air bed as a replacement.) The kids will love having more room to play in upstairs, and I will love not having to chase them down as they get into everything possible in all of the bedrooms.

Have a good weekend, all!

p.s. I will post an invitation, but all are invited to join us at Evan and Rowan's 1-year birthday party on Sunday, September 20th at noon. We're holding it at a pavilion at Tittabawassee Township Park.

Friday

It’s a beautiful day in Paradise on the banks of the Pigeon River. It’s my fifth furlough Friday & Jim works late so we both got to sleep in! The windows are open and there’s a beautiful 68 degree breeze blowing through our home. Life is good.

visit

Brent, I just said the same thing this morning--3 wks until you and mom come to visit. I, too, am excited. Will you have some studying to do?

Sunshine

Finally, after 5 days of rain and gloominess, the sun is out today. We are 6 inches over "normal" from what I read. I love rainy days and thunderstorms but 5 days is too much. I don't think I could live in the Northwest. Just as an FYI. :)

3 weeks to Florida!!!! Finally got official approval from work. I wasn't worried but at least finally have the paperwork!

WORK

Lori, you go girl. When you get in gear you really make things happen. Good luck.

Busy

Hello from Jackson!
Things are shaping up around here; getting delivery of Dumpster this a.m. for roof reshingling. Help with cleaning garage 2day. Had to move my '04 GP out into driveway to clear a path. Keep fingers crossed nothing hits it. Reminds me to throw my tarp over it. Thanks, guys.

Tuesday

Ray got home from RNR about noon Sunday. Scott was doing such a great job with the kids that I went home early, too. So we had Sunday PM to catch up. He left Monday AM to take a trailer to PA but he should be home again late tonight, hopefully to stay for a few days! Don't tell him I missed him!!!

First Day

Day one is over for my new job. I still don't know what I'll be doing, but I met the people on my "team" and a bunch of others in the Dropout Prevention School. Today was mostly a rah-rah session of meetings to set the tone, but it was so refreshing to be in a room of people I didn't know and be treated kindly and with respect. Such a difference from the first day last year! I did know about 20 people I had either worked with before, or met in some capacity. Off to a good start.

NL

Great reminder Sandy.
I'm so busy with farming that it keeps me hopping to keep up with all the other sights.
Joni sent an article on goal settting and I'm thinking I need to heed the advice therein.

REMINDERS

Goodness Sandy, I forgot---------NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO not really.
I wondered if you would send a notice or if I would have to do you know what.
Getting cloudy here and we are suppose to get 1" rain--we will take it and want it.
Dad rode the bike this morning. A first since surgery and he did a good job.

Saturday thoughts

I'm blogging from Tracy's computer since she was able to go on her "girls' weekend" in Alabama, and Scott and I are tag teaming on the kids. Right now, it's his turn and I'm enjoying a cup of coffee.
One of my staff left for a new job yesterday. Fortunately, we were able to transfer someone who was going to be laid off and who has accounting experience into the department but the training curve is very high. I am going to have to cancel some, if not all, of the extra vacation days I was going to take around Labor Day. Bummer!
Hopefully, Ray will be home this weekend. He's been up north for two weeks and while he has managed to take care of himself and the dog quite admirably, I'm getting tired of feeding the dumb chickens. I'll take FarmVille on Facebook any day.
Don't forget your newsletters, everyone! I'll send another reminder (if I remember) when I get home tomorrow for those who don't read the blog. Love to all. Sandy

Just Us

Hi All, I have quickly scanned the blog & caught up sorta. VERY glad to hear Scott is home & on the mend. Congrats on the O'Connor family for new digs & to Di for her new job. We're good here. We are working as much as dispatch needs us..which is every week. We just got back from WA & leaving again today for CA (I think that's what I heard anyway). I had a terrible week last week though. We slept in a rest area in WI.; I got up to start driving & had to back up (which I rarely do) to get the truck out around a camper. It was raining buckets & about the time I had the thought to get and look to see if anyone was behind me, I hit a 2009 Freightliner with the back corner of the trailer. I smashed his left headlight & scratched his bumper. I also got a ticket for illegal backing because I didn't get out & do a pretrip vehicle inspection. If I had, I would have seen the bobtail behind me. Then on the way home in MN, in construction, a truck's draft caught an orange barrel & sent it flying at me. I hit the barrel with the right front bumper but didn't do any damage. I was about ready to turn in my driver's license. Other than that, we're doing okay. Brad has to have some teeth pulled the end of next week. Since we're paying for it, he's gonna get a couple done at a time then get a bridge to fill in the gaps.
Hope this finds everyone well. Love to all, Brad & Teri

our new place...

So we have a moving plan in place, in case you all were wondering. Patrick and I, and whoever we can get to help, will be moving out everything we can fit in our Jeep on Sept. 1st. Then we have movers booked for Sept. 2nd am. We'll have a massive cleaning job to do. We also have to repaint Flynn's room, which will be kinda sad. My friend, Allison worked so hard on this painting on his closet door, I really don't want to paint over it, but I can't do anything else. I think I'll try to take some pictures with it and make a large poster or something. She personalized it for him, and he loves it too! Anyway, we hope to be done with everything on the 2nd, so we can enjoy the extra long Labor Day weekend in our new place. It will be so great sleeping in for 3 days w/o any hospital noises!! I can't begin to describe how much I want to move. I'll send an email out with our address when it gets closer to the time. Hope all is well!!

boohoo

Diana is leaving and there is so much yet to be learned. Brent be ready when you come down. As of now, I cannot be a farmer. My Adobe is too new and won't upgrade because it isn't available. Don't ask how I was able to get on yesterday and do all that fun stuff and now my crops are going to rot waiting for technology.
I may send pictures of my 'beautiful' face when it gets figured out,

Going Home

I'm leaving this morning for home. I took pictures of Mom's eyes each day to show her progress, but I'll leave it up to her whether to post them, or not. They have improved every day. She's still not supposed to lift anything over 10 pounds until she sees the Dr. next week. Grocery shopping for me today.

Office Day

Good morning all!
Yesterday I went to the Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio for a tour. It's the factory that makes our top-load washing machines and I toured it during my training last year but it was great to see it again now that I have some experience in the field and know what to look for and ask about.

It was a fantastic day but looooooong. My friend Adrianna from Cincinnati came up on Monday night and stayed over then we drove together in the morning. It's about a 3 hour drive one way, so we were pretty exhausted when we finally got home after 10pm - then poor Adrianna had another 45 minutes to get home. But she made it safe and sound and we're both taking an office day to recuperate.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Love,
Joni

Racing computer & colorful eyes

Hello from Ft. Myers. Mom & I went yesterday and she bought a new computer at Best Buy. It's a Toshiba with Vista OS (which kind of scared her at first) and a MUCH faster processor. We got all of her files transferred yesterday and she explored some. We'll do more today, but Vista has cleaned out most of the bugs and it isn't that much different than XP.

Mom's eyes are quite colorful. They feel dried out and scratchy at times. The Doc called yesterday to check on her and said that yesterday would be the worst day so we'll see what she looks like when she gets up (yeah, still sleeping!) Dad is doing great.

I plan on spending the night and going home early Thursday morning. Nice rain storm last night and I saw a few of the Perseids showering this morning on my walk (around 4:30.)

vacation

I went on vacation out west with Doug, his truck, each having our own tents and sharing other responsibilities. We stayed at Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. Intend to contribute to NL this month, so more to come. Sorry to hear about Scott/Tracy's ordeal; Vanessa texted me with basics. Very glad things are improving there. Wanted to let family know I will be holding an open house at my Jackson "remodeled" home on Saturday, September 26, from noon to 6:00 p.m. All are invited, especially Jim and Kathy who may want to get rid of that old water pump from the centennial farm they've dragged from place to place for me. LOL, Lori