The Quiet Ones Go First

Toots, my granddaughter, and I were sitting in the parking lot waiting for a friend to be released from his football practice. We saw a group of girls streaming from the building, but not a guy. I commented that I did not see him yet. Toots quickly replied that they send out the quiet ones first.

Mimi Day Camp with Toots

I have the joy of keeping my granddaughter, Toots, this summer while we are both on vacation. She has termed the arrangement as Mimi Day Camp. Each day we attempt to do something new, something fun. Well, as we were playing outside yesterday afternoon, Toots suggested that we play school, and she would be the teacher. Instantly, her sweet little voice boomed with control as she commanded the attention of the class and barked out the instuctions for me to follow. Do we really sound like that as teachers??? I half expected the neighbor to drop his pool tool and fall into submission. Even the cat stood at attention, not moving a muscle. She gave me a choice of chalk color, told me where to write, and what to write. She patiently waited for me to complete each task before assigning a new one. She is a natural but I'm not sure I want to be in her classroom again tomorrow, or I will be counting the days until school is out.

Papa's "New" Truck

Well, we no longer have the BMW. Hubby decided to sell it in order to buy a used extended cab truck After many months of trying to sell the Beamer, a phone call came from a lady from Colorado who was in town visiting friends. Long story short, she bought the car with cash (the best kind of sale). After much Internet search for a truck, hubby found one in town that fit his criteria, and on the same day he sold the BMW. The truck is n-i-c-e! I wouldn't say that the old truck was a dump, but I was unable to drive it for many reasons. Upon seeing the new truck, our granddaughter, Toots, hopped in and approved it!! She told her Papa that he could just come to school, get in the car line, and pick her up one day after school. Papa chuckled, but not sure he is going to do that. Then while riding in the truck last night, Toots announced that she had never, ever ridden in a truck. She said it was really nice but wanted to know, "Papa, why did you have to buy a truck that plays sports on the radio?"

Iphone Meets Lawn Mower

My hubby called me the other day with news. My stomach did a flip flop even before the words came out of his mouth. He ran over his iPhone with his super duper riding lawn mower, and the Otter Box did not protect it. LOL. When he first began looking, he borrowed a friend's phone to call his phone. No ring, no sound whatsoever. In fact, as he searched the lawn for the phone, he couldn't find even a piece. It wasn't until after searching much more that he began to find pieces of the expensive machine. We've had a few laughs, but only a few. Our grandson thinks we should let the Otter Box company know that its product did not protect the phone. I think we should give a plug to the mower that definitely cuts grass as well as anything else in its way.

I Am My Own Easter Bunny

My granddaughter and I colored Easter eggs on Friday. She has become quite the pro, even making fancy designs with stickers. Then I let her fill the plastic eggs with candy and money. (This is working out well for us!) When we were getting ready for our Easter get together on Saturday, Toots asked if she could hide her own eggs. So, we let her. I reminded her to hide them well, but not so hard that she wouldn't be able to find them. When I checked up on her, she had many in clear view from 50 feet away, but that didn't bother her when she it was time to hunt. I'll have to remember this strategy next year.

Don't Stop Reading!

My fourth graders urge me to read to them every day. So I oblige. But the 15 minutes can be extended when the action of the book whips the students into a frenzy, causing them to beg for more from the book. I love it when the students are so into a book, so desperate to know more that they beg for more. As I finished the book Dear Mr. Henshaw the class wanted more and couldn't believe that the book was completed. They wanted Leigh's parents to remarry and "live happily ever after." Students began relating their stories about how they had not seen their dad for two weeks, two months, or since age 2. The mood in the room became very somber, and one young man burst into tears. He was missing his dad. How powerful words can be. How important books are in the lives of all of us. However, I think I will choose a more light-hearted book for the next reading.

Toots and the Mission Trip

Our granddaughter, Toots, spent the night with us last night to enjoy our company and go to church this morning. She is rather excited about church today because the children's worship program is going on a mission trip in our city. They are going to one of the nursing homes to sing, present cards, and talk with the people. As she was talking about how fun the trip would be, she confused the name and referred to going to the "funeral" home. I guess that would qualify as a mission field, but a little late for the dearly departed.

Blame It on My Iphone

So I guess it has been a while since I have posted. Blame it on my new Iphone. I love it!! I can check facebook in the comfort of my loveseat. I can search the web for anything without sitting at the BIG computer. I just haven't ventured into my blog from my Iphone. I know it can be done, but you know me and technology. We aren't the best of friends. In fact, I don't think we should be in the same room because we don't get along. That being said, I love my Iphone. I do not have many apps installed. I'm sure I only use a tenth of it's potential. But then we only use a tenth of our brains. Guess I should learn to develop both of them. But not right now. You see, I'm going in the living room to watch tv. That will really develop my brain while I check in with my Iphone, my friend.

Crazy Clothes Week for Money

Our students were allowed to wear crazy clothes throughout the week as long as they donated money to a local cause. Monday was pajama day complete with robes and slippers. I overheard a young man say he got out of bed and came to school in his same jammies. There were some really cute pjs and slippers, although I refrained. (I was allowed to wear blue jeans all week for $5.) Tuesday was hat day. That was my least favorite because the students played with the hats all day long, on, off, on, off. They also traded hats which was not the best idea with those little critters running beneath the crown of hair. The hats provided a good lesson in etiquette when we said the pledge to the American flag--boys must remove hats. Wednesday was your favorite sports day. I'm surprised that the students paid money to wear something they are always allowed to wear every day. Guess they weren't thinking of that. Thursday was crazy shoe day, and were they ever crazy. Most wore shoes from different pairs. But one boy came in his mom's high-heeled black leather boots. What a hoot! He had even practiced at home to be sure he could wear them. Late in the day he told his teacher that no wonder she gets grouchy. It must be from the heels. LOL Finally on Friday they wore mismatched clothing. Reminded me of my junior high days when we didn't know any better. Some outfits were totally outrageous while others were kind of cute. I'm just hoping the idea does not catch-on. Next week should be a normal week, whatever normal is.

I Just Called to Say...

I'm excited to receive my new iphone 4g. Do I really need it? Maybe not, but after using my husband's, I really wanted it. I've had a few dropped calls and called a few people I didn't intend to call already. But I'm sure I will be able to figure it out before long.

Politics and Crackers

I went to my first cracker barrel session today. Wasn't quite sure what to anticipate. Didn't see a barrel except around the waists of several older gentlemen. Heard a lot of banter, a lot of posturing, little truth. And I couldn't find any crackers any where.

School Play Day

My granddaughter, Toots, and I spent a snow day playing school. We filled out her extra school agenda with the activities planned for the school day, complete with centers and snacks. I loved it when she played her DS at "recess". She loved it when we ate our school lunches on REAL school lunch trays. One of the centers was crafts where she tied the yarn on 4 of the quilts we are making for an orphanage in the Philippines. When she asked to watch cartoons, I reminded her that would happen when she arrived home from school. It was an excellent day of play and learning. If only real school were as much fun!

From a Burden of Material to Blessings of Quilts

We have missed 4 days this week due to the ice storm. I should do my homework (like I expect of the children) but instead, I have been making quilts for an orphanage in the Philippines. It's an interesting story of how someone's burden became the blessing of so many. One of my teacher friends had a "ton" of material to get "rid of" after her grandmother passed. While talking about it to me one day, I told her that I would be able to use some at our church for costumes. Long story short, she was able to bring three loads of the material to my house. Besides using it at school for bulletin board covers, at church for the stage at Children's Worship, and for costumes, I was able to send three shipments to a mission called Gifts for the Nations which uses/sends materials all over the world. And now several ladies from our church are making quilts from the last of the material for an orphanage in the Philippines. And a local nursing home has ladies ready to tie the quilts. The blessings keep growing and blessing more.

Going Along For the Ride

I've had a wild ride this week and I mean literally. I ended up in the ER with an allergic reaction to a new medication. I was experiencing vertigo along with other ear roaring. It was like being in the center of a merry-g0-round and watching the horses gallop around at a fast clip. At one point the pictures on the wall were rotating positions in a counterclockwise direction. Let's just say I won't be taking that medication again.

Baby It's More Than Cold Outside

It is so cold!! So how cold is it? Zero and falling. With 4 to 5 inches of snow on the ground, there is not much hope of a warm spell. How are people up North or on the East coast able to tolerate this weather and the snow? Staying inside with the heat cranked up, watching tv, and reading facebook sound so inviting today. Nothing can entice me to leave my house today. Well, I hope nothing tries.

Reflections of the Year Past and Resolutions of the Year Present

Ok, so the title is not original, but I'm tired and can't think. It seems as if 2010 has zoomed past me and at times dragged me along with it. I had many deadlines to meet, goals to accomplish, work to be done, and on and on. I guess it would behoove me to make a list of those things accomplished for my own sake, for motivation to do even more in 2011. So here goes in no particular order:

• Babysat my granddaughter on our days off from school, including most of the summer. We had lots of fun, learned a lot, and enjoyed our time.
• Welcomed a new grandson into the world. He is so cute. He loves to stick out his tongue, and he is only 8 months old. Looking forward to many new adventures.
• Enjoyed time with our step-grandsons (I hate that word step!) playing, eating, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, watching football, and just spending time together.
• Enjoyed time with my three children, their mates, and grandchildren, but always wishing it were more time.
• With a great group of people, we sewed and shipped 1001 diapers for the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission. This is the most we have ever done. PTL
• Went on a mission trip to South Dakota to help build the addition to their church. In just 3 1/2 days the project went from a hole in the ground to complete roof.
• Went on a mission trip to Honduras where Lorraine and I helped with their sewing program. I took oversized and unwanted clothes and showed them how to make backpacks, bags, skirts from jeans, save items from the clothes and much more. I was so thrilled to be doing mission work in my area of skill.
• Worked Vacation Bible School which is always a fun activity to be with the children.
• Continued with Beginner Bible Bowl kids at our monthly competitions and the Nationals. The young ones keep you hopping and all was good!
• Attended the National Missionary Convention to renew our desire to work in missions, pick up new ideas, and make new contacts. It's better than a family reunion.
• Accepted the challenge and read through the Bible in one year along with 80+ others from our church.
• Continued with our small group for the third year. As a group we sent Children's Spanish Bibles to a project in Honduras, sold Christmas wreaths for project money, worked at SOS in town, sponsored a child for the year, and purchased Christmas for an extended family. We love getting together and especially eating.
• Finished agonizing physical therapy on my hip, and had a root canal. Yippee!
• Continued with our Sign Language Interpreters at church.
• Became Marty's nurse after he had shoulder surgery. I was creative on ways to make his recovery easier such as elastic bands to hold his phone and TV remote while he recovered in his recliner.
• Continued to serve on the Missions Team, collect food for the CARES program, and substitute at the Senior Dinners.
• Attended the graduation, honors dinner, and parties for my nephew, Kyle, who graduated second in his class. Way to go, Kyle!!
• Continued another year as teacher of fourth graders. I have a great class this year:)
• Celebrated 60 years of life and 38 years of marriage to my life partner, Marty. Looking forward to many more years of life and marriage.

As I have listed these accomplishments, it has been cathartic as well as encouraging to me. I see that I need to get busy on a whole new list of things to accomplish in the year 2011. God, I'm ready to serve.

Christmas Dinner Buca Style

Ok, I don't think I have ever gone out to dinner on Christmas to a restaurant. That is until this Christmas. Because my daughter couldn't come here, we went there or close to it. We went to Buca de Beppa for Christmas dinner. The place is right in the middle of the big city, complete with all the lights, and hustle and bustle. Except the bustle was not so much on Christmas night. But I digress. The place is authentic Italian food in HUGE helpings. We ordered some things individual servings and others as family style. Yum! And since both my birthday and my daughter's birthday were within 7 days of our time there, we received brownie sundaes, complete with ice cream and whipped topping. But we didn't stop there. We ordered the 28 inch dessert platter with 4 towering desserts. And my oldest daughter ordered her own piece of cake. We didn't eat it all, but we tried. Those left overs will take soooooo good and remind us of the wonderful Christmas dinner we had together. The guilt I was feeling for making the people work on Christmas soon dissipated as we wound our way through all the people waiting for their turn to gorge on the delicious food.

Merry Christmas and Other Ramblings

As I sit near the glowing Christmas tree, alone, contemplating this Christmas with all the gatherings and gifts, I smile. It has been a good one. It has been the best one in years. All my family was here together, at the same time. We shared a meal and the unwrapping of the gifts. My youngest grandson took more pleasure in unwrapping and stuffing it in his mouth. He cared not what was in the boxes. How soon that will change as he grows older. Among many gifts, our older grandsons were thrilled with their slankets, (thicker, longer, original version of the snuggie). Heard that the next day they wore only their undies and the slankets for the whole day. Our granddaughter, Toots, was thrilled with her Little Mommy baby who talks, walks, sits, giggles, and drives you nuts just like a toddler. Our children were thrilled with their gifts as well, making all the right ohs and ahs in all the right places. For hubby and me it was a Christmas to remember.

A Chia Cat Has Adopted Me

I met the mailman as he approached our door, his arms overflowing with packages. I could almost see his red suit, but he had traded his reindeer for a 4-wheel drive to trudge through the snow. Back to the packages--On closer examination we found one box to be elegantly addressed to ME! Carefully slicing through the plastic tape, the open box revealed a Chia Pet!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I felt as if I were living the movie where the boy gets his gun. The card with it did not reveal the sender, only stating, "Heard you have been good." So to whomever is out there that has recognized my goodness and rewarded said goodness with the ultimate gift, I THANK YOU!

My Birthday Reflections

I have not been looking forward to this birthday because the big round number is, well, big. None of the other mile-stone birthdays have bothered me. I sailed right through them all. But now at 60, I feel old. Even my granddaughter said that was really old. So to change these negative feelings, I need to reflect on the positives about being 60. If I forget any, you may add them on in the comments.

• Senior discount in most restaurants and stores
• I'm older, I have more insurance (I love that line.)
• Forgetfulness is expected and forgiven
• I have my own teeth
• My hair is my natural color (thanks, Dad) with gray highlights
• I have all my own body parts that are essential (don't stress on this one)
• Respect for elders
• A head full of stories of "When I was a kid..."
• Many years racked up at work
• Nearing retirement when I get to choose what to do
• Don't have to ask permission to go to the bathroom
• Been there, done that, no thank you.
• A seat while others stand
• Selective deafness
• Ability to say NO, I'm not doing that...
• Elastic waistband pants
• Many good friends in the same age bracket
• Family
• The same husband for 38 years
• New phase in life where I can serve God in more ways

So as I have counted my blessings, I realize that reaching 60 is a big deal, and it really does mean I am old.