Easter 2011, a set on Flickr.
We spent Easter in South Dakota with Taryn, Brady, Hunter, Michael, Autumn and Rebekah.
"Supposably"
1 day ago
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 03, 2011
March 2011
March Birthdays
Taryn turned 26 on March 15
Brad's father turned 75 on March 22
and I turned 39 again on March 30
My guys took me out to dinner at Red Lobster on my Birthday. It was yummy! We are going to Mom and Dad's today to celebrate my and Jason's birthdays. Jay will be 16 next Saturday.
The big event in March was the end of Cub Scouts for Alec (and me). On March 29, Alec received his Arrow of Light award and crossed over to Boy Scouts. He started as a Tiger Cub when he was 6 and was in Cub Scouts/Webelos for the last 5 years. It is the end of an era.
Here is a video I made for the graduation ceremony
Taryn turned 26 on March 15
Brad's father turned 75 on March 22
and I turned 39 again on March 30
My guys took me out to dinner at Red Lobster on my Birthday. It was yummy! We are going to Mom and Dad's today to celebrate my and Jason's birthdays. Jay will be 16 next Saturday.
The big event in March was the end of Cub Scouts for Alec (and me). On March 29, Alec received his Arrow of Light award and crossed over to Boy Scouts. He started as a Tiger Cub when he was 6 and was in Cub Scouts/Webelos for the last 5 years. It is the end of an era.
Here is a video I made for the graduation ceremony
Sunday, March 06, 2011
February 2011
Alec turned 11 years old! Happy Birthday Al!
He had a recheck on his arm and his 11 year check up. All is well with Al.
Not much else to report for February. There was one more snow day on the 25th - for a total of 4 snow days in Feb and 9 altogether in 2011. I think the last day of school has now moved from May 24 to June 3.
He had a recheck on his arm and his 11 year check up. All is well with Al.
Not much else to report for February. There was one more snow day on the 25th - for a total of 4 snow days in Feb and 9 altogether in 2011. I think the last day of school has now moved from May 24 to June 3.
Friday, February 04, 2011
2011 so far
Snow, cold, more snow and more cold - that has been 2011 so far.
Alec started the year off with strep throat. Poor thing! He missed the first 2 days back to school after the Christmas break. He did get his cast off though and his arm seems to be back to normal. We go next week for a follow-up - just to be sure.
Alec earned 1st place in the photography portion of the PTA Reflections contest for his school. The theme was "together we can....." and this was the photo he entered. I think it is awesome! It was on display 1/6 at the district display and got many positive comments.
Jill turned 17 on 1/7
Jake turned 19 on 1/14
Brad had another birthday on 1/26. One of his cards said "You're not getting old.....
Hell you were old last year!" funny! (this was from Vanessa)
We celebrated Jake and Jill's birthdays at Grandpa and Grandma's on the 16th. And we celebrated Brad and Alec's on the 30th. Alec will be 11 on Monday 2/7.
Both boys have been enjoying the many snow days they've had. There have been 8 so far in 2011. They won't be enjoying them so much when they have to go to school for a couple of extra weeks in June!
Our last Pinewood Derby was on 1/29. Jason and I raced in the outlaw race and Alec raced in the regular races. None of us won a trophy. Alec actually did much better last year with his 'block of wood' then he did this year with the car he made. :)
Alec 2011 car
Alec's 2010 'block of wood' - won 1st place! Jason raced it this year in the outlaw race. It did
not win a trophy this year.
my silly car
We had some sadness in January. My great Aunt Charlotte passed away at the age of 99 on 1/18 and my Aunt Lucy passed away at the age of 86 on 1/20.
Aunt Charlotte did not want a funeral and was buried near her husband and son without ceremony. Aunt Lucy's funeral was in Bethany on 1/22. She was buried in New Hampton on the same day next to her husband. It was a very cold and we had to walk through the snow to get to the graveside. It was a nice service and I know her family will miss her dearly.
Aunt Charlotte (that is Aunt Maggie on the left. Sorry I cut you off!)
Aunt Lucy
Rest in Peace Dear Aunties.
and I shall leave with the a few pictures of the 'Blizzard of 2011' which occurred on 2/1 and 2/2......
during
the morning after
dug out
Alec started the year off with strep throat. Poor thing! He missed the first 2 days back to school after the Christmas break. He did get his cast off though and his arm seems to be back to normal. We go next week for a follow-up - just to be sure.
Alec earned 1st place in the photography portion of the PTA Reflections contest for his school. The theme was "together we can....." and this was the photo he entered. I think it is awesome! It was on display 1/6 at the district display and got many positive comments.
Jill turned 17 on 1/7
Jake turned 19 on 1/14
Brad had another birthday on 1/26. One of his cards said "You're not getting old.....
Hell you were old last year!" funny! (this was from Vanessa)
We celebrated Jake and Jill's birthdays at Grandpa and Grandma's on the 16th. And we celebrated Brad and Alec's on the 30th. Alec will be 11 on Monday 2/7.
Both boys have been enjoying the many snow days they've had. There have been 8 so far in 2011. They won't be enjoying them so much when they have to go to school for a couple of extra weeks in June!
Our last Pinewood Derby was on 1/29. Jason and I raced in the outlaw race and Alec raced in the regular races. None of us won a trophy. Alec actually did much better last year with his 'block of wood' then he did this year with the car he made. :)
Alec 2011 car
Alec's 2010 'block of wood' - won 1st place! Jason raced it this year in the outlaw race. It did
not win a trophy this year.
my silly car
We had some sadness in January. My great Aunt Charlotte passed away at the age of 99 on 1/18 and my Aunt Lucy passed away at the age of 86 on 1/20.
Aunt Charlotte did not want a funeral and was buried near her husband and son without ceremony. Aunt Lucy's funeral was in Bethany on 1/22. She was buried in New Hampton on the same day next to her husband. It was a very cold and we had to walk through the snow to get to the graveside. It was a nice service and I know her family will miss her dearly.
Aunt Charlotte (that is Aunt Maggie on the left. Sorry I cut you off!)
Aunt Lucy
Rest in Peace Dear Aunties.
and I shall leave with the a few pictures of the 'Blizzard of 2011' which occurred on 2/1 and 2/2......
during
the morning after
dug out
Monday, January 03, 2011
December 2010
December was a pretty busy month - like most people's Decembers are.
12/2 after spending the morning getting fingerprinted for my JPM job - I worked at the Gingerbread Shop at Alec's school. Lots of wrapping gifts that the kiddos had picked out for their families and friends. This was my first time in the 10 years at DYE that I had worked at this event. It was kind of fun - but I guess it will also be my last since next year is middle school!
12/3 - Michael turned 28. Wow we have a kid that is almost 30! :)
12/8 - Alec had an x-ray of his casted arm to make sure it was healing properly. It was. But it took 1 1/2 hours for the appointment! ugh. Also on this day the boys and I worked at Chicago Street Lights for the scouts. It was cold but not unbearable. Better than last year - and no snow this year.
12/11 - We had Trent's birthday dinner at Mom and Dad's during the day and attended Mark and Charice's Christmas party that night. I had a fun time.
12/12 - my baby bro turned 44.
12/14 - I started my job at JP Morgan.
12/15 - Alec was in his school spelling bee. The results weren't what we had hoped - but that's the way it goes sometimes. The word he missed was 'tickled'. He thought they said 'tickle' and he spelled 'tickle'. That darn 'd' lost him the bee.
12/16 - was the Daniel Young Christmas Play. It was very cute. Alec was in the chorus. He didn't want to try out for anything else. Our neighbor, Marissa, was Miss Dolly and she had a solo. She did great!
12/20 - Alec got his long arm cast off this morning and then got a short one to wear for a couple more weeks. This time he got red with a green stripe - for Christmas. In the afternoon - I took pictures for Jacob's friend Cameron and his mom at Falls Park by Bass Pro. So I guess I technically worked 2 jobs this week :) My photo biz and my JPM job.
12/21 - We had our December Pack Meeting for scouts. I spent most of it wrapping gifts for our adopted family. Thank goodness I had 3 other people helping me. I couldn't have done it without them! We had a quite a few things for them. I hope they had a good Christmas.
12/24 - We had our traditional Christmas Eve at Mom and Dad's house.
12/25 - Alec got us up at 7:45 or so to open presents. I think the boys had a good Christmas. I know I did. Mom, Dad and Nan came over in the afternoon.
12/27 - Grandpa took the boys to see the newest Harry Potter movie. They liked it. He didn't. Mom and I went to Bethany to Aunt Faye's to visit with Teresa, Angela, Kiersten and Kaylee who were here from New York.
12/28 - Taryn, Brady, Hunter and his girlfriend Stephanie came in around 9:30 that night for a visit.
12/31 - Hunter, Steph, Jason and Alec went ice skating. Yes - Alec went ice skating with a cast on his arm. What a bad mother I am! He also got a unicycle for Christmas. Crazy - I know! After skating - all 8 of us went to Red Lobster for dinner. Brad's Mom and Dad had sent some money for Christmas - and I thought this would be a way to spend it that we would all enjoy. Too bad they couldn't join us! Later we just watched a movie at home and hung out until midnight.
Happy 2011!
12/2 after spending the morning getting fingerprinted for my JPM job - I worked at the Gingerbread Shop at Alec's school. Lots of wrapping gifts that the kiddos had picked out for their families and friends. This was my first time in the 10 years at DYE that I had worked at this event. It was kind of fun - but I guess it will also be my last since next year is middle school!
12/3 - Michael turned 28. Wow we have a kid that is almost 30! :)
12/8 - Alec had an x-ray of his casted arm to make sure it was healing properly. It was. But it took 1 1/2 hours for the appointment! ugh. Also on this day the boys and I worked at Chicago Street Lights for the scouts. It was cold but not unbearable. Better than last year - and no snow this year.
12/11 - We had Trent's birthday dinner at Mom and Dad's during the day and attended Mark and Charice's Christmas party that night. I had a fun time.
12/12 - my baby bro turned 44.
12/14 - I started my job at JP Morgan.
12/15 - Alec was in his school spelling bee. The results weren't what we had hoped - but that's the way it goes sometimes. The word he missed was 'tickled'. He thought they said 'tickle' and he spelled 'tickle'. That darn 'd' lost him the bee.
12/16 - was the Daniel Young Christmas Play. It was very cute. Alec was in the chorus. He didn't want to try out for anything else. Our neighbor, Marissa, was Miss Dolly and she had a solo. She did great!
12/20 - Alec got his long arm cast off this morning and then got a short one to wear for a couple more weeks. This time he got red with a green stripe - for Christmas. In the afternoon - I took pictures for Jacob's friend Cameron and his mom at Falls Park by Bass Pro. So I guess I technically worked 2 jobs this week :) My photo biz and my JPM job.
12/21 - We had our December Pack Meeting for scouts. I spent most of it wrapping gifts for our adopted family. Thank goodness I had 3 other people helping me. I couldn't have done it without them! We had a quite a few things for them. I hope they had a good Christmas.
12/24 - We had our traditional Christmas Eve at Mom and Dad's house.
12/25 - Alec got us up at 7:45 or so to open presents. I think the boys had a good Christmas. I know I did. Mom, Dad and Nan came over in the afternoon.
12/27 - Grandpa took the boys to see the newest Harry Potter movie. They liked it. He didn't. Mom and I went to Bethany to Aunt Faye's to visit with Teresa, Angela, Kiersten and Kaylee who were here from New York.
12/28 - Taryn, Brady, Hunter and his girlfriend Stephanie came in around 9:30 that night for a visit.
12/31 - Hunter, Steph, Jason and Alec went ice skating. Yes - Alec went ice skating with a cast on his arm. What a bad mother I am! He also got a unicycle for Christmas. Crazy - I know! After skating - all 8 of us went to Red Lobster for dinner. Brad's Mom and Dad had sent some money for Christmas - and I thought this would be a way to spend it that we would all enjoy. Too bad they couldn't join us! Later we just watched a movie at home and hung out until midnight.
Happy 2011!
Saturday, December 04, 2010
November 2010
November 2 my in-laws - Maxine and Charles celebrated 54 years of marriage. Wow!
November 3 - Brad's granddaughter Averie turned 4. We have not had the opportunity to meet Averie or be a part of her life - but we hope she is well and happy.
November 4 - Jason took the PLAN test (pre-ACT). Results to come in December.
November 8 - we attended a memorial service for my Mom's long-time friend Carolyn Price. She was a wonderful person and I know will be missed by many.
November 9 - Brad's mother celebrated a birthday. Happy Birthday Maxine!
November 13 - Jill attended a photo club event with me. The photo club I belong to had Nick Vedros as a guest speaker. It was an interesting talk. He goes to great lengths for the perfect picture! This is his website - http://vedros.com/
November 14 - I went out to lunch and movie with my long-time friends Jennifer and Carla to celebrate Carla's birthday. We saw the movie Morning Glory. Next year Carla will be 50 and we are going on a cruise!
November 17 - Brad became a great uncle for the first time. His niece Mindy had a baby girl - Kinsley Paige.
November 20 - I took 6 month pictures of my cousin's baby Slate. He looked adorable in his Santa Suit! I also got to see another of my cousins on that day and I had lunch with her and her kiddos - Baby Zach and 4 year old Julia.
November 21 - we had an early Thanksgiving dinner at my Mom and Dad's. Mom still can't be on her feet much so she gave directions from the living room while the rest of us fixed dinner. Great team work!
November 23 - I volunteered at the School of Economics with Alec's class. They simulate a small town and learn lots. Some kids run food and craft shops. In addition, there is a Mayor, health inspectors, CPA firm and a bank. Alec was the bank president. They all get paychecks and get to spend their money at all the shops.
November 24 - we drove to Louisiana for Thanksgiving. It took us a little over 12 hours and we arrived at Grandpa and Grandma's house at around 8:00pm.
November 25 was Thanksgiving and a bit of a crazy day. It started first thing in the morning with Alec breaking his arm! He fell backwards off his Ripstik. Or rather off his cousin's Ripstik. He forgot to bring his own - maybe that should have been a sign. It was obviously broken and he was in a lot of pain - so Brad and I took him straight to Rapides Regional Medical Center ER. Coincidentally this is the same hospital that Brad was born in 50 years ago! All the personnel were great. We didn't have to wait long either - which was a relief. They gave Alec some pain medication and splinted his arm. We headed back home around 11:30am just in time for turkey dinner. Brad's grandmother joined us for Thanksgiving day. She is 96 and still gets around quite well.
November 26 - Tami and I braved the Black Friday crowds and went to Shoe Carnival and Best Buy. Shoe Carnival is a tradition for us. We always go and we usually like and buy the same shoes!
November 27 - The 10 of us went out to lunch at CiCi's then to the Alexandria Zoo. It was a gorgeous day and nice to get out and walk around. Alec was still adjusting to his injury and in a bit of pain so he rode in a wheelchair. We forgot his pain meds though and by the time we made it through the whole zoo - he was pretty worn out. I think he enjoyed it though. It gave him something to do since he couldn't be outside running around with his cousins like they usually are.
November 28 - We drove back to Missouri. It took a little less than 12 hours this time and was a pretty good trip.
We had a bit of a crazy Thanksgiving week this year. In addition to the broken arm - we had a few other bits of bad luck throughout the week. The Tahoe ran out gas in the driveway, Seth locked Tami's keys in their car. They did not have an extra set and had to get one made. Ryne's laptop was left on the floor and got 'rocked' on by the recliner. It made a big defect on the screen. Brad almost fainted at the ER when we took Alec. We almost had 2 patients. They gave him a wet rag and he laid down for few minutes and he was okay. He does not like hospitals.
But Shawn pointed out that all of those things could have been much worse. That is a good point. Alec could have broken his right arm instead of his left - or broke his neck or something. The Tahoe could have run out of gas on the freeway somewhere. It might have been much harder to get a key made for Tami's car. The laptop still works and can still be used. Brad did not faint and hit his head or something. So I guess that is a better way to look at things. Thanks Shawn!
November 29 - I took Alec to see his pediatrician for a cast. After the doc looked at the x-rays - he referred us to an orthopedic doctor for the cast. He thought the break was a little more than he could cast.
November 30 - We went to Rockhill Orthopedics and Alec got his cast. It goes from his shoulder to his hand and is red. After the casting - he and I went to 'the soup place' (Panera) for lunch. Then to Grandma and Grandpa's to show them his cast. Grandpa wasn't home but he came by our house later to see it (and us!) We went to the Scout Pack Meeting that night and he went back to school the next day.
And that's November 2010 for us! Coming up in December - I finally have a start date for my contract job at JPM. I start 12/14. and of course much more is happening in December! Until then....
November 3 - Brad's granddaughter Averie turned 4. We have not had the opportunity to meet Averie or be a part of her life - but we hope she is well and happy.
November 4 - Jason took the PLAN test (pre-ACT). Results to come in December.
November 8 - we attended a memorial service for my Mom's long-time friend Carolyn Price. She was a wonderful person and I know will be missed by many.
November 9 - Brad's mother celebrated a birthday. Happy Birthday Maxine!
November 13 - Jill attended a photo club event with me. The photo club I belong to had Nick Vedros as a guest speaker. It was an interesting talk. He goes to great lengths for the perfect picture! This is his website - http://vedros.com/
November 14 - I went out to lunch and movie with my long-time friends Jennifer and Carla to celebrate Carla's birthday. We saw the movie Morning Glory. Next year Carla will be 50 and we are going on a cruise!
November 17 - Brad became a great uncle for the first time. His niece Mindy had a baby girl - Kinsley Paige.
November 20 - I took 6 month pictures of my cousin's baby Slate. He looked adorable in his Santa Suit! I also got to see another of my cousins on that day and I had lunch with her and her kiddos - Baby Zach and 4 year old Julia.
November 21 - we had an early Thanksgiving dinner at my Mom and Dad's. Mom still can't be on her feet much so she gave directions from the living room while the rest of us fixed dinner. Great team work!
November 23 - I volunteered at the School of Economics with Alec's class. They simulate a small town and learn lots. Some kids run food and craft shops. In addition, there is a Mayor, health inspectors, CPA firm and a bank. Alec was the bank president. They all get paychecks and get to spend their money at all the shops.
November 24 - we drove to Louisiana for Thanksgiving. It took us a little over 12 hours and we arrived at Grandpa and Grandma's house at around 8:00pm.
November 25 was Thanksgiving and a bit of a crazy day. It started first thing in the morning with Alec breaking his arm! He fell backwards off his Ripstik. Or rather off his cousin's Ripstik. He forgot to bring his own - maybe that should have been a sign. It was obviously broken and he was in a lot of pain - so Brad and I took him straight to Rapides Regional Medical Center ER. Coincidentally this is the same hospital that Brad was born in 50 years ago! All the personnel were great. We didn't have to wait long either - which was a relief. They gave Alec some pain medication and splinted his arm. We headed back home around 11:30am just in time for turkey dinner. Brad's grandmother joined us for Thanksgiving day. She is 96 and still gets around quite well.
November 26 - Tami and I braved the Black Friday crowds and went to Shoe Carnival and Best Buy. Shoe Carnival is a tradition for us. We always go and we usually like and buy the same shoes!
November 27 - The 10 of us went out to lunch at CiCi's then to the Alexandria Zoo. It was a gorgeous day and nice to get out and walk around. Alec was still adjusting to his injury and in a bit of pain so he rode in a wheelchair. We forgot his pain meds though and by the time we made it through the whole zoo - he was pretty worn out. I think he enjoyed it though. It gave him something to do since he couldn't be outside running around with his cousins like they usually are.
November 28 - We drove back to Missouri. It took a little less than 12 hours this time and was a pretty good trip.
We had a bit of a crazy Thanksgiving week this year. In addition to the broken arm - we had a few other bits of bad luck throughout the week. The Tahoe ran out gas in the driveway, Seth locked Tami's keys in their car. They did not have an extra set and had to get one made. Ryne's laptop was left on the floor and got 'rocked' on by the recliner. It made a big defect on the screen. Brad almost fainted at the ER when we took Alec. We almost had 2 patients. They gave him a wet rag and he laid down for few minutes and he was okay. He does not like hospitals.
But Shawn pointed out that all of those things could have been much worse. That is a good point. Alec could have broken his right arm instead of his left - or broke his neck or something. The Tahoe could have run out of gas on the freeway somewhere. It might have been much harder to get a key made for Tami's car. The laptop still works and can still be used. Brad did not faint and hit his head or something. So I guess that is a better way to look at things. Thanks Shawn!
November 29 - I took Alec to see his pediatrician for a cast. After the doc looked at the x-rays - he referred us to an orthopedic doctor for the cast. He thought the break was a little more than he could cast.
November 30 - We went to Rockhill Orthopedics and Alec got his cast. It goes from his shoulder to his hand and is red. After the casting - he and I went to 'the soup place' (Panera) for lunch. Then to Grandma and Grandpa's to show them his cast. Grandpa wasn't home but he came by our house later to see it (and us!) We went to the Scout Pack Meeting that night and he went back to school the next day.
And that's November 2010 for us! Coming up in December - I finally have a start date for my contract job at JPM. I start 12/14. and of course much more is happening in December! Until then....
Thursday, November 04, 2010
October 2010
I can't say October was a great month as I was sick for most of it! I had bronchitis and felt lousy. Not fun!
There were definitely good things that happened though!
At Alec's parent/teacher conference I learned that he got a perfect score on his Communication Arts MAP test. His teacher was very impressed and they are trying to see if anyone else in the district achieved this. The MAP test is the elementary standardized test, given in the state of Missouri, each year and stands for Missouri Assessment Program. In high school they take similar tests but they are called Missouri End-of-Course Assessment. Well guess what! Jason achieved a perfect score on his geometry EOC! I am soooo proud of my boys!! Jason also took the PSAT (pre-SAT) test in October and is taking the PLAN (pre-ACT) test this morning. He will be going off to college before we know it! I am not ready for that!
More things to celebrate from October:
Hunter turned 20 on 10/11. We now have kids that are 10, 15, 20 and 25 (and 27) - cool!
My Dad turned 74 on 10/13
Brad's Grandma Willis turned 96 on 10/17
Autumn Rayne turned 9 on 10/26
Mom and Dad's neighbors have season tickets to the Royals game. They had a couple of extra tickets to the last game of the season and gave them to Mom and Dad. Mom is having lots of trouble with her right foot so she didn't want to go. The boys didn't want to go either, Trent had to work, etc - so anyway - I ended up going with my Dad. It was a really nice day and it was nice to spend one-on-one time with my dad. Too bad the Royals lost in extra innings.
Still no job - but I did have an 'interview' for a part-time contract position. We will see if anything comes of it.
Not much else to report. The boys were out of school on 10/28, 10/29 and 11/1. We all enjoyed the 5 day 'weekend'. Oh yes - I guess we did have Halloween in there too! I almost forgot about it. The boys went all out on their costumes this year - NOT! They wore disguise glasses with a fake nose and mustache. They went trick or treating with the neighbors on their hay wagon and Brad and I stayed home and passed out candy. Or I guess - I passed out candy and Brad didn't move from his chair where he was reading a book. :) Here is a picture of my silly boys.
There were definitely good things that happened though!
At Alec's parent/teacher conference I learned that he got a perfect score on his Communication Arts MAP test. His teacher was very impressed and they are trying to see if anyone else in the district achieved this. The MAP test is the elementary standardized test, given in the state of Missouri, each year and stands for Missouri Assessment Program. In high school they take similar tests but they are called Missouri End-of-Course Assessment. Well guess what! Jason achieved a perfect score on his geometry EOC! I am soooo proud of my boys!! Jason also took the PSAT (pre-SAT) test in October and is taking the PLAN (pre-ACT) test this morning. He will be going off to college before we know it! I am not ready for that!
More things to celebrate from October:
Hunter turned 20 on 10/11. We now have kids that are 10, 15, 20 and 25 (and 27) - cool!
My Dad turned 74 on 10/13
Brad's Grandma Willis turned 96 on 10/17
Autumn Rayne turned 9 on 10/26
Mom and Dad's neighbors have season tickets to the Royals game. They had a couple of extra tickets to the last game of the season and gave them to Mom and Dad. Mom is having lots of trouble with her right foot so she didn't want to go. The boys didn't want to go either, Trent had to work, etc - so anyway - I ended up going with my Dad. It was a really nice day and it was nice to spend one-on-one time with my dad. Too bad the Royals lost in extra innings.
Still no job - but I did have an 'interview' for a part-time contract position. We will see if anything comes of it.
Not much else to report. The boys were out of school on 10/28, 10/29 and 11/1. We all enjoyed the 5 day 'weekend'. Oh yes - I guess we did have Halloween in there too! I almost forgot about it. The boys went all out on their costumes this year - NOT! They wore disguise glasses with a fake nose and mustache. They went trick or treating with the neighbors on their hay wagon and Brad and I stayed home and passed out candy. Or I guess - I passed out candy and Brad didn't move from his chair where he was reading a book. :) Here is a picture of my silly boys.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
September and part of October 2010
Well the updating more frequently did not happen - but that's okay.
I am not yet back to work but I am currently in discussions for a part-time contract job. Yeah!
I need a job to help pay for our new carpet and tile. :)
September celebrations:
nephew Seth turned 12
brother-in-law Shawn had a birthday
Taryn and Brady celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary and
found out they are expecting a baby!!!
The Santa Cali Gon was Labor Day weekend as usual. Normally Mom, Nan and I go and browse the craft tents. Unfortunately, this year, Mom is having more trouble than usual with her feet and is currently in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs and very crowded, narrow tents do not mix. I actually ended up going with Lucia for a couple of hours on Saturday. Next year hopefully Mom will be able to walk and she, Nan, Lucia and I can all go!
Vanessa and I attempted to go to the Plaza Art Fair this year too but got rained out. We drove down there on Saturday night but never found a parking place and then it started raining pretty hard and didn't look like it would clear up. We decided to go get mani/pedis instead.
Mom, Nan and I decided to go out to lunch and shopping since we missed SantaCaliGon. We went to Olive Garden and then shopping at Kohl's and Bed,Bath and Beyond. It was much easier to push a wheelchair around those places than it would have been at SCG.
I had to get new rear brakes on my Honda even though it only has 23,000 miles on it. Apparently Honda had a design flaw with the 2008 Accords. They did at least send me a settlement for $125 to help cover the cost. They were pretty quick about sending it too. I was very surprised.
The annual Baker Reunion was the second Sunday in September. The boys and I went with Mom, Dad and Vanessa. Or I guess I should say they went with me - because I drove.
Alec missed 4 days of school during September. I never did understand if he had bronchitis or not but I know he did not have pneumonia as the chest x-ray was clear. The final 'cure' was an inhaler to clear his bronchial passages.
Grandparent's Day at Alec's school was October 1st. Mom and Dad came. I worked with Lucia selling sportswear. I guess this is our last one since they don't have Grandparent's day at the middle school.
I am sure I am forgetting a few things but I wanted to get at least this much updated. Until next time......
I am not yet back to work but I am currently in discussions for a part-time contract job. Yeah!
I need a job to help pay for our new carpet and tile. :)
September celebrations:
nephew Seth turned 12
brother-in-law Shawn had a birthday
Taryn and Brady celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary and
found out they are expecting a baby!!!
The Santa Cali Gon was Labor Day weekend as usual. Normally Mom, Nan and I go and browse the craft tents. Unfortunately, this year, Mom is having more trouble than usual with her feet and is currently in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs and very crowded, narrow tents do not mix. I actually ended up going with Lucia for a couple of hours on Saturday. Next year hopefully Mom will be able to walk and she, Nan, Lucia and I can all go!
Vanessa and I attempted to go to the Plaza Art Fair this year too but got rained out. We drove down there on Saturday night but never found a parking place and then it started raining pretty hard and didn't look like it would clear up. We decided to go get mani/pedis instead.
Mom, Nan and I decided to go out to lunch and shopping since we missed SantaCaliGon. We went to Olive Garden and then shopping at Kohl's and Bed,Bath and Beyond. It was much easier to push a wheelchair around those places than it would have been at SCG.
I had to get new rear brakes on my Honda even though it only has 23,000 miles on it. Apparently Honda had a design flaw with the 2008 Accords. They did at least send me a settlement for $125 to help cover the cost. They were pretty quick about sending it too. I was very surprised.
The annual Baker Reunion was the second Sunday in September. The boys and I went with Mom, Dad and Vanessa. Or I guess I should say they went with me - because I drove.
Alec missed 4 days of school during September. I never did understand if he had bronchitis or not but I know he did not have pneumonia as the chest x-ray was clear. The final 'cure' was an inhaler to clear his bronchial passages.
Grandparent's Day at Alec's school was October 1st. Mom and Dad came. I worked with Lucia selling sportswear. I guess this is our last one since they don't have Grandparent's day at the middle school.
I am sure I am forgetting a few things but I wanted to get at least this much updated. Until next time......
Saturday, September 04, 2010
August 2010
I think I need to start updating more frequently. Seems like by the time the month is over I forget a lot of things and seems like a big 'job' to update. I like keeping this blog and don't want it to be a 'job'.
Speaking of jobs - I checked on a couple this month. I looked into working part-time at JPM doing conversions like I did 5 years ago. I suggested that I could job share with another part-timer - but they said that can't hire anyone in at part-time. I did not apply for the full-time position. I know I am spoiled - but I just couldn't stand the thought of going to the office 5 days a week.
The other job I looked at is with the last company I worked for. When/if they have an opening - I may go back as a contingent worker. It would be full-time too - but would be from home. The office they have here is full. Full-time from home would be good! Besides - I need to drive Alec to and from school this year - so I need to be here.
School started on August 18 for both the boys. Jason is a sophomore and Alec is in 5th grade. I take Jason to school in the mornings but he rides the bus home. The morning bus comes at 6:30am but school does not start until 7:25am. I just couldn't see making him (and me) wake up that early to go sit at the school for 45 minutes. I know they have to be that early because the freshman center and the high school share the buses - but that is just crazy.
Alec can't ride the bus this year. They changed the boundaries and he is actually supposed to go to a different school now. But since this was his last year of elementary school, I decided to let him stay at his old school and drive him. It is kind of a pain - but at least my neighbor is doing the same for her daughter - so we take turns.
There was something very sad that happened this month. My cousin's 17 year old step-son had been missing since May. His body was found this month in the woods. He had committed suicide. His father was very devastated - as you can imagine. I attended a memorial service for Cody on Aug 22. It was a very moving service and very, very sad. Life will never be the same for his family. What makes a boy, with his whole life ahead of him, and family and friends that love him, take his own life. He had to have been in a very dark place. I pray that he is now at peace.
We did have some wonderful things to celebrate this month too though!
Great Aunt Charlotte celebrated her 99th birthday!
Aunt Karyn and Uncle Loren celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary!
They had a nice dinner party thrown by their children. It was in Ottawa and much of the family attended.
Michelle turned 40 something :) and
Mom turned 72
We celebrated Mom and Michelle's birthdays together with dinner at our house. It was a stormy night - but fun. In attendance were Aunt Faye, Mom, Dad, Nan, Trent, Michelle, Jake, Taylor, Jill, Josh and of course the 4 of us. It was our last family celebration before Jake's headed off to college. Not like he won't be back quite often - but it was still a milestone.
On Mom's actual birthday - she, Dad and I went to see the movie Eat Pray Love. It was pretty good. I am going to miss being able to do things like going to the movie in the middle of the day when I start working again!
Speaking of jobs - I checked on a couple this month. I looked into working part-time at JPM doing conversions like I did 5 years ago. I suggested that I could job share with another part-timer - but they said that can't hire anyone in at part-time. I did not apply for the full-time position. I know I am spoiled - but I just couldn't stand the thought of going to the office 5 days a week.
The other job I looked at is with the last company I worked for. When/if they have an opening - I may go back as a contingent worker. It would be full-time too - but would be from home. The office they have here is full. Full-time from home would be good! Besides - I need to drive Alec to and from school this year - so I need to be here.
School started on August 18 for both the boys. Jason is a sophomore and Alec is in 5th grade. I take Jason to school in the mornings but he rides the bus home. The morning bus comes at 6:30am but school does not start until 7:25am. I just couldn't see making him (and me) wake up that early to go sit at the school for 45 minutes. I know they have to be that early because the freshman center and the high school share the buses - but that is just crazy.
Alec can't ride the bus this year. They changed the boundaries and he is actually supposed to go to a different school now. But since this was his last year of elementary school, I decided to let him stay at his old school and drive him. It is kind of a pain - but at least my neighbor is doing the same for her daughter - so we take turns.
There was something very sad that happened this month. My cousin's 17 year old step-son had been missing since May. His body was found this month in the woods. He had committed suicide. His father was very devastated - as you can imagine. I attended a memorial service for Cody on Aug 22. It was a very moving service and very, very sad. Life will never be the same for his family. What makes a boy, with his whole life ahead of him, and family and friends that love him, take his own life. He had to have been in a very dark place. I pray that he is now at peace.
We did have some wonderful things to celebrate this month too though!
Great Aunt Charlotte celebrated her 99th birthday!
Aunt Karyn and Uncle Loren celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary!
They had a nice dinner party thrown by their children. It was in Ottawa and much of the family attended.
Michelle turned 40 something :) and
Mom turned 72
We celebrated Mom and Michelle's birthdays together with dinner at our house. It was a stormy night - but fun. In attendance were Aunt Faye, Mom, Dad, Nan, Trent, Michelle, Jake, Taylor, Jill, Josh and of course the 4 of us. It was our last family celebration before Jake's headed off to college. Not like he won't be back quite often - but it was still a milestone.
On Mom's actual birthday - she, Dad and I went to see the movie Eat Pray Love. It was pretty good. I am going to miss being able to do things like going to the movie in the middle of the day when I start working again!
Monday, August 02, 2010
The first half of July 2010
As you can see from the other posts - the last half of July was vacation.
As for the first half.....
On July 2 - Mom, Vanessa and I paid a visit to cousin Lisa and baby Zach. Mom gave Lisa a quilt that the three of us had started in 1974 when Lisa was born. Somehow we never finished it and Mom has held on to it all theses years. She dug out and finished it up and gave it Lisa for Zachary. Better 36 years late than never! :)
Hunter had stayed for an extra week so we took him back to SD on July 3rd. We all stayed at Taryn and Brady's house in Crook, SD for the 4th of July weekend. Autumn stayed too and Michael and his fiance came over for a bit too. So Brad got to see all his kiddos.
We had a good 4th of July. It was a bit calmer than our usual 4th's in the cul-de-sac. Brady's family came over for a cookout, swimming and fireworks. We went back home Monday morning.
On July 9 - my Aunt Faye turned 89 and on July 14 - Brady turned 29.
I joined a photo club this month. It is called Imagemakers and they meet once a month in Blue Springs. I think I will enjoy it. I found out about it from someone I used to work with at UMB. She is the current president.
and finally - the day before vacation - we had new carpet installed in the living room and front room. The timing was not great - but I love the plush new carpet. It was supposed to be installed a few days before but there were issues with our tile. We were going have part of the entry tile removed and covered with carpet. Turns out they couldn't do that and the original installers did a really crappy job on the tile - so now we are getting all new tile in the entry too. That is one of the projects for August. Possibly new carpet on the stairs too. That may have to wait though. I need to stop spending money and start making some!
Our household provider went back to work yesterday and he is miserable. I wish I could help him in some way. He keeps mentioning that I should get a job and I may - but I am not sure how that will make him like his job any better. He said 'misery loves company'. Gee that's sounds fun - go back to work so we can both be miserable!
As for the first half.....
On July 2 - Mom, Vanessa and I paid a visit to cousin Lisa and baby Zach. Mom gave Lisa a quilt that the three of us had started in 1974 when Lisa was born. Somehow we never finished it and Mom has held on to it all theses years. She dug out and finished it up and gave it Lisa for Zachary. Better 36 years late than never! :)
Hunter had stayed for an extra week so we took him back to SD on July 3rd. We all stayed at Taryn and Brady's house in Crook, SD for the 4th of July weekend. Autumn stayed too and Michael and his fiance came over for a bit too. So Brad got to see all his kiddos.
We had a good 4th of July. It was a bit calmer than our usual 4th's in the cul-de-sac. Brady's family came over for a cookout, swimming and fireworks. We went back home Monday morning.
On July 9 - my Aunt Faye turned 89 and on July 14 - Brady turned 29.
I joined a photo club this month. It is called Imagemakers and they meet once a month in Blue Springs. I think I will enjoy it. I found out about it from someone I used to work with at UMB. She is the current president.
and finally - the day before vacation - we had new carpet installed in the living room and front room. The timing was not great - but I love the plush new carpet. It was supposed to be installed a few days before but there were issues with our tile. We were going have part of the entry tile removed and covered with carpet. Turns out they couldn't do that and the original installers did a really crappy job on the tile - so now we are getting all new tile in the entry too. That is one of the projects for August. Possibly new carpet on the stairs too. That may have to wait though. I need to stop spending money and start making some!
Our household provider went back to work yesterday and he is miserable. I wish I could help him in some way. He keeps mentioning that I should get a job and I may - but I am not sure how that will make him like his job any better. He said 'misery loves company'. Gee that's sounds fun - go back to work so we can both be miserable!
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