Preparations

This morning I was thinking about how I am such a planner and I love to prepare. I love to prepare most anything. Knowing that I have to prepare for company, inspires me to clean. Knowing that I will start school again this week, inspires me to get organized. I am not sure what this says about me, othere than I need a good reason to be motivated to do anything.

My thoughts are on preparing for this coming year. I want to get my family in shape. I want to cook more healthy meals and snacks. I want to run a 10k. I want to start school again. I want...I want.... I HOPE I can do just a couple of these things.

Tomorrow, I will run the Rescue Run. Tonight it will be -2 degrees and it will only get into the 20s when I run tomorrow. It will be just a bit nippy, but my mind is made up and I am gonna do it. Yesterday, Tom plotted out a 5k course for me and I ran it. Well, I walked and ran it. I did this in about the same time as the Turkey Trot, but in the trot, I didn't have to sludge through snow up to my ankles. I didn't have to wait two minutes at a redlight. I didn't have to find different running paths as the sidewalks were closed due to ice. I think all in all, my time may have been a little better. I did notice that I wasn't as tired as I was after the trot. Could it be, that I am becoming a real runner. Thoughts of the 10k in May have been dancing in my head. I know I won't be able to run the whole thing, but I think I will be able to walk/run it. My current goal is to walk less and run more.

I leave you with this quote as it is my last blog for 2007.

"You only live once-but if you work it right, once is enough" - Joe E. Lewis

Whatever your New Year's Resolution is, I hope you achieve it. I wish you all a great New Year's Eve. Have fun and be safe.

Lazy Saturday

Not much to say as we are still in vacation mode. We went shopping yesterday, sat in the hot tub, and we went for a two mile run. Could it be that we are actually resting? I love the rest, but my mind is in high gear thinking of all that is ahead in January. I won't dwell on that now, but it's gonna be a busy month.

As mentioned earlier, I went on a two mile run, yesterday. I am running more and walking less. That's really good and it feels great. Tom got me this contraption that straps on to my shoes and allows my feet to grip the ice rather than slip on it. They really work.

I hope all of you have a very restful Saturday.

Rest

I haven't written in a couple of days as we were VERY busy on Christmas day, and we just chilled yesterday. That's a funny word to use today as the temp. is in the teens and we are expected to get about 10 inches of snow. That's alright with me. Nowhere to go and a lot of house to straighten. I refuse to really deep clean the house this week as I am officially on vacation. Becca has a friend coming over, so we need to be able to walk through the living room.

By far, the hit present this year was the Wii. For any of you folks out there who don't know what that is, it is a glorified computer game system. It is way cool. We have played all sorts of sports on it and the girls are learning to dance. This thing does so much and it is super fun. I will try and send pictures of some of the fun, later.

On Christmas day we had lots of fun and lots of folks. David and Val, Jan, Michael, Jason, Pookie, Elaine, John and Marie all came over. We had SOOO much food and SOOO much fun. We got 5 inches of snow on Christmas day, so we even had snow.

We loved meeting and getting to know Marie. I should have known that she would be delightful as she is the daughter of John and Elaine. The girls liked her immediately because she brought her pet hedghog to visit. The girls loved her and the hog. Thanks Marie.

Yesterday, I signed up for the race on Tuesday. It's another 5k and the weather doesn't look too bad, so far. We shall see. I have to get out of vacation mode, enough to drag myself to the treadmill. I know the key to training is consistency and this week, I have not been consistent.
By the way, I got my lab results back from my yearly check up. All is perfectly normal and I am perfectly healthy. Running is paying off. Thanks everyone for all the encouragement.

Happy day everyone!!!!

Merry Christmas everyone.

Thanks for putting up with the multiple blogs. As one last post for today, I wanted to share with you what we did last evening.

Two families from a small group we have formed at church, and Elaine and John came over for Christmas caroling. I made three kinds of soups and "Redneck Brownies". Janelle brought homeade rolls. We had hot apple cider and all of us were ready for a wonderful evening.

The evening did not start out so wonderful. One of the Lusk children fell off of our trapeze downstairs. Her little wrist started to swell immediately and the short of it is, she broke her arm. The Lusks had to get her to the ER, so they could not join us. I sent lots of soup home with them and we prayed over the little ones wrist. We are hoping for the best and her grandpa (a physician) said that she might not need a cast.

The rest of us warmed up our voices and got ready to sing. We sounded really good if I do say so myself. It helps that we were all musicians or the offspring of musicians. We went to folks we knew. I baked many, many loaves of bread, so everyone got a loaf of pumpkin or cranberry bread and a song or two. It was very interesting watching the reaction of the folks as they came to their door. One neighbor gave us cookies. Our Indian neighbors invited us in. All were thankful.

A couple of families really touched our hearts. One of our neighbors has a set of autistic twin boys. One of them came to the door and yelled "Merry Christmas everyone". On our way out he yelled "thanks for the fruitcake". Precious.

Another neighbor has a 13 year old son, dying of cancer. It blessed us to bless them.

Another neighbor looked at us and said "Thanks for coming. We really needed this". Enough said.

Christmas. A time to receive, but also a time to give. I thought of the Christmas spirit my sister spoke of earlier this week. I think last night, we caught a bit of it. Just like a Hallmark commercial, towards the end of our caroling, it started to snow. Big, fat, fluffy flakes. I was thinking that God was saying "well done".

We came home, filled our tummies with soup and cider. Our souls were filled with Christmas and the company of each other. It is truly better to give than receive.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Christmas at Pookies

I gave a total of three recitals this year at Sunrise Assisted Living and at Liberty Heights Assisted Living. These pictures are of us at Sunrise at one of the Saturday recitals. Becca plays piano too and Laura plays percussion in the band. Both sing. There is a lot of music at our house.

Christmas songs

Becca is finally old enough to join the da Vinci singers. Here is her debut. She was part of a singing trio. Yes, she can sing too.

Let it snow.

These are pictures of our snow storm a couple of weeks ago. This girls finally got a snow day from school. Tom and Laura are trying out the new snowblower. The year we buy a snowblower, we have very little snow. The community should thank us.

Jen and Scott's house.

Jen, I wanted you to see your house. The neighbors are not the same, but the Christmas decor. was fab. I thought you might want to have a look. You are only looking at part of the house. The whole house is outlined and there is also decor. in the upstairs windows.

Merry Christmas pictures.

Merry Christmas everyone. I can only download four pictures at a time, so I will send you multiple entries today. Since, I haven't blogged for a couple of days, I guess it's alright. Here are pictures of our sugar cookie making. I got the recipe from Jen and they were so very yummy. We ate them all in a week. The best ever!!!

Ruth

Tom is on vacation when he leaves work today. That's good. I feel as though I am on a working vacation as I cook, bake and cook some more. None of that next week. Today,snickerdoodles and chocolate layered cookies are on the menu. That's it for the cookies.

We had a really nice holiday meal with Dad Russell last night. We went to the holiday sing-along. We listened to the elderly talk about Christmases past. That was really nice. It made me wonder what I will be like when I get their age. What will I have to talk about? Will it be precious memories? I truly hope so.

Last Saturday, I took 15 or so kids to play at Sunrise. We first played in Reminiscence downstairs, where Tom's Mom was before she passed away. These are folks who have memory impairment or dimentia of some sort. I think it is really interesting to be down there. Those precious souls are like children. They say what they think, just like children. I think, when you look at them, you are seeing their true being. No fancy show. No put-ons. Just life going on minute by minute. There was a woman down there, whose name was Ruth. She had sparkly cat eye glasses on and silver hair. I arrived early to await my students. During the warm up and tuning stage of our program, she kept asking me if I had all my students tuned, in order and ready to play. I thought this odd, but it was REMINISCENCE, so I just answered her questions. She was loving, gentle, and encouraging to my kids. As we left, she played the piano. She played quite well on the old broken down set of keys. Yesterday, she came upstairs and played for the sing along. When they announced her name, they said that she had been a music teacher. She sat down at the piano, and this is what she said "Merry Christmas, we made another one". I chuckled and thought about how totally honest she was.

After the sing along, I went up to her and told her that I was a music teacher. I found out that she wasn't just any music teacher. She taught violin. As she told me this, I thought I was gonna cry. She lifted her hands and said "Look at these hands. They can't play the violin any more." Then, I gave her a big hug and I did cry a little. I have to visit Ruth now. Even though she has dimentia and probably won't remember when I come, we are kindred spirits. When I look at her, I see myself. I dread the day when I can't play anymore. I can only hope that when I get like her, I am quirky enough to wear sparkly cat eye glasses, feisty enough to just say what I am thinking, and loving enough to encourage and inspire other violin teachers. I consider Ruth my little Christmas angel.

Thanks

I love my blogging family. My sister Tammie, had a great blog yesterday. Check it out if you like. She wrote about the Christmas spirit. Her purse is tight, but she still has the "spirit" of Christmas. I am so proud of her. She's got it. She understands that Christmas is in your heart. Way to go Tam!!!

Jen wrote about the big picture too. She wrote about community and working together. Oh Jen, I wish you were still in our community. I suppose, in a way, you still are. She wrote about how people should work together and share their talents. Get out of your little cube and be a bigger part of something to help mankind. Way to go Jen!!!

I thought that it was ironic that Jen would write about getting out of your box. I am finishing up my book (from Jen), "The Courage to Start". I have picked it up and put it down for about a month now. I truly love the book and I savor the authors running advice. I have purposely taken the book slow and covered only one topic at a time. It has helped me so very much. Anyway, I am rambling. Last night, I read about running beyond your community and how it allows you to have friends anywhere and everywhere. The author packed up his motorcycle (not much packing) and took off cross country. His goal was just to meet people. He called it his celebration trip. He celebrated the friends he was yet to meet. I get it. I have said hello to other runners as I grasp for breath down Voyager Ave. Runners, we have that same look in our eyes and spirit in our hearts. We want to take care of ourselves and be a part of something more. I don't know the people I greet, but we are friends. I am fearful of my run on Jan. 1. The slogan is "Rain, Snow, or 20 below". Sounds scary, but what the heck, I will be among "friends".

I absolutely love the quote that Jen put in her blog today, so I have stolen it. It's alright, she stole it from someone else.

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy,forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~ Oren Arnold

I can think of no better gifts. It's what I want most. How about you?

Happy day all.

Oh dear...a deer.

Too busy to blog yesterday, but the girls and I had a great day. I bribbed them into their flu shots. Yes, bribbery does come in handy sometimes. Because they were so brave through the shots, I took them out to lunch. We also had a pleasant shopping trip at GoodWill. Overall, a lot of fun and good times with my girls.

When we got home, the girls cleaned their rooms (wonders never cease). I lied to them and told them it was National Clean Your Room Day. Yes, bribbery and lying come in handy as a parent. The girls then wanted to have their friend, Katy, over. I said fine. At about 5pm, just before dark, they wanted to go outside and play flashlight tag. I said alright and thought that the fresh air would do them good. About ten minutes later, Becca came in terrified and screaming. I thought something horrid had happened. After she was able to speak, she said "something is in the back yard!!!" She had turned her flashlight on and had come face to face with a full grown, humongous, buck. He had a full rack of antlers. Becca had no idea that was outside with her and she was "scared to death". Thanks to Aunt Tammie, we told her that it was Santa's spy. She wasn't buying it , but she calmed down. The buck ran away (probably due to the screaming), but Becca slept in our bed last night.

As we sat in the hot tub last night, Becca was still fearful of the buck showing up. He didn't do a thing to her, except walk across our back yard. It made me think, as adults, how often are we fearful for naught. How many times are we afraid of something, just because it is there. Due to Christmas, I think of Mary when the angel showed up. The first thing it said was "Fear Not". I need to remember to fear things that deserve fear, not things that just walk across my path.

Computer frustration

I was all set to do picture catch up today, but either my brain or the computer is not cooperating. I was a good girl and wrote directions for picture dumpage from Tom. I followed all the steps, but it still didn't work after five tries. If it wasn't our bread and butter, I would swear off of computers because they truly frustrate me. Perhaps, sometime this week, I will brave the picture stuff again. I have some really cute stuff to show you.

We had a great weekend. It included two Christmas parties and two recitals. All went very well and I was so very proud of the girls. Laura played piano and Becca played violin and piano. They have a final recital today and then we are officially on break.

My house looks like we had a Colorado hurricane. I must get busy and catch up as we have a caroling party at our house on Sunday.

Take care all, especially Jen who has the stomach crud at her house. Not good with twin two year olds.

Last day of school

The concerts went beautifully. I couldn't believe that I was conducting a Middle School orchestra in front of 200 or so people. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and say to God "What are you thinking?". I was so proud of my students. I was so proud of my daughters. Laura and Becca both sang beautifully. They are so talented and I am so blessed.

Tomorrow we have to recitals at Sunrise with Dad. I think he will be proud as punch and it is a special gift for him. He is getting so forgetful and he so wants to go back to Florida. I think what he really wants is Mom.

Today, I am off to school. I will be teaching 3rd grade and this is our last day of school before winter break. Please pray for me. These kids are gonna be WIRED!!!! Also say a little prayer because Pastor Boyd's son is in my class. He is the pastor of New Life Church. I think his children are alright and I spoke with the regular teacher, yesterday. She said he is handling things just fine, so hopefully, no problems.

I hope all of you have a blessed day.

Keep Running

I am late posting today, as it is an absolutely crazy day. All four of us have concerts today. Becca has two. Please pray for us, and especially me as I will conduct in front of a whole lot of people tonight. As I write this, I am thinking I need to get in the shower, so I can get all gussied up for the concert tonight. Becca's concert is at 2:30, so I need showering and make-up done when I go to her concert. The formal black will come when we get home. Busy, busy, busy.

I am so happy about my doctor's appointment yesterday. My running is paying off and it gives me the spirit to keep going. My BMI was only slightly above normal. Another ten pounds and I will be in the normal range. My blood pressure was excellent (hasn't happened in a while), and I seem to be in pretty good health. I will get the lab values back later, but all looks well. It takes a lot to exercise, but I am finally seeing results. Thanks everyone for your support. Especially Jen, Carol and Tom who keep me going.

Take care all.

Doctors

Right about now, I am really craving COFFEE!!!. I have my yearly check everything appointment today at 11:30. I can have nothing but water until then. I know this is important and I am looking forward to a lower cholesteral and blood sugar level due to the running. I am feeling better about running again. I was in a slump for a while, but now I am good to go. I think I just have to keep at it, when I feel that way. I didn't stop and this morning, I found that I am getting faster. I am still doing the treadmill as it is really cold and really icy outside. More snow in the forecast tomorrow night.

We are all just fine. Tom has his Holiday, pay for your own lunch, party today. Becca has a choir concert and Laura has her Greek Food Fest. I have a doctors appointment. Somehow, it doesn't seem fair. This afternoon, I have the dress rehearsal for our middle school concert tomorrow evening. My biggest fear is that I will say something really silly in front of a couple hundred people. I have a phobia about speaking in public. When I was in fourth grade, I won a speech contest. I had to give my speech to a couple hundred people and I messed up big time. I am still feeling the effects.

I got a lovely e-mail from my dear friend Michelle. Thanks Michelle. I loved your note and I can read it over and over. Call me soon.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

Snow Days

We are all home from school today as school is cancelled due to snow. It is lovely outside and as I write this, the girls are outside building a snow fort. They love to do that and it will, hopefully, keep them from fighting. We are all enjoying this day off. I am making choclava for Laura to take to her "Greek Fest", tomorrow at school. Cranberry bread making is also on the agenda. This year, I am making fifteen loaves of bread to give away. We are so blessed to have so many friends, but I must say, I am a little tired of bread making.

Here is the latest on the shooting. The shooter was responsible for both shootings in Colorado on Sunday. The security guard who shot him, saved hundreds of lives. The sniper had enough ammo on him to fire over 1,000 rounds. The security guard was a woman who was a previous cop. She was Pastor Boyd's private body guard. She said that she totally "trusted God to guide her aim and take him out". He did indeed guide her and we are so thankful that she was there. The two people who have died were sisters and their father is still in stable condition at the local hospital. The girls were teenagers. One of them was a twin to another sibling. I think that hits me the hardest. What if I lost both my girls at the same time? I am not sure I could go on.

As you can see, we have mixed feelings this holiday season. Most of all, I am so grateful for my family, friends and our safety. I am glad that we an celebrate this season together. Maybe that's what Christmas is all about anyway.

Absurdity

This weekend has been a crazy one. As a family, we relaxed on Saturday and I did some baking. Yesterday, the girls went to a birthday party and Tom and I enjoyed a couple of hours to talk at Starbucks. That was a real treat. Last night, the girls and I enjoyed making and icing sugar cookies. I have pictures to share later. It was too icy to run outside, so I spent some time on my treadmill. I am finding that I run harder and longer on my treadmill than compared to outside. I think that outside, I am not as sure footed and the surface is harder. This slows me down a bit. I have committed myself to the "Rescue Run" on January 1. Thanks Jen for the encouragement. I have asked Santa a.k.a. Tom, for tennis shoe grippers so that I can run more sure footed when it is icy.

During church yesterday, our pastor informed us of an overnight shooting in Arvada at a ministry center. Two people had been killed. We thought this was crazy, but you know how it goes, it won't happen here. At 12:45 yesterday, as New Life church was getting out, it did. New Life is less than a mile from our house. Any closer and we would have heard the gunshots. Someone opened fire in the parking lot. There were 7,000 people still at the church. So far, three people have died, including the shooter that was shot by a security guard. Absurd. Our whole community is in mourning. A CHURCH is on lockdown. Tom and I sat at Starbucks and tears came to our eyes. Our lovely town. Our town where God is uplifted. Our town that we call home, has been targeted. We realize that we are not as safe as we assumed we were. We realize that our children are affected. Becca had two calls from a neighbor child, telling her to lock her doors. It has yet to be determined if an accomplice is on the loose.

It was so icy on Saturday and we had about three inches of snow. When we got up yesterday, our neighborhood looked like a winter wonderland. The sun was out and it was just gorgeous. I kept thinking about how God washes away our sins and makes them as "white as snow". It was such a contrast to what happened a few hours later. On the news this morning, it said that New Life was sending a special message of love, comfort and peace to the shooters family as they realize that they are also victims. We are all victims in one way or another.

Guess what, it is to snow tonight. About 6 inches expected. Just enough to make everything white again. As "white as snow".

Christmas shopping

I am almost done with shopping. As I was out and about yesterday, I kept thinking about how much my children really "need". They don't need much. They want much, but don't "need" much. I hope we haven't overdone it. Speaking of shopping, I am going to Wal Mart, today, to buy the DVD "The Christmas Story". We saw it in the theatre last Christmas and I think it is worth the purchase. It just helps to remind us of the real meaning of Christmas. I am always in awe of Mary this time of year. I can't imagine being pregnant with our Savior. Talk about pressure. I would be afraid to move, much less give in to cravings or have mood swings.

Today I am off to lunch with Elaine. She and I have some serious music teacher talk to do. I am considering going back to college and I need her take on things. Should be fun.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Good days.

Yesterday was a really nice day and I thank God for it. I didn't have to sub., so I cleaned a room in my house, did a little Christmas wrapping and then headed on to school to help tune 90 violin students for their concert. That was interesting and a bit like herding cats.

In the afternoon, I scrambled off to the middle school for the string club. The kids are sounding really nice and we are all excited about our concert next week. I got to meet Laura's Language Arts teacher and had a nice time meeting her.

I got home and gave two violin lessons. Then, I was back to school to tune the same 90 string kids again,for their evening performance. They did really well and I was quite impressed.

Here is a big shout out to Becca for a job well done. She looked beautiful in her black Christmas dress. I kept looking at her and thinking about how quickly my girls are growing up and I don't want to miss it.

When my head hit my pillow last night, I was really tired. It was the kind of tired you get when you have put in a day of hard work. That feels good and I am so proud of each and every one of those kids.

I look at Laura and Becca and know that I am truly blessed. I think about how busy I am and how I love teaching music. I am blessed.

Jen has a great quote in her blog today. Take a look at it if you like. It speaks about God using you as "you", just as you are. I think about how I often don't feel qualified to teach. God has different plans. I am often overwhelmed by God's overall plan for me. Who knew that I would someday have 29 students and conduct my own orchestra? God has used me as I am. Again, I am blessed.

More Holiday Music

Here is a big shout out to Laura. She was awesome last night in her concert. There were 194 kids in the band. It was huge and they were all great. I sat there and was amazed at how big all those kids were. I still can't believe Laura is in Middle School.

Becca's concert is today. She is all excited about dressing up and playing for the school. She has really taken off with her playing. It's as if she finally likes being a violinist. Of course, I am super proud of her.

Today, I am off to assist with the concerts and prepare for my own next week. I got lots of Christmas shopping done yesterday as my morning job was cancelled. It was an unexpected time to slow down and just enjoy the season. It helped that Hobby Lobby was having a great sale.

I hope all of you get unexpected "you" time today.

Holiday Music

Today we are in a frenzy getting ready for Laura's first Middle School Band Concert. I can't wait to hear it and I am hoping that I make it in time as I give lessons right up to the minute of when I need to leave. It should be fun.

I am off to be a fourth grade teacher in the morning and kindergarten in the pm. I hope all goes well as I am extra tired today. Just can't get my motor running. Speaking of running, I am still at it and will be up tomorrow morning. Still trying to decide if I want to try the race on January 1. I've been told that it is tough and a bit icy. My fear, as always, is slipping. I am wondering if I can just walk and call it good.

I have to go get Becca's motor running. Her big concert is tomorrow. She has another concert next week.

Short note today as I am short on time.

Tis the season!!!!

Up and running again.

I think I am finally over the crud. It took a while and it took a big chunk out of my weekend energy. I slept later yesterday and now I feel much better. I think I just don't sleep enough. I am an eight hour person. When I don't get it, I pay the price.

I talked to Jen on Saturday and that brightened my day. I caught her on her cell phone, on the way to bake cookies with a friend. I wish that friend had been me. I heard the boys in the background and as always, put a smile on my face.

Here is a big shout out to all my students who performed at the Pikes Peak Center on Saturday night. You guys were fabulous and I am so very proud of you. I was really sick, so I didn't stick around for the second half of the concert, but I heard all of you play and you really sounded great.

Yesterday, Tom's sisters and their families came over for Tom's bbq. It was awesome, as always. Tom smoked a pork shoulder and made his special guava bbq sauce. It was a nice time. We sat and remembered Joe and talked about his memorial service. I think we are all ready to move on, but sad.

Today, I am off to a tough second grade class. I know I have to watch my back and not let them get away with much. I hate to be a hard sub., but the teacher has already cautioned me. It should be an interesting day.

Happy day everyone.....

Better day

I think we are slowly getting over the cold bugs at our house. We got a surprising call from the pediatrician last night, to inform us that Laura DID have strep. The initial test was negative, but after they sent it off, it came back positive. I felt really bad for sending her to school yesterday and I hope that she didn't spread it to anyone at school. She started her meds. last night, so she should be alright today.

I am off to the stores and will sub. this afternoon in kindergarten. Should be a relatively easy day. I did not go running this morning as I am still working on being able to breathe, due to my cold. I will be up and at it again next week.

Take care all....

Less Funk

Today is a brighter day. Laura and I are both back to school. Still coughing, but feeling a whole bunch better. Tom and Becca have been spared, or they have already had it. Who knows this time of year? I am trying to determine if I should run tomorrow morning. It should be in the teens with the wind chill and I am still coughing. We will see. Part of the reason I get out is for Tom to get out too. He joined us this week and I don't want to spoil the momentum.

The service for Joe, in Texas, went very well, per Tom's sisters. They said that some healing of souls took place and that they were very glad they went. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. We have to move on now and learn from this experience.

Today's message is short as I have to get to school, but I hope everyone has a blessed day.

Funk

I am definitely in a funk today. I am getting the crud from Laura and I did not want to get up at 5:30 to go for a brisk walk. It was in the single digits outside, with the wind chill. I did get up and I did go for a walk, thanks to Carol and my dear husband. I feel so drained and my throat hurts. I took Laura in yesterday and the doc said it is a virus and not strep. Hopefully, we will all be better by the weekend.

Please remember Tom's siblings today in your prayers. The service for Joe is at 10:00 this morning. It still doesn't seem real, that he could be gone. Part of the funk, for me, I'm sure.

This is a short note today, but that's about all I'm up for. I hope all of you stay virus free so you can enjoy the season.

One last thing, thank you to all for your love and support over the last few days. Jen, thanks for the poetry and thanks for just being you. It is so good to know that we are loved.

Happy day to all.

Happy Birthday Grandpa

A bit of time ago, today, my grandma gave birth to a baby boy. She named him Danny and he became my "Daddy". I called him this morning and he was having one of his "bad" days. He could hardly talk and complained of pain. It makes me sad to think that is how he will spend his birthday. Whether he was able to hear me this morning, or not, I want him to know that I love him and send him all the best. I found this quote for him today:

"The holiest of all holidays are those, Kept by ourselves in silence and apart, The secret anniversaries of the heart...." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Laura is home today. She is complaining of a sore throat. I hope it is not strep. Secretly, I am looking forward to spending the day with her.

Tom decided not to go to Texas. Joe's funeral is tomorrow morning at 10 am, Texas time. Please pray for our family down there. On Sunday, the family is coming over for a "Tom Russell BBQ". It should be good and I hope, a lot of fun. The weather is to be really cold on Saturday, but better on Sunday.

I hope this finds all of you recovered from your turkey and may all of your left overs be gone.

Back to the real world

After a lovely week with my girls, today is back to school for the girls and work for Tom. As you know, our Thanksgiving was a bit of a downer, but life goes on. Kirsti and Chuck come in today (we probably won't see them), and they will leave with Jan, for Texas, tomorrow morning. Tom is 80% sure he cannot miss work in order to go. He has mixed emotions about this, but we are hoping that his folks will understand. He has been out of the office for over a week and is at least that much behind. Please pray that he will have peace about whatever decision he makes about going on this trip.

Becca woke us up yesterday morning, ready to decorate for Christmas. She has been our bright spot and the keeper of the holiday spirit. My living room looks like a hurricane blew through it. I have a picture to post later. I love watching Becca sort through all of the ornaments and talk about when she made them or what they mean to her. She is so sentimental and I just love it. She helped us hang the lights outside and even put gold tinsel around her bedroom door.

Laura enjoyed her week off and today she is back to school. The good news is that they only go for three weeks and then we are out for winter break. Laura enjoys decorating the tree, but her love is cooking. She made special guacamole for Thanksgiving and I know she will help me with the baking. This is a great mom/daughter time for us.

I have to clean up our house today and get back to my students. We have family coming in, as I said earlier. They might not come over, but it is good incentive for me to get things picked up. This afternoon I will be back to giving lessons. I am preparing everybody for the three concerts coming up in December.

I hope that all of you take time to enjoy the season. I was a bit frazzled when I looked at my living room, but I am trying to see the big picture. Decorating for Christmas is a great family time and I don't want to miss it. Don't get caught up in all the "Holiday Hype". Don't forget that we are celebrating the birth of our lord and that is reason enough celebrate and decorate.

Happy day.

What to do

Tom and I are struggling. We just don't know what to do about traveling to Texas for Joe's memorial service. I guess I am using this blog to put it down in writing. Hoping it will help. There will be a service (very, very small) for him on Wednesday in Killeen, TX. This service is more for his brother, Sean and Joe's friends. Kate, Chuck, Jan, David, Matthew will all be there to offer support for Sean. It is expensive to go and a bad time for Tom to leave work, yet Tom feels guilty about not going if they need him there.

We want to have a service here in the springs for Pookie to have some closure. Skip has not talked to his son in years and he needs some closure too. PLEASE pray for him. My heart breaks for him the most. Tom and I are thinking that we could take charge and plan the service here, if we don't go to Texas. Joe was not a Christian, so I don't know what the service would look like. If anybody has any suggestions, let me know.

Please pray for us today as we are gonna tell Pookie. Our big family Thanksgiving will be this afternoon. It was to be a happy time and now I am not so sure.

Thanks for listening to me ramble on this morning. I just needed to see my thoughts and bounce ideas off of people who love us the most.

Take care all.

Please pray for our family.

After the big race yesterday, I took a big nap. We then had Jeff and Sue Clark, and Pookie over for Thanksgiving dinner. Tom, as usual, made a delicious smoked turkey. It was truly yummy. It was a very quiet day and I will definitely do the "trot" again.

This morning we were awakened by a phone call from Jan. She called to let us know that our nephew, Joe, had committed suicide. We are all so saddened and wondering what we could have done better or differently. When something like this happens, you don't know what to say or do, so please just pray for us and our family.

I also want to say that if you have a relative who is struggling with alcohol or drugs, plead with them to get help. I do and I have. Be proactive. Empower them. Don't worry about being too harsh. Practice tough love and get them help. Once they are gone, it is too late to do anything.

We will be thinking of Joe this holiday and we will all be saddened by the loss. I would hope that through this tragedy, others may seek help. I hope that some of the family dynamics will be repaired. Maybe this loss will not be in vain, if healing can occur.

I want to end this blog with some profound quote, but none comes to mind. We are just numb and shocked. Please pray for Joe's family and friends. All of us.

I DID IT!!!!

Here it is everyone. I finished the "Turkey Trot". I finished with over 100 people behind me. I was quite proud. The greatest moment was seeing my family at the finish line, waiting for me. I got calls from my family in Florida, from my adopted family in Tennessee and from the best of friends here at home. The lady in the picture with me is Heidi Welge, a lovely neighbor who kept me going the whole time. Thanks everybody. Now, I am off to the next race in January.

Test run

Well, it is official. I am number 162 in the race tomorrow. I must say, I was proud to pick up my t-shirt and number. It made me feel like a runner. I am reading a book that Jen gave me. I just love it. It is called "The Courage to Start". I love the author. I had to laugh as I read last night that, "it is alright to finish last, but it does get a bit alarming to have the police and ambulance at your butt the whole time". Here's hoping that tomorrow, I am ahead of the ambulance and not IN the ambulance.

It is a balmy 22 degrees outside today. I am so worried about conditions tomorrow. I figure I am gonna go put in a mile or so today, so I can test myself for tomorrow. I don't want to tire myself out, but I think a gentle run today will help my anxiety.

Happy day all.

Daddy home

Tom comes home today. We are so glad. He is feeling much better and the presentation went well. The boss took him to a swanky restaurant to celebrate. He called me this morning to let us know that his flight has already been delayed. I hope not too much. I really hope he gets home before the bad weather sets in.

Becca and Andre' are playing today, so I want to take advantage of the distraction and get the house cleaned.

I worked on the swing more yesterday. I sanded it a second time. As I was sanding, I got a whiff of the warm wood. A flood of memories washed over me. I first thought about my uncle who made the swing. I was taking the finish off that he put on. I missed him and was respectful of all the work he put into it. The smell of the warm wood made me think of my grandfather. He was a carpenter and the smell of wood always make me think of him. I could almost hear him talking to me. I also thought of my Dad. He and I can't talk much, but I know if he were here he would be telling me to "take my time and do it right". I also thought of what a wonderful thing a porch swing is. In it you can just be. I need more of just being.

I was a little frustrated that I had to keep sanding when I thought I was done. After my thoughts yesterday, I know God was not finished talking to me yet. I needed to keep sanding because he wasn't finished speaking just yet.

I hope all of you can find peace in your work. I hope that you find nostalgia and love as you prepare for the holidays. Take a little more time to appreciate what and why you are getting ready for them.

Slowing down

The girls and I have enjoyed our girl time, but the girls are getting on each other's nerves and I am ready for Tom to come home. Please pray for him today as it is the big "presentation" day that he has been getting ready for since before he left. We are hoping this presentation means the end of a "stressed out" Tom, at least for a while. He really needs prayer today as he made a HUGE mistake last night. Right before bed, he went down to the hotel lounge and ordered a double cappuccino DECAF. The person making it made a mistake and Tom got a double caffeinated coffee drink. When I talked to him this morning, he had never slept. He said he tried and tried but no use. He has the huge presentation and no sleep.

Yesterday, the girls and I went to see "Underdog", the movie. It was alright, nothing I want to buy. The girls loved it. They want to go to Claire's today to look for colored hair clip ons. They don't want their whole head colored, just a little strand on the side. I figure a clip on won't hurt.

I had a great conversation with my Dad, yesterday. He was telling me how to refinish the swing. It is gonna be a long, slow, work in progress. My conversations with him are few and far between, so I cherish what I can get. When I was in Florida this last time, he slept most of the time. I tried to converse with him, but he just couldn't stay awake. Yesterday was different. He talked, he joked and I soaked it in. Thanks Daddy!!!

Today, I am off to piano lessons and preparing for the storm tomorrow. You see, right before a storm, I always have to buy eggs, milk, bread and gas up the car. I have no idea why, I just do it. I also have to continue work on the swing and do some cleaning. I wanted to start my Thanksgiving baking, but I think it is a bit too early. That can wait until tomorrow.

Last, but not least, I wanted to send a big ole shout out to my sister, Jenny. Her birthday is today. We love you and hope that the coming year brings you much joy and happiness. It seems like yesterday that I looked down at you through the hospital viewing window. You were so tiny and innocent. Beautiful. You still are.

Happy day all.

Sanding Saturday

Today is a work day. I am going to sand our swing. The swing was made by a relative in Memphis that has since passed on. It is an heirloom and I am trying to preserve it. Hey Dad, I am thinking of sanding and then a couple coats of marine varnish. If this isn't right, let me know.

The girls and I enjoyed a restful morning. The piano lessons were cancelled by their teacher, so since we were up and dressed, we went for a treat at Summit House. It is a local coffee shop owned by some folks who go to our church. It feels like home there. I had a yummy maple spice latte and the girls had hot chocolate. It is cold today, so they were extra good.

Today is filled with laundry, sanding, cleaning and movies. I think we are going to watch "Big Fat Liar". No comment on that title. I hope you all have a super Saturday.

Friday fun

Today I am off to third grade. Not Becca's class, but nearby. It should be fun. Becca is excited because she is bringing in our fossils. Tom, Pookie and I got them from the Leashey Shell Pit in Tampa, Fl. We went on a couple of fossil digs, many moons ago. It is cool to think that those fossils are 1.5 million years old. Add 17 years ago, when we found them. Thanks to Pookie's finds, we have a partial mastadon tooth. The partial tooth and the tortoise claw are the most interesting finds, we think.

Becca was so cute last night and it was a great learning time. We talked about how fossils form and are preserved. We talked about what the animals ate, based on their teeth (we also have a few shark's teeth). Judging from the size of the mastadon tooth, we decided that it was a vegetarian, but must have eaten A WHOLE BUNCH. Becca sorted all the bones and labeled them in ziplock bags. She has it all ready to present. She did all this on her own and it is not a school project. She did it just because she thought it would be fun to do. She amazes me and I am so very proud of her. I am a real organized person and I would like to think she got her love of organization from me. I love to see her take pride in learning. She did the same with the space stuff. When she knows a lot about something, she loves to share it.

Laura and I worked on her presentation/book report today. It is a school project, but I think she is ready to go. I found a Chinese vest at Goodwill yesterday, so it should work well as a prop for the skit she is performing (Her book is about a Chinese girl).

Laura is in to drawing dragons, right now (thanks Aunt Tammie and Uncle Jim for the art set). She makes up the dragons, sort of like a comic strip. She names them and enjoys drawing different types. She has such an imagination and such a love of art.

Tom left in a flurry yesterday and we were all a little sad. He has been promoted and now works directly for a V.P., but the stress has also increased. He has been unmotivated lately with his exercise, so I have to help him with this. I am hoping the "Turkey Trot" will help him. I find that if I am motivated, so is the rest of my family. I miss him so much and we are looking forward to a date when he gets back.

Speaking of the "Turkey Trot", I am getting nervous. First, I timed myself on the treadmill this morning. I shouldn't post this, but I am using this blog as a historical reference as well as a chance to spill my guts. I ran 1.69 miles in 30 min. I am thinking that it will take me a little more or a little less than an hour to run the 5k. I know I will slow down as I go along. I usually run 5 min. then walk briskly for 5 min. That's my plan for the trot. What do you think, Jen?

My second concern about the Trot is the weather. It is to be a blizzard from Tues. and possibly through Thanksgiving. First, I pray that Tom gets home before it hits on Tues. and I am wondering if I have the gear to run in a blizzard. My other concern is the possibility of slipping on ice. Jen, will they cancel if it is really snowing hard? What do I need for bad weather? I thought it was cold this morning, so I wore a long sleeved t-shirt when I ran on the treadmill. I was uncomfortably roasting by the time I finished. So many questions. I refuse to not run this race. I had to bail on the "Race for the Cure". I don't want to bail on this one. I have worked too hard to get there. Lots to think about.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Friday and a restful weekend. Love to all.

Tom leaves

Today we say goodbye to Tom until next Tuesday. We still have to get him packed and he is now sick with Becca's cold. Yuck!!! I have to go to the market and get him things to help him feel better. NO, not chocolate. I am talking cold meds., throat lozenges, tissues, etc..

We are almost done with Laura's book report. Hallelujah!! This week is slowly getting better for her.

Becca is feeling better, but still coughing a bit. She was being silly last night and harassing Laura. True sign that she is better.

I got some bad news today. There may be a significant snow storm over Thanksgiving. the Turkey Trot should be interesting.

Happy day all....

Happy Birthday Carole

Here is a big shout out to one of my best buds, Carole. This is a woman that is dear to my heart. I don't know who else would put up with me at 5:30 a.m. in the morning. She is always there and always willing to listen to my complaining or whatever is on my brain as we trudge up the hills. Thanks Carole. Have a super "Happy Birthday".

Becca made an "A" on her muskulotsceletal exam (I didn't grade it). I am so proud of her, especially since she is still feeling sick from her cold. Jen, if you need any help with your anatomy and phys., just call her. Ha Ha

Laura has been working really hard this week and today is her Spanish exam. Tonight is the big book report.

Tom leaves tomorrow for Memphis. I feel like we need a date. We have been so busy with the kids, we haven't had time to sit and catch up on life. Maybe when he gets back, I can arrange something.

Today, I hope to cook a nice dinner and leisure around Goodwill for a while. I need some mental down time and that is where I do it. I hope to have lunch with Elaine and then I am off to the string club. Tonight will bring students.

I hope all of you have a great day.

Looking forward to rest

This week is really busy and we are all really tired. Laura has her Spanish test, book report and a food log all yet to go this week. She had a major paper due last night that none of us were prepared for. She was afraid to tell me because she thought I would yell at her. That makes me feel horrible and I am not so sure how to react. Tom says that's the problem. I react too much. Gotta think on this . I know the last couple of weeks have been SUPER stressful. I am hoping that while Tom is gone, we girls can reconnect and have a nice, restful weekend. We may spend a whole day in our jammies, watching movies, playing games, etc.

Becca is still recovering from her cold and I am hoping she makes it through the school day today. We will see. She has a big exam today, that I have to administer. That makes me a little nervous, but I know she is ready.

I am off to teach science, one last day. I have gotten into the groove of the class, so it should be a nice day. The one thing I refuse to do for this teacher is feed her corn snake. The teacher has been gone for a week and I fear the snake is getting hungry. I am glad to leave the science room today.

I am toying with the idea of yet another 5K. I want to see how the "Turkey Trot" goes next week. There is a 5K in Denver on New Years Day. It is called the "Resolution Run". It would give me a goal to shoot for over Christmas. All that yummy food might not seem so tempting if I have a run coming up. Hey, Jen, do you know anything about this one?

Here's to you all and I hope you all have a blessed day.

A new week

Carole and I walked this morning. I so love her insight and thoughtfulness. It is so hard to get up as the mornings are colder, but we are still going strong. We need moisture so very badly. It feels like I am breathing through a cloud of dust. I am sensitive to this anyway and it makes exercising even harder. No moisture in sight through this week. Tom was wondering if it is saving up to give us a big dump later.

Today, Laura and I are off to school. Laura faces a tough week with a book report and two exams. Please say a little prayer for her.

Tom and Becca are home. Becca is in the runny nose and cough stage of her bug. I hope Tom doesn't catch it as he leaves on Thursday for Memphis. He is working from home today.

I am off to teach science. It should be fun. We are studying tadpoles and the skeletal system. This afternoon, I will give five lessons.

Busy day, busy life, wouldn't have it any other way.....

Veteran's Day

Here is a great big shout out to all the Veteran's who have and do serve our country. We especially want to send a shout out to our Dad's, John and Danny. We love you both. Thanks for defending our country so that we might have the freedoms we all enjoy.

Yesterday, we were all in the Colorado Springs Veteran's Day Parade. We had a great time. The girls led our exhibit and float. They carried their banners proudly. I was in charge of the banners and Tom was on the float, controlling the sound and music for the choir. It was a blast, but we were exhausted when we got home. Tom and I rested (mostly me) and the girls entertained themselves. After rest, I made lasagnas for ourselves and a friend who has a new baby boy.

Tom went to church this morning, while I stayed home with Becca. She has a cold like virus and is really feeling bad. I called my grandmother, as I often do on Sunday mornings. I love to hear her sweet rendition of the sermon she just watched on t.v.. She is 92 and still going strong.

I called my Dad to wish him a happy Veteran's Day. My Mom said that he was sick today. I can never really tell what that means, but please keep him in your prayers. He served in the Viet Nam War and has suffered serious consequences.

I thought about Scott today as he served in Iraq. I remember being afraid for Jen and the boys. Military families give so much. I just wanted to say thanks to him and all the other folks who have served so selflessly.

I think about Josh today as he is so excited about serving in the military. I am proud of him and I wish that I could have seen him in the parade today. Way to go, Josh!!!!

Happy day to all...

I Love a Parade

Here is a shout out to my nephew, Josh, who will march in the Veteran's Day parade in Sarasota, FL. This is his first year at a military High School academy. He has been working really hard, so congrats to you, Josh.

We will be in our own Veteran's Day parade tomorrow. The girls are really excited. It should be a lot of fun. We have to be at the school super early tomorrow, but that's alright. I am in charge of the kids carrying banners in the front. I hope I don't mess up. I am hopeing for pictures.

Today, the Russell girls are all off to school. I am the science teacher again. I will be giving exams on the life cycle of frogs and the skeletal system. The skeletal system test is one that Becca will be taking on Tuesday. I have asked her regular teacher to grade it.

I hope you all are off to a great weekend.

Trotting along

It's official. I turned in my registration for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day. I have to admit, I am proud that I feel physically fit enough to do it and my family will be there to cheer me on. Now for the hard part, I have to beef up my training.

Today I am off to teach science. It should be fun as we are studying bones. Jen, you could come and teach the class for me. Ha Ha. This evening brings violin students and a quick trip to Target.

We are all getting ready for the big Veteran's Day parade on Saturday. All of us are in it as Tom is running sound on the float. It should be fun and the girls are excited about being in a parade. I will try to get some pictures.

Take care everyone.

Getting ready to run.

Today my thoughts are on the Turkey Trot. I realized that the run is only a couple of weeks away and I don't know if I am ready. I have decided to run it even if I have to run and walk. I have to keep going. I feel so much better when exercising.

I am off to the market today and I think I will start the Christmas shopping. I did well shopping for folks in Florida, so I guess I really started it last week. I can't believe I actually shopped for Christmas the day after Halloween.

I had a great day yesterday, with the fifth grade. Today I am off to my string club and giving lessons. The next four school days, starting tomorrow, I am the science teacher. I am staying extra busy subbing.

Next week, on Thursday, Tom leaves for another busness trip. I hope his flights are less eventful than mine were. He will return just before Thanksgiving.

I am taking Thanksgiving week off to just be with my family. No school, no lessons, just us. Right now, it sounds divine.

Back in the groove.

I think I had a viral bug while in Florida. I couldn't shake a cough and the cigarette smoke around me in FL exaccerbated it. After a good night's sleep on Sunday, a dose of Musinex, the laughter and antics of kindergarten, and a long chat with Jen, I feel much better. Tom asked me to give it a couple more days and then start running again on Friday. I am antsy to get running as it relieves stress and I have to get ready for the "Turkey Trot".

I wanted to give a big shout out to my daughter, Laura. She officially made the honor roll at school for the first quarter. I think we WILL survive Middle School.

I am off to fifth grade today. It should be interesting, but I have known all of these kids since second grade. Fifth grade is just tough, but hopefully, I am tougher.

Take care all.

Back from Florida

I hope you all had an excellent Halloween. I am still recovering from my trip, but so glad to be back home. I had an interesting experience yesterday, on the my flight from Orlando to Memphis. I was asleep (we had to get up at 12:30 am, Colorado time), when I heard the Pilate overhead say "if there is a doctor on board, we need your assistance". I am not a doctor, but I am an R.N. and I have always thought that the scariest thing would be to be up in the air and have a medical emergency. I went up to where the flight attendance were and told them that I was a nurse. I was thinking that they had things under control and would probably not need my assistance. I was wrong. There was no doctor on board. A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, me and an EMT were stuck with an unconscious man. He had simply lost consciousness in his seat. When the NNP tried to take his pulse, she could not feel one. We lowered him down to the floor (aisle) of the plane and were prepared to start CPR. The man, all of a sudden, regained consciousness. He kept telling us that he had taken pain medication. We got him back into his seat and he lost consciousness again. With the help of a couple of men, we got him into a row of seats. We were trying to keep him lying down. We started oxygen and I took his blood pressure. His BP was low, but there. He then said he felt fine, but we made him stay laying down and we had paramedics waiting for him in Memphis. I don't know what was wrong. He could have had low potassium, he could have had low blood sugar, I will never know, but I do know that I was scared. The airline bumped Laura and I up to first class and gave us $20.00 in food vouchers for the airport. I came home with a slab of ribs for Tom from Neely's (his favorite BBQ place in Memphis).

A lot of things about this incident have gone through my mind since yesterday. First, I realize how scary flying can be. I asked the flight attendant about their medical training. While they do have some, he confessed to me that they have to rely on a medical passenger being on board.

I realized that I am STILL a nurse. It is like riding a bike and in an emergency, it comes flooding back. That makes me happy.

I realized that I love fellow human beings. I felt so bad for that man and felt so scared for his wife. There was no way I could have stayed in my seat and not helped him. That is comforting to me.

I was proud to show Laura what it means to be an active citizen and she was impressed that I got us bumped to first class.

My visit to Florida was not the best. All I can say on this blog is that my family needs much prayer. There were times on the trip when I thought to myself that I should not have gone. There is so much hurt and pain there and I didn't want to contribute to it. I did a lot of praying and I know God is faithful. As I thought about the man, I realized that maybe that is why I had to make the trip. Maybe I needed to see the situation with my family first hand. Maybe Laura had to learn a few lessons. Maybe all of the above.

I want my family in Florida to know that I truly love them and pray for them. I was happy to see my Mom on her birthday and I think the trip was worth it, if even just for that.

I am back home and will go teach kindergarten this afternoon. I need to visit with kindergarten. It does my heart good to be with them. I am so glad to be back home with my family. I am getting ready to run the "Turkey Trot" and getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Getting Ready

Today is filled to the top with preparations for our trip tomorrow. We leave at 4am, so here is a shout out today, for my Mom's birthday. Yes, she was born on Halloween. Kind of scary,hugh? Ha ha. We love you Mom and will be at your house ASAP tomorrow evening.



Here is a picture of my Mom and my Aunt Shirleen. Mom is the one in the lavender dress.



Here is a shout out to my brother, Daniel. His birthday is this Saturday. Happy Day Bro...



Here is a photo of Daniel and my Mom together. My Mom doesn't dance much, but she sure looks happy.

Today I am off to first grade. I love those kids and I love listening to their voices of innocence. Some, not so Innocent, but I love them anyway.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Halloween. Don't eat too much candy. I will be thinking of you all here in Colorado, as I roast in Florida. As always, it is to rain/snow tomorrow evening, here in the Springs.

Happy Haunting....

Picture catch up again.

Hi everyone. We had a very busy weekend and Laura and I are preparing to leave at o'dark hundred Wednesday morning.

Friday night, we went to hear one of my students play at the Black Rose Acoustic Society. His whole family plays and sings. He played with his Dad and brother. He is amazing and in the second grade. They all got a standing ovation. I was SO very proud of him. To think that I gave him his first lesson. Those are the moments that make teaching AWSOME.

Saturday, I got up and had a 7:30 haircut appointment. The rest of the day was spent cleaning, doing laundry and the girls had lots and lots of homework. Saturday night, we went to our neighbor's "Sweet 16" birthday party. It was really swanky and we had a great time. Laura even wore a dress and Tom wore a suite.

Sunday was filled with church and more homework. We ended the day at the Basses carving pumpkins. It was a great ending to a crazy weekend. We have so much fun with them. We have carved pumpkins with them for the last three years, so I guess it has become a tradition.

I wanted to catch you up on pictures from the last week, so here goes.







Here were pictures of the "Severed Finger Cookies" that I made last week.



This is Laura's pumpkin that she created herself.








Here are the pictures of the pumpkin carving and our pumpkins. I did the spider and Tom did the "Boogie Man". Becca picked the elaborate pattern and then decided she was bored with the whole thing after about 15 minutes. Tom was left to finish the job.



Here is a picture from Becca's play last week. What a cutie!!!

Happy Monday all...

Finally Friday

This has been the fullest week. I think it is because I am trying to do everything, so that we can enjoy our trip next week. I still have cleaning, packing, shopping, laundry, etc., yet to do. Carol and I enjoyed our walk this morning and we will meet again on Monday. I am trying to keep the exercise going, despite the craziness.

Tonight, we are going to hear one of my students play at the local acoustic society. His whole family will be performing, so it should be fun.This kid is in second grade and can play like crazy.

Tomorrow I have a hair cut apt. at 7am, then it's off to music lessons. When we get back home there is SO much the girls have to get done. Becca has three projects due at school and I have to make sure her Halloween costume is complete. Tomorrow night, we are going to a swanky party for our neighbor. She is Cuban and is having her "coming out" party. There is a fancy Hispanic name for it, but I can't remember what it is. Laura is not happy because she has to wear a dress. Becca can't wait to dress up.

Sunday is church, then off to another one of my student's house. They are having a house warming party as they just moved from base housing at the Air Force Academy. Jen, if you read this, it is the Ploceks. They bought a house over in the Rockrimmon area. In the early evening, we are off to the Basses for pumpkin carving.

Monday it starts all over again. Wednesday morning at 4am, we leave for Florida. The next few days should be interesting.

Becca had her performance last night. She was SOOOO cute and she did such a good job. I am so proud of her. The whole third grade did well and of course, there was a big "Harvest Moon" outside just for them. I will try to catch you up with pictures this weekend.

I am off to teach science today then home to give lessons. Busy day, busy life, wouldn't have it any other way. Take care all.

Mercury

Today is Becca's big Solar System play. I truly hope to get pictures and I truly hope my husband will dump them into our computer. I must learn to do this myself. She is already up and ready this morning. As I said before, she is Mercury. I can't wait to see it.

Tonight is Laura's choir club concert. Her concert is a 5 and Becca's play is at 6. Of course I teach until 6 so, Tom and Becca will have to go see Laura. I can't cancel lessons this week as I have to cancel next week because of our trip to Florida. Ugh, I feel tired already.

As you can see, today is absolutely crazy. Go ahead and add the fact that I sub. and I hope I keep my sanity.

I went to see Pookie yesterday. Please pray for him. He was sooo confused. He thought there had been bars on his window. He was dreaming about childhood. He thought remodeling was being done downstairs. He wants to go back to Florida. This went on and on. I spoke with the staff and asked them to keep an eye on him. I left feeling very sad and a little perplexed about what to do.

Say a little prayer for me too. I just want to get through today.

Not much energy

I made 180 cookies yesterday and cleaned the lower level of the house. At about 4pm I drank a diet coke and I couldn't fall asleep last night. Between all the hard work and the diet coke, I am dragging this morning. I went for my walk with Carol, but I think I already need a nap. I'm not subbing today, so maybe I can catch a quick nap, once I get the kids off to school.

I took pictures of the cookies and I've learned to put pictures on my blog, but I haven't learned how to dump the pictures from the camera. As soon as I learn that, I should be good to go and I,ll be better about including pictures.

Today is filled with errands, my orchestra club and lessons. We end the day with a "meet your team" meeting at Laura's school. I really need a nap.

I'm visiting Pookie this morning. He called last night, very confused. He has good days and bad days. The bad days make me sad. I read a quote this morning and thought of him. I guess it applies to all of us as we age.

Nikos kazantzakis wrote "Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality."

Giving everyone a finger.

I hope you noticed that I said, "a" finger and not "the" finger. Today, I will make 6 batches of my famous, well, famous to us, finger cookies. I am going to freeze them, so Tom will have them next week for his pot-luck at work. I think I am going to send some to the staff at school, as well. They are a lot of fun and pretty yummy, if you like sugar cookies. I will take pictures so you can see them. Besides house cleaning, laundry and giving lessons, that will be my day.

I am nursing a knee injury on my right knee this time. The hot tub helps, but it is still stiff this morning. I think I pulled a muscle. I got a fancy knee sock to go on it. I am hoping this helps. I had lots of energy yesterday and the running is getting easier. I think I just overdid it. I will try to bake cookies sitting down. Maybe that will help too.

Have a great day all.

Photo catch up.

I have some pictures today that Tom downloaded from our camera. I wrote all of the steps down, so now I can do it myself. I still have more to show you from our phone cameras, but those will have to wait.





The above pictures are of our first real snow, yesterday. We got six inches or more. It was a lovely taste of fall and we all LOVED being in the hot tub while it snowed.






The pictures above are Becca holding her American Girl doll. She wanted a Hula Girl costume for her doll and the doll clothes are my attempt at being a seamstress. Becca is going to a Halloween party with a friend, who has an American Girl doll too. The four of them are going as Hula Girls.

We had a great weekend filled with much fun stuff. We went to the Air Force vs. Wyoming game on Saturday. It was a blast and Air Force won. Becca was not impressed with sitting in the stands for three hours, but the rest of us loved it. We all came home tired and a little sunburned.

When we got up on Sunday, it was hard to believe it was 70 degrees the day before. We got our first real snow that stayed around. The low last night was 24 degrees with a wind chill making it feel like 17. Needless to say, I was on my treadmill this morning. After church, the girls did homework and then we hit the tub. It was wonderful and our neighbors were laughing at us. I think they were just jealous. In the evening, we had a small birthday celebration with our three year old God daughter, Megan. She is such a delight and she informed Tom that he could not have chocolate cake until he ate all of his chicken nuggets. She is a real hoot and we love her.

This morning, I have to take our cat to the vet. She is gonna LOVE that. Not really. I just hope I can get her in the carrier. It's time for her yearly check up. After the vet, I have lots to do to get ready for our trip next week. Take care all.

Laura coming home

I am so excited about Laura coming home today. I can't wait to hear about her last four days. We missed her dearly, but I'm glad she has had this experience. I'm glad she is coming home before our big storm this weekend. We are supposed to get accumulating snow on Sunday. Maybe we will get a delay on Monday. One can hope.

I am the technology teacher today at the elementary school. I don't know much about technology, but I am really good at following directions. The subbing has bumped up and I find myself checking my caldendar for open spots, several times a day.

Tomorrow, we are going to an Air Force football game with the Basses. We wanted the kids to experience at least one football game, live. I am hoping they do a fly over before the game begins.

That's about it for today. Not much to say, except, have a great day.....

The Solar System

Becca is so excited this morning as today is the dress rehearsal of her third grade play. It is about our solar system. She is Mercury, so she is HOT???!!!! That's what she told me, but I don't think I want to go there. Anyway, we dressed her in blue and later today, I will find out why. I hope to get pictures. One day, this weekend, I am going to talk Tom into downloading my pictures off of my phone and our camera, and I will have a picture blog to catch everyone up on the latest.

Laura comes home tomorrow and I can't wait. I miss her so much. Here were Becca's words last night as we ate dinner "I can't believe I actually miss Laura". I am going to the grocery today to buy ingredients to make Chinese food tomorrow night. That is her favorite and I want to welcome her home. I can't wait to hear all about camp.

I had a lovely lunch with Ellaine yesterday. She and I think so much alike. Our life struggles are so similar. She understands the ins and outs of starting an orchestra and the private teaching stuff. I am so blessed to have her in my life. Thanks Ellaine.

We had the string club yesterday. I didn't have as many kids this time, but a lot of my beginners are off to camp. I am getting a sense that some of the kiddos are not taking it seriously and now we have a concert date (Dec. 13). I have to think this through and send out an e-mail to parents. I have to get more conducting lessons from Pat or Ellaine as I have to conduct a piece in 9. Unless you are musician, you probably have no idea what I am talking about.

Tom had some supervisory shifts at work yesterday and he is happy about them. It's good to see him not so stressed. The last two weeks have been tough for him and therefore, tough for us.

I hope all of you have a super day....