I'm Back!!

Don't ask me where I have been, because the answer is nowhere!! I just seem to be avoiding the computer as of late. Too much fun with the grandkids!! I've loved this Spring Break--I am feeling more and more like I will love retirement--whenever that may happen!! After living in So. Cal for 30 plus years, I visited the flower fields in Carlsbad last week. So beautiful!! Again, where have I been for 30 years? Good Friday was absolutely amazing at MVCC--you all outdid yourselves!! And Easter Sunday as well. Then we spent a fun afternoon at Mark and Kristen's house with the local family--hiding Easter Eggs and eating like there was no tomorrow. Yum!! Today, I have chosen to stay home and get some things done before I go back to work tomorrow. For one, I will walk today!! The sun is shining--there is no excuse!! It doesn't take much for me to cancel--too windy, too cold, too much pollen, too wet, no time, a better offer, and the list goes on!! I'm not really looking forward to going to work--although, once I get there, I really do enjoy it--the kids especially. For now, I'm off to walk.

Progress?

My dear husband was "hell-bent" (pardon the expression) to get his new car (2008, but new to us) into the garage. We have lived in this house for 6 years, and have a nice 3-car garage. Never have we had two cars in said garage. When we first moved in, we spent a small fortune getting an epoxy floor and really nice built ins in the garage--thinking we could get rid of our storage unit--and thus save money. Great ideas. Only one small problem--we are the king and queen of crap. So for the last 5 years, I have managed to squeeze my VW bug into the 3 car garage. Things were looking pretty good out there until Christmas. I dug out all our decorations, and then after Christmas, but them back into the garage. Many of the items were too heavy for me to put back up--plus it's been darn cold here this January and February. Needless to say, things never got put away. It's deep out there.

So Monday night, hubby gets home early and starts working in the garage. He puts up what he has room for, and moves the rest of the "c" over to the 3rd car side, just stacking it higher and higher. It is now stacked taller than me! And I'm 5'9"!! And the cars are parked practically touching--making it tough for both of us, who are a "few" pounds overweight, to get in and out of the cars. Plus, I have bags--school and lunch. Such a pain. Also, I have to squeeze out of the car to see if I've pulled up far enough, then squeeze back in to pull up a few more inches in order to get the garage door closed! Tonight, in his attempt to give me a little more room, he pulled in sort of sideways. So I could get out of my car a little easier--with my bags. Then when I tried to get into the house, I noticed the path was completely gone. I had to go around to the front door to get in my house from the garage--and then forgot to go back out and close the garage door. Later this evening, when he wanted to go get a drink out of the garage refrigerator, he had to go out the front door and into the garage.

Saturday, we have a date to work on the pile on the last side of the garage. I guess this is progress! Just so this stuff doesn't end up in my house!!

Making the Good Choice!

I had a meltdown today driving (or should I say racing) to get to my chorale group in time to pass out the costumes I had ordered and sorted, and packaged for the new members of the group so they would have them in time for pictures next Tuesday. Whew--even saying it exhausts me. But through it all, I came to a good conclusion. I may have to either cut back or even (I can't believe I'm saying this) drop out of chorale until this school year is over. Let's face it--I would rather spend time with my grandchildren, relaxed time, than feel so stressed about being in places and groups that really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. And what in the world was I thinking when I said I would be in charge of costumes this semester? I need to practice that little word again--NO!--before I get myself in even more trouble. I think the worst of it is over--I may have to place another order before the performance in May--notice I didn't say my performance!! I have come to grips that I might not even be singing then!! There is enough stress in my life that I can't control--I need to eliminate what I can!! Good job, Nancy! Tomorrow I get to spend the day and the night (Yay, a sleep-over!!) with Tanner and Peyton. I am just about the most blessed person I know!!

Excuses, Excuses!

I haven't posted for so long, I forgot my password!! Now that's pretty bad. And I have no real excuse--just the usual. Working, enjoying my family, taking care of my sister, trying to get ahead in my house (impossible, I've decided), and the other things that seem to creep into the days. Now as you may have heard, I have another new grandbaby--Peyton Elizabeth, born to Sarah and Kipp on Friday. She's a beauty!! Big brother really loves her too. As soon as I learn to put pics up, I'll include some. For now check out Lyonslove and Kristen's blog for some cute ones!! This is number 6 for us and number 7 will be born in April!! Who knew being a grandma could be so wonderful--and so much easier than being mom!! I'm off today to spend the night to help Sarah take both kids to the dr. tomorrow!! What fun!! I never want to go back to work!!

Back to Reality!!

I just finished my "week" of work today--my three day week!! And as much as I dreaded going back to work after the two week break, it was a delightful time with the students!! We have a fantastic class--very loving kids. There's something about work, I don't know if it is the structure, the feeling of worth, the actual job, the children, the fellow staff members--it's just a very good part of my life these days. As the economy gets tighter, I feel like I will never quit work. On the other hand, if there are more and more cutbacks in the state budget, things may happen that are out of my control. (As if anything is really in my control!!) I really like my job and the money too!! I really don't want to lose my job!! But, rather than worry about that, I will continue to just enjoy each day I have in our little classroom, with our little first graders.

Happy New Year!!

Last night was quiet for us. We had Jafta and India over to spend the night so mommy and daddy could celebrate both Kristen's birthday and New Year's Eve. We watched Wally in front of the fireplace in our jammies. A great night!! Today, however, the kids were up at 6:00--still on Florida time!! We've been playing, reading, and they are now watching Rudolph with grandpa. I have been trying for the last 30 minutes to begin paying my bills on line (one of my New Year's Resolutions)--and a big step for this barely computer literate grandma. And of course, it is not letting me sign up--no wonder I get discouraged!! I guess I will wait til tomorrow and try to call someone. I will not write checks today!! I will win at this game!! I've made coffee and guess I had better go relieve grandpa--maybe it's time for breakfast! Happy New Year to all!!

Merry Christmas!!

It's a gray, cloudy, rainy, windy day--what we call a "white Christmas" for Southern California!! The gas logs are "crackling" in the fireplace, the Christmas lights are all lighted, the traditional sticky bun pull-apart has been consumed, the gifts have been opened--we are all in a somewhat vegetative mode--and loving it!! Janet (my sister) and I are in our new comfy slippers while we decide what movie to see. Lonnie is talking to old hunting buddies from Kansas and reminicing about the past. I miss the excitement and craziness of the grandkids--that was yesterday! But at the same time I am enjoying the quiet, soft Christmas music playing in the background. My prayer for you all is a peaceful day, filled with the love of family, good food, warmth, and most of all the knowledge of the greatest gift ever--the arrival of a tiny baby boy in a stable in Bethlehem 2008 years ago. A baby that would change our world forever! Happy Birthday, Jesus!! And Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!!