tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203812252024-02-27T23:32:24.456-05:00Just TerrificJust Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-64009697287870503102010-04-19T17:47:00.002-04:002010-04-19T18:11:53.805-04:00What A Day!Well, guess what I have sitting on the dining room table? My youngest child's graduation announcements. The name cards, return address <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">labels</span>, thank-you notes, the 2010 announcements.........all of it. It was delivered to me at my school (thank goodness for thoughtful school secretaries - students or teachers CANNOT survive without them!!!). <br /><br />It was so bittersweet to open the box. I really cannot describe all of the emotions I felt seeing my sweet boy's full name -Ethan Thomas <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Matheney</span>- beautifully written on his name cards. It put a huge lump in my throat then........and now. I have feelings of great joy for having the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">privilege</span> of being his mother and such regret for all of the time that flew by too quickly.<br /><br />It occurred to me today, that I have had a child in school for 24 years. TWENTY-FOUR YEARS!!!! That is 1 year shy of being exactly 1/2 of my life! Having 2 other grown, adult children has given me first-hand experience at being a different kind of parent. It has its' perks. <br /><br />I'm putting a great effort into celebrating each milestone with him, like always. I'm keeping the thoughts I have about his last high school events being mine, too. He's ready to move on. So, it's time for a whole new era in both of our lives.<br /><br /> I know that I talk a good talk but while I'm saying all of these logical things, I see my little red-headed, green-eyed toddler every time he comes in the door. I'll let you know when my vision returns to normal.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-41416091918731678992010-01-05T21:47:00.002-05:002010-01-05T22:05:40.641-05:00Out with the Old and In with the NewYesterday was not only our first day back after Christmas break but it was our first day in our new elementary building. Oh, my goodness! It is a BEAUTIFUL building! This is my 29<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> year of teaching (Good grief, that sounds ancient!) and I've never taught in a building that was built for elementary students until .......yesterday. <br /><br />The months prior to this event have been very stressful. We packed and moved WITH STUDENTS at school! I stayed after school many evenings to sort, toss,and pack things. I was determined NOT to take things I didn't need. That wasn't as easy as it sounds. It was hard to leave really good teaching materials that I bought myself and really like. But, the state of Ohio has determined that our children need to learn a certain set of indicators which they are tested on each spring. So, most things that were older than 3-4 years old, I left to be included in the upcoming auction.<br /><br />We moved the week of Dec. 14-17. Having older students (5th graders), it could have been worse. Many of them were wonderful help for which I am grateful. My husband and son helped me a couple of evenings and I worked 2 days over my vacation to unpack and organize things. <br /><br />Our rooms are so nice. Our hallway/rooms are accented with a deep, royal blue. All of the hassle and hard work was worth every minute of it to watch the 4-6 grades students enter the hallway yesterday morning. They all looked so happy! I am sure that some of them grew an inch or 2 over the break! Many of them had on new clothes.....gifts from Christmas, no doubt. It sure feels like a whole new year in many more ways than just a number on a calendar.<br /><br />Hubby and I are on a new diet. Many prayers are needed :) Look out, 2010!!!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-36244262867612451712010-01-01T23:17:00.002-05:002010-01-01T23:32:50.616-05:00Can You Believe It's 2010???Wow! Has it been 10 years since we were all concerned about Y2K and how everything was going to be all messed up when the clock struck midnight on 2000? Life just went right on, didn't it? I'll bet the computer geeks who sold all of those converter programs in 1999 are still laughing!<br /><br />2009 is history. I turned 50 in '09. Time has certainly flown by.<br /><br />My youngest child, my baby, will graduate from high school this year. It seems like only yesterday that I figured up the year that he would turn 18 and it seemed so far away. <br /><br />I honestly cannot think of another event in my life that feels any more "bittersweet" than these 2 things. Somehow, I thought that I would feel much older than this. I'm kidding, of course. Some days I feel much older than 50. <br /><br />I need the Lord's help daily with keeping a positive outlook on things. So with that in mind, I plan to look forward to:<br /><br />my son's 18<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday<br />his graduation and party<br />our 30<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> wedding anniversary<br /><br />There will be plenty of other events to plan and participate in which is fine with me. I LOVE these kind of things! 2010 looks like another great year, already!<br /><br />Happy New Year!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-9859621328060369932009-12-06T11:38:00.002-05:002009-12-06T11:57:46.552-05:00Well, We're Moving On Up!!!If you were around me for 5 minutes, it's easy to guess that I tend to think musically. For almost every phrase and/or situation, there is a song that comes to my mind. So, while you're reading this, hum the theme song to "The Jeffersons" :)<br /><br />The school district that I work for, and live in, is building new elementaries. They are finished and we are moving into them in 2 weeks. This is so exciting but quite a chore, too. School is in session and we are teaching while trying to pack up. Add that to the holiday season and the stress-factor goes right off of the charts!<br /><br />This is my 29th year of teaching (OK, so I'm getting old!) and I have never taught in a building that was built for young children. The elementary students always "inherited" the old high schools. The people in our area wouldn't vote for levies that would provide new elementaries. High school gymnasiums for basketball was far more important. So, to say that we are excited is an understatement. <br /><br />The staff went on a brief tour of our new building this week and it is AWESOME!!!! Our principal did a great job with choosing colors and other details. Maybe one of these days, I'll figure out how to post pictures (I know it's not brain surgery) and share some on here. <br /><br />Right now, it's stressful sorting, packing, etc. at school while trying to decorate and get ready for Christmas at home. But, it will so be worth it! For a couple of months now, our standard sentence starter has been "In the new building..........." like we are going to paradise.<br /><br /> It will be to us.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-18700885469557097932009-11-15T12:11:00.003-05:002009-12-06T11:38:29.677-05:00On the Road, Again!(Hum Willie Nelson's song when you read my title:)<br /><br /><br /><br />Last Friday morning, my youngest son hit a deer on his way to school. Really, I should say that the <em>deer </em>hit <em>him</em>. The impact literally sheared the grill, headlights, AND THEIR SOCKETS right off of the front of his '93 Ford Ranger. Ethan could not avoid the 10-point buck that was running across the highway.<br /><br /><br /><br />Ethan leaves about 5 minutes ahead of me every morning. I <em>knew </em>when the phone rang that it was either him or his dad saying they had hit a deer. All three of us drive approx. 10 miles to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Peebles</span> on scenic Ohio Highway 41. It goes past Woodland Altars Camp which is basically a game preserve. So, we watch for them every day, all year. We see them alone and/or in herds but they are a constant danger. He said that he was fine but he had no grill and no headlights --it was still dark. I told him if his truck was still running to get off of the road, turn it off, and wait for me.<br /><br />As I approached the scene of the accident, I saw in the field near the road a HUGE buck sitting there, breathing heavily. He was lying down, kind of sitting up like cows do when they are resting. I could see steam coming from his nostrils where he was breathing hard in the cold air.<br /><br />I was so relieved and very grateful to see that Ethan was fine. He was in his truck waiting for me. It was a good thing that I told him to turn the truck off because there was big puddle of anti-freeze running from under it. He and I were probably there 15-20 minutes making phone calls and waiting for my husband to get there. It was amusing to watch how many guys, on their way to work, slowed down and/or stopped to look at the wounded buck just sitting in the field. You could not tell that he was hurt, so it looked like this big buck was just resting out in the open. When we were going home that afternoon, though, the deer had died and was laying back farther in the same field. I'm sorry that the poor thing suffered but so glad my son wasn't injured.<br /><br />Anyway, to make this long story have a happy ending........the insurance company allowed a great price for Ethan's '93 Ranger. So much so, that Papaw found another Ranger to replace it. Ethan now has a '01 Ford Ranger that has a lot more options on it than his old truck. It has more miles on it but is quite an upgrade. Note to self: ALWAYS carry "comprehensive coverage" on every vehicle. It payed off for us in a big way in this situation.<br /><br />Ethan has a newer truck and maybe he knows that when I say "Be careful and watch for deer" whenever he leaves the house, there are good reasons.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-18555081027325176602009-09-21T19:11:00.002-04:002009-09-21T19:32:15.478-04:00So Today Is Your BirthdaySo today is your birthday<br />That is what I've been told.<br />What a wonderful feeling<br />You are one more year old!<br />On the cake <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">there'll</span> be candles<br />All lighted for you.<br />And the whole world is singing.....<br />Happy Birthday to you!<br /><br />Happy birthday to you!<br />Happy birthday to you!<br />Happy birthday dear loved one!<br />Happy birthday to you!<br /><br />I had the tremendous blessing of attending school in a little country school near my home. Most of my elementary years were spent in a double classroom. My grandma was my third and fourth grade teacher. There was a larger majority of girls in our class who just happened to love to sing. Grandma was a very talented musician who took great advantage of her musical class. She taught us so many songs.....We Gather Together, Beautiful Ohio, etc. Thankfully this was small town country living and no one objected to the religious songs we were taught.<br /><br />Grandma, also, taught us some songs that I don't really know where she had learned them. I sing this little birthday song she taught us to my own students whenever one of them has a birthday. I call it "My Cheesy Little Birthday Song" which, of course, leads into the traditional verse that they all know. It just so happened that I had student who had a birthday today, so I sang it to her. This early in the year, they are just learning the words themselves. What is so sweet, is that, even though they are 10-11 years <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">olds</span>, they love to learn this little song and always want it sung to them.<br /><br />As soon as I started singing it today, I fully realized today's date. September 21st was Grandma's birthday. She would have been 99 years old today. And, I couldn't help but think of how pleased she would have been to have heard her granddaughter singing it to a new generation of students.<br /><br />My goodness, it made my heart ache for her. I do miss her so. I miss her humor, her wisdom, her wonderful laughter, her unshakable faith in the Lord, her joy in my successes, and sympathy when I needed that, too. <br /><br />I am so grateful and thankful that my grandma is in heaven with our Lord and Savior today. I'm grateful for godly grandparents.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Grandma!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-80855711663860114462009-08-10T23:42:00.002-04:002009-08-10T23:56:45.577-04:00Project Complete!It all started in April when I saw this wallpaper that I liked.<br />A few days later, I found very pretty bathroom towels at Kohl's that matched the wallpaper.<br />Slowly but surely, I gathered accessories to go in our tiny little downstairs half-bathroom. The wall color was difficult to match, so I carried the paint chip with me everywhere. <br />The room is only 5'3" X 6' with just a commode and sink. It has taken me all summer to finish this tiny room but IT IS FINISHED!!! Well, all but the handle and knobs for the drawers. I had to order what I wanted but.....who was in a hurry???<br /><br />I love the wallpaper and the colors in the room. The paint is called "Sea Sprite" .....a light, misty bluish-green. The only other color is dark brown. I'll try to get a picture posted of it soon. <br /><br />I would like to feel all smug about having accomplished something but, it has taken me all summer. At least, I have something finished before the first day of school. I think it looks great, if I must say so myself.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-85329871654965857012009-08-01T23:24:00.002-04:002009-08-01T23:49:48.475-04:00The Perfect BirthdayToday is my birthday! I am 50 years old today!!!! Gee, I can't believe I said that. I've dreaded this for weeks but it's been a wonderful day.......a couple of wonderful days. <br /><br />Yesterday, my husband took a vacation day and we spent the day together. He went with me to the doctor (which is not so great but I'll leave that for another post), went to see a movie, then, had great steaks for lunch. We saw the movie "Up". It was soooooo good! It certainly was perfect for the weary frame of mind I've been in lately. My perspective about turning 50 completely changed by the end of it. Maybe that's over-stating things a bit, but it was very thought provoking. Great, great movie!<br /><br />My husband and kids surprised me with a birthday party this evening! Bless their hearts!! It was so much fun! Most of my family and close friends were there. I loved every minute of it! The sweetest present was from my own kids. They completely surprised me with a picture of the 3 of them together. It is a wonderful picture of them! It also has some composite pictures on it of my grandson, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law. They had planned the photo shoot and had them taken totally under the radar :) I had no idea. It is such a great picture of each of them. <br /><br />So, I had the perfect birthday today. If the rest of my life is even a tiny bit like what today has been......with the awesome family and friends I have...........being fifty will be a piece of cake!!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-25358017673839106492009-06-16T08:31:00.002-04:002009-06-16T08:53:05.751-04:00Pismo Beach! Here We Come!!No, we're not really going to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pismo</span> Beach. I just borrowed one of my favorite lines from Bugs Bunny. We are going to a beach, though. Virginia Beach. We are only going to be gone for 4-5 days, but we are so due for a vacation!<br /><br />If there is such a thing as being<em> </em>vacation-challenged, we would fit every criteria. For 8 years, we had 1-2 children in college. It completely sapped us of all spending money and then some. Sadly, our youngest child paid the biggest price for his sibling's higher education. <br />At 17, he is the least traveled of our kids. <br /><br />So, when I asked him where he would like to go for a little vacation, he just said "Wherever there's water." Well, that's all I needed to hear! We have reservations at a hotel right on the beach with a really cool (3, actually) pool(s)! <br /><br /><br />See you next week!!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-14111715669884351802009-06-11T00:04:00.002-04:002009-06-11T00:26:28.196-04:00You Gotta Love Friends!I teach fifth grade at the elementary in our area. There are 4 classrooms of most grade levels depending on the size of the class. I love the people I work with! We are the most tenured grade level in our building. Between the 4 of us, we total 125 years in education. (Wow! That makes us sound ancient!! ) We've been married (each to our original husband) for a combined total of 137 years. There are 8 children between us and 6 grandchildren. We have a great time together.<br /><br />Before we left on the last day of school, we made plans to meet for dinner today. We rode to our destination together, ate dinner at one of our favorite places, shopped a little, then met back where we had left our cars. Still talking.......we do that <em>best</em>.....we stood together along a busy street in the town where we teach. Several <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">acquaintances</span>, former students, parents, friends, neighbors, etc. drove by as we smiled and waved to them. What was so amusing to them...and to us..... was that we are the fifth grade teaching staff at our elementary and was enjoying each other's company. They knew it and so did we.<br /><br />What a blessing in my life to work with friends! Sweet, sweet.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-39325754814128767432009-06-10T00:37:00.003-04:002009-06-10T00:52:00.235-04:00Summer's First OutingMy best friend and I did a little shopping today. Joni always makes things so much fun! Who else could make shopping for sheets, mattress pads and pillows a blast?? JCPenney's will never be the same! They will probably take us off of their coupon mailing list to prevent our return any time soon.<br /><br />Before we stopped at one of our favorite malls, we had other shopping to do first. I know this may sound weird, but MVH in Dayton has really nice gift shops. The one for babies is really nice. So, since I needed to buy a baby gift, we went there to shop. I wasn't disappointed with their selection. I found the sweetest baby book and little brag book to match. I love stuff like that. <br /><br />Our mid-day lunch was at Olive Garden. We were there for over an hour catching up on things. <br /><br />Cost of bedding:$103.59<br />Olive Garden: $16.75<br />Gas: $37.00<em>.....Geesh</em>!!<br />Day spent with my bestest, dearest friend: PRICELESS!!!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-4538229089368642362009-06-08T12:15:00.003-04:002009-06-08T12:42:57.911-04:00I'm Back!!It's my first official day of Summer Vacation. I'll try to do a better job of blogging. I read others' every day and feel like I almost know them. But, I'm really bad at keeping up with mine. It's not that I don't have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">enough</span> time. I'm not any busier that the others ladies who blog every day. I just have a hard time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">putting</span> down my thoughts, sometimes. If you knew how <em>verbally </em>expressive I am, you might be laughing out loud with that last statement. <br /><br />Anyway, I'm resting up after the last hectic weeks of school and having attended/helped with some high school graduation parties. Last weekend, I helped a good friend with her grandson's party. This weekend (yesterday) I helped with my brother's step-daughter's party. Both of them were in the same graduating class. Their school colors are blue and red. My kitchen is red and white, so I have a lot of red "extra" serving pieces that work well with these events. I love to entertain, so I have a lot of other things, as well, that I share when asked.<br /><br />I, also, take request for favorite foods and fix them for events. For Storm's party, I fixed 2 huge pans of Baked Hash Browns, which has led to the request for them at another party this coming weekend. For my nieces' party, I fixed (her specific request...I CAN'T turn a kid down!) potato salad, a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cheese ball</span>, and a Sloppy Pineapple Cake. I made this same <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cheese ball</span> for her 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> birthday party and made it into a big "16". I wasn't as creative yesterday. I figured my 2009 would look weird, so it was just a big oval <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">cheese ball</span> covered with chopped pecans. I threw in another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cheese ball</span> that, she didn't ask for but liked, was made with confectioner's sugar and chocolate bits. You eat it on graham crackers instead of salty ones. Very good, I must say.<br /><br />We received 4 grad party invites this year; two last Saturday and 2 were yesterday. I hate it when things are at the same time!! My cousin's daughter's party was 60 miles away from here at almost the same time as my niece's. I really helped a lot with setting up my niece's and fixing the food, so I couldn't make it to the other one. I hate that.......I love to visit family and friends and want to go to them all! I sent a check and card with our regrets, but it's not the same. <br /><br />Enough of my randomness........Have a great day! I've got to accomplish SOMETHING this first day of vacation! Even, if it's wrong :)Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-84619007670141322472008-03-04T22:36:00.003-05:002008-03-04T22:52:32.411-05:00"If the Lord Don't Come and the Creeks Don't Rise"Well, the creeks were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">waaaaay</span> up this morning! With 4-5 inches of snow melting in less than 48 hours and 2 1/2 inches of rain last night, there was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">a lot </span>of flooding all around us. I've never seen water on Route 41 like I did this morning. The truth is, I am a chicken! I am especially afraid of high water. No one should ever worry about me driving into it. So, there were a few areas that really scared me today.<br /><br />Did I mention that I'm a chicken? I don't like to even be near raging water. It was right beside the road most of the 9 miles to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Peebles</span> and was over into my lane in a couple of places. I wasn't surprised that several students were absent due to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">buses</span> not being able to run their complete routes. I have a little girl who has to cross a swinging foot bridge in front of her house. Needless to say, I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sooooo</span> relieved when she wasn't there today. I shiver just thinking about her being on that thing.<br /><br />The waters had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">receded</span> by this afternoon. It's very sobering to see the traces of where the water had been, though. They are certainly not the "signs of spring" I was hoping for.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-55790213850085353452008-03-01T22:22:00.003-05:002008-03-02T11:09:48.677-05:00In Like A LambMarch arrived like a lamb today. We needed some lamb-like weather. We've had plenty of snow. I enjoyed the day so much with my daughter. We went to our dermatologist in downtown Cincinnati this morning. Dr. Ede has been in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carew</span> Tower, the tallest building in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cincy</span>, since the '50's. He is probably in his 80's but he's wonderful and we love him!<br /><br />We did a little shopping in Northern Kentucky, then headed home. I bought some more Elizabeth Arden make-up.....to cover up what my doctor can't hide. My E.A. make-up is the only <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">luxury</span> I allow myself. I try to buy it on a rotation so I don't have to pay for more than one thing at a time. It's good stuff, though! Their Plump Perfect <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SPC</span> 30 Moisturizer is marvelous! I've used it ever since Dr. Ede removed a "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pre</span>-cancerous" spot from my face 3 years ago. I wear it every day and it's worth every penny. Enough said.<br /><br />There are 2 significant reasons that I "pause for praise" and give thanks each year on March 1. My youngest cousin was born during my senior year in high school on March 1. Happy Birthday, Heather! She was the little flower girl in our wedding. Cute! Cute! Cute! It is so hard to comprehend how fast the years have flown by.<br /><br />On March 1, 1977, another cousin was in a coma caused by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Reye's</span> Syndrome. I can still feel how devastating it was for the call to come and we were told that there was little or no hope of her surviving the night. I prayed and prayed all night for her; begging for mercy and for the Lord to spare her life. She lived through that horrible ordeal and eventually recovered. It had a lasting effect on all of us.<br /><br />So, it's understandable as to why March 1 seems like another "Thanksgiving" to me. It's a great day to celebrate the coming of spring and having a loving family.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-25663108408316118262008-02-27T22:08:00.004-05:002008-02-27T22:40:08.779-05:00MilestonesTwenty years ago today, we became first time homeowners (talk about your fixer-upper). But, I love this old house. Always have. I've joked to my family that when I die, they can bury me in the backyard.<br /><br />We had a snow day today; no school. So, I've had the time to be a little nostalgic. These sentimental feelings actually started on Saturday when the appliance delivery guys rolled our old 25 1/2 year old frig out the door to make room for the new one. I was 23 years old when the old one was purchased new. That is more than one-half-of-my-life ago. I tried hard not to cry over an old refrigerator. I was fairly successful.<br /><br />When we bought this house, Jay was 6 years old; Ashley was 4. Ethan wasn't born until 4 years later. Twenty years holds more memories than I could count. I think, somewhere along the way, there might have been some really hard and difficult times. But, today, right now, all I can remember are the many, many blessings we've received during the 20 years at 14 North Street.<br /><br />We've done a lot to the house. Mike says we've bought over 400 gallons of paint since we bought the place. That number is probably <em>low.</em> There is so much more that we'd like to do. Many rooms are in need of a re-do, while there are lots and lots of things we've never even finished. Oh, the joys of owning your own home. How sweet it is and you know, it is true........there's no place like home!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-65144280881277402852008-02-02T13:59:00.000-05:002008-02-04T20:41:47.381-05:00A Sad FarewellMy father-in-law passed away on Saturday, January 19. After his final dialysis on January 7, we were told he would probably live 3 days to 3 weeks. It was 12 days.<br /><br /><br /><br />Don had been on dialysis for 6 years. He had a major heart attack 4 years ago, followed by several mini-strokes. He was such a physically strong man, very athletic. Yet, he had smoked cigarettes all of his adult life.<br /><br /><br /><br />In 1994, doctors found an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This was major surgery but he went through it with flying colors. The aneurysm had damaged one of his kidneys, which was how they found the problem to start with. Four years later, they found another AAA almost in the exact location as the first one.<br /><br /><br /><br />I feel quite sure that his being in such good shape to start with is how and why Don lasted as long as he did. His wife took excellent, excellent care of him. She had a long list of every medication he as taking, carried a list of every procedure and the date of each one that he had endured, and took him 25 miles one way to dialysis 3 xs each week for 3 1/2 years. It has been a long and difficult journey for both of them. They would have celebrated their 53rd anniversary on March 26.<br /><br />This was the first parent either of us have lost; the first grandparent for our children. I was so touched by the strength that our kids expressed to their dad during this time. They surrounded him with their love and compassion. That meant more to him than they will ever know.<br /><br />Don accepted Christ as his Savior about 2 years ago. We are so thankful for the Lord's wonderful love and mercy.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-10234989301069435592007-12-27T23:54:00.000-05:002007-12-28T00:04:46.862-05:00Enjoying the HolidaysOur oldest son and his wife have been here since Christmas day. He and I sat up and talked until 2:30 a.m. I miss those long talks. I think he did, too.<br /><br />Last night, we met our daughter and son-in-law at the Mexican restaurant in Hillsboro for supper. Then, what did we do?!? We went to K-mart!! Are we a bunch of nerds or what? We had such a great time shopping, laughing, and goofing around. <br /><br />Today, we kind of scattered and did different things. Mike took the puppy, Gunnar, for his third and last shot. Jay and Ethan took their game systems to meet some friends to play video games. Jamie and I did a little after-Christmas shopping. There are some neat, specialty shops in nearby towns that I took her to. We finished up in Hillsboro at a new coffee house. Our splurge for the day was for lattes. She got a mocha latte, while mine was white chocolate. Ohhhhhhh, my! They were sooooo good! Finally, something that nice close to home!<br /><br />It was a wonderful day!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-17457412545387362652007-12-27T23:47:00.000-05:002007-12-30T11:38:49.198-05:00Is It Still December?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPFooLIbMUlWvFNhHv0z9APOo8uFMXmgMVxMVgEWwrcdQEIS5lXFXWREFopsuEtwlU4ZEQWCQQ1Gc8aFOdn978I5vYpADtO1TBIRvtZmU1pkL5A8yHQk9S7LWpDIfSSx8vw8-hQ/s1600-h/IMG_1019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149800684052088034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPFooLIbMUlWvFNhHv0z9APOo8uFMXmgMVxMVgEWwrcdQEIS5lXFXWREFopsuEtwlU4ZEQWCQQ1Gc8aFOdn978I5vYpADtO1TBIRvtZmU1pkL5A8yHQk9S7LWpDIfSSx8vw8-hQ/s320/IMG_1019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I decided to feature my nativity pieces on the buffet. My mom made the angels for me several years ago in a ceramics class. The small nativity sets on the left were gifts from students over the years. The 3 ornaments on the right from Hallmark featuring "Peanut" characters. I love them! The nativity ornament plays "Away In A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Manger</span>", the bell choir plays "Hark the Herald Angels", and the red stage features Linus. When you push button, it plays the whole scripture that Linus quotes from <strong>A Charlie Brown Christmas. </strong>Isn't it great that Hallmark promotes, or allowed, the Bible to be quoted in one of their products? I was so touched when I played it for the first time. </div><div> </div><div>Note about the buffet (or whatever you call it): It belonged to my Great-Grandma Miller. It has survived a fire! It was given to my mom. But, when my parents moved to their current location, they had no room for it. I have the mirror that goes in the top/back of it but it needs re-silvered. So, the mirror stays in the closet. </div><div>Meanwhile......I have tried AGAIN to load other pictures and, of course, it won't work! I will try again later to post a different one. Like I said before.......it may take until Easter but I'll get there.</div>Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-63274711929259988572007-12-26T15:44:00.000-05:002007-12-26T15:50:53.757-05:00I'll Be Posting Christmas Pics in July!Well, I finally got a picture posted on my blog! The power outage last Sunday (12/16) plus an outage with our internet carrier recently has really caused us computer problems. Honestly, I don't know which one is causing the problems. But, it's been more than disappointing to have it happen when I wanted to be on Boomama's Christmas Tour. I'm not giving up. Even if I am too late for Boomama's Tour this year, I'll just put them on my blog for my Aunt Cheryl to see. That will make my day just fine.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-60123738382461795802007-12-16T22:50:00.000-05:002007-12-25T19:45:04.062-05:00Merry Christmas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES04IN5XXeh7XK2V3e5x-hB5YXDrnkrTvUYpOZLd2Fir_iIsZdJ_K-5EQ-whtfrGKiPEhPhnXIbsPSjl_ozRoLNYYZmE0bxUbdTiQRQwwppCg2BGWae52YLLYZEkRdWxgJl0Mgg/s1600-h/IMG_1019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148072883133416658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES04IN5XXeh7XK2V3e5x-hB5YXDrnkrTvUYpOZLd2Fir_iIsZdJ_K-5EQ-whtfrGKiPEhPhnXIbsPSjl_ozRoLNYYZmE0bxUbdTiQRQwwppCg2BGWae52YLLYZEkRdWxgJl0Mgg/s320/IMG_1019.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"> </div><div> </div><div>I am so excited to be a part of Boomama's Christmas Tour of Homes!! I started reading Boomama's blog exactly one year ago because of her Christmas Tour. My aunt had the "tour button" on her blog and I just had to check it out. I'm so glad that I did! Boomama is a special blessing in my life. Her wit and humor have saved many ho-hum days for me. Thanks, Boomama, for allowing me to join your tour.<br /><br />I love Christmas and, as you can see, I'm very sentimental about many of my decorations. They are not fancy or elaborate by any means, but hold a special place in my heart for various reasons.</div>Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-92186291575103767862007-12-16T22:37:00.000-05:002007-12-16T22:44:15.107-05:00What A Day!The electric was off for 6 hours today!! It was off from 3:30 to 9:35, then went back off for another 35 minutes before it stayed on. What a waste of time! I got a few things done while it was still daylight but we all ended up wrapped in blankets by the heater the last 2-3 hours. The wind outside was fierce, making the house cool down pretty fast.<br /><br />I had planned on getting my blog all ready for Boomama's Christmas Tour. Hopefully, I'll get the pictures I want on it tomorrow night. It's too late to start on them tonight. I'm so disappointed but it couldn't be helped.<br /><br />Tomorrow morning, my daughter, mom, and I are going Christmas shopping. It is supposed to be cold but no snow. See you later!Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-86390212556786731252007-12-15T21:49:00.000-05:002007-12-15T22:04:07.948-05:00Enjoying the seasonCan you believe that it is only 10 days until Christmas? We had snow, then freezing rain, so I didn't leave the house all day. I got my Christmas cards all finished and made homemade chicken-n-noodles. <br /><br />Normally, I would have been in a panic being housebound on a Saturday this close to Christmas. But, my daughter and I are taking personal days from our jobs to go Christmas shopping together on Monday. I can't wait! I have most of my shopping done. I just need to get gifts for my two closest friends and my nephew. It should be fun shopping for them! <br /><br />Tomorrow will probably be a repeat of today. The forecast is calling for 2-3 inches of snow in the morning. It might be difficult to go to church in the morning. Many services have cancelled tonight, already.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-55223666683738294162007-11-24T23:18:00.000-05:002007-11-24T23:30:11.704-05:00Meanwhile, back at the ranch.........Today was the first time that Mike and I tackled the Christmas decorations by ourselves. We only have our youngest son still living at home and he went to a friend's house to stay overnight. I usually love to decorate for any holiday but it gets harder and harder as the kids leave one by one.<br /><br />I decorate the whole downstairs. I have a lot of stuff. We have a huge artificial tree for our big living room. One that I just HAD to have 7 years ago. Bless my husband's heart, he put it together all by himself today while I got other things out. It took him 2 whole hours to assemble that thing but it looks beautiful. It was truly an act of love on his part because he really doesn't care one way or the other about decorating. But, he knows how much I love my Christmas stuff. He, also, knows how much I miss our kids. He does, too, but deals with it differently than I do. <br /><br />We're kind of like "empty-nesters" here this evening. We decorated some, met our daughter and her husband for dinner, shopped a little, etc. Maybe being a couple of "homesteaders" isn't so bad after all.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-11601545929014670812007-11-23T20:30:00.000-05:002007-11-23T21:26:50.885-05:00A Blessed ThanksgivingThanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I have always loved to have my family together. I love to entertain, so this holiday allows me to do both. Establishing traditions has been something I've tried to do for my children. It warms my heart to hear their request for a special dinner and/or event. Ethan's request was for mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, and cheesecake......in that order.<br /><br /><br /><br />This was our first Thanksgiving with both of our new in-laws. It was so nice to see them, be with them. I miss my kids terribly.<br /><br /><br /><br />Dinner included turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, broccoli casserole, cranberry jello salad, cottage cheese, and rolls. Desserts were cheese cake, pumpkin pies, pecan pie, chocolate pie, and French vanilla ice-cream. And Cool Whip. My dad likes a little pie with his Cool Whip.<br /><br /><br /><br />After dinner was over, we rolled into the living room then played a game together. Jay and Jamie had the game "Disney- Scene It?" It is an interactive video game that has questions about Disney movies. Now, you would have to know just how many Disney videos Jay and Ashley have seen in their lifetime. They thought that the game had to be made for just them. We had a blast! It was so much fun! And much to their surprise, there were several of the questions they didn't know. What was so funny was how many song clips they knew! Between Jay, Jamie, Ashley, Jason, Ethan, Mike, and I, we knew quite a few.<br /><br /><br /><br />We played another game after that one. Ethan loves to play with his older siblings. Jamie and Jason are wonderful to him. He misses them, too.<br /><br /><br /><br />For supper, my brother, Tom, and his little boy, Nicholas came over. Nicholas is such a sweetie! It's been way too long since we've had a little one around here. We are just crazy about him! Nicholas is such a "Papaw's boy". Oh, my! It makes me laugh until I cry to see how the two of them are with each other. Nicholas will sit on Papaw's lap for an hour or more reading or drawing. They have this little ritual. Then, if Papaw gets up, Nicholas is afraid he will leave without him, so he walks really close to him. Dad says that he feels like one those big penguins with a little sitting on his feet. It is just too cute!<br /><br /><br /><br />I had to laugh at Tom. I made potato cakes from the left over mashed potatoes. My grandma used to do that and they always tasted so good. Tom ate three potato cakes! There are a few things that Sis (I) make for him that he really likes. That was one of them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Jason and Ashley had to leave in the late afternoon to go to his family's dinner. Jay and Jamie stayed until today. They left around 4:00 p.m. I don't miss all of the extra cooking and laundry that it takes having 5 people living in this house, but I miss my kids. I miss talking to them; laughing with them. I feel that we have raised fine, loving young adults. It felt so good to have them home again.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20381225.post-1780351666714513912007-11-12T10:06:00.000-05:002007-11-12T10:35:34.582-05:00Shelby's PuppiesI wrote this big announcement about the new puppies 2 months ago and haven't said a word since then. I sooooo enjoyed the puppies. This is the first time in my life that I've actually had a dog that I have planned for them to have a litter. I was completely blown away when she had SEVEN!!! Shelby only weighs 15 lbs. and is about 14-15 inches tall. Not only did she have 7 little darlings, but they were so chubby and healthy.<br /><br /><br /><br />For the first few weeks, they would nurse, sleep in a pile in a big box, nurse, sleep in a pile, etc. When they were about 4 weeks old and too big and lively for the box, I put them in a kiddie pool until they could climb out of it. Then, we gated them in a small out-of-the-way corner of our kitchen. A vinyl floor covering was key to their location.<br /><br /><br /><br />Every evening, my husband, mom, son, and I would hold one or two at a time. We played with them as often as we could. My big ol' softy of a husband would actually lay down on the floor and play with them while I cleaned the floor where they had been. It was the cutest thing to put them back into their "pen" and watch them play.<br /><br /><br /><br />But.........it was not possible to keep 7 puppies in the house any longer and we were getting very attached to them. So, when they were 6 weeks old, I put an ad in the local paper. I had 2 of them sold by word of mouth. The other 4 sold in less than a week. I am sooooo grateful that each of them have gone to really good homes. That was important to me. A young couple (I had had the girl in school a few years back) bought one; the others have all gone to homes with young children or with grandchildren near by.<br /><br /><br /><br />So far, I know the names of 4 of them, including the one we kept. They are Brutus, Cooper, Buster, and Ethan's baby is Gunnar.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was a lot of work taking care of them, especially with Mike and I both working everyday. But, I loved every minute of it. Mini-schnauzers have a wonderful disposition, anyway. We now have Shelby and her son, Gunnar. We are all acting like we have a toddler in the house and enjoying it, too! The "Magnificent Seven" was certainly worth the time and trouble.Just Terrifichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00389263409093849746noreply@blogger.com1