A Bunch of Stuff

Wow...I've been a ton of places and done a bunch of stuff since I last posted here. I was able to go to Washington for fall break and was so lucky! The kids had a ton of activities while I was there, and in 6 days, I went to 2 of Dayson's basketball games, 1 of Jayden's volleyball games, 1 of Ryenn's basketball games, Dayson's playoff football game, Easton's field trip to the Pumpkin Patch, the Apple Cider Mill with the family, the kids Primary final practice for their Sacrament meeting presentation, and to my favorite little store that sells primitive holiday knick-knacks. We also were invited to some friends home for fresh salmon (grilled and baked). It was a terrific trip and I always am so sorry to have to leave. I truly feel I was born to be a grandma! There are no words to explain the love you have for your children. But when you have grandchildren~ that feeling that you can't explain about your own kids~ it comes into your heart with a vengance! They are the most precious gift and I'm so grateful that I've been 'loaned' all these kids to love me and me love back. Enough of that...I have a lump in my throat. Sunday I went to Abby's and had dinner with 4 of my kids, my sweet daughter in law, and 3 of my grandkids. We had great conversation and just a lot of fun. I was a tad tired from staying out until 3:30am with some old friends, but will never pass up the chance to hang out with the kids. I'm going to post a few photos from Wa., but know I wasn't able to capture the gorgeous fall colors. ILMF!

OH MY GOSH!!!!!

What in this world possessed me to work at a MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!! The kids have been horrible this week in anticipation of Fall Break next week. They seem to have forgotten everything their moms taught them about being kind and respectful. It starts right at 7:45 AM when Pennie and go out front for bus duty and escalates at lunch. Pretty soon it's 12:30 and the little sweethearts are on their way home to their loving parents. And we're going to do it all again tomorrow! Only worse...they have an assembly for 1 hr. of the 4 they'll be at school. Oh wait...that's why I work at a middle school! I only had to work 1/2 days today and tomorrow and then have a whole week off. Not to mention a 4 day weekend for Veteran's Day coming up, 4 days off for Thanksgiving, 2 weeks off for Christmas...yep that's why I work at a middle school ~ for all the time OFF you get! Of course we aren't paid for those days, but somethings just aren't worth the money! Did I forget to mention that just 2 weeks ago school got out at 10:30 am (Thurs. and Fri.) for conferences and the following Mon. we didn't have to work at all because of teacher inservice? Oh yea...that's what I'm talking about! ILMF

My trip to New Mexico

I guess you'd have had to be there, but Paulette and I found this sign so curious. There were NO nut trees close by! We drove past it on our way to walk along the Rio Grande River. I walked/ran 3.2 miles and saw beautiful herons and some beaver dams. Great nature trail. ILMF

We Love To Shop!

Last Mon. Shelly and her 2 little girls and I went to the Promenade Mall in Casa Grande. It really is one of the best places to shop because everything you could want is in one place. Whether it's Best Buy, Target, Dillard's or Kohl's. The sky's the limit! The girls were so good and man, Peyton LOVES to shop! She does her Aunt Kristen proud! Her mom told her she couldn't have a new pair of shoes ( she had received 3 pairs for her birthday the week before!), and her big brown eyes just welled with tears. Thank goodness her dad wasn't there or I know there'd have been a new pair of shoes in the cart. She loves new clothes, while her sister just isn't so into it. Tatum's the entertainment for whoever is standing close. We just shopped and shopped some more. Stopped and had lunch and shopped some more! Then it was obvious the girls had enough. I'm so thankful to have 5 daughters, 2 daughters in law, and 4 granddaughters who all like shopping. I'm also very thankful for 3 sons, 2 sons in law, and 6 grandsons that love sports of all kinds. The best of 2 worlds! ILMF

Happy Day!

What a happy day for Pam! I woke up and strapped on my running shoes and was out in the desert before 6:30AM. We have this terrific path out here, that goes behind the park, and so far out in the desert that pretty soon you're almost right up against the frontage road. I felt so good that I actually found myself running more than I was walking. On the way home I saw a bloody, dead, huge rattlesnake. That was interesting. When I walked in my front door my cute cute little granddaughters were at the table having Peyton's birthday breakfast. There were balloons and streamers and a ton of gifts. The magic of a birthday as seen through a child's eyes is always so exciting. And we still have her party tomorrow because Trey had a basketball game today, right when her party was supposed to be. Then I went out to Abby's for a little and played with my grandsons. We ended up going to Trey's game and then Abby and her boys and Jake and I set out fot all you can eat shrimp at Red Lobster. However, when we were told it would be an hour wait, it didn't sound so appetizing. We just grabbed a bite at the mall and I headed home. Just in time to have some of Peyton's birthday cake. just a taste. What kind of grandmother would I be if I didn't have some of her cake?? It's now all quiet on the home front. What a heavenly day! Getting to see 5 of my 10 grandkids. ILMF

Fun weekend!

Why can't the work week be only 2 days and the weekend 5? Just pondering...I had a fun weekend that started out by getting my tires rotated at Discount Tire. I felt, though, like I was in a Seinfeld skit. Remember the one where he goes to rent a car and has a reservation, but when he shows up they have no car. He told them that the 'essence' of the reservation was so he'd have a car. Well, I had made an appt. with Discount on Thurs., because they said I'd have to wait an hour and a half. It's a 10 min. job, so that made no sense. The guy suggested I make an appt. for Fri. and since i was getting off at 1:45 I made a 2pm appt. At 2:30 I finally told them I just wanted my keys back because they hadn't even taken my car in yet. I think it was because they don't make any cash dollars on tire rotations. Either I don't get the whole concept of a reservation, or they don't get the 'essence' of making a reservation. Anyways, I got the tires all done and felt such satisfaction. I had gotten my oil changed on Weds. after work and had new wiper blades put on as well. I felt like all my 'car' chores were done. Except the old car wash...and that'll have to wait til it stops raining. Then I went to the gym and hooked up with Paulette and we went to Chili's to have fajitas. Sat. I had breakfast at Cracker Barrel with my sister and did a little shopping at Lowe's. Picked up my new UA red shirt at Wal Mart and headed home to garden. Got back in the car, met Paulette and went tailgating with some friends. Just as they were about to have the kick off, they pulled both teams off the field because of lightening. No sooner did we head for shelter and it started to pour. After waiting an hour we got back on the shuttle, picked up her car, and went to Chuy's for some shrimp and a beverage. We looked for a movie to go to, but none of them sounded to die for, so we both headed home. Just as I pulled in my garage it started to pour here. Went back to my sister's to grill steaks on Sun. And some of their zucchini. Got to visit with my younger brother, who I haven't seen in a couple of months, so that was fun. However, I was a little nervous because I had left a candle burning in my kitchen. So I took off right after we ate. I just worked around the house and messed in the yard today and it was great! Now, back to the grind tomorrow. Oh well, the Hall's will be here soon and I have a short month of work, so it will go fast and before I know it Oct. will be here and I'll be off to Wa.! Peace out! ILMF

"Toadly" freaked me out!

The other day when I came home from work I went to water my little potted plants out front and there resting next to myneighbor's house was a big toad. I thought it was so cool that I snapped a few photos of the guy. The next day I noticed he was gone. I figured he had just moved on to greener pastures. Lo and behold, I stepped into the garage from the house and he caught me toadly by surprise. He had found refuge from who knows what, right by my door! I practically wet myself he scared me so bad. So I took a rake ( I know, I know..poor choice of weapons),and tried to rake him out of the garage. He didn't go out, but had the nerve to start hopping all over the place like he'd been popping pills or something. I couldn't get him, as hard as I tried. So, I've been leaving my garage door opened just a bit to give him an escape route. But the bad part about that is I don't know if he left or not. I decided to shut my garage door last night, because I figured it would be the only way I would ever have, to see if he was still in there. Holy smokes! The toad turds I woke up to are huge! He's definately still in there and I'm going to have to empty out the whole thing and find where he is before he dies or something. I need CSI to come in and track all his DNA to see where his hiding place is. I'll keep you updated. Meanwhile, enjoy the photos of the big guy. I'm looking forward to giving him a 'wild ride' when I find the dude. That's just a little Disney reference for all you Disneyland fans! ILMF

Friday again!

If there's nothing else to look forward to, at least I can look forward to a Friday coming EVERY week! Isn't that GREAT!!!! The kids at school were wound up tight today. I don't know if it's the heat or what. One of my friends directed me to this little site where you can rate your blog. Kind of like the movie ratings. Mine is clean as a whistle...hence the "G" rating. I know that's kind of out of character for me, but maybe I can work on it. I don't want the 'blog' patrol to get on my back, so I'll keep all the subject matter and phrases to describe it, very above board! I don't want to get a reputation. Heck, I already have a reputation...maybe it's standards I'm looking for. Here's to a great weekend for everyone! ILMF

Blessing Day

I had a great time visiting with Trey and Shelly this weekend. They were in town and Abby took that opportunity to have Ricky and Aiden blessed. Then we had meatball subs and Kristen's yummy salad over at Abby's. Shelly, Trey, Garth Hunt ( Trey's long time buddy) and I hung out at my water park on Sat. and fried ourselves. Not intentionally, it was just so hot that we had to stay in the water and before you knew it we had turned into lobsters! Trey and Garth hadn't seen each other in at least a year, so it was great to see them hanging out. I had such a good time! ILMF

Yea Me!!!

As of today, I have officially lost 20 lbs. since school started last year, and 10 lbs. since the end of July. The girls and I had been on a feeding frenzy when I was in Ca., playing "Ticket To Ride" every night after all the kids went to bed. It was like we couldn't be trusted to be up by ourselves because we ate everything that didn't get out of our way! Abby has just started her plan today and Shelly ( I think) started the day we left her house. Why do we do that? It seems like we equate fun with food. And then we sit around and groan about how awful we feel. Hmmm, I'd like to say it'd never happen again, but I've been around that block more times than I wish to admit! I will say that I'll just keep pluging along. Shelly will be here Fri. and I'm so excited! ILMF

Slow Day

Since I've just kind of hung out at home most of the weekend I thought I'd take a second to explain some of my music choices on here. First let me tell you that I love music and find great emotion in most of the pieces I listen to. Some of the songs you'll find on my blog are for my children. They are the best thing that ever happened to me. And along with that comes...the GRANDCHILDREN! My selection of 'You Are The Love Of My Life ' is for them. As most anyone who knows me can swear to, even my failed (36yr) marriage still makes me emotional. It's difficult at times to realize the place I'm in at this time of my life, so I find comfort in listening to music that was meaningful "back in the day". So, sometime...take time to listen to a little of my selections. I pay attention to everyone's music when I visit different blogs. Very interesting... ILMF

Kristen's purse...

This photo is to show Alexis that Kristen really LOVES her purse she sent her and that she uses it ALL the time. I should have really posted this earlier in the week, but I was so consumed in my first week back at work I didn't even download the pictures until just today. When the kids were over for dinner last week, we thought it would be a perfect way for Kristen to show her sister in England, her purse. But now it's out there for the world to see! ILMF

TGIF!

Thank goodness for Fridays! All in all it was a pretty good day. We wrapped up our first week of school, only 8 more in this quarter! I left a little earlier than I'll be able to leave most weeks, but I had a Dr.'s appt. and some other errands. I came all the way back home to let Libby out, then went all the way back in to drop off a couple of prescriptions and go down to the gym. I met up with Mandy and my friend Paulette, where we had a terrific gabfest. We decided to move it over to Chili's restaurant, and I really think we were the funnest people there. The best part of today? I spoke with all 5 of my daughters! I love all my kids but when those 5 girls get together...it's party time! The boys are all very entertaining and they can leave you at a loss for words when they start in. It's an unbelievable sight when they all 8 are together. All I can think is 'geez...that's a lot of people'! Unfortunately, it's also a very rare occurance. I'm off to the movies first thing in the morning. My sister hasn't seen Mama Mia yet, so that's the important thing on my agenda tomorrow. ILMF

It's Friday...almost!

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Fridays? It was extra humid at work today and it just beat me up at lunch. But I was proud of myself because I had to run (yes...real running) up to a bus and I was hardly even winded. Then I ran again a few minutes later to get out of the rain. What stunk was that I had a Dr.'s appt. right after work, so I had to go soaked and smelling like a goat from sweating all day. But tomorrow is the best day of the week. I've been waiting since Monday for it. I can't wait for next Fri. to come, because Shelly and Trey will be spending the weekend with me. My family is everything to me and I love having them around. ILMF

I'm Hot...and not in a good way!

Am I the only one here that's roasting her toasties? Every year it seems to get hotter and hotter around this time.I sweat like a pig at school chasing all those 12 & 13 year old kids around! While I may be here in body, my mind is quickly moving to my summer home in Washington state. I didn't have time to get to the gym the other evening, so I walked instead. I don't know if I had on the wrong lotion or what, but the mosquitoes were practically mating on my legs and arms and the gnats found refuge in between my eyes and my sunglasses. I'm sure I looked odd walking around lifting my arms and legs and trying to swat away the little critters at the same time. Is that a visual you needed? I did have a couple of pretty nasty days this week, so I'll just pass by both of those. But the week has improved and I'm feeling good. Thank heavens if the day is long and crummy I can always hope the next one will be better. Toodles for today! ILMF

My Day

Since I adopted the 'Bloggers don't whine' motto, there will be no entry for my first day. ILMF

I'm Off To Work...

Here it is the first day of school. I can tell you this for sure...the first day of school to someone who works at one is a WHOLE different thing than the first day of school for a mom sending her kids out to it. I have so many memories of those 'first' days. I had children going off for their first day for 31 years. From Eric's first day in 1975 until Kylie's last first day in 2006. I wouldn't trade those years for anything. They went by too quickly. I do still think it was great that there was somewhere you, by law, had to send your kids after a summer off. I had a fun weekend and saw lots of friends. It was a nice dinner on Sat. to send my friend from high school, Pat, off to Dubai. She'll be teaching at an all girls school there for the next 3 years. She loves that kind of stuff, so I'm sure she will have a great time. I've still got to paste my face on so I'm going to dash off. Thanks to all my kids that made the trek out to Red Rock for dinner yesterday. I had a great time. I think the highlight was Nick and Jake having batting practice with a bunch of big caterlillars they pulled off my plants. Good times... ILMF

A Long Weekend For Me!

This is how I like it! I worked a whole day today ( the first time in 10 weeks!) and now I have 3 days off. That's what I call hard work. I have big plans tomorrow to go see my little grandsons and hang out at Geo Town for a while. Then I'm going to give the gym a try again. I'm supposed to meet up with Paulette there and then we'll go run the streets for a bit. Well, not really run the streets, but we'll find something to do. We always do. I'm looking forward to seeing Mama Mia again on Sat. with my sister. She hasn't been to a movie since she broke her leg back in March. I'm so proud of her for working so hard to get back to walking. She's no longer using her walker and only very seldom is in her wheelchair. I love her so much and don't know what I'd do without her. I have a dinner party to go to Sat. night and then the kids are coming for dinner Sun. It's great to be busy. I don't have as much time to dwell on things I can't change. ILMF

Yea Me!!

I Already Got A Day Off! Actually, I only work for comp. time the few days before school starts and they decided yesterday that they really didn't want to do that. So I got a few hours yesterday, took today off, and have staff meetings until about 1:30 tomorrow. It really worked out because I felt like a piece of dog meat today, so it was just as well I could hang out at home. I've still been doing real good with my eating plan. And that's an upper! Abby, Shelly, and I went on a feeding frenzy while we were together. Played games and ate junk every night after the kids went to bed. We all vowed to be real good after we had to part ways. And I am...I don't know about those 2 though. Kami called this afternoon and they made it safe and sound to Indiana. I sure miss them, especially my Tyler. I find myself thinking about my grandkids more and more everyday and the joy they bring to me and the livewires they all are. Some of them are nothing but pure justice for their parents :-) And that makes me smile. Kylie's moving tomorrow and she's very excited. I don't know her housemates, but they sound like very nice, RESPONSIBLE, people. Time to turn in. I'm a working woman again, you know. At least I have Fri. off. ILMF

Why My Reunion??

You may be asking..."why in the world did she put a count down to her reunion on here"? Because I'm the chairman and we had a class of over 500 students back in the day! It's kind of a big job and when I chaired the last one, I didn't work. So this is going to be a little more challenging. I was told the last one was the best ever, so I now have to maintain the same high standard. Thank heavens I have great friends to help me out! And they really are fun to go to, for all you reunion naysayers out there. All the cliques have disappeared and everyone is on the same level. And that, my friends, is why I put the counter on here...because I have to keep track!

Here I Go!

I'm off to the 'salt mine' as they say. I put a smile on my face and will have a great year...with middle school kids! I had a fun day yesterday and met Debi for lunch. Did a few errands and actualli DID get to the gym! It was good to see Mandy ~ I rubbed sweat all over her when I hugged her to leave. That way it was proof that I REALLY did workout! Everything has worked out for Kylie and her new rental, and that's good news. The only sad thing for me ( I actually tried not to think about it) was that my Tyler had to leave for Indiana :-( I know he'll be back soon though and I KNOW he'll miss me too. Peace out!

Great day

Today was much better! Like most moms who have grown children...you like to grab any minute you can have with them. Jake, Kylie, and Abby and my little grandsons were over for dinner today and we had such fun conversation. I'm so proud of Jake for being promoted in the Az. Nat'l Guard this weekend to Sgt. He gave me a flag folded in a box as a keepsake that I think they all got for serving in Afghanistan. He's also been offered a job with the Defense Dept. that he's very excited about, and I hope it all works out for him. It's moving season for all the Smiths I guess...or half of them anyways. Kami and Luke are on their way to Indiana for what we hope will be a temporary stay, Abby is waiting on word from hers and Jakes realtor on an offer they put in on a house for her and the boys, Kylie's moving just down the road from where she's at (but it's still a move!), and if Abby moves...so will Jake because he's staying with her right now. I'm feeling a lot better and plan on going to the gym tomorrow so will catch up with Mandy. I've really missed seeing her daily. Eric calls about every other day and they're all fine and happy in the cool of Wa. And Shelly does call everyday so I get to pretend she lives right here in town! She'll be coming in on Aug. 15th for the weekend and I can't wait to see her. I just completed another day totally on my eating plan and that makes me happy. I'm trying to decide whether or not to take golf lessons at the park in Marana. I need to decide soon because the sign up deadline is upon me. I'm also trying to find a softball team to join...wish me luck there. I don't know how good I'll be, but watching Shelly's game last week gave me the guts to go for it. I sure wish all us girls could play together on the same team, but that would be an impossible feat. I'm anxiously awaiting the first of Sept., because that means the longest, hottest month of school will be over and it won't be long until fall...my favorite season. Not to be confused with Christmas...my favorite holiday. Peace out!

Bloggers Don't Whine!

That's going to have to be my motto. It would be sooo easy to take all my whining out right here on my blog. But I'm not going to do that. Who would want to read that stuff? So, all I'll say about yesterday is that it was a very long, very boring day.The toughest thing about being on my own is that I'm a 'people' person. I like to have plans, go places, do things. And after having 8 kids and a very busy life it's hard to adjust to the quiet that I consistently find myself in. If I didn't have to go back to work next week I'd be in Wa. or Ca. I love ALL my kids so much and want to be with every one of them.

Movie Junkie!

I'll admit I'm the biggest movie junkie around! I'm trying to take advantage of my last few days off before the school year begins, so went to movies yesterday and today. It helped that my best friend, Paulette, was off for a little vacation as well. We saw The Dark Knight yesterday and I thought they said it was a 2 1/2 hour movie. It seems as if it barely started and it was over! Batman, Spiderman, Superman...all those super hero guys didn't even make it onto my "C" list a few years ago. But I guess I've matured and LOVE them! Then today we saw Mama Mia. My gosh! I haven't laughed that hard at a movie in a good long time. I sooooo want to move to Greece now. I miss going to the movies with my girls, but as they've had more babies, work, and actual lives....I find myself catching the most I can under whatever circumstances arise. I was hoping to hit the gym right after that, but Libby had been in the house for 7 hours by that time and I feared she was crossing her legs, waiting for me to get home! So I just took her for a little walk instead. Even though it was hotter than Helsinki! I did great on my eating plan for today and am anxious to be able to start back full swing with Mandy at the gym. As soon as all the residual effects from my weird illness subside...I can go back full guns!

I've already learned 1 thing...

You need to pick your font size, type, and color BEFORE you start your post. What a concept. I hope to learn to add photos real quick, because that's half the fun of this (I hear). I've had a real busy summer and got to log some real quality 'Grandma' hours with all 10 of my grandchildren. They are the loves of my life. I know there must be somewhere on here where you can post some kind of a bio. or life story or something. Those kind of scare me off at times, because I don't really recognize the life I now lead. But I'll try to do my best to update and post something of substance often.

Whoa....I'm new at this!

I'm going to try out this blogging business, even though I'm so 'technology challenged' I'm embarrassed for myself! Bear with me if this bounces around for awhile. Eventually I'll figure out what goes where and stuff. So I imagine this will be my first post and if everything goes well with it there may even be a second...