Recuperating...

I was a little tired today. Watching active grandbabies (2 yrs, and 7 yrs) can be tiring, but still enjoyable. Did some errands this evening - delivered a photo to Mom, got a couple of gifts for the Senior Saints Luncheon on Thursday, and helped Chris pick out a dress for Desiree for their anniversary. Planning to get some rest tonight...

Monday - busy day

I've had another busy day. Didn't sleep real sound last night - concerned about Steph sleep walking and Abby was sleeping in between Steph and I. The night was uneventful - just the usual tossing and turning of a 2 yr old. Steph stayed put. We went to get the door lock fixed on the new van - passenger side didn't always lock or unlock. It took Chris just a few minutes to replace it. Enjoyed a day with the girls - doing puzzles, playing games, shopping, and making smoothies. Our anniversary party card arrived in the mail - it was a hoot. (Thanks, Julie for taking care of this part). Going to try to get some sleep tonight...

Sunday and two grandbabies spend the night...

This is John's last week of work. When he gets off on Friday morning, he will be officially retired. I owed Stephanie a "spend the night with Nonni" since she was away at National's when her sisters stayed. We met Chris & Desire (w/girls) for supper after Desire got off work. Stephanie came and Abby had to come with her. Hopefully, it will be a smooth night - I'm sure it will. Love having the grandbabies - they are growing up to quickly. Been having lots of storms so I'm hoping to get this posted before the next one. We are thankful for the rain - it is much needed. Thank you God for an awesome day!

A day to relax

Saturday was a wonderful day. Caught up on some sleep and then we ran errands. Found some pillows for the couch - I'll have to check them in the daylight to see if I like them (got a green shade, Ms. Deb). John and I thoroughly enjoyed being together...

Light Sapphire Blue Van

We have a beautiful light sapphire blue van. It has a passenger door on the driver side which is new to us. We will miss the built-in child seats, but we will manage. It is so nice to have a reliable van. The AC is really cold which is great! Chris and Cliff worked hard to get everything ready for us - they even got my scooter lift installed. I drove it tonight - it's great. I'll probably be lost looking for the gold van for a while, but I'll remember it's now blue or get carted off to the looney bin...

We have a van almost...

Chris called today to say Dave (Stups) had found a van for us. It has to go through inspection yet, but we are excited. It is a 2003 blue Ford Windstar LX. I've had several blue cars in my life - my Dad used to say "is blue the only color car you can buy?" Chris is going to try to get my scooter lift installed tomorrow. Our old van is on its last leg, 174K miles. It has been a good van, but we are excited at the prospect of having something reliable. Chris, John, and Cliff say the new van is a nice one. I've only seen pictures. Plan to see it tomorrow. God is good...

More relaxing day...

Was up most of the night finishing up the reunion directory for layout and the financial spreadsheet. Then I had to work on an ad for AJ's and Stephanie's baton field day book. When I went to bed around 4:30 AM, I felt I had accomplished a great deal. I haven't slept a lot today - hope for tonight. I think Julie and I have locked in on a place for John's and my anniversary party. We'll see it Friday night. My Mom called this afternoon to tell me her cousin, Violet, had passed away. Violet was a sweet lady and a very special person. I'll miss her. She would have been 90 on her birthday on Saturday. Now, she'll be celebrating with Jesus...

Reunion Meeting Tonight...

We had our high school class reunion committee meeting tonight. It was supposed to be a brief meeting, but it went from 6:30-9 (we did have salad too). I think we got everything in order, but I've got a lot of work to do. Got to reformat a file, make some corrections, and get it to our graphics person. I can't wait for 8/11 to attend the event and have a good time. I got asked to lead the opening prayer at the reunion. It will be an awesome time to praise God during that prayer...

Busy Monday...

My sciatic nerves are still bothering me, but I had to work on the high school reunion stuff. We have a meeting tomorrow night and changes are still coming in. Had several calls from old friends today. Have a lot to do tomorrow before the meeting. Hopefully, will get some rest tonight...

Rough day...

Had a bad day today - terrible headache, itching, and my sciatic nerve was hurting so bad. I planned to go to church. I got up to get dressed, but my head was pounding so hard even my eyeballs felt like they were throbbing. Wanted John to go onto church, but I went back to bed and so did he. He goes back to work tonight for his last two weeks before retirement. It seems surreal...

Relaxing day...

I've spent the day relaxing and catching up on phone calls and emails. My sciatica nerve in my right leg is giving me a fit. Makes it difficult to sit for very long. Still having the itching on my hands - think it might be from switching soap. Have tried not to use the soap the last couple of days, but the itching is still driving me crazy. What else is new - some may say I've been crazy for a long time...

A full day...

Missed the grandbabies today. I've been hearing "Nonni, I want you" from Abby, our 2 yr old (translation, hold me). Stephanie and her Mom got home safely. You can check out the welcoming home video at http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=13572774 There are two of them, second one is http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=13593393 Went to get fitted for some new dentures - the better to eat with, I hope. Besides my liver surgery, losing my teeth was the biggest trauma. Even though I know I couldn't have prevented it from happening (due to the throwing up from my liver problems, my teeth fractured and broke, pulling them was only option), it is still a frustration sometimes. We went to the Urbana Carnival to eat tonight with Ms. Deb (Pastor Mike was playing softball). The shrimp was great. She had never been to our carnival. I told her I always loved the candy apples, but can't eat them now. Talked about redecorating plans, grandbabies, etc. We had a great visit. God has certainly blessed us with having the Yohos for friends. Until next time...

Exciting days...

Stephanie should be home tonight sometime. Can't wait to talk to her. AJ and Abby spent the night last night. We had a good time yesterday. Did some chores in the morning/early afternoon. Then we went to see Mr. Denny about some flooring, and then went to Lowe's to look at a stove. Our stove is basically down to one burner and the oven only browns on the bottom. Needless to say, long overdo for replacement. Ran into Pastor Mike & Ms. Deb at Lowe's. Then we watched a movie. Girls went to bed late. Today we made signs for Stephanie's welcome home. As AJ put it, finally arts and crafts with Nonni. (It's a tradition at Nonni's that we always make something - this was just a busy week.) Chris picked them up after work and they were off to wait for Stephanie and Mommy to get home. John and I had something to eat and are aiming to rest tonight. This ole gray (blonde) mare ain't what she used to be...

Stephanie is National Baton Twirling Solo Champion

We are so excited and proud. Stephanie was competing at the National Baton Twirling Championship being held at Notre Dame. She is only 7 and it is her first time at Nationals. SHE WON - 1st place out of 46 girls her age. She competed in the duet competition and she & her partner placed 12th. In her Super X (you march in an X or something like that), she placed 7th. She did fabulous for her first time at Nationals competing with girls from all over the Country. She will be home late tomorrow night. Aren't my grandbabies wonderful - just ask me...

AJ and Abby day...

We kept AJ and Abby today. They arrived about 7:15 AM. After Hershey Park yesterday, I was really tired. Made it through today and then to the carnival. AJ and I made lunch - she is a budding chef. We also made Pineapple Upside Down Biscuits - they were pretty good. Met our son - their Dad, Chris - at the carnival for supper and then they rode rides for awhile. We had a good time, but I'm definitely needing my rest tonight. Love spending time with the grandbabies. They will be here again tomorrow and they are spending the night with Nonni & Poppa...

Monday at Hershey Park

John and I took Chris, Amelia, Abby, and Julie to Hershey Park. We had a great time. Chris, Julie, and John rode the Storm Runner - 75 mph roller coaster. The take offs were amazing. Amelia's favorite ride was the Wild Cat -a wooden roller coaster. Abby's favorite was Mini Scrambler - she waved and called our names. She was constantly asking to ride the big roller coasters. Abby is only 2! We were all tired, but had fun...

Sunday and we are headed home...

Slept in and then had breakfast at the Dough Roller. Enjoyed pancakes and french toast. Took a spin on the Rehoboth boardwalk and played a couple games. It was fun! Thank you, God, for the break!

Saturday at the beach...

Had a wonderful time setting by the beach enjoying some music. It was great to feel the gentle breeze and admire God's handiwork. Went swimming in the pool for an hour - my knees were letting me know it was quite a workout when I got out of the pool. Headed off to Phillips for the traditional crab legs and buffet. Wonderful time, feeling full, so went for a walk (scooter ride) on the boardwalk. It was fabulous!

Off to the beach

Made a spur of the moment decision to go away for the weekend. Headed to OC for a quick visit. It was relaxing to get away. The trip wasn't bad at all. After we checked in, we decided we were hungry and ordered pizza delivered to our room. It was some of the best pizza we ever had. It was Pino's. Highly recommend it.

It's another parade...

Went to Thurmont tonight to see Chris' girls in parade. They did a great job. We enjoyed it very much. Abby was busy catching candy from the fire trucks, floats, etc. Then we went to McDonald's before each of us headed home. Great time was had by all...

An eventful day

Today I went with John to submit his official retirement papers. Yeah! We are so excited. I can see him starting to get excited too. He will be on "vacation" next week when we keep Chris' girls, AJ & Abby, while Desiree takes Stephanie to the National Baton Event at Notre Dame. On a sadder note, Addison's funeral was today. The minister did an excellent job and it was a beautiful service. Cindy and Todd were emotional as you would expect, but hung in there like champs. Please pray for them in the days ahead. God is an awesome God who never leaves us or forsakes us...

Still tired

I can't seem to get caught up on my rest. My mind has been racing with things that need to get done and emotions. Went to VBS tonight and had a good time. Got to hold Jack ! I really needed to hold a baby today. They always bring me such joy. So thankful we have a loving Heavenly Father...

Great day!

Today is my sister's birthday. She's my only sibling and I love her so much. She and her family will be heading to Aruba for the first family vacation in a long time. Both her boys are on their own now so this will be a special time. Tonight, I went to Vacation Bible School. Had a wonderful time studying and visiting with friends. Got to hold Sammy Semelsberger and put him to sleep. Any time I can hold a baby is special. It was extra special tonight after Addison's passing. God is so good to us. We shouldn't take any moment for granted. Enjoy the little things in your life...

God is in control...

We had a great day at church today. Worship was very uplifting. Vacation Bible School started tonight. John had to get some rest (since he had to go to work) so we didn't make it tonight. I'm sure it was in God plan since I received a call from my friend, Leesa, about her niece, Addison. (Addison was born prematurely in April. Her due date was 8/1.) She has fought hard to survive. Leesa was in Colorado for a family wedding. She got the call this morning that Addison had passed away. My prayer partners and I have been praying for Addison from the beginning. She had been at death's door so many times and had rallied. We had been praying for God to be merciful if she wasn't meant to stay here on Earth with us. Today, she is with her Heavenly Father. I don't think we ever understand why children die. Addison's parents are saved, but had strayed from regular church attendance. I believe Addison may have been here for this little while to bring her Mom and Dad back into a regular communion with God. They had been praying and reading their Bibles more since her birth. I pray they will continue and unite with a church to help them through this difficult time. God thank you for loving us...

A hot day...

What a hot day it was - about 92 degrees. We took it easy. John ran some errands and I caught up on some sleep. It's been a busy week and I guess my body was ready for a little R & R. Watched some tennis and golf on TV. When it cooled down a little (early evening), we went to Frederick. We had a date night - dinner and a movie. Saw Live Free - Die Hard. We had a great time !!!

Camp roundup...

Friday was the day to drive up to camp and roundup our campers. We ended up bringing back 3 of the boys - Jake, Mike, and Matt. Of course, we had to stop by Burger King and get them some real food after being at camp all week. Got them delivered safely back to church and then we headed back home. John needed some sleep after working all night. I decorated some greeting cards while John slept and then we stopped by my Mom's later in the evening. A great day in all !

Tired, but still going...

It's been a busy week. Something to do everyday. I'd rather be busy than not, but like a break too. Today seemed to be the day for phone calls and they started early. John and I went over to Ms. Deb's tonight and helped her arrange her downstairs den. It's always fun to use the design skills and not hard work for me. John got to do the hard stuff - Ms. Deb too. I got the easy jobs. John joked I just needed the bullhorn - like Ty on Extreme Makeover - Home Edition. It's a good feeling to see a project come together. Until next time...

Happy 4th!

My Mom taught us to be patriotic. She worked at the courthouse in Rockville and had the privilege of swearing in new citizens - citizens who had followed the rules, learned the language, and the history of our country. I can remember seeing a picture of my Mom swearing in a group around the 4th of July. They had the biggest smiles on their faces - some were crying. They were so happy to be American citizens. I'm proud of my Country and my flag. God Bless America !

A Whirlwind Day...

Katelyn spent the night and we had a wonderful day. John slept a few hours and then we took Katelyn to the Adventure Park in New Market. I put her on the roller coaster by herself. She told me she hadn't ridden a roller coaster before. I could be in trouble with her Mom. Not worried about our son, Scott. He'll probably love the idea. Got some great pictures of her on the ride. When we got back, John went to bed because he has to work tonight. Katelyn and I had some girl time and then went to my Mom's for dinner. Nothing like being a Nonni (pronounced non-nee, my name for Grandma) !

Busy day...

John just got a few hours sleep before we headed off to church to transport kids & stuff to camp at Summit Lake. We got our van loaded with stuff to find out we wouldn't have to drive up since someone else arrived late and decided they wanted to drive. Unloaded the car and wished them a safe trip; then off to have lunch. We had an enjoyable lunch. Then I dropped John off at home to get more sleep and I went to my Mom's to pick up Katelyn (Scott's youngest - she's 7). We had a wonderful adventure. We went to Starbucks and got a toffee nut creme frappacino. Believe it or not, they tried to give us ones without whipped cream. Katelyn's response was "what's a frappacino without whipped cream." I totally agreed. Then we took her Daddy a drink and were going to meet her Mom to drop Katelyn off. Katelyn decided she would rather have an adventure with me and spend the night. So Scott called and it was decided she could spend the night. From there, we went to the movies to see Ratatouille (spelling?). We had a good time. Came home, checked on John, and he was awake. He had something to eat and then we went for a walk. Well, John walked. Katelyn rode her bike and I rode my scooter. When we got back to the house, we sent John (Poppa) to bed and we went for a scooter ride down the street beside our house. Got back right at dark. Katelyn loves to style my hair - at one point, my hair was sticking out in individual pony tails all over my head ! Now there's a vision for you. Poppa was off to work and Katelyn and I are settling in for a good rest...

The Lord's Day...

Had a great day at church! We had an interesting discussion in Sunday School followed by an exciting VBS skit to promote VBS on 7/14, and then a wonderful worship experience. The only sad note of the day was about Baby Addison. She was born prematurely and has so many medical problems right now. She has been at death's door so many times and rallied. The prognosis doesn't sound good. I don't want her to suffer. I know God is in control...

Parade and fireworks...

We had a full day today. John did yard work this morning and then we headed off to run some errands. Then we went to see Chris' and Desiree's 2 oldest girls in a parade in Emmitsburg, MD. After the parade we grabbed a bite to eat at a local Mom & Pop restaurant in Blue Summit Ridge (I think that was the name). The food was great and we had a really good time. Abby was falling asleep in the high chair while she was eating. Her head would bob and get so close to her plate, but it never hit the plate. We all started laughing which woke her up. We were real close to Chris' house so he took Abby home to change her and get jackets for AJ & Stephanie. We met up with Chris and headed off to Fort Ritchie to watch the fireworks. They were fantastic. Abby had gotten her second wind, but was dozing off in my arms right before the finale. She rallied enough to give me hugs and kisses before going with her Daddy. AJ & Stephanie were wide awake and gave Poppa (John) and I hugs and kisses before leaving. Another wonderful day with the grandbabies ! What could be better than that...