March 30th - Just Another Saturday

Nothing too exciting about today - then again, I never do all that much to get excited about!  Bill decided it was time to do the taxes, so the computer was tied up with that for several hours.  I did get out my Acer and was able to check email, etc. 

I also spent time getting eggs boiled, potatoes peeled, cut up, and cooked.  I had to make sure everything was ready for Easter dinner.  Later in the day, I got the potato salad actually made.  It tastes so good!  Yes, that is what I ate for dinner.  I also decided that I wanted to make another salad, but that would mean another trip to the store.  Fortunately, Bill had to run out for a new printer cartridge and was planning to stop at the store anyway.  I have him my list of things for the 4 bean salad, so now that is ready to put together, too.

I did a few other things around the house, including laundry and changing sheets.  I also managed to get a little down time and read my book.  That would have been the time I normally relax at the computer working on family history or something.  I also managed to sneak in a nap, as I was exhausted.  (You have no idea how much energy is required to peel potatoes!) 

Bill also has to speak tomorrow in the 3rd hour combined meeting.  Each of the bishopric members has an assignment related to Easter.  Bill's is forgiveness.  Of course, he was just starting on it this evening.  I pulled out a file about a class I did on forgiveness at a RS Women's Conference some years ago, and he actually read through it and thought I had some good points.  He was also listening to some other talks on the computer about forgiveness.  I am sure it will all come out well.

So, again I was busy all day, but there isn't really all that much to talk about. 

March 29th - Kind of an Odd Day

I never did seem to get it together today.  Not sure way; just one of those days, I guess!  First off, we took the van in to get some repairs - costly repairs! - that had been put off for a while.  Bill wanted to get it done before I took the car to Iowa, just in case.  I then did most of the usual straightening, etc.

I went with the other RS counselor to visit one of the young women who has turned 18 and decided to move on into RS.  We had a great visit with her.  It is good to see her so happy as she looks forward to going off to college in the fall - BYU Hawaii!  Who wouldn't be excited?  We left her a little bag of goodies to help welcome her into RS. 

Back home, I hooked up the portable CD player so I could finish listening to the book I had in my car.  It is due before I get back from Iowa and I can't renew it again.  While I listened, I did all my computer stuff.  I could never really get into the "groove," so I ended up wasting a lot of time doing little stuff.  I did get my RS email completed and sent out, though, so at least something a little more important got done.

Looking back on the day, I got some things done, but it was never an organized day.  I really don't like that, but they happen sometimes!

March 28th - Poor Sick Ashby!

I went to water aerobics this morning and had gotten home, showered, etc., and was making plans to run some errands.  Fortunately, I was still at the computer finishing up some things there, when Lisa called.  Ashby had developed a bad earache during the morning and needed to go to the doctor.  Of course, the only appointments were right during Brooks' nap time, plus she had to come to the Lawrenceville office to see the only doctor she sees.  Long story, short version:  they came by and left Brooks with me.

She had picked up lunch for him, so when he finished eating and played a little while, he was ready to nap.  During that time, I worked on some family history - still trying to get that problem list done.  When Lisa and Ashby got back, she had to run out again to get the prescriptions filled.  It turns out Ashby did have an ear infection, although it was not too bad yet.  Poor Ashby just wanted to be cuddled by her mommy and spent a good bit of time crying.  We did finally get her settled on the couch, watching a new DVD, and she managed to sleep a little.

So, my day turned into another day with the kids, even if one of them was not feeling well.  Lisa forgot the antibiotic in our refrigerator, so had to come back over later in the evening to get it.  It also gave her a little while to get away and let David take care of Ashby - Brooks was already asleep for the night.  We enjoyed visiting with her for a short while.

I may get my errands done sometime this week, but it is beginning to look questionable!  We will see what tomorrow brings, but it is already looking like a problem!  I still enjoyed my special time with Brooks; not often we are here without Ashby!

March 27th - A Day without Wheel!

With the car in the shop, I knew I would be home bound today - not that big a deal since I often don't go out anyway!  But, I did plan things that needed to get done, like laundry.

The good news is that Lisa wanted to drop the kids off while she attended her first Primary presidency meeting (she was just called as a counselor), since they both had runny noses and she didn't want to spread it around.  She dropped them off about 9:30 and we had a ball.  They were both full of energy, but very good.  They pulled out lots of toys that they haven't played with lately, so that made for some new play.  Among other things, the nerf swords were kept very busy!

After lunch, we were just beginning to think it was time for a nap, when Lisa called and said she would pick them up.  She had a voice student coming at 4:30, so needed to put Brooks down at home.  So off the went around 1:30.  It was a fun day!

In between I managed to get 4 loads of laundry all done, plus the house straightened - well, actually twice! - and a number of RS things done that I had put off yesterday.  I did not allow myself to even open the family history, because I really needed to do some of these other things.  I did finally give in and took a little nap later in the afternoon!

So, what had looked like a lonely day turned into one full of sunshine!

March 26th - Family History Day!

After water aerobics this morning, I couldn't wait to get started back on family history.  I pretty much spent the whole day on that.  That is the problem when I get going on research - I get totally pulled into it and don't want to do anything else!

Well, I sort of straightened my house and I did run the dishwasher.  Let's see, I can't think of anything else!  I really needed to do some RS things before I leave next week.  But, I didn't work on the blog, or the email, or the gift bag, or anything else.  I think I have a problem!

We ran the car over to the shop when Bill got home.  It needs to be serviced before I leave, plus the blower is not working right again.  It only works on high, so it is either high or nothing.  Very irritating!  We also need to check the brakes again.  Since the last time they replaced the pads, we have had problems and they said they may just need to replace them again, as they may have just been a bad set.  I don't want any issues when I am driving alone!   I don't mind the drive - I have all those books on CD, after all! - but I do want to know the car is not planning to give me trouble.

I do love the buried in family history days - and this was one of those!

March 25th - Haircut Misery and Finding Glauco!

Pretty much a regular Monday morning, but a little lazier at first with the nasty weather still here.  Once I finished the usual house and other stuff, I dove right into the family history problem list.  I worked most of the day on that and checked off maybe one name on the list.  It just takes a while to go back and look at all documents, do further research, and try to figure out what is the correct information.

Around noon, I took off to do some errands.  First of which was to get my haircut.  I have been saying that I am going to get it cut short again, but I don't think this stylist wanted to cut it!  I explained what I wanted and she proceeded to cut.  When she was "finished," I pulled it up on top and said, "It is still long.  I want it short."  She had to cut it again and this time she cut a lot more.  When she was finished the second time, I had to tell her the sides didn't look finished, they needed to be cut more.  I finally gave in and said it was fine.  In truth, it is still longer than I wanted it to be.  So I will probably have to get it cut again in a week or two.  She didn't really do a bad cut, she just wouldn't listen to what I was saying.

I also made a stop at CVS for some sale items and at the library to drop off and pick up some books.  When Bill got home, he wanted to go to the library to pick up another book on CD, and I went back with him.  I had two more books to return (forgot them the first trip) and I wanted to pick up some books on CD for my trip to Iowa next week (forgot that the first trip, too.  I think I was still irritated about the haircut!)

The rest of the day was on family history.  I got really ambition for dinner and we had tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

During the evening, I was checking FB and had a friend request from a young man who had been an exchange student who lived with us in 1973 or 1974.  He keeps disappearing and then I go a few years and he reappears.  It was great to reconnect with him.  He is from Brazil and had his 15th birthday while with us.  His family was catholic, but he wanted to go to church with us.  We had offered to make sure he made his services, but he wasn't interested.  He loved the ward (We lived in Cocoa, Florida then) and his parents wrote us that they were thrilled that he was thinking of spiritual things, which he had not done before.  He went back home to finish schooling and then wanted to come to the US for college.  His parents were hesitant (US college campuses in the late 70's had a lot of turmoil!)  We sent information about BYU and his parents loved it and let him go there.  He enjoyed the status of a non-member at BYU for the four years he was there, but was baptized right at the end.  Bottom line, his brother joined the church, served a mission, and has been a bishop twice.  His daughter served a mission to Brazil and has recently married in the temple.  His oldest son is currently on a mission in Mexico.  Last time we saw Glauco, was when Lisa was at BYU and we went out for her graduation.  He was a professor at BYU at that time.  Then we lost him again.  He has since taught in Taiwan, India, and several other places around the world.  He is now back in the US at Arkansas.  It was fun catching up with him.  Maybe we won't lose him again - at least as long as he stays active on FB!

March 24th - A New Week Begins!

I always enjoy Sundays, even when it rains, and today was a good one.  Sacrament meeting was a special program about music and I was asked to participate by choosing a favorite hymn and introducing it.  I chose "Called to Serve" and shared a few thoughts before the congregation sang it.  The rest of the program was really good and I enjoyed it.  Music is such a big part of church worship.  The rest of the meetings were good, too.

At home, I got the pot roast in the oven as quickly as possible, but I just tried to rush it too much.  It was good, and it was cooked, but it wasn't as tender as I would have liked, as I should have cooked it longer on lower heat.  I am still having trouble adjusting my cooking to the new church schedule on some things.  I didn't want to leave it cooking for 5 or 6 hours, but that is what I should have done, just turned to a much lower heat.  I often cook pot roast in the crockpot, but truthfully, I think it is better in the oven.  Anyway, everything else was very good and even Ashby ate a big dinner.  She loved the potatoes and carrots with gravy.  I also tried one of the new desserts that have been popping up on FB - this one was strawberry-cream cheese cobbler.  It was good, but not a rousing hit.  The cooked strawberries were not as good as other cooked fruit might be.

We had a great family time with Lisa and family, as usual.  Brooks took a late nap and woke up cranky, but eventually was back to himself.  Ashby gave us her talk that she did in Primary today.  Lisa said she did such a good job, speaking nice and loud and reading her talk clearly.  The two of them had written the talk together, although it was mostly Asbhy's thoughts with Lisa trying to guide her.  There were a couple of things that she insisted on being a certain way - like how she is so kind to her little brother and how Jesus loves her best of all.  It made Lisa laugh.

After they left, I worked some more on my problem list for family history.  I made a little headway, but it will take time!

As always, the Sabbath is a wonderful day and I had a good one!

March 23rd - Another Rainy Day!

So, much of the country was getting a late winter storm and we were just having a downpour.  Does that mean I shouldn't complain?  No!  It was dismal and it made me feel like doing absolutely nothing!

I did get a few things accomplished around the house, including four loads of laundry, changing sheets, etc.  I also really got into family history.  I printed out a "problem list", looking for where birth dates of children and parents were not logical.  I ended up with quite a list.  I knew about some of them, but some others had slipped through.  One of the problems with getting information from other people is that it is often wrong.  I try to catch them as I go, but they do get missed.  Like the one where the parents were born two years after the child.  Uh, I think there might be a problem!  Ha!  Getting that list taken care of is going to take some time.

Bill had to go to a youth dance in the evening, and I was still absorbed in my family history stuff.  Actually, it was not a bad day, in spite of the rain!

March 22nd - A More Relaxed Day!

I am still recovering from my whirlwind yesterday, so I was glad that this was a much slower, more relaxed kind of day.  I still had a lot to do - what with the house not even being touched yesterday!  I got things straightened up, including getting the dishwasher emptied, so it could return to its primary purpose of being a dirty dish holder.  I finally got the St. Patrick's Day decorations on the dining room table put away.  So now the house is in good shape - even the toys are all put away.

I also spent some time on the computer - no surprise there!  Among other things, I got the weekly RS email out.  I noticed that I haven't run across any new community service ideas in the last two or three weeks, so I must not be working as hard at that as I should.  I also didn't get my online storage inventory updated, so they just got the same as last week.  I don't really think it matters that much, though.  They aren't supposed to be doing exactly what I do anyway - just using it as inspiration for their own.

I also talked on the phone with my dad today to confirm when I was coming up to Iowa.  I also talked with my friend Paula, as I will spend a few days with her while I am there.  I think it is coming together.  Phone calls take a while - well, not with my dad, but certainly with Paula!

I even slipped in a short "nap" (aka - read a book), which felt good.  I was tired and it was a good way to reenergize.  I finished the book before bedtime.  It was a pretty good one - The Fault in Our Stars, or something like that.  It was about teenagers with terminal cancer, from their point of view, and with a good bit of humor.

So, I still haven't finished my errand list.  Like Scarlet says - Tomorrow!

March 21st - No Time to Breathe Today!

This has been a busy day - with hardly a break to breathe!  I started with water aerobics, hurried home to shower, then went to RS presidency meeting.  When I got home from that, I finally got a decent lunch, did a couple of things that were important at the computer, and before I knew it I had to leave again.  I didn't even get the dishwasher emptied, so now there are some dirty dishes in the sink - something I can't stand, but.....

I picked up a friend who went with me to the storehouse.  Since traffic was light, we got there a little early, but had a great time chatting while we waited those few minutes for everyone else to arrive.  Then we canned the sugar, loaded the boxes into the car, and transferred the rest of the sugar order that had come from Costco to the car.  That all actually only took an hour, but we were working hard getting it done!

Once I got home, I had about 10 minutes before I had to take off again to go to Book Group.  We had read Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah.  We had quite a lively discussion about it.  It was a different kind of book, and there was a great deal of sadness and even horror, but it was really good. 

Home again, I fixed a sandwich and was too exhausted to think about anything else.  What a day!

March 20th - Change of Plans!

I had a day of errands planned today.  I still haven't made it to the grocery store for some major shopping.  Well, maybe I can do it Friday!  Something better came up.

Lisa called and said her visiting teachers wanted to take her to lunch.  They had tried on her birthday, but sick children had forced a delay.  Today was a good day and they could all make it.  She could have taken the children, but that would not have been nearly as relaxing, so she wondered if I was around.  Needless to say, I told her to bring them right on over!

We had a great time.  They were both so happy and energetic.  We laughed and played and had a great time.  It was getting to be Brooks' nap time when Lisa got back, so she took them back home to sleep.  She had a student coming for a voice lesson a little later and needed to be home, in case Brooks was still sleeping at that point.

Even with all the excitement, I managed to get four loads of laundry done.  I even got it folded and put away while they played in the bedroom with me.  However, when they left and I could have gone to do the errands, I was no longer in the mood.  I did some other things around the house and on the computer and then took a nap myself.

This was a day when I certainly didn't accomplish what had been planned, but what I did was so much better!  I love grandkids!

March 19th - Another So-So Day!

The darn sinus headache came back with a vengeance today.  I thought it was getting better.  Oh, well.

I went to water aerobics and enjoyed that.  The headache hit will full force after I was home.  I managed to get showered, etc., did a few computer things, had a good lunch.  Then, I just gave up and took a nap.  I must have slept for two hours!  I did feel some better when I got up, but didn't have much energy.

Fortunately, I had plenty of things to do that didn't require much energy!  So, this is a day that started out great, but turned in to another lazy day.  If the weather would quit changing every other day, maybe the sinus congestion would get completely cleared up before it changed again.  I am getting a little tired of this, since I haven't really had sinus problems like this in years.  I don't have an infection, though, so I am hoping it won't take much longer to clear up.

I just reread then and I sound like such a hypochondriac!  Enough with the complaining already! 

March 18th - Empty Nesters

I hate it when Mondays are dark and rainy - and that is what we had today.  Even so, I kept busy this morning.  Besides the usual Monday morning recovery, I also had to make sure everything was ready for Empty Nesters FHE this evening.  I put out the St. Patrick's Day decorations on the table.  I know, it is a day late and I am just now putting them out!  It looked good, though!

Then I went to visit one of my sisters at 10:00.  Her husband is recovering from some serious surgery, actually a second go-round, and has been down for about 7 months since the initial surgery.  She also has her father and his partner who need constant care and she spends two days a week with him.  We had a great talk and it was good to see that she is getting strength from the Spirit as she goes through these difficult times.

I was so tired when I got home that I took a rather long nap.  I had trouble getting to sleep last night - I couldn't stop thinking about a dear friend who has had another tragedy in her life.  Then I was up earlier than usual.  I really don't do well without enough sleep!

Then it was time for errands - a trip to the library to return a couple of books and pick up four more that had come in, deposit the group storage order checks in my account so I could pay for the order, pick up something for refreshments for tonight, etc.

Empty Nesters was fun this evening and we had a good turnout.  We had one couple come for the first time and I think they had a lot of fun.  As usual the food was really good and we love to laugh and talk.  The lesson was about the importance of reading every day and we applied that to the scriptures and then made a couple of things to help us remember to read.

March 17th - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I did wear green today.  I am 1/4 Irish.  The problem with wearing green, though, is that my ancestry is all Irish protestant.  We ought to wear orange.  But, if I did that, no one would know what was going on!  So, since they really were Irish - not English who crossed over and then stayed - I always wear green.

Today was another good Sunday.  Church meetings were all good.  I had to teach the RS lesson at the last minute as the regular teacher was sick.  She had warned me a few days before, but she was hoping she would be better by Sunday.  Unfortunately, she was feeling even worse.  So, we all pitched in and shared our thoughts and ended up with a pretty good lesson - at least I felt good about it.  (I am always prepared enough that I can pinch hit if I have to - one of the blessings of being the education counselor in RS!)

When I got home, I got dinner ready to cook, then had time to take a nap.  I was so into my book that I never did sleep, but it was still restful.  For dinner, we grilled boneless chicken thighs, marinated in teriyaki.  Potatoes were some from my produce box and they were really good.  They were dark red all the way through - looked like beets - tasted like potatoes, but a little bit sweeter than white potatoes.  We also had some fresh spinach, carrots, crescent rolls, applesauce, fresh cucumbers and onions in vinegar, grape tomatoes.  Yummy!

I am loving the time change in the evenings, as it stays light late enough to enjoy.  The kids loved being outside, playing on the hill, throwing balls and just running around. 

Another perfect Sunday!

March 16th - Whirlwind Saturday!!!

Boy, this has been a day - a good one, but busy.

I had to leave the house by 8:00 to pick up another sister so we could attend our stake RS women's conference.  I had to give the opening prayer, so I didn't want to be late!  It was a good conference - talks, classes, lunch, etc.  I was the end of the stake service project that we have been working on for the last several months.  I had five bags of blankets to turn in for our final donation.  They are lap size blankets and will go to senior citizens and to DFACS for foster children.

When I got home, everyone was at the house.  I had the assignment to babysit with Brooks so everyone else could go to the big car show.  They were finishing up some Chinese that they had picked up for lunch and then got Brooks down for his nap.  When Bill, Lisa, David and Ashby all left, and with Brooks asleep, the place was suddenly very quiet!  It didn't take me long to realize that I was really tired, too, so I managed to go in and get a short nap myself.

Not long after I woke up, Brooks also awoke.  It was already 5:30 by then.  He had slept about two hours and was raring to go! Because it was such a beautiful day, I took him out in the backyard.  We got the bubble maker out again and he played for better than an hour.  When he finally tired of being outside, I brought him in and tried to get him to eat.  He decided a bagel would be good, but he only ate a few bites.

After changing his diaper, he was crawling around on the bedroom floor and saw the art table under the bed and wanted to play with that.  So, out came the table and chair and he spent the next two hours or so playing with the chalk and coloring with crayons.  I couldn't believe he would be entertained so long.  For a kid with a short attention span, two hours is unbelievable.  It sure made it easy to take care of him!

Everyone finally got back home, and Lisa and family headed to their place with a couple of  very tired kids.  It was getting pretty late by then.

What a great day this has been.  I didn't get any Saturday chores done at all - but then who really cares?

March 15th - The Ides of March!

If only Caesar had listened to the soothsayer!  Ha.

Today was so ordinary that I can probably make this really short - ditto, ditto, ditto!

The nice break was that I went to lunch with a friend.  We went to the Fushion Asian, a place I had never been.  It was just a small restaurant with foods from several Asian countries.  It is also very close to us.  It was very good and we had a relaxing time to chat and get caught up on things.  Very nice interlude to my day!

The rest of my day was, like I said, ditto!  I got some laundry done.  I managed to get the weekly RS email out, which required a little more prep time first.  By mid-afternoon, I had a roaring headache, so instead of going grocery shopping as I had planned, I just went and took a rather long nap.  At least the headache went away!  Bill had to run to the bank to deposit some checks, so he just picked up a few of the most needed items while he was there (ATM at the grocery store). 

So another Friday means another week is finished - although it doesn't much matter now that I don't work!  Every day can be the weekend!

March 14th - PI Day!

I hadn't even thought about the 3-14 pi thing until someone mentioned it on FB.  Well, happy pi day anyway.

I started my day with water aerobics - always a great way to start the day.  When I got home, I went through the usual routine of shower, wash hair, get something to eat, etc.  I had planned to wash the sheets today and had told Bill that so he wouldn't make the bed (he was still in them when I left).  When I got home, he had put the sheets in the washer already and they were ready to go in the dryer.  Nice.  I did one other load of laundry, as well.

Since the house was so clean, I didn't have much straightening up to do.  That might have taken me 30 seconds!  I did have a lot of computer things I wanted to work on, like the RS weekly email, preparedness inventory, and some other things.  I also spent some time on family history.  I haven't done more than a few minutes at a time lately and I am anxious to get some more time to actually work on it.

I actually cooked dinner today.  It was chicken thighs and apples over rice.  It was pretty good, although I think some other herbs would have spiced it up more.  I used what the recipe called for, but if I do it again, I will change it up a little. 

We had some friends come by, because she wanted a blessing for some health issues that have come up.  We enjoyed a short visit with them.

So, just another day - but a good one.  They sure sound boring when I write them up, though - same thing, day after day.  Just for the record, this is the way I like it and I really don't want any changes!

March 13th - A Productive Day!

I didn't work any harder than yesterday, but it just felt like I accomplished more.  Funny how that works sometimes.

I had the cleaning lady coming at 10:00 - the 2nd of my three house cleanings for $100 Groupon.  I had things already pretty much straightened up, but I did another walk through to make sure everything was in perfect order.  I don't want her using any of her cleaning time having to move my clutter around.  I want every minute of the 2 hours for cleaning!  She managed to get the whole house cleaned in the two hours.  I especially enjoy the bathrooms and kitchen being really scrubbed clean.  I have gotten so I just hate doing the cleaning.  (So I am thinking - I don't cook anymore and now I don't clean anymore - just what is it that I do? HA!)

While she was working, I was at the computer doing various things from my to-do list.  I had several emails that needed to go out to various individuals.  I also went through my CVS sales flyer and my coupons to plan a shopping trip to CVS.  I cleaned the desk off, so it could get dusted when the cleaning lady arrived in the office.  I also had a couple of loads of laundry that I was working on, too.  Needless to say, I kept plenty busy!

During that time, Lisa called and wanted to know if we wanted to meet for lunch.  She had received a coupon for a free birthday meal at Genghis Grill and was anxious to use it.  So after the cleaning was finished, we met up at 12:30 for lunch.  It was fun.  Brooks was on hyper-drive for some reason and couldn't keep still.  It was kind of funny.  He was good - just wanted to be in constant motion.

After lunch, I headed to the CVS to do some shopping.  I bought quite a lot of things - all on sale.  I had over $18 in coupons with the final total coming to $84.00.  That was a savings of over $65.00 plus I got back $18 in Extra Bucks to spend on my next visit.  I paid for it with gift cards that I bought through My Points online.  Plus CVS sends 2% back as a bonus.  All in all, I was quite pleased.  I am not a super couponer (I think it is too much work), but I do like my CVS savings.

When I got home, I put things away, walked around enjoying a clean house, did some more work on the computer, finished folding the last of the laundry, etc.  I managed to cross off about half of today's to-do list, but never even got to the permanent to-do list! 

I finished the book I have been reading the last couple of days.  It was a really good one - Defending Jacob.  And that was my day!

March 12th - Water Aerobics Starts Again!

After a week break between sessions, water aerobics started up again today.  It was fun getting back in the pool. 

When I got home, I showered, etc., and started in on the to-do list: straightening house, computer things, etc.  That ended up taking most of the day, although I am not sure what I actually accomplished.  It was one of those days where I seemed to start several things, but never got anything finished.  But I was busy the whole day!

This evening, the youth had a "find Waldo" event at the mall, so Bill had to go and try to not be found by them.  He said 5 of the 6 groups found him, but it was a lot of fun anyway.  Billy called during the evening and he and I had a nice chat; nothing special, just talking.

So, this was another of those ordinary days where it sounds rather boring, but was actually pretty good!

March 11th - Visiting Teaching Day!

Well, the start of a new week and it looks to be rather busy.  This morning, after the usual straightening, etc., I headed off to do some visiting teaching.  I was able to visit two of my four and had a great time with both.  It is fun to have the sisters you visit also be very good friends.  It certainly gives us a lot to talk about!  And both enjoy discussing the message, too, so there were some very nice moments that we shared.

By the time I finished that, and ran by the library on my way home, it was into the afternoon.  I worked on a few things that were on my desk (which really needs to get cleaned off, by the way!)  Bill got home early, so that always changes the dynamics around the house.  Ha. 

By mid-afternoon, I was getting sleepy.  This time change is such a hard one.  I ended up reading a while and then fell asleep for a pretty good nap.  This evening Bill was on the computer, checking his email, etc., and I was so lazy that I just sat and watched TV for a while.  Yes, I actually watched TV.  Funny thing, though, is that I just sat there watching what was on - never even changed the channel.  So now I know all about pawn shops.

I headed back to bed early, since I wanted to read.  I finished the book I was reading and started one that I picked up at the library today.  It wasn't until quite late that I remembered that I had planned to listen to a genealogy webinar this evening and I totally forgot.  Oh, well.  At least I didn't pay anything.  I hope it gets posted in archives someplace so I can watch it later.

So, this has been a combination of busy and lazy.  Still a good day!

March 10th - Time Change - Hate It!

This morning Daylight Saving Time started, so we all had to lose an hour of sleep.  I hate the spring time change.  It always takes weeks to recover.  However, I love the fact that it is light later in the evening.  I am sorry for the school children who have to wait for buses in the dark, but I still like the change - or at least, once I finally recover, I will!

This was pretty much a regular Sunday, which is always a great day.  Meetings were all good, with great lessons and talks.  When I got home, though, I wanted to sleep!  But first, I made sure everything was ready for dinner, so it wouldn't take long to finish that.  Then I took that nap!

Dinner was London broil - I bought a precooked one since I couldn't find any others.  It turned out to be really good.  Sometimes those precooked meats are seasoned funny, but this one was extremely good.  We just put it on the grill long enough to heat it.  Along with it, we had potatoes, zucchini and onions, a salad, and some muffins.  Very tasty.

A little later, Ethan from next door, rang the doorbell and wanted to know if Ashby could play.  It was such a beautiful day that we let them all go out in the backyard where they had a ball.  We got the bubble maker out again and they also took the small bottles and blew some bubbles of their own.  They had more fun.  They also played in the playhouse a lot, with the ice cream dishes, pretending it was an ice cream store.

As it started to get cool, we went back in the house and Ethan went home.  Because of the time change, they were not ready for bed quite so early, so they were able to stay around until later.  We all had a fun day.  I think everyone got a nap, too!

March 9th - Whirlwind Saturday!

This has been a busy day - but a fun one.  The first part of the morning was the usual busywork around the house, including getting a couple of loads of laundry going.  Sure a good thing I got the rest done yesterday when I was so lazy, or I would be in trouble today!

Later in the morning, we went to the birthday party of a friend of ours.  There were three other couples, plus his grown daughter (9 people in all) and we did one of those murder mystery games, with a great bar-be-cue lunch.  We had a lot of fun.  My character was a Shakespearean actress and a prime suspect - but not the murderer!

We got home around 3:00 and spoke briefly to Lisa as she was leaving our neighborhood as we were coming in.  Brooks was napping at the house and David and Ashby had just gotten there, so Lisa could head out to do one of her 31 Parties.  Once we got clothes changed, Bill, David, and Ashby headed out to get the play set that some friends are giving us.  They had decided to take it apart and sand and seal the wood before putting it all back together.  Ashby is very excited.  It has swings, a slide, and a fort.

While they were off working, Brooks and I had a blast playing together.  Eventually we ended up outside since the weather was so nice.  After playing with the ball for a while, he remembered that we have a bubble maker.  We spent the next hour making bubbles and chasing them around.  He had more fun.  He wants to work the handle to make the bubbles by himself.  Ethan from next door came over for a few minutes and had just as much fun popping the bubbles.  Brooks informed me that bubbles pop.

When everyone got back, we fixed an easy spaghetti dinner.  They left for home sometime around 8:00. 

It wasn't until then that I realized that the last load of laundry was still in the washer!  I got that put into the dryer - and my day was done!

March 8th - Tired!

So I had the sleep study last night, which meant I probably only got about 5 hours of sleep.  Yeah, I know, that doesn't make much sense, but there you have it!  It was a split study, so only the first half of the night was without the machine.  Then she woke me and got me hooked up to the CPAP and then back to sleep.  Since I was just checking to see if I needed an adjustment to my settings, they could do it all in one night.  Then she woke me up around 5:00 to say I could go; she had enough studies.  Glad it is done.

However, that did leave me a little more tired than usual!  I showered and washed my hair, and did some things around the house and at the computer and then I finally gave in and took a nap around noon.  I didn't read but a few minutes and then slept for a couple of hours. 

In the later afternoon, I was able to finish up my RS email and get that out.  I had to complete some of my preparedness stuff first since that was on the email.  All of that took quite a while.  Since I still didn't have much energy, I mostly worked on the computer on some other projects. 

So this has turned out to be another rather lazy day. 

March 7th - Sleep Study

This has been a busier day that yesterday - not sure if that makes me happy or not, since I have gotten so lazy!  We had presidency meeting this morning, which is always a good meeting, but takes 2 or more hours.  Plus, I had some last minute prep to do (I had spiritual thought), and then some follow up afterwards.

The rest of the day was my usual routine - house stuff, computer stuff, working on food storage for my email,  a few other "to do" list things, etc.  It kept me busy anyway.

Tonight I have a sleep study so will be spending the night at the lab.  I mentioned to the doctor at my last check up that I was feeling tired a lot and he suggested we do another sleep study to see if we need to make adjustments to the CPAP.  If that isn't the problem, then we can look for another cause. 

So, here we go!

March 6th - Just an ordinary day!

I had such an ordinary day that I am not sure I have much to write!  Besides all the normal stuff around here, I worked on RS a good bit - the blog, the email, going through some things for YW turning 18, etc.  None of it all that interesting, but together it pretty much filled my whole day.

I did get the sheets washed and I do so love climbing into bed with fresh sheets!  If it wasn't so much work to remake the bed, I would probably change them more often. 

I never even left the house, which quite honestly, makes me happy.  I have some shopping to do, and I prepared that list today, but I have become such a house nut that I don't even want to go out!  Turned out to be a good - but certainly boring! - day.

March 5th - Nasty Spring Storms

This was pretty much a stay at home and get caught up kind of day.  Well, that was the plan, anyway. 

There is an adult temple baptism session this evening, primarily for those who have not received a regular recommend.  The RS president has become close friends with a sister who came back to activity after being inactive since she was a teenager.  Her teenage children were baptized, she married her boyfriend, he was baptized, and they are so excited to get to go to the temple this evening.  They asked the president and her husband if they would go with them.  The temple requests that those who are already endowed bring family file names if they want to do baptisms.  Bottom line, she discovered they didn't have any names ready, so I spent a couple of hours preparing some names to print so they could do mine.  I usually prepare a bunch of names when the youth are doing baptisms, so this was an extra time for me to get some done.  I will then move most of them into the temple file, since there is no way I can do that many.  It still made for an interesting morning.

The rest of the day went as planned and I managed to accomplish several things on the to do list.

Mid-afternoon, a terrible string of thunder showers and high winds moved through.  I don't know if there was any extensive damage done in the area, although we were fine - other than the wind making it sound like the house would blow away!  Then the sun peeked out for a little bit just to tease us before another string of heavy storms passed through during the evening.  It must be spring in Georgia!  Except that it also turned cold. 

March 4th - Unexpected Ashby Day!

I was busily working on my "long as always" to-do list when Lisa called and said she had coupons for free kids meals at Chili's.  We go there on occasion, as the kids love their mac & cheese and both kids get their meals free.  So we made plans to meet up there about noon.

We had a great lunch, then Ashby came home with me.  Lisa had another errand to run and then planned to go home for Brooks to nap and would come pick Ashby up later.  That means Ashby and I had the afternoon.  We were surprised that Grandpa was home when we got back, so she also had Grandpa to play with!  We had a lot of fun, doing most of the usual things.

When he had finished some other things, Bill went out to pull some weeks in the flower beds and Ashby went out with him.  She was so funny - she took the magnifying glass out with her so she could look for bugs.  While they were out there, Chad from next door came out to play with his boys.  Ashby always wants to know if Ethan can come play, so she was really excited.  They then played together for the next couple of hours - in the playhouse, hide-and-seek, just running.  We finally had everyone come in, since it was getting cold, and they played inside for a while, mostly with the Barbie car.  She had so much fun.

Brooks chose today to take an extremely long nap, so by the time Lisa was able to come over, it was getting close to dinner.  She picked up a rotisserie chicken and I fixed some rice and corn, so we could all eat together.  David was working late, so I guess he got to eat whatever he could find when he got home!

It was a great day.  I didn't get done all the things I had planned - I managed to get three loads of laundry done, and some work on my RS email, but not much else.  Even so, I wouldn't trade a day like today for anything!

March 3rd - Happy Sunday!

I keep repeating that Sunday is my favorite day of the week - but it is!  Church meetings today were especially good.  There were some wonderful testimonies, especially from young people.  The gospel principles lesson was on prayer and that is always a great topic.  I taught the lesson in RS, which was the 3rd chapter of Daughters in My Kingdom.  I thought it went really well and there was a great spirit there.  Then again, when talking about the pioneer women, how could it be any different!

When I got home, I pulled together everything for dinner - put the ribs in a low oven to pre-cook, washed and cut potatoes to boil, got the fresh broccoli cut and ready to cook, apples sliced and ready to cook, frozen bread was already out. 

Then I thought I would get a quick nap before the kids came.  I rested a little, but didn't get to sleep.  Then it was time to start things cooking so everything would be close to ready when they got here.  Once they arrived, Bill put the ribs on the grill for a few minutes with the barbecue sauce.  Lisa and I finished setting the table, and we were ready to eat!  Everyone was really hungry - especially Brooks!  He ate a huge helping of potatoes, along with some other things.  Dinner turned out good.

After dinner, we just relaxed and talked and watched the kids.  They were both rather tired, so they didn't stay as late as usual.  It was still fun and we had a great afternoon.

This evening was an openhouse for a young woman in our ward who is leaving for her mission this week.  I had planned to go, but by then I was feeling pretty tired and headachy.  This darn cold just won't let go!  By the time I finished my lesson this morning, I was getting hoarse.  Bill went over to represent us and said it was really nice.

So, another wonderful Sunday - and me to bed early!

March 2nd - Busy Saturday

I am so glad I am feeling some better today.  I didn't even take a nap!  I had things to do around the house, of course, and plenty of things on the computer. 

Mid-morning, I went to pick up the milk order for my ward and for another ward.  The person from the other ward came during the afternoon to pick up her things.  She is a good friend, so we also had a bit of time to visit.

In between everything else, I did manage to get a couple of loads of clothes done.  I think Sunday dinner is all figured out.  I pretty much already had my lesson for Sunday done, but since I am a bit OCD, I ended up spending quite a bit of time making sure it was what I wanted.  It will be on the 3rd chapter in Daughters in My Kingdom - about the exodus, migration, and settlement of the saints and is a very powerful part of church and relief society history.  Hopefully, the sisters will catch the vision - particularly of the temple.

Bill and David took off this afternoon to spend the evening watching high school basketball state tournament.  They both really love going to those games.  Bill remembers his years as a referee and David played basketball.

So, in the retelling, it seems this was a rather boring day!  But, it seemed like I was on the go the whole time. 

March 1st - New month! Same old cold!

I think I may have over done it yesterday - at least I haven't felt so good today!  The cold seems to be getting better, or at least it did until it decided to settle in my sinuses.  I have had a headache of doom all day - even with meds.

I did the normal morning routine, but by 10:00 or so, I finally gave in and went to rest a bit, read a few minutes, and fell asleep for a couple of hours!  I woke up when Bill got home at noon.  I do know I am much better, though, because when he mentioned going out for lunch, I said yes.  We went to Red Lobster and had a very nice lunch.

When we got back home, I worked on a few more things, including getting the RS email finished and sent out.  I figured with that morning nap, I would be good for the day, but by late afternoon, I gave in again.  The headache just wouldn't go, so I rested some more.  This time I mostly read, just dozed a bit.  I do believe that the best medicine for a cold is rest, but this is a bit ridiculous - two naps in one day!

There was a Friends of Scouting dinner at church this evening to raise funds for the BSA.  I decided to stay home since I could hardly talk and still had the headache.  Bill went, ate the spaghetti, and gave our donation.  I did a few more things, then went back to bed around 8:00 to read some more.  I think I am actually feeling better tonight.  The headache is still there, but has eased.  I think the hoarseness was just caused by the sinus drainage, so I am hoping that is a sign that things are clearing out and will soon be normal.  Fingers crossed!

February 28th - Happy Birthday, Lisa!

This has really been a day on the run.  I started with water aerobics, hurried home, and was still getting dressed when Lisa and Brooks got here.  Lisa was going out to lunch with a friend for her birthday and I got to take care of Brooks.  Ashby was in preschool and Hyrum's mother was going to pick her up, too, so she and Hyrum could have a play date.

Brooks and I had a great time!  He gets cuter every day.  He can get very intense in his play and is very funny.  He is also a total charmer and knows just when to turn those big blue eyes on you with that special grin.  He gets out of more trouble that way!  But, today he was good as gold.

When he is at Grandma's house, he always wants mac & cheese for lunch, so that is what we had.  After all, you get what you want at Grandma's!  A little after 1:00, I asked if he was ready for his nap, handed him his pacifier, and he walked straight to the crib and waited for me to put him in.  He laid down, smiled that smile again, and was asleep for the next 2 1/2 hours.

By the time he woke up, Lisa and Ashby had finished their "dates" and were here.  David finished work a little early and came straight to our house to shower and change.  He then told Lisa to go get a couple of hours of alone time doing whatever she wanted.  We just gave her cash for her birthday, so turned out she went shopping!  Smart girl.

We then all met up at Provino's for dinner.  Ashby rode over with us and she entertained us the whole way.  We got quite a run down on all her friends.  I was particularly tickled about one of her friends that she doesn't really like, but she still has to be nice to her.  It seems she has curly hair and that's why Ashby doesn't like her - she only likes straight hair. 

We enjoyed dinner - it has become somewhat of a tradition since if you eat there on your birthday, your meal is free.  We went early and they seated us in the back room, so we were able to relax and not have too many others close.  It makes it easier with the little ones.  Brooks likes to wander a little, but he was not a problem.  Ashby wanted to sit in her daddy's lap and ended up giving us quite a concert, singing the Primary songs. 

It was a very busy day, and a very good one, but I was exhausted and headed to bed to read a little earlier than usual!