Sept 29th - Sunday

Today was Fast Sunday since next week is General Conference.  It was also a fifth Sunday and they did a combined meeting.  Since it was a big topic - pornography - they ended up using both of the last hours.  It was well done.

Back home, I got dinner all prepped and ready to finish when the kids got here.  Then Lisa called and said that they had to take Brooks home from church because of a fever.  Needless to say, they did not come over!  I just waited until Bill got home and we finished things up then.  It was a good meal - grilled chicken, speckled butter beans, rice, peas, cucumbers, onions, and bread machine bread.  Of course, there is a lot left over!  We will have dinner another day.

This evening, our new home teachers came by and we had a great visit.  We haven't had any one visit for a long time now, since our previous home teacher moved into assisted living with his wife and has been unable to come.  Our new home teachers are the previous bishop that Bill served with and the good friend who went to the temple to be sealed earlier this month.  Bill home teaches him, so there is a little back and forth going on!

In between, I spent time on the computer, mostly doing family history.  I did lay down a bit to read, but never napped.  It has been a good Sabbath Day.  And, as always, my favorite day of the week!

Sept 26th - Not Quite as Busy!

I started the day with water aerobics, then came home and had some time to work on the routine things, as well as some computer stuff.  I am still fretting over teaching this genealogy class, so I spent a long time playing around in FamilySearch, trying to learn everything I can about the things that I have to teach!  I think I am beginning to get a focus.

Bill realized this morning that we have to get new licenses for the car (his birthday month) and he was going to be out of town Friday and Saturday.  That would leave only Monday to get both inspections and the licenses bought.  A bit of pressure since he also has a job Monday.  Anyway, I was given the assignment to get my car inspected today.  So, this afternoon, off I went to the place he said he likes.  I was fortunate, as there was just one car in front of me.  I took my book, sat on their front porch, and relaxed while they worked on it.  While I was sitting there, my good friend Jerry came walking up.  She was getting her car inspected, too!  Anyway, we had a nice chat until my car finished.

Back home, I was back into the same family history stuff as before.  Bill got home early enough to go get the licenses, as he had gotten the van inspected on his way home.  Now we are legal for another year.

Bill had to go home teaching this evening, and I was totally exhausted.  Why, I don't know.  It might have been that vigorous water aerobics workout and then no afternoon nap.  Anyway, I headed to bed pretty early and relaxed and read.

It has been a good day.  I think I am beginning to get a handle on what I will do for this class, so that is a relief. 

Sept 28th - Recovery Mode

My day started at 6:30 when Ashby tried to sneak into my room.  She climbed up in bed with me and cuddled as close as she could.  She was quiet for a while and then sh started talking.  I asked her about kindergarten and she told me a few things.  Then she got quiet again and suddenly out popped, "I have a boyfriend now."  We then had the most interesting conversation about that topic.  Kindergarteners are delightful!

Once we all finally got up, David fixed breakfast.  They didn't do any outside cooking with this camping trip, but he and Ashby did make it through the night in the tent.  Brooks slept in the crib and Lisa bounced from place to place.  She was the one who had the bad night!  After breakfast and some play time, everything was cleaned up and they took off for home.  The first camping trip was a huge success with Ashby. 

The rest of my day was rather quiet after all of that!  I got a couple of loads of laundry done, some other odds and ends around the house, dinner planned for Sunday, and computer time.  Mostly, I was doing family history things.  However, I was so tired that I did end up taking a very long afternoon nap!

This evening was the RS broadcast and though I had every intention of going, when it came time, I just didn't want to leave the house.  Bill was still not home from Augusta, so I just got jammies on, popped some popcorn, and curled up in the big chair to watch it on TV.  It was very good, focusing on covenants.

Bill got home just as the closing prayer was being said.  This has been a very interesting Saturday!

Sept 27th - Campout!

It was just a normal day at home today.  Bill has a job in Augusta, so will be gone for the night.  My only foray out was a quick trip to the library to return some books.  Otherwise, I was doing usual routine stuff and working on family history.  I think I have my genealogy lesson pretty much outlined.  I need to make some notes yet, so I won't forget everything! 

This evening, Lisa and family came over to camp out in the backyard.  Ashby has been begging to go camping and they decided that backyard camping might be best for the first time.  That way they didn't have to do any cooking.  They borrowed a fire pit, though, so they were able to make a nice fire and roast marshmallows.  Every one loves a fire, you know!

In the end, David and Ashby slept in the tent.  Brooks and Lisa stayed in the house.  Everyone sure had a lot of fun, though.  At least, they were having fun when I decided it was time to climb into my own comfortable bed and read a little before sleep.  We will see who survives in the morning!

Sept 25th - Busy, Busy, Busy!

Today was one of those days that seemed to go at full speed much of the day.  I started with several loads of laundry, including the sheets.  That always takes a hunk out of a day!  Between loads, I got the routine stuff done and some computer time - mostly trying to focus on this genealogy class I have to teach next week.

Then I got a call from Lisa and she and the kids were out doing errands and were ready for lunch.  I don't have to be asked twice to have lunch with the kids, so I took right off and we met up at Chili's.  Ashby was with her today, as it was an early release day, but Ashby had not gone to school since she had a stuffy nose.  We had a lot of fun!

On my way back home, I stopped and got gas and some groceries.  I was pretty much out of fresh stuff and it was getting hard to find easy things to eat!  I got that all done and everything put away.  Then it was back to finishing up the laundry and getting the bed made back up.

By the time I finished all that, I was exhausted and chose to take a short nap, so I would have enough energy to make the rest of the day.  I went to YW activity this evening.  They were having a family history lesson and I wanted to see what she was going to do and to remind them that I was now the family history consultant and they could call me for help.

When I finally got back home, I relaxed a bit and then I headed to bed to read a while.  I finished up my book, Nano, by Robin Cook.  What a whirlwind day!

Sept 24th - Nice Day!

I am beginning to really get back in my normal groove.  If I can make it to the grocery store tomorrow, I will be there!

Today, I started with water aerobics.  I have not been since the end of July, so it was fun getting back at it.  The class this time is huge, though.  We are hoping the Bogan pool gets finished soon, so all those people will go back to their own pool!  HA!

I quickly showered and got dressed at home, then headed out to pick up one of my visiting teaching sisters.  We went to Atlanta Bread Company for some lunch and spent a couple of hours just talking and visiting.  It was a lot of fun and I know she really enjoyed it, too. 

From there, I headed back home and finally got around to the usual routine things.  I had gotten a call this morning about teaching a genealogy class for a local genealogy group, so most of my thoughts were on that.  I had been told that it was to be "online research."  That is a little overwhelming.  I was glad to get clarification later that what they really want is more details about FamilySearch.org and doing research there.  I think I can handle that!  Problem is, the class is only a week away, so I don't have much prep time.

Bill went home teaching this evening, so I had quiet time.  When I finished up on the computer, I just headed to the bed to read!  All in all, that made it a very nice day!

Sept 23rd - Busy Monday

I am beginning to feel like I am back in a more normal routine.  This morning I had plenty of house straightening to do, which is usual on Mondays after the kids have been here.  I did a little more than usual, though, trying to get things back to where they don't seem quite so neglected.

The rest of time, I was on the computer, mostly working on family history.  I was doing some things on Bill's line today and ended up spending quite a bit of time on his 3rd great grandfather Perry Green Magness.  I already had good information on him, but I found some more things today, including a 21 page detailed history about him and his children.  Very good stuff - especially since the author included footnotes, so I can find some original sources to verify the information.  I was working back and forth between Roots Magic, Ancestry, and FamilySearch, trying to get everything right.  I am trying to get more sources added to FamilySearch since that is what I am supposed to be using for my new calling.

I love days that focus on family history - and when I end up with a clean house, too!

Sept 22nd - Another Good Sunday!

I started my day with church, as I usually do on Sundays!  Today was the Primary program for Sacrament Meeting and the children did a wonderful job.  After the meetings, I talked with the High Priest Group Leader for a few minutes about Family History and also got set apart for my new calling.  I had sent a detailed email about my thoughts on what needed to happen with Family History and he seemed to be excited about what we can do.

When I got home, I threw together a shepherd's pie for dinner.  Then, there was a little time to relax before the kids came.  It was such a beautiful day that we were outside for a while with the kids.  They played with bubbles for a while and then wanted the water turned on.  They got into their swim suits and had a ball in the sprinkler and hose. 

I had to leave at 5:30 to go down to the Family History Center, so I had to leave the group making popcorn in the new popcorn machine.  They were having a ball trying to figure out the best way to do it.  I am not sure where I am going to keep the thing, but it is cute. 

I spent my time at the center just doing some indexing.  I should have taken my RootsMagic-to-go program so I could work on my own stuff, but I didn't think about it.  There was a family history class, so I didn't have any one just in the center.  I did get a lot of names indexed, though!

Back home again, I fixed my own popcorn and then curled up with a book until bedtime.  I do enjoy my Sundays!

Sept 21st - A Rainy Saturday in GA!

This has been a rather lazy Saturday.  I did get a load of laundry done, furniture dusted, things straightened up a little - that's about it.  I worked on family history stuff a lot.  I am still going through all the newsletters that I have ignored, so I can get things cleaned out a little.  Bill put the popcorn machine together.  It was the thank-you gift for performing Jenn's wedding.  I am not sure where we are going to keep the thing, but it is cute.

This evening, Lisa and David dropped the kids off for a while, so they could have a date night.  Bill had to go to the youth conference dance, so I got to play with them all by myself.  Eventually, I got them into the tub, washed their hair, and they were having a ball splashing around when Lisa and David got back. 

It ended up being a good day, in spite of the rain.  Of course, I didn't go out to do the errands I had intended to do, but................so what??

Sept 20th - Happy 70th, Bill!

The big news for today is that it is Bill's 70th birthday!  He thought about going skydiving again, but that didn't happen.  Instead, he lazed around some, ran a few errands, and then we went out to dinner with Lisa and family.  He ended the day by going to the stake youth conference to help transport kids to the place they are staying for the night.

I didn't do much else myself.  I did manage a block of time for family history.  My big thing right now is to try to get myself better organized.  I have a tendency to jump from line to line, often leaving loose ends dangling.  I am going to have to work on that.  I am also trying to read or study some sort of training information each day.  I get several genealogy newsletters each week, but often just stick them to the side to read later.  I have decided I need to go through them, learn what I need, and delete them.

We really enjoyed dinner at Red Lobster.  The kids were good.  It helps giving them iPads to play with! 

Happy 70th birthday, Bill! 

Sept 19th - Rough First Day Back Home

I was so exhausted from our trip that I had a little trouble getting much done today.  I woke up with a headache (from still being tired!) and it took most of the day to get rid of it.  Eventually, I conquered!

I started my morning at the computer getting caught up on some things that have been ignored for a week.  When Bill finally woke up, I got clothes sorted and started in on the laundry - 5 loads.  By late morning, I finally gave in and went back to bed, reading for a while and finally falling asleep for a bit.

Late afternoon, I took another short nap.  In between, I got all the laundry done and put away.  By the time I awoke from my second nap, I was beginning to feel a little more like me.  I even cooked us a full-on dinner.

Maybe tomorrow I can finish up and be back on a normal routine. 

Sept. 18th - Heading Home

Everyone got up at a little more decent time this morning and got everything packed up.  We checked out, divided the expenses, and then had to say goodbye.  We were on the road by about 9:30. 

The rest of the day was just driving.  We drove through a few states on our way:  Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.  Bill didn't follow the GPS as we were going through Memphis and ended up getting us in a traffic jam that must have added an hour to our trip.  Even with that, we were home about 10:30.  The time change works against us heading east, so it was about a 13 hour drive.  That is more than I like to do in a day, but not enough to stop for the night. 

We really enjoyed our week with the Shaws.  It was our first trip to Branson, which we enjoyed.  I am not sure that I will need to visit there again.  I mean, how many shows can you really see? 

Sept 17th - Last Branson Day

We decided to go out for breakfast at a local place that had been recommended.  It was a good recommendation!  Very mom & pop - didn't even accept credit cards - but the food was really good. 

After a slow and leisurely breakfast, we decided to drive around a little and see the area around Branson.  We drove over the big dam, drove around the lake, enjoyed the views of the Ozarks, etc.  Then it was back to the condo for a little relaxation.

At 3:00, we went to the Chinese acrobats show.  We wanted something a little different from the singing and dancing and this was very good.  After the show, it was time for dinner.  This time we went to a steak house.  Again, we had a great meal.

We had a little time between the end of dinner and the beginning of the next show, so we spent some time in a gift shop.  Carolyn loves to shop and we had trouble finding a lot of fun shops.  Most of the places were just tourist junk or stores that are found at every mall in the country. 

The evening show was the Hughes Brothers family.  They have a new show and they named it "it."  The show was certainly energetic and included all their family.  It was actually very good.  They are great performers and very personable with the audience.

By the time the show was over, we headed back to the condo - another late night!

Sept 16th - Another Day in Branson

Our mornings are starting rather slowly as one by one we finally get up and going.  I seem to be the first up every morning, so I check my email, FB, etc., before anything else is happening.  Once everyone was ready, we fixed some breakfast and finally took off.

Our first stop was the office where we spent some time with the concierge getting brochures and recommendations for food and activities.  With all that in hand, we picked out the two shows we wanted to see most, plus a third to see tomorrow afternoon.  From there, we went to the box offices of each of the places and got our tickets.  There are ticket vendors all over the place, but on Sunday Brother Dutton had said that it is usually cheaper to get tickets at the box offices, so you don't pay the extra fees.  At any rate, we got our tickets for the three shows.

Then we headed out to Branson Landing, which is an outdoor mall with lots of restaurants.  We had decided to eat at a Mexican place there for our dinner.  We walked around the mall area first.  It was a beautiful day - not too hot, but sunny.  It had rained in the morning, but the rest of the day was nice.  Late afternoon, we went to the restaurant and were seated on the outdoor patio, overlooking the lake.  Well, they call it a lake, but it certainly looked more like a river.  They have a big fountain and fire show there.  During the day, they would occasionally do a program.  I am sure it is more impressive at night when the fire would be more dramatic.  Even so, it was an enjoyable place to be.  In fact, we took a rather long time doing our dinner, as we were enjoying it so much.

From there, we headed back to the condo to rest a little before going back out for the evening.  We went to the Dutton Family show and really enjoyed it.  We had met the parents at church on Sunday and it was fun to see them both up there with the rest of the family.  After the show, we went to a 50's style diner for burgers and ice cream. 

It was midnight by the time we got back to the condo and ready for bed.  It has been another good day.

Sept 15th - Sabbath Day in Branson

Since we didn't get to bed until around 4:00 last night, we slept in this morning.  I still was up by 8:00, but I was the first one.  By the time everyone got up, showered, etc., it was time to get ready for church.  We had no food in the condo, so there was no breakfast. 
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We had found a ward that meets at 1:00, so we headed there.  We all enjoyed the meeting and the people - very friendly and fun.  With so many Mormon performers in Branson, we were bound to meet some at church, and we did.  The most delightful were the Duttons.  We enjoyed chatting with the parents.  In fact, she is the RS president and he taught gospel doctrine. 

After church, the first priority was to find some food!  We ended up at a nice restaurant called Landry's, where we ate until we were stuffed!  It was all very good and we laughed a lot.  After the restaurant, we stopped at a Walmart to get a few groceries, so we would have breakfast, lunch, and snack stuff for the next couple of days. 

Back at the condo, we all just relaxed.  Well, we were more like four zombies, trying to stay awake long enough to go to bed!  I was the first to cave. 

What a great first day in Branson.  We will see what our next few days bring.

Sept 14th - Breakfast with Nicole

We got ready and packed up this morning and the went to have breakfast with our niece Nicole.  We started at her apartment.  It is older, but really cute, especially the way she has fixed it up.  Then we went to have breakfast at a place called Eggtc.  Great breakfast and even better getting a chance to catch up with her and what she is doing.  She is in her 2nd year of graduate school for acting and seems to be loving it!

From there, we headed back to the arena for day 2 of Covenant America program.  In the afternoon, we headed out to get some KC barbecue at a place called Oklahoma Joe's, which Nicole had recommended.  When we got there, we discovered it would be an hour wait or more wait, so we went to another place. 

Then it was back to the arena for the rest of the program.  The entertainment was good, but not quite up to yesterday's standards.  The keynote speaker to end the program was Glenn Beck.  He was pretty good - at least, he was very entertaining.

After he finished, we took off to drive to Branson.  We got in around 3:00 a.m.  Needless to say, we were tired!  But, it did save another night's motel, since we are spending the rest of the time at a time share.

Sept 13th - Great Entertainment

Once we all got up and ready (four people and one bathroom takes a while!), we had breakfast in the hotel.  Eventually, we walked on over to the Convention Center and got our passes for the Covenant America event.  They opened the main room at 10:50, so we browsed the booths before that.  We ended up with great seats in the 3rd row center.  We had paid for the front section and there were so few attending that we really had our choice.


The event started late and seemed very disorganized.  We did enjoy watching the Osmonds do their sound check and play around with the audience.  The other act that was supposed to perform never showed up and the speakers were rather random.  Most of them were pretty good.

In early afternoon, we took off and walked a few blocks to get some lunch in a section of town called the Poewr and Light District.  Then it was back to the arena and more speakers.  Actually, the event never took a break, so we just missed a couple of speakers so we could do lunch.

Later in the afternoon, George Dyer performed and his family performed for an hour.  They were really good and we enjoyed that a lot.  Then a few more speakers and the closing act was the Osmonds.  They were also really good and that ended the day on a big high.

We had gotten a snack at the arena for dinner, so after the show, we just walked back to the hotel and got settled in for the night.  It has been a fun day.

Sept 12th - On the Road Again!

We were up early this morning and on the road by about 6:20.  We figured that if we don't make it all the way to Kansas City, at least we will be close enough to get there tomorrow morning.

What is there to say about a day spent in the car?  We listen to a book on tape, enjoyed the scenery through Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and Kansas.  We only stopped when we needed to get gas, food, or a break.

As it turned out, we made it all the way - 14 hours of travel!  It helps going west and gaining an hour.  Gary and Carolyn got in an hour or so after we did.  We are staying at the Holiday Inn Aladdin, right downtown.  The convention center is literally right across the street.

We ended our evening with lots of laughs and catching up.  We took a little tour around the hotel to get the lay of the land.  It is a very old hotel that has been remodeled and is very nice.  The room is not large, but adequate.  In the original layout, there would have been two rooms and no bathroom - only one bathroom per floor.  I am certainly glad they updated!  We are all sharing one room, so it is a little tight, but not bad.  Hopefully, we don't have any snorers!

Sept 11th - A Waiting Day

This date always brings back the horrible memories of the Trade Towers and also the incredible stories of courage and service that it produced. 

We spent the day waiting to hear what the doctors had to say about Carolyn making the trip.  We did some chores, errands, etc.  We finally heard late in the afternoon that the doctor had just left her room and she was cleared for the vacation trip.  There are some problems, but not anything that will keep her at home.  Very good news.  We had talked a couple of times during the day and the waiting was awful for her, but at least it ended with good news!

We spent the evening packing our stuff and getting ready to leave very early in the morning.  We will drive as far as we can.  If we don't make it all the way, we will only have a short bit left in the morning.

Now we can get excited!

Sept 10th - Some Shopping Time

My big chore for today is to get all the laundry done, so we can pack for our trip tomorrow.  I think there are six loads, including sheets, so it will be a good bit of the day. 

Lisa called while she was in the car pool line to drop Ashby off at school and asked if I wanted to go do a little shopping and have lunch with her and Brooks.  It sounded like a great idea to me!  They came by to pick me up an hour or so later.  My car is in the garage, so I was stranded.  We went to Kohl's.  I found three tops I liked and she bought a couple of things for herself.

From there we went to Chili's for lunch, since she had a coupon for a free kid's meal.  We had a great chat while we ate.  Brooks was so funny - as we were walking in the door, he said, "Mac and cheese!"  I guess he knows what he always gets when we go there. 

After they dropped me back at home, I worked on the laundry some more, as well as doing a few other routine things.  I was really tired, so I also sneaked in a little nap.

Shortly before Lisa came by, I got a phone call from Carolyn.  We are meeting up with her and her husband in Kansas City on Thursday.  She had had a dizzy spell and decided to get checked out at the doctor before taking off on a trip.  He did an EKG, found some abnormality, and sent her straight to the hospital by ambulance.  She was calling from her hospital bed.  They are keeping her overnight and then doing a stress test in the morning.  She will call again after that to let us know what the doctor says.  Obviously, we won't be taking off anywhere in the morning.  We will just have to wait and see if she gets cleared to continue on the trip or not.


Later in the afternoon, the new RS president and counselor came by to pick up my materials and to talk about the calling.  We had a good discussion.  They will do a great job.

This evening we had to go pick up the car and I stopped at a store to pick up a couple of things.  I am going to wait to pack until we get the "clear to go" sign from Carolyn. 

Sept 9th - My Mom's Birthday - Still Miss Her!

Today would have been my mom's 84th birthday.  We lost her in 2001, although in reality we lost her long before that.  I am forever grateful for having such a great mother and I have a treasure chest of happy memories!

My day was pretty boring, to tell the truth.  I did a few things around the house, but for the most part I was on the computer learning about my new calling, listening to videos, doing some training exercises, etc.  I also spent some time working on my family history.  My biggest challenge will be to get more proficient on familysearch.org.  I have used it, but since I have used Ancestry for so long, I am more comfortable there. 

I guess I should amend my statement above to say that it is boring to tell, but in truth, I was totally absorbed in what I was doing and enjoyed it!

I did take a short break mid-afternoon and ran to the library to pick up some CD books for our trip and to gas up the car.  Then when Bill got home, we ran the car over to the mechanic to have a couple of things checked out before we take off tomorrow.

We do not usually do anything for family home evening, but the ward has challenged everyone to read Preach My Gospel by the end of the year (actually a stake goal) and we read together for a FHE tonight.

Sept 8th - A New Calling!

When the bishop called and told me that the RS presidency was being released, he also asked what I would like to have as my next calling.  I, of course, gave the correct answer that I would serve where needed.  However, since he had asked, I would tell him that my first choice for a new calling would be family history consultant.  Well, yesterday he caught me in the parking lot at the temple and called me to be the ward family history consultant.  So, I was sustained today.

I am excited, because it is what I would like to do.  Right now, I am the only one in the ward, but as things get going better, they will probably call several others.  I told him that the first thing we needed to do was to find a place in the building where the family history class could be held.  I will also be doing shifts at the family history center. 

It was good to be back in the ward after two weeks away.  Since I was released from RS, I no longer have the assignment to attend Gospel Principles class, so I was able to go back to Gospel Doctrine.  I did also play the piano in RS.  The new second counselor was also sustained today.  She will be education counselor, so she and the new president will be coming over on Tuesday evening to go get the materials and to have a chance to ask questions.

When I got home, I was so tired!  I straightened the kitchen, made sure dinner was ready to put together, and then took a nap.  I think I slept over an hour, before the kids arrived.  Bill got home early, too, so everyone pitched in getting the grill going and the veggies and salmon cooked.  I added some baked potatoes and canned peaches and that was it!  Turned out good, though.

It was a good afternoon with the kids.  They left a little early to go home to make some cookies for Ashby to take to kindergarten in the morning.  Since she has a summer birthday, they asked her to celebrate with the class tomorrow.

I spent the rest of the evening on the LDS website looking at things about my new calling. 

Sept 7th - A Day of Weddings!

We were really on the go all day today.  It started at the temple where we went to share with some friends as they went through the temple the first time and then were sealed.  The have been married 58 years, but they were as excited as a new bride and groom!  It was a beautiful morning with them, especially seeing how happy they were as they were sealed together.

After a little session of picture taking outside the temple, we went over to Bill's sister's house to see if there was any food left from the earlier family luncheon.  We were able to get a honey baked ham sandwich and some sides.  Everyone else had left to get ready for the wedding, but we got a chance to see those that were staying there.

Then we headed back up to Dahlonega.  Bill was supposed to be there by 4:00, but we were a little early, so we enjoyed visiting and trying to relax a little.  The wedding was held at an outdoor venue and was a beautiful location and facility.  The weather cooperated, too, and was just about perfect. 

The wedding went well - no big mess ups!  Bill did a good job performing the ceremony, although he had been pretty nervous.  Jenn was beautiful.  There was a good turnout - at least 150 people.  A social hour followed at the barn deck while pictures were taken, then the reception in the barn. 

It all went well and everyone had a great time.  Ashby, Brooks, and Lizzie loved the dance floor and were out there all the time.  The extended family all brought quite a lively spirit to everything!  We finally had to leave, as we were both exhausted and still had over an hour's drive to get home.

We are happy for Jenn and love Jonathan and hope for the best things in life for them as they begin this new journey!

Sept 6th - Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner

The beginning of the day was pretty much normal.  At least it was until Lisa brought Brooks over for a couple of hours!  She had a voice lesson to give and with Ashby in school, Brooks can get a little "needy," and he had been wanting to come to Grandma's house.  It seemed like the perfect time!  We had a lot of fun, playing inside and out.  After eating a little lunch, they headed out to pick up Ashby.

About 3:30, we took off for Dahlonega for Jennifer and Jonathan's rehearsal and dinner.  They are getting married tomorrow at a place called White Oaks Barn.  It is a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding and then inside for a reception.  Bill is the one marrying them, so that is why we were included in the rehearsal.

Following the rehearsal, there was a dinner at a local golf clubhouse.  It was very good - much better than these kinds of buffets usually are.  We enjoyed getting better acquainted with Jonathan's family. 

By the time we got back home, it was time to relax and get ready for bed.  Bill ended up staying up quite late trying to make sure he was happy with what he will be saying tomorrow.  On the other hand, I climbed into bed with my book!

Sept 5th - Luncheon

Things are a little calmer today.  I was able to get some routine things out of the way in the morning.  Then I went over to have lunch with friends.  The outgoing RS president invited the rest of us in the presidency to her home for lunch.  And what a great lunch it was - chicken salad on croissants, several salads, and creme brulee for dessert.  Of course, the most fun was getting to just talk and not have to handle any RS business!

When I left there, I ran by the library and then headed home.  After doing a few more routine things, I decided I really needed a nap.  I started a new book, but quickly fell asleep and ended up taking a pretty long nap.

The rest of the day, I worked on some family history.  I even fixed a little dinner tonight.  It has been a good day!

Sept 4th - Overwhelmed with Laundry!

Well, today I had to try to get back on a normal schedule.  I was not particularly successful, but I did get some things done.  The biggest chore - and the one that took most of the day - was laundry!  I had over a week's worth of my dirty clothes, plus Bill's from the weekend and all that he had not done while I was gone.  I ended with at least 6 loads, and they were all huge.  I got it all done, though.  Hurrah, for me!

In between loads of laundry, I straightened a little, and worked on some things at my desk.  I have been released from my RS calling, so I had to get materials together and organized to pass on to the new counselor.  There were some other things that had piled up, as well.

The rest of the time, I worked on some family history.  I had received an email inquiry about someone on the family tree and I was trying to make sure that everything I had was up to date and correct.  It turns out it is a problem line, so I guess it will take a bit to be sure I have it ready to respond to her.  I haven't touched family history for over two weeks, though, so I really enjoyed getting myself lost in it.

First day back - always kind of a let down, but I got through it.  Things should pick up tomorrow, I hope!

Sept 3rd - Day 15 - Iowa Trip - Made It Home!

We had another travel day and made it home around 4:15 - no problems on the way.  We finished one CD book and started a second. 

Once we were home, neither of us felt like doing anything, so Bill napped and I spent some time on the computer, catching up a little.

Friends called on our way this afternoon and invited us over for dinner, so we were able to have a great grilled chicken dinner without any work on my part!  Love it - food, friends, and relaxation.  A great way to end a tiring day!

Now I am trying to get myself to get back into a normal groove, beginning tomorrow.  We will see if I can make it happen!

Sept 2nd - Day 14 - Iowa Trip - Heading Back Home

Got up, got packed, washed the sheets and towels, went out for breakfast at the Bluebird with my Dad.  Then we had to leave.  We met up with the kids at the Moline airport where we took the car seats and got our GPS back.  They called later in the day to let us know that they had made it home without any problems.

We then took off to drive home.  There isn't much to say about driving.  This trip is down the middle of Illinois, since we were already in Moline, rather then through St. Louis.  We made good time, since we didn't leave the airport until almost 12:00.  We stopped for the night is a little place in KY - Kuttawa.  Paducah is about halfway, so we are well past half-way.

After a nice dinner, we have settled into our hotel room - very tired!!

Sept 1st - Day 13 - Iowa Trip - Big Concert

Very busy day today!  We started out perfectly - meeting up at the Colony Restaurant in Amana for breakfast.  They serve family style, all you can eat.  What do they serve?  Well, let me tell you!  Corn pancakes (best thing ever invented!), fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, homemade strawberry jam, home fried potatoes, orange juice, coffee if you want it - and they just keep bringing it as long as you are eating.  Needless to say, David thought he had died and gone to heaven.  The rest of us did our share, too!

Then we headed back to the airport to watch all the work of getting things  ready for the concert.  Listening to the run-throughs is almost as much fun as the concert itself.  They set up the big canopy tent, a smaller canopy tent for the food, a stage in the hanger doorway, airplanes strategically placed to catch attention, sound system, lighting, etc.

Dinner started around 5:00 and was very good.  Then the concert started at 7:00.  Lisa was first and did a great job.  She did a couple of things from Wicked, a couple of Disney princess songs, and a country song.  She was followed by Josh, who is incredible on the piano.  The final performance was from Trish, accompanied by Josh.  She is an opera style soprano.  Everyone did well, although I must admit that I liked Lisa best.  (Must be the mother talking!)

I was so excited that my Aunt Patty and Uncle Kenny came down from Emmetsburg and surprised us.  Dad was really pleased.  Her daughter Teresa and her son almost made it a little later.  They live in Cedar Rapids, which is where Patty was staying.  My friend Paula and her friend Barb also showed up from Davenport.  I was glad to see them, too.

What a great day!  The take for the scholarship fund was over $900 - not their best take ever, but still a good return.

Aug 31st - Day 12 - Iowa Trip - 46th Anniversary

Dad and I went out for breakfast, then came back and hung out at the airport office for a bit, before I had to take off for the Moline airport to pick up Bill, Lisa, David, and kids.  Well, they are renting a car, but I have the car seats and there won't be room for all of them in the car.

The plane had just landed as I entered the airport, so my timing was perfect!  Ashby came running and I got a ton of hugs and kisses.  Then Brooks came running with his arms out-stretched, and I was expecting more hugs and kisses.  What I got instead was a very excited explanation of how they had been on "a BIG airplane" and there landed and there were lots of airplanes.  I do believe he was rather excited!

There was a little problem getting the rental car straightened out, but we eventually got on our way, and, after stopping for lunch, we headed back to North Liberty.  The kids were so excited seeing my dad's airport, and pond, and the suspension bridge, etc.

For dinner, we went out to Outback.  Today is our 46th wedding anniversary and we wanted to do some sort of celebration!

This should really be a fun weekend, especially with the kids so excited about everything they see!