Tuesday, December 31, 2013

December 30th - Busy Monday

Things aren't quite back to normal yet, but today was more like a busy Monday - a little less vacation and holiday attitude.  I am also feeling better, so that is good.

I made a list of the major projects that I need to work on this week and I did a little on each one today.  I haven't inventoried the 3 month food storage in a while (supposed to be on a schedule doing that - oops!), so today I got it about half done.  I will try to finish in the morning, so I can work on my Costco shopping list next.

I have several family history presentations coming up, so I worked on some of that.  I have next Sunday's lesson to get together.  There were a couple of questions in class last week that I want to address more next time, so I had a little research to do.  The ward mission leader talked to me about doing presentations to some Home Owner Associations or similar organizations that offer class activities from time to time, so I wanted to get an angle on that.  I have the county presentation coming up in February, although that is pretty much planned, I do keep reviewing it in case I think of something more.  There is also a youth fireside in March, I think it is, which will be much the same as my Sunday presentation, with some changes to make it a little shorter and more pertinent to the youth. 

I have some more things on the list that I was able to cross off.  What I didn't get to was anything much around the house, other than dishwasher and that sort of stuff.  I also took another nap when I began to feel so tired in the mid-afternoon.  I am just listening to my body on that, hoping that a little more rest will get rid of the rest of the stuff that is still hanging on.

Lisa called and invited us to come over for New Years Eve, so I guess we will be doing that.  They will be celebrating from about 5 - 8, with lots of activities for the kids.  I figured we could last that long - Ha!

It has been a good day and I have actually accomplished a lot.  Hopefully my project list will be completed in a few more days.  I suppose I should add one more thing to my list - resolutions!  But then, I don't really do resolutions since they seem to be a way to get set up to fail.  I will add it to my list, though, and decide after I ponder on it some!

Monday, December 30, 2013

December 29th - Wonderful Sunday

This has been a busy Sunday, but a really good one.  I am feeling much better, so that has helped make it better, too.

Sacrament meeting talks were really good.  Then I had to teach my Family History class during Sunday School.  There were quite a few people missing, but it was a good lesson, anyway.  I am trying to figure out how to get everything in by the end of January.  We may have to run over a week or two.

Then, because it was a fifth Sunday, we had a combined third hour with the Priesthood and Relief Society.  I did the presentation on - guess what! - family history.  The church had prepared a Sunday lesson with several good videos and stressing the importance of stories and pictures to help connect with our ancestors.  I just did the presenting, so it wasn't really that bad.  I think it went really well - at least everyone seemed to be paying attention and I got several comments afterwards.  I even got one message from a sister letting me know she will be taking the next Sunday class that starts in March.

Back home, I got the beginnings going for dinner.  We had homemade tacos and cheese enchiladas.  I got the enchiladas in the pan ready to heat and the meat cooked for the tacos.  I then spent some time on the computer and doing a few other things.  I was back in the kitchen chopping things when Lisa and crew arrived.  She helped finish the chopping, Ashby set the table (with a little help from Gandma Vanett), and I started frying the tortillas.  We ate a ton!  They were so good.  Bill was so late getting home that David and Vanett had more tacos with him.  Then we topped it all off with a key lime pie.  Can't do better than that for eating!

The rest of our afternoon and evening, we just relaxed and laughed and talked.  Bill had fun playing hide-and-seek with Ashby and Brooks and they loved it, too.  I always enjoy our Sundays - and this was a good one.


Sunday, December 29, 2013

December 28th - Just Saturday!

I am feeling a little better each day, but not totally normal.  Whatever.  (I read that "whatever" is the most hated word these days.  Well, whatever!  Ha.)

Today was just a normal Saturday, so I just did my normal things!  That would be about 4 loads of laundry, straightening the house, actually deep cleaning the bathroom, cleaning out the freezer (I finally got it all emptied and now it is ready to refill!), computer time, final touches on both my lesson and the fifth Sunday presentation I have to do tomorrow, a short nap (getting shorter, good sign I am getting better!), planning meals for tomorrow and New Year's Day, making the grocery list, etc.  I didn't do the shopping, though.  Bill likes to go, so I send him whenever I can get by with it!  Of course, I still have to put it all away, but I would be doing that anyway, so it is still a win for me.

Bottom line, it wasn't too exciting, but I actually got quite a lot accomplished today. 

Saturday, December 28, 2013

December 27th - Another "Lay Low" Day

I am feeling better, but the sore throat just doesn't go away - or the mild headache and tiredness.  Since it isn't getting worse, I am sure it is just the sinus drainage.  Irritating, but not fatal!

I did a few things around the house today - just enough, actually, to say that I did something!  LOL!  I also made a run to the library to return a few things and to pick up another book that had come in.  I didn't feel like going anywhere else, so the AT&T store will have to be another day.  (I need to have them move my contact list over to my new phone.)

At home, I mostly worked on family history and got into it more than I have in a while.  I am trying to solve my Reuben Wesco problem, but I think I am going to have to actually travel to Preble County, Ohio, to really have any hope of figuring the details out.  Some people have very complicated lives!

I also took a rather long nap again today.  I like taking an occasional nap, but not everyday, which it seems to be lately.  Hopefully, once the holiday season is over and I have to get back to a more normal routine that will change.  Well, and when I feel better, too, I guess.

I finished another book tonight, so my pile is going down slowly.  I will be renewing some of them for another round in a couple of weeks.  We will see how many I can read before then!

Although it was a slow day, I felt really good about what I got done.  There just isn't much that is interesting to write about!  Such a boring - and good - life.

Friday, December 27, 2013

December 25th - Recovery Day

I decided to keep it really slow and low today.  I still have the sore throat, but chose to ignore it over Christmas.  Unfortunately, it didn't go away.  Since it hasn't gotten worse, I am quite sure it is sinus, rather than strep or something.  Even so, it drains the energy and I needed a day to recoup.

I did wash sheets, plus a couple of other loads.  There wasn't too much house stuff to do, other than emptying the dishwasher, since it was cleaned up nicely yesterday.  There are still a few things to be put away, but I figured they would still be there tomorrow.

I spent some time at the computer, too.  Also, I spent time playing with my new Iphone.  Then I took a nap that lasted most of the afternoon.  That was the surest sign that I needed to rest, more than anything.  I will try to do a little more tomorrow.

So, trying to get back to normal - both from Christmas festivities and from the sore throat.  Here's hoping I make it!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

December 25th - A Wonderful Christmas Day!

This has been a nearly perfect Christmas Day.  We slept in and relaxed most of the morning.  I fixed the sausage, cream cheese, and crescent roll breakfast bake.  Then I got the potato salad put together, the frozen rolls rising, and the ham into the oven.  Eventually, I got the table set.  Oh, and I had the last two gifts to get wrapped.  That pretty much took all morning!

Sometime around noon, Lisa and family made it over.  The kids were beyond excited!  They had both gotten special gifts from Santa and it was hard to get them away from them.  Since dinner was ready, we ate right away - ham, potato salad, tortellini salad (Lisa brought), dinner rolls, relish tray.  Very easy and very tasty, too!

We finally got around to opening gifts, which took a very long time, because after each gift was opened, it had to be played with for a while.  Of the things I got them, Ashby's favorite was the school house (she gets to play teacher, using the pointer, white board, map, etc, like a real teacher!).  Brooks favorite was the Play-doh garbage truck (so why do little boys love garbage so much?)  They each played with their favorite most of the rest of the day.  Although, the car mat, cars, and Barbies got their share of attention, as well.

We then all gathered around the table to enjoy chocolate fondue - what fun!  And it tasted great, too.  The kids think it is so neat to take that long fork and dip something into the chocolate.  Brooks loved doing the "circle" (Krispie Kreme donut hole) - in fact, he had most of them.  I should have bought more.  We actually cleaned up all the chocolate and dippers.

They finally had to clean up, pack up, and head for home.  Brooks had taken a long nap, so he was doing pretty well, but poor Ashby was just about totally spent.  It has been quite a day for the two of them.

Once they left, there wasn't really much to do around the house as everyone had helped get things cleaned up.  I played with my new Iphone a little and then headed in to bed myself.  I finished the last chapter in Moroni, so I have finished the Book of Mormon this year again.  It seems somehow fitting to end Christmas with this accomplishment!

So grateful for the Savior, for the family, and for all the wonderful blessings I have!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

December 24th - Christmas Eve!

This has been a good day - of course, it is Christmas Eve!

Bill and I each had a to-go list and we both plugged away at the items at a rather leisurely pace, I must say.  I got the Tex-Mex dip all made.  Bill peeled the potatoes and we got them and the eggs all cooked for the potato salad.  I got most of the rest of the presents wrapped.

I also spent some at the computer.  By afternoon I was feeling pretty tired again, so I laid down for a couple of hours, although I didn't really sleep much.  Even so, it was enough to restore the energy for the evening.

Then it was time to get ready to join the rest of the family for our Christmas Eve celebrations.  It was held at Judy and Greg's this year.  Joy, Billy, and Stephanie were the only "Georgia" family that were missing.  We had a lot of fun.  Dinner was the traditional tacos and trimmings.

After dinner, we did the gift exchange.  Judy had my name and gave me the softest couch blanket I have ever felt, plus a picture frame.  I had her name and gave her a scarf and a necklace.  Once we got all through that, we headed back to the kitchen to stuff ourselves on more desserts.  Eventually, we ended up in the basement where we did the gag gift exchange and laughed ourselves silly.  I ended up with a Ninja turtle chia pet from that!  Not sure what I am going to do with that!!!  We ended up being about the last to leave.  Bill helped Greg move a big air hockey game into the basement.  

It was a great evening, filled with fun and laughter and love.  On the way home, my thoughts turned to the Christmas Eve 16 years ago that we spent at the hospital with Jason, which turned out to be our last Christmas with him.  A few tears flowed, but I am grateful for the Atonement which started with the birth of Jesus Christ.  Because of the birth of this child, all will be overcome that death and we may be reunited to live as families. 

Merry CHRISTmas!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

December 23rd - Fun Day with Brooks!

I felt a little better today - still tired and a bit of a sore throat, but way better than yesterday.  I guess staying in bed then was a good idea.

My first order of business was to get my grocery shopping done.  I had my list and headed off by 9:00.  I wanted to beat the worst of the crowds, plus I needed to be back home when Brooks was dropped off.  I got everything I needed - well, almost.  I got it all unloaded and put away in time.

Lisa, Ashby, David and Vanett were going to the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker, at the Fox, but taking Brooks would not have been a good idea, so he got to come to Grandma's house instead.  He was so good and we had a ball.  He played with the trains for a long time, then got the cars out.  For lunch, he wanted mac & cheese, of course.  When Grandpa got home from his shopping, they played cars some more.

When I walked back into the room where they were playing and asked who wanted to take a nap, Brooks immediately said, "Me!"  He went right down and slept for a couple of hours.  By that time, I was pretty exhausted, too, so I took a nap at the same time.

When everyone was back up, he wanted to play with Grandpa some more, so they played with the block puzzle and the cars.  I was sitting at the computer doing a few things and could hear Brooks and I just kept laughing at his non-stop commentary about things.  So funny!

A family from the ward dropped by during the afternoon, too, to drop off a candle gift.  Very thoughtful!

Bill wanted to run up to Home Depot to pick up something, so the two of them took off.  They hadn't been gone too terribly long when Lisa and crew got back.  They had a great time, starting with lunch at a fancy Thai place in mid-town, then the ballet.  Ashby was just floating and we had to watch all her beautiful ballet moves for quite some time.  She was so cute.

We had a family from the ward come by during that time to carol and leave some candy.  When Bill got home later and found he had missed it, he was really upset.  And he did miss some very nice caroling!

Eventually, Bill and Brooks made it back home.  They had had fun, too, it seems.  Apparently, they had explored a good bit of Home Depot.  Brooks' favorite thing was the refrigerators, where he opened every door on every refrigerator and said, "Wow!" each time.

When they finally headed off to home, everyone was tired.  I was hungry, too, so I ate a bite and headed off to bed early again.  What a fun day with Brooks.  He was perfectly well behaved - we never had any pouting or tantrums or sass, just cute smiles, hugs, laughs, and non-stop talking.

Monday, December 23, 2013

December 22nd - Christmas Sunday and I am Home in Bed

I decided this morning that I had better stay home.  My throat was so sore I could hardly swallow and the headache was terrific.  What actually convinced me was when Bill said I looked awful.  So, one last day spent recovering.

I got the crock pot going and did a few odds and ends around, not much really.  Then I went back to bed and slept for a couple of hours.  I felt much better, so got my shower, thinking I was ready for the day.  By the time I finished, I was exhausted!  Even so, I couldn't sleep anymore, so I did some things at the computer for a while.  I then decided to lie down for just a little bit before the kids got here.  I had barely got settled in bed when Bill got home.  He told me all about what I missed at church, then decided to get his own quick nap in.  While he rested in his chair, I rested in bed.

It wasn't long before the kids all arrived.  Ashby was all dressed up in the new dress that Grandma Vanett bought for her the other day - when Ashby wanted to shop at Dillard's.  Brooks was decked out in his vest and tie.  They were both really cute.  Brooks was excited because the 3 year olds got to come into Primary for a bit of singing time and he liked being a big boy.  Apparently, Ashby played mother and came to sit beside him and then, when he didn't want to leave, she walked him back to the nursery.  Cute!

They changed out of their good clothes, putting on new jammies, and then the usual Sunday fun began.  We had the pot roast and all the trimmings for dinner - an easy, but very good meal.  Then we sat around talking, the kids playing, and half watching a movie on the Disney channel.  It was a very nice afternoon.  I exerted very little energy, other than sitting on the couch, so it was relaxing, too.  Brooks eventually fell asleep in Lisa's nap - something he almost never does, so he mush have been especially tired!  So, they loaded up and headed for home.

Shortly after they left, our hometeacher came by.  We had a very enjoyable visit with him.

After he left, I was finishing up a couple of things on the computer, planning to head back to bed, when Billy called.  We hadn't talked to him since he moved back to his condo in Cedar Rapids, so it was good to get caught up on how he was doing.  It sounds like the move went well.  He has just a few things left to get out of his apartment in Des Moines and will then move into his studio/efficiency over there sometime this week.  He also got all the papers done for the classes he will be taking this semester, so that is a relief, too.  He is getting up to the speed on the project at work now, and he is expecting a good bit of overtime during the next few months.  He is fine with that, as he is paid by the hour.  He got his first paycheck from the new job, too, and that is always exciting.  He is now 1099, so the paycheck really seemed big!  He said he stopped to see Grandpa on his way back to Des Moines this evening and gave a positive report on that, too.

By the time all of that was finished, I was ready for bed!  I feel much better tonight, so hopefully spending that one more day mostly resting will be enough to get rid of this, whatever it is.  I am quite sure it is just sinus, though, and not something worse.  We shall see!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

December 21st - 1st Day of Winter

First day of winter and the temps are almost 70.  Hmm.  Must be global warming - or just the usual unpredictable winter weather in the south!

For me, though, it was another yucky day.  Still with the sore throat, headache, etc.  By evening, I even had a fever of just over 100.  I managed to get in a couple of naps during the day.  Otherwise, I was pretty much useless.

Bill spent several hours in the afternoon doing some shopping.  It was during that time that I took my second nap.  I don't know if he got all he wanted, but at least he ran by the grocery store and picked up what little I needed for tomorrow's dinner.  I did manage to get that all put together in the crockpot, so it just has to be plugged in in the morning.

It just feels like another wasted day.  Even the things I did on the computer did not keep me engaged.  I kind of jumped from thing to thing.  I sent out an email to my family history class to warn them that I may not make it in the morning.  There is so much stuff going around that I certainly don't want to add to it if I am contagious.  I still think it is just sinus, but I don't get fevers with that, so now I am a little suspicious.

Here's hoping this is about over.  I am a terrible sick person!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

December 20th - Still a Bit of a Down Day

I woke up early and was up for a couple of hours.  When I decided I really needed to get showered and dressed, I found myself back in my bed!  Well, it was there and I just couldn't resist.  I still have the sore throat and feel yucky.  I don't think it is really anything, probably the sinus thing again, but it is still enough to drain the energy.

I was just getting back up when the doorbell rang.  So, I put on the housecoat and went to find Lisa, Brooks and Vanett there.  They were bringing back all my things she had borrowed for her dinner last night. Even though I was a mess (I still hadn't gotten that shower!), we had a fun visit.  When they left, I went straight to the shower before someone else came by and saw me!  I like to get dressed first thing when I get up, so of course I get caught on the day that I don't do it!

I don't really feel much like doing things, so I spent a good bit of time at the computer.  I always have plenty of things to keep me entertained there.  I did clean out the buffet, where all those Christmas dishes are stored.  I figured that since it was practically empty, I should go ahead and finish cleaning it.  So, everything is now clean and put away.  And that is about the only constructive thing I accomplished!

I got in another nap later in the afternoon.  Talk about lazy!  Tomorrow I am going to have to do a bit more.  I have made all these lists of things that have to get done (part of just sitting at the computer, what can I say?) and I really must do at least some of them. 

So, it was a day of getting some rest, but I accomplished very little else worth mentioning.  Here's hoping the sore throat will be gone when I awake in the morning!

Friday, December 20, 2013

December 19th - Stupid Sore Throat!

I noticed a sore throat yesterday, but I thought if I just ignored it, it would go away.  Not so.  It is more noticeable today and I am not happy!  I chose to stay away from water aerobics class.  It didn't seem wise to get wet and be outside, even if it isn't all that cold.  I also figured that I should do a "lay low" kind of day, which is what I did.

That means I didn't accomplish much.  Lisa did come by for a few minutes, with Brooks and Vanett, to pick up some more things for her recipe club dinner this evening.  She decided to borrow all the Christmas mugs and the folding chairs. 

Other than that little interruption, I was pretty much at the computer all day or taking a nap.  How boring!  I finally got the Sunday lesson pretty much ready.  I also worked on the fifth Sunday presentation that I have to do.  That is pretty much together, too. 

I slept a long time this afternoon and woke up feeling worse!  Rats.  I don't think there is a fever, though, so I am still hopeful that this is just something that will pass quickly.

Needless to say, I was in bed rather early and read for a while.  There are days that are best just not writing about, and this was one of them!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

December 18th - Busy Genealogy Day!

Today was the monthly meeting of the Genealogy Study Group, a local group that meets at the church building.  Since I am the liaison between the group and the church, I have to be there early to help them get set up.  I picked up my friend, who also attends, and we headed out.  We got things all set up, enjoyed the meeting, followed by the steering committee meeting, and then got everything back to order.  After all of that, she and I went out to a late lunch.  I also visit teach her and we have kind of turned this into our visiting teaching.

When I finally got back home, it was around 2:00.  The TV repairman was scheduled to come between 2 and 6, so I couldn't really take a nap, which I really wanted!  I have had a killer sore throat today and I could have used some sleep.  Instead, I worked on family history.  I am still working on the story that I am using for my lesson on Sunday.  It is about one of my brick walls, and of course I have to keep trying to find just one more answer!

The repairman finally came at almost 6:00.  He had obviously had one of "those kinds of days."  It only took him less than half an hour to replace the mother board, so now all is working well again.  Bill will be so happy to be able to sleep in front of the TV again!  It has been 3 1/2 weeks without.  It was all under warranty, but there seemed to be a comedy of errors trying to prevent the repair - shipping the parts, the UPS truck not getting unloaded when the parts came, my being out of town for a week and Bill's schedule too full to be at home, etc.  Anyway, it is now fixed.  I haven't missed it at all - but then I hardly watch it anyway.

Bill had activity night at the church tonight and I hit the bed early.  It has been a busy day, but a good one.  Again.  I seem to say that almost every day!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

December 17th - Reconnecting with a Wonderful Friend!

This has been another busy day.  I started with water aerobics, came home and showered, and Lisa came by to borrow a bunch of my Christmas dishes for her recipe club meeting later this week.  Then I met one of my visiting teaching sisters for lunch.

Once I got home, I didn't feel like doing much that required any effort!  So, of course, I worked on my family history lesson for Sunday.  I have chosen a story with some brick walls and I have to do some serious preparation to get it together.  Anyway, I was buried in all of that when I got a phone call from my best friend from Florida!

We have not been in touch for quite a while.  In fact, the last time I saw her was in February of 2001, when we went to Hawaii together.  We have not talked to each other in years, although I regularly send Christmas cards.  She has had a really tough year and really needed someone.  I am flattered that I am still that to her.  We had a nice, long conversation and I am looking forward to us getting together again sometime during the next few months.  It is amazing that being apart from someone does not destroy a deep friendship.  I have thought of her often, and talk about her, too, but have not really done my part to keep in touch.  She was afraid that I would be mad, because she hasn't done any better.  Not so.  I was thrilled!

I finally got some of the Christmas gifts wrapped.  I started pulling things out of the closet and discovered that I had four things for each of the grandkids, plus one more thing for the both of them.  I think it is time to stop buying! 

Bill went home teaching last night and I did the relaxing through the evening thing.  I was so tired that I was so ready for bed as soon as I thought it was late enough!  Of course, I still took a little time to read.  I should get the Book of Mormon finished before the end of the year, as I have just a few pages left.  Good for me!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

December 16th - A Day to Wear Me Out!

This was my first "real" day back from my trip to Iowa and I had a ton of things to get done.  I wore myself out!

There was a ton of laundry - at least five loads.  I needed to do a little extra cleaning since we had Empty Nesters here in the evening.  I actually even vacuumed, which I usually will not do, but Bill was not going to be home in time from work and there wasn't any choice.  I also had to prepare the table for the refreshments.  That isn't all that hard, but I did have to dig around in the Christmas buffet to find just the right things for serving and to decorate.  I had to make a run to the library and then to the grocery store for the ingredients for the hot chocolate. 

My assignment for refreshments was some cookies and the hot chocolate.  I usually just use the Nestle's mix, but I wanted this to be better, so I did a Pinterest search for the crock pot hot chocolate.  Boy, was it good!  Of course, what else would you expect from something made from whole cream, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips!

In between all the work, I was at the computer.  What I really wanted to be doing was working on next week's family history lesson.  The biggest challenge is to come up with the story that both teach a lesson and make an ancestor come to life.  I had one idea, but it just wasn't right, but I did finally find the exact right story for next week's lesson. 

Empty Nesters was fun.  The group went caroling, but I stayed home to finish the refreshments.  I was feeling a little stressed and didn't want to come back and still have things to do.  Everyone loved the hot chocolate, as well as the egg nog and raspberry lemonade, and all the cookies!

I ended the day totally wiped out, though!

Monday, December 16, 2013

December 15th - Only Ten Days Until Christmas!

This month is flying by!  Of course, taking off a week to go to Iowa has taken a big bite out of it.  It was worth it, though.  Now, if I can just get caught up at home!

Today was Sunday and was a great day, as always.  In Sacrament Meeting, there were two special musical numbers and both were great.  It adds a lot to the meeting. 

My Sunday School class went well, too.  They finally got the wi-fi working.  Well, actually our techie guy got so fed up with trying to work it out with Salt Lake that he just by-passed their equipment and now it works perfectly.  That is good for me, because it is hard to show anyone how to use FamilySearch when you can't be on live doing it.

Back home, I put together a quickie kind of dinner - just some chicken al fredo made with soup base, rigatoni, and canned chicken.  I added some refrigerator biscuits and broccoli and it was actually very good.  At least, everything got eaten!

It was fun having everyone over.  I usually only see the kids once or twice during the week, if that, but it was still fun to see them.  We had a fun, relaxing afternoon.  Lisa brought her laundry over to wash while they were here.  Her washer broke down for good last week and she had come over while I was gone to wash, but it had piled up again.  They have a new one ordered to be delivered the end of this week.  We are buying it for them as their Christmas present, which makes my Christmas shopping much easier! 

I am glad to be home, but I have a busy week coming and I am not sure I want to face that!  At least today was a great day.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

December 8th - 14th - Been Out of Town!

I left on Monday morning to fly to Iowa for the week.  My dad's 86th birthday was on Wednesday and I wanted to spend some time with him.  It didn't hurt that I found a good fare direct to Cedar Rapids, either!

Usually when I am out of town, and often out of wi-fi/internet access, I write up the blog each day and then just post as I get a chance.  This time, I just didn't bother!  After all, we didn't do enough to write about each day and I was on vacation.

Mostly, we just sat around his house, watching TV.  Of course, I always have a book, so I read 4 books this week.  And, every night, we went over to the Garage Mahal, my brother's bar in his garage, for an hour or so.  Nothing much to share with all that!

On his birthday, we went to a birthday party for my sister-in-law's mother.  It was the same day as Dad's birthday, but he didn't do a party this year.  She turned 85, so it was a big deal for her.  I actually enjoyed it, since her son-in-law is a musician and he brought in a couple of friends and they did a little show. 

And that was about it!  It was a good week.  We both enjoyed it.  He doesn't want any presents for anything, so spending some time with him is the best thing.

I got back home Saturday about 5:00, showered, and took off again for a Christmas party at the home of some friends.  When we got home from that, I still had a number of things to get so - like plan something for dinner tomorrow, put the finishing touches on my lesson, unpack, etc. 

After that, things will have to get back to normal.  It has been a good week, though.


Sunday, December 8, 2013

December 7th - Lisa's First Recital.... as a Teacher, that is

Another busy Saturday.  The morning was spent cleaning, laundry, changing sheets, running to the grocery store, making some plans, working on the final touches for my lesson, etc............  Same as all Saturdays, really.

In the afternoon, while I was still busy at the computer, Bill went over to the church to attend a baptism.  When he got home, it was about time for us to head over to Lisa's church building to attend her very first recital as a teacher.  She has about 14 students, I think.  I should have counted.  Four of them are the voice and the rest are piano.  It was a very nice recital.  The voice students intermixed with the piano made the program very entertaining.  There was even a pretty good turnout.  Ashby was there, passing out the programs and acting like she was the assistant to the director.  Cute.

From there, we had time to go back home for a short break and then had to head off to our stake center for the Celebration of the Nativity.  We were asked to be the host couple to greet everyone as they arrived and give basic directions.  We were both given corsages when we arrived, so we looked like we were special, or something.  This is the first year our stake as done this and it was extremely well done.  They had displays of various kinds in all the rooms down one hall and then the nativities on display in the cultural hall with live music in the chapel.  Very nice and we enjoyed our assignment. 

One of the highlights was having a surprise visit from a couple we knew when we were in Johns Creek Ward.  He and his 13 year old son had been our home teachers when Jason was sick and we had grown very close.  It was fun to see them and have a chance to chat for a while.  Fortunately, they came near the end when things had slowed down.

By the time we finally got back home again, we were both exhausted.  But what a wonderful day we have had!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

December 6th - Morning at the Mall!

I was still sitting around in my PJ's this morning - Bill had just left - when Lisa called and asked if I wanted to meet them at the mall so Brooks could play.  It sounded like a great idea to me, so I got the laundry going and put some clothes on and then headed out to meet up with them after they dropped Ashby at school.

It was early, about 9:30, when we met at the play area.  No one else was even there yet, so Brooks had the place to himself.  At least, he did for the first five minutes before others started showing up.  He had a great time.  He is now one of the "big" kids and it seems like it was only yesterday that he was the baby!

After he was played out, we went over to the cars and he rode several of those.  Grandma's always make sure there are quarters available, you know.  The pretzel place had opened by then and he always wants a pretzel, so he got the cup of pretzel bits and we sat and ate those for a snack.  Then we just walked the mall a while.  The most important thing was to ride in the "elegator" (elevator), so we did that.  By the time we finished walking, the train was open, so he took a ride on the train.  He always chooses the caboose.

What a fun morning!  He was getting tired, so he was happy to head on home at that point.  I headed on home myself, as I had a few things to get done.  Most important, I had to get the rest of the laundry done.  I also finished the last of the Christmas decorations, which was getting the reindeer out by the door.  The tree is not yet decorated, but the kids will do that on Sunday.  It actually looks pretty good with just the lights on it.

Bill got home early, so he was quickly getting restless.  He put some music on and took a short nap, but then wanted a to do list so he could keep busy.  I think I am liking this no TV thing.  He put lights out on the bushes, repaired one of the reindeer pieces that needed to be glued and nailed back together, repaired some lamps that have been sitting here half done for ages, ran to the library to get a book on CD for his trip to Alabama Monday, and a few other odds and ends. 

I, on the other hand, spent the rest of my afternoon on the computer, mostly.  I worked some on the fifth Sunday presentation that I have to do.  I was reviewing it and discovered some more optional material.  I did also make some gift tags for my visiting teaching gifts.

All in all, this has been quite a busy day.  I have had my trip to the mall during Christmas, which was nice since it was early and not yet busy.  That will probably be enough to satisfy me!


Friday, December 6, 2013

December 5th - Got the Christmas Tree Up!

This was pretty much a normal day - water aerobics, routine stuff at home, computer time, family history, etc. I was so totally tired this afternoon that I could hardly keep going.  I think it is the weather change again and the headache that comes with it.  I didn't want to nap, though, so I kept plugging away.  I actually got quite a lot done at the desk, especially getting through all my emails and responding, filing, or deleting them. 

Since the TV is still broken, and the repairman has to reschedule since UPS didn't unload one of their trucks and the parts for our TV were on that truck, Bill is still trying to keep himself busy.  He commented that he is sure getting a lot of other things done, since he can't sit in the chair and sleep.  I guess without the TV, he feels guilty just sitting and sleeping.  Anyway, he decided to go to Costco and pick up the artificial tree that he had seen last trip.  He called while he was there to say that the trees were gone and could I look to see if it was still available online, which I did and there were still some left.  When he got home, he came into the office to look at what they had.  Then he got that silly grin and said, "First, let me show you what I did get."  I figured he had bought a small TV to tide him over until the repair is done.  Nope.  He had the tree.  It turns out that all the trees were gone and he had asked two different floor people and they both said they were gone.  He had gone to a manager to ask if more would be coming in and it turns out they had 40 of them, but in a different place. 

Bottom line, it look all of about ten  minutes to get the thing out of the box, set up, and all the lights on.  I love artificial, pre-lit trees!  I have reached the point when easy is better.  It is a good looking tree and now only needs ornaments, which I will let the kids do on Sunday.

He also got the empty boxes put away and the nutcrackers put up on the top of the wall.  It is actually starting to look pretty good.

Merry Christmas ---- tree!!!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

December 4th - Busy Family History Day

I had to work at the Family History Center this morning at 10:00, so I got a few things done before I had to get ready to go.  I will be working at this time on a regular basis now.  Some of the people from the Genealogy Study Group had mentioned coming, so we were excited to have three of them show up.  We were busy the whole time helping them and it was a lot of fun.

From there, I went over to the Sugar Loaf Mall to check out some clothes at Dress Barn.  I managed to find several sweater tops and some new PJ's, so now I have some better things to wear in Iowa.  I am just planning on jeans, but I needed some better tops.

By the time I got home, I was hungry and tired, so I didn't really do much else of great value, other than working on the computer, etc.  I had cleaned off my desk a few days ago and I now have a pile of things again.  I should have handled the pile, but I did some things that were more fun!

This evening, I had offered to have anyone from the Sunday School class who wanted extra help to come by.  Bill was at the church for activity night and it was a good time.  The biggest problem at church is the wi-fi, so it seemed like a good idea to just have it here.  One sister had planned to come and had to call at the last minute because of an unexpected conflict.  I did have one sister who is not in the class call and ask if she could come and get some help getting names ready for the temple.  She and I spent about an hour or so and got her going.

It seem to have been a family history kind of day, which means it has been a good day. 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

December 3rd - Some Ashby Time Today!

I started my day with water aerobics.  It was fun being back in the pool after the two week break over Thanksgiving.  This is just a three week class and then another two weeks off over Christmas.  Trilby gave us a really good workout, though, so I am feeling good!

Back home, it was the usual routine around the house and on the computer/desk stuff.  Then I got a call from Lisa saying she had just picked Ashby up, but she needed to take Brooks to the doctor - slight fever, but a rash had developed - and she didn't want to go.  Needless to say, I was more than happy to have her dropped off here.

She came running in and was ready to have fun, which we did.  I had been working on getting all the Christmas decorations done earlier, so that is what attracted her attention.  She immediately went to the nativities.  We finished setting up the village and the clay pot soldiers and then she saw the box of nutcrackers.  Now they are all out and she has been having a ball.  They will eventually go up on the top of the divider wall, out of everyone's reach, so she is loving having them where she can play.

Bottom line, is that all the indoor decorations are in place, or ready to be put in place, so I have made good progress.  Well, that is, all but the tree.  I just have to put a couple of outdoor things to put out, then anything else will be up to Bill.  I don't do the lights.

Ashby and I had a great time playing.  David and Brooks came over later to pick her up.  Brooks wanted to play with the trains.  He remembered that yesterday at Target, we had bought some more train cars for Grandma's train.  He certainly doesn't look or act sick, but it turns out that he has strep - low fever, but the rash is why Lisa took him in.  He told me that he is all better now, because the doctor gave him the pink medicine.

It was a fun afternoon.  Nothing like grandchildren to make a day sparkle!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

December 2nd - A Little Bit of a Productive Day

As usual on Mondays, I did the straighten the house routine, but there wasn't so much to do since the kids were not over yesterday.  I also worked at my computer stuff.  Then Lisa called and said that Brooks wanted to do something since he was feeling a little lonely with Ashby back in school.  So they came over and he played a while. 

We decided to do a Target run since he was still antsy and I had planned on going there sometime this week anyway.  He was very excited because he wanted to get a pretzel.  I picked up the things on my list and Brooks enjoyed browsing in the toy section.  And, before we knew it, it was time for them to go get Ashby from school

On my way home, I stopped at the library and returned a big stack and had to pick up two more books that had come in.  That completed my errand list for the day, so at least I accomplished something!

During the afternoon, I plugged away at getting some of the Christmas decorations out and set up.  I am maybe half done - well, other than the tree, which we do not have yet.

Bill checked with Costco about the TV not working and they gave him the contact information to get it fixed, since it is still under warranty.  He went through all the things they always try until they are sure the TV is actually broken.  They have set up with a local repair business to come and do the repair, but that is going to take at least a week.  Something about having to ship out the parts first.  They know exactly what is wrong, I think, because it is a flaw in this particular TV.  Anyway, I told Bill he needs to pretend that he is being noble and shutting off the TV for a week or two. 

All else is good.  If the worst problem we face this month is a broken TV, we will be blessed beyond measure!

Monday, December 2, 2013

December 1st - Happy Birthday, Brooks!

Today is actually Brooks' birthday, although he had his a party a week ago.  He is now 3 years old.  I can't believe how quickly that has happened!  They didn't come over for dinner either, so we didn't get to see him.  After all the Thanksgiving stuff and wanting to finish with their Christmas decorating, they decided on a quiet day at home.  It made our Sunday a quiet one, too.

Church was good, as always.  It was Fast and Testimony and there were many good things said.  My lesson in Sunday School went well.  I had decided that if the wi-fi was working, we would try to catch up on that part and let the lesson stuff wait.  We were blessed - the wi-fi worked through the whole class until the last 3 or 4 minutes.  The class was full and they were so excited to get some hands on experience.  Telling them what they need to do just isn't the same as getting in there and doing it.

When I got home, I didn't need to get any dinner going, so I was able to lie down and take a short nap.  I was so tired that it was just what I needed!  I had been up just a short time when Bill got home.  We decided to go ahead and cook what I had planned for dinner and it was so good.  We had grilled chicken thighs (marinated in Dale's), gilled veggies (yellow squash, zucchini, and onions, marinated in olive oil with Tony's seasoning), grilled slices of fresh pineapple, and boiled purple potatoes (yes, purple! from my Nature's Produce Delivered basket).  Yummy!  And it took almost no time to prepare.

When Bill tried to turn the TV on, it wouldn't come on.  He is beside himself.  The thing is less than a year old.  He is going to have to track down whether it is still under warranty to see if it can get repaired.  It doesn't bother me quite so much, as I only watch Netflix once in a while, but he watches every day.  It is his way of relaxing in the evening - watch TV and sleep, you know!

Even though it was a very quiet day, and we really missed having the kids over, it has been another wonderful Sunday.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

November 30th - What! Last day of November!

The months seem to be going by faster and faster.  Case in point, November just started and now it is over.  Can't believe it!

It was also Saturday, but I managed to continue the rest and relax attitude that has prevailed the last few days.  Well, I did finish the laundry and got sheets changed, some usual house chores done, but only what I felt was necessary!  I spent most of the rest of the day at the computer, finishing up my lesson and working on a number of other things.  I also managed to dispose of a big stack of stuff off the desk and also cleaned out a good bit from one of my file drawers.

My only other plan for the day had been to put out the Christmas decorations.  Epic fail!  I walked into the room where all the bins are stacked several times - and then walked back out, thinking that I would do it later.  The only thing out so far is the large nativity that Ashby got out and played with the other night.  I did manage to find a place for it, so it is no longer on the dining room table.  And that was about it!

Bill did his share of resting and relaxing, too.  He has actually had two days without any work scheduled.  He did take a few hours this afternoon and worked on the yard, getting the leaves hauled off and doing some trimming and mowing.  He didn't finish, but he made a big dent.

So, our holiday week is finished and now we start into the Christmas season full speed.  I have been ordering things online and much of the shopping is done.  I do still have to get more decorations out and the tree is still not bought.  But, I plan to take it nice and easy!