The Coleman Chronicles

2009-08-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

Where did the summer go??

I know I had a busy summer but it doesn’t seem like it should be over already. I only spent 2 weeks away from the house yet it seems like I was always gone and didn’t get much done.

We worked hard on the playhouse and the “play/scrap-booking/card-making” area is completed except for some trim around the front door and one window. The laundry room still needs 1 wall and the ceiling covered with our chipboard paneling then it will need the plumbing and carpet. I am already enjoying the playhouse and have had my friend Sylvia over a few times to make cards. Now that we have a place to work I plan on having more friends over because I must get busy making some scrapbooks!

The pictures in the last post are old and I will post some new pictures soon!! I have stuff hanging on the walls and I have 2 new shelves that are not in the old pictures!

Playhouse Update

2009-07-17T12:12:00.003-05:00

Wooo- Hooo

I am 98% moved into my playhouse. I still have some organizing to do but overall, I am very excited about it. It has been a lot of hard work but is sooo worth it. Of course, now that I am ready to crop, I have already made plans to go to Mobile tomorrow to crop there with some friends-- this was planned and paid for months ago. I am hoping to get lots of ideas and even some scrapbook pages done!!

Back to the playhouse, we still have not finished the laundry room/ bathroom but that will be next. We have 3 walls done so we have started. We are putting in the original enamel kitchen sink that was in the house into the laundry room. It has a drying tray built on the side and is just one large sink so it will work for laundry, handwashing and just general cleaning purposes. The carpet we bought is an indoor/outdoor so we will be putting it in the laundry room too.

Anyway, here are a couple of pictures and just remember that it is a work in progress---

Making cookies

2009-06-23T18:48:00.005-05:00

I spent one day with Kaitlin making cookies. She helped with the measuring, tasting and sampling of the cookies.

Cutest grandkids around

2009-06-23T18:39:00.003-05:00

I know the picture quality isn't the best but the two little angels in the picture make it a perfect picture.

Bingo Update

2009-06-19T22:33:00.002-05:00

I thought that it would be time for an update on my friends from bingo. Mr. Otto (83 yrs. old) is back with us. He has moved back to Biloxi so I have been calling the numbers out to him again. He is a joy to be around. Mr Thomas (82 yrs old) is still going strong. As a matter a fact, I had Becky bring him some of my homemade bread during her lunch break from school one day and he was out trying to start his push lawnmower so he could mow his back yard. He said it hurt his shoulder to pull crank it so Becky did it for him.

I have been making bread for Mr. Thomas for quite sometime now and last week I brought Mr. Otto 8 small loaves of bread. Well, tonight I brought each of them 4 small loaves. They told me it was the best bread they ever put in there mouths-- see why I like them so much.

So back to bingo, Mr. Thomas hasn't won in a couple of weeks at our VFW bingo but he does play at a couple other places and wins. Mr. Otto won $250 tonight on the pull tabs-- I never play them. But, I have won the consolation prize on the jackpot the last 3 times I have played. It is only $100 each time but I feel like I am winning thousands. Tonight I won a total of $175--- I see more stuff for my "playhouse"-- wiring and insulation???

Just wanted to share my good news

Happy 70th Birthday Dad

2009-06-15T17:20:00.003-05:00

Today would have been my father's 70th birthday and oh how I wish he was here to celebrate it. It is hard to believe that he has been gone for 15 years. Sometimes it seems just like yesterday that he died and other times it seems like he has been gone forever. I miss him everyday. There are so many things that I want him to know--
- I love him dearly and he is on my mind most days. There are still times when I think about telling him something or about how he would have really liked something. We would talk everyday on the phone about any and everything and nothing important. Some days he would just call me to tell a corny joke. Speaking of which, dad would have really liked the movie Wall-E because dad collected as much junk as Wall-E.
- I am still teaching school dad and I know that it made you proud of me. I really feel like I am making a difference in many peoples lives with teaching the GED program. (You see, dad got his GED too.) I tell my students about you getting your GED and how you succeed in life. Did I ever tell you how proud I was of you?? I hope I did.
- Kandis has grown into a wonderful young lady dad. She is married to a great, hardworking guy and they have 2 beautiful children. I am proud of her. She is a great wife and mother. She is able to stay at home with the kids and I am thankful for that. You would love these 2 great grandkids-- they are the best.
- Steve is married to a wonderful lady he met back at Fort Polk. Drew has grown into wonderful young man and will be starting college in the fall. Tara is married and has 3 beautiful daughters and Shawna has a growing family with 2 children and 3 step-children which means that Steve is a grandpa- he-he. Steve has a beautiful place on a lake that you would love. He is still in the Army dad.
- Mike and Rachel have a beautiful little boy named Christopher Michael and he is the spitting image of Mike. I wish you could have met him. The "5" looks great because Mike takes such good care of his home, property and family.
- Gina is married to great guy and they have 4 kids. She also gets to stay at home to raise her kids and that is awesome. She has grown into a wonderful woman and you would be happy for her.
- Mom and Lyman are now in Phoenix and boy would you love to visit there. You often talked about going there- did you ever make it? I have been a couple of times and it is a beautiful place.
- Marilyn is doing good. She has found someone to share her life with and that is a good thing because we didn't want to see her lonely.

We all miss you Dad. You are always on our minds and will forever be in our hearts.
I love you-

The cost of Children- what a deal!!

2009-05-25T09:01:00.006-05:00

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down.

It translates into:
$8,896.66 a year,

$741.38 a month,

$171.08 a week.

A mere $24.24 a day!

Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is; don't have children if you want to be 'rich. 'Actually, it is just the opposite.What do you get for your $160,140.00?

Naming rights. First, middle, and last!

Glimpses of God every day.

Giggles under the covers every night.

More love than your heart can hold.

Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.

Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.

A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate.

A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.

Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up.

You get to:finger-paint,

carve pumpkins,

play hide-and-seek,

catch lightning bugs,

never stop believing in Santa Claus.

You have an excuse to:
keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,

watch Saturday morning cartoons,

go to Disney movies, and wish on stars.

You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and

collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas,

hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and

cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck.

You get to be a hero just for:
retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,

taking the training wheels off a bike,

removing a splinter,

filling a wading pool,

coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and

coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat in history to witness the:

First step,

First word,

First bra,

First date,

First time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal.

You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren.

You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God.

You have all the power to heal a boo-boo,

scare away the monsters under the bed,

patch a broken heart,

police a slumber party,

ground them forever,

and love them without limits,

so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost.

That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren & great-grandchildren!!!!!!! It's the best investment you'll ever make!!!!!!!!!

It is Official

2009-05-17T17:26:00.004-05:00

I have placed the order for my "scrapbooking shed" that will also hold my laundry room in the back. I ordered a 12 by 30 building and am sooooo excited. Yes, I know I have a problem but at least having a place to crop will keep me at home!!!

It should be here in about 3 weeks so we have a couple of trees to cut down and we are ready. I am already making diagrams of how to put the shelves, countertops and my tables. It is going to be a dream come true. It will be big enough to host my own scrapbooking weekends and we are putting in a bathroom too. Of course there will be a small frig. Heck, if I could have gotten it alittle bigger, I could have moved a bed out there too!

Let me tell you a litte about it since I can't find a picture to post. It will be 12 feet across the front and 30 feet deep. It has a 4 foot front porch and the front door has the large window like on the cottage. It will have 5 windows, one on the front and 2 on each side. I plan on putting in at least 2 stain glass windows inbetween the windows on each side. We are going to put up a wall in the back about 7 feet from the end and the will have the washer, dryer (yeah), small deep freezer and the bathroom. There will be a back door (that was extra along with 2 of the windows) anyway, I will be able to exit to hang out clothes instead of going through the front.

So, if you are around about the middle of June, stop by and see it-- and you can help if you want. We will be putting in the electrical, insulation, sheetrock and then painting!! Woo Hoo

Random bits of info

2009-05-03T15:53:00.003-05:00

I have an addiction-- scrapbooking and card making. It is so bad that next week I am going to order a 12x30 building with a porch to use for my hobby and a small portion will hold a washer and dryer.

The Pond-- you know it is time to shock the sh#t out of the pool when your 4 year old granddaughter asks if when she will be able to swim in the pond. So that is what we did this afternoon and it is already looking good! I scooped out leaves and scrubbed the sides with a new brush and pole.-- Woo-Hoo, just thought you would want to know.

Water bugs-- where do they come from?? How do they get in your pool??

Birthday party-- I had a wonderful birthday. On the Friday night before the "big" day, we went out to dinner (Mom, Lyman, Mike, Rachel, Chris, Kandis, Becky and I) to a Japanese hibachi grill where the chef cooked our dinner right in front of us. It was super-- they even had surprised me with the "servers" singing Happy Birthday to me and I shared my ice cream and fried banana's with them. Mom and Lyman had to leave on Saturday so since it was my birthday, I decided to go to a scrapbooking thing-- well, they surprised me with gifts and 2 birthday cakes!!! See, I have good friends along with a good family.

May-- wow, it is here already. It is the down hill slide for school teachers and I am sooooo excited. It's not like I don't love my job but am ready to sleep in everyday!!

That's all for now--

Whirlwind of April

2009-04-27T16:23:00.002-05:00

Wow-- what a month!!

It seems like just the other day I was planning my spring break trip to Phoenix for April 4- 11th and now it is the end of the month. I have been swamped to say the least.

Spring Break--
What a blast!! Becky and I flew to Mom and Lyman's to visit and sight see. The weather was absolutely beautiful and it seemed that we planned everything on the right day to fit the weather-- go figure, that never happens but let me give you an example or two. We planned to go to the Grand Canyon and the day we were there was sunny with a slight breeze. We packed a picnic lunch and ate at the edge of the canyon. Becky and I even ventured out alittle on spots that were safe -- trust me-- I don't want to miss the opening of New Moon so I'm not going to do anything stupid. It was a wonderful day-- pictures to come-- having trouble with my card reader and no time for Wal-Mart right now. Anyway, we never thought about how lucky we were to have great weather until we went to the Meteor Crater--- honey, hold on to your hats.

The wind was wiping so hard and fast that dust was flying everywhere and we even felt the car rock and Mom has a big car!! Once we arrived at the crater, which is in the middle of nowhere, the wind was still gusting. The tour guide told us that the wind was gusting to 76mph-- where I come from, that is hurricane 1 force winds. Needless to say, we only took short looks outside and hung on the rails for dear life. They had canceled the 1 mile walk around the crater because of the wind-- Amen-- The strong winds even shook the video screen inside the visitor center. We had lunch there-- inside-- and we were still amazed at the size of the crater and the history behind it-- some 50,000 years ago. We were very glad that the winds were at the crater and not at the Grand Canyon.

Once we left the crater to head to Flagstaff, we noticed that there wasn't any traffic on the interstate as we approached it-- it was CLOSED!! We went back to the only gas station and the attendant told us that it was closed because there was ZERO visibility going East due to the wind storm-- geezzzz. It was so wild to drive West and see the traffic stopped for miles and miles because of a WIND STORM!! That was a first for me.

Mom said 2 days after we left Flagstaff, they had snow-- darn it, we missed that.

After Spring Break-- go, go, go, work, work, work

May will be another busy month but I will try to do better on posting--

First day in Phoenix

2009-04-06T09:26:00.005-05:00

After a beautiful flight, we landed and began our journey. Our first stop which was literally after landing was South Mountain. We stopped there because it was closer to the airport than to Mom's house. What a view. As you can tell from my skirt blowing, it was a windy day to be standing on top of a mountain. Nope, didn't climb it (note the flip-flops).Because of all the wind stirring up dust, the view was not as breath-taking clear as it normally would be but you can still get the idea.

I had to do it.

2009-03-26T08:44:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help myself------------------

Breaking Dawn

2009-03-23T09:42:00.003-05:00

I have finished the Twilight series!! WOW-- I am still going over everything in my head. I am satisfied with the book and how it ended. I am not going to say any details because my best friend, Becky, is going to read them next. She has watched me cry, read until midnight, and think about these books constantly. Stephanie Meyer did a wonderful job of writing because she engrosses you in the story and you become entangled in it so much that you have a hard time getting it out of your mind. It (the story) becomes a part of your thinking process in everyday activitites. Heck, I have even thought about Jacob and Seth running the perimeter of the Cullens house while I was teaching my students about perimeter on the white board. I'm up there drawing a picture and the whole time I am picturing the scene from the book-- yes, it is that bad or good-- which ever way you want to look at it.

I must now filter through my thoughts and put the story to rest in my mind.
I am content with the ending of the story and yes, I do see how she could continue the story should she ever want to write more about Bella and Edward---hmmmm.

Added note: And why does it all happen in a high school setting?? Here I am grading papers and thinking about these characters-- again-- and wishing that mine were as smart as the Cullen Clan!!! Geeezzz-- I guess while my students are testing tomorrow, my mind will be back with the Cullens--

The winner is....

2009-03-16T12:50:00.003-05:00

ME!!!

I just finished another weekend of scrapbooking and I won the GRAND PRIZE! Now, I didn't win it because of any fancy work or anything. I had my name in the drawing for attending all 3 days. I was soooo excited because this prize is a scrapbookers dream-- it has a large tote that is open at the top for easy access, has a 12 by 12 scrapbook and lots of goodies to go with it. I really wanted to win the bag so I can have it to put my other goodies in!

I didn't get as much done this time but did learn many new techinques and I have some great ideas for my homemade Christmas presents!!

I finished Eclipse

2009-03-08T11:47:00.000-05:00

Okay- I have heard from some that Eclipse was their favorite book of the series but I am not voting right now. I am in emotional turmoil because I have just finished reading, blowing my nose and drying my eyes. I need to digest what this book means because there were so many twists and turns. Some things really threw me off and caught me off guard that at one point I didn't want to finish it because of what was happening and I didn't like it. It still blows my mind at how she does such a good job writing-- wow, that is talent.

I do have the last book, New Moon and may start it tonight but not sure- patience.

Cardiac Smartscore-- have you had one done??

2009-03-06T09:49:00.002-06:00

How often have you heard: "if we had caught this sooner, the outcome may have been different". Preventive imaging is a proactive approach to better health.

This information was copied from the website
http://www.egh.org/healthcare_services/radiology_services/ct_scanning/cardiac_smart_score/Coronary

Coronary arteries carry blood to the heart. When you're young, these arteries are smooth and blood flows freely. But, as years pass, the arteries become lined with deposits of cholesterol and other organic materials that accumulate as plaque - a condition known as arteriosclerosis.
This plaque is deadly. It damages the cells of the coronary arteries, and its buildup can restrict blood flow to the heart. But what makes plaque such a killer is its tendency to rupture and break loose from the lining of the arteries. When this happens, a clot can form that will block the supply of blood to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.
Heart attacks continue to be the number one killer in the United States.

Every 20 seconds someone has a heart attack, and every minute someone dies from one.

Remarkably, about one third of the people who arrive at an emergency room with a heart attack have has NO chest pain or similar warning. It just happened.
Now there’s an early detection test at "Elkhart general" ( I went to Ocean Springs Hospital) called Cardiac SmartScore that an help predict the likelihood of having a heart attack by measuring the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, the most likely cause of a heart attack.

Not only can Cardiac SmartScore identify a potentially deadly heart condition, it can be a life-saving warning signal for people who may be otherwise healthy but are in the very early state of plaque buildup. When the condition is caught early enough, modest adjustments in diet and lifestyle often can be enough to effectively deal with the problem.

The Advantage of the Unique SmartScore Test
There are many types of heart tests. EKG. Stress echocardiogram. Intravascular ultrasound. Each of these tests can play an important role in evaluating your heart's health. But none of these tests can accurately detect the silent presence of deadly plaque. Even angiography that looks for constriction in the vessels may not reveal the presence of plaque. That's because as plaque accumulates, the arteries actually expand to compensate for the buildup, resulting in little change to the opening of the vessel. Although the angiograph may look fine, a heart attack could happen at any time.
Of all heart tests, Cardiac SmartScore is the most accurate non-invasive method of determining the presence of deadly plaque.

Test Procedure
Cardiac SmartScore (also called coronary artery calcium scoring) is a type of CT scan that detects areas of hardening (calcification or plaque) in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Normally, the coronary arteries do not contain plaque. Plaque deposits in the coronary arteries indicate the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiac calcium scoring is used to diagnose CAD in an early stage and to determine its severity.

During the Cardiac SmartScore, you simply lie on a table, fully clothed and hold your breath for a few seconds while the CT images are taken. These images are analyzed by a computer to produce a detailed picture of a “slice” of the heart. Each x-ray pulse lasts only a fraction of a second, and it takes only a few seconds for the machine to record each slice. A CT scan provides clearer pictures of internal organs than regular x-rays. Information from a CT scan can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. Photographs of selected views can also be made.

Who Should Have a Cardiac SmartScore Exam?
A Cardiac SmartScore exam can be a life-saver for men over 35 and women over 45 who are at higher than normal risk of heart attack.

Risk factors include:
A family history of heart disease or stroke .
Smoking
High cholesterol levels
High blood pressure
Obesity
High stress
Diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle

Test Results
Copied from http://www.ableimaging.com/cardiacscoring.htm#cardiac6
"Smart Score" gives you a score indicative of the amount of calcium in the main arteries feeding your heart, from zero to more than 1,000, in each artery.
Regardless of your score, always discuss your test results with your doctor.

If your score is 0: Your probability of having significant coronary artery disease is minimal. Share the results with your physician and discuss any lifestyle modification for continued good health.
If your score is positive but less than 100: Cardiac scoring by "Smart Score" has detected calcified plaque in the arteries of your heart which are unlikely to be causing a narrowing at this time. Along with your physician, you should discuss cardiac risk factors and initiate appropriate preventive measures.
If your score is between 101 and 400: Cardiac scoring by "Smart Score" has detected considerable amount of calcified plaques in the arteries of your heart. While this is not a medical emergency, there is an increased risk of heart attack. Your physician will determine what additional tests may be best. Your doctor will place you on a treatment regimen to modify your risk factors to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
If your score is greater than 400: Cardiac scoring by "Smart Score" has detected extensive calcified plaque in your coronary arteries which may have critical narrowing. You are at increased risk of heart attack. Based on your physician's recommendations you should begin treatment immediately to reduce your risk of heart attack.

Okay-- Let me give you my 25 cent tour -- My test took about 30-40 minutes from the time I checked in until I was walking out the door to go to work. I had to pay cash because my insurance feels this is "experimental" but the test was $150 which I thought was a steal of a deal. Kandis said that it was $150 for "peace of mind"-- anyway, I got my test score results today and I scored (drum roll please) a ZERO!!!!!! WOOO- HOOO!!!!!!!

Go and check out these websites and ask your doctors about this test-- now remember that it doesn't mean that I will never have a heart attack but I know that I am less likely to have one from plaque buildup right now-- How often do they recommend this test? Who knows but I will have it when the doc tells me to? I want to be around for a long, long time!! Kandis, keep waiting on the kitchen table-- it will be a while!

What am I going to do??

2009-02-15T15:55:00.000-06:00

I am at such a loss for words here—I am reading Eclipse and I am about 1/3 of the way into it. I want to take my time reading it so I can enjoy the book but then on the other hand I want to finish it tonight to see what happens.
How can someone write a book like this – one that makes you want to just hang on every word—and you're dying to find out what will happen. I don’t want to finish it because I know that there is only one other book and then it’s finished.
What am I going to do?? Is there life after this book? Do people keep going on with their lives? What is there to look forward to? What do you do with your spare time?
What do I do???

How sweet it is.....

2009-02-14T17:05:00.002-06:00

I like this

2009-02-13T10:10:00.002-06:00

Remember yesterday,
dream about tomorrow,
but Live today!

Okay-- so I don't want to talk about the super bowl

2009-02-01T21:10:00.002-06:00

Since my team lost, I think it would be better to go onto good news-- I got a Wii Fit!!!!

Yes, yes-- I am now one happy camper. Of course every muscle in my body hurts but I feel good. Just got it last night after a great dinner out with Mike and Rachel. We decided to go to Wal-Mart and I got lucky because they had 2 Wii Fits behind the cash register back in electronics-- woo-hoo, yep, it really doesn't take much to make me happy these days!

Anyway, we worked out until 10:30 last night and got in a good 30 minute work out. Now those of you who don't have this balance board have no idea what they are missing. I have been snow skiing, hola hooping, running, ski jumping and some fun balance games. I tried on yoga session and realized just how uncoordinated I am and the "stepping" session-- OMG- I have no rhythm but I am working on it. I did much better the second time on that.

I have exercised for about 30 minutes each of the last 2 days. I hope to get at least 15 minutes a day during the week and 30 would be perfect. I have modified my diet (just not eating as much) and am drinking a Herbalife Tea everyday to increase my metabolism and energy-- even before the wii fit. So far I have lost only 3 pound but am hoping that the pounds will melt away while using the wii. I would like to lose 8-10 pounds ( in addition to the 3 I have lost).

I need to get my skinny mii back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The story behind the pictures

2009-01-31T12:09:00.002-06:00

Okay-- I told you that I had made 29 scrapbook pages but I only took pictures of a few because I didn't want to over do it. The story behind the pictures- I had a workshop to attend in Atlanta during the summer of 2007. I decided that it would be a good idea to invite Kandis and Kaitlin to go with me so we could make a mini-vacation out of it and go and visit the girls (Tara and Shawna) in Kentucky. Needless to say, we had a great visit and enjoyed our stay with them. We even went to the kids favorite spot-- the zoo. I really have some cute pictures of that too. Girls, if you see one of the pictures that I have and you would like a copy just tell me and I will email it to you.

The other pictures are of an accordian album that I made and absolutely love. I added some pictures that we had taken of Kaitlin showing us her mad, mean, sad, happy and smiley faces.

Pictures of my Scrapbook pages

2009-01-31T09:30:00.001-06:00

Let me tell you about my weekend

2009-01-28T18:19:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun last weekend at a "scrapbook retreat" and I accomplished so much that am ready to go again. You see, I have pictures and pictures that are developed and need to be in a scrapbook (fancy photo album) and I have to make time to put them together.
This retreat was in d'Iberville so it was close to home but it was away from home so you could actually get something done with a bunch of other ladies who like to do the same thing. We started Friday afternoon at 4 where I met the first 4 of my new friends: Becky, Gina, Lisa and Brenda. I proceeded to tell them that I would not forget their names because I already have a friend named Becky and one named Brenda, Gina is my sisters name and heck- I'm Lisa. Of course there where more people, I think the total was 16 and I only remember about half of their names. We worked Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday until about 2pm. I learned many new tricks and saw some gadgets that I might put on my Christmas list. I also completed 20 scrapbook pages-- Woo Hoo- Woo- Hoo- Woo-Hoo. I am so proud of myself and am looking forward to the next weekend retreat!!!
Okay- yeah, I don't have much of a life!! ;-)

We workout on the Wii

2009-01-10T08:43:00.002-06:00

WOW: What fun it is to be a kid again!!!

We have purchased a Wii and have been having a blast playing all the games. My favorite is bowling but I am also enjoying the tennis and am learning how to hit the ball on the baseball game. I have every intention of getting the Wii fit because I have heard that it will help me get into shape. I had sore muscles the first 2 weeks and now am getting in better shape-- I have lost 3 pounds so far with my diet and my game playing. I bowl 2 games, play at least 3 tennis rounds and then 2 games of baseball each night except for Friday night. I did play a little last night before bingo but not my full routine.

You might be thinking that my motivation for losing weight would be a "New Years Resolution" but actually it is something as simple as "my best friend weighs 13 pounds less than me" motivation. Laura and I have been friends for about 30 years-- gosh, I am getting old -- anyway, her and I have always been within a couple of pounds of each other. Of course, she has had 5 kids and I have only had one but that doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that she weighs less and I can't stand it. So I must get my act together and do this----

The Beds

2008-12-31T08:37:00.003-06:00

I still haven't found the bedspreads that I want and I am not looking for anything fancy-- I just want something in a cream color like the sheets shown here-- maybe a tad like the background on the curtains because I have some material to make some matching throw pillows.

Anyway, here they are and don't they look wonderful!!!!!!!!!

New Moon

2008-12-30T16:58:00.003-06:00

Yes, I have finished the book I received for Christmas and it was wonderful. Someone had made the comment that they thought it was a "slow" read but I found it to be very good. I am going to start Eclipse next and can't wait. At least with this series, I am reading it now that all of the books are out and you can read one after the other, but of course, that could be a disadvantage because then you have nothing to look forward to read. I have found myself constantly thinking about the characters in the book and I am thinking that this is insane. How can someone enjoy reading a love story about vampires and like I told my sister, Bella will either become one or not so how can she(the writer) have 4 books about this-- Yes, there is more to it than that. I am going to take my time reading the next book to make it last longer or I could read through them and then reread them like "others" I know.

If you haven't started the series-- DO SO!!

Making Christmas Cookies

2008-12-25T16:59:00.003-06:00

Yes- it has been awhile!!

2008-12-20T23:26:00.002-06:00

Okay, Okay--

Time to keep up and move my "McDreamy" down a notch. You should be aware that the only reason I haven't posted in the last month is because I didn't want to lose McDreamy.
Where has the past month gone? It really has flown by and now I am wondering what will happen as these 2 weeks I have off begin slipping away. I guess I better type faster.

I have been spending my days getting ready for the holidays. I want to make cookies this week and would like to have my "little helper" come over and help me make some cookies. I even bought an apron for her today and will put a couple of special butterflys on it (iron ons). I told her that I would make her an apron and even though it wouldn't take long to whip one up on the sewing machine, I found one for $3 at Hobby Lobby's so I will "make it" with a couple of iron on's and I will become one special Oma!!

Bed update- I did get them finished and even made some curtains-- yes, made those. I plan on making a couple of throw pillows to go on top of my bedspreads that match the curtains, which I don't have yet and that is why I haven't posted a picture. I want it to look grrrreeeeaaatttt and since I haven't found any bedspreads yet-- no pictures.

I promise to post again -- soon!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-19T22:26:00.000-06:00

Life is Good

2008-11-17T21:00:00.004-06:00

Been busy lately but have been keeping up with everyone else's blog- just haven't updated mine lately.
Home: Just bought a "big girl bed" for Kaitlin at my house. She has been informing me that she needs a bigger bed because she is a big girl now. I bought 2 so I can have 2 matching twins in the room and they came from an unfinished furniture store so they must be stained. I hope to post pictures after I get them finished over the Thanksgiving holidays.
Thanksgiving: We are going to be staying home over the holidays. Mike, Rachel and Christopher are going to Disney World!! I think Kandis, Rex and the kids will be at her dad's but I am not sure right now. I am cooking if anyone needs a place to eat.
School: We have our last GED test until January this week. We are testing Thurs. and Friday. Cram sessions are happening daily and I have threaten the kids so I hope they ALL pass. The test results will not be in until Dec. 5-8th. If they don't pass, they will need to attend all of Dec and January until the next test and we haven't gotten a schedule-- so no telling how long-YUCK! I have 6 high school kids on roll and am working with about 6 adults in the afternoons. It is funny to think that I am swamped with my few kids now when I was teaching 75 a day. I do still love my job even though I chewed some butt today in class and I think they got the message. Also, we are having a GED celebration on December 2nd to celebrate those high school students and adults who have gotten their GED since I started teaching GED classes. I hope it will be a good turnout but have only gotten a few RSVP's so I will be on the phone after testing on Thurs and Friday to get some confirmations.
Me: I have been busy planning home made gifts for Christmas. I am making my list and checking it twice!! I will be busy with night class Tuesday night, starting on the beds Wednesday, "stampin up" meeting on Thursday, bingo on Friday and then working on the beds again over the weekend. Once the room is done, then I am working on GIFTS!!!! I am cooking for Thanksgiving so I will squeeze that in there somewhere.
Bingo: I have been going but I can't remember if I told you that Otto had moved to Wiggins to be closer to his daughter so she can take care of him. He was the one with the walker. Thomas still comes and when I say hello to him, he says, "Hello Darling" and it just makes my night. Last week we both won and I guess my "lucky charm" has tarnished because he no longer slips me a $5, :-) . He is so funny with his wise cracks at the bingo caller and he is a pretty good artist too. He has sketched a few face while we are on "break" and he likes it when I comment on his work.

Life is Good

Thought of the day

2008-11-04T12:46:00.001-06:00

The finest education is useless without common sense. E.F. Girard

I really hope that people use common sense when they vote today!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-29T09:35:00.000-05:00

Thoughtful Tuesday

2008-10-28T14:23:00.004-05:00

I am currently putting together a GED celebration to recognize all of my participants that have passed the GED test. I would like for the school district to purchase each participant a t-shirt with a motivational saying on it. I don't want the shirt to "advertise" that they have a GED but just something that will remind them of what they have accomplished.

I searched the internet and have come up with a list of 14 saying that I felt would be appropriate for the occassion. I then had the students pick their topic 3 from the list and then tallied the results.

I would like to get your feedback on the top 3 sayings to help me make the choice. They are listed in no particular order.

1. It's never too late
to be what you
might have been.

2. Forget past mistakes.
Forget past failures.
Forget everythning except
what you are going to do now
and DO IT.

3. Motivate yourself.
The most successful people in life
are self starters....
They don't rely on others to get going.

Post your selection in your comment.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-22T16:04:00.003-05:00

More words of encouragement

2008-10-21T12:46:00.002-05:00

I read this saying, took a moment to think about it and then realized just how true it was--

"We leave traces of ourselves wherever we go, on whatever we touch." Lewis Thomas

Each of us has an impact on each other. Sometimes it is a big impact and others just a small one but an impact nonetheless.

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-16T11:58:00.008-05:00

Okay, okay-- time to follow the crowd. Here is my Thankful Thursday.

I am thankful to have many wonderful family members.

Family is the most important part of your life and without family- you are nobody.

So my salute today is to my big brother Steve and his crew-- only a few pictured here!!! We would be missing Tara, Shawna, Hammer and the grandkids ( Hannah, Josie and Oliva belong to Tara; Sheridan and Aaron belong to Shawna).

Check back next week to see who will be honored next!!!!!!!!!!

Words of Encouragement

2008-10-07T17:17:00.002-05:00

I was given a "101 Words of Encouragement" booklet on an easel from a teacher. I do love to read through them and often find encouragement. So, I have decided to share them with you as I feel they are needed.

"Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Oliver Goldsmith

Elmo and Kaitlin

2008-10-06T08:09:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday, Kandis and I and the kids went to Zonta which is a fall arts and crafts fesitval held in Pascagoula. We did a lot of looking and I bought a piece of pottery but the main event was Elmo. They had a section set up for kids with a couple of jumping things, people making balloon animals and a rock climbing wall. As Kaitlin was bouncing, I spotted Elmo and asked her if she would like to see Elmo-- needless to say, she was out of the bouncer and in Elmo's arms in a flash.

Bingo update

2008-10-01T15:06:00.002-05:00

I have been meaning to update you on my progress at bingo. I am still eating the 2 pieces of pizza that my two old friends save for me each week and I tell them that they are going to make me fat. The past couple of weeks I have been lucky and have won a bingo or two until this past Friday. Let me explain

When I arrived last Friday only Otto was sitting at our table and when I looked around, I noticed Thomas was sitting with his daughter and son-in-law. So I went over and said my hellos to Thomas and told him that Otto and I would miss him and then I wished him luck. I purchased my cards, my coke and went to settle in with Otto. After about 10 minutes of socializing her comes this 10-12 year old girl to give Otto a hug-- Otto then realizes that his daughter and granddaughter are there and he gathers his cards, his coke and his walker and goes to sit with his daughter. So there I am sitting by myself. I swore I took a shower before I went to work that morning. Needless to say, it was very uneventful. The ladys who sit at the table in front of us said "wow Lisa, it is odd not hearing you call the numbers to Otto and that is so sweet that you that for him." Well, that comment was the highlight of my night because I didn't win anything.

As I was cleaning up to leave, Otto comes rolling up with his walker and he was mad. He said that he will not be going back to sit with them because he couldn't hear the caller and he missed a bingo. So he "knows" how much he needs me!!!

Anyway, I do plan on going back this Friday and winning some money!! I will keep you posted :-)

Where has the time gone???

2008-09-30T17:47:00.003-05:00

No, this will not be some sentimental story about how years have slipped past and you look around and notice that your daughter has given birth to your second grandchild -sheez-- am I getting older??

This is about the month of September-- Where did it go? Last I remember it was the first couple of days into the month and I was waiting for the arrival of Reese and now it is the 30th. I just can't imagine how the days have slipped past so fast. But it is payday!!!

School is going good. Of course, all of my students are special and they have some life changing stories and I guess that is why I have them in my GED program. Currently I have 4 high school students and about 14 adults who come when they can. I do still love my job-- have I mentioned that lately?

Kandis and family are doing good. I brag all the time about how smart Kaitlin is and Reese is growing fast. The last couple of Saturdays I have taken Kaitlin to the library and we read a few books and then check out some books and movies to help keep her occupied while her mom is busy feeding Reese. Hey, did you know that you can type Reese with only your left hand-- pretty cool. Rex can also be typed with the left hand. Just thought I would share.

More later--

He has arrived!!

2008-09-06T07:47:00.007-05:00

I am an Oma again!!! Reese joined the world on September 4th. He weighs 9 lbs and 9 oz and is a beautiful baby boy!!! Mom and baby are both doing great.

Weigh everyday-- Yes, Yes, Yes

2008-09-03T10:13:00.002-05:00

Okay, I know-- just last week I was moaning and groaning about getting on the scales. Well, I decided to get on the scale after that last post. I weighed less than I thought-- just went to the doctor the week before-- was weighing a pound less. That was motivation-- so I have been watching what I eat and trying to get more exercise. Well, I have lost a total of 2 pounds since I posted on Aug. 26th. I have been getting on the scale everyday to make sure that I haven't gained that weight back. Now I see the reasoning behind weighing yourself everyday-- you want to monitor your weight and see if you need to make adjustments to your diet/exercise routine for the day. I would like to lose about 10 pound and I would be happy-- and I would weigh less than my friend Laura!!

I am a WINNER!!!!!!

2008-08-30T13:54:00.002-05:00

Yes, you read the title correctly. I went to Bingo last night and sat with Otis-- remember him? He is the guy with the walker-- the other guy, Thomas, sat in the back with his daughter and family. Anyway, sitting with Otis is a treat because I tell him what the number of the bingo ball is that is in the tv monitor. He can't read it unless he takes his glasses off and tries to focus and by then the "caller" has said the number and it is a worthless task for him. So, I lean over and tell him the number like B15 and he can go ahead and start marking his cards before the caller calls the number. It helps him to keep up -- gosh, I don't know how he makes it with out me-- maybe that is why he doesn't win unless I am around. Shoot, I feel guilty now cause he didn't win last night but I did TWICE!!! Woo-Hoo!!! I hit one game for $40 and one for $25-- for a grand total of $65. I really must think about what I am going to buy myself with my winnings-- heck, got to be careful how I spend such a large amount. ;-)

The old man at the cemetery

2008-08-27T13:19:00.003-05:00

There are times in your life when things you experience or people you see have a profound affect on you. I told my sister a couple of months ago about an old man that I see sitting by a graveside and it is such a sad sight that it makes me want to cry.
Now, this is not my normal path home, only when I need to stop by the grocery store do I see him. But 9 times out of 10, he is there. At first, I thought "how sweet" and then I noticed that he is not only there but had brought his own lawn chair to sit in. Somedays he would be packing up his chair and somedays I would just see him sitting. Now, in my current emotional state, being very hormonal and still getting my thyroid levels right- I get teary-eyed seeing him there. I drive by thinking, oh- that must be his wifes grave and he must have really loved her and now misses her deeply. So, I spend the rest of the drive home thinking of this old man and worrying about how he is doing.
That brings me to yesterday evening. I taught my night class until 7 and offered to give one of my students a ride home to Vancleave. So once again I am passing the cemetery, later than usual and there he sits. Needless to say, something made me turn around and go the cemetery. I introduced myself and told him that I have seen him sitting here on many days and I thought that he was visiting someone he really loved. He told me that he and his wife were married for 53 years before she died and that he had never meet another couple that loved each other as much as he and his wife had loved each other. Of course that brought tears to my eyes and we continued to talk. I told him about myself and he told me that he was 78 years old and had worked at the shipyard. He has 4 kids and that includes one set of twins, a boy and a girl. The boy lives in Jackson and the girl at home with him-- they are 51 years old!! His son is the only one that ever married. Of course, the one lives with him and has all her life. The other 2 girls are living is Ocean Springs.
After a few tears, some very touching moments and a couple of hugs, I left feeling better about the old man in the cemetery, knowing that he has a broken heart but he will be okay.

I am waiting for.....

2008-08-26T15:31:00.003-05:00

1. My new grandson who will be here shortly. Heck, depending on the doctors visit today, he might be here soon than later!!

2. Hurricane Gustav to decide what direction he will take -- left, right, straight ahead????

3. My trip to see Mom and Lyman!! Road Trip here I come-- okay, air trip here I come!!!

4. My cholestrol to go down -- okay, so I didn't take my medicine every day (tried everyother day) so since that didn't work, I will take it everyday -- darn it.

5. My weight to decrease-- The Flylady says to weigh everyday, first thing in the morning-- I disagree. Why start everyday off in a bad mood? I am thinking of weighing once a week-- maybe

6. Publishers Clearing House to arrive at my door with my multimillion dollar check.

WOW-- I can only think of 6 things-- Life is good!!

How sweet it is

2008-08-24T18:01:00.004-05:00

There is nothing sweeter than being an Oma and being able to enjoy your granddaughter. Today we took a walk in the rain (sprinkles really). It started with feeding the fish in Mr. Arlin's pond and then we had to pick up the Sunday paper at the end of the driveway and then we had to take a walk on the "trail" which is a bamboo lined path. What a day!!!!!!!!

Back to School

2008-08-17T17:10:00.002-05:00

Well, we have been back in school for a week and a half! I am currently teaching 2 high school students that are returning from last year. They past 3 out 5 parts of the GED. I hope to get them both finished soon. We go to testing at the end of the month so we will see if they are ready!
I also have "practice tested" 5 adults who all have tested as ready and I have 3 adults who are coming to my afternoon classes.
Many of you may have heard me say this before, but this is the most rewarding job. I have always been an instant gratification type of girl and this is pretty instant. I remember telling my dad that when I retire from teaching I was going to be a painter or a power washer because you can see what you have done instantly. I feel that I am having an instant impact on my students. To date, I have helped 24 people get their GED-- HOW COOL IS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I am waiting on results of a couple right now)

The loss of a friend

2008-08-10T08:02:00.003-05:00

This past week I have endured the pain of the death of a dear friend, Geneva Ross. I had worked with Geneva at Gautier High School for 10-12 years. She was the type of teacher that students loved, teachers admired and administrators feared. Everything she did in life was with passion. After she retired from teaching, she became a "deck hand" on her husbands shrimp boat, the Joe-Gen. She spent the last 2 years side by side with the love of her life, Joseph Ross. If you have ever eaten shrimp at my house, it was caught by the Joe-Gen. They shrimped together because they loved it.

Yesterday we had a beautiful "Celebration of Life" for Geneva. There were many pictures of her and lots of her awards, plaques and "teacher goodies". The service was prayers, songs and a few people had the courage and strength to share memories with us. Family and friends brought boiled shrimp (very fitting), a variety of salads and deserts. I think Geneva would have liked the celebration.

Her death has been a wake-up reminder for me-- Life is precious and the time we have is much too short. I want to spend more time with family and friends. As a society, we tend to get caught up in our own lives and are forever busy--- this must change. We need more time with family and friends because that is what makes life worth living.

Friday Night Bingo

2008-07-25T23:32:00.003-05:00

I just returned from the local VFW from a night of bingo. Out of the 50 people there, I was one of the handfull that was under the age of 50!! I hadn't had a chance to play since the family reunion so tonight I decided to attend. Now, you may be wondering why I have chosen to play at the VFW with a bunch of "old" veterans. Actually, I have met 2 nice old men and they are my buddies at the bingo hall. Thomas and Otis are their names and they play 2 times a week. Thomas uses a cane and told me that he was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. Otis has a walker and told me that he was in the Navy many moons ago. They call me their lucky charm because at least one of them will win when I come to bingo. Thomas will "slip" me $5 after he wins saying that I am his lucky charm and he wants to buy me a sandwich. I told him he didn't need to do that but he insisted. The winnings range from $25 to $40 for the regular games. I help keep an eye on their cards and let them know if they miss a number. Otis wears glasses and can't see the ball on the monitor so I call out the numbers so he can get a head start on marking his cards before the number/ball is called. He won tonight ($40)-- Thomas wasn't there. It tickles me to watch them win. Of course, I like to win too and I won $25 tonight. Woo-Hoo

Clutter Attracts Clutter

2008-07-16T18:52:00.004-05:00

No-- this isn't an autobiography. This is a famous saying by the "Flylady." Those of you who know of her understand this concept but those who don't may thinkI have really lost it.

Let me explain. Flylady.com is an online network that provides motivation through emails to help you clean up the chaos (clutter) in your homes. The Flylady has many saying that I had posted on sticky pads and stuck them to my kitchen window to motivate me keep the kitchen clean-- I removed them a couple of days before the family reunion-- Now I can't see the kitchen bar anymore, I know it was there a couple of weeks ago. So I am making new reminders and am going to get back into the habit of decluttering my "hotspots"- like the kitchen bar.

You might be wondering why I would need such a thing as reminders and the Flylady. Well, I am not a born organizer, somewhere I missed that gene from Mom. Steve, Mike and Gina all got that gene but I am thinking because I was born a month earlier that the gene didn't have time to develop. Now don't get me wrong, Steve has some clutter but he keeps the majority of it here in Mississippi and then lives in Louisisana-- not a bad idea. Mike- heck, you can walk in his house and it is perfect everyday (I am thinking he must have elves or something and his house was always cleaner than mine even when he was a bachelor!). Gina has 4 kids, a husband, and a two story house to take care of and it looks awesome all the time. I just don't get it on how they don't have clutter-- my clutter attracts more clutter. That is why I need the Flylady and daily reminders-- it is a sad state of affairs. I wonder if more premature/early babies have clutter problems. Maybe we should conduct a study on it-- hmmm.

Anyway, the whole purpose of this post is to let you know-- like you really needed to know-- that I am on a mission to declutter my home and keep it that way. It will take time but it will all be worth it.

I am excited about my new adventure,

2008-07-14T18:15:00.002-05:00

Okay, some of you may think that my past fever has caused brain damage but I really am excited. Here is a place that I can express my thoughts, share ideas and just plain talk. You have the choice to read it or not and I will never know the difference!! How cool is that?

I understand that you may be thinking that I always seem to find more to do, but I look at it as a way to keep my mind fresh. If I unload it on this blog site then I don't need to remember as much thus it will be a good thing for me.

Talking to Gina today-- she was the first one to post a comment :) -- so I had to call her and share my excitement-- anyway, she said that I would be surprised at the amount of things that you will think of to write/post about. Well, she is right. Aren't sisters great!! I have thought about all kinds of things to say. I could tell you about my days, post information that is "happening" in the family, share some good jokes, pictures and videos. Man, this is going to be fun.

I am looking forward to sharing with you.

Here we go

2008-07-13T21:09:00.000-05:00

Well, I have decided that I couldn't let Tara and Gina get too far ahead of me in the technology world. Heck, I remember a time when they would come to me for questions about technology and now I am following in their footsteps to keep up. That's okay! I have decided that I would take a moderate approach to this and just use other peoples information, notes, thoughts, and anything else that I can beg, borrow or steal to keep my blog up and running!!

So, now you not only need to check your email daily but you are also going to need to keep an eye out on this site for updates. I hope to post some pictures that will keep you up-to-date on how everyone is looking these days--- yes, I know, we almost saw everyone in the family at the 2008 family reunion but there are other people in the world that would love to get a look at us!! And my how we have grown--- in numbers, of course!!!!!!!!!

This is the best group shot that I have. Does anyone have one that is better? Please email it to me so that I can post it.