Happy New Year

I am stealing a moment to type here! Stacy and I were able to get together today and we had a great time. Makenneh and I met with Stacy and her family and they treated us to games and rides at Huckleberry Junction (same place I had Kenneh's 5th bday party). I would have taken Sebastian, but when I asked if he wanted to go bye-bye with momma, he simply stated, "No thank-you, I stay with daddy." So, i left it at that, so that I didnt have to deal with any crabbiness from the crabby factory. LOL. Neither of us remembered our cameras, but I did get a couple on my phone, though they aren't the best quality.


Makenneh loved the kids and had a great time. She buddied up with Adrianna and of course, she loved riding rides with the twins. She did so well with them. And best of all, she was on her best behavior. I praised her to no end on the way home and again throughout the evening. I am very proud of her.

We chose to spend our New Year's Eve home, peacefully. We made pizza and are watching movies. Makenneh is already ready for bed. Of course, she had a few hours of good fun today, so it's not surprising. I am torn between keeping them up and letting them watch the ball drop or having them go to bed. I know that if they stay up that late, they are probably going to become monsters both tonight and tomorrow. So, I think I am just going to let the chips fall how they fall. But, I did notice that the Jonas' Brothers are co-hosting the show tonight and Makenneh has taken a liking to them. I know she would enjoy the show. But, I just don't think she will make it. We'll see.

For 2009, I hope things improve. I know as a whole, the economy isn't expected to pick up until later this year, but I hope that things will just improve for us, enough so that we can manage to get our own place and be comfortable. We are hoping to be able to get a place in February, when I get my student loans and financial aid reimbursements. I am a bit nervous about it, but we should have enough to pay up a few months rent and go from there. All I can do is pray that what is meant to be happens.

Well, Jeremy is out of the shower and ready to watch a movie, so I am going to get off here.

I wish everyone all the best in 2009!!!! Have a safe and happy night!

pictures

Here's a pic of the grandkids. My two and my nephew, Kaden.
Here's a family picture from our Christmas party on my mom's side. We were beyond ready to go..kids tired, us frustrated. But, the pic turned out okay.

This picture is a hoot. it was taken on Christmas Eve. Makenneh was in using the potty and this is what we saw...she had taken in the kitty and had her on her lap while using the potty. I had to take a pic because everyone should know this is going up on her picture board at her graduation picture. LOL.

A Merry Christmas

Our Christmas was quite nice. I am now ready to get the tree packed up though. I am ready for things to go back where they belong.

We took the kids to see Santa on Christmas Eve. I think we have found a new tradition. I thought for sure it would be very busy and crazy, but it wasn't. It was actually slow and peaceful. We went to Bronners.....THE CHRISTmas store of all Christmas stores. It was sooo worth it because Santa was wonderful and that place has to be the closest thing to the North Pole as you can get. I am currently trying to upload pics from seeing Santa but I'll be darned if it still isn't sooo slow. I just don't have patience for this. It seems that with a new computer and dsl, it shouldn't be this slow. Hmmph! I am just trying one at a time and it is still forever long.

Sebastian wants to eat; we have gotten off any sort of schedule for eating so I need to go forage for something for them to eat. It hink we are doing Tacos for dinner. Ill be back ina few to see if the picture actually loaded.

I am back much later..it is now almost 1am..the picture did finally load, now I am attempting picture number 2.

The temp reached around 58* today. Rainy, too. most of the snow has melted. Except where it was mounded high from all the plowing. Felt so much like spring. If only it were. I am ready for warmer weather.

I have no idea why the pictures are always small when I put them on here. I never used to have that problem, way back in the beginning. If anyone knows how I can fix that, let me know. Of course, if it is too much hassle, I may just well leave them as they are. I don't do hassles too well. LOL.

Anyway, I am leaving the pics at the top, because dragging them down to the bottom is a pain in the rear. I did try to make the pics larger in this window, that just seems to blur them. Ya get the idea though!

I am off here to get to bed. I didn't plan on being up so late. Night all!

PS..i finally checked my grades..another semester of all 4.0s and best of all, I have raised my cummulative gpa to 3.713! I am soooo excited!

Blessings

Some may wonder why I give even when I have little give. I don't question it. I know that even though I am down and out, if i give that last dollar bill to the Salvation Army bucket or weed through the stuff I have to help someone in need, that my needs will always be met. Maybe not right away, but I have never had to truly go without things I have needed. Recently, we found ourselves down to our last 30.00. Jeremy has been putting resumes/applications in almost every day, to no avail. I don't stress...I figure when it is time, it will work out and stressing about doesn't change anything. It won't make the process any better/faster. Well, not last night, but the night before, my dad's niece (who is actually same age as my dad and lives next door to us) called because her car had broken down. She wanted to know if Jeremy would fix her car and she would pay him. We agreed. Well, then that next morning (which was yesterday morning), my uncle, whom we have rather distanced ourselves from to save some drama, called to ask if Jeremy wanted to work with him because he has some big jobs going on and he needed the extra help. So, Jeremy has been working with him. It couldn't have come at a better time. Of course, the fixing the car thing isn't working out too well. She needed a belt replaced, which in a typical car would be about a 5 min fix. However, it turns out that in this particular car, it involves removing the wheel, the well, and a few other major things in order to fix. It turned out to be a couple hour ordeal. He got the belt replaced and car still won't turn over. His suggestion is check fuel filter/pump or for spark. However, to reach the other 3 plugs in this vehicle, you must remove a whole lotta things to get to it. It will be a huge ordeal. He is working on the approach to the garage, out in the car. There is no hoist or anything that fancy here..it's jacks and jack stands. He did what she asked...replaced the belt. The rest will probably have to be done elsewhere, in a garage with a hoist.

And speaking of cars, I have to take mine up to the tire shop today to have a different tire put on my rim. The tire on there is very bad. We don't have money to get new ones right now (has to wait until Feb), but we were able to use one from my old car. I hate having to take it up there myself, but it has to be done. I cannot drive the car until this gets taken care of. I will be heading out soon to get that done.

Mom is out doing her Christmas shopping again today. It is nice to just have me and Sebastian here.

Thoughts are all over the place. I can't wait for Christmas. I know the kids will be happy with the gifts they are getting and I can't wait to see their faces. For the first time since Makenneh's very first Christmas, she isn't getting a baby doll from Santa. She has so many already (figure, one every year from Christmas, plus any babies she has gotten from others for bdays, Christmas, etc and it adds up quickly...we have enough around here for n0w). When I went to storage, I realized that two large boxes right away were toys. I do so figure that we should just get rid of them, because the kids have since forgotten they exist and it is obvious they don't need them. I may go through them to make sure nothing sentimental is in there and then just donate them. I need to do it now, as many people could use toys this time of year. And some of those toys are probably barely used. It would be great if the weather would warm up a tad so I don't have to experience frost bite to get them out of storage though. The other day, while there to get the tree, my fingers were cold despite having my nice warm gloves on. IT is bitter cold.

Ok it's time to get off here and get going. I would like to get the tire taken care of before Makenneh gets home, so I only have to take one child, versus two. Have a great day!

Finally a Christmas Tree

I finally put the tree up today. It was a matter of deciding to go with my artificial one or getting a live one, as my parents usually do. Then it was a matter of me going to storage to dig out my tree. I had forgotten that the only tree I have now is a small 4.5 ft tree..until I got it out of the box and put up. No big deal really....it works out better anyway. The kids weren't that interested in decorating it. They put a few on, but mostly, left it up to me. It is done and the lights are shining. We just wrapped my nephew Kaden's present and put that under the tree. We will see how long that lasts before I have to hide it until closer to Christmas.

I seem to have petered out on my crafting. I still need to make candles and have been putting it off. I have to get it done very soon, as I am running out of time. I have class tomorrow and Wednesday nights and Makenneh's class party on Thurs morning. Other than that, I think I am free. This Sunday we are going to my brothers to make cookies. Christmas Eve we are going to my father-in-law's and my brother and his family are coming here to mom and dad's. I was hoping to be able to be here for most of the time that my brother was here, but my father in law called yesterday and we decided on 4pm because he has to work that morning. OH well, it is what it is. Christmas day we are staying here and my mother in law and brother in law are coming here for dinner. Otherwise, they would be by themselves. That works out because that means on Christmas day, we don't have to go anywhere. I am not going to know what to do. I might feel slighted though. It will be the first Christmas that I don't go "somewhere". Growing up, we always went to my grandparents on Christmas day for a huge family dinner. It was the highlight of the holidays. Gathering a couple of your favorite presents and hauling them to grandparents house where we could play with all of our cousins. That's why I never get these parents complaining about not wanting to have to take kids to a family member's house on Christmas...and that Christmas is all about the kids, so they should be home, to play with their toys, etc. My favorite memories involve getting up Christmas morning, opening all our presents and then deciding which two or three to take to grandma and grandpa's house. We didn't return home til late Christmas evening and I don't regret that. The best memories were made while at grandma and grandpa's house. IMO, i can't understand why parents would want to rob their kids of spending chaotic holidays with extended family. THAT, to me, is what Christmas is all about. Of course, there are often logistic problems that prevent all families from getting together every year...but the people I hear not wanting to get together are ones who live near family. THat's one more reason I am so excited that my sister is having a baby. Our kids will get to enjoy that same fun Christmas tradition that we did. My brother's son won't be included in most of the family holiday fun because they are at her mom's. It is kinda sad that he will be left out, sort of, but that how the cookie crumbles. Really, mostly by my brother's choice, though. His fiancee's mom lives about 5 miles from our parents' house, so really, they could make it work, if they really wanted to. They could spend one half of the day there, and half here or something. But, they didn't choose that option. Instead, they will spend Christmas Eve's here, but of course, my sister and I are unable to be here on Christmas Eve, because we have other obligations. My mom isn't handling that news too well, but there isn't anything anyone can do about it, so you just have to accept it and move on. The girl's family usually gets the majority of the time. In my case, it is certainly true, but mostly because of the dynamics of his family. He isn't too close with his mom and his dad usually does stuff with his gf's family on holidays. So, for me, I have never had to really make a choice. I usually just include mother in law in my family's celebration, because she is single, with no small children at home. She would otherwise spend holidays alone.

Wow, what a ramble about all that.

The snow was gone when I got up this morning. There are little patches of it here and there, but for the most part, it looks like spring out there. Doesn't feel like it though. The wind is whipping like crazy. Stacy had said in comment to my last post that she hopes the snow sticks around for her kids to have fun in when they get up here. It is gone for now, but it most likely will snow again, before they get here and probably even while they are here.

Well, I am sure the little monsters are getting into trouble, so I am gonna get off here and tend to them.

Weeeeee!

We took the kids sledding yesterday. I had to go to my college to sell back a book and right nearby is the park where Jeremy always went sledding as a kid. So, it was his idea to take the kids sledding. They had a blast. I stuck around for a bit and watched, then headed to the college to take care of my business. I returned to find two happy little kids with rosy cheeks. They had had so much fun. Makenneh started to get a little bit whiny, but she also isn't feeling well. I was thinking hot cocoa after a cold afternoon out, but the kids wanted ice cream! Yes, crazy I agree. So, that's what we had when we got home. I didn't take pictures, because I forgot to take a camera.

I am looking forward to the weekend warm up. The temps have been so ungodly cold. The past several days have had highs in the teens. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 40. I can handle that.

Tonight is another family Christmas party..my mom's side. We aren't doing a gift exchange, just getting together for food, family and fun. Everyone is supposed to bring a favorite game and we are going to play games for the evening.

I got my books for next semester yesterday while at the bookstore. I am so excited. It's always exciting to get the new books for my next semester. I really wanted to buy a new book bag, but I just can't bring myself to spend the money, especially when the one I have works. It's just old. Like 18 yrs old. You can't really tell...it's just a plain dark blue bag with lots of nice compartments. The only sign of age is some wearing at one of the seams. It's amazing really because if you buy a bag these days it wouldn't last nearly that long. I admit, the only reason I want a new one is because I would like something bright and cheery and maybe even colorful. But, at the bookstore, the bags range from 65.00 up to 100.00. That's crazy. But, that is where the bag I am using now came from and it has proven itself to be worth every dollar spent on it.

I had our field trip Thursday for my substance abuse class. We went to the local residential treatment facility. I was more than amazed with the offerings of this place. They house addicts who are wanting to recover from their addiction. They turn nobody away. They have men, women and women there with their children. It is publicly funded and they don't force anyone out (unless it's behavior related). As long as someone is serious about treatment, they can stay as long as it takes to get well, even though funding runs out after a year for any one resident. While in treatment, the patient's needs are all provided for. They get everything from shampoo and deodorant to any special requests that are reasonable. The women there with children are provided diapers and formula and whatever other baby/child related needs there are. The facility provides transportation to all appointments no matter how far away they are, they provide counseling, have a nurse practitioner on sight, Bible study, and more. I was just so impressed and touched by the wonderful program. While there, we got to hear two ladies tell their stories and it brought tears to my eyes. Then we went on a tour of the facility. THe building is old and surely could use some reonnovations, however, it seems the money is put into the patients, mostly, which is a good thing. THe best part is, this facility has a 98% success rate. That is very good. But the program is very structured and that contributes to a high success rate.

I have two classes left for this semester...tuesday night is my exam in intro to social work and wednesday is basically just a pot luck for child welfare. We also have to submit our commitment plan which is a plan we have to make a difference somewhere. We have to provide the who, what, where, and when of our plan. It could be volunteering, organizing, helping a mom with respite care, anything that helps out someone in need.

Well, i have babbled enough for one session..lol. I am gonna go finish my rounds on here and then work on some Christmas crafts.

Have a fun weekend and stay warm!

Semester wind down

Only one week left of classes. I am really ready for a break. Although, this semester seemed to fly by rather quickly. I have class tomorrow night, a "field trip" on thursday, then I should only have class on Tues and be down. However, i have a feeling, my wed night teacher is going to stretch class out until next week. So, i may have to go next wed night as well. Fingers crossed that I don't.

I wrapped up all the gifts today and sorted the stocking stuffers. Christmas is done for this family. it feels good to have it all done so darn early. I do still have to finish up some of the crafty gift baskets, though. but, the kids' christmas is down and ready for the tree, which needs to be put up yet. I am going tomorrow to wrestle my tree out of storage. It will be a chore, but it has to be done. I should take Jeremy with me, but it is just easier to stop there on my way home from school, as I pass right by it. I also didn't find Sebastian's stocking in the tote I grabbed. The rest of ours is in there, but not his. I am hoping beyond all hope that it is just in another one of the boxes, that i didn't grab. It was one of the last projects my aunt Dawn was working on when she passed away. It wasn't finished, so my mom stitched it together. It still needs the name sewn on it and the decorative things put on each side. It holds a lot of sentimental value because I was just about 5 months pg when she died and I was so upset because I had thought that SEbastian would be the only one in the family to not have a stocking (I had mine she had made me when i was a kid, she made Makenneh's and Jeremy's mom had made him one when he was little that ironically is very similar in style to mine). Then, as my one aunt was going through Aunt Dawn's craft stuff, they found it and I knew it was meant for Sebastian because we had discussed the colors I wanted her to use and it was that color. So anyway, I figure it has to be in one of hte other boxes.

My daredevil son did a stunt tonight that left him with a bloody, split lip. He climbed up on the roll-top desk and jumped onto our bed, which catapulted him into the totes stacked at the head of our bed, and it busted his lip open. I don't know if I will survive mothering this boy of mine. He has absolutely no fear. It is almost scary at times. a small dose of fear is healthy..it's what keeps us safe. So, he is sure to have one heck of a fat lip for awhile. After he did that, I got him a washcloth and cleaned him up and let him hold the washcloth, while I held him...we both fell asleep. He was laying in my arms like a little baby..it was so sweet. Won't be too long before he figures he is too big for that kinda cuddling. He already reminds us all the time that he is "huge". LOL.

OH and a sweet find. The other day when I went to storage and got some things, I found, in the bottom of one of the bags I brought home, some of the clothes Julie had sent up for Sebastian and the best part is, I found them just in time, as he is about in that size now. I have been blessed when it comes to clothes and such for this boy. I haven't had to buy him too many new clothes, because people have passed on clothes their boys have outgrown. And I have found his winter coat at yard sales, every year, in excellent shape and very cheap. Can't beat it. This year's coat, I had bought at a yard sale, for 1.00. It was missing the zipper. not the teeth part, just the part that zips it up. I took that up to my aunt bev on Thanksgiving and she repaired it and brought it back for our family christmas party this past saturday. What a bargain!!! And then Julie has sent up some very nice clothes. I have to say that everyone is amazed at how nice the things are that you send up here. Nobody can believe that the boots Makenneh is wearing are from your daughters and thay are all grown up. They are in great condition and don't even look dated. It's amazing. And certainly appreciated.

I am on a roll of sorts tonight. Guess Im trying to type through this massive headache that keeps bothering me. Anyway, my mother in law called me last week because they had a girl come in to rent an apartment from a shelter. I guess she was a victim of domestic violence and the police removed her from the home and sent her to a shelter. She was removed from her "home" with nothing but the clothes on her back and her 6 month old son. They have absolutely nothing. The mom works at Walmart and they paid to get her moved into the apartment and paid the first couple months of rent for her. They also took up a collection for necessities for her and the baby. I passed word along in my family and my sister in law went through Kaden's clothes and had a whole garbage bag of nice, name brand, barely worn clothes to pass on to her. Along with baby wash, lotion, powder, blankets, hats, shoes, toiletries, and a garbage bag of clothes for mom. My sister brought out things she had to donate as well, including a brand new sheet set, some washclothes and towels, cups, and other household items. my mother in law (either through work or gma's belongings) came up with a couch, table, chairs, end tables, entertainment center and some other odds and ends and they are going through emptied apartments that people have left things behind. So, it is coming together nicely for this lady. Hopefully she is able to make the fresh start she so obviously needs. Oh and someone donated a pack and play so the baby has a place to sleep. It is such a beautiful thing to see people do such kind things for others.

Well, it is time to get to bed. Right after I take some motrin for this headache.

Happy Wednesday to everyone!

Razz my blood pressure

I posted an offer for my brother's dog on freecycle. He needs a loving home. We have tried all this before to no avail (even with rescue agencies) but I thought I would try again. Boy, did i get hate mail from one poster. I am so upset I could scream. She took it upon herself to assume we were cruel and should be charged for animal cruelty for having an outside dog. HEY lady....we DON"T want him to be an outside dog which is why I am posting him on here to find him a good/loving home. The alternative is taking him to the shelter where he will be euthanized. It may very well come to that because people are leary of pit bulls. I can tell him how wonderful and loving he is but most people are afraid of them. I admit I was until my brother got this dog. He is such a wonderful dog (and that says a lot coming from me, because I don't like dogs much). So, anyway, I do hope someone responds to take him because I want for him to have a home and a family. My brother doesn't exacty know that I have posted him, but he isn't the one who has to feed him, keep him watered and feel bad because he is outside when he is very much a family oriented dog. I lose sleep over it and feel so bad about it. So, i figured that seems how my brother will never be able to take him back because of their line of work (they run an adult foster care home which doesn't allow pets at all). He can't live outside indefinitely. Just doesn't work. And with 4 adults, 2 kids, a dog and cat (and her kittens at the moment), there isn't room for another dog in the house. There isn't room for the people without being cramped.

Other than that.....Tonight was our Christmas bunco. It was nice to get out and have some fun. I didn't win anything but did get to bring a gift home because we exchange gifts for our Christmas bunco. I got a candle set and a body spray set. This Saturday we have a Christmas party for my mom's side. We aren't exchanging gifts, just getting together for family fun. We are all going to bring our favorite games and spend the evening playing.

I think I am pretty much done with Christmas shopping. I have to get my mom something yet, but i don't know what. Most people are getting homemade gifts, as I mentioned before. However, my mom and I are doing them ourselves and it seems silly to give her the very things she is making alongside me. So, I am thinking about getting her some slippers (her feet are always cold) and then maybe doing up a basket of relaxing stuff of different sorts. I got my dad a Bible tote to put his Bible in along with all his choir stuff and other booklets and fliers and ink pens and such. I hope he likes it. He certainly needs one. He has a stack of stuff he carries back and forth to church. For my brother and Sara, I am doing up a Mexican themed gift basket with homemade taco seasoning, homemade fiesta dip mix, taco sauce, gonna put some taco shells, tortilla chips, and then some little dishes for the dip and taco toppings. I am also giving Sara a bath salt, body scrub, soap set. My sister and Ralph are getting a movie themed basket with a movie, popcorn, homemade hot cocoa mix, and then the bath stuff for my sister, some work gloves for ralph (bc i got them for 3/$1 on black friday). Jeremy's brother is getting a movie, soup in jar (he loves soup), hot chocolate mix, popcorn. I am so excited about this Christmas. I think making the gifts homemade and doing things like that are so much fun and make it all so much more meaningful.

Well, I am going to finish up on here and get to bed, in case Makenneh has school in the morning. We are supposed to get 4-6 inches or so of snow overnight...it started snowing, turned to rain, and then is supposed to freeze overnight. Sounds like it could make for trecherous roads come school time. Stay warm!

A sort of tribute

I don't even know what you would call this post, but it has been on my mind to put this out there for some time and it is time I do so. Every so often, we meet someone who inspires us, who makes our lives better just by touching it. These sorts of special people are often the unsung heroes of our lives. They don't get nearly the recognition they deserve. So, tonight (or rather, this morning, would you look at the time..it's after 2am), that unsung hero is getting some recognition. She probably doesn't even realize how amazing she really is. These types of people are humble. They are kind by nature, they don't do anything for reward or praise. It's done out of the generosity and kindness of their hearts. It's just simply who they are. She may not even realize how truly amazing I think she is. I have told her from time to time, but not nearly as often as I should. And probably not as adamantly as I should. The problem is, finding the words to express these thoughts without sounding almost creepy. LOL. But, seriously, this person has been a part of my life for quite a long time and we have experienced some of lifes greatest tragedies and joys together. Time and space has distanced us, but irregardless, I know that I could pick up the phone right now and call her and she would lend a listening ear, a helping hand, words of comfort. I know that should I really need something from her, she would do her best to provide it. I know that even if all the rest of the world turned their backs on me, she would be the last one standing on my side. I know that I can stand before her without being judged. I know that I have been blessed to have met her and know her. And I believe that through her (or in her) I can see God. I can see Him shine through in her very being. Her unfailing faith, her devotion, her very existence. Besides my grandma, I haven't met another person so full of faith. When most people would have given up, she goes on, knowing He will see her through. But that's not all. Most of it, I cannot even begin to put into words, because there are no words to describe. She is a light in a world that can often be dark and dreary. She is a gentleness in the midst of a storm. She is strength in a moment of weakness. She is peace in the midst of choas. She is a friend, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister. And she always does her best to fill all those roles.

I seriously cannot say enough good things about her and I hope that she realizes how very special she is.

And in case she hasn't figured out yet who I am talking about, Stacy, it's you!!! My "oldest" friend. Oldest in that, we have been friends since 5th grade. The years have brought us tears and laughter, sadness and joy. We've come together and drifted apart, but I have always known that I have a friend in Stacy. I know that no matter where this crazy life may take me, she will always be but a phone call (or email) away. Her strength amazes me.

Stacy, I hope you know that you are an amazing person and that your very life is a true testament of God's love and blessings. I am thankful that our lives intersected all those years ago and I am glad to call you friend!

Busy day

we have two christmas parties today. One at 430 and one at 5. Going to be busy. We have been busy doing crafts as most of our gifts this year (besides for kids) are going to be handmade. It has been a lot of fun and we think we should start doing these for craft shows, because they are inexpensive and easy to do. Not to mention, fun. We have been making body scrubs, bath salts, soaps, bath oils, soup in a jar, hot chocolate.

It has been super cold around here lately. The temps falling into the teens at night and only rising to the twenties during the day. Add wind to that and it makes for a freezing experience. And i still need to go to our storage unit to get out Christmas wrap stuff and stockings and dig for Jeremy's winter coat. WE still haven't found that. Grrrr. I shiver just thinking about having to do that.

My sister went to her ultrasound appt the other day and It's a Girl!!!!!!! I am so excited. I would be excited either way. The baby is growing well and everything is going good. The only thing is she has been having wretched headaches the entire pregnancy and they get so bad she can't move. They last for days sometimes. Her OB sent her to a neurologist and they wanted to do an MRI. THe only thing is, in order to do an MRI, she would have to sign a waiver on the baby. The neurologist said that he doesn't think it is anything serious but just ordered the MRI to be safe to check for lesions or tumors or any other abnormality. But, after learning that they would have to sign a waiver on the baby's safety, they have declined it. They have been less frequent lately and hopefully with relaxation techniques, tylenol 3 in severe cases and rest, she will be ok. She is going to discuss it all with her OB when she goes back into him and I suggested she even discuss it with her family doctor (who used to do OB care until recently), to get more opinions. So, please say a prayer that everything works out. It is a potentially scary situation bc if there were something wrong with my sister, you don'twant to risk her health but at the same time, you don't want to tests that could be dangerous to the child if they could wait until she gave birth. Let's hope and pray it all works out.

I think that's enough for now...i have lots of things to get done before we hve to get ready for these parties! ENjoy your weekend!

stealing a moment

Things have been crazy around here. We went up to my grandma's for Thanksgiving. That meant a little over two hours to get there and the same to get home. A lot of time in the car that day, but it was a great time. I got up wee early friday morning for the crazy shopping spree. I have to say taht I have NEVER seen such ugliness in my entire life and hope to never see such again. We went to walmart first because they had the best deals for what I wanted. No parking, no carts, no room to breath. IT was rediculous. But that wasn't the bad part. It's a 24 hour store, so ppl are there, plenty before the 5am doorbuster deals start. at 5, the place became a dangerzone. I literally looked up and saw hands, fists and boxes flying in a massive clump. It was the most wretched scene ever. Grown people acting like imbeciles. Blech. I stood back and let all hell break loose. Then, nonchalantly gathered the things I wanted and proceeded to check out. Because of the chaos, I really didn't get all the things I had wanted, but i wasn't willing ot fight the crowds. Saving a few bucks just wasn't THAT important to me. Overall, we had a good time shopping but the stories I have heard about this black friday make me sick...like the one guy who worked at a walmart in new york and was trampled by shoppers. That is disgussting. No excuse anywhere for the that kind of behavior and I hope like all hell that those stupid, ignorant, self-absorbed people who so thoughlessly trampled another human being lose sleep for the rest of their poor, pitiful lives over their reckless, thoughtless, disgusting behavior. Yes, it sickens and saddens me that people would behave that way all in the name of saving a few dollars. Life cannot be reduced to a dollar amount and yet those shoppers took a life for the sake of racing to save a few bucks. Yuck.
End tangent.

We have been dumped on with snow. I hate driving in it and was really hoping my class would be canceled for today but no such luck. The schools were closed for the kids but my college didn't close. I was actually pleased to find the roads in fine condition by the time I left here at quarter to ten this morning. It wasn't a bad drive at all.

Oh to back track....Friday evening Makenneh got sick....throwing up and diarrhea. All day saturday I was wretchedly sick. i slept all day, except to get up and race to the bathroom. Today, Jeremy had it and this evening, my dad started coming down with it. He came home, had dinner, plowed the driveway and was in bed by 630. I hope we are done with the bug after this.

Well, I am gonna stop here for now, because I want to finish making my rounds on here and get to bed. Stay warm!