IM'ing and Craziness

Ok, I think I think I'm catching up with my kids and possibly entering the 21st century (that's where we are, right?). There is this awesome guy who kind of keeps an eye on my sister for me (well not for me, for his cousin and because he is just that kind of guy, GREAT)...Not like he doesn't have enough to do, after all there is the war and everything going on around him. He's a cousin of my friend and every once in a while he moseys on over to my sisters camp and checks in and reports back. Is that cool or what? He IM's his cousin and she shared his IM ID with me, well, being that this guy is wonderful and I want to tell him thanks like a million times over, I thought maybe I should step into the century and sign up. It's not like my kids and friends haven't been busy at this stuff and wanting me to, no, it's a total stranger, who risks his life for me and this country that finally convinced me. I don't know too many peoples ID's as I don't IM much, but if anyone is interested, my ID is j8n54 (through yahoo). Send me a message so I can add your ID (if you want me to know it, sorry but the kids and this guy have Yahoo accounts so that's what I got). I'm sure there is a fancy way to let you know, but, well duh, it's me! Waddya expect? Work and home are both a bit nuts, but again, it's me and that would be the normal for me. Friends and fam are the best...for the most part. Yes, still crazy, mostly fun, but still have the ability to drive me nuts... TTFN J

Leisure Time...I COULD Retire and Like it!

Did next to nothing today...have to say it felt fabulous! The weather has turned a little chilly, supposed to snow and everything...and we have tickets to a ball game! Brrrrr! Can't skip, it's my kids birthday celebration and our 21st anniversary celebration. Can't believe it's been this long (not quite, it's actually on May 3rd, but our traditional game is an away game so we are going a week early), can't believe anyone could put up with me that long! Friend just returned from a cruise that sounded wonderfully relaxing and she's back to the daily grind (I'm sorry but we're glad your back!!!), another friend is moving shortly into a new home, very excited for her even if I am going to help her move! My brother and his family are building a new home and preparing the current home for sale. It's older and needs work (like new windows and refinished floor) but the rest of it is pretty good and should go quickly. My brother in-law just moved law offices (on his own now), sister just returned to her station over seas, my niece is traveling for sports, my nephew is traveling for an art show, and I'm sure there is more to report. Lizard is playing football and it turns out she is actually pretty good...to bad she's going to end up so small, she loves the sport and wants to play but won't be able to compete in the long run d/t size. Good hands and swift feet won't help much if she's crushed. She loves it and will play while she can. Up to see a play last week with the chicks (definitely a chick play--Cinderella) and we had a blast. My sides hurt from laughing at the play and afterwards. The whole cast was excellent, music fabulous, and it was down right funny...the steps sisters rocked! Joan and her friend had us in stitches, although Kit, her daughter and I had them going as well. Good time was had by all...I've never EVER spent that much time sitting at a Taco Bell AND had a great time (although it was almost spoiled by having to go...the guys restroom was GROSS, when you gotta go and there aren't free stalls, well, you gotta go). I don't know how guys restrooms always seem to be so much grosser than women's restrooms. It's like they don't care and neither do the people cleaning them. Ugh! Well, living through vicariously through others at this point...pretty boring myself. That's ok, life is so busy it's ok with me to be the boring one. I like observing and sitting on the sidelines at times, this happens to be one of them. It's not like life can (or maybe it won't) pass me by, it still goes on no matter what and I love it! Love my fam and friends too!!! Peace. J

Bl...bl...blogging Catch-Up

It's been insane the past couple of weeks between work and home. Work will never calm down and not sure home will either as long as I have 4 teenagers and a tween! The activities seem never ending and now we have the end of the springs merging with the summer sports as well as the extra-curricular activities and the extended family activities. I feel like I'm that dog who is either chasing it's own tail in circles and never catching it or the one that won't stop playing fetch--stupid people who keep throwing the bone! My sister went back, her kids are totally sad, but went down and spent some time with them this weekend while Liz and I were at a competition. had a blast, just extremely tired as a result (still, and its already Wednesday!). After a late night at the slumber party (where not much slumber occurred except for the dancer in the group) we headed to competition (that was after calling dad and having him head to the big city with the items Liz forgot and needed for her performance!). Liz did well at the competition (1 High Gold and International invitation to finals and 2 golds on her own, the studio received several awards--did great, kudos' to all!!). The boys, Liz and I made a visit to a special pizzeria/game room and had a marvelous time before we delivered the kids back to dad and headed home. Arrived home in time to go to a surprise party for a friend (which we were fashionable late for) for another late evening (which the 2 alone wouldn't have been so bad, it was the preceding 5 that did me in). Sunday in church I am trying y darndest to focus, focus, focus when the migraine struck with full force. Ended up having to leave and lay down--that has never happened to me there. I stumbled from the church, into the house and onto bed...past enough people that I have received get well cards from many and much teasing from my kids for going to church sober and coming home drunk. Once in the dungeon (I needed it very dark) medicine and cold rags were presented to me until I was conscious again---many, many hours later! I actually couldn't tell you how many hours it was, I recall fixing dinner...ok, getting a glass of water and announcing catches-catch-can for dinner...and that was it. Liz started football, much to the chagrin of many of the teachers--the coach, dad and the boys couldn't be prouder. All her siblings and cousin are hearing about it when they enter their classes. So, for 2 days at least, every class got the Lizard update, I think secretly Tater is really enjoying it...keeps bragging he taught her everything she knows...good thing she is a good player, huh! Softball season under way and one still one more basketball tourney to go. Baseball starts in a week or two and all the preparations for summer mission trips and volunteering is underway. I think all of us are going to loose it! The list goes on. Heading north for Friday, a performance at Joan's school of Cinderella...and gee, for some reason the boys don't want to go. Some friends and I are making it a Ladies Night and planning on enjoying ourselves. Back home on Saturday for annual vet appointments (for the pets, not the kids) and on to my brothers for some fun-filled work on his house. We are just too excited, can you tell! Really, bro, I don't mind! We'll have fun, maybe...well, I won't print that thought!

Hate to Blessings

I really hate dishonesty and disrespect. I also hate when a person feels alone and isolated. I always want to help them, sometimes I can't. I hate it when people talk about others...Unless it's nice, and when is the last time you heard that happen. Ok, guess I'm a little down about a situation. I love kids, my own kids, my nieces, my nephews, my kids friends and my friends kids...Really any kid. But there are times when I don't. Actually, I dislike the behaviors and the actions...The kids are still ok. Kind of frustrated with a difficult situation, kind of feel there is something right there and I can't get to it. I know I will but for now it's just frustrating. On the flip side, I really love it when people are open and honest, treat each other with respect, are caring and loving. I go to this really fantastic church, you walk in and just feel love...Actually I attend 2 churches of 2 different faiths and the second one is usually as nice as the first. I'm really fortunate in that respect. But this one church,the larger one, it's like going home when you walk in. People really care, they love each other and they love those who enter. There is especially a love for those in need. It's nice to know that there is always someone praying for me, who really cares what is going on, and it's good to always see a smile. People are really happy and funny and fun to be around. It's great. Now, if the rest of the world would follow suit, everyone could experience the utter joy of being loved for who you are and the gifts you offer. Being forgiven when needed, hugged and helped along the way as needed. If others could be so fortunate. Well, I guess I'm dwelling a bit. My sister left on Thursday, and some other stuff is going on (work and life) that are a bit stressful. I should be dwelling on what I have, be thankful. I have this great and awesome God, who is my spiritual father, this wonderful family, equally wonderful friends whom I love and care for deeply, a roof over my head, a decent job where I am able to help others (have my cake and eat it too type thing), a great community in which to live, more things than I know what to do with--I'm very fortunate. I'm feeling better and stronger already. Never knew blogging could be so therapeutic! When I started I thought I would be making a hate and love list so I could stew...Instead I talked myself into being peacefully happy and counting my blessings. To all of you, who are my blessings, thank you! J