SpluuuCreates

Switching

2008-11-22T10:08:00.000-06:00

I type faster than blogger can accept- so I am now blogging at http://www.spluuuwife.wordpress.com

Tired Old Lady

2008-11-10T21:15:00.002-06:00

I am so tired of life again. I get so busy and "caught up" in tryng to get everthing done and it leads me nowhere. I rebel and end up a veggie in the recliner with the laptop.

I got off work today at 4:15 and rented a movie at the "redbox" and went to Hallmark and got two ornaments for our tree this year. I actually found a Wall-E ornament!!!

Came home- put on my pj's and watched a few of "MY SHOWS" without Bud and Nathan yapping and demanding my time and attention.

Tried to clean up the shower and had a few tiles come loose and fall off my bathtub wall!!! UGH! I have tomorrow off from work and my goal is to get some shelving up in "MY ROOM" so I can get it cleaned up and organized so I can work in there. We'll see what actually gets done.

Interviews for my job are next week! I asked my boss if I could leave early on Friday so I can get out of town before traffic hits. She said "a week before your interview?" ha haha?

Oh and the big boss gave me an announcement for the daily bulletin and I had a few typos in it. Tomorrow I ain't there to correct it!!! ugh!!!

I forgot my "id" at work today and couldn't get in! UGH! Gotta find it!!!

Well- the boys will be back- more on the old lady later I guess.

Wow! It's November already!

2008-11-03T20:23:00.004-06:00

14 days from now I turn the big 39! Hard to believe I have been on this earth that long- but again- my body is telling me - I am at least that old if not more! ha ha ha!

Ok- Bud got fired- long story there- won't go into it here... just know that he is unemployed and actively searching for work. He is doing it with a smile- which is just down-right awesome! I love coming home to his smile. He has had a few interviews already with contracting companies but we are still in limbo.

Nathan had his surgery- and is back at school. His voice is a few octaves higher but he eats like crazy now! We can't keep him out of the kitchen. Doc said his adenoids were so swollen and infected that there was absolutely no air going in and out of his nostrils. He wanted to be WALL-E for halloween but the costume were only online and they were anywhere from 69.99 - 169.99!!! So we went to our local Target and he decided to be a mouse. He was a very cute mouse- but I already put the costume to Goodwill. I know it won't fit him next week- especially with his hunger.

I still don't know about my job. I have applied for the position- but we are in the 10 day posting period right now. Still have to interview too. UGH!!! I like not being a CNA! No offense to CNA's out there- but that life is not for me. Give me a computer and a mailing to do- or a report to prepare- and I am there! I love this job!!!!

Oh- I went shopping for new work clothes and I am down to a size 14/16 on my top and 16 on the bottom! I haven't been this size in a long time! It felt great trying on the smaller sizes.

I finally graduated from the Sorenson Video Relay Training Program. On Saturday that is... I finally just put my foot down and told them- GRADUATE ME!!! So- Wed will be my first shift as a VI!!! I am so excited. Now it is crunch time for my exams. I am debating on taking the Kansas performance exam- or just skip it- and go for my National Certification performance/interview exam... the National exam I can take in Lee Summit, MO or St. Louis, MO. The KS test is in Topeka. So- got a lot to decide. I also have to take time off of work either way.

2 weeks ago- was my fall overnight scrap party at the church. I actually got pages done in my Dad's Army book. It felt good to get those done. I need to get my titles and info for the pages done but I got the pictures on the paper. I also found last years Halloween that I had not finished and Nathan's second birthday - that I had not scrapped yet. Friday is scrapbooking again for me.

woo hoo! I need to send some pictures to Walgreens to get printed before I forget.

Voting- I am so unimpressed with any of the candidates. I know for sure that Obama is not getting my vote. The man could not make a decision while in office in Illinois- he voted "present" more than "yay" or "nay" which totally sucks for this country- we need someone that can make a decision and stick with it- and not be afraid to say "yay" or "nay!" I want someone that will move us forward and not make us look like fools. - so as of 9pm the night before the election- I can't tell you who I am going to vote for but I sure can tell you who I am NOT voting for. NOBAMA!!!!

Hubby swears by Ron Paul. I don't know enough about him. Then there are 2 others on the ballot as well. Gonna investigate them a bit more before I head to bed. So watch this space for my final decision (if any of you readers care).

Ok- gonna end it here- but wanted to add a pic or two from Halloween stuff.

hmm.. It's 3:45am on a Sat. morning- WHAT AM I DOING UP?

2008-10-11T03:45:00.002-05:00

Yes, you read that right. I have no clue why I am awake- I love Saturdays cuz I can sleep in! Guess not this week... go figure!

Took Nathan to meet his surgeon. Nice guy- very straightforward and told us that he would get more benefit from the adenoids being removed than the actual tonsils. He even asked "How long has the Darth Vader breathing been going on?" "Since he was born!" said Bud. So- this Tuesday our little guy is going in. Poor thing.

Darren finally has his meds in check. No "outbursts" or anything for about 3 weeks. It is so nice to come home to his smiling face and not have him complain or yell about what time I got home from work- and demand I do all this stuff for him before I can go to bed. Which is absolutely crazy- and I would dread to come home. Now when I work late- I can't wait to get home! He is even letting me snuggle with him under the covers again! YAY!!! MY BUD IS BACK!!!!

Still don't know what is going to happen at my work at KSD. The "chick" I am filling in for- wants to get fired so she can get unemployment. They are trying to talk her out of that- since she has been there for so long- blah blah blah.... anyway- so I am continuing to be in LIMBO. But I was assured it was close to getting resolved.

My other job at Sorenson- is going a bit better. I will graduate from VI training at the end of this month- and this week Wed- the whole computer system in my center was down- for the whole night. Thursday when I went back- it had just started working again a few hours before I got there! Wed night a group of us got together and worked on signs and idioms and it was a pleasant break. Thursday- had my NIC study group- short meeting- but I was able to get some papers and life sorted out- before I started my shift.
I was with a mentor at first and then they put me in my own station alone for awhile- with a mentor right across the hall. It was cool! I didn't have any problems at all. Like I said before I am really starting to enjoy it.
This coming week- I am going to start being a freelance interpreter for KSD. I am going on a field trip with the dorm-and so I can get more experience before I take my exam.

I had my follow-up appointment with my gyno doc and she said I was fine- after the surgery. She didn't need to see me again- unless I had major issues again. Woo Hoo!!! One less doc to see! I still have to see my endocrinologist this coming Friday. Gonna get in trouble for that one. OH- got my insurance record for my surgery- actual cost of my surgery was near 15,000 dollars!! I think it was definitely worth it though. I think it said our responsibility was close to 300 dollars. Which isn't bad at all!

This weekend we are playing it cool- probably will go bowling since we haven't been in awhile and since next week Nathan and Bud will be held up in the house- resting. Next weekend Paula and I are going to see Lion King! I can't wait!!! I haven't had a girls night out since .... forever ago! We are going to a matinee- so really it is a girls afternoon out. We may end up at Starbucks and hang out there until hubby's put the kids to bed.

Oh- Darren's parents are off RVing for the rest of the month. We won't see them until Thanksgiving. They seem to be having a great time- we read their blog to keep up.

um... can't think of anything else to write-

till next time!!!

God is givng me Job moments!!!!

2008-10-04T19:58:00.006-05:00

Hey folks- all 3 of you that read this...

Busy week again. I had my surgery- and it was wonderful to be "out of it" even though it was only for a few hours.

Got the "moms" out of the house and was still sore. Went to work Monday and boy it was good to be back. Had a pretty uneventful day. Tuesday I made it through the day- no major events. Had sign class and just about everyone showed up. Wed and Thursday nights I went back to Sorenson. Wed I observed... Thursday I got on the phones for over an hour. I also found out I was signing the word "any" wrong. I have been teaching it wrong for a long time too!!! DOH!! Friday I interviewed for the Para position at the school and I really don't want it- but if it lets me stay at KSD great!!! Anyway- interviewed and signed for myself and forgot the sign for "multiplication" and for hands on- and a few others... anyway- I heard I did pretty good in the interview.

The boss invited me out to lunch- I am not a big fan of Mi Ranchito but I haven't been out to lunch and really thought I deserved a "treat" for the week. We get sat down at the restaurant and Bud calls me. "Um... I lost my job." I asked him to repeat it... he did... he was calling from the SRS building. He already was meeting with his VR counselor. By 2pm he had 2 call backs from contracting companies. So anyway- he is pretty positive about it- and is actively seeking new employment. I won't go into why he was laid off- because I think the company (contracting company) was looking for something to cause them to fire him... which isn't fair--- but at the same time---with all the health issues I was very surprised they didn't fire him before.

Anyway--- Nathan had a follow up appointment from his ER visit and his tonsils and adenoids are still swollen and so he definiely has to have them removed. He also got his flu shot and was very good with it all. Not sure when it will happen now.

I am supposed to find out what job I'm going to be doing at KSD on Monday- but the Principal's 4 yr old daughter died of cancer last week and the funeral is on Monday. Practically every staff person in the elementary is going to the funeral- so I will be in the classroom most of the day and so I probably won't hear until later in the week.

Went to the Kansas Speedway today. Bud's dad turns 60 on October 31st an for his birthday he got to go to the Dale Jarrett Racing School and got to go 8 laps around the Kansas Speedway. It was a bit crazy. 27 people came to watch him but several did not show up by 2pm like they were supposed to- but it turned out ok- he was in the 3rd group to drive and when it came time for him to actually get in and drive- everyone was there!!! Nathan had a great time- but it was a long day (ha ha ha!) he even kissed his girlfiend!

They had been holding hands most of the afternoon. CRAZY!!!!!!

Well- got to get some stuff done before Nathan comes home tomorrow. He is staying in "Harvey the RV" with Grammy and PaPa. He will go on a picnic tomorrow and then come home.

Oh- he has started signing!! He signs his name and spells BIGFOOT and signs apple and milk and grandma and grandpa and mom and dad and a lot of others. I am so proud of him! Finally!! I have been trying to get this kid to sign since birth!

OTHER AWESOME NEWS- April one of my youth minister kids and her boyfriend got engaged over the summer and I got asked this week to be their officiating minister. The other cool part is that she is getting married where Bud and I got married 6 yrs ago!

Until I post again!

-SL

Upset and it ain't my stomach.

2008-09-24T01:52:00.003-05:00

What a horrible day! I went to work at KSD as usual- It was picture day! My hair-- well-- there is nothing to say about it- I hate my hair.
Boss gave me a big project to work on- YEA! The interpreter even answered the phones for me while I worked on it until she had an IEP to go to. I had to ask my boss tons of question- which ended up being really stupid questions. anyway--- I am finishing up the big job and the phone rings and it is Bud. "Heeeeeyyyy Sh- sheeeerrrrryyyy" he says very slurred and slow. I immediately go into panic mode. "Bud? What's up? What is going on?" " Um... I don't know... I can't seem to stay awake, and I am having a hard time walking." Again very slow and slurred. "Well, I will come and pick you up ok? Stay there!" So I interrupt a meeting the Boss is in and explain that there is an emergency with my husband. She signs back to me "GO!" So I gather up my stuff and stop by the Infirmary to get advise from my other boss. She is an ER nurse when she isn't working in the Infirmary. She tells me to call the doc and to call Bud's co-workers to see what kind of information I can get out of them. so- I do that. I call them and head over to Bud's work. I also call my Mom who is at the church office. I ask for prayers for Darren.
Get Darren all picked up- try to quiz him without being "too quizative" because it "sets him off" and drop him off at home to rest because the doctor told us to come in at 4pm (we already had an appointment set up- thank God!)
I head back to work- sit down at my desk- go back to work on my project- type up the corrections that needto be made and then I realize- I don't have my job application in yet for the Para-job which I am to apply for- in case this secretary comes back on the 15th of October. yep, the one job I LOVE on campus isn't mine. The Administrative Assistant (secretary) is out on FMLA leave until mid October. If she decides to come back I am S.O.L. Because Bud can't deal with me being gone at night. So no more CNA for me- so this wonderful job as a Paraprofessional in the High School (one building I haven't worked in yet!) opened up and the person currently in it is leaving October 3rd. Anyway- I have to get this freakin' application in! The job was posted last week. I tried to get it in last week- but we had this big Fundraiser called DEAF Sunday and I was in charge of the bid booklet for the auction. It was horrible- I was at KSD all day Saturday with Nathan trying to get it done, and again early Sunday morning- and I completed it, and the Wii- which was donated and part of the Live Auction- did not print on the page and I didn't know it until an hour before the event!! anyway----I still need to get this application done and turned in!!!
So I am finishing up this application- right? I am compiling a list of all my job titles and duties at KSD on a form with the help of some ladies in the office and I get a call from Nathan's school. I NEVER GET CALLS FROM HIS SCHOOL- so I know something must be bad. I answer it and it is the director- Michelle. "Nathan just had a seizure here at school." "Does he have seizures?" "WHAT?" I responded back? "We have called 911 and they are on their way -would you like to meet us here at the preschool or at the hospital?" "At the hospital" I replied. I started freaking out!!! I had seizures (epilepsy) from the age of 3-7 and in my head I have always wondered if I could pass that issue onto Nathan. So I immediately hang up the phone and start to cry. The interpreter = Lori is there and she is wonderful!!! she is the one that told me about this wonderful Bible Study at work- and we share prayer concerns all the time. Anyway- she says she is not letting me drive by myself. She drives me to the hospital... Crap!!! Bud has a doctor appointment at 4pm yet!! I call another friend of ours and she gets her husband to come out and get Bud and take him to the doctor. Whew!!! got that scheduled. I of course call my Mom and she flips out- and I call Bud's mom and she of course starts crying too. We arrive at the hospital- beating the ambulance. Finally he arrives and he is still disoriented a bit. He knew who I was but did not understand why he wasn't in Mrs Brandy's room anymore. I talk to the doctor who was very impressive and quick to respond. I had forgotten to make copies of Nathan's insurance card since he had switched to Daddy's insurance- but we got that taken care of...
So- we wait... Doc looks at his throat and poor Nathan can hardly open his mouth- and Doc says --- WOW! His tonsils are really inflamed. He reads the EMT report and at the time they picked him up his fever was 101.3! They try and give him some tylenol and motrin. He won't have any of it- I convince him to take it- and he can play "bowling" on my blackberry... he agrees to it.. but doesn't even play half a game. He starts to whine a bit- and he gets sleepy. doc takes a throat culture- before they gave him his medicine----and we wait to hear if it is strep. So- Bud calls me and says "No doctor- I am coming to the ER!" He shows up. Nathan goes to sleep and immediately starts snoring. Doc comes in- No Strep- severe tonsilitus and we are to go see his pediatrician next week t0 talk about getting his tonsils and probably his adenoids out. So--- they offer antibiotic for 10 days or a shot of penicillan. I chose the shot- just because of his throat being so inflamed and he has horrible diarhea when he is on most anti-biotics... so they give him the shot- and he hardly cried. We have to wait 20 minutes to see if there is a reaction. I head back to KSD with Lori- to get my car. I am still freaking out- I gather up my stuff- I am supposed to be teaching Family Sign Class- but we cancelled it for this week. I turn on my computer and send some files to my home email so I can work on them- but forget to send my KSD duties document DOH!!! I start to leave and I got stopped by a few people and so it takes me 40 minutes to get back to the hospital. Bud calls me as I am getting ready to get off the interstate.
Ok-- so we stop by "EnDonalds" because Nathan wants chocolate milk. I hadn't eaten much lunch because I had to work through lunch due to picking up Bud at work... We get McDonald's and go home. Nathan chows down french fries and a cheeseburger and 2 chocolate milks. He was definitely hungry!!!
I make a Walgreen's run to get liquid Tylenol and Motrin an Bud has 2 prescriptions there and I walk out $74.00 later! I had to get milk and of course juice for little man at the grocery store. I get home at almost 8 pm... and Nathan wants to play Bookworm on my laptop- so we sit ad play that for awhile and he starts to get all hot again- 101.2 accoring to our ear thermometer... so we start in on tylenol and I set up the air mattress in his bedroom and that is where I am now. It is 2:29 am and I am layn on the air mattress listening to him snore and checking him for another fever. UG!! So far so good.
My mother is leaving Iowa at 5:45 this morning- to avoid traffic... My mother-in-law is leaving St. Louis this afternoon and coming- why?
Bud got his dr appointment moved to today at 4pm. I go in at 5:45 on Thursday morning for outpatient surgery (female stuff)
so- yes- I am very upset and it sure ain't my stomach!!! I am reminded on a daily basis that God uses us when we are at our deepest... come on God!! Use me- cuz I aint sure I can handle going any deeper- I just am totally broken and empty- and so unsure of life right now. I so want to be taken care of- instead of caring for others- I often ask myself "when is it my turn?" I know it is a huge part of being a mom and wife- but I am so drained- I feel like the absolute bottom of the pit- is where I am at. Our house looks like it too!!!
Well it is time to take little man's temperature... Until I post again....
oh- yes- almost forgot--- I missed out on Picture Day! So I can wait till OCT 28th- and maybe get something done with my hair- if I am still at KSD.

Space- a final frontier...

2008-09-14T20:12:00.002-05:00

Ok- just read hubby's blog. He totally is wrong! He over-reacted to my bag from work being on his side of our bedroom. Then he says I push him off the bed when I sleep- now tell me- how I am supposed to correct this problem? TELL ME!!!

I am behind on my Bible Study with the ladies a work. I am almost a whole week behind! I was going t catch up this weekend, but I ended up working on my "room" so Bud could have more room in his manland. Guess I have a lot more to do.

Tomorrow we are babysitting the Robidoux girls! Bud likes taking care of Taylor. Nathan hangs with Riley- and I guess I will handle Nathan and Riley.

Tuesday is Bible Study- and my first Sign Class for the year. I won't be home until late. Wed I go to Sorenson. Thursday is Deaf Sunday prep day- and Friday is Scrapbooking! Saturday is a birthday party for a friend of Nathans and Sunday is Deaf Sunday. If you want to buy tickets - contact me- $15.00 for adults. $5.00 for ages 4-12.

Busy week. Not much breathing room. Next week is my surgery! Woo Hoo!!!

Well Big Brother is on- gotta run!!!

Couplehood

2008-09-08T21:09:00.002-05:00

I want to say- I love my husband 100%. I do not know what is inside his head- what he thinks or even feels and it drives me crazy! This isn't your normal male/female stuff. Tonight when Nathan and I came home he was smiling! He even opened the door for us! 10 minutes later he is all sad and depressed and practically catatonic in the chair watching the news. I asked him what was wrong "nothing" he said and then he went to bed - where I catch him practically crying. I called the doctor and he immediately told me to give him more pills. I know he doesn't want to take anymore pills. If it were me- I wouldn't want to take the pills but I am stuck. I am to return to my work at Sorenson in 2 days- and I can't have him like this- and expect him to take care of Nathan while I am gone! UGH!!! It is driving me crazy and I feel so helpless.
Being a couple with someone with a head injury/mental illness is very stressful. Yes we have some great days. Saturday was pretty good with the parade and the Spinach festival but then in the afternoon it was clearly "too much" for him.
I really want my ol' Bud back- but when I think about it- he wasn't as active as he is now - what I mean is- involved in things. I like it when he gets involved in things that mean something to him. I teased him cuz he ordered a free Book of Mormon from the Mormons and they delivered it last week. He asked what the difference was between theirs and ours and I told him and when we were at church- he asked the Sunday School class and we talked about it and I could see Bud's brain a working. But tonight- it was a 180 turn in the wrong direction. He even used the word "depressed!" My heart aches when I see him this way. It is a dull pain that eats away at me- and I try and play the "helper" role but what can you do when the other person doesn't want to be helped? We are together for reason. I truly believe that but it is so painful sometimes. I cry on the inside a lot more lately. I try not to show my heart breaking. I am trying to remain positive for him- for our family but it is feeling more like a burden on me and it is beginning to weigh me down. Like the ox with the - thingy on his neck... I had the word in my head and I lost it as I was typing... you know what I mean! Anyway.... I will think of it when I post this thing.
I really am thinking about postponing my exam until things get better I feel so underprepared and even though it is 2 months away- I still have so much more work to do! My voicing sucks!!! I get caught up in this huge wave of nervousness. I was beginning to overcome it, when I had to take my leave from Sorenson. Now I have to get it back. I can't concentrate with Bud being in this state either. AAAAAAA!!!
Well- I need to put Nathan to bed... until next time!
-SL

Friday Night- just got paid!

2008-09-05T21:18:00.003-05:00

I got my first official check of the 08-09 school year and I got a 37cent raise- not even enough to buy a postage stamp- but it is still a raise!

Took the boys to Chapala for dinner to celebrate! Even got a sopapilla! We are livin' high now!

I have decided to get my life in order. I got a new Franklin Covey binder and calendar and am rewrting my Mission Statement and setting goals and just plain looking at this life o' mine. ANYWAY... the binder only comes with one month's of planning pages and it is undated and an undated calendar for each month (one of my pet peeves!) so- I found out I get a discount at Franklin Covey here in town cuz I work for the state of Kansas- and I bought some refills that will be really helpful and I got a cool colorful calendar for next year and well- spent about an hour and a half in the store. I got home after running errands and realized- I got the wrong size!!! I am so mad at myself. I swore it was the compact size- but no- I bought a classic! UGH... I really want to get started and now I have to drive back over to OP and tomorrow we have plans for the whole day- and Sunday they are closed! Darn it!! Guess I have to be patient.

Tomorrow we are going to Old Settler's Breakfast at KSD and then we are going to watch the parade from KSD and then--- head to Lenexa for the Spinach Festival and then back home for naps and back to Old Settlers. Nathan is pretty excited about it. I heard there is a slight chance of rain. I hope not.

I started going to a new Bible Study group this week. It is with other people at KSD and a few others from the Deaf Community. I get to observe other people's signing which is great! I get to know others in the Deaf Community as well.

Bud had to stay home Thurs and Friday because he is having blurry vision. This medicine is driving him crazy. He had a fit this week because I "over-helped" him. He thinks I am a freakin' mind reader. He has this agenda in his head and if I don't follow it- he blows up and walks out of the room. Like I am supposed to know what he is thinking!!! WHATEVER!!!

Did not get cleaning done like I wanted. A goal I am working on- but will get it accomplished hopefully Sat night or Sunday. Sunday we are going to Bonner to church and we have the offertory.

I really, really want to stay at KSD in this position. I think I can do some good there and build some permaneance there. This is the start of my 3rd year and my 5th position there. My boss Annie (from the Infirmary) gave me an employee review (she handed it to me) and I didn't even read it. She said it was all good. I should have brought it home... my head was not attached when I left today. I hope this week good things happen. I seem to be missing just a step- I forget a step or I overstep (both!) with people this week. Should have checked my horoscope.

Well- Nathan is tired and we got a busy day tomorrow- gotta clean out my car and get the stroller in it, so we don't lose the little man.

Till I decide to write again... All you expectant readers out there!!!!

Leaving Iowa

2008-09-01T07:57:00.002-05:00

Heading home in a few hours- yes "home!"
Ended up at Red Lobster (yum!) for dinner. Mom took us and Steven out since it would have been Dad's birthday.
Little man was too tired to eat. Bud and I hung out at the hotel- playing upwords (or trying to) online together and then out of the blue- he said he wanted to go to the movies. So we saw TROPIC THUNDER! I thought it was hilarious! There were some parts I got a bit squeamish about and it is very obvious it is a BEN STILLER movie. But Bud absolutely hated it. He wanted a refund on his ticket- but I reminded him I bought his ticket! WHATEVER BUD!!!
Did not see Tania or the kids- just not enough time I guess. I will probably come up for my birthday and maybe then...
Steve is loving his job! He was all grins at dinner. It sure is nice to see him smile under that bushy beard and long hair.
Well- we trashed this hotel room and need to get to Mom's and get on the road after lunch...
Till next time....

In Iowa Again

2008-08-31T15:28:00.003-05:00

Well- I am back in the great ol' state of Iowa. Now... my hubby doesn't agree with that statement by any means- but that is HIS problem!

Today would have been my dad's 71st birthday. So that is part of the reason- it is still hard on Mom. The other reason is I was preaching at Central Congregation of the Community of Christ here in Des Moines this morning.

Darren and Nathan hung out in the nursery- which was ok. I guess. I kinda missed the little guy disrupting my sermon and services.

I could say more- but I won't.

We went to Wendy's drive thru for lunch- and took it back to the hotel. We ate and then we got ready for the pool- Nathan had a blast!!! I even got Bud to join us. He didn't want to go at first- but he came along in the end.

Came back to the hotel room and tried to get "little man" to rest bit but we all know how a 4 yr old is when they are excited! He did lay quietly for about 20 minutes. It is snack time in our room. We just went down to the vending machines and Nathan got a Rice Krispie Bar which cost $1.00!!! I got a Kit Kat Krispy- 75cents. Got Bud-Man some chips for 75 cents which seem to be expired and an extra bag of regular LaysChips for another 75cents. I also ended up getting a diet coke for $1.00 in the can! Nathan is saying "This is the best lunch ever!" He is so giddy and silly right now!
We were to go to Runnells to visit Tania but they ended up at Adventureland and I bet it was packed since it is the last weekend of summer. She isn't back yet--- we may not see them again. I haven't seen them since May I think or maybe June.
Kinda warm out here today. So we have the A/C up really high in the room. When we eventually leave this room to take Nathan back to Mom's it will hit us for sure.
Sorry- no more pictures- I forgot the plug for my camera- and my camera card does not fit the best in this laptop. I have to shake it out of my reader.
We are leaving for KS in the morning. Gotta get back to the grind of work and pre-school and life again. Don't have any time planned to come back until January for Monster Jam at Uncle Steve's place of work.
Oh- Bud is having issues with blurry vision and we think it is related to his recent med Abilify. He still gets frustrated and most of the time- it is with me. I don't know how to help him and how to live with him and share a bed with him at night- because he sleeps till 4am or so- and by the time I get home from work- he is starving and tired. I don't know how to get in sync with him like we were before.
Still working days at KSD until further notice. I really enjoy the job but they are really piling up the work at the same time. The audiologist is real nice- but the chick I am replacing right now- did not keep up on her work for her- and I am flooded with old filing and new filing at the same time.
Well Tania just called and they are still an hour away from getting home. Better call Mom and see what her plans are...
Happy Labor Day!!!!

Life continues...

2008-08-25T21:13:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!
I got to go scrapbooking on Friday! I stayed out till 3am! Almost all of my ladies showed up too! It was great!
Saturday we went to Lake Olathe and Nathan played... but that was after we went to "EnDonald's" for lunch -so Bud and I can get the scrapbookers website going.... anyway--- had a great family day.
Sunday I chose not to go to church. Nathan was still sleeping at 9:30am- and I just didn't have the gumption to go. It was still a busy day. I got the grocery shopping done ad then cooked pizza burgers and then took decorations to the Infirmary and Nathan came along and we got home and he went straight to bed. IN OUR BED!!! So we got him in his own bed.
Bud used to like it when I would snuggle up next to him- but now he is complaining about it. So I am getting on my side and staying there. Kinda hard to get used to.
BUT---AT LEAST HE IS TELLING ME- not just expecting me to read his mind- or already know how he feels. That is something he is working on. He seems to be doing GREAT on this new med. WAHOO!!!!
Going to Iowa for Labor Day- gotta preach there. OOPS!! I need to get started on my sermon. I am thinking about taking a leave of absence until January on being in charge or preaching anywhere- since I am studying for my KS Interpreter exam (NOV 20th) and then working at Sorenson and working days at KSD. But I gotta do it- got too many bills.
Well- better put my boy to bed - and work on my sermon. Till next time!!!

Hope?

2008-08-14T18:32:00.008-05:00

Well, I haven't written again for awhile which is because I am burning the candle at both ends- AGAIN!
Nathan and I went to the Iowa State Fair last weekend.

Bud chose to go to his parents place. So I sent him some pictures on the phone and we chatted. When we returned home on Sunday- something was wrong. We have spent the week back at doctors. Today- Darren went back into the hospital. Darren is a good man deep down- He just isn't himself these days and he wants help and wants to be better. I am still sad- I love him so much and it hurts to see him in this state and know that he is so unsure of the future- all we know is that both of us want him better.

Here is Nathan enjoying a corn dog. He got to ride a school bus over to the fairgrounds. Gram came along with us.

She did great- hanging with us all day- and all the walking. We rented a stroller- but the wheels didn't work so great. We had to "pop wheelies" in order to turn corners. We got done- we were sore from the shoulders all the way down to our ankles!

Nathan had his last week of bowling. They handed out awards and had a "rock n bowl" time- he had more fun dancing than he did bowling. His highest game all season was 84. He only bowled a 44 this week.

Here he is relaxin'. He has 6 free bowling games to use up from this last week- so we are going to go bowling on Saturday since Daddy is gone.

Sunday I have to work Enrollment Day at KSD so he is going to go over to a friend's house and spend the day. I have put Sorenson VRS on hold for now- I can't work both jobs with Bud gone and even though we desperately need the money- I just have to wait. This was supposed to be my last week in training. But- again- it will have to wait.

As far as KSD goes- I am working as the Related Services Secretary until October. I get to keep my benefits until then. If the secretary returns- I have to go back to overnight at the infirmary or find a new job. If she does not return I have the option of applying for her position and getting interviewed and then possibly get the job. So- it gives us more time to get Bud all healed up.

Well, I think I have chatted enough. Thanks for reading. Please pray for Darren and his doctors.

More Life Lessons...

2008-08-01T07:56:00.003-05:00

What is Sherry up to now?

Well- Bud went back to work today!! WOO Hoo!! Nathan is at school and having a water play day which is good because the heat index today will be near 100. I go to Sorenson at 11 today and work till 4.

I have been totally trying to find a daytime job. I interviewed for one at KSD earlier this week, but did not get it. My boss Annie called me and said that our department's secretary has been out of work and we need a secretary right away. So I went to KSD yesterday to see what was going on.

I was told the secretary could show up for work anytime. I was cleared to fill in for her but- if school starts and she isn't back I have to resign from the CNA position and continue to work for her until she returns and then I am "out!" or I can work for her till school starts and go back to nights. So pretty much- I have 2 weeks to decide what to do if she isn't back yet. They are going to let me continue to take Nathan to his bowling - since he has two weeks left.

Bud is doing so much better! I love him so much and am proud of him to fight this- I want him to feel good. I want him to succeed!

I am still planning on going to the Iowa State Fair next weekend. Hard to believe that summer is almost over. I have that trip and one more for Labor Day planned to Iowa. Labor Day weekend I am preaching up there.

Here is my little rocker! He was playing at his girlfriends house and was singing his ABC's. Gram bought him this little bowling kit from Target and he expects everyone to play with him. He definitely has bowling on the brain.

--Better end it here- will post more later.

-----thanks for reading.

SPEC of Life

2008-07-24T09:32:00.005-05:00

Ok, as most of you know I have been dealing with a lot these past few weeks. So, I haven't written in awhile, and I apologize for those of you who actually read my ramblings.

Currently, I am in Lamoni, Iowa and am on staff for a national camp. I am teaching "Creativity Camp" and "American Sign Language."

I want to take the time to say this THESE CAMPERS ARE SO COOL!!! They totally are caring and loving towards each other and normally at SPEC there is a lot of competition, but I don't see it and especially feel it this week.

Normally there is one or two in each of my classes that I feel I have to "hover" over and watch like a hawk- NOPE--- nada this year. The kids come ready and are very respectful and genuinely ask appropriate questions and are so sincere in wanting the knowledge I want to share with them.

I came this week pretty broken. It is amazing what teens can do to an old person like me. Ha ha ha!!!

I truly feel refreshed and ready to face whatever comes our way next week when I return to KS and Bud. (It may also be because of my wonderful massage I got on my back and arms and shoulder last night!)

Nathan came for a visit yesterday and it was very hard to put him in my mom's car and send him back to Des Moines. I miss him AND BUD so much. But it is good for us to spend some time away. We get new stories to share with one another and to tell you the truth- the homecoming is the best. My favorite part of our separate trips is when Nathan goes to our front door and knocks and rings the doorbell and Bud answers it. The look on Bud's and Nathan's face at that very moment is PRICELESS.

Well, today it is pouring down rain!! It is my last day of classes. I am leaving early tomorrow. SPEC doesn't really end till Saturday. But with our current situation and my mom- - - I need to spend some time with her before I go back. So- yep-- tomorrow I head north and I am going to go see my friend Tania and her kids, and Nathan will play with her son for awhile.

Wanna see some pictures?

This is me on the left leading the wonderful signers here at SPEC. We signed the song "Waiting for the World to Change" by John Mayer. They learned it in ONE DAY!!! Those kids are to be commended!!!

This is Ted and Ingrid. They were doing a drama on the track for our all camp worship. They also performed a play about couples in the Bible last night. It was really cool. It really made you think.

Who is this? This is Steve Veazey the President of the Community of Christ. The church has launched a new community website... check it out at http://www.peacesupportnetwork.org/

Well, I will post more later- my class is about to start.

Thanks for reading.

Dedicated to Bud...

2008-07-10T12:14:00.003-05:00

This is my hubby- Bud. We have been married for 5yrs. I knew when we met that he had some issues related to an injury when he was 10yrs old. He has a left frontal lobe brain injury. He has tremors on his right arm. He also has a seizure disorder. Most people who meet him have no idea of the trauma he has endured. He works for the government and is a tax paying person who loves being a Dad and is pretty content and happy most of the time.

We are finding out that his previous med also treated an underlying mood disorder. He recently changed meds because he felt his tremors were getting worse on the current med. His new med only treats the seizures. He has had horrible anger outbursts. We didn't know when one would happen or what would set him off at any given time and honestly--- it is affecting our marriage and home life. I had gone to Iowa for a breather at one point. That is why I sought out a counselor. I love Bud! I love him for so many reasons and it has been tearing my heart apart to see him this way. I also have to think of Nathan. I work two jobs now, and wasn't sure what I would find when I got home.

Anyway--- fast forward... We talk and talk with the neurologist. He called us back yesterday and said we needed to take Bud into the ER for a psych evaluation. I freaked!!! They asked him a lot of questions and he doesn't remember his anger outbursts at home. So-they admitted him yesterday.

I have to keep reminding myself that he is in a safe place. He is getting looked after and the doctors there will be able to help him.

We hope that he will be out of the hospital by Saturday. Saturday is Nathan's birthday party.

My heart still hurts. I wish I could hold his hand through this. I wish I could kiss him on the cheek and let him know that things will get better. I want to wrap my arms around his chest and hold on tight till we both fall asleep.

Brain injuries are quite different from person to person. It is also hard to treat sometimes. When Bud gets out of the hospital he hopefully will be better able to handle things and I can have my wonderful husband back!

Please keep us in your prayers.

An update to June

2008-06-28T17:02:00.003-05:00

What a week!! Monday I took my Kansas Written test for Interpreter Certification and found out I didn't have to!!! Because I passed the National Interpreter Written Test, I am exempt from taking the Kansas one! DOH!!!
Then Tuesday, we went bowling again- and Nathan beat little Michael by 5 pins again. We went to Wal-Mart afterwards to get his birthday party invitations and he asked to ride in the cart, and when we got home he picked up his "Bob and Bug" and walked himself to his room and shut the door, and within minutes- if not seconds he was snoring!!! Poor guy!
Wednesday morning he went back to school. Everyone missed him!!! I went to KSD and did data entry for the infirmary- we got new software and a laptop for the clinic. I have to enter all the kid's immunizations and make sure they are compliant with the state of Kansas. FUN!!!
I am going to give an honest comment here- I have been struggling with life lately, and also my marriage to Bud. I love him to death but with me working two jobs and other life stuff- I am not handling things well. So, I contacted a counselor and went and saw her on Wednesday. Got done with that, and went to Sorenson and worked till 9! I got up on Thursday and took Nathan to Paula's and after traffic stalls and accidents arrived at KSD at 9am. I picked Nathan up at 2:30 but chatted with Paula till almost 4!!! Then came home and got stuff ready for supper and had to go back to Sorenson till 9.
Sorenson- I was actually on the phones and I was so nervous and the Deaf all noticed. I sucked as a terp that night!!! I really need to work on that before my next two tests!! HELP!!!!!
Friday- went to KSD after dropping Nathan off to Pre-School and got there at 7:30 and worked till noon cuz it was scrap night!!! Well, Bud had a reaction to his meds and we ended up at the ER. So- I did not get to scrap. I haven't scrapbooked since April!!!!! I feel out of practice. Although I did do ONE digital scrap a few days ago, after I got Photoshop CS3 loaded on my new laptop. It is on my gallery at wwww.scrapoutsidethebox.com

We (as a family) went and saw Wall-E today. It was cheaper since we went to the 1pm show, which is good, because I have a popcorn fiend son and the concession stand is so dang expensive! It was a great movie. This was the first movie Nathan's attention was held the whole hour and half!!! Which suprised me because he has seen every trailer for this movie 100 times. Bud even cried at a few spots- you can tease him about that. I did!!!

Well, I am presiding at church tomorrow- I need to get my act together and my boys are begging me to cook supper too- the life of a mommy and wife just doesn't end.

I'm back from Mormon Country

2008-06-21T17:23:00.016-05:00

Ok- here is the latest! I went to Salt Lake City Utah for training for Sorenson last week. The night before I was doing a final check of email and trying to get pictures to Walgreens and the power went out to the laptop. No battery power- no power from the NEW cord either--- I thought maybe if I took it with me on the trip I might get it to work again, and well- I tried all week and it wouldn't work- so I dragged a laptop halfway across the US for nothing!!!! Anyway--- Here is more of the story...

This is the view from my hotel room. Check out all the HAZE!!! They reported that Salt Lake City has the worst pollution of all the cities in the US. With the additional heat we experienced it was pretty bad.

This is Pat Nola, he is the CEO of Sorenson Communications- which is where I work now. They were having an open house at their new office complex there in SLC- and it was great!!! They announced the plan for Direct Video Phone Numbers and how you can download SIP Relay on your Blackberry using their programs from http://www.sorensonvrs.com/ (Check it out!!!) Here Pat is signing "Thank You" I got to talk to him for about 30 seconds before he was whisked off to talk to other people.

This is a replica of what a typical videophone looks like- here it is a cake- and as you can see it fell or melted in the heat- take your pick!!! It was pretty neat to be there though.

This is the view from the new Sorenson complex! A bit clearer!

When I arrived on Monday afternoon I asked my shuttle driver what I should see or do while I was here and he said "Go to the Mall" so I went Monday night- I found some clothes for work- which I had been having a hard time here in Kansas. I also ate at Red Robin (my favorite!!!) but they had a different menu out there. Then I went back to the hotel room to get ready for my first day of training. Tuesday night we went to eat at a Greek restaurant and I had a Greek cheeseburger and spinach pie and I took a piece of Baklava back to the hotel room. I had to practice my phone scripts. Wednesday night was the big party back at Sorenson and then Thursday night we went to Temple Square... I went with two others from my training group.

I love this image! Christ and the atmosphere.

Pretty cool display I thought it also had images for Lehi, and Alma and so on and so on. The ladies I happened to be with had a few questions about it and I got to share my testimony of the Book of Mormon as well.

It's the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!!! We got hear them practice, and I snuck out and took some other pictures.

I thought this was kinda.... well... interesting.
Friday morning I headed to the airport and got on this dinky Delta plane and I was sitting next to this really weird guy who kept jabbing me with his elbow in the side, and he would shake his leg and it would hit my knee and he tried to put his coat on my shoulder once so he could lay his head down and sleep. WEIRD. So, anyway I was very anxious to come home. I missed my boys!!! It was really nice to be gone and on my own for awhile, I actually had the remote to myself- it was so nice!!!

Well- I have more pictures and more stories but I think this will sufice for now.

This week is busy again. Monday I take my Kansas Interpreters Written Exam, and Nathan goes to visit his girlfriends Riley and Taylor. Tuesday he bowls again, Wednesday I work at KSD and Sorenson and Thursday I work at KSD and Sorenson and Friday I work at KSD and SCRAP NITE happens! I have missed scrapbooking!

Chat at ya later----

-Sherry

Flooded with News!!!

2008-06-13T21:31:00.005-05:00

This is the hotel where Bud and I stay at when we visit Mom. As you can see it is pretty much WET!!! So far everyone in my Mom's town is dry. So I just may get out of here in the morning.

Why did I come to Iowa in the middle of all this? I took my written exam for my National Interpreter Certification exam. I PASSED!!!! I needed to get a 500 and I got a 558. I almost didn't make it to the testing site due to the fact the place where it was held was in a lower level of a building that the address was blocked by leaves!!!!

Anyway- I head to Salt Lake City Utah on Monday, and when I return on Friday it is "study for my Kansas Written" exam. I take that the following Monday.

I also played UNO SPIN (a really cool version of Uno!) for the trophy with my nephew and my mom even decided to play and it was a close game between my mom and I. I ended up winning with a score of 617 to 371 (MOM) and poor David had a score of 40.

Shelly's cat Muffin trying to get into the action!

OH and my smart nephew got his toe caught in the table!

He can be such a dork sometimes!!!
Oh and speaking of David--- he is a working man! He works at the local DQ. I went to pick him up from work the other night and snapped a few pics of him cleaning up. But I don't have them uploaded on the computer yet- so watch for those.

Oh- also my brother turned 49 and we went out for Chinese food. Ok- guess I don't have those uploaded either.
Oh wait- I do have one!!! Oh and I found out my new nephew (married to my brother's step-daughter) was in college with me at Iowa Western. He thinks I busted him for alcohol a few times while I was the Resident Advisor. SMALL WORLD!!!

Ok, I gotta go pick up my nephew at work. Check in with you all later!

2008-06-12T09:15:00.007-05:00

Hey folks! I'm back... Went to the visitation and memorial service for PaPa Douglass... After it was all over, we went to the dirt races in Moberly, MO and watched Clayton Crump #3 race! Why did we do that? Because Bud's cousin Lindsay is dating him! It was pretty cool. Nathan had a good time. Here is the whole tribe that went- I was behind the camera of course! We took the RV (HARVEY) and got back to Nanny's after midnight.

Here he is!!!

Nathan and I in the RV on the way to Moberly. He is addicted to his Leapster game. What game is he playing? CARS!!!!

Now I am in Iowa. I take my National Interpreter Written Exam tomorrow. I have been studying and hanging with MY family. It is nice coming home. They sure have a lot of water standing around. I am going to try and take some pictures later today. It hasn't been this bad since 93!

Oh Monday- before I came up here I took Nathan to see Kung Fu Panda. But he wouldn't leave the WALL-E display alone...

Guess we'll have a WALL-E birthday party at the bowling alley. When I get back from my trip next week I gotta get my butt moving on his party!!!

Well- I need to study for my test... Oh- DW and I are gonna play Uno Spin today. We will see who wins that trophy this time!

I have an account on here- it is free- it is a really cool place to record your thoughts and it even gives you prompts!!! Check it out!

Bowling and Bad News Day

2008-06-03T18:25:00.007-05:00

Nathan's Pee Wee Bowling League started today. First we went to nearby Burger King to get lunch, we thought we would play in the play area for awhile but their play area was closed, they had some damage due to all the rain we got recently. In fact, as I write this the sky outside is getting pretty gray again.

Nathan said "I am King right?" While we were eatig lunch we got a phone call from Grammy- PaPa (Great Grandpa- Grammy's Daddy) was being taken to the hospital in Centralia. He had quit breathing. So we were standing by.

We went to the bowling alley and hung out in the arcade there- lost about 75 cents to a few games. Daddy called from Texas and we talked to him for awhile while we waited for the league to start.

We bowled with Michael and Nicholus today. Nathan had a hard time switching lanes, but he had fun. He got real tired of throwing the ball down the lane, and he was the first one to get the ball stuck on the lane. The workers had to come over about 5 times to get his ball for him. His last two frames we got the metal slide thingy for him to use to throw the ball down the lane and it seemed to help a lot. Michael goes bowling with his grandpa every saturday and even though Nathan is the oldest- this little Michael throws the ball down the lane and even has his fingers in the right holes in the ball. Nathan still carries his ball with both hands.

His final score was 43. They only do one game- which is good because we got home after going to the bank inside Hy-Vee and he rode the horse there- anyway- we got home and he said to me....

"Momma put me to bed!" Oh, while we were bowling we got a phone call from Grammy, and PaPa passed away. It was very unexpected. So, we are heading to the middle of Missouri later this week.

Bud is in Texas on business... he has never traveled for work before. I think he was a bit nervous. But he is fine now. He is having a good time- eating Tex-Mex and seeing the sites. He is sending me pictures from his phone for scrapbooking.

This is Nanny and PaPa at Christmas this past year. We miss you PaPa. His Service will probably be on Saturday. I was to go to a workshop for interpreters on that day.

I have registered for my Kansas Certification as an Interpreter. I will be scheduling my Kansas written test sometime this week. After I pass that test I will have to take a performance test and that way I will get certified by the time schol starts. I have my national certification exam a week from Thursday. I have up to 5 years to take my performance exam after I pass that one. I heard it is taking over 6 months to get your results back- so there is no way I could be certified by fall... but I will get it all done- I have to!!

Well, that is the update for today. ...

Thanks for reading.

PJ Day

2008-05-29T11:58:00.002-05:00

Yep, it's PJ day today. I think I am going to be making every Thursday PJ day this summer. What is PJ day? Well, it started several years ago when I lived with my parents. I wasn't working and was deeply depressed. I would spend a day in my pj's. I talked with a few people about it once and they now have PJ days too! I'm sure I wasn't the one that created it. Laundry days make great PJ days too!! When I was working all those hours I made most Saturdays PJ days. I like it better when it is during the week though. There is a different aura about it. ha ha ha!
So- today is PJ day. Nathan got up in the middle of the night and was yelling at us about going to the bathroom. I was dreaming he was doing that,and then I felt Bud get up and open his door and tell him he could go. Crazy kid!! Then he grabbed his "Bob pillow" his "Kung Fu Panda" and his "Baby" and brought them into OUR BED!!! He laid in between us and continued to hit me with his arm. I couldn't sleep- so I snuck out of the bed and went to the basement and proceeded to study for my upcoming RID Exam. Then Bud left about 7 and I crawled into bed and slept till about 8:30. Nathan was up and was watching cartoons and playing his Leapster. He is such a good boy.
Except for yesterday!!! I will post pictures later but we went to Deanna Rose Farmstead in OP and he and Riley took off running away from us (Paula and I) and we yelled and yelled and they ignored us and adults nearby just stood there- just dumbfounded! AAAA!!! Anyway- the two were brought back to where we were and had timeout and cried and cried and cried! So it will be awhile before we go back there.
Well I have some major studying to do. My test is in 2 weeks!!! I do not feel ready at all! I don't even think I am close...
OH MAN!! I can't have a complete PJ day- I just remembered I have my study group tonight for my test. DARN IT!!!
Maybe next week...

May-O

2008-05-25T17:13:00.012-05:00

The month is almost over and I have hardly written. So here is the latest from ol' Spluuugir

Retirement Party: Got there and Nathan asked where Grammy's Party Boat was (based on a party boat that was won on The Price is Right- earlier)

The next day- we went to Trader Joe's

Which is a really cool grocery store in St. Louis. They used to sell ths wonderful garlic oil but they discontinued it. We bought some snacks and a reuseable bag (so we can go green-someday) and while we were checking out- I tried some hand lotion and it was citrus my favorite flavor! It was wonderful lotion- my fingers and hands were so soft!!! Vicki and I went back in and I got a travel pack and 2 large containers - since we don't have a Trader Joes near us.

Went to lunch at Applebee's and Nathan refused to eat. Something was going to happen.

Then we headed to the Magic House. http://www.magichouse.org/ It is a perfect place for little ones. Nathan played and played and played! Yep- that's us- with the electromagnetic thingy. Shortly after this picture was taken Nathan quietly asked me to sit down wit him. His face became red pretty quickly. We got back to the In Laws and he had a 103 fever!!! Bud and I were to go out and chat- and Nathan went to bed- and we trust the In-Laws and we went to downtown St. Charles and for Ice Cream at Cold Stone Creamery. The next morning we had Nathan into the doctor- STREP THROAT!!! So he stayed home 2 days last week.

This was my last week at KSD till August. I also put in a few hours at Sorenson. I had an exhausting week with Nathan home and 2 jobs and a sermon to write. In fact, I did not get my sermon written till late last night. OOPS!!!

Friday night we (Bud and I) went and saw Indiana Jones 4. It was good. I forgot I was in the theatre! Then we went to Joes Crab Shack we ate Mussels for our appetizer, I had never eaten mussels before. They were good but SPICY!! Then we picked up Nathan and stopped at Sonic and got ice cream. We tried to sit outside and eat it but the bugs were too bad.

So, anyway- oh- one more pic to share- I HAVE DAISIES IN MY FLOWERBED!!! My tulips and Nathan's flowers were destroyed by our spring storms, but this week the Daisies appeared!

My sermon went ok today. I got a bit long winded. This week Nathan goes to school two days a week. Tuesday and Friday this week. I get to be a MOM again. I get to sleep with my hubby again, and I get to do laundry and get to all those projects around the house that I haven't been able to get to all school year.

----Summer goals and plans!

1. Get "my room" upstairs organized and cleaned up so I can make my "sanctuary."

2. Get the garage cleaned out (5th year this has been on my list!)

3. Go somewhere fun once a week with Nathan (movies, pool, etc)

4. Read two books for fun!!!

5. Get the basement organized (another thing that has been on my list for 5 years!)

6. Pass my Certification Exam on June 13th.

7. Get my interview/performance exam scheduled for the fall.

8. Get bills paid down

9. Write on my blog at least once a week (aren't you happy?)

10. Start digital scrapbooking again.

Well,I need to get busy (as you can see!) Till next time!

May-be Maybe not?

2008-05-15T04:18:00.004-05:00

Ok- I am at work- it is 4:19 in the morning. I am supposed to be working on my homework from Sorenson, but no- I had to take a break. I discovered Google Docs tonight!!! I have made presentations of sign language to practice with. I made a spreadsheet which will be converted to flash cards later of information for the RID Written Test.

In a few hours (about 4) I will be getting into my car- and my hubby will drive and my son will be in the back and we will head to St. Louis. Why? My Mother In Law is retiring from the school she has worked at for umpteen years. She has worked in the food service dept there. We are heading back on Saturday sometime. I have the house being watched- so don't try to break in or anything!!!

Sunday- I get to Bless my friend's baby. It will be my first "blessing" as the speaker. Normally I am just the assistant. So I am a bit nervous about it- but it will be fine!

I am so thrilled!!! I went to QT last night and got me a new "SQUART!"

What is inside my Squart? Diet Pepsi and Rooster Booster Lite
Normally I have Diet Mt. Dew and Rooster Booster Lite mixture- but I am seeking a different taste today.

Anyway- I am thrilled that the Squart is back!!! I even remember they had Koozies for them to keep your drink cool for awhile I wonder if they will bring that back or not.

Ok- I am going to Salt Lake City in June! I can't wait- I will be in training during the day- but I will have my evenings to sightsee I guess. I have a lot of work to do before I go too... I take my big exam 2 days before I leave! The day after I get back is my 20th high school class reunion!

My summer is filling up fast. I really, really wanted to work at this camp for Deaf children in St. Joseph Missouri- but I just can't fit it in. Mom has mentioned a trip to Michigan- but she still isn't sure.

Oh- I got a new phone- another Blackberry- (Pearl) this time- it was on sale but after taxes and upgrade fees- it really wasn't. Which stinks!!! But I needed to upgrade pretty bad. The old phone was so outdated and I had it full- I found some really cool FREE Ringtones for it at www.phonezoo.com it is still in beta right now- but they even have that "$5.00 footlong" ringtone!!! I love it!!!

Ok- gotta get things picked up and watch the morning news and get meds ready to be distributed so I can go about my day....

ta-ta for now!

Get the popcorn and large drink!

2008-05-09T20:21:00.010-05:00

I love the fact we have GREEN GRASS! I just don't like the dandelions.

I love the opportunity to get out of the Jeans and wear shorts!

I love the fact I have a car that is going to get me somewhere.

I love the fact that I have 8 more days of work-overnights!

I love the fact that Nathan is becoming creative

I love that Mother's Day is a just hours away.

I love that I have several opportunities coming my way.

I love that my neice has become a Mother.

I love that I have the opportunity to share my views, and ideas with the world.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kelli- was diagnosed this past fall with cervical cancer. She was an incredible lady. I lost touch with her after her diagnosis. I was a horrible friend. I let my life get in the way. I know that she is in a far better place now- and no longer in pain, and yet- it is bittersweet because she leaves behind 2 young sons. I miss her.

Bud found out he gets to telework on Friday's. So, today was my last "free Friday!" What did I do? I planned on going to the movies all day- but I ended up coming home waiting for the theatre to open- and FELL ASLEEP!! I woke up at 11am! I ended up going to one movie, instead of two... I saw.....(drum-roll please!)

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/madeofhonor/ (official website!)

I got to the theatre and watched previews- I can't wait for Love GURU!

Mike Myers- is on my "list!" I love Mike Myers- he is right up there with Jack Black- who also has a movie coming out soon! Jack Black is on my "list" too!

When Nathan sees this preview- he says "You and Me go see that- right?" So yes- I will take my son to see this for sure!

Oh yes- in 2 weeks Nathan will be going to school 2 days a week instead of 5. On Tuesdays are bowling, and Wednesday and Friday's he will go to school.

Another movie I am looking forward to is...
I have a babysitter already! But I may suggest to hubby that we go see it while he teleworks- ha ha ha!!! Harrison Ford- is on my "list"

My son has the following movie on his brain- he loves to watch the trailers on our suped-up XBox.

I wanted to see Baby Mamma today...
But because I slept late- I didn't see this one next. Maybe tomorrow I will go "run errands" and go see it instead. I really like going to movies alone. I know that is weird- but I do enjoy it.

Well- I am still a bit tired- I will end this here- 20/20 is on and it is boring.

Anyway-

I highly recommend "Made of Honor" ladies!!! I went in- thinking it would be a male version of "Best Friends Wedding" but I was proven wrong- it has some wonderful, sweet moments, and it made me yearn for those early days that Bud and I had. I miss that.

Have a Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Short Update

2008-05-01T13:46:00.003-05:00

AIDS Walk is over. Shelly's HEROES raised over 2,000 dollars! Thanks for those who donated!!!
I don't understand why the above is underlined!
#2- Laptop is DEAD- no power- so no new pictures to post- or anything- I am pretty upset about it too. We have some bucks to get a new one- but we are being held up by the government in sending Bud his information. ARGH!!!
#3- I started training at Sorenson. A lot of reading, and homework- and right now 6 hours of work a week on top of my 40 at KSD. Which doesn't seem like a lot- but really it is.
#4- My friend Kelli- passed away on Tuesday. Her memorial service is on Saturday. We were to go see the in-laws on Saturday and attend a wedding (Bud and I) but that won't happen now. I was looking forward to getting some -BUDTIME... guess that has to wait.
#5- This is a week without sleep. I did sleep last night from 7-11 though! But I worked till 8 am and then slept 2 hours and then went into Sorenson from 2-4. So it was a full day.
#6- had to go clothes shopping. New wardrobe requirements for the new job. I have to wear 3/4 length sleeves- and right now it is 80 degrees! It is painful being so hot and sweaty at work. Argh! It is going to be a fun summer.
#7- First Certification Test for Interpreting is set! June 13th in Des Moines. I will have my results before I leave the exam. Then I have to prepare for the interview/performance exam and have it done by September! I am also thinking of seeking Certification as a Sign Language Teacher - nationally. That will be my next project after this.
#8- Nathan is completely potty trained! Woo Hoo!!! No accidents for weeks!
Well- gotta go into Sorenson and work from 3:30-8 tonight. Then to work at KSD- I can sleep on Friday.
Ta-Ta!!!

Sleep Huh?

2008-04-10T03:05:00.002-05:00

Ok so it is Thursday morning- my sleep count for the week (since Sunday) is 16!!
I slept on an off today- waiting to hear back from the bank. The bank called a few times for clarification on my paperwork. Then I watched Big Brother 9 and developed a severe headache- bordering a migraine.
I told Nathan "Mommy HAS to lay down- please don't bother me." He respected it- and the next thing I know Bud turns on our bedroom light and announces it is 11:30!!! AAAAA!!!
I was going to go into work at 11:30 and help the LPN study her signs for sign class. I was also going to go to QT and get my Rooster Booster and Dew and another container of oil for the car. Well that was out of the question. I quickly gathered up a set of scrubs and got them on and headed out the door. Not even a shower!!! EWWW!!!
I got to work to find we had a kid spending the night- so no more rest for me. I need to vacuum too but I'm afraid this kid will wake up- he has some hearing.
tomorrow- it is a no sleep day too--- My Mom is helping me get this car. She is giving me some of my inheritance a bit early and is sending it via overnight mail. I have to sign for it, and then deposit it and wait for the dealership to call. I did call them today and they said I pretty much have the loan. The guy handling it had a family emergency and had to leave work early but would be back in the morning.
So-- I cleaned out the car today- and found water in my "spare tire" container. Kind interesting. My dashboard is coming off in pieces. It will be nice to have a fresh car! ha ha ha! I was cleaning up around Nathan's carseat and found some wet napkins were stuck to the floor and when I finally lifted them up- MOLD!!! EWWWW!!!
This new car I hereby vow to keep a much better care of the inside- and the engine! I can't believe I am driving a newer car! Although I truly loved my suzuki!!!
Well- I have some cleaning to do around here tonight and definitely want to get out of here on time in the morning.
-hasta winebago baby (as my sister would say)

Another Death and possible Life

2008-04-09T01:43:00.005-05:00

Ok-finally accepting this life again...right?

Well- I left work today to head over to the new job to exchange some books I borrowed that I needed to study for my upcoming exam- and my "Check Engine" light is on and my engine is riding real rough. So I change my mind... I go home.

I can't sleep because I am worried about my car. It is just a hunk of metal right? Not my car!!! This car I bought on my own. I did it while my parents were on vacation back in 2000. This is the car that faithfully took me to Iowa and back hundreds of times when my sister was so ill and when my mom had her accident, and when I needed "to go home!" I love this car!!!

I get teased about this car- because it is a station wagon- but I love this car!!! My son loves it now because it is a Suzuki. His favorite monster truck this week is Suzuki!!

Anyway- I didn't sleep. I took it to the repair shop down the street. It is in major disrepair! It is going to cost $3000 to get it up and running properly. This car of mine- has 138,000 miles on it. It is a 1998. So I thought about it long and hard and talked to Bud- but Bud was not thrilled.

I went car shopping!!! I went back to where I got my Suzuki. Everything was too expensive or too small. So I thanked the seller, and went to another dealer. I saw online this place had a mini-van. Now- I really didn't want to look at mini-vans but it was in the price range. The mileage wasn't great on it... But anyway- I find out later it is sold. But the dealer here is working really hard on selling a 2006 Ford Taurus. This one has 24,000 miles on it!!! It is in my price range I think... I get over to the credit department to apply for the loan for it and of course it is 6pm so the banks are all closed. I am really sweating now!!!!

I hope I can get this loan- I hope I can afford it!!! I am needing to go to Iowa a few times this summer. I need reliable transportation!

Anyway- here is a pic of the car.

I am a bit nervous about this whole deal. It is a big financial purchase for me. I am still trying to get out debt from when Bud and I were not working. We really don't need a car payment right now!!! But life hands you lemons- you gotta make lemonade - right?

-That's all for now!

Life...

2008-04-07T01:47:00.011-05:00

From dictionary.com

life 1.
the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction, and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally.
2.
the sum of the distinguishing phenomena of organisms, esp. metabolism, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to environment.
3.
the animate existence or period of animate existence of an individual: to risk one's life; a short life and a merry one.
4.
a corresponding state, existence, or principle of existence conceived of as belonging to the soul: eternal life.
5.
the general or universal condition of human existence: Too bad, but life is like that.
6.
any specified period of animate existence: a man in middle life.
7.
the period of existence, activity, or effectiveness of something inanimate, as a machine, lease, or play: The life of the car may be ten years.
8.
a living being: Several lives were lost.
9.
living things collectively: the hope of discovering life on other planets; insect life.
10.
a particular aspect of existence: He enjoys an active physical life.
11.
the course of existence or sum of experiences and actions that constitute a person's existence: His business has been his entire life.
12.
a biography: a newly published life of Willa Cather.
13.
animation; liveliness; spirit: a speech full of life.
14.
resilience; elasticity.
15.
the force that makes or keeps something alive; the vivifying or quickening principle: The life of the treaty has been an increase of mutual understanding and respect.
16.
a mode or manner of existence, as in the world of affairs or society: So far her business life has not overlapped her social life.
17.
the period or extent of authority, popularity, approval, etc.: the life of the committee; the life of a bestseller.
18.
a prison sentence covering the remaining portion of the offender's animate existence: The judge gave him life.
19.
anything or anyone considered to be as precious as life: She was his life.
20.
a person or thing that enlivens: the life of the party.
21.
effervescence or sparkle, as of wines.
22.
pungency or strong, sharp flavor, as of substances when fresh or in good condition.
23.
nature or any of the forms of nature as the model or subject of a work of art: drawn from life.
24.
Baseball. another opportunity given to a batter to bat because of a misplay by a fielder.
25.
(in English pool) one of a limited number of shots allowed a player: Each pool player has three lives at the beginning of the game. –adjective
26.
for or lasting a lifetime; lifelong: a life membership in a club; life imprisonment.
27.
of or pertaining to animate existence: the life force; life functions.
28.
working from nature or using a living model: a life drawing; a life class. —Idioms
29.
as large as life, actually; indeed: There he stood, as large as life. Also, as big as life.
30.
come to life,
a.
to recover consciousness.
b.
to become animated and vigorous: The evening passed, but somehow the party never came to life.
c.
to appear lifelike: The characters of the novel came to life on the screen.
31.
for dear life, with desperate effort, energy, or speed: We ran for dear life, with the dogs at our heels. Also, for one's life.
32.
for the life of one, as hard as one tries; even with the utmost effort: He can't understand it for the life of him.
33.
get a life, to improve the quality of one's social and professional life: often used in the imperative to express impatience with someone's behavior.
34.
not on your life, Informal. absolutely not; under no circumstances; by no means: Will I stand for such a thing? Not on your life!
35.
take one's life in one's hands, to risk death knowingly: We were warned that we were taking our lives in our hands by going through that swampy area.
36.
to the life, in perfect imitation; exactly: The portrait characterized him to the life.

WOW- 36 entries for LIFE!

I have decided to walk away from death- and talk of death. If a tv show mentions it- the channel gets changed. If the song on the radio or dj mentions death- it gets changed. If a preacher mentions it in the sermon- I leave the sanctuary! I can't sit for it anymore.

One thing I learned as a Full-Time Minister for the church- if you don't agree with something that is being done or said- you have the FREEDOM to disagree and to not participate. I learned about this- after our church came out with a new hymnal- a small gold one- there are about 50 songs in it I think... The church I worked at- loved to use the hymn "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High." EVERY SUNDAY-AFTER SUNDAY!!! I finally decided- I didn't have to sit for it. I would get up and leave while they sang it. I took youth groups to corporate worships and if it was sung- I left. I even left campfires if it was sung.

Anyway- I am now doing that with the topic of "death"

I dug through our "flower garden" this weekend - here is the before picture.Look how "drab" this place looks!!!

After meeting Bud at the tax office- and eating dinner at New Fortune Chinese Buffet. Nathan and I high-tailed it to Home Depot on Friday night (before they closed) and got some flowers. Funny- he did not pick purple flowers like he had talked about all week...

I pulled up lots of brown dried leaves and twigs and yucky stuff out of the ground. I found a few worms which Nathan freaked out at. But surprisingly- as I pulled up and threw away the brown dead stuff- I found green growth underneath!!! As I pulled up and removed more and more I noticed the areas I cleared- the green really shot up and stood up at attention! It was a great feeling - knowing that removing that stuff- was freeing the growth underneath to happen!!!

These might be weeds- but I don't care they represent "new life!"

This is what it looks like now!

It seems a bit brighter don'tcha think?

These are the flowers Nathan picked out. What do you think?

These are the ones I picked out!

Then- we got Nathan's bike fixed- he can finally reach the pedals!! So I helped him ride it a bit, then Daddy helped him ride it! He is growing up so quickly!!!

So all in all- this weekend was pretty productful ---

Oh yes- Nathan has stayed dry for the week- even without Pull-Ups during the overnight!!! I never thought it would happen and it finally did!

I am finally coming out of the dark!

Death

2008-04-04T03:00:00.002-05:00

DEATH- according to http://www.dictionary.com/

–noun
1.
the act of dying; the end of life; the total and permanent cessation of all the vital functions of an organism. Compare brain death.
2.
an instance of this: a death in the family; letters published after his death.
3.
the state of being dead: to lie still in death.
4.
extinction; destruction: It will mean the death of our hopes.
5.
manner of dying: a hero's death.
6.
(usually initial capital letter) the agent of death personified, usually represented as a man or a skeleton carrying a scythe. Compare Grim Reaper.
7.
Also called spiritual death. loss or absence of spiritual life.
8.
Christian Science. the false belief that life comes to an end.
9.
bloodshed or murder: Hitler was responsible for the death of millions.
10.
a cause or occasion of death: You'll be the death of me yet!
11.
Archaic. pestilence; plague. Compare Black Death. —Idioms
12.
at death's door, in serious danger of death; gravely ill: Two survivors of the crash are still at death's door.
13.
be death on, Informal.
a.
to be excessively strict about: That publisher is death on sloppily typed manuscripts.
b.
to be snobbish about or toward.
c.
to be able to cope with easily and successfully: The third baseman is death on pop flies.
14.
do to death,
a.
to kill, esp. to murder.
b.
to repeat too often, to the point of becoming monotonous and boring: That theme has been done to death.
15.
in at the death,
a.
Fox Hunting. present at the kill.
b.
present at the climax or conclusion of a situation.
16.
put to death, to kill; execute.
17.
to death, to an extreme degree; thoroughly: sick to death of the heat.
[Origin: bef. 900; ME deeth, OE déath; c. G Tod, Goth dauthus; akin to ON deyja to die1; see -th]
—Synonyms 1. decease, demise, passing, departure.
—Antonyms 1. birth, life.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

***This word seems to be looming over me lately. I have a friend who is in Hospice and we aren't sure when she will pass on - she is 36 yrs old and has 2 young children.

My Spiritual Mentor died two weeks ago.

5 yrs ago my sister died.

A yr ago my dad died.

I listen to the radio KLOVE (Christian music) and they are currently playing 2 songs which deal with death or what happens after death.

My laptop "dies" regularly- and the battery does not stay charged very long. The plug is damaged somehow- but still it "dies!"

I was watching "Family Guy" and they had 2 episodes with "Death" in it.

I was cleaning the bathrooms at work and listening to my puny mp3 player and it died.

My blackberry died last week- had to switch it out.

What next?

I'm really feelin' it- It is bringing me down. I don't want to deal with it at all. I wish death was not an option. I wish we all died on the same day- so no one missed another person.

I think the weather here in KS is not helping my "death mode" either.

I have decided (per Nathan's request) that later today we are going to go shopping for bright flowers to plant in our front yard! Nathan wants purple one. He tried to tell me I liked "black" flowers. (another reference to death?)

I just don't know how to handle all this... I don't want to hear or see that word! I want to see LIFE!! I want to live- I want my friends to live too!

I give up!

2008-04-03T03:10:00.002-05:00

I give up! Nothing is going right- I hate my life right now.
I hate working nights- I am TIRED! I taught my last Sign language class on Tuesday and am already missing it.
I told hubby I wanted to watch SuperBad THIS WEEKEND- what does he do? He takes the remote and turns it on right then and there! I had an hour until I had to leave for work tonight- I absolute hate watching a movie in parts- I want to sit down and watch it all or not at all. AAA!
I finally got up and went to the basement.
Nathan was playing in the bathroom most of the night- not sure what is up with him.
I cooked, and did laundry and tried to pick up stuff around the house- but when you have a 3 yr old that gets everything back out- it seems so pointless.
I am tired of the shots and pills related to my type 2. I am trying so hard to be better but I just can't control it anymore.
I'm tired of people I am close to- being sick and having to deal with possible surgeries and/or death. It makes me not want to be close to anyone anymore.
What if something happens to Bud or Nathan or even my Mom and Nephew and Brother... I just don't want to face it- not now- not ever.
What if it is me- what would I do? I don't know if I could handle it.
I am really getting sleepy. gonna go crash for a bit.

It is the end of March!

2008-03-31T21:47:00.002-05:00

Ok just a few more hours of this horrid month are left.
Got word last night- a friend of mine that was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year is going to Hospice sometime this week. She is in her mid 30's and has a boy that is 8 and another one that turned 2 on Friday. That totally sucks!!! But from what I've heard from everyone- she is ready to go.
She helped me start the Scrapbookers group at the church. We are supposed to have an overnight crop the 11-12th of April- I currently have it on hold until we hear more. I suspect they may need the church for a funeral instead.
I hate this!!!! I really really do- why did God create us to live and build relationships with people and have connections with one another only to have those connections break down or to collapse completely?
I just don't know anything anymore.

The new nurse started at work on Sunday working nights- so I am no longer doing overtime at KSD. Which stinks- money wise but I am home a bit more with Nathan. Bud even let me read and put Nathan to bed the past two nights.
Tomorrow is my last sign class for the school year. I will be home on Tuesday nights!!! Thursday is my study group for the RID exam.
Took Nathan to the grocery store tonight after picking him up- he saw the flowers outside and said he wanted some at our house. So this weekend I think we will go get some flowers to plant outside. Kinda spruce up the place a bit. Maybe that will get me out of this deep funk I am in?
Anniversary was ok. Nothing too spectacular. We got out of babysitting on Friday night- so we ate a mexican restaurant- and then we saw Be Kind Rewind - at the theatre. I thought it had already been shown and was gone!! It was not your typical Jack Black movie at all! It has a sweet and feel good ending.
Saturday went to the Kansas Interpreters Conference at the Doubletree Hotel in OP. I connected with a few interpreters in the area and saw 3 of my new boss's there!! I only stayed till about 2 since it was our actual anniversary! Came home- my blackberry wasn't working right- tried to get it up and running- and then we headed to Crown Center.
Changed clothes- walked around Crown Center looking for our supper. Ended up at the Kabuki restaurant. Ate tempura and then went to the play. The actors were raising money for the AIDS Walk too!!! Went back to the room for a bit of romance but we were too tired. Slept in till after 9am!!!!
Went to Columbia MO to see Nanny in the hospital. They were getting ready to release her. We ate lunch at Hooters in Columbia too.
Slept in the car on the way home. Went to work at midnight.
It is nice having the family at home together again.

-gonna end it here....

It's almost the end of March!

2008-03-25T03:09:00.004-05:00

Had Monday off from KSD. I finally got my 2 back tires replaced- they were BALD! I then hopped over to Sorenson to fill out new employee paperwork, and started working on my receptive skills as an interpreter. I was there till about noon.

While I was there-Bud emailed me and said - We are going to the American Heartland Theatre and spending the night at Westin Hotel at Crown Center in KC. WHY? We are celebrating our 5th Anniversary on Saturday. I have to attend the Kansas Interpreters Conference most of the day on Saturday. But when I come home we are to "dress real nice" and go to dinner and then check into our room and head over to the Theatre by 8pm.

Bud can be a romantic sometimes. He was all worried about our anniversary. He never worries about any other event?

Nathan is being carted off on Wednesday to Grammy and PaPa's in Wentzville till Sunday.

Here I was thinking it would be a good weekend to get the carpets cleaned- ha ha ha!

SUNDAY- was Easter- and I was presiding at Bonner. I did the worship on Power Point and used some Youtube.com worship videos. The service ran a bit long- but most of my services end early so it all evens out in the end. ha ha ha!

Oh- this stupid laptop is dying a slow death. The jack to the battery does not keep the power cord plugged in- it keeps slipping out and then it squeaks and then it dies. The laptop died during the offering- AAAAAA! Finally got it back up and going.

Anyway- I am back at work. I made a banner for the new nurse that starts on Tuesday. Her name is Myrna. I should be reading for my Certification exam- but I am dawdling.

Supposed to be working on a phrase wall for the nurses that don't sign. I'm not doing it very well. I am down to two more sign classes. One later today- and one more next week. We will see who shows up tonight.

The Easter Bunny arrived after nap on Sunday. He went a bit overboard this year. Nathan got moon sand- and 6 matchbox cars, a new Bigfoot truck, Bee Movie, 2 books (Curious George and I Spy) and a little Curious George doll, and a small Spongebob Squarepants candy thingy, and a bunch of Hershey miniatures inside plastic eggs which were in the hallway, bathroom and living room leading him to his chair with his collection. Oh- he also got a Cars sticker book and some velour color pages with markers. We watched the Bee Movie after he played with his Bigfoot and then he got out the moon sand and made a big mess.

Well- my battery is about to go again- will post more later I guess.

Final Day of Spring Break in Iowa

2008-03-22T00:30:00.008-05:00

Ok- I am posting this one early. Today we slept in till 8:30 and we didn't do much until this afternoon. I went shopping at Target and got Nathan's Easter stuff and got some stuff to decorate the worship center for church on Sunday. Then we went to Steve and Jeanie's place. Nathan played with his cousins Mickey and Forest. He got a bit rambunctious and he even did some breakdancing!!! Too funny!!!

Oh we did play baseball and hit the ball about 80% of the time!!! With his left hand!

Just finished up the ol' UNO championship- We wagered on the score a bit. David and I went bowling tonight- I totally beat him- which I never do at bowling!!! My scores kept getting better!!! He pretty much gave up. So we decided that my bowling scores tonight would be subtracted and his scores would be added... So we started tonight with

Nathan watched Spongebob while David and I went bowling and while we played UNO.

David 1065 and me- 1718 after the bowling score plan was implemented David-1231 Sherry 1454. So we begun to play ol' school Uno - not Uno attack.

Nathan begged to have some cards so we let him play a bit too.

The boys thought it would be funny to hide from the camera!!!

We played and DW won small hands like 4, 12, and finally we got to the score of David 1676 and Sherry at 1678.

Sherry won a hand with a score of 12 and then the next hand David won with a score of 63!!! He won the CUP!!!!!

So that is all from Johnston and the Spring Break adventure 2008.. we head back to Kansas in the morning. Thanks for reading!

It's Still Spring Break!

2008-03-21T09:10:00.006-05:00

Ok- Uno update--- David 1065 Sherry 1718 He is catching up!! We will add our scores from tonight and our bowling scores to get a final Spring Break total- I will post before I leave Iowa.

Went to Tania's place and they have a Wii, so Nathan tried bowling on the Wii... yes, he didn't fare as well. He is definitely left handed too.

We also saw Kaelyn (not sure on the spelling!)

Poor Nathan wants a baby sister or brother so bad! He keeps asking where his is... I tell him he is our one and only... but he and David can pretend they are brothers cuz both of them are single children.

We came home to Gram's and took David to the Merle Hay Mall and he exchanged some games and got a new one. We ate lunch at the food court- and came home. Mom was gone till almost 8 for church. She called out for pizza - Papa John's... it just didn't taste good... anyway- played Uno late and slept in today.

Today- gonna go get some Easter stuff- and then tonight going to see my brother's place and take DW bowling!!!!

Till tomorrow!!!!

More Spring Break Antics

2008-03-20T08:39:00.012-05:00

UNO UPDATE!!! Played last night till midnight again- SCORE - David=625 Sherry=1303!

I made a trophy too. We have decided to add all the scores of all our games- bowling and Uno combined to get a final score on Saturday morning.

Here is our trophy-

Sorry they are a bit blurry I will get better pictures later. Still learning how to use my new camera.

Took Nathan to see Horton Hears a Who and then went to Big Lots! Then got back to Mom's and David wanted a hair cut- so here are his before and after pics.

um.....

Next went to IHOP for WhoCakes..

and there is a sucker that is on the top... we saved that for after...

Will post more later- today we head to Tania's to play with Cael.

Spring Break

2008-03-19T10:43:00.011-05:00

I made it through the visitation and celebration service of Joan. It was a wonderful tribute to her. I also got reconnected with a few people from my past that I hadn't had contact with since leaving Mission Road.

I headed to Iowa. As you can see it was a pretty dreary day. I had torrential rains leaving Kansas. With 2 back tires that are getting pretty bald it was quite a ride. ha ha ha!!!

It was so nice to come home. I love coming home! I hardly get to anymore because of work and family. It does bother me that we see Darren's family a lot more than mine but there really isn't much I can do about it, especially now.

So- it is Spring Break!!! WOO HOO!! Even though the weather outside doesn't agree it is nice to just sit back and breathe.

We arrived here on Monday. Went to Famous Dave's!!! My favorite!!!! I also began the beatings of my nephew at Uno Attack!! We love this game! We play everytime I come up now. At Christmas we played and had a bet on it, and poor David lost and had to roll around in the snow in his pj's. HA HA HA HA!!!

So we decided this time- we would play again and we would play everyday and whomever is the winner on Saturday morning- gets bragging rights- I am still trying to get him to wager something a bit more- but he is a bit skiddish about it- because he knows who the real winner is!! ha ha ha!!!

Here is the update- We played Monday night- score: David 133 Sherry 180. Tuesday night David-479 and Sherry-626 (see a pattern here?) ha ha ha!!!

We also went bowling yesterday. We took Nathan with us- he was so cute- people were watching him bowl. His first game was 79 and his second one was 47. His second game we let him roll the ball on his own.

That's my little bowler!

We came home and he was tired. He laid down for about 30 minutes and then it was time for Monster Jam. I made meatloaf and we had salad and Nathan ate a whole container of cottage cheese for supper. I introduced David to the world of Jericho and poor Nathan crawled up on the couch and leaned against my shoulder and fell asleep. Took him to bed and then proceeded to beat David at Uno Attack.

Today we are going to see Horton Hears a Who and I am going to take David for a haircut. Then I think we might go bowling again- just David and I. maybe...

Yep-- it is Spring Break!!!

Life- what is it really?

2008-03-15T18:27:00.002-05:00

I was sitting here at home today- watching "Dan in Real Life" and having a pretty decent day. I noticed my blackberry light changed from green to red. I looked at my caller list and my Mom had called. I checked my voice mail and heard that my mentor- in the church Joan Strom-Millard had passed away yesterday. I was crushed- so was my mom.

Joan and I shared several spiritual highs while I was at Mission Road. I really counted on her a lot and I became a sounding board for her and she the same for me. She was my boss while I was there, but her spirit, her own self- never treated me as a subordinate EVER! At my recent job interview with Sorenson- I mentioned her a lot. She had been on my mind all week and Thursday I was thinking I needed to get her address and send her a card. I never did. I guess it wouldn't have gotten to her in time anyway. Joan was the one that called me to my role as Elder in the church, she ordained me. She and I had great spiritual talks and when she came to me and told me about her diagnosis of breast cancer I was hurting with her. She was determined to beat it, but as time went on the cancer spread. I got married- I left Mission Road and occasionally I would check in with her- but not as much as I should have. I sent Christmas letters and she did the same. I lost her address this year- and so I did not send her one. I thought I will get it when she sends hers out to me. I never received one.

I am giving a sermon at Bonner Springs tomorrow morning- it is Palm Sunday. It really is a somber day. It is the day that Jesus goes to Jerusalem to be betrayed, arrested, hung and die. I am reminded of my dad's death once again. I am reminded of my sister's death- my best friend's daughter death at 19 months... my sister and my friend's baby died 5 years ago THIS MONTH! I hate feeling so somber, so down. It doesn't help that we hardly see the sun here in Kansas right now because of this stinkin' weather. I was really looking forward to going to Iowa tomorrow. Now I have to wait until Monday- after Joan's funeral.

Today is Bud's birthday- he begged me all week to go to On the Border- I HATE ON THE BORDER!!! I think it is too spicy- desserts are great- but main dishes are not my kind of tastes. I also thought our meal would cost well over $40.00 there and with gas prices and buying books for my exam prep I am getting tapped out... Anyway- we had a fight- we ended up at On the Border. I swallowed my tacos- they do taste better with ranch dressing on them! I got the staff to sing to Bud too.

Yesterday we (Nathan, Paula and Riley and Taylor) all crashed the men's breakfast at IHOP and we brought balloons and gift bags and carrot cake to him. I called him up later and we went to lunch at a smokey bar and grill since Nathan was at school. I hope he feels like he had a good birthday. I just can't help but be sad right now.

That is Joan ordaining me (the one on the right)

That's all for now.

-SBL

Doors opening!

2008-03-05T03:33:00.003-06:00

I can't believe that I forgot to post to this last week? !!! I got the job at Sorenson VRS!!! http://www.sorensonvrs.com/ I had my 2.5 hour interview. I got to the building about 30 min early. I sat and prayed and gave my interview to HIM- that I would accept whatever transpired. When it came time to "terp" I had phone calls that were related to a pharmacy and a dentist visit- HELLO!! I am working in the med field!! I was told I was the first one that could spell Ibuprofen and Tylenol correctly. They were very impressed.

I am a bit weak in the vocabulary area. I have been accepted into a Language Mentorship Program there to refresh my vocabulary. I will then be phased into the phones. I am also getting to go to Salt Lake City Utah to get a week of training- PAID!!! I am also getting prepped and assisted in preparing for my Certification exams. I will then be reimbursed for the tests too!!! I am so excited!

I start prepping for my exam this Thursday. I can't wait for this "Genesis Moment" to emerge!!! Who knew that I would once again be in this field?!!! Interpreting and being able to express myself through sign- and even better- being able to assist others through that skill is such a life high! I can't wait till I am done with the overnights.

Speaking of overnights--- I have decided that I am going to stay at KSD until Christmas break. This new job is 29 hours a week at the most. I will probably be sticking to 15 hours a week for the next 6 months or so. I will then try and get on with an Interpreting service or even branch out on my own and have my own Interp business- possibly getting in touch with hospitals and doctors offices to work there- since I have some medical background.

I can't wait to see and be with my family again! I am counting the days till May 21st. That is my last day for this school year at KSD. After that is when I will fly out to Salt Lake City and June is my 20th High School class reunion and July is Sertoma Camp, Spectacular, and CLW and then it is back to work.

I feel so blessed for life. For the past 5 years this ol' month of March has been so hard to get through. 5 years ago it came in like a lion and ended like a lion. 5 years ago... My mother went into a coma. My best friend's 19 month old daughter died, and the day after my wedding my sister died. The only good thing to come of it- was my wedding- my marriage and my family with Bud.

I am so thankful for that event. I am thankful for a man that supports me in all I do- and I have been all over in the past 5 years! He still is there waiting for me when I do come home from wherever I have been. I love ya Bud!!!

Well- it is 4am and that means it is time to take the garbage out here at work. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Bud- my forever hero and scoundrel!

Time- how do we measure the quality???

2008-02-28T04:26:00.002-06:00

I am caught- caught in a predicament. I am once again caught in the trap of time and management of that time.
I enjoy my job and I especially enjoy the paychecks- but right now I am working 9pm-8am. On Tuesdays I come in at 6pm and stay till 8am.
Here I go- in a little more than 12 hours I will be interviewing for another job. This time with Sorenson VRS. I ache to get back in the field of Interpreting for the Deaf. I was not cut out for the "nurse' thing. I enjoy my job a lot at KSD. I just don't have the opportunity to advance or go to day hours- with my current position and certification. So I am stuck in a way.
I miss my hubby and son. But I have incurred bills and am trying to pay them off and I also need the health insurance because of my Type 2 Diabetes.
I am involved with the church- Community of Christ as an Elder- I preside and occasionally preach for church. Now Bud and I are family coordinators.
I teach American Sign Class to families that have deaf children.
I also have family issues in Iowa and so during Spring Break- i have to go up there and help get things straightened out.
Nathan has become a boy- he has his own opinions on things and is very demanding about what he wants and doesn't want.... I still am amazed that I am a mom of a boy. But at the same time- I am not his mom- I rarely see him anymore. I rarely see Bud anymore too.
I am so wanting to crawl into bed with him and put my arm around his belly and listen to him breathe.
I am so tired too. I feel guilty about my work and life schedule.

500 gallons of air

2008-02-26T03:36:00.002-06:00

Sunday- what a day!!! Went to church in Bonner after Nathan begged us in the morning. We were planning on it anyway. It was Bonner's business meeting and you are reading a blog from one of the 2 family coordinators for the congregation (Bud is the other person). We get to plan potlucks and other family events. We are also in charge of dinners for funerals and for arranging flower delivery for deaths, etc.
Anyway- we are in the sanctuary- chillin'. Nathan is in the nursery and I love Bonner because it is like one big family- he and another little girl were in the nursery watching "Rainbow Fish" and all of a sudden - Bob - the pastor gets a bit flustered... I look up from my bulletin and to my right is Nathan- wearing only his shirt and cowboy boots- that's right---1/2 naked!!! He had wet his pants and took them off- On the other side of Nathan is the Superintendent from KSD--- one of my boss's!!! OMGosh!!!! I was so freaked out!!!!
I scooped him up and took him to the bathroom and I had another set of pants and a pull-up. After the service was over- we had a progressive dinner and Nathan's expose' was the topic at each one of the houses!!! AAAAAAAAA!!!!!
Ok- I gotta go get the garbage out before the boss comes- I will finish my post about Monster Jam later in the week.
Oh- interview for VRS interpreter happens on Thursday!!! 2.5 hours!!! Wish me luck!

Monster Jam part one and more

2008-02-17T20:42:00.006-06:00

Valentine's Day- I worked till 8am and then had to get some bloodwork done- for Heart Healthy program at work. I had to fast for 10 hours and we had kids overnight so it was a stressful night- my blood pressure was up, my blood glucose level was up (can't take meds if I don't eat) and I gained back 2 pounds that I had previously lost. But- my cholesterol was in the normal range!!! So that was great news!!! Then I rushed over to Nathan's Preschool "All 4 Kids" for their Valentine's Party. I walked into his room and he said "Ready to go!" I had to convince him to stay for his party. But after making cut out cookies, and playing outside and handing out valentines and playing Valentine Bingo the party was over. Oh yes, my camera broke too! I took him to Burger King (BK) because they have Monster Jam trucks for boys in their kids meals... I decided to go shopping for a new camera- I am addicted to my camera!!! He and I got home at 12:30 and napped till Daddy came home. I lost both boys Valentines' Cards. Then... went to work Thurs night- NO KIDS!!!! So I disinfected the infirmary. Friday morning I high tailed it over to Circuit City to pick up a new camera. It wasn't my first choice- but it works-
Friday afternoon - Bud arrived and we headed East....
to be with the in-laws and on Saturday we OD'd on Monster Jam.

Standing outside the Edward Jones Dome.

Pit Party- Bud and I checkin' out Scarlet Bandit. Dawn Cretin is the driver. She and her husband Jimmy (Bounty Hunter) are from Toganoxie Kansas! This is my new favorite one- next to whichever one Linsey Weenk is driving. ha ha ha!

Nathan's new favorite- Suzuki... He kept his Pull-Up dry the whole day- so mommy went to the merchandise booth and got him a Suzuki truck to play with. He was thrilled!!!
We saw GraveDigger and Maximum Destruction and Monster Mutt, and El Toro Loco, and Escalade. The Escalade driver came into the stadium right by us- got a out of focus picture of him though.
"Long" story- we got pics by all the trucks and then took a break... got on the Metro Link and went to a mall- and ate some supper. Watched some people making fudge and had "candy on a spoon" and then got back on the Metro Link and went back to the Dome. We got into our seats and poor little guy almost fell asleep. His head was nodding and nodding....
---gonna take a break here- look for more monster jam pics and news on the next blog

It's 2:58 AM Where are you?

2008-02-13T02:22:00.003-06:00

I am at work again (surprise!) and had sign class last night. We went to the Deaf Cultural Center here in Olathe for class. I met another deaf woman who talked and talked to me. She even helped me with a few signs- ha ha ha!!!

I encourage people who are interested in learning more about deafness and the history of Olathe- to go visit it. It is small but they are adding more and more displays as they become available... A new one coming in early March will demonstrate hands on- different devices that deaf people use everyday.

Friday night was Scrapbooking!!! My one time a month to "be me!" and we were supposed to be in the small "fireside" room but we had 18 people there!!! I was so excited and again- got very little done. But that is ok. I had a good time.

The last of us- left at 1:30am. I then headed to Wal-Mart to get my grocery shopping done and pick up a few things we needed for the house. I was just "tooling" around the store. I picked up some new haircolor and then a new toilet seat, and I picked up some new Monster Jam trucks for Nathan (coercion for potty training) and then to the scrapbook area- blah blah blah... finally got to the grocery area and picked out what we needed for the next 2 weeks. I then remembered to get a new sleep mask -nathan has done something with mine! And headed to the check out. WOW!! ONE CHECK OUT is open!! I was surprised... I looked at my watch 3:30am. I was thinking I was doing great on time. NO! I get to the car and turn my car key and my radio comes on- the clock shows 4:48am!!! AAAAAAA!!! I get home at 5am!!! Bud wakes up and was surprised to find me just finishing up putting groceries away. I was still wide awake. I sat down to read my Digital Scrapbooking magazine and finally about 6:15am I went to bed. I did not budge until after 10am.

Then I decided to go to the garage and search for my interpreting books. It was freezing in the garage!!! I found a letter my sister wrote me and then I found a note my dad wrote me when I was in college. I was crying... I finally emerged from the freezing air and decided to "create" and I made a display for my room. I haven't taken a picture of it, but will post it when I do.

Sunday- slept in till 10 am again so we did not go to Bonner church. We hung at home. I colored my hair and called Paula and went to the Great Mall. I walked a mile and let Nathan play in the play area.

Went to work on Sunday- quiet, nothing much is new here... tonight though I have 2 kids. Both had been puking. So they will be here for 24 hours. School Rule.

The election is just a bunch of hot air now. IMO. I am still upset that Obama has gotten as far as he has with his "anti-american" attitude. I was watching Extreme Make0ver Home Edition on Sunday which happened to involve a former Iraq Marine. What that flag represents and means to those soldiers- WOW!! I was crying... Yet- we are putting a man who refuses to pledge allegiance to the flag- to have the Star Spangled Banner played at his events- in the limelight!!! What does that say about us- as Americans? Huh???? I am just flabbergasted! I have such little faith in the american people right now. It is by no means a race issue. It doesn't matter if he is black or white. It is un-american to disrespect the flag and what it stands for!!! I'm not 100% convinced that Hillary is our answer either. I was about to turn to "the dark side" and vote Republican with Mitt Romney- but he has dropped out. So- now---- I have no confidence in ANY of our politicians running for President.

Oh- I've gained 2 lbs back as of Tues afternoon. I am so dissapointed in myself. I walked on Sunday but have not been back to Gold's in a week. I have been "snacking" again too. AAAAA!

Valentine's Day morning I go in for a Heart Healthy check. I already know I am a diabetic, and my last blood work in November showed high levels of cholestoral. So I'm not really sure why I am going-except it is free- and the doc wants a new test. I have to fast for 9 hours. Which means I have to eat my supper at 10pm.

Ok- I am so ready for warmer weather. What happened to the "Global Warming" theory? I am so tired of the snow and ice and scraping the windshield and wearing a coat. I hate wearing coats. I own about 5 though. I don't mind hoodies- but winter coats are horrible.

Well- I think I have rambled and rambled enough. I need to take the garbage out and check on the kiddos. Maybe tomorrow I will write? Like anyone reads this anyway?????

deep thoughts...

2008-02-08T00:32:00.000-06:00

so- much... so much on my plate right now (not food wise- for once!) I don't know how it happens but it does. I know it isn't fair to the people I love- but deep down- it is how I survive. If I stop I am afraid I will stop forever. I don't want that to happen.
I have a full schedule again. I am back working overtime- which I love!!! I really truly love my job at KSD. I love the people I work with. Hubby and son both are in bed by 10:30. I am so bored waiting around till midnight. So I like going in at 9 and getting all the chores done early and having the rest of my night to myself.
I am scrapbooking tomorrow night! I am excited about it this month. We have a gal coming from Creative Memories. We will have over 15 gals there too! I may get more than 2 pages done- woo hoo! Although I did some scrapbooking at work this week. I put the pictures on the papers but left all my embellishments in the car. Started digital scrapping again too. Last month I only did a few pages last month.
Made it through the weekend- a year ago my dad died. Sunday was a bit emotional. Right as the Super Bowl kick-off happened last year he took his last breath. I miss him so much. I try to have my crying times during the day while I am alone at home. I did break down at home for a tiny bit on Sunday. Then again at work talking to Judy. But it was short. I know my dad is in a far better place and no longer in pain.
Back to my schedule... The last week of February I am interviewing (again) to become a Video Relay Interpreter. I really hope I pass their 2.5 hour interview!!! If I do I am going to work there part-time during school breaks and summer-
I am going to Wichita to learn a software program that we will begin using here at KSD in the Infirmary. My boss and another nurse and myself are staying in a Penthouse (one night only) while we are there.
Next weekend is Monster Jam! I know Nathan will freak out!!! I will post pictures when we get back.
I sat down here to write a really deep thoughtful blog and it turns into some kind of diary instead...
oh- one good thing... after 2 years of working with the congregation in Lawrence Kansas.... I am officially "done" with my role there as a facilitator in a program they were part of. A pilot program to redesign their congregation. I am a bit disheartened by it- not because it is over, but because the final outcome was nowhere near the final outcome that the project had planned. So now I have to write a report and present it to the First Presidency and to our Mission Center President and it just hurts my heart... I wanted this to succeed so much- but I guess it wasn't in the cards.
Summer time--- June is my 20 year high school class reunion. July I am working at a camp for deaf kids, then working at SPEC - a leadership camp for kids in Lamoni, Iowa and then I am going to a week of training for my ministry work... So nathan will be out of school for 3 weeks. I also have to figure out how to pick him up from St. Louis and get to Spec and him dropped off in Iowa.... but I have a few more months to get that problem solved.
Well, I am tired... maybe I will be more "inspirational" or something next time.

Finally February!

2008-02-02T22:23:00.000-06:00

What a week... still working overtime. Had to cancel Sign Class on Tuesday because of weather. I was super sick most of the week too- had a hard time breathing and was coughing and runny nose- the whole shibang! I didn't walk or workout except for last friday. But believe it or not I lost 4 pounds!!!!
My diabetic med finally showed up in the mail. It is an increase- but it means I don't take a pill with dinner. It gave me horrible headaches this week on top of my other illness.
Had to cancel my interview for VRS. Hoping they got my email and will reschedule me. I was so sick Thursday night- and Friday. Still not 100% but more about 97%. ha ha ha
Nathan is driving me crazy right now. He has Bigfoot Monster Truck on the brain! That is all we hear! He is having bathroom accidents at home all the time too- he is regressing. Not sure if it is because my schedule changed again or what? Either way- it is making me absolutely CRAZY!!!
Can't wait for the warmer weather- but looking at the forecast supposed to snow again on Tuesday- perfect- that is Sign Class and Thursday I am in Lawrence for a meeting for church.
Gotta get back to working out again- so I can keep this 4 pounds off! I am petrified that I will gain it back. After not losing any the first week and then all of a sudden 4 lbs- WOW!!!!
OOPs- Son's pillow and bed-friend bug is still in the wash- it is 10:30pm --- he won't be able to sleep without it...
Better go- I'll update again more later.

Not sure what to title this one

2008-01-23T03:10:00.000-06:00

It's after 3am. I am at work- for reasons I can't post here- I am working overtime again! woo hoo for the paycheck...boo hoo for the reasons.
Had Sign class again tonight- 8 new people tonight! I am putting the class on powerpoint and it goes so much more smoothly!
Got word today- I have a job interview with Sorenson VRS services. I have applied to become a video relay interpreter- I really need this experience to "get back" my skills. I have an interview Friday Feb 1st in the late afternoon.
I got news that Kansas has abolished its written test for Certification. So now I have to go for the National Certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. www.rid.org and so instead of paying $340 for my certification and completing it this summer--- I now have to come up with $800 and I won't be certified for probably a year now. Which stinks!! I cried when I found out how much it is going to cost me!!! Oh and that doesn't count the cost of study materials which has changed drastically since I graduated from the ITP program in 1995!
Saw the Endocrinologist- and I don't have to see her every month now- I can wait 2 months! But I still need blood work and cholestoral checked and there is a chance I have some damage to my kidneys- so I gotta be careful.
I got a question... Why did the girls on Three's Company wear panty hose with their pj's? I have been watching episodes on TV Land and it is the goofiest thing!!!!
Well- I need to get busy- I am presiding at Bonner on Sunday and have nothing for the service and it is Wed morning!!!!!
Till another day comes where I feel the urge to jot.

Mid January Update

2008-01-16T02:39:00.000-06:00

I am back at work. Literally! I even started teaching the Family Sign Class last night. We had 15 there this time- not our 30 but 15 is great! What is awesome - is that families are coming to learn sign so they can communicate with their kids. It just really fills me with such emotion.

Hubby had his 2nd toe operated on yesterday morning. This time it was wrapped in blue- instead of red- but the doc still put a smiley face on it. It was really, really gross to watch.

I have slept 10 hours in 3 days. Thanks to - Sunday (being a normal day) and Monday - insomnia and Tuesday I was completely exhausted but had to go with hubby to the doc's, and then had to go to work by 6pm to get ready for sign class. AAAAAAAA!!!!!

Oh- Starting today (since it is 2:43am) I am a team captain for a group of ladies here at work in the Live Healthy KC competition. I gotta get my current weight done tonight when I come into work. But anyway- it is to help me get my blood sugars and life in order so I can be around when Nathan gets older.

This blog is supposed to highlight my "creative" side- from this post- I ain't that creative. huh?

Got bad news- our "good" tv is broke- really broke! Guess we gotta save our money for a new one. We are such a "tv" family. Nathan is such a tv junkie and so is my hubby. I am doing fairly well. I still have to have my AFV on Sundays and Ugly Betty, Greys Anatomy on Thursday nights. The rest of the week- I am fine.

Hubby souped up our XBOX and that is all he has been doing is watching videos on youtube and from around the world on that darn thing! He found a video of "BIGFOOT" the monster truck jumping an airplane and everyday Nathan DEMANDS it.

Oh- gotta put my 2 cents in.... I recently learned that Barack Obama is a Muslim. I don't have a problem with that. What I have a problem with is what he has devoted himself too because he is a Muslim. Muslims are people too- America was founded on religious right- but at the same time- THE MAN REFUSES TO PLEDGE HIS ALLEGIANCE TO OUR FLAG! He says he is an American.... but is he really? Come on!!! I was brought up in a military family- and a Christian one too. My father even talked to me about dressing my son in camoflauge- respect for the soldiers fighting for our freedom. He was very proud to be an American. I can't believe we are letting Barack get away with winning polls and more- and the man may be our next President and he won't respect our flag? What kind of an American is that?????? What kind of American are you if you vote for such a man? I think it is right up there with being a child molester or an adulterer. Maybe that is a little harsh... but I just can't accept it- if he does become our next president- our country will certainly lose.

ok- it is 10 after 3 in the morning- got more cleaning to do here at work.

Waiting...

2008-01-13T21:42:00.000-06:00

So, it is 9:45pm. I go into work at midnight. No nap today- ate dinner tonight and my sugar dropped to 41! So it has been eventful- oh yah- I also preached in Osawatomie today. I thought I did pretty good. I was really relaxed about the whole sermon. I did almost forget that I was preaching though. Good thing I put notes together when I was first asked!
Someday I will post my sermons- not so I can "show off." NO! Just for others to use as a reference for their sermons. I enjoy reading other peoples sermons.
Nathan --- hasn't quite got the potty thing anymore. He was doing so well earlier in the week, and something happened. He has had so many accidents!
I had a great time Friday night croppin' with my lady friends. We got our picture taken a few times too. I have them posted on our new croppers website. I only got 3 pages done but I was so burned out on scrapping from the holiday gifts I made for everyone- so that is ok... I will do more next month. Plus next month we have a gal from Creative Memories coming to share with the group.
In-laws are coming this weekend- so I will be spending the week scrubbing down the house and getting stuff put in the garage for storage until they leave! ha ha ha!!!
No- seriously. Bud is bugging me to get the basement cleaned up and the double bed set back up. And honestly- I think I would sleep better during the day in the basement anyway since it is darker and cooler down here ( I am in the basement as I write this) and then when Bud is snoring and I am home with him I can sleep down here for that too. So- that is what I will be doing this week.
Monday- basement (more laundry) Tuesday - off... Bud gets his 2nd toe operated on and I teach Sign class. Wednesday- cleaning the bathrooms Thursday- living room and kitchen and Friday- Nathan's room. Saturday- the Longs from Missouri arrive! They are staying until Monday.
Brrr... it is getting colder- I hate the cold. At least we don't have a foot of snow outside. That would really suck! Temp only in the 20's by the weeks end.
Well- Bud is in the shower now. I need to figure out what uniform I am going to wear tonight and pack up this laptop and make Bud's lunch for tomorrow.
Check in later.

Here we are again....

2008-01-10T02:03:00.000-06:00

It is almost 10 days into the new year- guess it is time to "blog" again.
Ok- decided to "go for it" and I am actively preparing for my written and later on performance exams so I can be a CERTIFIED SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER in KANAS. Wish me luck! It is going to be a lot of work. But if I want to work this summer- I need to do this!
New Years- um yes... Mom kept Nathan and Bud and I went to dinner to TGIFridays (gift card) and then went to the movies- on David's advice we saw I am Legend- it was NOTHING like he said it was! So then- my heart was pumping so much- I got us tickets to see Walk Hard too and then we came home and hung out- till midnight and went to bed. Woo Hoo!!!
Back to work this past Tuesday. Spent the night taking Christmas decorations down and putting up Winter Wellness info. Last night - putting school info on the calendars. Tonight- um we got a student here- and I check on them once an hour- I am procrastinating- I am really needing to work on my sermon for Osawatomie for Sunday- but I am having a hard time- getting into this one- the theme is "Be Baptized." So it is almost a "no-brainer"
Nathan is going potty!!! He likes to go - anywhere but home! He stayed dry all day on Tuesday at Preschool. So we went to IHOP to celebrate and he went twice during our meal- announcing it to the whole restaurant... But then we decided to go to Borders books- and just let time get away and as I was in line to make my purchase- he wet his pants. DARN!!!
30+ days until we go to Monster Jam in St. Louis! Nathan is getting excited about it, and wants to go everyday. He is learning the concept of the calendar and of waiting.
Well- I need to go check on the student and get the bathrooms cleaned.
will blog more later!!!

The end of 2007

2007-12-31T10:11:00.000-06:00

What do I say... but "where has the year gone?" It seems like just a few months ago Bud was unemployed and I was making negative amounts in my paycheck (thank you Great Bend School District) and my dad was sick and in the hospital and expected to get sent home any day.

Nathan is a joy- he is truly a creation that only God could have sent us. I feel very blessed to be his momma. He fills our home with laughter and most times- complete awe-ness of what he will do or say next.

Personally, I don't care if I ever see "CARS" the movie ever again, but I think with a 3 year old boy in the house that isn't going to happen anytime soon. hee hee! I am also thankful for his preschool- ALL 4 KIDS. I love it- he has a wonderful teacher "Ms. Brandy" who is very patient and has a lot of kids but does a great job! Nathan likes her too. The best part is he is getting his Christian Education there. He is learning about God and the wonderful world He created everyday. Nathan has been praying too, and mostly it is for his mommy and daddy and his Thomas Sippy Cup. But that is beginning to change to his Grammy and PaPa.

Thank you Nathan for beginning the POTTY Business!!! Mommy is thrilled! Keep it up!

BUD- Oops sorry I did not fix the red-eye first!

Bud, I love ya. I love you more! I hope in 2008 we can become closer as husband and wife. I think the past 2 years have been very rough and we are reaching the other side- slowly but we are still trodding though all of this- we can make it! It is just going to have to take more work, and more time. I don't ever want to lose you- to anyone else (like the neighbors) or to some other reason. I want to be your spluuuwife till my death! I miss "our" time a lot. I hate that our house is such a mess. I hate that we argue, and I hate that we sleep in different cycles. These past few nights have been so wonderful. I love holding your belly and listening to you breathe under the flannel sheets and yes-laying my head on your pillow so I can do that. I love that. I never knew what a good snuggle under the covers was until I crawled into the bed with you that first time.

Day-od (Day-odd) I miss you so much. Especially on days like today. I could always call you and you would get me out of my funk. You showed me the sun (Son) a lot of times. Who knew when that picture was taken that a year later- you would be on your way out of this earthly world? I can't cry- you are in a much better place. You are free from needles, and pain, and medicines, and doctors, and the wondering when it will end. You faced your death head on- and although we thought (selfishly) that it was not the right time. You and God knew it was the right time. I know you are watching us from above, and you see all the good you have done in this world, and because of your good. Northwest Congregation in Des Moines Iowa, named their Christmas Tree (which you bought when you were Pastor) the Jerry Tree. I wish I could have seen it this year, I am sure it was beautiful. Love ya daddy!

David Wayno- What do I say to you as I put an end on this year? PLEASE! You have such potential and such gifts and yet- dwell on the negative and personally I am disapointed in your past year- But you know what? I still love you and will always love you. It is my hope that in 2008 you become more responsible and get back to the caring young man you were before. You can go far- you can become a cop, you can do whatever you want- but you can't do it- sleeping all day, or ignoring your Gram, or not caring about others. Ok enough preaching!

You need to learn how to WIN UNO!!! ha ha ha!! I love playing games with you. Not because I always win- but because I get to spend time with you. Soon you will move out and go to college and have a life of your own- and I will miss you. I miss you when I am in Kansas. But I know that God has a plan for you and if you are wise- you will follow it and grow up and be a wonderful David Wayne!!!! Your Mom is watching you, and so is Grandpa. They are watching out for you too.

Steven Kip... Thanks for being my big brother. I could not have made it through this year without you. You were really the "man" for the Gordens this year. I know it hasn't been easy for you, and you are struggling on "what you want to be when you grow up." But be patient. That is something I have had to learn in my 38 years on this earth. The waiting is the worst. I wish you success in 2008. Even if you are a bit redneckish and proud of it!! ha ha ha!!!

My Mom! I know you probably will never even see this- but I want the world to know what a great mom I have. I am thankful for her everyday. Without her I would have never gone to Alabama, I never would have become an Interpreter, I never would have moved to Kansas. I owe my whole life experience to her!! She has a beautiful ministry with people. She gets frustrated at times with them, but in the end she is a tool that brings out their gifts and lets them shine- while she stands in the back- sharing in their joys and successes. That is a gift! She is emotional at times- but who isn't at age 70 and with the experiences she has gone through. It is ok to cry mom! It is ok to shut yourself in a room and have "me time" and it is more than ok to tell others to leave you alone. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you (you birthed me!) and you showed me "the way." I hope that in 2008 you learn to be good to yourself!

Lindsay and Nathan- I couldn't be happier for the two of you (soon to be 3 of you!) I was so honored to be asked to be a part of your special day. I am still in awe that we know you Lindsay! I can't tell you enough- how we missed you all those years.

My wish for you both is that in 2008 your love blooms even more! With a little one in the house that is part of both of you- it will change things. But remember that little person is an outward expression of your love for each other. Be in awe of that little creature. I can't wait to meet him (right? a boy?) as I am sure you can't wait either. Continue to communicate with each other. Share in the daily joys and sorrows together. Keep on loving each other even when it is hard to do so and you will succeed in this marriage business.
Well it is getting late- I will end this with my own advice to myself.

Sherry- be careful- take care of your body- and your health- and your family in 2008. Take time to write, and create and have "me time." Take care of your boys- love them and care for them. It will be a new chapter in Genesis moments.

Till 2008- thanks for reading!!!

2007-12-26T11:28:00.000-06:00

Ok- I thought I posted a lot more than that- guess I haven't... Guess it is time for an update.

Went to the eye doctor- no damage!

Went to Endocrinologist- new drug - Byetta! It makes me go low and it curbs my hunger!

Saw Santa---Nathan had him all to himself. We love this Santa- he knew I was prego before I was!!! Had the Christmas with the IN-LAWS Check out my mother in laws face!

Had Christmas with her family as well. MORE stuff to bring home- Yay!!! Nathan got a new coat from Aunt Tori.

We are definitely going to put it to use later today when we head up to Iowa.

Our Christmas here in Kansas...

Gotta love the hair- huh? Got my "bling bling" tattoos and my hair dryer from the hubby. Check out my late (that's ok) Birthday card from my hubby and son too- it is the giant Spongebob on the tree.

Well- I need to go switch clothes in the dryer- so I can get out of here and head to Iowa... will post more later... I promise (like anyone reads this blog anyway...)

Confessions of a mommy to one...

2007-11-30T04:54:00.000-06:00

It is 5 min. to 5am. I am so tired!!! I am very happy that it is Friday. I do have an appointment at 10am today though. I would love to go home early but I already filled out my time sheet showing me working till 8am. AAAAAA!
I need to "suck it up" as my dad would say and just get through this morning. I can sleep later. I am taking Nathan to go see Santa today after his nap. I will try to remember to post pictures later.
Bud and I ate turkey pizza for the second night this week. It was still ok. Nathan put his nose up to it and said "not yet." He has been eating salads at restaurants lately. So I fixed him a spinach salad tonight and made sure to put Ranch dressing on it. He took one bite and spit it out and said "I don't like it!!!" "It is STINKY!" and he waved his hand in front of his nose!!! What a little devil! (But he is my devil!) Go figure!
Wed night he came down to the basement wearing a sweatshirt and his NASCAR big kid underwear and he stood in the doorway of the laundry/bath room and said "HEY MOMMA!" This is a kid that goes limp when you have to dress him. Here he had done it all himself!
It is so hard to believe that - he is our son. He is growing into such a person! But really I wouldn't have it any other way.
Two of my best friends just had babies in the last month. Yes, about 5% of me wanted to join them in the pregnancy and be a mommy again. But really the 95% of me left- was quite glad that - I don't have to go through all of that again. I can't wait to be finished with diapers and sippy cups! I can't wait until I have a kid that I can take to places and not have to keep an eye on all the time making sure they stay out of trouble and not run away. I am happy for no more formula and bottles. I am thrilled at no more carrying the car seat in and out of the car, and using a stroller everywhere. I am all grins at the growth that Nathan has fostered in the past few months. I just can't wait for the next life growth for him.
I am happy that I can comfortably leave my child at preschool for the day. I can work outside the home and help provide for him and my husband. I have so much more freedom since Nathan turned into a preschooler. He has learned how to entertain himself too- I no longer have to be the one to keep him occupied. He has lots and lots of monster trucks and ramps (thanks to PaPa) and he can look at his books and run the DVD player- all by himself! I am THRILLED to be at this place and stage of his life.
It is time I start to take care of myself as well. I have begun the journey back to health. I see the Diabetes educator in a few hours. I see a nutritionist in 2 weeks. I see the eye doctor in 3. I have been horrible to myself and can feel it. Now that my sugars are dropping to a normal range I am feeling much different. Not sure yet whether it is a good feeling- but for my health it is a good thing.
OH NO!!! Ice for this weekend. I digress...
Well- it is after 5 am now. I have to put the computer away, and put the dishes away and make the coffee. Wait till the clock strikes 8!!!!
Have a good one!
=SBL

Thanksgiving weekend- 2007

2007-11-24T20:54:00.000-06:00

Ok I cooked my first turkey this year. Neither of the boys ate it though! They liked the side dishes better. GO FIGURE!!!

After lunch we put the Christmas tree up and decorated it. Nathan put his Home Depot and Lowe's decoration on the tree and 30 minutes later- they were off the tree - Whatever!

Then I did laundry and went to bed by 9:30. Why? So I could go shopping on Friday morning- the first time I have ever gone on "BLACK FRIDAY."

Mind you, we do not have a lot of money to do Christmas shopping yet, and earlier this week I had to replace 2 tires on my car. I also got word they are going to add insulin to my meds... so yes, money was an issue- but I still went. I went to Wal-Mart at 4:30am and got my CRICUT machine- (my Christmas present to myself) and I got Nathan's new Leap Pad. I also picked up a couple of small stuff for the stockings. After 8am I went to Hobby Lobby. I only bought a new 8x8 scrapbook and refills and new Candy Canes for the countdown to Christmas calendar. I then went home- did laundry and packed and we headed to Wentzville to go to Grammy's and PaPa's. I did sleep on the way there.

This morning (Sat) we went to the Winery in Hermann, Missouri for lunch and then to the Pea Ridge Tree Farm to get the tree for Grammy and PaPa's house. We met up with Chauntelle and Seth and their son Jacob. Jacob and Nathan had a blast!!!! Going to the restaurant at the Stone Hill Winery.

Then to the tree farm!

The FAMOUS CHOP-CHOP!!! The boys did a great job of sharing it. I gotta get more pictures from Grammy - looks for the second installment soon!

November .... AAAAAAAA!!!! and Boxette

2007-11-11T10:26:00.000-06:00

Well - today would have been my sister's 47th birthday. But she left this earth almost 5 years ago.

We have done absolutely NOTHING this weekend. To tell you the truth- it is pure heaven. I did do some sorting of my scrapbook supplies. That is all...

Nathan actually went potty once yesterday. None the rest of the day. None TODAY!! AAA!!! I can't wait until "he gets it!"

He is going to start full-time at preschool the week of Thanksgiving. He covered himself in Vicks Vapor Rub on Tuesday when I was sleeping! AAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

Heading to Iowa for my birthday on Friday.

Well- that is all I really want to say right now... Not too wordy today... Not feelin' it. Oh yes- my Scrapbook website on Scrap Outside the Box - is having this cool activity. We signed up to have one of their trademark bears visit us for awhile. I have "Boxette" visiting right now. This is my page about her arrival. So stay tuned for more of Boxette's visit to Olathe!

2007-10-31T08:33:00.000-05:00

These are in the order we visited them... The first one is found at the Olathe Daily News and the Second one is at the Olathe Library downtown.

The one to the left is at KSD where I work! I know the woman that designed it and put it together.

This one is from "THE GRASS PAD" Where they are high on grass!

Ok I gotta upload the rest later- this blogger thingy is giving me fits!!!! It is having trouble uploading my pictures again... Stop by again sometime real soon!

Olathe Kansas Home of the Cowboy Boot!

2007-10-27T16:57:00.000-05:00

Yes, I live in Olathe, KS. We have lived here for almost 5 years. They are celebrating their 150th Anniversary and asked businesses to design a cowboy boot to display all over town. Why? The Cowboy Boot was invented in Olathe. By Mr. Hyer. He even employed several deaf people in his warehouse. Pretty cool- I think!!!!
So, the boots are getting ready to be auctioned off- so we thought we would go and take the Boot Tour across town. We missed one- one is MISSING!! I have been all over the internet looking for information on it- but can't find anything out... I had originally scheduled the family to go on the "tour" last weekend but hubby was pouty and tired.
Anyway- here you go- all but one of them!
Ok-blogger is having problems loading the pics... will post again later.

Bored... Bored...Bored

2007-10-16T12:07:00.000-05:00

Here I am outside on Catalpa. None of the kids are out- because out of the 3 others in the neighborhood- 2 are in school. There is a cool breeze upon us as we hang out in our driveway- Nathan and I.

I got off work at 8am as usual and ended up passed out on the couch by 9 and slept till 11. Not a whole lot of hours but enough to get me to 1 or 2pm which is when I can pass out in my bed.

Work was boring last night. We had the weekend off- so not a whole lot of kids were on campus. So- not even cleaning needed done. I got out the ol' laptop and tried to learn some new things on Photoshop CS3 but it just wasn't clicking. I went into the office and surfed on the computer but nothing really hooked me. I ended up playing Bookworm on my Blackberry from 4-6:30am when my boss showed up. I did read one of my SIL People magazines. I learned that Halle Barry has type 2 diabetes. Her pregnancy will be a lot like mine was.

Now it is October 16th. Half the month is gone. Our money is gone till Friday I can't even take Nathan for a lunch to McDonalds... stupid bills. Our trip to Manhattan won't happen till Spring. Not sure when- cuz we need a 3 day weekend and Bud doesn't have one in the Spring. So I am bummed about that part. I am also bummed cuz my 38th Birthday was supposed to be our Manhattan trip. So I am sad about that part of it too.

Nathan got a Powerwheels for being the grandson. He drives with his left foot. He drives into their garage door and whatever else he can. He can't coordinate his feet and his hands on the steering wheel. He just needs practice. Still no potty training happening either and it driving me insane. He doesn't care about Grave Digger anymore. He just gets under my skin!!!!!!

Well- it is 12:30pm so I probably need to take him in and feed him some lunch so we can all take a nap!!! Maybe I won't be so critical and grouchy after words... yes...right!

Here are some of my pages..

2007-10-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

Most of my pages involve files from http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/ although occasionally I pull files from http://www.rakscraps.com/ and http://www.scrapgarden.com/ But someday I hope to learn how to make my own kits- especially those related to "boys." I have frantically been looking for a "monster truck" themed kit- but have been unable to find one that I like. I found a great race kit from Katie Mann at SOTB.. I used that one on the Homey Depot page. Here is another one I used the same kit on....

This was from a challenge a while back - on my indulges. At the time I was totally addicted to Mortal Kombat. This is another aspect of SPLUUUGIRL!!!

Here is just a taste of my creativity at this point in time- someday I will put my drawings up. But not just yet.

-Enjoy!!!!

Who is Spluuu?

2007-09-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No, but my mom would tell me I was named Sherry because it rhymed with Jerry (my Dad's name).

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? a couple of days ago, while changing Nathan's diaper he kicked me and the heel of his foot landed on my mouth- pretty painful!!!

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I would say, I really don't fret over my handwriting. It has changed quite a bit over the years, as my hand cramps up easier since getting my interpreting injury in '95.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? hmm... have to be ham- but only with swiss cheese. I am getting pickier, and pickier in my old age.

5. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I would definitely be YELLOW!!! That color rocks!!! It would be a bright yellow- not a dirty one or a greenish yellow.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Probably so.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? occasionally when the moment strikes me.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes, they wanted to take them out when I was a child, but I had epilepsy at the time, so they were scared I would seize on the table - so I still got 'em and still get Strep and Tonsilitus as an adult. YEAH!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Wanna see a grown woman wet her pants? NO WAY!!!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Frosted Mini-Wheats - gotta get my fiber!

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no- I usually wear clog type shoes or those that slip right off. Not big into the whole untieing business.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Internally- yes --- physically, depends
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Moose Tracks - no sugar added
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their body language.

15. RED OR PINK? Red but occasionally I have those "girl" moments where pink is nice.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? my weight and my money management skills.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My dad and sister equally- didn't really get a chance to say all I wanted to - to either of them before they left this earth. But I know I will see them again and we can chat forever then! (Shelly- the last Christmas she really felt well- she made me dress up like Rudolph and go to her son's school!) My dad and Nathan. My dad was the director of the military museum and they did a drawing of each director- this is them- checking out my dad's! I cherish this picture so much!

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I’m posting it on my blog and curious to see what happens.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue scrub pants and my white nursing shoes (slip ons!)

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? reheated leftover cinnamon chip pancakes and sausage.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the hum of my laptop and someone outside opening and closing their car doors. Nathan is at pre-school!!!
22. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? um... yes!
23. FAVORITE SMELL? BBQ and my hubby's deodorant when he starts to sweat.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Christine from T-Mobile I needed to get a bundle on my text messages added to my services- been texting way to much lately.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, he is a very creative and inspiring person. Kinda cute too.
26. SHOWER OR BATH? Shower- don't want to sit in my dirty water.
27. HAIR COLOR? right now- hmm.. brown with some gray in it. I need some Miss Clairol BADLY!!!
28. EYE COLOR? green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian! and Famous Dave's BBQ
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings (Romantic Comedies really)
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Hot Rod at the theatres, Snoopy Come Home - DVD at home.
33. WHAT COLOR OF SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink!
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? really I like Fall. But if I have to pick one- Winter cuz we stay home more.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? BOTH!
36. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? College Football or KC CHIEFS football. Oh and World's Strongest Man... with my son it is NASCAR (is that a real sport though?)
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one cuz no one reads this!
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Nathan
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? "Take Your Time, Finding Balance in a Hurried World" (which is overdue at the library-oops Guess I was taking my time!) and "God Is A Laughing Matter" by Julia Cameron.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don't have one- I am on a laptop.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? BIG BROTHER 8 Finale.

42. FAVORITE SOUND? My son singing his "abc's" and him laughing. Oh and my hubby's famous Fred Flintstone laugh. It make my heart melt.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?neither- give me some Bon Jovi! or Michael Blu'ble (however you spell his last name!)

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Grand Cayman Islands in the summer of 1995.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I don't think so.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Des Moines Iowa - at a hospital that is no longer there.
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? whoever answers these.

48. WHAT IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME? Beth- no comment
49. IF YOU COULD CHANGE YOUR NAME (NOT INCLUDING YOUR LAST NAME), WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would pick...hmm... Mindy... hmm.. maybe not.

50. WHAT IS YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE??? STAR WARS TRILOGY- I know that is 6 movies- but I bundle them up in one package. They are so "right on" for me philosophically and I have learned so much from them. Plus I think we all have our own dark side at times.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK?? Coke Zero

Yep- More breathing happening here

2007-08-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

I passed my final with a 92%!!! My State Boards- I am still waiting to hear. I ended up taking that exam on a DayQuil haze.

I am back at work full-time. I really enjoy it! I haven't had to do a whole lot of "Nursing Assistance" - mainly I do a lot of the nurses paperwork and hand out band-aids. Which is fine by me. I need more practice on the blood pressure and stuff anyway.

Nathan and I went to the Iowa State Fair! We had an "Ok" time. He was wiped out by 2pm. I missed the butter cow! We were so busy seeing everything else. We went alone. Bud stayed home in KS and David Wayne stayed in BED!!!!
Next year hopefully Nathan is a bit better and sticking around me- in public. We will enjoy it even more!
In a few days- I am leaving for Prairie du Chien Wisconsin! Why? I am officiating my neice's wedding... I am so excited! I got the program put together and my part all done last night while I was at work (it is the quietest place to work!)
I need to call Bud's doctor... will blog more later.

Awwwwww Breathing is good...

2007-08-06T21:59:00.000-05:00

I am so- procrastinating my studying for my final tomorrow for my CNA class!!! I am so tired I can barely keep my eyes open.
I didn't sleep good last night- Bud has a horrible horrible sinus problem due to allergies right now and he snored in my ear! So- since nathan is gone- I am sleeping in his room!
Had the block party- will talk about that at a later time- it was quite the event!!! Can't go into all the detail here- because of confidentiality issues- but at the end of the night- we had an ambulance and a firetruck and the police on the block. The police were on our block more than once!
That is all for now... Will blog more later. Eye lids are closing...fingers are getting slower.....
-night night!

Simpsonized!

2007-08-03T15:33:00.001-05:00

Well, this is me- and Darren Simpsonized! There is a cool website where you can get simpsonized too! http://www.simpsonizeme.com/ but right now it is busy. I am trying to do Bud's - but the site is down right this minute. I will post Bud's when I get it done. I will do Nathan's too.

One last week of CNA training. Final on Tuesday and State Boards on Friday. I also have a 5-10 minute report on Meniere's Disease.

No Nathan starting on Saturday!!! Bud and I are going to PARTY!!!! We will probably end up seeing "Hot Rod" the movie and going out once.

Sunday I am giving my first sermon at Bonner Springs. I have to do some work on that for sure.

So, I have a few things to do in the next few days. I am also still trying to move out of the basement. It has been hard with Nathan in the house- and so next week- I go to KSD on Monday and so the rest of the week will be moving and cleaning and decluttering.

Here is our little man all Simpsonized!!! Isn't he cute?

Well- we are having a huge BLOCK PARTY tonight and I have to get ready for it.

Nathan is still napping- so I am going to get some of the prep work done now!!!!

Till something else happens in our lives???

Birthday week!

2007-07-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

Nathan's Birthday Cake from Gram Gorden on the 4th of July.
Ice Cream at Chevy's on his real birthday!
Birthday Pie on Friday (sorry it is out of order!)
Birthday Cake from Grammy and Grampa Long

My son- turned 3 on Saturday July 3rd. He had parties all week! Poor kid!

The finale- Hooter's on Monday on our way home. No he did not make this one up. We actually did this for him on his 3rd Birthday!

This week I started Clinicals and it was ok... I can't wait to get this job at KSD though. I like kids a lot better than older people. I struggle with this kind of community. I know that it is good for older people but- I just don't enjoy being there (honestly!) The time did go fast.

A friend of the Long's - the Buie's lost their 9 month old daughter on Monday night. I am very sorry for their loss. But Savannah is in a much better place now. It saddened us deeply though.
We never met Savannah- but still loved her.

Well- better get back to cleaning- my job 24/7 since hubby is working and Nathan is a 3 yr old now. I am sick and tired of it all. I want to chuck it all and start over!!! But we don't have the money to do that.

Enjoy your week!

Long Day Trip

2007-06-25T10:09:00.000-05:00

Friday June 22nd, was my regular SCRAP NITE! I did come home about 1:30 but did not crawl into bed till after 2:30am! 7:30 Bud woke Nathan and I up and within an hour we were in the "McQueen" to head SOUTH to West Mineral , KS... Why?

To see what is on the left! BIG BRUTUS... The world's biggest coal shovel. Nathan and Bud were both totally enthralled with it all. Bud and I had been there back in 2002 - our engagement Columbus Day Trip. Bud was able to climb to the top back then, about 3 years ago their insurance company closed that part of the tour down. Nathan had a blast!!! He climbed inside it with us and looked around and then when we climbed down he got a bit nervous- and I said "I got ya!" and every stair we went down he repeated "I got ya!" He liked the models inside the visitors center too. He did not want to leave.

Oh I almost forgot. Bud told me it was like 100 miles from our house. It was 190!!! On the way there we passed a town called Gas... there was a bank there called "The Bank of Gas" Bud said he would stop and make a deposit and then Nathan and I could make a "wiff-drawl!" BAAAAAD joke Bud!!!

We were going to take a picture of the bank - but I of course fell asleep on the way back and Bud ended up taking some goofy way back home and missed it. Oh well, I am sure we will make this trip again someday.

Bud wore his Big Brutus shirt that day. I dressed Nathan up in his "Chicks DIG me!" shirt and I wore my plain "Orlando" shirt. I did not want to be dorky with them. hee hee!

That is all for today. I have some studying to do for my 2nd CNA test tomorrow. I also want to get some stuff sorted and put away in MY new room. I now have a place to call my own to scrap, to blog and to "shut the door" to get some peace if I need it. I don't know why I didn't do this before. I moved the double bed to the basement 2 weeks ago and am still a bit sore. I don't have it set up downstairs yet because we keep doing things like this- and I am studying in my free time. I have to get it done this week because this weekend the in-laws are coming with their RV to visit!!! AAAAA!! (another story for another time)

Till next time!

Play Catch Up

2007-06-10T23:26:00.000-05:00

Here is our little man! Those swim trunks were donated by the neighbor.

He is growing up so fast! I can't believe it that in less than a month he will be 3!!! MAN! The years go by quick!

Ok- found a class at JCCC for my CNA and started last week. I go in once a week all day and the other days are online. So I have a lot of studying to do. Not sure how it is really going or not. 3 of my assignments are not graded yet and I don't want to take my tests online until those are graded but I may have to do it anyway. Since tomorrow or in about 30 minutes it is Monday!

We found a new church... Still Community of Christ, but it is in Bonner Springs Kansas. Practically every speaker they get is from Olathe though. Kinda bummed about that. But we will see how it goes. Bud likes it there a lot.

The Star Wars room is my new home. I study here, and nap here and sleep here. Bud has been sick for about 2 weeks now- starting his third week. We have made one trip to the ER so far. I got sick too- but after taking some of his antibiotics- he can't take- I am feeling fine.

I started working out at Bally's again last week. It felt good!!! But I have a lot of studying to do tomorrow and am in class on Tuesday so may not get there till Wednesday.

Been dabbling in the digital scrap arena again. This time at www.scrapoutsidethebox.com I have a gallery there- under spluuugirl. Check it out sometime! I have only done 1 new page this week though. I have to get busy on Nathan's birthday invitations and Father's Day gifts this week too - so many not get a whole lot done. I have done 7 pages so far this month though. I just need to do 5 more to get the bonus kit!

Well- better end it here- It is 11:34pm - I gotta get up and make Bud's lunch and do laundry and get to my daily tasks...

Thanks for reading!!!!!

-Spluuugirl

OH!!! I snuck out of the house today and saw "Knocked UP" and it was a great movie. Bud and I saw "EVAN ALMIGHTY" at a sneak preview for ministers and that is one you definitely don't want to miss!!!!! Check them out!

Motherz Day

2007-05-13T20:29:00.000-05:00

Here we are at Pizza Hut in Osawatomie Kansas! Why are we there? I preached there today!

This is a new week of creativity for me. I have almost 100 posts- pages and comments combined on www.scrapoutsidethebox.com and I still have 2 more weeks to complete challenges! I am digital scrappin while I work.

FRIDAY is scrappin - paper style and I can't wait. I can't wait till I am done with school so I can get my scrap area re-organized. Yes- Bud I promise to do that!

Can I just say- I am so excited that Mike Myers is doing Shrek again! I can see him do all the publicity! He is one of the men on my "list!"

For Mother's Day - I got a Monster Truck Easter basket (on sale) and a card (one that plays music) and a sucker (candy) and on Friday I got a small plant from Nathan and the daycare. Yesterday- Bud and I dropped the kid off at the neighbors and we went to eat chinese food and then to the movies "Blades of Glory" - that is a hilarious movie! Then we went to Bass Pro Shops and Bud got himself some sandals.

So- all in all- it was an ok day. This week I am busy with meetings, on Tuesday and Wednesday and then of course the Friday night of scrappin.

Oh- tonight I took Nathan to McDonald's for supper- he got the kids meal and inside was a burping Shrek! He keeps pressing the darn button!

Ok- enough blabbering... I really don't think anyone is reading this anyway.

-buh bye!

Decisions-Decisions

2007-05-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

Here I am at work- my new job. I am an overnight person for the infirmary at KSD.

What does that mean? It means that if I want a job doing this next year I have to get a CNA certificate.

Problem- CNA program at JCCC is full for the summer!

So I have to go in and talk to them about working in the fall and going to school in the fall at the same time!

Hubby likes the idea of me working 12-8am - he gets all the covers to himself. I have been told by several people once I get my CNA I can go work anywhere... but I really want to continue at KSD. Yes- I would definitely prefer to be teaching- but I don't have the $$$ or the time to get my teaching certificate. AAAAAA!!!! Who knew at age 37 I would be going through this AGAIN! The job at the infirmary makes good money- and I would be full-time so I would get my health insurance - that I can't get right now because of my diabetes. AAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Anywhoo- for anyone out there really reading this-

-SBL

Definitely Up to Something!!

2007-05-02T13:57:00.000-05:00

Yep- Nathan is definitely up to something! What we don't know? He has been a "brat" lately!!! Kinda makes me a bit nervous about this summer- not working- except with him! ha ha ha! Oh- the joys of motherhood!

I started working in the infirmary at KSD this week. I have been consuming the QT version of Red Bull- ROOSTER BOOSTER to stay awake all night. I only have 14 more nights of this so I'm not worried about the effects. I am averaging 4 hours of sleep each day so far- NOT GOOD! So I hope my body gets used to this soon!

I haven't been too creative lately. I only did 8 pages at the scrap retreat a few weeks ago. But i am looking forward to teh 18th- when i get to scrap with those wonderful ladies again.

Getting ready for my first sermon in awhile- on Mother's Day. I have most of it written. I have free time at work to do such things.

Well- gonna go try and get some R&R until I pick up Nathan

Here's the link to donate!!!

2007-04-11T20:40:00.000-05:00

http://www.firstgiving.com/ShellyHeroes

HELP ME HELP THEM!!!

2007-04-11T20:29:00.000-05:00

4 years ago- March 30th (day after my wedding) my sister Shelly passed away from complications of HIV/AIDS. She contracted it from her long-time boyfriend who did not tell her he was infected till after their son was born. That son is healthy and still alive today! Shelly was one who was not "proud" of how she contracted HIV but accepted it, and made it her passion, her fight to help those who were infected and more importantly affected by this horrible disease. For that reason- we did not hand out rice or give our guests candles or anything to take home. We used that money and donated it to the Kansas City AIDS WALK organization. From that time on- we have raised several thousands of dollars for them. We walk for them- for ALL of them no matter race, creed, or sexual orientation... Each person INfected and AFfected deserves respect and the ability to continue to live their lives to their fullest- just like any other person with an ailment or disease.

Please donate to Shelly's Heroes- so we may assist those who need it - Please click on the following link and you can donate by credit card- or contact me at sherry@spluuu.com with the message AIDS WALK in it, and I will send you my home address so you may mail a check or money order to me directly. If you choose to mail it to me- I need it by April 28th.

THAT is the day we walk!!!!!

-Thank you!!!!

-Sherry Long

Anniversary #4

2007-04-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

Darren and I treating ourselves to dinner out without "Little Man" at the restaurant inside the Bass Pro Shop here in Olathe, KS.

The food was interesting. We ate alligator! We told them it was our anniversary and they gave us free dessert- key lime pie! Service was great!

After that was - on the road to Lansing, KS- to spend the weekend. We drove back and forth between Lansing and Leavenworth the whole weekend. It was a semi-decent weekend weather wise... a bit breezy though!

We saw downtown Leavenworth- we saw Ft. Leavenworth (military base-not the prison) and we went to the Lansing Museum, and the CW Parker Carousel Museum too! We even rode on the carousel after the tour- I took pictures of Bud riding on it, but he took a picture and cut off my head!!! ARGH!!! There was a really cool sculpture in town too- I took pictures of that.

Then after all the excitement was over- we were reminded- we were parents of a little boy- who was coughing and had a fever at Grammy and Grampy's place... so Sunday morning we packed up and headed back to MO to get him. By the time we got there- he was doing a minimal amount of coughing- and was so energetic! He had an Easter Egg Hunt at Nanny and Papa's too!

He also got some bubbles- and was trying real hard to blow them- but it was so windy that day all you had to do was put the wand in the air and away they would go!

All in all it was a good weekend.

Thanks for reading!

Back to Kansas

2007-03-25T21:33:00.000-05:00

I'm back in the land of wheat - and almost #1 basketball team.
Iowa was a struggle this time - My Mom is so scared and lonely and unsure of what life will bring her without Dad. I wish I could reassure her- but I can't. I tried!!!! She is a very-strong willed person and I love her- but she is so hurt and broken right now.
Tonight - my church is having their semi-annual World Conference and our President/Prophet of the church counseled us to accountability- especially those who are ordained (like myself) - personally it was a clear answer to prayer. I have dealt with priesthood who think they can go the way of the world- instead of the Word!!!!!
I am a Minister- because I have accepted that call- that responsibility. I take responsibility for my sermons, for my ministry with others- I do not minister for popularity. I minister because I believe in a loving- faithful God. A God who loves me when I sin, and forgives me- when I do sin. I do not say- "f*" the church, or my faith- I respect the role that I have been asked to complete and do it the best WITH GOD at my side.
Was that a rant? I would have ranted more- but my laptop is slow- I type way-faster than the laptop can handle. ha ha ha!!!
Ok- Gotta finish watching "The Apprentice" and see how many points I earned this week.
-Till next time!
P.S. Please pray for my Mom!!!!

Why?

2007-03-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

Ok- you are all probably asking yourself - why? Why did Sherry create yet another blog? Well my 360 Blog has limitations and so does my - myspace blog - so I decided to branch out, and this one here is just for my creativity notes and mumblings and musings.

Now that I have that off my chest.

Creatively I am in a small cramped space. why? I am a clutter-aholic. I have papers from my youth ministry days, I have papers from my Interpreting days, I have papers from my pre-school teacher days, I have papers from my scrapbooking stuff. All things that mentally are blocking me- they are blocking me from clearing out- and creating new and wonderful things, but my head says to KEEP IT - What if you ever go back to doing that again? Valuable musings and information! Scrapbooking I am doing today- so that is ok- but the other stuff? I guess I just need to blog myself to decide to pitch it.

I could donate- but to who?

I won't be blogging for a few days- I have to go back up to Iowa to help my mom pick out the gravestone for my Dad's cemetary plot. It has almost been 2 months since he died, but it has been too darn cold! I miss you Day-od.

-Till the next time I get the "urge"

All About ME!!! From Tea with McNair

2007-03-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

Wanna Play?This is fun. Hope you enjoy playing along. Read through my responses, then read the instruction at the end.

1. What time is it? 2:11pm
2. What is your full name? Sherry B. (Gorden) Long
3. What are you most afraid of? being poor homeless and unloved
4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen? Employee of the Month - kinda dumb.
5. Have you ever seen a ghost? Nope
6. Have you ever milked a cow? nope
7. Ever been to Alaska? nope
8. What is your favorite country that you’ve visited, outside your home country? Cayman Islands - that is the only place I have been outside of the North America.
9. Ever been in the hospital for an over night stay, and why? Yes, I had a son and a C-Section.
10. Do you plan to have any more Children? nope, too dangerous for me and the baby.
11. Favorite day of the week? Any day I get "me time"
12. Favorite Restaurant? Chapala - Mexican Food, Zios for Italian, Pings for Chinese, McDonald's for fast food.
13. Favorite Flower? Yellow Tulips and Sunflowers, and Daisys!
14. Favorite outdoor spot or region (be especific, not just “the beach,” which beach)? Western Kansas on our "trips"
15. Favorite sport to watch? KC Chiefs Football
16. Favorite Drink? Cherry Coke Zero.
17.Favorite Ice Cream? Bunny Tracks Lite.
18Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonalds - already mentioned
19. What color is your bedroom carpet? light tan
20. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Twice
21. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail? OlatheOpMommytime
22. What do you do when you are bored? Scrap- Journal-Blog-Sleep
23. Bedtime? 10:30pm
24. Who will respond to this e-mail the quickest? Not an email- just a blog
25. What question should be added to this questionnaire and what is your answer? What do you normally do on a Tuesday night? I cook dinner and meet ladies for prayer.
26. Who are the gusts are your ultimate dinner party? (Name three persons living or dead.) Jack Black, Gary Lezak, and Princess Diana
27. Favorite (currently running)TV show? AFV, Greys Anatomy, and Miami Ink
28. Favorite, all time animated character? SpongeBob Squarepants
29. What are you listening to right now? JACK FM
30. How many pets do you have? Do husbands count? If not- 0
31 Which came first the chicken or the egg? who cares. Eggs are tastey any time of day.
32. What’s one thing you would you like to accomplish before you die? Write a book.

Here's what you do... And please have fun. Copy this questionnaire and paste the contents into a new email window, delete my answers and type in yours. Send it to a bunch of people you know. You may cc me, but you do not have to. The idea is to learn a few little known facts about people you already know. In the comments section of this blog let me know what you learned in answering the questions and what reactions you got from sending it out.
Have fun,
McNair
Spending the day in a favorite cafe, writing and sketching. Do stop by for a cup of Tea.