Ack!

First of all, the best time to change your hair color is NOT Sunday morning before church! I did a NOT so great job and felt awful the whole day.. I thought I'd go a little darker, and picked an "auburn" toned dye. Can you say brassy almost orange?

How bad? Well, our Phoenix Suns were in the playoffs, and I had no purple or orange to wear to work... lets just say that I received comments that my hair could sub for orange! Yikes!

It has since mellowed out, AND.. I've had it cut much shorter, so it's a little easier to live with until I can get it colored again. (AFTER camping this weekend..)

And on that note, I'd better get Nutz's interview questions answered!

1. What food(s) could you not live without? What makes it (them) so special?
Chocolate. Not anything fancy, but Hershey's with almonds does the trick.
I know I could live without Dr Pepper, and I should...but, not at the moment. I enjoy a cold refreshing glass of DP, poured slowly into a glass, then put the ice in slowly.

2. If you could bring back one lost fashion trend, what would it be?
Well, you didn't say the fashion trend had to be one I liked. I would bring back the Victorian style dresses, because I am tired of seeing so much skin. At my son's 6th grade promotion ceremony I saw some pretty slinky dresses on some 12 year old girls!

3. If you could have a conversation with a famous dead person, who would you choose and what would you talk about? Well, I don't have a "favorite" famous dead person...but, if I could have my mom & grandma back for a short time, I'd find more out about my Dutch ancestry - which is very interesting, but now not so accessible.

4. If you were famous, what would you be famous for? (...and let's say you can't choose your famous bread making skillz.) ;-) Well, I would like to be famous for being compassionate... (if that were something to be famous for) only because I know that it is not my best characteristic. I love to sing, and I think I have a pretty good voice, but I wouldn't want all the pressure that goes with being a famous singer.

5. If you could choose any place in the world (and money is no object), where would you live and why? We lived in the Portland Oregon area for about 2 years when our son was very young. I loved it there - it's so NOT the desert of AZ. I loved the green, and there were always things to do. I almost chose to live in England or elsewhere in Europe, but I love my American conveniences way too much! Oh, Ireland would be on the short list, too.

I'm sorry that it took sooo long to get the questions answered - life's been crazy busy - as my SIL would put it!

Hope everyone has a good Memorial Day!

Give my love to Mom!

Grandma Jessie was born in Friesland, The Netherlands in 1921. She came to America with her mother and brother when she was a very young girl. She met and married Frank, and my mother was born in 1943, when he was away in the service of our country. Two sons followed several years later.

When their children were grown, Jessie and Frank kept busy as rock hounds, square dancing, and travelling the country. After they moved to Arizona, they became Sunbirds - leaving in April for cooler country and returning in October. They went to Oregon and Alaska fishing for salmon - canned it and brought it home to stock the pantry with lots of other goodies.

Christmas 2006 - Me, Gram & DH

We weren't around my grandparents alot when I was young, but my mother was always in contact with them. 20 years ago my family moved to Arizona also, so we became more acquainted. When it was time for Grandma to go to a nursing home a few years ago, my mom chose one less than a mile from my home. My mom would visit her several times a week, seeing to her needs, and always bringing fresh flowers and sugar-free cookies. Grandma Jessie loved her chocolate as well- having a 2 lb box of See's Chocolates on special days!

When my mom passed away in Feb 2006, the responsibility of tending to Grandma Jessie landed on my shoulders, and it has been an honor. Walking into the nursing home with bouquets of fresh flowers, the staff knew I was going to see Jessie. She had a "boyfriend", Mark the maintenance man, who would stop and give her a kiss whenever he could.

But all good things usually come to an end, and Grandma Jessie's time came. I knew her time was imminent this past week - she'd been assigned to hospice care recently as her condition was deteriorating. She refused to eat or drink - I think she was tired of being here, with her body not working so well, and she gave up. As I was driving home from work yesterday, one of the nurses called to tell me she was gone. I was there within a few minutes, and stayed until the mortuary came to get her. I'll clean out her room later today and bring her belongings home.

I believe that her Mother's Day will be spent visiting with her daughter, my mom. My dad had the wish that he could whisper something in Grandma's ear, a message of love to take to his bride. I'll miss them both on this Mother's Day, but will remember their examples to me, and strive harder to be a Mother that they'll be proud of .

Why... Thank you!!!

Big Thanks to BMG Music - I am pleased to say that after sending back the CD that DD "ordered" by clicking boxes on the web, BMG sent me a letter stating they'd cancel her account, and remove her name from any further promotions. The ironic thing was that a packet for ordering more CD's came in the mail the very same day! (Yes, I know they probably crossed in the mail.)

As for my sister, as far as I know, they are still trying to find a place to live. I haven't had an update from her, and she's not committed to that, so , no big deal. I probably should call to check on her however.

On another note, I'm still patiently waiting for my interview questions from Nutz...

*grins*

ETA - oh great, as soon as I published, I went and found my PM with questions! I am off to work, so I'll have to do it later!

oh my...

Well, for an update. We went to the apt complex to sign the application, and give a little more information, paystubs, etc. We asked if we could go ahead and sign the lease, instead of coming back in two weeks, since it is several miles away. The leasing agent said sure, and she started going thru it. It seemed there was more than we ever signed for our house - signatures and initials everywhere.

My sister was not initially put on the lease because she has an eviction on her credit record. I don't know the details of it, or how long ago it was, but it is apparently supposed to drop off soon.
Well, one of the points on the lease was.. if you have a guest that stays longer than a week, they are considered a resident, and must be put on the lease. Now, "WE " knew that my sis was going to be living there, but I figured that the leasing office did not know. I didn't say anything, we finished signing and went out to the car. I mentioned my thoughts to DH, and I called my sis. I said " do they know you are going to be living here?" She said " are you in front of her right now?" "No." She said something to the effect of they don't need to know.

I stepped out of the car, because I didn't want my girls to hear what I was saying. (no, I wasn't cussing...) . I told her that I felt deceived, and that I wanted to help them, but I would not lie. I told her that she would not be able to hide with a baby in an apartment for a year. They would not give her a key, only us and BIL. She said something about paying for her mistakes. Um yeah, you do have to pay for your mistakes, but it is NOT my fault.

So, she filled out an application, and yes they got denied. I think they probably blame me a bit, but I hope not. My brother, with whom they are currently living, made sure to point out to them that I am NOT to blame.

I have not talked to them since... but they are applying at another place. They somehow need to find a place where they can live, but with her being a resident, but not necessarily financially responsible.. as we would probably co-sign again if needed.

I just don't want to wreck my relationship with my sister... my only sister.

First of all...

1. Where did motormouth's blog go??

2. Do you get tired of figuring out what to cook for dinner?

3. Have you had any experience with online BMG music service?
DD J inadvertantly signed up for it.. here comes a cd in the mail. Yes, she is 9 years old, and has no income. All the information on the website said YOU MUST FULFILL YOUR COMMITMENT> sorry.. but my 9 year old has no income, and I'm NOT paying for CD's for her. So.. I wrote them a letter, and shipped the CD back.. which she had already opened before I got home (rats!!) . So I am HOPING to never hear from them again.

4. Yippee! It's my day off! I've got two batches of bread going.. I will give some away, as well as maybe sell some!

5. Have you ever cosigned for someone, and had it go bad?
We are cosigning for my Sis & BIL to get into an apartment, and out of my brother's basement. They are due to have a baby in May. Sis's credit is so bad, and had a prior conviction, so she is not even signing the lease - they wouldn't rent to her. So BIL is it.. and us. They are coming over tonight, and we'll be laying down some rules. We haven't worked hard for 15 years to get our credit where it is, to have them mess it up. We'll be finding how long before we can be taken off the lease. Consider this my good deed for the month. :-)

6. I'm going to see the Rembrandt / Dutch exhibit at the Phx Art Museum the end of this month. I'm excited to see it, as I've been doing the Art Masterpiece program at the school this year. Phx is one of only 3 cities (I believe) that this Dutch exhibit will be visiting on this trip.

Happy Hump Day, Everyone!

Hummmm...

Yes, It is one of those blank moments.

I feel like I need to update, but I'm not sure what I need to say.

It's about 75 degrees and windy here today. Short sleeve shirt
and sandals weather.

DH is flying to Utah tomorrow with our "poor middle child" daughter, for the wedding of his niece. It will be an interesting trip... His brother and wife divorced, have both remarried, and it's possible that neither of them will be at the wedding. There are some strange things going on there. We'd like to move to UT, to be around some of the other family, but things like this make us want to stay away from the drama that goes on with that particular brother.
DH may be the lone representative of the family, (other than one of the bride's brothers) - His mom was also to go on the trip, but she had a slight stroke last week, and is in the hospital.

Good grief, I don't explain well, do I? It's all confusing.. Drama, Drama, Drama.

I think I'm going to take a nap before the kids come home from school.

Making a list...

I do not usually make lists... I probably should, so here goes.

Today...

1. Rode my bike after seeing the kids to school! (that felt good!!)

2. Read some blogs, and hit 800 in RTVW posts! (yeay for me!)

3. Ground a can of wheat.

4. Started a batch of bread. (Currently rising on the counter.)

5. Cleaned the girls' room - under the bed, straightened drawers - I think J has enough underwear to last her about 3 weeks! Sheesh! Also cleaned other nooks and crannies, trying to find stuff to throw away.

Still to do...

Take a shower (come on, it's only noon!)

Bake the bread

Do some laundry

Take the kids to Piano

Enjoy a little "me" time while they are there!

(aren't you proud of me for making a list?? There are other things to do, but that's a WHOLE nother list...)

Oh PuuuhhLease...

Saturday afternoon.
Grocery shopping.
Checking out.
Casually look across the store.
Large, beer-bellied man talking on cell phone.
Has hand under stained t-shirt that barely covers belly...
Picking lint out of belly-button.
Flicking it across the floor.

Blech.

Who teaches these people manners?

apparently no one.

It's just not your day..

My youngest brother's, that is.

Last week, I was watching my IM menu, and saw my youngest brother post "Traeh, R.I.P."
I im'd him right away, and found his dog had just died. He'd had her for years - 10 at least.
She was part pit bull, I think... I know we didn't like having her near our kids. He would bring her to my parent's house when we lived there.. sheesh.

Anyway... next youngest brother went over to comfort, and see what he could do to help. They decided to take her to the reservation to bury her. (I suppose they could have gone out in the desert somewhere, but I don't know what they were thinking.. lots of open land??)
Well - at sometime in the process, maybe at the beginning (I haven't gotten quite the whole story) the tribal police show up. Not good. I assume they told them they couldn't bury the dog there. Then... at some point it's discovered that youngest brother has an outstanding warrant with the tribal police. Oh great... So they took him in.

Next youngest brother fortunately recently got his tax return, and was able to bail him out later in the day (much to the dismay of SIL.) Once he appears, he'll get the cash back to pay them back.

Anyway, it was just a little funny... kind of sounded like a country song... "my truck got stolen, my wife left me, my dog died." I'll hand it to youngest brother, anyway. He spent a few years as a guest of the state, but has recently been cleaning up his life. When Mom died last year, he vowed to her that he would never smoke or drink again. And so far, he has stuck to it. He is really trying. I just hope that someday he'll find a woman who will see the good in him.

When it comes down to it.. I really have some great brothers... three in all. There are two years separating most of us, older brother, then me, next youngest, then youngest brother, then baby sister was 6 years later. (She is a story for another time.)

Older brother was with me in Minneapolis for Dad's wedding last weekend. It was tough for me to be there, and it helped to have him there to talk to, and to cry to. It was hard for me to see Dad being affectionate with someone who was not my mother, and to call her "dear" like he used to call Mom. I'm glad that she will take care of him... in a way so that "we " don't have to have him moping around being lonely. After years of weekly contact with my parents, it is a change to not have that anymore, and with him many states away, that contact is much less. And I digress.

Next youngest brother lives only a few miles away. He is always willing to come and help whenever I need him. He is quite the handyman... and helps us with projects that we can't do ourselves. He is really a good guy! (and a little crazy. He recently broke his collarbone while riding scooters with his kids!)

As I said, my sister is a story for another day. Here is a picture from a few years ago.. perhaps 1999, I'm not sure. A few grandkids have been added to the family since then, and a new spouse, and Mom was healthy then. How time flies.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

I had a big ole post typed out, and lost it.

Stink.

Getting out my winter coat...

Friday morning I leave for Minneapolis. Dad's wedding is on Saturday.
He said it was 41 degrees there today.
It was 90 degrees here today.

Hmm.. where would YOU rather be?

In other news, B & I took Milo to the Beagle play date at the Dog Park this evening. He did really well, Milo that is. We were kind of hesitant to let him off the leash, because he has always been what we thought was a little aggressive towards other dogs, but he did fine!
So, we'll probably go to the dog park again!

I haven't been very good at posting... we'll see how I feel after the wedding. I'm sure it will be interesting.

Good Karma... Beagle Karma, that is!

Ahh.. the looks deceive!

A little short of a year ago, we adopted this little fellow. He is the epitomy of rambunctious! But we love him! We later found out that our son's 6th grade teacher had SIX beagles! (Yes! All at once!) She currently has four, as 2 have passed away recently!

Tuesday Morning before school, Teacher calls and asked if our beagle was missing... no.. he was in the kennel for the day! They found an older female wandering around the school - wondering if I knew who it belonged to. I said I'd check one home on my way to work, but left it at that. Then before school got out, DS and Teacher called again, wondering if we could bring her home, until the Beagle Rescue volunteers could come and get her. Not something I was really wanting to do.. but.. okay.

So, I walked over to the school with a leash and collar, and brought her home. Milo, our dog, was more than excited... I don't believe he stopped barking the entire time she was here! I got in touch with the Beagle Rescue folks, and they advised that I take her to animal control, which is....by law.. what should be done. I wasn't looking forward to trying to keep the two dogs apart all night, so I was happy to do that. The Rescue folks will check on her today, and make sure she gets taken care of. It turned out that she was microchipped, so they were going to call her family in the next town.

SO.. Teacher says I get good Beagle karma for taking care of this sweet dog. She was sooo unlike our perky puppy! She was older, probably 7 or 8, and quite docile. Gosh.. I can't wait until Milo gets a bit older!

The other sad part of this is that my 6 year old DD got VERY attached to her in a short time... just sobbing when we went to animal control, and again last night just thinking about her! We've assured her that "Samantha" will get back to her own family, and that she'll be taken care of!

So goes the doggie drama for the day!

Ugh...

Thanks for the birthday wishes, y'all!

On a less happy note, I had to have a parent/student/principal conference with one of my children today, after said child would not do as said child's teacher asked said child to do.

Anyone want to guess which child it was??

EEEK!

Yes, today is the day. I am officially middle-aged, I think.

I'm forty today.

No.. I have NOT abandoned my blog...

I just haven't had a whole heck of a lot of time or known what to say..

February could be a bleak month, but I'm trying really hard not to let it be one.

On my mom's birthday, the 7th, the kids and I took some flowers to her grave - some beautiful pots of tulips.

I worked that day, so didn't have much time to sit around and feel sorry for myself that she wasn't here to celebrate with.

On the 13th, the anniversary of her death, I spent the day with my son at the Renaissance Festival - sixth graders from all around the Valley were there, I heard it was 14,000 there that day? We had a good time! As a chaperone, I only had 3 boys assigned to me, and we hung out with another lady and the 3 boys she had. It is mostly a marketplace, with vendors displaying their wares, but we managed not to spend much - I only spent $2.50 for a soda, DS bought a jesters hat for $10.

So, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I am trying to do some things that would make my mom happy, and to do things that SHE would do.. spending time with my kids, and serving other people. When I previously expressed to a friend that it was going to be a difficult month, she told me that she LOVES February, because that is when the days get longer, and there is more LIGHT!

So, I'm going to try and see the Light this month.. and make it a good month..

Now.. there is chicken on the counter that I just brought home from the grocery store.. I guess I'd better go make dinner!!

Oh, and a side note.. I went back this week to get some of the flowers from the cemetary, so that I could enjoy them at home - and they were gone.. all three pots. Bummer, dude! I don't think the city removed them, but someone is enjoying them at home... PPPBBTT!

She's gone.

On Thursday, DH and his brother made the decision to let their mom go. The blood pressure meds had been reduced previously, so apparently her BP was holding it's own. However, it seemed that the vent was just keeping her alive artificially, which is not something she would have wanted. So, around 7 p.m., the vent was turned off, and the tube removed. The nurses cleaned up all the tape & etc, before the boys came back into the room. They sat for awhile, just watching her breathe. She had not been conscious or responsive for a few days.
It didn't take long - before the hour was up, the nurse came in and said she was gone. I think DH and his brother are at peace knowing they did the right thing to let her go. So now my kids have lost a 2nd Grandma within a year.

Her favorite color was purple - anything she could get her hands on... she'd paint it purple for her apartment. She loved her dog, Serenity, who was her companion for probably 12 years. It saddened her when we had to get rid of her recently, but she knew it was getting difficult to care for the dog properly. Despite the rough childhood she provided for DH and his brother, she had a good heart, and would give anything she had to us. She was not selfish. We loved her and we'll miss her, but we know she is probably glad to be free from the pains of her body.

Rest in Peace - Grandma Wanda.

Update

MIL is still hanging in there, though it still doesn't look good. We took the kids to see her Sunday night - to say their goodbyes if necessary. There were plenty of tears.

MIL, of course, does not look herself.. with all the fluid they are pumping in. DH, his uncle(her brother) and DH's brother have decided to maintain the levels she is at, that nothing more would be increased to keep her going, as they don't believe that is what she'd want.

However, she is still hanging in there, the next thing would be to do dialysis, which she wouldn't want, so I don't know what will happen next.

Thanks for all your kind thoughts!

Well, it was a nice thought.

I was just rotating my bread in the oven, and thought I'd post a pic.. but realized I'd sent the camera with dh.. so can't do it, maybe another time.

DH's birthmom is not doing well. (He was adopted at age 11, but has had a relationship with his birthmom, too.) He and his brother (who was also adopted) moved her closer to us in September- she has some health issues and was living in CA.

To make a long story short, she is in the ICU, her liver is shot, her kidneys are failing, and is already on a vent. Her brother flew in from CO today, and is scheduled to fly back out in the morning. They most likely will have to make a decision to let her go soon.

The hardest part is the kids. My kids are her only grandchildren, and this will be two grandma's they have lost in a year. Jessica, my 9yo, said, "why does this have to happen to us? " Bless her heart. Then she said, " I'm glad that Dad was adopted, so that we'll still have another grandma."

Yes, I'm thankful he was, too.

I have no idea...

what to post... but I feel I should update.

The job - I started in November, I think, as a part-time, on-call employee, working for a lockbox unit of a local bank. We receive payments for doctors offices and such, and make the deposits to their bank accounts, and then send them a copy of the check and the remittance from the patient or insurance company.

There were 4 employees there, in addition to the manager, whom I have known for years thru church. This department reports up thru Treasury Management, and I was asked to do some Part time work for them as well, instead of them getting a Temp. Well, a few weeks ago, it was announced that Lockbox would be phasing out, and converting to an imaging process. Imaging is being outsourced to a company in Tempe. So, all of 5 of them are losing their jobs. Deanne, the Mgr, had told me before it was announced, so I wasn't surprised when HR showed up. They'll get severance, standard 4 weeks plus 2 weeks per year of employment, I think.

It doesn't really affect me, because Treasury Management has asked me to do some work for them as well- so going forward, I can still have 10-12 or so hours per week. It will get me a little extra cash, but still allow me to stay home.

When the announcement was made, Deanne was cautioned to watch out for G- he blurted out that she had Lied - when she did know the department was closing, but didn't have details so didn't say anything earlier. Well, he is the first to go, his last day is Feb 9th. He is slower than slow, so she is not minding. They are doing LIFO - Last in, first out. So seniority goes last.

When Wells Fargo took over First Interstate Bank, I got a severance package of 4 weeks, plus 4 weeks for each year of employment! That was great! We moved back to AZ, where I got a job immediately, so it was nice getting paid double for awhile.

Have you ever gone thru a merger or something where you got a severance package?
How'd it go?

Oh, and another thing!

Can anyone tell me why a BRAND NEW Suburban would all of a sudden just not start??

We think it is scared of the garage. We cleaned out the garage yesterday and made room for it. Thought we would surprise DH when he came home. (He thought something was wrong when he got home and B had a cheesy grin on his face, and B said "I can't tell you! - anyway, DH was worried, so not a big surprise.)

Anyway.. when I went to go to work this morning, it would not start. I had the other car to get me there, so it was alright. When I got home, I put it in neutral, and J pushed me(and it!) out of the garage. (She felt she was pretty strong to push the Suburban!) Onstar cannot run a diagnostic unless the vehicle is on and running. So I jump-started it all by myself (yes, I am pretty handy..) and they ran the diagnostic. Nothing wrong.

So, I'm baffled. Any ideas??