everything is going to be all right 2

joy from the ashes...

2011-09-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Nearly a year ago someone did this to my truck. We woke up at 1 am to the sound of a horn blasting & my stepson's truck burning in the street. After investigating we found our truck ablaze just 3 feet away from our garage door. This all happened during the stormy divorce of my stepson. We have suspected as to whom did this. After gathering evidence and nearly a year the police have closed our case. They say they cannot prove anything against anyone.

I am disappointed but not surprised...this felony arson happened just a few weeks after our robbery, and a few other crimes in our neighborhood, after this fire all the crime stopped...the police in my town are not used to such crimes...as a matter of fact about 10 of them stood mouths gaping at our fire.

I am left with trusting God as always He makes all things right...plus who every did this and they are close to us, they will have to live with this for the rest of their lives...we have moved on...what we value ... family and our love for them is still very very much alive...

2011-09-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

The boys started football last week. They are on a new team in a new league, so they are really just learning. Jake gets the game, but thinks too much and Cody just goes out and tackles. They are having fun that's what matters.

school's in

2011-09-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

School's in...so is summer...it's HOT here again. In the 90's today, but lucky me has an air bus. I have wheelchair disabled children who need the air, so lucky me gets to benefit too, by a nice cool ride.

The first day of school I was greeted by the biggest smile from a handicapped junior high girl who is so good at controlling her wheelchair with her head I was left smiling myself. Every morning so far she thinks I am the best thing ever.

All the kids I have on my routes are awesome and so far so good ...

Tomorrow is going to be hot again, but next comes the three day weekend!!

last day of summer...

2011-08-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Today was my last official day of summer, it was a heck of a day...

First, as I was eating my shredded wheat cereal, I broke one of my teeth..I see a crown in my future, but when do I have the time??
Then, my husband who is not a over the road driver told me he'd be gone at least until Thursday...he's been gone since Sunday early am...
Then, we had a huge thunderstorm, again...more rain...more water in my basement, it's an old basement, but really more water?
I had some issues with some parents on my route already...school starts tomorrow and already they are fussy...

I did get to see the boys, Cody was covered in mosquito bites one so big it made the side of head swell, I put tea tree oil on it ... they haven't been here in a couple of days so they they were wild...they have their first football game Sunday...excited for that...

Tomorrow's the big day...I haven't had a route in 3 years, I have always been the sub and done sports trips...wish me luck!

Happy birthday J-land!

2011-08-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

This pic is from August 2004...not a gray hair is sight!!

Happy birthday J-land! I met Barb on a prayer site, which now is gone. She encouraged me to come to aol Journals. Little did I know that this simple act would turn into a long time close friendship between Barb and I...guess that's what made us all so special! Relationships that have stood the test of time.

My first entry was about my family drama! I still have family stuff, but I am still the optimistic Rose!!

I have been married 16 years now, our kids are grown, some married, some not, and now I have 4 more grand kids...still driving the school bus ... and still I love my life!!

Here's my first post-----

"It's a good day"

1 Comment - Hide Original Post

I made it through the birthday party yesterday!!! Mark's ex has decided that she is the main Grandparent in his son's little boy's life. But I knew that when I married Mark 9 years ago. It was nice just to enjoy the party and just be me. I didn't feel all nervous or like I had to behave a certain way. But for a 1 year old Jacob got enough gifts for 10 kids. Oh well, he's the first...they always get spoiled don't they? I was able to talk to Mark's ex too. That's a step in the right direction. They have 5 kids together and there will be 4 more weddings and many grand babies ... peace is better than the bitterness that used to follow all of us before. I guess Loving others and the Golden Rule do make you feel good!! Today was pretty good. The kids are all home for the summer, including Tim who's 22, Eric who's 19, Dale who's 17 and Liz 15...I have to remind myself to treasure these times they will be all back to college, high school and me driving the school bus come August and then I won't have these crazy times...Gotta always remember to stay in the moment!!

calidream13 said...

Hi mom, Dont worry when I have babies ull see them everyday even when you dont want to!
Love Liz

June 28, 2004 9:01 PM

Dayton goes to school...

2011-08-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today little Dayton started all day Kindergarten...he was 5 in July and only barely 5 he's in school ...all day...he's the baby...but now he gets to be the big boy and go to school on a school bus. Not my district, but a school bus all the same.

The other two have football in the evening so they aren't spending the night here during the week until they get used to the new schedule. I went to their practice this evening and Dayton proudly told me he just loved school. And because he was nervous about spelling his name he spelled it to me just prove how smart he truly is...but of course I already new that ! <3!

are you ready for some football!??

2011-08-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

Holy smokes all my family is on Facebook, so you will see more here!! I love my family, but let's face it you can't spill your guts on that social network, right?

I love them, but as the Mom/mother-in-law/step mom/grandma...I sometime have to keep my big mouth shut...but sometimes I need an outlet!

I swiped this picture from Jeremy...the bigger boys are on a football team...I get to relive my kids days of playing. I had 4 playing at one time! It should be interesting, the older one Jake is all business, knows the game, and loves the sport. The second one Dakota has no clue about football, could care less about the rules, gets mad when anybody tackles him, and is basically playing because after the second week of practice they were short players and recruited him.

Should be an interesting season...their games are on Saturday so another reason I need to be around and not driving sports. I betting we should a lot of fun.

BTW! Yesterday was my 23 rd year of being sober!! God has truly blessed me with 23 years of freedom!! I no longer am consumed with the thoughts of escaping into a bottle of vodka!

I am truly blessed!!

2011-08-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

I love my journal!! I went back in time and realized that no matter what has gone on in my life I have always let my up beat, look at the bright side mentality guide me. I am feeling some worry in my life right now. Letting some negative thoughts creep in....so I took a trip in time, realized God has always brought us through and now I am a happy and positive ROSE again!

My job is starting back soon, the routine of work will help a lot...plus my regular paycheck will help us relieve some of my worry. I am taking a special service route this year, along with a midday route. I feel I should be around at night and Saturdays. I love being the super sub and sports driver but I love being with my family more.

smiling Lil!

2011-08-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't she a doll!!?? My daughter in law has been setting up for her school year and her regular sitter is on vacation...so this granny gets to hang out with this happy girl!!

It's true what they say, being a grandma is the best JOB ever!

2011-08-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

My husband said I should whine about not winning the lottery today ... and then tomorrow we will win it!

eating my words!

2011-08-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

r

sometimes I think my kids have bugged my house with hidden mics!! look who I got to babysit today!!

BABY KALEB!! He's so funny ... he loved all my personal attention and had to show me all his noise light filled toys!

hubby had a heart to heart with his son...telling him that we really want to be in his son's life...and here he is....more visits to come!

felling...oh oh feelings....

2011-07-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder about (adult) kids today...my own children were raised to be caring, fair and honest...so fair so good. They try extra hard to spend time with all of us. My son (daddy to baby Lilly) even has his dad and I take turns babysitting, if we miss our turn we miss our turn, but so far so fair. We shall see how fair it is when she is 2, and naughty but no one can predict the future. The other two are great about spending time with us.

My husband's kids on the other hand...not so much. His middle son is married to a girl who is sweet but spoiled, the apple of her parent's eye, so now Kaleb is the apple of their eye. We have never baby sat the now 10 month old child...this breaks my husband's heart. We rarely see him as her parents are there every day and my husband works a lot. Again, sad face for me as I am very protective my husband. He got the blame for his younger two son (out of 5) being bums.

This would be fine, but she likes to broadcast their activities (whole family pics, meaning hers, babysitting by her sister, trips to fun places) via facebook.

I feel like history has repeated itself as I remember when Jacob was the only and my husband's ex used to hog him...2 boys later they live with us...and I am basically the lone sitter...it'll be interesting see what the future brings in this situation. I am grandma boot camp for naughty boys.

Until then I hope my husband understands...and realizes that everything does even out!

pool!

2011-07-12T18:25:00.001-07:00

Finally got a pool rather than spend the hundreds of dollars to join the local pool/water park....this pool wasn't too expense and will even accommodate an adult or two!!

2011-06-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

I've written a couple of posts but they are mostly whiny moments...so I skipped posting them. I think I am past the guilt of not working this summer. I am such a control freak and feel I should be out there working my butt off, when in reality I am needed to be the home base for my family.

My husband started another new job a couple of months ago. Trucking work is usually long, many miles, underpaid and for my husband's last job not enough work to keep him in a good living. He now works for a large Tanker company that keeps him busy, & makes him use his mind as he has to load and unload the Tanker. Not an easy job. His hours are still long and physical, but he is cutting his time as he gets more experienced. While this process is going on I need to be at home to keep him sane.

Also, the boys are here often and my stepson is on call for his tow job. They are better when they are here as I expect them to be respectful and I keep them busy. I just run them and let them explore our neighborhood parks, creeks, plus there are enough kids around to keep them busy.

Here and there my son and his wife have needed me in a pinch to watch my little baby Lilly. She knows my voice and whenever I come over her head snaps around and she gives me a big grin!

Hubby and I have also had some time to go to a concert at the local fest.

For the 4th of July weekend we will have no kids here...so we are going to work on the house...and have some alone time.

So today I reminded myself again to enjoy my time off and I'll be back to the school bus soon enough!

tore out the ceiling tile

2011-06-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

I walked around this job long enough...plus there were no little ones here to breath in the dust...

down came the ceiling...wasn't too bad...and no "critter" came down either! my house has been known to have mice and bats!

Next the men will put up the dry wall...and I will attempt to mud and tape, plus the dining room needs mud and tape. Then paint and rip out this nasty old carpet....

Then on to the bathroom!!

2011-06-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

love this pic of baby Lilly...her mommy took it!!

My husband started a new trucking job, which technically is not a road driver, but requires him to drive hundreds of miles a day. He gets up in the middle of the night and usually isn't home until late afternoon. My grand sons still live here part time. My stepson started a tow truck business that requires him to be on call. Hours at my job are few and far between because of budget cuts, so my awesome hubby asked me to just not work this summer at all.

Then I'd be available for my grand kids and to hold down the fort for my husband who is trying to get acclimated to his new rather challenging job.

Last school year was very challenging. Our director was let go, and admin was in charge for a couple of months. We do have a new director now which is great, she is a good manager and was a driver for the district for many years. She knows our needs and is a great leader...our last director was basically invisible and a smart aleck who no one respected. Our group has had no discipline for years so hopefully some control can be implemented just in time for next school year in the fall!!

This summer break will be great for me BUT I need to discipline myself to get my long list of work that I want to do around my house...which includes, a lot of painting!

Better get going!

summer!

2011-06-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

The boys...

I am not working this summer, or at least not driving the school bus. I will be doing some remodeling in my house (painting, etc) plus babysitting the boys a couple of days a week.

SO ... I am going to do some updating and blogging.

I miss my blog!!

Here's how big the kids have gotten...the boys are above ...

baby Kaleb

baby Lilly

update pics of my babies....

2011-03-16T17:18:00.001-07:00

Cody with baby Lilly...she's nearly 2 months old! We get to baby sit Friday night.

Grandpa and baby Kaleb! He's now 6 months old!

a family day....

2011-02-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

All the grand kids...baby Lilly, Jacob, Cody, Dayton & baby Kaleb....

My son Tim had a family day so I was lucky enough to have all five of my grand kids together in one house!

Plus my three children and three of my stepsons...plus their partners...

Life is good!

Just the boys...

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T10:23:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's day!!

Look how big I am!!

2011-01-30T17:05:00.001-08:00

Kaleb and Grandpa...as a matter of fact Grandpa hogged him !!

meet....baby Lilly!

2011-01-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

Meet my new Grand daughter! Baby Lilly!!

bye bye cold

2010-12-18T07:40:00.001-08:00

bye bye cold hellllllllllllllllooooooooooooooooo!!! palm trees, warm, sun, beach!!!

my weekend in pictures backwards...

2010-12-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

These are in reverse order...me and my grandson Kaleb ... he's getting big!

Last night one of the buses at the wrestling meet. I was there from 5:30 am until 7:00 pm! But I beat the snow home! Today it's way cold and blowing snow.

The town where the school is located had a winter fest ... this is an ice sculpture from the fest.

Friday night I went to a Mexican Restaurant with two of my good friends, these is the mariachi band. I had a great time!

pre thanksgiving party...

2010-11-24T21:22:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday we had our family Thanksgiving at the local pizza place. My kids and my husband's kids did their best to touch base, but they are all at different "places" in life...so as it goes I had fun and to me being the mother figure I am the main thing that matters! ;)

Dayton and his favorite Aunt Lala...

The gang missing 3 of my husband's kids, Jim walked away from the pic and Jeremy had left already with the boys...my youngest stepson is still mad at us so he skips all family gatherings...7 out of 8 ain't bad!!!

Uncle Jim, my newest grandson Kaleb and my grand buddy Cody. Jake was there too but he escaped all the pictures!

On that day we had my husband and I, my 3 kids, plus a pregnant wife, a boyfriend...my husband's 4 sons, a wife, a girlfriend and 4 grandsons...pretty dang awesome!

Cody walks the dog

2010-11-23T08:38:00.001-08:00

I was in charge of making sure my son Tim's dog got let out and walked this past weekend as he and his wife were gone for the day. My buddy (grandson) Cody took this task very seriously, until we stopped at the park...he took a play break, while the dog tried to dig holes under the
slide.

After his short break we took her home to play tug of war in the back yard....

This kid has future in dog walking !!!

baby shower

2010-11-14T11:44:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was Kristen's baby shower. My new grand daughter will be born in January! Had so much fun finally seeing PINK!!

the karate kid

2010-11-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

Jacob sparring

watched the new Karate Kid with the boys last night...watched my own Karate Kids spar in their very first tournament today...

Kody number 1 !!!

on we go...

2010-11-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

Another day of drama at my job...we are allowed many benefits including sick days. Many take Friday's off...so again yesterday was a bit nutty. I had evacuation drills at one of the junior highs & was there most of the day. The temperature was 40 with high wind...made for a chilly day. Thank God for my new Car hart coat! Then I was called back to cover a route that another girl was supposed to do, but was changed as the dispatcher favors her...(she likes to leave early on Fridays to travel 5 hours to see new boyfriend for the weekend) said girl did not check in for pm routes and left on the route before she realized I was to do it...oh well...I got off early and went home to start my weekend.

The schools are between sports right now so I am home a lot now which is good. Normally I am gone at least 4 nights a week plus Saturday. I can bring the "mom/grandma" sanity to my boy filled house. Gets crazy at times with all the boy action but the kids are involved in park district sports that helps channel the energy.

I have taken to walking miles at a time a day to relieve my own stress...plus my son Tim's dog Tator requires a daily walk as she is a ball of energy herself. She and I both take at least a half hour a day hike around the neighborhood.

Winter sports will be starting soon& my Christmas break Florida trip will be here soon enough...giving me time to regroup and nest for awhile.

Have a great weekend gang!

a month of grateful

2010-11-04T08:47:00.001-07:00

Kids are here nearly all week now...decisions will be made soon about their permanent residence. If it was up to them it would be here all the time. Up to me...I agree.

So much has happened this past year that my head is spinning...I try to not internalize all the drama. Try to enjoy the kids, my job and my life.

These are crazy times for everybody. Our school district is feeling the pain of the bad economy. Homeless families moving in with other family members ... the kids need to be bused even if they are out of district. I know many of these kids, try and reassure them that they aren't freaks that they aren't different...that things will be ok. Hope that's true.

I am going to go along with the rest of the bloggers this month and focus on being grateful...

Today...I am grateful for our jobs...

Jobs give you a place to feel useful and for me help sustain the rest of the family...my parents did it for me...so I do it for them...it's all about them and the future.

I am grateful for you guys...you guys never let me down or feel the downturn of the world you all are always there through think and thin!

thank God that's over!

2010-11-03T09:36:00.001-07:00

Thank God the elections are over! Between the annoying ads and the phone calls a person could be driven to not voting out of frustration. I did vote, this after first walking to my old poling place than realizing the fire station moved to it' s new residence 10 minutes away. Lucky for me my neighbor Mrs. G was on her daily walk she pointed me in the right direction...located at the Village Hall a mere mile away.

Speaking of neighbors ... this old friend dressed to scare on Halloween ... here's Dayton's reaction...

He told me, "that's not real blood Grandma", such a worldly child...

my thoughts...

2010-11-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

There are no words to describe what is happening my life. The past month events have caused stress and strain on my world that cannot be described in a journal post. My only thoughts now are that God will triumph in my life and those who try and do evil toward me will fail.

That being said my world is one of driving the school bus on sports trips, evacuation drills, and subbing routes for drivers who feel their job is secure enough to take off for any old reason. I do not mind this as I am always ready for the challenge but I am frustrated to have high paying trips taken away at the whim of my co-workers...

My grandchildren have been at my house nearly the entire week now, (their parents ongoing very bitter divorce is the cause of most of my stress) I am happy as I know they are safe here and being well cared for. They are active in part district sports now... they love having their grandma Rose there to cheer them on. When my work schedule allows I am their number 1 fan!

My wee grandson Kaleb is growing fast. He is now nearly 7 weeks old ... he's a funny guy but still at the stage were only mommy will do.

I feel so blessed to have so much love and care in my life...time goes by so quickly that I refuse to let the unknown hold me down. Life is to be lived.

2010-10-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

my son Tim and his wife Kristen

Walked the Lupus walk today. My son's friend has Lupus and his team raised $8,800! I enjoyed seeing old friends and some of my son's friends. It was great day! The walk was gorgeous as it was a sunny crisp day.

I have been able to let a lot of my worries go...except my job...I am still mad that we are short drivers and we are contracting out, which is so against my belief system...as a tax paying citizen I hate waste!!

Plus contracting is taking money out of my pocket. But like all things this too shall pass!

While I was unable to work Friday night I did enjoy some fun time with my grandsons, and my Saturday trip last 9 1/2 hours plus $25 for a meal...all things do work out.

2010-10-01T17:51:00.001-07:00

This has been one hell of a week. We are short drivers at work, so when we are, me as a sub must drive even if I have a sports trip...which means I forfeit the trip ($$) and must run the route. Football season Friday night games are at least 6 hours of overtime for me and Friday is a day of high call offs...Last week the office girl in charge got a contract company to do the drop off and I got to go to the school and wait for team...this week the Director found out and had the contract bus do the whole trip meaning , I did not get my trip. We really need drivers and for some reason the world is short good quality drivers, maybe the world is just short good quality workers.

I figured out how to outsmart the system and will be doing this until we get more drivers...

Other more personal stuff is happening, not with my marriage, but my son and his soon to be ex and not agreeing on their divorce and their kid's visitations...which breaks my heart as I love these boys. I know the courts will be fair as the boys need both parents and our extended family.

It's just another concern on my mind...oh and that someone walked into our home at 1 am and took some items out of my kitchen, thank God the neighbor scared them off...as my son had a gun pointed at them from the next room...he did not see them, but heard them. We now lock our home which is a huge hassle, but a necessity...no sense and having blood all over.

Otherwise my life is filled with normal drama...whatever that is...

I know all this will pass...thank God I truly believe that saying...

I have a lupus walk I am participating in on Sunday and walking distance always makes me feel better...I am walking with my son Tim and his pregnant wife...this should take my mind off all the negative stuff...

Dayton does a hand stand

2010-09-21T08:09:00.001-07:00

My grandson is 4 and he can do a perfect hand stand, cartwheels too.

my grandsons are so funny...

Jake plays flag football and as he was getting ready he asked his dad, "when do I get paid to play football daddy?"

He also loves the Minnesota Vikings...we tease him ( this is Chicago, Bears country, after all) and call them the Vi-queens. Of course he gets mad. Last weekend the Vikings were playing Miami, Cody wanted to know who was winning the Vikings or the Miami Philia-dolph-ians...

these guys are such funny boys.

boys and their toys....

2010-09-15T07:54:00.001-07:00

Been working a bunch so I miss out on the boy's fun 'stuff'...nice thing is that between grandpa and daddy the boys get all the guy time they can hope for...

Although the other day I made it home while the boys were still here. I was greeted by Cody and Dayton, with a happy "GRANDMA ROSES!". and big hugs.

some thoughts....

2010-09-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

I come here as usual to express my thoughts. Don't care if anybody reads them...this is my place, my place where I feel like home...

Lately I have come to realize my age, at 53 I still feel young, but I feel different...mostly I feel my age when I look at other people just a bit older than I, they look old to me, but me I feel young...I realize how quick time passes us. I realize how much we waste our time worrying about things, we make plans for our future, but we don't live in today. Today is all we have...we should live in this moment .... for me I get my feelings hurt over situations I am not in control of...I image untrue situations and waste my time, instead of living...

When Brandy had her baby, my husband's ex wife and Brandy's mom were right there. My husband was called mid labor and told, "we didn't want to bother you because we knew you were at work". Even though I was not at work (break in my day) I didn't run to the hospital, to me these moments are for the couple. I had my feelings hurt as the step mom, but I made myself stop being such a baby ... the reality was that the couple were caught in the baby having moment, called us after the birth, my husband saw the baby nearly brand new (I was working). I spent 2 hours holding him a day later...alone without the ex or other grandmother. My stepson and daughter in law appreciated us and love us just he same as the rest of the parents.

I remember being a young mother too frazzled to appreciate the little moments in my kid's life...time speeds by and now they are adults having their own kids. Now as a grandma I will not waste these moments whining or feeling slighted I will enjoy them relish them...still living my own life with my own marriage...but enjoying the show, the show of watching new lives grow up and live...their own...and loving every minute.

met my grandson Kaleb...

2010-09-11T17:39:00.001-07:00

My stepson Matt and his new son Kaleb.

So good to hold the new little one!

Brandy and her new son.

grandpa is in love with his new little guy.

the lazy river...

2010-07-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was able to get a trip to a small water park around 45 minutes from here. Because of budget cuts these trips are rare and when they do happen more senior drivers scoop them up. My group was small 25 kids with 7 adults. We took a country route as too many of the main roads in Illinois are under construction. My group was both mellow and well behaved...making the ride a pleasant one.

Two other drivers were there, one is friend so she and I took advantage of the break and headed in the pool for free!

An hour and half on the lazy river was an awesome treat...plus we got paid too!

I love my job!

Sports trips are around the corner...with golf, volleyball and soccer up first and football at the end of August...hopefully I won't have too many driver steal my thunder!

I've got a vacation in Florida to save up for!! :)

yippeee!

2010-07-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

I booked our flight to St Petersburg Florida for December ! Got the car too. Tried Orlando first, but the car was 3 times the amount ($1200 for two weeks). Must be because of the holiday and Disney.

This will be our first lengthy trip without children...going to see my dad, but we are there for nearly two weeks so we can be free to do whatever we want!

Dayton is 4!

2010-07-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Dayton is 4 today. He finally agrees to be 4 instead of 8.

wedding weekend...

2010-07-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

A coworker of mine got married this past weekend. She married a great guy and I wish her all the best. Our boss let her use the school bus to transport her to the ceremony. I got to run the lift...mostly because I know how to shut the bus down properly ... if not the horn honks until you do it the right way!

me & the bus gang!

crying kids...

2010-07-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

The summer has been a long hot one for this bus driver. The past few years I watched my grand sons so I shared a route, which meant I only drover ever other day. This year because my grand kids spent most of their time here, and I am helping support them I am working instead of babysitting.

Normally I have a smallish route with no more than 12 kids, maybe a few car seats/booster seats or a wheel chair...this year 20 kids under 7 most under 5 and 12 of them in some sort of harness/booster or car seat. Nice that they are tied down, BUT most of them have a reason that they are going to summer school. Either it's not following directions, being nonverbal or just plain having behavior issues. It's me, the driver and my trusty monitor. E is a good kid, but she tends to complain about the kids, her life, her boyfriend, other drivers, having no time left on her cell phone or worse she wants to "hang out" between routes. I fixed that we have lunch once a week.
Oh and no air conditioning.

This week has been a loud, soggy, fit throwing screaming mess of children. Today especially so...but we survived. Everybody got home in one peace...one kid broke his glasses, but nobody puked, one of the twins punched the other, the girl that freaks when she hears all the screaming fell asleep before the bus got to nuts and I feel like I did a good job by them.

TG tomorrow is F!! After that only 9 days left of summer school and I even have summer left to have a nice break!

just when you think---> :)

2010-07-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for the encouraging extraordinary words ... I always feel like journals are my place to vent, get a hug or a kick in the shorts and go on...

I've said this before nobody in my world comes here, no one can see my blabbings here... they can't call me into their office (like work) "bad bus driver", or roll their eyes at me, or tell me to grow up, or zone out and then change the subject to something they want to talk about=themselves...or worse "don't tell people our problems!!"

You all are the **best**

3 day weekend...

2010-07-05T14:43:00.001-07:00

The kids came over on Saturday for an unscheduled visitation and we all had a good time hanging out in the back yard. Built a fire, threw water balloons until somebody cried and it was time for going in...dark is 9:00 pm here so it's late by the time kids have to be talked into giving in for the night. But crying makes this all null.

My two stepsons have been living here since October 2009. We have been tolerating the ignorance of my oldest stepson. He is not working, will not be working for a while (construction, no work...messed up something with the union, etc) so we are putting up with his erratic behavior...the grand kids spend at least 1/2 the week here so we try to work with my stepson and his self center ways. Put it this way if I made a list I could evict him for a load of reasons. He isn't much of conversationalist so we settle for baby steps...

The other one has been working in Wisconsin so he's gone most of the week. He at least pays some rent.

Someday we will both retire, downsize and then the grown kids will have to figure out life for themselves.

I actually think I am reaping my karma...in 1985 I moved into my parents house with my two sons, had another kid, my daughter and stayed for 5 years!

9 months down a bunch o' years to go!

I love the grand kids and some how some way this too will pass....and I will someday be sitting on the beach smiling at the memory...

there I feel better...

2010-07-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

Let freedom ring!

the best part...

2010-06-28T08:23:00.001-07:00

One of the best parts of summer is family & fests...

LaLa & Dayton...

Grandpa having some of Cody's candy...

Jake

Kristen & Tim..
My son's Tim & Eric

storms

2010-06-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

I've had a heck of week. My dsl was down for a couple of days, I thought because of some recent storms, but it ended up being my 10 year old modem finally bit the dust. I had a replacement and quickly got back online again...until Wednesday when a bad storm knocked our power out for nearly 2 days.

Rumor was it was to be for 5 days, but thankfully it was only 2.

I went back to work for a part time summer route. I now remember why I don't have a permanent route...20 special needs kids under the age of 7 with 13 in car seats in a bus that is not air conditioned take it's toll on even me...but I am trooper and have whipped young monitor into line. With a little positive re-enforcement she is doing a great job of keeping the little ones happy and under control.

Otherwise the normal summer time stuff...weddings, showers, fests and kids...

Oh and planning my escape to Florida in December. Getting our tickets early and waving them under my nose will keep me in a good mood!

hanging out...

2010-06-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

I've been off work for a couple of days. Summer school starts the 21st, part time only, so I am enjoying my time off.

The little kids have been here every day also.

I've been trying to do some cleaning, mostly getting rid of years of junk the big kids have left behind. Dayton & Cody keep trying to talk me into giving them Liz's old "Barbie girls" so their army guys can have friends. This is contrary to their firm belief that Barbie is for girls only. The dolls are sentimental favorites of Aunt Lala, I am sure she would part with some, but Barbie is stored away and I am not looking for her.

Also, both my sons are facing their own growing pains, one related to growing up, living with his dad and step mom and letting them enable him. He's only 25 so he'll get it eventually. The other related to growing up and balancing the needs of both his career and newly pregnant off for the summer school teacher wife. :sigh: I can only add input and wish them the best...growing up sucks sometimes. :)

We still have a lot of work to do on our house, but we realize it's ongoing forever...so no hurry or worry.

I turned 53 Monday...still feel young...I started jogging again, something I loved to do when I was in my 20's. Great both for the body and mind.

I am off to do nothing...something all of should do from time to time!

a weekend off

2010-05-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Kody put in the garden...

School is over in 1 and half days. I've been busy working day and evenings so the 3 day weekend was over due...

BUT with family it can be overly busy too ... especially when it's 95 degrees! And there's three grand kids involved. We spent a lot of time in the sprinkler and shade.

Thankfully, today is cooler ...

Here's some kid filled highlights....

Dayton loves his work boots...

Jacob lives for basketball....

Kody buried himself in the sand...

Memorial day parade...

And time for the kids to go home to mom!

I am off work for 3 weeks until summer school....and I am ready for the rest and freedom!

calling grandma Roses!

2010-05-15T15:06:00.001-07:00

I have a lot of kids...my kids are starting to marry...now they are having kids...at the same time!

My stepson Matthew who is married to Brandy is having a boy (of course) in September. Then just last night my son Tim told me his wife Kristen (they wed last November) is having a baby in January! Along with the other 3 grandsons who spend 1/2 their week here I'll have 5 by early next year!

I need a bigger car...!!!! Maybe a bus???

Happy Mother's day...

2010-05-09T19:01:00.001-07:00

Spent mom's day with my kids!

back to my 2nd home...

2010-04-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Milwaukee...did the zoo, went early enough to escape in time to miss the "it's time for my nap" toddlers, also the Harley Museum was very cool. I took plenty of pictures but hit the reformat button and erased them all...guess we'll have to a re-do trip really soon! I did take a couple of pics with my phone.

Spring is here in time for state mandated bus evacuation drills and spring sports. This week I worked 62 hours in 6 days... back to living in my old pal bus 82...

isn't it about time...??

2010-03-27T12:16:00.001-07:00

Isn't it about time for SPRING?? The grass is finally green here, but no buds on the trees and it's gray and cold. My tulips are trying to come up...these are what's left of my sun garden. When my stepsons moved in last fall the village put in new sidewalks so the "guys" decided to pour a new sidewalk going to our house. The neighbor who did it for cheap pulled his concrete truck over my garden. Now I have tulips, grass and a rut.

Usually by now I've raked all the leaves off my front yard which is a hosta garden. The dirt that Jim moved there years ago is settling so I need more dirt. I'll add that to my long list of stuff that needs to be done...along with the house being painted (it's half done, weather halted the job in October), the porch needs to be torn off the house and there a number of things I'd like done this spring/summer, but what I want and what the men want...well...we shall see who wins.

The thing with an old house there's always something to do...not this week though. I usually spring clean, but with my surgery I have a good excuse to sit around and do very little.

I did manage lunch with some friends...next week we have a short week for Good Friday (disguised as parent/teacher conferences) and my anniversary is Thursday....a great excuse for my husband and I to leave town. I picked Milwaukee...so that's where we are going, great city, zoo and plenty to do...see I do get my way!

a-ok

2010-03-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

Doctor's office called on Wednesday and said my biopsy was negative. Great news!

2010-03-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

My surgery went very smooth. This wasn't my first so being experienced I was ready for a long day...but it wasn't . We got to the hospital at 7 am and I was home in bed by 11. They even had to do an ultrasound to find my cyst and mark it with a wire which took 4 tries by the tech...thankfully the Valium they gave me kept me from punching the guy with my free arm...wire being poked into skin ... OUCH!

I am sore and lopsided from the swelling, but being well taken care of by my husband who waited on me all day and little Cody kept me company.

Going to rest again today .... may as well take advantage of all the time off I can!

Next month at work is going to be nuts with spring sports and bus evacs...

spring break

2010-03-22T05:46:00.001-07:00

First day of spring break, my plan is to hang out at home. I do have a sports trip (softball) this afternoon, so I am not staying totally true to my plan. I could never not work extra. I am having a biopsy surgery tomorrow, nothing big, but necessary...this will force me to lay low. Next month promises to be super busy at work, evacs and spring sports should help pad my bank account for the upcoming summer break. Hubby's work is steady so this is a great thing for us. I am so used to seasonal work from him and always catching up. We are doing well now, which I am oh so grateful.

Hopefully soon my two stepsons will be back to work. I am used to having them here along with the grand kids but too much togetherness gets annoying. Especially after a long winter indoors.

I've been on ebay bidding on books for the grand sons, much cheaper and I need to invest in my future...

I should be around here more this week and will update again soon.

babies, birthdays and lost teeth

2010-02-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

It's slow as far as sports trips at the schools so I've been home at night lately...nice for me as I can spend time with the guys. Jacob lost a tooth. I found out I am going to be a grandma again, this time first time parents Matt and Brandy. And my oldest was 28 yesterday...he had a big party with lots of drinking...the best part him telling is 16 year old stepbrother to drive his mom (my son's step mom) home as she was tipsy and stupid...I laughed as I was sober and smart. Fun times...

Because I am not doing trips I am available to sub routes for absent drivers. This is always an adventure as one never knows what they are up against. Bad route sheets (incorrect, bad directions, or missing stops), naughty kids, or even worse naughty parents. As a matter of fact I wrote a post complaining about clueless mom's and drivers who take off work with a bus full of chewed gum and slime on the floor...but I didn't post it. Better to leave it in the closet...good thing because last week things were just as bad, no actually worse...a kid puked and a mom called the school district on me...the week I was complaining about was just a mom calling about my driving...oh well....soon the spring trips will start and I will on easy street again.

I am sure this winter that is never ending isn't helping...it's been cold, snowy and gray for months....springs gotta be around the corner right????

Valentines Day

2010-02-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

After years of saying, "honey, don't get me anything for Valentine's day, our anniversary, blah blah, my birthday," I finally put my foot down and said ENOUGH...we need to start getting gifts again for each other.

The kids are grown and it's time to actually enjoy being just a couple, never had much of that. My husband and I got reacquainted, after years past our high school days in the 70's, in October of 1994. We got married on April 1st 1995, bring together this group. We spent years raising these kids and neglected our own happy events, usually saying "glad your mine, glad we made it, glad we still have us after all these years...and kids!"

For my gift I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers...hubby was made a dinner of filet, scallops, lobster tail and strawberry cheesecake.

Hope you all had a LOVE filled day!

GO SAINTS!!

2010-02-06T16:37:00.001-08:00

Oh man! I have wished Drew Brees was my kin since his days when he and my son went to Purdue! Usually I am overloaded with sports around here...normally I find something else to do...BUT tomorrow IT'S SUPER BOWL AND THE SAINTS AND DREW BREES ARE PLAYING!!

GO SAINTS!

Indy trip

2010-01-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

I have been invited to join the men folk to attend Monster Jam in Indianapolis. My husband, stepson and the grandsons are going to the event this coming Saturday. I am joining them and we are making a weekend of it ... including a stay at the Hampton Inn, and renting a van as none of us have a vehicle large enough for all seven of us. The boys have never been out of state or stayed in a hotel. I would have preferred warm climate but hey a weekend away is good for now...

I am sure I am the babysitter for the long ride down...the weekend will be too busy for me to have to worry about having to entertain 3 boys once we get down there...the hotel has a pool so between Gravedigger and it I should get to enjoy the day along with the guys...

And I finally get to ride in something other than a school bus! or drive either over the weekend.

After this long week of work, bad weather and plenty of co-workers out I deserve a Saturday off!

2010-01-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Spent the last 4 days living on the school bus!!! Whoooo Hooo good paycheck this month!

Tater...

2010-01-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

My son and his new wife moved .45 miles (according to mapquest) from my house on December 31, 2009. I have been a good mom and not bothered them, after all they are modern working people who can take care of themselves.

UNTIL...I offered to make this cute girl of theirs my new walking partner...and they gladly accepted!

my second home....

2010-01-09T14:50:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I feel like this is my second home...

freezing!

2010-01-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

It's freezing here -7! and God only knows how cold it is with the wind chill...

I have gotten plenty of rest this weekend. I don't drink (anymore) so on New Year's day I was feeling fine. I cleaned between naps and will be ready to go back to work Monday...

At least the mechanics start our buses so I won't have to go into a COLD bus!

We have a four and 1/2 day weekend on the 15th already ... the perks of working for a school district.

Stay warm, stay positive, keep pushing forward in 2010!

christmas...etc....

2010-01-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

Another year goes by...another holiday in my large ever expanding family. Christmas was loud, gift filled and fun.

With the exception of the two youngest sons of my husband (who were raised by a self serving enabling mother) all the children made it to our house on the actual holiday.

The kids waiting to open their bounty...we expect them to behave and appreciate the gesture of receiving gifts. All three did fine, considering they received enough gifts to fill 20 boy's gift lists!

Ever the lover Dakota giving Aunt Lala a big Christmas hug.

My house is hectic with both older sons living here. The little boys spend most of the week here at their request. I find my sanity in my room with the door closed. I do spend a lot of time with the boys, but with all families breaks are needed. When I go back to work Monday, my schedule will be as before working nearly every evening driving sports trips.

The best break was when Mark and I took our mini vacation to Lake Geneva Wisconsin the day after Christmas. We had the hotel nearly all to ourselves and spend the majority of the time in their pool....we both enjoyed the much needed silence!

I did accomplish a lot over break. Easing Mrs H through this rough time of year I took extra time with her, I worked a couple of days, had a pamper day with Liz at the nail salon (a gift from husband he insisted I keep up my nails after Tim & Kristen's wedding), a mammogram (yay!) and yesterday we helped Kristen and Tim move into their new home.

Now it's time to rest, regroup, renew and set some goals for this coming year!

Happy 2010!! to all my blog (J-Land ) friends!!!

Merry Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

Liz is here, Jim is here, the rest will be here tomorrow...all is right this Christmas Eve...

God's blessings to you all!

Bandit and the Bone

2009-12-23T07:05:00.001-08:00

My husband wanted to get my big old dog a bone so this is what he picked out...

Christmas Break

2009-12-21T06:37:00.001-08:00

It's the first official first day of Christmas break. It's also Cody's 5Th birthday!

I attended his Preschool program last week. He was very proud of his shirt and tie...this kid loves his fashion. His little class had a great performance. Fun stuff for a grandma like me...the joy of being a grandma is being able to enjoy the stuff I was too young and frazzled to appreciate at a mom! I just sit back and watch!

I have a trip tomorrow for the day care group in our district. I am going to a museum about an hour away. Then I am off for the rest of the week. We have snow here, but not nearly as much as the east coast.

The past couple of weeks have been crazy at work, especially for a sub like me. I had to do a country route in a blowing and drifting snow storm. I made it back in one piece, but I passed plenty of cars in the ditch, tow trucks trying to pull cars out of the ditch, even a contract bus off the road. That route made a man outta me!

Now is the time to kick back and enjoy the Holiday!

tree decorating

2009-12-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

My life has become a chaotic whirlwind of driving the bus in very bad weather, managing grand kids, letting my own grown children solve their own issues and finding a private moment to just be...

Besides trying to pay attention to the Joy of the season...I have not done any Christmas shopping other then a list I have on Amazon just waiting for my husband pay check to pay for this cart of items...

The other day I asked Dakota why he was such a good boy when his brothers seemed to not be able to do this he said, "my brain tells me to"...

Advice we could all learn from ...

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

Took the boys to see Santa. After some careful observation and high fives they warmed up to Santa for a picture...seem Santa knows grandma AND grandpa... *wink ---> he is an old trucker buddy of my husband!

did some crafts with some nice grandma's from the senior center, ran around the obstacle course at the YMCA and finished the day with some chocolate milk and pancakes...YUM!

December

2009-12-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

December is here already!! Things are still going nice and smooth, with only a few minor bumps int he road. I'll be very busy driving for the next couple of weeks, but that's ok.

Lots of sports this time of year...

I am honored to once again take the guys to see Santa. We went last year and the event had games with prizes, pancakes and sausage, this year has crafts too...

Having little ones around makes me appreciate the excitement of the season all the more.

Now we need some snow!

happy birthday Jim

2009-11-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of the month and every day except one I did an entry! I am now in the habit so count on me to be around more...I'll still aim for everyday...yeah right the holidays are upon us.

Today my stepson is 30. My husband so far loves his job. I still love mine. As far as Christmas is concerned I am pouting because it's cold already and I am not somewhere warm. I'll probably work. I have no shopping done, but I do have some ideas, good ones even for the little kids, that's a start. I now have a bigger family to buy for, hence the working more part...

That's ok I don't mind...

last day of thanksgiving

2009-11-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today is the unofficial last day of Thanksgiving food frenzy. Tim and Kristen came over and we cooked a turkey breast, actually my husband cooked I ate and visited.

My step son (who I raised since he was 13 and is now 28) & his wife, who never ever have had a holiday meal here, did their duty and stopped by for about an hour...I try and to not be bitter, because life has a way of balancing out.

After all some day they may have kids and you all know how that goes...

Otherwise, I had very nice Thanksgiving...now on to Christmas...:::sigh::

spent the day with my guys

2009-11-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

I spent the day with my guys. A gorgeous 55 degrees and clear skies called for a walk to the park. We had the whole place to ourselves. On the way home Dayton picked a flower and offered it to me, a lady passing by said, "oh mom isn't that sweet?" I said, "oh yeah, but I am grandma"...

Then a movie before bed...

Grandma Heaven...

working on black friday...

2009-11-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

I worked today... for four hours and it was a only a freshman basketball team to a nearby school.

On the way home the boys were talking about how an older boy they knew who was mouthing off to a coach and wouldn't shut up. He ended up getting in a bunch of trouble and suspended from some games...problem is he was being scouted by the colleges that was most likely to scholarship him for basketball. A shame probably hundreds of thousands of dollars of school down the drain because of his BIG mouth.

Then they told stories of kids that they knew who were 16 years old and still in 6th grade...of course I couldn't shut up and told them that I hope they had good grades they all piped up and said "oh yeah our parents make us get good grades."

Guess there hope yet for all of futures...after all this is the generation that will be supplying me with a good nursing home...:)

happy thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T16:53:00.001-08:00

May you be blessed with a full tummy, a full house and a full heart!

God's blessing to you all!

thoughts and thank you!

2009-11-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Sorry, my thoughts are random today...

Did anybody here save their old AOL journals? I saved both of mine, the old bus journal and my original. Yesterday I was talking to a lady that I've known since I started driving a school bus, actually she tested me to get my CDL and gave me the ability to drive a big bus. She is one of the many who like to talk to me...I know plenty of people who when alone in a school bus treat me like a priest in a confessional...one such girl told me on Tuesday all about her abusive ex boyfriend & how she got away from him...but shhhhhhh Rose don't tell anyone, ok?, oh and ignore the camera on the bus. :)

Any who, this lady is nearing retirement age and she has some issues that never seem to go away or get better, she talks about the same stuff she talked about 7 years ago...in other words nothing changes, same day same progress and she's literally killing herself from this...this is when I like to look at my own life...pull out the old journals and look or go to my closet and gather the really old hand written notebooks filled with words of the me spinning my wheels in my life ... but was I?

Here I am looking back at my life realizing that my circumstances are basically the same...kids, ex's, grand kids, little parental support, job loss, job gain, bill juggling, crazy life...all the same, but ME, Rose is not,

Rose is basically staying calm, loving life, picking up the pieces, moving forward, taking care of business, looking at the bright side, listening, aiding and touching every person I come in contact each and everyday...

and at the end of the day realizing that I am the one who will change ... even if this crazy world does not!

AND I am the one who is blessed beyond words as I am the one who is touched, aided, loved, listened to and the Luckiest GIRL on this EARTH!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT

the witch is back

2009-11-24T17:33:00.000-08:00

I got to drive the route today that the little darlings insisted that I was a witch. Today they loved me, I hear that they finally met their match in the form of a little (older lady) fireball who doesn't get intimated when they threaten to have their mom beat her up.

Kids are funny...

I drove by my son's future home and the sign outside said SOLD...I know they still have to close but whoooo hoooo, Dakota & I have a dog to walk...mine is too old and only makes it down the street and back. Their closing date is December 29.

I have a sports trip tomorrow night and one Friday, but for all practically purposes I am OFF for 5 whole days.

Time to watch Hercules with CODY!

HAPPY COOKING!!!

tator and the mint m&m's

2009-11-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

This picture is Tator, she is my son and new wife's dog. She is a rescue dog, they live in a very small apartment...they both work, Tator usually is in her crate during the day as she is still a little naughty if allowed freedom ... Tator escaped Sunday and ate a whole bag of m & m's.

Thankfully the doggy doctor made Tator feel all better as the throwing up she did all over the apartment didn't do the trick...

Hence the need for my son and wife to move into their house ASAP!!!!

end of the day

2009-11-22T18:53:00.001-08:00

I did enjoy my weekend and the lovely weather. I should of took the kids to the park, but as they say in therapy groups don't should on yourself, so I won't. Mark and I did all the shoppng for Thanksgiving today, so that's done.

I did spend some time with the boys alone last night as they talked their mom into coming over for the night and their dad was at some pay per view fight with my husband at some private bar.

I also trained another girl to take care of Mrs H. She's still alive and kicking, but my weekends have been tied up working for her for 2 years...it's time to let a younger girl have the opportunity. She's a single mom and well aquainted with Mrs H as her mom works for her also. I had to do some smooth talking to make it happen as Mrs H hates change...next year Mrs H will be 97! Guess she's earned that right.

Only a 2 day week for school. Monday and Tuesday are 5 hour days, but as a stand by driver I work more doing shuttles and route coverage. That's ok I love the adventure.

I can't believe it's nearly Thanksgiving already!!!

gorgeous day

2009-11-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

A GORGEOUS DAY!!

GOING OUTSIDE TO ENJOY IT!!

A no driving weekend!

2009-11-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

I know I messed up and missed yesterday but I'll do a post everyday for the rest of the month. I am getting used to blogging again anyway.

This is a NO driving weekend as my trip for tomorrow got canceled. Ya!

Went to one of those jewelry parties tonight and now it's time to chill out!

oh nuts!

2009-11-20T06:49:00.001-08:00

I forgot to post last night...had a trip and lots of stuff going on when I got home!

But I did have cheesecake!

humble pie

2009-11-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

humble hubby hurriedly hooted ... his honey has heard his history...

not bad for a quick rhyme

Seriously though hubby got his new job today...had yet another pre-employment physical (3rd this year) and was actually humbled my the doctor that told him to lay off the salt and get some exercise...he's in good shape but needs to take better care of himself. He's over his issue with me, at least for now...whatever...I am what I am...and he loves me just the same.

Tim is one step closer to getting his house, building inspection went fine...

I don't listen...

2009-11-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

I just got told I never listen...guess you should thought of that 15 years ago when you married me!

monday

2009-11-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

It was a Monday in all it's glory...seriously borrrrrrrrrr---ing. As a stand by driver with no routes to cover or trips I had to ride with 2 different drivers and just do that, ride...BORING!

Oh well got to see the little red head baby before she left for Michigan with my sister in law and had some great homemade corn beef with all the fixings dinner made by my husband who at this moment is unemployed again...he does have a prospect and will find out Wednesday...fortunately truck driving jobs with experience are easier to find than most....we are blessed.

In the meantime enjoy the boys shooting guns...not real of course!

more babies!

2009-11-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

My husband's sister came into town from Michigan for the weekend. She brought her daughter and her two children. My niece's little girl is so cute! Her personality matches this chubby little face!

I loved playing with this little cutie pie!

And so did Dakota...

But only for a little while...

Tim & Kristen's new house

2009-11-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hopefully this cute home will be Tim and Kristen's before the end of the year...only have to pass the home inspection...best part it's only 6 blocks from my own house!!!

Now my son is freaking out because they have to sublet their apartment...it'll all work out!

camera's everywhere...

2009-11-13T21:39:00.001-08:00

whoooo hooo Grandma Roses is rockin' out!!!

stuff

2009-11-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

The guys got my new stove in, my old when was a monster-size tappen that was an old relic.

I am a saver of stuff, papers, old stuff, hand-me-down stuff, stuff from my mom, stuff from my 1st house, stuff from kids, pictures...the drawers and closets usually got emptied out and tossed at least once a year during my spring cleaning. With 2 more people moving in plus 3 little boys my semi-hoarding mentality had to end. The guys even helped me with that too. My stepson tends to be a doer, my husband a doer if somebody pushes him...they cleaned out a closet and all the cabinets in the kitchen.

My husband discovered an old mix master that my mother had given me...things get away from a person when they are in charge of a family of 8 kids...it's nice to have some help...finally...

....I'll have my old house fixed up in no time.

watching kids movies

2009-11-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Every single day my grand kids try to talk their way into sleeping with me. My husband used to work overnights so when they were here it was fine, he got a new job& he took is spot back.

Now they settle for movies in grandma's bed. Tonight we watched UP...very cute.

A while ago we watched the old Disney classic Robin Hood that Liz had and they loved that movie. I need to search for some of the old Disney ..just as good as the new computer aided ones.

Ruff

2009-11-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

Most kids have their lovelies or blankets, stuffed animals and the like. My grandkids are no different. Dayton his blankie that I made when he was a baby, full of holes but must be there at bed time.

Dakota has his doggy & cheetah bear. Doggy used to be called Ruff, but now he is doggy. Imagine my horror on Friday after coming home from getting my nails done to see doggy laying on my couch. Dakota long since left to go back to his mom's house.

Soon, my son told me that he left doggy here so I could "down load" him. Smiling I realized the kid pays attention, he knows that the computer is place for me as his grandma who LOVES to post important pictures...of well loved items...so here is Doggy Ruff...Dakota's bestest friend...

here I go again...

2009-11-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

Can you feel my excitement??!! My header pic is me and my brothers Ken and Chris. My other brother was not invited to the wedding as he has some issues that I did NOT want to deal with on my son's day. I was not going to babysit my own brother on my son's day...no way. His children both attended and agreed with me. I love the header pic too, taken by my dear husband who with old man glasses perched on his nose took pictures for me. I danced, pranced and had a blast!

The above picture is of the group including parents, step-parents and parents of the children in bridal party. The little girl sang the new Taylor Swift son at the reception and made my stepson Jim cry.

Funny how gatherings such as these bring out the LOVE! My son is a lucky guy...he did not have as many family members attend as his bride, she had cousins o' plenty, he had many high school friends as well as frat guys from Purdue all with spouses...and he had us, the ones that love them best! <3

more wedding stuff

2009-11-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

I love this medium of the facebook and the internet! Already pictures of the wedding are being posted! The photographer is a friend of my new daughter in law (I love that!) and she has already posted a sample of the wedding album...

Here's a peek!

The church is located at a muesum...so lovely...and breathtaking...

Wedding weekend was AWESOME!

2009-11-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

A wonderful wedding weekend...plenty of family, friends, food and fun! Thank you for all the kind words!

today's the day!

2009-11-07T03:58:00.001-08:00

WEDDING DAY!! SUNNY 70's, tropical breezes from the south (very un-November weather for Northern Illinois, a happy couple .... and God's blessing... Here we go....

girl day...

2009-11-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Liz & I spent the day at the nail salon. A pedicure and nails (fake ones), and lots of girl talk, next came dress rehearsal and a feast to top off the evening. Now I am off to bed.

Wedding bells tomorrow!

Tim

2009-11-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

My son Tim and I February of 1982...seems so long ago, and another lifetime. Do I still know this girl? She was so young and had so many ideas! I think I am basically the same just older, wiser and take less crap than I used to!

This kid is the same...wonderful!

t minus 3 days

2009-11-04T19:44:00.001-08:00

Three days until Tim and Kristen's wedding...