Isn't he cute?

A couple of weeks ago the girls and I stopped at a second hand store. I have passed by the store many times and never took the time to stop. They sell mostly furniture there so never bothered to stop. On this day I felt the need to see what they had for sale.
We walked in the door and as we turned to the left I saw him! He was ugly but cute at the same time. I just had to meet him. I walked over to him and put out my hand. I knew I shouldn't touch him but I could not help myself. I picked him up and turned him over. No price tag! Great!! That means I can't afford him.
We continued to walk around the store. Alot of nice stuff, but nothing that caught my eye quite like he did. Before I left I could no long stand it--I had to know. I asked the owner, "How much is that Uncle Sam over there?" Her reply, "Oh that's my mom's. I told her to take it back home because it's not a Christmas decoration. It's for the 4th of July, ya know."
Yes, I knew it was not a Christmas decoration like everything else in the store but I was still interested in it. She told me that her mom was not home so she could not get ahold of her to ask.
We left empty handed but he never left my mind. I even talked about him at work. One of my co-workers said to me, "your going to go there again to look for him, aren't you?" So about a week after my first visit, Emers and I had to go back that way. After Emers' doctor's appointment I had to get back to town because I had a meeting at work to go to. We had an extra 20 or so minutes so I decided to stop and visit him.
Emers stayed in the car because she hates second hand stores. I went in. Before I made it through the door, an older lady asked if I needed any help. I said yes, I was there to see if Uncle Sam was still there and how much he was. She then told me what I did not want to hear! "No." she said, "I took him home. My daughter said that it really wasn't for Christmas. It's for the 4th of July ya know." I felt like yelling at her, how could she possibly think that he did not belong there......... "but, wait" she said, "he might still be in my car" So she went out to look. She came back in and said "he must be in the trunk" and got her keys. Out she went again. I decide I might as well make the best of it and look around again. Hanging up near the register was a sweatshirt from Hollister. It was marked with a BIG tag, $1. I know that Emers does not like used clothes but a Hollister hoodie for a dollar--she can suffer. I laid the sweatshirt on the counter. I also saw a set of glasses that I needed so grabbed them too, remember--I was in a bit of a hurry. That lady comes back in and told me the bad news--he wasn't in the car. Really? Who forgets if they unloaded their car or not?!? She said she would bring it back in but since it was Department 56 she would need $15.00 for it. I told her that I would take it but I would be gone for a few days but would return as soon as I could. "But I will buy this now." I said. She looked at the sweatshirt and then gave me a really weird look and said, "Is it for sale?" OH MY GOD!!!!!!!! That is when I should have left and never looked back--but very nicely I said "yes" and showed her the tag. It went down hill from there. I had to help her add the two items. She then remembered that it was a Thursday, 30% off everything. I had to help here subtract the 30% and come up with a new total. Then Tax!! I helped her again. Thank goodness I had the correct change!! I gave her the money, took my bag and left--now 15 minutes late for my meeting!!!!
I could not go back that weekend because I was in Arkansas to visit sister #3's hiking friend, but he never left my mind. I worked and slept and then Thanksgiving, I felt like it was just not meant to be. But then came Black Friday!!!! Emers and I headed back and this time she came in with me, probably just for the entrainment of it. I asked the lady working about my Uncle Sam. She pointed and said he was over there. Why did they put him on the shelf for everyone to see. What I someone would have bought him before I could get there? I already know that there wasn't one of ebay cuz I had already checked! I took a deep breathe and grabbed him! He belongs to me now!
If you would like to see him he will be in our living room. The girls wanted to pack him away for the season. It's for the 4th of July, ya know. I would not let them. He will be out for awhile, at least until the 5th of July.

A rock star is born!

Thanksgiving was at our house this year. Tibby wanted a "sit down" dinner so he moved a few pieces of furniture out of the way to make the table big enough to seat 19 people. That's not counting the 2 babies that were held. Wow--what a meal! Everyone helped out with the food and if anyone left hungry, that's their fault.

After everything was cleaned up we all enjoyed each others company and entertainment. Some played air hockey and basketball while others played the Wii. As you can see nephews J.R. and D.W. stole the show playing guitar hero.





Along with the bowling and racing, we also watched J.R. and J.B. box. Who even knows who won. It was way too fun watching them instead of the TV screen. These are LIVE shots--not reenactments!!

BEEP

Have you ever heard of the pets that save their owners' lives. Well, today Winnie thought she was saving my life--I think. It was 9:45am and I was sound asleep cuz I worked last night. Winnie woke me up by acting really weird and scratching on my side of the bed. She has never done that before so I just figured that everyone forgot to put her out to potty. Since she was acting so odd I decided to get up and let her out so we could both get some rest. As soon as I was up, she took off for the front door. I opened it and she ran out. But, instead of running to the side yard to do her stuff she stopped on the sidewalk and looked at me and jumped around. That's when I heard it. BEEP. The sound that a smoke alarm makes when it needs a new battery. BEEP. I thought, that's easy to fix. I looked at the ceiling in the room that I heard it in. No smoke alarm there, and none in the next room either. Must be upstairs, I shut the door that goes up stairs. BEEP. Not coming from up there either. Oh well, I figured that I can just ignore it and get some sleep. I left Winnie back in and tried to have her go into the kitchen so I could sleep. She wouldn't go. BEEP. Forget it, I went to bed. BEEP. I covered my head. More scratching on the side of the bed. BEEP. I knew this was not going to work--what was making that noise. So I followed the beep. Its coming from the room that I started in. BEEP. It's the carbon monoxide detector. Why is that beeping? It's not the alarm on it, not loud enough. BEEP. I pushed the test button and waited. And waited. No BEEP. I went to bed. BEEP!!! Oh no!!!! Why me?! I got up again and called Tibby. Asked him, why would that be beeping? He said to change the battery..oops! Never thought of that--the dang thing is plugged into the wall! I didn't realize that it had batteries too. So, I put in a new one and guess what--NO MORE BEEP!!!! Yes, problem solved, now I can sleep.

I went to bed. Winnie would not leave my room. And as I said before, sometimes the noise from her collar wakes me. But, that was not the problem. It was her BREATH. Gross. I hate dog breath and hers is getting bad with her age. Yeah, she was on the floor, but I could still smell it. "O.M.G.!!! Winnie!! Get out!" But, she would not leave my side of the bed. I rolled over, covered my face, and finally feel asleep. When I woke up she was laying on the floor next to the bed, using my Mickey Mouse slippers as a pillow.

Good Job on saving me today Winnie!!! But do something about that doggie breath.

The white quilt and rose

Have you ever been at a care center and saw a white quilt and long stemmed rose laying on a bed? It is a small memorial to the resident who just died. Some care centers do it, some don't. How long the rose stays there is determined by how soon the center needs the bed.

One of the residents passed at the center that I work at. We didn't think she would make it through the night but for some reason she did. I had to go to work this afternoon for a meeting and when I arrived there the hearse was back up to the back door. Why the back door? To me it looks like it was a delivery truck. I suppose they do not go to the front door because of respect and privacy. Go to the front!! Let people see that there has been a death. When ever I see a hearse, where ever I am, I think of what might of happened. What kind of person they were. I think of the family and loved ones. So, when I see a hearse I pay my tribute to the person's life even when I have no idea who it was.

The resident that passed was from the area. Elderly. Lived her life. Must have been loved by someone. Must have loved someone. I only met her when I started working at this care center. What a lady. She usually sat up most of the night. Calling out for help. She didn't need it--all her needs were met except for one--she was lonely. Like I already said I didn't think she would make it though my shift last night. I could hear death in her lungs. She was looking at something, somewhere that I couldn't see. When I first got to work I went in her room to see how she was doing. I spoke to her and the only response was to grab my hand. I held hers for awhile but then had to pull hers from mine. I had a job to do and that was to help care for the other 70+ residents. (that's the number of them, not their age)

I wonder if she died alone. I don't think she wanted to. I don't know anything about her family, if she has any left. I do know that in the nursing report from the shift before us it was stated that a certain person could be called to sit with her if needed. **Was she called? Not on my shift she wasn't. **Who would make the decision to call in family or anyone else? My charge nurse. **Could I make the suggestion to make the call? Probably. **Would she listen to my suggestion? Probably---------not. **Did she call anyone? No. **Did she know that the resident did not want to be alone? Yes, I told her what had happened.

I have seen my share of death as I am sure that most of you have. I've seen it linger and I've seen sneak up fast. I've smelled death. (remember when that was-sister #3) I've prepared bodies for the undertaker to pick up. We all react to it in different ways, but I hope that I never get too used to it and cold about it like some. I know its part of my job but just because I punch in at work doesn't mean that I have to turn off my compassion for people. Why and how can some people?

Basketball

The girls started basketball this week. So that means sore muscles. Oddly, last night Emers smelled a bit like ICYHOT. It will be very interesting watching the girls play on the same team. At home we have a really nice basketball backboard and a cemented driveway complete with free throw lines. Does it get used much? No. You would think that the girls would enjoy playing one-on-one. No. You would think that the girls would enjoy shooting on such a nice driveway. No. Every once in awhile we talk them into (make them) practice shooting. Does it last long? No. Every once in awhile we talk them into (threaten) playing one-on-one. Does it last long? No. It usually ends up with one stomping into the house, slamming a door, and complaining that the other one passes too hard. I really love my girls but do they really think that the other team is going to 'play nice'? I really love my girls but sometimes I wish that I would have taught them how to sometimes be a bully!!!

Weekend

I worked the weekend--that means Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday afternoon I woke up to the girls' cousin, Blondie, being here. She is always good to have around cuz she keeps the girls busy. The 5 of us, along with Gpa and Gma, went to Alex for supper and of course--Menards. Tibby needed a snow shovel. I don't know why--no snow is on the way. Blondie stayed over night at our house. On Sunday AM while I slept Tibby made the girls, including Blondie, help with firewood. Poor Blondie!!! Sunday afternoon Blondie dad came and picked her up and then the girls and I along with Gma went to St. C shopping. Emers only likes to only shop at the big mall. Did some Christmas shopping and head back home. Busy, busy weekend and my house and laundry pile shows it!!!!

Teacher Conferences

Last night was conferences at school. At first we were not going but then Tibby decided that maybe we should. Well, it was a waste of time. The teachers only told us what we already know--our girls are WONDERFUL!!!! We were told that our girls are a delight to have in class and are very good students. They are both on the B honor rolls this quarter. Surprisingly the teacher they have together even said they were good. Why? They don't get along at home, why can they in class?

ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Have you ever worked nights? I think everyone should have to at sometime in their lives so they have an understanding of the whole situation.
This is not the only night job that I have had. I started working nights when the girls were in Elem. school. Emers was in preschool--part time. On her days home with me, I would lay on the couch and sleep. She would lay on top of me watching TV and wake me when she needed something. Sounds kinda sad doesn't it. But, then I could spend more time with my kids. There have been days that I have gone without sleep, times that I've slept in the car going somewhere. I've slept at our shop, at my parent's house, at work on breaks.....
But how do you deal with the world that does not understand. The Culligan Man likes to ring the doorbell twice a month to deliver our water. The UPS Man likes to ring the doorbell once in a while. Cars like to drive fast past our house. The neighbor likes to slam his front door. Most of this causes the dog to bark, LOUDLY. And if she isn't barking, she likes to periodically check on me during the day and the noise of her collar wakes me.
Then there is the telephone. I always answer it even when I am sleeping--what if it is a emergency? So if you need or want to talk to me just call because I will fall back to sleep. But, remember that I might not remember that you called or that I even talked to you. Then I have a 16 year old daughter that likes to call me from school just to update me on things. Like today, she called to tell me that her and Emers ordered their basketball t-shirts. Why did I need to know this in the middle of my sleep? I do not have a clue, but I love her anyway and would never yell at her for waking me. Sometime maybe I'll call her at 2:oo in the morning just to tell her that I went to the bathroom or bought a candy bar to snack on.
So why do I work nights? I works best for me and my spoiled kids. They like when I pick them up at school so they don't have to ride the bus or walk to the shop. They like it when I am home in the mornings to kiss them before school. They like when I can go to all of their school functions, even if I look like sh*t.
I must really love my girls cuz my lack of sleep should show it!!!!

Homework update

No-I did not yell at Emer's teacher. I would have liked to but since I know how the "system" works I knew that it would only make matters worse. After a nice, calm, 30 minute meeting of telling the teacher I did not feel he was being fair in his discipline we decided he would think about it for awhile and let Emers know what his decision would be. The next day he told her that she could write a one page paper on how a bill becomes a law to earn back half of the points that she lost. This would bring her grade back up in the B range. She was satisfied with this and has already written the paper. Now the other girl that was also 'cheating' is not real happy because she also has to write the paper but doesn't want to because she really doesn't care about her grades--how do you keep everyone happy?

And then there was light!

I cleaned my kitchen! And it only took me two days. NO! It was not that dirty (I don't think) but I only clean at night. Why at night? Because, I have no ambition during the daylight hours. I started cleaning at about 8pm or so and clean until everyone went to bed. I even cleaned behind the fridge and stove, inside and outside of the dishwasher and washed the light. While doing the light I was thinking about when was the last time that I washed it? I never have. Gross-no wonder it wasn't very bright in there at night. We put this light up about 4 years ago. Really, it did not look like 4 years of dirt on it but was bad.

And why is it that we need to clean the areas behind things. No one sees it. No one says, My goodness it sure is clean behind your fridge. But--if it got really bad and dust balls were rolling out from under it you sure would notice.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!?!?!?

Why are you such an a**hole? Who made you God and does He know that you are taking over? I feel like slapping you along side of you head!

That's what I feel like saying to a couple of teachers today at my meeting at the school. Emer's Social teacher accused her of cheating on her homework--yes HOMEWORK. How does anyone know if you cheat on homework. So he gave her a big "O" on the assignment. Then because he was mad about it he made the assignment worth 16 points instead of the usual 4 or 5. This brought her grade down a level and makes it look like she is failing the assignment portion for the quarter. To make the matter worse, he is teaching them the US constitution. What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty--jerk!!!! He did not want to hear Emer's side of the story but I guess he will today!

The other teacher I have a problem with is the girls' English teacher. They both have him this semester and have had him in the past. He is worthless and the school knows it. He likes to talk about building bombs, drugs, drinking and blonds. The school board knows about his topics of choice but can't do much about it because he has been there for years. He is old enough to retire but won't, probably just to drive us parents nuts. I am not meeting with him but with the Dean of Students about him. Today the Dean is going to hear about the images on the teachers smart board. What is a smart board you ask? Instead of a black board or marker board it is a big computer screen powered by his computer on his desk. But, sh*t head make sure the smart board is turned off when you are looking at pictures of people covered in whipped cream on your computer and the students are in the room with you.

Hope this goes good and not just a waste of my time and oxygen.

Birthdays and Babies--again

Today was my mommy's birthday so again some of us gathered together to help her celebrate. It was also one of my nephew's big day too so it was a double celebration. This time we (actually it was Dad) decided to eat out. Good meal but too much food. My niece made a couple of cakes that was served AFTER we all, very beautifully, sang. The lemon cake was YUMMY!!

Since it was a family party that meant that the babies were there!!!! Too bad that there were more baby hogs there this time. Auntie Tammy does not like to SHARE BABIES!!!!! At least the older kids were entertaining again. Happy Birthday Mommy and D.W.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Once upon a time Tibby had hair. Alot of hair. Thick, dark brown hair. What happened to it? He used to say he had hair until he got married. Then he changed to- he had hair until he had kids. What will be next?

He does have some but he chooses to shave it off. He does not like the "ring around the head" or the "comb over" like his father had. (Why does anyone bother to comb over 10 strands of hair?)

That reminds me--lets take a quick trip down memory lane. Does anyone remember how many different directions Earl S. combed his hair? Hint: Only the people that went to the Hanover church years ago would be able to answer this.

Now back to Tibby. Our girls like to make reference to Tibby's bald head alot. They also like to come up with new hair styles and/or solutions for him. This is Emers lastest try...