Blah Day

I am only posting today because I want to keep up with my daily posts.  Today has been a blah kind of day.  I have been draggy all day long. I was awake this morning around 3AM, and 5AM.  Finally I got up around 6AM.  I usually get up around 6:30.  I was able to get ready early and even had time to fold some clothes before I took Ryan to school.  I also had time to read my Bible.
After I got back from taking Ryan to school, I got so draggy.  I talked to Martha on the phone while I ate my breakfast.  Then, I ran up to her house to get some things to fix Dad a chicken casserole.  When I got back, I put my frozen chicken on to cook slowly.  I put the timer on one hour and lay on the couch to take a nap.  I think I dozed off, but I still felt bad when the timer went off.
While the chicken was cooling, I washed a few dishes.  Then, I put together the casserole.  It had stuffing on the top and smelled like Thanksgiving dressing....mmmmmm.  I had enough to make an extra casserole for him to put in the freezer for later.  Then, I peeled enough potatoes to fix Dad and us creamed potatoes for supper.  I also took him some baby peas to put in the microwave.  He told me he usually only ate chicken casserole....meaning he wouldn't eat the peas. ;)  
Dad was feeling good today, and I am so glad.  His hip had been hurting him a lot when he stood.  He went to the doctor Friday and they gave him a shot in his hip.  He said yesterday and today he felt good.  Dad really seems to be doing well since Mom has passed.  I am sure he has his sad and lonely times, but I am really surprised (and happy) that he is doing well.  
I went to pick up Ryan from school after I left Dad's.  When I got home, I sat down and got on the computer a while.  I did not feel like doing a thing. Blah!!!  I finally got busy after awhile and fixed baked chicken tenders and peeled fresh carrots to cook for our supper.  It was really good.  I also folded clothes and made the bed. 
After supper tonight, I washed all the dishes.  Even though I had washed dishes earlier, there still was a lot.  I also fixed chocolate oatmeal cookies for dessert and washed those dishes.  I got the coffee ready for tomorrow morning, so the kitchen is clean and I am ready for bed.  
I got to talk to Haley on the phone today, which is always a bright spot in my day. :)  She is so precious and just hearing her precious, sweet voice just thrills my heart.  She always asks what Papaw and Rory (Ryan) are doing.  Today she told me that apples are NOT her favorite.  Bananas are now her favorite.  I think apples were her favorite yesterday.  Ahhhh, I just love talking to her!  I love that she is old enough to carry on a conversation with me.  
Ok, I am off to bed.  I hope you all have a wonderful night and a blessed day tomorrow.

My Monday

This morning I was able to sleep longer than usual.  Ryan asked if he could stay out of school today and spend it with Papaw Sha.. because he is a veteran.  I decided that since he is making good grades, it would be great for him to spend the day with him.  I was able to sleep till around 8:15AM, and it felt so good. :)

When I woke and checked my phone to see what time it was, I found some sweet pictures of Haley ready to go to Mother's Day Out.

She looks like a beautiful darling.  I love her hair.  Sweet little Mason is crawling around. :)  Love those babies!!!  

As I was laying there trying to wake up, Martha callled.  I got up, and talked to her a while. After I got off the phone, I ate banana and peanut butter for breakfast.  I also drank a couple cups of coffee. When I drink more than one cup of coffee, I get so sleepy.  I know that is crazy, but everytime I drink too much coffee I get more tired than energized.  I layed over on the couch a bit to rest.  I don't think I ever went to sleep.

While I was talking to Martha, Nikki sent me pictures of Haley's daycare pictures.

I love them, but they make me a little sad.  She looks like such a big girl. "sniff"  Seeing these pictures of the babies makes me miss them. 

Ryan got up and we both got ready.  As we were leaving, I put a load of towels in the washer.  Then, I dropped him off at Papaw's and went to Walmart.  Ryan was needing some medicine.  I browsed for a long time and found some good deals. I found a really cool keyring that had been $5 for $1.  I also found a beautiful tote bag with a zipper for $3.  I got one for my Sunday School supplies. I found a blue fleece blanket for Mason that has basketballs and footballs on it for $2.88.  I had looked at fleece material the other day to make him a blanket and the cheapest I saw was $5 a yard.  I am planning to make some tags on it, and keep it for Mason to have a blanket at my house.

When I got home, I fed and watered Zoe as I was coming in.  I also put the towels in the dryer before I came upstairs.  Then I gathered sheets and put them in the wash.  While I was downstairs, I started cleaning off a bookcase that I had down there.  I had used it for storing canned goods and other stuff, but I wanted to move it upstairs to my kitchen. I already have two just like it that I have put curtains on the front to cover the shelves.  I love them, but I needed more room. I took it upstairs to the back deck and cleaned it with soap and water.

After that, I washed a bunch of dishes that I didn't get washed last night. :(  I also baked a spaghetti squash to fix with spaghetti tonight.  We had never eaten it before.  Mark said he liked it, but truthfully, I wasn't crazy about it.  I would eat it again, though, just because I know it is healthier than noodles.

Mark picked up Ryan on his way home from work.  Ryan said he, Papaw, and Tim went to Papaw's dad's grave to place a flag on it. Great Papaw Sha... was also a veteran. Ryan had eaten supper at Nana and Papaw's, so I don't know if he would have liked the squash.

Tonight I cleaned out the "collect-all" corner of my kitchen, and Ryan moved in the new bookcase.  I just need to get a curtain to cover it.  I cleaned off the top of the other bookcases and now everything looks so much neater.  I am slowly trying to get things organized.  

And finally, here are the pictures Nikki sent me yesterday of the babies.  Haley was coloring in her room.

And Mason was hanging out with Nikki while she washed clothes.

I was so excited because Nikki said they had had a good day. Yay!!

I have had a good day, and I am so thankful.  I still have a lot I need to do tomorrow.  I am supposed to go down to Dad's and cook a meal for him too.  I am planning to get in bed earlier tonight.  I have been doing better about getting to bed earlier and I have been feeling so much better.  I can also get a lot more accomplished during the day.  Everything is better!  Hopefully, I will be posting again tomorrow night.  

Busy Times

I have been a busy bee, and was hard to blog.  Also, when I get worried about something, it seems impossible for me to post because my mind is comsumed with whatever I am worrying (and praying) about.  Then, I get so behind I don't know where to start.  It is a vicious cycle, but I hope to do better.

Last week and part of the week before, I cleaned Nana and Papaw's house.  I decided to clean out the china cabinets in her dining room because the holidays are coming, and I want it to look nice.  

 (bad pic)

I have wanted to clean them out forever, but when I was taking care of Mom, I always felt too stressed and hurried.  It was backbreaking work to clean each piece, but I am so excited to get it accomplished!!!

Nana has some beautiful things, and I love looking at them.  She has some cool teapots in her curio cabinet.  I love the ones that look like fall.

A couple of them had the cup that fit together with the teapot to make one pot.

I saw one that I thought Haley would love.  It reminded me of a little girl's tea party.

Nana also has gorgeous crystal pieces.

 She has stacks of them.

She also has more crystal in boxes.

And beautiful crystal candle holders.

I always clean all the crystal and am always nervous I am going to break something.  Oh my, when I was cleaning the china cabinets, I was a nervous wreck I was going to break something.  I was so tense while cleaning.  Thank God I didn't break anything!!!!  I love all Nana's beautiful things, and I would freak out if I broke something!  

Ok, let's see what's next.....Haley dressed as Repunzel for Halloween.
  

They came up for a day to celebrate.  Haley has spent several nights with us, and I spent one night with them. I love those babies so much!!  Haley was working a puzzle when I snapped this picture. She loves working puzzles and amazes me how good she is.

Mason was sleepy, ready for his nap.

As long as that precious little guy has his blankie, he is fine.

One time Ryan went with me and mowed their yard.  Mason stood at the window and watched him. He would knock on the window and wave when Ryan looked.

He is such a sweetheart!!!

Haley loves being in my Sunday School class with Brysen.

She loves seeing Martha's family too.  I snapped this picture of Kevin showing her a catipillar.  I love how she is intently studying it. Oh, and she has a lollipop in her mouth. ;)

Tonight Haley was talking to me on the phone and she asked what I was doing, and what Papaw and Rory (Ryan) were doing.  She said she was going to bed and told me we should go to bed.  She was telling me something about the moon was out. :)  I told her me and Papaw and Rory should be going to bed soon.  She said, "And don't forget Marfa (Martha), and I think she said Nate, Nate (Nathan) and then she said Awanna (Leanna).  I LOVE hearing that sweetheart talk.  My grandbabies are so very special to me!  I love them more than words can say!

And speaking of Nate Nate and Awanna....they are officially engaged! Yay!! 

The ring Nathan gave her is absolutely beautiful and has 155 diamonds in it. I wish I had a picture of it.  Maybe soon I can post one.

Hmmm....what else... oh, an awful thing happened to me last week.  I had gone to Walmart and had parked.  When I opened my car door, a big gust of wind blew my door wide open and hit the car beside me.  It made a scratch.

It actually looks bigger in the photo than what it was because I cropped the picture.  Anyway, I freaked out inside.  At first I thought is wasn't a dent, but when I really looked close, it was dented in a little.  Ugh!  As I looked at the car, I noticed there were no other scratches on it.  Who has a car with absolutely no scratches on it??? Not me for sure.  

I waited and waited and was writing a note for the person when he came out.  I talked to him, and he was super sweet.  He hated it happened and said, "thank you so much for staying.  Most people would have driven away."  I gave him my insurance card and number.  Kevin, Martha, and Andrew encouraged me by telling me I did the right thing by staying.  Kevin says it should not affect my insurance in any way.  We'll see...I hope it doesn't.  I just wish I had had a firm grip on my car door.  I had no way of knowing the wind was going to blow that hard, tho.  I didn't even go in Walmart. I went home and had a good, hard cry.  Sometimes life is just overwhelming!!!!

Today Jared took Ryan and Matthew to his college football game. They had a great time although their team lost.  I am so

 thankful he really wants to attend college, and I pray he will be able to.  While he was at the game I did my shopping that I didn't get to yesterday.  I also washed sheets, ironed clothes, folded clothes, put away clothes, washed dishes, and cleaned bathrooms.  I wanted to put up my Christmas tree today, but I just had too much to do.  I hope I can get to it next week.  

Well, I am off to bed.  I pray everyone has a great night and day tomorrow.  I am so thankful for my blessings!!  I am trying to be more mindful of that.  Hope to post more about it tomorrow.

Last week, The Weekend, And Today

The most frustrating thing just happened to me.  I typed out a whole post, fixed the pictures, and was just about finished, when my computer deleted the whole thing!  Some things about this computer I hate.  If my arm touches something, or it thinks I am scrolling when I am not, it changes all sorts of things. Grrrrrrrr So, to begin again.....

Today has been a lazy day. I hate lazy days when there is so much I need to accomplish.  Last night I was awake till after two am.  Nothing was bothering me, I was just wide awake.  I don't know what time I finally went to sleep, but when the alarm went off this morning, I was so tired.  I pressed the snooze button and dozed back off.  When the final alarm sounded, I turned it off and thought how tired I felt. The next thing I knew, I was opening my eyes and it was one hour later!!  I felt like I had just closed and opened my eyes.  

Ryan and I ran around like crazy getting ready so he wouldn't be late.  We almost made it, but he decided at the last minute he wanted to change his shirt.  That ended up making us just a couple minutes late.  I told Ryan I was so sorry. I told him I am going to try to get in bed earlier and set my alarm earlier. I hope it helps. I feel so bad for making him late.

Needless to say, I didn't feel like doing anything today. I only napped a little, but it really refreshed me.  By this afternoon, I felt better, but my day was wasted.  Ugh!!  

This evening for supper I fixed Mary's burritos without the shell. Mark really likes them. I also cut up apples and fried them in butter, a little sugar, and cinnamon. They were so, so good. I still have to clean the kitchen and iron a shirt for Mark for tomorrow.

This past weekend I got quite a bit accomplished.  I am working on getting all the comforters, quilts, etc., washed. I love getting into bed with clean sheets, quilts, and everything. I also colored my hair. I have been needing to for a long time. I hate buying hair color. I still haven't found the perfect one, and I don't like deciding which one to buy. Nana gave me a box the other day and I used it. It was a little dark, but I kinda like it. It had golden undertones, so it didn't make me look so pale.

Looking at this picture makes me realize how old I am looking. Losing sleep really ages a person. :(  I also gave Cruzer a bath. I have been giving him a bath more often and he smells so good--not like a dog. lol  

In the afternoon/evening, I finished a project I have been working on for Haley.  I am so excited about it. On Pinterest, I had seen these cute little stuffed animals in empty Altoid tins.  I decided to make a version of my own.

I hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it for her.  Now, I know I am not a good seamstress. But, I am hoping she doesn't notice all the mistakes.  I definitely learned some things that will help me if I ever decide to make more.  I think this kinda thing is perfect for a church toy.  I have a church bag for Haley that I am always putting new things in and taking old things out.  I have been thinking about all kinds of things I could put in these tins. :)

After I finished Haley's bear in a bed, I mod podged a thankful box for my Sunday School class.  I took a small Christmas box and mod podged fall leaf napkins on it.

                                 

I had planned to trace little Brysen's hand, and write things on them that he was thankful for (with my help, of course).  Then, cut them out and save in the thankful box.  If I had to teach the older girls, which I sometimes do, I planned to use the thankful cards Sandra had given me a long time ago that I had not used.

They could fill out several each Sunday.  Then at Thanksgiving go back and remember what they are thankful for.  I am glad I was prepared, because little Brysen's mom had a baby girl Saturday evening.  He wasn't there Sunday, so I actually ended up teaching the older girls (8-11)

Last week I talked about cleaning at Dad's and how I missed Mom.  The last day I finished cleaning, I saw so many things that made me miss her so much.  Her empty chair....

Her closet of shoes and clothes.

We used to put this pillow under her bed pillow to prop her up a little.  It had the twenty third psalms cross stiched on it.  When I saw it, I just layed my face on it as tears fell down my cheeks.  To be close to something that she had been close to made me ache for her. Just thinking she will no longer be with us on this earth is so sad!!! I no longer have a mama.  How on earth do these little kids make it that don't have a mom (or a loving mom). I hurt for them too.

I decided I wanted to go to Mom's grave.  It was amazing because as I was on my way to get Ryan from school (and go to the grave), I called Martha. She was getting ready to go buy flowers to take to Mom's grave.  Then, I read on Jess' blog that they had gone to Mom's grave also.  Our hearts and thoughts were in the same place. :)

For some reason I feel really close to Mom when I am at her grave.  I know she is no longer there. Thank God she is with Jesus.  But, being near where her body lays makes me feel close to her.  I love the pictures I took.  You can see Ryan's and my shadow in the background.

Between Mom and Dad's name, right under the flower pot says "together forever".  I love it!!!!

Ryan drove us home when we left.

He has been driving since August when he got his learner's permit.

I am so thankful and pleased at how well he is doing.  It is so nice to be able to ride in the passenger's seat sometimes.  

Finally, Nikki sends me the sweetest pictures of the babies when I am not there.  Today she sent me this.

The babies were sitting on the counter as Mason was eating, and they were loving on each other. Just seeing this picture makes me want to wrap my arms around them and kiss those precious cheeks!!

The other day she sent me this one of them playing in the play room.  Mason looks like such a big boy.

One day Haley decided she wanted to go to the store and tried to put Mason's shoes on him.  It was so precious.

See how Mason is sticking his foot up there so she can put on his shoe?  Ahhh  so precious.  I love those babies beyond words!!

I am so thankful for my family!!  God has blessed me in so many ways!!  I am thankful I know Him personally, and I don't have to worry about never seeing Mom again.  I want everyone to have this peace.  I wished I had searched more for His presence in my life when I was younger, but all I can do now is try to live my life the best of my ability. I can't change the past. I can only change the future.

Ok, I am off to clean the kitchen. I am determined to get to bed early!! Hope you all have a wonderful, restful night as well!

Cleaning Dad's House

Today I worked cleaning Dad's house.  I cleaned both of the bathrooms, including a lot of the bathroom walls.  It gives me a good workout.  Then I mopped the floors.  I cleaned all counters in the kitchen, dusted the china cabinet top to bottom, dusted all dining chairs, and the pie safe. I also dusted the things on one of the window cornices. 

I vacuum the kitchen floor and mopped.  I also dusted the back bedroom.  I worked solid without a break for three and a half to four hours.  I was worn out.

It was so hot in Dad's house.  The thermometor read 75.4 degrees.  After I finished mopping, I looked in the mirror and my face was red and sweaty!  I told myself it was just like exercising.  That helped me bear the heat a little.  Ha!  

I left around 3PM because I had to pick up Ryan from school.  Before I left Dad's, I sat in the car and redid my makeup and hair.  I was still a mess.  l wouldn't have cared, but I knew I had to go to Wal-mart.  

Ryan nor I either one wanted to go to the store, but I had quiet a few things I had to have.  I love having him with me because he puts a lot of the stuff in the buggy for me.  He also loads it in the buggy after the cashier bags it, and puts it in the trunk of the car. 

When we got home, I brought my armfulls of groceries upstairs, put them on the table, and went staight to lay down a few minutes.  I was so, so tired.  I rested about 20 minutes, then got up to fix supper.  Tonight I fixed spaghetti--something easy.  I still have to wash dishes and I really need to wash a load of clothes.  I don't know if I will get to it, tho'.

Today when I was at Dad's, Haley called me.  She said, "Gigi, I sick."  It made me so sad.  She said her nose was stuffy and her eyes were watering.  She said she had a fever.  She also said she felt bad.  It made my heart ache for her to feel bad.  She said her mom was going to give her some medicine.  Love her little heart.  It makes me want to hold her and rock her.  I talked to Nikki after talking to Haley.  Nikki had planned to come up Friday for a dr. visit, but she said she wouldn't if Haley is still sick.  I told her I will try to come down Saturday if she doesn't get to come.  I pray Mason doesn't get sick.

I don't know if it is because I was tired, but I have felt very emotional today.  This morning Martha and I talked a long time on the phone about Mom.  We were both in tears.  While cleaning, there were so many reminders of spending time with her and it broke my heart.  We used to stand and look out this window.

It made me want to cry just looking at what we used to.  I don't miss her sickness, but I miss her physically.  I look forward to some day seeing her in heaven and being able to talk to a young, healthy, understanding Mom.  Martha and I talk about how we would love to have just a glimpse in a vision of her in heaven.  For now we will just have to imagine it.

Ok, I am off here to relax a bit and then get busy. Thank God for a wonderful day and the strength to work hard.  I pray God heals Haley quickly and Mason doesn't get sick.  

Finished

Last night I did not sleep well, which is not unusual.  It seems that when I have something to do the next day, I have trouble sleeping.  I felt ok when I first got up, tho'.  I usually get up at 7AM.  I wash my hair, put Ryan's bacon on to cook, pack his lunch, and then take him is heartburn medicine.  I give him around five more minutes before I start yelling at him to get up. I fix myself a cup of coffee to drink while I am getting ready.   After Ryan's bacon cooks, I go to the back bathroom and dry my hair.  Then I put on my make up.  Ryan gets ready in the front bathroom.  

I take Ryan to school, come back and put Zoe out on her "dog run" and feed her.  Then I go upstairs, take a bath, and fix my breakfast.  I usually eat two slices of bacon and two eggs, or two eggs and a plain baked potato with salt only.  While I am eating breakfast, I usually read a couple of chapters in the Bible.  I love the YouVersion KJV.  After I brush my teeth, I am ready to go.

Today I had to finish cleaning at Nana and Papaw's house.  I really wasn't sure I could finish.  I had the hardest rooms to dust that took the longest.  Ryan decided to ride the bus today so I was able to work longer and finish everything. Yay!!!!  I was so happy.  And, not only that, as I was leaving, Nana gave me a bonus check!!  WooHoo!!!  She is the best!!!!  I plan to save it for Christmas shopping.  I am so excited!!

It worked out perfectly that Ryan decided to ride the bus.  He didn't ride because he wanted to tho'. I have problems with him getting off of video games when I tell him to.  Yesterday I told him from now on when I tell him to get off, he will have five minutes.  If he wants to talk to me about it (asking for more time) he can.  Otherwise, he is to be off in five minutes.  

Well, last night, of course, he did as he always does....ignoring me at first and then telling me he was going to stay on ten more minutes (instead of asking).  He gets caught up in the game with his friends, and nothing else matters.  It took him 30min. to get off of the game.  I calmly told him he had two options for punishment.  He could not play his games the next day, or ride the bus.  He chose to ride the bus, which really surprised me.  I don't know why I was surprised because he loves those games. :)  He was willing to ride the bus so he could play games.  It worked out better for me too. We actually got home at the same time.  He had not gotten inside the house before I drove in the driveway.  

I was so, so, so, very tired.  I went upstairs, got a snack, and sat down to rest.  I got really sleepy, so I told Ryan I was going to lay down a few minutes.  I set the stove timer for 25min and told him to wake me when it went off.  I dozed for just a few minutes, and it totally refreshed me.  

I got up and started fixing supper.  Tonight's supper was ground beef mixed with pork and beans with a side dish of rice.  It is a very simple meal for a tired mama to fix. :)  I love it, though.  It is one of my favorite meals.  I have been cooking long grain rice instead of minute rice.  It is so much cheaper and it tastes delicious.  

I am so thankful to be able to sit down with my family and eat supper.  It is truly a blessing.  After supper, we all get on our computers (Ryan plays video games).  I sit in the living room with him while he plays his games.  I get on my laptop and read facebook, email, or pinterest.  I sit here and listen to everything going on with him.  

I usually have to iron Mark a shirt for the next day and wash the dishes.  I don't have to iron a shirt tonight, but I still have to wash the dishes.  I also need to wash a load of clothes, but I don't know if I will.  

Tomorrow I am supposed to clean Dad's house.  I won't be able to finish in one day.  I told him I won't be there early because there are some things I HAVE to get done.  I have been so busy, I am getting behind on my washing.  I have to get a load in before I leave.

And, finally, before I close, I want to show you the pictures I found on Ryan's phone last night.  He told me he needed his phone charged (we use the same charger), and the charger is beside my bed.  I looked at his photos to see if there was anything I might like to post. ;)  I found some pictures I had taken a couple weeks ago when Ryan and I had gone down to Andrew and Nikki's.  Andrew paid Ryan to mow their yard.  Nikki had ran to the store, and I was watching the babies.  Mason was asleep and Haley and I were right outside on the front sidewalk (I was actually sitting on the steps watching her).  I kept running in to check on Mason, and he was sleeping away.

Haley was so happy and she was acting silly.  I absolutely love these pictures I took on Ryan's phone.

Just looking at these pictures makes me smile.  I love to see my grandbabies happy.  Here is a serious pose.

I love this one too, of course!

When Ryan finished mowing and came inside, I took a couple of pictures of him holding Haley and Mason. Remember this is taken with a cell phone, so it is not good quality.  I love them for the memory, tho'.

I saw a really cute one of Mason trying to stand up at the fridge and push the water dispenser lever.  It didn't come thru on my email, so I will have to post it tomorrow.

Thank God for a wonderful day and that we are all home safe tonight.