Wow! We leave the day after tomorrow. Good thing because the house is in various stages of piles. Tonight after work, I will load up the food and cooking items into a rubbermaid container and start gathering the clothes. Tomorrow I run the critters out to Jessica's house and wrap up laundry and do the weed wacking. I want Friday to be relaxed before we load the van and head out on the road.
I got all excited about 5 minutes ago because suddenly it began to rain very heavily. I guess that excitement is short-lived because it's completely stopped now! Shoot, I guess I have to go out and water the yard anyway now! For a moment I thought I had gotten a reprieve!
I am fortunate that I can read and not get car sick. Now that doesn't apply to driving locally, I get very queasy with all of the stops and turns. The open highway however is another story. Yesterday I stopped by the library and picked up 2 books for myself, the one I mentioned yesterday and an autobiography of one of my favorite singers, John Denver. I know, I know, I know...I am a total nerd! My kids have grown up listening to JD music especially when it's my turn to drive on the long trips. Even worse, they've had to listen to me sing along! Lucky for them, they all have their own IPODS! Dave will most likely be sleeping so he won't care unless I get loud hitting a high note!
Speaking of music, I thoroughly enjoy Classic Rock and among some of my favorite artists I count JOURNEY high on that list. I was pregnant with Jessica when I went to a JOURNEY concert and she's 26 years old now! YIKES! Ahem...So lately I have heard the hooplah regarding their new lead singer and was surprised at how much he sounds like their previous one, the "irreplaceable" Steve Perry! Uh, irreplaceable until now! While at Sprawl-Mart yesterday, I saw that there was a new double CD out for them. I bought it and they have re-recorded some of their hits with this new guy doing lead and the other CD is all new stuff, which is fabulous by the way! I was shocked and blown away at the same time. Needless to say, it's going to Canada with me! Positively amazing!
This is for you Jessica!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
THREE MORE DAYS!!!
Instead of being on the computer I should be at the grocery store getting stuff for our trip! I am off work today so I'll be busy doing a lot of preparation for vacation. Yesterday after work, I got Charlie's car inspected so I don't have to deal with that next month since August will be a hectic month for me. I even managed to get my hair trimmed too!
I am running to the library today to pick up "Merle's Door" and to see if any other reading material jumps out at me. There's a lot of windshield time driving from Texas to Ontario!!! I wil also be working on Charlie's afghan I began crocheting for him. I am doing a Goodwill run and clearing out the back of the van so we can fill it up with gear. I am gathering stuff into piles and then will start the packing process.
Yesterday when Charlie checked on the weather up in Kenora which is slightly north of Sioux Narrows where we'll be at, the predicted temperature highs are 60's and 70's!!! OMG do you know what that means? That means sleeping with the windows open at night and piling blankets on the bed! It's going to feel like Winter in Texas!
I am running to the library today to pick up "Merle's Door" and to see if any other reading material jumps out at me. There's a lot of windshield time driving from Texas to Ontario!!! I wil also be working on Charlie's afghan I began crocheting for him. I am doing a Goodwill run and clearing out the back of the van so we can fill it up with gear. I am gathering stuff into piles and then will start the packing process.
Yesterday when Charlie checked on the weather up in Kenora which is slightly north of Sioux Narrows where we'll be at, the predicted temperature highs are 60's and 70's!!! OMG do you know what that means? That means sleeping with the windows open at night and piling blankets on the bed! It's going to feel like Winter in Texas!
Monday, July 28, 2008
FOUR MORE DAYS!!!
In 4 days, we are heading out on our big family trip to Ontario, Canada! The excitement is building around here! Laura and her fiance Les are riding up in the van with Dave, Charlie & I. Jennifer, Corey and the girlies are heading out the same day from Missouri and we will meet up with them in International Falls, Minnesota, crossing the border together Sunday morning. It would be even better if Jessica and her family were joining us but it's not meant to be, at least not this time.
I am actually working later this morning, cleaning tomorrow' house today. I will be running a lot this week, preparing things for the trip. There's a LOT to remember! As I have gotten older I seem to have developed a new philosophy,
"That's what Wal-Mart's for!"
So, if I have left something behind, no biggie, just buy it at the store! Besides, I tend to over prepare for stuff and wind up hauling junk around that we never even use!
I had every intention to scrapbook on Friday, really I did but I cleaned my house instead. I tidy and wipe every day but actual cleaning is done on Friday's. I know how I am. If I sat down to have fun, my creative flow would be stifled from guilt. I'd be spending my time thinking of how, I need to be cleaning out the microwave or wiping out the refrigerator, rather than the flow of colors and textures! I think Saturdays will be my scrapbooking day, only this past Saturday I was busy with laundry! Something tells me it will be September before I can establish a designated Scrapbooking time for myself.
Having said that, I was able to work yesterday afternoon. I hauled all of my supplies out to the kitchen and set them up on the folding card table. I actually work on the kitchen table, assembling each page. My supplies were in desperate need of organizination which I did. I also managed to create my title page for the Naigara Falls trip. For non-scrapbookers, they have no idea of the amount of time that goes into creating a spread. It's not uncommon for me to work 3-4 hours and maybe get 2-3 pages done! I am very particuliar when it comes to my layouts, choosing the right background papers so that it coordinates well with each photo being used. Then there's the embellishment of either stickers, ribbon, etc. I am also a "journalist" extaordinaire. I love the writing part and that of course takes a lot of time! I try to keep a diary of the days events when we are on a trip which helps refresh my memory as does referencing this blog, for details.
Church was amazing yesterday! We have gotten a new Worship Leader (Phillip) for our Campus and he is really very good at drawing you in! I thoroughly appreciated our previous one (Casey) and we will miss him as he is developing a new church in Mississippi. Phil is energetic and right from the first song, we were all almost as enthusiastic as he was! Our music worship is one of my most favorite things about our church. I spent so many years singing hymns and I'm sure it was because of the stagnantcy in the church we were at, at that time, coupled with the withering of my own heart, which turned me off. I find that now, 8 years after belonging to Cross Timbers, I can sing any song, any style and worship God. Still, my preference is contemporary over traditional. I think it's wonderful that God doesn't care how we're singing, just that we ARE singing to Him acknowledging His love, mercy and grace!
The message was a good one as well. I miss our Senior Pastor tremendously and I am eager for his return after his 90 day Sabbatical is finished. Every summer, our church has done "REEL TO REAL" as their messages. They take movies and draw out practical, Biblical lessons from them, yesterday's was "Simon Burch". (There's always a disclaimer if there is language in a movie and parents are urged to watch a particuliar movie before sharing it with their kids.) Yesterday's message centered on "God Has A Plan For Us".
Here's a video of one of my favorite Praise & Worship Songs that we sang yesterday. Hillsong out of Australia is the standard in Worship for me. I can never thank my daughter Jennifer enought for introducing them to me!
I am actually working later this morning, cleaning tomorrow' house today. I will be running a lot this week, preparing things for the trip. There's a LOT to remember! As I have gotten older I seem to have developed a new philosophy,
"That's what Wal-Mart's for!"
So, if I have left something behind, no biggie, just buy it at the store! Besides, I tend to over prepare for stuff and wind up hauling junk around that we never even use!
I had every intention to scrapbook on Friday, really I did but I cleaned my house instead. I tidy and wipe every day but actual cleaning is done on Friday's. I know how I am. If I sat down to have fun, my creative flow would be stifled from guilt. I'd be spending my time thinking of how, I need to be cleaning out the microwave or wiping out the refrigerator, rather than the flow of colors and textures! I think Saturdays will be my scrapbooking day, only this past Saturday I was busy with laundry! Something tells me it will be September before I can establish a designated Scrapbooking time for myself.
Having said that, I was able to work yesterday afternoon. I hauled all of my supplies out to the kitchen and set them up on the folding card table. I actually work on the kitchen table, assembling each page. My supplies were in desperate need of organizination which I did. I also managed to create my title page for the Naigara Falls trip. For non-scrapbookers, they have no idea of the amount of time that goes into creating a spread. It's not uncommon for me to work 3-4 hours and maybe get 2-3 pages done! I am very particuliar when it comes to my layouts, choosing the right background papers so that it coordinates well with each photo being used. Then there's the embellishment of either stickers, ribbon, etc. I am also a "journalist" extaordinaire. I love the writing part and that of course takes a lot of time! I try to keep a diary of the days events when we are on a trip which helps refresh my memory as does referencing this blog, for details.
Church was amazing yesterday! We have gotten a new Worship Leader (Phillip) for our Campus and he is really very good at drawing you in! I thoroughly appreciated our previous one (Casey) and we will miss him as he is developing a new church in Mississippi. Phil is energetic and right from the first song, we were all almost as enthusiastic as he was! Our music worship is one of my most favorite things about our church. I spent so many years singing hymns and I'm sure it was because of the stagnantcy in the church we were at, at that time, coupled with the withering of my own heart, which turned me off. I find that now, 8 years after belonging to Cross Timbers, I can sing any song, any style and worship God. Still, my preference is contemporary over traditional. I think it's wonderful that God doesn't care how we're singing, just that we ARE singing to Him acknowledging His love, mercy and grace!
The message was a good one as well. I miss our Senior Pastor tremendously and I am eager for his return after his 90 day Sabbatical is finished. Every summer, our church has done "REEL TO REAL" as their messages. They take movies and draw out practical, Biblical lessons from them, yesterday's was "Simon Burch". (There's always a disclaimer if there is language in a movie and parents are urged to watch a particuliar movie before sharing it with their kids.) Yesterday's message centered on "God Has A Plan For Us".
Here's a video of one of my favorite Praise & Worship Songs that we sang yesterday. Hillsong out of Australia is the standard in Worship for me. I can never thank my daughter Jennifer enought for introducing them to me!
Friday, July 25, 2008
60 WATT MOMENT
So yesterday I shared my feelings with the World Wide Web. After dinner I shared with Dave how I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and how, in the midst of changing sheets and asking myself,
"I wonder how many times I have done this over the past 11 years?"
God gave me my light bulb moment of recogizing "burn out" in my job.
I asked him if he could give me some input as to how I could feel better and move beyond this dilemma.
He had a great point, he told me that even on my days off, I am STILL doing the same stuff, only for our family! He suggested that on one of those days, I do NOTHING for others and do SOMETHING for myself! He said,
"Don't cook, don't run errands for me or do things for the kids, only do fun stuff for you".
Seems pretty simple when he says it! WOW, who would've thought I could possibly have resolution so soon after discovering what was wrong!?
How is this going to look when it's all said and done? I have one idea already. I thoroughly enjoy scrapbooking but haven't set aside the time to pursue it. Dave suggested that if I could regularly express myself creatively, having something to show for it, I might not feel so stifled working. Sounds good to me! Maybe I will start today since I am off work. I normally clean my own house on Fridays but I could be a little wild and crazy today. Maybe I can forget about the to do lists and the vacuuming and such and indulge myself for a while. In fact, maybe I could get used to this whole self-indulgence thing!
"I wonder how many times I have done this over the past 11 years?"
God gave me my light bulb moment of recogizing "burn out" in my job.
I asked him if he could give me some input as to how I could feel better and move beyond this dilemma.
He had a great point, he told me that even on my days off, I am STILL doing the same stuff, only for our family! He suggested that on one of those days, I do NOTHING for others and do SOMETHING for myself! He said,
"Don't cook, don't run errands for me or do things for the kids, only do fun stuff for you".
Seems pretty simple when he says it! WOW, who would've thought I could possibly have resolution so soon after discovering what was wrong!?
How is this going to look when it's all said and done? I have one idea already. I thoroughly enjoy scrapbooking but haven't set aside the time to pursue it. Dave suggested that if I could regularly express myself creatively, having something to show for it, I might not feel so stifled working. Sounds good to me! Maybe I will start today since I am off work. I normally clean my own house on Fridays but I could be a little wild and crazy today. Maybe I can forget about the to do lists and the vacuuming and such and indulge myself for a while. In fact, maybe I could get used to this whole self-indulgence thing!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
YUCK
Today has been one of those days. In fact, it's been one of those weeks. I should be refreshed because I just got back from Niagara Falls. I should be happy because I got to be on vacation, so what's wrong with me? I have been wondering all week,
"What's the deal?"
Today, as I was cleaning, I had one of those light bulb moments!
I have been cleaning other people's houses for 11 years. The hours are very flexible, the pay is good and the people are nice. Everyone I clean for, with the exception of maybe one person, are all people that I have friendships with, even the retired guy I cleaned for just yesterday. So what's my problem? The answer is my first sentence!
I have been cleaning other people's houses for 11 years!
What does that mean?
That means for 11 years I have been doing the same ol, same ol. Scrubbing showers and toilets, changing sheets, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, cleaning blinds and shutters, baseboards, countertops and so on...I am burned out big time. I was thinking that for most people that work out in the work force, if they went 11 years doing the same thing with no challenges, no room for advancement, no chance to express themselves in a creative way, they'd be burned out too!
Okay, now that I have had the lightbulb come on, what do I do about it?
I am fortunate in that I don't HAVE to work, I choose to work. My income, enables us to have the nice little extras in life to where we don't have to choose between the essentials. If I want to go to Niagara Falls, I can buy a plane ticket, do whatever fun stuff strikes my fancy and so on. I'm not bragging, it's just that we have had made certain sacrifices and decisions so that our money can go elsewhere. I've said before that we don't live in a house, we own a double-wide, we are free to donate to charities if the Lord puts it on our hearts, we drive our vehicles into the ground, I don't need a new car every year and so on. We are totally debt-free but that's because we have set our priorities to fit our own interests and goals. So, technically I COULD quit, but I like the financial benefits of having a job that is well suited for me. I wouldn't make the same amount of money or have the flexibility of hours with only my high school education.
So, Like I said before,
"What do I do about it?"
I'll get back with you after I have another one of those lightbulb moments!
"What's the deal?"
Today, as I was cleaning, I had one of those light bulb moments!
I have been cleaning other people's houses for 11 years. The hours are very flexible, the pay is good and the people are nice. Everyone I clean for, with the exception of maybe one person, are all people that I have friendships with, even the retired guy I cleaned for just yesterday. So what's my problem? The answer is my first sentence!
I have been cleaning other people's houses for 11 years!
What does that mean?
That means for 11 years I have been doing the same ol, same ol. Scrubbing showers and toilets, changing sheets, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, cleaning blinds and shutters, baseboards, countertops and so on...I am burned out big time. I was thinking that for most people that work out in the work force, if they went 11 years doing the same thing with no challenges, no room for advancement, no chance to express themselves in a creative way, they'd be burned out too!
Okay, now that I have had the lightbulb come on, what do I do about it?
I am fortunate in that I don't HAVE to work, I choose to work. My income, enables us to have the nice little extras in life to where we don't have to choose between the essentials. If I want to go to Niagara Falls, I can buy a plane ticket, do whatever fun stuff strikes my fancy and so on. I'm not bragging, it's just that we have had made certain sacrifices and decisions so that our money can go elsewhere. I've said before that we don't live in a house, we own a double-wide, we are free to donate to charities if the Lord puts it on our hearts, we drive our vehicles into the ground, I don't need a new car every year and so on. We are totally debt-free but that's because we have set our priorities to fit our own interests and goals. So, technically I COULD quit, but I like the financial benefits of having a job that is well suited for me. I wouldn't make the same amount of money or have the flexibility of hours with only my high school education.
So, Like I said before,
"What do I do about it?"
I'll get back with you after I have another one of those lightbulb moments!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE!!!
In this page, I wrote about the Senior Picture experience for Charles. Here are the 4 proofs that the school photographer sent us. I have to say, I was very pleased and Dave told me that, even though he will be doing his Senior Photo shoot, to go ahead and order 2. Can you guess which 2 we will be getting? Click to enlarge and see more of my handsome son!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
STEEP
I have said numerous times that I am a "mountain person". There is a magnetic pull I feel that draws me in and entices me. I find myself caught up in the trance of being there in the crags, hypnotized by the grandeur around me. I like how insignificant it makes me feel as I stand in the presence of God's amazing creation. Some people are drawn to the sea, the desert, city landscapes even but not me.
We are hikers, we enjoy being in the outdoors. We've white-water rafted, snow mobiled and we've gone skiing in the mountains of Colorado. In January we will snow shoe for the first time in Yellowstone National Park as well as go on a dog sled adventure!
Last night we watched "STEEP". It is the story of extreme skiing. Some would say these people are crazy, that they are adreniline junkies and think they're invincible. Actually, only part of that is true in my opinion, the adreniline junkie part. Are they crazy? Maybe they're more sane than most people who live their lives in front of a television and are caught up in the hamster treadmill of life, working a job they hate and feeling as if there is no purpose in their life. Do they think they're invincible? I was impressed that everyone that they interviewed in this documentary talked about the risks and of all of their friends that had died in accidents. They respect the mountains and know that the mountains have the final word (actually God does). I thought this was very interesting and it even had my heart racing. There were moments I was saying repeatedly,
"Oh my gosh, no way!"
All in all, risks and everything there is a beauty and a grace to what these people do. Extreme skiing isn't for everyone but then, I think that's the point. There is only a small population of people who are willing to run into burning buildings, be an astronaut, a fighter pilot or climb the Himalayas. Those are the things that make them truly feel alive. One of the skiiers that was interviewed said,
"The closer you live to death the greater appreciation you have for life."
It seems to me that as a Christian, there is a message in there for myself!
We are hikers, we enjoy being in the outdoors. We've white-water rafted, snow mobiled and we've gone skiing in the mountains of Colorado. In January we will snow shoe for the first time in Yellowstone National Park as well as go on a dog sled adventure!
Last night we watched "STEEP". It is the story of extreme skiing. Some would say these people are crazy, that they are adreniline junkies and think they're invincible. Actually, only part of that is true in my opinion, the adreniline junkie part. Are they crazy? Maybe they're more sane than most people who live their lives in front of a television and are caught up in the hamster treadmill of life, working a job they hate and feeling as if there is no purpose in their life. Do they think they're invincible? I was impressed that everyone that they interviewed in this documentary talked about the risks and of all of their friends that had died in accidents. They respect the mountains and know that the mountains have the final word (actually God does). I thought this was very interesting and it even had my heart racing. There were moments I was saying repeatedly,
"Oh my gosh, no way!"
All in all, risks and everything there is a beauty and a grace to what these people do. Extreme skiing isn't for everyone but then, I think that's the point. There is only a small population of people who are willing to run into burning buildings, be an astronaut, a fighter pilot or climb the Himalayas. Those are the things that make them truly feel alive. One of the skiiers that was interviewed said,
"The closer you live to death the greater appreciation you have for life."
It seems to me that as a Christian, there is a message in there for myself!
Monday, July 21, 2008
HIGHLIGHT OF NIAGARA FALLS TRIP!!!
On our last day, I made arrangements for a shuttle bus to take me up to Niagara On The Lake so I could ride on a Whirlpool Jet Boat!!! I have done white-water rafting on Class 5 rapids on the Arkansas River in Colorado and the New & Gauley Rivers in West Virginia but this is the most fun I have EVER had! I rode this same boat that is in this guy's video on YouTube and there wasn't a dry spot on me anywhere! These boats are powerful enough to go up Class 5 Rapids and then take you back down again. The bow is similiar to a shovel; it scoops the water straight up into the air, so there's a wall of water falling down on you, it hits the bottom of the boat and then goes straight up, vertically! They do a "Hamilton Turn" which is a full 360 degree turn and continue on up the Niagara River! I haven't had this much fun ever! We went up to the Niagara Whirlpool area where I had ridden the cable car across the day before. I believe the water there is *200 feet deep! I would do this again in an instant, my only regret is that Dave and the rest of the family missed out!
After I got back to the hotel, showered and got ready, we all went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant. Later that night, we watched the fireworks display from the balcony of our hotel!!! This is one of Dave's awesome photos!
We returned to Dallas on Thursday after leaving Niagara Falls at 3:45 AM so we could cross the border and our ride could gas up and return the rental car and make his 6AM flight. We left at 6:50. We landed in Detroit for a crew change and reboarded the same flight an hour later. Our luggage however, decided to stay in Detroit and do a little more sight-seeing, mainly the airport's baggage carousel! When it was finally delivered to our house at 11PM I fell into bed exhausted! Dave had went to bed before 10 since he needed to get into work early to try and get caught up. He discovered that during a random TSA inspection they didn't repack his bag very well and his shaving mirror got busted up and there was glass all over the inside of his duffle bag and in his clothes! They also STOLE 2 items that he had recieved from one of the RR vendors at the conference. Needless to say he was not a happy man!!!! He has written a letter of complaint, not that we figure it will do any good. I'm thinking more and more that checking your luggage is an open invitation for these people to steal!!!
After I got back to the hotel, showered and got ready, we all went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant. Later that night, we watched the fireworks display from the balcony of our hotel!!! This is one of Dave's awesome photos!
We returned to Dallas on Thursday after leaving Niagara Falls at 3:45 AM so we could cross the border and our ride could gas up and return the rental car and make his 6AM flight. We left at 6:50. We landed in Detroit for a crew change and reboarded the same flight an hour later. Our luggage however, decided to stay in Detroit and do a little more sight-seeing, mainly the airport's baggage carousel! When it was finally delivered to our house at 11PM I fell into bed exhausted! Dave had went to bed before 10 since he needed to get into work early to try and get caught up. He discovered that during a random TSA inspection they didn't repack his bag very well and his shaving mirror got busted up and there was glass all over the inside of his duffle bag and in his clothes! They also STOLE 2 items that he had recieved from one of the RR vendors at the conference. Needless to say he was not a happy man!!!! He has written a letter of complaint, not that we figure it will do any good. I'm thinking more and more that checking your luggage is an open invitation for these people to steal!!!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
NIAGARA FALLS PART TWO
On Tuesday (15th) I skipped out on the planned activities for the wives, (I am not a vineyard/winery kind of gal!) and did my own thing which included "Maid of the Mist", "Journey Behind The Falls", "White Water Walk" and the "Whirlpool Aero Car". This link will do a virtual tour on these attractions I have mentioned.
"MAID OF THE MIST" PICTURES:
"JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS" PICTURES AND THE BRINK OF HORSESHOE FALLS.
INUKSHUK ALONG THE WHITEWATER WALK AND TURBULENT WATER PICTURES
AEROCAR WITH THE DEVIL'S WHIRLPOOL UNDERNEATH
After cramming as much as I possibly could into one day, I made my way back to our hotel to get cleaned up. We ate pizza at "BOSTON'S" and took a few photos while we were out and about. Lastly is a photo of the "RAINBOW BRIDGE" as seen from out balcony.
"MAID OF THE MIST" PICTURES:
"JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS" PICTURES AND THE BRINK OF HORSESHOE FALLS.
INUKSHUK ALONG THE WHITEWATER WALK AND TURBULENT WATER PICTURES
AEROCAR WITH THE DEVIL'S WHIRLPOOL UNDERNEATH
After cramming as much as I possibly could into one day, I made my way back to our hotel to get cleaned up. We ate pizza at "BOSTON'S" and took a few photos while we were out and about. Lastly is a photo of the "RAINBOW BRIDGE" as seen from out balcony.
Friday, July 18, 2008
NIAGARA FALLS PART ONE
We flew out to Buffalo, New York on Monday the 14th. We took a shuttle from the airport to our hotel and crossed the border into Ontario, Canada. The drive along the Niagara Parkway was amazingly beautiful. The homes were mainly old and stately with beautifully manicured, green lawns and lots of flowers. We checked into our room (with the amazing views!), spruced up, got on board the double decker bus and headed out for our evening at the Edgewater. (This is a virtual tour link, click on the "PATIO" link for "Edgewater")They had reserved the whole upstairs for all of us and we were greeted by a gentleman dressed as a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. There were 5 different buffet lines with food ranging from smoked salmon, prime rib and even roasted quail! I told Dave I felt like I was eating a baby bird! There was a live band and dancing. My husband actually danced with me! I'll have to post one of his pictures if I can figure out how to move a copy out from his "Lightroom" program. The views of the Falls were amazing from where we sat! Dave and I left around 10:30 and walked back to our hotel, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the roar of the Falls!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
SHERATON ON THE FALLS!!!
Here are a few teaser pictures of our hotel room in Niagara Falls. We were overwhelmed by our room! We were on the 20th floor, facing the Falls, had a narrow balcony and a fireplace in our room! Obviously, we didn't need the fireplace and we ended up sleeping with our door to the balcony open all night long. Unless he was Spiderman, we figured a burglar wasn't getting in! Here is the front of the hotel, Dave on our balcony, The Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, The American Falls as well as a picture of Dave at the desk, clearing our e-mails. You get an idea of the view if you look over his shoulder on the right!
It is 10:40 at night and I have been up since 3:15 AM (Eastern time)! Why am I still up you ask? It's because I am waiting on our luggage to be delivered! We had to drive back across the border this morning and get to the airport in Buffalo, New York for our 6:50 flight. Since airfare has gotten so much higher, the RR is having everyone fly cheaper and that means a non-direct flight now! We landed in Detroit and apparently our luggage wanted to do a little more sight seeing. Actually, some dufus off loaded it instead of leaving it on the plane. We only had an hour layover while they changed crews and then we got right back on the same plane. Instead it was probably twirling around the baggage carousel for quite a while and we left without without even saying goodbye! GGRRRRR!!! It arrived in Dallas at 3PM but the guy told me that there was a total of 27 stops in all. They messed up big time today! If it's not here by 11PM, I'm calling again and making sure that they are still delivering it tonight! So, I'm running on fumes right now.
It is 10:40 at night and I have been up since 3:15 AM (Eastern time)! Why am I still up you ask? It's because I am waiting on our luggage to be delivered! We had to drive back across the border this morning and get to the airport in Buffalo, New York for our 6:50 flight. Since airfare has gotten so much higher, the RR is having everyone fly cheaper and that means a non-direct flight now! We landed in Detroit and apparently our luggage wanted to do a little more sight seeing. Actually, some dufus off loaded it instead of leaving it on the plane. We only had an hour layover while they changed crews and then we got right back on the same plane. Instead it was probably twirling around the baggage carousel for quite a while and we left without without even saying goodbye! GGRRRRR!!! It arrived in Dallas at 3PM but the guy told me that there was a total of 27 stops in all. They messed up big time today! If it's not here by 11PM, I'm calling again and making sure that they are still delivering it tonight! So, I'm running on fumes right now.
Monday, July 14, 2008
OFF TO NIAGARA FALLS!
We're heading to Niagara Falls this morning for Dave's RR convention! Click here to see where we'll be staying! I have never been here before so I am VERY excited to see the Falls and experience it for myself first-hand! I only have 2 days to soak it all in and something tells me, that's not nearly enough time! When I get back, I'll be blogging about my adventure and posting pictures as well! "See" you when I get back!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
JELLY BEAN'S BIRTHDAY
July is a real Birthday frenzy for our family! If I told you how many your head would literally spin! Our Jelly Bean was born July 7th, Dave's is the 8th, my FIL's the 10th, Jessica's is the 11th and there are even more! Jessica & Steven had her party yesterday. Steven made his incredible "TORPEDOES" cooked outside on the "green egg", those are so amazingly awesome! He also prepared ribs, chicken, brisket and sausage for all of us. Dinner was fabulous and we all enjoyed our little Bean! It's hard to believe that she is 6 years old now! She's so incredibly precious and in spite of the fact that I almost squished her falling on the stairs while holding her last week, she was her usual sunny little self! The crab hat made the rounds (apparently an homage to Crabtree of Texas Tech) so I couldn't resist the photo ops that represented. Tomorrow (Monday) morning, Dave & I leave for Niagra Falls for the RR convention. I should be back posting on Friday and I am sure I will have tons of pitures to share!
Blessed Sunday!
Blessed Sunday!
Friday, July 11, 2008
NO SOONER
This post has nothing whatsoever to do with OU! This is where Charles has set his heart on going ever since he discovered at the age of 10 that he wants to be a Meteorologist. So no, this has nothing to do with "Boomer Sooners"!
No sooner than I am almost healed up from my flip-flop debacle down the wet stairs 6 weeks ago, (I still have some aching in my right shoulder and middle finger after a days worth of work) I fall again! Last Friday on the 4th of July, while we were in St Charles I was carrying Jelly Bean down the steep back stairs of my In-Laws house to the driveway. It was dark and we really need to install a motion-sensor light to replace the conventional one they have. Apparently there are 9 steps, to be honest, in 23 years, I have NEVER counted them so I was oblivious to that fact. I THOUGHT I was at the driveway but there was one more step to go. I felt myself start to go down and of course all of this happens in the blink of an eye. I knew I couldn't fall on top of The Bean, I would seriously hurt her landing on top of her in a concrete driveway! I yanked her close and twisted to the right taking the impact on my left shoulder and forearm.
It's been a lot of years since I have had the wind knocked out of me but it is still just as awful a feeling as it was when I was a kid! The 2 of us are lying in the driveway and she's crying "My arm!" and I am trying to get a breath somehow into my lungs. Jelly Bean is whisked away back up the stairs to be checked out and I manage to stand up. I was asked repeatedly,
"Are you okay?"
to which I could only gasp out,
"Check on JB!"
No broken arm, Thank the Lord, just a small scrape on her elbow and knee! I got a deep scrape on my left forearm and of course my shoulder still has that aching feeling. You can imagine how fast I was moving this week cleaning houses with 2 aching shoulders! I am thankful that I didn't break my arm or my collar bone!
Can you even believe I studied Classical Ballet for 10 years? Just call me KLUTZ!
No sooner than I am almost healed up from my flip-flop debacle down the wet stairs 6 weeks ago, (I still have some aching in my right shoulder and middle finger after a days worth of work) I fall again! Last Friday on the 4th of July, while we were in St Charles I was carrying Jelly Bean down the steep back stairs of my In-Laws house to the driveway. It was dark and we really need to install a motion-sensor light to replace the conventional one they have. Apparently there are 9 steps, to be honest, in 23 years, I have NEVER counted them so I was oblivious to that fact. I THOUGHT I was at the driveway but there was one more step to go. I felt myself start to go down and of course all of this happens in the blink of an eye. I knew I couldn't fall on top of The Bean, I would seriously hurt her landing on top of her in a concrete driveway! I yanked her close and twisted to the right taking the impact on my left shoulder and forearm.
It's been a lot of years since I have had the wind knocked out of me but it is still just as awful a feeling as it was when I was a kid! The 2 of us are lying in the driveway and she's crying "My arm!" and I am trying to get a breath somehow into my lungs. Jelly Bean is whisked away back up the stairs to be checked out and I manage to stand up. I was asked repeatedly,
"Are you okay?"
to which I could only gasp out,
"Check on JB!"
No broken arm, Thank the Lord, just a small scrape on her elbow and knee! I got a deep scrape on my left forearm and of course my shoulder still has that aching feeling. You can imagine how fast I was moving this week cleaning houses with 2 aching shoulders! I am thankful that I didn't break my arm or my collar bone!
Can you even believe I studied Classical Ballet for 10 years? Just call me KLUTZ!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
THE SHOWER
On the 5th of July, Laura's 2 older sisters, Jennifer & Jessica threw a shower for her for or Missouri family and friends. Jennifer's house wasn't finished yet and so my best friend Brenda opened her house up for the shower. The weather while we were in town was amazingly beautiful. It was in the low 80's and a had a nice breeze! Unheard of in July in Missouri!!!
Laura and her fiance Les.
Opening one of her gifts.
I got her a Willow Tree figurine that she liked.
Jessica with our "niece" Kelly, Brenda's 24 year old daughter.
Jennifer with her mother-in-law Annette.
Our 2 oldest grand-daughters, Gumdrop and Jelly Bean!
Our youngest grand-daughter, Sweet-tart! I didn't catch her older sister Miss Kit-Kat (I'm a bad GIGI!)
Dave with our 26 year old "niece" Katie, Brenda's oldest daughter.
Laura and her fiance Les.
Opening one of her gifts.
I got her a Willow Tree figurine that she liked.
Jessica with our "niece" Kelly, Brenda's 24 year old daughter.
Jennifer with her mother-in-law Annette.
Our 2 oldest grand-daughters, Gumdrop and Jelly Bean!
Our youngest grand-daughter, Sweet-tart! I didn't catch her older sister Miss Kit-Kat (I'm a bad GIGI!)
Dave with our 26 year old "niece" Katie, Brenda's oldest daughter.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
FAMILY REUNION ON THE 4TH OF JULY
We drove back to St Charles on the 3rd, actually making very good time. We believe the higher gas prices kept some people off the roads, making our drive better than anticipated! We had a fabulous time getting together with everyone. Dave brought Bocce Ball, Bean Bag Toss, Ladder Ball and there was "Washers", water balloons, great food and warm conversations! Here are some pictures that I thought I would share. Tomorrow's entry will have pictures from Laura's Bridal Shower!
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