Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy New Year ......
To all my blogging friends and my non- blogging friends..... Happy 2008 !! May your walk on Mother Earth this coming year be filled with love, laughter, peace, and prosperity. You all have a little place in my heart and I am honored to call you friend. Love, Hugs, and Blessings to you and yours.
Here is a poem I found to start your year off..... Enjoy !
Time for New Beginnings. . . . . . . . . . . Taylor Addison, Blue Mountain Arts, 1989
"This is a time for reflection as well as celebration.
As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life,
Remember each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge you have gained.
Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached.
Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.
Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.
And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come.
Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life."
Sunday, December 30, 2007
My Best Friend.....
We had both been married before and when we met, we turned each others life around. We are both better people than we were before. We've been married 25 years and it seems like yesterday. I can't imagine my life without him in it.
He's my best friend.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
My Chico Love.....
Well, the tree is all packed away until next year. The new vaccum works great and I'm glad it's all done. Now I can really relax and concentrate on our upcoming surgery. The doc said we are fit and ready to go.
I've had fun today reading all the blogs. It's nice to see some of you back at your keyboard. I've missed you. I told WB that I was going through blogger withdrawals...... LOL
Until tomorrow and Singular Saturday.... Night all. Sweet Dreams !
Jan
Shiloh the Innocent......
This Cody's brother Shiloh. Shiloh is just the opposite of Cody. Although he can get rowdy, he is also the most loving of the two. He never tries to get out the door and he will snuggle with you at times.
I have been reading some blogs and I see that there is a Thursday Thirteen. You pick a subject and list thirteen things about it. Most of the one's I read today were for New Year resolutions. It sounds like it could be fun though. what do you all think?
I was kind of lazy today. I didn't get the tree down. We had our surgery pre-op appt. with our primary doc today and we went to WalMart. The vaccum Ed bought had a broken handle so we exchanged it. Of course we had to get a more expensive one than the one we returned... LOL The one we bought is rated #1 by Consumer Choice so it must be the best eh?? Besides, it's Purple !!! Now, that has to make it the best. I love purple ! We'll try it out tomorrow because the tree Is Coming Down !
New Years Eve will be here in a few days. Barb has to work so it will be quiet here. What are you all going to do?
Jan
Thursday, December 27, 2007
My Cody Boy......
This is my ADDHD Cody...... Isn't he sweet? He looks so innocent doesn't he? LOL
Well, I think tomorrow the tree will come down. That will help some. Between him and Shiloh, his brother, we have had to replug the lights in several times. Part of the blinking strand doesn't work now. One of the bulbs is completely gone. I think it got eaten. I don't know how many ornaments we'll find after everything is put away. I'm just glad I thought ahead and bought shatterproof ones this year. I know they have had a ball with them. I've found them in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, livingroom...... well, every room in the house so far. I'll put a picture of Shiloh on tomorrow evening.
I'm just having a ball with my new toy...... can you tell? LOL
Jan
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Santa Came To My House.....
We all had a good Christmas here at my house. I hope you all had a wonderful day too and I look forward to hearing all about it. Blessings to all.
(((HUGS)))
Jan
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve......
The stockings are hung,
The presents I did wrap...
Now I'm so tired,
I'm ready for a long,peaceful nap.
My blogger friends are quiet,
Not a peep do I hear....
Everyone's dreaming,
Of Christmas and the New Year.
So it's time for me to go,
On my own personal dream flight...
Merry Christmas to all,
And to all a goodnight.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
One More Day......
We did Secret Santa again this year. My best present was a stuffed penguin on a tall coil so that it bobs arounds. It is just precious. The kittens like it too... LOL
Needless to say, it will be a busy, fun day tomorrow and we'll all heave a sigh of relief when the buses pull away. LOL Happy Christmas break to us.
Jan
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
A Christmas Gift.......
I broke down and wrote Kevin a letter saying that if he truely wants us in his life he was going to have to admit to his own mistakes.... blah, blah, blah..... Well, last evening Kevin called. We talked and then he talked to his dad. He took responsibility for his own actions. They talked for quite a long time and there were tears and laughter. Maybe the "Tough Love", and having a son of his own now, has caused him to grow up, to realize that people make their own mistakes and must be accountable for those mistakes. Whatever the reason, I now have my son back and a grandson in my life. Merry Christmas To Me !!
Jan
Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas Canon (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
A little late but I just learned how to do this. TY WB ! This is my favorite song. Enjoy !
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Is It Christmas Yet????
We did real well until it came to the lights. Does anyone have a pre-lit tree? Well, let me tell ya.... it takes a person with a high IQ ( or we're really dumb ) to get the lights hooked up. It took us a couple hours to figure it out. Once we did though we put the shatterproof ornaments on and it looks beautiful. Cody has only tried to climb it one time so far.
I went shopping today and finished up most of what I needed. I still need a few stocking stuffers and something for our friend Glenn. He's so hard to buy for. Every year I ask him what he wants and every year I get the same answer....... "I don't know." I really hate that. (even though I have done the same.. LOL ) I treated myself to a haircut, a new book, and bought my powdered vitamins that I will have to take after the surgery.
So, it ended up a pretty good day..... productive. That would be a good word for Singular Saturday. Later all.......
Jan
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Birthday Day.......
Jan
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
This And That......
Yes, in the summer we have bear in our backyard. They can be very destructive too when they are hungry. We lost many bird feeders to them until we started feeding them. We feed them sunflower seeds mixed with dry dog food and day old bread from the thrift store. Now we have no problem with them. We don't have a lot. Only a couple and sometimes a couple cubs. No cubs this year though. Our main visitor only has 3 legs but she gets around fine.... LOL We also feed the racoons too. We have little property damage this way. We also have deer in the winter We love to watch our furry friends.
About my adoption.... I was never told I was adopted. I found out when i was 18 years old from a friend who was adopted also. We went out on a date and he said "Well, at least we have one thing in common." I asked what and he said, "We're both adopted." Growing up some of the kids in the neighborhood teased me about being adopted but when I asked my mom, she didn't say yes or no. She just said "Why would you ask such a thing !" Needless to say, it put a strain on our relationship when I did find out, but it worked out ok. The loving daughter just dropped the subject. After my folks had both crossed over, I watched a show where a family was reunited so I picked up the phone and made a call to the police dept in the town I was born. ( I had found my adoption papers after my parents died and they had my birth parents name and where I was born.) After explaining what I wanted and why, I asked them if they had any record of my mom or dad. They did. I asked for addresses and phone numbers. They gave me addresses and wished me luck. I called information. No luck on mom. Bingo on dad. I called the number and a little girl answered. I asked to talk to Mr. Smith... yea, Smith.... LOL The little girl yelled, "Dad, some lady wants to talk to Mr. Smith." ( I just knew I had the wrong number with a little girl in the house. ) Mr. Smith got on the phone and I said, "My name is Janet and I'm looking for a William Fredrick Smith who was married to Beulah Smith." He said, "That's me." I said, "Did you have a daughter named Janet Marie born on Sept. 7, 1951?" He said, "I sure did but her mama adopted her to some people in Indiana." WELL..... I was stunned for a minute and then I said, "I'm Janet Marie." I ended up with parents, grandparents, a full sister, and a half sister from mom and dad, and two half sisters and 2 half brothers from dad and his wife. It was so simple to find them. I was lucky. It was a mind blowing experience and a wild ride but we became a family. Many questions were answered and many weren't..... but that's ok. It's worked out. The loving daughter dropped the subject......
That's enough for tonight. Hope this satisfies the inquiring minds. Feel free to ask questions though.... I really don't mind .
Jan
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Mariposa's Meme.....
(1) Make a list of eight random facts/habits about themselves.(2) Tag eight other people to do this meme and list their names.(3) Leave a comment on each of the Tagged People's websites to inform them about the meme which they're tagged to do (enjoined to participate!).
1. I was adopted at 18 months of age and found my birth family when I was 39.
2. My first job was a church secretary.
3. I have a phobia about snakes. I think it stems from the boys in the neighborhood chasing us girls with them. It used to be so bad that if i saw one on the TV I would wake at night to check my bed, but it's gotten better as I've gotten older.
4. I was in nursing for 14 years. Sad to say, but I miss the adrenaline rushes. Nothing else though. It taught me a lot about my feelings about death.
5. I am amazed at how I have changed as I've gotten older. I wear my feelings on my heart sleeve. I never thought about getting old. Now my morning is spent taking my meds..... thank god for Effexor !!! LOL
6. I hate having to go to bed early at night. I'm a night person. I love naps !
7. I was born in Ohio, raised in Indiana, and we always spent 4-6 wks vacation in Minnesota. It was always a second home to me and now I live here..... in the cold ! Yuck !!!
8. I'm a nose cleaner. Yep, the nose has to be clean. You either blow it or pick it but it has to be clean of all those nasty little boogers.
I still don't know a lot of people so I'm with WB. I'm tagging two people..... Anno and Leslie. Have fun !!
Jan
Friday, December 07, 2007
Our Medieval Big Adventure.....
We started our meal with a salad and fresh baked sourdough bread with soft creamy butter and a vinagrette dressing. Next came the wild rice soup followed by the main meal. Cordon Bleu chicken, green beans with almonds, and red roasted potatoes. Last came a flaming bread pudding with rum sauce. We had wassail to drink which was a hot cinnamon tea. They came to our tables selling bottles of "wine" for $6.00, which was actually apple cider. Of course all the adults had to buy a bottle for the kids to sample. They gave us plastic wine goblets to drink from and the kids thought they were really grown up. They took the plastic glasses home as souveniers..... LOL
Now, I have to tell you that this event can be a splashy thing. Some of the women wear the long gowns and the men wear their suits and ties. We told the kids this and told them that they had to wear their good clothes. No holey jeans, no stained shirts...... and if clothes was a problem to let us know. Well, let me tell you...... some of the kids went all out. Some of the boys wore suits. Some wore shirts with ties, some just wore clean jeans and shirts. Which was fine. The girls wore their nice clothes too but a few came in their long dresses with their fake diamond earrings and necklaces.. LOL It was so cute. All the kids behaved very well !!! Not an accident, swear word, or any behavior that required a serious look or word from us. We were soooo proud of them.
Well, that was our big night on the town. It was something the kids will talk about for a long time and always remember. For most, it will be a one time experience. For us adults, it was an endeavor that was worth all the work and planning it took just to see the look on thier faces, hear their laughter, and to give them a memory to enjoy.
Jan
Thursday, December 06, 2007
This and That.......
Did I mention that it was winter here and it has been snowing forever? We got another foot on Tuesday. We have been plowed out twice now. That's more than all last winter !! LOL And it's cold..... I hate the cold. Blah, blah, blah.....
OK.... on to some some exciting news !!! Tomorrow night I am going with my 6th grade class to a Madrigal Dinner at the college. OMG..... I actually paid $34.00 to do this !! We are reading about Medieval England and the teachers thought it would be great to take the kids to this authentic dinner. We will have a 5 course meal, court jesters, and the actors will be in full regalia singing and dancing. There will be 70 of us going. Actually it will be a hoot as long as someone doesn't spill their plate in their lap or accidentally say "Holy shit, Mrs. Himes, look at that !" Keep your fingers crossed...... LOL
Next news flash....... Has anyone heard of or had Lapband surgery? It's a type of gastric surgery where they put a band around the top of the stomach so you won't eat as much and therefore lose weight. It can be tightened or loosened by inflation or deflation with saline through a permanent port. Very non invasive & same day surgery. WELL>> My husband decided to have it done and I, being the ever loving, over weight wife, said i would have it done too. I mean, after 25 years of marriage, where you have done practically everything together, why not this eh? And with our weight and our aches and pains, there's not much left to do .... LOL Anyway, the insurance approved Ed's surgery this week. My info was sent in 4 days after his so mine hasn't come through yet but the doc is expecting it by the first of the week, and he said he expects full approval. SO>>> our surgery date is set for January 3rd. Yes, we are going in on the Buddy Plan. I know W B isn't thrilled about this decision but look at the fun we are going to have. Full liquid diet for 2 weeks after the surgery. Then a soft diet gradually working up to a diet where you only eat 1 cup of food per meal and you can't drink with the meal or for an hour afterward. Doesn't that sound fun?? But the results !!!!!! We are going to look grand !!! We are going to have sooo much energy too. We are going to be new BEings !! And I for one am going to flaunt it. I don't know how yet, because I have never been a size to be able to flaunt anything, but I am going to do it !! LOL Keep your fingers crossed on this one too. I know I'll need your support along the way....
Ok, that's about all the exciting news for now. I don't want to overwelm you, so I'll say good night..... Later !!!
Jan
Saturday, December 01, 2007
It's Winter !!!
It's only 18 degrees out so that's not bad. The dogs still go out to do their business and my ADDHD kitten Cody thinks it's great. He doesn't stay out long though. His mama and uncle, and his brother Shiloh are happy to stay inside. Mama and Baby, (the uncle) are stray cats that we fed all last winter and let sleep in our shed. Mama repaid our kindness by presenting us with Cody and Shiloh. Of course, the BABY KITTENS were soooo cute, we had to keep them. I already had my Jasper. Jasper was given to me by my sister about 12 years ago and he is my baby. He's not at all pleased with the new babies but he is tolerating them. Pookie, my Chihuahua thinks they are chew toys, and my other Chihuahua, Chico, could care less about them. Needless the say, there's never a dull moment around the house...... Wait til the tree goes up.... LOL
The snowmobilers are in seventh heaven. We haven't had much snow the past few years but this snow is making up for that and they are already out, travelling the trails. I just could never get into that sport. I'd rather be inside where it's warm.
Well, I'm going to fix me a cup of tea and read a while before bed. Do all of you have your holiday decorating done? Your shopping done? How about your Christmas cards..... are they mailed yet? The list never ends does it?
Jan
Friday, November 30, 2007
I Love To Read......
I think I had every book in Nancy Drew mystery series. I loved books about horses and Florence Nightengale. Maybe that's why I went into nursing huh?
My favorite books now are the mystery/thrillers. I have ALL the Dean Koontz books. I love the forensic police procedural books, the women detective books, and did I mention Harry Potter??? Love those books. Another favorite author is Janet Evonovich and the ever loving Nora Roberts, writing as J D Robb.
My only disappointment is that some of the authors' newer books aren't as good as their older ones. Like Dean Koontz and Patricia Cornwell. Their books are still good but not like the ones that made me fall in love with their writings.
Anyway... reading is fun, relaxing and I love it !! How about you? Any of you like my kind of books?
Jan
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Just a Few words.......
Well now that Thanksgiving is over, it is time to think about decorating for the Christmas holiday. I have debated about putting up the tree this year since we have an ADDHD kitten in the house. And of course what Cody does, his brother Shiloh does.... monkey see, monkey do... LOL I am definitely going to buy some of those silk ornaments. I bought new glass ones last year & I can just see them laying broken on the floor under the tree..... or Cody trying to eat the pieces. I swear that cat is into everything !! LOL He is so nosey. He sits on the bathroom sink & watches me put my makeup on every morning. And heaven forbid if put it down where he can stick his nose into it. He sits on the kitchen counter & watches my sister wash the dishes. Heaven help us when we put the presents under the tree. Oh well, look at the fun we'll have. My hubby will have to go on Prozac for sure then..... lol
Oh, we're supposed to get 3-4 more inches of snow tonight. I just saw the weather alert. Hummm.... we'll see. I guess I'd better find my gloves & get my winter coat out huh..... Later !
Jan
Saturday, November 24, 2007
My Interview Questions......
1. I saw your dream weaver story from when you were posting a long time ago - do you have background with animal dreams and spirit guides? If so, what?
I don't remember my dreams. That might be good or bad... LOL As for Spirit Guides, I believe we have them, I know there is continued life after our departure from this world, and I know that we are helped along the way by loving souls.
What is the most challenging thing about being a teacher's aide in middle school?
The hardest thing is not to take a child home with me. We have so many children that just need to be loved and know that someone cares for them. We have so many that need to be in a home where there are no drugs, fighting, abuse, and alcohol.....so many that just need to be given the chance to be a kid.
What are your favorite mystery/thriller writers and why?
Oh, I have so many..... I love the forensic mysteries the most. It amazes me what can be found through forensics. I also love the FBI thrillers. Authors: Dean Koonts, Patricia Cornwell, James Doss, James Patterson, Kathy Reichs, and many, many more.
What is your garden like? What are your favorite things to grow?
I have many flowerbeds. I have beewn switching over to Perrenials because of all the work.... lol But my favorite flowers are the Petunias and Marigolds. But what makes a flower garden are the extras... like all the statues I use. The gazing balls, bridges, rock borders.... anything that adds a little extra.
There ya go..... I did it !!
Jan
The Quiet Time.....
As I mentioned in another post, we are having our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. the deviled eggs are made and the 22# turkey is still thawing. It will be ready for the stuffing in the morning as soon as Eddie gets his marvelous apple cake baked. We will also have all the trimmings.... mashed potatoes/gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, noodles for Brandon, hot rolls, relish dish, cranberries, and of course pumpkin pie. Do you think there will be enough food to feed seven? LOL Leftovers !!!!
My sister and I went shopping today but we didn't go early. It wasn't bad either. Everyone was gone by the time we got there. We even got a parking space up front at WalMart. Wow !! That was exciting right there !
We really didn't buy a lot but at least we can say we shopped on Black Friday.
The rest of the day was filled with reading, taking a short nap, reading some blogs, and just relaxing. Getting ready for the excitement tomorrow...... building our strength up..... LOL I'll let you know how it goes. Sweet dreams everyone.
Jan
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving Thoughts of Love and Blessings......
We are having our meal & celebration on Saturday this year. We work around Barb's nursing schedule. Barb, who is married to Glenn, have two wonderful children, Ashley and Brandon. They are friends in reality but family in our hearts. I don't know what I would do without them in my life. They keep us young, alive, and bring us much joy. They are LOVE and truely one of our Blessings.
My sister Mary is 3 years younger than me. We did not have the priviledge of growing up together. I was adopted out when I was 18 months old. She is currently living with us. We have known each other 16 years now & still we are still learning new things about each other. She is LOVE and another Blessing in my life.
My special friend WB and I have known each other for many years now but just met in person this fall. It was wonderful to get that big hug from her. She is my friend, confidante, and mentor. We have shed many a thought, laughter and tears together. She is truely Love and a Blessing to me. I am honored to have her in my life.
I certainly can't leave out my furry babies. Our pets bring us laughter, comfort, and snuggles. They are Love and a Blessing in a way that humans are not.
Our extended family and friends, who live far away, bring us Love and Blessings in their own individual ways.
To all my new found friends here, I say welcome to my world and thank you for letting me be a part of yours. The sharing of our lives and thoughts through words are Love and definitely a Blessing in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. May your day be Blessed with laughter and Love.
Jan
Sunday, November 18, 2007
This & That.......
Tomorrow is back to work at school. Tomorrow night we will be cooking for my husband's feast day at school. He is a Special Ed teacher at the same school where I work. It is on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation but it is a public school. Every year he puts on a holiday feast at Thanksgiving & Christmas. He has 25# turkey to bake & we will make the deviled eggs & his special apple cake. The kids will have a good meal. For some, this will be the only good meal they will have. He has 2 lady aides in the room with him & they will bring in the stuffing, 25# of mashed potatoes & all the rest of the goodies. What a feast it will be.
We will only work 3 days this week of course. We will have our special dinner on Saturday. We work around our friend, Barbs, nursing schedule. So we will have a couple days to prepare our feast.
That's it for now..... Stay healthy & happy. (((HUGS)))
Jan
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A Day of Nothing.......
Later........
Jan
Monday, November 12, 2007
Told You I'd Be Back........
I'm a middle school teacher assistant. I work this year with the 6th grade kids. One of my duties is to monitor lunch time. The other day I had this little fellow call me over to his table and ask me my name. I told him and then he asked me if I was in Mrs Chandler's room. I said that I was. He asked me how old I was and I told him 56. Then he looked at me with those innocent eyes, and with a sincere look on his face, he said....... (Get ready....LOL ) he said, "Isn't that a little old to be in 6th grade?" Speechless, I just looked at him, and then I laughed. I told him yes, it was, so next year I was going back to 5th grade. My teacher and I Loop so we have the same set of students 2 years in a row. We were 5th grade last year, this year 6th and then back to 5th grade next year.....with a new class of students. Like Art Linkletter said.... Kids say the darndest things. I love it !
See ya tomorrow.
Jan
Sunday, November 11, 2007
It's Been A LONG Time.....
So I did comment on a couple tonight but it is late & I have to get to bed...... BUT I'll be back....... Later !
Jan