Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Good Morning
All right already. I'm sick of winter. I'm tired of the cold but even more I'm tired of the mess of snow. You know that dirty salt ridden snow that is all over the streets. My car is a mess. Everytime you come in from anywhere there's tracks of it all over. Yuck. Yesterday I took 2 of our students grocery shopping. Love taking the kids shopping. You learn so much about them away from school. BUT we have to take a taxi. Not that romantic New York version you see in the movies or on TV. The ones where the taxi's are all clean and the drivers charming and comical. Oh no we have the dirty as in ooo don't touch anything dirty and the drivers well lets just say charming and comical are not the two c words I would use. This year in particular we've had some doozies. I can't imagine if you didn't drive in this town how often you would get out and about. I would definitely think long and hard about my trips if I always had to take a cab.
Do you know how you can tell it's winter in South Dakota? There's a table set up in the living room with jig saw puzzle pieces all over it. Yep we got one.
Friday is Kirby's birthday. I am at a total loss as to what to get him. 9 year old boys should be relatively easy. It must be because it's still so close from Christmas. I just am not ready to do the money thing yet, but it's getting closer and closer.
Must get ready for work. Good morning all!!!!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Another cold day.
For a Monday today went really well. Sometimes I think it all has to do with me and my attitude rather than all the things happening around me. Duh! The teachers at school in our Cluster program are getting stressed over the Dakota Step tests. The hoops that they have to go through to test whether our kids are proficient is unbelievable. And the time lost out of the classroom surely will lead to more kids not being proficient. Those who make these rules never come out and see whether they are actually practical and if its worth all the effort. They sit in their offices in some capitol somewhere and decide what will or won't work. It should be required that all policy makers should have to go into the field and implement those policies on a regular basis. Oh well so much for my soap box. But it is frustrating.
I cooked again. I made chicken tenders. They were quite good and really simple. I got the idea from tv this weekend. First you roll the chicken tenders in mustard and then in seasoned bread crumbs. Bake until done. Easy peasy and good. By the way who started that easy peasy thing anyway.
I've also done 3 layouts in the last day and a half. I did one of Sam tonight. Tears through the whole thing, but it was good to do one. I'm really in search of some good vintage elements. I have so many old pictures that I would like to do something with but I want the elements to fit with the picture. So many are elements from now made to look older or they are old things that aren't fitting with the style that I'm looking for. Someday I'll find something. I tried talking Amy into designing something for me, but it's not really her style. Too bad.
I need to take more pictures. I like blogs that have pictures in them. Note to self. Do something exciting so there's some pictures. No we're not buying a puppy just so I have something to take pictures of. But don't think that hasn't crossed my mind.
Goodnight all!!!!
Another cold day.
For a Monday today went really well. Sometimes I think it all has to do with me and my attitude rather than all the things happening around me. Duh! The teachers at school in our Cluster program are getting stressed over the Dakota Step tests. The hoops that they have to go through to test whether our kids are proficient is unbelievable. And the time lost out of the classroom surely will lead to more kids not being proficient. Those who make these rules never come out and see whether they are actually practical and if its worth all the effort. They sit in their offices in some capitol somewhere and decide what will or won't work. It should be required that all policy makers should have to go into the field and implement those policies on a regular basis. Oh well so much for my soap box. But it is frustrating.
I cooked again. I made chicken tenders. They were quite good and really simple. I got the idea from tv this weekend. First you roll the chicken tenders in mustard and then in seasoned bread crumbs. Bake until done. Easy peasy and good. By the way who started that easy peasy thing anyway.
I've also done 3 layouts in the last day and a half. I did one of Sam tonight. Tears through the whole thing, but it was good to do one. I'm really in search of some good vintage elements. I have so many old pictures that I would like to do something with but I want the elements to fit with the picture. So many are elements from now made to look older or they are old things that aren't fitting with the style that I'm looking for. Someday I'll find something. I tried talking Amy into designing something for me, but it's not really her style. Too bad.
I need to take more pictures. I like blogs that have pictures in them. Note to self. Do something exciting so there's some pictures. No we're not buying a puppy just so I have something to take pictures of. But don't think that hasn't crossed my mind.
Goodnight all!!!!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Long lost blogging!!!

Will I ever get to everyday blogging? Hard to tell. I think about it just about everyday but don't seem to get to it.
Well one of the reasons I haven't blogged is because it's very sad at our house. We had to put our dog Sam down last week. He had cancer. He seemed fine at Christmas but shortly after I noticed he was drinking more than usual. Pretty soon he was drinking all the time and drinking so much that he would vomit. We took him in thinking he might have diabetes. Not uncommon for a dog his age. They ran all sorts of tests and finally did some xrays and found a mass between his heart and his lungs. It progressed really fast and we just didn't want him to suffer, so last Thursday Steve took him in. It has been extremely hard. I should have known it would be bad since it's just been the three of us in the house the last almost 9 years. It is the first time Steve and I are truly empty nesters.
On to some brighter topics. I had a very productive weekend. I got up early Saturday and cleaned and then proceeded to make two batches of soup and some muffins. Today I made another batch of soup and a casserole. We took over three containers of soup and half of the casserole over to Steve's folks. I've been meaning to do that all fall and winter and this is now the first that it happened. The soups I made were a beef and barley, Rachael Ray's double chicken stoup and Bree's tomato lentil. I may be the only one who likes the tomato lentil one. The casserole was a chicken tetrazzine. So now I have some meals for the week and Steve's dad won't have to cook much either.
I even scrapbooked some. I've buying all these cool digi scrapping things and thought maybe I should use some before I convince myself I need to buy more. My daughter and her new store could put a dent in my budget. Like I told Steve though, it's cheaper than going to the mall, which I used to do about every other weekend.
It was really cold this weekend. Down in the 1o below zero range. We're just not used to that. It's been a very mild winter until now. The weather people said it's the coldest it's been in about 10 years. Yeah global warming.
Well it's half time of the super bowl. Should watch a little of the half time show.
Goodnight all!!!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Whatever happened to regularly scheduled posts?


I had such good intentions. Oh well, last year at this time I wasn't journaling at all. So really this is still an improvement. Not much exciting since last Monday. School was much better than I expected. Sometimes that full week back goes so slow. Kids were good and the much needed break from the coworkers helped. My dog is still sick. He's peeing up a storm and drinking all the time. He also seems to think that his dog food isn't any good anymore. He'll eat canned food and the hamburger rice mixture I make him. The vet was supposed to call today with the blood results, but Steve and I realized that with the holiday, they probably won't get the results back until tomorrow. Other than worrying about him making it all day without a bathroom break, he seems fine.
I scrapped today. I posted 3 layouts at DST even. And I commented on a couple of layouts that I liked that didn't have any comments. Whoa! Look at me go.
We finally got some snow. Steve got to play with his snowblower. Did I take pictures? No!!! It was too freaking cold to go out there and take pictures. Really it is very cold.
Back to last week. Kyra made the play at school. She's just in the general cast but it's soo cool that I'll get to take her to more early morning practices. It makes my day and often gives me an excuse to go to Starbucks. Last Sunday we took Amy and Cameron to Royal Fork for supper. Saturday we took Scott and Wendy. Seriously the grandkids are going to think supper at Grandma's means Royal Fork. We went over to Steve's folks yesterday. Grandma seem to have a good day. She talked to me. Grandpa said he had some health issues. Scares me to think about if something should happen to him. His kids really need to sit down with him and talk about some things.
I have to sit through an all day inservice tomorrow. What fun!!! At least it's closer to home than some of them have been and they're providing lunch. At least we won't have to go out in the cold. But since everyone else lives on the other side of town, I'll have to drive there by myself. Whine Whine!!
Well, I really haven't done much in the housework department this week. I should probably dust and vacuum. Then a nice hot bowl of chili sounds good.
Goodnight all!!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Ramblings
Well the first day back at school wasn't too bad. The kids were good for the most part. Mr. W. had to wail when we took his music away before lunch, but that is just par for the course. We go a full 5 days this week and then there is a 4 day weekend for the kids. We have inservice on Tuesday. January used to be the longest month but not anymore. March has taken over that title.
I made a very good supper tonight. Hearty minestrone with barley, kale and beans. Quite tasty and very healthy. Of course we had to have texas toast with it so I'm sure that negated some of the health benefits. We took Amy's family out for supper last night to our favorite place. A buffet. But everyone can have what they want so it works well.
I've been organizing all my scrapbooking things in ACDsee. What a overwhelming task!!! I just got through all of Corina's things and I think I'll call it a night on that. Maybe I'll knit awhile. There sure isn't anything on TV.
I had to take 2 full anti anxiety pills today. I'm not sure what's up with that, but if it keeps up I'll call the doctor and see if I can go on Zoloft. It's no fun to feel like your heart is going to beat out of your chest all the time. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to them either. I can be home or out. Doing nothing or at the mall. Weird, huh? Oh well it's always something.
Think I'll call Amy and see if she's home yet. Wouldn't be a complete day unless I talked to her. Goodnight all!!!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
SIMPLIFY
Well Kyra got braces today. Two years of metal ones and three more years of the invisiline ones. That will make her 18 when she's done. That just can't be possible. In 5 short years she'll be 18. How can that be, my little Kyra girl!!! It wasn't that long ago that I was 18. OK maybe it was a few years back.
Kyler has strep. Poor guy. He wasn't feeling to well yesterday. Amy took him into Acute Care last night. 102.9 was his temp and his throat looked nasty. The quick culture came back negative, but they always seem to anyway. The put him on antibiotics. Hopefully by tomorrow he'll be feeling better. We want to go to Charlotte's Web.
I actually cooked supper tonight. Skinny turkey spinach meatloaf, roasted potatoes and baked squash. It tasted so good. Finally a home cooked meal. The meatloaf came from Cooking Light and was actually very good.
Well I've actually blogged everyday so far. Now if I can just add some pictures for interest I'd be doing good.
Think I'll go knit a little tonight. Goodnight all!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Worrywart!!!
I can't say I accomplished much today. Worked a little more on my pantry. Found more of my kitchen. Hopefully tomorrow I can actually cook supper. Of course I went over to Amy's to see all of my grandchildren. Tomorrow we might go to the movie Charlotte's Web. It will depend on how Kyler and Kyra are feeling. Kyra is getting braces tomorrow.
That's about it for tonight. Goodnight all!!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
January 2, 2007
Steve and I had a almost productive day. We started cleaning out our pantry. With what we threw away we could have fed a small African country. There were things in there from 1999. I could bake cookies for at least a year with all the chips. Chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips even cinnamon chips. What were we thinking? Neither one of us was born in the depression. I definitely need to cook more this year. Add that to my new years resolution list.
I meant to take a picture of my living room today. It looks so nice with the new furniture and all the Christmas things down. The upstairs of the house is looking good. Now we need to work on the basement. Another new years resolution!
I had to put a snowman in my blog header because we sure don't have any snow. This is the most unusual year. It is supposed to be in the 30's the rest of the week. Maybe a slight chance of snow again on Friday. I'm sure it'll rain like it has the last few times they've talked snow. I'm not sure whether I really want snow or not. If we don't get any, we'll feel like we've been cheated. Oh well.
Good night all!
Monday, January 01, 2007


Happy New Year!
A resolution for the new year. Blog more. Eat less. Now one does not have anything to do with the other, but if I accomplish those two things I'd be quite happy with myself.
We had a very nice Christmas. Nothing too special, just nice to get together. We had fun with Steve's brother and family. They always come with new games to play. We played Set and Quiddler and Catch Phrase 2 nights in a row. We laughed so hard at Catch Phrase. They are definitely some must have games. I'm hoping Set and Quiddler go on sale at a Christmas kiosk in the mall.
Last night we had the kids over for New Years eve. It's becoming a family tradition. We eat snacky things and play a few games and then the kids go outside and do poppers. Last year we still had streamers in our tree in July. Everyone goes home early 10:00 or so. Works well.
I did a little digi shopping today. Amy's store opened today. Had to go buy out the store there. It could become dangerous as they have ridiculously good stuff. If I knew how to get pictures of the things I bought in this blog I'd do it. Maybe another day. Hint hint Amy come over and help your old mom with that and a few other things in the computer world. I also did some scrapping yesterday. Now that Christmas is over I hope I can find a balance between knitting and scrapping. Might have to stay up later, when the bed starts calling your name at 8:00 it doesn't leave much time for getting things done.
Put the house back together today. As much as I love Christmas, this year I'm glad to have a normal house again. New furniture might have something to do with that. It looks really nice and all the furniture seems to fit well. It was a good choice to buy it at Christmas, so we would know if there was still room for a tree. That's important you know.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Thanksgiving vacation
I coming along with my knitting projects. Four down and 2 more to go for the grandkids. Maybe some surprises along the way for others too.
I went looking last night for electronic drumsticks. Cool idea but maybe not such a cool thing to find. I just started though. Goal for the weekend. Majority of shopping done. List of things to bake written and house decorated. Can she do it? Tune in Sunday night.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
This is the last weekend before Thanksgiving. How did that happen? We are going to go over to Steve's folks. Of course we'll have to bring all the food, but every year I think it might be the last so I don't mind. I do need to call Steve's sister and make the final arrangements. I'm looking forward to Christmas. I feel like like I'm more ahead of the game this year, though I'm sure next week I'll be complaining about being so behind. See I'm never happy. Amy and I are going to the Festival of Trees tomorrow. We've been doing that since Kyra was still in a stroller. Helps get us in the mood. Steve is off all this week and I hope he gets the Christmas lights up. It's projected to be in the 5o's. Can't beat that.
I've been knitting up a storm, though today I'm being super lazy. I'd take pictures and post except that some are presents. Wouldn't want to spoil that surprise! Scrapbooking has been haunting me. I still want to do it but can't seem to find any inspiration. Maybe I just need to get in there and do it.
Well this might be a boring post but at least I posted. Good night all!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Once a week blogging!!!
Once a week blogging. Better than nothing I guess. I need blogger motivation. A new template huh Amy. Fall pictures to post. Layouts maybe. I know I need to be a stay at home grandmother. I could start a new trend. Be there with cookies and milk after school. Haul to practices and such. Volunteer at their schools. Unfortunately I like to spend money and buy things I think I need, so working is what I'll do. It does get more tempting every year to say hello retirement.
Where did my weekend go? Yesterday Amy, Kyra and I spent the day hanging out. Starbucks and shopping. We didn't even spend too much money. I can't believe all the Christmas things out already. Tomorrow is the 25th, so that means there is only 3 months until the big day. Why do I feel like I'm already behind schedule? Why do we succumb to the pressure anyway?
Today I spent all day on the computer. I'm making a mini album for Wendy for her birthday. I used Shabby Princess Olivia album kit. For procrastinators like myself it's great to be able to do 12 quick layouts in a day. I spent some money digi shopping too. I bought some new things from Shabby Princess and Gina Millers new things today. I'm such a sucker for all these cute things and they seem so cheap. I'm sure when the credit card bill comes I'll think differently. O well, that's why I work, remember.
Here's a couple of the layouts. I hope Wendy likes them. I do but then anything with my grandkids in it warms my heart.
Desperate Housewives is going to start in a few minutes. Have to see if it's going to be worth watching this season. I hope to stay awake long enough to see the next show with Sally Fields. It looks good too. Night all!!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Do you ever have one of those times when you think maybe the stars aren't aligned right in your galaxy? When school started a student stomped my right big toe and bent the toenail way back. Major pain. Then a couple weeks ago while cooking I cut my finger fairly deeply. Went through a half a box of bandaids. Well tonight, sitting at the kitchen table in my barefeet of course. I turn and go to push my chair back and whack! I hit my left big toe on the table leg. Double major pain. I don't think I broke it, but it still is letting me know I have a toe. Klutz, Klutz!!
I was going to scrapbook some tonight but it's getting late and I want to watch CSI Miami. Maybe tomorrow.
And remember - Really important stuff my kids taught me quote of the day: Making your bed is a waste of time.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
A Layout, a recipe and much to do about nothing


It's blogger time again. I'm such a bad blogger. I can spend all weekend on the computer and still not find time to blog. Well no more. "Ha", the crowd says! "We'll believe it when we see it." Of course my crowd consists of my daughter Amy. Hi Amy.
I really did spend the weekend on the computer. I think I could spend the majority of my time there, between surfing the net and digi scrapping, is there life outside this. I spent most of the time working on layouts for this album I'm doing about the family reunion we had. Actually it's more like a memory cookbook. I'm not sure how it'll turn out but I'm enjoying the process. I did about 5 pages and 4 recipe cards. I think I've found my niche though. Recipe cards. Quick, simple and useful. What more could you want.
The weather has taken a delightful turn to the cool side. Bring on the crockpot meals and hot apple cider. We went to Sam's today on our way to the in-laws and I bought a variety package of apple cider. Maybe I can wean myself off of so much Diet Coke. Doubt it. I've also been in a mood to bake too. The trouble with that is who's going to eat it. Me and Steve of course and we need it like we need a hole in our heads.
Blogger thinks I want my layout and recipe at the top of the page. OK. Why not?
Thought for the day from "Really important stuff my kids have taught me." There is no good reason why clothes have to match. Think about it who made up that rule anyway.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Had a great weekend. Accomplished some things. Did alot of nothing too and still have today left. I'm hoping to go shopping with Amy and Hannah later. Amy if you're reading this this morning call me I don't want to wake up everyone. That is why I'm blogging now in hopes that Amy is on the computer and will see this. She is the only one who reads this anyway.
Later dudes.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Today was a good day. School went well for the 3rd day. After putting the wrong kids on the wrong bus last night things just had to go better. New bus drivers are so fun. They assume we know what we're doing and we assume they know who should be on the bus. I don't think there were any reprecussions from it. Otherwise I think we are getting the kinks out of the schedules and getting the kids and us trained to where we should be.
Steve's dad is doing much better. He had cream soup and toast for lunch. He may actually go home Friday or Saturday. Steve spent the day with his mom today and will for the rest of the week. I think it was an eye opener for him. One of the things that I love the most about him is his patience and understanding. (I'm not sure our kids would think the same thing.)
Well this is going to be a short blog. I'm pooped and just want to veg out in front of the TV. Goodnight all!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
We went and saw Steve's dad at the hospital tonight. He's doing really well. With any luck he should be out of the hospital this weekend. It's Steve's mom that I worry about. You could tell tonight she was lost without grandpa at home. Luckily Mary is here and can stay with her until Sunday. I'm not sure how they will manage next week when Steve's dad gets home. I'm sure it will all work out but I know it's on everyone's minds.
Well I've laid out my clothes for the morning and my hair should be good tomorrow. I love that I only have to shower and shampoo my hair every other day. See there are good things about growing older. I have to remember to get some cash from Steve for lunch tomorrow. We get to eat out these next two days. A treat since we never have a chance the rest of the school year.
Goodnight all.
Saturday, August 12, 2006


Finally I have internet back. We have had more problems with wireless. You'd think we lived in a huge house. Hopefully Steve has the problem permanently fixed. It's very frustrating not to be able to connect to the internet. I know there are people out there who never log on to the internet, but I'm not one of them. I use it to find recipes, answer questions, connect with the outside, and get new ideas. I am totally lost without it.
Blogger has finally let me upload a picture too. This is my finished office/den. It just makes me happy to have a space to work and not have to work around the kitchen table. Next project is to get our bedroom painted and maybe a new dresser. We think we can downsize our clothes and share a dresser. With our small rooms, if we can eliminate a piece of furniture or make what we have work more efficiently it would be a good thing.
We went to the farmer's market today. It is the perfect time of year to go. I bought tomatoes, red carrots, purple potatoes, and orange beets. We also bought a dozen ears of sweet corn. So tonight for supper we had a nice steak, sweet corn and sliced tomatoes. We even had a glass of 3 buck Chuck wine. It was a perfect simple meal. I also bought at the farmer's market the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. There's this beautiful family that raises organic vegetables in Iowa and their daughter grows the most amazing flowers.
I also did some scrapbooking today. Hopefully blogger will be nice and let me post another picture. I think it turned out ok. I want to have some pages done for the Meyer reunion. Ok so I'm not so good at placing pictures in my blog, but at least it's here.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
MY NEW FAVORITE ROOM
Just finished watching 2 hours of Grey's Anatomy. I can never seem to stay awake during the school year. Hopefully with it going to Thursday nights I'll stand a little better chance of seeing it. And if I can convince Steve that we need to have DVR I can watch alot of shows.
It looks like we could get some thunderstorms later tonight. After just checking the radar, though, it looks like it could just split around us. I hope not, I like a good thundershower.
I'm going to give blogger a few more minutes and then I'm posting without a picture of my room. I don't know why it has been giving me problems lately. Oh well I guess it doesn't want my picture tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Goodnight all.



