what a day! I woke up today with an empty feeling, still not knowing just what that means . . . so it’s been a different kind of day.

Went to Sunday School and church, nice to get caught up with Julie and see her lovely granddaughters. What sweet little ones they are! There were 5 babies in church! and Richie Fox said he remembered me . . . that was different. His wife Jessica and son’s Richie and Braylon. I tried to help my Dad get the hearing device to work but had no luck someone did get it for him, not sure if it was Jerry. Oh man I missed Michael today.

Maybe that was another part of the feeling this morning knowing I would not see any of my kids in church I don’t know, but I got through that fine and then came home, ate lunch and got ready for work.

Andrew, my manager at work today, had me stocking pop, taking the extra’s back and things like that so my shift went really quickly. After my break I came back and got on my register and I had this guy who was quite nice but when he gave me the money for his order he gave me two twenties two quarters and a dime. I kept looking at the change because it was not the right amount but I have had people give me strange amounts to get back different . . . anyways when I gave him his change he said it wasn’t right. I printed out an extra receipt and showed him the amount. He told me no, he had given me all this change. I kept looking at the two quarters and the dime I bet five times before I punched it in the register. . . I know what I saw and I know he was wrong. He started to yell at me and say I was cheating him out of his money. I called Bryce over and he couldn’t belive the guy was acting like that either and said, it’s 35 cents! The guy told him she is a cheat! and for Bryce to count my drawer. All this was loud enough for everyone to hear! Bryce said ok I will count her drawer and had me get out of my computer and took my drawer to count it. The guy continued yelling saying I better not look at him like I was innocent and I better not p _ _ _ him off and stormed out. When Bryce came back out he said my drawer was over 14 cents. I about lost it. I felt so humiliated and I knew what I knew it was 2 quarters and a dime not all of this change he said he had given me! I had several customers come to me and say don’t let that get to you. And try to cheer me up and tell me it was ok. A little while later Bryce came by and said, don’t let that spoil your day. On top of that we had a drain clog and roto rooter was there trying to get it fixed so it stunk to high heaven in there!!! I am glad to be done with my shift and home for the night so I can put this out of my head. I really believe it was a spiritual battle going on! Jesus in me made that guy mad . . . so I have been praying blessing on him. To top it off he left one of his bags behind . . .

My folk’s anniversary party was really nice yesterday. The short program was really neat and the things that were shared were good, funny and caused tears. It was a good day and the people who were supposed to be there were.

I got my car back yesterday too. It runs so much better with new oil and fresh tires and having it aligned makes a lot of difference!

My soul it’s windy! And rainy! that wind blew all night, hard! I am ready for bed, but think I shall eat first.

what a lovely day but boy it’s cold! yipe

only working today at the Y I don’t go back to Hy Vee till Sunday and I am pretty excited

I worked Monday 8 to 4 most of the time at express. Sometime in the afternoon computer 7 (the other express lane) went down and it would not come back online, no way to ring up orders, take money nothing. Finally it came back up and we thought everything was ok . . . at 3:30 my manager, Andrew told me to jump over to register 7 so he could count my drawer so I could be out of there by 4. So I get on and first thing, the computer goes down so I could not take any money or check anyone out. Andrew (who is running around frantically trying to get customers out the door and keep all the checkers working) told me to go ahead and get on register 4 – but I couldn’t because I was signed into register 7 ugh! He finally got me logged off of 7 and told me to go ahead and get on register 2 where I finished out my shift. When he finally said I could go after I finished with the two customers in my line, I walked over to where he was and asked if it was ok if I left (he had to count the money in my drawer) he told me yes, I could go but my drawer was OVER by $500.00 yipe! He said he was sure it was because of all the computer issues we had been having and he didn’t think I had really taken in that much money.

Sunday afternoon I worked 1 to 9 that was one of the longest shifts in my life! my poor feet and legs were really tired. I came home from work and went straight to bed! The high point of my shift was to look up and see Sheila coming through my line it’s always nice to see someone you know but extra special when it’s family! Sunday it rained all day at times pouring down we could hear it on the roof. I am surprised how many people walk to the store and how many came in that day in the pouring rain!

Bible Study was really good again last night. I will be sad to see it end. It’s a really deep study on the Attributes of God, lots of really deep things to think on, I am sure most of it goes right over my head. Some of it is sticking however, because it helps me to understand God a little more and helps me pray better (I hope)

I want to post a little more often so I can remember what happens as the days whizz by

Just home from W;nk tonight the kids were a little squirrely but once Marlys got out the painting papers they were really good. We played the copy cat game tonight and I am finding out just how limber I am not! That was fun

On the way to W;nk Asa and Xandre were talking about the National Basketball tournament. At one point Asa said, Michigan was going to win all of the games! Then they lost. I laughed right out loud fun times

I got called in to work Tuesday afternoon. To help out in Chinese. I had no clue what to do but Li was very kind and really helped and answered any questions I had. I met a gal named Sandy who worked in the kitchen. I liked her a lot. She was really helpful too. It was a LOT of just standing and let me tell ya on that cement floor it was not easy. I did get to wait on Matt I looked out and saw him looking at the pre made meals and said, Can I help you with anything, Sir? He said, no I am just looking . . . then he looked up and saw it was me. He said I didn’t know you worked back here too! I told him I was filling in for someone, (Becky who works Chinese hurt her back moving into a new apartment, plus her first grandbaby was born yesterday – so she took the day off and Roxanne, our HR person, said she would find someone to cover – she found me.) Anyways, Matt said since you are working back here I will get some hot food. So I dished up his food, grateful for something to do! I bet all the time I was there (2:30 to 8:40) I had six customers. I did a lot of dishes, both for the kitchen and for Chinese, again, grateful for something to do besides just stand! I also got to sweep and mop I was so glad to get home and went straight to bed!

I woke up about 2:30 not sure why but as I lay there trying to go back to sleep I was sure I heard gunshots. I prayed that it would not be another murder. When I got up and finally heard the news there was nothing on about another shooting here in CR whew. I just hope it was random sounds and not shots being fired!

I learned my cousin, Billy Joe (his mother was my Dad’s sister Mildred) lost his wife to cancer today such sad news. Billy Joe and I are the same age.

Well, I think I shall turn in. I get to sleep in a little tomorrow before the big long hours weekend starts. Going to see Rio 2 on Friday with Robbyn and the kids, I can’t hardly wait!

what a lovely day! just got home from work and I am tired. I have a pot of coffee on, decaf actually and will relax and unwind after an afternoon of checking.

I went to Jillian’s first soccer game this morning. What fun! I wish I could have stayed for all of it but had to get home, eat and pack a little bit of lunch for work, take a shower and do something with my hair, I got to work with about 2 minutes to spare. I don’t like to cut it that close.

At the soccer game, Issac was cold so he sat on my lap since I had a blanket and he read to me. What a kid! It was so neat to spend that time with him this morning. He is such a good reader and he is growing up way too fast. I often think how much Doug is missing with the kids all growing up so fast before my eyes! But in reality we are the ones missing because perfection is Doug’s reality now.

What a beautiful day! So great to see the sun shining.

I feel like so much goes on but when I sit down to write . . . nothing

Ok I am going to drink my coffee and see what’s new on Facebook, I gotta say I am not really liking the new format oh well

I just put a load of clothes in the wash, plugged in my ipod and am waiting for both so I can venture out for a walk. My first day off (kind of – Andy had to be to work at 6 so up since 5) but I don’t have to work anywhere today and other than getting Andy at 2 and bible study tonight I have a freeish day!

The job at hy vee is going ok. My co workers are very nice and the customers for the most part are really nice too. I have had a couple of grumpy people who are rude and act as though I am doing my best to make their life miserable, but it makes me wonder what is going on in their life to treat people this way. The Lord is showing me how dark and lost this world is . . . I pray for the people when I can and smile and try to bring some “positive” into their experience in my line. I learning a lot about cigarettes and liquor, looking at lots of ‘id.s’ . . . it’s an adventure but I am catching on so that is good.

It was strange at the Y last week with Sheila gone. She is my Friday afternoon entertainment er I mean desk buddy, and with her home sick (which I am so glad she took my advice and stayed home!) it was just a different place. I will be so glad when this membership special is over, it’s been crazy nuts there!

I had Asa and Colton yesterday and knowing I had to work I had talked with Sheila about keeping them till Matt got off work. She said she would but with her being sick I did not want to add to her plate, so I asked JoAnna if she would keep the boys and she said she would. They were so excited to know they were going to Hannah’s house after church! During church Colton was busy coloring when he came over to me and asked if he could sit on my lap for a little while. So I held him and felt his little arms encircle my neck loving when he whispered I love you, Gramma and pretty soon I asked him if he wanted to lay down on the pew, he did and fell fast asleep. Asa had taken a nap on the couch before we took Andy to work. Later in the afternoon I was checking when I heard Hi Gramma! I looked up and there were Matt and the boys in my line

Second week in March! How can we be here already? The time just flies by. So looking forward to my folks coming home, which can’t be soon enough! Mom texted last week saying they were rethinking their return date, they don’t want to be cold when they come. I told her regardless of when they come, they will be cold!

Sat when I came out from work I was checking texts and there was one from Tricia asking if I wanted to go see Saving Mr Banks. I had gotten off work about 15 min early (yipee) and had just enough time to come home, and change clothes before she came. I loved the movie!!!! It was very interesting watching the back story of P. L. Travers’ childhood and how Mary Poppins came about. Mary Poppins is the first movie my folks let Tricia and I go to by ourselves. I was 11/12 I think – at the Paramount Theater and we sat in the balcony. I need to watch Mary Poppins again now

Well, I think the laundry is done so I need to find my shoes and head out, and I think I will take my camera!!!!!

Psalm 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.

it’s been a strange few days at work. I will not go into it here but somethings happened and my co worker, desk partner, laughing buddy is no longer working with me I don’t know the whole story and I won’t second guess anyone on what it is. I am so sad to see her go . . . I dreamed about her last night and was sad going into work today . . . change is happening all around me again, it’s really the only thing in this life you can count on thank God Jesus has overcome this life!

so I go out to my car this morning at 6:35 to go to work and my door is frozen shut! I go carefully around the car so as to not fall down on the ice and try the passenger door. With a little bit of struggle I get it open and climb through, no easy feat mind you. Then I get the door ajar signal and the passenger door is frozen open! great! I can’t drive with the door open and I cant drive with the door open and leave it parked with the door open downtown sheesh. so after some more monkeying around I get the door to shut whew! I got to work with about 3 minutes to spare.

One of the big things (to me) at work is when the phone will ring and someone will say ‘not it’ meaning the other person has to answer the phone. today a guy came in and Kay (my supervisor) said oh it’s him, he’s weird (the guy is kinda weird) then she said I am going in my office and as she turned and walked in her office she said ‘not it’ cracked me up! I love that we can joke and have fun and do our job at the same time. I don’t know if Ash had to check him in or what happened with that guy, I am sure I will see him next week, he is a regular.

Gotta go to bed, this girl is tired, Friday is my early/long day and my bed is calling my name.

The Olympics wrap up this weekend, I will be sad to see them go – - 2 more years!!!!!!

When I got up this morning I looked out to see if it was snowing and it looked like tiny diamonds falling to the earth. It was so beautiful! I knew it was going to be a great day.

I had a nice quiet time then got ready and headed for Hannah’s game. 8 am at Salvation Army. It was snowing pretty good but there was not much traffic and it wasn’t slippery The game was a barn burner. No score for so long then turned into a battle. Jr Warriors won in overtime but only after Michael got a technical foul, Joslyn got a steal and made a basket then Hannah was fouled and made a free throw. At least I think that’s how it ended. Jr Warriors won – barely and what a nerve wracking game it was

When we went walked out of the building, JoAnna said it’s like we are in a sno globe! That is exactly how the snow looked and it just kept coming. The other coach who JoAnna spent time talking with after the game, came out and said the exact same thing. Great minds, JoAnna said!

Michael had been hungry for Hardees so he invited me to join them for breakfast. Hannah and I chatted about her favorite tv show when she was little – she told me about her and Jillian flipping channels the other day when she was over there and they hit upon my little pony . . .

We got to Hardees and there were two of my morning people from the Y it was nice to see them. We chatted for a bit then went to the bathroom and came out and chatted a bit more then got our breakfast. It was good. We talked about the game, and about that little 6 day old baby that was found alive thank you, Jesus!

when we went out to leave, the cars were once again covered with snow so I stared my car and grabbed the brush to clean it off and here comes JoAnna to help me what a girl. We got it cleaned off and soon I was on my way to Ambroz for Asa’s game.

It was so nice to talk to Matt and hear about his Las Vegas trip and how (I believe God showered His kindness on Matt) you will have to ask him about this if you want to know the story. It’s pretty amazing. He said ‘it was a blessing’ three times in the story

I left the game and stopped by the store then came on home. I was here in time to watch the Iowa Mich game. I wasn’t gonna watch it but then decided I would and boy am I glad I did. Whoo hoo! what a win today. Iowa was playing like a house a fire. They ended up winning and man did they need that win!

I watched some afternoon olympics then headed to see Gravity – oh my word what an intense movie! I wanted to see it in 3D and am glad the Iowa game interfered with that because I don’t think I could have taken it in 3D it was strange enough walking out of the theater seeing it in 2D.

I came home, talked with Andy about tomorrow, texted with Sheila and with Kay about tomorrow’s swim meet and watched ice skating and snow boarding on the olympics, took a shower, packed for tomorrow and now I am heading to bed long day tomorrow!

It is so beautiful outside! When the wind blows it’s really cold but it’s so pretty. I am just home from a meeting with former Deaconesses and what a blessing those women are in my life!

I drove home from Joanne’s slowly because that’s how you have to drive in this kind of weather, but boy having 4 wheel drive is great! I came in the house and got on my rubber boots and went out and shoveled, figuring even if it snows lots more at least this well be done before I have to go in to work in the morning.

This morning I was sound asleep dreaming I was driving down this road when all of a sudden I hear this banging and realize it’s JoAnna at the door with Hannah! I flew out of bed and let them in wow have not been awakened like that in a very long time! I had a nice talk with Sheila on the phone, chatted with Robbyn via text and enjoyed a visit from Liz at lunch time. Chatted with Matt via text and talked with Andy on the way to work and on the way home. That was nice to ‘touch’ all of my kids today. I sure do thank God for them!

I work earlyish tomorrow so this is not going to be long because I want to get to bed. I finished my book on Friday night, reading till after 1 am knowing I had to be up for work at 6:30. Sad to finish sharing the lives of these women Marta, Hildamera, Carolyn and Dawn. I have more books to read just not wanting to jump into another story just yet.

Off to dreamland for me . . .

hmmmmm what to say . . . Happy New Year!

I remember waking up saying Happy New Year then thank You, Lord for a brand new day

I had my alarm set for 6 but was awake at 5:30 so just got up

had a nice quiet time then got ready to take Andy to work

got him dropped off and back home

finally took a shower about 10 to get ready for my lunch date with Tricia

got ready to go, started the truck then shoveled out my walks and a little of the drive

I picked her up and we drove to Applebees – we both had gift cards from there and I needed to be back over there for Andy to get off at 2

ate a very good steak dinner and before we were finished Andy texted saying he was off early so he joined us whilst I finished eating

dropped Tricia back off at home then drove through Wendy’s so Andy could get something to eat

came home and Mantz’s were here watching the Outback bowl – so I watched the second half with them

after they left I lay down on the couch to nap but the news came on and couldn’t sleep ugh

watched The 12 Dates of Christmas – waiting now for Top Chef – we’re almost to the end!

Andy has the next two days off Yahoo! Working Saturday and so am I then Hannah is in a tournament

yup there is snow again

came in from shoveling

listening to a new (to me) Kim Walker Smith cd –POWERFUL

heard a brand new song by Casting Crowns (CD is not released yet) on the way home from taking Andy to work – really made my heart worship and oh the tears God is so Wonderful

Hannah spent the day, Tricia came over, Liz came for lunch

watched Planes and The Lone Ranger

caught up on Facebook and email about ready for bed hooray its after 8

work tomorrow then a day off

it’s almost 2014!