Saturday, September 22, 2012

Catching Up on Summer Events!

Wow summer is gone and I haven't taken the time to write anything. My personal journal has also been neglected. (So I have been told) But where do I start? I guess that is what my problem has been, among other things. I wondered where everyone gets their inspiration to write in there blog every day. What do people draw from? Do I really have anything to say?

Yes I have a lot to say but does anyone care to read it?

I guess if you aren't interested in my stories you won't be here reading them. But for those that are interested in the little events in my life I hope you enjoy reading about them. And please feel free to add your comments below. 

We capture life's little moments one picture at a time. Sometimes I am surprised at what expression or action that I catch. We took Ava and her friend Abby to the Dayton Dragons Baseball game this summer. Ava is a fan of the mascots. She looks forward to the game every year. This year we got to take her twice and she got to participate in games on the field both times.

Ava ran as fast as she could. She was excited to see Gem!

Abby, Gem and Ava



Typical Ava!
The Dayton Dragons didn't have a very good year this year. But on a positive note they won both games we attended.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures and little bit of what we did this summer. I'll go through my pictures and start to get ideas for my next entry. Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Follow your Heart!


Yes! Follow your heart! 

Don't be afraid to let those close to you know how you feel. Always tell them you love them give them a hug and kiss for tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. No regrets! Make amends with those that hurt you, they probably don’t know they did anything wrong. Being mad over something silly only hurts you.

The lessons that we learn in life are the ones that hurt us the most. We fall and get hurt after someone tells us to stop or when someone breaks our heart. We say to ourselves: I’ll never do that again! But that is where we learn and we have to keep trying new things, letting new people into our lives and putting our heart out there with the chance that it can be broken.

I had the privilege to get to know Shane, but only a small part of his life.
I didn't know him when he wanted to be a cowboy!
Or when he thought he was the toughest guy on the wrestling team. I would have teased him about the spandex shorts.

 This little guy grew into a handsome young man and we will miss him.
I got to know Shane while working at the Alger Freeze. We were co-workers. He was a very quite person. His goal was to pimp out his car. He always had us laughing and the memories we all made with him will forever be cherished. 


Gone to Soon!

by Jessica
The day you left my world took a turn.
My heart is aching with pain and all I do is cry out your name.
All the jokes and laughter we shared will always be thought of time and time again.
We used to joke if one left work the other one would too.
Now I'm left here alone, not knowing what to do.
Work is hard now with all the memories just wish you were here to create more with me.
R.I.P. Shane, you will be missed. I can't wait for the day until I see you again.

Shane Tanner Rowe
July 26, 1992 - July 12, 2012

A note from Jordan: PS 7-19
The bookshelf, the millions of ways that I am owned. You're there now. The white cup: PS 7-19 (Pizza Sauce 7-19) Among all my loved novels, statues and Venetian masks. You would hate the sentiment. Come back and I swear I'll take it down.
I'd beg for a million more stories until you would acquiesce to my petty demands. Or moodily scoot a chair close and tell me to come learn to play chess.


Why did he have to go 
So young I just don't know why 
Things happen half the time 
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young man
Son, uncle and a brother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe that

He flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And he walks with Jesus and his loved ones waiting
And I know he's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me!!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

The House is Empty!

It doesn't seem real, but it is, the house is empty! Every doll, dish, table and chair even the piano is gone. They have been divided and and given to family and friends. Gone to be remembered in small pieces. It's as if the family quilt has been disassembled and each piece has been distributed to far away places.
 As you can see the wear on the carpet of a room that was full of joy and well lived in. The songs that were sung by the piano that is no longer there. What are your memories? What stories do you have to tell? Will you write them down or just tuck them away in your memory?
I hope that whoever got the dinning room table is blessed with family, friends, God and good health. There were a lot of stories and prayers at that table. What is your favorite story that you told while sitting at that table? What prayer do you hope that grandma prayed?
Grandmas room......what can I say, still looks peaceful.


And how many times did you swing at the stairs even when you were told not to? Yes, I did swing on it one last time, and mom yelled at me. Well kind of. 

As I close this post always remember that we are a part of a great family. We may not always agree with each other or get along but we are still family. So make peace with those that need it if not for them for yourself. Grandma prayed for each and everyone of us and it's the least we can do for her.

Here are a few more pictures. Remember all the good times and feel free to share them if you like.



We love you Grandma!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Water Fight!

We had a busy weekend. Rod had to work Saturday morning and I had a 31 party. Which was a great show by the way.
I've discovered that there aren't enough hours in the day. We have a lot of things that need to get done and with Rod working the day shift and me working 3 to 4 nights a week it's hard to do. We even made a list of all the things that we need to get done just so we don't forget anything. Sitting here typing I remember a few things that I need to add, be right back. OK that is done.
Sunday Rod and I worked on getting the end of the house cleaned up. We are making it into a rock garden. We've tried to get different things to grow with no luck. So we've decided to grow rocks. No maintenance needed, lol.
2:00 in the afternoon and Rod and I were waiting for everyone to show up for the big water fight. Rod had 2 large trash cans full of water and 3-5 gallon buckets. In our arsenal we had 2-3' water guns 2-2' , 2 smaller ones and 4 foam water guns. 8 squishy hand grenades and 5 squishy footballs. Let's see if I can remember everyone that came to the water fight. Kara, Brock, Ava, Austin. Susan took pictures and the video. Melanie, Trenton's girlfriend, Thomas her son. Melanie's friend and her two kids. She will have to remind me of their names so I can add them to my story.
Now for the water fight. Check out the video. The next time we have a water fight I hope you are in the area so you can join us. The big kids have just as much fun as the little ones.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I like who I am!

Wash Rinse Repeat!

Yep, that is what life is for the most part. We get up do the same thing today that we did yesterday and the out look for tomorrow doesn't look any different. There maybe a few little differences each day but not much changes. Wait, I am mistaken, we change. When we are young we believe what we are told and we view it as the only truth. As we get older we start to see life with a different  set of eyes. We have to live our life and deal with all the heart ache, sorrow and joy all on our own. Our views change, they become our own. We change!

I look in the mirror and I don't know who it is looking back at me. In my mind I still see me at 18 not 48. The person in the mirror looks like she has lived a good life, maybe a little rough at times but good just the same. I think of things that could have been if I would have chosen a different path. but I have no regrets, I like who I have become. I may have been quiet at times when I should have spoken. Loud when I should have been silent. But the things I have been through in my life have made me who I am. I LIKE WHO I AM! Yes I am shouting it, I am who I am. I wouldn't change a thing, well maybe, I wouldn't have gone through the red hair phase.

I can't make decisions for my family only they can do that, they alone. I refuse to feel guilty for the choices that someone else makes. I am not a failure if my kids choose to do something I don't like they are adults. I am not a failure, my kids are grown and have moved out. I guess I finally succeeded at something!

I don't feel guilty for the choices that I have made, they have made me who I am today. I LIKE WHO I AM!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Loopy Ava!

Here it is Friday and I haven't posted anything about our little adventure. On Tuesday Kara and I took Ava to the hospital to have her two front teeth removed. Interesting trip, Ava watched ScoobyDoo all the way there and never questioned where we were going. She was under the assumption that we were just taking a road trip. She did ask me if I had any snacks in the car because she was hungry. She wasn't aloud to have anything until after the surgery. 8:00 in the morning and I know I'm hungry so I feel for her.
We get into the hospital and get into the room. She still hasn't been told why we are here. We get her into her gown and put her up on the bed. She asked me if she was just here to test the bed. She called the room her tiny little house. Then in comes the doctor to check her before they start. Now she has the puzzled look on her face. Kara is filing out papers so it was up to me to let her know what was going on. I held her on my lap and told her they were going to take care of her teeth. She instantly covered her mouth. I also told her that Grandpa was going to buy her whatever she wanted as long as she was good. Once she discovered the buttons on the bed guess what she wanted grandpa to buy? A hospital bed!!!
The nurse brought her a liquid sedative and said that it should take affect soon. Well it made her just a little loopy. As the video will show.


The video was before she went into surgery. When they brought her out she was in tears and her body was shaking from crying. We are glad that is all over. Now she is toothless in the front but that is ok.
You hate to see them when they are hurting, so precious.She did just fine and now she is all ready for Kindergarten. She went through screening on Thursday. I know she is excited about starting school but I just want her to be our little girl.


Monday, May 7, 2012

JUMP!

Yesterday was a beautiful day, Rod worked too hard outside and exhausted himself. When he came inside I found him asleep on the couch. It's hard work push mowing around all the trees, maybe we have too many. I should have taken him more lemonade to drink, I think I only took him one glass.
I worked around the flower beds turning the mulch over and pulling the weeds. Trenton's cat tried to help by almost knocking me over, she wanted my attention. I didn't get much done but it is starting to look better.

             
Kara dropped the kids off around 4:30 so they could have a little fun at our house. We got the bounce house out so they could burn up some energy. It was Austins first time in it and he was having a blast. Ava wouldn't get in it last year she said it was too hot outside. I think it was because she didn't have anybody to play with. Here they are having fun.

When they got done jumping we took them for a ride in the golf cart through the woods. Rod found a duck egg in the middle of the path, he just about ran it over. We stopped at the tiny house and visited with mom and dad. Austin was worried about the egg and kept looking for it in the gold cart. Rod had given it to dad. Ava said that it need somebody to take care of it so her and mom went into the house and brought out the stuffed bear. They had the bear lay on top of the egg to keep it warm. She has a way of coming up with great ideas for a 5 year old. I'm sure the next time she is over she will want to check on the egg in the woods. I hope dad put it on a nest.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

"I'm Bored"

Yep, that is what Ava said the other day when I told her to go play. She said she needed some different toys to play with I think it may have something to do with the room being trashed. Here is a couple of pictures of the room this morning. It looks like two little tornadoes went though it. No wonder why she needs new toys these are a mess. It's hard to play in a messy room but she doesn't like cleaning, she's always too tired. Five years old and already coming up with excuses not to clean.
After working on the room for several hours this morning I finally found the floor. I still need to move the air hockey into the room but Rod will have to help me. Another room down and several more to go. You should see my scrap-room, maybe not.


Friday, May 4, 2012

One Room Clean

My goal for today was to get the Elvis Room back in order. Spring is in the air and I was in the mood to clean. I'm glad to say that the room looks great and Rod will be surprised. He's always complaining that I use the room as a catch all. Today it's just his room, nice and clean.


My picture is just a little fuzzy but you can see that it is clean. Anyone that hasn't seen it in person stop by sometime and check it out. Rod will even show you his outfit and the cape. I do need a manikin to put the outfit on I could use some help finding one. I've got to do a photo shoot with him and the kids in their outfits. I'll post them later for everybody to enjoy. Yes we have outfits for both grand-kids and they both love Elvis.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Cabinets

It's 82 outside the sun is shining and the birds are singing. I've got the stereo cranked playing ABBA trying to get myself motivated to clean house. I need all of my groceries put back into the kitchen.

As you can see Rod's Elvis room is trashed! I think he would really like it to be back to normal or at least clutter free. One of my projects for the day. The play room, my craft room, sweep, dust laundry.....you know the drill. Wash, Rinse, Repeat! So is life.

As promised I am posting a picture of the new cabinets. We still need flooring and one more set ordered but it is a start. Hmmmm, Thirty-One Gifts Summer catalog is all about "Life Simplified"



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Still in Progress!

The old cabinets are out in the middle of the kitchen and It made my kitchen double in size. There was even an echo in the room. The delivered the new ones last week and all we did was just set them where they are going to go. We have a few more things to do before we put them in permanently. We need the cabinets ordered for the outside wall and the flooring needs to be laid. We may have to re-do the drywall on the outside wall because it has issues. Better to get it all done and not have to keep fixing little things here and there.

Anyone that has seen my kitchen knows what a difference this made by just removing the island in the middle. I will more cabinet space than I have ever had. I can't wait until this project is done. I know Rod will be glad when we are finished. He hates it when I start projects. 



Tuesday, April 24, 2012

My Kitchen!

I've had a busy day today. I picked up the grand-kids and brought them to the house. For some reason Austin thinks he is suppose to remove his t-shirt. He will laugh at you and run away. Ornery little thing, glad he's a cutie.
Susan stopped over so we could work on a little project and then I put her to work. We cleaned out the cabinets in my kitchen so we could remove them. Thursday morning my new kitchen cabinets will be delivered. YEAH! I've got the floor to scrub and a wall to clean before they get here. I do have my work cut out for me.

Dad came over at 5:30 and him and Rod removed the old cabinets in the kitchen, wow it made such a difference in the room. It's huge. Austin wanted to help. The first thing he did was pick up the crowbar that is as big as he is. He was upset when it was taken away from him. He's just a little too small for the big jobs and when he's big enough he won't want to help. Brock came and picked them up so they wouldn't be in the way. Ava did not want to go home. They will be back on Thursday to watch put in the new ones.

It's time for me to get up and get the super dishes done so I can get ready for bed. Good night all!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Brrrrr it was cold!

It is cold outside and the wind is blowing! Brrrrr! A great day to stay inside and get some work done.

My DH and I took our grand-daughter to the Dayton Dragons game last and just about froze. It was cold, cloudy and windy, not a good combination for a ball game. The up side to all of it was that Ava got to go down to the field and participate in one of their games. She even got a free t-shirt and met Gem and Heater in person. She was excited that they hugged her and gave her a kiss. We couldn't leave out Austin we purchased him a t-shirt and Rod one. Ava had to have a pompom to wave in the air.

Any good baseball stories out there? What is the craziest thing that has happened to you at a ballgame?

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Doll Dreams

Today I start on a new and exciting path. I'm taking a drawing class. That brings back memories of high school.  The smell of paint, clay and the odd fragrance from someones art box.
http://dolldreams.ning.com/
I've wanted to take this class for a long time and just didn't think I could pull it off. I haven't drawn much since high school but my 5 year old granddaughter said I needed to practice. So if I need the practice so does she. We are going to be doing the classes together. She loves to draw and she really has the talent even at the age of 5. But 5 year olds see the beauty in everything.
As we go through this class together I will be posting pictures. I'm sure hers will be so much better than mine but who is judging. She won't be. lol

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Elvis sings!

I wanted to add the video that my daughter Kara posted on YouTube of her dad singing. This was one party that will be talked about for a long time. Rod said it was the best birthday party he has ever had, I'm glad that I did this for him. I love him very much!

http://youtu.be/qwy6fS1lQz

Sunday, February 26, 2012

The party was a success!

It's official.....the party is over but it was a great success!
I have spent weeks planning the party and the day of I relied on family to pull it all together. I spent the day with Rod acting as if it was just your average day! The only difference was he had a Performance that he had to do at 7:00 for my Aunt Barb. (Yes she was in on the surprise!) All day I try to get him to practice the songs that he was to perform, I think he finally sang a few about 2 hours before we had to leave. My persistence still went unnoticed. Louder, louder I repeated to him. Still he didn't catch on. I knew that when he got over to the party he wouldn't be loud enough. I was a little worried.
He may have started off a little quiet but in the end HE WAS THE KING!
I've been looking at pictures of the party today and reviewing a few of the videos. We missed the first part of the surprise party. Family and friends surprised Danny first. Sherrie flew in from Colorado and came with Susie to the party. I wish Rod and I could have been there for that but it turned out great the way we did it. Sorry for not "Inviting" you to the party Dan!LOL
Happy Birthday Guys, Love you both!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Big Day!

Today is the big day!
I'm not sure if he is nervous about his performance this evening or not but I am a basket case. I'm depending on others to help pull this off without my help. I have to be with Rod all day so I can't even go over and make sure everything is ready to go! (Janie you are a lifesaver)

  • Kara is picking up the cake
  • Trenton picked up the M&M's 
  • Janie is getting there early to run the show
  • Danny was told about Rod's surprise party, upset because he wasn't invited , teehee
  • I called Kyle Adams at 35 news, I told him if they need a filler that they could come over and get Rod's surprise!

Now we just wait until 7:00 to show up!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Party Update!

Everything is falling into place. The cake is ordered and Kara will be picking it up Saturday around noon. I haven't heard if there are any more coming to the party but I do love surprises. This is going to be great, I have never been able to keep anything from Rod. I'm surprised he hasn't asked more questions about his birthday. He thinks that the kids are making him a cake and we are getting together on Saturday. Which we might just do that in the early part of the day so he still won't suspect anything. Whew!!!
Janie has been my life line through all of this craziness. She has taken care of most of the arrangements at the Inn. She has told me many times to just breathe!!! I don't think I could have done this without her. Next I will be helping her plan a wedding!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Surprise Party!

I have been planning this crazy surprise party for my husband and his cousin Danny! Expecting a turn out of less than 50 it has turned into a major event. At this point I have 87 people that have confirmed attendance. WOW and I was worried about getting 50 people at the party.
My nerves are just about shot.....stressing over the details and now worried I may not have enough food. I decided on finger foods because I couldn't afford anything else. Too many people to feed. I still have a cake to order, journal covers to finish, pictures to locate and to put into frames, clothes to pack so Rod can change out of his outfit.
Her is the invitation that was sent out:
*SHHHHHHH!* I'm planning a SURPRISE party for Rod and Danny! Rod will be 50 and Danny will be 55.

Here is the plan: Everybody needs to arrive by 6:00pm so we can get Danny there by 6:30. Rod will show up at 7:00pm dressed as ELVIS to do a performance in the lobby for some laddies that I will have lined up. Then I will bring him to the banquet room for his surprise!

Date: February 25th
Time: 6:00pm
Place: The Inn at Ohio Northern University

Finger foods will be served, coffee, tea and water. Alcohol can be purchased in the Pub.
If you have any questions you can TEXT me at 419-***-**** (do not call) Please keep your lips sealed it will be the first time I ever get him on the prank of a life time! 
RSVP by February 18th I need to know how much food to have. Thanks and Hope to see everyone there!