Cougars- 26 utes 23- Team Two- 9 team one- 6

The DR and Oldest went to Cougar Town for the BIG GAME, and they rode out with Uncle J and cousin T. Although a little tense at the end- as in overtime- the Cougs were victorious. Not without controversy, of course. I want to know why members of the church who are NOT students at the U are so venomous and hateful towards BYU- I do not get it.



The Outpatient, Bo, Dalton, and T had a game at 9:30 so they FLEW back and got to the rink at 9:50. The Outpatient was trying, but without his side kick- their team was getting kicked- 6-1. Once T hit the ice and the Larsen line was intact- they pulled it together and scored 8 unanswered goals in the last two periods to win the game. Outpatient came to visit me once in the penalty box.. That is rather normal. Fun game finally, but we got the patients in their wards after midnight. SOO grateful for late church.

Love watching Outpatient play. LOVE IT! Great to see Bo back on the ice too. I love those boys.

Tradition

Friday after Thanksgiving nearly always means Tree Cutting.

For the past dozen or so years, the Lunch Lady, PB&J, myself, and the DR have gone up the mountain and hunted for the tree of our dreams- at least for the year at hand.
This year, all patients and carrot sticks were finally old enough and the weather was favorable enough for them to join us on the trip. They enjoyed tubing and sledding with the Outpatient and a friend while we took off like the mighty hunters we are. We had a time constraint this time, so we were trying to hurry. We have a pretty tree, albeit smaller than we are used to having :) the DR said he was a premature cutter. He had it cut before I even took the requisite photo. Good news is that we won't have to redecorate the furniture to fit the tree in. Kids weren't too impressed with it but that is okay.

This is not our tree- just Nephew and the DR helping someone else hauling their gargantuan tree.

We then hurried back to the patients and male carrot sticks (girlie carrot stick opted to spend the afternoon with a friend-go figure), and then secured the third tree needed, and made it back home with a couple of hours before we had to be at the temple with one of our nephews. he is preparing to leave in a month to serve the Lord in Brazil (you might remember I posted about that last summer). It was a wonderful experience and all the Larsen Brothers and their wives were in attendance, and made up the bulk of the session. What an awesome blessing it is to be a part of this family of stalwart men and women. It was only the send time I have had the opportunity to be in the temple with the Outpatient. There is nothing quite like looking across the room and seeing his handsome face. I pray he, the DR, and I will always keep ourselves worthy to be there, and someday be joined by the remaining patients. Incredible.

We also got to spend some down time just visiting with family and the DR's parents who had the chance to join us.

It was a great end to the day.

Thankful for:

thankful: adjective- Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.


I am soo very grateful to have my children all in one country this year although I miss the blessing of weekly email, I get daily voice communication.

I am still very grateful for technology.

I am grateful for all the sweet spirits that Heavenly Father sent to join our families this year.

I am grateful for Eternal Families- especially for those I am a part of.

I am grateful for the Temple.

I am grateful for the blessing of the Sacrament.

I am grateful for the bloggy connections- it is fun and amazing to connect with you.

I am grateful for good friends- make that great friends- that we have made throughout our travels and life. (You know who you are :) )

I am grateful to be able to take care of my family. It is my eternal calling and I am amazed at the trust the Lord has given to me.

I am grateful for the changes we are making in our home and what I feel the effect will hopefully be.

I am grateful for a new day every day to grow and change, working towards a higher goal.

I am grateful for my home, bed, and the many creature comforts which so often I take for granted.

I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me, even with all my flaws and imperfections.

I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am grateful for the DR. He is my life. Sometimes I forget that in the grind of daily living. He carries me when I can't carry myself, and I carry him when he needs extra support. The Lord knew what he was doing when He sent him into my life. He needs me. He loves me. He is my very best friend.

Family Reunions

Friend or Foe?

Love or Lothe?

Tender Mercies Tuesday

The past several years have been full of high stress, high anxiety, high expectations, high hopes, high miles, and high drama. It is amazing I didn't have high blood pressure to go with it.

Every time I listened to our church leaders there was the call to reevaluate our lives, figure out what was good, what was better, what was best. Put things in order, simplify.

A talk by Sister Julie Beck had and still has many women up in arms. I know what my guilty conscience screamed at me during that talk, and it wasn't "Sister Beck is out of her mind". One sentence stuck with me like a cockle burr. That our children should be taught so that the MTC was a refresher course- not a revelation. Bear in mind that I had put my son on a plane just a few days before to head to the MTC (CTM) in Brazil. Oh, how I had failed him.

I am not about to disagree with Sister Beck. I totally agree with her. I am just not doing it very well. Most days I am a mother who is clueless.

We have finally done something about our crazy life, however. We cut back on our activities. This has simplified our schedule and our budget. I can't tell you how long it has been since our family was home for the evening before 7:30- 8:00. Years. I dreaded the time rolling around for the bus to bring the kids home because of the craziness that ensued. We did homework in the car and at the ice rink, ate dinner on the run, very late, and seldom together with all of us. I burned the midnight oil at both ends. Well, I finally ran out of oil.

About a month ago, after a particularly rough morning with tempers and emotions and bad behavior all around, the DR and I met in the hall at church (why does Sunday bring out the best in us - (major sarcasm)). He had just sat through a severe guilt inducing lesson. We spoke briefly about feelings I had been experiencing for quite some time. He finally agreed. It will simplify our life, if not our budget. Today was day one. Peace about it. Although I joked with my sister Amerinkus that it wasn't great. I know it is the right thing for our family.

The leaders of the church are never wrong when they are speaking to us as leaders of the church- male or female. If something pricks and stings when you hear it- you might want to examine why that is- and do something about it.

The right thing is seldom the easy thing, but that doesn't make it less right. More often than not- the right thing is difficult and takes sacrifice of one kind or another.

"No success can compensate for failure in the home." David O. McKay.

The tender mercy of modern day prophets and other leaders to guide us, and point out the path we should go. Can you even imagine life without that direction?

Every Mother Knows

Just because someone does something that doesn't make you happy, doesn't mean you quit loving them.

Happy Birthday To My Sweetie!

Today is the DR's birthday. Due to scheduling conflicts, we won't be doing too much celebrating today- but we will have a awesome dinner tomorrow. Not as awesome as some dinners he has had- some years the whole family gets together for Turkey, Potatoes, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce- the works. Okay- so they think we are celebrating Thanksgiving- but what do they know?

Happy Birthday- and my advice to our children is to avoid getting married around birthdays and major holidays. It makes it kind of clumpy.

I want to know

What ever happened to 12 year old girls reading books of high moral values like Anne of Green Gables or Little House on the Prairie?

In the words of Davie Keith- "I want to know?"

Welcome Home- Elder W. B. H.

I just got off the phone with (still for a few short hours) Elder H. He is where Outpatient was nearly two months ago- exactly. I am pretty sure I won't be seeing Outpatient for the next couple of days :)

I remember vividly the day his mother showed up at my door when the boys were in fourth grade.

They have played hockey together- both here and in Canada, soccer, dances,

friends,

schools,

and missions. I am so proud of them and all that they have been through over the years.

Well done Bo!

The DR and I love you like one of our own. Thank you for your friendship and for only throwing up in my sink once.

Love,

Us.

Quick Funny

Last night, we had the missionaries over for dinner. Long story short- I was running behind, directing the troops to set tables, make salad, so on. Anyway- about 10 minutes late- total miracle that was, sat down to the table, Outpatient was asked to say the blessing in Portuguese- began to pray, and hear in the background- "we will, we will ROCK YOU,... we will, we will ROCK YOU." Oh my goodness! I had itunes on during the day, Oldest came home, turned down the volume and during the chaos of getting dinner done, I hadn't noticed it was still on!

Outpatient said a really long blessing- we got two full rounds. I was trying to decide if it was worse to get up and turn it off- or suffer through, and trying to not crack up. Amazingly the patients didn't. The DR tapped me with his foot, and it about did me in- but I barely kept it in until the blessing was completed- then several of us had a very good laugh.

Oh dear, what they must think of us :)

Tender Mercies Tuesday

First off- I am really not happy with myself, I had a couple of things I really wanted to share from this week that I can't remember- I don't like that.

Second-
If the hotel situation wasn't a tender mercy, I don't know what one is.

I am so grateful at this time of year for the return of my mom's health. My visiting teachers came today and were so sweet to remember to ask how she was doing. She will never be the same, but she is doing really good- all things considered. Now we just need to pray Miss Elle through her next surgery and treatment steps.

I am grateful that the outpatient is moving on with life, getting things in order to start school in a little less than 2 months. I am also happy that his best friend since they were 9 is almost home from serving his mission also in Brazil- Two Days! So excited for him and his family and my patient.

I am grateful for the giggles I get every time the Oldest patient's voice squeaks :) !!!! It is so funny! He has this deep manly voice at 12- and then he doesn't- hehehehe. Hey- sometimes you have to really look for the joys of teenage boys.

I am grateful the Middle already recognizes how she wants boys to treat her. She has a little bit of a crush on someone- and she described it to the Outpatient as - 'you know how when a boy likes you he can be obnoxious or teases you? Well- he doesn't do that." May she NEVER settle for anything less than the best as her biggest brother and her father have shown her by their example.

I am grateful for Youngest's outgoing , friendly personality which is so very foreign to mine. She gets it from her daddy. She has written her daddy and I several sweet letters of love and appreciation this week on the computer. Nothing is sweeter than unexpected professions of love from your child.

I hope I remember the mercies I wanted to share- if I do, I will have to add another post.

Weekend Wrap up- Anniversary Edition

Friday night, Oldest and Middle's team beat PC 8-2, then Saturday morning, they won 9-0, so good start to the weekend. We had friends join the DR to watch BYU play and they had great snacks (you're welcome)-



Now- I have to back up a bit. One of the DR's clients is a hotel owner- well he actually owns a lot of hotels. They just opened a new extended stay one here- actually in a neighboring town (ha ha- those of you who know where small town is- are laughing at this- but it is a separate "city"). He approached the DR at the grand opening, and presented him a key to their suite. The DR- said thank you, there is just no way we could use it tonight (it was a school night). He deferred until this weekend. Now I have to admit to some snobbery here. I was so thrilled to drive across town, to this not the higher quality hotel, rather then sleep in my own fabulous bed, but you know, he is a good client, and we didn't want to hurt his feelings.



So, we made arrangements for a substitute nurse and dog sitter (outpatient was gone out of town- more on that later). The DR and I went to see a new store that opened up here. It was okay. Then we went to a store to buy some treats- he confessed to having my chocolate craving covered- but we got guarana, ice cream, and cheese and crackers. We then went to the room, deciding to drop off the goodies and then continue on further down the road for dinner at the next small town (friend owns a truck stop with a famous sandwich shop in it)- crazy funny I know.



We walked into the hotel room to a wonderful surprise. I didn't bring my camera- not expecting anything picture worthy. I did get one with my phone- so I will try to post it later. Anyway- huge room with a Jacuzzi tube in the corner, but on the table was a big surprise for both of us. A dozen red roses, sparkling grape juice on ice with two champagne flutes, an anniversary card, and two white bead necklaces. The client is from India- but I couldn't find anything on line about the significance of the necklaces. But- seriously- HOW NICE WAS THAT?



We went out to get dinner- and we ended up getting fountain drinks (diet coke with two squirts of lime- oh yeah!), and As we were driving back to the hotel, I started laughing at what we had done- we bought guarana- a Brazilian pop for those who don't remember-and had been given the sparkling grape juice, and now we both had big drinks of pop. Apparently we both planned on being up all night going to the bathroom.



We watched football and Nannie McPhie, followed by the newer Shaggy DA (me- the DR fell asleep)- I will report the tub was heavenly and I want one in my own house! Don't have anywhere to put one- but the jets on my back were fab! I giggled most of the night at this rather unusual anniversary. We talked about past anniversaries, and were pleased that TCU spanked the Utes-, and despite our misgivings (the DR thought we would give up trying to sleep on the somewhat hard bed and head for home after about three hours) we both slept well until I woke at 7- darn daily schedule.



So- for our personal service- I rate that hotel FIVE STARS- but I don't think you would get quite the same treatment :) And I didn't have to wake up every couple of hours to visit the ladies room. Miracle!



Now- the Outpatient spent the last several days out of town, for business, school, and a date (well two, actually). Every thing went very well, from all reports. And he came home today- wearing glasses? I do not get this new fashion trend and neither does Oldest who is dying to get contacts. I guess it goes back to the "grass is always greener on the other side- if you have naturally curly hair- you want straight- and so on" Whatever!?!



Maybe I will get some brown contacts so I can hide my blue eyes. Nah.

Happy Anniversary

Dear DR-

Another year has flown past. Last year we spent a wonderful time in Hawaii. This year we spent it at the rink and you watched BYU football. (good thing they won). I have to say thank you for even remembering at 6:15 this morning as you left for the rink to coach Oldest and Middle to a blow out win. This is one of the many things I love about you. You don't forget. You usually even have a plan way in advance unless the patients' lives interrupt. I have to say I am not always a fan of sharing time with BYU football, but at least this year you didn't travel to the game.

A blog I sometimes check in on has in the recent past been having a hottest husband contest. Quite a few people were not too happy about it. I think I know why. We are not as young as we used to be. Life has brought you a new color of hair, but at least you still have a lot of it. We are not as trim as we used to be either. But you still make my heart flutter, for all the right and best reasons.

Here are just a few of the things that make you the winner- hands down.
You - as mentioned before- never forget a special day. This is saying a lot after 23 years.
You are a great dad- with over 21 years experience on the job.
You gut pumpkins and fry bacon.
You try to do things with the patients as often as you can.
You have only missed a couple of birthday parties- ever.
You are always willing to help out my parents in anyway. Both physically and in any other way you can. From setting up receptions, to carrying my dad.
You are a very hard worker- and dedicated employee. Not many will ever know just how much.
You don't get mad at me when you have every right to because I have done something really stupid.
You are an amazing friend. You try to serve and help so many others, and you have a great gift of knowing how to make people feel needed and important.
You set a great example to our children and your siblings of how to be a great sibling. You are very popular as a brother and an uncle.
You try hard to fulfil your calling. You will be so sad to be released- you already dread it and you have about a year left most likely.
You have done so much to serve in this community, with hockey, and the cancer society, soccer. Hours and hours. I sometime get cranky when other people complain about how busy they are.
You are a great son, and honor your parents. I know you will do absolutely anything you can for them.
I think it is funny/sweet that you call Outpatient way more than I do.

I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father set things in motion for us to meet in that fateful way- Valentine's Day- 1986. The past 8 years have been rather rough, but we are getting through it, and I can say with all honesty- I wouldn't have wanted to travel this path with anyone else.

I am sorry for all the hard things that have been avoidable. I know we can and will do better.

They say in a famous movie- "Love means never having to say you're sorry". That isn't true, really, unless it means that you don't HAVE to say sorry, because forgiveness is automatic, but I think it should be said, and meant.

That, and saying I love you. Do you remember that was the most repeated advice of our sealer? I think he knew what he was talking about.

I doubt you will read this- because you don't read my blog, but someday- there will be four other children very blessed to have you as a father in law.

Thank you for becoming my best friend, asking me to trust you with the rest of my life, having me sealed to you for time and all eternity, loving me through thick and thin, ups and downs.

Love,
Me.

Think About It - Tattling

Parental Tattling- that is. I was talking with my sister about our children and their tattling compulsion, but tonight I was thinking about parental tattling.

About 7 or 8 years ago, I was headed out to our car with my two preschoolers, and I saw at the top of the curve of our neighborhood, a car was coming and coming quickly. I stopped the patients, and went out literally into the street to motion to the driver to slow down- she didn't- she sped up, and squealed her tires as she barrelled around the corner towards the stop sign and exit of our little horseshoe shaped circle. There are four houses from the top of the circle to our exit corner. It is not a long street. About the exact size of a track. If you walk around our circle 5 times- it makes a mile. I should also mention that our neighborhood has a posted speed limit of 15 MPH.

I got exactly three letters of her license plate. It was so fast I wasn't even sure the model of car. I was NOT a happy person. Outpatient happened to be out in the yard mowing the lawn. He also happened to think he knew pretty well who was driving the car. I had to track their number down because they are unlisted. It took me over an hour, but I finally spoke to the mother of the suspect, and since the mother was familiar with our neighborhood- she was not happy with her daughter. How she felt about me, I don't know- nor do I really care. Our neighborhood was full of toddler and preschool age kids at that time.

I took the opportunity to inform the Outpatient that if I ever got a phone call like that he would be soooo busted. I did get a call- although it wasn't even remotely as bad of a situation. And I took into consideration who called me. He was grounded for a week from driving.

So, my question is this. How do you feel about parental tattling? Do you think you should tell parents of your kid's friends when you know stuff that you would want to know if the roles were reversed?

I am the type that I want to know. If you see my patients misbehaving, I want to know. How can I teach them if I don't know what they are up to? I have known of friends who were drinking or doing drugs. I didn't tell. Should I have? In the car-driving demon incident, my tiny kids were involved. With the friends, I second guessed myself a million times. I hope I chose right.

There is an incident that has happened recently. I again hope I made the right choice.

I know that I would want to know if it was my patient, but so many parents I know would not be appreciative.

I also hope I never have to try to answer this- "You knew and you never told me?" Ouch.

What do you think?

Good Things Small Town

I just took Middle over to play at a friend's house. I was reminded about one of the things I love about Small Town that other people may find weird- I drove past a real working windmill pump that someone uses to water their hayfield. It stood tall in the yellow-gold of the dry field. Someone should take a picture :). It will be dark by the time I go back- but maybe I will do that tomorrow.

We live in a mostly down-to-earth area, because most people here depend on the earth for their livelihood in one way or another. We are surrounded by rugged mountains, nestled into a valley that has come to feel good driving up over the final hilltop and seeing it stretch across. After 13 years, it is home.

I like knowing my patients' teachers and seeing them around town. I didn't always like that part about my doctor, however I have come to really appreciate that aspect as well. We are big enough that not everybody knows your business, but enough do to keep ya honest :). When crimes occur here, there is still a shock factor. That is a good thing. We are not naive, but we are not jaded either. I know many of the people who run for various offices politically, and those I don't, it doesn't take much time to find out all about their Aunt Bessie's sweet potato pie- if you know what I mean.

Middle participated in a Veteran's Day program. They had the veterans stand as the various songs of the military branches were sung. Much applause. In the past, Grandpa L has been there, to stand and be recognized. I missed that today. Small Town is proud of our service men and women.

There are things I don't care for, but the longer I live here, and the more trips I make out to the place where I grew up, and feel the difference in the atmosphere, the more I am content to nurse my patients here in Small Town. It is a good place.

Tender Mercies Tuesday - Sisters

I am having a hard time blogging lately. My mom is no longer on her sickbed, Outpatient is no longer in Brazil and doesn't need updates on what we are up to, because he knows. I have lots of "think about it" thoughts and topics but I better not post most of them.

This past weekend was great to spend time with my sister and her family. My sister and I shared a room and a bed for years. I am nine years older than her, and what my dad always told us has happened. Our siblings would be our friends when we are adults. I love holding her baby; watching Miss Ava wreck havoc, safe in the knowledge that I am ultimately not responsible for her; watching our oldest daughters grow together as if right before our eyes. Both of them are athletic, but mine is more into hair and fashion, hers is jeans and t-shirt, brush through the hair is more than sufficient. It will be interesting to see where they go in life. They are three months apart to the day. We have another set that are close in age too, Youngest is six months younger than her only son- they really don't do much together, Youngest is more into playing with the little girls.

I am truly grateful for my sisters- and sis in laws. There is a bond among females that can be a truly great thing. We share so many experiences that are unique to womanhood. I hope that my own patients eventually figure out how to be best friends with each other. Right now it feels more like a war zone most days and they aren't even teenagers yet (heaven help me).

My oldest sister- Favorite Aunt, and real live nurse- is the one person who literally grew up with me. We are two years apart, and were raised the same. By the time my brother was born five years later, many of the rules we were raised by, were changed. She alone knows my childhood, she was there.

My next sister was my roommate for nearly 9 years. We didn't get along fabulously all the time. She and her little friends got into my stuff, made messes, and she twirled my hair into hers during her sleep, but I put a tape line on the floor, kicked her if she crossed over to my side of the bed, and bossed her around. But, she was my baby for a while, and I am glad to call her a friend now.

My baby sister was just that. My baby. As a nearly 16-year-old when she was born, I loved to mother her. I took her to school with me when my parents were in England, I had her cheer with me, I taught her to walk, and she said my name as her first word. She has been my Outpatient's great friend, and sort of sibling when he didn't have one. She is a mommy herself now.

My sis-in-laws all have a special place in my life as well. I have a few of them :) 10 to be exact. Some are older and some are younger. All provide great examples of friendship, motherhood, sisterhood, and wife-hood (better word?)

I don't think it is by chance that we refer to women in the church as our sisters. That is ultimately the relationship our Father in Heaven wants for us to have with them as well.

Dear Heavenly Father;
Thank you for the women in my life.
For their examples and friendship.
For their love and support.
For the laughs and the tears, for without them,
Life would be very flat indeed.

Love,
Me

Weekend Wrap-up

Friday the female inmates headed to Cougar town so the girlie patients could participate in birthday celebrations for their cousins. We didn't leave as soon as we would have liked, but we were only about 15 minutes late. I of course took immediate claim on Elle,

and tried to keep an eye on Miss Ava Grace- easier said than done. Party one was completed successfully. Sis Amy geared up for round 2 on Saturday. For Saturday's party, I took Miss Ava out of the picture entirely and Grandma took care of Elle, while the older girls helped with the party. Miss Ava and I ran several errands, she fell asleep immediately upon getting in the car. I got to shop while carrying a sleeping pre-schooler- which I have not had to do for quite a few years now. Good thing she is a bit of a light weight- I couldn't have done it with the Youngest at the same age.

We went to the bread store (she slept), Costco (she wanted every single sample), McDonald's (so she could have her own little pony),my sis-in-law's (she stayed in the car to eat), and finally Target, where she proceeded to chew on a chicken nugget for eternity until I finally made her spit it out in the trash. She is a pretty good shopper, all things considered.

She looks so innocent doesn't she?

Saturday evening, Middle and I took T shopping. She is a very different kind of shopper than either Middle or Ava Grace. We walked the entire mall three laps. We bought a hat (T), three pairs of earrings (T and Middle), two pair of jeans (DR), and hair pretties (Middle and Youngest), which almost got thrown away on accident.

We had a clean the house party, then kids in pjs, and family prayer right after my BIL's return. I could tell tales on my BIL- but I won't this time. Just know that when my sister's kids are all grown up, any lapse they may have in prayer etiquette, they can blame their dad.

Saturday also meant a hockey trip for the male inmates. The games were very successful- it was the same team we played a couple of weeks ago that ended in two ties, but this time the games were 4-1 and 2-1 in our favor. The boys had a great time.

Sunday morning, the female inmates returned to the looney bin, the male inmates attended Stake Conference. When I got home and realized the hair pretties were missing, I called my sis. While we were talking, Sis came up with an awesome parenting idea. We are going to come up with a whole bunch of chores that need doing- window washing, baseboard washing, drawer and cupboard cleanout- and so on. We thought it would be a great thing to help cut down on tattling, whining, mom annoying behaviors of all sorts. If someone tattles, they get to draw a job out of the "think jar", if they gripe, they can draw another. It is worth a try at any length. Sounded brilliant to me. The "think" comes from giving them the chance to think since they didn't do that the first time. I am off to start my job jar.

It WAS my birthday- and I'll party if I want to

Yesterday was my birthday. Thanks to those of you who outed me:)! My girlies made me breakfast - sort of in bed- I got up. They had wrapped gifts and had them ready for days! They are quite creative wrappers.

Youngest gave me a butterfly pin, and two jewels, presented in a pink easter egg, taped shut and placed in a doll clothes box, then wrapped by Peanut Butter the blanket, with lovely details of the poofy slips to her dolls' dress up clothes.

Middle gave me a polished stone necklace she made in art class, and a bracelet she bought this summer at the family reunion. They were wrapped in a tissue paper decoupaged glass box wrapped in saran wrap, and a canning jar with a ribbon around, and a sparkly flower that fell off of my flipflops.

Oldest didn't remember it was my birthday. Even after the DR mentioned the date several times. He is a boy and 12.

Grandma Bunnie called as I was opening her gift. Surprise- my very own cookie jar so I won't covet my sister's, plus adorable but impractical(soooo my mom) measuring spoons.


My MIL and FIL called to sing to me- good thing couple missionaries have lax rules :) My hands were busy braiding hair at the time so it was speaker phone in the bathroom.

Outpatient gave me way too much in gift certificates to itunes-

Everybody headed off to their various destinations, I sat down to lots of facebook well wishes and work for the second frustrating day in a row. Finally threw up my hands and went to soak in the tub, and get ready for a lunch date with the DR. I even got to have my lunch made by the Outpatient because he was working :). Luckily I barely remembered that the Oldest had an ortho appt, ran an errand for the Outpatient, went to the bank where the teller wished me happy birthday? I don't know who it was, couldn't see her. Anywho- back home, then fun neighbor/friend gifts, a call from my baby sis and her monkey who sang to me and sent a cute ecard. And another card emailed from the Artist's family I tried to save the whole card but it wouldn't work. This is a painting by the Artist an you can see more of his work here:

http://www.artbyalexander.com/Art_by_Alexander/Gallery/Gallery.html

The DR and PB&J took us to dinner, and BIG surprise- the DR found a way to order me an Ice Cream birthday cake! With Yellow(on purpose) Roses! Nothing says I love you more than remembering the little things :)

Now- my kids were annoyed with me because I skipped out of the restaurant before they could slap a sombrero on my head and sing (I had a really good excuse- I hate it when I get put in the center of attention, oh, and I had to pick up Youngest from Activity Day- yep- that's it)

We brought the cake home to eat- and eventually everybody except me and Outpatient went off to dreamland. Just like old times.


Seriously- thanks so much for all the calls, comments, wall comments, and emails, as well as the gifts- I had a good day.

Now That's Thinking

My dishwasher has been spilling its guts out all over my floor for the past month or so- (conveniently after the Outpatient's homecoming). Today, my new one should be arriving. ( I live in Small Town, seems like whatever I want is not the one they have in stock- ever.)

Anyway, my BIL- PB&J, stopped by to help with the removal of the old beast. Upon the removal from the space provided for said appliance, we discovered where the instruction manual had been kept for the past 12 years. Behind the dishwasher.

No wonder I never lost it. The plumber kept it safe for me all these years.

Good thinking.

Public Service Announcement- Shih Tzu Warning

As you may notice- Sophie, who is adorable enough now, was beyond darling as a puppy.

Never ever go see shih tzu puppies unless you fully intend to bring one home.

Because you will.

You have been warned.

November Celebrations

November is a tad busier month-

Happy Birthday/ Anniversary!

Talia (My special Birthday Buddy Twin)
Kate
Grandpa (Dad In Law)
Lunchlady
The DR and Head Nurse (23 years)
Michelle
Lori
The DR
Tiffany
Adam and Liz
Sam
Christopher

I hope I didn't miss anyone :(

Tender Mercies Tuesday -at my fingertips

Happy Halloween- the syrup

Youngest- barely stood still long enough for a photo opp- she didn't even show her "wings"
Middle only stuck around for a quick photo too, then off to her friend's house.Oldest didn't even stop- so what he wore was this costume from 2 years ago- only this time, it barely fit.
Outpatient is the yodeler on the left- I had to steal this pic off facebook