This weekend was Patrick's birthday. On his birthday Missy and I do what comes natural to us. We shop. Every year since Patrick died Missy and I start our Christmas shopping on Patrick's birthday. We found out that nothing helps grief like spending money. I don't know what was different about this year but we had so much fun. We started out shopping with Erin and had a wonderful lunch with her and then Missy and I headed off on our own. I couldn't have asked for a better day. Thank you Missy and Erin.

During our lives we have many friends come and go from our lives. This was especially true of me growing up in the military. Since we moved every two or three years, I have had many friends come and go. Some good and some bad. Some that have left me hurt and some that have showed me what true friendship means. I feel that I have learned from both and am a much better person for the good ones that I have know. I have known my best friend for over 30 years now. We have been through so much together and our friendship is stronger because of it.

This past week our family had the very pleasant surprise of having an old friend come back into our lives. How fortunate we are when something like this happens. I have not been in touch with her yet but the kids have. It is always nice to see or hear about a good friend and to see that their life has turned out well and that they are happy.

Now it is time to prepare for Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for this year. New friends, old friends, our wonderful family and all of God's bountiful gifts. We are truly blessed.

I love these quiet Sunday mornings. I am sitting here at my kitchen table enjoying a beautiful morning. I am savoring a delicious cup of coffee. There is a nice fat bird sitting on the pile of brush in the back yard. The dog is laying next to me on alert in case I decide to move. The yard was mowed on Friday afternoon so it nice and freshly mowed.

I need to check with Terry about painting the shed in the back. It will be nice when it matches the new paint on the house. It's looking a little weather beaten right now.

I'm listening to oldies on the music channel and that is making me a little nostalgic. I have sat in this spot for over 30 years looking at this same view. The trees are bigger and the swing set and toys are gone but it's still the same view. I love the view from my kitchen table. It is comforting. I love it when it rains, when the wind is blowing the trees or when the sun is shining brightly down. Today it is a little over cast so it gives the feeling of fall approaching but the trees are still holding onto their leaves. Soon they will be bare but the view will still be comforting. I have watched many season and years pass while I enjoyed the view from my kitchen table and I cherish each and every one. I pray that I will be sitting here watching many more seasons come and go in the years to come.

But enough for now, for the morning is slipping away. I have finished my coffee and it is time to leave the kitchen table and start the day. Time to get dressed and get the kids so we can do our errands and grocery shopping. It is time to get ready for the week that is ahead. It is comforting that my spot will be waiting for me tomorrow morning when I am ready to start another day.

Today is the anniversary of Patrick's death. It's hard to believe that ten years has passed since he died.

I have heard it said that acknowledging the day he died is like celebrating his death. That could not be farther than the truth. How could I celebrate the loss of someone that I loved so much? Someone who was a part of me? I am not celebrating his death...I am celebrating his life. I am celebrating our life together and our wonderful family. I am celebrating the fact that he lives on through his beautiful granddaughter.

Of course I am sad. I miss the future that we had planned that will never be. I miss his loving touch and his wonderful laugh. But I did not die that day. I still have a wonderful life ahead of me and I plan to enjoy every minute of it. It would be an insult to Patrick and our love for me to stop living my life to the fullest. If his death has done anything, it has taught us to not take this day and this life for granted. To cherish every minute we get and to enjoy it to the fullest.

That is what Missy and I have planned for today. We are going to enjoy the day. First we are taking off early from work. That in itself is a special treat. Then we are going to give blood. Missy decided the best way to celebrate life is to give life and I couldn't agree more. Then we will grab a wonderful little girl and take her to the lake to visit her grandfather.

So today we will remember Patrick. His love and his life. We will cherish our wonderful memories of him. We will celebrate life.

The summer will be officially over this Sunday. That means that fall is almost here. I can hardly wait. I love the fall. I love the colors and the crispness in the air. The fall is the only time I miss being up north. I love the changing of the leaves.

This has been a busy summer for me. So many changes. I have been so fortunate in all my endeavors. Everything I had wanted to do was accomplished.

First of all, in spite of all the rain, I got the new siding on my house. I was so fortunate to have Southwest Exteriors do my siding. They were so nice and easy to work with. And contrary to all the horror stories I had heard, they came in exactly on budget. Everyone was great. I highly recommend them.

Then it was time to take the plunge and add a car payment to my monthly expenses. So the kids and I headed out to Classic Toyota in Round Rock, Texas. I got the most beautiful 2008 Toyota Corolla CE. It's gray with beige interior. She doesn't have a lot of added features but she is exactly what I wanted. She is so much fun to drive. Plus the gas mileage is great.

The last thing on my to do list was a new mattress. You would not believe how badly I needed that. First we all headed to Mattress Firm. When I walked in the salesman asked what kind of a bed I had. I told him I had an adjustable bed but wanted to get a regular mattress this time for my bedroom suite. After finding a mattress, we made arrangements for delivery. I double checked that they would pick up my old bed and everything was set. Unfortunately, when the drivers arrived I was informed that they do not take adjustable beds. After much time on hold trying to talk to the warehouse, I was informed that they would not take my old bed. The thing that made me the maddest is that the salesman lied and said he didn't know I had an adjustable bed to be picked up. At that time I cancelled the order and had them take the new mattress away. The company has since been very good about refunding my money. I am very grateful to them for that but cannot honestly recommend them to any of my friends.

I called Missy & Terry and, being the wonderful kids they are, they dropped everything and came over and took me to another mattress store that evening. We went to Mattress Pro and found not only a better mattress but it was cheaper too. The salesperson was fabulous and made arrangement for the mattress to be delivered the next day. I have to tell you that everyone was so nice and there was no problem taking away the old bed. I cannot tell you how wonderful that new mattress is. The only problem is that the bed is a little high. Nothing that a good foot stool won't help. ;-)

So here I am. Totally broke and will be making payments for the rest of my life. But I'm happy. I got everything done that I had planned this summer and met some wonderful, professional and really nice people in the process. I got to spend lots of time with my family and some special times with Serif. All in all I'd say it was a good summer. Now I guess we'll have to see what the fall brings us.

My goodness I have no idea where the summer has gone. For us in Texas it has definitely been a summer of rain and now lots of heat. I can't believe that school starts next week.

The good news is that the house is finished. I got the siding installed and painted, the pest people have come and, as of Saturday, the garage door opener is installed and I'm using the garage for my car. That is so awesome. I still have a few things on the list to finish. I need to paint the shed out back to match the house and to do some landscaping. That will all happen in time. Right now it's too hot to do much outside. I am excited because my best friend is going to help with the landscaping. She's working on finding easy to care for shrubs for me. It may take a while but it will all get finished.

I want to take this time to thank everyone who has helped me this summer to get all these projects done. Thank you Erin and Terry for your help with the trees. Thank you Terry, James and Tom for the help with the garage door opener. That was a double thank you to Terry because he has been there whenever I need him. He's the best son-in-law I could ask for. I also want to thank Missy and Serif for always being there helping and giving us moral support. I am blessed with wonderful friends and family. I couldn't have done it without all of you.

Thank heavens all my weekends are not like this one. I am really dragging this morning. It was a very full weekend.

The wedding was lovely. The rain made them move the ceremony inside but everything went smoothly and they are now married. The reception was great. Serif had such a wonderful time. She was continually moving. What was unbelieveable is that except for a 30 minute nap that little girl was going until she finally collapsed around 9:00 in the evening. Sure wish I had half her energy. Here is proof that she even got me out on the dance floor. Trust me, only she could do that.

Then Sunday after the grocery store, wonderful Erin showed up with her 20' pole with a chain saw at the end and all the other necessary tree trimming equipment. With Terry on the roof and me holding the rope, we were able to get all the trees trimmed that were hanging on the roof. Then Missy, Terry, Erin and I all had to drag all the limbs and branches to a pile in the back. Even Serif helped out like a big girl. But it was hot out there and boy were we dragging when we finished. All that and it only cost me a Mexcian dinner. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have such wonderful friends and children that I can always count on. It meant so much to me for them to jump right in and help me when I need them. Thank you Erin. You are fantastic. Thank you Missy, Terry and Serif for your hard work. Thank you all so much.

Now I'm looking for an electrician. The more I do on the house, the more stuff that needs to get done.

More later...

It's hard to believe that another year has gone by. They go by faster and faster as I get older. Sometimes I just want to hold my hand up and say slow down a little. I want to cherish all of this just a little longer.

Last night I got to visit with my oldest friend. Growing up in the military meant that we moved around a lot. I made lots of friends through the years but lost track of them just as quickly.

Nancy came into my life when I was newly married and just starting a new life. Her husband was Patrick's best friend from the time they were in kindergarten together. Nancy breezed into my life and we were friends from the first time we met. That was in 1973. She is one of those friends that even if you don't talk to her for a couple of months, when you hear her voice you just just pick up where you left off. We have gone through a lot together. We have raised our children, mourned the death of both of our husbands and shared the ups and downs of life together. These days we share the joy of grandchildren.

Last night Missy, Serif and I got to visit with Nancy at her house. Also present was Nancy's granddaughter. Layla is only 3 weeks older than Serif. It was so much fun to watch those two little girls get to know each other and play together. It took a little while but soon they were great friends running through the house screaming and laughing. We also got to visit with Nancy's youngest son and his wife.

Nancy and I talk on the phone almost every week but I have not seen her for two years. How fast the time has gone by. I could not believe it had been so long but when I saw her beautiful face and gave her that big hug, all that time evaporated and we were right where had been the last time we sat across from each other talking.

We are both so blessed. We have both had the love and devotion of a wonderful man. We have watched our children grow into adults that we are proud of. And now we have the great fortune of enjoying our wonderful grandchildren and to be able to be a part of their lives. All of that and a wonderful friend to share it with. What more can you ask out of life?

More later.

My two girls were beautiful for the birthday party on Saturday. What a fun time we all had.

It was outside and we were lucky enough to have a great breeze. The weather has been in the mid 90's and it's been very hot. You sure wouldn't have known it with five little 2 year olds running all over the place. Plus they loved the tub of melted ice. It was a great way for them to cool off. Those kids had so much fun. Missy and Terry did a great job.

After the party Missy, Terry and Serif went with some friends over to the play ground and played over there some. I can't believe that little girl was still going.

Of course this is what happened after the party. That was one worn out baby. So was her Grammy G. Even I had to go home and take a little nap.

After our naps, I went over to the kid's house and Uncle Tom and Tanta came over. We all went out to dinner and then came back to play wii. That is so much fun. Good think I took a nap because we ended up playing until after 1:00 in the morning. That is very unusual for me. I had so much fun. I really enjoy that wii of theirs. I got to play both Friday and Saturday nights. I'm terrible at it but I have fun. Hopefully one of these days I will get good enough to be able to be more competition for Terry. Right now I'm not even close to his abilities. Luckily he's patient with me and my sad attempts at the games.

Sunday was the usual running around day. All of us were dragging. We did go over to Petsmart and I got to play with a couple of little kittens there. There was one that I just fell in love with. I'm so glad I had Terry to talk some sense into me. I almost bought it as a playmate for Bosco. Not sure how much Bosco would have appreciated that. But boy that kitten pulled at my heart strings.

So now we start another week. Missy and Terry are coming over to help me take more garage stuff to the curb tonight. I still haven't heard when they are going to start on my house but I have my fingers crossed that it will be soon.

Guess I'd better be good and get a little work done today. More later...

Serif is 2 years old today! What a joyous day. I cannot believe that we have had 2 wonderful years with this little girl. She has brought so much joy and happiness into our lives. We have watched her grow and change from a tiny baby into a really neat little girl.

I had always heard about the joy of having a grandchild. I knew that it would be different from having my own children but I had no idea the love and joy I would feel with this little girl. I cherish every minute I have with her.

Thank you Missy and Terry for letting me be such a big part of this little girl's life. It has meant the world to me.

Things are a little slow here at the office so I thought it would be a perfect time to let everyone know what has happened the last couple of weeks.

I had a very busy Memorial Day weekend. It was all good but it was busy. I got to take care of my sweet grandbaby on Saturday night. We had so much fun. We got to play and snuggle which always makes for a great time.

Missy, Terry, Tom and Patti came over on Sunday along with their friend James to help clean out the garage. Since the garage is going to converted back into a garage, we had to get everything out of there before they start work. There might be a day from the time the garage is opened before the garage door is installed and I need to make sure that everything is cleared out. We had not gone through anything since Patrick died. It was just a place to shove things. We also had the boxes from when my father died. It was an emotional time but I think it was good for us. It will definitely make cleaning out the rooms in the house easier.

There was quite a pile of boxes and stuff at the curb for the garbage people to pick up. I'm sure they appreciated the fact that everything got rained on both Sunday and Monday nights. Garbage pick up is on Tuesday. The sad thing is that I still have lots more to put out for them. It's going to take me weeks to get everything picked up. The kids worked very hard and we got a lot done. I'm not totally finished but I think I can handle it from here. Missy and Terry will come over next Monday night and help me take out more stuff to the curb.

The fun part was that we took our time and visited a lot during all of this. Serif got to play in the box with all the peanuts. She had a ball. Of course there were peanuts all over my house but that's the way it goes. Terry brought in pizza and when it was all over James went out and got us all beer to celebrate our hard work. I definitely could not have done it without everyone's help. A big thank you to everyone.

Monday was our grocery day. I was so tired that all I did was the grocery store and then relaxed for the rest of the day. I knew that it was going to be busy at work that week and wanted a little time to enjoy the long weekend.

I had planned to use last Saturday to get some of my housework done. The house was still a mess from all our work in the garage. I ran some errands in the morning and noticed when I got home that the house was unusually hot. When I check I discovered the my air conditioner was not working. That meant calling the repairman and waiting. Of course, it was too hot to do anything so no house cleaning got done. I have to admit that it doesn't take much for me not to clean. Definitely not one of my favorite things to do.

Anyway, the repairman came and it turns out I need a whole new outside unit. Just what I had not budgeted for. He was able to get it running and we kept our figures crossed that it would last the weekend. So I got to take Monday afternoon off so they could install my new air conditioning unit outside. The good news is that it seems to work great. Not planned but I am very thankful that I had the money to get it when I needed it.

I called the siding people but the rain has put them behind and I have no idea when they will start on the house. I hope it won't be too long. I'm really excited about getting it all done.

Sunday was spent running around and getting things for Serif's second birthday party. I can't believe she is going to be 2 years old tomorrow. Her party is on Saturday.

I do feel bad because in all the excitement of getting ready for Serif's party, we forgot all about the sewing party for Nova's wedding. I am so sorry. It totally slipped our minds. Please forgive us.

More later...

Today is an exciting day for me. This afternoon I am going to sign the papers for my home improvement loan. This is so exciting because I will be able to start the improvements that my house so desperately needs. After living there for 30 years it can definitely use a face lift.

I am getting new siding. I finally felt secure enough to call the man and tell them to go ahead and schedule the work. I don't know when the work will begin but at least I'm on the schedule. It's called Hardiplank and I think it's going to be perfect. I don't know what colors we will be painting it. That will come later. We will also be converting my garage back into a garage. We had the garage closed in for my husband's business. Now I will be able to park my car in the garage. Of course that also means that the kids and I need to get going and get the garage cleaned out. Maybe over Memorial Day????

I also get to take my box back to Time Warner and get a new one. Apparently the big storm that came through the other day took out my telephone. If it's not the box then they will have to come out and try to figure out what's going on. Keep your fingers crossed that it's the box.

Missy is going with me to sign the papers. It will be nice to have the company since I have to go downtown. I hate going downtown and this way she will drive. Thank you Missy.

I really didn't have anything else planned for this weekend but it turns out the I will be in charge of flowers this Sunday. The person scheduled could not do it Sunday so we switched. It is an honor to be able to take flowers to people who are ill and can't make it to church. It is nice to be able to help them feel a party of the church community. I only have to do it twice year so it really isn't a burden.

Guess that's all the news for now. I better get back to work since I'm taking off at noon.

More later...

Another Mother's Day is over. I had such a wonderful weekend. I am really am lucky to have the children I have.

First of all on Friday night I got to enjoy my sweet grandbaby for the night. Missy and Terry were doing a 5K on Saturday morning so it was easier for her to stay the night. We had so much fun running around and playing. She loves going outside. I have a big yard and she has discovered that she can run all over it. We also got to blow bubbles. She likes that and can blow them all by herself. She is getting so big.

Then Sunday morning I got up bright and early to join Erin and Missy at the Daisy 5K. I didn't walk it but I was there to support the girls. Even though I didn't walk they still gave me a daisy at the finish line.

The rest of the day was spent laying around and visiting until everyone showed up to celebrate Mother's Day. We ate and played on the wii. As usual I got beat. I'm not good with those games even though I enjoy playing them.

Tom and Patti came over after spending time with her mother. They brought me the most beautiful flowers. It was a big pot with 3 or 4 different kinds of flowers planted in it. They couldn't have found a more perfect gift. I put it by my front door and it looks great. It made me smile when I left for work this morning.

Allergies have been really bothering me lately. They started yesterday with constant sneezing and my nose starting to run. Today I'm all stuffed up on one side and have a sore throat from the drainage. I hope a nice quiet evening at home will help me get over this. I definitely don't have time to get sick.

I had such a wonderful and busy weekend that I never had a chance to go to the grocery store. I am out of everything so that means I have to go grocery shopping on the way home. Hopefully it will be a fast trip.

Guess that's all the excitement for now. More later...

Things have been so busy at work that I haven't had a chance to say anything about my wonderful weekend.

Here is what I discovered that you get with a 22 month old

• Lots of hugs



• Lots of kisses



• Lots of giggles



• Lots of energy



• A few tantrums



• Lots of snuggles during the night



• Lots of chatter



• Lots of toe and tummy kisses



• Lots and lots of love

It was a wonderful weekend. I am so greatful for the time I got to spend with her. She is so much fun. We spent lots of time in the yard. She would ride her bug scooter all over the place. We blew bubbles, we talked and she ran all over the place. But for all the fun we had she was so happy to see her mommy and daddy when they got there. I have to admit that house was really quiet after she left. Bosco was one tired puppy. He's not used to trying to keep up with a little girl with lots of energy.

More later...

(Thank you to Artsy Etc. for the above photo..She has offered it to anyone who would like to display it on there blog)

This is my sweet grandbaby at Easter. She is getting so big. I think she had a good Easter.

I have to admit that I'm glad that the Easter candy is almost gone. It has definitely not helped with my diet.

At least the weather is back to normal. It's been beautiful here the last few days. That put me on the quest for summer shoes. My company has a dress code so they frown on flip flops and too casual of sandals. I keep looking but can't seem to find anything.

Guess I'd better get back to work.

More later...

Here I am snug at home reviewing the wonderful Easter I have had.

I am so blessed with my wonderful children. They are fun people that I would enjoy being with even if we weren't related. I am so proud of the way they have turned out. I am also fortunate that they have married wonderful people who make them very happy.

Easter was a full house for Missy. Just the way she likes it. Serif got to have her first Easter egg hunt. Last year she was too little but this year it didn't take long for her to catch on. She walked away with a nice basket full of eggs. The Easter bunny even brought me a dark chocolate bunny. I'm going to so enjoy him. I don't see the ears lasting past tomorrow night.

The day was very relaxing and the food was delicious. Terry grilled fajita meat and everyone else brought things to eat. We all ate way too much.

I started that last night but never got around to finishing it. So here it goes.

I have to say that the whole weekend was perfect. Missy and I got to spend the day together on Friday. It was a total girls day out. We got our hair cut, did a little shopping, had a great lunch and then got the grocery shopping done. It was a wonderful way to start the weekend off.

Then I got to babysit while the kids went out. Serif and I had so much fun. We played with lots of stickers. She likes to get stickers and then peel them off. She knows where I keep them so she just keeps taking me over there for more. I can't say no so I just buy more. That's the easiest way to handle it. We also read some books and colored. She had just fallen asleep in my arms when mommy and daddy came to pick her up.

Saturday was egg coloring. After dropping off some food at the church for the funeral I headed over to Missy's. I cannot believe how cold and yucky it was. We had sleet and snow. That's just unheard of here in Ausitn. So much for cute Easter outfits. It was time for jeans and sweaters.

So you can see that it was a big weekend for me. I loved every minute of it. Hopefully Missy will give me some pictures to post on my blog. Tonight I am going to go home and spend some time with Bosco. Poor baby didn't get much attention this weekend.

I hope that everyone had a great Easter and that all the girl's tattoos are healing nicely.

More later...

Yesterday one my acquaintances lost her husband. He died of injuries from an automobile accident. I don't know the particulars but it really doesn't matter. He is gone and she is alone. This brings up so many feelings and memories for me. I found myself back at that hospital bed holding Patrick's hand. My heart aches for her and her family. Unfortunately, all I can do right now is pray for her.

If I have learned anything in the last 10 years it is that nothing is guaranteed. You never know how long you will be with those you love. Life is short. I know that I try to cherish every minute I have with my family. I try to make those memories that will help them when I am no longer here. Be it a smell or a word. Something that will help them to remember the good times and the love we have. I want my children and grandchildren to know and remember how precious they are to me and how much I love them. I want them to know that even though I am not there to touch and hold them, I am still there with them.

How ironic that this should happen during Holy Week. A time of year that everyone is concentrating on death and the resurrection after death. Take a minute and look at those around you that are so dear to you. Don’t take them for granted. Know that each moment with them is precious and something to cherish. Don’t let those petty arguments get out of hand and cause you to miss out on time that you can never get back. Don’t miss the opportunity to tell them that you love them. Go ahead and give them that extra hug or kiss. Let them know how much you love them. You won’t regret it.

More later…

Today would have been my father's 84th birthday. Though he is gone, he is still in our hearts and memories. I know that he is in heaven smiling down on all of us. Especially his precious great granddaughter. Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Last night was a wonderful evening for me. I was in my bedroom around 8 when I thought I heard my doorbell ring. I figured it was on television but then I heard it again. I peaked around the corner at my front door and there was Serif looking in the window at me. I was so surprised. I have a dutch door so I opened the top part and those little arms came right out for me. I was good and let her parents in too.

She just needed some Grammy time. We had such a nice visit. They stayed for about an hour before having to go home and put her to bed. It was a wonderful surprise.

Work has been very busy. I am in charge of coordinating the conferences for the company and there are a lot of conferences going on right now. I love being busy. It definitely helps make the days go by fast.

I also have the pleasure of having a busy weekend ahead of me. The Divas have always been so sweet to include me in their plans. Saturday night MotoDiva is having a birthday party and they have invited me. I am so excited. It will be so good to see everyone again. I'm always up for a good party. Then, of course, Sunday is church and shopping. What a nice weekend I have ahead of me.

My weight news is good. I have made my first goal by lossing 20.5 pounds. Now I am on to the next goal of 10 pounds. Slowly but surely I am getting this weight off.

That's the news for now. Guess it's time to get back to work.

More later...

Well we made it to another Friday. I am so ready for the weekend. Not having to wake up to the alarm clock is so exciting. I only get that one day a week and I cherish it. Plus Friday night is when I get to see the family. Tonight I am going to the store and picking up dinner so that we can all sit around and have a nice family dinner together. Patti's been having a hard time and hopefully we will be able to cheer her up a little. Plus everyone enjoys having some Serif time. I have no idea what we did for entertainment before she came along.

Saturday is supposed to be a rainy day. With the drought we've been having, a nice rainy day has been rare. I'm hoping tomorrow will be the kind of rainy day that makes you want to curl up with a good book or sit and knit and watch TV. I love days like that.

Sunday is the usual church and shopping. I've been so good about going to church for Lent. Trust me, there have been a couple of Sunday mornings that I've been tempted to crawl back into bed but I haven't. The thing is that once I'm at church I enjoy it. It's just getting out of bed that's the hard part.

So that's my plans for the weekend. Exciting isn't it?

More later...

I know I haven't posted for awhile. I'm really bad about this. Trust me, Missy points this out to me all the time.

Writing a blog is hard. I never know what to write about. I have a very boring life and I can't imagine anything that I could say that would be interesting to anyone. Except for seeing my family a couple of time a week, all I do is go to work and go home. Not very exciting is it?

It's funny because I read other people's blogs and they seem to have so much to say. I know that part of my problem is that it's hard for me to talk about me and my feelings. I am just not good at expressing my feelings in public. I'm more of the quiet type. (My kids can stop laughing now.) That combination doesn't make for a very good blogger. Plus I never want to hurt anyone's feelings. Missy might actually take it the wrong way if I referred to her as a brat in a blog. You never know.

There is one piece of good news and that is that I am finally getting some of this weight off. I only have one more pound to go and I will have made my first goal of 20 pounds. It has been coming off slowly but that's fine as long as it comes off. I really haven't started exercising yet but I know I'm going to have to. The problem is that I just hate to exercise. I really do. Why can't knitting be considered an exercise? That's something I can do. I know I've got to get up and start moving around but I'm tired when I get home and my sofa is so comfortable. See? I can come up with lots of excuses about not exercising. Of course I have had years of experience.

More later...

I was just looking at the picture on my blog. My goodness who is that little girl that I am holding? It can't be my precious granddaughter. I'm holding a baby and Serif is a big girl. Just ask her. She can do so many things now. It's hard to remember her way back in September when that picture was taken. She's still my girl though. She still has to be in my lap when we eat. What I eat she will at least try. I so love spending time with her.

Last Sunday her mommy and daddy went bowling with some friends so I got to babysit. We had so much fun. I got her the cutest scooter. It's a little bug scooter and she just loves it. She was scooting all over the house. Sunday the scooter and Bosco were her favorite toys. She loves the fact that Bosco will lay there and let her love all over him. He will let her hug and kiss him all she wants. He'll even let her crawl on him and not move. They love each other so much.

Earlier on Sunday Missy and I went to her sister-in-law's sewing party. Nova is getting married in July and she has gathered Missy, her mother Kathy, her soon to be mother-in-law Martha, Missy and myself to help sew beads on her dress and work on the veil. This is such an exciting time for Nova. I don't envy her all the work involved in not only planning her wedding and honeymoon but also preparing to move into her new house.


The weather has been beautiful around here. The temperature is in the low 70's and the sun is shining. Yesterday, when I got home from work, I found Bosco laying out in the back yard basking in the sunlight. Oh the life of a dog.

I guess things are going to have to change around here. This job is keeping me so busy that I don't have time to blog. That's just not right.

We had such a wonderful day on Saturday. We all went to a vineyard for a very nice lunch. It was a surprise for Tom's birthday. He didn't know that we were coming. Patti's parents were there too so it was a big family event. It was so great to see her parents again. It's been ages. Serif was my big helper and crawled up on my lap and helped me eat my lunch.

After lunch we had a wine tasting. That was yummy. Patti and I went for the full tasting while the others just had sips. After all Tom and Missy were driving and it was a long drive home. Because of traffic it took us 2 hours to get home. We were all exhausted.

In the evening Tom and Patti came over to Missy's house and we all ate bar-b-que and had the birthday cake that I made for Tom. It was so much fun to just sit around and visit with each other but everyone was tired so it turned out to be an early night for everyone.

Last night was Fat Tuesday and that meant waffles at Missy's house. Terry makes the best waffles ever. I definitely ate plenty. Serif started a new game with me. She'd take a small bite of my waffle then I had a bite and then I got a big kiss. It was a great game and I enjoyed playing it as long as she wanted. For me it was over much too quickly. I love it when that sweet grandbaby is all cuddly and loving. She hadn't been feeling good during the day so she was extra cuddly. It was hard to drag myself away. It was definitely the best Fat Tuesday we'd had in years.

Today is the beginning of Lent. I decided not to give up something for Lent. I'm already on a diet so that didn't seem right. Instead I am taking on something. I plan to attend church every Sunday in Lent. Now I just have to remember to set the alarm.

Oh my goodness. I cannot believe how long it has been since I last blogged. There really isn't much of an excuse.

I have been sick with different things since Christmas. It's enough to get a girl down. I'm not completely well but at least the pain is more bearable and I am hoping to be pain free soon. The sooner the better if you ask me.

Today is my son Tom's birthday. I met Tom when he was 4 years old. He was such a sweet little boy who just wanted a family. He was so loving and cuddly. He told his father that he wanted me as his new mother before Patrick and I ever talked about marriage. For years he was convinced that Patrick and I married because of him.

I became Tom's stepmother just before his 5th birthday. He was so happy when we got married. That meant he finally had his family. He was bursting with joy when we bought our first house and he got to pick out his room. In fact, when we bought the house, the man at the closing had Tom sign his name on a piece of paper because it was going to be his home too. That's when we really became a family in Tom's eyes.

That sweet little boy that I would walk to and from school until he felt he was big enough to walk alone. That one was hard. Or the little boy that excitedly volunteered his mother to help the teacher because all I did was sit home and watch TV until he got home from school.

I don't quite know exactly when I stopped being a stepmother and Tom stopped being a stepson. It happened quickly and our bond was special. Afterall, he and I had found each other and we picked each other out. In no time I was his mom and he was my son. That has never changed.

Tom did think that we needed a baby to make our family complete. He spent over a year petting my tummy and asking if there was a baby in there. When I was able to tell him yes he was thrilled. He was finally getting his little brother or sister. He was so proud when Missy was born. He brought all his little friends over to see her. Of course the newness wore off quickly but deep down he was always crazy about her. He still is.

That sweet little boy has grown into a young man that I am very proud of. He was grown a lot and it has not always been easy. He has had to overcome a lot but he has done it. He is a good husband and a wonderful caring person.

I will forever be grateful to Patricia for giving birth to that little boy 38 years ago. Without her I would never have had my son.

Tom, you and I have been on quite a journey the last 33 years. It hasn't always been easy. There have been some bumpy roads. A lot of laughter and some tears. We've both grown along the way. Thank you for letting me be with you on this journey. I am proud to call you my son.