Just Tid Bits

Wow it’s been awhile since I have posted on here.  I read the blogs daily cause I love them all, but writing seems to escape me lately.  I guess I am finding there’s just not enough time in the day anymore.  Where the heck does the time go? 

I start my day at 6am so should be good to go.  I have mama on a routine and that may be it, living by the clock.  Geeze when I worked I was never a “clock watcher” but now, pfft, watch it constantly.  I know I have to get things done before it’s time to get her up, then certain times throughout the day, her pills, her b’fast, lunch, snack, supper, potty breaks, evening pills, bedtime etc.  Seems like I just get her up and it’s time to get her back to bed.   In between I am trying to make a quilt.  I did “practice” blocks for so long I decided to bite the bullet and go for it.  My first block came out pretty good but that’s as far as I got.  It’s hard to get to the machine most days, but when I am there I enjoy it.  Mama needs alot more care as time goes on and hey she is my top priority and naturally comes before anything else.

Between drs appts for mama due to a pressure sore on her ankle, grrr , which I hate.  I don’t keep her in bed all the time but I guess they happen.  But you know the saying “Not on my watch” Boo hoo can’t say that now.  I am doing all I can to get it healed and today it’s back to the doctors so he can check it out.   Then it was her 92nd birthday so wanted to make that extra special for her.  Then Mardi Gras to decorate for , before that Valentine’s Day and on and on and on hahaha.  I love decorating and making each little holiday special, and wow with birthday’s , twins anniversary of living here with us, and everything else, it’s been nuts. 

Had my niece here visiting for a long week end, had Ashley’s play to attend and Sat night hubby and I went to the Brad Paisley concert, which by the way was totally awesome. 

So keeping busy, and still trying to keep fit by doing my wii fit every day.  I refuse to miss that routine, it’s a part of my life now and I still love it. 

I see on the news that the East Coast is getting hammered with snow.  I hope you all are safe and please don’t drive if you don’t have to, okay??? 

So basically that’s what I have been doing, just keeping busy with the every day things in life.  Thankful that I can still do that, you know? 

Everyone have a good day and to all of you in the snow, be careful!!!

To Buy or Not to Buy

I am kicking around in my head what to do.  My sewing machine is being a butt, yeah big time.  There will be times it sews like a dream and then there are the times it drives me so insane I have to get up and walk away.  It loves to put knots in the top thread and tangles in the bobbin thread.  So I have to then take it apart, fix the entire bobbin housing and try again.  That normally works but yesterday , GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR nothing I did would fix it.  I mean NOTHING so I walked away and said “Tha’s it, tomorrow I am going to get a new machine.”  Yep my mind was made up.  So here it is “tomorrow” and now I am having second thoughts.  I will try to fix that lil hummer again this morning, and if it works yahoo.  I just have a hard time justifying a purchase like that. I mean if I was an avid and a great seamstress, no problem.  There would be a beautiful brand new machine in this house right now.  But avid sewer, not , a great seamstress, not!!!!  So what will I do?  Who the hell knows.  Hubby says “Go get the machine ”  I say “Should I or shouldn’t I?”  I have always had trouble getting frivial ( did I even spell that right? I doubt it) things for myself.  If it was a tool that was giving hubby trouble, I would replace it for him.  If my kids needed something replaced, no problem, if mama needed something replaced, it would be.  Me, well I ponder, think, and try to justify it.  Spend money on myself that no one else uses, mmm that’s a hard thing for me to do and I have no clue why.  Could it be GUILT for having something to myself???  Could be I don’t know .  So we shall see what happens today.  I need to try to fix it before I head out shopping, cause if I am frustrated enough with that machine, I will (or will I)  come home with a new sewing machine!!!!

Hope Everyone’s Okay

Watching the news of all the ice storms and the dumping of snow, I hope everyone that is effected by it is A O KAY!!!!!   It’s some nasty weather going on from the mid west to east coast so please everyone be super careful.  If you don’t have to go out, then don’t, your safety is far more important than anything else.

We had some ice and snow yesterday morning but this morning a nice balmy 45, no snow, no fog and best of all no ice.  This has been a terrible winter but just think, SUMMER is coming!!!

Thinking of you all, be careful.

Bathroom Complete

Well almost complete I still have some “tweaking ” to do but now have many options and lots of room.

Our bathroom was very very small, and to get mama in there on her potty breaks was a trip.  I would push the wheelchair in as far as it would go, nicking the doorway and cupboards along the way.  Then I would help her stand, have her put one hand on the counter and the other on the arm of the handicap toilet thingy we have on there.  Depending on her day I could either hold her back with one hand or else put my head in the small of her back to hold her up.  Then kick the wheelchair into the hall and try to close the door without letting her fall.  Whew then it was wing her around to sit and by the time that was done , haha so was I.  The worry of dropping her, the pain in my foot, worry of hurting her or worse yet breaking her brittle bones, but that’s what had to be done.

Mama is in a program through Washington State called COPES, no clue what it stands for.  Well they authorized a bathroom remodel and it started on Monday.  OMG amazing the room I have in there WOW.  They took out the long cabinet, counter and sink, put in a smaller cabinet/ sink.  Moved the toliet by that, put in new non skid flooring.  Yeah my slipper floors didn’t help w/ my ordeal.  Put in handi cap bars, new baseboard and widened the door by 3 inches.  No more nicks yahoo.  Also hey reversed the door so it swings and opens out!!! 

Now I can get the wheelchair in there, turn it around w/ plenty of room.  Can also get the hoyer lift in there and once the shower chair arrives I can shower her in there, just lift her in and out w/ the lift.  Use the nice new water pick shower head/ spray they put in and she will be safe. 

Now it’s learning all over again how to get her on the toilet safely.  I know the one handicap bar they put by the tub has to be moved.  Also we will remove the medicine cabinet.  The bar has to go above the lower one so when mama is standing she won’t bend down as much and want to sit.  Then find out how to get all that stuff we had in the cabinet back in there.  Well not all but the necessities.   Shelves along the wall is what I am thinking right now , so we shall see.  The room alone and the size of the bathroom is GREAT so the other stuff will fall into place.  It’s amazing the difference, wow is all I keep saying.

But haha being creatures of habit, we are all having trouble adjusting to the door opening out and haha yep many times all ready I have had that “panic” feeling of “oh no it won’t open” haha.  Dumb shit, try pushing instead of pulling hahahaha. 

The first pic is day one and then the remodel YAHOO mama will be much safer and so will my back and leg.  I can’t get hurt cause I so need to care for her, she is #1 that’s for sure.

Busy Busy

Well I honestly thought when January rolled around things would quiet down some.  Wow was I ever wrong.  I have some sewing, knitting, crocheting and heck tons of jig saw puzzles I wanted to get to, plus have to read the other Twilight books.  Yeah I don’t see that happening any too soon.  Seems like the days just fly by.  Seriously the other morning I looked at the clock and it was 1oam, then next thing I know hubby is saying bye and and heading to work.  Dang it was 11:15.  I lost that hour somewhere.   Where does the time go?  

There is something going one each month that I can plan on and then you have the un-expected tossed in there.  This month, well today actually, is the 9th anniversay of the kids coming to live with us.  Then Feb 11th is their 20th birthday, Feb 19th through 22nd my niece from Las Vegas will be here.  Feb 27th mama’s 92nd birthday, Feb 28th hubby and I have a date for the Brad Paisley, thanks to our daughter.  March 3rd I believe that’s the date, Brandi and family will be here.  We will take a day and head to Forks, WA and La Push, WA to see the setting for Twilight. Then in April we are heading to Idaho for Miranda’s First Communion.  So see all those planned and I am excited about each and every one.

So today the phone rings and it’s the contractor for COPES.  He says he will be out tomorrow to start the bathroom remodel. Through the COPES program for mama they will take out the counter, move the toilet, put in a pedastal sink, put up handicap bars, recess the medicine cabinet,  widen the door and reverse it’s opening.  Now it opens in and if mama falls and I can’t get her up, no one can get in.  Having it open the other way will be awesome.  Then they have to put in a new floor , non skid so that will all begin tomorrow.  Tonight it’s clean out the cabinet and anything else in that bathroom, ugh. 

The other day it was Greg and Kadra having to evacuate due to the flooding and coming here to stay.  Before that it was one of Bryce’s friends that needed a place to stay for a few days.  And of course it’s people dropping in ,which I love, so there you have it.  Time flies and it’s always busy around here.  How do I get to the things I want to do I wonder.  MMMM good question huh?  But you know I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I can’t imagine life without all the things going on, that would be so boring!!!!

I do read all the blogs but seldom write.  Tonight nothing on tv so yep I do have time to just play on here.  Then YAHOO Tuesday American Idol starts, that will be my time no matter what haha.  I get so into that show and watch out anyone that interupts me :)!!!!!  I zone in on that show and don’t hear a thing around me. 

 Oh well life is going good so that’s all I can ask for.  Time will continue to fly by and yet I know somehow, someway I will get to do all the things I want to.  Hey it keeps me on my toes right????

Here’s the kids with their cake today, goofy as they are, but they were having fun!!

Purge or Splurge!!

The new year and I want to purge files, cupboards and the entire house to be honest.  We have way too much stuff, no place for anything and I want to re-organize and know at all times where everything is.  But what I want and what I do are two different things.
Yesterday I was going to start with my cupboard that holds all my mixing bowls, lil gadgets, pie plates etc.  Need to weed it out, separate the holiday dishes from the regular etc etc.  Did that happen?  Oh hell no, of course not.  In my mind it’s all done , tee hee, but in reality I never even touched it.  Instead I headed to WalMart for milk, coffee mate and groceries ONLY.  Came home with yet another small appliance to find a place for in that nightmare of a cupboard.  My ol deep fryer bit the bullet, can’t find a replacement cord anywhere , even checked ebay, nothing.  So picked up a brand new shiny deep fryer so I splurged instead of purged !!!  Now to find a place for it!!!

Here’s hoping today I can get in the purge mode early enough to complete at least one project on my list, stay away from the store and no more splurging.  If any of you are betting folk, um   here’s a hint,  splurging is what I do best!!!

This is the House that Sherry Built

Was going to post this earlier but with all the celebration through out the week, I spaced. So better late than never. 

Here’s the completed house for the twins. Yep 19 and they fell in love with their “doll houses” tee hee

Happy New Year’s

Want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year!!!   I hope 2009 brings new changes, happiness, and health to each and everyone of you. 

It’s always great starting off a new year and making changes don’t you think?  I know I am going to try to be a much better person, care for others and work hard on being a bit thriftier than I was in 2008.  I would always buy on a “whim” and that is one habit I want to break.  Haha last year my resolution was to stay out of WalMart but that so didn’t happen.  I think I was there more than ever to be honest.  Wonder if I can at least cut down in 2009, I will give it my best shot!!!!   Guess I should add JoAnn’s Fabrics in that deal too.  I can go nutso in that store  I want, want want and have to get out of that habit. 

I know I am going to push aside all things that got to me in 2008 and now just move on.  All one can do is move forward try to improve and be the best person that I can be.  Re-vamp my life so to speak and make sure I am not a bad person.  Afterall I have to look at myself in the mirror and I want a reflection that I can be proud of.  So all my thoughts I want positive and if there are negatives in there, I want to be able to turn them around and put a postitive spin on them.   I know I will be much happier if I drop my baggage from 2008 and make sure I don’t “dwell.”  Dwelling does no good, I have found that out and it’s so much easier to have a smile than it is to have a frown, so yep that’s my plan. 

I would love to hear all of your resolutions if you make any.  I promise I won’t follow up or hold you to them, 🙂 

K  have a wonderful New Year’s and if you party, party hearty but be safe!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  It’s here all ready, sort of snuck up didn’t it?  But with all that had to be done, or still has to be done, we all know come tomorrow morning it will be totally awesome. 

Just remember the “reason for the season” and enjoy.  Kick back, relax and know that you all did everything you could to make it an awesome day.

I finished up the wrapping last night at 12:03am.  Yeah I noticed the time cause my goal was to be done on the 23rd and boo hoo I was 3 lousy minutes into the 24th so , almost made it!!   🙂 

With all the struggles in the country ( and world) today I feel so thankful that we could put together another Christmas.  This is my most favorite time of year, the giving and making everyone happy ( I hope they are) but most of all, just knowing the family is well and we have made it through another year with our health.  Trials and tough times on the way but you know what they say “love conquers all.” 

Mama is going to have her 91st Christmas, un real huh?  Oh the stories she could tell if she was able.  I can just about imagine all the changes, the good times and the new traditions she started.  I only wish when I was younger I paid a whole lot more attention to the “detail” she put into the holiday.  She did instill some traditions in me and I intend to carry them out as long as I can.  We didn’t have alot growing up but somehow with her green stamps, hard work and sometimes the help of Santa’s Jukebox we always had a wonderful Christmas.   Now it’s my turn to make sure she has one, and that we will.  She won’t remember but at least for the “moment” she will enjoy.

She is so sweet and she is our little one this year.  Absolutely loves Santa Claus and gets so excited when you mention his name or she sees him on tv.  She even sees him outside the window, in the car etc so it’s fun.  Oh we are so fortunate to have her here with us!!!  I have been on a count down with her letting her know how many more days etc and she lights up everytime she hears “Santa.” 

Okay this lil elf is going to get busy with some baking, then I am going to relax and wait for my most favorite part of this holiday.  That is once everything is under the tree and all is said and done I tun all the lights off except the tree light, crank up the Christmas music, grab a cup of tea and sit and look!!!!  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh another year pulled off and for that we are very very fortunate.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all you great friends I have made here in the wonderful world of blogging.

Tis The Season

Oh all right it’s almost here, Thanksgiving then the Christmas season begins.  Well in my eyes it does, in the stores, heck that started I swear in July!!!  Anyway I absolutley love this time of year, it’s the best.  Know why?  It brings out the very best in people, it makes one realize just how fortunate you are and I just love giving.  Oh if only I were rich, I would give to everyone.  The idea of getting something for people, getting it all wrapped and just having the means to do it, lifts my spirits.  It may be something very small but it’s something from the heart.  

There are alot of things that could bring me down but I won’t let it, especially this time of year.  I concentrate on the upside of life;  family, friends, health, a roof over our head, food in the cupboard etc.  I watch the news and see so many that are doing without and I want to help all of them but unfortunately I can’t.  I can only pick one family and this year it’s our neighbor.  They are struggling with this lousy economy but I won’t let them go with out a Christmas.  I am excited to do something for them ,so it’s make up a food basket with a few gift cards tucked inside.  I told the twins I can cut back some on them and give to someone that truly needs it and they are all for it. Yeah they had better be, I want them to know it’s not the “getting” but the giving that counts, and not only during the holidays, but every day of the year.

So need to get fat and happy with the turkey dinner on Thursday then come Friday morning transform the house, from everyday to the magic of Christmas.  I am excited this year to get going on the decorating too, normally it’s like dragging my feet until my sweet daughter lights a fire under me, and bam the house is decorated.  Brandi I will miss all the fun we all have and yeah even the huge mess we all make, but will be thinking of you and the family while we are decorating.  ( boo hoo, they won’t be here this year) 

I am going to keep in mind that there are people out there that can’t have what we do, and they are suffering probably for the first time in their lives.  I am going to do my best to make sure I don’t get greedy and want it all , going to be happy and friendly when I am out shopping and hopefully can do some little thing for someone while I am out to make their day.  Maybe get something off a tall shelf for an elderly person, or help someone carry something, open a door whatever, just to do something nice for someone.

So my wish to everyone in “blog land” is to have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy holiday season