Grandma's Got it in the Bag

Surrounded

2010-01-09T07:42:00.000-08:00

It has been such a long time since I have blogged. And my blog was in need of upgrading and change the number of grandchildren. We are now the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren. We were so fortunate to be surrounded and I mean surrounded during the holidays and on our August reunion with those grandchildren. We are so lucky to have the most terrific grandchildren.... and children (have to give them some credit they gave them to us) Here are some pics of our wonderful grandchildren.

On December 28 the birth of our 10 a granddaughter and she is so lovely as all of our grandchildren. little Addison 7 pounds 9 ounces. Here she is. We truly are blessed!!! and what fun for us!

"LOST"

2009-04-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever parked your car in a very large garage and come out to get your car and you don't remember were it is? Hum it happened to me last Friday the 10Th of April.

Grandma goes to the big city of Spokane for a doctor appointment. My appointment was at 8 a.m. but I had to check in at 7:40. It's a 2 hour drive to Spokane from Clarkston so I left the day before, after work, to spent the night with my daughter so I would get to the doctor in plenty of time on Friday.

I got to my appointment early. As I parked my car the first two floors were doctors parking only and remembered with my afternoon appointment 2 months prior the parking places were few in number so I took pretty much the first spot above the doctors parking. As I got out of my car I noticed the numbers faintly on the ground for each parking space saw a 68 and thought I better remember that and my spot was 3 cars down 65. What I couldn't see was the letter in front but I was so preoccupied with finding the elevator to go to the dotors from there which was a short stair way across the upper floor to the elevator. I totally didn't pay attention to what floor I was parked on and didn't even think about it except how I got to the elevator.

The doctor appointment was slow in getting in which sort of irritated me because I had one of the first ones and thought that move would make my day at the doctor short and not a hour and half wait like the last time. (My husband went with me for my first appointment and said get an early appointment and the wait will not be so long. Ya right, I still had to ask the nurse if I somehow missed my call 30 minutes later.)

Anyway the appointment went well. The only good thing she couldn't believe how old I was...when she wanted to know how many children and how old my oldest child was. She asked my age and I told her, she then took a double look at my chart to verify my birth date and said " you look amazing." "Yes", I thanked her and said "just wished my parts were as wonderful sometimes."

I then proceeded back to my car. I got in the elevator and looked at all the buttons, hum, they read F,D,C,Basement. Oh no,I had no idea which floor to go on never paid attention. So I picked F and walked down the short stairway towards the side I parked my car and NO car. Hum what a country grandma to do? So I went back to the elevator, went to floor E did the same once again NO car. Hum no panic now, I parked above the doctor floor so it must be down more. I went to level D did the same thing no car, From there I decided to walk down to the next floor C...walked down around and knew that way I would eventually find my car. And I finally did!!! I was so happy. Seriously HAPPY!!!

Once I got into my car it took me awhile to get in the right direction going down out of that place. I finally saw daylight and told the guy at the ticket booth I got lost finding my car. He proceeded to tell me that as you go into the elevator building there is a box of tickets with numbers and each level is color coded so you can remember where your car is parked. Well, I never noticed this color code system, felt like a kid watching Sesame Street. He then preceded to tell me to take a color coded card so I wouldn't get lost again. Well if I had my way I would park outside never in that garage. In a big city it isn't an option. Next time I will pay attention to the colors,level....oh, there is also a west side and an east side (I never know which one is which east or west let alone south or north. I am in big trouble maybe I should just stay home!!)

New Job

2009-03-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

I am really getting my feet in my new job. This is my third week in my new department and I really love it. The gal training me didn't come in yesterday due to a sick child so I was on my own with the help of another gal. Yesterday, I was sending "findings" (a nice word for "error")to gals and really getting to learn how to do it. Ya see, I am the "newby" on the block and some really like to challenge me to see if I really know my stuff. It was an interesting day for me and got to be really crazy keeping things together. But I did it and ya know I really like my new job. It has variety and not boring. There is lots to do and the gals in my department are great. I think this is going to work out really well, even if those who get my "findings" don't think so. My name will become a bad word to those who get my emails!

LIFE GETS EVEN BETTER AT 60

2009-02-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I last blogged. I have had a major change in my life right now. I have been concentrating on new job path. I can not believe at 60 I had decided I had enough of my job in the Coordination of Benefits department at Regence Blue Shield of Idaho.I have been in that department for over 8 and a half years and totally loved it in every way!! But, Regency for the past 2 years or more has been working towards a new computer system in which all four states (Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Utah) will be on the same system. They say that the COB dept will be no more and everyone will be processing our claims involving other insurances and divorce degree. (I am sure they will find out it will be more messing if everyone is doing it since it can be so complicated but oh well!?!) As of February 18Th my department will no longer be on the phones. The customer service will answer all the calls. With this frustration and knowing my job will change major within the next year or two I saw a new job opportunity on the web site and I decided to go for it!

I have never been one to go out of my comfort zone, but decided to go for it. I applied for a job in Quality Control Department and to my wonder I got it! At 60 I got a new job! I must admit I am so excited. I was on the third floor in my old job and am down in the basement far corner (with a window behind me)....but I also have a pay increase and lots of new friends to met or old friends to get reacquainted. I am now in a 4 week training class on the new system so I can audit claims on the new and old system. I must say auditors aren't well liked but that's OK. I will check processors claims. I also will not be on the phones anymore and my hours are from 5 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. I can work anytime, except I will have to work at least 2 and a half hours on Friday to total my hours 38.75 a week. It will be terrific. I will have more flexibility. It is great to know you still can do at 60 !

I have 2 weeks of training behind me and can't wait to finish to go into my new job. I have moved all my things to my new location and love my new friends. It is exciting!!! LIFE IS STILL GOOD AT 60 AND CAN ONLY GET BETTER!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

Another year......it seems surreal 2009 whatever happened to 2008!! It was a great year. My husband and I also celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary and where did all those years go? We spend our anniversary finishing up putting Christmas decorations away (after going thou and getting rid of broken and old decorations) and really cleaning up and organizing our basement family room. We got rid of 20 years if junk and it feels good. I told my husband we now have to clean up the garage like we have cleaned up the basement. That is our new years resolution!

I hope everyone had a terrific Christmas! Santa was more than generous at our home. The best part were the games we played from day in and day out for 4 days after. My daughter in law Breianne was a little frustrated the voice volume or arguments expressed from everyone; but need I say anymore it is a Barnes playing games and they are competitive!!!! They are out to win! They are out for BLOOD! It was fun!

I only wish all my children and grandchildren could of been with us but it is hard when they live far away. My children need to know that is why I need pictures of their kids of thing they do and their growth and changes. I was looking at my daughter-in -law Erin's blog and couldn't believe how Eli has grown so much! He will be 6 feet by the time I see him again.

Time does get away from us and now in my 60's I try to get the most out of each and every day I have! I will strive harder to keep in touch with my grandchildren far away so they know who I AM and their GRANDFATHER is, that we love them and they are of great importance in our life. We are excited of our first family reunion in Oregon Coast what a time to get together and play and love.

Have a great New Year!!! love always Mom

LOOKS LIKE A WHITE CHRISTMAS

2008-12-19T09:49:00.001-08:00

SNOW AND SNOW AND MORE SNOW.....IF YOU CHECKED OUT MY DAUGHTER'S BLOG AT http://www.thatsmerx.blogspot.com/ THEY JUST HAVE A TON OF SNOW IN SPOKANE WASHINGTON. WE HAVE SOME AND IT IS SO LOVELY. I WENT OUT TO GET THE PAPER THIS MORNING AND THE CRESCENT MOON WAS ABOVE OUR TREE AND LOOK SO LOVELY. TOO BAD YOU CAN'T SEE THE SNOW ON THE LIMBS

HERE IS THE VIEW OF OUR BACK YARD:

YES WE WILL HAVE A WHITE CHRISTMAS.I TOOK THE DAY OFF TO WORK ON GIFTS FOR MY CHILDREN. LOVE STAYING HOME ,ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND WORKING ON PROJECTS.

I MUST TELL YOU OF MY DRAMA WITH OUR CHRISTMAS TREE. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO I WORKED ON DECORATING THE TREE. IT TOOK ME ALL DAY WITHOUT THE HELP OF MY CHILDREN. I AM EXTREMELY SPOILED WHEN MY KIDS OUR HOME THEY DO THE TREE. THIS YEAR I DID. IT TOOK ME 2 HOURS ALONE TO PUT ON THE LIGHTS (RALPH AND ANDREW WERE PUTTING LIGHTS OUT SIDE.) FINALLY AT 10:30 PM I WAS DONE AND WENT DOWNSTAIRS TO DO THE LAUNDRY. I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND RALPH YELL YOU NEED TO COME UP HERE. I THOUGHT MAYBE HE FELL....RAN UPSTAIRS TO SEE ALL MY DAY LONG WORK HIT THE FLOOR...WATER AND ALL. RALPH THEN TOLD HOW IT FELL AND BEGAN TO LAUGH. I PROCLAIMED THIS WAS NOT FUNNY AND WANTED TO CRY. I JUST WANTED TO LEAVE IT ON THE GROUND!

I WENT OUTSIDE IN THE SHED AT 11 PM TO FIND A BETTER TREE STAND. IT TOOK RALPH AWHILE TO SET IT UP, HE HAS BAD KNEES SO IT WAS PRETTY PAINFUL FOR HIM. THEN THE TREE WAS STANDING AGAIN MINUS A FEW DECORATIONS AND MESSED UP LIGHTS. NOW THAT I LOOK ON IT, IT WAS PRETTY FUNNY BUT I WAS SO TIRED!

AFTER CHURCH THE NEXT DAY I CAME HOME TO DECORATE AGAIN. HERE IS THE RESULTS: PRETTY AWESOME WITH SNOW FLAKES HANGING FROM THE CEILING.

I MUST SAY THIS IS MUCH BETTER THAN MY FIRST DECOR JOB. MAY EVERYONE HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND REMEMBER WHY WE ARE CELEBRATING. GOD BLESS!

A TIME OF THANKS

2008-11-25T02:41:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot of gratitude these past couple weeks and just what I am grateful for. And here is my list:

Life itself!! The air I breathe. My eyes that see the glorious beauties around me. My mind, still active that can think and remember good times past. My healthy body and strength to enjoy work or play. My feelings of Gods great blessings upon me and Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself.

Our great country we live in and all those who have sacrificed themselves for our freedom and free agency. With our great country came the restoration of the gospel with prophets who build the Lords kingdom on earth.

I am ever grateful for my family! A wonderful husband, children, grandchildren and the spouses are the joy of my life. Grateful for other close family members in my childhood and present day that live far away but always in my heart. Love the opportunities of family reunions bring us closer. My heart smiles with the happy memories!

I am grateful for service given and service received and the feelings it brings.

For the sun that shines, rain that falls and even the storms that come. For the glorious moon and stars at night. For the seasons each one bringing such beauties to behold.

I am grateful for challenges and adversities that come our way. They build our faith in God and strengthen our character. It gives us hope after the storm that there is a God in heaven that loves us and is there for us! Grateful for the faith of others and examples they set for me.

Grateful for friends who share are happiness and sorrows and gives us a shoulder to lean on; and there for me.

Grateful for a living Prophet on earth and other leaders in our church who give us constant encouragement in these days of trials and tribulations. Gives us faith in ourselves. Hope of a better life when times get hard.

I am so grateful for so much and they can never all be listed. What I don't list I remember with fondness and it warms my heart. I just marvel at what my Heavenly Father has given me to enjoy! I hope everyone has the best ever this Thanksgiving...............love always Mom

Fall Foliage Train Trip

2008-10-11T20:40:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, October 4Th, we went on a train ride of the Fall Foliage north of Elgin Oregon ( about 125 miles from home or 30 minutes from Enterprise Oregon). It was a birthday present for my husband. We left home at 7 a.m. and arrived 15 minutes to 10 a.m. before it departed. It became an adventure we will not forget.

The train wasn't quite what we expected and I am not sure what we expected but I guess a little more modern train. It was very old, you even could smell how musty and old it was. When the train started it only went 10 miles an hour.....very, very slow! And the car we sat in was swaying side to side, once in while I could smell the exhaust from the engine up about 5 cars. It also rattled from time to time as it went along, not the usual sounds a train makes. The seats were very old and not very comfortable but we were on a train ride.

It went up the mountain about 18 miles and stopped at Kimmel for 10 minutes so the train crew could have lunch. Nothing there but this sign!

Then we boarded again to go backwards back to the station. We then had lunch on the train. Ralph didn't like the choices: turkey sandwich or chicken salad. He took one bite of the sandwich ( which I must admit it wasn't good) and just ate the fruit and brownie. I loved my salad. We had some entertainment too,an 80 year old man played the guitar and a gal played the fiddle and a guy played the guitar. They were pretty good too. And we had the scenery and wild life to see. We saw some bald eagles on the river and a brown bear running alone the hill side. And to make it complete Ralph and I saw a very still Black Cow very close to the train on the bank.

All in all it was a lovely ride and great view..........but we were so glad to find a real bathroom at Safeway. And a hamburger for us at St Joseph town.

Blessed Are We

2008-09-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

We were all surprised and thrilled with my son's wife blog regarding a new arrival. It will be number four. We didn't expect this event to happen again, she said after her third it was the last. The desire was to great and they wanted another one, even though she gets so sick and she gets so uncomfortable at the end. I have to admire her sacrifice and it is a sacrifice..you just feel so AWFUL! I know how she feels!!! I got so terribly sick with each one....6 live births and 4 miscarriages. One of those I was flat in bed for 3 months.

I admire women today who have courage to have children no matter what the consequences to them bring and in a world that makes a large family hard to support. God Bless you Erin. I will think of you everyday and hope your sickness goes away soon. It is amazing when that little one arrives it was all worth it!!

Love to all my children and grandchildren!!

LIFE AT 60 ISN'T BAD!

2008-09-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Turning 60 this year I was a bit fearful! I remember when I was 20 and thought of growing older, what I would be doing and it's so far away? Well here I am and sooner than I thought. Time has gone by so fast...I can't believe September is almost over. Now at 60 I've decided it is not too bad. Some things I like about it:

1. There are times I don't sleep well. I can go a good 5 hours of sound sleep maybe 6 if I am lucky. I will hit the sack at 9 or so and can be wide a wake at 3 or 4 am in the morning. I have decided to take advantage and do something fun.....sew, scrapbook or get ready for work early and shop at Walmart. I can even get in a good book before work.
2. It is ok to take a nap if you need to....just gives you more energy!
3. No commitments, except work. It doesn't matter when dinner is on the table, no time lines.
3. I love going a movie in the middle of the afternoon ..... oh yes, love to leave work early and just go to a movie all by myself and eat a tub of popcorn by myself!
3. Love to see the grandbabies. (It is hard to fit that in right now with overtime at work.)
4. Enjoy and appreciate the world around me so much more. I take time to really see the full moon on a late summer night or when I go to swimming at 5 in the morning. The sunrise can be breath taking. I just take more time to really SEE AND ENJOY the world around me.
5. My health it great for 60...I may not be able to run but I can swim laps!

There are things I don't like as I get older:
1. Can't open a jar!!! How frustrating is that. I can see me in the future just going to the neighbors to help open a jar of pickles.
2. My husband and I are loosing our minds, or forgetting where we put things. It was so funny one day he blamed me for taking an important paper off the table. I picked of the manila envelope and asked if he put it in there. He insisted he didn't. Couple days later he found it in the envelope. I keep telling him we have to have patience with one another and our memories just not there all the time. (It gives us a great laugh later)
3. We move at a much slower pace. Can't have a race with the grandkids.
4. I guess the hardest thing to face, my hands just don't work like they use to do and that frusterates me.
5. Have to watch what I eat all the time.
6. Can't see as well...always looking for my glasses to see that fine print. Some day I will miss something important because didn't read the fine print.

Yes life is so different when the kids were home and there are times I remember when....but I am slowly liking this new period of FREEDOM AND AWARENESS. (now where did I put my glasses?)

HUSBAND IS ON A ROLL!!!

2008-09-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

Now the yard is all planted with grass and growing great! My husband decided to work on this deck, around half of our home. When we first moved into this house he mentioned he wanted a deck off our bedroom with a hot tub. (I thought ya right!! He talks a lot and takes forever, hum, like the bathrooms are still in the remodeling job going on 6 years...he says only 4!?!? , no 6 but we do have at least a shower to show for part of the remodel job.)

Anyway, he is on a roll now building this deck and I am impressed! He had starting buying materials since last year, I thought I'd die when he came home with a huge load of TeX deck flooring on sale at Home Depot....it was in a pile under tarp all Winter and Spring. Then this last Spring he got more supplies and I kissed the remodeled bathroom good by for another season. Two piles of lumber sat in our driveway all Winter and Spring wondering if it would happen.

Then Labor Day weekend was the being of the deck. My daughter and her husband came from Spokane for the event, as well as my son and his wife who live in town. It took us most of Saturday to mark the spots for the post, and the kids dug it with a machine called an Alger. It took 11-12 inch holes to dig....the kids liked the experience. We also did some of the frame work onto the house for the deck.

Yesterday our Daughter Denise came from Boise to help us pour the cement into the holes and put the braces for the posts in the holes. We had to work very quickly before the cement dried. This is a big project and it will be a hugh deck sitting 12 feet from our house. It will be really nice when it is done! And lots of hard work!
It is really happening!!

LOVE THOSE VISITORS

2008-09-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this:

Isn't this great fun!!! My son and his wife took a walk with the twins to our home and we gave them a great treat... yogurt popsicles. That is the best part of being grandparents you can do what you want and give them back all messy!!! (Our son didn't like that very much.) They are just the cutest and we love when they visit!

GARBAGE DAY.....

2008-08-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Monday night chore is putting out the garbage for the morning pick up. I think I am the only one on the block who has more than one can. This picture looks good....most of the time we have 4 to 5 cans in all. It amazes me, all our 6 kids are gone and we still have this much garbage. (You should see it when some of the kids come home with their kids for a visit......garbage overload.) There are times in the fall when we have lots of leaves and bags and bags of garbage. We have so much the garbage man leave some behind, to my total embarrassment!

The most embarrassing part is when the other neighbors, like next door, have one plastic bag full or down the street one can. We are talking about a neighborhood now whose kids have grown and gone. What a person to do. I have even tried to have only one can and that only happens when we are gone for the weekend.

Oh well, not much to do but admit I am a garbage junkie.....at least it gives the garbage men something to look forward to or ...talk about!

FINALLY!!! OUR PARKING GARAGE

2008-08-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

TAKE A LOOK!!

Yes I am a slacker!!! Summer has been so busy with yard work, trips, scrapbook retreat, reunions and just playing around.

My biggest highlight of the summer was June 27th we finally got to park into the garage and I LOVE IT> (right now there are 2 BIG loves in my life my automatic sprinklers 2 years now and our parking garage!) The best part about the garage it keeps your car so cool and never have to get into a HOT car again. Here is some pictures of this 8 million dollar parking facility. It is pretty nice Hun???

Next highlight: our backyard with 3 weeks of new grass looking really good. I told my husband I am done digging and spreading and planting! You want to know what his new project is? A deck around half of the house and first thing that has to be done.....dig up a tree!!! It is never ending! He never rests! Here is the results:

looking at the raised garden...grass growing around it and the tramp.

this is the side of the yard where we had a huge tree.....love it!

We have accomplished much for an old pair like us and still have time to go to movies and swim.....stay tune for my next adventure!

AWAKEN BY MY GRANDSON

2008-06-16T21:30:00.001-07:00

This is Zack an energetic 4 year old full of life and constant action. Even his mom can't keep up with him. When we where visiting for my son's wedding in the area, Zack was out in the yard with me. I was busy helping my daughter weed her flower bed as Zack was jumping joyously on the tramp and keep asking me to come jump and play. Well for one thing almost 60 years I just wasn't sure about climbing on the tramp but once I am up on it I am sure I would of been fine. I did finally stop and get the camera and take some fun shots of his great joy jumping on the tramp.

Another time Zack was playing with a TV Spiderman game and kept saying "Grandma come watch!!" And as I was busy with something again I would look once in awhile at the game he was playing.....now here is my regret!! WHY DIDN'T I JUST STOP WHAT I WAS DOING AND JUST SIT DOWN AND HAVE A GREAT GAME WITH MY GRANDSON! I have regretted this over and over again. That moment will never come back! I have a bad habit of working, working and working and not taking time out to play and have fun with the greatest moments in life. I should of taken a time-out with my grandson!

I came across a poem:

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,

For babies grow up, I've learned, to my sorrow.

So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.

I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.

Grandchildren and children grow up to fast. I have resolved to just slow down and really watch my children and grandchildrem---at every age--before they change before my eyes. (I have missed so much already!) For now on , I will sit down with them or jump on that tramp, play that game or draw a picture with chalk on the sidewalk. No more work first....its playing all the way. This I promise to Zack and my other grandchildrem to get up on that tramp and jump with joy.

New Regence Blue Shield of Idaho Garage

2008-06-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

ISN'T IT LOVELY.....IT WILL BE OPEN FOR OUR USE ON JUNE 27TH....YAHH!

UPDATE OF OUR GARAGE

2008-06-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

AN UPDATE....THIS IS A SIDE VIEW OF THE PARKING GARAGE.....I WILL TAKE A FRONT VIEW TOMORROW. I AM TOLD, IT IS HEAR SAY, IT SHOULD BE DONE JUNE 27TH AND IF EVERYONE PARKED IN THIS LOVELY 8 MILLION STRUCTURE IT WILL BE FULLED UP. IT IS REALLY LOOKING LOVELY. THE FRONT VIEW HAS THE BRICK WORK OF THE OTHER BUILDING I WORK IN WHICH IS LOOKING ACROSS FROM THE GARAGE. THE TOP LEVEL WILL BE A GYM FOR EMPLOYEES AND FAMILY'S. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT A MIRACLE!

2008-06-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

lOOK AT OUT MIRACLE: AT 7 AND A HALF MONTHS. THEY ARE SO PRECIOUS AND ADORABLE. TODAY I WENT TO THEIR MOM AND DAD'S HOUSE TO GET MY PICTURES THEY HAD TAKEN AND THEY JUST SMILED AND GIGGLED WITH GLEE AT ME. WE ARE SO LUCKY! AND THEY ARE MY GRANDCHILDREN.....HOW I ADORE BEING A MOM AND A GRANDMA!! THAT IS WHAT I DO BEST! "ENJOY THE MOMENTS"

THE REST OF THE STORY........

2008-05-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Our wedding dinner was a disaster but to my amazement everyone left happy. Even the bride and groom and her parents! My husband talked with the management who tried to justify what happened and my husband promptly said, "I don't care what happened to your staff. If you couldn't accommodate us we would of gone somewhere else. Of the whole party only one person or two people got their food correct and the rest was a disaster (after he explained every ones order of serve and the mess that followed)." The management took off half the bill and we gave the waitress the full tip because she tried hard, run ragged and was forever apologizing at the mess. If it was me I would of had a melt down in the kitchen and never come out again.

We lived through it all and will have a huge barbecue this weekend for 30 before the reception. We will serve steak, hamburgers, chicken and hot dogs in record time. The food will also be available at the same time without waiting! It will be a meal to remember!!!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COOK A CORNDOG?

2008-05-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our youngest son's wedding at Rexbury Idaho Temple. The weather was a bit cold, rainy and even hailed going in for the ceremony. Luckily the sun was shining when we came outside for pictures except the wind was blowing hard and cold! It was quite a sight trying to take pictures in such conditions. My son picked up his bride who is all but 100 lbs soaking wet to take a picture and it looked like the wind would lift her high into the air like a kite and his bride would be no more. We some how got some great pictures.

After pictures we were to host the bridle's family for dinner. I had made arrangements to go to Frontier Pie in Rexburg. My oldest son Jason use to work there 9 years ago said it has good food and my daughter-in-law loved their pies. So I made reservations with the management and confirmed 25 to 30 people. We arrived at the schedule time. They put some of the tables with water but not all. There was only one waitress doing the serving and she took all 30 orders. The manager told me to pick 3 things on the menu so it would be easier for their staff to serve us. Everyone was in agreement only ordering from the 3: 10 oz sirloin steak, chicken fried steak or Santa Cruz chicken. We had 6 children who ordered off the kids menu. All of us hungry and ready for a wonderful meal.

The waitress delivered some drink orders, which was weird she didn't take any drink orders at our table or the others. In fact my husband had to ask them to bring us more water (which some of the tables like I said never got water in the first place.) The waitress then delivered the soups and some salads and before all the salads were delivered about 5 chicken fried steaks were brought in and then some Santa Cruz Chicken dishes. I thought wow, the food is already coming and some hadn't received our salads yet! And from here on out I must say "ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE....I NEVER SAW SUCH A DISASTER IN ALL MY LIFE AND I HAVE WORKED AS A WAITRESS BEFORE!!!"

IT WAS LIKE A MASS CONFUSION...The waitress would come out with orders of salads and some main course and would yell out who has "steak with baked potatoe well done" or "chicken fried steak with fries" etc. I have never been in a place where she called out the foods no idea where they should go. Then people were getting their food out of order, some plates came out with no side dishes on it like fries or steamed vegetables or baked potatoes and mind you there were still some who had no salad yet while others got their meal first and got their salad last. Things got continually worse to VERY BAD!!! Steaks were not cooked right. They came out under cooked or overcook. My chicken finally came out and it was burn and dry as were others. My baked potato looked like it was cooked 2 days before the event. I sent it back and told them to forget it since it took over 1 hour or more to get that dish. In fact, a member of the other family was waiting for his steak and the waitress came up to him thinking he sent his steak back and said it should be up in a minute. He said he never sent it back and when he did get it was too done.

Now with all this mess going on, my grand kids orders were so late!!! They were incrediably patient! It took over an hour to get one hamburger for my grandson and a corn dog for my granddaughter. My youngest grandson also ordered a corn dog and instead of it coming up with my granddaughters it finally arrived 2 or more hours later. Now I tell ya, just how long does it take to cook a corn dog? 2 and a half hours? It should of come out with the first one! By the time my grandson got it he was beyond hungry and falling asleep.

The grandparents of the bride sitting with us order a steak medium well and it came out rare. They sent it back and the gentlemen told the waitress they didn't want it back and to get them a chicken fried steak because he didn't think the cook knew how to cook a steak.

It was one wild crazy night lasting 2 and a half hours; and most embarrassing when you trying make a good impression on the other family and make a lovey evening for your son and his bride.

Yes, how long does it take to cook a hot dog? My guess is at Frontier Pies a very, very long time!!! Hate to think how long it would take to get a piece of pie?

PARKING GARAGE ALMOST DONE

2008-04-21T20:32:00.001-07:00

What do ya think....pretty big hun? It is almost done! In fact, end of next month to be exact. The building on top is our work our room and it has a view of the mountains... The outside will have brick work like our building. It will be so awesome and we are all so excited!!

UPDATES IN THE LIFE OF THE BARNES

2008-04-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

For those who want to know....our twins are now almost 6 months old and doing great! They are in the 11-12 pound range and lovely.

Our parking garage at work is almost done. They are working on the finishing touches and should be finished in June....we have an awesome fittness center on the very top of the building. I will take pictures of it!

Had a great spring break with my grandchildren from Idaho falls...here they are :

It was a very cold week most of the time but we found things to do!!

Have had 2 promotions: my daughter Jen is now manager of the a Store pharmacy and my son is a General Foreman in his place of work. I am so excited with the strides my children are making.

We had a great scrapbooking weekend in Boise about 2 and a half weeks ago that was the best ever!! (Each one is just the greatest!) We may not of gotten much done but we sure laughted a lot and had fun. Next one is in June Asotin, Wash. area and it is going to be awesome. We know how to have a terrifie time. Grandma has it all in the bag!!

When will it End?????

2008-04-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

This has just got to stop....the cold weather that is!!! I am still wearing winter cloths and my car has to be defrosted every morning still. I have gotten an awful cough and cold from it and I stayed home 3 days from work for the first time in 11 years. It sucks!! I just now tried to dig up some weeds but the ground is still frozen.

We are going to have our annual Dogwood Festival in 3 weeks but at this rate we won't have any Dogwood trees in bloom. The trees are still very bear, a few are taking chances to bloom. It is still snowing in Spokane and surrounding areas.

There is only one good thing about this weather, I don't have to yard work yet. I can read good books, sew (I am in the process of making 3 bride maids dresses for my son's wedding) and scrapbook. But I do hope the SUN will come on very soon!!!

Just The Two of Us!!!

2008-02-29T20:23:00.000-08:00

Will it has finally happened as of Saturday February 22 2008 our last child, third son Andrew moved out into his own apartment. We are now officially all alone for the first time in 32 years. You see, when we first got married I had Shauna from my first marriage so we weren't really alone in the beginning and this is a new thing for us. My husband argues that we were alone for a while when Andrew left on his mission and our daughter Denise moved back home because it was cheaper to live at home than deal with the room mate thing. But I don't consider that....we are now just the two of in this now very large house. There are the disadvantages and the advantages.

The disadvantages: now that it is tax season my husband works late and there is no one home to ...talk to or yell at. It is very quiet....very very quiet! I have to blame me now and not the kids. No one to help me open jars or lids.....

The advantages....I can watch what I want on TV or even just listen to music. During tax season I don't have to make dinner and if I do it is just for 2 not 10 and then some. I get my own way! The house stays clean longer except when my sons decide to come home for lunch and leave a mess. I can even do what I want and when I want. I can dance naked. It can only get better they say but ya know......I would have the kids back in a minute!!!

ENDLESS SNOWWWW...!

2008-01-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

Our Dogwood tree was a lovely sight Sunday night....but the snow is now gone. Everywhere around us tons of snow is falling but not in our bananabelt valley, just lots of rain. Everyone at work wished we would get lots of it so we can play and have snowdays like everyone else. It would be a lovely sight.

He will be remebered

2008-01-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

The world has lost a great man last night....what a shock but shouldn't of been. President Hinckley was 97 years old and for some reason he seemed he could go on forever! There was no warning he was sick or ill. He just passed due to old age. The last conference he seems so healthy and vibrant to me. He will be missed but needed to move on: to be with his beloved wife and serve God in Heaven. To me he was an example of how I need to be in my elderly years.....serve always in any calling you are asked, no matter what it is ,don't use age as an excuse not to do it. Always stand as a testimony of Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. Be happy with what you have. Be valiant in your choices and obey His commandments. Just so many things I will strive to better myself because of his great example in life. I rejoice in his life, he lived it very well!!! I just hope I can do the very same thing. Rhonda

Parking lot is really coming along....can't wait!

2008-01-27T22:40:00.000-08:00

Can you just believe this!!! It is moving along really fast...in fact this picture is 2 weeks old. It should be finished in June. It is almost as exciting as having the twins home. Lucky me I do have a parking spot in February no bus rides for me.

A NEW YEAR WITH NEW REALIZATIONS

2008-01-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

A New Year has got me thinking... now the holidays are gone, and all my children have gone back home except my youngest who was fortunate to go to Hawaii for a week with friends. And I have had a long week to think as my husband and I are home alone, just how lonely that can be. He has been so busy watching the Football games and Basketball games I don't think he even thinks or listens to the DEAD SILENCE in our home. Yes, it is mighty quiet around here. Then when we got the news that our youngest son has gotten engaged while he was gone....I further realized how quiet it will truly be around here. In ways I love it but mostly I hate it. It is bitter sweet.....sour, sweet? I can get lots of things done I haven't done in a long time but you know one thing is for sure! I will love it when the kids come home once in awhile to bring the house with LOTS of noise! Yes when I was younger with 6 children driving me crazy from time to time and was told they will be leaving soon....they were right, they left much to soon!! Rhonda

TWINS COMING HOME

2008-01-06T14:28:00.001-08:00

Our precious twins are coming home....they are now Ava 5lbs 9oz and Emma (who is pictured) is 5 lbs and 6 oz. We are so excited and what fun we all will have....and I am sure frustrating times as well but there are more of us to help out. God has truly blessed us. They have been in the hospital a total of almost 3 months short by 7 days. The parents are so glad to be coming home...mom Natalie has been staying at the Ronald MacDonald House all this time except a few trips home. Dad Jeremy did too, til he had to go back to work a month or so ago. That organization is so wonderful to give parents and family places to stay while a loved one is in the hospital. (God bless you Ronald MacDonald!!) Monday will be a day for celebration!!!

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

2008-01-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about my New Year's resolutions: first on the list is to continue my weight loss. In the past 3 months I have lost 12 lbs and am now excited to work on the other 15....now the holidays is over!! Second I want to work on our debt....when I retire I want us debt free. I have no desire to be a Walmart greeter or a food demo lady at Cosco as some of my friends are doing as they retire. I want to be free as a bird to do the things I have planned to do. Third....finish projects I have started for hummm years ago. 2 of those projects are almost done. I want us to finally finish the bathrooms....downstairs at least! I want to visit my sister this summer, a visit long over due. And a trip to Oregon Coast with all my children and family....rent a house and have lots of fun!! I have others in my mind and it is great to have a new beginning to look forward to. Happy New Year to all and good luck with your resolutions.
draft
5:

COMING HOME AT LAST!

2008-01-02T17:07:00.001-08:00

Look at this, isn't this the most precious thing in the world. Nothing like sleeping babies....they are 12 weeks old and will come home very soon, maybe as soon as next Sunday. 2 1/2 months at the hospital 2 hours away from home....Mom and Dad can't wait to be home for good with their girls!! The girls are off the oxygen and sleep apnea is almost gone. They are so beautiful. We have truly been blessed for this mircle. We are so lucky to have 8 lovely grandchildren!!!

So much to be thankful for!!!....

2007-11-21T21:02:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the most amazing picture. The twins are doing so well and growing, almost 1 more pound each. They are about 2 lbs 13 oz each. I am told they will be taken off the IVS end of this week. We are truly blessed and so excited. They are also 5 weeks old. We appreciate all the prayers in their behalf. What a wonderful Thanksgiving we will have!!

LOVE THOSE FEET

2007-11-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

AVA MCKEL

2007-11-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

EMMA LYNNE

2007-11-04T08:19:00.001-08:00

TWINS ARE EARLY

2007-11-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

What a crazy past month. My son and daughter in law's twins decided to come early..... 3 months early. The twins were born October 14th at 1:30 pm and 1:33 pm in the afternoon. I couldn't believe the excitement they caused. They had to call in extra nurses and 2 Paediatricians to assist in the delivery. They also had to find air flight transportation to fly them to Spokane Sacred Heart to receive special preemie care. I thought they would only need one helicopter for both of them, no they needed two. One isn't big enough. They could only find one helicopter and finally found a jet from Seattle to come and take the other one. It has been a scary 3 week journey, but they are both beginning to do well.

It is so amazing the wonderful care they are getting at Scared Heart Hospital Spokane WA!!!They are so tiny. Ava was 1LB 13 oz and Emma was 1lb and 10 oz. Each about 13 to 14 inches long. They have had so many complication going on. In fact they have their own website you can visit at caringbridges.org/visit/avaandemmabarnes. They are such fighters....Ava has had heart surgery, both have had abdomen surgery and just many concerns to doctors and nurses not to mention their parents and family. There was a couple of times we were told they wouldn't make it!! But they are now doing wonderful now!!

I truly believe in the power of prayers!!! I am so thankful this day to know their is a God who is with us to assist in comforting us in our hours of need and help. So many prayers have been said in their behalf I am ever grateful. Thanks to so many who care and love our families.

Grandma is so proud....now we have 8 beautiful grandchildren!!! It can't get any better than that!!!

2007-09-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is our new yard....next Spring we will add lawn around the fire pit, raised garden box and trampoline...isn't it just wonderful. No more weeds to pull.

We will paint the swing set and add other fun things to it as well..

SUMMERS PROJECT A REALITY

2007-09-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is at a close and my favorite time of year is here .....Fall. I am so proud to say we have accomplished our goals we set in the Spring for the Summer.

This is very excited to me. You see my husband never does yard work, in fact for 30 years I have done all the yard work. But this year he has totally amazed me! Ralph, my husband, in the spring, had talked about some summer projects out side he wanted to do. As he went on talking I thought ( 'sounds great but wouldn't happen) . We are always taking and dreaming and never accomplishing very fast. We were definitely going to put in the sprinkler system and I felt I was lucky to get that and never expected any more. To my amazement and with the help of our son who lives at home still and my other son who lives not far from us, this became a reality!

My husband had a vision of a great yard for our children and grandchildren to play in and it became a reality. Everyday I look out side at our yard and am so proud of what we accomplished...it is just beautiful. We now have a wonderful out door fire pit. A raised garden bed. A trampoline safe in the ground. We have put in a lawn under our huge swingset (that use to be dirt and weeds) and had sprinklers put in all round the yard. Our yard is a wonderful place to play. ( We do want to put in more lawn around all these new things next Spring.) This is a major accomplishment for us! It took from May to September a few early morning hours each Saturday because our old bodies couldn't do more than that. It was back breaking work, in fact I never shoveled so much dirt in my life but it was so worth it.

It was funny Ralph also thought we could paint our large swing set and the house as well but later made the comment: "maybe I am expecting too much from us!" (Maybe this Fall we can do those things.) The wonder thing about all this, my husband is really trying to improve our home. You see he has diabetes and his legs haven't the circulation they once had. And for him to work outside and help create this wonder backyard is amazing to me. I believe it has brought us even closer together! Our children will really enjoy it when they come to visit. He has now carried that energy back into the house to work on the bathroom downstairs (a long on going project). And it looks like that reality will come true, hopefully by Christmas. I truly love him for his vision and effort! What a man!! ( I will include a picture of our yard)

It Never Ends.........

2007-09-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

I have been told ever since I can remember I am a Worry Wort. I'd worry about everything. I thought once my kids were grown and gone, on their own, my worrying days were over.......NOT SO!!! I still worry. I guess my destiny in life is to be the Great Worrying Grandma. And with grand kids your worries are multiplied!

My son and his wife just gave us an awesome surprise. They had an ultra-sound last week and to every ones surprise they are expecting twin girls. How exciting is that. This is their first children and they are thrilled. She is due about 1-16-08 but twins could be a lot earlier. My son has started a new job and October 1st has to go out of town (6 hours away), for 10 week training. I think I am more nervous about their situation then they are. I fear my son with not be there for the blessed event. Or I just hope they will go full term (I had one preemie child before and know what that is like.) And it goes on and on. My husband always tells me "It will be fine or things will work out!" Why do I do this?

I have 6 kids and each one has something I worry about....good thing there is cell phones to keep in touch to control my worries and replace with hugs and kisses!! I guess I will just control my Worry Worts and turn them into Love Bugs. I just want life to go smoother for them than somethings were for me. I am a Worrying Protective Loving Grandma ~~~~~~

THE GRANDKIDS WE MISSED THIS TRIP

2007-08-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

THE GRANDKIDS WE MISSED SO MUCH THIS VACATION IS ON JENNIFERS BACK....KALEB FRONT, ZACK NEXT AND THEN LEAH...ELY IS LAST WHO WE SAW. GREAT FUN KIDS!!! LOVE THEM ALL!! THEY MAKE GRANDMA ROCK WITH JOY!!!

GRANDKIDS THE HEART OF GRANDPARENTS

2007-08-28T20:25:00.001-07:00

OUR SONS FAMILY....AREN'T THEY CUTE....NOT THE PARENTS THE KIDS!!!! GOT TO LOVE THEM!

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR VACATION

2007-08-28T20:22:00.001-07:00

OUR HAPPY BABY JILL...WHAT A CUTIE. ALMOST 9 MONTHS OLD

NOTHIN' LIKE A GOOD OLD VACATION

2007-08-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

WE HAD A GREAT VACATION....NOTHING IS BETTER THAN SPENDING IT WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. MY HEART SWELLS WITH PRIDE AT EACH ONE OF OUR 6 CHILDREN; THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, THE GOALS THEY HAVE REACHED OR ARE WORKING ON AND JUST THE WONDERFUL PERSONS THEY HAVE BECOME. AND WE LOVE THE SPOUSES AS WELL.....WE HAVE SUCH A GREAT TIME TOGETHER!!

AND WHAT A JOY TO BE A GRANDPARENT. WE GOT TO MET OUR NEWEST GRAND BABY JILL....HAPPY BABY I HAVE EVER SEEN. SHE WAS ALWAYS SMILING NEVER CRIED ONCE, TIL MY DAUGHTERS SHAUNA AND JEN TALKED TO HER IN HER FACE AND SHE CRIED AWFUL. (WOULDN'T YOU IF SOMEONE WAS IN YOUR FACE....IT WAS PRETTY FUNNY I MUST SAY.)

OUR SON'S DAUGHTER RORY HAS THIS HUGE CRUSH ON GRANDPA. I COULD OF LAUGHED WHEN WE WERE WATCHING TV AFTER HE HAD SWUNG HER ON THE SWING AND HE KEPT DOZING IN THE CHAIR. RORY WAS SITTING BY ME AND STARTED TO CRY..."WHAT IS WRONG?" I ASKED. "I CAN'T TALKED TO HIM HIS EYES ARE CLOSED!" I TOLD HER HE DOES THAT ALL THE TIME JUST GO OVER AND WIGGLE HIS KNEE AND YOU CAN TALK TO HIM ALL YOU WANT. SHE QUIETLY WENT OVER, SHOOK HIS KNEE AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE HIM A WAKE FOR A TALK. KIDS ARE JUST SO CUTE!!! SHE LIKES HER GRANDPA.

ELY THEIR SON CARRIES ON THE MOST INTERESTING CONVERSATIONS. I HAD GREAT FUN WITH EACH ONE EITHER PLAYING GAMES, GOING ON WALKS, PLAYING IN THE WATER AND GIVING LOTS OF HUGS AND KISSES. I AM SO LUCKY!!! WE MISSED OUR OTHER 3 GRAND CHILDREN THAT COULDN'T COME. BUT EACH MOMENT SPEND WITH THEM IS PRICELESS.

WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE ALL OUR CHILDREN THERE BUT ONE.....COULDN'T HAVE A BETTER VACATION!!!

GRANDMA ON THE MOVE

2007-08-14T19:53:00.001-07:00

WE ARE OFF TO SEE THE GRANDKIDS....ESPECIALLY THE NEWEST ONE. WE GET TO SPOIL, PAMPER, LOVE AND GIVE THEM BACK IF THEY CRY OR DON'T BEHAVE. I MISS THEM DEARLY. WE HAVE 6 IN ALL...3GIRLS AND 3BOYS, BETWEEN TWO CHILDREN. SHAUNA'S KALEB, LEAH AND ZACH. JASON'S ELI, RORY AND JILL. WE ALSO HAVE ONE ON THE WAY! LUCKY US!!! WISH THEY LIVED CLOSER BUT FOR NOW WE WELL ENJOY THEM AND TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES. (ABOVE PICTURE WAS AT THE FAMILY REUNION 2006 AND THE KIDS WERE TRIED TO TAKING PICTURES....THEY ARE MUCH CUTER) SO FOR NOW....TIL AFTER OUT TRIP......HAPPY VACATION!!!

GRANDMA ON THE MOVE

2007-08-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

OTHER SIDE OF OUR PARKING LOT

2007-08-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

I AM NOT SURE WHY THE DIRT
RAMP ....HOPE IT WILL BE MORE
STURDY!!!

AUGUST 14, 2007 FUTURE PARKING LOT UPDATE

2007-08-14T19:34:00.001-07:00

JUST LOOK AT THIS HUGH HOLE...I ALMOST THINK THEY ARE DIGGING TO CHINA!! IN THE SHADOWS I TRIED TO GET A PICTURE OF A MAN WORKING TO SHOW THE DEPTH BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. THEY ARE NOW LEVELING TO BUILD UP, UP AND UP...5 LEVELS OF WONDERFUL PARKING!!

GRANDMA CAN'T SHOP ANYMORE.....

2007-08-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Looks like shopping for me is over!! In our local Sunday newspaper there was an article by a Patricia Mclaughlin ‘GRANDMA CAN'T SHOP BECAUSE NOTHING FITS HER RIGHT.’ It has me very concern and worried!!
In 1994 Patricia interviewed a William Rankin who owned Dress Rite Company. The Dress Rite Company made custom dressmaking forms for home sewers for $550.00. Three years before his company, as a side line, he made customize dress forms by casting women's torso in paper-mache so you could make clothes that would fit perfectly. It caught his attention a very different body shape kept coming up in his customized dress forms. He concluded it as the shape of the older women. William explained 'her body shape gradually shifts. A lot of things are different. There’s a little hump at the back of the neck. The neck goes way forward, the rib cage begins to expand, the bust falls and the spine condenses. At the waist there’s almost like a ledge that develops. The shoulders tend to roll forward, the waist gets larger, a rather large abdomen develops, and the buttocks flatten.’
Does this sound familiar ladies? It is like a whole transfiguration seems to take place as we get older.
He goes on to say these changes make it almost impossible for older women to find clothes that fit. So we tend to buy sloppy stuff and try to make do. Pants that fit them in the waist would be too big in the hips, so they were stuck with elastic-waist pants. Rankin also says ‘to make it worse women are wearing the elastic waist pants backwards to fit their pooched-out abdomens and flattened rears.’
How awful is that? Sounds like a nightmare. The article goes on to say that around this time the institute for standards research of American Society for testing and materials measured nearly 7,000 women over 55 noticed in 38 state’s concluded what Rankin noticed: 'as the body ages the head is carried farther forward, the shoulders roll forward to widen the back and narrow the chest, the spine shortens and condenses, the rib cage expands, the burst falls, the waist thickens, the abdomen rounds out and the buttocks fattens. '
To make things worse……. no one wants to accommodate for making clothes to fit women in their late 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90. The study also showed older women spent less on cloths so the market is geared to the younger set because they buy more. If there was a market for us we would be glad to spend the money!!! What an old gal to do? I guess we just hope someone out there will take pity on us and produces some stylish cloths that fit right. I don't want to look like a sloppy old lady but be classy and sophisticated in what days I have left!!! One can only hope.......so our shopping days can go on!!

2007-07-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

THE HOLE OF MY FRUSTRATIONS......PARKING LOT DUE TO BE FINISHED IN FEBRUARY 2008.... not soon enough!!!

DIDN'T KNOW GOING TO WORK IS SO FRUSTERATING!

2007-07-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

See that huge hole....that is our new parking lot not to be finished for at least 6 more months, so they say and the cause of my frustration.

Let me go back about a year...August 2006. We moved into our new 3 storey building to accommodate for our rapid growth but they didn't allow for enough parking places. What a mess! To solve the problem they drew names for what parking spaces they had and then the rest of the employees took a bus from our old location to the new. They were short 200 parking places. These buses ran back and forth every 15 minute pickups and dropoffs.

Now we have more employees and 2 locations for bus pickups and dropoffs. It isn't like we live in a huge city where you need a bus system or trains to go everywhere. We have always just drove where ever you need to go. We don't even have traffic jams you so often see in the big cities. It is just perfect for morning and night work days. I have lived in San Francisco Bay Area and really know what the traffic can be like when you want to go to work.

I even made the aweful mistake of catching the wrong bus going to my car after work. I had such a bad Monday I totally got on the first bus not thinking where it was going. To my dismay after it started I realized my car wasn't where it was going. Did I feel like a real fool!!

Today I was having a bad hair day and couldn't get it together. I figure I have to leave the house 20 minutes before the bus comes, so to get to work 15 minutes later. And if your schedule at home is off any way, bad hair day or just anything you can miss the bus and totally mess up your work time for the day....and when can you make it up? I can't even amazen if I had to worry about taking kids to school or daycare. I can't even function somedays on my own timetable. It is a frusteration, can't amazen what the winter will be like?

Oh, well we will call this an adventure......the hole keeps getting bigger, not sure when they get done digging and tons have dirt have been taken away. It is to be 5 storeys tall with 800 parkings spots. Each day gets us closer but continues to frusterate me in my timetable.

The new 40's?

2007-07-23T21:17:00.001-07:00

My daughter talked me into starting a blog. Not sure about this but here is goes. She is really good at it. Check hers out called: UP INTO THE NIGHT. She has a great way with words. My daughter in law also has a great blog called The Nut House. Here goes nothing:

On July 9th I turned 59....I feel I'm in my 40's still but who is counting? They say the 60's are the new 40's. I like that thought very much. Everyone would like to extend their health and wealth of youth.

I am very active. I go to swimming aerobics 3 to 4 times a week. I walk on my breaks at work for 15 minutes 2 times a day, most days, and go to Curves 3 times a week. My real desire in life is to lose 20 pounds I seem to have gained in the last year or so. I am finding going into my 60's makes this a real challenge, the battle of the bulge.

Women my age have menopause issues and it sucks!! This has dragged on forever for me, like 15 years fighting the changes. The worse problem is the middle spare tire...oh, how I dream to have a waist again. I exercise endlessly on this middle problem.

To top off the problem cloths fit weird. Doesn't matter what department you go to the cloths in an x-large are always too small. Not sure who is in charge of the sizes. It doesn't even matter if it is juniors, misses or women’s nothing fits. The other problem, fabrics are so thin you have to have 3 layers, not to show those ugly body lines….. no one would want to see mine. I don't want to dress frumpy or baggy but in style with class. I want to be normal and not stand out. Is it too much to ask? I want my grandkids and kids to say "Wow grandma is COOL and looking good!!"

Oh well, I shouldn't really complain too much. I have great health and I guess that is all that really matters. The inches seem to go slowly but not the weight. The kids say I can dress 70's or 80's and pull it off well. I am really blessed to be an approaching the new age of 60's Rockin' Grandma with a TOUCH OF CLASS. I will continue to exercise and eat the best I can to live and enjoy those kids and grandkids.
Isn't that what life is really about......Rhonda