Is her funeral going to be Friday? I know everything will be well put together and nice. You are the mom now Janet, and I know you can handle it. :rip::hands::love029::love029:

Oh Janet, it is so hard to plan a funeral for a parent. She will look beautiful, because she is at peace now.

I am so sad for you, Janet. One day at a time is the only thing you can do. Somebody once told me that sadness is a great honor to the person we loved so much, and a very important feeling to go through.

Janet, your heart won't always feel this way. It's normal at first to hurt so much. After all no one can replace your Mom but in time you'll feel better. If you really stop and think about it there's no way that you would really want to bring your Mom back with the pain she was feeling and the problems she was having. Knowing that your Mom is in heaven will make heaven a much more special place. I know that for me.....I have grandparents and a special aunt that is waiting for me.

Now's the time to draw closer to your family. Let go of some of the problems and share the loss that you have right now. You need each other and you can get through this together. Don't let things get you upset but let your problems be like water on a duck's back.....just let them pass. Your Mom is gone but your family is still here and YOU can be the one that keeps everyone together.

I love you......wish that I were there with you.........and me and my family are praying. I'm here if you need me.......at any time!!!! Hugs!!!!

Janet this is such a hard time and you only think about the sadness and loss right now, but in time, you will replace these thoughts with happier memories with your mom. Everyone above me has given you such good words, so I won't repeat the message, except to say that you are such a wonderful person for all that you have done for your mom. No one could ask for a better and more loving daughter!

Many hugs to you.

Today was a regular first work day of the month day. Jeff thought he had gotten a hernia at work but it looks like a torn muscle, which is ok. AC man says I need a whole new unit, so I'm putting in a window unit until the settlement. Then, I'll keep the little ac for power outages with a generator.

Meet Laura and her fam for dinner and I'm turning in early. I have power, water, and cool at the house, so I'm getting an air mattress and going to spend the weekend out there ... She what it looks like at night. I should be able to get the guest room painted and start on my room.

YAY YAY YAY!!! Sandy I'm so happy for you. It will be so exciting to actually get started on your new home. I remember just a few months ago, how much fun it was to see things take shape in our new home. I hope things go well for you. Sorry about the AC, but you gotta do what you gotta do, I guess. Thankfully, there will be a settlement to help you with the costs of the things you need to do at the new house.

Things are still very hectic at school - it seems a never ending plate of things to do - not that I really mind, but I wish it would slow down a bit.

Gary will be going to Oklahoma on Saturday and I will miss the heck out of him - but it will be nice to have a quiet house for a few days, and no one to worry about except myself. Mom needs me to run some errands for her over the weekend, so I'll have plenty of time to do that. There is, what we call a "City-Wide Garage Sale" at one of our local auditoriums. They have it about once a month, and it really is more like an antique mall than a garage sale. That's just the name it has had forever. I've bought several really nice antique things there over the years. I haven't been in several months, so hopefully I can make it this weekend.

I'm having breakfast on Labor Day with a friend I haven't seen in quite a while and that will be nice. Then on Tuesday, the "girls" (2 women I work with) and I are going out to dinner and then they will come over to see my house. They were out here before I moved in but not since. I'm planning a quick trip to Houston next Friday and Saturday to see Abigail play in a volleyball tournament. It will be a good chance to see her play several games.

Sounds like a nice weekend, Gayle. I hope Gary has a wonderful time!

Sandy, what a good idea to sleep there! I am so happy for you! Do you have any colors picked out yet? Decorating styles?

I am busy gathering contribution of clothing, bedding, etc. to take over to a community center nearby for the flood victims. I was planning on going over today, but I think it's going to rain tomorrow, so probably will wait tilll then. I have to pick up some more stuff this morning from my neighbor.

My friends are leaving this weekend, so I am spending as much time with them as possible. We have been by the pool whenever we can, getting in our last licks! I am going to be lost without them! I really do love the three families I have been friends with all along, plus we have become friendly with 2 other couples who are also very nice. Another nice couple has been siting with us at the pool too. I will definitely miss the pool! It is so beautiful up there, and a place to go every day where people I really like are always there! I have some other things set up for the fall, and might sign up for tai chi.

I also put all of my projects on hold for the summer. I realized a while ago that I have all winter to stay home and do things. It was a really good plan. It is much better to get out and enjoy the summer, my friends, the pool, and the beautiful Catksills.

I don't know yet what the outcome of the flood will be as far as my town is concerned. We may lose several stores because the buildings are not safe anymore. I would become much more involved in helping, except that a lot of the people running the volunteer groups are a little too wacky. You must know the type...young, intense, idealistic, with no lives of their own, who like to jump in and take over. I prefer to help out quietly, wherever I might be needed. I will work it out for sure.

Life here has been crazy!!! Dean's been grouchy.......Karlie was sent home yesterday because of a fever (allergies) so she's home again today......Dae Lynn's been up and down with some of Damon's drama.....still........and Damon's not feeling well at rehab and there was some controversity about him even healthy enough to stay.....but he's staying. I really think that he's very homesick.

The kids have been about to drive me crazy!!! I cannot pick up as fast as they get it out.....and then I have Karlie nagging at me about one thing or another.....Yes, she nags!!!! I think that Dae Lynn's going to come and pick up the kids after school and take them to Walmart so I can have some peace and quiet for awhile!!! I'm so ready!!!

The weather has been so hot still. Our corn crop wasn't hardly anything and if we don't get some rain soon we won't have much of a soybean crop either........so Glen's stressed right along with everyone else!!!!

Ok....enough complaining!!! I did get my utility room all cleaned out yesterday and it looks really nice......now to go and work on my bathroom!!!!

Wow...I have a lot of catching up to do don't I ?

Sandy...I'm really happy for you. I just know you're going to make your house into a beautiful home. Sure wish I could come see it.

Judy...I'm sorry your town was so hurt by the flooding. Those poor people and business owners. Starting over isn't easy for some. I'm the same way when it comes to helping. I like to do it quietly on my own instead of someone directing me all the time. I think just as much gets accomplished.

Diana.....sounds like you need a vacation! With two little ones it can get a bit hectic for sure, especially if one of them isn't feeling well. I hope it helps with Dae Lynn getting the kids out for awhile so you can have a break.

You all know what I did today so I won't go further...I just wanted to comment on your activities. It sounds like you are all well and doing great. For that...I am so thankful.

Diana, you probably already do this and of course it won't work with Dean, but my daughter has her 4 and a half year old daughter Emma, pick up all the toys, etc she gets out. My daughter has done this since she was pretty little. At times it is more work for my daughter to make Emma pick up her things, but at other times, she just does it because she knows she has to. I'd probably make Karlie pick up Deans things too explaining that he's little and she has to help.

Andrew spent the night with me ... We got up early, met the handyman at the house, drove two hours to have birthday cake with Sarah, drove two hours back home ... Now we've crashed for some football games.

Somewhere in there, I got paint. Doing the guest bedroom in country white with white ceiling (after I scrap the texture). I think I'll go with a pale yellow with white trim for the outside. I want everything to look crisp and clean.

I found a deal on a barely used central air system (people decided they wanted a bigger unit), so the guy's coming tomorrow to get started on that.

You have got it sooo together Sandy. I am totally amazed by you.

We (Texas) are having tropical storm winds today. No rain though :rolleyes: with the drought we are having some terrible fires everywhere. There was one within a couple miles of me earlier today. It's out now thankfully. There is still a big one east of us. They have evacuated a big addition. There are reports of 300 homes burned about 30 miles southeast of Austin. I just heard a minute ago that there is a housing addition on fire out near Lake Travis (VERY expensive homes out there). Such scary times.

We are having fires in our area, too. In a town about 35 miles north of us, I-20 had to be closed for awhile. The fire jumped the interstate! The wind is blowing so hard here, our town smells like smoke from those fires:eek:

Oh Betsi, it's just terrible. My daughters friends husband is a fire fighter and my daughter just called me to say he was in charge of a fire on a road that is right by our addition. I jumped in the car and drove over to the road, but the fire is south of us so there is no chance for it to come here. This is just terrible and the weather tomorrow is supposed to be the same in terms of wind and very low humidity. The Bastrop fire is already 16 miles long. It may burn all the way to the coast. Well not THAT far, but a long long way south.

This is the terrible fire southeast of Austin. Right now it is 6 miles wide and 16 miles long and has burned 300 homes. It will be days before it is out.

That's awful! The news is full of reports of fires all over the place. We had just a little rain from the storm, but not enough to make any difference. I think all of east Texas is covered in dry pine needles that have blown off the trees. Very dangerous!

How scary! Is the wind still blowing? This drought is so awful. We had more rain last night, which I hope did not add to the flooding problems here. I wish I could send some down to you in Texas!

Stay safe!

Oh, Gayle and Betsi, I sure hope the fires stay away. That's such a scary thought!! I was hoping that you would all get some rain from this tropical depression. I know that you are sooo dry.

We finally got a little bit of rain on Saturday. Our soybeans were really needing it and we're hoping that maybe we'll have somewhat of a crop. Our corn was very poor yield and guality that we're really hurt because of that and we don't want the same for our beans. Farming is so different because we DO rely on the weather for our income.

It's been better with the kids and all. Dae Lynn's gone through some really stressful things this week and Damon's been suffering with headaches to the point that the rehab is threatening to send him home until he can get better. Dae Lynn got to talk to him even though she wasn't suppose to all month and we think that he did better after that.....plus we've all been praying. If he doesn't finish rehab then she's done with her marriage because she's not going to continue on like this.

Amy had a birthday party for Daya on Saturday and she got two horses!!! She's so excited about them!!! My brother-in-law had them but wasn't taking good care of them so he finally let her have them.......then my husband's aunt had a saddle that she let them have!!! It all worked out so cool!! Oh, and Feyn's going to let them in his pasture with his horses. Daya got to finally ride them yesterday because it rained on Saturday and she couldn't. She's such a sweet girl!!!!

After church yesterday we went out of town to eat and went to Walmart. For me that was exciting!!! Dae Lynn's been taking care of most of the groceries and shopping and I haven't hardly been anywhere. I didn't get much except groceries and some clothes for Karlie but it was so nice to get out!!! We also stopped at Braum's and got some low carb ice cream. I don't know exactly how LOW it was but I pretended that it was alright!! So far I've lost 15 pounds!!! Dae Lynn's lost 20!!!!

These fires scare me like crazy. We've only had smaller ones here, but I can imagine them getting out of control. I can a few showers, but the wind dried it out quickly.

I keep watching the news....you ladies stay safe....I'm worried about you all out there in Texas.

Yesterday I went to Moms and cleaned out the bathroom. There was so much stuff to throw away...unbelievable! I also cleaned out all the drawers in her room and the spare bedroom...what a job...she saves everything. My niece (younger brothers daughter) came at my request to go through some jewelry and other odds and ends.

Today, Rick, Jerry and I cleaned out the shed. Again....so much stuff was tossed out. There is room in the shed now for the things Rick brought back from Florida. Jerry was bossing me around...but I didn't say anything. It wasn't easy either...lolol. I wish this was all over with so I'm trying to get as much done as possible.

Jerry decided he doesn't want to have a huge garage sale. He'd rather have an auction and pay 20-30 percent to an auctioneer. I told him I'm tired of him changing his mind about things. I also found out that he and his wife, my younger brother and his wife decided that I influenced Mom to make me her executor. Her will was made in 199? And I didn't influence her and told him the accusations need to stop.

I knew this would happen so... I'll try to get it all done as quickly as possible and eliminate them from my life. I'm finding out so many ugly things and it makes me so sad and angry at the same time. It will be over soon and then life will be good again....I have God on my side...knowing I'm doing the right things and following Mom's wishes.

Tomorrow...legal errands to run and. I get to see my bus kids. I'm so ready to get back on that bus...lol.

I'm proud of you, Janet.

Today I got a much needed haircut.. :) We also had a bus evacuation drill so the students would know what to do during an emergency. We do this every year. I had so many compliments from the teachers that were helping on how well my students behavior was. I was so proud of them. They wanted to know my secret and the only thing I could think of is that my students know everyday what I expect from them

I then met my niece at Mom's and then my older brother and his wife came. It was an okay visit for a change.

I'm sorry that Jerry was being difficult but you are doing the right thing by keeping your tongue. It doesn't help anything in the long run except drives you further apart. Just keep on going and get it done.

How can they accuse you of influencing your Mom????? Especially since the will was done in 1997????? They're just looking for something to complain about. Your Mom chose you because you were the best choice......also she probably wanted you to have what you wanted before it was split up.

As far as an auction goes.....did your Mom have enough stuff for an auction? You could always do an estate sale. It's like a garage sale but it's usually in the house and people just walk through. You just price the things in the house. That also tells people that there's furniture and appliance.

I hope you girls in Texas are staying safe. I sure wish that you'd get some rain.......and send it on up here.

Our crops aren't doing good. Glen's already told me that I need to be cutting back because of it. We're not in bad shape....our bills are all paid up it's just that there won't be much extra.

I picked up Dean this afternoon to go and tuck him in bed, he looked up at me, grinned and said "A you a you!!" Translated that means "What am I going to do with you?" I say that to him a lot!!! He's such a cutie!!! He sure keeps me going.......I think that on top of the kitchen island is where he likes to be so he can get into things!!!!

Regular work day, except I've got to make some changes with my admins. One girl is coming off maternity leave so I'll let the contractor go, but she's better than on of the directs. I was told to stay back and let them hang themselves to make the decision.

Met with lawyer today and we will make one last offer to settle to hopefully get this over with.

I'm making a quick trip to Houston today. Abi has volley ball games at 4:30 and then she has a tournament tomorrow afternoon. Her tournament is way on the northest side of Houston (on the road to Austin) so I'll just zip on home from the tournament. It will be a quick trip, but I will get to see Abi play several games, and still get home Sat. evening. I've got so much traveling to do, I need at least one weekend day. The following weekend is when I'm taking mom to Oklahoma, and then we will leave for Colorado shorting after I get back from OK. I'm looking forward to all these trips, but will be glad to be home after they are done!

We've been having such wonderful temperatures!! I've been leaving the front door open so Dean can play outside and still be able to come back in. And thank goodness the bugs haven't been coming in much at all......I think that the chickens and ducks have been keeping the bugs down.......and that's the only good thing that I can say about them. They have absolutely destroyed my flower beds. There's NOTHING left and I'm pretty upset over it since I had bought a lot of new hostas. I threatened Glen with a divorce if he ever buys them again!!!!! (And I'm going to shoot what we have now!!)

Glen's getting ready to leave this afternoon for Illinois. There is a lake that's been made for scuba divers. They have a lot of different things in the water to go and discover. A friend is going with him and I know that they'll have a good time.

Dae Lynn and I are getting ready to go on the 100 mile garage sale tomorrow. We're both excited. She's looking for kids clothes and clothes for herself and I'm looking for some smaller clothes for myself as well. We both have been losing weight and it's exciting and a little upsetting that we're going to need new clothes. We're going to have to take the kids with us because we can't find anyone to watch them especially since we'll be gone such a long time. I sure hope that they're good for us because they can sure ruin the day. The garage sale starts about 30 miles from where we live so it will be a short drive to start!!! I hope we find some good bargains!!!

There's another large garage sale across northern Missouri and Kansas next weekend but I'll have the kids since Dae Lynn will get to finally go and see Damon. My cousin goes to this one sometimes and I would LOVE to go with her and her husband but, I guess, it will have to be next year......sigh. Oh well, I really don't have the money to go to both anyway.

So far it's just another day of Dean, me, and Ma Mou......Mickey Mouse!!! That's Dean's favorite show and he brings me the remote as soon as it's over saying "Ma Mou". Kera's coming today to do some dusting, sweeping, and moping so I need to get things sorta' picked up.

The temps have been wonderful here too. We've had some light rain and drizzle the last couple of days but still...it's been nice. We are suppose to have temps in the 80's for Sunday and then drop back down to the 60's and 70's the rest of the week. I love these fall temperatures. Nice to have the air off and the windows open. LOL....I still sleep with a fan on me though.

I really didn't do a whole lot today. I was missing Mom and then a friend from work was fired. It wasn't fair and I know the players who got her fired. I always looked forward to picking the kids up at school so I could see and talk with her and another lady. I'm really going to miss seeing her everyday, but we will still make plans to get together now and then.

I did have to go to town to the funeral home and pick up the death certificates and sign some papers for claiming insurance. From there I went to the lawyers office and signed papers there so the Will will be recorded at the courthouse and the monies will be transfered to an estate account. All this is so new and scary for me, but the attorney and his secretary said they will lead me through everything so I'm not to worry. So far.....so good :)

This evening I took an early bath and then just relaxed some and now I'm in bed with my laptop. Seems like everytime I get on the computer any more....I get so sleepy.

I know I'll be going into Mom's to do some more cleaning and going through things, but not sure when. I'm hoping I can sleep a little later tomorrow morning...sleep still isn't being kind to me.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Mde it home from Houston. Lots of smoke just northwest of Houston yesterday, but it was much better today. Got to see Abi play. She played well and I always enjoy watching her. Emma was a little doll too and I had fun with her too. Wish I could have stayed longer but it is good to be home.

I was able to sleep a little later this morning. I love just laying in bed for a few minutes....gather my thoughts and then rise....so comfy. I quickly cleaned my kitchen and did a walk through to make sure things were picked up then headed in to Mom's house. I washed up a few things and then went through her clothes closet. Not easy at all. Mom has some beautiful clothes, especially tops. I know someone that could get good use out of them and really appreciate them. The rest will be taken to the Salvation Army.

Tomorrow my older brother said he'd come help if I was going in. I may go for a little while, but we need to get things organized before we go any further. He's gonna have to slow down just a bit. My younger brother should be home tomorrow but I doubt if we'll see him. I know he's going to be very upset that I won't allow his wife in the house. But too bad.

I got to speak with Judy on the phone today. You all need to give her a call...she has the best laugh and the sweetest voice. I so love speaking with her, so the next step...we have to meet. She speaks just as she types.....such a wonderful lady...love ya Judy!!!

I guess that is about all I've done today...now I'm tired and sore and yes....in bed already. :)

I think I have a head cold but I got some work down at both places today and am spending the night at the house. Heehee, I have a crazy busy week ... Propane gas on Monday, carpets cleaned on tuesday and mocing on friday. I didn't get any painting done today but hope to finish a couple rooms tomorrow. Crazy weather!

Sandy, I have a crazy busy week too. Gary and i are going to get the hunting stuff out of the shop tomorrow morning before it gets to hot. Yes, its supposed to be 100 degrees tomorrow. Monday is absolutely crazy crazy day at work. I will barely have time to go to the bathroom! The painter is supposed to get started on the kitchen Monday. Hopefully he will finish on Tuesday. I will spend the week at work getting ready to be gone the following week. Then in the evenings, I'll be getting ready to go to Oklahoma Friday and to Colorado on the 20th. It makes my head spin!

Dae Lynn, the kids, and I went on the 100 mile Garage Sale yesterday. The weather was beautiful!!! We didn't find as much as we were wanting too and I think that was because everything was pretty picked over. The sales were also on Friday and I think that was the best day to go......next year I'll know better. We were hoping that after lunch that Dean would fall asleep and he did but it only lasted for 20 minutes and he turned into a bear after that. We kept shopping but it was pretty miserable for Dae Lynn and he wouldn't even go to me. Next year I go on Friday.......take NO kids......and have a blast!!!! We probably went to 25 garage sales or more and shopped until after five......usually garage sales only last until one or two o'clock.

Glen's having a blast scuba diving!!! He's with a friend, Logan. Logan's wife and I have been good friends for years but we haven't done much together for a long time so I went over and visited her after church. It was nice to see her. We're probably going to be doing some traveling together if our husbands keep scuba diving!!!! That will be fun!!!

Well....I need to be packing. Our seniors group at church is going to Eureka Springs for a few days and we signed up to go. I don't remember what all we're doing but it will be fun!!! Glen and I are one of the youngest couples in our senior group and we don't usually go and do things with them but they are a fun group and I usually have them laughing at me!!! I'm a clown!!! Anyway........we're leaving first thing in the morning and will be home sometime on Wednesday.

After reading your posts, I don't feel so busy. I'm just not working fast enough, so I'm postponing my move until the 23rd. I'm just afraid that if I move in, I'll not get all my wants finished. I sure am tired for the little bit of work I accomplished.

I have studied non-stop and when I took my quiz I got a 61 :(

More studying so I can pass my test.

It's so discouraging when you study and you don't do well.

Sandy, I know what you mean, when we moved I was exhausted for weeks. I felt like I would never get rested! And yes, do everything you want to do before you move in, we did a lot, but not everything and now we are having to go back and finish everything we should have done before we moved.

Jessica, can you talk to your teacher about the test? It sounds like you didn't study the right things or maybe didn't study the right way. I bet your teacher can help you.

We went to Cabelas today. Gary needed some rubber boots and also needed an orange hat for hunting. I needed an orange hat and vest too, in case I go out hunting with him one day. I'm getting excited to go to CO. It's one of our favorite places to go. Gary should not go to the elevation and I know it will be a fight to get him to wear his oxygen. I hope I don't have to wrestle him to the ground to get it on him. :D

Gayle, make pictures of the wrestling!

Speaking of pictures ... I have been making pictures of my house, but can't upload them from my phone or iPad to 4wt and I've had my apartment inet turned off. Not much has changed. I put in some new mini blinds, not what I wanted, but can't do $100/ window right now.

Well the oxygen company delivered some more oxygen bottles today and I heard Gary say he was going to use them while in CO, so you can rest assured that I am going to remind him that he said he was going to use them when he balks at wearing his oxygen (and he most assuredly will balk at some point). I just hope I don't have to wrestle him to the ground in front of the outfitter (smile). I'm on my phone so I can't insert the smiley faces.

I have been so busy! I feel like I haven't been here in ages. Life is so hectic right now. It seems there is always something going on. I'm second-guessing my new job still. Layla needs a new sitter now that her sitter broke up with her fiance and brought her cousin and his wife and their two pitbulls to live with them... Not that I'm against pit-bulls because I'm not at all, I love the breed, but I don't trust big dogs around Layla at all, and the whole situation is just really sketchy.

We have been gone almost every weekend for something. I am ready to just stay home! Our deck is nowhere close to finished and we will probably have snow in the next month or so. We also keep getting company at the very last minute. Right now I am just running some water for a bath before jumping into bed and I thought I'd take a minute to check in!

I miss you all!