That's a shame, Diana! 4 marriages is a couple too many! You do have lots of family that you love though. I have no siblings, but I do have some cousins I love a lot.

I did nothing today, which was very nice. I just came from my friend's house, where we all got together for drinks and snacks. My friends are up for Thanksgiving. I really, really love them!

Tomorrow, I have a surprise birthday party to go to for a friend who is 80. Her daughter is making it. You would never think Alda is 80! She is like the energizer bunny. These friends are also so nice. What a good weekend!

We had a great Thanksgiving day in Houston. And we had some wonderful black Friday shopping. Mom and I came home yesterday and I was so tired. I went to a Texas women't basketball game last night - they won - we have a better team this year! Today I've gone to the farmers market and to Big Lots and did some Christmas decorating. I still need to go to the grocery store.

I bought a little composter at the farmer market. I'm on a septic system so I don't have a garbage disposal. All my scraps go into the trash. I had a little electric composter a couple of years ago, but it didn't last very long. This one is not electric and it is anaerobic so you just put the scraps into the bin every day and sprinkle in some wheat bran stuff that will digest the scrape and turn them into compost. Then once a month or so you have enough for compost. I don't have a lot of scrapes so I'll be able to use all the compost I make in my little garden and that will be good.

I have 2 more weeks of school and then the semester will be over. I will have about another week of work to do so hopefully I'll get a little break before Christmas.

Gayle, you do such interesting things!! I wish that I could go with you!! Your little composting thing sounds interesting!! What I don't put down the garbage disposal I throw out the back door......literally!!!! We don't have anything back there so I just throw it in the trees!! The chickens love it!! It's a good thing that I don't have any close neighbors!!!

Judy, your friends always sound like so much fun.....sitting by the pool.......going to their houses.....birthday parties!!! I think that you picked a great place to live!!

I didn't get as far painting on Jaci's room as I planned to do because on Saturday I had a stomach ache so I didn't do much. My step-dad was sick last Sunday while he was here and I was worried that I was getting it but it never got very bad......it just gave me an excuse to do nothing!!

Yesterday Jaci was at church. She's doing really well.....a lot of morning sickness but she's taking medicine that's helping some. Bad morning sickness seems to run in my family. It was so good to see her because I hadn't talked or seen her since I found out that she was pregnant. She was hungry so her Dad was happy to drive her 30 miles to eat Chinese!!! He still spoils her terribly but she's easy to spoil!! Nate was busy working so he wasn't with her today. We stopped at Wal-mart and we picked up a few things.

I have Dean back today!! I haven't had him since last Tuesday and I've missed him!! He's so much company and keeps me laughing so much!!

Sorry Judy, I meant the holidays are not the same...in any way, shape, or form. My heart was aching so much.

Our Thanksgiving was very lonely. Don't think we'll participate next year. I think we'll just go out somewhere instead of sticking around home. It was just the three of us and it wasn't too bad until we sat down for the meal. I love the family chatter and with just the three of us, well...kind of lonely.

Did you get a new dishwasher yet Judy? Not sure I would want to be without since I've had one for so long. Kinda of gotten myself spoiled I guess.

Gayle, we're on a septic system, but we use our garbage disposal. I just don't put alot of stuff in it. Large quantities like potato skins, etc. I throw in the trash. Smaller type food items I'll run through the disposal.

You can paint my living room, family room and hall if you'd like Diana. It really needs it, but don't know if I care enough to do it. Maybe come spring. What did you say you were going to do with this room?

That was so nice of Glenn to keep spoiling Jaci. I love Chinese food and Ricky and I ate at a really nice Chinese Restaurant last weekend in Lafayette.

I am sorry that your holiday was lonely, Janet! Do you know anyone who has no family nearby? You could always invite them to share your holiday with you. That might really cheer itn up.

I did get a dishwasher. I got a good deal at Sears. The only thing is I have to wait until Dec. 8th to have it installed, and my kitchen sink needs a pipe replaced. I am washing dishes in the bathroom sink! It's not too bad since I'm using paper plates and plastic forks and spoons. No cooking either! I was really busy yesterday and today woke up sick, so I didn't even think about it. I can ask the maintenance guy here to fix the pipe.

There is a whole story about the installation, which I will post tomorrow. I'm going back to bed!

So sorry, Judy, that you're sick. It's really going around here. I found out that my Mom is sick today too. At least you both made it through the holiday.

Janet, our Thanksgiving was a bummer too. Since we celebrated ours early there wasn't anyone around on the actual day and Glen was working. I told Dae Lynn that I wouldn't cry over it and I didn't but it was hard. I really missed not having turkey and all the other special foods that we usually have. I did fix a nice supper for Glen and I but it wasn't turkey. I don't know that I'll do it early again because I really didn't like it.

I've got Jaci's room almost painted. It looks so nice. The color is a putty color......a medium color. We're going to make it into a sitting room. I have a hide-a-bed that we're going to put in there and I bought a new burgundy cover for it. Then I'm moving my roll top desk in there too. It's always a mess in Glen's office because he moves everything over to my desk so this will let him have the office all to himself. Then I bought a TV at a garage sale for a few dollars that has a dvd and vhs player in it. I'm not sure the vhs works but that's alright. Then the kids can watch movies in there. I have an old toybox that was mine when I was little. It's wooden and has wheels on the bottom so I think that I'll paint it and put it in there too. I bought a safety hinge so the lid won't slam on the kids. I'm so excited to get everything put in there!! I'm not sure what I'm putting on the walls or the windows. I've been looking for curtains and an antique shelf. With the couch in there we can still use it as a bedroom if we have company or as a sitting/play room when the kids or family are here. It will be a lot more usable this way than just a bedroom. I just have a little bit more to trim then I'm ready to start moving in the furniture!!

I'm so sentimental.......taking down Jaci's star wallpaper border was hard and then painting over her purple.....just made me want to cry. It's just another sign of my family growning up. Sigh.......

It sounds like you have it all nicely plannd out Diana!

I think so. I just hope that I have room for all of it!!

I got done painting all the trim now I just need to go around and make sure that it's all painted good and touch up any spots that are too thin. I'm going to start clearing everything out of it to get ready to move the furniture in. While I was painting I just moved everything into the center of the room.......all my "projects" that I'm getting ready to work on!! LOL Mostly it's stuff to decorate Karlie's room and a little chair that I bought to recover. I'll be working on getting Karlie's room ready after I finish Jaci's room.

I stopped by last night and held Little Jed!! Ahhhhhhh.......It just feels so good to hold the little guy!! He's so sweet!!

Jaci went to the doctor yesterday and they were able to see that the baby has grown and saw the little heart beat!! The doctor can tell that she's worried and told her to stop in and they would check her out any time that she gets worried about her pregnancy. I'm sure that's a big relief to Jaci. She has a really good doctor. I asked her if I could start telling people but she didn't think that she felt comfortable with that but last night at the Alley she was talking about it with about everyone that was there so I think she really is ready to tell.....it's just hard because in the back of your mind the thought is always there that I could lose this one too. I know.......I've been there.

I have a Christmas play practice with the Alley kids this afternoon after school and then I have a jewelry party later this evening. I really don't want to go to the jewelry party because I was just at one and bought some stuff and I don't need any more but the hostess is a good friend so I'll go. I really don't like days I have to get out......I'm just happy being at home!!

I am happy to be home too Diana. In fact, I stayed home Tues, Thurs, and yesterday. I like having nothing to do and staying in my cozy house when winter sets in.

I am going to Jessie's today. I want to see the kids and her. We have been fighting for the past couple of weeks, but it is over now. I have to say, I was scared because she can keep an argument going forever! I still panic because she wouldn't talk to me for those 3 years. If Steve decides to get involved, then I am really in trouble.

I'm glad to say that she is not as passive aggressive as she used to be, and, although she takes a long time, she will get it off her chest. It was like normal people for a change! She yelled and carried on, I listen4ed. Then, I yelled back - don't make me the only bad guy! Then we forgot about it. It is a terrible feeling not to trust your own daughter. Maybe it is getting easier to trust her.

Whew! I sure hope so!

Snow day!!!! It snowed so much yesterday and overnight, the highway conditions are awful so we are staying home until they improve. I could really use some extra time off anyway :)

On Saturday, we took two German exchange students to the Festival of Trees at the museum. The museum is one of my favorite places to go, and I've been going since I was little! As you walk in, it is "main street" in "1910 Boomtown" all recreated inside the building. It shows exactly what a little prairie town would have been like. There are full buildings, houses, dentist office, doctor's office, lawyer, engine repair, saddle makers, dressmakers, school, church, everything! And you walk into the buildings and they have all original everything, and display cases of real things used in those places in 1910. They also have mannequins in some of the places and conversations or music, or other sound effects you'd hear in those places. I see something new every time I'm there :) But Christmas is the best, because the whole main street is full of trees up each side, decorated in themes by local businesses. You can buy the trees and whatever is under them (but they are very expensive - hundreds to thousands!!) The girls loved seeing them all though and took so many pictures. They said in Germany, they normally don't even put up trees until the 23rd of December. They celebrate Advent first, and then Christmas.

After that, we headed to the craft fair in the big arena. There are hundreds of vendors there and I go every year! This year we are done Christmas shopping already, so I just bought stuff for myself :) Every year I stock up on epsom salt bubble bath from what started as a small company in Alberta a few years ago. They have gotten huge now though! This Christmas they have kiosks in every mall here. But they are half price at this craft fair, so it's much cheaper for me to go there with the amount I buy, even after the $8 fee to get in.

Yesterday we stayed inside and got things done around the house. I made a roast chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, and gravy. It was sooooo good! But so much food lol! As I was setting the table I asked Scott if I forgot anything, and he said "Yeah, about 6 people!" Hahaha

Judy, I'm sorry to hear that you and your daughter are fighting. I remember how hard on you it was when she didn't have anything to do with you. I hope it's all blown over and you can both get on. I know that you'll do your best to keep the communication open! You're a good Mom!!

Lindsey, your museum sounds so interesting!! I'd love to go there!! In Nebraska there is a museum that has a lot of original buildings that have been moved onto a piece of ground and have original items in them.....behind glass. It sounds similiar to what you have except these are all set outside! Then inside of the main buildings are displays of antique things. It's very interesting too. I bet that it's so cool with all of the Christmas tree displays!!

The craft fair sounds like fun too. I think that you showed the girls a good time!! I'm sure that they loved going with you!!

Yesterday after church one of the groups in town had a tour of some local homes. We always have a group of ladies from church that meet and we all go together. We got to view three homes. One was a wonderful victorian home all decorated in such lovely victorian furniture and thngs! I really liked it.....except everything was teal and pink!! I just love the big homes with all of the special wood trims!! Another home we looked at the husband was an avid hunter and has been to Africa several times. The home was decorated in a jungle animal print theme and was just beautiful......not over done but was very tasteful. The husband had a new building in their back yard that had most of his mounted animals in it. It was one of the nicest displays of animals that I had ever seen. Usually I'm not fond of deer heads and such but he had so many different animals that it was very interesting!

Then last night our church had a Christmas banquet. It was very nice! They had the high school choir come in and sing. My granddaughter, Kera, was one of the singers! Then they had a magician and he was really good and very comical!! It was a really nice evening!!

Today it's me and Dean!! I still have a little bit of touch up in Jaci's room and then I need to get the furniture moved in! Yay!!

Jaci finally let me start telling people about her pregnancy. She's still a little worried about letting people know in case there should be any problems but the doctor assured her that everything is A plus!! It was exciting to be able to tell people during the home tour!!

Lindsey, the museum trip, especially with the exchange students sounds like so much fun. I love museums too, especially the kind that show how life used to be. I know you had so much fun, it sounds so beautiful. And you all know i LOVE craft shows!

Judy, I'm so sorry things have not been smooth between you and Jessie. I bet it's hard to walk on eggshells. But I bet everything will be OK especially here at Christmas. At least I hope everything is OK.

Diana, the home tour sounds like so much fun. I like to do that sort of thing with friends. I hope to be able to start getting out and doing things with friends, it's hard when you are suddenly single and everyone else is married. But I'm working on it.

I met the kids on Saturday half way between Austin and Houston. Brooke and Bryan had to go to a funeral so I took the girls shopping while they were gone. It was a small town so we had to travel about 10 miles to find some little antique/craft shops. We had fun though. Then we went back to the little town and went to a few little stores there. Then we met Brooke and Bryan and all ate lunch together. It was a nice day (except for the funeral they had to attend). Bryan was a pall bearer and he wore Gary's suit that we bought when his best friend died and Gary was a pall bearer. The suit fit Bryan like it was made for him - it was a little spooky.

This is the last week of school, but I will be busy all through next week and part of the next. I hope to be finished up to take some time off by the 19th or 20th. I'm so fortunate to have a 2-3 weeks off at Christmas. I'm going to Houston this weekend. I have tickets to a basketball game on Saturday. Abi is going with me. We will have fun!

Gayle, I know that you're busy with the ending of the semester but you'll be able to enjoy your time off with all of the Christmas things going on so much more without the stress of school!!

Your little trip with the girls sounds so nice! I love to go to little towns with their little antique shops. They're not as picked over and you feel like you can actually find a bargain. I'm sure the company you had made it even more fun!! I'm sure the girls are really growning!!

I know that it's hard on you with Gary gone but I think that you're doing a great job of getting out with friends and family. I'm sure that Christmas will be difficult but you'll have your family with you to help. Hugs.......

Both of the girls and Brooke were sick yesterday with malaise and a low fever. Of course, I was with them all day on Saturday. I began to get a headache last night (I never have a headache!) and today I just felt "off". So I decided to work at home. I took a little nap and have gotten some things done. I feel al little better - don't really feel badly - just off and a little headachy!

WOW. Alot going on with everyone. Congrats Diana on the Baby News. Hope you are feeling better today Gayle. I am off to work. Then on vacation so to speak the rest of the week. Cleaning and Christmas shopping. Have a great day Everyone.

A little vacation with some shopping sounds so nice!! I'm not sure exactly what we're doing as far as gifts for Christmas so I haven't even given it a thought!

I haven't done much today because I've been online looking for curtains for Jaci's room. I found some I liked on e-Bay and someone bought some of them while I was deciding if I really liked them and now there's only one panel left. I just sent the seller a message to ask if she had any more. Bummer!!!

We have The Alley tonight so we'll be gone this evening for that. I get really tired of the kids acting up and my patience is gone as far as dealing with the ones acting up. There are other adults there but hardly anyone gets onto the kids. I've been sending them to the wall where there are chairs set up for those in trouble. A couple of weeks ago I had the whole back row over there!! The kids know that I mean what I say. I think that I'm very firm......but I'm also quick to give out hugs!

Nothing much has really been going on here except the same old stuff. I'm still missing my Mom, I really need her to talk to.

Ricky has been helping a guy work on a truck in the city where he works and last night he didn't come home. I didn't know until this morning when he texted me. I always go to bed early so don't always know if he comes home or not. I understand that he's older now and I don't mind, but what I do mind is he knows he has two dogs and two cats to take care of. So when he comes home this evening he will need to feed the cats and empty the litter box....neither has been done since Wednesday morning. I won't do it, they are not my responsibility and I refuse to have more dumped on me.

Also, since I go to bed early and Ricky wasn't home, Rick should have put the dogs in their crates for the night, but didn't. He left them in the kitchen and also left their mess for me to clean up this morning. It's not going to be a fun night...I'm telling him exactly what I think. I don't want a yelling match, but I'm sure it will end up that way.

Yesterday, he rec'd his bank statement in the mail. This afternoon, I was wondering what he does with his statements so I went looking for them. I found them hidden real good. After having to stretch to pay the bills, it seems he has over $2000 in his account. Such a f'n jerk!

I've sent out so many resumes. I have to keep my job for the insurance, but I've got to find a second job. I won't be able to support myself on a bus drivers salary. I do know I'm telling him to get himself on his own company insurance plan because I'm taking him off mine.

This is part of why I haven't been here. So negative all the time. It's not been easy....I feel dumped on and treated like crap...please keep me in your prayers.

Janet is there any office work at your school or another school in town. My sister in law's husband left her suddenly many years ago. She didn't have any work experience at all and she was older but she was able to get work in the school office. She still works there. Do they use teacher aids in the schools? I know it's hard to find a job these days, but don't give up!

So sorry, Janet. It sounds like they both need to be in trouble. Just make your point and don't get in a shouting match with Rick. It won't help your heath to get so upset at them.

We had play practice last night......just shoot me!!! Kids are so difficult to work with!! Most of them don't know their lines or their song and we're putting on the play the 16th!! The kids we have to work with are difficult kids that don't usually listen to anything. Last year we had a lot of older kids that were easy to work with but they are too old for children's church now.......and we really miss them!! Amy's family is taking a vacation to Branson this weekend so she'll be gone on Sunday for our next practice so I'll be doing it......UGH!!!!!! However.....I'm a little more strict than Amy is so maybe we'll get a good practice in.......I guess we'll see!!!

Today my goal is to move my roll top desk into Jaci's room from the office. I may have to take the top part off to get it in there because of the way that doors line up. I'm so fustrated at Glen with his attitude lately that I'm not asking for his help........so if you hear of my death.......you'll know that I died moving that stupid desk!!!! I'll be taking the drawers and everything I can off of it to make it lighter and I have some of those sliders to help move.......and I love them!! It will probably have to be turned up on end to get through the doorways!! If you're coming this way I could use some extra muscle!!!

Ok......I'm still alive but the desk is still in the office!! I moved it somewhat out from the wall.....whew!! That thing is HEAVY!! I was taking the top off when Glen came home and he measured and it will barely fit through the door into Jaci's room so......we're not sure what to do with it!! Personally I think that we should sell it because it takes up soooo much room (I should mention that it's a roll top desk but it's not old) Glen's going to decided if he would rather use it than the desk that he has so I guess that it's going to sit right where it is until he decides......right smack dab in the middle of the office!!!

Now.....I have all the "stuff" that was in and on it to go through and figure out what to do with it all!!! UGH!!!

I feel your pain Diana. I hate to move furniture, even to vacuum behind or under. I especially hate to move furniture from room to room. Since we moved a couple of years ago, I've had to get rid of so much stuff. That's good, but such a lot of work.

I'm in Houston this weekend. The Texas women's (and men's) basketball teams are playing UCLA at Reliant stadium. That a football stadium where the NFL team the Texans play. It should be interesting to see how they reconfigure it for basketball. Abi is going with me. Thank goodness she is off crutches so I won't have to push her in a wheelchair. I'm excited to see the professional stadium. I've only been to one other NFL stadium and it was 37 years ago!!!!

I love moving furniture and making a room look different or just plain arranging furniture. I always wanted a roll top desk but it just wasn't mention to be. Now I'm using Mom's computer desk. I like it though so I'm not complaining.

Today I didn't do anything but sleep. I did do a load of laundry, but that's really about it. I was either sleeping on the couch since the guys were gone or dozing in the chair. Must've needed the rest. It's such a cold drizzly day....good for sleeping. Hope I can sleep some tonight.

Hi Everybody!! Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I've been keeping up.

Mike and I are leaving tomorrow for Paris. We get to stay a little over 3 weeks, and come back Jan. 5th!! The kids are so excited, and so are we! For the last 2 years Mike and I have had Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant by ourselves, so it will be wonderful to be with Michael, Rachel, Mikey, Caleb and Raelyn. I just wish Dustin and Joy could go too, but that didn't work out.

We plan on going to Disneyland Paris one day. It's just 45 minutes from where they live. They were able to buy a van a few weeks ago, so we won't have to take a bus or train everywhere we go. I'm thrilled about that! Mike has always wanted to go to the beaches at Normandy, so he and Michael are going to spend 2 days there.

I can't believe we're having Christmas in Paris. My boys moving away has really forced me to broaden my horizons, lol! And packing is such a pain in the neck:rolleyes: I have 3 big suitcases, 2 carry on bags, and a full backpack. Of course they are full of Christmas presents and the things that they wanted me to bring. From Oatmeal Creme Pies to OTC medicines, lol! It will be a miracle if we get through customs with all this crap, lolol!!!

How exciting Betsi ! Have a safe trip and enjoy the time with your beautiful family . Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year ! Take lots of pictures.

Oh Betsi.....I'm soooo jealous!! That sounds like such a wonderful Christmas.......first with your family......and second......in PARIS!!! I know that you're going to have a wonderful time!! Take lots of pictures!!

I think that Glen's decided that he's going to see if the roll top desk will work for him. It takes up more room than what he has now so I guess we'll see. If it doesn't work then we'll probably sell it. It's just so big and takes up so much room.

I FINALLY found some curtains for our "new" room!! I'm so excited for them to come. I ended up going in a totally different direction with them than what I originally thought that I wanted. I now know what throw pillows I want and the direction that I'm decorating the rest of the room!! I'll get some pictures when I get everything together so I'm not telling details!!

How's everyone's Christmas decorating going? I haven't even started yet and I don't know when I'm going to even start!! Hopefully soon!!

Our school has a huge Christmas pageant every year with all of the grades involved over 2nd grade and it's tonight. Daya is an angel.....which is a priviledge to get! The twins are Readers.....where they read parts from the Bible. I forgot to mention that the pageant is based on Jesus' birth. And it's tonight so Glen and I will be going to that.

Tomorrow night we have a Christmas party at our Pastor's house with others from the church. Nothing on Friday unless it's keeping Karlie and Dean. Dae Lynn and Damon may go to Wichita to shop. Then on Saturday I have to go to play practice and then we have Kera's boyfriend, Jordan, spending the night after the Christmas dance at school. Whew!!! THEN on Sunday we're going to Feyn's church to watch his kids in their Christmas play......then on Sunday evening we put on the Christmas play with our kids!! So if I'm not on here much you'll know why!!! I'm looking forward to January!!!!

Hi everyone, sorry I've been absent. Busy week finishing up at school for the semester.

Oh Betsi, I know you'll be so happy to see your kids! I may get to go to Paris this summer. A friend and I are talking about going to Europe this summer. It's not definite yet, but maybe!

Diana, SO MANY CHRISTMAS PLAYS!!! Lol! I know you'll have fun!

My two closest girlfriends and I went out to dinner tonight and exchanged our Christmas gifts. We always have a good time.

I'm almost done with shopping, just need a few more stocking stuffers and I'll b done. Yay!

How wonderful Betsi! This sounds like a really fun vacation, and, of course, you will see the family! Good luck packing, and take lots of pix!!!! I want to see the grandkids!

Mine still don't know what they want for Christmas! At this point, they are getting money because I think that it is too late to buy them anything. There is no shopping here, and I doubt if I will get anything I order online in time. I do have to pick up small gifts for them, but that is pretty easy. Hair and nail stuff for the girls, candy for Brandon, and they are all available at the dollar store.

I made my own Christmas cards, and will print them out this weekend. I have a lot of cash gifts to give. I enjoy gifting the people who are so helpful all year, like the guy who collects the garbage, my hair dresser, the maintenance people here, etc.

Janet, I am sorry you are having such a difficult time. I always keep you in my prayers.

Appreciate the prayers Judy, more than you know. I'm okay...I'm one tough old lady for sure, until something like the tragedy in Conn. happens. I cried all morning for those babies and all affected.

Sometimes there are no words....only tears.

I ended up just staying in all weekend. I was so saddened by the events of Friday, I just didn't have the oomph to go out.

Jessie had a talk with the kids, and they are frightened. I do not know what she should say to them. When she was young, I didn't put the news on TV, but with the social media now, that wouldn't matter anyway.

I'm just posting to say that I'm here. I'm having an awful day today and I don't really feel like saying much right now. I'll be back soon. I will say that Damon has asked Dae Lynn for a divorce. I'll talk more about it later.

Oh Diana, I'm so sorry they are having trouble again. Be strong, this is such a bad time of the year for problems. Check in when you can.

Diana, I am so sorry! I will keep you all in my prayers.

Oh no....I'm so sorry for this to be happening and so close to the holidays. Praying Dae Lynn is handling it okay and is now ready to move on. She doesn't deserve this.


Still not much going on here. I did finally get our 4 ft pre-lit Christmas tree down from the attic last night, but haven't put it up yet...lol. Ricky and I both thought it would be too much of a hassle with the cats so we are not going to decorate it....lol. It will still be pretty with the lights.

Little upset with the spouse (not so unusual), he bought a gun safe. I know it will be safer to have the guns in there, but he doesn't need that many guns to begin with. I thought he should keep it locked in the garage, but he's planning on putting it in his room. It weighs 400 lbs. I'm not happy about it, but I'm a little afraid to say much. He is in that Cowboy Shooters club, but I still don't think he needs that many guns. It's also upsetting since I've been struggling to pay bills at times, that he has the money to buy the guns and the safe. Oh well....enough of that...same ole same ole.

I have most everything bought for Ricky for Christmas. Tomorrow is his birthday and he always requests an Eclair cake, so of course I'll make him one. They are so easy and sooo good.

I've gained back some of my weight...not happy about that, but will try again once the holidays are over. Don't know why I keep overeating and eating the bad foods, except for the fact I love to eat! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICKY!!!:bday::bday::bday:


I know you don't want him spending the money, but I think a gun safe is an excellent idea! With so many shootings of innocent people lately, the guns are locked away. If anyone broke in, they could not get their hands on guns. Rick is a responsible person, but, as we know all too well, there are too many out there who might know he is an avid gun collector and try to get their hands on his guns!

I was checking back today to see if Diana had updated the situation with Dae Lynn and Damon. I feel so sorry for her, I wish it weren't happening.

Janet, Gary was the same way, he had waaaaaaaay tooooooo many guns. We were fortunate to have the money to buy them, but still it is ridiculous how many he had. I still have them except for a couple I have given away to Bryan and Gary's best friend. I have a big gun safe in my bedroom too. If you keep a safe in a place that isn't heated and cooled like the garage, you have to keep a dehumidifier in the safe or the guns will rust because they will sweat with the temperature changes. Rick probably knows that so it's best he keeps the safe in the house. I keep one of those pretty foldy screen things around the safe so you can't see it when you walk into the bedroom. I put all my important papers in there and I put my jewelry in when I travel.

I have felt funky today, not sick just funky. I didn't go into school, I can work from home this week because there's not much going on. So really I've been cooking and knitting more than working. LOL!

I've been getting some of Gary's hand tools gathered up to take to his sons after Christmas. I think that might be contributing to my funky mood. Gary had TEN of everything and he had EVERY tool known to man. Well, that is an exaggeration but he had A LOT of tools. So I am trying to get together as many of the hand tools as I can and still keep the things I might need or Bryan might need if he does something around the house for me. But there are GOBS of things that no one but a master carpenter would use, so there are LOTS of things to gather up. Both Gary's sons are in, or have been in, the house remodeling business, so they can use the tools or sell them or whatever.

IT IS 82 FREAKING DEGREES HERE RIGHT NOW!!! I've been making bread and I AM HOT! :mad: Thankfully, there is a cold front coming in tonight and it will only be in the 50's tomorrow :D. We have had such up and down weather!!! My tomatoes are almost all ripe, I only have a few more green ones on the vines and I'm going to bring them in tomorrow morning as it's supposed to freeze tomorrow night. I put a blanket over them with a light bulb last week when it was cold, but I'm done with that so they are all coming in tomorrow, green or not.

I have not been back to check in for a while! I have been keeping up with you all though.

Diana, I just want to say I'm so sorry for Dae Lynn and Damon.

Janet, I think a gun safe is a great idea too. Here, it is illegal to have any guns in your house NOT in a locked safe. My dad has two rifles (and is getting one more for Christmas - my brother's friend goes hunting with my family and my dad is the type of guy who always lends out his new things and uses his old one!), and they are locked in a safe at all times in the house. I feel so awful about what happened down there last week :( One of the little girls recently moved there from Winnipeg so that has been big news here too. One thing that has been glaringly evident from reading forums and comments on news stories, is that the whole view of guns in general is one huge difference between many Americans and most Canadians. So I definitely have my own views on that, but I will keep it to myself!

I have been so busy. Since we started working with the exchange students, it feels like we have no spare time. I guess we started right when monthly reports were due so we had most evenings used up with interviews and reports and trying to help them work through issues. It's just been plain busy, and I am much more emotionally invested in them than I thought I would be.

I can't believe it is less than a week until Christmas! I didn't wrap presents until Sunday night, which is pretty late for me! Tomorrow night I still have the house to clean, and Friday night Scott's sister and her family are staying the night on their way home. We will be heading to Scott's parents' house on Saturday morning. Friday night I am also making a cheese ball and spinach dip to take down for appetizers over the weekend!

Hopefully we can come home on the 26th or 27th. We don't have to be back at work until the 2nd, and we just got our building permit in the mail today so I hope we can get a good start on our laundry room!!

I'm not upset about the safe in general, I think all guns should be in a safe. I'm upset because he's not a 'collector'. He just wants them because his cowboy friends have them. I'm not going to say exactly how many he has, but I will say,it's absolutely ridiculous. I have one handgun and my dads 410 shotgun. I don't need more than that. He doesn't need more than two either....it's dangerous and irresponsible, only one can be shot at a time. A trigger lock would work, plus he already has a safe that a couple handguns fit in. He doesn't need more guns.




Just wanted to clarify.....Rick is too irresponsible....not everyone.

Can't say I blame you, Janet. If you are having trouble, as we all are, keeping up with the bills, Rick should be your partner in this. If he can afford guns and gun safes and other "man toys,' you shouldn't give him supper! (unless he provides you with a deer or two that he got by hunting)!

I just like the idea of a gun safe, and responsible gun owners.