Here is my "Yakin' Honey" in his new ride!I love this picture.
He loves his new kayak!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Love this Pic!
Here is my "Yakin' Honey" in his new ride!I love this picture.
He loves his new kayak!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A Great Visit!
Geri and Brian came over this evening. We had a wonderful visit. We got a few wrinkles ironed out and we went to the little Mexican food restaurant in Anna and had dinner.
Brian is still an outrageous clown. He kept us all laughing throughout dinner.
Aaron also went, Tish had a meeting after work and went to dinner afterwards with some coworkers so she couldn't go with us. Christian was there however and managed to charm the waitress. She didn't even realize he was with us until she brought the check. He was so good. He always is.
Of course he smiled and laughed for her, that always works. He is going to be such a charmer when he is older.
After dinner, we came back to the house and visited a little more.
It started getting late and we all have to get up early in the morning, so they didn't stay too long, but it was sure good to see them.
Geri looks great.
She is due to have her baby boy in September.
We had to tease Brian a little bit.
I am so glad they came and we got to talk. I missed Geri a lot.
Thank You Lord, for helping us to find our way back together. I love all my children and grandchildren and it has been a real burden on my heart. I know that You know my greatest desires and that You are always there to give me the strength and patience to make it through anything. Thank You for answered prayers. Amen.
Brian is still an outrageous clown. He kept us all laughing throughout dinner.
Aaron also went, Tish had a meeting after work and went to dinner afterwards with some coworkers so she couldn't go with us. Christian was there however and managed to charm the waitress. She didn't even realize he was with us until she brought the check. He was so good. He always is.
Of course he smiled and laughed for her, that always works. He is going to be such a charmer when he is older.
After dinner, we came back to the house and visited a little more.
It started getting late and we all have to get up early in the morning, so they didn't stay too long, but it was sure good to see them.
Geri looks great.
She is due to have her baby boy in September.
We had to tease Brian a little bit.
I am so glad they came and we got to talk. I missed Geri a lot.
Thank You Lord, for helping us to find our way back together. I love all my children and grandchildren and it has been a real burden on my heart. I know that You know my greatest desires and that You are always there to give me the strength and patience to make it through anything. Thank You for answered prayers. Amen.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Stylin'
Stylin' in his shades, a few days ago. And today, he is sportin' a brand new tooth!Exactly 6 months old.
What a little man, we have on our hands.
He had dinner this evening and we gave him a teething biscuit.
He hasn't quite mastered putting something in his mouth, well, except for his fingers, but he did lean forward and put his little mouth around the biscuit.
Every day is a new experience, a new discovery, a new expression, a new joy.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Busy Day!
I got a lot accomplished today, at home.
I still have a lot to do.
I am going to rearrange the living/dining room areas in the house.
"Little man" is getting bigger and needs room to play.
He is not only outgrowing his clothes, he is outgrowing sharing a room with Mommy.
Although his crib and clothes will stay in Mommy's room, we are trying to set up a day area for him to play. All of his toys and other baby essentials will be in that area.
I am giving up my sewing/craft area, but that is okay.
Tomorrow is the day to get that project rolling along.
Tomorrow evening, after Jerry leaves for work, I am going my office (I love saying,"My office") to get it set up and in order.
I got a fridge and a microwave, they are black/stainless just like my stove and fridge at home, isn't that cool.
I have a new partner at work. She does MCD and I do MCR. She is really very nice and so far we get along great. Her office is right next to mine.
Our corporate consultant was in last week to give us some training, this week we are on our own. SCARY!
I'm confidant that we will do just fine(???)
Oh yeah, Christian's first week at day care went by surprisingly well.
I was a little worried that I had managed to spoil him beyond the point of no return, but his sitter thinks he is terrific and they spoil him just as bad as I did, so there.
He seems to be really enjoying the interaction with other children and I think it is good for him to be around other children.
Although we all would like to keep our babies, babies for a while, I think I may have been babying my grandson a little too much. Being around other kids will give him an opportunity to develop good social skills as well as learn to play on his own.
Tish is also well satified with the choice we made. That is what really counts.
My life is going along so great now, I am so happy.
I still have a lot to do.
I am going to rearrange the living/dining room areas in the house.
"Little man" is getting bigger and needs room to play.
He is not only outgrowing his clothes, he is outgrowing sharing a room with Mommy.
Although his crib and clothes will stay in Mommy's room, we are trying to set up a day area for him to play. All of his toys and other baby essentials will be in that area.
I am giving up my sewing/craft area, but that is okay.
Tomorrow is the day to get that project rolling along.
Tomorrow evening, after Jerry leaves for work, I am going my office (I love saying,"My office") to get it set up and in order.
I got a fridge and a microwave, they are black/stainless just like my stove and fridge at home, isn't that cool.
I have a new partner at work. She does MCD and I do MCR. She is really very nice and so far we get along great. Her office is right next to mine.
Our corporate consultant was in last week to give us some training, this week we are on our own. SCARY!
I'm confidant that we will do just fine(???)
Oh yeah, Christian's first week at day care went by surprisingly well.
I was a little worried that I had managed to spoil him beyond the point of no return, but his sitter thinks he is terrific and they spoil him just as bad as I did, so there.
He seems to be really enjoying the interaction with other children and I think it is good for him to be around other children.
Although we all would like to keep our babies, babies for a while, I think I may have been babying my grandson a little too much. Being around other kids will give him an opportunity to develop good social skills as well as learn to play on his own.
Tish is also well satified with the choice we made. That is what really counts.
My life is going along so great now, I am so happy.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
There is absolutely nothing sweeter,
than having the little cherub that lives in my house plant an unexpected, wet, sloppy, "I need a towel", open-mouthed, drool-drenched kiss on whatever part of your face he can reach.
Then squeal with delight as you laugh out loud.
What a joy!!!
Then squeal with delight as you laugh out loud.
What a joy!!!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
I think we are ready
We met with Christian's new sitter, today.Christian was his charming, little social self and soon had her totally in love.
He managed to charm Trina, her husband and her 4 boys with his constant smiling, wiggling and jumping.
Tish and I spent the evening getting all his stuff ready for tomorrow. We tried to make sure we didn't forget anything. Bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, clean clothes, burp cloths, bibs, blankets, toys, baby food, cereal, bowls, spoons, diaper cream, sun screen, lotion, his jumperoo, socks.... I hope we got everything. I am sure Trina will let us know if there is something else she might need. We put together a list of emergency contacts, Tish made out a feeding schedule, and we told her everything we could think of, to make her day with Christian, go a little easier.
Christian is very social and loves people, especially small children, so I am sure all will go well. He is not used to a quiet environment, noise will not bother him.
I did tell her he is a bit spoiled. She totally understands that. After all, he has been cared for by his Grandpa and Grandma, during the day, for the last 3 1/2 months and his Mommy before that.
Trina is an experienced child care provider and has a home based child care business, she has only two or three other children that she currently cares for. Christian is the only infant.
I am afraid he will be even more spoiled.
Now, I am trying to decide what I want to take with me tomorrow, to start setting up my office.
I think I will just take a few things this time and by Saturday, I hope to have everything in place.
Tomorrow, I will be mainly, getting acclimated to all the new people. We have a new Administrator and most of the Administrative staff has recently changed. Although I already know most of them, I have not worked with them in this atmosphere. I will be meeting the Administrator for the first time tomorrow and he is my immediate supervisor. I will not be involved with the clinical end of things anymore. I have not seen my office recently. Last time I was in there, Cindy was the occupant. How strange that feels!
Anyway, tomorrow begins a lot of major changes in our house.
Thank you Lord for all the blessings. Thank you for helping us find someone who is caring and trustworthy to care for Christian. Thank you for leading us to the right people to cover my vacancy on the night shift so I could start my new job. Thank you for always being there and always answering my prayers. I realize that even if the answer is "no" or "not yet" something good always follows. You are always faithful. Amen.
I just got home
from working my last night shift.
Hopefully, tomorrow, I will start my new position.
I am so excited.
It is going to be an intense job, but it is a fufilling and interesting job.
I can't wait to get started.....
Hopefully, tomorrow, I will start my new position.
I am so excited.
It is going to be an intense job, but it is a fufilling and interesting job.
I can't wait to get started.....
Friday, July 04, 2008
Did you know?
That looking at stuff upside down in quite interesting, that you can turn yourself upside down by leaning backwards while sitting in Mommy's lap, that thumbs taste much better while you are upside down. Christian knows!Watching him discover new things is so much fun.
Even little things are so exciting to him.
The joys of hanging upside down is a new discovery, we almost couldn't get him to stop.
What a great world this would be if we could all wake up from our nap with this look on our face and spend the day hanging upside down.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
I can't believe it! But, it's true!
Recently, our MCR Coordinator turned in her notice, our MCD/MDS Coordinator also quit.
I was in the MCD position until Christian was born. The day after his birth, I returned to the floor as a charge nurse. To make a long story short, it was not my idea and I was very confused and upset by the change. I loved my job and would have stayed there forever.
After a few management changes, there was a position for ADON. I have all the right qualifications, the ability and the knowledge to take on that position. I applied for it. Someone else got it. Again, I was confused but not really upset this time.
When the MCR and MCD positions became available, numerous coworkers encouraged me to apply for one of them. I adamantly refused to try for either one of these positions. I just didn't want to get my hopes up to be let down again. Even when the Administrator suggested that I put in my application, I declined. I really did not want to go through that anxiety of waiting and being passed over again. I explained that to her. I told her that I could be interested but I would not ask for it, if they wanted me for one of those positions, they could call me.
THEY CALLED!
Thursday, I got a phone call from the administrator and our corporate consultant, ASKING ME to come in and talk with them about the MCR Coordinator opening. Oh my gosh! I was absolutely stunned. I cannot explain the feelings. I was happy to be asked, I was confused about why they called me, I was concerned that this was "For real" and not just the politically correct thing to do.
I asked the administrator, "Is this real or are you playing with me again?"
This is real, the corporate consultant and I really want to talk to you about this job.
I gather up Christian and got ready, we headed to Denison for Grandma to interview for her dream job.
When we got there, Christian certainly did his best to make a good impression. He flirted with every one who looked at him. He was so adorable that when we sat down in the office the corporate nurse was so busy adoring Christian that she barely looked at me.
I spent the entire interview hearing about what a great employee, I am. I was told that I have everything they are looking for to fill this spot. Organization, Focus, The ability to work without supervision, knowledge of the systems, knowledge of the regulations, knowledge of the computer programs, good communication skills, a positive work attitude, a great work ethic.
Wait a minute, I thought you were going to interview me.
At the end of the interview, I was told that they were interviewing at least one other person. O.K.
Friday afternoon, I got the phone call. I GOT THE POSITION!!!
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., All major holidays off with pay, my own office, with a door and an outside window. I am my own boss. I am responsible for a major portion of the income for the facility. The only person in the facility that is above me is the Administrator.
I feel vindicated. I feel a huge boost in my ego. People are tellling me that I look happy. One CNA told me that if I didn't quit smiling, she was going to quit looking at me.
I just cannot explain what it means to me, to have this happen.
I didn't ask for it, I waited, several other people have done the job since I was moved out of it. They didn't do it right. To have your supervisors admit to making a mistake and asking you to come back, not to your old position but to the position higher than yours. To tell you how great you are. It is just an incredible feeling. Plus it comes with almost $500.00 a month pay increase.
Thank You, Lord for hearing me. I know that You look after and protect your children. Thank You for keeping my faith strong throughout this trial and for the reward for my faith.
I am truly blessed. I AM TRULY BLESSED!!!!
I was in the MCD position until Christian was born. The day after his birth, I returned to the floor as a charge nurse. To make a long story short, it was not my idea and I was very confused and upset by the change. I loved my job and would have stayed there forever.
After a few management changes, there was a position for ADON. I have all the right qualifications, the ability and the knowledge to take on that position. I applied for it. Someone else got it. Again, I was confused but not really upset this time.
When the MCR and MCD positions became available, numerous coworkers encouraged me to apply for one of them. I adamantly refused to try for either one of these positions. I just didn't want to get my hopes up to be let down again. Even when the Administrator suggested that I put in my application, I declined. I really did not want to go through that anxiety of waiting and being passed over again. I explained that to her. I told her that I could be interested but I would not ask for it, if they wanted me for one of those positions, they could call me.
THEY CALLED!
Thursday, I got a phone call from the administrator and our corporate consultant, ASKING ME to come in and talk with them about the MCR Coordinator opening. Oh my gosh! I was absolutely stunned. I cannot explain the feelings. I was happy to be asked, I was confused about why they called me, I was concerned that this was "For real" and not just the politically correct thing to do.
I asked the administrator, "Is this real or are you playing with me again?"
This is real, the corporate consultant and I really want to talk to you about this job.
I gather up Christian and got ready, we headed to Denison for Grandma to interview for her dream job.
When we got there, Christian certainly did his best to make a good impression. He flirted with every one who looked at him. He was so adorable that when we sat down in the office the corporate nurse was so busy adoring Christian that she barely looked at me.
I spent the entire interview hearing about what a great employee, I am. I was told that I have everything they are looking for to fill this spot. Organization, Focus, The ability to work without supervision, knowledge of the systems, knowledge of the regulations, knowledge of the computer programs, good communication skills, a positive work attitude, a great work ethic.
Wait a minute, I thought you were going to interview me.
At the end of the interview, I was told that they were interviewing at least one other person. O.K.
Friday afternoon, I got the phone call. I GOT THE POSITION!!!
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., All major holidays off with pay, my own office, with a door and an outside window. I am my own boss. I am responsible for a major portion of the income for the facility. The only person in the facility that is above me is the Administrator.
I feel vindicated. I feel a huge boost in my ego. People are tellling me that I look happy. One CNA told me that if I didn't quit smiling, she was going to quit looking at me.
I just cannot explain what it means to me, to have this happen.
I didn't ask for it, I waited, several other people have done the job since I was moved out of it. They didn't do it right. To have your supervisors admit to making a mistake and asking you to come back, not to your old position but to the position higher than yours. To tell you how great you are. It is just an incredible feeling. Plus it comes with almost $500.00 a month pay increase.
Thank You, Lord for hearing me. I know that You look after and protect your children. Thank You for keeping my faith strong throughout this trial and for the reward for my faith.
I am truly blessed. I AM TRULY BLESSED!!!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
What a Happy Boy!
The everyday faces of Christian!
Rarely, does our "Little Man" have anything other than a big smile on his face. He is such a joy to take care of and so sweet.
He is as free with the hugs and kisses as he is with the smiles.
He is developing quite a little personality and it is really easy to tell what he likes and doesn't like.
Grandpa and I are totally and completely smitten with him.
So is his Uncle Aaron.
He is very talkative and loves to play with his toys, Grandpa, being his favorite bouncing toy.
What a pretty little face.
What a darling baby.
I am afraid he is going to be so spoiled that Great-Grandma will be able to smell him in Shreveport, but as I explained to his Mommy, "What do you expect when he spends his whole day Monday through Friday, with Grandma and Grandpa?"
The Lord has blessed us in so many ways with this baby. I am thankful for each and every day I get to spend with him. I am thankful for Tish being so tolerate of my advice and maybe, sometimes, well meant but intrusive assistance.She is such a sweet girl and she knows how much we love this little cherub.
Thank you Lord, for all of my blessings. I can never feel lonely or depressed with Jerry, Aaron, Tish and Christian in my life. I always have something joyful to come home to. I always feel loved.
P.S. Note the T-shirt!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Magic Grandpa!
Christian is a wonderful baby. He is always happy and really very easy to care for. Having said that, he is just a baby. At 5 months old, he requires a lot of interaction, love and attention. He gets it. That is why he is a happy baby.
Friday, I was exhausted. I had worked all night Thursday night and was up all day Friday with Christian. He wasn't fussy, he just didn't want to go to sleep.
By the time, Grandpa got home. I was worn out. I still had an errand to run, so I left "Little Man" with Grandpa while I ran my errand.
I had not slept all day. Christian had not slept all day.
This is what I returned home to.
What in the world did Grandpa do that I didn't do?
Apparantly he took a bottle and fell fast asleep with Grandpa, no problem.
Ah, but when I get home and move him to his bed,
very carefully,
don't jiggle him.
hold my breath and ease him into the crib.
He doesn't wake up.
Still barely breathing,I move carefully over to the couch to take a nap.
It's 4 p.m. and I have to go to work at 9 p.m.
I lay down, put my head on the pillow, close my eyes and
WAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
Grandpa is laughing.
I really didn't worry about it too much.
I got up, picked the baby up, gave him kisses, handed him to Grandpa (who is still laughing), told Grandpa to wake me up at 8:30, went in my room, shut the door, curled up on my bed and promptly went to sleep.
Yeah, for Grandpa. Who's laughing now?
Friday, I was exhausted. I had worked all night Thursday night and was up all day Friday with Christian. He wasn't fussy, he just didn't want to go to sleep.
By the time, Grandpa got home. I was worn out. I still had an errand to run, so I left "Little Man" with Grandpa while I ran my errand.
I had not slept all day. Christian had not slept all day.
This is what I returned home to.
What in the world did Grandpa do that I didn't do?
Apparantly he took a bottle and fell fast asleep with Grandpa, no problem.
Ah, but when I get home and move him to his bed,
very carefully,
don't jiggle him.
hold my breath and ease him into the crib.
He doesn't wake up.
Still barely breathing,I move carefully over to the couch to take a nap.
It's 4 p.m. and I have to go to work at 9 p.m.
I lay down, put my head on the pillow, close my eyes and
WAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
Grandpa is laughing.
I really didn't worry about it too much.
I got up, picked the baby up, gave him kisses, handed him to Grandpa (who is still laughing), told Grandpa to wake me up at 8:30, went in my room, shut the door, curled up on my bed and promptly went to sleep.
Yeah, for Grandpa. Who's laughing now?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tired!!!!
The last two days at work have been KILLER!
So many things are changing. Our new DON is trying to make things better, but they are just getting more confusing.
Combine that with new employees and people who don't know what they are doing and don't understand English and it makes for a really difficult day (or long night).
I haven't gotten away from work on time in so long now, it's hard to remember that my shift is over at 6 a.m.
Soap Box Time:
1) If you don't understand what is being said, DON'T SAY, "O.K."
It's just plan STUPID to pretend that you understand, if you don't.
So many non-english speaking people will answer as if they know and understand you and then go on their merry way and promptly ignore what you just told them.
I HATE THAT. I am very patient explaining what I need to explain. Just let me know you didn't understand. We'll both be much happier. Especially when it is MY license you are messing around with.
2) If you know someone has to wait until you relieve them before they can leave,
SHOW UP ON TIME!!!!!
It's disrespectful and extraordinarily rude to make someone who has put in their 9 hours, wait until you feel like getting to work.It's really not my fault you don't like to get up early, or your alarm clock doesn't work or your day care doesn't open before you're supposed to be at work.
I work the shift,that I do in order to avoid those issues. I leave my house early enough to still get to work on time if I have a flat tire or have to detour around an accident.
It takes me 30 minutes to get to work, I give myself an hour. No one ever has to wait on me.
3) If you're going to call in sick, do it early enough that your shift can be covered. Don't wait until it's time to show up.
I am really tired of having to stay 20, 30 45 minutes to an hour over (or longer) because of inconsiderate people. I am really raking in some cash putting in overtime hours that I didn't agree to work.
Is there anyone out there with, what used to be called, "Work Ethic" anymore or have we all decided we are entitled to inconvenience other people because someone inconvenienced us at some point in time.
If you have a job, if you like to get paid, if you want to be respected at work, be respectable. Yes, I meant to say, RESPECTABLE!
Do the right thing. Not just what feels good at the time.
Okay, I'm done, and "Little Man" has fallen asleep in my lap. Nap time for Grandma, until the next bottle, anyway.
Y'all be nice to each other. It doesn't cost anything and it makes the world a much happier place!
So many things are changing. Our new DON is trying to make things better, but they are just getting more confusing.
Combine that with new employees and people who don't know what they are doing and don't understand English and it makes for a really difficult day (or long night).
I haven't gotten away from work on time in so long now, it's hard to remember that my shift is over at 6 a.m.
Soap Box Time:
1) If you don't understand what is being said, DON'T SAY, "O.K."
It's just plan STUPID to pretend that you understand, if you don't.
So many non-english speaking people will answer as if they know and understand you and then go on their merry way and promptly ignore what you just told them.
I HATE THAT. I am very patient explaining what I need to explain. Just let me know you didn't understand. We'll both be much happier. Especially when it is MY license you are messing around with.
2) If you know someone has to wait until you relieve them before they can leave,
SHOW UP ON TIME!!!!!
It's disrespectful and extraordinarily rude to make someone who has put in their 9 hours, wait until you feel like getting to work.It's really not my fault you don't like to get up early, or your alarm clock doesn't work or your day care doesn't open before you're supposed to be at work.
I work the shift,that I do in order to avoid those issues. I leave my house early enough to still get to work on time if I have a flat tire or have to detour around an accident.
It takes me 30 minutes to get to work, I give myself an hour. No one ever has to wait on me.
3) If you're going to call in sick, do it early enough that your shift can be covered. Don't wait until it's time to show up.
I am really tired of having to stay 20, 30 45 minutes to an hour over (or longer) because of inconsiderate people. I am really raking in some cash putting in overtime hours that I didn't agree to work.
Is there anyone out there with, what used to be called, "Work Ethic" anymore or have we all decided we are entitled to inconvenience other people because someone inconvenienced us at some point in time.
If you have a job, if you like to get paid, if you want to be respected at work, be respectable. Yes, I meant to say, RESPECTABLE!
Do the right thing. Not just what feels good at the time.
Okay, I'm done, and "Little Man" has fallen asleep in my lap. Nap time for Grandma, until the next bottle, anyway.
Y'all be nice to each other. It doesn't cost anything and it makes the world a much happier place!
Monday, June 09, 2008
What a great trip!
Aaron and I had a wonderful time on our trip together. It was so good to be able to spend some time with him, just the two of us. I don't think there was a topic of conversation that we didn't touch on during our 4 1/2 hour drive out there and 4 1/2 hour drive home. I got an opportunity to become re-aquainted with my terrific son. I am so very proud of him. He has become a really impressive young man.
We left the house at about 7 a.m. We stopped in Lindale at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We arrived at Mom's around 11:30. Not too bad for a morning drive. The traffic was good all the way there and we spent the morning laughing and talking about the "growing up years".
When we got there, Aaron got to be reintroduced to the other side of the family. Frankie was in "top clown" mode and he showed off the whole time we were there. Aaron is convinced that he knows why his mother has mental defects. It's hereditary.
He loved his Uncle Frankie, Aunt Beth, and his Grandparents and of course his Great Grandma.
He and Beth talked for hours, he definitely impressed his Uncle, who thinks he is a, "fine young man".
And his Grandma thinks he is just wonderful and wants him to come back for Mardi Gras.
Frankie cooked taco burgers for us for dinner Saturday night and entertained us with jokes stories and card tricks.
We visited a little with Great Grandma and she amazed Aaron with her ability to remember everyones birthday, including all four of my children and how many babies they each have.
She showed him pictures of his great uncles. And she still had the birth announcement, I sent her, when Aaron was born.
Beth showed him her computer system and impressed him with her genius IQ.
Grandpa Eddie amazed him with his independence.
We left Sunday around noon to return home, leaving behind the 36" TV and a happy family and bringing with us a jar of homemade pear preserves from Great Grandma, a CD with, "It's hard to be humble" by Mac Davis and a heart full of fun memories and silly stories to tell.
We stopped by the Boardwalk so Aaron could see it and we looked at "The Boats". Aaron plans on returning soon so he can, "Go to the Boats".
We ate lunch at Hooters and then drove home. All in all, the trip was super relaxing and fun. I can't wait to do it again. Everyone in Shreveport makes me feel so special and loved, every time I go there. I always come come feeling happy and full.
We left the house at about 7 a.m. We stopped in Lindale at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We arrived at Mom's around 11:30. Not too bad for a morning drive. The traffic was good all the way there and we spent the morning laughing and talking about the "growing up years".
When we got there, Aaron got to be reintroduced to the other side of the family. Frankie was in "top clown" mode and he showed off the whole time we were there. Aaron is convinced that he knows why his mother has mental defects. It's hereditary.
He loved his Uncle Frankie, Aunt Beth, and his Grandparents and of course his Great Grandma.
He and Beth talked for hours, he definitely impressed his Uncle, who thinks he is a, "fine young man".
And his Grandma thinks he is just wonderful and wants him to come back for Mardi Gras.
Frankie cooked taco burgers for us for dinner Saturday night and entertained us with jokes stories and card tricks.
We visited a little with Great Grandma and she amazed Aaron with her ability to remember everyones birthday, including all four of my children and how many babies they each have.
She showed him pictures of his great uncles. And she still had the birth announcement, I sent her, when Aaron was born.
Beth showed him her computer system and impressed him with her genius IQ.
Grandpa Eddie amazed him with his independence.
We left Sunday around noon to return home, leaving behind the 36" TV and a happy family and bringing with us a jar of homemade pear preserves from Great Grandma, a CD with, "It's hard to be humble" by Mac Davis and a heart full of fun memories and silly stories to tell.
We stopped by the Boardwalk so Aaron could see it and we looked at "The Boats". Aaron plans on returning soon so he can, "Go to the Boats".
We ate lunch at Hooters and then drove home. All in all, the trip was super relaxing and fun. I can't wait to do it again. Everyone in Shreveport makes me feel so special and loved, every time I go there. I always come come feeling happy and full.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
The Week-end is Coming!
I am so excited!!! I am leaving early Saturday morning for Shreveport. I haven't seen Mom, Eddie and Beth since Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see how they are doing.
Last week-end, I had an opportunity to get a new TV for my living room. I have been wanting a plasma TV for a very long time and just couldn't get ahead enough to spend the money on one. Last week, I finally got it. My old TV is still in very good condition. It is a 36" Magnavox. Mom had an old cabinet style TV. It would get hot and the picture would go out. They had to blow a fan on it so it would come back on. It finally died, for good, a couple of months ago. I had already decided to give her my old one, so when I found out about hers going out, it just made sense to make the trip out there and take her the Magnavox.
I am off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So, Aaron and I are going to pack up and leave early Saturday morning. That's right, son. E-A-R-L-Y!!!! I would like to get past the mix-master before the traffic gets bad.
We'll come home on Sunday morning.
Jerry and Tish will be all on their own. I am sure they will be okay. Christian will be here to keep them in line.
I expect the coffee to be ready when I get there. Real Coffee, Frankie!!
I'll think about stopping for donuts!
Last week-end, I had an opportunity to get a new TV for my living room. I have been wanting a plasma TV for a very long time and just couldn't get ahead enough to spend the money on one. Last week, I finally got it. My old TV is still in very good condition. It is a 36" Magnavox. Mom had an old cabinet style TV. It would get hot and the picture would go out. They had to blow a fan on it so it would come back on. It finally died, for good, a couple of months ago. I had already decided to give her my old one, so when I found out about hers going out, it just made sense to make the trip out there and take her the Magnavox.
I am off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So, Aaron and I are going to pack up and leave early Saturday morning. That's right, son. E-A-R-L-Y!!!! I would like to get past the mix-master before the traffic gets bad.
We'll come home on Sunday morning.
Jerry and Tish will be all on their own. I am sure they will be okay. Christian will be here to keep them in line.
I expect the coffee to be ready when I get there. Real Coffee, Frankie!!
I'll think about stopping for donuts!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
It's Official!
Interview over. New ADON announced. It's not me.
I can't say I'm not a little disappointed. But, I am okay.
I don't know if I was ready for Christian to go to a babysitter, just yet.
I have grown quite fond of our little man.
He is a delight. He smiles almost constantly. He laughs out loud at his Grandpa and at me.
I sing to him and he sings along. Yes, he does sing along. Just ask Grandpa. He heard him singing with me.
He also stays awake for longer periods of time. That is making my sleep time a lot less than I am used to and I really don't get enough most days. But, it is worth it to be able to spend time with him just hanging out.
Grandpa and Uncle Aaron are really good at helping out. I get to nap when they are home. They entertain Christian and keep him happy so Grandma can get in a nap. And Tish gets home from work and takes over the care of her little boy so I can rest for a while before I go back to work.
It's definitely working out.
If I had gotten the position that I applied for, I would have been working the same hours as Tish and we would have needed a sitter for Christian. There are wonderful babysitters out there but, no matter how wonderful they are, they just aren't going to do things the way Tish and I do them. Tish and I don't even do things the same way. We do agree on one very important point. Christian deserves our undivided attention all the time and a sitter, no matter how great, is not going to give that to him.
Even though he ultimately chose someone else, I feel that I made a good impression on my supervisor and that good things will come of the interview. We shall see. I am not sorry that I applied and I am really glad to have gotten the opportunity to have a lengthy sit-down conversation with the new DON at our facility. I think we know each other a little better and that is always a good thing.
I can't say I'm not a little disappointed. But, I am okay.
I don't know if I was ready for Christian to go to a babysitter, just yet.
I have grown quite fond of our little man.
He is a delight. He smiles almost constantly. He laughs out loud at his Grandpa and at me.
I sing to him and he sings along. Yes, he does sing along. Just ask Grandpa. He heard him singing with me.
He also stays awake for longer periods of time. That is making my sleep time a lot less than I am used to and I really don't get enough most days. But, it is worth it to be able to spend time with him just hanging out.
Grandpa and Uncle Aaron are really good at helping out. I get to nap when they are home. They entertain Christian and keep him happy so Grandma can get in a nap. And Tish gets home from work and takes over the care of her little boy so I can rest for a while before I go back to work.
It's definitely working out.
If I had gotten the position that I applied for, I would have been working the same hours as Tish and we would have needed a sitter for Christian. There are wonderful babysitters out there but, no matter how wonderful they are, they just aren't going to do things the way Tish and I do them. Tish and I don't even do things the same way. We do agree on one very important point. Christian deserves our undivided attention all the time and a sitter, no matter how great, is not going to give that to him.
Even though he ultimately chose someone else, I feel that I made a good impression on my supervisor and that good things will come of the interview. We shall see. I am not sorry that I applied and I am really glad to have gotten the opportunity to have a lengthy sit-down conversation with the new DON at our facility. I think we know each other a little better and that is always a good thing.
Friday, May 23, 2008
I finally have an interview!
I had a message from my Director of Nursing waiting for me when I arrived at work, last night. My interview for the new position is set for Tuesday morning.
I am a little anxious and excited about the interview.
I am not worried. I am very good at interviewing and know I will handle myself well. I just hope that I am the person they are looking for to fill the position.
I know that I will be very good at the job. I just have to convince them of that.
Pray for me. This job is an opportunity for growth in my career, a generous pay raise, and much better hours.
My only regret is that it would become necessary for Tish to find a sitter for Christian or to find a job working different hours than she does now. I am sure it will all work out just fine, in the end.
Aaron has a new job. He starts on Tuesday. He laughed about the fact that he just got the job and his first day at work is a paid holiday.
We finally broke down and got a home phone. I called Mom today to check in with her. It was so nice to be able to talk without worrying about the battery running down, losing signal or my ear getting hot from the cell phone.
Alex, of course, had to join in the action. He climbed up onto my shoulder and grumbled away every time I would speak. It sounded as if he was participating in the conversation. I asked him if he wanted to talk to Grandma and he moved closer to the handset.
I asked,"What do you want to say?"
"Hello!", he answered.
Then he said,"Good boy, good boy."
"Alex IS a good boy.", Mom replied.
Alex answered her with,"Alright".
Then he was done talking on the phone, but he continued to sit on my shoulder and joined his own, "Ha ha ha!" with our laughter.
I had put him on his play gym earlier and since no one around here seems to be brave enough to assist me in clipping his wings, he has been doing a lot of flying around the dining room lately.
At some point he flew off of his play gym. I was sitting at the computer, playing a game and I heard a soft whistle. I looked around and did not immediately see him, so I continued with my game. Then, a couple of more whistles, like the whistle you would use to get someones attention.
I turned around and he was sitting on the back of the couch watching me. I asked him,
"what do you want?" , "Come here!" he said. I picked him up and he sat on my arm making kissing noises while I played my game.
In the mornings, when I come home from work, Alex greets me with, "Hello, Momma." Of course he will also say ,"Hello, Momma." to Jerry. Then he will start with,"Whatcha doin', whatcha doin', huh?" If that doesn't get the right response, he will add,"Come here, come here."
At that point it is getting too funny to ignore, he wants out, he wants on his play gym. So we get him out. We are always rewarded with a big kiss, kiss noise.
At night, when it gets dark, Alex likes to go to bed. If I don't go to him when he is ready, he will fly off his perch and make me come after him. He steps up for me willingly. I'll ask him if he wants to go to bed and he answers,"Go to bed, go to bed." I'll place him on the perch in his cage and he "helps" me shut the cage door, then he tells me, "Night,night".
I am amazed daily at his ability to pick up new words and phrases and even more suprised that he uses them in the correct context.
Only occasionally, will he ramble with no apparant purpose, going through every word and phrase and animal noise in his vast vocabulary. It is almost as if he is practicing his speech.
He rarely screeches any more and usually only when he is distressed or frightened by something.
But don't be fooled. As intellegient as he is, he will still bite the snot out of you if he doesn't want to be messed with. Yes, he has a real personality and a real temper to go along with it. He has his own ideas about what is appropriate behavior from humans and is extremely intolerate of what he considers rudeness.
The problems come in when you don't know that he thinks you are being rude.
The best advice I can give to my visitors, is, talk to him, give him treats and stay out of range of that beak. He can hurt you and he thinks it is funny to make you scream.
Most everyone listens to me. Who is going to argue with even a small bird who can crack open brazil nuts with his beak.
Well, enough about my little, green bird with the ego of an eagle.
New topic, next time. Don't forget to pray for me for this new job. Gad bless you all.
I am a little anxious and excited about the interview.
I am not worried. I am very good at interviewing and know I will handle myself well. I just hope that I am the person they are looking for to fill the position.
I know that I will be very good at the job. I just have to convince them of that.
Pray for me. This job is an opportunity for growth in my career, a generous pay raise, and much better hours.
My only regret is that it would become necessary for Tish to find a sitter for Christian or to find a job working different hours than she does now. I am sure it will all work out just fine, in the end.
Aaron has a new job. He starts on Tuesday. He laughed about the fact that he just got the job and his first day at work is a paid holiday.
We finally broke down and got a home phone. I called Mom today to check in with her. It was so nice to be able to talk without worrying about the battery running down, losing signal or my ear getting hot from the cell phone.
Alex, of course, had to join in the action. He climbed up onto my shoulder and grumbled away every time I would speak. It sounded as if he was participating in the conversation. I asked him if he wanted to talk to Grandma and he moved closer to the handset.
I asked,"What do you want to say?"
"Hello!", he answered.
Then he said,"Good boy, good boy."
"Alex IS a good boy.", Mom replied.
Alex answered her with,"Alright".
Then he was done talking on the phone, but he continued to sit on my shoulder and joined his own, "Ha ha ha!" with our laughter.
I had put him on his play gym earlier and since no one around here seems to be brave enough to assist me in clipping his wings, he has been doing a lot of flying around the dining room lately.
At some point he flew off of his play gym. I was sitting at the computer, playing a game and I heard a soft whistle. I looked around and did not immediately see him, so I continued with my game. Then, a couple of more whistles, like the whistle you would use to get someones attention.
I turned around and he was sitting on the back of the couch watching me. I asked him,
"what do you want?" , "Come here!" he said. I picked him up and he sat on my arm making kissing noises while I played my game.
In the mornings, when I come home from work, Alex greets me with, "Hello, Momma." Of course he will also say ,"Hello, Momma." to Jerry. Then he will start with,"Whatcha doin', whatcha doin', huh?" If that doesn't get the right response, he will add,"Come here, come here."
At that point it is getting too funny to ignore, he wants out, he wants on his play gym. So we get him out. We are always rewarded with a big kiss, kiss noise.
At night, when it gets dark, Alex likes to go to bed. If I don't go to him when he is ready, he will fly off his perch and make me come after him. He steps up for me willingly. I'll ask him if he wants to go to bed and he answers,"Go to bed, go to bed." I'll place him on the perch in his cage and he "helps" me shut the cage door, then he tells me, "Night,night".
I am amazed daily at his ability to pick up new words and phrases and even more suprised that he uses them in the correct context.
Only occasionally, will he ramble with no apparant purpose, going through every word and phrase and animal noise in his vast vocabulary. It is almost as if he is practicing his speech.
He rarely screeches any more and usually only when he is distressed or frightened by something.
But don't be fooled. As intellegient as he is, he will still bite the snot out of you if he doesn't want to be messed with. Yes, he has a real personality and a real temper to go along with it. He has his own ideas about what is appropriate behavior from humans and is extremely intolerate of what he considers rudeness.
The problems come in when you don't know that he thinks you are being rude.
The best advice I can give to my visitors, is, talk to him, give him treats and stay out of range of that beak. He can hurt you and he thinks it is funny to make you scream.
Most everyone listens to me. Who is going to argue with even a small bird who can crack open brazil nuts with his beak.
Well, enough about my little, green bird with the ego of an eagle.
New topic, next time. Don't forget to pray for me for this new job. Gad bless you all.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Opportunity is knocking!
I am fairly nervous about opening the door.
It means a huge responsibility for me in an extremely rewarding position, with a salary to match!
It means a Monday through Friday job with occasional long hours thrown in.
It means all major holidays off.
It means more vacation days.
It means that I have proven myself to be worthy of all the perks and difficulties that will arise.
But it also means that Christian will have to be placed with a day care or private sitter. I was not really ready for us to do that at this point. But it is an extraordinary opportunity that will not be there for long and may not be offered again. I don't want to miss my chance to be something more than I am. I feel that I have knowledge and experience to be shared and this position will give me the ability to share it.
I am up for it.
I am more than qualified.
I have the knowledge and experience.
I have the attitude.
I have everything rolled up into one nice little package.
I don't yet have the job.
I put in my request for consideration last night.
I was encouraged by my supervisor to try for it.
I have been cajoled and begged and ordered by co-workers to try for it.
So, I did it.
Now, I wait.
Hopefully, I will recieve that all important phone call for the big "interview".
I have already been interviewed once, very informally and informative.
I was told that I am being seriously considered and that I have all the right stuff, but there are also other people being considered.
I pray that I get the job. It will mean a substantial pay raise and the ability to do the things I love to do. I want it to be right, however, I am praying to get the job only if this is truly part of God's plan for my life. I will trust him completely with this. I did say I am nervous, but I am not obsessed or really worried about it. If they chose someone else who is qualified, I still have a full-time decent paying position.
All of you please pray for me, if this is the right ting for me to do, if I made the right decision, your prayers will mean so much to me. If for some reason the job is not right or the timing is not right, I will need prayers of support. I really do want it. I just want it to be right.
It means a huge responsibility for me in an extremely rewarding position, with a salary to match!
It means a Monday through Friday job with occasional long hours thrown in.
It means all major holidays off.
It means more vacation days.
It means that I have proven myself to be worthy of all the perks and difficulties that will arise.
But it also means that Christian will have to be placed with a day care or private sitter. I was not really ready for us to do that at this point. But it is an extraordinary opportunity that will not be there for long and may not be offered again. I don't want to miss my chance to be something more than I am. I feel that I have knowledge and experience to be shared and this position will give me the ability to share it.
I am up for it.
I am more than qualified.
I have the knowledge and experience.
I have the attitude.
I have everything rolled up into one nice little package.
I don't yet have the job.
I put in my request for consideration last night.
I was encouraged by my supervisor to try for it.
I have been cajoled and begged and ordered by co-workers to try for it.
So, I did it.
Now, I wait.
Hopefully, I will recieve that all important phone call for the big "interview".
I have already been interviewed once, very informally and informative.
I was told that I am being seriously considered and that I have all the right stuff, but there are also other people being considered.
I pray that I get the job. It will mean a substantial pay raise and the ability to do the things I love to do. I want it to be right, however, I am praying to get the job only if this is truly part of God's plan for my life. I will trust him completely with this. I did say I am nervous, but I am not obsessed or really worried about it. If they chose someone else who is qualified, I still have a full-time decent paying position.
All of you please pray for me, if this is the right ting for me to do, if I made the right decision, your prayers will mean so much to me. If for some reason the job is not right or the timing is not right, I will need prayers of support. I really do want it. I just want it to be right.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Busy, busy, busy!
I don't seem to have time to complete any task!
Every time I get started on something, something else needs my immediate attention.
I start cleaning and the baby needs to be fed.
I feed the baby and bottles need to be washed.
I get laundry together and it's time to cook dinner.
I gobble down my dinner because it's time to get ready for work.
I guess, I am not really, ready to live that life of leisure.
The sad thing is, that I am always worrying about what has not been done yet.
I need to go buy groceries, I need to clean the house, I need to cook dinner, I need to wash clothes, I need to call my mom, I need to give the dogs a bath, I need to clean the bird cage, I need to put away the clean laundry, I need to clean out the fridge, I need to pay the water bill, I need to clip Alex's wings, I need to put away these boxes that I packed up for the storage building, I need to clear out the carport.
I am off for three days this week. I don't see everything getting done before I go back to work.
Poor Jerry is just as busy, mowing the lawn, fixing the A/C, feeding the dogs, rearranging the storage, and of course fishing in addition to working his regular hours, plus off-duty assignments.
Hey World, we're getting older. Isn't life supposed to slow down? What happened to leisurely sipping a cup of coffee and reading that book that I started the other day. (I got interrupted and now, I can't remember where I sat it down, I have looked all over the house, in my bags, in the car....)
On to happier topics, AARON IS HOME. After 2400 miles and three days, he arrived safely at 4:oo in the morning on May 4th. Poor kid spent his entire 23rd birthday on the road. After a couple of close calls with gas money, he pulled in here and collapsed into his bed. He has unloaded his belongings and settled in to his room. Of course, he won't have much time to relax, he will be looking for a job soon.
It is so good to have him home, I missed his silliness, he goofy jokes and funny faces. I missed his hugs and his voice. I missed having someone eat my cooking as if it is the best food he has ever tasted. It is really good to have him home.
Right now, it is quiet in the house. Tish is working, Christian is sleeping, Aaron is sleeping and Jerry has gone fishing. I am blogging, but there is a load of laundry to get washed and a few dishes to wash, not to mention animals to care for and I really want to figure out where I put that book.........I looked there already......
Every time I get started on something, something else needs my immediate attention.
I start cleaning and the baby needs to be fed.
I feed the baby and bottles need to be washed.
I get laundry together and it's time to cook dinner.
I gobble down my dinner because it's time to get ready for work.
I guess, I am not really, ready to live that life of leisure.
The sad thing is, that I am always worrying about what has not been done yet.
I need to go buy groceries, I need to clean the house, I need to cook dinner, I need to wash clothes, I need to call my mom, I need to give the dogs a bath, I need to clean the bird cage, I need to put away the clean laundry, I need to clean out the fridge, I need to pay the water bill, I need to clip Alex's wings, I need to put away these boxes that I packed up for the storage building, I need to clear out the carport.
I am off for three days this week. I don't see everything getting done before I go back to work.
Poor Jerry is just as busy, mowing the lawn, fixing the A/C, feeding the dogs, rearranging the storage, and of course fishing in addition to working his regular hours, plus off-duty assignments.
Hey World, we're getting older. Isn't life supposed to slow down? What happened to leisurely sipping a cup of coffee and reading that book that I started the other day. (I got interrupted and now, I can't remember where I sat it down, I have looked all over the house, in my bags, in the car....)
On to happier topics, AARON IS HOME. After 2400 miles and three days, he arrived safely at 4:oo in the morning on May 4th. Poor kid spent his entire 23rd birthday on the road. After a couple of close calls with gas money, he pulled in here and collapsed into his bed. He has unloaded his belongings and settled in to his room. Of course, he won't have much time to relax, he will be looking for a job soon.
It is so good to have him home, I missed his silliness, he goofy jokes and funny faces. I missed his hugs and his voice. I missed having someone eat my cooking as if it is the best food he has ever tasted. It is really good to have him home.
Right now, it is quiet in the house. Tish is working, Christian is sleeping, Aaron is sleeping and Jerry has gone fishing. I am blogging, but there is a load of laundry to get washed and a few dishes to wash, not to mention animals to care for and I really want to figure out where I put that book.........I looked there already......
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