Wednesday August 31

So today was like any other day I did not want to get up but I did and  got ready for work.  Patience had a rough night with the cat sleeping with us,poor Patience coughed most of the night.  I got up at four am and put the cat out of the room and gave patience so water to drink. 

Went over and had coffee at Mom and Daddy's then headed on in to try to get a jump start.  When ever I am the most energetic it seems like I get the least done.  Got to work and had one distraction after another.  Before I knew it, it was time to mark breakfast.  The day flys from then on.  When I was getting ready to leave I went into the work room and opened the ice box to get the dozen tamales out that I had bought for Janet's dinner, well someone else had gotten into them and there were only 6 in the bag! Luckily I had some at home that I had ordered for the house for this weekend so I called Misti to tell her I was en route to pick up six of them and needed her to meet me by the road so I could go on.  I know 6 would have been plenty but I was not for sure how many folks would be there when I got to Janet's so I wanted to have more than enough an also this way she could have some for lunch tomorrow if she wanted.  I left there about five pm then took Janet some dinner, it was kind of sad being there today and her telling me she found out yesterday she would be out of work indefinitely, so she asked me to bring some of her personal belongings to her so when they hire someone to replace her the stuff will be out of the way. I then came home after visiting for a bit and then we went to Boom a Rangs for our dinner.  It was good, nothing like a home style burger. The girls working there are so very friendly we had a great time, when we got ready to leave they asked if the kids could have a balloon so when we said yes, they blew up two and brought them out then tied them on the kids wrist so they would not blow away.

We then went to Wal Mart to do a little birthday shopping, Friday is Patience's birthday and we will have her party on the 10th, so I wanted to get some things to take to Pryor this Friday for her to open.  Normally there is not a great deal of things going on at any one time.  I have been invited to 3 gatherings on the 10th, Patience's Birthday, A co workers sons birthday and a former students child's baptism ( the one I buy my tamales from).

When we got home we got out of the durango and I had ahold of both balloons at this time cause we had to remove them to go into Wal-Mart and did not retie them.  Well Patience wanted to hold her own and I told her be careful if it gets away we wont be able to catch it, she promised she would, just as she got to the porch it escaped and she was devastated but there was nothing we could do.  She kept saying thru her tears" I wish we had a car that could fly" and I kept saying" I wish you had let me bring it in. " After a few times when I said" I wish you had let me carry it" she said " I do too."

Well it is off to bed tomorrow is going to be a long day, besides work I will drive to Norman and back, hoping the Dr has some good advice for the pain and the mouth sores. Maybe she will be ready to take me off the chemo pills and try something else.  I will let you know what I learn.

Tuesday August 30

Well this morning we had a little shower and it seemed to cool things off a bit.  The only problem with the rain is sometimes it makes me hurt.  I got to hurting while I was in my office from the air con hitting right down on me.  I did not want to close the vent as I did not want the office to get hot but I was straighting to hurt so bad I could not type, my right elbow and forearm where the worse at that time.  So I got my sweater off my chair and put it on to cover up where it would not get a direct hit.  This seemed to work well.  A few people that saw me asked if I was sick and I told them not sick just stiff and sore.  I called the Dr office today to find out when my next appt. is and was told it would be Thursday at ten.  The plan is I will go to work, mark breakfast, leave the school about 9 and make the drive.  See the Dr. at 10 then make the drive back and should be back about 11:30, High school lunch starts at 11:40 so I should have plenty of time as long as I don't get behind a farm tractor.  One of the nice things about my Dr is she does not over book so when she sets a time that is your time.  Once in the whole time I have been seeing her she was delayed, this was cause she had a new patience so she took longer to answer all his questions and that ran me later than normal.

Today I was pretty pleased with all that I was able to get done at work, I left at 3:15 to take Austin home then got right back and worked till about 4:45 then came home so Misti could head out the door to get to class.  Got home helped pick up then we went out side and emptied the dogs water tank, the kids used the Folgers red plastic cans to empty it one scoop at a time, they had lots of fun trying to throw it on the dogs, sometimes the kids got it and sometime the kids GOT it back on them.  Ha ha!  Then when they were about done, Daddy helped me turn it over to scrub it out and then to refill it.  Daddy had come over to see where I was wanting him to put a cement picnic table at, and stayed to help with a few other chores.

So we came in and the kids were wet with dog water and needed baths.  I got little man in first then when Patience got in I made dinner, she wanted something soft since her throat was sore from coughing so we had ramen noodles with spam and scrambled eggs.  Neither child thought they would like it but both tried it and liked it as well. 

I want to thank you guys for helping me out with the jokes, I have really enjoyed reading them.  The alphabet one was so cute, I had not heard it before.  I have got to remember to ask Patience for some new material.  So I hope everybody has a fast week and survives the hectic pace of life. 

Monday August 29

So this morning I was able to get up with out too much trouble, once I stood in the hot shower for about 10 minutes I was able to get ready and hit the road.  I got to Mom and Daddy's a little later than I have been but it was fine, I had my one cup and hit the road again.  When I left for work it was raining, by the time I got to work 2 miles later it had stopped.

I was able to get  quite a bit accomplished today, I am so relived that the files are in.  Today we had an issue where a students home number was needed and the principal was able to pull it right up, that was the test for me if it would work when it came to crunch time and it did.  I had a pretty good day over all, and stayed till about 6 then I ran to the store to grab a few things then on to my friends house to take her dinner, she is looking better but no where near ready to return to work.  We talked about the possibility of  her having to take a semester off and what the ramifications of that would be. 

So then it was time to come home and play with the little people and relax.  I had a nice time just being with them. I was checking my email and had just a little help reading it this evening so I decided it would be best if I waited for the monkey to fall asleep, to read my mail, I have this second head quite often when I am at home, weather I am running bath water, watching TV or any other time when I am not standing up right. After everyone went to bed I layed down and finished reading the book " The Help"  if was very enjoyable.  I have not done much reading in the last 20 months, I have had a hard time concentrating on any one story line but this one held my interest.  No joke tonight, just a picture to make you all smile.

Sunday August 28

Well I woke up this morning racked with pain, I could feel it in every joint and up and down my spine.  I layed in bed knowing I needed to get up, it was around eight, but also knowing the pain would intensify if I did anything to quickly.  Payton came down the hall with Misti following not to far behind, I heard her tell him to be quiet so he would not wake me.  When he got whatever he went after he walked back towards the kitchen and as he got near the bathroom door he turned back and looked towards my room.  He was surprised when I waved slightly at him.  I heard him tell his mom I was up, could he come see me.  When she said yes he flew down the hall and asked to get on my bed. We layed in bed for a bit then he asked if I wanted breakfast and I told him no, I was going to go lay in a hot bath.  He then informed me that I would get burnt if it was hot and we don't sleep in the tub.  I then told  him the water would not be too hot and I would stay awake.  After my soak I got dressed and went to have a cup of coffee.  Misti, Kris and kids were outside.  Kris was changing a flat tire off the durango.  I stayed out there for a bit then came back in to get ready for Sunday School, since I was so sore I knew that sitting still would not be possible so I decided to stay home and put a pain patch on hoping it would be more bearable for church services.  I was talking to Misti about all the files I still had to put into the system and not knowing how I would get this done before returning to work in the morning.  She then volunteered to help if I would just show her how.  What a blessing!  Misti is such a good typist that it did not take her long to do each file.  I am pretty confidante that with all of Misti's help putting the files I had left in the stress level will be less this week and I really think that makes the flare ups worse. I did not make it to church either as I was still not feeling well enough to sit still, when the pain is there I squirm and I know I am such a distraction to others.  Some times changing the position I am sitting in will help other times I need to lay down to get the relief I need.  Sleep is always a great escape from the pain, it will be there when I awake but as long as I am asleep I don't feel it.

Mom and Daddy had invited me over to eat pork&sauerkraut they know how much I enjoy it.  When I called to see what time they wanted me since I had not gone to church and could not remember if it was lunch or dinner we would be having Daddy told me "  We just have one main meal and we will have it when ever you get here, let Misti and family know they are invited to come also."  I told Misti and also told her we could take the bag of fried rice we had left from the other night for those who wanted.  I was not sure if the little ones would eat the pork&sauerkraut.  Misti told the kids they would be going to Dadum and Papa's Payton was so excited to find out he would be allowed to go in and not to have to wait in the durango while I run in for a sec,( like happens so often, if we are just stopping for a minute and I am the only one going in).  So he runs to the room to get his clothes and is pulling out orange shirts looking at them and saying not pokes, then grabbing the next one.  When he found one of his OSU shirts then he was happy and put it on then he grabbed his Dad's hat and was ready to leave.

 We went over and had a great time, Patience loved the p&s and Daddy was very pleased to see the fried rice.  After eating Mom and Misti went into the office and the kids and I stayed in the living room to play games.  Daddy had a game coming on TV in his room.  So Patience got out some thick cardboard animal dominoes and we taught Payton how to play chain dominoes he picked up on it really quick, not surprising he does have Griffin blood and this is a form of dominoes, plus the Portuguese  also play this alot so his blood is just showing, right.  I was able to lay on the floor as we played so everyone had a good time, when we got done playing dominoes, we then taught Payton to play go fish, he really got a kick out of telling us" GO FISH".  What a wonderful Sunday afternoon.  So then it was time to come home, when we got here Payton was told it was nap time so he asked if he could lay down in my bed, I fell asleep but he did not, I took a 3 hour nap.  Then when I got up I was able to go to Bible study, tonight was the first night of our new lesson " The Book of Esther" but did not stay for services.

Patience and Payton are now both sleeping and I am getting ready to join them.  My prayer is for the pain to bearable for work this week and then I will have a 3 day weekend to recover.
Sorry no joke tonight, will try harder to get one for tomorrow.

Saturday August 27

So I told Payton last night when he was heading to bed against his will that when he got up this morning he could come into my room and get me up.  So this morning about 7 am I heard him by my bed asking if he could get into bed with me, I scooted over and that lasted for about 30 seconds then he asked if I wanted to make a hideout so we both pulled the covers over our heads and acted like we were in a tent,  in the mean time we woke Patience up and she joined up.  we played this way for a bit then decided to get up and have breakfast so we could head to the city, for our trip to Sam's.

We let Misti sleep for just a few more minutes then I got in the shower and the kids ate breakfast.  We the discussed inviting Mom to join us for our trip to Sam's for our "sample lunch".  When we had asked Patience what she wanted for lunch she had told us samples from Sam's.  Mom was in town still when I called but Daddy said he would let her know I called and have her call me back.  A little while later we heard back from her and she said sure she would like to go. They only give the samples out on the weekend and there are about a dozen vendors doing this so you get quite a selection.  Today it was chicken salad on a cracker, grapes, peaches, popcorn chicken, orange glazed chicken with fried rice, deli meat,  whole grain crackers with mozzarella, breakfast biscuits with egg, cheese, and turkey sausage, granola dipped in dark chocolate, Greek yogurt, chicken nuggets, baby wipes, and then there were a couple that had run out by the time we arrive at 11 am.  Misti told Patience we would go back to the Norman store for something or other another day and Patience wanted to know if it could be on a sample day,  that girls was having a blast.  So when we were done getting "Lunch"  I was able to find the hard candies that I needed for my office and we looked for Misti's Microsoft program but this Sams was out also. 

On the way home we stopped in Shawnee at Staples cause I was needing to get something for school and saw where they had the program so I surprised Misti with it.

When we got home Misti put Payton down for his nap and I headed to the office for a little work the she called when he awoke and I brought a crate of files home to finish up and worked about a third of them and will try to finish them after church tomorrow.  I just haven't decided if I will do it at home or at work.

So we talked on the way to the city and back about my joke at the end each night and Payton wanted me to tell one of his tonight.  Knock Knock, Who's there?    YOU

Friday, August 26

When my alarm went off this morning I jumped right out of bed cause I knew I needed to get Mom up so we could both get ready and head to her house for coffee with Daddy.  So when we got ready to pull out I let Mom go down the drive first then I had planned on following so I could keep the dogs in the yard, ( yeah right).  So she pulled thru the gate then when I went to pull thru both boxers followed the beagle out the yard going ninety to nothing.  I got out of the car and started yelling at then but they just kept right on running.

So work was the same as it has been most of the week, except one of the other secetarys was home sick so that kind of increased our load.  I hope she is feeling better, and her son also they both got the stomach bug that is going around.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that we dont get it here at the house.

So at the end of the day when Misti came by the office with the kids she said that they might head to Pryor for the night, she was waiting to hear back from Kris.  So I asked one of the teachers if she was working on saturday and she said she was.  I told her I would be up there also. 

So then I came home and mixed up some fried rice that Misti had cooked the meats for today and she had also made fresh rice for this afternoon, so I could make this.  My friend Janet was discharged from the hospital today so I wanted to get the rice made and take it to her.  When I had it finished I put some into a bowl and headed over to her house.  When I saw how bad her leg looked it sure brought back memories of Boy's leg.  The color of  skin just gets to a horrible red that looks  like it is so tight with the infection still in it.  I remember it was a slow process for Boy to recover from his and I am sure it will be for Janet also.

From there I came back home and got Misti and the little ones so we could run to town for meds and stuff.  While we were in town I got a text  stating our boys baseball team had won the semifinals today and would play again tomorrow in Calvin. They are playing in the Calvin tournament, our girls lost today in the LRC semifinals against New Lima.

 Since the plans changed for tomorrow and the kids were very disappointed I told them we could go to Midwest City to Sam's and eat samples,( Patience favorite part ) plus look for Misti's Microsoft Office and I can look for the candy for the office.

So from the store we ran by Ray and Rita's for a few minutes then we headed home, we had fried rice for those who wanted and ham and cheese sandwiches for those who did not want rice, plus we all had homemade salsa that Misti made for us.  While we ate dinner we watched Barney, Payton is just getting to the stage where he likes to sit down and watch him.  So we all wanted to show him our favorites, hoping he will like them also.  At this point he walks around the house and sings John Jacob or Where is thumpkin. 

So now it is bedtime after Misti put Payton to sleep, she is laying with Patience and reading Junie B.  Patience is learning to read so every time they come to the word   a  or the word   I  Patience reads it.


So for tonight's joke :   Knock Knock,  Who's there?  Cow,  Cow Who?  Owls Whoo   Cows Moo!

Thursday August 25

So I have been so frazzled today I don't even remember my morning routine, it was the same as most days.  When I was leaving I saw all four dogs were out and across the road.  They wait for you to open the gate and when you drive thru if you don't stop and get out they will dart out and take off.  So every morning when I go thru the gate, I put the car in park and get out to make sure they stay in the yard.  This morning I yelled for them and the boxers came back across but the other two kept on going.  It is so frustrating cause I know it is just a matter of time before I loose them also.

So when I got to Mom and Daddy's Mom asked if she could ride with me today and I told her sure, so we left a bit later then got to work.  I wanted to lock myself in my office and work but I knew that would not work.  Last year when I would try this parents would knock till I got up and went around my desk to open the door for them.  Even though others would offer to help them they would say" no I need to talk to Jenny"
So today as I am working the boss man comes to my office and sits down in one of the chairs and starts to visit like that is why I come in early, to visit.  I don't think so.  Well the day was a rough one but we all survived with our minds still intact, let me tell you by ten am my gut was burning so bad I kept thinking my ulcer is back!  I got some milk from the lunch room and drank it just to stop the fire for a bit.  Then after I ate lunch it seemed to help.  I can't wait till November cause by then everyone will know their part in this crazy play and we will have all the roles cast. (PLEASE PLEASE)  My poor subs never know from one day to the next what they will be called upon to teach.  

I have not mentioned my friend was put in the hospital two weeks ago this Monday with a bad staff infection in her leg, for two weeks she has had an iv in her trying to get the staff under control, well she get to come home tomorrow and will have at least a week of bed rest before she can return to work.  Right now she is so weak she needs a walker to get around.  I have been calling her everyday on my drive home to let her know I have been thinking of her and we miss her.  Today before I left work I was talking to some of the others and we decided to put a sign up sheet out in the morning and to have people bring her dinner everyday so she will not have to worry about cooking for herself.  So tonight I will make her a large pot of fried rice cause that is one of her favorite meals that I make.  Staff is so scary, I remember how bad Boy had it and with his at least they could see it to lance, with hers they could not so they had to just treat it with antibiotics.

Mom and Daddy had ac problems again and had to have some work done on it, Mom is staying the night here as by the time they got it fixed we had already told the kids she would stay the night. 

So tonight's joke by popular demand (2)  is this one that is a favorite of Patience and Payton's
Knock Knock, Who's there?  Rita, Rita who, Rita book its lots of fun!

Goodnight

Wednesday, August 24

So this morning I got up and after getting stuff done here went by for coffee, and conversation.  While I was there I was able to show Mom how to comment anonymous on my blog.  Then it was time for us to hit the road and start earning our keep.

We got to work and I went to my office then Mom headed to her classroom.  I got a little bit done before breakfast, my energy level is not where I need it to be to get all this stuff loaded on the PC but I know it will come with time. 

So I go into the cafeteria and see we have a sub cook, she use to be our head cook a few years ago and was pitching in to help out while we have one cook out for a bit.  I was so neat to look there and see her it was almost like old times, as I had an aide from the same time frame subbing in a classroom.  Sure did make me miss the old times.  Not near the pettiness in those days, you did your work and everyone got along.  Now it is more like seeing who can do the least and get away with it sometimes. 

So when school was over I ran our cousin Austin home he is going to our school and was in need of a ride. I had told him a bit back if the need ever arose just let me know and I would be more than happy to take him.  My thoughts on this are even if I am not finished for the day it will get me out from behind the desk for a few minutes break.


 Then I got home and it was decided that we would run to Norman to eat at Cheddars, I called Brandy to see it they were interested in meeting us.  Brandy said sure as they would be in Norman for gymnastics and it would be nice to see each other.

Before we met up with them I ran by and saw Ray and Rita for a couple of minutes then we headed to Norman. 

On the way the kids were getting restless so I told them I wanted to see who could be the quietest , then not much after this Payton starts singing" John Jacob", so I told Patience that she won that round, and we were going again.  So this continues for a few rounds, then I told her who ever won the most rounds could pick out a bag of candy for the house when we got to Sam's, this got the competitive side of her going and every couple of miles I would tell her you won that round lets go again.  We did this all the way to Norman.  When we got to Sam's she asked if we could play that again as she really enjoyed it.

We went into Sam's to get a few things, one of the things I was wanting to get was a large bag of hard candies for the office candy dishes, they did not have this. But they did have the bag of mixed chocolate candy bars that Patience wanted for the house. Also we wanted to get Microsoft office 2010 and they had it on sale, their display is just the empty boxes, you take this to the register then after you pay for it they have a supervisor come up and take you to the locked cages where this kind of stuff is stored, well we get there and she is digging around the she says wait a minute and goes to costumer service and gets on a PC and then comes back and says I have some good and bad news, the bad news is we are out of these and the good news is if you follow me over here we will refund your money.  I asked her why do you still have the displays out if you are out of the item and she kinda blew it off whit we are removing them now.  Them the guy at customer service was taking this version up so much saying how much he was really enjoying his copy and I told him we had planned to enjoy our copy also that is why we were buying it, but you don't have it and he tells me maybe you should go order it off line it is cheaper that way too. Lets just say I was not a happy shopper when I left Sam's club tonight.  We then went to Cheddars and were 30 minutes late due to this hold up.  But one we got there it was all OK, as being with family just removes the stress.  We had a nice visit an a great meal.  When we left I took some pictures of the kids out side the restaurant.

On the way home we played car games, I spy, the humming song then also told knock knock jokes.  I really think Patience inherited her joke telling skills from Boy.  It is funnier to listen to her tell the joke than the joke is.  An example:  knock knock, who's there? Banana, knock knock, Whos there?, Banana, knock knock Whos there?, Banana, knock knock, Whos there? Peach, Peach who, aren't you glad I didn't say banana again.

So we laughed most of the way home then when we got here it was time to clean up and hit the bed, in less than five minutes both kids were sleeping.

Tuesday, August 23

So last night Payton was having pains in his eye, with drainage.  Misti decided he needed to be seen by the Dr, so she wanted to take him to the walk in clinic.  That means you have to be at the Dr office at 7am and they will take the first 10 patience.  I told her I would be Patience's ride to school so she could make it with no problem.  We told Patience last night she needed to go to bed early so she could wake with out problems.  Quickest she has ever gone to sleep for me. 

This morning when my alarm went off I just barley touched her and she shot right out of bed and was dressed in two shakes.  We got to Mom and Daddy's on time and she was able to have an egg plus part of a banana.  Then we headed to school and Patience went to the prek classroom with Dadum. 

Misti called later in the morning to let me know the Dr. had stated she thought it was an allergy to the cat that caused the problems.

Today was as bad as yesterday or maybe even worse, but in a different way.  Today was the day full of discipline .One poor child had let her mouth get her into trouble then when she was called on it she begged me to help her.  All I could do was say" I sorry I can't help"  It was like turning my back on one of my own children.  I had to leave the office so I would not hear what the outcome was.  I have never had one of the kids to beg me for help. I have had a very heavy heart for the rest of the day.  I am beginning to think maybe I have been there too long.  We had one discipline issue after another for the rest of the day, like a revolving door as fast as one got handled another was escorted in.

 I was so glad to get home to where I could hug on the kids and see smiles.  But whenever I close my eyes I see her face and hear her again.  I hope she will be happy at her new school.

Here is a picture of Payton doing what he likes at this point in time.  Climbing.  Ta Da I made it!

Here are the Girls best of friends.

So tonight Misti has school and I thought while the kids were playing would be a good time to sit down and write this.  They just came thru the dinning room and saw me typing, Patience said" are you working on your blog?"  I said" yes" and she said" it is too early", I said "what do you mean" and she said "what will you do later?"  She knows when it is bed time and I am putting her to bed I lay next to her and type my blog.  So tonight we will try something different, maybe we will just lay there till someone falls asleep.  I have been letting Misti have the pleasure of reading to Patience.  It is so much fun to watch her reaction to how the plot of the story unfolds.  You can see when it clicks and she has figured out what will be happening next.  We have been enjoying Junie B. again. 

Monday August 22

So I get up this morning and get ready then feed, head out the door.  I am so pumped with all the work I got done yesterday, can't wait to get back to the office and get the rest finished.  I stopped by to see Mom and Daddy then headed on to the office.

So I did not get much done before breakfast due to the phone, grrrr.  So then after breakfast I get caught up in trying to get all the elem students that have not turned in their packets with enrollment forms.  The next thing I know it is time for lunch.  So I go into the lunchroom to get my PC going and it has hit a glitch on processing the breakfast.  Frozen and not responding. Just what you want to see when you have 35 pre-k and kindergartners in line wanting lunch.  So what would you do?  Grab you keys and run? The thought crossed my mind but I did not think I would make it, so I just grabbed some paper and my pen and started writing names down.  Once I got about all the way thru elem, (219) my PC decides it is ready to go back to work.  If I did not think the board would frown I would pick it up and drop it just to see if that is how you fix on of these things.

So after that my day just continued on as such, As I tried to eat I had an irate parent at my window wanting to withdraw her child, then another wanting a copy of their forms and my tray sitting there cooling off.  I then got a parent wanting to enroll 2 children into the school so I got nothing done with my paperwork, that's OK I can use this new system at home, right that was one of the selling points about it.  I brought home a few hours of work and guess what, you got it my Internet is too slow to run this program.  If that doesn't beat all!  I will babysit tomorrow night. Then on Wednesday I will work late to get this last bit inputted.  It is so much faster to do  this when there is not all the interruptions. Or at least this is my plan.  So when I got in we started dinner, I had bought some beef at the store and we had marinated it.  We decided to make fajitas out of it, the kids loved the meat,Patience had a couple of fajitas and Payton just had the meat with the chips and cheese on the side, Misti also made some homemade salsa that was very good and went so well with this meal.

We needed to run to town after dinner so I told Misti, I would get more meat and freeze it for another time. We got a few other things then I needed  to get gas so we went after that then I surprised the kids by stopping at the snow cone shop an we all got a small snow cone.  It was a pleasant way to cool off.  I think it made Payton feel better also, he is still battling that cold, plus now his left eye is getting weepy and hurting.  Not sure if it is sinus or pinkeye starting.  At bedtime he cried to Misti that his eye hurt, she got a cool wet cloth and put it on it gave him some relief so he could sleep.  He will be heading back to the Dr.'s in the morning.

Sunday August 21 part II

So this morning I was up at 730 just so full of energy.  I felt bad about not posting last night so I made coffee, got a shower and sat down to spill my guts while it was all fresh on my mind.  I then got busy and finished up my files that I had brought home.

Time to go to church, when I got their my Sunday School Teacher approached me and asked what I did not like about her teaching that was keeping me away.  I told her that  have tried to explain to her in the past when she confronted me in class, I have rheumatoid arthritis and some days it is more than I can do to get up.  It is not her or her ways of teaching but my pain.  She then acted like she did not believe me and asked for my Dr's. name, I told her and even told her where her office was located.  The gall of some people.  It really puts a bad taste in my mouth to have her for a teacher when she is this way, but I love going to my church and don't want to change.  I guess I will just see how next Sunday goes.

So after Church I went to the house and got my files then headed to work, A friend was working in the office across the hall from me, she is part time and comes in when her other job permits.  We were able to help each other some, she is very familiar with my new program and I knew the answers to some of the questions she had about personnel and such. I worked till 5:00 then I went shopping and saw a couple of folks I know, got some good deals and came home ready to cook again, I mixed up some teri  meat for dinner tomorrow night that I am hoping will turn out like I plan but we shall see. 

So when I got home the others had already had dinner so I made my plate and Payton James came to sit with me and to share.  We then went into my bathroom to get his bath ready, so much fun being with this little guy when it is bath time.  I wish I could tape it to share but I know that is not a good idea.  Some of the things he comes up with just make me laugh.  He like to play who ever gets the washcloth wins, so he will hold it the act like he is throwing it but won't let go, then all or a sudden he yells "spash time" and starts hitting the water very hard with the cloth to make large splashes.    Then it is everyone for themselves when the monster starts biting, all of a sudden he will take the cloth off his hand and say" that was not a monster that was me pinching you". 

After we brushed his teeth then played on my bed, I layed at the end of the bed and he walked in circles singing all the Barney song he could think of.  I did not know he had learned that many. Then Misti told him it was bed time. 

Patience was in the tub having her bath at this time, and she kept saying" what is he doing now?"  Pretty soon it will be our bed time.  Then we start a new week in the morning.

Sunday August 21 ( for Saturday Aug 20)

So let me explain how crazy my day was, I did not get out of bed till 10:30 this morning (Sat).  Payton kept trying to get me up but I just could not wake up enough to get out of bed.  When I did get up and come into the dinning room he said" let me show you something", and picked my wallet up off the floor.  I asked him how did it get there and he said he was playing with it, as he handed it back to me it was open so change went flying every where and he asked " Do you want me to help you pick that up?" Ha ha.  I played around with Payton while I got ready for work.  I wanted to go in when there was no one there so I could work with out interruptions.  Well little man asked if he could go and I told him if he did he would have to play on the ipod and let me work he was fine with this.  He does not get to go much with me when it is just the two of us.  We asked Misti and she said you wont get anything done, I told her yes I would so she let him go.  He was so excited, what a big boy.  We stopped off at Mom and Daddy's so I could drop off a couple of things, new tee shirt (mom) gate alarm (daddy).  Well they were surprised to see Payton with me, Mom gave him a plastic Easter egg, that she keep filled for when he comes out.  She knows how much he loves jelly beans.  So Payton is shaking it and I said I hope that is not change in there and she said it was not.  Well we left soon after to head to the school and as I was putting him in the car he said as he was shaking the egg, "We sure hope its not change huh grams."

So we get to the school and he is all ready for fun, first we get into my icebox and get a carton of milk out then it is into the candy jar to look for some favorite strawberry candy.  There is not any strawberry candy left so we went into the other office where I had filled the jar and got some form it.  So as I get my PC booted up he decides it is time to play with the light switch, I keep telling him we cant do that so then he checks out the fire alarm panel and I told him not to touch or we would have all kinds of police and firemen there.  So I worked for a few minutes then we decided we were hungry so I loaded up a crate with files and forms and we got ready to go get lunch then come to the house.  Payton could not understand why we could not eat there and then after bring Mommy and Patience something home. 

When we got home we had lunch, this is now about 1pm. Misti did not ask how much work had I been able to do and I did not volunteer any info.  Then Misti tells Payton it is time to take a nap, Payton wanted me to nap with him and I told him I needed to go to my bed to sleep.  Misti looked at me like I was kidding and I told her I am very tired, my body feels very heavy.  Well I layed down by Payton and he fell asleep then I went to my bed and went to sleep and took a four hour nap.  When I awoke it was with Payton handing me my phone and Brandy was on the line he had called her for her to get me up.  He had been trying to get me up and I just could not wake.  It was almost like I was underwater too deep and could not surface. 

So then we came into the kitche3n and helped Misti make dinner then we cleaned up the living room while and got some other stuff picked up.  Next thing you know it was bed time for little man.  Then I sat at my PC and tried to get some of my work done before I went to bed.  Kris came in while I was doing this and Patience was so glad to see him.  Then he left out to get some stuff done and Misti came out of the room and told Patience it was bed time, within five minutes Misti was back out of the room she was already sleeping.  Misti asked if I minded watching the kids so she could go meet up with Kris and I told her no problem.  Well she was barley gone and Patience woke looking for her the I got her back to sleep and at 11:30 Payton woke wanting Mommy so I quit working and went with him back into the room and when Misti got home about 1am he was still up watching TV.  So then I went to bed and did not get on to blog my day.

Friday August 19

So I got up this morning without hitting the snooze, I was pretty pleased with myself.  I have decided if Patience and I change sides of the bed, something she has wanted to do for a while.  I wont be able to reach the alarm so I can't hit snooze.  I will have to get out of bed to shut it off, this will stop me from hitting snooze.

After having coffee and conversation with Mom and Daddy, I went to work.  I had decided this was the day I was going to get my desk back from all the files and stacks of papers, no matter how long I have to stay.

So I went into the cafeteria to mark breakfast then went to collect the slips off the doors and back to my office to my desk that has been looking like a mess.Where to begin, every time I try someone will come in and need ,me to do something for them, my work takes the back seat.  I have been so busy trying to get things done, I have felt like I have just stacked it all on my desk instead of actually processing it.

After lunch I went hot and heavy on processing the files, and got it all off my desk. I left work at 5 :15pm.So then I called Misti to see what we were going to do for dinner. As she had texted me earlier in the day to see what my plans were, and we had decided we were eating out.  I felt like celebrating, getting my desk back.  I know I still have about 10 more hours of extra work to do before I will be on regular time again.  The beginning of the year is always so busy and stressful.  I will be loving my job within the next few days.

So after dinner we went to Tractor supply and got a driveway alarm. hen we went shopping to get juice for the little man.  Payton has a very bad cold now, he went to the Dr today and luckily does not have tonsillitis but his throat is very sore from all the drainage, and his lungs are getting stuff trying to setup in there also.  I am praying the meds he was given will knock it right out.  It is so sad seeing him looking so ill. He seems like everything is fine, then all of a sudden he is wiped out.

Patience seems to be feeling better today I am hoping she is on the mend.  She is really loving going to  kindergarten and all  that goes with it.  It is amazing seeing how grown she looks.

I am so proud of Misti for going back to collage, I have always hoped this would happen but did not know when it would.

Thursday August 18

So today was another snooze day, then I made the mistake of turning off the alarm but not getting out of bed, lucky me I only slept for 3 more minutes not longer.  I got the animals taken cared of then I went for conversation and coffee at Mom and Dad's.

Got to work a little early but did not get everything done I would have liked to.  I only I could lock my door for one day without the phone ringing and not have to go to any other area I know I could get it all done.  I know one day soon it will get done it just would be nice if it was today.  I just feel like I am running in place with all the paperwork and also the electronic files.

I was able to bring Patience home with me today as little brother is under the weather.  When we got home he told me he was sick then asked if we could go outside to play.  I told him not till he was better and he said that he was.  Ha Ha. 

Misti had class again tonight so the kids and I hung out here and had a good time, after dinner we decided to all pick up the living room together and then we each got our turn to sweep it.  Then Patience decided to get a wet dish towel and mop the floor by getting on her hands and knees to wipe it down good, she had Payton get a dry one to go behind her drying, after a bit they traded rags and chores.  The floor is clean.

Not long after Misti got home it was little mans bedtime so I told Patience we could go lay down and read, it did not take her long to fall asleep also, I think she is catching an end of summer cold, I am hoping that is all it is and not an allergy to the cat that sleeps with us.  Tonight she is locked out of the room.

Well I need to go take some heartburn pills it is back again.  I guess this will need to be addressed at my next doctors appointment, it seems more and more frequent.

Wedesday August 17

So this morning I did not want to get up.  I do not know what is up with my sleeping but I sure wish I could figure it out.  So as I am showering I am going thru everything I need to do today and am hoping I get most of it tackled.

I went over to Mom and Daddy's house for our morning coffee and chat.  Had a nice visit with them then out the door I was.  While on the road to work I called Kris to see what his plans for the day were as it was their anniversary today and I was not sure if he would be able to come to Seminole or not.  So he told me that yes he did get the day off and would be heading this way soon. I volunteered to babysit for tonight if they wanted me to.  After wishing him a happy anniversary I hung up.  I had talked to the kids last night about today and told them that we would take Misti to dinner and we would let her pick where. 

So while I am at work I get a text asking me to contact Brandy to invite Misti out to lunch so Kris can be at the restaurant to surprise her.  I called Brandy and she was all in for this so she called Misti and arranged to meet at Garfield's at 1130.  Kris was then contacted to let him know the when and where.

About 1135 I get a text saying Thank You , so I knew it was a hit.  I know anniversaries are very special and yes you can celebrate them on other days but it is so nice to celebrate on THE day.  Boy and I were apart for about 8 or 9 years before we were able to celebrate on the day, between the army and the oilfield.  I remember getting so excited the first time we were going out to celebrate and we just went to the bowling alley to play pinball, I guess it is not what you do but with who that is important.

After dinner the kids and I went out side for an hour so they could play and we could enjoy the heat, cause you never know how long that will be around.  Actually by 6 it was not so bad, it was overcast and so they had fun, I did warn them it was hair washing night cause of the sweaty heads when we where out and they were troops about it when we came in.  Even the cat got a bath, as Patience had dropped some chili from her chili dog on her while she was having dinner and I did not think it was a good idea to leave it there.  Payton stood right by my side as I bathed his cat wanting to know why she was not happy.  When I was done he even helped me dry her off and told her it would be OK.  He sure loves his cat. I think she loves him too, as she lets him do what ever to her, throw her across the room the let him pick her back up to throw her back across the other way.

Tuesday August 16, Watch where you dig

So today was another hit the snooze day, but i jumped up as soon as it went off and got myself ready.  Went out to take care of dogs and cats then down the road I went.  When I got to Mom and Daddy's I told them that my water lines would be laid sometime today, as they had the trencher and the pipes near the fence.  I was concerned with the dogs so Daddy said he would head over and fill them in on the info with the phone line and such as that plus where I want the meter.  So I went to work with the relief that it was all taken cared of.  I don't know what I would do with out him, besides being my Daddy he has also become my rock that I lean on for more than I should. 

While at work Misti called to let me know the phone line was a casualty of the water line.  Even though we knew where the line had been marked, Dad was told that is just an estimate, 3 ft on each side.  I was also informed the gas line is the only one that is precise as the run a line right next to the pipe.   So I called the phone co when I got home and was told 48 hours tops.  I am so grateful for cells today. 

Sammy the cat is Payton's cat, he carries her around like she was a stuffed animal, this afternoon he was walking around with her rocking her to sleep, or trying too, I kept telling him that she does not like that and she is going to scratch you, well if finally happened she scratched him. He said. " I bet that hurt"  I told him" well did it?" And he said " no", we looked for marks and there were none so maybe she just kept her claws in.  I hope it teaches him cause I sure would hate for him to get hurt.

Tonight was Misti's first class so I kept the kids while she went, we played in the yard for a bit then when the guys were gone for the waterline, we got the golf cart out and rode around looking to see what they had done.  I know when it is all over it will be a blessing for the water but for now I am just a little nervous about the work going on.

So we came in after this and got started on bathes, Misti made it in while we were doing this so she was here to put little man to bed and then I brought Patience to bed.

Monday August 15, Muskogee here we come

So today I was ready to get up when the alarm went off, that is a first in a long time.  I got myself ready and out the door I went.  When I got to Mom's she said she had read last nights post and would like to accompany me to meet up with the girls and Robert in Muskogee for dinner.  So from there I headed to work and was all psyched up to get thru this day and be on the road.

I got quite a bit done this morning and got my lunch machine to run so that made lunch go faster.  Got some other things taken cared of as well.  Have a new secretary to help with the phones.  That is a bigger blessing than most folks know. 

 Next thing I knew it was time to head out, so I ran by the house to grab the suitcase, (or the trip would have been all for naught).  Went by got Mom and then we were on the road.  I made contact with the girls to let them know we were en route, and we decided they would bring my air mattress to the restaurant and when I gave them the suitcase they would give it to me, you know like a ransome trade off.

 We had a very good meal and some wonderful conversation. We all found out a spoon is what you use to stir things up with.    Lots of laughs, then it was time to say goodbye.

 I was so glad I had Mom with me it made the trip go so much faster.  Mom was able to get me caught back up on some of my word games that I have neglected.  I hope to be able to stay one tract now,I think the secret is to hand Mom the phone when I see her and get it back at the end of the day.  Ha Ha

 I am hoping tomorrow goes as well and as trouble free as today did\.  I think a lot of it has to do with the tude you get out of bed with.  We shall see, I plan on having a good tude again in the morning.  But who really plans on having a bad tude?  I just don't know, I guess that is another great mystery that I will have to look into.

Sunday August 14

So today I woke briefly when I heard Payton come into my room an tell someone he had to wake me.  He was removed from my room so I went right back to sleep.  A little later I thought I heard the phone ring twice then the answering machine came on so I thought OK there is a message, back to sleep I went.  The next time I awoke it was 1020 and the phone was ringing again.  I knew I would not make church.  I could have slept more but told myself you are becoming a sloth sleeping all the time.

So by this time Misti and family were not home they had gone out for the day.  Nicole and Britt were up but still laying on their couches.  I got the coffee started then went for a bath and then had coffee and conversation with the girls.  We then head out to dispose of the trash and then on to Mom and Daddy's for a fish fry.  YUM YUM!  Ray and Rita also were able to make it so we had a nice time talking and just being together.  Sometimes I get the giggles when I really should not, well this happened today at lunch when we  were all talking about life and such, how great the meal was, how Daddy kept the house so clean while Mom was gone, how happy Daddy was when Mom came back.  So here is where the giggling started, when Rita said she hopes one day to be in a relationship like that.  Now Ray is sitting right across the table from her and I look at him and he looks at me and we both start laughing.   So now I am really feeling silly and am making jokes about what anyone says.  Britt tells Mom her Jesus is crooked and I told her you should really get straight with Jesus it would make you happier.  I hope everyone knows I was just kidding around.  It seems like I am functioning on little sleep but I know I am not, maybe too much sleep works the same, you get slap happy.

So then everyone starts to leave and head to our own homes.  When I get here I see that Nicole has forgotten her suitcase here, so I call and they are already in Stroud so I told them I would meet them in Muskogee after work Monday with it and we could go out for Chinese.  I shall invite Mom to go I think she will really enjoy it.  After making this call I am very tired again so I set my alarm on my phone and layed back down for a 3 hour nap before church.  I have been home for a little bit and am thinking how good it will feel to lay down and get some sleep.  So I shall close with this and get to bed.

Saturday August 13 Cats and Dogs

So last night Misti went to Pryor and the kids stayed home with Britt, Nicole and myself.  When bedtime came Payton and I slept in Misti's room and Britt and Patience slept in my room.  Well about 1130 Payton decided he was thirsty, well of course he was not going back to sleep till he got his drink.  I took him into the kitchen and got him some juice and we went back to bed.  About 3 am we had a repeat of this happening and then when he got up at 7 am he wanted another drink.  How he can drink this much I don't know cause when he ask for a drink I fill his 8 oz cup up and he just downs it.  So as you can imagine I was not ready to get out of bed at 7.  So I put the tv on and layed on the bed resting and trying to convince myself that I really did not hurt and should get up.  For about half an hour we just stayed in the room and he played with my phone while I layed under the covers trying to get some stiffness out of my main joints.  Then we went into my room to get my medicine and I warned Payton to be quiet so we would not wake Patience and Brittany, well Patience was up but still in bed.  Payton convinced Patience to get out of bed and come play. 

So today Nicole and Britt went to see their Dad and Grandma, the kids and I hung out here at the house.  We had pb and j sandwiches for lunch with sliced peaches and lays potato chips.  While I was eating I looked outside and saw that poor Charlie was tired, this is the only dog I have ever seen that can not just lay down he needs something to lean on or to climb up on to get some rest. After lunch Payton and I went to take a nap that winded up just being a rest time, neither one of us fell asleep. 

Then Misti got home and we had a little visit time then we decided to call the girls to see what time would they be back for dinner and were told they were en route so we decided to go meet them in Shawnee and do some shopping for their new apartment.  From there we were heading home when Misti called a person who's ad she had seen in the paper when we were looking for kittens.  We went by looked at the kittens they had and picked out a real cutie.  Payton named her Sam.

So we got home and got the groceries unloaded and the cat in the house then we started dinner.  Meatloaf, Mac and cheese, Green Beans and a chef salad.  It sure did hit the spot.  I think everyone enjoyed dinner.  After dinner the kids had fun playing with Sam till bed time.  I just hope she is larger, than the mouse, we got her to catch.

Friday August 12, We got that first week in our back pockets!

So today the alarm was ringing and I just wanted to toss it across the room, but I knew that was not the way it is done.  So I got up and headed for the shower, then feed the animals and got into the car.  When I got to Mom and Daddy's I announced that I was in the market for a kitten as I saw traces last night in the house.  I have not had this problem before since I have always had quite a few cats in the yard but now with having the boxers in the yard the cats do not have a chance.  So I have decided that I will get a house cat and that will solve my issue.  I have put Misti in charge of this mission, so she can pick out the kitten that will come to live with us.

From Moms I went to work and got busy getting folders and files ready for the day.  I need to get so much done and I put this pressure on myself as I know the administration does not expect this to be done overnight. 

The day was so much calmer today than yesterday, everybody seemed to be more relaxed.  Then we had baseball games and softball games going on today so that seems to calm the ravage beast by letting the kids go out to watch a few innings.

When I got off and came home I had Laurie's girls arriving not long after me.  So I got busy making hamburger curry.  Misti had made rice while I was working and so it did not take that long to have it all ready.  The girls got to the house before dinner was finished so the kids had some time to visit with them while I finished it off.  When we knew the girls were here, they called to get the gate code, Misti asked Patience to do her a favor and go on the patio and move the large mop bucket in case it rained again we did not want it in the yard.  So Patience is on the back porch and is bent over this large mop bucket and when she looks up Brittany and Nicole are walking up the sidewalk.  She flipped.  Patience has really missed Brittany this summer and this was the first time she was getting to see her.  Payton started screaming when he saw her and we were afraid he would fall off the porch trying to get to her.  So we were all able to sit down to dinner and have a very nice time. 

Thursday, August 11 Hello I am so glad to see you!

So today I got up and around and headed over to Mom and Daddy's house.  I stayed for a bit and headed to work to get started.  I was only there about 5 minutes before the first group of students arrived.   I really enjoy when I get to see the kids after a break so I can exclaim how much they have grown or changed.  I try very hard to greet each child by name when I see them in the hall or in the lunchroom.  The day went so fast and with out hardly a break.  I did stop for lunch, I had Misti bring me a chef salad last night, so I could have it for lunch today.  It was so large I was able to share it with 3 other people and still have enough left for me to have for lunch on Friday.  So after lunch ,we hit the ground running again. Between parents calling and coming in to see if we still had room for their child to enroll.  Pluse getting bus schedules done and other class related things, there was not much time to stop and think.

So when the bell rang for school to be over I still had about 2 1/2 hours of work left to do.  The beginning of the year is a very busy time.  But after about a week of nonstop paperwork it will slow down to pleasant.

When I got home I asked the kids what we were having for dinner and Payton told me" we don't know yet".  So then he asked me if we could have hot dogs and I told him sure.  After dinner Misti and Patience ran to get stuff from the store. Payton and I stayed home to get his bath done,  now it is time to play, we are playing concert.  This is where all his imaginary friends come to watch him sing.  We are "driving there now"  We are both sitting in the back seat with Payton's stirring wheel  pulled all the way back so he can sit by me.  I was pleased to meet each of his guest as they came.  Barney, Donald, Mickey, Minnie, Baby Bop, BJ, The Wiggles and Goofy were all there to watch him sing, John Jacob and also Hello my name is Joe.  These are his two favorites this week. 

When Misti and Patience  got home we made no bake cookies and Patience just could not understand why she could not help bake them.  But she sure did enjoy helping us eat them.

Now it is bedtime and we will hurry back to school again in the morning.

Wednesday August 10 shaking hands with the clock.

I awoke at 214 this morning hearing thunder and seeing lighting.  I looked at my clock and saw it was flashing 1214 so I knew the power had gone off or it would not have been flashing, so I was trying to set my alarm on my cell and could not wake up enough to function but was awake enough to know I had to get this done so I would not be late for work.

So I got up when my cell went off and got ready for work, went out to feed the dogs and cats.  While I was out there, I had a bit of trouble with the dogs wanting to join the cats outside the fence.  Got everyone back where they belonged and headed out, chasing the clock.

As I was pulling into Moms my cell was ringing, it had slid under me as I drove so I figured I would answer it when I parked, it was Mom calling to see if I was ok since I was later than normal.  I told her I had gotten a late start. Well we visited for a bit the Daddy came in and told me that it was getting time that I would normally leave.

When I got to work I had a couple of minutes to center myself before other started getting there.  The day went ninety to nothing, it seemed like there was no break.  Even when I sat down to have lunch I was asked to return to my office as I had parents there who had came in to enroll students.   We ended  the year last year with a total enrollment of 264, I was told the other day my goal was 300 for this year.  When I left work tonight at 6pm the enrollment was at 298 with a slip from a parent wanting to know if we could accept her two children.  We told her we would give her an answer within 48 hours.  When I told my Principal he was pleased.

To celebrate I had asked Misti if I could watch her kids this evening so we could go to Casadoras for dinner and Braums for dessert. Then we came home and took bathes and now are in bed.  One of these days I know I will hit a brick wall and all of this will fall apart with me right in the center but until then I will continue running as far and as fast as I can so I will be tired enough to sleep the night thru.

Tuesday Aug 9

So last night I set my regular alarm clock and also my cell alarm since the power kept flickering off and on.  Then this morning when my regular alarm went off I just laid there and thought I will wait for the cell to go off then I will get up, about that time I heard the cell alarm, so I got up and showered  and got ready for work.  I went by to see Mom and Daddy for a bit, then headed into work to try to get a jump on the files before the crowd hit.  I got there at 7 am and I was not there 5 minutes when I heard others in the hall. I guess  I was not the only one wanting to get an early start.  We had a very productive day.  I hope tomorrow goes as well, if it does we will be ready for the students on Thursday.  So I worked late and had Misti bring the kids by the school so I could spend time with them while she ran errands and I could still get stuff done.  I brought the last of it home and finished it when Misti put Payton to bed.  Now I am trying to get Patience to settle down and go to sleep.

Monday August 8th

So today I got up and got my stuff done and was out the door by 630. I have got to stop hitting the snooze, I feel like I am chasing that time all day when I do.  I went over to Mom and Daddy's for coffee, before heading to the office.   I got some work taken cared of before the phone started ringing and parents started showing up at the window for enrollment papers.  We had to move furniture back into the office today since we had removed it for the new carpet.  I know it will all look so nice when everything is back as it belongs.
Tomorrow the teachers will report back and will be in meetings most of the day I believe then work on their rooms.  Wednesday should be about the same, with the students coming back on Thursday.

I did not work late as I had told Misti I would get off as soon as I could. So I would be home to watch the kids while Kris and Misti went birthday shopping for Patience.

They got in a bit ago and the storms followed them in.  I am keeping this short as the power keeps going off.  I am sure I will have more to post tomorrow.

Sunday Aug 7

Well today I awoke after a very good nights sleep. I think I was holding everyone else from coming into the living room as when I got off the couch there was no one in the living room but when I came out of the restroom there was activity in the living room.  Thanks guys for letting me sleep, seems like I just cant get enough.  Laurie and I went to Reasors for some tofu noodles and to check out what else they might have.  When we got back to the house we saw that Tom had left to get Alexis, when they returned we went to Steak and Shake for lunch, they have this burger that haunts me it is a Royal burger, I think about it alot.  It has two thin patties, a slice of cheese, lettuce and tomato on a great bun, but here is the kicker it has a fried egg on top of the patties.  It is a very filling burger, it does not look that big but I can not quite finish one. Much less the fries that come with it.  We waited today for a table as there were seven of us, there was also the after church crowd and the promotion of kids eating free on the weekend.  I could not believe the traffic that went thru this place. It took us quite a while to get our table but when we got our food it was worth the wait.

After eating we headed back to the house to have cake and ice cream for Tom's birthday.  I stayed for a little bit after this and then took my leave to head home.

My plan at this time was to get home and get ready for Sunday night church, well what do they say about the best laid plans. 
Traffic was not that bad, till we hit the construction area, I was driving along seeing signs for construction, then I topped this hill and traffic was at a complete stop, we were going from two lanes into one.  As everyone got merged in traffic started to roll again.  Other than that the trip went very smooth, when I got near Little I called Daddy to let him know I was nearby and ready to move the trash that had piled up at home, since we are in a burn ban we have to haul off out trash.  So when we were done with this Misti called to see how my drive was going and I told her I would be home in a few minutes, she let me know that she had planned to run to town for juice and to get dinner for the kids so I told her I was game and I would just head to church from McDonald's, by this time I was starting to have pains in my lower back and a headache was building.  After dinner I decided I would not be going to church as my head was pounding and my back was on fire.  So I came home and laided down for a bit then took my shot and meds so now I hope the pain will be tolerable in the morning.

Saturday August 6

Well I slept like a rock last night and did not awake till 930 this morning when I heard my cell go off with my new ring tone."Walk on the water",  by Britt Nicole. I have discovered it may not be the best ring tone though, since I love the song when I heard it I just kept listening to it instead of the annoying one I had before that I would grab right away to shut it up. Ha Ha.

So after I arose we hung out at the house for a bit then Laurie and I ran to the Dollar Store to get a cake mix plus a few other  things, I was pretty amazed with all the selection they have at this one, it is like a mini Wal Mart.  So we get back to the house and I had some great rye bread toast then later I had a turkey and cheddar sausage with chopped peppers that tasted so good, the sausage was very mild with the creamy cheddar cheese to cool off your mouth from the peppers, now the peppers were not very hot just a little bite, so I can imagine how well it would have been on a bun together.  Yum.

 A little later Britt and Robert returned from their shopping trip and she stated that she was broke out in a rash, earlier before they had left she was talking about having some bites so we had her use some medicated cream we found here.  it turns out she was allergic to the cream so she has hives all over in addition to the bites, poor girl.  We went back to the store for hydro cortisone to try to relive all of it.  I asked later and she said it was getting better.

Now it is nap time, Cole was on one couch and I was on the other. Then after a couple hour nap we got ready to head out for dinner, as we walked out the door we looked at the storm clouds and talked about how nice that would be if it did rain.  We went to Genghis Grill for dinner, the food was very good and the service was wonderful,  When we came out of the restaurant, we stood outside for a couple of minutes we could feel the rain in the air.  So we got in the car as the bottom fell out and the rain was here!  On the drive back to the house we saw some cool lightning.  Laurie and I ran to Wal Mart for ice cream to go with Tom's birthday cake, en route we saw where there was a tree down across the road from that cool lightning. 

When we returned home we had cake and ice cream and had a small celebration, tomorrow is Tom's birthday plus they will have Alexis with them so they will have a larger party then.  We have been watching food tv, it seems like there is a mini marathon of triple d which is always entertaining.

Friday Aug 5th

So today I got up after hitting the snooze just once.  While in the shower, I remembered that I had not packed last night for my weekend at Laurie's.  I quickly got out, got dressed then packed.  When I went out to feed, I saw I had lost one of my cats.  So back into the house I went to get a bag, I planned on taking her to work and placing her bag into the dumpster since today is empty day and while we are not in session there is not much in there so I am not taking up space other trash should have.  ( Does that make sense ).

I went over to see Mom and Daddy and share some of their coffee and conversation. Daddy gave me some black eyed peas that he had cooked yesterday for me to have for lunch.  From there I headed to work and then got busy so I could leave as soon as possible, I should have gotten off at noon but had offered to stay till about 3 in case anyone came in.  We were not that busy today, even the phone was slower than it had been.  I was able to enroll all my new students and work up most of their forms.  The peas were great, they filled me up like I had eaten a large meal. Yum yum.

After work I ran to the bank for deposit then headed north to get gas and got to Muskogee to meet up with Laurie.  All the way there I kept think how tired I was and then when I got there it was like getting my second wind.  We had a nice visit on the way to Broken Arrow.  When we got to the house Nicole and Tom were there and Britt and Robert had called to say they would be out later.  We enjoyed tacos for dinner, they really hit the spot. After visiting for a while we decided we wanted something cold for desert so we headed to Marble Slab, I got a frozen yogurt with blueberries on it this was very good.

Thursday Aug 4

So today when the alarm went off I hit the snooze, when it went off again I thought someone was playing with a clock, so I got up to ask them to quit so I could sleep.  When I awoke all the way I realized it was my alarm. And it was time for me to hit the shower. 

Went out and fed, when I left this morning the dogs sat on the hill and watched me to see if there would be a chance for them to run, but I didn't give an inch.  Then over to Mom and Daddy's, had some coffee and nice conversation. 

From there I headed to work and unlocked the building since the maintanice man is on vacation, and I am the first to arrive.  Then it was time to make the coffee and get the PC up and running.  I had most of my files inputted before I left yesterday, but still had plenty to keep me busy until parents started arriving to enroll elementary kids today. We had quite a few come in and the phones kept us pretty busy, when we decided to stop for lunch we went into the board room to eat so we would not be at our desk.  People came thru looking for us and came on into the boardroom to find out what they were needing.
Today is the day the carpet man was coming to recarpet a classroom and the three offices on the other side of the hall from me.  So the guy come into the boardroom and states we have less than an hour to empty the rooms cause he does not move furniture!  Now keep in mind the only ones around were the other secretary and my self, she is a little bitty thing.  We got what we could them when the princepal and coaches got back they helped us get the rest out and when the gentleman came back over he acted like we had miss measured for the carpet and would be short, I told the super that the salesman for the company was the one who measured.  I am pretty curious to see what will be done when I get back to work in the morning.  We have all the furniture in the hall and it is quite a maze to get around. 

When I got home Brandy and her girls were still here with Misti and her kids so I was able to spend a little time with my grandkids, they had just had fruit snacks before I got home, I asked Payton where mine was and he went and got me a pack, which I shared with the 4 of them, so I got another one and shared it.  Not long after this Brandy told her girls they needed to get home.  After they left we got the kids ready and headed to Shawnee to exchange a shower fixture and get dinner the go shopping for stuff. Then it was time to go home and get to bed.

Wednesday Aug 3

Today I was actually up at 530 but I knew I really did not want to be up yet, so I laid there for a couple of minutes then decided to get into the shower,  one day I will have my very own shower and I have been wandering will it be too noisy to use it in the morning or shall I stay with the front one?  I guess we will just have to wait and give it a try to see.
I got ready to depart and had seen the dogs were in the yard so I thought " O.K. we are cooking with grease now"  I got into the car and started down the drive and low and behold if those silly dogs did not all four of them charge the gate as it opened, before it was wide enough for me to get my car thru!  As soon as I was able I flew thru and hit the brakes yelling as I threw open my door for them to get back into the yard.  The boxers looked at me like I had lost it, they then turned around and walked right back thru the gate with Sweet Pea, Scout just kept on going I guess he caught the smell that he had to follow.

I then headed to Mom and Daddy's to visit and have that first cup of coffee.  I did not know if Mom would be up or if she was resting, but you know Mom she was up,  we had a nice time and talked about her returning to work soon and all the plans she had for that.  From there I went to work and opened the building and got the coffee started then I turned my PC on, filled my coffee cup and got ready for the phone to start, I did not have to wait long before it did start and it did not stop till about 345, why was I still answering it I don't know.  But I was.  I guess I think that there could be someone on the other end that really has to get thru at this time and it can't wait till morning.  By the time I get home I can't stand to hear the phone ring, it has gotten so bad I even cringe when my iPhone chimes that I have a message or my turn to play words.

When I got home Brandy and her girls were at the house with Misti and her kids.  I was nice to heard the kids all playing and having a good time.  The dynamics with the four of them is something to watch, they change who they are playing with in the blink of an eye.  We had chicken strips with mac and cheese for those who wanted and mashed potatoes for those who preferred , we also had corn, once the kids had theirs we chopped some bacon leftover for the other night up and put it in the corn, wow that was good.  So after eating the kids got to play a little more then I took Payton in for his bath, I really enjoy giving him his bath, some of the things he comes up with are so funny.  When he decides he is done that plug get yanked and he is done. 
Then it was clean up time so we could all get ready to go to bed.  The three girls thought they would sleep together but then Patience decided she would rather be in my bed so I took her in there and laid down and with in five minutes she was out.  I then came back into the dinning room where Brandy and Misti were getting their scrap booking items out, we talked for a few minutes then I got started on this they got to working on that so I think I will be off to bed so I can arise in the morning.

Tuesday Aug. 2nd

So today I got up a little later than normal, I hit the snooze twice.  Then showered and shampooed, while I was doing this I heard someone knocking on the door Then I heard this little voice say " Gram can I come in with you"  It was Patience, she had woke up to cover and saw I was not in bed, she said she then heard the shower so she knew I was still home.  It was nice to visit with her while I got ready. 
After going out to feed and seeing  Cheyenne and sweet pea out of the yard , I called Daddy to let him know I was coming over but running a little slow, He said they were leaving at 7 am for the airport and that is the time I normally leave his house to head to work, so I told him that would be fine and I would leave my house with in the next 5 minutes.  I was able to get them into the yard with very little trouble.  I got into my car and headed down to the gate and the same two dogs took off for the gate and tried to sneak out as I pulled out.  I got out of the car after I cleared the gate and told those two to get back inside.  Silly me I thought pets were suppose to relive stress not cause it.  HA HA

So I got to Daddy's and we had coffee, while we visited, Robert was there also as he was going with Daddy to the airport.  Mom and Brittany were finally getting to come home.  Those two have really been tried and they passed with flying colors!  no pun intended.  I know they had a great time ands I sometimes wander was this their "decompression time?"  I know there was a reason, I just have not thought of any other yet but I am sure I will think of more excuses. 

I digress, I went to work and had a great day it was very busy and the phone would not stop ringing but I feel so needed there.  I was able to input a little more into the system but mainly answer questions weather it was on the phone or in person pertaining to enrollment and class sizes. I got a surprise today, this one was Brittany calling to see if she could come get my house keys so she could gather her thing she had left her, I told her come on down and she was able to meet a couple of my coworkers.  Due to sick children I was the only one left in the office by lunch time so going out was not a possibility.  Lunch was a yogurt at my desk with a little dried fruit as my bread went bad and had to be tossed.   I kept thinking for dinner I want a large chef salad and I knew I would need to run to Lowe's in Shawnee and there is a great place near there that serves wonderful salads.  So I worked till about 330 and then I called over at Mom and Dads to see if Mom was awake so I could stop by and found out that yes she was so that is where I headed.   I stayed to visit for about 45 minutes, I did not want to over stay I know what it is like when you just get home and want to rest. 
When I got home I talked to Misti who was en route from Brandy's about dinner, we decided leftovers would be good and we would go to Shawnee tomorrow night instead.  Then when they got to the house we started talking about what all we needed from the store so Payton and I agreed to be the ones to run to town and shop then go by sonic to grab burgers and onion rings since it was Tuesday night the burgers are only a dollar.  Later Misti and I got to talking and decided Thursday night might be a better night for our Shawnee trip.  We shall see.  Well it is off to sleep so I wont be hitting the snooze!

Monday Aug First

So today I got quickly out of bed and headed to the shower, knowing today was the day I would see some students I had not seen in a bit.  I got to Daddy's and had coffee while we visited about Mom and Brittany's travel plan changes and wondering what time they would get to the airport.
 
When I got to work I put the coffee on and got the office ready for visitors.  It was not long before they started coming in, it just gives me the warmest feeling to see these kids and how they have grown over the summer.  I noticed as the morning was going on that my pain was gone, I was not hurting anywhere at all.  It has been a long time since I have had a day of no pain : ).  I had a few surprises, one family that had left 3 years ago came back and it was so neat to see how they have grown, I also had a parent come in that I have know for years whose child left 6 years ago has moved back to our area and he will be coming back.  I also got to visit with some of the kids who were here last year and look  so grown up now.  I can't wait till tomorrow to get to see some of the others.  It was so funny when one of the parents came in to enroll her kids, I told her " I am so glad I get to have your kids again" and she told me " But I am not ready to let them go, does summer have to end already?"  I told her then " I tell you what, I will keep them during the day and you can have them in the evenings and on weekends" 

I got to do a little work on the computer but I know I will find time to get it all done, I am not as stressed out about it now that I have been able to input some of the files.  Today I got to work with other parts of it and am comfortable with that part also.

So when I got home I found out that Mom and Brittany will not make it to Oklahoma today, they will have to wait till morning till they can leave Houston.  "The Vacation That Never Ends"  is what I have started calling this in my head, I can just picture it, they get off in Houston and are told they will have to fly somewhere else to get a connection to here and then they are told " You can't get there from here"  I am sorry Mom, I know you are not finding this very funny, but maybe you can laugh at this later. 

We had steak, mac and cheese, and fried okra for dinner, it was great.  The steak was cooked on the grill and seasoned so well.

Tonight we had our board meeting, this is something else I like to take part in.  It was a very successful meeting. 

So I got home from the meeting and find out that Mom and Brittany will land in Houston around midnight, and hopefully fly home in the morning.