Bibs, Family Room, and What's Happening in the Library?

Hi Jen, Johnny, Jimmy, John, Mom, Dad, and Ben (you are my blog group),

Dad has been in Florida all week. Because of that, Debbie, Julie, and I went to Los Cucos for dinner tonight. There was so much food that I left half of it, and I still probably ate 2,000+ calories!

Because a few of you complained about how messy the game room was upstairs, I cleaned it up. To prove it, the picture is below. I hope you guys approve! Ha. It needed to be done, but you guys gave me the incentive. All Jimmy's boxes are still behind the couch though.

Also, below are the bibs I am going to give Grandfather tomorrow. It has been sorta fun having a sewing machine and making something. I don't know what is next, but I do need to spend some time figuring out how to machine thread the needle and look at all the different stitches again. I am still not sure I am threading everything right. The manual is useless and the pictures are unreadable as far as I am concerned.

Just in case you are interested what is going on in the library...

- a teacher lost a laptop @ the value of $1,500.00. The police are on it. At first, the teacher was told he had to pay, but I doubt if he will. It was lost due to sloppiness.

- Sociology classes are studying world cultures. Yes, dad...I am teaching about Bangladesh tomorrow. Do you know Bangladesh has a 59% illiteracy rate?

- Copyright violations went on all last week due to showing movies. (Not us.)

- 12th grade Academic English classes are writing research papers on Social Issues.

- 12th grade AP/GT English classes are writing a research paper on one of their novel, i.e. Tale of Two Cities, Huckleberry Finn plus they are studying short stories that coordinate with themes from their main novels. Doesn't that make you wish you were in H.S. again...

Well, I better run. I want to read a little bit before I go to bed.

Leave a comment every once in a while so I know you read my blog!!!

Love you.

Mom/Patti

The Weekend - January 26-27, 2008

Hi Everyone,

Hope all of you had a nice weekend - especially you Jennifer since you celebrated your 26th birthday today! Ah, I remember the day so well - like it was yesterday. I was so happy when you were born. You were so absolutely adorable, and your personality now is exactly how it was when you were first born. More on that later.

Oh, I changed a few things on my blog. If you look to the right, I have included direct links to things of interest for you. If you have anything else you want me to add, let me know. (Ben, I didn't know what to put down for you.) It was interesting---I was showing GM and GF my new design and how they could link to Quechee news and there were three Quechee articles listed. One was about Quechee Lakes where we stay when we go to Vermont; one was on Mesa - the store I love to spend money at when in Vermont; and the last article was about a car accident in Quechee. GM said, "Let's see if it was someone we know in the accident." We couldn't believe it - Richard Brockway was in the accident. So, on the link, out of the three Quechee articles, three were important to us. Anyway, enjoy your link right off my blog!

On Saturday morning I went over to Mom and Dad's house to visit while Dad slept to catch up on his being gone all week. I bought all my Show and Tell stuff to show them, i.e. the newest blanket I made, a note, etc. But, one thing I bought over there was a bib I made. It was a practice bib and the first thing I have sewn on my new sewing machine. It turned out pretty good. Here is a picture of Grandfather wearing his new bib. I have three more for him in the works. I will post pictures of them when I have them finished. Note: The bib is long so it can double as a bib and lap napkin! Cool, huh?

Last night dad and I went to Katy Mills Mall. I bought a new pair of black shoes at Naturalizer. We ate Chinese food that wasn't very good at the food court. Then, we went to the movies. We saw National Treasure. It wasn't very good at all. I don't recommend it. It was slow moving and stupid. I had to close my eyes in the middle of the movie even! Dad didn't like it much either, so it wasn't just me. We wish we would have gone with our first instinct to see the Bucket List instead. Next time.

Jennifer gave me the workbook Experiencing God for Christmas. I had worked through it about 12 years ago and it was really good, so I wanted to work through it again. Anyway, my lesson this weekend said, "to set aside at least 30 minutes for a time to walk with God...Find a place outside to walk. Use this time to get out of your routine....Focus your thoughts on your Heavenly Father's love for you and your love for Him....Thank him for His love and mercy. Be specific. Take time to worship Him and adore him." So, Dad and I took a walk through Cullen Park this afternoon. We haven't done that in the entire time we have lived here. It was quite fun actually. I am supposed to analyze my walk, etc. I will do that later tonight. But, I took some pictures along my walk that I wanted to share with you.

Which Path Should I Take?

Berries in the Park!

Trees in the Park!

A Bird in the Park!

A Field in the Park: This is the field where the family can play kickball or baseball next time everyone is home!!!

The Path I walked (with Dad)!

The Real Mayde Creek!

Jimmy called this afternoon. He said it is snowing in Boston and that Jay and he were probably going to go skiing this afternoon. I hope they get to. Jim said there is a ski place around 45 minutes away from Babson.

Not much else here. Hope you guys had a nice weekend.

Love you.

Mom/Patti

Just January Junk!

Hi Everyone,

Well, I am sorta sad tonight. Jimmy is going back to Boston tomorrow morning. I just keep thinking about how it is the last time any of the kids will be at home for this length of time - probably ever. It puts me in the next phase of my life. Anyway, I am sorta emotional this week.

Jimmy has accepted an internship with Boston Logistics for this semester. The company is located in Wellesley, so it is close to Babson College which is good.

He also has an interview with Perennial Capital Advisors in Cambridge on Friday. He has to miss his first Real Estate II class for the interview, but what can you do when you are looking for a job?







For those of you who don't know...Coby is going to India on a mission trip the first week of February. I think he will be gone for about 10 days. He is
really looking forward to the trip.






I talked to Johnny today, but not for long. Hopefully, we will touch base again later this week.

I am gaining weight. I just have been really hungry lately. Christmas gets me off track. And once I get off track I don't do too well. I have gained a few pound...Yuk.

Tomorrow after work I am going to just try to put the house back together.

Oh, I went to see "27 Dresses." It was really good. It was a Chic-Flick, but I think guys would like it too. It was a really, really cute movie.

Grandmother and Grandfather said I don't have anything controversial in my blog, so here are two questions you can respond to. One is a political question - the other one is a celebrity question.

So, what do you guys think about the wall being torn down between Gaza and Egypt?

Also, what do you think about Heath Ledger? (A student at work got all upset today because I put our book about him on the book display. I did that because I thought some might like to read about him since he died, but she was so disturbed with that. So, I put the book in the back of the display behind some other books.)

Hope you like the template change of my blog!

Have a good day.

Mom/Patti

A Love Story!

How To Dance In The Rain


It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.


He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.


I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him.



I saw him looking at his watch, and decided, since I was not busy withanother patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.


While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor'sappointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.



I inquired as to her health; he told me that she had been there for some time and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.



As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.


I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"



He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."


I had to hold back tears as he left. I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.




True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

Random things!

Hi All,

How are all you guys?

Just a few tidbits to share...

1. Did you know that Vytorin got a bad rap yesterday? Vytorin has been tooted as a good cholesterol lowering medicine, but yesterday a study called the Zetia Study came out. The reason I am sharing this is because this is the medicine dad has been taking. I guess he will stop taking it now. You can read all about it on your own if interested.

2. I made stuffed peppers for dinner yesterday, and I just figured I would show you how they turned out. You can tell by the news that it is a little boring around here. Those black little things are beans in case you are wondering.

3. Dad and I went to Grandmother and Grandfather's house on Sunday. Dad helped GF plug in a new phone. So, now they have a good phone for hearing-challenged people.

4. Dad is going to Canada on Sunday for the week. Then, he goes to London for 10 days in early March.

5. My yard man hasn't showed up since December 17th. I don't know what happened to him. I called and his phone has been disconnected. So, the yard looks long and awful, and I have to find someone new SOON!

6. Dad's new steel guitar still isn't in. Jimmy is getting frustrated, because he wanted to use it before he goes back to Boston.

7. Pray for Jim to find a job for when he graduates.

8. Pray for Jen and Coby too.

9. Hey, Johnny, I haven't talked to you lately. What's up?

See ya later.

Mom/Patti

Who is your political candidate and health tips!

Hi Everyone,

Here are some health tips to consider...

- Keep a record of your medical history: conditions, dates of operations, treatments, names of doctors, their recommendations, etc. If your parents have already started a record for you, you can add to it.

- Make your own medical appointments and order your own supplies.

- Practice anticipatory appointment setting. If you start to feel sick, make an appointment with your doctor for a few days later. That way, if you do become sick, you won't have to wait for your appointment. But if you get better before your scheduled appointment, be sure to cancel the appointment right away!

- Insist that your health care team members talk to you about your results. When they call you with your test results (especially blood results) ask the office to send you a copy of your test results. Or ask them when you are in the office for your follow-up appointment for a copy of the results.

- As your body changes, make changes in your diet. Keep an appropriate weight for your mobility and general health.

- Develop an exercise pattern for yourself.

- Get involved in sports. They'll help you stay physically fit, and give you a chance to socialize with new friends.

- Take good care of your mental health. Take time for hobbies, movies, shopping, and other things you enjoy. Ask your health professionals for more information on topics related to mental health, such as self-esteem, confidence, depression, and sexuality.

On a different note...Copy the link below to your browser to see what candidate goes with your presidential values and desires. Just click on start and answer some questions. The results will tell you who you are most aligned to and who holds the issues further from you. If you do it and tell me who you ended up with, I will tell you my results. It may surprise you.

http://www.electoralcompass.com/

Have a good week.

Mom/Patti

What's Up with Me!!!!

Hi Everyone,

Yeah, Dad is feeling better. He has been off work ALL WEEK! So, you can tell he hasn't felt good at all. He got an antibiotic, and it finally kicked in.

Today, we took Mary to the airport. She has now arrived in Connecticut. I will miss knowing she is here.

Guess what? I bought a new sewing machine. No special reason, except there are times I want to sew or fix something and I can't because I don't have a machine. Don't you like it? Jen and Danielle - do you ever sew?



Well, I fixed dinner tonight. We had steak, cheese potatoes, and lima beans. Jimmy missed dinner because he drove to Austin to visit Symed for a few days. I wish I would have taken a picture of the dinner first, but I didn't. So just to prove that I really made dinner, I took the pots and pan picture afterwards (before clean up.)



Also, today, I took my fake nails off. After 8 years of fake nails, I went to the salon and had them taken off. I may like them - I may not. Time will tell. Actually, I got tired of going to nail places and them not doing it right. After my girl left Westfield Nails this summer, I have been to 3 different places and I couldn't find one that I liked. My nails are so thin - always have been - they are thin and peel and tear - that is probably why I started to bite my nails when I was a kid. What do you think? EWWWW - Don't look at my big blue veins! Yuk...



Don't forget that Jennifer's birthday is January 27th!

Let me hear from you sometime.

Love,
Mom/Patti

Once upon a time!

Once upon a time there was a 53 year old librarian minding her own business in the school library just cataloging books – titles, such as, Illegal Immigration, Barcelona, Daddy Yankee, Extreme Weather, Philosophy, Dealing with PMS, and more.

As the librarian was deep in thought cataloging, a student strolls in and plops down in a chair. He tells the librarian that the counselor sent him to the library to sit and wait for her to come and get him.

So, he sits… then he leaves to chat with a girl…then he comes back and sits…then he leaves to use the restroom…then comes back and sits…then his phone rings - he answers it, tells his cousin he will call him back and he continues to sit some more.

Finally, the librarian asks him if he is sure someone was really planning to get him. He says, “I hope so Miss. I really need to talk to someone. I just found out my girlfriend has been cheating on me, my mother doesn’t have a job, I don’t have a job. You see, I was just working seasonal work over Christmas, my mother can’t pay the bills, and my brother is having a really bad time in prison.” The librarian hopes a counselor shows up soon.

No such luck.

The librarian starts talking to this 18 year old hispanic male. She asks him how old his brother is and why he is in prison. He says, “Miss, he is 27. He is in prison for being an accomplice to murder. You see, he was with one of his friends driving around SE Houston. They were wasted, and some guy cut them off. They followed the guy. His friend pulls out a gun and she shot the guy dead. It was uh, like a drive by shooting. But Miss, my brother didn’t do nothing, but he got 20 years, and he is having a hard time in prison. That is why I need to talk to the counselor.”

So, as the librarian pondered what to do, she remembered what her Bible study had been saying – “Watch to see where God is working and join Him.” Hmm, this seemed like an opportunity to join God. “But how, she wondered.” But, all of a sudden all that came out of her mouth was “Have you ever heard of Rudyard Kipling?” “Sure,” he replied. “Hmm, uh, uh, well, have you ever heard of the poem, “If”? He replied by shaking his head negatively.

“God – are you kidding me, are You using Rudyard Kipling to speak to this kid through me?” she gasped in thought. “Okay, Lord, use whatever you want to…I will go along.” So, she went straight to the Internet, Googled “If” by Rudyard Kipling, and on the first hit she found the poem “If.” She printed it off, and gave it to the student to read. He smirked, and told the librarian that he was a pretty good reader. He read it carefully. Then, he asked her for a piece of paper and pen. He wanted to copy the poem freehand so he could send the poem to his brother. The librarian offered to print out another one for the student, but he told her that in prison people aren’t allowed to receive copied papers. The librarian quickly figured out that prisoners can’t get mail on printed paper because the ink is sometimes used to sneak drugs to prisoners.

So as the librarian acted like she was going back to her cataloging work, the student sat at the old brown library table and copied the entire “If” poem on the yellow tablet the she gave him. She wondered how God would have used her that day if her father hadn’t ever shared that poem with her a long time ago.

The counselor never came to talk to the student. The bell rang and the student got up from his chair and strolled reflectively through the security gate to go to his next class.

As the arm of the gate turned, he cocked his head back to see the librarian. As, his lips curled upward, he nodded and said “Miss, I will come back and talk to you again sometime! Okay?”

What I did today - boring!

Hi Guys,

I really don't have much to say, so this might be a boring blog. All that happened today is...
1. I got up at 5:30 a.m. after only sleeping about 2 hours. I just couldn't sleep.
2. I got to work at 6:55 a.m. - I worked on the 12th Grade Senior English assignment most of the day. I made a hyperlinked sheet with links for them to use when they use the computers to access good sites.
3. I drove home for lunch. Dad was home sick today. He keeps getting high fevers - then it breaks - then it goes up again. He hasn't felt good for 3 days. He isn't going to work tomorrow either.
4. But, while at home for lunch, I was able to hire a "gutter guy." He is going to come to the house tomorrow and fix the falling down gutters and replace the nails they are held up with with something else. He will also clean the gutters for a low price of $220.00. So, going home was beneficial.
5. I went back to work - went to a meeting so teachers could figure out what "incentives" we could give kids who won't do any work in class. Duh, just fail them, but apparently that isn't a viable option - even if the kid sleeps all through class. I don't know what the educational system is turning into.
6. I came home - napped.
7. I made a dinner of pork chops, mixed vegetables, and sweet potato. (Jimmy ate at Ashley's house.)
8. Watched O'Reilly and Fox News until now while Dad is wrapped up in a blanket streched out on the Lazy Boy.
9. Thought about Roger Clemens all day. I am wondering why his interviews are from his house in Katy when last time I heard, he lived in Memorial. Did he get a divorce and a new house or what? Do you think he is lying? Reply on that one!
10. Now, I am going to sign off - sorry so boring today.

Mom/Patti

How we spend New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's to Everyone!

New Year's Eve was spent doing the following....

1. Dinner at Grandmother and Grandfather's house eating fish, cheese cauliflower, a potato dish, salad, rolls, and chocolate pie! Attendees for dinner were: G&G, Mary, Norma, Dodie, Patti, John, Ashley, and Jimmy.
2. Then, we settled down and watched the movie The Devil wears Prada.
3. Then, we all watched the video from Grandfather's 80th Birthday Party!
4. Then, we watched the New Year roll in with Champagne and toasts - we toasted to health, babies, and Dodie!
5. Dad and I came home and stayed up until 2:00 a.m. Dad watching T.V. while I continued my project of saving our 2007 electronic pics to CD's. (That took me most of the day.)
6. Also, during the day yesterday, I put together two frames to put out as a Christmas decoration for next year. They are the pictures shown in this blog! Jimmy is upset that I am using my elf picture and not his.


By the way, speaking of Jimmy...he read my last blog and was shocked to hear I was born in New York City. He thought I had been lying to him all his life. He thought I was born in Albany - where did that come from? Johnny and Jen, did you ever think I was born in Albany? Where did he get that from? I set him straight. I asked him why if G&G lived in NYC when I was born they would go to Albany to have me!!! He said, he thought maybe they were traveling and I just popped out in Albany. You gotta love it.

Anyway, have a Happy New Year.

If you have any prayer requests, let me know. I have made my new 2008 Prayer Book, so I am ready to start filling it up. It is a blue 3 ring notebook this year subdivided with these dividers (in case you want to make one yourself.)

Prayer Requests 2008
Prayer
Personal Bible Study
T.V. Sermons - Book Study Information
Dear God Letters
Jennifer and Coby
Johnny and Danielle
Jimmy
Emails and Misc.
Interesting or Touching Articles

Love all,

Mom/Patti