News

So many things have been happening over the last 3 months.

I will work on updating the next couple of days.

Sarah and Brian are expecting another baby in February. We are waiting to see how Eme will be with this new little one. She is growing so fast. Walking and into everything. What a joy she is to have in our family. McKayla started a new school. She is going to Martins Ferry this year. She seems to be doing well.

John and Annie are busy with work and still finishing stuff on the house. They have been busy canning apples, salsa and pie filling. They are such an adorable couple.

John's back has been acting up again. He sees a neurosurgeon next month. I think he is finally ready for surgery. They are moving him to the motor barn and work. This will be outside and he won't have to carry so much stuff on his belt. Need him healthy.

Never forget

Today is the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It has been very obvious to me all week. . .the stories, the pictures, the news clippings, that this was a day that I would never forget.

What was I doing that day?

I was in the back of an ambulance returning from a DOA call. We got a phone call telling us what was happened. We flew to the station to watch the TV. As we turned it on we saw the second plane hit. We froze. Not believing what had just happened. I hurried home to turn on the TV and saw the towers fall. I got nothing else done that day. I only remember being glued to the television, afraid of what else might happen. My mother-in-law was in Georgia, heading home. All flights were cancelled. Who knew what they would target next. Because the Ohio river and several large industries are there, some thought that would be a target.

I can't remember what I did last Sunday afternoon, but I will never forget where I was on that day. May we always remember those who lost their lives.

Computer finally back

The past month has been a whirlwind of activity. The garden is mostly planted. We still have about another 2-3 dozen of tomatoes to plant, just not sure where, and lots more corn to go in. Some stuff is ready to start eating. Spinach, lettuce and onions are all ready. The strawberries are doing great and should be ready in a couple of weeks. We have had plenty of rain, now we just need lots of sunshine. I planted all my herbs in big pots this year. Hopefully I will be able to take them inside when it gets cold. I love watching the first yields start.

The dining room and kitchen got painted. I will post pictures later. The red was hard to get to cover, but I love it. It really does spark up a room. Still haven't decided where to hang all the pictures. The piano went to John and Annie's and they have been playing it ever since it arrived. We are so happy that they are enjoying it. They even played a song together the other night. Annie was at the piano and John had out his guitar. I'm sure they make beautiful music.

There is a new baby in the extended family. April had a little boy last weekend. His name is Levi Paul after Mamaw and Pap. He actually looks like pap. Both are doing well.

I have the best hubby in the world. He went yesterday and bought be another Nook. Color this time. Sarah is excited because she will get my other one. How did I get so lucky?

Getting vibes

I have felt impressed the last couple of days to make sure I have enough paper/cleaning products in my home. Got my paycheck yesterday and I am heading to get MORE t. paper, paper towels, toothpaste, shampoo, baggies/wrap, detergent, dryer sheets, AND MATERIAL. I want to have some extra basic material put away as well as extra stuff for my sewing room. This has actually been on my mind for the last week. We talked with the young women about listening to the spirit and then doing what they have been told to do. . .I guess it is time for me to go and do. Only two more weeks of frying fish at the station. We have made good money for the department, but I am ready to be done. We have been very lucky and had quite a bit of help this year. Next up . . .portraits. We spent our evenings this week trying to work outside. We got all the berries planted and even transplanted several. Radishes, spinach, lettuce, beets, onions and garlic are finally in the ground. Raining again, so that means a few more days before anything else makes it into the garden. Making sure to plan the harvest so that it won't happen while we are on vacation. We are planting enough for the kids this year, too. John says as long as they come out and help once in a while they can reap the harvest, also. Now if I can just find places to hide all this EXTRA stuff I feel impressed to get and all the jars that will be holding the garden goodies.

Well, April Fool's Day did it again. IT SNOWED!!! What crazy weather we are having. Again, I like the snow, but it is time for it to clear away so I can begin planting. Want to get stuff done early as possible in case there is surgery in the future. I know the kids will help out but this is just something I enjoy doing. Well, off to the firehouse again. Fish Fry Friday is still going strong. One more month and then we get a break. We are making decent money so it is worth it.

Spring?

I hear the birds chirping, but it sure doesn't look like spring. We had snow yesterday. Everyone knows I like the snow, but . . .I am ready to start plating stuff. John got the garden plowed and the raspberry bushes trimmed. I am so anxious to get the potatoes, onions, garlic, spinach, rhubarb and more berries planted. I am still trying to find a place to put it all. OH, I may have found a small greenhouse for sale here locally. Again. . .I have to find a place to set it. I have been wanting one so this may be the answer. Eme is growing so fast. What a cutie. She really enjoys playing with her big sister, and her Uncle John. EMG is scheduled for next week. Dr. Hargraves needs to determine nerve damage so that he can decide if he needs/wants to do surgery. Not looking forward to having neck surgery. Something about that just gives me the shivers. We will wait to see what the tests show.

This has been a crazy winter, weather wise, so far. Yesterday was a day of wind, heavy snow at times, but not much accumulation. Just enough to be a little slick on the roads. John called on his way home from work, and as we were talking I hear him say "Whoa truck". Apparently the turn was slick. Made him get off the phone and concentrate on driving. Got home safely.

Went for a massage yesterday. My neck and shoulders have been horrible the last couple of weeks. Had the MRI, but don't get to see Dr. Hargraves for a month. I'm sure there are no changes, but I get so tired of dealing with this. It isn't bad enough for me to lay down and quit living, just annoying.

We have a new bishopric at church. I am excited. I am beginning to think this YW calling is just a farce. We have had YW twice on Wednesday's since we were called. The weather always seems to be bad on Wednesday evening. We are trying to plan New Beginnings and can't even get together. I'm sure the Lord will make sure it all comes together.

Have I said that I love my nook??? I love not having to go to the store and pick out a book. Saves a trip, jus download. I love being able to share what I have read with friends, also saves money. Small enough to carry in my purse when at the Dr.'s office or work. Best present I have gotten. I like my embroidery program, too. I have partially figured out how to download from internet and also how to convert my clip art into patterns. Some frustration, but I think I have finally gotten used to cleaning the machine after every pattern, and absolutely changing the needle after a big pattern. Just need to find more items to decorate.

Surprise

The kids planned a surprise party for my birthday. We all met at Undo's for dinner last night. I walked in to a room full of family and friends. What fun. We forgot all about the snow outside. These are the beautiful flowers. John sent the basket on the right to me at work yesterday with a note attached that said this was my dinner invitation. Gotta love that man. I am so lucky. I got gorgeous jewelry, yummy smelling candle, great cards, and lots of fattening chocolate, a fun apron and lots of goodies.

There were balloons, good food, good company, yummy cake and lots of laughs. They never cease to surprise and amaze me. But. . .paybacks can be bad.

Thanks to my great family.

Over again

I really enjoy Christmas, but I am so glad it is over. Too much commercialism. Give me, give me, give me.
The kids were fun as always. Lots of good stuff for them and their spouses, and lots of good stuff from them. We wanted them to keep it small this year, but they always seem to forget.
John's Christmas present came early this year. While we were on vacation he got a new huge jointer for the wood shop. Good thing we did. They were extra busy down there this year making gifts and stuff for the consignment shop. All those crazy cornhole games sold and they want more, go figure. Ink pens are also selling well. A lady in Barnesville is now interested in buying "wholesale" for her scrapbook/craft/sewing shop.
Santa was good to me this year (and I thought I was on the naughty list). The best present was spending the day yesterday with the family. Couldn't ask for anything better. He also brought a graphic program for my embroidery machine. Apparently I can download clip art and then edit it to suit me and it converts to a pattern I can embroider on to something. Me and computers. . .not a good mix. I got a Mossberg 410 gun. Watch out people. The girls are both excited. John got be a shaper image e-book reader (like a Kindle). Can't wait to get that going. Won't take nearly as much space as all these books.

So very glad for my family and friends and the love and support they have given me throughout the year. Let's see what the new year holds.

It's official

I have been called to serve as the Young Women's President. I have not had this calling in about 15 years, so I am a little nervous, excited, humbled and terrified. There are only 5 active girls and I have known most of them since they were tiny. We will have a get to know you activity on Wednesday. This will be a very humbling experience. I have a good counselor (Michelle Oliver) and she seems very excited, too. I know that we will have a good time together with the girls.

Well, we are getting snow. We are under a weather advisory until this evening. Snow, wind, blowing drifts, the whole nine yards. As long as the idiots stay off the roads I love it.

Emelyne got her first sitting on Santa's lap. She was adorable of course. McKayla was not able to be there unfortunately.

Winter time

We have had a little snow on and off for the last few days. I love the pretty flakes and how everything seems to sparkle. We are supposed to get a winter storm tomorrow, hopefully not bad enough for people to miss the Fire Dept. Christmas Party.

I was released as the Relief Society Counselor of Homemaking last Sunday. Who knows what the Lord will have in mind for me to do next??? I have some idea, but I will wait and share that after it happens. I am still working as the Ward Emergency Preparedness Specialist, so that alone can keep me busy.

Have been baking lots of cookies for Christmas, but unless I put them in the freezer, they seem to disappear. Need to start working on the candy today. . . that is after lunch with Santa at the community center (he arrives on a fire truck), and going to Mr. and Mrs. Murray's home for a Christmas look at the train layout, refreshments and gifts. Nice of them to open their home to so many employees over the holidays. I hope others are polite enough to go and express their gratitude.

I think peanut brittle is on the agenda in the next hour.

Oh I love the snow

December came in just as it should. . .with snow. Not a lot of snow, but enough to cause several accidents along interstate and keep a lot of people busy for a while. Stonebraker's was out there last night on a wrecker call, sure that wasn't fun. It was really icy under the little bit of snow we had.

Had a structure fire on Tuesday, in all the terrible rain. What a mess. At least we saved a house trailer. That never happens. They are usually on the ground by the time we get the call.

Spent most of yesterday working on Chrismas cookies. Several done and in the freezer. More next week.

I did it

It was finally time to set out all 42 nativity sets. I think I finally got them to their final spots late yesterday afternoon. These are just some of my favorites. John made the stable for the willow tree collection. I just love it.

I finally sat down and figured out how to use my new embroidery machine. It wasn't nearly as hard or confusing as I thought it was going to be. Watching the CD really helped. Made myself and apron.

I was so excited. Now I can't wait to see what kind of projects I can come up with. Once the design is chosen you just hit a button.

Proud Grandpa. Someone tell me how to get the picture to turn.

Annie and her new little friend "Jasper". She found him outside our front door. We are pretty sure he is related to Sarah's cat "Livvy".Dylan and Kelsy with baby "Emelyne". They just love her to pieces. Just like the rest of us.

Emelyne Rae with Uncle John. She started crying right after this picture. He does really good with her. He loves to pick out outfits. She is the best dressed little girl around.

Lots going on

Well, it has been way too long since the last post.

We now have another beautiful granddaughter. Her name is Emelyn Rae Martin. She was born on Sept 28.

This is the family after her blessing. Uncle Larry and Aunt Connie had to leave early for the airport. Tom and Dottie had gone to class. I love this picture. She sure has been a blessing in our family. Granny Franny and Pap babysat the two girls over the weekend. Boy was that hard on Sarah.

I was in the bread bake-off again this year. Took 2nd place with my Italian Sausage Bread. Gotta come up with something different for next year.

How I love this time of year. I try to reflect on all the blessings that I have. Big one this year. No surgery needed. We thought I was going to need some surgery on my thyroid, but thanks to everyone for lots of prayers, no needed. Recheck everything nex year. What a relief.

I have so many things to be thankful for: My wonderful husband of 31 years, my great kids and their families, my health, my parents and siblings, my extended family, my church family, the wonderful weather we are having, a warm house and plenty of food on the table, the gospel in my life, my Savior, Jesus Christ and so many other wonderful things.

Off to get the baking done for Thanksgiving. What do I do this year?????

The RS broadcast last night was fabulous. We had a nice small meal before hand and just chatted until the broadcast started. The talks were soooo good. I was finished after the first song, though. Count your Blessings. I really need to be doing that right now. All these stupid little things that are going on right now are just that. . .stupid little things. My issues aren't nearly as bad as some. It was great to talk with Michelle. She has been thru some of the exact same things are knows what I am dealing with. Nice to have great friends.

Still no baby. I think it is getting close though. I have my bag packed and in the car in case I am not at home when she is ready to go.

So many things to be grateful for. The kids were all here for dinner the other night as well as a fun cornhole game afterwards. Cake and ice cream for John's mother's birthday. Just love when the kids come over.

Have I said lately how much I love my wonderful husband? No meds for me right now means he must be a saint. The things that he has to deal with. Lucky is me!!!!!

Love the weather

I absolutely love the weather the last few days. Nice temps in the 70's. Still really dry, we desperately need rain.

A very dear friend, Mike McCann, was laid to rest last week. He will truly be missed. His wife, Jeannine, has gone west to be closer to her daughters. She, too, will be missed.

The arrival of 'baby' Martin is still looming. Sarah has an appointment today. She is hoping things are progressing. They are getting anxious to have this little one here.

I have put the canning equipment away for the season, I hope. There are plenty of jars of good stuff in the basement, just waiting to have the lids popped for dinner this winter.

Learning experience

I have had the microwave/convection oven for about 3 weeks, but I haven't really taken the time to figure out how to use the convection part.

OK . . .should have done this sooner. I love it. The fastbake button is great. I just made a cake in under 20 minutes. Zucchini bread is in now and the pork roast will go in last. It will all still be ready before John goes to work. . . AND. . . the best part. . .it doesn't heat up the kitchen. This is nice.

Canning almost done

This week has included jars of pizza sauce, pasta sauce, salsa, tomato juice and bean with bacon soup. I think my canning season is about finished. Not many empy jars or shelves left. May still do more apples, considering there are still trees at John's to be picked.
Energy level is still low. We may have a couple of reasons for that. Carrying a low grade temp. . .oh what fun. Not sure what from. Thyroid is very close to not working. Have to have more testing done for that. Right now this 'old' body seems to wanting to shut down, kinda like the old car. At least it is nothing serious, so far. I look around and realize that my problems are not nearly as bad as some of those I know.
Off to work today.

New Ride

I can't believe we did it. We actually purchased a "new" vehicle, 2o11. Never thought it would happen for me. I am way too tight with our money.

It doesn't look much different from the old one, same color, that way everyone will still know it is me.

Been busy canning tons of stuff, and just trying to take care of myself. It has been a crazy couple of months. John and Annie are in the house, and Sarah and Brian are busy trying to prepare their house for this new little addition. Only 4 weeks to go. Time has really flown.

We went Saturday to see the B17 plane that John's dad was the radio man in during WW2. We actually got to see it take off and l and this time. What a good time for John especially.

This is the radio seat where Bob would have sat. Kinda neat.

We were glad we got to see it again. Sure was a hot day to be out on the pavement.

Off to the produce auction. Needing tomatoes for pizza sauce.

OH, what a week

Huge, terrible, horrific storm on Wednesday. Some places look like bombs were set off. Lots of damage. Sarah and Brian had one of their trees fall on their house. Quite a bit of damage. Won't know extent until insurance adjuster gets done. We helped them clean up some of the stuff last night. WWVA radio towers above Barton (been there for 70 years) are on the ground. Twisted pieces of steel, just toppled. What a sight. Still without electricity. Using generator. Will post pictures when "real" power is back on.

Baby shower tomorrow. What fun.