It's quiet

I do like my quiet time. . .but I sure do miss John when he is gone. I am glad that he is getting to spend a few days with his family in Washington. He really enjoys visiting with Chuck and Linda. He and Sarah are having a great time.

This week the Relief Society worked on another service project. We have 'adopted' the local domestic violence/sexual assault women's shelter. After talking with one of the ladies at length, I found out that they get plenty of donations for the women. . .but lack items for the kids that come in with the women. So, we are working on providing some of the things that they would miss from home. This month we worked on boxes for 4-9 year olds. The ladies hit the dollar stores and went crazy. Toys, socks, underwear, coloring books, puzzles, bubble bath, you name it we bought it. I took a car load over to them on Wednesday. They are so appreciative. We are doing 10-18 year olds this month. What fun. What joy it brings to our hearts to be able to help those children who may have left their homes in the middle of the night, with nothing.

It is only 5 in the morning, but I can't sleep, so, off to do some cleaning before running errands.

Garden is plowed, just waiting on weather to cooperate to plant a few things. It seems like when the weather is good, I'm not home.
The footer is poured for John and Annie's house. They are supposed to start laying the block foundation today. The kids are really excited. I got Annie a windmill at an auction on Saturday. There is plenty of wind on their hill, shame they can't put it too good use.
Starting to pack John's bag. He and Sarah leave on Wednesday to go to Washington to see his brother and sister-in-law. They are all so excited. This will probably be Sarah's last trip for a while. Glad he is going, but hate to have him gone.

Spring is here, maybe

Well the first signs of spring are here. . . nice sinus infection, runny nose, watery eyes, earache, you name it. . . got it all.

Had a great Easter with the family. Not sure who had the most fun the little kids, or the big kids. The 'big' kids. . .John, Annie, Sarah, Brian, April all had their own easter egg hunt. Talk about funny. The pregnant girl can run =) The found money, jewelry and candy in their eggs. It even took them longer.

Please pray for the coal miners and families affected by the explosion in West Virginia. It may be hours away, but it is still one big family when you work the mine business. Hard to watch the telecasts and hard not to watch. I always know that there is a chance of misfortune, but I know that John enjoys what he does. He could have just as easily been hit with a car, while out on the road for the insurance company.

Back outside to take down clothes and clean the yard. . .getting ready to mow the grass. YUCK!!!!!

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!!!

I would much rather have snow than this crazy rain. Feeling the effects of a cold coming on. I'm trying to head it of with tons of juice, rest and cold pills.

We have two more fish fries at the station and then we are done, I think. People are asking us to continue as least once a month. We have had tons of help and we usually have a good time while we are there. Problem is. . . we have the spring auction coming up and that will take lots of time and energy. We'll see.

Hot cookies coming out of the oven as John comes home from work. Sure smells good in here. Now time for a nap.
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wooden delights

Here are some of the projects that the John's have been working on. Turning items on the lathe seems to relax both of them. The girls are going to attend a craft show in May and hopefully sell some of our wonders.

Lots of news

Well arm isn't any better, but we are dealing with it.

Went to Georgia the end of January to surprise John's sister for her 60th Birthday. Had so much fun.

Had lots of snow in February

This is a beautiful old cedar chest that John was just repairing and ended up almost totally rebuilding for a neighbor. Did ya hear? I'm gonna be a grandma

What do you get a "50" year old man who doesn't need anything? One that is in his second childhood. Well . .


You get him something he never has had . . . a video game. The kids got him extra controllers, a fishing game, rock band and others.

We all met at Pizza Hut to surprise him. He had had a long day. He finished up on afternoon shift Saturday at 3:00 am, showered, met Dad at 4:00 am and spent the day at the auction in Kidron, then home to a surprise.

Birthday pair. Hey, I'm gonna be a Grandma!!!

They have always had fun celebrating the special days together. Used to go out on Daddy/Daughter nights, but schedules are crazy anymore.

John Jr. turned (on the lathe) Sarah a beautiful bowl for her birthday.

Turning bowls is the new thing, along with the ink pens. Selling some lately.

Last night was the RS Birthday Dinner. I made 30 aprons and gave each of the women there one. We had dinner (Lorrie's best recipes); poppyseed chicken over rice, apple viniagrette salad, fruit delight and birthday cake. Can't get much better.

What a great family I have.

Bummed

Just got back from the orthopedist. Not a happy camper. Seems that I have a rotater cuff tear and tendonitis, bicep tendonitis and some nasty arthritis going on. No big surprise, I guess. I have to have more tests to determine the extent of the tear and I have therapy 3 days a week for 3 weeks. Got my cortisone shot in the shoulder while at the office.

Thank goodness I can do my regular activities, for the most part. No heavy lifting. Keep arm close to the body, and don't over do. Yet right, does he know who he is talking to. We will wait for the rest of the results and go from there.

Mitchell is in the big OVAC wrestling meet this weekend. So far he is doing very well. He called me last night to tell me he had won, but . . . they think he pulled a groin muscle or has a hernia. He got checked out and wrestled once this morning. He is still winning. If he wins tonight he is guaranteed to place in the tournament. This thing is huge. It is held at the civic center in Wheeling. Tons of schools participate. Wishing him good luck.

Time to start some supper. I started the most of it early this morning because I wasn't sure if I would have restrictions from the Dr.

Thank goodness I have a great husband who is willing to help. . .if I ask.