I always hope I awaken in time to watch the Hour of Power at 7AM on Lifetime on Sunday morning. Robert Schullers, father and son, pastor the Crystal Cathedral in Southern California. The message and the music are always very good, and I like to start Sunday that way.
It was a short night because I watched one of those late night Lifetime movies. I think it was called The Match Keeper's Daughter, something like that. The story had been on the New York Times bestseller list for many weeks awhile back. The end was very moving. I won't give it away in case anyone decides to watch it. Well acted. The usual Lifetime drama!
Had a good time with Cora and Hannah yesterday. We hit the road for the ice cream social at Hannah's school by 11. There were games and tattoos and balloons and a book fair besides eats. We took it all in. Then we killed about an hour at the mall, looking at the teacup chihuahua puppies in the pet store that go for $750. The regular size chihuahuas are half the price. Now does that make any sense? Half the puppy for twice the price??? There are some things that I just don't get at all. Then off to the indoor playground where I watched Cora jump off many high places. Hannah gave a couple of them a try, but isn't really the flyer of the two. We finished our outing meeting up with the Eilering girls at the dress shop where they had their final fitting in their prom dresses. Both are stunners. After flitting around the shop for an hour, Cora and Hannah decided to try on dresses. They did, and they decided they looked like Cinderellas. It was Carolyn's great idea to let them join in the fun. The girls spent last night at Grandma and Grandpa Lovell's. I am certain I did my part to wear them out for a good night's sleep. Needless to say, I was done in myself.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Just hangin out on Friday night
Today's big event was getting the carpet cleaned. It took all my umph to empty the living room and put it all back after it dried. Looks good.
We've got the girls while the boys and Carrie and Tony go to Cedar Rapids for a soccer tournament. Crazy! The weather I mean. I can't believe they are planning to play in this stuff. The girls and I will go to Hannah's school tomorrow for their ice cream social. Hope it's indoors. I am such a wuss these days.
Hannah is learning to read, which is fun to see. She brought a new book over that she bought at the school book fair. Now Cora is reading to her as they try to settle down to sleep.
I am catching a bit of Donny and Marie on Miss USA. In between "have you got your teeth brushed," etc.
Heard from Chris today. They are having beautiful weather--that time of year there. They are going to San Diego this weekend, then out on the boat next week, then he leaves for his trip. He seems very excited to make this trip, and I am glad he is flying Maria's mom out to stay with her and Makenna while he is gone.
Mario has been very busy with his translating work for ISD, as well as winding down the last 6 weeks at QND. He says he will be ready for school to be out. He has a great summer to look forward to. We have our trip with the kids in June, then he goes on a service trip with Catholic Heart Work Camp (high school kids from all around the country), and in July his trip to Mexico with Frank and Chris. Looks like a couple of brothers will be joining them for at least a part of it. He will get to see where he grew up, and they are finishing up in Puerta Villarta. I am hoping one of my ass-kicking sisters will get on the ball and organize my New York experience!!!
We've got the girls while the boys and Carrie and Tony go to Cedar Rapids for a soccer tournament. Crazy! The weather I mean. I can't believe they are planning to play in this stuff. The girls and I will go to Hannah's school tomorrow for their ice cream social. Hope it's indoors. I am such a wuss these days.
Hannah is learning to read, which is fun to see. She brought a new book over that she bought at the school book fair. Now Cora is reading to her as they try to settle down to sleep.
I am catching a bit of Donny and Marie on Miss USA. In between "have you got your teeth brushed," etc.
Heard from Chris today. They are having beautiful weather--that time of year there. They are going to San Diego this weekend, then out on the boat next week, then he leaves for his trip. He seems very excited to make this trip, and I am glad he is flying Maria's mom out to stay with her and Makenna while he is gone.
Mario has been very busy with his translating work for ISD, as well as winding down the last 6 weeks at QND. He says he will be ready for school to be out. He has a great summer to look forward to. We have our trip with the kids in June, then he goes on a service trip with Catholic Heart Work Camp (high school kids from all around the country), and in July his trip to Mexico with Frank and Chris. Looks like a couple of brothers will be joining them for at least a part of it. He will get to see where he grew up, and they are finishing up in Puerta Villarta. I am hoping one of my ass-kicking sisters will get on the ball and organize my New York experience!!!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
What did I do yesterday???
Sometimes I cannot remember what exactly I did yesterday....I am thinking here. Give me a minute....
Routine stuff....PT, errands. Home to see Chrissy and Martina on Oprah. Surprised to hear that Chrissy is getting married (3rd or 4th time, can't remember) to Greg Norman. They are going to build tennis facilities all over the world at his 80-100 already existing golf courses. Martina lives in the mountains somewhere, somewhat reclusively. Saw her dog, but no girlfriends.
We saw Idol and Dancing With the Stars last night--Mario now interested in both--even knows the channels now. We pick Carly to go and had chosen the comedianon Dancing. I was surprised Priscilla was in the bottom 2. I think she was also. Work harder, honey. They're not gettin' any younger out there. At 62, I think she does an amazing job. But it looks like her face hurts.
Got the taxes done. We have to pay our usual ballpark figure, so no surprise there. A little blessing we have is our tax people have kids in Mario's class at QND, so the tax boss gives us a gift certificate! That saves a couple of bills.
I continue the gluten-free diet. No bread, pasta, or anything that says wheat, whey, or malt on the label. So I can eat potatoes, eggs, peanut butter, meat, veggies, fruit, certain kinds of chocolate (Dove and Hersheys), ice cream, chips, corn torilla chips. Have to read all labels. Too early to tell if it is helping to do this. And she told me that I would not have to stay off gluten products forever--just long enough to clear the inflammation and allow healing of the tissues. Then I could reintroduce in small amounts. So it is worth the effort for two weeks to see if she's on to something.
Bible study is starting to wind down. We have been in the book of Genesis all year. We are at the place now where Joseph is giving his starving brothers food, but they don't recognize him in his Egyptian governor get-up. (He was a nice Hebrew boy before his jealous older brothers gave him away to be a slave. Boy, are they sorry now!) We finish in about a month, then I am going back to the oldsters swimming class on most M, W,and F mornings.
Gotta go get my lesson done, especially since I missed the last two Bible studies to do the Idol parties!
Routine stuff....PT, errands. Home to see Chrissy and Martina on Oprah. Surprised to hear that Chrissy is getting married (3rd or 4th time, can't remember) to Greg Norman. They are going to build tennis facilities all over the world at his 80-100 already existing golf courses. Martina lives in the mountains somewhere, somewhat reclusively. Saw her dog, but no girlfriends.
We saw Idol and Dancing With the Stars last night--Mario now interested in both--even knows the channels now. We pick Carly to go and had chosen the comedianon Dancing. I was surprised Priscilla was in the bottom 2. I think she was also. Work harder, honey. They're not gettin' any younger out there. At 62, I think she does an amazing job. But it looks like her face hurts.
Got the taxes done. We have to pay our usual ballpark figure, so no surprise there. A little blessing we have is our tax people have kids in Mario's class at QND, so the tax boss gives us a gift certificate! That saves a couple of bills.
I continue the gluten-free diet. No bread, pasta, or anything that says wheat, whey, or malt on the label. So I can eat potatoes, eggs, peanut butter, meat, veggies, fruit, certain kinds of chocolate (Dove and Hersheys), ice cream, chips, corn torilla chips. Have to read all labels. Too early to tell if it is helping to do this. And she told me that I would not have to stay off gluten products forever--just long enough to clear the inflammation and allow healing of the tissues. Then I could reintroduce in small amounts. So it is worth the effort for two weeks to see if she's on to something.
Bible study is starting to wind down. We have been in the book of Genesis all year. We are at the place now where Joseph is giving his starving brothers food, but they don't recognize him in his Egyptian governor get-up. (He was a nice Hebrew boy before his jealous older brothers gave him away to be a slave. Boy, are they sorry now!) We finish in about a month, then I am going back to the oldsters swimming class on most M, W,and F mornings.
Gotta go get my lesson done, especially since I missed the last two Bible studies to do the Idol parties!
Monday, April 7, 2008
My 50/50 hopes go down the tubes....
Who woulda thought UNC would not even be able to pass the ball to each other for the first half or so of the game Saturday? Well I wish Randy and Alisha good luck. We will be watching Dancing With the Stars here tonight (Mario's idea, amazingly!).
I spent yesterday transferring my Christmas clothes from my closet to the storeroom. About time.
I am about finished with "Into the Wild." You should get a copy of this book. An excellent story. If anyone asked me, I would say put it in the senior high school English class as required reading.
We had a good lunch with the Dede bunch after mass yesterday. Nolan is now a jabbermouth. The restaurant is on a busy intersection, and he stood a lot of the time yelling, "Big truck. Another big truck." We could keep him entertained for hours just sitting on Broadway watching the big trucks. I am picking him up today, part of our plan to separate him from Mommy Carrie for awhile, and taking him for lunch with Grandpa Mario and to the playground for awhile. It is good for both of us.
Just wondering who will go next in Idol. I will be heartbroken if it is Brooke. I love that girl. I hope she comes up with a great performance. That will save her. I still think she could be a dark horse. But I am totally supportive of Syesha after she took on "the tiger" last week with the most famous Dolly song, "I Will Always Love You." You don't hear people sing that song because it is vocally extremely hard to do. So at this time I am going for Syesha, Brooke, David A., and Light My Fire.
One of my best memories of the past week was taking a trip out to Franklin and recounting all the good memories from my years at Franklin Grade School. I actually stood out on the playground where we played softball before there was any such word as "Co-Ed." Barb Oxley could hit the ball farther than anybody. The only thing I can remember is I could run fast. I went inside and stood in the doorway of my 5th grade classroom where Doris Fairfield was my teacher. She was beautiful, joyful, a great teacher, and valued all of us. I also visited the other school, taking a long look at that long sidewalk where we roller skated and Chinese jump roped at recess every day. A quick stop at the church and cemetery were included, as well as a long look from the railroad tracks at the growing-up home. I have found that in my rebuilding time following cancer, I am much better at thinking about all the good and avoiding trouble. So that's what I did. Oh, and I stopped by Don and Gene's, but they were not home.
Today I will get Nolan for a couple of hours, and let me tell ya, that is all good!
I spent yesterday transferring my Christmas clothes from my closet to the storeroom. About time.
I am about finished with "Into the Wild." You should get a copy of this book. An excellent story. If anyone asked me, I would say put it in the senior high school English class as required reading.
We had a good lunch with the Dede bunch after mass yesterday. Nolan is now a jabbermouth. The restaurant is on a busy intersection, and he stood a lot of the time yelling, "Big truck. Another big truck." We could keep him entertained for hours just sitting on Broadway watching the big trucks. I am picking him up today, part of our plan to separate him from Mommy Carrie for awhile, and taking him for lunch with Grandpa Mario and to the playground for awhile. It is good for both of us.
Just wondering who will go next in Idol. I will be heartbroken if it is Brooke. I love that girl. I hope she comes up with a great performance. That will save her. I still think she could be a dark horse. But I am totally supportive of Syesha after she took on "the tiger" last week with the most famous Dolly song, "I Will Always Love You." You don't hear people sing that song because it is vocally extremely hard to do. So at this time I am going for Syesha, Brooke, David A., and Light My Fire.
One of my best memories of the past week was taking a trip out to Franklin and recounting all the good memories from my years at Franklin Grade School. I actually stood out on the playground where we played softball before there was any such word as "Co-Ed." Barb Oxley could hit the ball farther than anybody. The only thing I can remember is I could run fast. I went inside and stood in the doorway of my 5th grade classroom where Doris Fairfield was my teacher. She was beautiful, joyful, a great teacher, and valued all of us. I also visited the other school, taking a long look at that long sidewalk where we roller skated and Chinese jump roped at recess every day. A quick stop at the church and cemetery were included, as well as a long look from the railroad tracks at the growing-up home. I have found that in my rebuilding time following cancer, I am much better at thinking about all the good and avoiding trouble. So that's what I did. Oh, and I stopped by Don and Gene's, but they were not home.
Today I will get Nolan for a couple of hours, and let me tell ya, that is all good!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Final Four Hopes....
Today is beautiful! The sun, the temp....I am outa here to find a place to walk. Just had webcam time with Chris, Maria, and Makenna. She has the big blue eyes going and smiled and talked a little for us, so we have had our big thrill for today.
Mario had softball practice this morning...the KC season starts next Thursday night. I have just been enjoying some reading and listening to my tunes.
At 5:00 I will be downstairs with Mario and the big screen to cheer on our teams. Go North Carolina! Go UCLA! (We desperately need gas money...)
Just for the record...Nolan is talking up a storm, and I can understand just about everything he says now. The speech lady has definitely helped him form his sounds and words. He loves her, as she comes with bags of toys and plays with him 1 on 1. Not sure how much of that he's had in his little life with 3 older siblings and a house full of daycare kids. So he loves her and the fun they have.
I am trying a gluten-free diet at the suggestion of the arthritis dr. and physical therapist to see if the inflammation I have is caused by an allergic reaction to it. I am learning as I go about how much of this gluten protein is in our food now, and some people's bodies cannot digest it. What a miracle this would be if it were that simple....just don't eat anything with wheat, oats, or barley in it! I will be on this for two weeks and by that time should see a marked difference if it is a reaction to gluten. I have had allergic reactions to many things; maybe this will be the miracle I have been waiting for!
Mario had softball practice this morning...the KC season starts next Thursday night. I have just been enjoying some reading and listening to my tunes.
At 5:00 I will be downstairs with Mario and the big screen to cheer on our teams. Go North Carolina! Go UCLA! (We desperately need gas money...)
Just for the record...Nolan is talking up a storm, and I can understand just about everything he says now. The speech lady has definitely helped him form his sounds and words. He loves her, as she comes with bags of toys and plays with him 1 on 1. Not sure how much of that he's had in his little life with 3 older siblings and a house full of daycare kids. So he loves her and the fun they have.
I am trying a gluten-free diet at the suggestion of the arthritis dr. and physical therapist to see if the inflammation I have is caused by an allergic reaction to it. I am learning as I go about how much of this gluten protein is in our food now, and some people's bodies cannot digest it. What a miracle this would be if it were that simple....just don't eat anything with wheat, oats, or barley in it! I will be on this for two weeks and by that time should see a marked difference if it is a reaction to gluten. I have had allergic reactions to many things; maybe this will be the miracle I have been waiting for!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Making Plans, Looking Forward to a Fantastic Weekend!
It's all set. We have Mom's 77th birthday party plan in place. 1:00 Saturday, May 17th, at the new MCL Cafeteria on Wabash in Springfield. The Springfield sistas are taking care of the cake. I'll take care of her meal. So I hope everyone can come and bring your families. I will be in touch when the time gets closer to get a number to tell the restaurant for seating. The Springfield Art Faire is also on that date--downtown--so if anybody is interested in going to that for a couple of hours in the morning...I am up for that too.
The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend. I will be outdoors somewhere enjoying God's wonderful gift of nature. I am so ready to be outside for a good walk in the sunshine.
Got my new couch all situated and am looking forward to spending the evening on it. Don't know what's on TV tonight, but I am into the book "Into the Wild," so that is probably what I will be doing tonight. This afternoon I reminisced on email about my grade school music teacher Marge Darley--how great she was putting the love of all kinds of music in me. I have been checking out all kinds of music CDs from our library--everything from the Three Tenors to Reba to Paul McCartney to Casey Kasem Presents Long Distance Dedications. I have found listening to all this music very uplifting. I like that saying "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." That happens for me for sure when I listen to or make music.
I'd like to hear Syesha sing Whitney's "The Greatest Love of All." I wonder how I could send her that message???
The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend. I will be outdoors somewhere enjoying God's wonderful gift of nature. I am so ready to be outside for a good walk in the sunshine.
Got my new couch all situated and am looking forward to spending the evening on it. Don't know what's on TV tonight, but I am into the book "Into the Wild," so that is probably what I will be doing tonight. This afternoon I reminisced on email about my grade school music teacher Marge Darley--how great she was putting the love of all kinds of music in me. I have been checking out all kinds of music CDs from our library--everything from the Three Tenors to Reba to Paul McCartney to Casey Kasem Presents Long Distance Dedications. I have found listening to all this music very uplifting. I like that saying "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." That happens for me for sure when I listen to or make music.
I'd like to hear Syesha sing Whitney's "The Greatest Love of All." I wonder how I could send her that message???
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Idolmania thoughts, More with Ryans and Haycrafts
Bill, Mom, Pat Ryan, Jimmy (top photo);Bill and Shirley; Mom and Pat; Mom and Mike Ryan
Sad to see Ramiele get the boot on Idol. But she was the right one to go on Wednesday. Love Brooke more each day. It was a very good results show, and Dolly did her thing well. Couldn't help but notice the Jesus focus on the show. Hmm. And I would like to buy Phil Stacy's CD. The music will be good. Everybody in the top 12 has an opportunity to make a career in music if that is what they want after the exposure on Idol. Good for them! Loved the Idolmaniac party at Eilerings again on Tuesday. Gracious hosts, good food by Missy (and others I think), tasty wine by Kathy, and an appreciative group being entertained by some awesome talent. What better way to spend a cold spring Tuesday evening.
On Wednesday, Mom got to greet her Ryan cousins, Mike and Pat (with wife Nancy), as well as Bill and Shirley and Jimmy and Jonnie, at the new MCL Cafeteria in Springfield. Sam and I sat at the end of the table and visited during lunch mostly with Shirley, who looks so good from the last time I saw her. Some new meds are helping. Well, it was a joyful occasion, and we are going to get together again in a month. All are welcome to come. I think the Ryans and Haycrafts would enjoy seeing more of "the Johnsons." So I will keep you posted on the date. It will be at 11AM at the MCL Cafeteria on Wabash.
Feel happy and feel good! (what I drew out from "The Secret.")
Feel happy and feel good! (what I drew out from "The Secret.")
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