"Really" fun Spring Break

This was a great week, wonderful weather and fun times. I must admit, I was hesitant about traveling this time of year because Spring Break in the Midwest usually means cold and wet. But we had a pleasant change this year and it was very relaxing.
Thanks April and roommates for housing us, it was "really" nice.

The Bachelor---NOT!!!

Well it's time for me to get on my soap box, so here goes.
My two youngest daughters have been infatuated with this show , which I've never seen, because I am usually sleeping when it's on. But tonight, I received a phone call to sub tomorrow, which woke me from my usual nap. I decide to watch the last five minutes of this drama, which about made me want to throw up. Seriously??
First of all, real people don't look like that. That is, without spending a million dollars to replace everything you were born with.
Let me give you my version of real love, which is what you probably won't find on any television show.
Real love is going with your date to her favorite restaurant, when you'd rather be watching the game. It's doing the dishes and changing the smelly diapers. Making a box of mac and cheese for dinner when your wife is at piano lessons. Letting your wife take a nap and playing checkers with the grandkids. Letting your husband watch the game when you'd rather be out on the town. Letting him pick the movie. Carnations instead of 50 dollar roses, which smell better anyway. A Valentine Date with all the kids along.
I hope that you don't pass up real love girls, when you're looking for the perfect date. Remember, Mr. Perfect doesn't exist.
And happily ever after comes when you struggle throught the challenges together.

Bowling for Dollars

It's a good thing I don't, or I'd be losing money. But today I managed to get one spare among many gutter balls. Alexandra, where are the bumpers when I need them? Thanks for encouraging me to write, since you are probably the only one reading this.
I hope this is our last snow day, we are all getting a little crazy.
But I am getting some much needed things done, like unanswered mail and I even got to the store today. It's looking good for the weekend.
And I promise not to complain when this all melts and my backyard is a slushy mess!
All in all, February is a good month, some of my favorite people were born, including Abraham Lincoln.
And to the special little gal reading this, you are one of the best!
See you at the lanes, with the bumpers next time!!

Another Auld Lang Syne

"The year is dying, in the night, Ring out wild bells and let him fly"
We sing that song every year at church the Sunday before New Years and the kids always chuckle.
This year Walt said, "NO, we won't sing it becaus Sis Geis is not the music director anymore" (It's her favorite)
But alas, we sang it anyway and big smiles flashed across our row on Sunday.
2009 is going to be a good year for me, at least I'm going to try to make it into one.
There's joy out there to be found, so I will do my best to find it.
Enjoy the festivities tonight, whatever you find yourself doing!

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano y Felicidad

The season was merry, the year is ending, Christmas went by so fast as usual. I always feel a little melancholy after all the festivities are over and everyone has gone home. We missed Tod and Brent and Stephanie being here this year.
As I reflect on 2008, I am thankful for many things. All my kids were together in May for Brent's wedding, that was a wonderful time. Tod is in Arizona serving his mission and loving it. He is learning so much and our family is being blessed.
I am realizing how old we are getting and the inevitable changes that come. Mom is in a nursing facility and it was sad to realize that she won't be coming home again. But she is at peace there.

Spin and Win

Not wanting to hit the half-century mark, I told everyone last year that I am now counting backwards. So this year I am now 47 (do the math) and when I hit zero, then I plan to die.
At any rate, some of our kids treated Walt and me to dinner and games at a place called Dave and Busters. This is an adult playground, with games and tickets in the Chuck E. Cheese fashion.
It really was a blast from the past and quite fun for all, with oldies like Skee Ball and the infamous claw machine, along with new favorites like Deal or No Deal.
I am not great at games, but I tried a few, and honestly I can see how gambling for real cash could become a bad habit.
If you want to relive your youth, I recommend this place for a fun night out.
The food was good, not too pricey, but don't get carried away with the amount you can spend on games, there are lots to choose from.
We bought one card and shared it, and managed to accumulate 1000 tickets, coming home with a small prize for all seven kids and even one for Becca, who gave up her Friday night to babysit.
Thanks everyone for an awesome time!!

No Shoes, no shirt, no problems!!

My favorite season is almost over. I looked at my blog and realized how busy I've been since I last posted in the middle of winter.
I am drinking up every last bit of sun, even if it's only through the window at Mindy's scrapbook, where I hang out most afternoons.
I have taken a few long walks and am planning to take many more before the snow flies. One place I haven't been to in 2 years is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, specifically the Ledges area, and I hope to get there soon.
School starts next week and I am down to a senior, a freshman, and a fifth grade student. I have much more time alone during the day, some days good, some days lonely. But I'll be filling my time up as I usually do. I'm one of those people who can't sit still too long.
Any ideas for a wild way to end summer?
A good book and a lawn chair sound inviting.