Steve's Birthday

As you all know, Steve's birthday is Dec. 24. He turned 60 this year, which means I'm not far behind. We decided to surprise him with a party at Shang Yuen.

I told him we needed to meet Abby at 5 so she could give him her Christmas gift as she worked on Christmas day. After driving to I-80, he asked me where we were meeting her. I told him on Hickman where she was doing something else on her day off. When we passed 63rd street, he asked me where on Hickman were we meeting. I told him I wasn't sure, somewhere near Hickman and Merle Hay Rd.

He asked me if it was some where on the corner. Nope! I'm thinking by then he knew where I was heading. Anyway, we usually try to go to that Chinese restaurant every year. When I pulled into their parking lot and parked, I said, "We might as well get something to eat while we wait."

He asked me if we should pull tables together (before someone else came in and took them). Yep! He knew. I smiled sheepishly and said that was a great idea. They ought to give out trophies for guessing ahead of time that a party was planned.

Oh, well, we all ate and opened presents and it was fun and yummy. Steve loved every gift given to him: Heather - a money clip with her 4 kids pics on it (looks like diamonds surrounding it) and a sweatshirt that he's already worn, Steve II - a neat knife that flips out when you push or squeeze something, Josh - A jacket that Steve said is really warm, and Abby - a percolator coffee pot (Steve's been wanting one forever). I know there were more gifts, but I can't recall them right now.

Josh and Shelley gave me a big box that had a beautiful Angel statue with wire wings to add to my collection around my garden. I almost cried when I saw it. Beautiful! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Eve, the night we celebrate when Jesus was born.

Yesterday

Monday night, or rather, early Tuesday morning, I went to bed at 2:00 AM. At 4:00 my phone rang. It was Abby and she needed someone to stay with Kayla as she had a fever and could not be taken to the sitter.

I set my alarm for 5 and tried to go back to sleep. Since that didn't happen, I got up and took my bath and decided to go to Abby's early. While on my way, I realized it was a good thing I left when I did as I would be arriving at 6:30 when Ab had asked me to be there.

Kayla was a little angel. Even though she didn't feel good, she was so easy to watch. She watched Dora on the TV while I lay next to her (trying not to fall asleep). She ate breakfast and later lunch and finally said, "I don't feel good." Oh, my poor grandbaby, I felt so bad for her. She was a real trouper though. I let her take her nap on the couch, which made her happier.

Justin came home around 3:30 to take Kayla to the doctor. At the appointment, her temp was 102 so Abby stayed home with her kids today. The doctor said she didn't have strepp but did have a virus. Of course, the dreaded virus. Which you do not get meds for. I hate that.

I think what our whole family needs is to go to a family all inclusive resort to relax and have fun. That way we could all build up our immune systems and be ready to take on the world again.

Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy. May you have a Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Heather!

Since it is after midnight may I be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday! I have prayed that the Lord will richly bless you and keep you all through the day and year. I love you! Mom

A Great Day

I just had the most wonderful day and evening, I had to let you know about it. Today is Wednesday, December 14, (the day before my beautiful Heather's bday). I started out the day by sleeping in (I just love doing that).

Watched a little TV (Nate Burkus ((sp?)) show, then Dr. Phil,) and got my gear ready to head to West Des Moines. I had an hour long massage which was so great, I felt like a wet noodle after it.

On to Glad Tidings for a little food for the spirit. I actually go to an A of G church close to my home but on Wednesday nights they don't have a bible study and I need it. It was as great as expected so once again headed back home.

Oh, I forgot to mention, Steve got a call for work this morning which started the day out even better. It's only for a week but may lead into more so here's hoping. With the heating bills getting higher, we can sure use the income.

I wish our state would deregulate the electric companies so we could choose who we want to be customers of. Then we could have companies competing for us and save 10% or more like people who switch to new jersey energy. Wouldn't that be great to have cost go down instead of up.

We've been using our Heat Surge at night to heat the bedroom. It's really nice and it saves on using our propane. How do you heat your home?

My Poor Aching....

jaw. Had to go in to the dentist (again) to have a filling put in a tooth. I swear, if I get one more check-up with another cavity, I'm going to go stir-crazy. Steve comes home from his check-ups and 'NO CAVITIES' practically every time. It just isn't fair.

I actually had this appointment made for about a month ago. The morning of the appointment I had thrush AGAIN. I get it really easy. That's not fair either. OK, I'll quit whining now, either that or you're going to ask me to pass the cheese.

Really, it went pretty well today but you know how you tend to bite your cheek afterwards cause it gets in the way? That was me totally. Now, it's just a little throbbing where the shots went.  He is so good. Seriously, he talks me through everything he does with a soft voice, it just relaxes me and I don't tense up.

I think I have a check-up appointment in February, can't wait to see if I can say, "No cavities!"

Bday Party for Alyce

Last Saturday Heather and Pato celebrated Alyce's 5Th birthday. What an excited little girl! She is such a sweetheart with such a lovely smile.

Of course, H's family was all there, Steve and Syd were there, Josh's family, Justin, Kayla, and Aiden, and Steve and I rounded out our family. Heather had also invited Angie and Danielle (high school friends) and their kids.

We had maidrites, chips and dip, and, of course, cake and ice cream. The cake was from Hy-Vee, I'm sure. It had that wonderful icing. Of all the gifts Alyce got, her favorite was a little furry puppy in its own purse. Aiden really liked that, too.

I forgot to take my camcorder or camera which really bummed me out but I'm thinking of looking at portable hard drives so I can take my files and pictures that are on my computer anywhere, plus the bonus of not having to worry about a crash anymore! Then, all the pics I take and store on my computer will be safe. What an ingenious idea! I wonder if Heather has one.

Hope you have happy holidays, and stay safe.