Pics From the Ball

I thought I'd share a few pictures taken at the ball. We had so much fun there.This is Jackie and Randy at the dinner! Jackie is my sister and Randy, her husband, my brother-in-law. The ball was in honor of Randy being made the Grand Potentate.

This is most of their family, including grandkids.

My sister from Council Bluffs, Sue, and her husband, Walt. Everyone looked so good all dressed up. I'd never been to a prom or anything before so for me, it was like going to the prom with my wonderful Steven!

Steve and I! I'd have to say it was the most fun I've ever had in my life! There was the exquisite food, the atmosphere was romantic, and, of course, the company was divine!

I was going to include pics of my sisters and I together, but the computer is not cooperating. So, that's it for now unless you're trying to lose weight and need some Phentermine. Have a great night! Halfmoon

It's Friday

Well, another week is almost over. I'm still trying to find a way to earn money at home to get by. Stevie called me as today is his day off. Jadah is being a little onery today. Doesn't want to pick up her toys. He's going to call the apartment manager today to see when the one-bedroom apartment is available. There's supposed to be one available in December.

I sure hope it works out for him. He'd still be able to walk to work if he get's that apartment. It would be nice to be able to walk to work from home. I've never had a job that close.

Abby called and has applied for a job with the DNR. They notified her that she is qualified for the position. She would be working for the State of Iowa if she gets it. That would be great! As far as I know, they pay for your health benefits. That would really help them. I've been telling Steve he should apply at the State for a job. Thus far, he hasn't listened to me. :(

Heather's doing a good job working for Cha Cha. People textmail questions that she finds answers for and sends the answer and resources back to them. Some of the questions she gets are really weird. What language did Adam and Eve speak? I would say probably Hebrew, but who really knows?

Josh hasn't called yet, but, yesterday he let me know he reserved a place for us for Thanksgiving. We were really lucky there as every other place is already taken. That's what you get for waiting so long to get a place reserved.

Christmas will be less than normal this year. Everyone is hurting financially. I didn't think the Wallstreet downward plunge would effect us, but it sure did. At least we'll still be able to get together and enjoy each other.

Hope you're having a great day! Halfmoon

Abby and Mikayla

I just had a wonderful afternoon with my youngest daughter, Abby, and my youngest granddaughter, Mikayla Corey. She is eight weeks old today! I was able to give her a bottle for the first time (Mommy's milk, of course), and she took it like a pro.

Being a grandmother to eight grandchildren (and one more in February) means so much to me. It just makes me so proud of my children, words cannot express it truly. Abby and I had a great time to visit and by letting me take care of Mikayla, Abby was able to get a little rest.

She sure is growing fast. Before you know it she'll be sitting up and crawling. She loves to look at the ceiling fans and lights. I need to remember to tell Grandpa that we need a new table lamp. Or at least a new shade for the one by Grandma's chair.

Thanksgiving is a week away, I can't wait! Hope you have a wonderful day! Halfmoon

Lunch with Sue and Wendy

After going to Uncle Marvin's funeral, Steve, Heather, and I met Sue and Wendy for lunch. It was a time to unwind from the stress of the funeral. There was only the service at the church and then one at the gravesite, no get together to see our relatives and visit.

We all had good food (Heather and I split a tenderloin and fries as did Sue and Wendy and Steve grabbed a bowl of chili). Before the sandwiches and soup came Sue and Wendy had some type of fruit dessert on a bed of what looked like cheesecake, all on a type of crust with slivered almonds around it. It looked sinful. Sue offered me a bit and I declined (trying to lose weight, remember?) but it was pretty tempting. Maybe if I were taking top rated fat burners I could enjoy something like that once in a while.

After we ate we all had a great time together. We don't get together often enough. I don't want time to go by and wish we had seen each other more. If it's one thing a funeral does for you, it is making you think about putting life in perspective. Where are your priorities? I know mine are not in the correct order that they should be. I need to make changes in my life about choices I make. Don't we all? Halfmoon

Time Together

Yesterday Steve, Heather, and I went to my Uncle Marvin's funeral. It was sad to go to any one's funeral; but, when it is for someone you love, it is heartrending. The service was very nice and my second cousin sang two songs (for his grandfather). I don't know how he could do it, but, I guess I've said that before and Heather and I sang at my father's funeral. You get through it somehow.

Angel (Uncle Marvin's granddaughter and also my second cousin) took a few minutes to share one thought from each of his grand kids. It was wonderful. Some points were made (memories mostly) that had all of us laughing.

The minister then asked if anyone else had a memory of Marvin that they would like to share. All through the service I kept remembering a picture of him holding me in a rocking chair at my parent's home. No one stood up and so finally I did. I told them how I had that picture and Uncle Marvin would come down and rock me to give my parents a little relief. I had terrible allergies and they would have to walk me at night to try to stop me from crying. That picture made me love Uncle Marvin more than anything else he's ever done.

He used to come down and play pool or cards with my Dad. I used to love just watching them and listen to their stories. There were plenty of those! Everyone who knew Marvin Scoular loved him. He was a very loving, helping person. When he and Aunt Wanda lived in Arizona (during the winters), he would help the other people in the mobile home park, too! What a man!

We all will miss him; but, I imagine by now he is playing pool with my Dad, or calling out Bingo numbers (which are probably all gold) to everyone up there! Goodbye and God Bless and Keep you, Uncle Marvin. Say hi to my Mom and Dad, and of course, Denny and his family! Halfmoon

P.S. Have you heard about the Lipovox review? It might be what I need to get a boost on losing this weight.

He's a Winner

Steve II is the oldest of my two sons. He's been struggling to stay on his feet finance-wise as he has had his hours cut at work due to the economy. Sunday evening my husband took him to PM to take their minds off of the everyday struggle.

When all but a dollar of Stevie's money was gone, he put that in a nickel machine. On his first spin he won $202. How exciting for him. Then as he was at the machine where you cash out your tickets, he decided to put the extra $2 in a machine there and he won $20. At that point he decided he better leave while he was ahead. Hurray for him!

It is so great to see something good happen to him for a change. And he's wise enough not to go back out to try his luck again. I think it has been nine or ten years since he's been out there. (Probably has only gone three times in his life.)

Maybe he should check into retail pos systems now that he has a little extra cash. I'm just joking, they are for businesses which he doesn't have right now. Maybe some day he will. Congratulations to you, Steve! Halfmoon

Uncle Marvin

My uncle passed away a few days ago. He was my Dad's brother and the only living relative of Dad's immediate family. I am including the write-up from the NONPAREIL Online. Uncle Marvin was my favorite in Dad's family. He was loved by everyone who knew him.

"Marvin J. Scoular, age 89, of Council Bluffs, passed away November 15, 2008 at Mercy Hospital.

Marvin was born August 21, 1919 in Bismarck, N.D., to the late James P. and Della M. (Abel) Scoular. He served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees during WWII. Marvin married Wanda M. Felton on March 2, 1941. To this union, three children were born. Marvin retired from the Union Pacific Railroad in 1979 as a carman after 39 years of service. He was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church; Good Sam's Camping Club and was a former director at the U.P. Credit Union.

Marvin was preceded in death by three sisters, Velda, Irene and Lucille; brother, Jack.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Wanda M. Scoular of Council Bluffs; daughters, Cheryl J. Johnson of Omaha, Linda K. Walker and husband Ken of Crescent; son, Richard D. Scoular and wife Jean of Firestone, Colorado; 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the Family, Monday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home. Funeral service, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 1900 South 7th St. Rev. Greg Carlson, Pastor will officiate. Interment Cedar Lawn Cemetery with military rites tendered by American Legion Post #2. Memorials to Bethany Presbyterian Church preferred."

I had hoped to include his picture, however, this computer has other ideas. Tomorrow Heather, Steve, and I will drive to Council Bluffs for Uncle Marvin's funeral. God is great and He will be with us in this time of our grief. In sadness, I hope you have a good day. Halfmoon