Twelve Days of Christmas.....

I started a tradition a few years ago with the Grandkids... I put together a box that has 12 small presents so they can open something small each day before Christmas.... I actually start looking all year round & I still end up in crunch time as Christmas nears but it's so much fun for them. I usually get a phone call or a pic sent via the phone ... I love it...Each year starts with Movie Night ...... We have only Movie food - Hot dogs, Chips, Nacho, Movie Candy & Pop... Yep all junk food but the kids love going thru the line and grabbing there stuff and get settled in front of the tv. This year.. Movie Night - Elf on the Shelf and each family got to open their own elf. I loved seeing what Jenn and Amanda did for the kids each day with the elf...

Some of the other items were..... Holly Jolly Christmas

They recieved mittens, Christmas Socks, Tie Dye kits, Gingerbread Houses,  Hair Bands, Christmas Ornament & a few other things...   I love doing it and they love receiving it...
My sister-in-law did it one year with 12 Christmas stories ..... So many clever ways to do it..

Christmas Projects......

I make tie quilts for Christmas... The kids love, the babies will when they are all snuggly in their beds and the parents do too... Here are a few from this year....

I also made calander's for the great grand parents... I included pictures of all the great grandchildren.  This year I did it a little different but I liked how they turned out.    Here are a few of the pages.....

Life.......

Most everyone knows that Jeff (ex-husband) & I are still pretty good friends... not gonna lie we have had our moments. Well today he turns "50".... I called him this morning when he answered I started laughing.. Said I'm not sure if I should laugh at you, wish you condolenses or just say Happy Birthday.. He was laughing at the other end... I go you remember when you turned 21 & I was 18 then.. You could go out and I couldn't .. You thought it was pretty cool.... Well guess what your "50" and I'm not!!! *lol* We both started laughing!!! Then he said something that hit me ..... He said it's wierd ... I'm 50, 1/2 century old...what have I done with my life... I still change tires..... I heard myself saying what I've told all my kids... It takes us all to make the world go round from tire changers to doctors, to accountants to bank tellers.. He goes yeah I guess. Well we hung up... But I started thinking.... looking back at my life.... and you know what ... I may not be rich, I may not live in a fancy home, drive fancy cars.... and I live paycheck to paycheck BUT................................ 1) I have a great family - I love my kids with all my heart - I'm a good mom - not perfect by no means - but would do anything for any of my kids. I'm so proud of them. They have all overcome an obstacle here & there.. Kevin is married to a great women whom I'm proud to call my Daughter. He has 2 beautiful children. He works hard providing for his family working for the City of Warden... Yeah maybe he's not a doctor or a lawyer but I guarentee that when someone's pipes are broke or are roads need plowed, everyone thinks he's the most important person in the world. Eric is back in a relationship with Vanessa & they are talking Wedding in the future. I'm so proud of him. Sometimes in life we have to swallow are pride to get what we want & he's working really hard for them (so is she)... I love her like a daughter and are so proud of both of them. Yeah maybe he's followed in his dad's footsteps at the store but you know what when your the one who's car won't start or your tire is flat he's the most important one in your world at that time.. I love walking into the local facilities and hearing ... I love your boys, they are always so polite, so helpful. If I need anything I know I can count on them.... Pride... I smile with Pride...... Jenn is doing so good in Moses. She is married to the love of her love. He has 2 beautiful daughters and together they have a little girl and boy... They too have overcome obstacles but have chosen to work on things & for that I'm so proud and greatful. It takes more courage to work on things than it does to walk a way!! She has recently started working at North Elementary. It's a tough job she works in the Special Ed room. She deals with autistic children, downs children & etc. There are days she says... I don't think I can keep doing this.. It's hard.. It's draining ... I think she has found her calling she has children doing things that no one has ever got them to do as in participating, doing their assignments & etc. I'm so proud of her...I pray she stays with it... she's got more patience than Job. 2) I love being a grandma... there is nothing better.... everytime I see everyone of them I melt.... There isn't anything I wouldn't do for them 3) I have a great job - Maybe I didn't graduate from college but I love what I do (even when I'm whining)- I love my Wilbur Family - 4) I have lots of friends - not just acquaintances - true friends that I consider family, - friends that I may not see for a year at a time but the next time I do it's like we never lost contact 5) I wasn't able to do alot for my older kids as in trips, expensive items & etc but we have great memories- camping, Christmas trips, and game nights but I'm lovin that we can do things together now... Camping, Silverwood & hoping the beach this year... So yeah maybe I don't have thousands sitting in an account & yeah maybe I get a call for a late payment BUT I love my life & if anything happened to me today I would leave this earth knowing I wasn't perfect, could have changed a few things but I love my life !!! Bet you didn't expect this from the first part of this post :)

A Spoonful of Sugar.......

Mary Poppins had the right idea.....    A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down.. the medicine go down.....

The antibiotic that I'm taken is call Flagel (sp?)  It is absolutely the worst tasting pill I've ever taken. Every time I take it I pray it doesn't get stuck.  It makes everything taste nasty.  The only thing I can take it with is water.  I've tried Diet Coke, Diet 7-up, juice and it makes everything disgusting. So I  figured out if I suck on a piece of chocolate, pop the pill, chug the water and finish off the chocolate, I can get the stupid pill down *lol*.. So 1 1/2 more days on antiobiotics and if I run out of choclate, I can guarentee a spoonful of sugar will be next....

The Walls are Closing In..................

It will be a week tomorrow that I had surgery. I'm not a sit down person, I don't watch alot of TV and I get bored easily. Wow I think I have ADD *lol*. I have tons of things to do but it's amazing how hard it is to keep your spirits up and to keep moving forward. I have tie quilts to make, presents to wrap & cards to address and send out but today is not the day.. I've had moments this week of depression, anxiety and today isn't that bad but I could easily curl up and disappear from the world BUT I won't let myself...I might not get much done but I'll keep plugging forward pushing the walls back out...

Oh Christmas Tree... Oh Christmas Tree....

[Charlie Brown and Linus return with the puny little tree] Lines from Charlie Brown Christmas..... (Reminds me what Adrian, Elijah think everytime we bring home our "Charlie Brown Tree"imageanchor="1"> Violet: Boy, are you stupid, Charlie Brown.< Patty: What kind of a tree is that? Lucy Van Pelt: You were supposed to get a *good* tree. Can't you even tell a good tree from a poor tree? Violet: I told you he'd goof it up. He isn't the kind you can depend on to do anything right. Patty: You're hopeless, Charlie Brown. Frieda: Completely hopeless Charlie Brown: [upset] Rats! Lucy Van Pelt: You've been dumb before, Charlie Brown, but this time, you really did it. [pause; then everyone bursts out laughing] Lucy Van Pelt: [laughing] What a tree!

Adrian 0 - Concussion 1

I truely believe a parent should be in attendance if their child is playing football or wrestling.. In a blink of an eye an injury can happen. Well, one of my worst fears came true and thank goodness Kevin was there. Adrian was wrestling his first match in Ephrata and was thrown to the mat. He got up and returned to the match but was pinned. When the match was over he was definatley confused. His vision was blurred and he had a pretty good headache. Kevin watched him for a bit and decided he needed to take him in. He took him to Moses to the walk-in clinic. After 1 1/2 hour wait they got in. After a through check up the doctor said he could still see he was a tad disoriented. They went ahead and did a CT Scan. No brain bleeds but definately a concussion. He's out till the 23rd and has to be re-examined and released before he can wrestle again. So as I recoop from my surgery on one couch Adrian rests on the other.

Homeward Bound

This morning was rough. I wanted to go home but was so sick to my stomach. I think the problem was to much pain meds on an empty stomach. After a shot for nausea and an hour sleep I woke up and felt much better... I took a quick shower, mom and Kevin helped me get my things together & I was headed home. The trip from Moses to Warden seemed to last forever. When I got home Eric was home starting the fire. I made a potato, lied down and the rest of the day was spent dozing on and off. Amazing how tired you get from doing nothing. But I'm home and on the mend

Surgery

Today I went in and had a hysterectomy!! The ending to some issues I've been dealing with for a very long time. All went well and I should be out tomorrow.

Grand Coulee or Bust!!!

A half tank gas..... 1 1/2 hour road trip to Grand Coulee only two wrong turns in town...$25.00 in food for Adrian, Elijah & Myself.... $8.00 to get in, and no time to spare.... Surgery is tomorrow..... To walk in to a small, smelly gym and have your son and coach walk up and say .... He doesn't have a match..... AGhh!!! I guess this happens alot so I better get prepared but ohhhhhh tonight was not the night... I apologized for not staying to the bus driver, the one other parent that was there,gave Adrian his dinner, grabbed Elijah and we headed home.... Surgery tomorrow at 6 am.....

Christmas Memories....................

 In the past 30 years, I can look back at Christmas's past and remember the days I barely decorated, the days I over decorated, and the days when I made my self decorate. As I was decorating this year, I was reminiscing with my decorations.

This is one of my favorite.   "CHARLIE BROWN'S CHRISTMAS". The tree was given to me from my ex-inlaws a few years ago.  It has a button you push and place the music.  Carson loves to push the button, dance like no other, repush the button and stop on command. Him & Eric spend hours dancing like this.  The frame was made by Heather .....
The True Meanin of Christmas.......
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'
That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown!!!

The Nativity Scene was given to me last year by Amanda's Mom, Christie...... It all goes together and it is absolutely one of my favorites!!!

These were made by Jenn, Kevin & Eric, many years ago, they are a must!!!

My house used to be covered in villages.. Every nook and cranny... This is one of my favorite.. It's a water front... The Blue celephane and the snow gets packed up year after year after year. It's at least 10 yrs old.  Billy's mom bought me them for holidays, birthdays, and etc.  She passed this past year.. Got a little teary eyed putting it up..

My Snowman Collection - I love snowmen!!!!

And my "Dickens Village" - Another gift from Peggy...... If you look really close in the Village Pictures Adrian has added his own "Tradition" as he calls it.... He sets up lego war guys... Yep I didn't like it at first but I will say it's apart of him and he has so much fun putting them in just the right position that I let him keep them there......

And Last but not Least...............

I bought this back in the late 80's when I was married to Jeff.  It helps me keep the real meaning of Christmas in check. Although, the poor little shepard's head falls off he's still there.  I just have to postion it so you can't tell *lol*..


Simple.... I've decided that's me...  Simple but I love them all!!

Elijah's Christmas Concert

Tonight was Elijah's first band Christmas Concert. He is playing the Alto Clarinet. I wasn't able to get a picture but a friend of mine did by accident.. It's his back but it's the only one I got....

Elijah in the Orange shirt .... with his back to me *lol*

Over here little boy !!!!

I can count on one head how many times I've had to take the boys to the doctor for being sick. We are there alot for allergy shots and ADHD check ups but for sickness is a not!! I spent my evening at the Walk In Clinic with Adrian. Both the doctor and nurse commented on how he hasn't hardly been in there for being sick. He's had a headache for several days and nothing seemed to kick it. I thought he probably had a sinus infection as he had been sick a few weeks before. Xray's were taken but his sinus's were fine. He checked his balance, eyes, throat, nose .. when he flipped the lights on Adrian asked if he could please turn them off that made it worse. In my thoughts I'm thinking MIGRAINE :( Dr. Kernel ended up giving hima shot in the butt of Tordel and with in 10 mins or so you could see a difference. I'm really hoping that does the trick or we are to go back in if it comes back. One part that made me giggle was he gets shots all the time for allergies, takes it like a pro BUT he was not excited at all about getting a shot in the butt.. I've never seen him sweat over a shot *lol*...

THANKSGIVING SUNDAY!!

We had the best Thanksgiving!!!

Nerf Gun Turkey Shoot!!!

LOTS OF FAMILY


I have so much to be thankful for!!   My family, friends, food on my table, roof over my head and a job that helps me provide for my family!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving Vent Post......

I apologize but this is going to be a VENT post.... Why are people so wrapped up into themselves that they are so stupid and don't look at how things affect other people especially CHILDREN. It's no secret that Elijah & Adrian are adopted. We are very open about it but they are very insecure about it at times. We talk openly about their mom if they need to and sometimes even when they don't. I used to take the boys over to their great grandparents house on certain holidays under the agreement that the boys mom / their granddaughter would not be there. Well I usually had to deal with a bunch of emotions from Adrian afterwards. He was always extremely bitter at me. I'm sured it stirred up feelings of seperation from them because he was extremely close to them. Well I finally had to stop because it wasn't worth the havoc anymore. Also the boys grandma/the boys mom's mom was always bringing stuff from her, or cornering them and saying stuff to them about her. I honestly didn't care EXCEPT the boys/Adrian couldn't handle the emotional part of it at that time. Well, I called up Great Grandparents on Tuesday and asked if it would be alright if the boys came by to visit on Thanksgiving. Adrian had ran into them a few times this summer and was really struggling, they were getting older and his health isn't good. They were elated!! We had the same understanding that mom would not be there. Elijah didn't want to go but Adrian & I assured him it would be fine.. As soon as I get there the overbearing Grandma / boys mom's mom pushes her way to them, Hugs them and whispers in there ear "Your mom said to tell you she loves you and Happy Thanksgiving". The boys just looked at her and walked in. They were very overwhelmed ... lots of people.. not sure of who they all are. I stay for a few minutes and visit and then I leave. The plan was 2 hours but I let them stay for 3. My stomach was in knots.. I was totatlly stressed and watching the clock at my mom's .. I went to get them & when I walked in they were having a blast!! Playing with the kids, laughing , eating pie. It was a feeling of greatness. I had did the right thing.. We say our goodbyes, we talk about Christmas & that the boys probably would be able to come back.. We walked out the door and didn't even make it to the car and Elijah started unloading.... Mom do you know what Grandma Sherry did.... He told me what she had said when we had walked in and I already knew. Well it didn't stop there and neither did the tears. Right before I left, I told the boys to go play outside with the kids. Well she followed them out and called them over. She immediatley grabbed her phone and said boys this is your real mom and showed them pictures. WTH!!! Then she proceeded to pursuade them to call her. The boys said NO.. When she asked them why Eiljah said my mom doesn't want us to talk to her. Adrian pipes in "Yep mom he thru you under the bus". *lol*.. I said that was fine. But then Elijah goes that's why I didn't call her, I go well why didn't you.. He replied with I didn't want to talk to her. But I couldn't say that. I assured Elijah he could throw me under the bus anytime. Then this broke my heart.. Mom.. It ruined our Thanksgiving... Then the emotions started.. the quivering lips, the tear filled eyes.. He was embarraseed that she did it infront of all those kids. He was hurt, mad and angry. And oh how my emotions started raging... But I needed to be there for the boys. We continued to discuss it and finally I said Elijah we need to think about the positive things of today. And Adrian pipes in and says Elijah you can't let it get to you.. Yeah what she did was stupid but she's stupid. But yeah maybe Krista had us but that doesn't make her a mother. Anyone can be a mother, it's the person that takes care of you.. like Jenn when we stay with her in the summer technically she's our mother then.. I took the conversation back to the positives of the day and had him list them... Great grandparents, Aunts-Uncles, cousins he hadn't met and cousins he was reunited with. They did have fun Elijah said AFTER Sherry left. Well our night didn't end there.. he talked about it all night .. few more tears.. few more lip quivers but he stayed extremely close to me .. He wants to go back for Christmas but doesn't want to have to see Grandma Sherry. So now once again, I get to pick up the pieces. I will call the great grandparents and I will try and work thru this ... I hate that one person can be so insensitve .. Yeah maybe their mom got 5 mins of satisfaction out of this.. I'm sure pictures were sent to her.. That's all fine and dandy BUT did any of them think about how it effected those boys!!! One last comment "What right do they think they have?" "Not one person in that family was able to take those boys when the mom wouldn't pull her head out... I stepped in and I've taken them.. given them a home, a family that loves them, AND I'M THE BAD GUY in everyones eyes.... Adrian will be the first child/grandchild/great grandchild in that entire family that will get a DIPLOMA for graduating.... It's so hard to stay positive, my mama bear claws are out once again, trying to do the right thing but the limits are being pushed once again.. Praying for strength, guidance and understanding not only for me but for the BOYS!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

So many things to be thankful for!!  

1) Heavenly Father 2) My kids & their spouses - I don't know where I'd be without them 3) My Grandkids - Oh how I luv being a Gamma 4) My Family 5) My Job & My Wilbur Family 6) My Friends - I'm so blessed .. I could turn any corner and ask someone for help & know they would not bat an eye to help me. 7) My Health 8) A roof over my head and food on the table!!! I'm so thankful!!!

Wilbur Ellis - PAWS 2013 Food Drive

The Wilbur Ellis / Paws Food Drive once again, a huge success.. Right at 4,000#'s of food collected.. the shelves were empty once again. I'm so thankful for the Warden Elementary staff and students, the Wilbur Ellis Employees, and Columbia Bean that all pitch together and make this possible!!1 Thank you!!!!

Change...................................................

The next few months, these will be the words I live by.

My Favorite Sayings..................

How did we ever survive without Cell Phones - Facetime - Tango - Snap Chap??? This morning I received a voicemail from Carson..... "GAMMA TAKE ME"...... "GAMMA TAKE ME".... That's what Carson says when he wants to come over ... I loved it ... It made my day.... Tonight I had a Tango message so I returned the call to Mckenzie... "Gamma come get me I want to play at your house".... PLEASE GAMMA!!!! Oh my.... I love being a Gamma!!!!!

THANK YOU!!