Oh, Mary

Some Mary updates:

* Mary became a great-great grandmother last week. Does that make her Mary the Great-Great? ;)

* She's feeling okay. Unlike the other cancers she has had/has now, the cancer in her bones really causes pain. She has a morphine pain patch that helps some. If she does too much, her back really begins to hurt. Mary told me that's when she "hits the pills".

* Mary fell on Saturday. I figured it was while walking to the bathroom or kitchen. Nope. She was out pruning pushes and she fell climbing the steps from the yard to the patio. Unfortunately, her hands were full and she landed on her face. Luckily nothing is broken, but I'm sure she looks pretty beaten up. She doesn't need to be gallavanting around the backyard, and I told her to knock it off.

* She wants us (Todd and I) to come dig up four of her rose bushes. We don't want any rose bushes. Anyone want four rose bushes?? They're free! (Seriously - come get em!!!!)

* When I talked to Mary about her fall, I recommended that she try out a cane just to help her with balance. I think she may have actually listened to me because she asked my mom about getting her one.

* Mary mentioned that she wasn't going to bring up the fact that I haven't sent her the recipes she asked me to collect for her. Uh, she was in the hospital for two weeks. I have them, but she wasn't home to cook them! I told her I'd bring them over this week.

* When she called me, I told her I was going to call her that afternoon. Her response? "What were you going to call me?" :) Smartass. I told her that I was going to call her my "fat little grandmother" (that's what she used to say when she called me) but I can't do that anymore. She said I still could, though. I love my grandmother.

Considering everything she's going through, all in all, Mary's doing okay. And when she's not okay, she doesn't usually admit it. I just pray each day that she is given peace and comfort.

What's That I Hear?

Yep. I added some tunes for your enjoyment/torture during your stay here. Some of the songs make me dance while driving, some put a smile on my face, some bring back memories, and some fill my heart.

I have an odd variety of music tastes, and my playlist is just a sampling. If you don't like it, HIT MUTE! :)

::crank up dat soulja boy!::

Stick a Fork in Us

We're done. With school that is! Todd was officially finished yesterday. Me today.

I am moved back into my old fourth grade classroom, semi-unpacked, stuff stored, and signed out for the year. The moving process was a pita, but I'm looking forward to being back in 4th grade.

But, until then, I shall summer. Not to be seen in my district until my August 4th training.

aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh

FINALLY

Today was the last day with kids. Two years with the same crew. Ugh. They are gone. I am glad. Checkout tomorrow. Summer begins.

'Nuff said.

Kristin Cooks

That subject line makes it sound like me cooking is a rare thing. I can honestly say that I cook plenty. Anyway . . .

One of Todd's favorite dishes is Pad Thai. I make it every now & then, and I know he wishes I made it more often. It's really tasty, fresh, good for you - plus it looks good. I've always been into presentation & color of dishes. Apparently when I was very young I made a dinner salad for my parents. It included red hot candies to give it some color.

Tonight's Pad Thai did not include red hots. :)

Jailed

Although there is absolutely NO physical evidence, all signs have pointed to the thieves.

JAILED

Steve & Pippin H. Determined guilty for thievery of new loaf of bread. No reward offered. Sentence to be deferred and served in comfy home of leather couches, plush beds, and lots of treats.

Rotten damn dogs. :)

Happy Birthday, Aeva Claire!

My little niece, Aeva, turns FIVE today! It truly seems like yesterday that she was born.

Her baby shower was planned for Sunday, June 1, 2003. Aeva had other plans - she was born two weeks early that morning! So . . . mommy, daddy, and baby weren't able to attend their own shower. We all had a good time for them, though.

Aeva Claire (initials A.C. after her great grandfather "Papa") is such a neat little girl. She is extremely bright and creative, funny, sensitive, kind, silly, serious, talented, and imaginative. Aeva LOVES dinosaurs and can tell you about the different kinds of dinosaurs, whether theys were omnivorous, carnivorous or herbivorous. She likes her plastic bugs and laughs when her Mimi gets scared of them. (Note: scaring Mimi is a family trait enjoyed by all!)

It has been fun watching MY baby brother, Michael, raising his baby. I helped raise Michael and consider him partly my own, so the pride I feel in Mike having a wonderful wife and children has been a neat reward. Aeva looks like her Daddy's side of the family, and we (obviously) have the kinship of blonde, curly hair.

Here is tiny little Aeva the first time I saw her (less than 12 hours old). She was SO tiny - not even five pounds.

The first time I got to hold her (10 days old). No, I wasn't proud!

Aeva's first birthday party with her Papa, Daddy, Mommy & Mimi:

Aeva's first trip to Mexico around her 3rd birthday. She is beautiful!

Xmas 2006 with Aunt Kristin:

Aeva's debut as a flower girl on my wedding day:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AEVA! You are a precious little girl and we all love you!