Last Chemo of 2011

Steve had his last chemo of 2011 today.  He doesn't have to go back until Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012.  His labs were good today.  His sugar was up a little, but that is to be expected.  We saw Faith.  Let me tell you how much we love this woman.  She is so personable.  She spends time with us.  We discuss kids, grandkids, vacations, holidays...you get the picture.  Steve will see Faith two more times before his next scan results.  We told Faith about his terrible headaches.  His last one was Christmas night.  It really got him down.  It hit suddenly.  He could hardly walk from the chair to the kitchen.  I had to help him from the kitchen to the bedroom.  It lasted about an hour.  Faith suggested we do a head scan just to make sure the headaches are nothing more than migraines.  He has that test on Jan. 5th.  Chemo went rather quickly today.  They have switched nausea medicines.  I can't remember the names, but it went from a 20 minute drip to a simple shot.  That knocked off some time.  They were also running early this morning so we got done way before we thought we would.  After chemo, we went to IHOP for breakfast.  Steve chowed on biscuits and gravy.  He ate almost the whole plate full.  At home, he rested most of the day.  He did venture downstairs and outside on the side patio to watch Aubree on her new trampoline.  She was doing her MIZZOU flips and TIGER jumps.  It is a huge tramp with a safety net.  She loves it except when she snaps her head or bonks her nose.  She jumped all afternoon, but she put on a special show for Opa.

Oh, I must report on my friend Lorene.  She and Tom were at chemo with us today.  We were finished before she actually started her treatment.  She looked wonderful.  Her mood was so cheery and bright.  Their son and his kids came for Christmas, and they were so happy telling us about that.  She started a new medicine today.  She has four more treatments before they let her rest for a month and then do surgery.  Tom told Steve about an auction in Joplin on Sunday.  Some pawn shop is having a big auction.  It is indoors at the convention center.  I think Steve is planning on going if he feels well enough.  I know Tom is going.  It will be nice since it is inside.  I'll let you know if he goes.

I have been moving some of the rooms around.  I moved Koleen's things to the upstairs bedroom so I could use her old room as a sewing room.  I am so excited to finally have a place of my own to sew and craft.  I am painting the old sewing desk and shelf to give my room a brighter look.  Aubree helped me put on the first coat.  She is quite the painter.  I am very lucky to always have a little helper.  After she helped me, I watched her jump.  I was in the Man Cave so I opened the garage door and could she her bopping around.  I think the two items will look nice after I add several more coats of paint.  I am not doing anything special;  I am just painting them a semi gloss white.  This is my first sanding or scraping off the old paint project.  WEEE me.  I still have some moving and organizing to do, but hopefully I will get it done and ready to work in by Monday.  Well,  at least that is my goal.

I went to Combat Fit again tonight.  I must confess that I did go to the gym this afternoon to stretch out my upper thighs.  They were so sore from Tues. class, that I could hardly go up and down stairs or sit down.  The stretching and light weights did help out quite a bit.  Tonight at CF, it was HELL.  It was a cardio night, which means we ran for 30 minutes straight.  Up and back, back and up the gym floor.  We skipped, high knee kicked, butt kicked, ran backwards, bear walked, lunge walked, and many more I have simply blocked out of my memory.  I did ok.  I ran all except two times.  Of course, I don't quite have the techniques to do a graceful bear walk or lunge jump, but I really tried.  At the end of class, I was the fat sweaty blob sitting on the bench trying to catch my breath.  I think I need to enroll in the special education CF class.  I know I need and  IEP... you know extended time to finish the task, one on one help, or exemption from the task.  I might find success.  Right now there is no such thing as No Child Left Behind in my class because I was always left behind.  :)  My plans are to go again tomorrow night.  There's no way Drew would do a totally running class again is there?

We are watching the Florida State and Notre Dame game.  As I have told you before, I hate ND, so of course, I am rooting for Florida State. There is only 1:07 left with FS ahead, ND with no time outs, and FS has the ball.  Things are looking good for me.  We are actually waiting for the Baylor/Washington game, which comes on next.  We like RGIII.  We watched Baylor play a couple times this year and if you remember, we wanted him to win the Heisman.  Sorry, WA fans.  I know my friend Yudy is really thrilled that the Huskies are in a bowl game. Tomorrow there are a ton of games on.  I think they just showed 4 will be on.  It is a little ridiculous that the bowls go until Jan. 9.  I remember the days when the bowls were over before we went back to school after Christmas break.  It seems that they just keep adding bowls, and they keep getting later and later in Jan.  I think I figured out that there are 30 or so bowls total;  that means over 60 teams get post-season play.  Because there are so many bowls, they have lost some of the special meanings.  I mean remember when the Rose Bowl was a huge thing?  When at the Missouri games they threw oranges on the field for the Orange Bowl?  Now it is just craziness..Holiday, Tangerine, Bridgepoint, Alamo, Champs Sports, Rose, Fiesta, Pinstripe, Music City, Insight, Meineke Car Care, Hyundai, Kraft Fight Hunger, Liberty, and Chick-fil-a. (Some of my favorite commercials because of the sound spelling the cows use.  It reminds me of reading some of my first graders' writings.  The only thing that bothers me about their commercials is they use dairy cows instead of beef cows.  Doesn't really make sense, but maybe most people relate to the black and whites.  In fact, I think the commercials started about the time cows became part of the modern decor in most country homes.) Those are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head.  I'm not sure if that is pathetic or good.  :)

Steve and Janie's Most Excellent Adventure

Yesterday morning, Steve woke up with a wonderful idea...going to Downstream and spending the night.  So we decided that we would take a "float trip" to south of Joplin.  I called to book and room and guess what?  They gave us a complimentary King Suite.  We were thrilled.   We arrived and checked into the hotel.  Our room was excellent.  When we walked in, it said,"Why Janie, you sure look nice in that new sweater."  It also complimented Steve, "You sure look like a winner."  Get it...complimentary room!!! HA HA.  I know, pathetic!  The room was huge.  It had a kitchenette, a family room, a large bedroom, two bathrooms, a huge hot tub, and a very large, rock covered shower.  We loved it.  It was on the top floor of the hotel.  They even gave us passes to the VIP room where we could get free beverages and snacks 24/7. Call us lucky, lucky, lucky.  We hit the casino and had a very fun night.  We gambled until about 9.  I did watch part of the MU game on the big screen.  The casino was not really crowded, but there was just the right number of people.  You didn't have to wait on machines.  I'll bet 5 people sitting around me last night hit the jackpot.  It is always so much fun!  We went back to the room and watched the replay of the complete Missouri game.  We slept well.  We got up, had coffee, and got ready to hit the casino floor again.  I must confess, I did the White Trash thing and took all the unused soaps, conditioners, body wash.  Let me tell you that is a lot since there were two bathrooms.  I now have a shoe shine rag, a mini sewing kit, and several nice face and body bars.  Now, only those of you that have never done that may judge me.  The rest of you just give me a high five and bask with me in the joy of my new stash. (I guess my question, possibly again, is it White Trash if you know it is White Trash.  I mean, if you go to a White Trash party and dress the part, are you still WT.  Or are you WT if you go to a regular party dressed as WT?  I mean it is a thin line you walk between normal and WT.  Let me tell you, sometimes I am not sure which side of the line I am on.)   We checked out at 11, but the adventure had only just begun.  We headed to Miami, OK.  We ate lunch at the Stone Grill there.  It was yummy.  Next, we went to The Stables, another casino.  It was not very much fun.  It was kind of rinky dink.  We only stayed there about 30 minutes.  The nice thing was, they gave me a box of playing card decks to use in my classroom.  So, I was a winner in a different way.  After that, we went to Buffalo Run.  We always like it there.  We stayed a while and played some of our favorite machines.  After that, we headed home by way of Carthage.  I wanted Steve to see that cute little decorating store I ran upon last week.  Finally, around 4, we were back home.  Let me tell you, we had a great "float trip" and other adventures.  It was a much needed get-a-way.

We are now resting and watching a bowl game.  I am extremely tired because I went to my first Combat Fit class tonight. Talk about a workout.  It was soooooo hard!  I did do everything but not as many of each station as I would like.  There were 10 stations.  There were several that worked your upper body and several that worked the lower.  After we did each station, we got a 30 second rest and then we did them all again.  I think it was about 1 minute at each station.  After two rounds, we did some group exercises...push-ups, burpies, lunge jumps, mountain climber, jumping jacks, and flutter kicks.  I can only get better.  Believe me it might take a while.  Some of those stations were very difficult for me.  I am probably going to have to practice.  The teacher (Drew) and my trainer guy (Slammer) were very supportive.  I even got support from some past students that were there at the gym.  It was nice. "Good job, Mrs. Doss."  "Keep going, Mrs. Doss."  Some of my students have grown up to be nice young men.   Before class, I even got to catch up with a past student.  They do grow up so fast.  I think the hardest part of the class was the weights they used were so heavy for me.  I am not very coordinated, so I am sure I was a funny sight.  I will be going back Thursday evening. I am still going to do my morning exercises, but I might have to adjust that routine a little.  I will ask Slammer about it Thursday.

Steve's feet are really swollen tonight.  He did so much walking on our adventure.  He is pretty bullheaded and refused to let me walk some of the places without him or drop him off at doors.  Now he is paying the price for this character trait.  He is feeling good except he is also tired.  We are just not used to living on the wild side.  I am hoping that we will take more adventures in the future.  Tomorrow, we are planning on going to get the cart he purchased at the flea market in Joplin.  I don't think he will start the restoration yet;  that might be a winter project.

Oh, my new phone is getting easier to use.  I have not tried purchasing any app.  I am not sure what ones I would use on my phone.  I am getting some of the missing numbers through texts and calls.  Remember, if you don't think you were in Steve's phone, please text me or call so I have your number.

I got this joke off of the Missouri Quilt Company's Deal of the Day sight.
A pastor was raising money for a new auditorium and he told the congregation, "Anyone that will give $1000.00 can pick out the next 3 hymns."

A little old lady in the back stood up and said, "Pastor, I will do it." 

The pastor was so excited, he said "That's great!! Now which 3 hymns would you like?"

She looked over the congregation and pointed, saying, "I'll take him and him and him!"


I just love these word play jokes.  That must be the language teacher in me or maybe just a sick sense of humor...won never nose.  :)

Aubree's Christmas Eve Camera Tour

Tia

 Aubree wanted my camera on Christmas Eve to take pictures around the house.  These are the ones she took.  She is so proud of these.

I will post about our Christmas later tonight or soon.  It took forever to download these pictures, and I have several to include in our Christmas post.

Opa

Mommy and Aubree

Tia and Opa

K

Deck the Hall

We have decked our hallway.  We purchased a new grandfather clock.  We put it in the hallway right inside the front door.  It is so beautiful.  It is 93" tall and about 30 inches wide.  It plays three tunes at the quarter hour.  I have always wanted one, so this is a dream come true.  We purchased it from the hardware store in Carthage.  It is a really cool store, so if you get a chance, you should check it out.  I wanted to tell you guys about it earlier, but I wanted to make sure it was delivered first.  They brought it yesterday morning.  It sure sounds nice in the front rooms.

Yesterday we went to Springfield.  We had to pick up our ham.  We went to Relics on the far end of Battlefield.  It is a huge antique store.  I purchased two candlesticks in my crystal.  I have been really lucky with finding it.  At Relics, they had a bunch of it.  I mis-told you the last time.  It is Fostoria Americana.

Steve has been a little down the past couple of day.  I think he has been running really hard trying to do a bunch of stuff with me before his next chemo.  We have hit several "markets", gone out to eat several times, gone to Downstream, and shopped.  We do lead a wildlife.  Today he does not feel well at all.  He hurt his side messing with Aubree's Christmas present.  We got her a trampoline.  The box was heavy and being the stubborn German he is, he had to wrestle it with Amelia into the truck and then into the garage.  His side really hurts.  He is now in the chair resting.

It is a madhouse here.  Everyone is home.  Elizabeth brought her dog, so he and Samurai are running around like crazy.  Aubree is wound up making chocolate chip cookies for Santa.  She is so excited for Santa to come.  She is hoping Ozark gave Santa a good report.

Oh, I had to get a new phone today.  Mine finally went out.  The phone did not work, so I lost all my numbers.  SO if you are someone that knows my number, please text or call me and let me know yours.  I only have the ones that were in Steve's phone.  I don't have any of "my friend" that he does not have.  I am terrible because I do not have any numbers memorized.  I remember the days when I had everyone's down and never had to look them up.  Technology really spoils us.  I bought a 3G I phone from AT & T. It does way more than I will ever need.  They say it is like my Ipad where I can purchase apps and do anything on it.  My biggest thing so far is assigning different people different ringtones.  That and putting in some numbers from Steve's phone, took me a majority of the afternoon.

We are going to Grandma's after church tonight.  We are going to have cookies and sandwiches.  We usually do this every Christmas Eve.  The only difference is we don't go to the children's service at school since we don't have any children in it.  The church is so crowded.  I don't think Steve could sit through the whole thing and in such tight quarters.

Everyone is going to be here around 8 in the morning to for Santa and opening presents.  I am fixing dinner.  We are going to try to eat around noon or so.  Nothing special:  ham, sweet pots., mashed pots., deviled eggs, green bean casserole, Hawaiian rolls, lettuce salad, and Grandma's Better Than Sex dessert.  Grandma and Grandpa are going to come after church in the morning.  Justin might not be able to stay for the meal if he has to report to work earlier than he thought.  

I'll tell you a little about our Christmas.  Santa delivers all the goodies from him.  He does not use stockings, instead he delivers in gift bags stuffed with all sorts of things.  Next we share our gifts.  I do not use gift tags.  Each child has their own paper.  They don't know which is theres until they find the swatch in their "stocking" bag.  Then of course, it is total chaos.  This last about 15 minutes, which is about 1/20th of the time it took me to wrap the gifts.  We clean up the mess and then we sit around watching Aubree play with the boxes that her presents came in.  :)  Good times.

I want to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas.  I hope your day is filled with love and loved ones.

Oh, a special note to Corky...love the beard in the Christmas picture.

No More Until Jan. 4, 2012

Yes, you read it correctly.  No more school until 1-4-12.  Weeeeeeeee!  I would be dishonest with you if I said I was in the slightest bit sad.  I can't express to you enough how ready I was for this break.  Today was a good day at the middle school.  We had donuts, orange juice, and cards first hour.  It was a good time.  They played Black Jack, Fish, Speed, Liar, and several other games that I couldn't even begin to tell you the rules.  I think they actually made them up.  I got 16 "new" decks of cards from a casino.  Did you know they give away the old decks when they are through with them?  After a fun first hour, the sixth grade watched a movie on Ancient China...you know social studies lessons in movie form.  We did clean out lockers and sent them away at 1:00.  I think it would be difficult to actually say which one of us (student or teacher) was the most thrilled when the bell rang.

After school got out, I went to Carthage to do some antique shopping.  I did go to one store that was antiques.  I didn't purchase anything.  I did go to my new favorite decorating store, Colonial House.  I did buy two battery candles and cedar wreaths to go around them.  They are not Christmas decor.  They are for regular day decorating and not holiday.  The candles are really neat.  They are on timers.  I can set them to "burn" for 4 hours or 8.  Then they automatically turn off and then turn on again the next day at the same time.  Modern technology is great!  The store had some really beautiful things in it.  I did not purchase anything else because I am very undecided on how I want to decorate the house.  You would think after living here 3 years, I would be able to commit to a style.  I think I am getting closer, but can't quite pinpoint exactly what I want.  The owner of the store, David Coffee, was very nice and helpful.  He told me that if I found some ideas in a magazine or online, he could order it or find it for me if I wanted his help.   He had some really nice decorating things that I would call Early American or Colonial.  I especially fell in love with some of the wooden bowls or troughs they had.  You know the kind you can put on a table for a centerpiece.  I will take Steve back next time I go.  You know, Steve has wonderful taste in decorating.

Steve had a good day today.  I am not exactly sure what he did; I just know that he was a busy little boy.  He is tired today.  He is "watching" television in the bedroom as I post.  His feet have been bothering him.  We are wondering if it is the weather change or the front coming in.  He has switched shoes and is wearing a pair of Clarks that he bought a while back.  He says they are really comfortable and help his feet.  I think it is important that he wears good shoes to help with his feet.  He has a great appetite and eats huge amounts at meals.  This is wonderful.  He is excited about Christmas because I ordered a Honey Baked Ham, and he loves those.  We ordered a large ham, so we could have leftovers and ham and beans.  We pick it up Friday afternoon.  My guess is he will not wait until Christmas dinner to start eating it.  If you have not had a Honey Baked, you should try one.  They are delicious.   I think if you serve it at a meal, you can't go wrong.  I am not sure what Steve's plans are for tomorrow.  I might try to talk him into going to Walmart with me to pick up a few things that I have left.  We shall see how he feels and what he feels like doing.

I am watching Anne of a Thousand Day.  Have I told you about this movie yet?  It is one of my favorites and I watch it all the time.  It has Richard Burton in it as King Henry.  He does a wonderful job.  I am sure he romanticizes the king.  I understand from other real sources that he was not handsome or in anyway sexy.  He was just a king.  I also understand that his leg had festering wounds and he stunk.  I am sure glad I didn't live back then.  It, in several ways, was disgusting.  I also think about the hems of the ladies' skirts.  I tend to think they might have been filthy.  Also I worry about the actual cleanliness of the clothes and the smells they carried around.  I think I would have had to have a scented hankie at my nose all the time.    I am waiting for 9:00, if I can stay awake that long, for The Big Bang Theory to come on.  Love that show! Odds are I will not make it that late.  I am a little tired and counting on sleeping in tomorrow morning.  I do not think I will get up and go to the gym.  I will go, but not at 5 in the morning.

Elf Yourself

Every thing is going well here.  For a good giggle, click on the below links.
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/LfRBzFxqG5JJEoMK

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/ZdP7SwPpxLr3TpQQ?cmpid=ey_url

Amelia showed us this cute site.  We thought we would check it out and have a little fun.  

Steve is feeling pretty good today.  He ran some errands.  We went out to Hog Wild for supper.  He and Aubree wanted to go there.  He wanted the BBQ Nachos, and she wanted their grilled cheese.  Imagine that.  He is already in the back room resting.  He did have a fitful night last night.  He did not sleep so well.  Ok, I know what you are thinking...it is not my fault.  I was not snoring.  I have been using those Breathe Right strips so I don't keep him awake.

We only have 1.5 days left before our break.  I am so excited!!!  We had our Secret Santa breakfast this morning.  I did not guess mine.  It was Cindy.  She did an excellent job.  I loved all my gifts.  She was so thoughtful with them.  I got my SS a new stapler for her room as my big gift.  That is what she wanted since she does not have a good one.  Tomorrow in my class should be fun.  We are having a reading day where they can bring a pillow or blanket along with snacks and read all hour.  I think those days are so fun.  I am going to read too!  I am not sure what book, but I will find one by tomorrow.  I have a Kindle full and a bookshelf packed. I am a book-a-holic...electronic or paper, it does not matter to me.  I must confess that I have not read any books lately.  I haven't had time.  I know, cheap excuse.  There are 24 hours to every day so I have the exact same amount of time as everyone else.  I just use my time differently.  If I don't get at least 8 hours of sleep, I am a bear the next day.  So as you can see, I have only 16 left in the day to read  HA.  I am planning on doing some reading over the break.  We shall see.

I hope you enjoyed our little dances.  As you probably guessed, we have a huge disco ball in our front room and Steve and I disco dance most nights.  His little "Russian" move looks so much better in person.  Believe me, he has the beat.  It did take him a little while to learn the split move at the end.  In fact, we had to buy special elf pants so he could do it in our video.   :)

Busy Day

Today we went to church.  It was the long normal communion.  We also had two families that were confirmed.  In fact, Pastor baptized all 9 earlier in the week.  We left after communion because it is very hard for Steve to sit that long.  The Church is all decorated for Christmas and sure looks nice.

After church we came home and chowed down on some left over potato soup, from Grandma's.  Hit the spot.  After lunch, we headed to Joplin.  We went to the Rangeline Antiques and finished going through the second half that we did not do last time.  I purchased a bowl that matches my Franciscan Americana crystal.  It is a rose bud bowl, at least that is what I have heard them called.  It matches the new pitcher I got yesterday at the Marshfield Antique Mall.  I am so excited about the two new pieces to my collection.  My crystal was my grandma's.  When she passed away, my mother gave it to one of her best friends.  When I got married, my mom's best friend gave it all back to me.  My mom has been giving me , on and off, some of the pieces she has.  I have added several pieces over the years.  A few things I am missing and really want are 1.  the bunch bowl and glasses  2.  the cake stand  3. a set of salt cellars  I did see a set of 12 salt cellars and didn't get them.  I am still kicking myself in the butt.  Steve saw an antique tool box, but he decided not to get it.  I always see things I would like, but I just don't like them well enough to get them.  Somedays  I feel like buying stuff and other times I don't.

We ate supper at a new place we found it Joplin.  It is called Pitchers.  It is a sports bar and grill.  They had big screen televisions all over the place.  The only thing on was the NFL.  We decided that it would be a good place to go to watch a bowl game or two and some basketball games during the tournament.  The food was good too.

Steve has felt good today.  He was getting tired at supper, but he drove all the way home.  Now we are in bed watching the UConn and Baylor Women's  basketball game.   It is a match of #1 Baylor and #2 UConn.  We do like to watch women's ball too.  I am sure after I finish posting, I will call it a day.  I am still worn out from the traveling earlier this weekend.  I know Steve is a little tired from the Christmas festival yesterday.  Only two and a half days of school this week, but sometimes those short weeks feel like they go on forever.  Steve's feet are swollen tonight.  I think that is because he walked so much this afternoon.  Hopefully a good night's rest will make them feel better.

Many Miles

I just realized that it was Tuesday since my last post.  Wow, time flew by this week.  I really have no idea where it went and what I have done.

Friday was a busy day for us.  We had an appointment with Dr. P.  It was a great new appointment.  Steve has been released from Dr. P's care.  It is a happy/sad thing.  We really liked Dr. P and his staff.  He took great care of Steve throughout this whole ordeal.  He is the one that sent the biopsy to Mayo.  He got us into see the head lung and cancer doctors at Barnes and MD Anderson.  He is also responsible for hooking us up with Dr. Hoos.  We owe Dr. P more than we could ever repay.  The other good news is....Steve has been released to fly.  We think this is great.  Now we won't have to drive if we take a trip in the next year.

I found out this week that my Aunt Dolores passed away.  She was very sick so she is much better off.  There is no more confusion in her life.  She had Alzheimers.   She stayed at home and my Uncle Gary and her daughters:  Janet and Wanda, took care of her.  My dad (it was his sister) went to visit her often.  Earlier this year, she stopped recognizing him and would get very upset when he visited.  So, he did not go and see her the last months of her life.  She did die at home, and Uncle Gary said she just stopped breathing...no pain.  Her visitation was Friday night and her funeral was this morning.  After Steve's appointment Friday, I drove to Jefferson City.  I did make it in time for some of the visitation.  Her funeral was at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City.  It was the church in which she was baptized, went to school, confirmed, married, and had her funeral service.  The ceremony was very nice.  Of course, they played several of the old favorites "What a Friend We Have In Jesus," "Beautiful Savior," and "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less."  After the ceremony and cemetery service, the ladies of the church had lunch for the family.  It twas nice too.

Today was Grace and Pete's Christmas with everyone.  Everyone was there except for Koleen (she had to work in Columbia and her boss would not let her off) and me.  That is a house full.  They had a soup buffet featuring potato soup, enchilada soup, chili, and several others.  Steve said they were good.  They played Nasty Santa again.  Steve made off with a BBQ sauce trio package, which is nice.  Steve is home now and very tired after an eventful day.  You know, eating, gifting, and playing Bunk-o can wear a guy out.

We are taking it easy watching some early bowl games and some basketball.  Both of us are really tired, so I am making a bold prediction that we will not be up late.

Just a little catch-up

It is already Tuesday night.  I did not post last night because I was feeling very rough.

Steve had a nice day.  He is feeling a little better.  We have eaten supper, and he has been in athe chair reading a magazine.  Now that is good!  He has also gone outside to bring Samurai in before he goes to bed

I did not have a very good day.  It is definitely time for a break.  The kids are driving me crazy.  You would not believe all the little dramas I am having to deal with daily.  I will tell you the best one so far this week, and it is only Tuesday.  After you read this, you will say to yourself there is no way this can be topped  I will not mention any names of those involved to protect the "innocent".  I had a boy come up to me and give me some notes he found in the bathroom.  They were on small pieces of really crumpled paper.  On the papers were two very similar notes.  One was written by a girl detailing things in her "love" life.  The other note was telling about the same girl and her adventures. After extensive handwriting analysis (I am the language arts teacher and have a wide selection of all 6th graders' writings.) The diabolical plot was foiled.  The boys were in trouble because of issues with the girl.  They decided to get their sweet revenge by planting these terrible notes about something that they knew would get her in big trouble.  They thought if they were the ones to turn the notes in, it would automatically make them the heros and above suspicion.  The only problem with their plan was they miss spelled the girl's name when they signed it on the bottom of her note and when they used it in the other not.  Each note was written by a different boy.  Funny thing, each spelled her name wrong in a different way.  Now, I don't always deal with the brightest bulbs on the tree, but a majority of the time, the kids do spell their own names correctly.  We did not confront the suspects because we have no solid proof, and I would hate to try to explain to these boys how we figured out this well thought out plot. I'm afraid that task would mentally exhaust me and the other teachers involved.  I do get a good laugh and giggle every time I think about this.  Note to self:  If involved in a devious plot to frame someone by planting some incriminating notes, spell person's name correctly and disguise handwriting.  I guess sometimes I need to step back and realize that just because I am a teacher it does not mean that I can't learn a thing or two from my students.  Thank goodness there are only 5.5 days until Christmas break!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow is school, again!

Yes, it is another Sunday night.  The weekend is over and work starts again in the morning.  I do have good news, though.  We are out for Christmas break in 7 1/2 school days.  WEEEEEEE!!!

Today was a good day around the Doss house.  Aubree and I hit Walmart early this morning.  We got a cart load and had a great time. We hit every aisle at least once and some of them twice.  We had to get some containers and paint for my classroom.  We had to buy food stuff too.  It was a killer trip, but I think we got everything on our list and then some.  We did pick up the movie Help for Betty.  After our trip, we stopped by and gave it to her.  She was so excited.  She can't wait to watch the movie.  She really loved the book.

We had pigs in a blanket for lunch.  Aubree really thought they were cool.  She ate the whole thing, which is good for her.  She sometimes does not finish her plate and causes great stress at the house.  She was a cowgirl all day today.  She walked around in her hat and boots with her pink purse. She is a character.  For dinner we had a new dish Carbonara.  It was fine.  Steve at first didn't like it, but he later did.  It was a bland dinner, which is just what he needed with his stomach still a little touchy.

He did feel a little better today.  He was awake more.  He was also out of bed more.  It just takes time for the chemo to wear off.  He does not have chemo brain near as bad either.  I did not coin that phrase.  My friend Tom did.  It is true.  After chemo, Steve sometimes does not focus or remember things he has said or done.  It doesn't last too long except since the chemo started, it is harder for him to concentrate.  His weight is better.  He is still gaining a little.  I think after tomorrow, he will be feeling much better.  He is off his steroid.  His ear is still bothering him a little.  I am not sure if he will go back to see  Dr. Hinojosa or not.  He has an appointment with Dr. P on Friday.  It is in the afternoon, so I am taking a half day and going with him.  I think we will do some final Christmas shopping and pick up some odds and ends.  Last Thursday we were going to get a Honeybaked Ham and forgot.  I hope we remember Friday.  We love the ham and love to make ham and beans with the last parts and the bone.

I did sew a little today.  I am still working on the Christmas present.  I figure I should have it done in time to give it.  It is turning out alright; it is just time consuming since I have not done this pattern before, and it is not random.  I will post some pictures as soon as I am finished because the person I am making it for does not read the blog.  I would like to get my Christmas quilt finished too, but I am not sure that is going to happen since I decided to make this present.  It really doesn't matter since there is always next Christmas to put it out.  You know I always like having projects.  Oh, when I was in Walmart today, I picked up some spray paint called Looking Glass.  It makes a mirror type coating on the project.  I am going to use it to make some "mercury glass".  I found the directions online, and I will try it this week.  I'll let you know how it turns out.  I bought a small, squatty vase to try it on.  If it works, I have big plans for making some more.

I am watching Scarface.  It is a movie that I like to watch every once in a while.  I think it has a few life lessons.
1.  Never underestimate the other guy's greed.
2.  Don't get high on your own supply.
It is really violent in parts, but I think that would be a realistic portrayal of the times and lifestyles.  Al Pacino does a great job with the Tony Montana role.

Heisman Sataurday

Like I told you in my post yesterday, we had "big plans".  Aubree was the first one up in our house.  She came upstair looking for Ozark who was hiding in the arrangement on the dining room table.  Opa was sleeping in the chair, and she crawled up and watched Animal Planet since Sponge Bob was not on (according to Opa).  I woke up and headed to the gym.  It was my long, hard day.  I did to it all, and I was really proud of myself  :)  After gym, Opa, Aubree, and I went to the "Crusty Crab" for breakfast.  Aubree ate a huge meal.  We ran a few errands when we were out and then headed home.

When we got home, Opa rested, and Aubree and I started to wrap Christmas presents.  She was the wrapping apprentice.  This lasted one package; after that, she was more interested in the empty boxes and took some downstairs to play.  I did get all the presents wrapped.  I do it a little differently than most.  Each person has their own paper, so I don't use name tags.  I am the only one that knows the answer to the code.  I love it.  Our tree looks much better now with all the presents under it.  I used the "barf quilt" as the tree skirt.  It looks really nice.  After the wrapping, it was plan meals for the week time.  I looked through a few cookbooks and decided on four dishes.  I am sick of the same old things.

When I was finished, it was NAP time.  We were watching several basketball games while we napped.  We started out watching the Jayhawks beat number 2 Ohio State.  We were excited for them (you know the cheering for my conference rule).  We did watch the first half of the Mizzou/Navy game.  It was what I would call a blowout.  We didn't finish the game but switched to the Indiana/Kentucky came.  It was the knock-off of the Number 1.  It was a really good game.  I do however think that Indiana was really hot and Kentucky was really cold.  Indiana just outplayed the Wildcats.  We did have supper.  I made Crockpot stew.  Well, I should say Aubree and I made it.  She was the dumper and stirrer. She did add a bunch of love, so it was Yummy, yummy, yummy.

Now we are watching the Heisman Ceremony.  We usually watch this show.  I like seeing all the old winner.  I also like to hear the interviews of the candidates.  So many of the candidates are good speakers.  RGIII just showed the world his Superman socks.  RGIII is our pick for this year's trophy.  I think we are down to about 15 minutes till they announce.  Herb Herbstreet, and announcer that is talking about the players, is wearing my favorite outfit of the night.  Herbie has beautiful blue eyes.   His shirt and tie really show off the eyes.  All of the men at this program are well dressed.  The Honeybadger from LSU has the slickest looking suit.  It is a shiny gray/silver suit, maybe a little pimpy looking.  They are preparing for the announcement of the 77th Heisman Trophy winner.  And the winner is......RGIII.  Can Steve and I really pick them!!!!

Steve did not feel so well today.  His stomach was really bothering him when we got home from breakfast.  It was touch and go for quite a while.  He said it was really cramping.  After his nap, he did feel a little better.  He made it all through the ceremony and is now in the bedroom watching Mecum.  I think he will be asleep soon.  I am watching the Goonies.  Love it!!!  I can't decide if I want to move off the couch or go and sew.  I'm going to give myself several minutes to think about it.

Glad it is over

What a day!  I can't remember the last time a day was as bad as this one for me.  It was nothing specific, just everything in general.  Compound sentences and prepositional phases as adjectives or adverbs got the best of me today.  I can't believe how difficult my 6th graders are making these concepts.  Yes, I'll give you that prepositional phrases can sometimes be tricky but not compound sentences.  We have been working on compound subjects, compound verbs and compound sentences all week.  We have talked about the three ways to make a compound sentence.
1.  Complete thought, FANBOYS complete thought
If you are unsure of what a FANBOYS is:  for, and, nor, but, or,  yet, so (all the coordinating conjunctions that you can use to make a compound sentence.
2.  Complete thought; complete thought.
3.  Complet thought; conjunctive adjective, complete thought.
conjunctive adjectives:  nevertheless, finally, then, also, besides....
I know people do not write as much with ; as they used to, but they still need to know the rules so they have a choice.  It is not that hard; you should try.
Don't even get me started about prepositional phrases.  Let's face it, after high school or college, no one will ever as about prepositional phrases ag ain.  I don't remember even talking about them in college.  The phrases are easy enough to identify, and it is even easy to find the object.  The adjective and adverb phrases are killers.  I won't even try to explain them because most of you are out of high school and college, and they are not important in real life.

Steve had a poor day.  He is really fatigued.  I believe he rested all day, which is exactly what he needed. He did get up for dinner.  Justin, Elizabeth, and Hunter came for a visit.  They brought dinner, which was nice.  They didn't stay long because I had a birthday party to go to, Steve was tired, and Justin's mom was having a Tupperware party.  I think sometimes the stress of waiting for the test results plays a big part in his fatigue.  I know I feel totally wasted the day after because I have been so tense waiting to hear what Dr. Hoos has to say.  I can't tell you how much of a relief a good report is.  It keeps us high for 63 more days.  I know for Steve, this routine of chemo every 21 days can get very tiring.  It seems like just when he starts feeling well, we zap him again.  I'm not sure he ever really feel good...some days are just not as bad as others.  I am so proud of him because I know how hard it has been.  He has been a good patient and has kept a positive attitude throughout the whole ordeal.  I tell him all the time, but I don't think he really knows what a brave man he is.  I must comment about the other people that we see at the Infusion Center.  They are all such brave souls.  Some of them have terrible cancers and go through miserable treatments.  I am inspired by these people.  As a whole, most are very pleasant and even jokey.  It takes a special person to be that way when they know what is happening inside their bodies and how they will feel after the treatment.  I also have to mention some of the people that are there with the cancer patients.  They are a breed of their own.  You should see the love they have in their eyes for the sick ones.  They are so caring and gentle as they help them get out of the chairs, walk to the appointment rooms, push the wheelchairs, or get into a car.  So many of their eyes are filled to the rim with hope for their loved ones.  While I am talking about special people, I have to mention the doctors and nurses that take care of us.  They are wonderful people.  They are all so kind and caring.  I can't imagine how they always manage to smile and be so friendly.  I am sure it is heartbreaking for them when one of the people they have treated for so long passes.  On the same note, they are the first ones yelling, hugging, and clapping when it is someone's last treatment.  I think they might just be angels on Earth.  They all need to be remembered in our prayers.  I also need to compliment you, reader.  It takes a special person to plow through my ramblings.  You are very brave when you open PeaGoulash because you have no idea what you will be subjected to in my posts.  You are remembered in my prayers, too.  I pray that God blesses you and gives you a forgiving heart for when my rants get out of hand.  Steve and I are truly blessed will all the special people in our lives.

Don't know what the plans are for this weekend.  It will not be much, maybe a trip to Walmart, some sewing, a nap or two, and television.

I need to send a special note to all the college readers:  GOOD LUCK on finals!  May you have swift pencils and sharp minds!!!!!  I have faith in each and everyone of you.  Your institution of higher learning is lucky to have you as one of their students.  You make all the people that love you very proud!!!!

Well.....

I have to share our wonderful news.  Steve's test results were GREAT!!!  Dr. Hoos said he couldn't be happier.  There is no new growth, and the old spots are shrinking.  We are still going to follow the same schedule that we have been on for the last 18 months.  Chemo every 21 days.  Dr. Hoos was also happy with the way Steve is handling his treatments.  His lab numbers were good, too.  I can't begin to tell you how happy we were to hear these test results.  As you know, we always worry after he has the test.  I think it is human nature to worry about things like that.  As usual, he is not feeling very well tonight.  He slept most of the afternoon after we got back.  He did eat some leftover egg drop soup, but that is it.  He is now up and watching the Lady Bears play Oklahoma State.  We started watching Winter Wipeout and couldn't stand the stupidity.

My friend, Lorene, was at the lab having her treatment too.  We saw them in the waiting room and had a nice visit.  I think she looks so much better than when she was in the hospital.  She said she still was not feeling great and was tired all the time.  I think that is understandable after spending a week in the hospital and running a fever most of that time.  She and Tom were in the quiet room, so we did not see them during the chemo.  She likes the quiet room, and we like the talkie loud room.  Oh, well.  Different tastes.  We are lucky that St. John's is aware of that fact and offer two different rooms.  We go again on the 29th.

After treatment, we went to Applebee's for lunch.  I had their Fiesta Lime Chicken, and Steve had some steak, shrimp and rice and beans combination.  He like it and said he would order it again.  I always get the FLC.  It has been good every time.

I must tell you that I am in the wrong profession.  Albert P. (can't even begin to spell his last name) is leaving the St. Louis Cardinals and headed for the West Coast.  He is going to make $250 million over 10 years.  Yes, $250 million.  Some of the people at my gym figured he would make $68,000.00 a day.  That is more than teachers make in a year.  It is amazing.  I can't even comprehend money like that.  I know some Cardinal fans are disappointed with his move.  I think they thought he would be there forever, like Stan M.  I believe he is even quoted saying that he wanted to retire from St. Louis.  Well, money does talk.  It would be hard to pass up that kind of money.  Do you think you could ever spend that much?  I wonder how much his agent gets?  How much does he pay in taxes?  That would be interesting to know.  As you know, we are not big baseball fans, but this just caught our attention, or should I say, blew our minds.

Oh, I almost forgot.  Betty emailed Paul Jr. from American Chopper yesterday around noon.  She wanted to tell him how proud she was of his win in the build-off, and how proud she was of his behavior and character when it came to dealing with his father.  Would you believe he has already answered her letter!  She was so excited.  I'm not sure what it says because she does not know how to forward.  I will find out next time I go visit.  It will probably be this weekend since she wants me to pick-up the movie Help for her when I go to Walmart.  I put the Paul Jr. Design's website on her Favorites.  She loves to read the bios and see the pictures.  She is quickly becoming their number one fan.  Although, she does not like the re-runs where Sr. and Jr. scream at each other.  She is a big Mikey fan too!  She thinks he is very misunderstood.

Ultimate Build-off

Tonight is the final show in the Ultimate Build-off on American Chopper.  I can't say we have been totally watching the series of this.  We are catching-up tonight before the final unveiling.  As you know, we are real Jr. fans.  We can't stand Sr. and Jessie James.  I am curious to see the three bikes completed.   America gets to vote and decide which team wins.  Not sure we will vote.  It all depends if it is an online, texting, or calling vote.

Steve had a good day today.  He thinks the medicine is helping his ear.  He did not take his pills as early tonight as he did last night.  You know, they made him so tired.  He fell asleep in the chair.  I had to wake him up to come to bed.  When I did, I was so tired and ready to sleep.  Not him.  He was wide awake and ready to watch the new American Pickers and Pawn Star.  Not me, I was very tired that I just zonked out.  He starts his steroid for chemo tomorrow.  He always hates the way the steroid makes him feel.  This afternoon, he called me and asked if I wanted grilled steaks for supper.  Well, yeah I said.  He picked up rib-eyes from Alps.  He cooked them outside, and they were delicious.  He also had baked potatoes, green bean casserole, and apple crumb pie.  Like I have told you before, he is a master chef.  I am lucky that he takes such good care of me.  

Elizabeth and Hunter  (her dog) came for a visit and supper.  Samurai loves when Hunter comes.  They play like crazy men.  Samurai is twice as big as Hunter, and he loves to pin Hunter down.  Hunter goes for the throat and hangs on.  Samurai swings him around and when he tires of Hunter, he just swats him down.  When Hunter leaves, Samurai is wiped out.  

I went to the gym today.  It was snowing when I went.  The roads were covered, but they were not slick. Springfield roads were really slick.  We did have school.  By the time school was over, all the snow on the roads was gone.  They do not have anymore in the forecast.  Koleen said it was really slick in Columbia.  I believe she said she did some spin arounds in a parking lot because it was so slick.  She and her car are fine.  

We had a faculty meeting this morning.  It was really interesting because our nurse was talking about the new drug problems that are in schools.  The kids are soaking Gummi Bears in vodka.  We are supposed to watch for puffy Gummies.  Another thing is the energy drinks.  Some of them contain alcohol.   Our nurse said that our school needed to adopt a policy about energy drinks.  Some apparently can really string a kid out.  It makes the all jumpy and jittery.  She also mentioned that heroine is making a come back.  This I find very scary.  I'm not sure we have these issues in 6th grade or at least I am unaware of them.  I try to keep close tabs on the kids, but they are pretty sneaky.  Times have changed because I would never have thought about smuggling liquor into school.  Now, I think my biology teacher had a hidden stash.  He was always going to his cabinet and adding something to his drink.  It was in a Pepto bottle, but it was not pink.  He always seemed a little crazy, but at the time we thought that was just him.  It wasn't until much later that some of us thought he might be adding something special.  These were the same times that when you went into the teacher lounge, it was so smokey that you couldn't see the faces of the teachers in the room.  Also the teachers could smoke in the courtyard on their breaks.  You didn't think anything about it.  We never thought anything about seeing our teachers having a drink at a restaurant or at a party.  I did grow up in Kansas City so some of the ideas there are more open.  It is not a small town and everyone did not know everyone else. All the kids went to the nearby Briarcliff Elementary School for K-6.  It was about a mile and a half from our house.  I did not go there.  I went to the Lutheran school.  My brother did go to the public elementary starting in 4th grade. For 7-8 we were bussed to Northgate Jr. High. There other elmentary schools were blended together.  9-12 we went to North Kansas City High School where two jr. highs were blended.  My graduating class had 395, and it was one of the smallest in years. After that, who knows.  There were hundreds of churches, so everyone had different church families.  Our parents all worked at different places too.  The stay home moms did meet for coffee at someone's house every once in a while.  Moving to Monett in 1986 was a real shock for me.  Now I am used to living in a small town.  The only bad thing, some might think, is I still have a big city attitude on several things.  

I went to visit Betty after school.  We looked online for some crochet patterns.  We found several.  She wants to make some scarves and hats.  Her daughter-in-law made me a black and gold hat to wear when it is cold.  I love it.  Betty has been crocheting some scrubbies out of netting.  She loves doing that.  It is a good activity for her to do while she is watching television.  She was in a good mood.  She said the politics on television are upsetting her.  I told her she shouldn't watch it if it upset her.  She does love her politics.  She is very liberal and the conservative politicians really bother her.  She loves to argue politics.  This is good because she does not agree with a majority of the men at the home.  They have learned not to bring up elections and policies.  I love to talk politics with her.  Sometimes I just disagree with her to get her to argue with me.  I know I am bad.  She likes the thrill of the argument.  Who doesn't?  I know I do.   

Men Who Stare at Goats

I am watching Men Who Stare at Goats for the umteenth time. What a unique film.  I love it, of course, Steve thinks it is about the stupidest movie he has ever seen.  It is one of those films that you either love it or hate it.  I think the creepiest part of the movie is the disclaimer at the beginning of the movie that says it is based on actual events.  It would not surprise me one bit if our government did not have a section in the services that is about alternative combat..."How can love and peace help win wars?"  I love the way it is narrated as the story goes.  Some of the parts of the movie just make me belly laugh.  I love several parts:  "Sparkly eyes technique", cloud bursting,  being invisible or just blending in where you are not seen, the non-lethals...The Predator and the guy just stands there and lets the guy torture him with the non-lethal weapon.  If you have not had the pleasure of seeing this film, I highly suggest that you watch it.  If you do not like it within the first 30 minutes, you will never like it (If you are unsure, at least make it through the development of The First New Earth Army and its members).  If you don't like it, you might as well turn it off and not waste your time.

Steve had to go have his CT scan today.  His appointment was early, and he said all went well.  Those appointments are never long.  Actually it takes him longer to drive there and back than the actual test.  We will find the results out Thursday.  After his appointment in Springfield, he came home and rested.  He had a 3:00 appointment with Dr. Hinojosa.  Steve's right ear is really bothering him.  Dr. H said that he could not see anything wrong with the ear, but he said it might be something where his jaw and his ear meet.  Dr. H gave him some steroids to take for 3 days.  If the steroids do not work, he will have to go see a specialists.  Once again, time will tell.  He is sleeping in the chair.  He says the new medicine is really making him tired.  He even rested a little before we ate supper.

We had a Chinese festival for supper tonight.  We had broccoli beef, fried rice, and egg drop soup.  I made it all.  I am quite a Chinese chef.  Of course, I had a helper.  Aubree is always being my little helper in the kitchen.  She measured the rice and water; she used the vegetable peeler to shred the carrots, she helped me put the sliced beef in the bowl; she poured the liquid in the pan for the soup; and she stirred the sauce.  She is such a good little girl.  At supper, Opa was thanking us for such a good meal.  She had to list everything she did.  The last thing she said was, "Of course, Opa, we added love to everything".  Opa just smiled.  I had to teach her about soy sauce.  The best is Kikoman.  Never buy any other kind.  If you can't have Kikoman, go without.  You have to start teaching them stuff like that at an early age.  Opa went shopping a couple of weeks ago.  He bought some Caesar dressing. He did not buy Kraft; he bought some off brand.  He hates it and threw it away last night.  I try to tell him about off brands and how some times it is worth the extra few cents to get the name brand.  I hope he learned his lesson on the salad dressing.  I think the thing that you can never buy the off brand is Irish Cream.  Bailey's is the best and well worth the little extra.  If you haven't had Bailey's and coffee, you need to treat yourself soon.  It is wonderful, and you are worth it.

I am now watching Death at a Funeral.  Love it!!!  It is another movie that makes me laugh every time I see it.  I have watched it again and again and again.  It is just so funny.  I love the guy that plays Oscar. He does a wonderful job.  My favorite part with him is when he does the Hilter salute during the funeral.  I also like Danny Glover in this movie.  He does a wonderful job as the old, cranky uncle.  The story line about the father and his lover is hilarious.  The character Norman keeps me in stitches too.  It is always on some movie channel on satellite.  Can you tell that I am lost since the college football games are over until the bowls start?

We did not get any of the snow they predicted last week.   It is really cold here, but we have no snow.  There is no snow in the forecast for the near future.  Bummer!

Nothing But Football

Today has been very uneventful here.  I did get up and go to the gym this morning.  I did my long workout or I should day 2/3 of it.  I think doing the elliptical last night wore me out.  After the gym, we ran to the pharmacy, bank, and the Red Barn for breakfast.  We came home and started watching a couple of games.  We settled on the Houston game, and were very disappointed with their loss.  After that game, we decided we need some Star salads from Monett.  Off we went on a salad run.  We got the salads, which are very similar to the Black Kettle Salad if you are familiar with those.  We brought the salads home and started watching more ball.   We watched the LSU victory over UGA.   We  didn't think it was going to be a LSU win by the way they played the first half.  The second half was way more exciting.  We are now watching the Oklahoma and Oklahoma State game.  I would really like OSU to win simply because it is very difficult for me to cheer for Oklahoma and since it is within my conference, I think I can pick OSU and follow my rules:  team-conference-then it is fair game.  For example, I will always pick MU; then if they are not playing, I must pick one of our conference teams if they are playing.  If it is not MU or a XII conference team, then I am free to pick whichever team I want.    I will have to change this rule to be SEC conference starting next year.  After watching the LSU and UGA game, I am more concerned than ever about MU joining the SEC.  I guess I shouldn't worry since there is nothing I can do about it.

Steve has not been feeling very well today.  He is fatigued and his stomach is upset.  I thought he might have a fever, but our thermometer's battery is dead.  He has been resting and watching the games.  Between you and I, he has been sleeping some too.  He will deny it, but closed eyes and snoring doesn't lie.  I think part of his problem is his feet and legs are killing him.  It might be the change in weather.  Sometimes damp and col weather make his legs feel worse. I think he will go to be early tonight.  He will start to watch the game, but I don't think he will make it to the end.  We are planning on going to church in the morning, but if he is not feeling well, we will not go.

We are supposed to get some winter weather this weekend.  I think it is going to start tomorrow-late, but get much worse on Monday.  Is it possible that we will have a snow day before Christmas?  I, of course, am trying to stay on top of the weather.  I use the National Weather Service site to check the weather.  Here is the site I use encase you want to adopt it as your own

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Mount+Vernon&state=MO&site=SGF&lat=37.1016&lon=-93.8179

I never did use it until several years ago. I think it was 2002.  (I maybe off a year or two)  Koleen and I were at the Jones' as a snow storm was approaching.  Steve kept checking the weather on the computer, and we actually saw the storm approaching.  I don't remember if he used the NWS, but until then, I had never even thought of checking the weather on the computer.  That snow storm was huge.   It was a little cold when we got there, but by the time we left, the ground was really covered.  We sure did have a nice time with them that day.  Memories  :)  It is amazing how time flies.  Both kids were in middle school at the time.  Now they are Brett-a senior at MU and Koleen-junior at MU.  My, my, my.  Brett was in my homeroom my first year at MVMS.  I still remember reading Brett's paper in my class about deer hunting.

Steve did just finish eating some popcorn.  He seems to feel a little better.  Popcorn is an amazing food.  He likes his will LOTS of butter.  I can't stand butter on my popcorn at all.  I like just salt.  Some of you are probably old enough to remember the evolution of popcorn.  The old pan with the oil and the constant shaking over the stove burner so it did not burn. (of course Mom had to do the shaking so we did not burn ourselves) There sure were a lot of old maids.  Then the automatic popper that was a little burner that you poured oil and the kernels in and then put the orange lid on.  Some of them had little hatches in the top where you could put butter so it would melt over the corn as it popped.  You also had the option of sprinkling the butter flavored salt.
Can't forget JiffyPop.  That was a classic.  I think every time we used it, we burned the popcorn. We still try to use them when we camp, and we still usually burn it.  During the college years, I had an air popper.  Talk about disgusting popcorn.  It was so dry that salt wouldn't even stick to it.  You had a little water mister and sprayed the popcorn and then sprinkled the salt.  Now a days, we just use microwave popcorn. All you do is hit the popcorn button, and your corn comes out perfect every time.  Isn't modern technology wonderful!!!

Lazy Friday Night

It is a yucky, cold night here.  It is raining, or I should say sprinkling.  A great night to curl up with a blanket and watch television.  This is exactly what we are going to do.

Steve is feeling better.  He is a little tired but not bad.  We are watching Mecum Auto Auctions.  They are in Kansas City this weekend.  We thought about going, but we decided we did not need a muscle car right now.  We might have a difficult time agreeing on which one to purchase.  Sometimes we do not always agree on which cars are good and which are bad.  At times we have very different taste.  I, of course, love the mustangs but not the fastbacks.  He likes the mustangs, novas, and chevelles.  I like those too, but on a car by car bases. He is more of an overall liker.  There was a '61 vet they just sold for $42, 000.00.  Steve is not a vet guy, but he liked this one.  It reminded me of one that Kevin R. had when I was in high school.  I rode in it many, many times and loved every minute.  Kevin was a senior when I was a sophomore.  I can remember screaming down the streets of North Kansas City with top down and having a blast.   Looking back, I am lucky to be alive.  I am lucky that I had a guardian angel.  Believe me, I kept her on her toes.  Riding in fast cars was just one of the ways.  Sometimes Steve tells stories about the cars of his youth.  I would tell you, but they are not my stories to share.  Those of you that knew him when he was younger will remember some of his cars.  By some of his stories, I think he must have been a little wild guy. When he shares his stories it makes me wish I would have known him.

I did not go to the gym this morning.  I went today after school and worked on the elliptical.  I will go in the morning to do my machine workout.   I am going to try to go early encase we want to do something later.  There are a bunch of games on television.   It is Championship Weekend.  After this weekend, there will be no more football except bowl games.  Where has the season gone.

We just saw on ESPN's scrolly thing on the bottom of the screen that there was a terrible accident involving some Missouri Southern students.   Steve just happened to be on the phone with Grandma.  She said the accident happened last night around 2:30.  It was near Sarcoxie.  It closed the lanes down for 5 hours.  What a terrible, terrible thing.   I feel so sorry for the families.  I heart goes out to them.  Here is a like to the US Today article:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/story/2011-12-02/missouri-southern-players-killed-accident/51592654/1

It is things like this that make me stop and think how lucky I really am.  No matter what I am having to deal with, it can't be as bad as the things those parents are having to deal with now.  I am soooooooo blessed.  I have a loving husband, 3 beautiful daughters, 1delightful granddaughter, 1 great dog, a great job, a warm house, and WONDERFUL people like you in my life.

A Little Rough Around the Edges

This describes us pretty accurately.  Amelia went to school, but she still is a little yucky and has a headache.  I stayed home today.  When I got up this morning, I didn't feel so hot.  I thought it was the Thursday morning blues so I went to the gym.  This was a big mistake.  I did my workout, but kept feeling worse as it went on.   I decided I wouldn't make school.  I called in sick.  I slept most of the day, which is what I needed.  I got up from the afternoon nap and felt better.  I fixed dinner, but I don't feel so hot now.  Steve did ok today.  He didn't feel his best.  He had to take Amelia to Pierce City this morning.  On the way home, he washed my car.  He did rest this afternoon.  He did not feel so well at supper.  Now he is in the chair watching the West. Virginia and South Florida game.  I am not sure that either one of us will make it much longer.  He did promise me that if I didn't get up and go to the gym in the morning, that he would strongly encourage me to go on Saturday.  That sounds good to me.

The change in eating has been going fair.  I am a little confused.  I am supposed to eat 1500-2000 calories a day with 30 grams of fat.  I ate a lot today and there is no way I consumed the calories or fat.  I am really having to study on this.  I think it will be easier as I go along.  I did experiment with a couple of dishes.  For lunch, I had a chicken breast that I cooked in the Crockpot over night.  I shredded it and added dill pickle relish.  It was really good.  I will fix it again.  It would make an ideal lunch for school.   My second dish was dinner.  We had chicken breasts with melted cheese.  We put those on angel hair pasta and put red pasta sauce on it.  I did not use angel hair pasta but tried zucchini noodles.  I used a vegetable peeler to peel strips of zucchini.  I boiled these and up my sauce and chicken on top.  I think they boiled a little long.  I got distracted with the rest of the meal.  The site I got the idea from said only boil 2-3 minutes.  I guess I need to pay more attention.  They were a little mushy.   They didn't really add any taste, but I am sure if they are cooked correctly, they will add a texture similar to pasta.  I might try this again.

Tomorrow, I am hoping to make it to school.  Steve, as of now, has no set plans.  He did mention mowing the leaves, but he has not committed to this idea.

House of Sickness

Today we have several that feel under the weather.  Amelia has a bladder infection and a small kidney stone.  She went to the doctor yesterday and got some medicine.  This morning she was fine when she left for school.  She did get really sick at school.  She was throwing up and dizzy.  She could not drive so Steve went to Pierce City to pick Amelia and Aubree up.  Amelia thinks that since she took her medicine last night and again this morning it made her sick.  The directions were to take one daily.  She is also feeling fluish.  You know the stomach upset and aches.  She is going to try to go to school tomorrow.

Steve does not feel well either.  He was fine until about 5:30.  His stomach was really upset and he felt throw uppy.  He said it was not chemo sick, but he thought it was fluish too.  He did go to bed at 5:30 and was immediately out.  He is still sound asleep and it is 7:25.  I am not going to wake him since he does not feel great.  Other than this hitting him this evening, he has been doing well.  I have been very proud of him.  I really hope it is nothing more than a little upset stomach.  I know the flu makes you feel yucky.  Steve has his next scan on Monday.

I feel ok.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't get what they have.  I really don't want to have to use my sick days for me being sick.  I was hoping that since I am eating healthy and exercising that I might not catch anything this year.  I do disinfect the machines at the gym just incase there are nasty germs.  They had a report on our news show, Channel 1, this morning about people not washing their hands.  They say that cell phones have the most germs of anything.  The most common germ is e-coili. ( I am not sure if that is spelled correctly.)  I clean my phone quite often.  I put Germ-X in my hand and then plaster it all over my phone.  The kids were disgusted by the fact that a majority of people do not wash their hands after using the restroom.  I told them that they should be disgusted since a LARGE majority of middle schoolers do not wash their hands after using the restroom.  The thought of it makes me gag.  I am a little germ-a-phobic when it comes to middle school germs.  I hate when they touch my stuff and things that I have to touch.  We do have Germ-X in a bunch of the classes.  One cool thing that the school has done is install a squirt machine at the end of the lunch line right before they get their trays.  They get a squirt of disinfectant foam.  Our lunch lady makes sure they all squirt before they are allowed to get their food.  Our librarian also has the same machine and stuff in the media center.  She makes them squirt before they get on the computers.  At MVMS, we take germs seriously!!!!

I have been watching a lot of the college basketball games lately.  I do love college basketball too.  My only problem is I am not able to stay awake to watch the completion of any game that isn't over by around 8.  I am just worn out and go to sleep.  This is very unusual for me.  I have been known to stay up past midnight to watch a good game.  Well, as a matter of fact, I have stayed up that late to watch a few bad games too.  Steve has been staying up later than me to watch a few games.  Well, let me rephrase that.  He wakes up after I'm asleep and finishes the game.

I just saw the best commercial.  It is a young guy getting ready to shave, and you hear people singing, "She'll be Comin' Around the Mountain."  He finishes lathering up his face and is looking for his razor.  The shower curtain opens and his mom and dad are taking a shower together in the same bathroom he is in. The best part is when the mother says, "Sorry, son," and hands him the razor from the shower.  His face is priceless.  I am not really sure what the commercial is for, but it is sure funny.  I love commercials that make you laugh.  So many of them insult your intelligence and some are just plain stupid.  I really hate some of the commercials on the hunting channels.  They really use sex to sell everything.  It is simply disgusting.  I know that the guys like this stuff, but some of the commercials are very degrading to women.

I think I am going to grab some frozen grapes and head to the bedroom to finish watching the Michigan State and Florida State game.  You know, earlier this evening, I could not think of Tom Izzo's name to same my soul.  I thought and thought and thought and came up with a blank.  It was like a brick hit me in the head when they said his name at the beginning of the game.  I find myself having this problem more often.  I think I might be getting old.  Maybe I shouldn't worry about it until I don't remember my own name.  :)

Catch up Tuesday

I'm sorry I didn't post yesterday.  My afternoon was hectic.  My friend, L. Tav, who has had two chemo treatments, was admitted to St. John's yesterday morning.  I went up to see her right after school Monday.  She has an infection.  They, as of this posting, have not been able to identify where or what the infection is.  They have her on a wide spectrum antibiotic until they can pin point the infection.  She also has a pretty nasty cough.  I spoke with her husband, Tom, and she still is running a temperature.  She must stay in the hospital until she is fever free for 48 hours.  I will probably go see her Wed. or Thursday after school.  I am afraid that they will put her in a quarantined room since she is susceptible to infections since her immune system is weak from the chemo.  I'll keep you posted about her condition.

Steve has been feeling quite well the last couple of days.  He has been wearing his new hoodie that he got from Bass Pro.  The hoodie has a big set of deer antlers on the front.  It is also black.  I think this is funny because he is always on me for wearing hoodies all the time.  Now that he realizes they are so comfortable, he is eating his words.  I think I will have to buy him some more.  My hoodies are all MU, and I don't think he will wear them.  I will have to get him some more "hunting" related themes.  Hoodies might become his wardrobe of choice.

It sure was frosty this morning when I got up and went to the gym.  2/2 days is not a bad start to the week.  My shoulders are a little sore.  I am really starting to like my new routine.  The 5 minutes of hard elliptical between my sets really makes a difference.  It is more tiring and really makes me sweaty.  Was that an over-share?  Sorry!  I met with my trainer guy today to discuss my food intake.  He gave me several suggestions and advice on how to have my "diet" work in my favor instead of against me.  I am excited to start using his hints tomorrow.  The first of Dec. is a great day to start a readjustment in my eating habits.  I think the only issues I will have is cutting out the extras like butter, mayo, salad dressing...  I am keeping a workout and food journal.  He is going to go over it in a week or two to see how I am doing.  I hope he won't need the journal to tell how I am doing.  I want people to see the difference in me not read about how I am changing. Oh, I am also sitting on a balance ball at school instead of a chair.  You know, working on my core.  Our nurse does it and suggested it to me.  I am a little sore from balancing all day.  I really have to keep my mind on it or I teeter to the side.  Pretty funny.  I have no natural balance so this is a real challenge for me.  My kids are getting a kick out of it.    I am hoping that it is the little things that will help me achieve my goals.   I'll keep you posted.

School is getting me down.  Remember the research papers we have been working on for WEEKS?  Well, we are winding down, and it is proofreading time.  I spent all day going over research papers and proofing them.  Talk about wearing you out.  I am exhausted.  Luckily, the counselor is in my room tomorrow for the day.  I can catch up on proofing and lesson plans.  I am a little behind on the plans.  With this research paper, we have been winging it daily.  That will come to a halt on Friday.  I think we will tackle prepositions next...oh, yea!

Samurai had a play date today.  He went to the groomer for a bath, nail trim, and play time.  He is good looking and smells wonderful now.  He is tired too.  He loves his play date.  The sad thing is his play friend might be pregnant and may not be able to play for a while.  Hopefully, the groomer will find him another friend.  It might be difficult since he is such a big boy.  He is now wearing a snappy Santa Claus neckerchief.  HUBBA. HUBBA.

Ozark has been a wonderful elf lately.  He has been very tricky with his hiding.  He is very fond of lights the past couple of day.  Here are a few pictures of him hiding.  When he was in the big light in the front room, we only found him because we could hear him whistling.  "Some say he is fond of whistling sad ballads." (A line from Young Guns that we used when we were telling Aubree about Ozark's personality.)  Now if she can't find him, she asks us if we can hear him whistling.  We usually say yes and tip our head in the direction to hear him better.  After we say we can hear him, she can hear him too!  Aren't children's imaginations wonderful!  Why do we have to out grow them?

Hiding in the basket above the stove and microwave.  Look at him smirk.

He loved hiding in the big light in the dining room.  It took Aubree forever to find him this day.  Thank goodness he was whistling. 

Just swinging from the light fixture in the kitchen.  It is an excellent place to watch Aubree be a good girl.  

I am watching Seinfeld as I post.  Sure do love this show.  Kramer is a hoot.  This is the episode where he is wearing the tight, tight jeans.  He really cracks me up.  You know, everyone needs a Kramer in their life.  I think we all have Georges, but we really don't need them.  You know the guy who is your friend, but seems to have a pitiful life and it never gets any better.  Plus, he always seems to mess things up in your life simply by being there or saying the stupid things.  You keep him around because you couldn't imagine life without him.  We all also have Jerrys in our lives.  The funny guy that is so shallow you could never have a serious conversation with him.  You like him because he keeps you laughing and makes your problems seem silly with his strange and true observations.  We all have Newmans...enough said.  Then there's Elaine...yada, yada, yada.  I feel truly sorry for people that do not watch Seinfield, how do they relate to life?