Sunday, September 28, 2008

Wonderful Wedding!

DS's wedding was perfect! The weather cooperated, everyone arrived pretty much on time, and there was so much love and happiness the church nearly exploded. Throughout the ceremony my son looked at his bride with so much love I nearly cried and she just beamed back at him. The minister did a lovely job; the only bobble was when he forgot to get the microphone and had to have my new DIL repeat her "I do!". That really was a blessing in disguise as everyone laughed, including DIL, and things were just so relaxed after that. The church was on the warm side and by the end of the ceremony I was so parched. But, my son's new MIL had thought of everything and provided coolers of cool water and apple cider.

And talk about a party afterward!!!!! Wowza! I don't think I have ever seen so many people have such a great time. A few even had too good a time, but we won't mention names. I know I haven't danced that much in a long time (nor felt so old the next day either). It was wonderful to see my DS's friends after so long. They all looked so nice in their tuxes and suits. Words to do the reception justice are just escaping me.

This afternoon three of us me, hubby and my mom, went over to my son's in-law's and helped them open their gifts. It was so good to see how much they love my son! We love their daughter just as much and feel that we have added her family to ours.

I am feeling very blessed today. All three of my children are married, happy, and living useful lives. I don't think a parent can ask for more. God bless you all.

TTFN
Ginny

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Two More Days-YIKES

Things are starting to get done, yea! I got my nails done today, bought headbands for the two little girls who are in the wedding, and got my car washed! I wish that just one time I could get my nails done without messing them up right away. It wasn't so bad today, I only chipped one tiny spot. I am trying to be so careful since there are still two days until the wedding.

My car is SO clean! I have a habit of waiting too long before I get it taken care of. No one else has as messy a car as I do. I just can't seem to prevent the clutter. DH gets so frustrated with me...I guess I deserve it.

I am not going to humiliate myself any more tonight. Sorry!

TTFN
Ginny

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Time is Running Out

Wow, the wedding is only four days away! This time has gone so fast. I went in today to get a fresh coat of color on my hair and have a dry run of my hairdo for Saturday. I like it! We went a little lighter on the color and I feel like it is a better look without a couple of weeks for it to soften.

My DD and her hubby are having a heck of a time buying a house. They have put bids in on three of them but ended up having their bids rejected. They are still trying to reach a satisfactory compromise on the latest house. This one is at least in move in condition. DD says it really only requires some new paint on some of the walls and the rest can wait until much later. I hope they get this one. It is right across the street from the elementary school the children will attend in a few years. It's also near a park which is wonderful as they need a place to go while my son-in-law sleeps during the day (he works nights). So, keep your fingers crossed...please?

My little sister in Seabrook, Texas is back at her home now. What a mess! They didn't get the food out of their fridge before they left. They had to go searching for some bleach but the grocery stores (no power so the stores are operating on generators). Finally, some was found at Walgreens and they were able to get their fridge cleaned and re-stocked. For some reason my sister has power at her house. They just don't have phone service. Thank goodness for cell phones! It looks as though they will probably have to have their wallboards replaced as well as their furniture, drapes, and carpeting. She says it all so depressing; the neighborhood is full of debris from the flooding. The most predominant sound is that of chainsaws as people try to cut up the trees that were downed by Ike.

I want to know how my DS and his wife-to-be are staying so calm. When you call to ask a question they don't get upset or anything! I asked if he was nervous; he said, "No, not at all. I am just so ready for this." Amazing! The adorable, funny little boy that I think of sometimes has grown into a wonderful young man. One thing that has stayed the same is his very dry sense of humor. I usually realize he has made a joke about something after it is long past. There is an old saying that goes "A daughter is a daughter all of her life; but a son is a son until he takes a wife." There is some truth in that. You are no longer the most important woman in their lives. Of course, that's the way it SHOULD be! But, it is a really strange feeling for a mother when that youngest one takes the big step.

Okay, I'm done rambling for tonight. Sleep well, all! I may not return until next week.

TTFN
Ginny

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Finally!

I finally got some things done around here. Woohoo! DD and her two little ones went home on Tuesday morning. I am enjoying the quiet but I miss them so much! The last couple of days have been spent going through my clothes and getting rid of what I don't ever wear. It has been really hard to get rid of some things; especially those that still have the price tags on them. Hey, I never said I have the greatest taste, did I?

Monday night I went to a Stampin' Up meeting at my demonstrator's home. The meeting was for her monthly stamp club which I joined this summer. There are ten members and we meet once a month for 10 months. Each person picked a month to be the hostess, (I picked June). When you join you agree to spend a minimum of $20 so there is a guarantee of a $200 order. The person who chose the particular month gets all the hostess benefits. We also made three projects. It is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. I love stamping!

For some reason I am really tired all of a sudden and I feel sleepy. Gonna stop for tonight.

TTFN
Ginny

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Grandchildren and Bachelorette Party

Well, the two youngest grandchildren have arrived. Boy, have they arrived! Ashley and Danny are so cute, but also very active. When they first got here Danny ran away from me but then turned around and ran right into my arms with his big blue eyes twinkling. Ashley has been singing songs for me; her favorite song is Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Because we live on a farm she has developed a fascination with cows. I have tried to get her to sing it as Grandpa Miller has a farm. Too cute!

My DD is out tonight with my DIL-to-be for her bachelorette party. It has been so long since she has been "out" without the children. DIL-to-be and the rest of the girls stopped out here to pick her up. They were already having fun. DIL's mother is the designated driver so the girls don't have to worry about partying too much. Babysitting the children is easy, they are asleep!

DH made about 30 quarts of tomato juice today. He has a glass every morning at breakfast and usually has enough to last until next fall. I don't care for tomato juice, oh well. Have I mentioned that he does pickles, too? He makes the best homemade pickles in the world. I have tried a lot of people's pickles but I really only like his, for homemade anyway.

It has been rainy here today; warm and humid. The temp got above 70F today so it felt really muggy. The humidity is supposed to drop on Monday; I sure hope so!

By the way, I spoke with my nephew in Texas this morning and they were safe in the place they evacuated to. I think that their house is flooded though. Thank God they are all safe. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes when they get home!

Okay, I'm done rambling for tonight.

TTFN,
Ginny

Friday, September 12, 2008

Hurricane Ike

My youngest sister lives in Seabrook Texas, just south of Houston. They evacuated yesterday and went northwest. I am so thankful as their home is probably flooded by now. I cannot believe the people who are so stubborn about going to safety. My mom and I have been watching the Houston local news all day and it is incredible how high the water got without it even raining. I will be praying for all the people who wouldn't or couldn't get out.

My DH has spent the whole afternoon and evening on the roof of our house, installing his solar panel. He is so excited about finally getting this project finished. If it goes as planned our kitchen and livingroom will be warmer this winter.

DD will be here tomorrow with her two little ones. I love it when they come to visit but it is nice when they go home, too. Their bid wasn't accepted on the first house they bid on. So, now they have to start over. They have been looking at houses all week and have found a couple that wouldn't be too bad. I am putting them on my prayer list, too.

I helped mom make an apple pie this morning. Even got out my apple peeling machine. It still doesn't work!!!! You peel more apple than peeling, sheesh! The pie turned out really good though and I can even eat it because we used Splenda instead of sugar. Woohoo! I love apple pie but I hardly ever eat it because of all the sugar. (I am diabetic.) We got the apples at a nearby orchard and they were pretty good. A little on the mealy side but they baked up okay.

Haven't really done much else today except make a run to the hardware store for DH. Guess I will go find something to do.

TTFN
Ginny

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Consignment Shops

JenJen, thank you so much for checking out my blog. As you probably can tell, I am fairly new to the blogging world. At least when it comes to being the blogger instead of the reader. If you are ever in the Madison area, let me know. Maybe we can meet for coffee or lunch or something. Just to let you know how many problems I have with memory, on Tuesday I saw a friend at our local polling place. I called her by name when I first saw her and ten minutes later I couldn't remember it at all. Did I ever feel stupid. It did come back to me, but is was very embarrassing.

I wrote on Tuesday that my mother and I were going to take some things to a consignment shop. I never knew that it was such a hard (read impossible) thing to do. Fortunately, I started calling shops before we went all the way to Madison. One shop only takes formal wear, another isn't accepting new consignees, a third one deals only with hip, trendy clothing and the last one wanted only designer clothing. We didn't meet any of the criteria for any of the shops, LOL! So, we took them to St. Vincent de Paul and called it a day. I was SO disappointed. Oh, well! At least St. Vinnie's never turns me down.

Today I went to Madison and re-ordered my drapes for the guest room. I ended up ordering a blue called Delft. It is a light blue, but not pale by any means. Not what I really wanted but better than the "Lagoon". JC Penney's is having a sale, (no, really, a sale?) on baby and toddler things. I saw such cute things and I ended up buying some things for my two youngest GB's (grand babies of course). There were so many mix and match tops and pants for them at only 4.99 each. Any grandma knows you have to buy when the price is that good, right?

I set my alarm last night for 7 am. Didn't get up til 7:45, but that is way better than my usual 9-9:30 time. Hey, baby steps are better than no steps. My goal is to eventually get up at 7 am and be in bed no later than 11 pm. Oops! It is already 11:26. I had better get going.

TTFN
Ginny

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Procrastination-Again

I don't dknow what was wrong with me today. I was so exhausted all day. Would you believe I never even got dressed? I think maybe it was a little flare from the fibromyalgia. It really helps to know that there is a reason for the days when I feel like I just can't get moving.

My new curtains for the guest room are the wrong color, rats! I can't remember if I wrote about it or not, but we have our old (read ancient) living room curtains jury-rigged up there right now. Not pretty at all. I have a border in the room that is Debbie Mumm country style angels. I love it, but I have a hard time finding things in the right colors to go with it. I thought I was getting a blue with a tiny hint of green, but it is green with a tiny hint of blue. It just won't work, so now I have to decide between navy or light blue. The walls in the room are kind of an almond color, so anything neutral will just blend in instead of adding to the room. So, back the store to reorder a better color. Hmm. Maybe I can find a leftover piece of the border for color comparison.

My DS's wedding is only two weeks and three days away. It is coming too fast for comfort. I have my dress and shoes, DH's tux is ordered, and I bought the grandchildren's outfits. Yeah, I am so ready. My DIL to be is having her bachelorette party this weekend. That means my DD will be home to go since she is in the wedding party. And, THAT means I get to baby sit my two littlest darlings. Now I am really excited! Those two are growing up so fast! Ashley speaks in fairly complete sentences and Danny has a new word(s) every day.

When I named this blog "Ramblings..." I was right on! That seems to be what I do best...ramble. I will stop rambling for tonight.

TTFN!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Doing it for Myself

I have decided that I am doing this blog just for myself. No one has left me any comments so...I am doing it for my own need for expression.

Let's see, what has been going on since my last post? Not as much as I'd like, but more than I expected. I have not done anything toward starting my quilts yet. I need a new machine, but DH says I must wait until Christmas for that. Rats! But I guess I could start on the applique if Mom doesn't mind sharing her machine.

In the meantime, I have been working on my clothes; you know, like sorting, weeding out things I'll never wear again, etc. I have gained a few pounds and ended up taking a few things out of the box from a couple of months ago. Buying clothes is so frustrating. My upper chest and lower body are smaller than my middle section. If I buy the correct size for shoulder and bust area, the middle is too tight. If I buy jeans to fit my waist area, you notice I said area because I don't really have a waist, they are too big in the leg and butt areas. I ordered a dress for my son's wedding. It fit beautifully in the middle area, not too tight or anything. But the bust, OMG, it fell off me and left my whole chest exposed. Not a pretty sight. So, I returned the dress...too late for a refund; store credit only. When I went to the web site to reorder something, I decided to get some tops. The tops all had nicely fitted bust areas and looked really flowy on the models. They came today. The tops fitted me perfectly in the bust and shoulders but the flowy area wasn't as loose as it looked. I look like a sexy pregnant lady in them. The girls look great, but the bulges are horrible, I look 8 months pregnant in them. I could deal with that, maybe, if I were in my 30's or early 40's, but I am 56! Aaaaaaargh! Now what do I do? I guess I could return them for another store credit, but I don't think anything from that store will fit me.

DH and I are starting to think about our winter vacation. We are thinking Hawaii maybe. It all depends on whether or not we have enough credits in the vacation club we belong to. In 2005 we took a week-long cruise to Montego Bay Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, and Cozumel Mexico. The next year we went to Hawaii and vacationed on Oahu. In 2007, we went back to Hawaii and stayed at the same resort, (can you tell we loved it the first time?). Then in February of this year we took another week long cruise that revisited a couple of places we had been before, (Cozumel and Nassau), but we also got to go to Belize. Belize was our favorite port of call. We went to an eco-park and had such a nice time. So, now we just have to figure out where we want to go this year. Any suggestions? Please leave me a comment by clicking on the comments link below this post.

Mom and I are going to take some things in to the consignment shop in Madison this afternoon. I would rather have the money and room in my closet than to try and keep them hoping they will fit again some day.

TTFN,
Ginny

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Anyone out there?

So, I have told you a little about myself. How about a few comments from y'all? Tonight, I think I'll ramble about my DH. We met while we were both in the Navy. I don't know why, but it always surprises people that I was in the service. Anyway, I was just out of personnelman school and I had been assigned to Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. My job in the personnel office, or one of them anyway, was to account for all the enlisted people in our squadron. One Monday morning I was notified that we had a new person check into the office over the weekend. I had to find this Miller before I could file my report for the commanding officer. It took my about an hour to track him down and tell him he had to report to the personnel office to complete check-in. He was so cocky when he showed up. I told him he was the hardest person in the world to find. To this day he claims I shook my finger in his face, but I DID NOT!

From that on, I think I knew somehow that this was my guy! I won't say it was love at first sight, but I wrote my mother a letter shortly after that day and told her about this cute guy I met with the wavy brown hair, twinkly blue eyes and a curly reddish/brown beard. It has now been 36 years and we are still here.

We have three children; a son who will be 35 in December, a daughter who will 32 in November and a son who was 28 in February. I feel so blessed in my family. All three children grew up happy, healthy and, best of all, self-supporting. Now they are having fun with those beautiful grandchildren of ours.

Hey, how about some quilting advice or commiseration or anything at all. Leave me some love folks if you aren't too bored by my rambling.

Toodles, all.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

I figured it out!





So, I finally figured out to post photos, yea!!!! I thought I would show off some photos of my grandbabies this time.
The top photo is my youngest grandchild, Danny. He is such a sweetie. When I "talk" to him on the phone, he kisses the phone as if he is kissing me! I think he loves me, lol! The next photo is his older sister, Ashley. They are only 1 year apart in age and he outweighs her. Ashley is so full of life. She has made up a song about coming to the farm. While she is walking down the sidewalk she spins in slow circles singing "cows, cows, cows. Baby cow, momma cow, moo. Cows, farm, cows, moo, moo, moo." Love it!!!
My oldest granddaughter, Caylie starts second grade on Thursday. That makes me feel really old for some reason. Her little sister, Emma is five and starts kindergarten this year. This photo iof the two of them is a couple of years old, but it is one of my favorites. I love their dark hair and blue eyes. Caylie is mostly calm and sensitive. Emma, on the other hand, has a fiery temper, but she gets over it quickly.
I love them all!!!!!
Til next time, bye!