Club Day

There is this day, held every year, called Club Day.  On this day, youth participants give public speaking presentations, play musical pieces, perform a skit or drama, demonstrate a skill or even give a talk on a project.  The name of this event is called Club Day, which is a mystery to me, on how this name came to be.

We set up for the big, festive day on Friday after school.  Saturday morning came early.  I headed to the school to unlock around 6:30.  One of my youth clubs was preparing for concessions - coffee and biscuits and gravy were in the works!

Soon, the school was buzzing to life!  Judges arrived to have their orientation, and find their room.  Youth participants arrived with supplies in hand, ready to deliver their presentations.  I tried to get to each room and snap a photo, but it simply did not happen!  So, I must put the request out for photos from parents in attendance.

The day went well, and I am quite proud of all the youth participants.  It is so fun to watch their ideas come to life!  Here is one picture that I did capture, and I do hope that all the youth had a fine day too!

Winter Weather Woes

Weather like this certainly makes one thankful for a warm house, a car that runs and nice cozy blankets!  Really, why did the nice pre-spring days have to leave?  Was that groundhog lying?  What is the scoop with the snow??

So, the day started off with some sleet -- but the temperatures were hovering around the freezing mark, so the sleet did not accumulate.  Bonus!  Then around 3:30 or so on Thursday afternoon, the flakes started flying.  I am talking heavy, can't really see in front of you, kind of snow.  Yes, this was serious.

I decided to leave work around 4:30.  I headed out to the parking lot to get my car cleared off, and ready for the trek home.  Groceries were loaded from my pre-work morning purchase.  The defrost was working hard, and I cleared all the windows.  Then at 4:50 p.m.  I was off!

I headed up my normal route, only to discover that traffic was at a standstill.  An ambulance and firetruck drove by.  Oh dear -- an accident.  So, I made a u-turn at my first opportunity, and tried route number two.  Still no dice.  As traffic was stopped again, another ambulance made its way by.  Ok, I saw an out, and after 20 minutes of waiting -- I made my exit.  Off to route number three.

This route involved a bit of a hill, and well, let's just say that many cars were not faring well.  Needless to say, this was by a college apartment complex, and college students are ever so helpful.  They would come out onto the road in droves, and push flailing cars up the hill.  It was quite the site to behold!  Thankfully, the Cavalier in front of me made it, with their help.

I turned north, and headed home.  I clicked on the four wheel drive, and made it safely home.  Mr. Fixit was waiting with open arms -- for the groceries and had cleared the snow to the door.  What a wonderful ending to a harried day!

Baby Room Debut

I believe that everything is ready in the baby room - FINALLY, ready for our little one to arrive!  Mr. Fixit installed wainscoating, trim, closet doors and furniture.  He even built and painted shelves, installed a blind, carefully hung my Mom's curtain and diaper stacker and cleaned!

I unpacked the baby items, and found a place for each -- inside the dresser, the cabinet, the bookshelf or the closet.  I think we have a home for everythng!  We have been very blessed by family and friends, so thank you all so much!

Here is a peek at what it looks like from the doorway, into the room.  Enjoy!

The "New" Printer

I finally got around to installing the printer that I purchased -- for one penny -- when I made the leap into the world of Mac about two years ago.  I did not have room for the printer at my old house, so I kept it safely boxed and ready for the "some day" when I would have desk space to accommodate my lovely electronic gadget.

I unpacked the box, and followed the directions -- well, for the most part -- and now have the lovely printer attached to my trusty computer.  I am ready to print the documents and web pages of my world!  I ran the test/alignment page and only a bit of red ink and a bit of blue ink appeared.  I tried the scan option - and an invisible document appeared.  I hooked the USB cable and installed the software on my computer -- then printed a Word document -- and three more invisible pages shot out of my printer.

I made the decision, even though the ink indicator lights say that the ink is full, that perhaps the cartridges have dried up inside the box during the past two years.  So, I purchased some new cartridges, and hope this is the trick.  I also purchased some white paper, because it is hard to see yellow ink on yellow paper.  Success - the printer did print with the new ink and the new paper.  The scan feature is causing a bit of a pickle right now, so that will require further investigation!

Baby Cake

My Bell Buddies had quite the time creating goodies for a surprise little shower that they threw on Sunday. One of the bell ladies created a diaper cake -- which looks almost edible!  The guys thought maybe they should cut into it and see for themselves!  We did not cut into the cake, but explored all the treats on the outside instead.

The treats included pacifiers, socks, teething rings, rattles, toys and a rubber duck.  The rubber duck has a special temperature sensor on the bottom, to tell you if the water is too hot for the baby.  Several of the guys thought this definitely was worth a test.  So, Mr. Fixit and KA decided to try it out!  Yup, it sure worked - because KA got a little hot water touch in the process =)

The top tier of diapers is for newborn, and bottom two tiers are stage one.  I hate to disassemble the cake, so, for right now we are enjoying the cake as a room decoration.  When the time comes for more diapers though - we just might have to dig in!!

Mr. Bow Jingles

My Bell Choir friends have been busy little bees, I tell you!  They invited Mr. Fixit and I over to the home of K & T for a Sunday lunch, and unexpected surprises.  We arrived in time to enjoy a delicious sub sandwich, salads, fruit, desserts and more lunch.  My bell buddies then sprung the biggest surprise!

They created a quilt just for our baby!  The pattern features little bow ties in very festive green, brown and blue fabrics.  The prints and patterns are just exquisite!  Each bell choir member had a special part in the production.  A group headed to the fabric store to select the right pieces.  Another crew cut.  Another crew pressed.  Then there was the "test" to see who would make the sewing crew, including those who created the little bow ties!  Finally, my bell book buddy contributed by constructing the binding!  The quilt is definitely one of a kind.

One of the bell ladies even named it -- "Mr. Bow Jingles."  A little label contains the name and a special dedication on the back.  The quilt is truly special!  Thank you CP for all your leadership and quilting expertise to make this memory for us to cherish!

Dinner Than Dance

A group of my high school teens, along with a friend, wanted to have their formal dance dinner out our house.  They requested the dinner date in January.  I put the reservation on the calendar, brainstormed some menu options and prepped the kitchen.  So, let the cooking begin!

I prepared a Romaine salad, bacon green beans, chicken parmesan, pasta Alfredo, French Bread and a choice of apple or cherry pie for dessert -- with vanilla ice cream!  I even dug out some votive candles, and Mr. Fixit turned the lights down for a candlelit dinner.  I think that everyone enjoyed their dinner - especially because seconds were requested =)

I will miss this group of young adults!  They will soon graduate, move on to new life adventures.  They brought us flowers and a little gift for our soon-to-arrive baby.  Hope the dance was fantastic!  Thanks for the memories!

Second Grade Lunch

Niece #2 was ready for our lunch date, which just for the record, was supposed to be in January - but Mother Nature has obviously had other plans for the last three weeks!  So, off to school I went for lunch.  I was told (by my now eight-year-old niece) to come to her classroom shortly before noon.

We headed out to recess, and then ate lunch.  The weather was close to 50 degrees, so a large group of second graders played tag - and invited me to be a part of the game, which was nice, but did not work so well for me.  I was an easy tag target!  Let's just say that I can't run quite like I used to!

We entered the cafeteria for lunch, and then the questions began.  LOTS of questions about the baby.  One boy asked why I swallowed a basketball?  Another classmate touched my belly and wanted to know what that was.  How do I feed "it?"  Why is "it" in there?  When is "it" coming out?  Do we have a name?  Who picked the name?  Is "it" alive?  Can you bring "it" back to see us when "it" comes?  My niece was quite quick with the question responses: She told all that "it" was a baby, her cousin, and that the baby ate what I ate.  She told her classmates that we had a name picked out, but we were not telling anyone - not even her! Oh, and she told them, that we would not be able to bring the baby to see everyone because she was moving.

So, I headed out of second grade and back to my office work world.  Who would have thought that one soon-to-arrive baby could create such excitement in second grade?

Giant Check

I love being a part of sharing good news!!  Yesterday was a special day for one of my youth groups.  They received a special grant award from the Monsanto Fund.  I attended their meeting last night to congratulate them, and bring the super, huge, giant check to their meeting!

The check was shipped to my office in a very l-o-n-g flat box, and the check itself -- I am guessing -- is 5 feet long!  I stood it up next to me, and I am barely taller than the check, so I am sticking with the 5 foot estimate.  It was quite the adventure getting it in my car for the delivery and presentation!

Yesterday, I headed over to Press Conference with the County Commissioners.  Well, I did not realize that it was Jordy Nelson Day, so it was a full house!  I brought the check to show, and one of the Commissioners asked Jordy to sign it.  So, the youth group enjoyed one more bonus for their Valentine's Day!

All in all, a definitely terrific day in the youth world!  I would love to have loads more of them in a year - because that is really the best part of the job - seeing the kids reap positive benefits for their work and learning.  I was just not counting on quite so much media excitement!

Mall Walkers

Since the weather turned to winter, blustery, cold -- during the month of December -- I decided to take my weekly exercise indoors.  Especially since I was no longer on the running circuit, the timing seemed perfect to walk in a climate controlled setting.  Oh, did I mention the location is free??  Even better!

I started heading to the local mall for four laps around the indoor perimeter.  My morning walking time is early.  Usually, I try to arrive at 7:00 and walk until 7:30.  The mall is quite close to my office, so it is very handy.  Well, at that early hour, there is quite a walking crowd!

Most of the folks are twice my age, but they are definitely welcoming.  They all have their morning routine.  Some come and walk with their spouses.  A couple of the spouses may only walk one lap around, and then grab a tasty treat from Mrs. Powell's.  Another group usually assembles for a bit of coffee, after their walk.  Meanwhile, the other spouses continue their laps around.

This past week, many of the walkers have been inquiring as to when the baby is due.  They then request that I bring the baby and stroller so they can all meet the little one.  I assured them that I would come and visit, but I am just not sure I will be there at 7:00 a.m.!  Mr. Fixit simply can't quit commenting on all the new friends that I have made!

A Week Gone By

I am really in disbelief that the entire week has gone by -- and I really do not have much to say for accomplishments -- well, except for today =).  My head was in a fog most of this week due to an ear infection.  I was thankful to finally get an antibiotic on Wednesday, and I must say, I can concentrate again!

Mr. Fixit has been super patient, and super busy too.  He has just about finished all the details with the baby room.  I can't wait to share a photo or two of the result!  He has a few more finishing tidbits to go, and then we will be ready.  I need to purchase a mattress yet for the crib, and then get things unpacked and organized.  So, I believe that is my agenda plan for this week's non-meeting nights!

I spent another partial Saturday at the office, and feel that I am getting closer to being ready for some time away.  I have some major projects yet to accomplish - so let's see how the list goes this week!  It is time to work on several months worth of newsletters.  Yup, I can sense all of your enthusiasm to help, so feel free to pop over, if you want some writing fun!

Motorcycles - in the Basement!

Winter arrived, for real, about a month ago when we experienced our first snowfall.  I think it was either the end of October, or perhaps November, when our motorcycle residents arrived. They are simply hanging out in our basement, dreaming of warmer days and open roads - I am sure!

The cycles belong to Mr. Fixit's college-age nephews.  They enjoy having the bikes close by, because parking is a premium in this university town.  So, before the first flakes of snow threaten to fly, the cycles come to hang out in the weather-safe basement.

I don't really know anything about motorcycles, but I am sure that as soon as the winter blusteriness bids us farewell, that the cycles will also depart for the better part of the year.  I included a photo of our "hibernating" residents.  They quite enjoy their spot, right next to the pool table!

Amaryllis - Week 4

My office Amaryllis has really gained some height in the last several weeks!  I did not have a chance to post about the growth progress last week, but as you can see from the photo, it has had a good stay on my windowsill!  I am still holding out for some Valentine's flowers.  I hope that the Amaryllis will make it =).  I did give my plants some water on Wednesday, so the Amaryllis should be ready for another little growth action!

Adrift in Snow

We had a bit of snow this week.  Well, we first had a good sheeting of ice before the snow arrived.  This happened Sunday night.  The snow started coming on Monday and really had a party on Tuesday!  The wind, although uninvited, was very active on Tuesday also.

Needless to say, this was the perfect formula for a good old fashioned blizzard.  We, fortunately, only received about 5 inches of snow.  So, the drifts were not super humongous, but it was certainly enough of a storm to give kiddos three snow days this week!

My office was even closed on Tuesday for the whole day and half of the day on Wednesday.  Here is shot of one of our lovely yard drifts!

Mr. Fixit's Sisters

There are 6 of them -- and they are each awesome individuals.  I feel almost as though I have known them for a lifetime, even though it really has not been quite that long at all.  They are super friendly, generous helpers and sincerely have welcomed me into their family with open arms and warm hearts!

These lovely ladies were responsible for the wonderful shower held on Sunday.  Each sister took a role in the day.  One designed and mailed the invitations, another handled the food, one gathered the decor, one planned and led the games, another took care of the punch, one baked and decorated cakes and they all teamed up to provide Mr. Fixit and I -- oh, and of course the baby, with many gift blessings!

Even though I thanked them each individually, I can't express in enough words how much I appreciate all that they have done, and continue to do for me.  Mr. Fixit's Mom is quite a lady too -- and I would say that these girls certainly inherited her good qualities too!

Showered by Family & Friends

Mr. Fixit's sisters were busy little beavers on Sunday.  They organized and conducted an awesome shower for us and the soon-to-arrive baby!  A delicious homemade cake, yummy fruit, pretzels shaped like letters, animal crackers, M&M's (Mr. Fixit's favorite) and nuts were served.  A tasty cranberry punch also was offered!

We played several fun games, including one that niece #2 wanted another chance to play.  She came in third place, and thought, perhaps, that we should try that one again!

I had three little assistants help me with gifts, and both of our Mom's sat at the table and helped record the gifts from the guests.  The best part was seeing everyone - even though it was for just a brief time - and catching up!  Thank you so much family, and we look forward to sharing our little one with you soon!

It's Parliamentary

My Saturday was spent knee-deep in parliamentary procedure.  I know, sounds scary, right?  It was not bad at all, and I believe everyone learned a thing or two.  I believe three of my college student judges learned that driving just a bit faster when running late yields a very expensive ticket! Nonetheless, all arrived safe and sound.

Teams competed in three age divisions - Junior (age 7-10); Intermediate (age 11-13) and Senior (age 14-19).  The teams came up with themes, made motions and managed meetings quite effectively.  I loved one of the Junior team themes -- the four seasons!  We had some chefs, some Greek toga folks, colors, beach party and quite a few others that escape me at the moment.

The day began early and came to a close around 12:30, when I was able to pack up the items and head back to town.  Enjoy a photo from the day!