Home Sick And Now The Washer Quits....What Else Is Around The Corner?

O.k, so I called off of work today sick. I didn't think my coworkers would appreciate me spreading my sicko germs everywhere, so I stayed home. I am supposed to be resting right now, but I unable to sleep. So, here I sit in front of my computer writing this post. Typing away as I hack up a lung.

And if being sick wasn't bad enough.....my washer decided to stop working today. I guess it got tired of washing 6 to 7 loads a day. When it is supposed to agitate or spin to get the water out of the clothes, it just makes a horrible noise. Kind of sounds like it is going to explode at anytime. So, I guess it is time to send it to the retirement home for broken and unwanted appliances. Good bye my washer, you have served me well.

I have to admit that I had a good weekend overall. We took a leisurely drive through a park that had a holiday light display. Then we took the kids to see Santa. Finished up our shopping and spent some quality time with the kids. And with Christmas just 3 days away, I eagerly anticipate the looks on my kids faces when they open their gifts. And that my friends is all the medicine I need to fix being sick. So, hurry up and get here Christmas, I need a feel good fix and quick.

Alive And Kicking

I am sure many folks probably have given up on me by now, since it has been a few months since I posted last. But let me tell you that I am still here.

Life kind of took me for a ride down the bumpiest road ever. And it has finally started to slow down. From watching my sister in law hang near death, to struggling to deal with my depression. And that is just the beginning. I am hoping that the holidays will bring some much needed relief from the craziness. But it doesn't feel like it will.

I am struggling with my feelings of losing my dad on Christmas day last year. I cry a lot, and am really depressed. I wish I could fast forward through the next few weeks so I could make the pain go away, but that is just a pipe dream.

For now I will tie a knot in the end of my rope, and hang on for dear life.

Kids Just Love School

It is amazing how quickly the newness of school has worn off. One day the kids are jumping out of bed at the speed of light and running out the door to school. And the next they are pulling the covers over their heads and hiding instead of getting dressed.

I think it has to do with the change in the weather. On the days when the temperature has dropped significantly, they tend to hide under the covers in the morning. But on warmer days, they seemingly pop out of bed like toast from a toaster. And I have to admit that on the cold fall days I am even guilty of avoiding waking in the morning. Nothing feels as good as a warm toasty bed on a cold morning.

And to think that we are only one month into the school year. Sigh, it's gonna be a long year.

Teaching Someone To Read

In my last post I mentioned that I have my 12 yr old nephew living with us. Well I have the wonderful pleasure every night of helping him with his homework. And as a result I have found out one thing......he can't read worth a darn.

So, I sit patiently, and listen while he reads aloud from his homework. And I try very hard to be patient while I correct him. But it is not easy sometimes. I want to smack him upside the head when he repeatedly rushes through sentences. Or guesses at words instead of taking the time to sound them out and get them correctly.

But a school teacher I am not. That why I am looking for a little help from my readers. I am searching for either a computer program or a website that helps build reading skills. I don't know what kind of response I will get, but any suggestions will be appreciated. Lord knows I need all the help I can get.

It has been a few months since the last time I posted. It has been a crazy year and an even crazier summer. I am so happy that the school year has begun again. And that my house is once again a quiet place.

As usual my home became a refuge for other family members children for the summer. And as a result we now have my nephew living with us. He came to stay for a few weeks and has now enrolled in school here. And it is a good thing that he is here. His mother has been hospitalized for the last two months and now the family is being evicted from their home in a few days. And to make matters worse, the home that they were going to move into was burned to the ground by an arsonist. So, we found ourselves in a position of do we let him be homeless or take him. The choice was pretty obvious if you ask me.

But the summer did not start all that well. My oldest niece and her infant daughter that were living with us, moved out. On her 18th birthday she left the house and has not returned. She quit school and chose to live the party life. And by that I mean that she hangs out with her friends, smokes weed, drinks and thinks that life is grand. I hated to let the baby go, because I am so attached to her. But short of a court order I can't force her mother to let us keep her. So, as heart breaking as it was we had to let the my niece go and live her own life.

So, we are down to being a family of seven again. Which is a huge difference from being a family of ten. The house is a lot cleaner and a heck of a lot quieter. So, I guess I can be thankful for the small changes that happen. All of the kids will be in school this year, ( my daughter starts preschool next week.) And all I can say is what a beautiful thing that is. I love my life!

My How They Love Their Donuts

Nine police officers in a small town in Michigan have a new claim to fame. And no it is not arresting a famous criminal or solving a crime. They now own the town donut shop.

When the owners of the Clare City Bakery were ready to throw in the towel, it was the cops to the rescue. All nine officers from the city police force chipped in and bought the business that had been in operation since 1896. And since it's Grand Opening on July 1, 2009, it is quickly becoming a hit. They have a line of merchandise with logos like "You have the right to be glazed" and "handcuffs and cream puffs". At this time the officers have no intentions on leaving their full time jobs. So, they hired a manager and some students from the local High School.

So, I bet your wondering where I am going with this story. Well, since I am on vacation this week, I plan on loading the kids into the car and taking a long drive into the countryside of Michigan. Clare is only a 3 hour drive for me. But for the donuts and merchandise I think it would be a fun trip.

So, if you ever happen to be in the Bay City area of Michigan take the short jog over to Clare and pick up some handcuffs and cream puffs. But don't forget you have the right to be glazed!!!

Visit The Cops & Doughnuts Website

How Quickly They Forget

Good Grief!! It is amazing how quickly my son forgot about his recent tongue injury. Today he was ready to start bouncing on the trampoline again. I reminded him about his stitches and all he could say was, "I am all better mommy. I can play on the trampoline again. I promise I won't get hurt!!!!"

Oh Lord it is gonna be a long summer!!