They are Here!!!!!

Well, Guess who is at our house? Yes, Molly, Mike , and Brock!!!! As their plane was in the air I suddenly came down with the darn flu. I thought it was nerves maybe, but then when I couldn't stop barfing, I knew it was the flu. Yea welcome to Colorado, I'm too sick to be any fun. I am feeling better today. I just need to rest. And oh yea, we have another blizzard outside. Started this morning. I am just so glad they are safely in Colorado in our little, cozy house. :) I have Brock with me here, and Bob, Mike and Molly went to the store, before it gets really bad out there. Thank you God for bringing them here safely. And please don't let anyone else get the flu from me. Amen....and thank you for my family. xo

Answered Prayers

Yippie Skippie, Molly called us and said their luggage was at C.S. airport. Bob and I went to the Colorado Springs airport, and lo and behold we got Molly and Mike's luggage back!!!!! The woman helping us couldn't have been nicer. She was even going to walk us to the truck with the car seat. When I saw their luggage with the caution tape on it I almost started to cry. I thanked God for this huge answered prayer. Molly didn't need any extra stress. Now they can come out her tomorrow and relax and have fun cuz their luggage is here!!! I am blessed. Love, Gail

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry CHRISTmas
Just wanted to say Merry Christmas one and all. Molly, Mike and Brock will try again this Weds. to get here. I am so excited. It is so weird, The big 'Blizzard' was a mere memory in Colorado Springs the next day. I was mad. We went through the Springs yesterday and no snow hardly anywhere. Pray that Molly and Mike get their luggage back from the airlines, before they come here. What a mess. Oh and I have to tell the world, all this time I was thinking I was the only odd one in my family, well now I know I'm not. My 57 yr old sister Barb, just got her NOSE pierced in honor of Laurie, her daughter who died in 2005. Wow, I have ten tattoos, now my sister has a hole in her nose. Barb, how do you blow your nose? I love you sis..xoxoxoxoxo to everyone.
posted by Gail @ 1:21 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Merry CHRISTmas

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas one and all. Molly, Mike and Brock will try again this Weds. to get here. I am so excited. It is so weird, The big 'Blizzard' was a mere memory in Colorado Springs the next day. I was mad. We went through the Springs yesterday and no snow hardly anywhere. Pray that Molly and Mike get their luggage back from the airlines, before they come here. What a mess.
Oh and I have to tell the world, all this time I was thinking I was the only odd one in my family, well now I know I'm not. My 57 yr old sister Barb, just got her NOSE pierced in honor of Laurie, her daughter who died in 2005. Wow, I have ten tattoos, now my sister has a hole in her nose. Barb, how do you blow your nose? I love you sis..xoxoxoxoxo to everyone.

Too much snow..

I am sitting here in our warm house, during a Colorado blizzard, pouting. Why? I just heard that Molly, Mike and Brock's flight out here was cancelled. They are at O'hare airport right now. Trying to get their luggage. Ha ha. They MAY get here on Christmas day which would be great but I feel so bad that I won't get to hold Brock for a few more days yet. The weatherman say this is the worst Snowstorm/Blizzard in years. Yea, great. I am so bummed. I'm not blaming anyone or anybody. I'm just bummed. I cried. Yes the snow is beautiful and gentle, but it makes travel impossible. We have 9 inches here, and the town where I work 11 miles away have no snow! So goofy. Anyway, just wanted to vent. I am feeling down. I feel bad for Molly and Mike with Brock having to go all the way home without luggage and figure out something new. Thanks Jeff, for the driving them to the airport and back. Gods Love................Gail

Good-Bye kind sir.....

Just wanted to update you . Emma is a lot better after surgery on her neck artery. Praise God for that.
But Clark Rudnik was taken off life support after a massive stroke, and went to be with Jesus this morning at 7:30 am. He will be missed deeply. I wish you all knew him. Always ready to help you and loved his kids and grandkids so much. He was an organ donor and I hear someone got his eyes, some of his skin, and some bones. He lives on. Please keep the Rudniks in your Prayers as they plan out the next few days. They are so numb. They know he is with the Lord. His one son Mark is a pastor at a near by church, where Clark got to see his 10th grandson adopted to his son and daughter-in-law, just last week. God gives, and God takes away. Or should I say, takes back.

Another Day in Childland

Well today was funny at work. A four year old boy brought a 'Whoopie Cushion' for Show and Tell. Every time he blew it up and sat on it, I watched 10 other kids laughing their little heads off. It was very funny. All the kids kept saying "He's farting", then they'd look at me and then say.."He's tooting", sorry Miss Gail" .

I am thinking of a child care center change in the same town. I have been asked by two of the Head Start employees to come and work with them. HHmmmmmm. I am praying on it. It would be soooo hard to leave the current bunch of kids for a new bunch. They make me laugh so much. We are getting ready for Christmas in class and making ornaments, and cookie cook books for the families. :)~

Bob and I put up a very nice real Christmas tree, and decorated it. I am typing in the light of the tree. It smells so good. We can't wait til next week when Molly, Mike and BROCK get here to celebrate Christmas with us. We have so much planned. Lots of animals for Brock to touch and ride. Oh man I can hardly wait.

Found out today my dear friend Shalena's father-in-law had a stroke and was flighted to Denver. Also my co-worker's mother had a mini stroke yesterday. Please pray for both of them. Emma Louise, and Mr. Rudnik. Thank you all and blessings to you.....Gail

BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR.......

Wow, is all I can say. Bob and I just got home from seeing the movie, "The Nativity Story." Oh my gosh, PLEASE, please go out and see it. You feel like you are right there, walking with Joseph and Mary, two incredible people of history. Two people that do not get enough credit. Wow....I now see Joseph as the world's most understanding man..ever. And Mary, words can't explain. To be looked down by so many people. This movie is every Christmas song turned real and believable. We loved it. I now understand the Three Wise Men better too. Oh man It's a great movie. P.S. Bring tissues....Gail

Kids.........

Hi, Just wanted to tell a cute "at work story." I had a little three year old girl on my lap today and we were talking. She is a very girly, girl. Plays house at any chance. Always holding a baby doll. I asked her if she was going to get married someday when she grew up. She said "Oh yes and I am going to have a baby son." I said, " Oh yeah, and what will his name be, do you know yet?" She says without a blink...."Buzz LightYear." So cute. But she also said she wants to marry her "Brader" (brother) I love that kid.

SNOW, SNOW EVERYWHERE!!!.....

Here it is in Colorado. We got 6 inches of the white stuff last night. It is so beautiful, but I hate driving in it. I only have to drive 13 miles to work. Maybe, Bob will drive me..hhhmmm
Last night we went with Bob's folks and nephew and niece and saw the movie.."HAPPY FEET". It was a hoot. Very, very cute. You just wanted to cuddle that little penguin, 'Mumble'. If you all didn't know, I still would love to do a cartoon voice for the movies. Just one movie. I could do it. We all enjoyed the movie and as we were coming from the movie , it was just starting to snow. It's still snowing. I hear Aspen, and Vail got feet of snow. Great for the snow boarders and skiiers. Ok, gotta get to work. We never have a snow day. Boo Hoo.........

THANKSGIVING 2006 :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.
WE ARE GOING TO NEW MEXICO FOR THANKSGIVING TO BOB'S SISTER'S FAMILIES HOUSE!! THEY JUST FINISHED THEIR NEW HOUSE AND KEEP ASKING US TO COME SEE IT. WE ARE SO EXCITED. A SIX HOUR DRIVE, BUT IT'S GONNA BE SO FUN TO GET AWAY FOR A COUPLE DAYS, AND RELAX. YIPPIE.................
THEN FRIDAY, OUR SWEET LITTLE PILGRIM PUPPY WILL TURN ONE YEAR OLD. :) A FUN WEEKEND FOR SURE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, AND BE SAFE...LOVE, GAIL

LET'S BE THANKFUL.......

What am I thankful for? Molly, Mike and Brock have their tickets and are actually coming out here for Christmas!!!!! I am thankful for Bob's folks coming over tonight for dinner and the movie, 'OPEN RANGE' . We all had a great meal, and wine, and enjoyed eachothers company. They are wonderful people. I am blessed by them. Betty has healed from her ATV accident and broken ribs, and Dad is better from his broncitis.(sp) I am thankful for the kids I teach and care for at work. I am thankful for good health. I am thankful for being alive and getting to experience fun things in my life. I am thankful for friends and great family. I am mostly thankful for Jesus, and His forgiveness of my wrongs, and for my Salvation. Let us be thankful for you Lord..........................HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE..!!!!!:)

I"m Not Fun

Bob told me I'm not fun. But his friends at the Nuclear plant are fun. HHHMMMM. Could it be that I am scared of saying something wrong to him and him snapping my head off? Yes. Well I have tons of friends who do think I am fun. It's so weird, Bob steps in our house and changes into the Hulk. But when he is away, "with his 'friends' women and men, he is the life of the party. They don't know the real BOB. It's funny how I can clean and cook and try to please Bob but I am not fun. I wish I could please my husband just once...........

TATTOOME

Yay, Bob is home !!!!! Now to organize us again. And great news...Molly, Mike and Brock are coming HERE for Christmas..We are so happy......Have a great week...love, Gail

46 days since I last saw Bob. This is sure not an easy life. I feel like he is in the Army overseas or something. I don't know how those military families do it!! You just miss the person. Going places together, and having that warm body next to you. I do things with friends. Go out to eat, out for coffee, home shows, see people at church etc. But I miss Bob. He knows me. We aren't perfect, but show me one couple that is. Life is hard, Marriage is hard. But the good news is Bob should be home this Saturday!!!
Work... I am so tired of gossip . Nobody is ever happy . I love everyone I work with. But no one is ever happy. Me included. We all feel we could run things better. It seems like a power trip to some teachers. Me, I am just happy being an assistant. But the lead teachers are always stressin out. We have a suggestion box, but we are all afraid to put anything in there. We don't want to step on toes. Ah geez.
I love the kids and thats why I am there. Yesterday one of my favorite little boys who just turned 4, had to tell me that 'his mom got pulled over by the "cops" and him and his sister be'd real quiet while the cop and his mom talked.' Oh the things these kids say. Oh, also yesterday, my friends little 3 yr old comes running up to me saying.."Hi Miss Gail", and he hugged me. Then he points to a chair and says to me.as he is running away.... "Now get your little ass in that chair." Well, come to find out his mom says that all the time to him..Nice. Good mom. I do not like parents swearing at their kids. I was impressed however that he said my "little" ass. Cause it isn't little. lol. I love these kids so much. They are so precious to my heart. :) I asked a couple of them.."What would you think if I left here and got a different job? " Little D. looks up from doing his letters and says..................
"I would be SSAAAA AADDD. " That was the longest sad I ever heard. :(
I would miss these kids so much. Bob has a chance to work in Kansas. At a power plant. Possibly. We may be moving by the new year. Well I want them to be prepared if I leave. I know what you are saying..Kansas? Whats in Kansas? Well, I here there are lots of very nice people there. But I will miss my mountains so much!!!!! We pray on the whole situation. It's in God's hands. If it is meant to be, it is meant to be. So thats life today in my part of the world........peace

Vines, Grapes, and Wine

Church today was a lesson on how a vineyard takes tender care of their vines and grapes. It was very interesting. We belong to the church, 'The Vineyard', www.vcffc.org and I even got to help prepare a platter full of different types of grapes for a visual, that Pastor Cory used. We went through JOHN 15:1-11. How God is the gardener and we are the branches. He prunes us so we can bear fruit. Check it out John 15. I loved it. Pastor Cory used 'Napa Valley' and our own 'Holy Cross Abbey' here in Canon City to explain how tenderly they handle the grapes. Wow. Very cool. I wish Bob was here to hear it.
Our Sr. Pastor Kirk and his family are still in China getting to know their new daughter 'Gracie.' They finally come home this week with her. How awesome. Our whole church is so anxious to meet her. She is so cute. They have two teenage sons, that are just loving little Gracie. If you want to see their journey. Check out www.journeytochina.com .

This Tuesday is voting day. Don't forget to Vote. And to let you know, Wal-mart and Ford Co. are on the band wagon to please more homosexuals to their companies. It makes me sad. God is so against homosexuality and immorality. He must be crying up in Heaven. I bet Sam Walton and Henry Ford are turnin over in their graves for what their companies have come to. How sad. I plan to boycott Wal-mart and Ford. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Happy Election Week everyone.............................................................................love, Gail

November 3rd...MY SISTER JOEY'S BIRTHDAY

I had to say HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEY!!!!! I love you more than all the GUMBALLS, and Dove Bars in the world. Thank you God for my sister Joey. So much fun, so talented, so very funny, so caring, so everything good wrapped up in one person...my little sister. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX LOVE, GAIL

Oh these kids........

Had to put this in. One little guy in my class comes in right at lunch time. His mom or dad drops him off. We have grandmas that help out in different classes. The one in our classroom, that we cherish, is 'Grandma Jackie'. She is about 73 years old. Very grandma looking. Very thin and so nice. Well, Dalton's mom comes up to me and asks if it was true that Grandma Jackie is a black belt in Karate. I almost fell over. I said "Who told you that?" She points to her story telling son. Oh my gosh I laughed. Then I told Grandma Jackie and she laughed and then put up her hands up like to say HI-YAAA. She thought it was funny too. Oh my gosh these kids are the best. Tomorrow being Halloween, I can't wait to see all our little cuties dressed up as Power Rangers, Princesses, Fire men, and Cheerleaders. Our party is at 2:30. Sugar em' up and send them home to their parents and grandparents. Yea..................................

Philippians 2: 1-11

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than ourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, humbled himself and become obedient to death- even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father.

No Blizzard for us, But Oh Colorado Springs!!!

Well, I woke up at 4 am and looked outside, No snow. Huh. But oh my gosh did Colorado Springs get dumped on!!! No power, feet of snow, and drifts, tons of accidents. I drove to work and all it did was rain on and off all day. About 10 minutes of wet snow.
Our class craved two pumpkins today. Just to make the kids laugh, I was scraping the guts out of the pumpkin, and then pretended I was dumping it on my head. Well haha, I dumped seeds and gunk on my hair and face. Oh did they laugh. It was so worth it. No outside recess today so we really had to be creative. I love those kids. So cute, so sensitive, so emotional, so wonderful. Thanks God, for all of them.
I want to say thanks to everyone for all your great comments. It was so cool to see one from Cheryl, way over in Malaysia. Keep em coming gang. I love them. Please check out their blogs in my link section. Be safe.....Gail............. keep warm.

TATTOOME

Just wanted to say hi. Today here in Colorado it got up around 70 degrees. No coats. Tee shirts. Some kids wore shorts. Well tonight we have a 'BLIZZARD WARNING' out for our area. Come on. 70 to snow? Over night? Thats what we call Colorado weather. If we do get this "Blizzard" it will be melted by the weekend. I still don't want to drive in it for one minute. I hate driving in snow. Yuck Pooey.
On another note, I need prayer. I am very down today and I called the doctor. I worry too much, and I am feelin lonely. I do love to look at the mountains. It makes me think of God's beauty. Maybe I should just go see my buttons...haha. Love, Gail

BUTTON, BUTTON, WHO'S GOT THE BUTTON? I DO.

Friday, I love Fridays. I used to hate Fridays when I was training Racing Greyhounds. Our big time was Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was yucky. Now I work my 5 days a week and can do what I want on the weekends. AAAHHHHHHH.
I have to fill you in on my lastest obsession......Button Collecting. Does that sound stupid or what? But I have always loved putting my hands through a big bucket or can of buttons. Not new buttons, old grandma type buttons. Buttons that you don't know where they came from. I go to auctions and always bid on the old buttons. I can just picture the old gramma, sitting there fixing clothes for her family, using these buttons. So many different types and colors and textures. I love it. Right now I have a couple thousand old, cool buttons. I wash them with bactrial stuff and then dry them. I brought them to school and showed the kids. They loved looking through all the different sizes, and all the colors, and even some with pictures on them. I showed them the big, odd ones and called them 'Grandma buttons.' We even used them on a lesson for the 3 yr olds. Asking what is different about these two buttons? One is big , one is small, smooth, rough, two holes, four holes, what color are they? It is a very good observation lesson.
Some people have worry stones, I have a huge container of old, colorful buttons. I love it. One card of half used buttons I got at the auction said on it...'Ed's Sweater'. How cool is that? Think of the stories behind my buttons. Ok, so it sounds nutty, I will not become the weird, old, wacky button lady. Call it therapy. It settles me down, and relaxes me. I love to touch all my buttons. I have used the word button..16 times in this blog. I think. I can't wait to see if I get any comments on this blog. Have a wonderful, fall weekend everyone. Peace......Gail....p.s. clean out your belly button.

I WAS DREW'S SHOW AND TELL......

Well here comes the snow in Colorado. I totally hate driving in it. I love to watch it fall. God's artistery.
Yesterday, early in the morning at work, 5 year old Drew comes running up to me and says, "We are doing 'G's' for Show and Tell, and I want to show you Miss Dale." He can't say my name so it sounds like 'Dale'. I said, "Sure Drew." We sat down outside and talked. I told him a few things about me, but he knows me pretty well. So we go inside, and he goes to his class and I help out with ours. Then Drew comes and gets me and brings me into his class. He says, "This is Miss Dale, and she has ten tattoos and she smells good., She likes motorcycles and has a husband named Bob."............. It was adorable!!! I was very proud to be Drew's Show and Tell for letter 'G'. These kids never cease to amaze me.

Fun Days.............................

Happy Thursday!! A couple funny things I had to share. One of the little 3 yr olds at work told me yesterday that her mommy would be there in 'minute-seconds' to pick her up. Another little 4 yr old boy told me that a candle I was letting them smell, smelled like rotten candy. OK. It was apple. I must talk about Brock a lot with these kids around, because today Abby is standing on my legs as I am sitting in a chair outside, and she says, "You should let Brock to do this on you." It made me smile for one of the kids to know his name. We have been having fun collecting colorful leaves on the playground, and doing leaf shadowing with crayons. So neat. They love to see the different shapes of the leaves. I love Fall. This afternoon I had to drive to Pueblo, to get my glasses tightened, so I brought Pilgrim with. I did my glasses thing, then I took him into PetSmart and he loved it. We saw a powder blue fluffy dog. A Maltese maybe? The groomer there, had dyed her dog. It was so cool. Pilgrim looked at this dog eye to eye like ...What are you?
We walked around and ran into a Jack Russell. Just his size. Then he sees the store mascot, Hamilton,who is a huge, black Great Dane. Well little Pilgrim sat between my legs just looking up at him..... Then he peed the floor. We ended up getting Pilgrim a long stuffed dog with a squeeker in it. He hasn't taken it out of his mouth since we got home. It is just like the one on the commercial with the doxie, who gets a new one at PetSmart.
Bob is doing good in Kansas. I am keeping very busy at home. This Saturday is an auction. I can't wait. I am hooked on Auctions. Sunday I greet at church..Simple enough and not too crazy.
I want to thank my sister Barb, for all the clothes she sent me. Wow. I love it. What I don't use, I give to friends or the Mennonite resale store. I love the leather jacket. Black leather. I'm cool now...Just kiddin. Over and Out....Gail

It's Sunday morning. 10:50 am. Got out of church and it was raining. I miss Bob. I'm a bit lonely. I am getting this chest cold thing back again. Yuck. It seems to go away then come back. I just want to sleep away the day. I have classes tomorrow, after work, so I will rest up today.
Our town had its annual fest yesterday. APPLE DAYS. It was a beautiful day. Sunny and hot. This week, we are suppose to get snow. I love Colorado. The Apple Parade was cute. The free slice of apple pie was delicious. And seeing friends was great. After the fest, I borrowed my niece, Rochelle, and I took her out for dinner. She had never had Chinese, so I took her to my favorite Chinese Buffet. She loved it and she even tried sushi. We were stuffed!!! We walked around Walmart and the Dollar store. A fun time. We saw the aftermath of a truck that had caught on fire after a propane tank blew up in the truck bed. Scary. Totalled. I do believe the woman and her dog got out safe.
I wish everyone a peaceful week. Don't forget to put Jesus Christ number one in your life....God Bless.......Gail

Well, I am getting through the sadness of Fay being gone. Poor little Pilgrim keeps looking for her everyday. We want to get another Rat Terrier for him. A girl. :) No immediate plans.
Bob is doing well in Kansas. The actual outage starts tomorrow. So he will be in Kansas for about 4-6 more weeks. SIGH........
Tonight I went to a surprise party for our Pastor's 50th birthday. It was great. Everyone was wearing hawaiian shirts and leis. He was surprised. He is Japanese, and one heck of a funny man. He hula danced for us. Then they put him in a grass skirt and coconut bra. Now, have you ever seen 'your' Pastor wear that? It was funny..
Today at work made me laugh. One little 4 year old boy was showing me something, and talking a mile a minute. He leaned into me and said, "OH, Miss Gail you smell good.".........................then he said, "But your breath smells like beer." ....I had just finished drinking a green Tea. Oh my gosh, I laughed .
At our house today, our landlords had a whole new water line put in. What a big project. After it was finished the toilet wouldn't flush, so poor Jack worked his bootie off fixing it tonight while I was gone. I came back to a new flusher thing in the tank. It works great. Gosh my life is exciting.
Oh I got lots of very nice birthday presents from my friends at work last Friday. Lots of candles, coffee beans, a coffee house gift cert. , photo albums, a cd of Christian music, and a Mary Englebreit book. It was a nice birthday. Ok, I've bored you all enough, I better get to bed...God Bless, and Be safe....Love, Gail

Do Dogs Go To Heaven?

I've had a terrible day. Got up this morning and let the dogs out. I saw Fay across the street, so I called her. She walks in and I said "Fay, You don't go into the street." With that she falls down at my feet and starts having seizers(sp). Her legs wouldn't work, and her stomach kept spasming. She wouldn't move. Her eyes were looking as she knew what was going on, but she never even tried to get up. It was so sad. I called Bob in Kansas, and he said take her to the vet. So I went to work in tears, got to go home and get Fay, with help from a nephew, and I took her to the Vet. Crying the whole time. Me. I was the one crying.
The doctor was in surgery, so I waited. Then he comes outside with a vet tech, and carry her to the exam room. Temp, fine. They did many pinching tests and no response. So after about 15 minutes, he said she did have a stroke and there is no messages from the legs to the brain. Anyerysm.(sp) He said there is not much we can do. It could happen again after the first one. Sooooo.....I choose to put her down. She had been struggling with pains for 2 years. Hard stuff. I held her and petted her as they injected the pink liquid into her. I told her 'she could run in heaven now, and that Bob and I loved her.' I pay my bill. I drive home in tears and call Bob to leave a message about everything. AAAGGHHHH. Life is sure not easy. I get home and Pilgrim looks at me like OK where is Fay? I cry. I turn off my phone and took a nap. I turn my phone back on and there are two messages from Bob and one text message. The text message from Bob says..."BLESSINGS TO US FROM GOD WHOM LET US HAVE FORGIVENESS." Fay's race name was Forgiveness. So I ask, Do Dogs really go to Heaven? I sure hope so......Gail

My Birthday

I had a very nice Birthday today. I got lots of e-mail birthday cards, My sister Joey, wrote the funniest story to me, using all our old neighbors from Hickory Ave, in Arlington Hts. I laughed so hard I was crying. It was so funny. Thanks Sissy. I had phone calls, real cards, text messages, and the kids at work kept singing to me. I brought in sugar cookies for our class and gave them to them right after lunch but before nap time. Oops.........The nap lady was about to slap me upside the head. Friday they will have a cake and pop, and present party for me, as we do for each teacher/employee. It's fun. I got to hear Brock on the phone say "Happy Birthday Gamma, I 'ove you." That was my favorite gift!!!. I went to the store after work and got steak and mushrooms, and cooked them up and sat alone, but with Fay and Pilgrim, eating my birthday dinner. I watched 'America's Next Top Model' and was so mad that Megan was cut tonight. She was my favorite. BooHoo. It was fine. I miss Bob, but we call eachother about 3-4 times aday. He left me a birthday card and some money. :) Thanks Bob! So another year I celebrate that God has given me. 49 now. This life, to follow Him to what He wants me to do here on earth. My destiny, is to be able to meet Him face-to-face after my time is up here. Thank you everyone for all the warm wishes. God Bless...........................................................Gail

Peaceful Weekend...........

It's been a fun weekend. Saturday I had class all day learning more about the love and care of little children. Bob and his brother fixed our computer here. Bob and I went out to Chili's for dinner and then went to see the new movie, "Gridiron Gang" with 'The Rock'. Really good . Today we went to church and everyone was surprised to see Bob with me. After church, and a sermon about how we must not gossip, we went to the Holy Cross Abbey Winery. Check it out on the web. It's in Canon City, CO. They had a huge Arts and Wine weekend. For ten dollars you get an engraved glass to keep, and three tickets to try their different varieties of wines. Plus so many beautiful crafters. These people were high class crafters. Gorgeous metal cutters, beautiful jewelry makers, Oil Painters, photographers, hat makers, massagers, (one is a friend of mine), and lots of fancy eats. We shared a crepe. It was so fun. We had to buy this bar-b-que sauce. it is called 'CHEF DEAN MARTINS ASIAN BARBEQUE SAUCE.' Check out their web site.... www.chefdeanmartins.com I think thats it. Its so yummy, I made a roast tonight and used it as dipping sauce. WOW. After the Abbey, we went and visited Bobs dad and step mom. They were home here for the weekend. They brought back more hay. They will be back for the winter in two weeks. :) They have gotten a lot of snow already up there near Monarch Pass this fall. The ski places are so happy. The snow is up there now and they are just waiting for more. I feel we will have a very snowy winter. The Aspens have turned yellow and now they have snow on them. Gorgeous. Man its beautiful here. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE COLORADO.
I wanted to send Heidi and Jim, a Happy Anniversary tomorrow. A Happy Birthday to my sweet friends Eva, and Karla, and Cassie this week. Love you guys.....Thanks Bob for coming home this weekend to see me, and to get your used, new truck. I love you. God Bless....................Gail

Just for the weekend

Bob will be home for the weekend. :) yippie

Baby Update

Just wanted to let everyone know little Annie was born today a little over 6 pds. All was fine. She does have and extra thumb, that they are going to get fixed, but as of right now she looks wonderful. Thanks for the prayers...

GOD GIVES AND TAKES AWAY

So much to say. Good and bad. The good... One of my favorite 3 yr olds and I were talking. He said as he was all teary, , "Miss Gail, I miss my mommy." I tell him, " Your mommy is at work right around the corner, and I miss my mommy too, she is up in heaven." With that he points his little index finger at me and says, "Well she should be at work.!!" It was so cute. Then later the same little boy asks me, "Miss Gail, is your mommy up in the sky in the clouds with the angels?" And I just say..."YEP" . Kids are so innocent and real. Ok the same little boy tells me, as he lifts his little arm up in the air,"I'm gonna have hair here like my brother when I get bigger." I just giggle. We asked all the kids what they wanted to be when they got bigger.....Two said mommies, Three said different kinds of doctors, one said fireman, one said policeman and four boys said they wanted to be THE BLACK POWER RANGER... OK...SURE..So Innocent.
On a sad note I heard of two babies. One had a stroke in the birth canel and was born brain dead. :( The other one still has hope with prayers...She is 2 weeks overdue and they plan on delivery this Thursday, The baby hasn't moved in a few weeks and there is low amnotic fluid. Please say a prayer for her mom Heidi. Why the Dr. hasn't induced before this I will never know. I'd be mad. Then my Sister and Brother in laws friends got a police visit 3 am last Saturday that their daughter and her fiance' were killed in an accident. So much pain, so much sadness. Embrace everyday of your life here on earth and know Jesus Christ as your Savior and King. I love you all....................Gail

BYE BOB, BE SAFE

Bob is packed and ready to go. Today, I had to take my CPR and Universal Percautions tests. I did good. '30 to 2'. After that Bob and I went to 'The Royal Gorge Bridge'. We were married there 9 years ago. It's still awesome. Its the world's highest bridge connected with steel. Suspended(sp). It looks so long when you look at it from a distance, but when you are walking on it, it seems much shorter. Today was real windy, and the bridge swayed a lot. I love going there. With an entertainment coupon two for one. It is $21.00 a person.Yikes. So it was $21.00 for both of us. It was fun.
I got a small raise from work, so I treated Bob to Japanese last night. We love this. Bob and I really like Sushi. Not really the raw gross stuff. We love California rolls. I wanted to share something new together, so we ordered 2 Smelt egg sushi rolls. It had three types of eggs on it and it was pretty good. It was really good til Bob kept saying it was Nemo's family we were eating. Ha Ha Bob.
So Bob is set to go early Sunday morning. I will mope around a few days til I get use to him gone. I will clean and clean the house. Bob did landscaping here and it looks nice, all is in order. Gravel and timbers. It's nice now. Good job Bob.
Sunday, I have to greet people at church, so that will be fun. I always look forward to our church and worship.
Please pray for Bob and his safety, and me and my lonesomes. Thanks.......and have a blessed week.....love, Gail

This Date

Just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON-IN-LAW MIKE......HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!!!!!
As happy as Mike's Birthday is, this is also the second year anniversary of my father dying right by my side . I miss you dad, and your crazy stories. xo
Bob leaves for the power plant this weekend. I'm trying to gear myself to being alone again. I'll do ok. I have lots of classes to make me a better teacher. CPR, First Aid, DECA, and Work Sampling. Bring em on..............
What is the best sound in the world?.........................To me, its a little baby laughing...so real, so cute. Peace.

September 11

Such a somber day. Remembering 5 years ago. Tears fill my eyes. I feel so sad for all the families that lost loved ones that terrible day. Children, who lost parents.
I keep seeing the towers just crumble straight down. We really need to pray for our country's safety.
Cherish your children, love your families. Try not to be out of God's will for our lives. Love your spouse. Be in Peace......Gail

Happy Everything.

I miss my grandson. I miss my family in IL. I'm not complaining. I have a right to miss home. Happy Birthday Katie. Happy Birthday Isaiah. God Bless you. Happy Anniversary Greg and Cheryl. Happy Wedding Jennie and Scott. Much love to you all. Gail

TATTOOME

This is so neat. Church was great as always. Our 450 person church commited to over $800.000.00 for our building fund. It blows me away to see how people want to honor God. We love our church. Its growing every week.
After church, Bob and I drove to Colorado Springs to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It is a very nice Zoo built on the side of a mountain. Ok, so it sounds real cool. Well, if you have any kind of walking handicap don't go there. Its ALL up or downhill. We really got our exercise today!!!! It is not easy getting around this zoo. I kept thinking, If someone had to push a wheelchair here,forget it. Granny would be flyin down a hill at 90 miles an hour. Not to mention the poor person huffing her UP the paved walkways. Plus there weren't any tram rides. I did love the awesomely cute baby Silverback gorilla. He was so cute. There was a caretaker in the cage thing with him, acting as a mom to him. He would climb the tree logs then jump on her. So cute. I'd love that job!! I love Monkeys!!! After the zoo, we drove to town of Colo Springs and walked around there. Stopped at a book store and then a music shop. After that, Starbucks and I treated Bob to a extra large, ice coffee drink. I got a Carmel Machhitti(sp) which was so good, and I went outside after I paid for our two drinks. Well, Bob got his and he comes outside with both hands full. The guy gave him another large, chocolate ice drink for free. At Starbucks! It was so cool. We sat there and enjoyed eachother and our yummy drinks. After about a half hour we walked downtown and found a place I use to go to after work at the dog track. Jose' Muldone's. We were seated in the back, outside. Very fun. Our waiter Matt, came over and we goofed around with him. Telling him we weren't real hungry, so we were going to order something small. So we each had a glass of lemon, ice water and a taco each. Plus they give you chips and salsa. Matt told us after I guessed his age as 20 yrs old, that his birthday was next week. Oh wow. Very neat and he just moved here from PA. WE had a nice talk with him and showed him a picture of Molly, Mike and Brock. He says about Molly......"Wow". Anyway, We told him how Molly used to work as a waitress and tell people it was her birthday so they should tip her good. haha. He laughed. Then when we were ready for the check he comes over and gives me a piece of paper and says," Just don't say anything to the manager, I told them to comp this." HE DIDN'T CHARGE US FOR OUR TACOS." I was flabbergasted, and I said Matt "Don't do this , I don't want you in trouble." He said to us, "You two have been so nice to me and fun, and everybody else, has been jerks today, so, don't worry about it.".. Oh my gosh, we had two free things today. Blessings. Plain and simple..Blessings. God is GOOD. We are home now relaxing. I love Life.....I am still hoping Molly and Mike come out here for me birthday...Hint hint. Until next time..Peace. xo Gail

SHOW AND TELL DAY

Had to share this real quick. You know how I love show and tell? Well I do, and had to share this today.. One 4 yr old shared his two small, motor cycles, Then another boy shared his green whistle, and a silver Smokey the Bear coin. Very cool. Well the last little cutie who is three, gets up and shows the class about 4 blades of grass clenched in his tiny fist. It was so funny. He walked around the class and showed everyone............... The life of a three year old is a wonderous thing..........Gail

Is the Fair, Fair?

Hello, Today after church and a nap, Bob and I went to the Colorado State Fair. $8 bucks to get in. Each. Okay thats somewhat fair. Then you go to eat. $6.00 for a hamburger. $2.50 for a 20 ounce drink. $6.50 for a very spicy/hot polish sauage. Oh yeah, $5.00 for a 44 oz ice filled lemonade. Man we didn't have enough for a $5.00 Elephant Ear. I just feel it is a big rip off. But I did get to hold a baby pig. I kept thinking......Someday this little guy will be $7.00 for a pork sandwich. Not really. I just held him and he squealed.
I am really missing my family back in IL. I know I was there in July. But they are all so special to my heart. I just miss them. Mostly Brock. I so hope they come out here soon. I keep having dreams about my parents. Like they are still here on earth. I miss them too. I can't wait for fall. The prettiest time of year, and my birthday. Like I really want to get older.
Betty is getting better. Art came down this weekend with 90 bales of hay he cut and baled, and then they both went back over the mountain. Together at last. :) This coming weekend we are going to a cabin up over Cottonwood Pass. We will meet Bob's parents up there and share a cabin together. And fish,fish, fish.......Wish us luck. Have a great week. love, Gail

Made My Choice

Well, I have prayed a lot. I have asked advise a lot. And I got it. What most people have said was, "Gail, you keep saying that God brought you to the Day Care Center, so it doesn't pay great, but your reward will be in Heaven." Yes. I totally understand that. I know Bob is very dissappointed in my decision. I want to be with him and travel. But I had so many mixed feelings about leaving our rented house for 6 or more weeks and bringing both dogs with, staying at a motel with the dogs. Not being able to get mail and bills for 6 or more weeks. So much to ponder. I am pretty much of a homebody. So I will keep the home fires burning while Bob goes to WI, October 2.
Speaking of the Day Care Center, today I was in charge of our class, and I had kids show their Show and Tells. Some boy brought a cool maracca(sp) from South Africa. Very cool. Then another little boy had a stuffed animal. Cute. But the best was a little girl 3 years old with her Barbie. She showed the class how long the Barbie's hair was and the nice outfit, etc. Then I ask "What else can you tell us about your Barbie? " Without a beat she says..."She's got big soft pink boobies." Need I say more?

What do I choose???????

I got a phone call today. Early this morning. From the Nuclear power plant recruiter. She wants ME to be in WI on Sept. 25. To start testing. I gulped. Do I really want to do this? Can I leave work for a month and a half and still have a job when I get back? Will my boss still even like me if I leave for a while? Or want me? Will the teacher I work with be mad at me? Will the kids be sad if I up and leave?
Is this God talking to me? I really thought God told me 2 weeks ago to keep working with the kids and enjoy the blessings. But now I get this phone call. I know Bob wants me to 'try' the Power Plant thing, so I can see into his world. And know what he does. I know the money is good, really good, but can I even pass the entrance tests on Access training for the Radiation worker, and Power plant protocal, dangers, how Nuclear Power works...Protons, Gamma radiation etc, etc. AAAAGGGHHHHH I just don't know. I am scared, and seeking prayer on this fast decision. Help me. I need to go pray.............................Gail

TATTOOME

Yo, Bob went up with his brother Randy, to see their dad. Betty is home with FIVE broken ribs. Ouch. The poor thing holds her chest as she walks. I am just so glad it wasn't worse. Amen. So Betty's kids are caring for her down here, while her hubby is on the ranch up in the mountains. And this Wednesday is their anniversary. Bob and Randy went up and took dad out to eat, and tend to chores. They even got to ride not horses this time, but the four wheelers. They were careful. I stayed home to clean and go to church. Church......it was good. It had me thinking. Greed. Greed is a very bad thing. Us as humans are so into wanting more, wanting bigger, wanting the best. Better than our friends. Greed. How stupid. We can't take it with us when we leave this earth, so why do we have to be big show offs? God wants us to be humble and live meekly. We don't need the fanciest car. We don't need the big house, in the expensive neighborhood. We don't need the plasma TVs. We don't need the big and the best. Look at us. We are greedy humans. We like to show off.
How sad that must make God. I learned a lot today at church. Bob and I rent our home. Its only one bedroom, one bathroom, with a shower, no bathtub. A very small kitchen and no garage. But we love it. Simple. We live on 5 acres, and our landlords have four cows out back. I yell "Hi Cowgirls". I look out our front window and see a pasture full of Arabian horses across the street. I love it. Yes, Bob and I do want our own house to own. But, I just want simple. Enough, not more. God knows what we need. And He provides. He is the God who Gives and Takes away. Have a blessed week....love, Gail

My Sweet Mother-in-law

Hi , Just wanted to share a prayer request with you. My Mother and Father-in-law were taking a nice ATV ride in the mountains yesterday and my Mother-in-Law, Betty, lost control of hers and went rolling head over Atv. MY father-in-law looked back and couldn't see her. Then all of a sudden he sees her head in the Sagebrush and the ATV straight up and down ON HER Chest. To make a long, sad story short, we drove 2 and half hours up there. She was in the ER flat on the bed. They were saying she may have broken her back. Also broken ribs. She had a cat scan and with much prayers, all that is wrong was four broken ribs!!! Praise God. This is the same tough farm woman that a couple years ago had her tractor run her over and break her leg. I love this woman a lot. Please pray for her to heal fast and low pain levels. Also for Art, her husband, and Bob's dad, to get through this with her. He worries so much about her. The 16th of this month is their 15th Anniversary. :)
On a happy note, I had my work evaluation today, and was praised up and down by my boss and the assistant director. I so feel, and I told her that I feel God wants me there working . She agreed and said it is too bad we don't get paid better as teachers of these little ones we are nuturing. I am glad I am doing something for God. Love ya.......Gail

Laughing with Miss Gail..or at Miss Gail

Had to tell you another cute 'at work' story. We were all outside yesterday, on the play ground, before inside time. I had about 11, 5-10 year olds all around me. One of the boys had a 3 inch Praying Mantis (sp) . It was crawling on his arm. It was so pretty. I had all these kids around so I look at the bug and say...."You are a cute green bug..so pretty." With that the insect jumped square onto my forehead. It was so funny. I didn't care. Just seeing all those kids laughing made my day. It was fun. These kids know I am real picky about bugs. I hate worms, I hate ear wigs. Praying bugs are alright with me.
Today is my Daughter and her awesome Husband's Anniversary. August 5. I love you guys!!!!!! Happy Anniversary.xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Life around home has been a bit rough lately. Just a bit of money problems, temporary. Its hard when the person you live with and love the most treats you like you aren't even there. I hurt.
I am glad work is going good. Today was really fun. I got presents from three different kids. I got three roses, one pink and two peach (my favorite color roses) from a set of 9 year old twins, and another little girl, made me a heartshaped clothespin clippy thing along with two colorful cards. It just made my day. Then near the end of the day, our class was outside and two of my favorite boys kept running up to me leaping into my arms. It was just so fun. A day of love for Miss Gail . I needed it.
Yesterday at work I wanted to have our class make or should I say create, a pizza together. Well, we did and it was so great. I did the crust and I let all 12 kids do something to the pizza. We put on our masterpiece..sausage, pepperoni, pineapple, mushrooms and lots of cheese. I feel it is important to let kids cook with you. I just wanted them to do a teamwork thing. It was awesome. Then today we all made an apple pie together from scratch! The kids, ages 2 and a half, to five, all got into it and it was deeeeelicious! I want these kids to feel loved, helpful, needed, and special. We have so much fun together. And I want to do what God wants me to do to glorify HIM.

My Trip to ILLINOIS

Back at home in Colorado.
I had a very quick visit in IL. Got to see my sisters, Barb and Joey and their families. Got my hair re-done by Molly. I love it. Got to play a lot and laugh with Brock. Saw my dearest friend Barb R. who took me out to lunch at a steakhouse. Oh, and we got a Moolatte. YUM. Got to eat Silo Pizza, and mexican food, and Olando's, and went to the Lake County Fair, in Grayslake , IL, Also went to Lamb's farm in Libertyville, IL. That is a place where they employ mentally challenged adults and give them a meaningful job. It was fun. I was so excited to be a part of Brock's first pony ride. He was so cute petting all the animals, goats, buc-buc's(chickens), horses, sheep, pigs, puppies, kittens, lizards, fish, cows, Well he didn't pet the fish. haha. It was so much fun. I told him when he comes out to Grandma's house he can ride the horses and pet goats and cows. I hope he remembers. I can't wait for them to come out. Also got to see Katie, Tommy, Zaih, Maya and Denver, Krista, Hayden and smily little Reece. I didn't get to see Mandy or Heidi. I wish I could of but the time just went soooo fast.
The train ride from Denver to Chicago was five hours late. Then coming back to Denver we were 2 and a half hours late. I do not enjoy the train anymore. Too long. But just being with little Brock and away from the daily grind was so great. I didn't get to see 2 friends I wanted to. :( Next time??? Bob picked me up at 9:30 am and we went out to breakfast. It was good getting home . But my heart is totally back with Brock.
I want to thank everyone who made my trip so fun..You know who you are. All of the above. God Bless you all...Gail/Mom/Aunt Gail/Grandma :)

From Bulls to Steers..............

Yo, Its a beautiful Saturday here in Colorado. We got up at 5:30 and by six we were driving up to Monarch Pass the famous ski area, and beyond to where Bob's folk's tend that Lodge. Since it rained last weekend when Bob was there, today was bull castrating day. And I helped!!!! Wow, being a girl from the suburbs of Chicago, I could hardly believe I was helping turn Bulls into Steers. One by one they get in the shoot. They get their shots. Bob's brother does the cutting and then pulls the actual testicals and veins down and slices them off, and handed them to ME!! Very warm, bloody, gross 'Rocky Mountain Oysters'. I took them over to the table where they stacked up. Then they get a spray so there is no infection. I found myself covered in blood. Well, my shirt and hands anyway. They he branded them. Oh they did not like that part. A big MOOOOOOOO and then it was over. Bob's dad, is the sweetest man I know. He loves me and I love him. Well, he bet me a whole dollar I couldn't put one on my tongue. Huh, I showed him. And we got a picture of me doing that. GROSS. I felt like I was on fear factor. I think I have lost my mind. Blame it on the altitude. So what did we do with the old bull parts you ask? We cooked them up for lunch!!! Yes, we did, and I tried---one bite. Only one. It didn't taste like beef, or chicken. I don't see the big deal in these things. Yuck.
Well, I hope I didn't gross anybody out too much. I just had to share this because I know my family will hardly believe it. Have a great week all. Gail..p.s. I leave by train Weds for IL...choo choo.....

Worship music............and me

Good afternoon all.. Here's stuff on my mind. I was going to go with Bob up to see his folks at the ranch they tend to. But, the devil got in here and had us say ugly stuff to eachother and I didn't go. It's a two plus hour drive up there. I am at a point where I don't like to go for long drives. Why? Because I am always wondering if the car will break down. Isn't that stupid? Not so unususal though, if you know us. Bob left this morning in his Subaru with Fay, the dog. Then about 10 minutes later, Bob comes home and starts loading up my car and empting his. I say "What are you doing? He said
" I'm taking your car, mine is acting up." OK. He leaves again and I just vaccuumed, cleaned the house, and took a nap. I took the dogs out and I see the stuff you put fires out with by Bob's car. I guess his car was on fire. Yikes. This doesn't seem good at all. Oh well. It is after 5:30pm and he isn't home yet. He had to help give puppies shots and help castrate bulls. Doesn't that sound so fun? AAA----NO.
On another note, my friend Kelley had her Doctor's appointment yesterday. They found 32 little tumor things. I am still leaning on God to heal her. Totally. She is an awesome christian woman I work with. She is a rock to me. Funny, sweet, and one of the best pre school teachers in the world! I just want her to be healed, and not have to worry so much anymore. 'God, please heal my friend Kelley, from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. Give her comfort and wrap your arms around her. Let her feel your Peace. Amen.'
There is so many things I could blog, but I just want to stay with what is on my mind. Praise and worship music.
I have my car radio set to 3 great christian stations in Colorado Springs. It helps my day start out good. Singing praises to my Jesus as I drive the 11 miles to work. I love it. I love 'Mercy Me', 'Jars of Clay', Michael W Smith, 'Evalon', and about 100 other bands. I love singing to my Jesus. Some people would think that is dumb, well I love my Jesus and thats all I want to do. I guess I will fit in heaven. They sing praise to Jesus all the time. I lift my hands and get into the words I am singing. To HIM.
I have had a very hard time trying to forgive myself for the so many mistakes I have made. When I worship I go to a different place where I feel safe. I feel this is where Jesus can really hear me, and see my heart. I love going to church and worshiping HIM or just in my car worshipping Him. "Open The Eyes of my heart Lord...Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see you, Lord, I want to see you....., Holy, Holy, Holy , Holy, Holy, Holy, I want to see you. To see you high and lifted up, shining with the light of your glory, pour out your power and Love as we sing Holy, Holy,Holy." Its not written out in order, but it is one beautiful song. There are just so many worship songs out there. It keeps my God tank filled up. I need that. I want to be a better person for HIM, For Bob, and for my family and friends. I just gotta keep my eyes on the Great 'I AM.' So many people and situations on my prayer list right now. Here are just some.....
Kelley to be healed................................
Glen to get his double lung transplant and heal from it and not reject it........
Mike's brother, Tommy to continue to heal from his 35 foot fall onto cement, and put Christ first.......
Molly to call me more or email me more just to say she loves me.........................
Our friend Mitch to continue to heal from his car crash, one year ago................
Bob to be less angry and for his knee to heal...........................................
Me to be a better Christian and to be a better witness......................................
My work place to be more structured, and people to get along........................
For all of the children I take care of there............................................................
Bob's work and his future schooling.....................................................................
My family, Bob's family, and our friends to have Jesus in their hearts.................
Greg, Cheryl, Ashley and Brooke to have a nice and safe life while they are in Malaysia(sp)for four years.................
Heidi and Jim to able to have children................................................
Mandy to have less stress in her life..........................................................
Mike to be happy ..........................................................................................
Katie's body and mind to be healed...................................................................
And for Brock, that he grows up to be a strong Christian....................................

Thank you Lord, for these things you put on my heart to pray for.........Bless each person in my life.....I love You...Gail

Molly is 25

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY MOLLY GIRL!!!! CAN'T BELIEVE YOU ARE THIS OLD ALREADY. WOW. HAVE A GREAT DAY. LOVE, MOM

I'm Blond........................

Sunday, Sunday. Church was really good. Bob and I got to serve communion together. Our church is getting so big, we are buying a new building. We average 450 people a weekend. Such a great Pastor! THE VINEYARD ROCKS!! Check out the web site to our awesome church..... www.vcffc.org
After church, Bob and I went out to breakfast at a new place, in Canon City. 'The Trail's End Cafe.' Wow, really good food. Tell your friends. :)
Forgot to tell you yesturday, but yesturday morning, before the wedding, I got bit by a RAT. Yes, the rodent kind. A domestic, white rat. Gross. Then after that I was cleaning and I vaccuumed the carpet and it was smelling like it was burning. So I was looking at the vaccuum belt and I touched it, and burnt the same finger. DUH. I'm ok.
My little daughter, Molly will be 25 years old this Wednesday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY MOLLY GIRL. I love you.!!!!!

Today was Jessica and Justin's wedding. The ceremony went very well and just as it was ending, outside, It began to rain, and rain, and rain. It poured. There were some tents, and a camper that some of us hung out in. Finally, about an hour later, it slowed down and we continued the reception. I was the photographer, and I ended up using 8 rolls of film. About 192 pictures. Jess looked beautiful and she was as cool as could be. She got dressed at our house. I got the honor of lacing up her beautiful dress. She was married at her parents home surrounded by family, friends and strings of lights, hay stakes, cowboy rope, wagon wheels, trucks and a John Deere tractor. It was a perfect country wedding. The meat was grilled, and everyone brought something to share. So fun. So unfancy. A little wet, but so much fun. Now is when I pray that all the pictures turn out. Gulp. Justin and Jessica, I wish you two, decades of love and caring for eachother, but most of all, know how much God loves you both and will be with you everyday. Amen...............Gail ps Thanks God for the much needed rain in our town. :)

HAPPY FORTH OFJULY

Hey I am at the Library doing my blog. It works. We are still trying to fix our internet on our home computer.
It is 96 degrees here today. HOT.
Tomorrow is my friend Jessica's wedding. Outside wedding, and I am the photographer. I am excited to do another wedding. Just hope there is a little breeze.
July second will be the 9th anniversary of losing my sister LIN. ;( So many years now. I still see her smiling face. She is missed so much. I know she would be so proud of her three kids. Big time.
Work is going good. The kids are so adorable. Can't help but love them. A friend from work 'Kelley' needs lots of prayer for a medical issue. Please pray for her.

I am going to IL. JULY 19-25. :) A short visit, but needed. Gotta see my little grandson. Its been 4 months. It seems so much longer. I need my hair done too by Molly so I just can't wait.
Bob has been busy working around the house and training Pilgrim, and doctoring Fay. He does odd jobs. We are still looking for a new home to own. I love the place we are in now but it is just a bit small. Also I love bathtubs and we only have a shower. Bummer. No big deal.
I finished all 107 calligraphy wedding invitations. They have been delivered and sent already. They turned out good. I wish I could do better. The wedding is September 30. I don't know if we can even go. I would love to. But time and schelules. You know. It will be a fun bash.
Bob sees an orthopedic surgeon July 16 about his knee. Please pray about that too. I hope he doesn't need surgery.
I want to buy a kiln so I can do glass fusing again, and make jewelry and frames. I am getting the bug to be really creative. And make money. Gotta save up some money. I love how fused glass looks. I'll be taking orders when I get my kiln.
Ok folks, that is about all. Have a fun and safe July Forth.

This is a test...

My sister Gail has not been able to log on to her blog site and I am trying to see if I can. So here goes, clicking on "Publish Post."

Happy Birthday ????

Well, today would have been my niece Laurie's 22 Birthday. I am sad she isn't here to celebrate it. Happy Birthday laurie, in heaven.......Love, Aunt Gail

Happy Anniversary Sissy

Joey and Mike.. Happy Anniversary tomorrow!!! June 5th!!!
Denver, I hope your birthday was great. Love you...

Sunday June 4,2006

Hi all. Today was fun. After church, Bob and I drove through Cripple Creek, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs, and to home. It was beautiful and I really loved Woodland Park. Surrounded by mountains. Gorgeous!! God is so good at scenery. Bob's step mom was in town so we went by and her son Jimmy was there and we invited them over for dinner. Bob had cooked a prime rib roast and we wanted to share it. So the four of us enjoyed a yummy dinner together. I had enlarged some pictures for Betty and Dad so I presented them to her. I hope she liked them. It was a good day. Now I have to sit down and address, in Calligraphy, about 100 wedding invitations. Wish me luck. have a happy week all......Gail

Well hello.
We are back from the mountains. It was very fun. except for tent camping!!! It was about 20 degrees Friday night. Yea 20. I could not sleep at all. It was windy and just cold. I wanted to come home. But..... the next morning Dad told us to stay in the Lodge. And we did. :) MUCH BETTER. It was fun being with so many of Bob's family members. I got to ride horses, ride a four wheeler, cook, help clean up, share, play pool, laugh, watch Elk, hug, pray, and listen to many stories. It was fun. Even got to relax. The coolest thing we did, just Bob and I, was to take the 4 wheeler up the mountain with Pilgrim following us close behind. For a 6 month old puppy, he did GREAT. He ran as we drove. We were so proud of him. What a little trouper. Boy did he sleep good that night. I took many, many pictures. The Aspen trees, the mountains, the baby geese, the horses, the ranch. I went crazy. Last night I was helping cut veggies for dinner and I sliced the very tip of my thumb off. Not a big piece, just tiny. I had to wash off a piece of pickle. Don't tell anyone. Tee Hee.
On the way home today, We drove way up into the mountains over Monach Pass, Tin Cup, Cottonwood Pass, and went to Crested Butte. Wow. So pretty. We even stopped at a garage sale there, and bought a princess wand and tiara, and a cool dog crate for Pilgrim, and a beautiful wicker basket. It was fun. We drove through so many mountains about 14,000 feet above sea level. SNOW all over. We went thru the Continetal Divide!!! Sorry about the spelling. We stopped to watch sledders and snow boarders. Man we were high up. Thin air and I didn't get sick. We stopped in Salida, CO on the way home for dinner. A place called 'The Windmill. ' Wow The coolest decor. All old signs and gas pumps, and old neat stuff like Doc and Mike like. We had steaks and beers. Soooo good.
Right now I am eating fresh Rasberries and typing this.
I was so happy to see Michael Andretti came in 3rd place in the Indy 500, right behind his 19 year old son Marco. Very neat. I met Michael back in ahhhh? 89?
We come home and on the front porch is a box. Inside are Wedding inviations from KT and Mike. I have to address 100 in my style of calligraphy. I am excited and nervous. KT's brother Joe graduated this weekend from High School. Yippie Joe, Way to Go.
Okay, lots of laundry to do and work tomorrow. Write me peoples......love, Gail
P.S. While we were at the Lodge, Betty got a call saying her son Glen has pnemonia(SP). :( He is waiting to have a double lung transplant. Please pray for Glen. Thanks.

TATTOOME

Happy Memorial weekend . We are going camping up in the mountains. Won't be checking email for a few days. And that will drive me nutty. Its my drug.
There are bears where we are going. I am a little nervous. We will be in a tent. If I never write again, you will know I was eaten by a bear, I hope I was tasty.
On a better note, I'd like to remember all the people and loved ones that have died before me, on this Memorial Day weekend. I will reflect, pray , cry, miss them, and honor them somehow. And to all me family and friends... I love you all. I really miss the good ol days when my Dad would make this cool INDY 500 chart. We would each give 50 cents a car and listen to the race and eat bar-b-que.that dad cooked. The winner would get a trophy, and the money. I miss those days so much. ......Gail

Bob is home again, home again

Sunday May 21, 2006

First off I have to say Bob's back home. It was a long 68 days apart. But now he is back and life is continuing on. We plan on camping, going to the zoo, and doing some fun stuff. Yippie.
This past Friday evening was the Pre-school graduation. Oh man they were cute. All dressed up in their cap and gowns. Singing some funny songs including the 'Chicken Dance.' Picture 22 five year olds doing that in a line. Funny! I will miss these little guys. The part of the night when the kids are back with their parents, and the staff is on stage, I hear Derek yell, " I LOVE YOU MISS GAIL" . Well, I looked at him, and started to cry. He is such a great little boy. Jeez, I will miss these cuties. A LOT!!! There are new kids coming in so that will ease the transition.
Bob and I went to see the new movie, "Over the Hedge" last night. Very funny.
Pilgrim is doing real good and losing baby teeth. I even got two of them. He is a little spit fire. Poor Fay. He also still tries to chew on Fay's neck, and pull on her tail. I think deep down she enjoys the attention. Keeps her young.
Well that is about all for now. Just keeping you up on my boring life......love, Gail

MOM'S DAY 2006

JUST WANTED TO SAY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MY WOMAN FRIENDS, NIECES, SISTER, CO-WORKERS, SISTERS IN CHRIST, AND MY MOM IN HEAVEN.....LOVE, GAIL

Our Anniversary

Today is our 8th Anniversary. Bob in MN and I in CO. It was a normal day. I was kind of crabby. Two days ago Bob had called the place I worked and asked the director what the address was. Well my boss being my boss, comes to me and says "Hey I think your husband just called asking the address. The caller ID said 'French'." Well I wish she hadn't told me that, because it really ruined the surprise. I waited all all day for something to come through the doors. If she had NOT told me he had called, I would have been so surprised when at 5 :10 pm in walks a lady with a vase of beautiful purple, pink, green and white flowers. Oh well. It was a nice ending of a normal day. Bob called later and told me he is furious with my boss for blowing the surprise. I just kept telling him how beautiful the flowers were. They really are. I was impressed he did this for me. Now if he'd only get home...................59 days now.. :(

Here it is Sunday May 7th and I am here in Colorado. I wish I was at Brock's second birthday today. This is so hard not being there. I have thought about him all day. He is my everything. I went to church today it was an awesome service. As usual. I prayed for Brock and my family and friends. And Bob in MN. I hope little Brock grows to be a strong Christian man. I hope he makes good decisions and serves our Lord. He has a beautiful personality and he is a funny boy. Oh can you tell I miss him? I love him so big. I miss Molly and Mike too. I don't miss IL at all. The scenery here is 1000 times prettier.

I want to also say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY Nephew Greg (Super Jock) on May 9, and also my DEAR FRIEND BARB R. ON MAY 10. I LOVE YOU GIRLFRIEND! I don't know if Bob will be able to read this but May 10 is our 8th ANNIVERSARY. Happy Anniversary BOB. May God bless you in every way. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Ok, until next time, have a great and safe week..love, Gail

HORSE RADISH........................?

Oh my gosh, I had to share this as soon as I got home.. Today at the Child Care Center a very funny thing was said by a cute little 4 year old boy. We were all sitting in circle time, reading. The cook comes in and jokely says we are having Roast Beef sandwiches for lunch. Well I ask him, (the cook) "Does that include creamy horseradish sauce?" He laughs and says he was kidding, Well about 10 minutes later, the little 4 yr old says to me....
"Miss Gail, What kind of horse, does horse radish come from?" I laughed my head off. How cute....

HERE'S WHATS GOING ON.......

Happy Saturday, April 29, 2006
This weeks weather was very strange. It was windy where we live. Where I work it was in the 80's Monday, then snowed Wednesday, then rained all day Friday. No outside recess...AAAGGGHHHHHHHH. Today it is sunny and nice.
Bob is working in Minnesota now. He says they are very unorganized. Michigan was very good, he said. Everything went smooth. Not in MN. He has four weeks to go. :( Yikes. Bob will be gone for our 8th anniversary, May 10. And Mother's Day. As he was for both our Birthdays, and Valentine's Day. Bummer.
I have been keeping busy with work, meetings, going out with friends, paying bills, visiting the in laws, and playing with the dogs. My in laws are on their way up the mountain. They take care of a beautiful 100 acre ranch and lodge. I hope to get up there soon to take some scenic pictures. And maybe use my new 22. it is so relaxing up there. My father-in-law just loves it up there. Its his "place" of being away from everything.
This week at the Child center, was fun. We sang, we danced, we painted, we learned about transportation. We read books, lots of books, we shared owies, we ate snacks, and celebrated two birthdays. I have learned many different sign language signs working there. Its very neat to watch a child learn and then tell you what he or she wants. Some kids don't talk clear yet. So we teach signing. But ya know what? They all hug in the same language. :)
I got to talk to Brock two times this week. He is talking so well. Almost two years old!! I wish I could be there for his birthday, but with Bob gone I can't . The dogs. Molly tells Brock what to say and he repeats almost everything like a little Myna bird. I love it. I love to hear him say "Gramma". I love him!!!!!!!!
Oh I was sick last Monday with the flu. Oh my gosh it was so not fun. It sure makes you feel blessed when you are healthy. Pilgrim kept me company while I got better. His picture is still on the Animal Planet web site under 'Your Brag Book.' He is picture number 9.
Today my friends came over and one of them has a 2-1/2 yr old. Pilgrim and him wore eachother out! It was so fun to watch them run and fall and giggle. Well Pilgrim wasn't giggling but little Bret was. So cute. So entertaining. So thats about all. I wanna go outside and watch the sunset.... May God Bless you this coming week. Peace

My eyes are sore from tears... Bob calls this morning after being gone since March 13, says that he is going directly to Minnesota from Michigan to work another outage. This means another 4-6 weeks gone. I am sick of being alone.
My friends at work are great. They love me and are always encouraging me to stay working there forever. They don't want me to quit. I am not trying to brag here, I am just relaying to you that they always say how well I do with the kids and that I am a great teacher. Yes, it is an ego boost to me. I love to nuture the kids. Some of the kids come from such harsh home lives. It breaks my heart all the time. I love going to work and just being there if a 3 or 4 or 5 year old needs to talk. I think I see about 10 'owies' a day there. They want someone to care that they have owies. It's so cute. And I do care.
I'm not trying to whine here. I just miss my husband. I feel so excluded from him right now. There are so many things that need to be done right now around here. Plus look for homes. Can't do that apart. This is not what God wants for christian, married people. Jobs that are states apart. One of them gone for months at a time. I am not doing well with this. Please keep us in your prayers. Pray I can continue to do all the home stuff by myself. I don't want to!! 38 days without a husband. At least 30 something more. Yuck.
On a happy note our little Pilgrim puppy is on the Animal Planet web site . It is under brag book pictures. I am so proud of the little guy. I am glad I have him at least. Til next time....Ciao

Well Today is Easter 2006. Although Bob was in MI working, it was still a great Easter. I had my sister Joey, and my nephew Phil with me. After a hard time getting here, delays, bad weather in Chi town, plane troubles, they finally got into Colo Springs at midnight. They stayed there Friday night. I got up on Saturday, drove to the Springs and met them. From the minute we were all together, it was one laugh after another. Oh my gosh. We drove to Golden, (Coors capital) for a very nice celebration of life memorial service for my Aunt Carlene. It was so nice. Then at 3:30 we left there and drove to Colo Springs to the Harley dealership where Phil loaded up on new t-shirts for Valerie and himself, and Joey got some too for Mike and her friend that has a Harley. Cool. I loaded up on the great smell of leather and eye full of bikes. I love it. We then drove home , and let the doggies out and then went to dinner at a colorful mexican resturant. So fun. This morning we all got up early and went to our church. Phil drove and the speedometer reached 130 on Highway 50. After a very great service, they both told me they enjoyed it. I was glad. I was excited to see three of 'MY' photos on the big screen. That is a very neat feeling to see 'MY' work for everyone to see. I got to introduce My sister and My nephew to Pastor Kirk and Pastor Cory. I felt so warm and fuzzy. After a great service, I took them to Skyline drive. Skyline drive is a very narrow road that goes up to a point, where you can overlook the whole town and the mountains. You are suppose to drive up this scary, narrow road 15 miles an hour. Well 'Extreme' Phil drove it 40. Joey and I held our breath. Phil laughed. He is a riot!!! We got to the top and enjoyed the veiw, took many pictures and laughed. Joey drove it downhill. We almost hit two squirrels. We missed them.
After that adventure, we went for breakfast at Village INN. Came back home, let the dogs out, then on to the airport,:(
I hated saying good-bye. I wished so much, they could have stayed a week. I found out their flight back was a mess. They were delayed over three hours!! Joey called at ten her time, to say she JUST got in. I felt bad. After I left the them, I went to Bob's family's Easter picinic at the duck park. It was fun, with so much to eat, funny stories, and my crazy brother-in-laws playing tricks on me. They are so great and I am so lucky to have another family. Bob called me during it, telling me he is trying to go right to the next power plant. So that means yet another month apart. :( I hate it. I want to go see Brock. I was sad after our call, and went to pick up a plunger, because one of my guests, how shall I say this... clogged the toilet and I didn't have a plunger. I got that, then went to Wally World, and got photos printed. Came home and laughed to myself (as I unclogged the toilet) about how much fun this weekend was. Inside jokes.. "Grind me a pound of that.", "Coming in hot." that meant pulling into the driveway, fast like Duke's of Hazzard. So many funny times. I wish I could write them all down. Joey, Little Phil, thanks for the visit. Come back soon. Family, thats what its all about.. Then to make Easter even better, Molly called. I heard Brock say, Happy, Thellow, (yellow) poohpooh, (he is getting potty trained), and granma. Oh man I miss him. Mike in the background telling him what to say. I love them all so much. This has been a wonderful Easter.....Thanks God for sending your Son to die for US. On the third day HE rose again. YES! Peace....Gail

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone. Jesus died on a cross, was spit at, mocked, beaten, laughed at, whipped, why? For Us to have eternal life. This life down here is nothing compared to what Jesus has in store for us in heaven. It is so big, I can't explain it big enough. If you haven't yet, don't wait. Do it now. Give Jesus your life! Ask him to forgive your sins and the bad stuff in your life. Ask him to come into your life and heart, so you can live for him now. That's what its all about down here. Getting ready for a life with HIM. On the third day he rose again, just like HE said. WOW..................Thank you Jesus for dying for ME, for my life, my wonderful family, my precious friends and for the beauty around me here in Colorado. My heart is Yours......Love, Gail

MASSAGES AND NOODLES

I JUST HAD TO WRITE SOMETHING NEAT THAT HAPPENED TODAY AT WORK. ALL THE TEACHERS GOT MASSAGES!!! OUR BOSS HAD A MASSAGE THERAPIST COME IN AND EACH OF US GOT THE NICEST MASSAGE. SHE TOLD ME HOW I HAD A EGG SIZE LUMP IN MY BACK THAT NEEDS TO BE WORKED OUT BECUASE THEY FILL WITH TOXINS. OH AND MY NECK IS SO TIGHT YOU COULD BOUNCE A QUARTER OFF OF IT. TENSE? STRESSED? ME? ALL IN ALL IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXTRA.
PILGRIM GOT TWO SHOTS YESTURDAY AND HE IS IN DISCOMFORT TODAY. OUCHY.
WE GOT A NEW LITTLE GIRL IN OUR CLASS MONDAY AND OH MAN IS SHE A HANDFUL. SHE HITS, THROWS TEMPER TANTRUMS, AND THEN CLIMBS IN MY LAP AND JUST WANTS TO BE HUGGED. ADHD MAYBE? I PRAY FOR THE SPECIAL KIDS MORE. AND FOR ME TO HAVE MORE PATIENCE WITH THEM. THIS WEEK IS "WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD" MAKING THEM FEEL SPECIAL, AND CELEBRATING HOW GREAT THEY ARE. WE ARE DOING LOTS OF FUN THINGS. I WANT TO COOK LOTS OF SPAGHETTI NOODLES, AND FILL OUR WATER TABLE AND LET THEM SWISH THEIR HANDS AROUND IN IT. DOESN'T THAT SOUND FUN? MAYBE I JUST WANT TO DO IT. HA HA.
BOB STILL GONE AND BUSY. I PRAY HE LOVES ME WITH EVERY FAULT I HAVE AS I LOVE HIM WITH HIS. HHMMHHH.
I JUST LOOK SO FORWARD TO MY SISTER, JOEY COMING OUT HERE. I AM SO EXCITED. OK I BETTER GO LET THE DOGGIES IN. IT WAS 71 DEGREES HERE TODAY. SOOOOOOOO NICE...PEACE.

Life is so full of ups and downs. I love my job right now. Someone told me today, I should get a 'REAL' job. Just because I don't make a lot of money. How stupid. Aren't you suppose to like what you do? I say, at least I have a job. I don't sit around and do nothing. I enjoy the kids at the child center. I feel, I am molding children for the future. Isn't that a good thing?
This week one of the kids fell off the monkey bars and cut his forehead. :( He got two staples. Poor baby. I hate seeing a child cry. I hate seeing a child hurt.
This week we also outlined each child's hand (all 21 of them) for a lesson on what hands are for... Some funny answers. Hands are for digging up stuff, hands are for praying, clapping, petting my dog, playing drums, holding the reigns of my horse, hugging, clapping, waving, blowing kisses, washing, playing in sand, brushing my teeth, holding my dolls, eating, picking up my toys, and my favorite, holding Grammy. So innocent. so precious.
Today I helped out at a child fair. Our center made Gak(SP) for any child that came by. So cool. Elmer's glue, Borax, water and food color. The kids loved it. Gak is slimmy, and bouncy, and squishy. Fun stuff.
My prayer list is long right now. I try to be humble in my prayers. I don't want to seem greedy to God. I thank Him for all He does for me..Then I ask him to heal and bless my friends and family...On my list right now, all my family, Mitch, Bob for safety at the power plant and to love me, Tommy H. to be healed from a 35 foot fall, A woman named Sharon who has cancer for the umteenth time, my niece Katie to stay on her meds and kick this yucky stuff, for my sister Barb, for strength to deal with everything, my Mother-in-law's son, Glen, to live long enough to get a double lung transplant, Missy my friend, to get healed from back surgery, another niece, Heidi to get pregnant, the guy at the gun shop's daughter to be healed of post pardum depression, Jim, to pass kidney stones, OUCH, and for Molly, Mike, and Brock to be healthy, happy and safe. God is Good and faithful. We can only live one day at a time. Can't change things that are going to happen. I just pray. I am worried about my marriage right now. Bob is strong-willed, stubborn, and a dreamer. I am realistic, and want things to go in order. I am not saying more than that. I just pray, and pray.
It's April Fools day today. I can't even be funny. I just cuddle my puppy, and my old greyhound and dream of good things to come... Peace be with you all :)

Friends, Aunts , and Kids........

I have so many nice friends. I love them. Some from my past, some from my work. I just wanted to say thanks, God, for my friends. I appreciate JT reading this . He calls it his soap opera. I miss ya. JT. Nother one?
I have lost two of my aunts in the last two weeks. Wow. My Aunt Carlene from Aurora, Colorado, and Aunt May from Hastings, MI. Aunt Carlene was so nice to me. She let me do fun things with her kids, my cousins at their house. I will never forget her. Aunt May taught me about animals. She had a farm in Vermontville, MI. She raised MINK, cows, rabbits, and pigs. I also remember her upstairs bedroom where Joey and I slept had lots of hornets. I was so scared. But I loved the farm. I learned a lot there. The minks smelled awful, and were so mean, but so pretty. P. U.
I took my neice, Rochelle to lunch at 'Sonic' and to the movies to see 'Shaggy Dog' last Sunday after church. Cute movie. Loved the credits. Lots of cute dog pictures. Check it out.
Bob started on nights. 7 pm to 7 am. I miss him. It' s so far away. So long. Just coming home to dogs is kinda boring. But I am glad they are here. Waaa. I sound so whiny.
I have a couple of friends at work I am praying for. Both of them are going through medical problems and they are only in their 20's. I love them. God please fix them. I hate seeing them so sad, in pain, and stressed out.
As I say in every blog, I miss Brock. Man, that boy makes my life shine. He is everything to my life. I thank God I work with the kids I work with. Nate, Roger, Dalton, Derek, Luke, Lainey, Neva etc, etc . So full of hugs and love for Miss Gail. To teach a child something, letters, numbers, songs, stuff about life, gives me a feeling of doing something right. I love it. I love kids!!!!! Thank you God.................
Until next time.....Peace