Christmas 2020

Christmas wasn't that much different this year than any other year considering the pandemic of the coronavirus.

We had our usual BBQ dinner with Teresa bringing her exceptionally delicious deviled eggs.

Michael was able to take a few hours off work and showed up with his festive Christmas light necklace.

Melissa brought along a fruit salad and a delicious dessert.

After dinner, Violet, Lincoln and Hazel tore into the presents. I don't think they really knew what they were opening until all the wrapping paper was off the presents. Hazel spent most of her time cleaning up the mess. She's like me. Can't stand a mess. I couldn't tell who had more fun, me or the kids.

Each year I try to fill Michael, Melissa and Jamie's stockings with some type of unique gift. This year it was a gift certificate to DSW (for shoes), a shoe rack and a pair of socks. I found these cute Christmas ornaments which I thought would give them a hint.

All in all it was a great day. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

3,000,000 Steps

I finally finished walking my 3,000,000 step goal for 2020. That's approximately 1,500 miles.

I'm a little bummed that Michele finished hers about a week ago but after the year we've had, I don't mind coming in second. I'd like to say I'll increase my goal for 2021, but 3,000,000 was hard enough to get! Now I'm taking a nap.

9 Year Old Puppies

Lola and Khloe turned 9 today. That's 62 in dog years.

They've almost caught up to my age and have some of the same old age aches and pains. Lola suffers from back pain and Khloe is afraid of loud noises and crowds...or maybe they'd just prefer to have a calm environment without all the hype of the current pandemic.

Kindle Love

In 2012 I bought my first Kindle and with a little love, it's still going strong. My Kindle wasn't holding a charge very well so I put it in airplane mode and it's working better than ever. That took care of the power problem. 

I splurged a bit on the case when I bought my Kindle. It's a leather book jacket with a magnetic clasp that's perfect for reading one-handed before I fall asleep. The other night I noticed a round metal disc lying on my pillow. It was the magnetic disc in the flap that holds the cover closed when it's either open or closed. I tried looking on Amazon for another cover since I got the battery problem solved but to my dismay, Amazon no longer makes a cover for this older Kindle. So out came the safety pin to close the frayed gap. I probably could have put a few stitches in the clasp but it was hard enough pushing through the safety pin. I refuse to buy another Kindle since I love this one so much. What do I care what it looks like? I only read it in bed and unless Khloe or Lola are there, I'm pretty much by myself!

A Dirt Bike Birthday Party

Every party must have a theme and Lincoln's plan for his 5th birthday was a dirt bike birthday party.

Lincoln has been obsessed with dirt bikes since his neighbor outgrew his and gave his old dirt bike to Lincoln.

This birthday party had dirt bike streamers, banners, cookies, cupcakes and, of course, dirt bikes.

Just a small amount of friends were invited but the noise level was like recess on a kindergarten playground. At one time all the kids went to the garage for a game. I thought I'd gone deaf it was so quiet. Happy Birthday Lincoln! I still can't believe you're already 5!

Early Birthday Presents for Lincoln

I felt so bad for Lincoln after having to have surgery, I decided to give him his birthday presents early.

He's still in a lot of pain from his tonsillectomy but had fun opening presents.

As soon as he's feeling better, he'll be the best dressed dirt biker in the neighborhood. The weather is pretty nice right now but he's still not ready to ride. I'm hoping the large helmet doesn't affect his balance causing yet another surgery! (Knock on wood)

Lincoln's Tonsillectomy

Lincoln isn't even 5 years old and already he's had 2 surgeries.

Today he had his tonsils and adenoids taken out plus some other type of surgery to for his tongue (big words, lots of pain).

A friend of Melissa's sent him a gift that makes shapes out of jello. Sounds good until you actually have to put something down your sore throat. He's doing as well as can be expected. Hopefully, this is enough.

New House Lot

My realtor called me with news that the lot I selected for my new home isn't big enough for my house design. I didn't want a smaller house so I chose a different lot.

Even though I didn't get my first choice, I decided to go with the lot at the opposite end. Michael drove me out to the subdivision so I could get a better look at my new lot. I like that the back side is looking into mature trees as opposed to waiting for new trees to grow. I'm not sure whether I'm trying to talk myself into liking my second choice or it was the better choice. Now if they'll only start digging the foundation.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

I spent Halloween with the kids carving pumpkins...or should I say cleaning out the pumpkins so Jamie could carve them.

Even Hazel was excited about the insides of the pumpkin. She'd look but not touch.

I left before the actual trick or treating started. Angel Violet and Fireman Lincoln were ready to collect their bags full of candy. Hazel, on the other hand, wasn't that excited about dressing as a black cat. Even an early sucker couldn't put a smile on her face.

It's be awhile since the weather has been this nice to go trick or treating. I still prefer the silence of my own home. Happy Halloween!

Walking Around Florida

Beginning the 1st of January, Michele and I have been virtually walking the coastal highways of Florida. We began around Pensacola and after almost 1,200 miles, we crossed into Georgia.

Our goal was to walk 250,000 steps per month. We did pretty good but now we're tired. Michele is heading back home but I'm determined to keep up the pace and make my 3,000,000 steps for the year. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!

Building a New House

What do you do when a pandemic keeps you in the house too long?

You build a new home. The bug has hit both me and Michele although she's going all the way to Colorado. I'm moving to Lee's Summit in a new maintenance free community called Woodside Ridge. It's going to take about 7-8 months before I can move but choosing all the furnishings should keep me busy through winter. My new house will look similar to this without the truck.

Happy "Half" Birthday

No presents, no party, just a shout out to Violet on her 7-1/2 year birthday.

Where does she get that sassy pose? 

Escaping to Hamburger Mary's

With so many restriction still going on because of the coronavirus, it's good when I can escape the confines of my house and go out.

I went with some girls I went to high school with to play bingo at Hamburger Mary's. Restaurants have restrictions in place like wearing masks when moving around and tables placed farther apart so I feel safe going in without fear of contamination. None of us won but it's always great catching up with people I went to high school with. It makes me feel young!

Ma's Day

We celebrated Grandparent's Day, or as I like to call it - Ma's Day - a little early with dinner at Plowboy's BBQ.

The menu was limited but the barbecue was delicious although rather expensive. With a little hiding from Melissa, I was able to get a picture with me, Violet, Lincoln and Hazel.

What goes great with a barbecue dinner? Ice cream at Dairy Queen. I think the added sugar really worked the kids up. I needed to go to bed early when I got home. I was so exhausted. Happy Ma's Day to me!

Lincoln's First Day of School

After much consideration on where to send Lincoln to pre-school, Melissa finally decided on a small group in home setting with 4 other kids.

I think that's a great choice for Lincoln because he's so shy among other people. There's also a pool, play yard and outdoor activities. Too bad the weather isn't cooperating right now.

Violet Starts 2nd Grade

With all the uncertainty of starting school because of the coronavirus, Violet finally got to go to her first day of second grade.

It's hard to believe how many years we called her Baby Violet. Well she sure isn't a baby anymore. She looks so grown up and ready to start a new school year even though masks are involved.

Lincoln and Hazel may be a little lost without Violet but that's not keeping them from enjoying the outdoors. Even Jamie is getting in a some lawn mowing (look way in the back). Let's hope the teachers have taken enough precautions that school will continue throughout the year.

Violet Gets a New Ride

Seems like the latest thing when you live on 5 acres is to have a dirt bike.

Lincoln wasn't always willing to share his dirt bike with Violet so Jamie shopped around until he found a good deal on a used bike. Now Violet has her own ride and can keep up with Lincoln and the neighborhood kids. 

New House, New Afghan

 When Michael moved into his new apartment (back in February), he asked if I would make him a new afghan to match his new furniture.

Creating your own design isn't as easy as you might think. This is my third attempt at getting something I liked and completed.

Michael had to do a little cheesy posing to get this selfie to commemorate the pandemic. Now he wants a second one in case he has company! I need to get the creative juices flowing.

Photo Bomb

Trish and I find time to go to dinner every once in awhile. Tonight's choice was Salty Iguana, one of our favorites.

I took a selfie of us and didn't realize the photo bomb from the guy behind us. We laughed so hard I was afraid the wait staff was going to throw us out plus the fact we'd been sitting their for a couple of hours. Oh the things you see when you get out of the house! 

Lincoln's Motorcycle

 Three months ago, Lincoln was riding a bicycle with training wheels.

Today he's zipping around the yard riding a dirt bike or as he likes to call it, his motorcycle. I love that he's cautious and always wears his helmet but the boots make me laugh. He wears them because he can get them on the fastest!

Online Shopping

 I think it's in a grandmother blood to spoil their grandchildren with toys and candy. I'm no different. Because of the mask order in stores, I decided to let the kids pick a toy from Amazon.

Violet chose a new doll which didn't come on the expected date and she couldn't sleep worrying about her delivery. Luckily it came the next day. Meet Avery, her newest addition to her doll collection.

Lincoln got a remote control car and Hazel got a Leap Frog book. If I don't stop this, I'm going to run out of ideas for Christmas!

Dinner & Chores

Usually when I need a few chores done around the house that I can't do myself, Jamie adjusts his busy schedule to accommodate me. You wouldn't believe how many people are vying for that number 1 spot.

What I thought was going to be big projects turned into much smaller projects. As a thank you, we tried a new Mexican place, Los Cabos, because I thought Salty Iguana was closed for lunch. By the way, it wasn't and I'm so sorry I didn't check before we left because Los Cabos was not that good. Time to start a new list!

Haircut

 Today was my usual hair color appointment. Instead of just a color and a trim, I decided on a new haircut.

Nicole (my stylist) cut 5 inches off the back and about an inch off the front. The after picture makes my hair look much longer in the back but I must have head my head back because it's the same length all the way around. Now I can enjoy my new hairdo alone in my home all by myself!

Visit to Kansas City

During this time of quarantine, it's always fun when Michele comes to town. It really breaks up my stay at home lifestyle.

Teresa stopped by on her lunch break from work and Melissa and Jamie and the kids came by and we had a little pizza lunch and visit. I'm trying to convince Michele to move back to Kansas City but trying to move Bruce may be a different story. Don't think I'm not going to try!!!

Violet Gets Her Ears Pierced

It's hard to believe that Violet is growing up so fast.

She made the decision to get her ears pierced. I was so afraid that after the first ear she would change her mind and not want the other one done because of the pain. But she pushed through and got them both ears pierced. Now it gives everyone another idea for gifts for Violet. Wait until she sees my collection of earrings. I probably have nothing to worry about. She'll probably think they're too old lady style for her!

Melissa & Jamie 14 Year Anniversary and Babysitting Duty

Melissa and Jamie celebrated 14 years of marriage and decided to go to dinner without any kids. Trish and I had babysitting duty.

I got there before Trish (she's working) so Melissa and Jamie could do a little shopping before dinner. Everything was going fine until Trish drove up. Her car is very similar to Melissa's and Hazel thought it was Melissa coming home.

When Hazel noticed it wasn't Melissa, the tears started. Add to that she didn't have much of a nap that day so she was extremely tired. Poor Hazel cried herself to sleep (Violet's faking it for the photo; my tears are real!)

While I was comforting Hazel, Trish helped Violet and Lincoln make bubble pizza for dinner - biscuit dough, pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni. Very tasty.

Things calmed down when Hazel finally gave up and fell asleep. I laid her on the couch and threatened anyone, including Lola and Khloe, if they made any noise.

Violet and Lincoln are a breeze to watch as long as you have enough energy to keep up with them.

Melissa was worried about taking a selfie in my car without showing the car seats. I don't think she realized there was a mask sitting on the console (LOL). Another remembrance of the times we are experiencing. Happy Anniversary!

In the meantime, Ma is busy for the next couple of days recuperating!

Cleaning the Garage

I've been procrastinating for a week now about cleaning out my garage. Not that much junk, just cobwebs and dust.

After 4 hours I'd say this is above and beyond even Jamie's standard. I sprayed Home Defense around the edges so maybe I can wait a couple of years before another thorough cleaning.

A Trip to the Dentist

Violet and Lincoln had dentist appointments today.

The dentist requires that masks be worn in the waiting room. Violet and Lincoln did their part! My turn tomorrow.

Procrastination

As organized as I am in my daily life, some say a little too OCD, for some reason I cannot keep up a daily routine on my blog. Don't get me wrong. I love my blog. It's my electronic scrapbook that I've been keeping since Violet was born. But for some reason whenever I go out or there's a special event, I forget to take a picture. Or I do take a picture but I'm too tired to write it up that night and then days pass and I'm back to catching up again. Excuses I know but more like procrastination.

For the past several years, one of my goals has been to keep my blog updated...in a timely manner. So starting today, I'm going to try and stick by that goal. No guarantees and I hope I can keep it longer than the end of this week. Cross your fingers for me!