Student of the Month

Each month the Lake Lotawana Optimist Club selects 2 students as Students of the Month.

For November it was Lincoln. Besides his name on the sign outside of school, he gets to have McDonald's with his teacher. Congratulations, Lincoln. You're in a very exclusive club! 

Boxes, Boxes and More Boxes

I've been unpacking for a week now and it seems as though the boxes are multiplying instead of decreasing.

I try to concentrate on putting things away but I keep getting sidetracked to go shopping for things I need for the house.

Luckily I can shut the door to the garage and pretend it's not in such disarray.

There is good news. The workers have arrived to startle landscaping. I wonder how long that will take.

Christmas in My New House

In the past few days I've had time to find most of my kitchen stuff in order to prepare dinner for Christmas.

Even the tilting Christmas tree looked festive.

Jamie wasn't able to make it due to his work schedule but this picture is a rarity with Hazel looking forward with her eyes open. This was a Christmas miracle!

I tried to get a picture with all the kids but Hazel was too excited to open presents. Besides all the packing materials, my trash load got even larger with wrapping paper. That's a battle I'll probably won't win for some time.

Michele left for home before Christmas to spend the holidays with Bruce so it's just me and Teresa with Michael photo bombing in the background.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Broken Doll

In 1972 my Mom made me a cheerleader ceramic doll. I've kept her safe for 50 years.

This move, she didn't make it. Her leg broke. I'm broken hearted but Jamie said he could fix her. I hope this isn't an omen that something will happen to me while I unpack all these boxes. I'm going to be extra careful. 

Moving In

What a chaotic day. The POD was unloaded. Nebraska Furniture Mart delivered the new furniture and everyone pitched in to help.

Even Violet and Lincoln climbed in the POD to help with the boxes.

Since Christmas is only 2 days away and I want to have Christmas dinner at my house, Melissa insisted we put up the Christmas tree. I'm usually very particular about placement of all ornaments. But Violet, Lincoln, Hazel and Michele took charge and put the tree up. I sat back and closed my eyes. It was very appropriate to have a tilting tree strung haphazardly with Mardi Gras beads since nothing was in order...everything still in boxes.

While I continued to stress about all the unpacking, Michele kept the kids entertained. I know it will take time to put everything away. I hope I can remember to tell that to my nervous system.

It's All Mine

Well the closing went smoothly and after waiting a couple of hours for the checks to clear, I met the builder and he handed me the keys to my new house.

Every time I've moved, my Mom always brought me a load a bread and a box of salt. The old Russian tradition means you'll never be hungry and your life will be full of flavor. Since this is my FINAL move, I decided to do my own version. The first thing I brought into the house was a six pack of Dr Pepper and a bag of chips. More my style!

Final Walk Thru

I can't believe the time has come for the final walk thru for my new house.

It's hard to try and find every little thing the builder may have missed.

But this is my only shot at finding paint smudges and minor repairs.

I do have a one year warranty where big stuff can be taken care of if something drastic occurs during the year.

I can't even decide which room I like the best.

It's all so neat and clean. Closing in a week. Keep your fingers crossed nothing stops the closing. 

Happy Birthday to Me and Jamie

I'm not sure why I started the sombrero birthday pics this year but I continued with this ridiculous theme throughout the year.....until my birthday.

I honestly forgot to bring the sombrero so instead I found a SnapChat filter with this stupid pink cowboy hat. I figured I go ahead and post it to remind myself not to start something then decide I didn't like the idea.

Not only did I take one of myself but I had to continue with one of Jamie. I do believe I'm no longer his favorite mother-in-law. Anyway, Happy Birthday to me and Jamie. May I find some other way to honor my family in 2022.

Appliances and Stucco

I now have appliances and stucco....well part way.

Growing up, Mom always cooked on a gas stove. Since I've been an adult, I've always had electric. There might be at slight learning curve but this cook top is so pretty.

The outside is slowly getting finished. I'm glad I opted to extend the patio another 10'. That extra 10' may not be covered but at least I won't be grilling at the bottom of the stairs. Progress is being made!