Merry Christmas

With Christmas being at Melissa's, I checked my list more than twice to make sure I had everything I was supposed to bring.

Even with all the presents and toys strung across the living room, the day couldn't have been more perfect. Nothing is better than having your whole family there.

All my gifts were extra special since some were personalized with Violet, Lincoln, Hazel and Goldie's names.

And such a success taking the family selfie. Kids will do anything to open presents. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.....I'm tired!

Christmas Eve

As I sit here Christmas Eve...

staring at my stockings hung by the chimney...

and my sparkling Christmas tree, I'm kind of sad that I won't be having Christmas at my house. But then I remember the chaos and mess and that feeling suddenly turns to happiness.

I'm sure I had just as much work to do having Christmas at Melissa's - baking cookies, making the mashed potatoes, gathering up all the presents and stockings and checking my list. I had one last stop to make and that was to go to Harrah's to pick up the ribs (we had a barbecue Christmas). Teresa and I went up, played a bit (which we broke even - a win for me) then lunch with Michael. I think I'll just enjoy the quiet while I can.

 

3,000,000 Steps

I made it! I finally made it. I set a goal for myself to walk 3,000,000 steps in 2023. I started out the year strong but somewhere along the way I started to fall behind. So for the last few months, I've been walking and walking and walking to the point of never wanting to walk again.

Today I finally took my 3,000,000th step. It feels good to accomplish that goal. But trust me, I'll never set a goal that high again. Do you have any idea how many steps 3,000,000 steps is? I'm going back to water aerobics!

I thought about a personal trainer, then I found this sign and decided this is what I really need! Any interest?

Chiefs Win!

Teresa and I have been going to Erin's Pub to watch the Chiefs game.

I'd like to say we go for the camaraderie and excitement of watching the game with other people. But truth be told, we go for the free Mudslide shots they give when the Chiefs score a touchdown. Just our luck, the Chiefs haven't had any high scoring games for a while. At least it keeps us out of jail. Go Chiefs!

Violet's Christmas Program

This is my last Christmas program for this year. Mason Elementary School is getting smarter and allowing the parents (and grandparents) to show up just minutes before their class performs.

Violet had a 5th grade Christmas program. Her outfit really shows how much she's grown up. In fact, she borrows my shoes! Great job Violet!

Thank goodness Goldie doesn't have a Christmas program. No telling what kind of mood she'd be in...hat on, hat off. Look at the camera, ignore the photographer!!! All in the spirit of Christmas.

Hazel's Christmas Program

The season of school Christmas programs has begun. Hazel had her first Christmas program at her preschool. This school not only has Pre-K students but also 1, 2 and 3 year olds who also participated.

Hazel's first song was Reindeer Pokey. The kids wore red noses, reindeer ears and what I can only describe as bunny tails but I guess reindeer do have white fuzzy tails. The song was sang using the tune from the song Hokey Pokey substituting reindeer parts. "You put your antlers in, you put your antlers out....etc, etc." Now I know why Hazel couldn't tell me what songs she was singing. I'm sure these were all made up.

The program went rather fast considering the change out of classes. The little girl on Hazel's right was so dramatic that she kept throwing her arms in front of Hazel. But Hazel was a trooper and just kept on singing. The program was actually pretty cute and well coordinated. And the best part was it only lasted 36 minutes....LOL! Great program Hazel.

Happy Birthday Jamie!

We're down to our last birthday for 2023.

Jamie turns 41 today. After I took this picture I wondered if he remembered to put his birthday year on it. Then when I saw the 41, I thought he'd made a mistake. Well he is 41 and I'm getting that much older. Violet gave me a great suggestion for next year. I'm going to take pictures (if I remember) during everyone's birthdays then select the best picture for each person and make a personalized collage blanket at the end of the year. So stay tuned at the end of 2024 for the finished product. In the meantime, Happy Birthday Jamie!

Birthday #69 in the Books

Well it's official. I've entered the last year of my 60's.

And in the tradition of taking pictures in my birthday shirt, we were able to get a picture before heading out to Christmas in the park at Longview Lake.

Violet and Hazel stood up through the moon roof in my car and snapped about 100 pictures. My favorite was the giant birthday cake which I believe was commemorating my birthday.

Everyone still makes fun of my 40 year old "nursing home" jacket but it did come in handy when Hazel started getting cold while we drove through the park.

With 10 people we had to take 2 cars. I think we had the best car. Hazel had already buckled herself back in her car seat before this picture was taken.

I was also surprised with several birthday gifts. Michael gave me a set of wine glasses and a bottle of my favorite Pinot Grigio wine. (I may have given him a slight hint as to what I wanted.)

Hazel made me a beautiful birthday card.

Lincoln bought me a Travis Kelce flag for my garage she shed.

And Violet did something that almost made me cry. Many, many years ago I bought my Mother a needle point set and told her to work on it during the year and give it back to me the next Christmas when she finished. I had given Violet this latch hook rug kit for one of her birthdays. It was the cutest panda and I kept telling her I wanted it when she finished it. Well that's exactly what she gave me for my birthday. I will cherish it forever.

Happy Birthday to me. Do I feel older? Not today. Next year may be a different story!

VIP Day at Mason Elementary School

Today was VIP Day at Violet and Lincoln's school.

Last year Lincoln was sick and couldn't go but Violet and I have this down to a science. Instead of standing in line to take a picture or heading straight to the cafeteria to stand in line for a donut, we go straight to the book fair, visit the classrooms then head out for a donut and picture. The donuts may be picked over but at least we're not standing in a long line to check out at the book fair.

Notice Lincoln's desk number and locker number are 15 just like his favorite football player Patrick Mahomes!

Lincoln Turns 8

It's so hard to believe that all the kids are getting older. Lincoln turned 8 years old. Oh how I remember when he was just a baby. As I get older, time just seems to fly by.

I was able to get my birthday shirt signed and a picture of Lincoln. I could have sworn Melissa wrote out these letters and Lincoln colored them in. But he did this all by himself. Maybe he has that artist gene in him that seems to have skipped me. Happy Birthday Lincoln. 

Chief's Birthday Party

Next Tuesday is Lincoln's birthday so Melissa had his Chiefs themed birthday party today at the Gage Center.

The Gage Center is more of a gymnastic training center but they rent it out for birthday parties. Lincoln's wasn't the only party going on that day so there were many kids running around the floor tossing balls, sliding down the slides, swinging from rings and bars and just doing kid stuff.

They offer a 2 hour package but after an hour I was ready to let the kids go wild. Happy early Birthday, Lincoln. I'll see you Tuesday for a birthday dinner. 

Step Challenge Along Route 66

Michele and I need motivation in order to keep up our step count.

Michele thought of walking across Route 66. I'm starting at the beginning of the route in Chicago while she's starting at the end of the route in Santa Monica, CA. I think she planned this so I'd have the cold weather during the winter months. It will probably take us all of 2024 to complete this challenge unless like everything else we give up from exhaustion or boredom!

Another Ma's Day????

I feel like I'm getting more than my share of attention from the Taylor's lately.

The weather has been cooperating so Jamie hung my Christmas lights. And no I'm not turning them on until Thanksgiving just like the Plaza lights.

I took advantage of Lincoln and Hazel wanting to help with trimming the bushes in my front landscaping. Give those kids a tool and they'll do anything.

Hazel Prepares for Christmas

Looks like Hazel is jumping on the band wagon and preparing for Christmas.

Doesn't she realize there is still Thanksgiving, my birthday and Jamie's birthday before Christmas? This seems to be the trend for kids putting Christmas trees in their bedrooms. I guess she's just like all the other people who can't wait for Christmas!

Hazel's Halloween Art Craft

While Melissa was off going to Violet and Lincoln's Halloween parties, I was in charge of watching Hazel and Goldie. During my last babysitting gig, Hazel and I were BORED sitting around doing nothing. This time we decided to do a craft project.

Hazel started with glueing cotton balls to a piece of paper. Then she took water colors and made colorful eyeballs. Hazel said it was going to take her about 8 weeks to finish the project so I stepped in and helped her finish. Not bad for a 4 year old and an old woman with absolutely no creative ability. 

Michele Comes to KC

Since Michele moved to Colorado we don't get to visit as much as we did when she lived in St Louis. A 4 hour drive vs an 8 hour drive. Although this time, Michele flew to St Louis to visit friends then took the Amtrak train to Lee's Summit.

Melissa and the kids came over on Saturday. Our plan was to go to the Halloween parade, then catch a couple of trunk or treats. Well the weather didn't cooperate with us so it was card games instead followed by coloring activities.

The next day we went to Melissa's where the card games continued. It was a short visit and the weather was terrible but it was a rest for Michele from having to take care of her new puppy, Charlie. 

Poor Charlie was probably wandering around the house looking for her but being a puppy, he still had Bruce to play with. Maybe Bruce was happier to see Michele come home than Charlie.

New Sump Pump

My sump pump has been making funny noises so Jamie checked it and found out the builder had swept all the building debris into the sump pump. Even though Teresa and I cleaned it out, it still made noise and I was afraid it was going to fail.

I watched a YouTube video and thought Teresa and I could easily replace the sump pump but Jamie wasn't so sure about that. So he came over and replaced my sump pump. It would have probably taken Teresa and I a half a day to do the job but Jamie was done in less than 30 minutes. 

Probably sooner if he didn't have Goldie's help. LOL! I do believe Teresa and I could have done it but I feel much more secure knowing I had a professional job. (No offense Teresa!)

Early Birthday and Christmas Present

If I want something, I usually buy it myself. Or my tastes are so pricey that I hate to put it on a birthday or Christmas list. So instead I told Melissa and Jamie I wanted their "time" for my birthday.

I've been wanting a retractible screen door for my front door. It makes me feel less claustrophobic during the warm Spring and Fall seasons. So while I bought the door, Jamie came over and built out the front door frame and installed my screen door. I've only been able to open it one day because the weather dropped over 50 degrees but I'm hopeful the temperatures will climb a little bit more before Christmas. Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas to me! 

Beloved Baby Doll

I keep toys in my closet at home so the kids can have something to do when they come over. When Violet was a baby, I bought a life size baby doll. She really wasn't very interested in it and I don't quite remember Hazel ever playing with it.

Today, Goldie decided she not only wanted to play with the baby but take it home. I don't usually let the kids take the toys home but she was throwing such a fit, I decided to let it go. When Melissa sent me this picture, I decided I never wanted the baby back. Hopefully Goldie will like the baby longer than just the one day. 

School Awards

A few school awards were passed out and Violet and Lincoln both got an award.

Of course Violet got the Art award. Lincoln got an award for Math. Melissa better be careful. She may be the only one in the Taylor house who can't do math very well.

Haunt the Halls

Violet and Lincoln's school hosted a "Haunt the Halls" Halloween event.

I decided to dress up and go with the kids. With all the eye surgeries and problems I've been having, I decided to go as a giant eyeball. I got this eye shadow palette in order to get a black, red and white eye to go along with my eyeball shirt and googlie eye headband. 

Lincoln was Marshmallow man. He was actually my favorite.

Violet was Disney princess Belle. Her costume was so beautiful she could have been going to the prom.

And Hazel was Cinderella.

Not quite sure which princess Goldie was. It was hard enough trying to get her to keep her costume on.

Each class had their own decorated station plus the teachers added more. So many stations to get candy. I even got a few pieces. This is just the first of many events planned for this Halloween. Maybe I can restock my candy closet without having to go to the store.

2,000,000 Steps

I finally hit 2,000,000 steps of my 3,000,000 step count goal for this year.

I may be 20 days behind on average steps but unlike most of my goals for 2023, I'm determined to complete this one. Do you think I can do it?

50th High School Reunion

I hate to admit but this weekend was my 50th high school reunion.

Friday night was a meet and greet before attending the high school football game.

It was a small crowd on Friday but I was able to catch up with a few people before the festivities planned for Saturday. 

Saturday was a madhouse. From 6:00 pm until I left at 10:00, I don't think I ever stopped talking. These are a couple of my friends since Junior High.

While it's been longer than 50 years, I did get a picture with my best friend since 8th grade. If you do the math, that's 55 years of friendship which never grows old.

We did have a professional photographer to take a class picture. I think taking this picture was much harder than herding cats. How do you get over 100 people to all stop talking and smile at the same time? Old people are hilarious! I can't wait until our 55th....fingers crossed.