Tuesday May 31

Up at 5. Devotions. Reconciled checkbook with bank ( since Jan. 1) Coffee at folks. Took signed contract to school. Watched 3 little one in hospital while M&M went to swim ... getting in shape for triathlon in August in Denver .. race for a cure. Drove to Storm Lake to get some plants. Denny took Mom to hospital on his lunch break. Home, put on the timer and worked 30 minutes on going through school stuff. Friday night Howard was hungry for a strawberry malt and offered to buy for all. Matt was in charge of taking orders. It totaled 22. Family Table has never had such a large order. Boy, were they good! I thought my hot fudge was the best, though no one relished the shakes more than Brooks.

Monday May 30

Up at 4 for devotions and then to hospital to switch with Mandy,(who has been there all night). Howard seems stronger, he sat in a chair for 2hours 15 minutes and ate his breakfast during that time. Dr. L. said Howard's lab work looked the best since he has been here. It has been a week since E&A went with me to see GGny before her chemo last Monday. I took a picture with them and both great grandparents. Matt and Becky stopped in the hospital before heading to St. Jo , as did Youslings before they headed to Colorado. I came home about 12 with Denny, Linda had brought GGny to the hospital.

Sunday May 29

Ran 4.4 miles this am. Took little ones in for donuts before SS. After church I went to hospital. Siblings met with DR. Out for lunch with siblings. In the afternoon we came home and worked on getting camper moved to Julia's north 80. Mandy was going motorcycling, but too rainy. We grilled for supper and ate in coop.

Sat May 28

Up at 6. Ran/trugged 4 miles. Stopped at folks to say it would be 8 before I went into town. I took 5 Grands and 2 Youslings to the rec center while I took GGny to hospital. Swam 2 hours in little pool. Then l hour in toy room, Then played in the park by library. Matt came to town (to run the trail) and got a jug of milk, loaf of bread, jar of jelly and peanut butter so we could have a picnic near playground. Then to library, then to hospital (but GGpa was resting). Home for naps. Denny worked in am in Odebolt. Yousling took flowers to cemetaries. Mandy was a hospital overnight (didn't have to be tapped with pillow :) She went home to take a nap. Linda came with Michael and Karen.

Friday May 27

22 years for Diane and Jay. Praise the Lord! Boy, were they happy when they got married. They are STILL that way. Denny put the two new tires on the Prius. I picked up Anabel and Diane about 7:30am to take them to the hospital. Howard had asked for cream of wheat for breakfast. Last night Linda and Mandy stayed all night. Denny left about midnight. Karen and Luke left the hospital after that. Gary took a nap in the solarium and drove back to Blair about 3 am. Mandy was sitting by Howard during the night and must have dozed off. He said he tapped her with a pillow to awaken her. When Howard called for Linda, she was there. Mat and Becky camae aobut 1 pm today. SO THANKFUL TO HAV THE MISSOURI JOHNSONS HERE>

Thursday May 26

Up early and had my devotions (I missed yesterday), At 6:30 I went to the folks place and Anabel and I went into the hospital. Gary and Denny had stayed with Dad last night. Linda and Mandy went to the hospital at midnight and Denny came home about 2 am. About 7 am I headed to SC to have a visit with a graduate advisor. She printed up a program of study that shows I am taking classes to meet the state requirements of Sped teacher. I have to had taken 12 credits by June 30th. Because I am taking a 4 class this summer that goes from June 6 to July 8, I needed documentation to say I am working toward that end. I tried to get the books for the class (the campus book store wasn't open and Barnes and Noble didn't have the two text books). I stopped at the hospital and about 1 I took Mom home to rest. I went to Missy's and she and I ordered the 2 text books. I was in the house while she and Mandy ran a couple miles. I took Mom back in about 4:30. Luke and Karen were at the hospital. They left Burlington this am. SO THANKFUL TO HAVE LUKE AND KAREN HERE. About 6 Missy brought grilled brats for us to eat out on the deck. It was good weather and good to be outside. They moved Dad into a private room while most of us were outside. Denny met with orthopedic surgeon about his ankle.

Wed. May 25

We got a phone call about 3 am that said that Dad was not doing very well. Denny got the phone call and called Mom and his brothers and sisters. I headed in to the hospital and Denny went to get mom. They had given him an oxygen mask and that helped. He was really struggling to breathe. Later in the morning he got some morphine to help with his breathing. Mandy rode with Youslings to come to Ida Grove. They got here about 4:00 , with cowboy boots on. SO THANKFUL TO HAVE MANDY HERE.

Tuesday May 24

Coffee with Mom before school. I stopped to see Dad at hospital and take him his shaver before school. Linda came about 2 and took Mom to the hospital from 2-4. I stopped by after school, Howard seemed pretty worn out so I didn't stay long. Denny stopped by the hospital after work. At school the students had finals. We moved the bookcase from the guidance room to the foods room. We're pretty thankful for our Gra

Monday May 23

Coffee at folks. Anabel has a chemo day at 2. Linda is taking Mom to SC. because Howard is not doing well. Missy plans to check on Howard every hour. After the first hourly check, Linda and Missy got an appointment for Howard at 2:00 with Dr. Luft. Toshi came over and watched the 3 kids while Jensens took Howard in. SO THANKFUL TO HAVE MISSY AND PHILLIP HERE. After school I went home to relieve Toshi. Denny was with Jensens as they checked Dad into the hospital. At school I gave finals to students. Lauren finished The Boxcar Children and passed the AR test. After the 6 finished the Independent living test they watched more of Financial Peace.

Sunday May 22

Good breakfast at Mo Johnson’s before church. We went to Matt and Becky’s connections class. Nice bunch of people. At 11 we went to eat Chinese at Little Panda’s. Matt started mowing the lawn when we got home. Denny took a nap. Haley and I played games and made designs with foam letters. We got started home about 2:30. We stopped in Council Bluffs where I got a short shop at Goodwill. During the day Howard had dizzy spells and so he didn't go in for his Sunday paper. He didn't have much to eat. Linda came over for the afternoon.

Saturday May 21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNY!!! 61 YEARS old. CONGRATS KAREN AT HOODING! Law school- Lawrence Kansas- Kansas State.

We left for Lawrence about 9:00 and got to Karen’s apartment about 10:30. Pete and Carol had come down last night. Karen had gotten most things pretty much ready to move. We drove the pick up so Luke could load it and take Karen’s things to Burlington. We’ll take Luke’s car back to St. Joseph and then home. We ate lunch at The Merc A grocery store / food copp /deli. Hooding was at 1. We had front row seats in th balcony, Matt and family were there when we got there. Little ones were really good during the 1 hour + graduation. Snacks at the Law building, Played in a park. Great weather. We went to Jessie and Ricks then to The Eldridge for 6:15 reservations. Thanks Pete for the great meal. Matt and Becky drove back to Karen’s apartment, then they headed home. We brought Torren with us. Great day!! For a birthday and hooding.

Friday May 20

Dear Jesus, thank you for seeing me through one year of teaching.

I was up early and finished typing a new World history test for my three students. It takes me forever to type. Coffee at the folks. I taught my last classes for the 2010-2011 year. How strange is that? Can’t believe I did it and the year is pretty much over. Wow, I really didn’t think that I would make it. There has been so much to learn, AND there still is so much I need to know. (For instance a voc rehab gal called for a student's contact information… I am suppose to give it out? I called the foster dad and he gave the okay, and so I gave out his phone number.) In Indep. Living I mostly summarized what we have covered. I told them to use their old tests to study from for the final. After school we visited with the neighbors. Then headed to St. Joe about 7 pm. We got there about 11 and talked until 12:15. That’s SO late for me. Missy subbed at the middle school for Dee B. today. Elizabeth watched the 3.

Thursday May 19

Coffee at the folks. Missy subbed for Susie M. at the HS today. Kathi J. watched the 3. At 1, we three SPED teachers left for Odebolt to get an update on students that will be coming to the HS next year. We stopped at the hospital jewelry sale first before heading to Odebolt.. Vicki does not like going to these meetings, but we did have fun looking at jewelry. Denny worked on putting 2 new tires on the Prius. I had gotten them from Rupp. The folks came over and brought birthday cake. German chocolate. YUM!

Wednesday May 18

Coffee at the folks Ind. Liv ate food the fixed. After school I came home and weeded one flower bed. 4 guys came to the farm with Phillip. He had to go to Odebolt to get Brandon. Phillip got a part for the Dixon in the morning. Denny fixed the mower and then he went up and finished mowing at the unit. Good to have the mower running. Denny is amazing. Grandma knew we were going to be gone on Denny's birthday so she fixed a German chocolate cake for him early.

Monday May 16/ Tuesday May 17

Monday Coffee at the folks Don't remember what else went on. Tuesday Coffee at the folks At school Ind. Liv. started fixing the last foods lab. Rice Krispie bars, Vegetable pizza, Funfetti cookies, Smoothies, Baked beans, Mac and cheese. I ran four miles after school on the trail. Missy was at Ranae’s and whistled at me. Denny fixed the sprayer that goes on the 4 wheeler. He had gotten parts at Bomgaars. I went up and mowed at the unit while he sprayed. Phillip had started and mowed there for about an hour. Of course, the mower stopped working while I was using it. Denny put the sprayer and four wheeler away and took the tractor and loader and brought the mower home in the loader bucket. I had gone to bed.

Sunday May 15

I got bagels yesterday so I cut them up and put on cream cheese to take for Danielle's reception between SS and church. The table was set in the foyer, lots of good food. Pastor interviewed Dannielle and prayed for her future at Johns Hopkins. After church 31 people came and ate lunch with us. The morning was cold and wet so we were prepared to have a heater going in the coop and Denny grilled hot dogs/ brats on the grill. The afternoon weather turned out so nice - We gathered out of the wind - in the shelter of the coop. People stayed around to visit - then naps in the afternoon. We went in to the Senior graduation reception for the church high schoolers.

Saturday May 14

I was up at 5:15. Left for SC about 7:30. Stopped at HS to get computer charger. WW at 9:00. Met with home school families (3) at 9:30. Took back 3 grad books ($48) Returned to clear corrigated plastic panels. Got 4 pkges for buns. Stopped at IG and got 4 packages of wieners. At home I took a short nap. Missy and Phillip left about 1 with the boys to go shopping and out to eat.. (It sounded like they had a great time shopping and eating out.) I put the grands down for naps. I set table in sunroom for tomorrow's lunch. Denny cleaned out the coop. After naps kids and I watched Little House on the Praire. About 7 we left for Grace S. graduation party. It was a cold windy gray day. Great food there. Kids liked to play with kittens at Smiths. The picture is from the next day and the group out at hour home for Danielle's going away party. Some of the group were looking at the sheep in the background.

Friday May 13

Coffee at folks. I baked chocolate chip cookies and made OJ for the Friday Flagpole prayer group. What an encouragement for me to see them out my window every Friday am, praying for classmates and the school. I hope they continue after Mick graduates. I drove to Arthur and ordered pizza from Sparkies. Then I set up the table in the foyer for Danielle's reception. Denny picked up the pizza and I went home. Missy and Phillip to the kids into swimming lessons with Jean H. Denny and I ate pizza in the coop. This is the group that went to the nursing home with our motorcycles.

Thursday May 12

Coffee at the folks. I like my Jeep. Yesterday as I drove to school I talked to Mandy who was driving to work at the same time. Made me smile. I had an IEP Senior exit for a student I had never met. Cathy H. did the paperwork. I am thankful for her. After school I went to the District Track meet at our track. I stayed until 6 and got to see my favorite ... the hurdlers. It started to rain and look bad toward the west. It was not really a red hat day, but you have to take them when you get them. Peg Sampson had a treat when she got a ride on the motorcycle.

Wed. May 11

Coffee at folks. Another school day. Worked on personal finance with A. Took Michael and Christian to the farm. They cleaned out barn with pitch forks. I mowed the lawn, Denny spread fertilizer and IRON, to make the grass greener. We ate chicken salad sandwiches and asparagus before heading to church, and taking the pickup into Don's.

Tuesday May 10

Coffee at folks. Full day at school. Carlie went to the grocery store. K&A went yesterday and made slushes and tuna sandwiches today. I worked at school until 5:45. Then to motorcycle meeting. At 6:15 the motorcycles went to Morningside care center. I think mom could have had her ride on a motorcycle with some of those from the nursing home. 4 residents took advantage of the opportunity and had a ride. Dennis R's tricycle made them feel safer. At 7 I went to home school meeting at the EEC. Three hs parents were there. Home to bed.

Monday May 9

Coffee at folks. Anabel went to SC to get the results of the brain scan. PTL no cancer. Diane went with them and Missy watched the boys. Update from Nelsons. Sophie is going home. They will go for a check up next week, but it looks good. Cathy H. said she would contact a senior's parent. That eased my thoughts. I ran 2 miles after school on the trail. I stayed in town and visited with Danielle, Elizabeth and Emily until 8. Then home and to bed.

Sunday May 8, 2011

I worked outside early, just straightening and cleaning up around the glass house before church and SS. (I think that house was one of the worst ideas I've had, but my faithful husband took his valuable time and worked on it for me. Gotta love him. Maybe I'll use it better another year. All the plants that I tried to raise died. Pretty discouraging.) No donuts this am. After church GGpa too us and the Jensens out for lunch at the Arthur Cafe- that rents the community Hall on Mother's day and feeds the community a great meal there. Wonderful food. Then home for a 20 minute nap. I worked on school stuff. We went to church at night. Prayer chain got a call. Sophie N. had fallen from a Sam's club shopping cart and was being life flighted to Omaha with a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain. As I was awake through the night I prayed for her and stress.

Saturday May 7

Stayed in bed until 7. Went for a quick coffee at folks, They were surprised to see me ... not my normal routine. I went home and worked on the classes I am teaching this semester, with stress. Missy suggested I should walk ... so I walked to the folks to meet Diane's and Linda's for a work day. Linda raked, Diane and Jay washed windows. I worked on some flower areas in the yard.They brought maidrites for lunch. After working in Odebolt this am, Denny came home with my new Jeep. "Bye, Bye Malibu. You were a good car for me." Then he joined the workers trimming trees and hauling them away. At night Megan and Ryan ... And Jean and Larry came out to visit us in the coop. Nice time.

Friday May 6

Coffee at folks with little Anabel. SO NICE. Good to get grounded in what is really important in life. Time for coffee with folks and time with granddaughter. Long day at school. Decision to go with 13th year with one student. So much I don't know. Addressed sharing of my assignment with JC. (Please do not do again. I wish I had never shared with you). Megan and Ryan T came to spend weekend with Jensens. Denny fixed grilled hamburgers for supper. We really chill out on Friday nights. I did call and we are buying the 2004 Jeep. Denny will take the Malibu to Odebolt when he goes there to work tomorrow morning and make the change.

Thursday May 5

Coffee at folks. My first Sr. exit was at 8:30. Pretty full day, even though I only had 2; I sat in on others. After school we went to take Jeep for a spin. Long day, I was tired. After work Denny washed the Prius and I cleaned out the inside of the Malibu. Missy washed the Jensen Toyota. I told them I was hoping this was a $2000. car wash. Missy and Denny went on a bike ride GOING NORTH?? I watched Little House with E&A.

Wednesday May 4

Coffee at folks. School was out at 1pm. Professional Development. The sped staff worked on exit forms for seniors. I gave Michael a ride out to the farm. I drove to Wall Lake and got my hair cut. Denny and I met at home for a bite of supper and then headed to church. Talked about Liberty Jeep at Odebolt. Denny has done the paper work (checking on value).

Tuesday May 3

Coffee at folks. After school I worked at computer and fixed 2 suppers for us. Chicken pot pie and Baked potato soup. Both of them were so good we didn't know which one to eat. We ate supper out o the wire table, I cleaned out some flower beds and Denny went up to Julia's and pulled trees out of the fence line. We miss spending time looking out at the rasaca in Brownsville.

Monday May 2

Last IEP (HD) at 8:30. In the world wide news Bin Ladin has been served justice. I took in vanilla and lotion to give to the SPED staff. (and Cathy, so I don't have any left for myself). I really need to learn how to count better. Complement on calm attitude during IEP "shine" After school I cleaned out the dead plants from some of the flower beds. Missy brought down French toast for Monday meal. Denny took the tractor up to Julia's to move the trees he cut down. Aren't giraffes amazing animals?

Sunday May 1 15321

Donuts before church, (really they grands shared a brownie, there were no donuts to choose from) and brownies were $1.50 for a small one Uffta. Kim S. wasn't there to teach, Joann helped me with the 14 little ones in the 2-5 year old SS class. We took Stephen S. home after church. and relaxed a little. I planted some dahlias, picked some daffodils. At 6 we went to Camp Sunday and had grilled hamburgers. Then home to start another week.

Sat. April 30.

I didn't sleep the best last night. I headed to SC early. Didn't have to go to WW, I hadn't realized I had already been there this month. The lesson plan went okay. The final went okay. I was so thankful to have Shari be my partner for the test. Passed - 100% - was the posted grade. :) Denny met me in IG and we drove to Odeobot to look at different car for me. Beckmans wasn't open. We headed home. Quick nap, then get ready for Awana final meeting. I mowed the lawn, Denny cleaned the coop. About 6 they came. Pastor, Donnabel (she came twice, the first time no one came to the door so she headed to Arthur, then came back). 2 miles, 2 doses, 2 goodenows, 2 masters, Mary G. 4 Bergmans, 2 Stangls , 2 Holmes, Reed, 2 of us. Total 21 Praise the Lord for the many Awana workers. We stayed up too late after they went home. Just sat in the coop and was thankful to have one more Morningside class done. I've completely 11 credits so far this year since September. It has been a stretch for me, not comfortable at all. But I do like to learn about what I am suppose to be doing. Carlie and I have been working on shapes. The chick peas and toothpicks is the mini lesson I did for 407. So thankful the class is done.

Friday April 29

Coffee at folks with little A. Meeting at 8:30 with guradian grandmother toanswer questions and firm up the IEP plans. Jeans day. Last Friday of the month. After school I headed home. Missy helped with Lesson plans with chick peas and toothpick. Laura called about 5 and invited me to go with Della, and Lynn and herself to the Inn and eat supper for Laura's birthday. And so I did. I felt a little guilty for not staying home and studying for the final tomorrow. But life is short, and I have been missing being with my friends. So I went. Great food and nice to listen to the girl talk. The rose is from the rose bush at Brownsville. Mom loved to have us take care of it. Weed, fertilize,etc. I have never seen very many roses from it. Lila said it had bloomed a lot this year. Pretty color.

Thursday April 28

Coffee at folks. Independent living class started fixing for the soup lab. Carlie worked on shapes notebook. 6&7th hour worked on Sr. exit forms. After 8th hour I drove to Sac City to visit Howard Center open house. Got home about 5. Missy and I went to Darlene T. for supper with Rachel, Nancy, and Teresa. Home to work on 407 classwork. Some days I just keep plodding along, trying to keep my head up.

Wed. April 27,

Back to the real world. Coffee at folks. After school I brought 3 HSers to the farm to watch Millot bite the dust. Rollins (those who gave the goat to the Jensens with the intention of slaughter last fall) came down from Storm Lake and performed the task. Mostly Missy had baked potato bar for supper for 16, but there was a taste test offered, too. Not to bad. Sure miss going to the Four Seasons hot tub at night.