* ~ * ~ Black Out ~ * ~ *

It's been storming all day off and on here. The storm drain for our entire row of trailers is in our front and side yard, along the road. I've been watching all day to be aware if the water backed up. (With as fast as the water was rushing in the colvert, if the water backed up, we'd be stranded up in the trailer pretty quick.) So I packed a change of clothes for the kids and kept an eye on the drainage. Nothing ever went array with the flowing water. Our backyard does look like a mud pit and the front yard looks like a swamp though.
About 9:15 tonight our power flickered off, then on, then off, then on for about 60 seconds. Then it stayed off. Jim called the power company to report it. But when we looked outside we realized the street lights were off and all the trailers around us had no lights. On a Friday night, we expected to see SOME lights on around 9pm. The kids were already in bed watching a movie, and were scared when everything went dark.
I turned on the flashlight that is on my cellphone (thanks Hope & Scott!), and turned on the key guard, so the kids couldn't dial the phone. Allan and Elaine took turns carrying my cellphone, and occasionally they let me use to while I hunted for candles. I put tea lights and votive candles inside reflective (clean coffee cans and metal tins) and glass containers. This got the most bang from each candle. I filled a pitcher with water, because I wanted water on hand with all the open flames. I scattered coffee cans with candles around the living room, so we could see clearly in that one room. The kids calmed down, so I started adding to the diaper bag. When it had been an hour in the dark, at 10:30pm, we blew out the flames and left the trailer. It was humid and just gross to be inside with no fans on. Jim drove us to the walmart. (Not too much else was still open at almost 11pm). We played in the toy aisle, I window shopped around the fabrics, and Jim looked at the technology stuff. The A/C was a nice break from the trailer. Allan got tired of riding in the shopping cart, so he made me ditch the cart and carry him around the store. It was over an hour past his bedtime.
We headed home, but when we got to our neighborhood, all the street lamps were still unlit. We rushed the kids back inside and decided to try and get the kids to sleep, even with the humidity. While we were out, the water stopped working too. We figure the pump that adds new water into the neighborhood's well has electrical components. We were grateful for the pitcher of water from earlier.
Jim drug a spare mattress into the living room and made a tent with sheets over the mattress. The kids laid on the bed while I read them story books. They are use to falling asleep while watching Disney tapes. Yes, I know it's not a good habit. But it is the current circumstance. I read to them for an hour straight hoping the story would help them doze off. Allan kept moving around the room, trying to get comfortable unsuccessfully. Elaine was mad that she couldn't see the story's illustrations in the candle light. After the hour of reading, the lights came back on all at once. Elaine ran to tell Jim, who had dozed off while I was reading. She crawled back on the mattress to ham it up for my camera, before we took down the tent. We all blew out the candles and moved the kid's blankets back to their room.

last two days.

We went over to Pam's yesterday and ended up being there for probably two hours. She had a question for Jimmy about how to backup her hard drive. Jim sat down and started tinkering while Pamela and I were chit chatting. By the time we were all caught up, Jim had defragged the hard drive, updated the virus protection and ran other updates. It's funny how guys will keep themselves entertained. I got to hold Pam's son, Cole. He's getting big. He's an eager crawler but his balance is a little wobbly when he's standing up. Elaine was excited to see Kaylee. One of the luggage pieces Pamela gave me was a makeup kit. So I spent an hour last night cleaning out our bathroom cabinets and drawers and setting up my pretty makeup case. :)
Then I made another scrapbook page. I used the last of my glue sticks *pout*. At least without being able to scrapbook, I'll have less distractions and get some more house work done.

Today Jimmy was up early delivering the papers. The kids and I slept in. I talked to my mom on the phone. She said my cousin Nicky (aka Phillip) is getting married in September and I should expect an invite in the mail. Once I was up and had some coffee, I was feeling ambitious. I painted another wall of my craft room with the light blue paint. It seems SO MUCH BRIGHTER and larger, now that 3 of the walls are lighter. I touched up the paint on the little statue shelves too. This evening Jimmy got a call from our pastor, who is back in town and wants some computer work done next week. I was hoping Chuck would want the work done tomorrow. Oh well.

Now I'm sorting my file cabinet and getting some junk drawers sorted. I want stuff in order before Summer school starts.

not much going on

I added a link on this blog to my friend Stephen's blog. I know him from the Methodist center at UNT. He's married and writes some great insight on being a disciple of Christ.

Pamela is giving me some luggage that she never uses. We're picking it up tomorrow.

Allan was feverish yesterday and both kids had fevers tonight. Elaine said her stomach hurt, but I don't know if I trust her since it hurt as soon as she was asked to clean her room. Allan had some diarrhea, which might make Elaine's stomach ache more believable. I gave them a room-temp bath to cool them down and it seemed to help the fevers. Allan was super snuggly all night, until bedtime. He's a real Momma's boy. Jimmy hypothesizes that the fevers are from both kids getting immunized last week. Does the side effects last THIS long? We're supposed to take Allan to get more immunizations next week (to finish getting caught up).

I start summer school in 12 days. I already own the book for the class and the sewing gear necessary for the 'kit'. Class starts at noon, so that gives time for an early lunch before class. :)
I got a letter from the school about paying for my summer tuition short-term loan. The interest rate is very low, so I'm not super worried about it yet. But it's in the back of my mind. I remember back in May, Jimmy saying we'd be able to back the short term loan on time. He didn't foresee the length of his underemployment. He is still delivering the 'Thrifty Nickel' once a week. I'm praying that Jimmy gets called for an interview somewhere. He hasn't heard from anywhere. The job I'm really hoping he gets is this job in Denton at the Sally Beauty Supply headquarters. It's a job as a computer help desk guy. Seems like a perfect fit, since Jimmy would get the variety he craves and still work in Denton. Pray on this one yall!
Jimmy has another day of computer work to finish at the church, but our pastor has been out of town on vacation. So the job is delayed for now.

Our bestfriends at church, Trisha and Mike, are moving in two weeks to Lewisville. I volunteered to watch their kids while they're moving.
Their daughter is Allan's age. One of their sons is Elaine's age and they have an older son too. But the eldest might stay with his parents on moving day, since he wont be the handful that the younger kids can be.
Jim volunteered to go help them move furniture that same day. It's a Saturday, so I wont be in school or at the exercise study.

Example Layout for the scrapbooking group

I've very proud of this Layout I did as an example for the yahoo group I moderate. It's about the time Hope babysat Carolyn for a weekend. (If I have her name mispelled, let me know. It's an easy fix).
I'm proud because I didn't have a flower to put in the corner, so I made my own. I traced a circle template and then used my decorative-edged scissors around this circle to cut out the shape. Then I went around the circle, cutting toward the center to make a bunch of petals. I did this in two different sizes and layered them. I love how I was able to match the colors exactly to the dotted paper.
The other new technique I tried is punching holes (in 3 different sizes) in my background cardstock. I glued some pink cardstock on the back of the layout, so it would peak through the holes. I think I'll do this on a bunch of layouts now since it didn't cost a thing to do. I have a drawer full of scrap paper, for the peak through color. And Cher gave me these hole punches in 3 sizes, so I have the tools on hand. :)

Daingerfield State Park layout from last night

The photos that are matted with white scalloped paper on the second page, created an area that folds out like a greeting card. It conceals journaling about the location of the park, nearby sights, attractions, etc.

Update about the Van

When I woke up today, Dave was already in the living room with Jimmy. The guys looked at all the signals the van was putting out. The both decided that the starter was the problem. So the two of them started working to remove the starter. I even took a couple turns at the ratchet... it was hard to get all the bolts off. Elaine wanted to help, but there wasn't much she could do outside of holding the instructions. I gave her a screwdriver and Elaine "helped" by tightening the screws on the license plates.
All of us have scraped up arms from working in the tight spaces. The boys got the starter out and ran it to O Reilly's. The previous owner (that lawyer guy) evidently installed a re-furbished starter. Dave bought us a replacement one. the boys got it installed, but the Van still didn't start.
Dave dismantled our steering column because something was spinning loose when Jimmy turned the key. With the front dash taken half apart, Dave was able to start the van with a flat head screwdriver. That was a good sign. The boys went and Jimmy bought a new ignition cylinder ($50). They installed it and everything works fine now.

Dave had stuff to go do, so he left and the rest of the family went to the grocery store. It is soooo nice to have fresh produce in the house. We were out of milk, meat, tea, coffee, sugar, and all vegetables besides an onion. I wrote a list from the sales circular the other day. Our shopping cart was overflowing with food. And I saved $33 (according to the reciept). That's including two free gallons of milk!! After Krogers, we made cheeseburgers at home. Then Jim drove us out to the playground for the kids to get out of the house, since they missed church and are kinda stir crazy.

I heard from Pamela today. She's giving me matching suitcases. They'll be great when we go to Jacksonville for Christmas.

stress relief :-) -All Tonight

Little Piggy?

I called Elaine a ham, when she started cutting up for the camera. She asked what Ham is. I said that it's pig meat. She replied, "I'm no piggie, I'm a monkey!"

EKG and a Starter

This morning Jimmy worked delivering the Thrifty Nickels. While he was out, he talked to the people at Kolache Depot again. They say he has good odds of getting a weekend job with them. Just Saturdays and Sundays. He'll know soon. Then Jimmy fetched me for the exercise study over at TWU. Yesterday Josh had his technicians run me through this machine that looked a lot like a cat scan, but wasn't. It searched for the density of my bones vs. muscles/organs vs. fat. After the scan thingy, the female technicians did a skin fold test (pulling on my pudge and measuring it). So today's tests were a continuation of all the pre-tests before my big exercise session. I had an EKG to begin with.
Then they had me wear a mouth piece, heart monitors and blood pressure cuff and had me walk on a treadmill. They wanted to chart my comfort range for exercise, so they'll know what to set the treadmill at for the big exercise session next month. The treadmill started super slow; so slow that walking was very awkward. Then they increased the incline of the treadmill and slowly accelerated the speed at 3 minute intervals. I was only on there about 20 minutes. Josh said one great thing is that withing 90 seconds of ending the exercise, I had almost returned to my resting heart rate. Josh said that is a sign of a healthy heart. :)
Jim picked me up and drove me home, so he could finish his paper route. Later in the afternoon, we recieved a check in the mail, so we wanted to deposit it and fetch some groceries. I sat down with the sales circular and wrote out a list. We loaded up in the van. But the van didn't start! No warning, just no sound of the engine turning over. All we heard was a "click click click." Jim says he thinks the starter stopped working. On the phone, Dave suggested that we check the fuses, but Jim says they look fine. He's coming over some time to look at the van. For now we are stranded. Micah borrowed his mom's car and drove Jim to the bank to deposit the check we received. They guys also fetched diapers, in case it's a few days before we get the van up and moving again. Micah had to return the Van to his mom, but she fed him dinner and dropped Micah back off with us. Its good to catch up with him. :) I think that's everything for today.

Been Productive

1.Got the kids Immunized so they can get back on WIC and Elaine can register for Pre-K. We took them to the County clinic. Elaine kept asking why she had to see a doctor, if she isn't hurt or sick. Jim told her that she had to see a doctor so she could go to school. She and Allan are both way behind on scheduled shots. Elaine cried SO LOUD during the shots, and wiggled, which I'm sure made it hurt worse. After her shots, she wouldn't let either of us hold her. She was PISSED! Allan cried during his shots, but once he saw the lollipops, he was like, 'what shot?'
We went to walmart after the clinic to pick up some milk and peanut butter. Elaine asked when we were taking her to school. She felt jipped that she didn't get to go to school right after getting her shots. Some lady who worked at the clinic gave each of the kids a little beannie baby. Elaine's is a calico cat, which she promptly named, "Cleo, like uncle Dave's cat cleo." (see kitty in picture).
She ran a fever all last night and said she had to "rest, but not sleep." I was at her beck and call. But that's better than if she was whiny.
Allan on the other hand slept all afternoon yesterday, most of this morning and afternoon. When he was awake, he was a whiny pain. He also had projectile vomit directly on me last night. Thank Jesus we were standing on tile when he exploded!


2. Yesterday Jimmy and I submitted somewhere between 14-16 resumes or applications for Jim to get a job. Anything between here and Dallas related to IT help desks, computer trouble shooting or being a cook has an application from Jimmy. No word today (Tuesday) from any of those places, besides the automated response emails that say they received his cover letter and resume.
3. Jimmy did the forms for us to get back on Food stamps. We're expecting paperwork in the mail. Our church gave us Walmart giftcards to pick up some essentials this week. I've been drinking lots of water, to leave the tea for the kids. And when I make them mac 'n cheese, I CAN'T eat that (since 2005), so I just have some toast with Jelly instead. With no late night snacking, I've lost 11 pounds in 2 weeks. I've been taking my multivitamins, so make sure I don't get messed up.
4. Now that they are immunized, I called and got an appointment to get the kids back on WIC. The soonest appointment open is a week into July.
5. Jimmy delivered my painting up to the church and handed it over to Chuck, who will have it framed. He likes it a bunch. They said they'd pay me in the next week for it.
6. I was antsy the other night, so I cross-stitched a little housewife. I hadn't cross-stitched in years, but I have tons of stuff for it.
7. Allan has been wearing underwear more and more. He'll sit on the potty and occasionally actually produce results. He still sleeps in diapers and has tons of accidents in his underwear, but he's getting the hang of running for the potty.

Mark shared this on his myspace blog

Seabee Artist Finds Inspiration in Iraq

By Equipment Operator 2nd Class Lori Roberts

Fallujah, Iraq (21-07) -- Looking more like a college student than a soldier, he bends his head in concentration over a comic-like logo he is creating for the “Rock Hounds,” a convoy team of earth and rock movers that have become essential to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 projects around Iraq.

He signs his work “Scetch,” an intentional misspelling of “Sketch” that you would expect from an artist. His fellow Seabees may not know this or many other things about him, but they do know when they see artwork depicting their bee or battalion, NMCB 28’s Construction Electrician 3rd Class Mark Decker is involved.

Decker, 26, has been creating artwork for as long as he can remember and began creating representations of the NMCB 28 emblem and other works while still in A-school in Wichita Falls, Texas. There, he painted a Seabee statue outside the quarterdeck and created a memorial anchor, both of which are still on display at Sheppard Air Force Base.

Since then, Decker has been both officially and unofficially decorating the world in which Seabees live… making drill and deployment a more aesthetic experience for everyone around him.

While in Port Hueneme, Calif. during mobilization, Decker began designing t-shirts and coins for the battalion. Many designs originated on napkins in restaurants at dinner with his fellow Seabees… preserving the ideas spurned by conversations of Seabee history and the impending deployment while the ideas were still fresh in his mind. Construction Electrician 1st Class Brian Landreneau, of LaCombe, La., was one of the first witnesses of Decker’s napkin art.

“He’s amazing,” said Landreneau. “Ask him to draw something and he can spontaneously come up with a design within minutes.”

When the battalion arrived in Kuwait at the beginning of the deployment, Decker created a mural on the smoke-pit wall as a memorial that NMCB 28 had been there.

“The art definitely left a mark that we had been there,” said Storekeeper 2^nd Class Holly Twomey, of Slidell, La. “We go in and do our jobs, bringing out the old and bringing in the new, taking charge and getting the job done, and that’s what the drawing said to me.”

He continued his artistic journey after arriving at Camp Fallujah. Decker created a memorial mural in the command building and theme murals in several other buildings and office spaces around Camp Knott, which is the Seabee compound named in memory of fallen Seabee Steelworker 3rd Class Eric L. Knott.

“The memorial mural was a collaboration between Decker and I,” said Lt. Ivan Cavenall, Officer in Charge of NMCB 28 Delta Company in Fallujah. “I had some ideas of what I wanted and Decker took those ideas and created a work of art that will acknowledge all who witness the price that has been paid by those Seabees lost from the battalions who worked and lived in our compound before us.”

Chief Hospital Corpsman Victor Valdez-Perez requested a mural from Decker on the wall of the Basic Aid Station as a complement to the corpsman memorial already on the wall.

“When people come in here, I want them to recognize the integral role medical plays in our mission here,” said Valdez-Perez. “I want my corpsmen to come into this building and feel pride and ownership in who we are, where we are, and what we’re doing here, and I want to honor those who have gone before us. Decker’s mural will add to that energy.”

Decker, who thinks of himself as a graffiti artist, was working on his tattoo apprenticeship in Houston, Texas when he was activated with NMCB 28.

“I started drawing when I was two—at least, that’s what my mom says,” explained Decker. “I keep drawing because I like expressing myself visually, and because in this environment it provides a lot of stress relief for me, and hopefully for the people who see my art.”

Decker is proud of being a Bee and feels he is expressing this pride through his work.

“When I do work for the Bees, it is not only representing me, but Seabees as a whole,” said Decker. “I want people to look at my work and see the hard-driven construction battalion that we are with a Can-Do attitude no matter what obstacle is in our way. I also want people to see into the heart of the Seabees because they are such good people.”

The Seabees of NMCB 28 appreciate Decker’s expression of what they stand for. Cavenall said it best: “When we leave from here, everyone who walks through the quarterdeck or sees any of Decker’s art will realize the legacy of those of us who were here before us and who are here now.”

NMCB 28 is part of nearly 1,100 Sailors and Marines supporting critical construction efforts in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq.

Update on Mark (my brother)

Mark has been messaging me a lot on Myspace this week. He just finished a mission and is about to go out for another. He's been getting lots of hands on experience doing electrician stuff. He'll be away from a computer for a while, so he took the opportunity to catch up with a bunch of his friends online and to sit and write some letters to our family (I emailed him everyone's addresses).

I looked up his batallon on the internet and found a link with the above photo. My brother is front and center (holding coffee... so Mark). Here's the short article that went with the photo.

Al Asad, Iraq -- Construction materials, referred to as Class IV material in the military, are in high demand in Iraq and play a critical role in executing surge operations. Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Twenty Eight are stepping up to provide those materials through their work in the 30th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) Class IV Yards in Al Asad and Fallujah. The 30th NCR operates a total of four yards in the Al Anbar province of Iraq.

Class IV material consists of lumber, concrete, electrical, plumbing and hardware supplies and is used to build combat outposts (COPs), build and maintain Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), repair supply routes and provide force protection to service members. "One of our most important challenges in theater is effectively managing and supplying Class IV material to the Warfighter," said Captain Kate Gregory, Commodore of the 30th NCR. "Our role in supporting the Warfighter, and more specifically surge operations, is highly dependant on our ability to provide Class IV material to our Seabees and Marines doing the work on the front lines."

The Marines whom they support agree. "The Class IV yard crew provide constant service and play an essential part in our route repair missions. Their team ensures we have all the materials that we need when we need them, no questions asked," says Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin Lacour, Operations Chief, 8th Engineering Support Battalion (ESB), Al Asad detachment. The Seabees have a long history of working and fighting alongside the Marines, and the Seabees of NMCB-28 are proud to carry on that legacy.

"The Class IV Yard continues to provide RCT-2 with the materials necessary to conduct operations," said Second Lieutenant Gilbert Nelson, Logistics Operations Officer for Regimental Combat Team (RCT) 2. "The materials we receive form the Class IV Yard are often used to enhance force protection and quality of life at the forward operating bases."

The Seabees of NMCB-28 take pride in the job they do, knowing their work in receiving, storing and issuing material allows their fellow Seabees and Marines to accomplish the mission and often times improve the quality of life. "I'm very proud of the work our Seabees are doing here. They work very hard to insure each project has all its material while driving accountability for our more than 15 acres of inventory here at Al Asad," said Lieutenant Junior Grade Matt Daniels, Officer in Charge of the Al Asad Class IV Yard.

NMCB-28 has twelve Seabees working in the Al Asad yard and ten in Fallujah. They come from a variety of ratings including Builder (BU), Construction Electrician (CE), Equipment Operator (EO), Machinist Mate (MM), Culinary Specialist (CS), Gunner's Mate (GM), and Storekeeper (SK). While not all of the Seabees working in the yard have typical Seabee ratings, their civilian work experience makes them a match for this mission. Having diverse skill sets also enables them to perform quality inspections for most types of material. "We do have quality issues with materials from our suppliers in this part of the world, so it is important that we monitor what we receive," said Storekeeper Senior Chief Catherine Darko, the Class IV Yard Boss.

As summer approaches and the temperatures rise, so does the work tempo for Seabees running the Class IV Yards as they continue supporting coalition forces with surge operations. "People underestimate the importance of the mission we have here in the Class IV Yard. Without this material our Warfighter's couldn't execute their missions," says Equipment Operator Third Class Kenneth Short of the Al Asad Yard.

Seabees from NMCB-28 working in the Class IV yards do indeed have a lot to be proud of. Builder Second Class Krystal Kalanz at the Fallujah Class IV yard typifies the Seabee spirit. "We do enjoy working here; there is always some thing that needs to be done to help our fellow troops. All of us here take pride in knowing that the materials provided by us significantly help the troops in the field with the surge," says Kalanz. With only two months into their deployment, these Seabees will undoubtedly continue making significant contributions to Coalition Forces in support of Operation Iraq Freedom.
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Also found this article. It's amazing so much info is available to anyone online.

Spotlight on Our Operations

I mentioned our efforts to improve the quality of life for Marines. As a general rule the Marines are mission-oriented towards providing security and conducting offensive operations in an expeditionary manner, and for them the construction of FOBs and COPs is only a means to an end. They sacrifice quality of life for mission accomplishment and speed of execution. Thus, the role we as Seabees play is to follow behind the Marines, and upgrade the quality of life and address any potential life safety issues.

In addition to the two major operations completed for direct support to Operation Haris Ba'sil and Faard Al Qanoon, we are wrapping up a month-long campaign to make quality of life improvements with safety and electrical upgrades at COP Rawah. This team of eight, led by Builder Chief Robert Meeler, has been actively executing the work scope - and then some. Not only did they execute the required electrical upgrades, and conducted numerous plumbing projects and were tasked with construction a foundation for new and improved pre-packaged food facility.

The Commanding Officer of Task Force Highlander, LtCol Kelly Alexander, lauded the Seabees' efforts, by noting "their 'can-do' attitude and hard work ethic rivals that of my own Marines. I consider them part of the Highland clan now..." In particular he singled out the work of BU1 Marcel Mann and awarded him a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM). LtCol Alexander pointed out that it was Mann, and not one of his own Marines, who was the first to be awarded a Task Force Highland NAM in-country. Captain Katherine Gregory of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment echoed LtCol Alexander's comments, noting that she"could not be more proud" of the team's achievements at Rawah.

The kind of support that Chief Meeler and his crew are providing at Rawah is typical of the work that our outstanding Seabees are performing in other outlying areas, such as Korean Village and Al Qaim and the numerous battle positions there.

All Done

While I was painting in the text today, Allan came into my office holding out a bowl. This is what he does when he wants graham crackers, etc. So I left the painting and went into the kitchen, proceeding to make him a PBJ "sammich". Holding the sammich, I looked down and realized Allan wasn't hovering below me, like he normally does when food is near. I made a mad dash for my office and discovered Allan putting a wet paintbrush BACK on my desk, and across the room, the painting had black doodle in center. I was P.O.'d! He was appropriately spanked and sent to his room. The area he painted black had lots of blending (not like one solid color). To cover the black paint, I ended up having to repaint most of the ground area today.


Here's the repainted version.
I think it was meant to be, because the re-paint looks better than when it started. More warm.






Here's the COMPLETED painting for the church. If you click on the picture, it'll get a lot bigger.

Needs Text

Lions and Cars and Kiddos, Oh my!

After my blooddraw this morning at TWU, I took a nap. While I was asleep, Jim had the kids clean their room and he vacuumed. Tonight the kids and I made another mess with cars and tracks. I encouraged Allan to stay on the foam floor tiles. When he had his MANY pottytraining accidents, the tiles were easier to clean than the carpet.

Evidently, the lion doll's name is "The Lion". I was suggesting Roary or Harry, but my kids are opinionated. He carries the Lion around because we are weaning Allan off of using a sippycup as a pacifier.

Twins?

She's such a ham. He was carrying The Lion around, so she babied her Dora doll for the attention.

Newly Painted Wall

"cheeeeese" (Nail polish face)

Nail polish Remover

Archie and Allan

update

Jim worked enough fixing computers for the church that he was able to pay our trailer rent on his own. Chuck has more stuff for Jimmy to do, so he's starting the new list this week. Basically the church is buying lots of used computers and having Jim re-furbish them.
The other night, I painted another wall in my craftroom with the light blue paint. I also moved my furniture again.
Tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday I am having my blood taken at TWU for that exercise study. The appointment tomorrow is supposed to take up to 90mins. They are drawing my blood, then testing my resting heart rate over an hour. I'm just supposed to bring a book or whatever to keep myself occupied. I'll learn how many calories my body burns when it isn't exercising at all.

Tonight Allan made a mess trying to paint his own fingernails. I had to use nailpolish remover to clean his palms, face and hair. His skin got red from the remover, but lotion cleared it up pretty fast. Jim got a call tonight from Robert, letting him know that Ranchman's is under new management. He's gonna go tomorrow afternoon to see if he can get a job cooking there again.

Jim's new glasses

He opted to pick up his new glasses before working at the church today. Jim says he didn't realize how much his vision has worsened, until he got the new lenses. Jim worked at the church starting around 2pm. He didn't leave the church until around 9:30pm. He's still working on a computer for the church at home, now. Jim is delivering thrifty nickels in the morning, then heading back to work at the church. It's a big job. Good temporary work.

Started adding in the gates

Read this online and it made me smile.

Decorative Painters
Today, decorative painting is so popular that there are shops and instructors in almost every community and thousands of “addicted” decorative painters. Who are they and why do they paint? They vary from highly talented teachers to down-to-earth homemakers but all share on characteristic in common. They smile a lot. Decorative painting has allowed them to rekindle that sense of creativity and unselfconscious spontaneity that everyone is born with, (just look at the delightful crayon creations of young children), but which most lose along the way. Because it is so lose and creative, decorative painting is just plain fun. Painters don’t agonize over creating a technically perfect piece but rather revel in the sheer delight of color, form, and compositions that break the rules with light coming from all directions, landscapes lacking perspective, people with comical features, and whatever pleases them. There are no failures. Painters do learn various styles and basic brush control techniques but in the process, their individual, unique styles emerge. The painted pieces elicit smiles because they reflect a delight in life, nature, families and spiritual/religious feelings.

Decorative Painters have no clothes without paint stains, because they steal time at all hours of day and night to paint and forget to put on aprons. In between painting, many fly long distances, leaving jobs and families, to attend national conventions where they take classes from “big brushes”(well-known decorative artists) and spend their last dollars on the latest project books that they simply cannot live without. Many could write a book on cleaning and cooking shortcuts. Some have been known to take shortcuts to an extreme such as wearing their clothes inside out while painting and then reversing them back before going outside….but sometimes forgetting to do so (Decorative Painter; issue No. 2, 1999, page 15).

page one, We Play Hard & Dream Big

this is a layout example for the Yahoo group I moderate. I haven't scrapbooked in almost two weeks, so it feels good to get something fun done.

page two, We Play Hard & Dream Big

The journaling on the striped part says, "After a long day of playing rough on PawPaw's farm, Jimmy and Dave crashed fast asleep with one of the dogs, Pepper. MawMaw and PawPaw have this room set up like a dorm. Pittsburgh, TX '89 "

Roller coaster kid

immobile roller coaster at the playground

Jim's parents offered to get Jim's glasses, so we got him an appointment for tonight. I took the kids to the park inside the Mall, while Jim was seeing the doc for a new prescription. He didn't fetch me until it was time to try on frames. I had the lady point us to the low-end area and I told her that his old pair was kinda pewter-colored. The first pair he tried on was the keeper. :) He gets to pick them up tomorrow night.
The church wasn't open today either, so he talked to Chuck and Jim is all set to start the computer repair/networking stuff tomorrow morning at 10am.

Happy girlie

Al Pal climbing

Elaine being her goofy self