It turns out.....
Today was moving day for Willie!
Mostly, because it was the best day to get his dad and the truck.
Rand did what I described as "Speed Moving". He had three hours between jobs. He is scheduled way more than usual at Advance. Their future schedule may not work out too well. His schedule at Pepsi is picking up as well.
It only took two truck loads to move the big stuff. I told Rand his rules were - "If it could fit in Willie's car - he didn't have to move it". That cut down on his loads by a few. Willie hauled several trips by himself. He finally relented and decided I could help him put stuff away.
Willie's day started at 3 am for his shift at Target. After unloading the truck and finishing at work, he went straight into moving. I'll bet he passed out early from sheer exhaustion.
Willie brought me home around 8 pm.
We had our share of run-ins today. Willie was pretty well over the top with glee, which gets pretty annoying for the rest of us. I lost track of how many times he popped in the office and then the numerous phone calls after he got off looking for advice! And I only worked until 1:30 pm! (I did start at 7 am today - new training)
Then he argued where the futon was going, his bed was going, chair, dresser, and etc. (pick something - he argued about it) Finally, Willie got a bit peeved because I was going to stay in his apartment alone while he and his dad got the second load. It was his place after all. I fixed that by asking for our house key back. That took him by surprise. He was worried about how he would get his laundry done. I mentioned only when we were home to let him in. I then suggested we trade keys. He could keep my house key, but I got one of his keys.
Yeah, I have his key now.
I had offered this weekend to go clean his apartment, lay down new shelf paper and such. Nope, he didn't need me. Today when he was wearing out he wanted me to. Nope, not after a long day. Willie was also convinced I could build his new entertainment center for him. That I was willing to do. But every time he came back with a load, he looked surprised that I hadn't started. Every time, I asked him where his tool box was. Every time, the answer was "In his trunk". I didn't get past getting the box open.
Willie and his friend, Tim, have Tuesday off, they have hopes of building it themselves tonight or tomorrow.
Cell phone reception sucks in Willie's apartment. That should lower his phone bill! We did get to meet a few of the neighbors and everyone seems nice.
I'll send his snail mail address around for everyone. If I miss you and you need it - just email me.

Willie just moved out and according to the grapevine, Ryan, Sandra, and Lilly will be back here tomorrow. Ryan and Sandra will move into Willie's deserted room. My house is absolutely trashed and I don't see getting that changed for awhile.
Ryan is back for awhile. The latest scuttle in the south is that FEMA is not paying the contractors and work is stopping. FEMA owes some contractors millions and millions of dollars. They can't afford to keep anyone on payroll anymore. He was sent home until the government decides they do want to rebuild the south.
Ryan and Sandra's latest goal is to get an apartment in Fort Dodge. I'm okay with that as long as Lilly lives here! I miss her so much! I think she keeps me young.

Rand's got a new feather up his butt, so to speak. He wants us to sell our house and move into an apartment. He is sick of taxes, maintenance, mowing, you name it. He was thinking we should do this in about a year and a half. I mentioned we really couldn't do anything until my dogs were gone. Rand said that could be arranged. I stressed they would die of old age. He said "accidents happen". He also got online and has shown me the pool at every apartment complex he found suitable.
I'm thinking this is also his way to handle empty nest syndrome. Make the nest smaller so the baby birds keep flying. :) Rand wants no bigger than a 2 bedroom. Master bedroom and an office. It seems he has given this a lot of thought.
When we were young, I could have never imagined him in town, let alone the city. Now he wants an apartment?
I love my house and my neighbors. He is very tired these days. A little R&R, some warm summer evenings on our deck, and hopefully he'll be okay. 2005 was a very stressful year.

I'm counting down this week at work. My big project begins in three......two....

This is the view from his living room are looking into the kitchen. Willie doesn't have a table yet, but he is not in a hurry.

Of course, Willie was the first one to mark "his" territory. Here he is coming out of the throne room.

Willie can't seem to stay from his bathroom. His decided on bath colors are black and seafoam.

In comes the bigger stuff. 

January 28ths
1986
- The Shuttle Challenger Explodes.
Everyone knows what they were doing the minute they heard. I was trying to get two toddlers (Rob and Sandra) rounded up so I could make a follow-up podiatrist check-up. The previous week I had, let's say - "dropped something", and managed to break a few toes, in a few places each, on my right foot. Direct quote from my wonderful podiatrist, Dr. Richard Spencer. This is the same foot, that in 1991, I almost lost to a bone tumor.
Normally, I would have been watching the shuttle launch live. Rob and I loved all things NASA. Trust me at this age he and I were discussing things like this, the speed of light and the likely hood of aliens. He was obviously pretty smart at a very young age.
This was more exciting than most shuttle launches. The first civilian, a woman and a teacher, was headed to space.
I was headed out the door with both kids in tow, when I realized the TV was still on. I turned around to shut it off, just as the news story broke.
My first thought was , "Oh, dear God, most of the school children in the nation were watching the launch. What a horrible way to learn about life and death."
I was late to my appointment.

2000
- the accident
The news broke into regular programming that afternoon. I was watching TV when they announced that Hwy 34 was closed, between Murray and Osceola, due to an accident. There had been multiple fatalities reported, but no names released yet.
I was in a state of shock.
And I knew that I knew.
I didn't want to know. Why did I have to know?
I needed to make the call, but instead paced circles around our family room for the better part of an hour.
When I finally called my grandfather's house in Murray, a strange voice answered the phone.
I was spiraling downward into panic.
I asked for my grandpa by name.
The voice wanted to know who was asking.
"His granddaughter." I replied.
I asked who I was speaking to.
He was an Iowa State Trooper.
My heart was pounding in my ears. My head reeled. I struggled to remain calm.
I told him I knew about the accident.
The trooper sounded almost angry. He wanted to know how I knew to call. No information had been released yet, to the public or press. They hadn't even released names on their radios because of the serious nature of the accident. How did I know to call my grandfather's house?
I asked again, exactly who was he and what was his role here?
The man identified himself and replied he was the Iowa State Patrol Chaplain.
I then changed his view of the world just a bit.
"Well, you are a man of God, so I'll tell you."
"God told me to call. As soon as I heard about the accident, my soul was in mourning and I knew that I knew, and I knew that I had to call."
He was sounding a bit shaky now. "We have just verified that your grandfather was one of the fatalities. We were about to call your mother and your aunt. If we could verify their phone numbers...."
My heart fell again, I knew.
I interrupted him. "Now I know why I know. My mother is not going to hear from a stranger on the phone that her father has just died. I will make the calls."
As my parents' phone rang, I was praying hard that my dad would answer the phone.
I wanted Dad to know first, so he could be in full preparedness when Mom's reaction came.
Mom answered the phone.
I tried to show no emotion and keep my voice light. "Hi! I need to talk to Dad for a minute."
Mom's answer surprised me. "No. You have to tell me."
God wasn't just talking to me that day.
Mom had a bad feeling. She was waiting for news about something. As soon as I called, she knew that I had the information.
Mom took the news badly; as I knew she would.
The next week or so were a blur of news and tragedy unfolding.
Four young Mormon missionaries were traveling from a meeting when they lost control of their car. When their car flew into the path of my grandpa's truck, both vehicles exploded.
There were no survivors.
Eye witnesses I have talked to describe the horror as burning bodies and Bibles everywhere.

My grandfather, Herman Heckathorn, was the youngest soul I have ever known.
He was full of laughter, Mt. Dew and KFC. When you visited, he shared plenty of all three, and usually had baked you a pie. He was one of the worse photographers I have ever known. That didn't slow him down any in taking photos. He wasn't any better with a video camera and just as prolific.
On this date, January 28, 2000, Grandpa was just a week shy of his 91st birthday and a newlywed. I (after months of trying) finally got him introduced to my neighbor lady. It was love at first sight. His new bride, Dolores, died a year and a half ago. She never accepted or got over his violent death and within weeks of his death was in a nursing home.
Grandpa still mowed his own lawn, scooped his own snow, and was the lone volunteer at the senior citizen meal site. It had to close after his death. There was no one to replace him.
Grandpa had recently, before his death, been baptized. He and I had talked about religion a lot. Grandpa, although a believer, had never attended church. Dolores and I were both born again and on fire for the Lord. Grandpa once asked about methods of baptism; sprinkle, pour, and submersion. Grandpa wanted to make sure he got "wet enough". He felt a need to get in line with the Lord.

At first, I mourned. I was never given denial time.
Rand, I, and kids even went to the local services for the young men.
Then, suddenly, young Mormon missionaries started showing up at our house like never before. They had no idea who we were, until we shared our story. Although we had very different views on religion, we shared this tragedy. Many of the young men we grew to know had known the young men who were killed. They were always invited in for a home cooked meal and many made return visits.

Now, I'm stuck in anger mode, directed at the Mormon church.

• My anger began as I learned from our visitors how the young men came to be "missionaries" for the Mormon church.

• The mission work is more like a draft (compulsory enrollment) than a volunteering. Though they are brainwashed into believing it to be their ambition, it is a mandatory year of service upon turning 18.
  
• You can, in theory, choose not to serve. But it will cost you your membership in the church as an adult.
  
• The boys have to save through high school to finance their stay, where ever it may be, for the entire year. They really appreciated those home cooked meals.
• They are not allowed any contact with their families while on mission. No visits, calls, letters, nothing. The young men that died in the accident, had not been able to talk to their families for many months before they died. They were from Utah and had traveled only as far as Iowa.
  
• As a mom, I find mandatory no contact for a year, completely unacceptable in this day and age. Even when Sandra served on mission trips to Vietnam, she called home. She was only gone a few weeks. I can't imagine how needlessly homesick the boys must get. And we thought war was hell.
• When it came time for the Mormon church to accept responsibility in damages for the accident; their lawyers literally declared my Grandfather "old and not worth much".
• The church set up a monument honoring the four boys at Mt. Pisgah. No mention was made of the victim of their carelessness.
  
• History made cruel. My Heckathorn ancestors were the first documented land owners of Mt. Pisgah. Our family ancestors donated the land for the county cemetery located there.
• Just for the record, Hwy 34 is a two lane highway. Too small for the amount of traffic it receives. All locals know you can't pass on this highway. Those boys weren't locals. Many of the accidents on this highway are the result of someone not familiar with the road trying to pass "slow" traffic. Most of the victims who are hit head on by these speeding drivers are from the local area.
  

I don't know how long it will take to get over this "anger stage". I have no doubt, had he not been killed, Grandpa would still be alive. His doctor agrees.
Maybe, acceptance will come after Grandpa would have naturally finished his days on this earth. Could mean a few more years of anger.
I have no doubt he would have easily made it past 100.

Herman Jasper Heckathorn

I'm not tired.....
I'm way beyond that.
My few hours of work today turned into a fairly full day. But, despite a few setbacks, a lot got accomplished today and it was a very big day of massive amounts of new knowledge filling my head.
I spent my only break shopping clearance dishes with Willie - who is bouncing out of his skin he is so excited! He gets to move into his new apartment Feb. 4th. Just a week away!
After work, I got more shopping with Willie. We went to Goodwill for glassware (my favorite spot to shop for drinking glasses) We also found a nice heavy skillet and big pot.
Then we went to K's Merchandise where he picked up a new blanket and we priced a few other things.
Then back to our Target again to hit the clearance once again and to get a few basics (like a toilet plunger and scrubber). He splurged on a clearance entertainment center for himself.
Willie's kitchen will be blue. He picked out blue dishes and towels.
Willie's living room will a modern black. It started with his favorite black chair. (A hand me down gift from our favorite neighbors.) He gets our futon and will get a black futon mattress for it. His new entertainment center is also a very dark, almost black, wood with silver accents.
He, of course gets his bedroom furniture and all the bedding he wants.
The bath is yet to be decided.
No shower curtain tripped his trigger today. He couldn't decide between going really cheap or going with a certain color theme.
His biggest furniture lack so far is a table and chairs. He wanted to go out to Salvation Army, but I was completely wore out.
Willie spent the rest of the evening packing up boxes and trying to go through my cupboards.
He says his first big food shopping trip will be to Grandma Vi's kitchen.
Rand has a guaranteed long work weekend at Pepsi when Willie moves. It will be a kid moving where he may not get to help. He feels really bad, so he says. It may be me, his truck, and a pile of Willie's friends.

I haven't been allowed to help a kid move on my own, since Rob's sophomore year moving back into Towers.
Rob was nervous about meeting his new roommate, some big kid named "Justin".
They were doing a unique loft system to maximize their floor space. Both boys could do magic to a computer, but neither one of them were sure how to use tools that didn't work in very tiny spaces. I ended up doing the drilling, screwing, and building. I did make them do the sawing since we lacked a power saw.
To make that long story short: Justin ended up with second degree burns from a keyhole saw.
The highlight of the day was why I don't get to play by myself anymore. I managed a fall from a pretty good height, resulting in torn tendons and cracked ribs. But I didn't stop working until that loft was done! According to the doctors, that was not a wise choice.

I talked to Sandra and Lilly. Sandra said they should be home in a few days. Lilly just giggled, laughed, and made loud noises for me. I think I got a few "Hi's!" and one good fart, which Sandra insists came from Lilly.

D'oh!
I didn't sleep well last night, not that it made a difference.
My alarm was set for 9 am. I had to be at work by 10 am. That is plenty of prep time for me.
I actually awoke before my alarm went off. I shut it off before it made any noise.
I got ready for work - the usual hygiene, grooming, and getting pretty stuff.
I made my bed and got dressed.
I remembered my watch, water, and protein bar.
I was running a little bit behind by the time I got out to my Jeep.
I had an easy drive, made all the lights and my favorites Big and Rich were playing in my stereo.
I was hoping to pick up a prescription at our pharmacy before clocking it, but my time was getting close. While walking by the pharmacy to clock in, I noticed they weren't even open yet. I thought that was strange. I thought they opened at 9 am on weekdays.
I got to the time clock and was about ready to punch in when I noticed the time on the time clock.

It said 8:55 am. I had managed to get to work an hour early.
I misread the time on our alarm clock when I got up. When I glanced at the big, lighted, kitchen clock, I just looked at the big minute hand to time my leaving. I never looked at the clock on the microwave, stove, coffee pot, desk.....I never even looked at my watch when I put it on.
I could use the excuse I didn't have my glasses on. I don't put them on until I about ready to leave.
But, while driving, I played with my control knobs on the stereo in the Jeep, but never noticed the time there either. Or the big lighted time in front of the Walgreen, or other giant clocks in front of other businesses I pass.
I had a lot to do, so I punched in anyway. And still got home late.

And I don't have tomorrow off now. It does have the potential of being a shorter day! This has all been the "clerical" work I am doing. A new system is about to roll through our computers and I have to have all the prep for it and be ready to use the new system when it comes down, or fix what ever doesn't go smoothly. I am having a blast, but my brain is a bit fried. I'm fixing the old info and learning the new info....I'm on count down now to finish my prep work. Next week begins the real excitement and all of February looks to be full of exciting changes. My clerical hours will be changing, more to regular day hours to accommodate the new system.

Sandra talked like she and Lilly would be home by now. Nope. It's been a week. We are all missing Lilly. Camper isn't having any fun without her playmate.
With Willie moving out, Sandra will be able to reclaim her original bedroom here. Willie has already started packing and trying to lay claims on some of our furniture.

Yes Eric, there is a Santa Claus!
My advice is always - "find something you like to do, then figure out how to get paid for it".
Now for the segue to my examples:
While I was the stay at home mom, I did babysitting - to help finance that love. I love being at home and being "just a home maker" for Randy. I raised my all my "kids" (whom I love) with the knowledge they could grow up and change the world for the better.
My advice is also how I became a cosmetologist, just add the words "and make it pay in rural Iowa". My criteria then - I had to be artistic, creative, my own boss, and talk to people all day. I also made other people feel good about themselves. I've always said a good haircut could make you feel like you had lost weight.
It is the eternal hope that dwells in each of us that still dream. That all of life could be enjoyable and we can all find our proper place in life.
Being a lifeguard was taking my love of the water (I am and will always be a pool rat) and giving people confidence in learning new skills, making life long differences. On the occasions when I did rescue people - I knew I had made a difference in the world.
Plus, any job I can go barefoot - WooHoo!
Target is my grown-up thing. I do hope to do this until I retire. Not as fun as being a lifeguard, but there is a 401k option and benefits. I love being at Target. I like the type of people Target inspires to hire, I like the quality codes and guest codes Target inspires to obtain. Target has great potential for people with great potential. And Target is job security for those who are happy where they are and show that through performance. Even though we do all have to wear red, we are not all wearing the same red "uniform". Our individuality does get to show a bit.
I miss being a team lead, but my body is failing me. Energy and strength help with the job. I chose to demote myself, it wasn't Target's choice. That came from my need of not disappointing myself with a less than stellar job performance.
It would be nice in life if everyone could do exactly what they love, but life isn't fair. But, happiness is a nice goal to aim for.
Some people "wouldn't be happy if you hung them with a brand new rope". There are people who find contentment in their misery. (love to complain)
In every job there are going to be bad days and ^people^ who spread their misery into your world. Realize they are not worth you wasting energy on. (I pray for them, put them in God's hands, then they're not my problem anymore!)
And always remember to think outside the box. (I truly believe Willie would be a great stay at home dad and Sandra will find real peace when she starts her career. Rob should be married and salaried.)
And finally, "agreeing to disagree" keeps me talking to my siblings! :)

Hot off the press
Willie has found an apartment!
Assuming there are no glitches in paperwork, (including his tax refund) he will probably be moving in a couple of weeks. He did a great job searching, found a nice two bedroom in a nice area that he can afford by himself, and is only moving about a mile away. I saw the apartment today. It is very cute and makes me wonder why we are doing yardwork, home repairs, and paying taxes. (And how come there isn't a swimming pool close to my building?)
Rand and I do occasionally discuss these things.

Rob, name your cat something permanent already.
to the tune of "Horse with No Name", of course *g*
I went to Grad school with a cat with no name
He wouldn't come because I couldn't say
It would be nice if he had name
Just in case he prowls and cat is lost some day

big news
For all those who are so fond of the green plaid coat I have been wearing for the past couple of decades.........I got a new coat today. Black wool, Younkers mega clearance.

shorts
I just talked to Sandra a bit ago. Lilly had a great birthday time in Fort Dodge.
They went swimming several times and Lilly is definitely a pool rat like her Gramma!
It seems, Lilly now has pierced ears!
I don't know how I feel about that. Mind you, I can wear four pairs of earrings at once. (Only in my ears kids!) I'm just glad I wasn't there to watch. I have pierced hundreds of ears in my day (used to be part of my job description), but I drew the line at toddlers and infants.
Just. Couldn't. Do. It.
I love watching my video of Lilly and like friend, Lisa, comments: you have to love a giggly baby! But I realized today I am becoming my mother. When Lilly reached for her candle, I made the same noise my Mom always made while teaching my brothers and I all to drive. Family will recognize the sound.
A white car drove by the VA Hospital in Des Moines on Sunday and threw a black backpack out the window. VA Security investigated and it was Baby Brother's stolen bag. The Des Moines police have the bag and are continuing to investigate.
I'm having a cold spell, soon to be replaced by a hot flash. I walked by Willie with a blanket tied around my shoulders. He looked at me with a bit of confusion, then asked, "Where are you going?" Did I really look dressed to leave the house? I have got to update my wardrobe.

I'm feeling smarter
Be sure to check out the previous post for my newest achievement. Moving pictures! What in the world will they think of next?
This was the first time I have used my video camera since Lilly's baptism. I sort of lost heart for it after that weekend. I need to use it more and build my skills.
I enjoy the editing a lot. This was a quick edit so I could get it posted. I might have to share some of my other film shorts.
Where my short film ends, the real footage goes on for almost another hour. Most of the time the camera was laying on it's side on the counter; and the only thing in focus was the camera strap. It is a nice friendly family chatter in the background. And I learned that while I was bathing the cake-covered Lilly, Great-Grandma Vi was cleaning Lilly's high chair. Thanks Mom!
Be sure to check out Rob's pictures of Lilly. You can never see enough cute pictures of Lilly.

Speaking of birthdays - Have a happy one today, Jack!

big news of the day
Baby brother Jeff was robbed last night while being a good samaritan. Praise God!, Jeff wasn't seriously hurt.
God have mercy on the sonofabitch that hurt my baby brother if I, any of my brothers, the wife, or Jeff's father-in-law ever get a hold of him!
God can't even help him if our mom gets him first.

Lilly had her one year check up on Wednesday. I drove and stayed in the waiting room again. I may have been sleeping a bit. :)
When Sandra and Lilly came back out, the first thing I noticed was Lilly seemed so solemn.
I asked, "How did everything go?"
Lilly burst into tears and threw herself in my arms.
It seems she had received three immunization shots. Poor baby!
She will have to receive another shot at 15 months.

Afterwards, Grandma Jackie came down to take them home for the weekend. They are going to have a Fort Dodge birthday party this weekend.
This, of course, means things are very quiet around here.

As of this writing, it looks like Rand will have the weekend off. I close all weekend as operator. My next day off is next Thursday. Rand will be working. We might get to see each other in February.
I was on my own mostly this week with my clerical work. I'm quickly gaining confidence in what I'm doing. The computer still outsmarted all of us with the final schedule mis-printing yesterday. I was off, but luckily! Willie wanted to go shopping (and take me) at our Target. Friends were shocked with their hours, I suggested someone tell an exec. That's when we found out how bad it was. Entire areas were off. I went in for a few hours this morning and got it straightened out.
It is a major pain when all the detail work you have done, disappears with the hiccup of a computer. (I have lost more than one blog posting that way.) Most of my work had held, but everybody lost something.

In the what are the odds file....
Months ago, I noticed I had lost one of the end diamonds from my eternity ring. It was a 20th anniversary present from Rand. I assumed it had happened while swimming, showering, or who knows when or where.
Yesterday, I was redoing some of the hook-ups on my computer in order to make room for the fire wire and attempt to make the wires less reachable for Lilly. While I was at it I attacked just about everything with canned air. When I was done, I was picking up the larger dust bunnies and I was distracted by something very small and shiney.
There laying among the dust bunnies, it was my diamond. I had blown it out of hiding while cleaning the computer!

It's a party!

I've got the cold everyone was passing around. Doesn't seem fair when I am still on antibiotics from the last round of flu we all shared. I slept extra today, thanks to Actifed, and DayQuil bought me enough time to get through my shift tonight.
I am doing clerical work most of this week. This weekend I get to close in the fitting room.
Willie is back to the day shift. His days start at 4 am. Erica and Jasiah were over the other evening. Jasiah has cut her bottom two teeth at once.
Lilly has her one year appointment in the morning.
Lilly and Sandra are headed to Fort Dodge for the weekend to visit her other Grandma.
Lilly has been absolutely delightful of late. Playing with toys and occasionally showing us new skills. She still has tried to walk. But I can't say I would walk either - if all I had to do was raise my arms and I got carried anywhere I wanted to go. ( Cuddled, kissed, and hugged on the way) I've even noticed she guides us to where she wants to go by leaning. She would make a great horse trainer. Lilly has the dogs eating out of her hands - literally, and Lilly and Camper seem to be siblings. She is our own Dr. Doolittle.
Rand finally did get his glasses. They gave him an extra discount for the wait. They seem to have lost them and had to reorder. He is having a bit of a time adjusting to bifocals. I just keep telling him every day is easier. He admits that much is true.
I finally bought a replacement FireWire so I can download my video camera. Now all I need is time! I love to get into the editing and stuff. I'm going to have to learn how to post video shorts on my blog one of these days.

A short story with pictures.
Nothing has been changed or altered. This is a regular occurrence at our house.
Uncle Willie gives Lilly a snack. Notice both dogs are headed their way.

Girlfriend gets the first bite. 

Next it is Kizzie's turn. 

Finally, it is Lilly's turn, and yes, it is still the original piece. 

Just chillin' with Uncle Willie 

Camper and Lilly play well together.  

The balloon bouquet has arrived - almost party time!
I'm sorry I didn't blog last night, (I'm sure many of you were looking for pictures bright and early) but we were still playing with all of Lilly's new toys! We went to bed early and exausted!
We had a great turn out of family and friends, and Lilly received many great gifts.
Lilly received wonderful toys and beautiful clothes.
Camper is just as excited as Lilly with her new toys and shows a profound skill for operating baby toys.
Gramps got Lilly's new car (her gift from us) put together later in the day. Lilly knew exactly what it was and sat in in until he had it done! She was a big help!
Gramma got to push her in endless circles around the house a good portion of the evening!
I haven't down loaded the video cameras yet. I'm sure I'll be able to capture some great shots there as well.
Enjoy.

Rob and Dana in the party mood.
Dana fit in very well with our family and didn't run away in fright even once! She even promises to match my wit!
Our most outstanding family conversation had to be remarking on Rob's childhood infatuation with "The Little Mermaid " Ariel -



- and his decision to start dating Dana - after she became a red head.










Fate perhaps?

Fixing her crown
Lilly is dressed in her party clothes and ready for guests. Sandra got this outfit for Lilly at the Mall of America.

Lilly put out her candle with a fistful of frosting.
Lilly did a good job on her cake. And her high chair. And the cupboard next to her. The floor. She had cake on the bottom of her socks. Gramma got pretty covered too. So did Great-Uncle Jeff and Uncle Rob as Lilly was being carried to her bath.

Lilly's first outside "drive" in her new convertible.
Isn't she beautiful?!

Time for a real spin.
The Birthday Queen waving good-bye from her new carriage.

This is a great shot of a Gramma & Lilly moment. 

Lilly has been spending time in Gramma's jewelry boxes trying to find the right *bling* for her birthday outfit. 

Lilly has picked her favorite snacks to serve guests at her party. 

Lilly is signaling the beginning of her birthday. 

One more day until Lilly's birthday!
Wednesday, I worked until almost midnight. I nicely over did, but left with a sense of accomplishment and a new toy for Lilly. The Leapfrog Learning Connection Train. I got it 75% off and used a pharmacy gift card (reward for a new prescription) and virtually got it for free!
The over doing of course meant sleep was scarce.
I did not get to sleep until after Rand had left to work.
After a few hours of refreshing sleep, I was up early. Sandra, Lilly and I went shopping. Sandra wanted to check out clearance and use her Christmas gift card. Sandra is over the stomach virus that Ryan passed to her and has moved on to Willie's cold.
Lilly and I roamed around the store while Sandra shopped. She was quite charming to everyone.
After Lilly's morning nap and lunch, I gave her the new train. She loves it! It plays a song and Lilly dances. The ducks quack and she laughs. Lilly pushed the engine all around and at one point even loaded the train up on her hippo. It was by far a favorite toy today.
I had today off. I did some serious rearranging to more Lilly-proof the house today. The last straw was when she learned how to open the file cabinets this week. I have also officially ran out of room to move things higher to. I had to start putting some things away. I got to have major play time with Lilly today, she refused an afternoon nap.
Which all explains why I am still up at 2 am. I am seriously flared up.
Lilly had a blast with her train, my swiffer duster, attempting to eat plants, and tossing dog food. I caught her just as she was crawling up to their dish. When she saw me headed her way, Lilly started grabbing handfuls of dog food and throwing it as fast as she could. Just as I reached Lilly, she plunged her hand into the dog's water dish. She seemed quite pleased with herself.
Today was such a gorgeous day, I opened the inside doors. Lilly loves to stand at the storm doors and look outside. She screams "Hi!" at everyone walking or driving by. We have got to work on her inside voice.
Camper was crazy all day today.
Ashley stopped by for a visit today. We passed on Lilly's infant car seat and papason infant seat. Ashley has just a couple of months to go before her baby arrives.
Ryan has arrived safely at his destination. Lilly was quite chatty with him on the phone tonight.
Yesterday, Lilly had a handful of snack cake. Lilly would take a bite, then let Girlfriend have a bite, then let Kizzie have a bite, then Lilly took a bite, let Girlfriend have a bite, and so on.....
Girlfriend has become downright affectionate toward Lilly.
I pulled Lilly's clothes off in the office tonight to strip her for her bath. I threw her dirty clothes on her hippo and told Lilly to take them to her room and put them in her basket. And she grabbed on to her hippo and headed in that direction! My only flaw was her clothes basket wasn't in her room (Sandra had taken it downstairs to do laundry) so Lilly began throwing her dirty clothes into her coordinating toy bin. A pretty smart girl!
Lilly is becoming of aware of how clothes work. Watching her try to put on socks or shoes will send Rand and I into a fit of laughter to the point of tears.
I asked someone to take the most of my closing shift tomorrow. I do not want to close and then try to function the next morning and get ready for Lilly's party. After over doing today, I think I made a wise choice.
I have had an interesting problem with my Thunderbird email this week. It kept delivering email from November 2004 every time I opened it. Yes Rob, I had even compacted my files and that didn't even help. I think I have the glitch repaired now.

Tickles tagged me. It wasn't hard. I don't run very fast. I'm a cripple you know. ;)

5 random facts about me.

1. I dislike all forms and varieties of seafoods. I hate even more people who continue to try to get me to like it.
2. I have never done an illegal drug, of any kind, in my entire life. Yes, there have been opportunities. I just said no. I figure I'm screwed up enough without doing something on purpose that would only serve to make things worse....... But there are those days when the pain is really kicking my ass - I sometimes wonder if NO is still the correct decision for me.
3. I still miss and mourn for who I used to be. Before being handicapped. But I also appreciate who I have become as a result of all this. I have been forced to slow down and appreciate the little things.
4. My biggest pet peeve is stupid people. Not those who are mentally challenged, just people without a clue. Everything in their head, falls out their mouth, and you know in an instant, there is not a enough wattage in their light bulb.
5. I do believe in happily ever after. But if you're traveling by a horse drawn carriage; you are always downwind of the horse for the whole journey. It can be happy forever, but it might not always smell so good.
I tag Lisa, Kris, Eric, Kara, and Dana (answer by way of Rob).

This face will be my new 'about me' photo
And I must point out I did not "style" her hair. It does this little curl naturally - every day!

only 2 shopping days left until Lilly's birthday
I am almost ready for the party. Sandra and I went out Monday and got the cake ordered and decorations bought. Still quite a bit of house cleaning to do, but, when isn't there?
Ryan spent Sunday with what he thought was food poisoning. The next day he did leave. He has arrived safely in Louisiana to begin his new job.
Sandra then spent Monday night into Tuesday puking and sick.
Lilly and I got to spend some quality time together. We played and cleaned.
We then spent the afternoon shopping clearance at Target. She got a few new things from the dollar spot. And Lilly totally managed to flirt with my co-workers. She made quite a few new friends! It was a fun trip out for the two of us.
Today, when I went to leave for work, I told Lilly bye-bye. She waved bye at me and then held up her arms. She wanted to go bye-bye with me. I felt so bad leaving without her. (Lilly cried)
I have tomorrow off. We will have to find something special to do.

An oh-no moment
I think my camera may be on the beginning of the end. It has been acting very strange lately. I have missed some good shots as a result. I really love this camera and have literally taken thousands of pictures with it over the years. It feels like losing a friend. We have been through a lot together.

Willie's on his countdown
He gets to go back to a day shift next week. Granted his day will start at 4am, but he is tired of overnight.

her mother was a climber......

"I'm going to reach that Kitty" Lilly was still attempting to climb even higher when caught in this pose.

Isn't that smile beautiful!

Lilly was so happy to be in her drawer!
This a full day of just Lilly and Gramma!
Mommy was sick.

A good flavored toothpaste helps

Lilly is learning good dental health very early!