Alyvia has funny faces... she makes us smile all over!!












Russell's brother, Todd took firefighter pictures of Russell, Devon, and himself. Devon wanted me to have this one :-)

December... What an active month :-) The exciting part of the month: Family, friends, students, shopping, decorating, baking, homework, meetings, gatherings... and it is about to be over. I really don't mind being (reasonably) busy. The busier I am the more organized I am able to be! Looking back over my 2009 calendar I about cringe tho'!!

The not-so-exciting part of the month unfortunately occurred on Christmas day ... Russell was admitted to the hospital to be aggressively treated for cellulitis. Wednesday and Thursday, I thought he was fighting the flu; then he showed me his swollen, red, tender leg and stated, "I think I am sick from an infection in my leg!!!" on Christmas morning. UGGGH... we attempted to enjoy Christmas but became more and more worried. (my unofficial, yet accurate personal doctors) Tasha and Dev diagnosed cellulitis!!! SO we went to Mount Carmel ER and needless to say he was admitted. Lesson to be learned by my husband... take care of yourself ; Lesson to learn for myself, I am a teacher, not a nurse; but I am attempting to "teach" my husband how to take care of himself!!!









Fortunately, he was determined to get home for our family Christmas on Saturday afternoon. He convinced the doctors he would take care of himself, was discharged Saturday by noon, and arrived home to our wonderful family who had prepared dinner. We completely enjoyed them all :-)









Tasha created a family tree for Russell and I, now hanging on our kitchen wall!












Zoe helping her mommy read :-) She is a snuggler!!










Alyvia and Domino, nosey kisses!!

Devon and Megan read "wedding wishes" from Russell and I (June 2010). Overall, this holiday season we spent quality time with family, extended Christmas again this year by visiting before Christmas, on Christmas, and after Christmas. ;-)

Happy New Year!!! 2010 and the world is still spinning ;-) Remember the millenium predictions, the world will come to an end... whatever; live everyday as if it is your last and it doesn't matter anyway :-) Be safe and healthy AND happy...

November gone, Santa on the way!!!

Wow, I can't believe I haven't blogged since Pumpkin Show. November flew by... I have been
providing home instruction 4-5 days a week for one of my previous students. So I have a full time teaching position, a part time position, and then three nites I am a service provider for 3 children in the county. I love it, just a little too busy ;-)


November also brought a position as a Board member for Elizabeth Hope Pregnancy Resource Center. My dear friend Brenda has been praying for me to apply for this position for some time. I have of been a "silent partner" assisting in the planning of and attending Elizabeth Hope's annual fund-raising banquet for the past four or five years. They offer awesome services for mothers!!!

Thanksgiving for the kids and my parents was the sunday before Thanksgiving so our children could spend the holiday with their other families. We had a really nice dinner and time well spent together ;-)

Tasha arranged for us to have our family pictures taken by her friend Ben @ Inniswoods. It was a beautiful fall day. We appreciated walking the park and stopping to pose for pictures. Another cherished moment with our family! Russell and I are so grateful for our growing family ;-) I pray everyday for each of their safety, well-being, and stability in this nutty world!!

Pumpkin Show

Pumpkin Show is here and the weather is beautiful. Colorful trees, crisp fresh air, and bright sunshine!! Logann and Abbie were both Lil Miss Pumpkin Show candidates. Tasha drove Larry's (Josh's dad) beautiful red Mustang for Log and Melissa, mommy. Abbie rode on a shiny new silver car driven by her daddy, Billy and Heather, mommy. The girls were beautiful! They were not selected as winner's by the judges; but, they are ALWAYS winners in our hearts ;-)

After the contest, Tasha, Josh, Zoe and I took one of my student's, Chandler to ride rides and eat! We met up with Melissa, Kevin, Logann, my friend Amy, and her son Zack to watch the parade. We saw a few creative floats, boogied to some marching band music and saw Maddy in her Princess crown on the Dam Days float!

I am taking another student, Kiera this afternoon then Russell and I are going back with Tasha, Josh and Zoe this evening to "shop" and watch the parade of bands (our favorite/traditional parade)... maybe we will run into Devon, Megan, and Alvia and be able to walk with them too!! Take the opportunity to join our craziness every third Wed-Sat in October ;-)

I still don't have my car back from the crazy accident that happened weeks ago ;-( The young man didn't contact his insurance company; once my insurance company(STATE FARM) contacted them, they phoned me. We have been playing phone tag for over a week! They need my statement (police report evidently not sufficient!) grrrr...

I hope to be finished painting the inside of the house by Christmas!!! I have made it a slow process... evidently I strained a tendon in my left hand and I have held back on painting because it is somewhat painful to manipulate the paint brush!!! I vow to bite the bullet soon to have painting complete before Christmas ;-)

Russell is about finished with the outside home repairs from the summer hail storm... new siding and garage doors. He will paint while we have a few warm days and the OUTSIDE will be in good shape! Landscaping still needs attention, but it is never my priority ;-( I only wish I had my mom's planting skills!!!!!

Out of Control

Fall has officially arrived! I love this time of year, I hope it lasts... and winter doesn't arrive too early (HATE ice)!! Russell and I attended the Backwoods Festival in Thornville, enjoyed time with Russell, Tasha, Megan, Dev, Melissa, Alyvia AND Zoe! The setting is absolutely beautiful!! Of course, the babies recieved eww's and ahh's from people passing by ;-) They traveled comfortably in their new wagons Poppi built while we picked up a few gifts and ate yummy pumpkin spice cake...

I am thankful for a full day of scrapbooking in Dublin with my daughter and friends; for a safe trip in that cold downpouring rain to/from Russell's Cardinal picnic;

I am sad that I missed a "granny" opportunity with Alyvia and Zoe during a family gathering at Russell's mom's house ;-(

and then there was today's event... a reminder of how "out of control" I am! I was driving to school with "my girls" buckled up in the backseat when an 18 year old young man in a 4x4 pick- up truck traveled left of center on a curve and hit my car practically head on :_( He continued to "push" us into the curb, side swiping the driver side of my car ;-( Seeing the big 'ol truck hit/push us scared the girls pretty well; fortunately, we are all three fine, just a bit shakin' up. He has insurance and it will cover whatever, but while we are waiting to hear what the adjuster says I am thanking God for angels! Life can be taken away so quickly. God is here to get us through difficult times. I definitely am thanking Him for the quality of life He gives to me and ALL my loved ones ;-)

SEPTEMBER

Here I am in September already... Fall is coming quickly, my favorite time of year! The leaves are changing colors, pumpkins are displayed, the air smells fresh, the harvest moon will be bright ;-)

Abbie and Logann are already big first graders. The world is a new place for them since they have learned to read! They offer me endless laughter everyday with their innocent outlook on life. Their imaginations and creativity are breath taking and they keep me and their parents hoppin' with the ideas the share and "expect" us to fulfill ;-)

Tasha bought matching outfits for Zoe and her God sister, Logann to wear to Logann's recent birthday party!

Russell and I have had continued opportunities to gather with our wonderful children and their growing families ;-) Alyvia was 7 months old the 17th and Zoe was one month old the 13th. I vowed to try to have dinner together "at home" once a month when Devon and Megan moved into their own home; so far we have been able to accomplish that goal plus a few other get togethers!!! Yeh!!! I still appreciate every minute given to me and pray for a next time ;-)

Back to school

A new school year is upon us ;-) and because of the nature of education, of course we have changes within the building; BUT the changes are not as drastic as many of us feared when the 2008-2009 school year ended! I applied for an administration position, quickly discovered I am meant to continue teaching! God has a different plan than I have... imagine...lol. He reminds me quite often that I am not in control, every now I then I forget and challenge His plan ;-) Outside a few situations, I am content with Him being in control!!! I really try serenity for those situations ;-)

I was reminded again this morning, while listening to a friend of Russell's, Jeff Aldridge speak at church about how great God is in his family's life... He is fighting ALS, his wife is having tests for colin cancer, and one of his daughters is in remission from leukemia after 27 months of chemo! He told his doctor that God will decide how many steps he will take in life when his doctor told him he had 2-5 years to live! WOW, what an inspiration you and your family are Jeff Aldridge!!!!

Alyvia and Zoe share the cradle for a second at Tasha and Josh's on Zoe's homecoming day, August 16th. I am grateful the family got together at our house last weekend for hamburgers on the grill. I don't mind being an "empty nester" with my husband, but I do miss our children and their families. I truly love being part of their lives and am grateful for every second I get with them/though never long enough! Looking at our calendar wondering when they will be able to get together in September!!!!

Six months old; still something new everyday! She'll be bopping around in the spirit of the holidays in a blink of an eye...

and then I look at this picture, remembering when Russell and I brought Tasha home 23 years ago.... we have shared her and Devon with so many friends and family members. We are sooo proud of the adults they have become, the families they are creating, and they lives they continue to influence!!! including mine ;-) x0x0x0

Introductions

Josh & Tasha's family wait together for "Baby B" to arrive...

.... Zoe Maddison ;-) born to Natasha and Joshua on August 13, 2009 @ 8:46 am weighing 6# 8oz; 19 inches long!!! Has a head full of hair and darling cheeks ;-) Welcome, our second beautiful grand-daughter. We have so many blessings!!!

Uncle Devon took the day off work to be with your mommy welcome you into the world ;-) How loved you are already!!!

..and your God sister, Logann couldn't wait to meet you! She waited 40 weeks with mcuh anticipation to see you and learn your name ;-)

Planning

Alyvia is 5 months old already... as beautiful as ever ;-) We don't see her everyday anymore ;-( and I miss her terribly; but Devon is very busy with working two jobs, going to paramedic school and studying. Megan has a full-time job at a childcare in Amanda where Alyvia can also attend. We will try our best to value our "quality" time together whenever it can happen!!!! Well.... Tasha and Josh will be proud parents most likely on August 13th around 8:15 am!!! The baby is breech so Tasha needs to have a c-section. Tasha says the likelihood of the baby flipping is pretty low because she has been in this position most of the pregnancy/evidently her comfort zone ;-) Regardless of a c-section or vaginal delivery, we pray for health and safety for Tasha and the baby, we all will be grateful!!! Josh will be getting a tattoo somehow related to the baby, so he encouraged me to go with him to get mine since I have TALKED about it for years! We'll see ;-)

The fair was exciting... My niece Abigail and her friend Ashley, Tasha, the girls (Abbie and Logann), me and RUSSELL-the lucky man-all spent the day together! The weather was beautiful, the animals were serene, and watching the girls on rides was entertaining :-)

Auuuuugggust!!

"Always do what you are afraid to do."Ralph Waldo Emerson

I can't believe June and July have passed and August has arrived! 23 days and school will be back in session. I am ready for the students; however, I still have a "to do" list @ home... mostly painting! Russell (and Josh) laid wood floors in the livingroom which brought on painting the livingroom;

Devon and Megan moved in to their own place-which brought on painting two bedrooms, laying more wood floor and moving furniture from our sunroom to the bedrooms!!! We have redecorated without planning to redecorate, imagine that ;-)

Baby B could arrive any day and Alyvia will be six months old the 17th. Tasha's doctor said she will induce on the 20th if she doesn't deliver by the 19th. Tasha and Josh are ready, and so are Granny and Poppy!!! Count on pictures being posted ;-)

We will be taking Logann and Abbie ("my girls") to the Ohio State Fair this coming Monday; the Ross County fair next Monday. Rides, animals, food, and (hopefully) lots of sunshine!!

Changes

Change can be great... June has passed and July is upon us. Megan started working @ Walmart. Her mom, Leslie and I graciously help by taking care of Alyvia while Megan and Devon are working. We spent Father's Day with family and friends: we went to breakfast with the kids @ First Watch in Hilliard; dinner with firefighter friends in honor of a successful fundraising event for a fellow firefighter fighting Lou Gehrig's disease ;-( then to my parents to visit for a bit. We saw two beautiful deer in their backyard! The party our kids prepared for Russell's 50th birthday/Russell and I's 25th wedding anniversary was wonderful! We missed the friends and family that did not make it to the party, but sincerely enjoyed the friends and family that did come! We visited, ate, played a few games, and made smores @ the bon fire. We wound up our evening by opening thoughtful cards and gifts with the kids, my parents, and our neighbors. The memories (and pictures to remind us) will last a forever!!!

Devon started medic school and Tasha is getting closer to bringing our second grandbaby into the world, only about 5 weeks remain!! The baby shower is July 11th so I am scrambling to have everything ready.

June, July, August

...the summer is literally going to fly by ;-( Logann and Abbie have been a blessing to me, caring for them during the day. I am picking up my "supported living" family during the day to do activities with me and the girls also. The hail storm dented up all four of our cars and the front of the house ;-( We are getting estimates for the damages... I am fairly certain the costs will be depressing (with or without insurance assistance) . Changes are still occuring at Westfall (I am still praying for "the best"). Megan is looking for a job so I have had the privilege of caring for Alyvia for an hour here and there. Keep on Megan... the right employer is out there for you!

Today... Megan fed Alyvia a jar of peaches, I got joy watching her eat/Megan feed her!! We love our children, and then our grandchildren come along... I don't have the words to describe my appreciation for having the opportunity to spend as much time as possible with any/all of the grandchildren Russell & I may be blessed with. I pray to be healthy many more years so that we can continue to watch and participate in their lives!!!

Tasha shocked me this week when I heard her comment to someone about only having 10 weeks left until baby B's due date!!!! What an eye opener... Tammy, Josh's mom is having Tasha's first shower in Piketon June 20th, so... I have been contemplating what to get Tasha and Josh for the baby. Russell and I discussed. I ask Devon for he and Megan's input... I am pretty certain we made a decision! I am just hoping the item is in stock when I go to make the purchase ;-) Then I will continue to plan the shower I am having for her on July 11th. WOW

and then... Our 25th anniversary is fast approaching (June 9) and Russell will turn the big 5-0 (June 30). The kids are planning a celebration for us June 27. In the meantime I am trying to decide what to do for my husband.... he usually does a great job surprising me with something thoughtful. I am challenged with how to surprise him... Regardless, we are looking forward to the 27th!

and SOON after that, baby B will arrive ;-)

Neverland

Yesterday I planted flowers, thru frisbee with Jacob, played in the hose with our dogs and visited with my sister's family at the mall (what a place to have a "reunion")! I haven't seen her in months ;-( She has been working a lot of hours. I hope to see her a little more thru the summer, now that I am finished teaching for the summer.

While we were at the mall, we happened in to a jewelry store... We "dreamed" for about an hour while I looked, tried on, and comtemplated about rings I liked for Russell and I's 25th anniversary. Like I said, we dreamed.

The past, present, future set

and my birthstone (amethyst) were my two favorite dreams!!MAYBE some day, but not this year... we are still trying to get ahead (if that is possible for anyone!!!)

Today was a beautiful day ;-)

The sun was shining, a nice breeze was blowing, and I got to go to the Southern Theatre with some of "my girls".... Me, Tasha, Megan, Alyvia, Melissa, Logann, Abigail, and (her friend) Ashley all went to see The Children's Theatre production of Peter Pan!

This was the first performance that I have watched. It was darling for the most part. Alot of children in the audience; not so many on stage. A little hard to hear from our seats that were in the back of the mezzinine; but, we could have heard a little better if the guests behind us were not snacking the entire performance.

Note to self: next time purchase seats closer to the stage ;-)

Bitter Sweet

Today was the students' last day of school... bitter sweet; ending one year and beginning a new year! "My kids"---Abbie and Logann are First graders... Kiera is in 6th grade/moving to the middle school... Chandler is a second grader... and Jacob is in third grade (probably not at Westfall again next year). Time truly does pass to quickly ;-(

A lot of changes will occur during the summer.... Westfall "RIFd" 50 staff; we had some hope that some would be called back/not layed off but we haven't received any updates that our hopes will be fulfilled. In actuality, more staff may be layed off. I am praying for my own security while praying for the future of everyone being layed off... I do believe that one door closes and several more open! We just have no idea and probably won't have any idea until school starts August 26th.

Russell and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary and Russell will celebrate his 50th birthday as well!!! Tasha has her "planner hat" on and is having a grand time preparing a special day for us.

Devon will be starting paramedic classes so that he can move on to a full-time position in the firefighter/paramedic profession ;-) He and Megan are anxious to move into their own place. I will miss their little family. I am afraid I will not see much of them ;-(

Tasha and Josh will be having their baby!!! How exciting that will be ;-) I can't get enough of the "babies" They bring such freshness and hope to my life!!!

May Flowers

The month of May... the end of the school year is upon me! I went to the kindergarten music program last nite... they were darling, especially Logann and Abbie!!! Music is definitely one of their gifts; I look so forward to watching them grow and develop their talents ;-)

The students are more anxious by the day, so staff has to more creative to maintain attention so that we can "teach til the end." I am amazed at the number of young students we have in our building that frequently "melt down." Their home environments are stressful, society expectations are high, and they do not have time to just be kids. Personally, I get frustrated with the lack of adults that are willing to understand... but i pray I have found my place in all the mess so that I can do the best I am able to make some kind of difference.

Tasha is growing with Baby B by the day. She had a scare about a week ago: emergency L & B visit, followed by a doctor visit... kidney stone, uti, stretched ligament... still unknown??? Her doc believes she most likely had a small stone that passed. Fortunately, the baby and Tasha are fine!!! :-)

I returned Tasha's car to her and Russell returned my car to me after 3 very long weeks (about 10 weeks in reality) of Russell rebuilding his S-10!!! Shew... what a test of patience. Now on to the next project!!! Russell had the tractor to tear apart and fix so our jungle could be mowed before our neighbors threw eggs at us ;-( We have some bushes we need to plant and someday.... we will have wood floors in the livingroom!

Alyvia is getting more beautiful by the day, her hair is coming in... curly and red!!! So sweet ;-) Devon and Megan are wonderful parents... Alyvia is content and happy, she laughs, kicks, and "talks" every waking minute!

Tasha is 24 weeks and growing more each day! As excited as I am to be a Granny, I still have to stop and think about Devon and Tasha being parents. The saying "time goes too quickly" is not understated ;-( I truly appreciate every living day!!! Russell and I bought her a Vera Bradley diaper bag for her birthday, something she wouldn't buy for herself...

Russell is working too much and when he is home he is out in the garage rebuilding a truck or making pens. We made time to go out the other night, , we missed the starting time to see a movie so we went to dinner. Someday we will do something more fun together... maybe even be able to take a vacation!!

My work place is still in an uproar; however, our Interim Superintendent is moving us forward with respectful leadership. He has met with administrators, community members, staff... and proposed a plan that most likely will save a few jobs/programs ;-) I will continue to pray... Fall will be here soon enough and we will know most of the changes for certain then.

News!!

Work/school is a little better. We have settled down, not worrying "as much" but I still will not feel certain how all the layoffs and shifting will change until we start school this fall. Education will look a lot different than it has in the last 10 years ;-( However, I do know for certain we will "make do" the best we can for the children.

Well.... Tasha and Josh had an ultrasound today! They sent Russell and I a beautiful bouquet of PINK flowers with a loving note telling us the NEWS! Baby 'B' is a girl ;-) Tasha is so thoughtful and creative.

She never ceases to amaze me! Of course we pray for a healthy baby and would be blessed regardless if a boy or girl arrives, but it seems we are surrounded by girls and will continue to be for a little while longer ;-)

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jay visited from California for my (great) Aunt Ruth's 90th bday. I am grateful my Aunt Patty and Uncle Wally brought them over to Mom and Dad's so that we could visit and they got to see/hold Alyvia!

A little blurry, but never-the-less priceless! Alyvia zonked out on her Mommy's chest. An undescribable symbol of love ;-)

Simplicity

I pray for simplicity ;-( My students appear to need entertained at all times, instant gratification, control, everything someone else has, constant competition... I am getting old ;-( They had to slaughter me in order to "have fun" playing (what I wanted to be) a simple game of 4-square! I try to educate them, encourage them to dream, and keep them humble at the same time. Some days my expectations seem impossible.

Then, the media got a hold of controversial information about the district superintendent (I am NOT reiterating the details!). I am trying to be realistic and not naive; still trying to believe there is a misunderstanding/an explanation for the accusations. Most teachers just desire to follow our passion, practice what we know (and paid big bucks to get licensed for), and encourage kids to become successful adults... We really do not want to be caught up in all the hype that occurs now-a-days ;-(

Fortunately, I care for Abbie & Logann, go home to my family, admire Alyvia, and watch "baby B" grow from a peanut to a sweet potatoe!! putting all my hopes back into perspective!! I refuse to "give in" to the negativity that surrounds us everyday. "Kids" (and my coffee!) help me get out of bed every day ;-)

March already

What a month... I always try to count my blessings daily; this month has been such a roller coaster of sad times ;-( with the happy times;-)

Westfall is $1.5 million "in the hole" so administration had to announce lay offs (RIFs) of 50 employees :-( which includes custodians, cooks, aides and teachers. So far, my position is "safe" but the changes are not complete. I will continue to pray until school starts in the fall that I am able to continue teaching at the Westfall elementary school in the best capacity that I am able! I am uncertain of how the custodial and cook positions will function next year but we were told the eliminated positions will be replaced by a contracted company (out sourced). Aides will not be replaced, which will truly affect the education of the children. Aides are not licensed teachers; however, they are a tremendous asset to children's learning!! And teachers... well the elementary will not have specialized art, music, or phys ed teachers. Classroom teachers will provide art, music, and phys ed within their general education instruction. As awesome as our teachers are... this will be a great adjustment. So... I will also continue to pray for our teachers and the the children ;-)

Five generations!!! ;-) Me, Dev w/Alyiva, (Russell and Megan), Grandpa Woody, and Dad

Today Russell and I went to Marietta for my Great-Aunt Ruth's 90th birthday party. We always visit and stay with her when we travel to Marietta for reunions, birthdays, community activities... whatever! We were fortunate for Tasha & Josh and Devon, Megan and Alyvia to be able to go as well ;-) What an awesome family day. I am so grateful for my family and friends. Words cannot describe. IF anything falls apart, we always have our "family."

Meg, Dev & Alvyvia

Tasha & Josh

in Marietta @ the Ohio River

Keep on moving

Tasha and Josh are moving forward to prepare for their Braniff baby... They are registered with Babies R Us (bru); the spare room is emptied; they allowed Russell and I to purchase a beautiful wood shelving unit from Ikea for the nursery; they purchased and put together the crib; and Tasha picked up a crib mattress this week! I think those are the major accomplishments. A few minor tasks have been accomplished as well. Tasha is seeking, researching, and preparing everything to the fullest. I am certain they will be ready way before August, when the baby is due to arrive ;-)

Devon and Megan are seeking a place to rent. I am having a difficult time understanding their need to hurry but I am trying accept they want to have a place of their own. Times are so rough for everyone right now... I just want them to take their time moving; enjoy loving their beautiful baby girl, and have a stable beginning! I have a difficult time "letting go of my motherly duties" regardless of the age of my children. Mothers worry ;-(

Celebrations!!

Devon was "sworn in" with Scioto Township Fire Dept. on the same day he brought Meg and Alyvia home from the hospital! What a day to celebrate ;-) They really do have so much to be thankful for...

Granny

Alyvia Grace McGinnis arrived February 17th, 2009 @ 6:42 am!!

She is 7# and 19 1/4" long ;-) Devon and Megan are very proud, to say the least. She is beautiful, resembling both her mommy and daddy!!!

I have held her for about 5 minutes, but admire her sweetness as often as possible. I'm certain I won't ever to be able to get enough of her. I will just have to take in every second I am given.

Mom and Cole came up to the hospital to see them. Having mom call me grandma was really different. Hearing grandma from my friends is one thing, but hearing my own mom say grandma was really shocking!