Blessings :-)

I have been away too long...

2011-01-09T09:49:00.019-05:00

Alyvia likes to color (write)!!!!

"Our" Logann :)

The "McGinnis" family <3

We loooove our books!!!

"Ho, Ho" Merry Christmas!

HAPPY New Year!!!! Here it is, January 2011... I last blogged in August 2010 :( Work has been moving along and Family is doing well!

WORK--This is my sixth year back at Westfall. I was away for five years, working for an online school (ECOT). I think back over the years that I have been involved in education as a parent and employee. I am amazed at the consistencies and changes that have occurred over the years. Overall, I am saddened by how the support of public education has declined. We are more aware of the needs for children learning as well as the needs for society; however, public employees continue to have to work more for less :( I sincerely believe the more educational choices there are, the less the traditional public school is supported :( There are times I feel like going back to the business world; however, I am not ready to give up on the children that attend the traditional schools. At this point I am going to keep trying: working and advocating for the "underdog" because (I have been told) that is what I do!

FAMILY--Zoe was just turning one the last I posted! Zoe is now 16 months and Alyvia is 23 months :) They are more amazing by the day!! Full of life, curiousity, wonder, innocense... I never get enough of them when we are together. Tasha/Josh and Devon/Megan are hard-working, loving parents. They will give their children the moon and stars if they can, but I am proud to witness how they balance life and share the necessary love with their children.

Fortunately, Russell continues to work full-time for Columbus Fire, Alarm office and part-time as security for Cardinal Health. Long term employment is a blessing now-a-days! Tasha OFFICIALLY launched her photography business... I know she will bloom, because she sees life through her lens and takes amazing photos. She and Josh will both be graduating in May with their Bachelor's degrees. Devon is working for OSU and Scioto Township Fire Dept while seeking a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic position somewhere "close" to home! Megan is working for the State, Unemployment Dept.

august

2010-08-26T23:14:00.002-04:00

zoe is one year old! alyvia is 18 months old!! logann started school @ amanda. abbie & i are adjusting @ westfall. i love working with children but i am reeeeally missing my time with tasha & the kids... life is wonderful, life stinks... what to do!!

July

2010-07-18T10:44:00.007-04:00

Megan and Devon have been married one month (tomorrow)! The wedding was awesome and Tasha captured fabulous pictures from all angles (of course). They are preparing to move from their apartment to a house they are excited to be renting in Canal Winchester :-) I love that our family is growing. Russell and I are either going to have to move to a bigger house or add "a wing" so each of them can have their own rooms!!! I always want them to feel welcome...

Russell and I are taking our first vacation without our children/family :-( We are going to the west coast to stay a short while :-( with my cousin and her four children, so our time away will still be eventful! I also have another cousin, aunt and uncle that we will be visiting. Tentative plans are to travel to the San Diego Zoo, Tom's Market (Russell's fav), Disney Adventure, the BEACH, and Orange County Flea Market...

Zoe will be ONE on August 13th. Time goes by incredibly fast :-( Tasha is planning a big celebration for Zoe; family and friends from all over will come to spoil our little owl baby with love!!!

School will be back in full swing soon after Zoe's birthday, so I will continue to check off "things to do" from my summer list and be prepared to the kids to arrive their first day Aug. 23rd.

Abbie and I will have to adjust at Westfall with Logann going to Amanda; I will plan for to complete the internship/practicum for my second Master's, Mental Health Counseling; the rest of the calendar year will have holidays, anniversaries, meetings, and...

2010-06-17T22:17:00.002-04:00

Friday, June 18: Decorating, Rehearsal, Dinner.... Rest
Saturday, June 19: Devon and Megan's Wedding!!!! We have planned, shopped, shopped some more, organized, shopped.... and their day will be awesome. The McGinnis family is very excited for Megan to be an "official" part of the family. Pictures will be fabulous ('cause Tasha is the wedding photograher and the bride and groom are photogenic!!); Food, dancing, and visiting will be great; Gifts will be exciting :-) Off to bed, tomorrow is a busy day...

May and June

2010-06-03T23:27:00.005-04:00

The 2009/2010 school year is officially over. I am usually on an emotional roller-coaster the last few weeks and this year I made it worse on myself... A good friend from ECOT, my previous employer, phoned me to ask if I would consider going back to ECOT! Long story short, I listened, considered/prayed, accepted, and..... retracted my acceptance!!! The offer seemed to be in God's plan for my life; however, another good friend saw me struggling with the acceptance and nicely stated that I needed to follow my heart, which-for-now is with children in a traditional setting at Westfall Elementary! I believe God takes us out of our comfort zone but I also need to believe He wants us to be passionate about our choices in life. I am passionate about working WITH children :-) So hopefully I made the right decision and life will remain to be grand!!!

Devon and Megan's wedding is only days away.... We have spent a lot of time planning and preparing. Tasha has been an awesome "big sister" helping and doing a lot for Dev and Megan and the wedding. Russell and I are trying to help in any way we can with the emotional and financial challenges. I'm fairly certain something will go wrong (cause history says it will!); however, the day will go by quickly and when the sun goes down Megan and Devon will be Mr. and Mrs.! Russell and I are excited for them as well as grateful to have Megan as our daughter-in-law :-)

June also brings nieces with high school and college graduations, days with Logann and Abbie, Dev's paramedic graduation, Father's day, our wedding anniversary, as well as Russell's birthday... busy, busy!!! Then in July we are finally going to California to visit some of my family!!!

March AND April

2010-03-30T20:57:00.012-04:00

March was craaaazy.... snow, rain, 70 degrees, 3o degress, you think we live in Ohio or something!!!

Signs of SPRING are upon us and I am so releaved. Winter depresses so many of us in different ways :-( Me, I just need the cheer of sunshine... snow and cold are not a biggy, but days without sunshine is too much.

We celebrated Abbie's birthday with her @ The World of Bounce in Grove City the first of March. Then we celebrated Megan's 21st!!! birthday with a trip to The Cheesecake Factory to celebrate; Megan had never eaten there. It was yummy and relaxing :-)

April brought Easter, Josh and Tasha's birthdays, as well as our friend Heather's birthday :-) Not to mention more spring!!!

The past few months have been eventful. with our celebrations we had a few "scares" too... Zoe had a fever, seizure, and... roseola! but a few days passed before Tasha determined the roseola so we were a tad worried! I struggled with a cold/allergies/asthma that wiped me out for several days, and I unfortunately passed to Tasha and Zoe... but now all are mostly well!!

Now the school year is coming to an end; we have 15 school days left and still so much to teach :-( We will do our best to teach to the end and look forward to next year! However... next year will not be the same because Logann will not be attending Westfall next year, and I am going to be verrrrrry sad. She is like a grand-daughter since her mom and I became friends and they became part of our family since conception! Tasha caring for Logann @ birth, and her attending school with me during her kindergarten and first grade years. I WILL have Abbie and we will adjust our mornings and after school time without "Logi"

Devon and Megan's wedding is getting closer!! They are down to getting the details... marriage license, dj, flowers, counting RSVPs!!! We are excited for them and will have pictures to post before we know it :-)

Febrrrruary

2010-02-14T22:49:00.013-05:00

February's temperature has been slightly frigid with quite a bit of snow.... however, it is beautiful!!! We have used our five days of calamity days, so we will be making up school days if we miss any more days from here on out!

We celebrated several January & February birthdays.... Russell's brother, Todd! me! Alyvia's FIRST! Zoe's 1/2 birthday! our friend Audrey also! So much fun :-) Alyvia is getting closer to walking and Zoe is sitting up independently. I love getting unexpected picture texts from Tasha, Devon, or Megan of the girls doing something new!!!

Dev, Alyvia, Zoe, & Tasha with

Grandma Nita

(Russell's Mom) @

Todd's 40th birthday party

Megan and Devon are putting the pieces together for their wedding. They are excited and we are excited for them. They have secured the church and reception facility along with other details (like tuxes, wedding dress, and decor!!) We love celebrations so we are enjoying anything we can do to help them with the planning!!

2009-12-27T23:58:00.020-05:00

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!!!

2009-11-28T21:31:00.005-05:00

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

2009-10-22T10:41:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-29T20:05:00.008-04:00

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

2009-09-21T21:44:00.006-04:00

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

2009-08-30T18:38:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-14T07:26:00.012-04:00

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

2009-08-09T09:20:00.004-04:00

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!!

2009-08-01T22:37:00.004-04:00

"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

2009-07-01T20:40:00.010-04:00

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

2009-06-04T22:36:00.002-04:00

...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

2009-05-31T22:13:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-28T21:42:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-06T21:11:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-04-21T21:58:00.003-04:00

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!!

2009-04-01T20:50:00.007-04:00

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

2009-03-18T20:45:00.008-04:00

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

2009-03-14T23:06:00.013-04:00

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

2009-02-26T22:47:00.004-05:00

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!!

2009-02-21T20:37:00.005-05:00

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

2009-02-18T22:00:00.008-05:00

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!

Finally!!!!

2009-02-16T21:23:00.002-05:00

After three "false alarms" to Riverside hospital, many frustrating comments from nurses, 40 weeks pregnant... we are in the Labor and Delivery waiting room of Ohio State University hospital... Alyvia is finally cooperating for Megan ;-) and the hospital staff is finally allowing Megan to deliver...YEH!!! Megan is dialated to 5 cm, effaced 80%, and getting an epidural as I type. So I will have pictures to post soon of our first grandbaby. Life as I know it is about to change, again ;-) TWO grandbabies in the same year, one from each of Russell & I's beloved Tasha and Devon... we are blessed!!!

2009-02-15T20:45:00.012-05:00

This is my favorite "baby" picture of me, when I was cute...

I have basically harrassed my mom to give me my dance pictures for 20 years... well, Tasha "helped" my mom put them together, saved them on a DVD and gave them to me on my birthday this past Friday ;-) Mom said, patience pays; Ha! I can not express how excited I am to have them, be able to look back over them, and recall all the fun memories of my dance days.

Snow Days

2009-02-02T21:22:00.006-05:00

Today was Westfall's first day back after being off for 4 snow days last week... we have used all of our calamity days and have one day to make-up on Feb 16th (if that isn't a snow day!). Being the weather was bad and roads were scarry, I was blessed with Logann for three days and nights ;-) (Abbie got to stay home with her Daddy, who arrived home recently from Iraq). Logann and I had a great time together, but she was ready to go home, not to mention Melissa and Kevin missed her tremendously; so they were more than ready to take her home!

Given I sometimes tire of my uninterrupted days with 2 students, I was rewarded today with a big hug from each of my students ;-) They missed me! This is one of the many reasons that I teach... when students are given respect and are appreciated for their individuality they return the respect and appreciation!!

I ventured out on Friday to visit my friend Sue... she had a full knee replacement on Jan 19th. She is staying with her sister until she is able to get around more independently. Of course she has a great attitude and is doing more than she is required to recover; and making faster progress than her doctor expects!

We are still waiting for Alyvia to arrive ;-) Even though Megan is due Feb 19th, we anticipate she will deliver soon because she has dropped, her water has leaked (and resealed), and she had contractions every five minutes for almost a week ;-( So.... Alyvia will be welcomed whenever the time comes!! We are anxious, to say the least ;-)

Tasha's "peanut" has grown to a "plum" I am sooo excited. August will arrive quickly. We have birthdays, anniversaries, and will plan a fun shower between now and then ;-) Time will fly!

Winter

2009-01-25T22:36:00.003-05:00

Snow came by the bucket loads today... it was beautiful; however I am not enjoying the unbearable cold days we have had with the snow. History is that February will bring more snow to Ohio so we have a little more to tolerate. When spring arrives we will have had a few months to enjoy our grand-daughter as well as be able to begin planning for our second grand-child ;-)

Devon & Megan have had two false alarms now; we say three is a charm... so hopefully the next trip to the hospital will be a keeper!! I am anxious to hear what Megan's doctor says/does at her appointment this coming Wednesday, if she makes it 'til then :-)

Tasha & Josh have began to plan their nursery. We all traveled to Ikea this weekend and Russell and I were able to purchase a shelving unit for them. We plan to help them as we helped Devon & Megan with Alyvia's nursery... bed, dresser, frills! We have so much fun ;-)

Russell is building me a "Granny rocker" that is a combination cradle/rocker. I can't wait to see it and use it with our babies!!! I will post pictures as soon as it is complete ;-)

Stay warm... flowers will be blooming soon!!!

Moving On

2009-01-16T21:35:00.004-05:00

We are two weeks into the New Year and we have had some "excitement." I drove Megan and Devon to the hospital Wednesday morning because Megan's water broke and Devon wanted to concentrate on taking care of Megan... the hospital staff hooked her up to monitors. Megan's grandparents brought her mom and sister up to the hospital. Tasha came with donuts and coffee; Russell came after he got off work @ Cardinal. They monitored contractions but they said Megan wasn't in labor, a test indicated "the sack didn't rupture." so they gave Megan a shot to stop contractions and sent us home after 5 hours. Well, our common sense says Megan didn't pee the bed!!! so Alyvia must have tore the sack. Megan has been very uncomfortable since and taking one day at a time. We expect to be making another trip to Riverside sooner than later ;-)

Also that day, since I was off work from the "false alarm" I went to the doctor with Tasha & Josh... their first OB appointment!!! They are delivering our second grand-baby sometime around August 14th, six months after our first! We are so excited, we get to help prepare another nursery, watch another belly grow, and spend time with another grandbaby ;-)

Christmas

2008-12-25T19:18:00.008-05:00

In the meadow we can build a snowman,then pretend that he is Parson Brown...

What a joyful time of year ;-) Other than the windchill being below freeezing, the spirits are bright! We celebrated part of our holiday last night. I received a new video camera, my original was literally a dinosaur and has been dead for several years! I am so excited to be able to catch funny moments on video. Maybe we will submit to Funniest Home Videos soon! Russell is working @ the Fire Alarm Office and the kids are visiting in-laws on Christmas day so we will all get together on New Year's day.

Awww...Megan and Devon are crashed! They are wore out from lack of sleep... being uncomfortable from the baby and training a puppy they found last week ;-)

Megan is getting closer to having the baby, February is oh so close! She made Devon a little nervous after her Wednesday doctor's appointment... she is dialated to a centimeter and a half!!!! So... Alyvia is "on the way." I shared that I was dialated to a centimeter and a half for a month; however, I am hoping she will wait until after Megan's baby shower to come to us ;-)

Devon started working Scioto Township Fire Department part-time this month. He is still working full-time for Information Works. Megan bought him a nice bag for his gear; we bought him a trauma bag and are working on filling it with needed supplies. He is ecstatic!

Tasha and Josh are doing well. They are moving along in life. Working, finishing school, establishing a home... being happy!! Visit Tasha's blog to catch up with her and Josh's happenings;-)

Happy New Year!!!!

Life happens

2008-12-01T21:29:00.004-05:00

December 1st!!! Oh my gosh... we had a great Thanksgiving. Russell and I went to his mom's in the early afternoon then Thanksgiving evening we went to Tasha and Josh's with the Braniffs. Beautiful weather, a little running around, a lot of food, and great company. Russell and I have undescribable children. They are so.... functional! We will always worry about them, cause thats what parents do, but they are independent, stable, problem solvers, supportive, and share their lives with us!

Devon will be 20 on Sunday, December 7th... He has orientation with Scioto Township on December 16! He will work there part-time and Information Works full-time until he earns a full-time firefighter position somewhere. He will also continue to go to school. Megan's employer laid her off this week ;-( However, she has an interview on Wednesday with a childcare facility in Hilliard; so, we will say our prayers that all works out well!!

Tasha and Josh are working, finishing their college degrees, and establishing their home. Tasha is busy with one project or another. She never lets any dust collect anywhere!

Russell is taking better care of himself, trying to get his diabetes under control. Worry gets the best of me, but I try to be positive and take care of him, as much as he will let me. He works too much and needs more rest. Hopefully he will sell his gas guzzler, give up some hours, exercise, and get some rest. I really look forward to a long happy healthy life together! 25 years have gone so fast ;-)

shower

2008-11-16T00:50:00.003-05:00

Megan's mom and sister are hosting a baby shower for Megan in January. Tasha is almost finished making the invites!! They are perfect... my daughter has many talents ;-) I will try to describe it; but, when you receive it you will see that I am not doing them justice ;-( It is a little pocket with two pull-out tabs; one tab with the location, date, and time details; the other tab with registry details. She has just the right touch that makes everything she does so special. She will continue to be successful sharing her creative talents as well as her passion for children and heartfelt connections with others!!!

Firefighter(s)

2008-11-16T00:28:00.005-05:00

Like Russell, Devon was born to save lives.... he has been at the right place at the right time many times throughout his life ;-) At age 10, while waiting on the school bus he called 9-1-1 and helped a man escape a flipped car in front of our house; at age 16, while driving home from work he watched a car come over a concrete wall and crash on 270; at age 18, he directed co-workers to call 9-1-1 and kept his boss alert after she went into a diabetic seizure. This past week Devon recieved an official "welcome to the department" letter from Scioto Township Fire Dept!! He will be a part-time paid employee, so he won't quit his day job, but this is another great chapter in his life!!!

Bull Mastiff-NOT ;-(

2008-11-15T23:50:00.004-05:00

Russell had very good intentions last week... I love big dogs, especially Bull Mastiff's. So, he brought home Buster, an eight year old "Bull Mastiff-Boxer" mix that was going to have to be put down because his owner was placed in a nursing home. Needless to say, Buster looks like a Lab-Boxer mix! He is a sweet dog; he and Charlie are getting along. We will keep him ;-) However, I commented to my dear husband that he "is not off the hook to get me a Bull Mastiff."

Decisions

2008-11-10T22:46:00.005-05:00

Well... Russell and I recently set up an appointment and went to look at a home in Amanda! I thought it was beautiful, not everything I like/need; but, it had character. It was built in 1900, three stories, 20 acres, barn... Of course IF we move, we do not need to go further from Columbus. Mom and Dad are getting older. The kids are working/living more in the Columbus area. So... we decided to look more in Grove City. I found a few potential homes. We drove around Sunday afternoon to check out the options. We scratched all but two! One is a ranch on SR 665 and the other is a ranch on Big Run Rd. Our Real Estate agent came to the house tonight... she couldn't get over how much we had done over the years, especially the square footage we have added ;-) -which reminded me of how much we have made this our home!!!) Since the market is bad right now, I am not counting on the pricing to be as much as our house was appraised for 3 years ago ;-( However, I believe this may be an answer to prayer and we should stay put for a few more years. We will know how to proceed in a few days...

I ordered a crib for the baby from Craigs list... Devon couldn't wait to put it together. He and Megan are undescribable. They can't wait. Megan is counting the weeks until her baby shower. Leslie (megan's mom) picked a date and location. Tasha is putting together the invites! Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's will quickly come and go; then the baby will be here!!

She said yes ;-)

2008-10-20T23:25:00.004-04:00

Well, our family continues to grow... Devon proposed to Megan yesterday and she said yes! I came home from work tonight, they were looking online at flowers and tuxes... talking about colors and dates! I'm not certain what year, but Megan wants a spring/April wedding ;-) Devon was trying to sway her towards fall; of course, I reminded Devon, this will be Megan's day... he just has to "show up." Regardless; she will be a beautiful bride!

Prayers

2008-10-17T21:31:00.004-04:00

Devon had an interview today for a part-time firefighter position with Scioto Township. He feels that it went well; but, he realizes that some of the others that were interviewing have experience that he does not have. I continue to pray that he secures this position so that he can practice and learn in the path that he was born to fulfill!

ONE year, already!

2008-10-14T21:35:00.007-04:00

I am so proud of the adults that both of my children have become... Tasha and Josh have been married a year already. We had so much fun planning all the details. I remember wondering what Tasha and I would do after the wedding was over; but, Russell and I have been able to enjoy helping them with some of the things that she and Josh have been doing to make their house a home ;-) They both are doing well... working, finishing their college degrees, and having fun with each other and/or their friends.

Devon and Megan have been friends with each other since they met in third grade. Russell and I were excited when they started actually dating.... and now, over a year later, they are excited to begin their own family also. Wow! so much happens in such a short time. I really try to keep life in perspective and count my blessings every day ;-)

Pumpkins

2008-10-14T21:21:00.002-04:00

I have been pumpkin picking four times @ Pumpkins 'n More on Darby Rd, around "the corner" from our home! They grow healthy pumpkins and gourds and have great prices not to mention the beautiful fall foilage so... I have taken my friends, family, and students there to get pumpkins. I hope you take an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate a great fall day before winter arrives ;-)

Time to tell!

2008-10-08T22:13:00.006-04:00

Well... if you haven't already been told/heard... Megan and Devon are having a GIRL ;-) We would be happy even if they were having a boy; however, girls are so.... girly!!! February will be here before we know it. Megan is looking forward to her shower. Tasha is going to make the invites; Megan's mom and sister, Leslie and Taylor are planning the shower. Megan and Devon are registered at Target and Babies R Us... lots of fun!

announcement

2008-10-03T21:34:00.005-04:00

Well... Megan and Devon had an ultra-sound to tell whether the baby is a boy or girl!!! Can you tell?? Visit later and I will tell you!!! Megan and Devon are having friends over this weekend to announce the news ;-) I will say, what is really important is that mom and the baby are healthy and active

The Wilds

2008-09-26T22:22:00.010-04:00

Tasha, Melissa, Logann, and I traveled to the Zanesville area toThe Wilds a few weeks ago... awesome is an understatement!!!!

We rode a schoolbus up a hill to the ticket area, upgraded our prepurchased tickets for the closed-air conditioned bus to tickets for an Open Air bus!!!

We could reach out to touch the animals if we were allowed ;-) These precious looking animals are known to us as donkeys (aka: Donkey on Shrek), and in case you're wondering...their technical name is Persian onager/Equus hemionus onager!

The giraffes were my favorite, they proudly posed for us to take their picture.

This is one of two female cheetahs that lounged in the shade while we baked in the sun and admired them.

Logann picked flowers for us while we were off the bus for one of our walks

Fall

2008-09-24T22:26:00.002-04:00

My favorite time of the year... FALL!! Cool air, sweatshirts, pumpkin pie, and colorful landscapes ;-) Activities are plentiful: cookouts; football; Tasha & Josh's anniversary ;-) birthdays; family and friends will come to visit the Circleville Pumpkin Show; I hope to take Logann and Abbie to a neighbor's pumpkin patch; helping with the planning of a fund raiser banquet for a local Pregnancy Center, directed by my friend Brenda; Thanksgiving (yum); planning the arrival of Devon & Megan's baby/Russell & my grandbaby!!!; and of course, Christmas shopping in between it all!!!! I hope winter doesn't arrive early so that I can enjoy as much of the season as possible!!!

Saturday; August 23, 2008

2008-08-23T22:14:00.000-04:00

School has started, so I am back into somewhat of a routine... The two girls I spent my summer with have started kindergarten ;-) I am so excited for them. The freshness of starting school is unexplainable! Which always makes me stop to wonder, where has the time gone?!? This is also why I remind myself often, in our hustle and bustle society, to slow down and enjoy my daily activities.