IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR..FOR A COLD

Monday, December 19, 2016
Even though I didn't have Seminary, I was awake at 5:30 a.m. Mainly, it was because I had the beginning of a sinus headache. Not a good start. I stayed in bed for nearly another half an hour, trying to convince myself to go back to sleep. That not happening, I got up and took a shower, ate breakfast, and languished/lounged by Ken's side until it was time to get the kids up.

I took some medication, but it didn't do much to make me feel better as I went to work. My nose became drippy, I sneezed at times, coughed at others. I felt very dragged out. I wasn't very fast. The ladies wondered if it was allergies, but I've been down this road before. Sinus infection...and probably a cold. Yes, I'm miserable.

Ken took my out to lunch and brought me more medicine, but the afternoon was much the same. Then, when I got home, I found the power out in our neighborhood. Luckily, it didn't last long, maybe 45 minutes. But still, Ken was prepared for me, with dinner cooked and some honey-lemon tea made. I was glad the power came back quickly, because I had no time to waste...I needed to get Christmas packages ready for California!

Tuesday, December 20, 2016
I am so stuffy and sneezy. My beloved husband let me sleep in (8:30) and made me up a thermos of some more of the honey-lemon tea. As it was, I got a call during devotional from the library. One employee was sick, another was at the doctor. Could I come in for a few hours? The "party" luncheon was happening today and I'd planning on dropping in at 11:30 to bring my casserole and cookies anyway, so I just pushed up my timeline by about half an hour and went at it! I stayed until 2, having lunch with the ladies and participating in the ornament exchange. I got this cute one: The Cat-in-the-Hat reading.

Perfect! It will always remind me of working at the library.

I went home quickly (because I had to be back for my regular shift at 4) to get the packages ready to take to the post office. I was worried the post office would be really busy, but I got in and out in fifteen minutes. Five days away from Christmas? Kind of a relief!

I went back to the library, sniffled and coughed my way through five hours, then went home, finishing my tea. My bed is calling my name...

Wednesday, December 21, 2016
I feel better today. I'm still a little drippy and head-achy, but my nose isn't firing off sneeze volleys every few minutes and I sound nearly normal. I am a bit tired, but that's to be expected.

This morning I took Jonathan to JC Penney to get him some short-sleeved white shirts. I'd seen in a newspaper ad that they were on sale - buy one, get one for a penny. In fact, I saved more than I spent. That made me so happy that I went home...and took a nap. Totally guiltless.

Work meant still a light headache and nasal drippage, but I only had one "sonic" sneeze (my kids tell me I could take a window out with 'em) while I was back in the bookshelves. Still drinking my tea, thanks to Ken. The key to relief is rest and fluids. When I can get them.

There were only two of us working tonight in the library. I don't know why, the policy is three. Our cataloguer is missing. But, as quiet as it is, it wasn't a problem. We can - and did - handle it.

Thursday, December 22, 2016
MUCH better today. Besides, I have no time for napping. I've been asked to work all day tomorrow, so I need to get my grocery shopping done before I go to work today. If I wait until Friday evening, it would be too-crazy-close for Christmas.

It was bad enough. I forgot to stop at Atwood's (raw honey for my tea), and went to Walmart first. They were, of course, congested up to the eyeballs. Oh - and no eggnog. So that meant another stop, to Braum's and hope they hadn't sold out.

They didn't, but it was more expensive than at Walmart (better quality, too). Then I made my Atwood's run (rats! Forgot to buy some hay for the bunnies) for my raw honey. It's not cheap either, but we swear by it when we're sick.

It was another quiet night at work, but with the full compliment of three. Apparently the cataloguer had last night off. No one said anything or offered to replace her.

Friday, December 23, 2016
Front desk gal was off, tech gal and both cataloguers were off. The library director and her secretary were off. It was just the head librarian, another employee, and your's truly.

Super quiet day, too. We never got up to seventy people (yes, we count), and that counted the mailman and UPS guy. We did get a lot of phone calls and I had the pleasure of telling them that we would be closed tomorrow through MOnday.

Jonathan's passport came today! That was the one thing I was most worried about. We have to send a copy of it with a criminal background report from the police (very, very short!) to the church travel department so that they can get his VISA for Guatemala. They needed to receive it by the 18th of January, so we're well within our time - whew! Next big step is the temple. Good thing I saw the bishop at the temple and reminded him...we only have a little over a month left!

Saturday, December 24, 2016
Other than going to the post office (mail off paperwork to church travel) and taking Jonathan out to get his typhoid shot ($108 - ouch! That's what hurt!), I spent most of my day in the kitchen. Fudge, lasagna, cheesy bread and crepes (that's for tomorrow's breakfast).

It was a little depressing that evening though. Just Analiese and me sat down to eat.

Jonathan was working until 12:30 tomorrow morning and Ken was sick with a cold (his turn) and sleeping in the recliner. He ended up eating ramen soup. So Analiese and I packed up some food and went to Walgreens to give Jonathan his Christmas Eve dinner. Cuz I made the lasagna for him. It's his favorite.

We Skyped with the family in California tonight - well, those of us available. Analiese got some make-up from her Aunt Dee and cousin Amanda. Amanda had been so cute and clever, putting stickers on things and cards with instructions on how to use them. It was adorable. Analiese also got a cute new church outfit from her grandparents. My brother, Andy, also sent me something - a tablerunner from Guatemala - a friend at work gave it to him for me. It is gorgeous and every time I see it I will be thinking about my boy when he's there. I was touched to receive it.

Sunday, December 25, 2016
I woke up about fifteen minutes later than I intended, but since I hadn't set an alarm, that wasn't too bad. We had breakfast in good time (crepes with cream cheese filling and strawberry-banana topping)

and could open stockings before getting ready and leaving for church. The only thing to mar our holiday was Ken's lingering and Jonathan's now-here colds. Merry sick-mas!

We only had sacrament meeting today.

Analiese in her Christmas Sunday best.

Ken had been asked to narrate, and I thought he sounded good, not like he had a cold at all! But sitting by Jonathan, listening to the music, it hit me - next year my boy won't be here! I had a hard time keeping it together for the rest of the meeting. Good thing everything was cut short!

Our afternoon was peaceful - relaxing and opening gifts. Hey, we were all together on a Sunday, and that's a Christmas miracle on it's own. People at church commented on Ken's attendance with surprise...it's been a while.

I received an amarylis bulb from Ken, a pretty gratitude platter

Curious bunny examines platter box.

from my friend, Michele, a bath kit from Jonathan and an art kit from Analiese. Our new bishop gave Jonathan a set of scriptures in Spanish.

Analiese gets needed new pj bottoms.

Jonathan styling in his special coat for his mission.

Bunny slippers, of course! (Bunny not included)

Despite his face, it's a seriously cool journal.

 We have too many goodies than are good for an army of us - candy, cookies, bread, and pecan pie!  Tonight's dinner will be finger foods. Easy.

The weather on the Christmas Day was weird - first we had a warm wind from the south this morning with darkening skies later on. Early afternoon was a wind advisory - and it was a cold one! Then, we had a short, windy rainstorm. Analiese is right, Oklahoma weather IS bi-polar!

SEMESTER ENDING, WINTER APPROACHING

Monday, December 12, 2016
Another alarm error occurred this morning on my phone (my fault, actually) and it made me late for Seminary again. And on a Monday - that's the worst day to be late on because I'm so time crunched between Seminary and the library. Everything went okay except two of my students were missing. We have assessments this week - not a good time to be absent!


Lots of patrons found me to be chipper and happy this morning - surprising them. I didn't feel so chipper, but apparently I pulled it off. One patron raved over my display cases. That made me feel good!

I am prepping tonight for the Assessment Preview tomorrow. I'm going to have them work in pairs at stations while I sit back and watch them quiz each other. It's pretty easy for me. The prep for tomorrow will be even easier!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Analiese had EPIC testing at the library this morning, so I went over with her at 9:00 a.m. to let her teacher in. She was there for about three hours - pretty intense - but she came out smiling and felt she did well...even in math!


I left her there for those three hours because I had stuff  to do. First was a bank run (very important) and then a little Christmas shopping. I went home, washed some towels, paid some bills and then waited for her phone call to pick her up. As a reward for her hard work, Jonathan and I took her out to lunch at Taco Mayo - a TB alternative she likes.

Tonight at work, a fellow employee brought in a huge platter of all kinds of homemade cookies. I am such a cookie monster, so this was enormous temptation. Some, though, were really too cute to eat!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016
We had Assessments today in Seminary. It was a piece of cake for me, but wasn't to hard on the kids, either. They all passed! In fact, they did it well enough in time to set up in the gym for me for our family seminary breakfast tomorrow.

The rest of the morning and afternoon, was ME getting ready for the breakfast. I had some last-minute purchases, plus Jonathan went over to the church with me to finish the set-up. I also cooked two breakfast casseroles at home that I'll reheat at the church tomorrow morning.

They told me at the library that the police have caught the two individuals who have been breaking into businesses and churches - including ours. The names haven't been released yet, probably because one of them is a minor. But at least this craziness can stop!

Thursday, December 15, 2016
The breakfast went over without a hitch this morning. Well, except for one student and her family. She's really sick, poor thing. Everything turned out nicely - my casserole was good - and the "program" turned out well. I especially liked the bishop's comments about his experiences growing up and attending Seminary. Even he had a Seminary blanket! I had to laugh, because some of my students do, too. One of my students (my artist) brought me a gift. While I appreciated it - I love markers - I really loved the card she made me. She drew me some cute/funny cartoons and wrote the best, encouraging message. I always cherish her drawings, but this was extra special to me. I'll keep it forever.


Friday, December 16, 2016
Analiese's teacher from EPIC called first thing this morning. Apparently she's made a HUGE improvement in her math scores! Still not where she needs to be, but a significant improvement. He knows she's been struggling and working hard and thought she ought to know. This made her happy, as well as her mother!

The missionaries - just the elders - came to lunch today, not dinner. After calling me to inform me last night, my plans for the day completely changed. But I used what I had in the house and made a burrito casserole that everyone liked. We had a nice visit and I gave them a cocoa kit to help stave off the cold. They also showed us a Mormon channel video that moved me deeply, testifying of the prophets and servants of the Lord today.

I ended up doing my regular grocery shopping after taking Jonathan to Walgreens at four. I'm glad, though, that I took Analiese with me. I had woken this morning with the middle joint of my left thumb swollen and throbbing. I can hardly move it, which is excruciating anyway. I've taken Tylenol and prayed that my genetic predisposition to arthritis hasn't caught up to me. So Analiese was a big help to me by carrying things.

Tonight it was just the two of us, so we settled down with frozen pizza, made cookies, listened to Christmas carols on Pandora, and played with bunnies. Quite cozy.

Saturday, December 17, 2016
My thumb is still swollen and stiff and hurts to bend (so don't bend it, dummy!). But it isn't throbbing like yesterday, so that's an improvement.

Yesterday was a weirdly balmy 74 degrees, but the temperatures are dropping fast and they're predicting a low of 12 degrees at some point. Even for me, that's cold! They've (meaning the meteorologists) talked on and off about some snow, but I think we probably won't get any. So far, it's shaping up to be a dry winter. Fine with me. I don't like ice, to state it mildly.

Okay, so we got a fine, sandy type of snow. It was very light, for only about two hours.

White stuff in the cracks...that's snow.

The worst thing was a huge drop in temperature. The wind, in particular, makes it pretty brutal outside.

One of my seminary families came caroling to our house this evening. Of course, we had to bring out bunnies to reward them for their kindness. One of my students said he wants one...after petting PomPom. She is such a doll with those tiny ears and huge eyes.

Analiese did the lion's share of rolling and cutting sugar cookies tonight

because my thumb is still stiff and tender. But it was nice giving her the opportunity to learn and pass on a tradition that started with my mother. She loved it and we got a little silly as it got messy and we got more tired.

Flour-faced selfie!

Sunday, December 18, 2016
Bitterly cold. The weather app read 12 degrees, but feels like negative 1. The wind is really awful. I wore slipper socks - the height of fashion - on under my sandals for church. I don't have any closed-toe dress shoe. And my toes were grateful for it.

The ward missionaries made up a couple of gift baskets today with the video "Joy to the World" in it and other goodies for members to take to others and help spread the message of Christ. I thought immediately of my friend, Valerie, and her family. So after church we went to their farm, braving the dirt road (not enough precipitation to make it either muddy or slippery) to drop it off. If she didn't have a dog (though I love her corgi, Widget - he cracks me up) or if Analiese wasn't allergic (which would be even better) we could have stayed longer. She's one of my favorite people here and I love spending time with her.

After a visit from our home teachers, Analiese and I decorated our sugar cookies in an untraditional way that I discovered on Facebook. I thought they'd be cute to send out for Christmas treats. It's a gingerbread man cookie turned upside down and decorated to look like a reindeer's head.

So funny!

ON MY WATCH

Monday, December 5, 2016
It's become cold enough to see my breath this morning.

Fog on the field next to the church parking lot.

There's a pretty frost on the ground, lacing everything white.

An enormous flock of Canadian geese overhead as I left the church building.

I'm in a very cheery mood this morning, wanting to sing carols, smile at everyone and laugh a lot. My back's feeling much better and my anxiety's leveled off. Life is good.

This evening, Ken and Analiese put up the Christmas tree

(Jonathan got called into work) while I studied for Seminary and then put up the Nativity.

Ken had purchased a few holiday treats and we had music playing in the background. Very cozy. Very Christmas.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016
CRAZY DAY! I got to the church at 6:00 a.m. to find all the lights were out in the building. It was windy, so I thought that may have done something, so I went inside to check the breaker, etc.  Turned out, the back half of the church had power. I texted my students, telling them to come through the back and we'd meet in a room back there. I went back and forth, setting things up and moving things from our normal classroom to the back, when I saw the clerk's office. The door had been torn open

and a peek inside (I know, stupid) revealed glass and mayhem everywhere!

A new text to students...change of plans. Seminary is cancelled. Because I knew now I'd be stuck there...talking to the police and the bishop. My first call(s) were to the bishop and bishopric. Nobody was answering their phones! But I knew one of the student's dads had replied to my texts, so I called him and asked if he'd come to the church...if only so I didn't have to be there alone. He called the police for me and arrived just before they did.

I spent the whole time I would have in class, talking to the police, going over the building, etc. The bishop eventually made it over. Imagine having to deal with that as a new bishop! "Angel Cousin" Dennis came over as well. I had called Ken (waking him) to tell him I might be later and why and he called Dennis and asked him to go check on me (he lives close to the church).

I was only really nervous when I was alone, but was pumped up on adrenaline for a while until I hit my 9:00 a.m. chiropractic appointment. Then it all drained out and I wanted to sleep! But, I'd told the librarian I'd come in for a couple hours to work after my appointment while she went to the funeral.

I did get my nap...after the library, but then Ken woke me up saying I had to go to the police department and give them my fingerprints. Mainly to separate mine from any the perpetrator might have given. So I did that, picked up Jonathan from work, ate dinner and then went back for the rest of my shift at the library. Gee whiz, this is all so exhausting!

Wednesday, December 7, 2016
It's business as usual at Seminary. Though, one of the dads patrolled the hall during class. And the bishop came by afterwards to see how I was doing. I'm fine, I can't imagine the person(s) coming back. There wasn't anything to take before - as they found out - and there isn't anything now.

I made sugar cookie dough this afternoon. It needs to chill thoroughly so I made it today. Tomorrow I'll start shaping and baking cookies. They are for the 4H Rabbit Club's Christmas party on Friday. I even purchased a rabbit cookie cutter (back in April!). I thought the kids would get a kick out of it.\

A newspaper article in the Altus Times today has a picture of a police officer examining our clerk's window yesterday.

Apparently there's been a rash of burglaries at businesses and churches since the beginning of November. We were just one on a list. Lovely.

Thursday, December 8, 2016
I felt positively indolent this morning, shaping and baking sugar cookies as I watches "A Christmas Carol" on my laptop. It was well-timed; I finished the cookies around the same time I did the movie!

More laziness...I sat down IN FRONT OF THE TV (this is a luxury for me lately) and watched "White Christmas" while eating my lunch. This is a rare occasion, when I actually have time to sit down. I think I'm "trunky" (mission vocabulary) for Christmas break!

The library was super quiet, tonight. At first that made me antsy...and then it made me tired. Two men were here on our computers, pushing the boundaries of inappropriate material. I had to watch and keep track. Oh joy. Zero tolerance - from the library and me!

Friday, December 9, 2016
I was up at 4:30 a.m., out the door at 5:00 a.m. The kids and I headed to Lawton in the pre-dawn hours (and cold). First, it was so I could attend my 6:00 a.m. Seminary Inservice meeting in person at the Stake Center. I was glad I did so, too, because we were able to discuss some important issues I was having in my class and...there were actually some answers!  Also, one of the other teachers has a daughter who's recently returned from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala! She's going to text me her daughter's contact information later so Jonathan and she can talk. I guess her daughter really loved the country and her mission...didn't want to come home!

The rest of the morning was shopping - missionary, Christmas, Seminary - with a little sidetrack to the park to see their Christmas lights. So it was breakfast at Chick-Fil-A, then Sam's Club, Ross (lots of good stuff for Jonathan there) and Target. The kids came home exhausted; they aren't used to early mornings.

This afternoon was getting ready for the Rabbit Club Party. I had to gather all of my supplies - cookies, frosting, sprinkles, containers for take-home, knives, plastic table cloths, etc. I had had the brilliant idea (the one's Ken calls the one-timers, because it's only going to happen once) that I'd put colored frosting in some Wilton bottles and they could squirt it out to decorate cookies. The coming out part wasn't the hard part...it was the getting it in! What a mess! I never would have gotten it done on time without Ken and Jonathan's help.

The party was fun, as usual, with pizza and soda, and the cookies for the craft/dessert. I pulled out my phone to play Christmas music (cuz how's it a party without music?) and sat down and enjoyed myself talking to the adults. The kids adore doing the cookies and were excited about the rabbit ones!

I only had a handful of undecorated cookies left, though I still have dough at home in the refrigerator to make more!

Saturday, December 10, 2016
A day of play in Lawton yesterday means trying to catch up today in between working. I needed to go back to the church and make sure everything was cleaned up yesterday (they had a sub), do my menu for the week, and go grocery shopping. Yeah. It's frozen pizza for dinner tonight, folks!

I forgot to take my church keys with me, so the plan of doing that on my lunch break was a bust. I brought Analiese with me when I went back to work, though. Jonathan has work this afternoon and who knows when Ken will be off. With all the break-ins, etc., I don't feel super comfortable at the moment letting her be alone for too long.

The library was pretty quiet and slow, which meant I could do what I needed during my quiet time at the desk. We did have a party of five being weird, though. They came into the foyer, sat down on the benches - though someone sprawled out on the floor - and proceeded to argue among themselves. One guy even got on his phone and was chewing somebody out there! What was up with that? Warming themselves up - physically and emotionally - in the library? I was glad to see them go.

The fun thing I get to do at the library is help patrons find things. Today I helped a regular patron find a book on the Duke Lacrosse team scandal. Not certain that we had any books on it, I tried Amazon first for some book titles. What do you know? The second book on their list was on our shelves. He was so pleased I'd found it. I enjoyed seeing him happy and I felt like a regular sleuth. 

The ward Christmas party is tonight, but none of the Boltons are going to make it. Jonathan will be working and who knows how long Ken will be. He'll probably go home and sleep anyway, he has an early morning tomorrow, too. Analiese is with me in the library and, while we're done by 6:00, the ward party is actually from 4:00 to 7:00, to make time for those who want to participate in the city parade, which is at 7:00. We're not doing that, either. 4H doesn't have a float this year.

Sunday, December 11, 2016
The Box family visited our ward today. I got hugs from several of the kids - my, how they have grown! The twins are actually old enough to pass the sacrament! And, of course, I had to hug and talk with Irelia. She was so excited to hear about Jonathan's mission (of couse, it's Spanish-speaking!) and wept with me as I explained the bittersweet pride I have as I face/look forward to his leaving. I knew she'd understand!

After taking neighbors home from church and Jonathan to work, I went to tithing settlement. Alone. That was weird. Jonathan is meeting with the bishop next week, so that's no problem. But nothing in Ken's schedule worked with the bishop's schedule, so they said I could do it. Alone. I'm assuming the tithing is right; Ken is the one who does it online. It looked pretty straightforward to me on the printout they gave me. Hey, I'm doing the best I can here!

WHAT, ME STRESSED?

Monday, November 28, 2016
The library was so busy today! Our patron-used computers were always full up and people had so many questions and needs. I was back-and-forth a lot, showing people where to find books, etc.

On top of that craziness, I had to start putting up the December display cases. First, though, I bit the bullet and clean out the grit, dust, staples, bugs (yuck) and general debris that had accumulated in each one. I did my best to clean off the plexiglass shelving. You can't wash off scratches, though.

I did not get everything done. In fact, I got the wall done in the kid's section

and about half-way through the west display case. It's going to keep me busy this week, for sure!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Half of my students were absent today. One is coming close to that 75% cut off, but I know she struggles with health and sleep.

PomPom grunts. That funny little furry thing (Analiese calls her a furry potato!)

is a full-on pig grunter! I went to rub her jaw today, she moved her head so I'd rub the top instead...and grunted! It's so funny.

Part of the wrapping paper had fallen off of my west display case, so when I got to the library today, I had to add more duct tape to the back. Brick walls are tough to get stuff to stick to. But I finished the display - presents, ribbons, bows, books and tags with everyone's name from the library.Someone thought I should add white lights to it, but that might have been a little much. With all the foil paper and glittery stuff...it could be blinding!

Wednesday, November 30, 2016
We picked up Jonathan's custom-made shoes and orthotics today. He tried them on and raved how comfortable they were. I don't want him to wear them out before he gets to Guatemala, but I know he wants to try them out the regular shoes if he walks to Walgreens.

I got lots of compliments today on the west display case. I didn't really have much time to work on the east case, though. Evening work doesn't give me enough time for that. It may have to wait until Saturday.

My middle back on the right side has been really bothering me. No amount of stretching, blue goop (legitimate - you know what I mean) or home massage (basically Jonathan grinding his fist into the sore spot) have helped. I may have to break down and go to the doctor or chiropractor or at least get a therapeutic massage. Nothing so far - including Tylenol - seems to be working.

Thursday, December 1, 2016
Enough was enough. I had Ken (and Jonathan!) give me a blessing for my back. I'm worn out from the constant pain which, of course, keeps me from sleeping well.

I had to take Jonathan to work and decided to go down the road from Walgreens to a chiropractor there.

Peaceful view of the reservior from the chiropractor's

After an hour and a half,  I'd been poked, prodded, folded, crunched and ultra-sounded only to go home and ice my wounds. I haven't been to a chiropractor in too long and my back shouldn't be neglected like that. I'm to go back for another session this week.

Feeling better? A little. I've got a big stress knot in my back (even Ken can feel it). It's going to take time to work it all out. Plus, the chiropractor was concerned with all the tension I carry in my neck and shoulders. Like that was a surprise!

Friday, December 2, 2016
My artistic student, who was being rather clever in class, insists that I post this picture of her newest work for class in my blog. We were talking about the miracles of Jesus and I had four people (well, I ended up being one of the four) draw pictures of different miracles. Hers is the one in the upper right-hand corner. See if you can figure it out:

This has been a week when it seems that all fluffy, furry, feathery things want to get run over! To date, I've had run in front of me on the road:
4 cats (well, it was in my driveway)
2 squirrels (discussing nut accumulation tactics?)
1 cottontail rabbit (it swerved all over the road in front of me)
? birds (for some reason they like the road)

It was a birth certificate issue today for Jonathan. Orange County had only issued an abstract BC at his birth, but we need the full certified one for his passport! It took several calls and emails to Wendy and my Dad, but apparently he's going to Santa Ana on Monday for me to get a copy and mail it to us in OK. This is much faster than if I had to get a notarized form and mail it to OC myself. What a headache!

Saturday, December 3, 2016
I awoke to a wet morning. I had to slog through my soggy yard to get to work. It's dry at the library, but the newspapers waiting for me to get them outside weren't. Plus, I had to put the "wet floor" caution sign up. It's supposed to rain throughout the day and I don't want anyone slipping or falling!

I wanted to cry today when a sweet old man who's hard of hearing and has poor eyesight mentioned that not everyone was nice or patient with him. Why? What does it cost you to be kind?

Hey, I finished my east display case! It was work, but I think it came together nicely.

Not as flashy as the others, but still clever in it's own right. We'll see what the others think of it on Monday!

I went with my friend Valerie to see "Fantastic Beasts." Being with her is so much fun! We get along like gangbusters...maybe a little too much! Ha! She's as bad as me when it comes to making comments during a movie. We absolutely rolled with laughter during a scene that reminded us of certain relatives (who shall remain nameless) in our lives!

It was good medicine to my stressed week. Afterwards, we went to Braum's for ice cream and more laughter (her daughter and a friend were there, too). A little "me" time was just what the doctor ordered.

Sunday, December 4, 2016
The result of having a good time (a good, CLEAN time) last night, was being really tired in church today. But, we got to sing a lot of Christmas songs, which is - for me - absolutely essential this time of year!

Jonathan's friend, Amber, came to interview me as part of a school assignment about the Old Testament. I guess all my talk about Seminary put me in her mind. It was supposed to take only about 15-20 minutes, but lasted about an hour and a half as she learned about our faith. She enjoed herself immensely (like I didn't!), remarking on how much more we were than she'd previously thought (she said she didn't know much). I could tell she respect that. She even joined us in the prayer that ended our fast. I've always liked Amber - we both work at libraries and enjoy our senses of humor - but today I got to share the Spirt with her. That's very special.

The First Presidency Devotional is on now. I can't watch a re-run or later version, I just don't have time. Besides, for me, the Christmas season isn't really here without the Devotional. I need the choir music, the stories, the testimony and the Spirit that comes from it. Nope, not Christmas without it!

THINKING AND THANKING

Monday, November 21, 2016
Things didn't start well today. For one, my alarm didn't sound - it vibrated - and I didn't hear it! So at 6:30 I get a phone call from a student...at the church! (Yeah, I heard the phone ring, weird!) Aack! I threw on some clothes and ran over. Funny thing was, being late and forgoing the TV and PowerPoint presentation wasn't a disaster. Actually, the Spirit was very strong.

But...I had no time to was getting home. This is my early morning at the library. Plus, there's other physical complications that had me not feeling so hot. Not a day to start behind.

It was kind of weird, though. The day just flowed by and I couldn't or didn't really keep up with it, but all was fine. We had a luncheon at the library, so I didn't bother going home. And before I knew it, the day was done.

I had to go to Walmart after work to get some necessities after work. That was the worst part of the day. The place was packed starting at the parking lot and the people were crazy. It took me nearly an hour and I just wanted to go home and crash!

Tuesday, November 22, 2016
This was the last day of Seminary for the week. Some of the kids were in a mood. Not nearly as nice as yesterday was. Maybe they're all just ready to get out of everything and have time off for Thanksgiving.

Our new bishop was in the building when I went to put the TV away. He said he'd like to visit our class - I said I'd like him to visit our class :D. I also informed him of the upcoming family breakfast at Seminary. I was going to hold off (only a little) on telling him, but he brought things up!

PomPom is getting settled in. Today she explored the sofa

, eventually settling down by my side. Unfortunately, that's Alice's side, too, so I'll have to be careful. Rabbit fights are no less violent than cat fights and Alice can be a ninja!

Wednesday, November 23, 2016
What a morning! I spent the whole time in the kitchen - chopping, peeling, stirring, baking! Thank goodness for my chopper and my apple peeler/slicer/corer! I felt pressed for time - and I was! - because I had to go to work today three hours earlier than normal.

That wasn't bad, really, since I got off at 6 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. Our director had decided we should close early today (thanks!). Work was a nice reprieve from the kitchen and I got a lot of biography book covers fixed and retaped. What else did I have to do?

Oh yeah. I had to go home and keep working. Luckily, Ken had the day off and could help, like taking Analiese to her birthday appointment with the bishop. But it was back to the kitchen for me!

Thursday, November 24, 2016
This year's Thanksgiving didn't feel like the marathon rus of the past. Having dinner at 5 p.m. helped, since I didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn to get a turkey in the oven. Sorry, Mom, the sacrifice just wasn't in me!

Ken still didn't have to work (nice!), but Jonathan did this morning, so we told our guests to come by 5 p.m. Dennis & Barbara Whardo, from church, came. It's the only way I can try and thank them for all the help Dennis has given us over the past year or so. He's an angel! I also felt the need to invite two of my library patrons who are also roommates. Everyone enjoyed the meal and the fun we had afterwards. We played games (thanks, Karla!) and, of course, pulled out the two rabbits. The two I'd invited have had rabbits before and fell in love with little PomPom. I wasn't sure she would be here when they left!

So it was a success. On a funny note, Analiese remarked on my "new" technique of basting the turkey with butter and powdered ginger.

I have never basted the turkey with anything else - Ken loves it - and my mother has always basted her turkey that way. "New"?

I made two pies this year.

One was pumpkin, which Analiese wanted and loved. I did NOT make a pecan pie, because the trees decided to take a year off. Instead, I made a caramel apple pie... Jonathan's idea. Hey, look on Pinterest, it'll probably be there. And in this case, it was. It turned out well enough, but I'd make changes if I tried it again.

I did NOT do dishes. Two days of cooking (and cleaning up between times) was enough for me. I didn't even slightly volunteer.

Friday, November 25, 2016
After a good night's sleep, I acutally got up and made breakfast for my family. We had breakfast all together! Will wonders never cease?

Ken went in to work at noon, while Analiese worked on lessons and Jonathan did laundry.  He also sat down with me to go over his list of things he will need for his mission. It's quite a bit and overwhelming! Part of it will be his Christmas gift!

He had to go to work in the afternoon. At a quarter to 4 (his start time), Analiese and I got into the van with him to take him to Walgreen's. But the van wouldn't start....click, click. He ended up walking and maybe being a little bit late. I had planned on going shopping afterwards, but apparently not! Oh, brother! Now what? I need a working vehicle.

After Ken got home this evening (luckily not too terribly late), we made some decisions and phone calls. We'll figure things out and make do, but we have to resolve this as soon as possible.

Saturday, November 26, 2016
Dennis Whardo, ward angel, came by this morning to look at the van. I gave him the keys and then left with Helen, one of my visiting teachers, to go to work.

The Dude - who's van just died and he had to buy a new vehicle - wondered if maybe he started the curse of the vans at the library. Since other employees have vans, that would be a bad thing. But Dennis came in mid-morning with my keys and the van parked outside. It was just the battery and he took care of that. Whew! We are so blessed to have him in our lives!

I spent most of my non-busy time (because we did get a bit busy - The Dude said that anytime I was at the desk, we got busy) working on the signage for one of the display cases. It is made to look like a cross-stitch sampler. The lettering is done, now I just have to figure out how to "frame" it. It's rather good sized.

Went shopping - try #2 - grocery shopping after work. I do not like shopping at night. It was still crazy there and shopping in the night time makes me feel tired.

Sunday, November 27, 2016
Busy-ness is antithetical to having or recognizing the Spirit. I've been getting too busy to ponder, meditate, listen and FEEL the Spirit as often as I should or want to. I need to take some of the time I use on less-worthy things to let the Spirit get through to me.

It's a very windy day today. The trees are changing colors

and dropping leaves rapidly. I actually wore a coat to church. And almost forgot it there. I never keep that sort of thing on or with me. I can't tell you how many times I have left sweaters and such at different places. I lost my good black sweater (well, as good as can be, it had rusty bleach spots on it because I am hard on clothes) last year to that very problem. I am trying to be very careful of my new scarlet (hey, that's what the catalogue called it!) sweater.

BEAUTY AND CUTIE

Monday, November 14, 2016
I only had four students this morning and they were all late. It was really foggy this morning, which accounting for most of it. At least, for my one student who's learning to drive and is very nervous. So I couldn't really blame her!

I moved around a lot of tables and artificial trees in the west conference room at the library this morning. They're hold a Health Fair for the community tomorrow and I offered to help set up some stuff. This is the first time they're doing the Health Fair, in conjunction with the Literacy Council (they work out of the Library), the Health Department, and the Jackson County Memorial Hospital. We'll see how it turns out.

In the mail today, Jonathan received a tentative itinerary from the church's mission travel department. So far, they have him flying from Lawton at 5:15 in the morning (which means he'll have to be there by 3:15 for an international flight.), to Dallas to Georgia to Los Angeles to Guatemala. It seems crazy to me, but it might change.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016
I took Analiese with me to the library this evening. She wants to help with my displays. She loves doing creative stuff and goodness knows, I have plenty to do. Besides the two cases, I'm now doing a wall display over a shelf in the children's section. It'll be cute. I'll post pictures when I'm done.

I was going to have her die-cut some Christmas lights for me, but the die-cut pattern wouldn't work! Such a bummer! I was going to use them and some yarn as a border around the children's section display. Now I've got to think of something else.

Still, she enjoyed having Subway for dinner in our break room, watching videos on the computer, and even finding a book to read. Don't worry, there will be plenty of other opportunities for her to help in the future.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Ken has slept poorly the last few nights and only today did I find out why - he has a terrible toothache. But he made a dentist appointment for today at 10:00 a.m. (without the prompting of his wife...he must REALLY hurt!) and even left an hour early just in case he could get in earlier.

He didn't get back unitl over four hours later. Turns out he had a large abcess under one tooth that took a ton of numbing agent and a lot of hard work to remove. His tooth came out apparently in pieces, which hindered the work. Ken said it was a lot like having a jackhammer in his mouth.

So, he's tired, he's sore, and he's on heavy meds. He's on a soft diet for a couple of days with no hot foods through tonight. Good thing he had today off and tomorrow as well. He needs to recooperate and sleep!

Thursday, November 17, 2016
Analiese & I were at the library at 9 a.m. to meet with her EPIC teacher. But first...he had to talk to me ALONE. Uh-oh. Girl's in trouble and boy, is she! It appears she's been slacking - especially in math - since the grandparents were here visiting. I've been a little lax myself, because I've been so busy with other things that I wasn't checking...but I am now! So, she's grounded until she catches up - and she'd better get it done before Christmas or it could REALLY hurt!

Ken's doing better today. I had to work in the evening, but I asked our home teacher to come and (with Jonathan assisting - now that he can!) give Ken a blessing. Our home teacher is new, but so very helpful and eager and kind. It was a good experience all around.

Friday, November 18, 2016
My turn today at not feeling swell. Besides being tired - which is kind of a state of existence for me - I feel cold, a little achy, and my throat's a touch sore. Not good. I really have no time for illness.

Still, it is Friday and I have my "stuff" to do. Thankfully, I don't have a lot of Seminary studying because we only have class twice next week. Shopping was fairly crazy at Walmart and the parking lot was nearly full. Who'd have thunk? I mean, it's only the week before Thanksgiving! Besides MY Thanksgiving stuff, I had to get ingredients for a salad to take to church on Sunday. We're having a Linger-Longer after the block.

Saturday, November 19, 2016
No Dude at the library today. His car broke down outside of OKC (when? I dunno). Probably something to do with his band. So it looks like I'll be at the desk all day.

I thought it would be a slow day, too; we only had three people during the first hour. Maybe I could get some display work done. Nope. Things picked up from there and we were humming the rest of the day.

The 4H Rabbit Club leader came by to drop something off - we have a display of 4H Photography Contest winners - and to talk to me. The Rabbit Club is holding their Christmas Party on a Friday. They voted on it. It's on a Friday...so I can go with my sugar cookies! I guess I've done it enough to make it a tradition that the kids really like.

She also came to offer me another rabbit. At first I was, no, but then she said, "Netherland Dwarf." These are the tiniest rabbits, only 3-5 pounds and they fit in your hands! They have big eyes and shorter ears and are as darling as can be. I've kind of always wanted one and she needs to get rid of one. So tomorrow, she's coming by with my new baby.

My friend Karla's Christmas package came today. For Christmas from last year! ROFL! It was full of games

He really approves; he's just being a goof.

(she's a game tester, so we get blessed with new and unusual ones people haven't heard of), a t-shirt that was PERFECT for Analiese, a California beach towel (to remind me of home), and some cute fall kitchen towels and potholders. Something fun and unexpected...it brings fresh cheer to our overly hectic days!

Analiese wore her t-shirt to the youth activity in Lawton at the stake center (yes, I let her go to that). It's the perfect geek/nerd shirt

for her and she got lots of comments on it. She met up with a girl she befriended at girls' camp this last summer. They spent the whole evening together and even swapped phone numbers at the end. They are apparently nerds together!

Sunday, November 20, 2016
It was a surprise, but not really. We got a new bishop/bishopric today in church. It had to be coming, our current bishop is leaving soon for a 6-month Air Force assignment. Funny, though, seeing the stake president on the stand, it didn't even occur to me why he was here. I guess it kind of explained why there were more visitors in church today.

So we had a great turnout for the Linger Longer, too. We had just enough food. My jello(ish) salad went over well, and I heard that there wasn't any leftovers of anything. The kids and I (after setting up my classroom) ate and ran, so we could get home...

...for rabbit delivery! Because, sure enough, about twenty minutes after I got home, the rabbit leader called and ten minutes after that, a new fluffy baby entered our home. She's a "blue" (that's what they call that shade of gray) Netherland Dwarf. She's what they call a brooder doe, she's too big to show well, but make a great breeding rabbit. We're naming her PomPom.

(I had told that to a 4-year-old after church today and all she could say to her mother the rest of the meal was PomPom!  Oops. Sorry, mom!) She needs a little TLC - she has the snuffles (yes, that's an official diagnosis) and had some fur on her face pulled out by another rabbit. She's a little nervous, but that can be helped with time.

So, how did Alice react? Well, Analiese had her in the recliner, and she jumped out of that, over Jonathan on the sofa (like four feet!) and over to me. At first, we were afraid she'd attack PomPom, so we held her back. But, once I started petting her, and letting her sit on my right side on the sofa in "her spot," she was okay. She doesn't mind PomPom, as long as she doesn't supplant Queen Alice!

Ken thinks she's ugly

(well, he wouldn't look great if someone pulled out his hair in clumps, either!), but that's because Alice really is very regal-looking. So Analiese said one is the Beauty, the other is the Cutie. Perfect.  We'll love them both.

EXCITING NEWS!

Monday, November 7, 2016
I parked across the street from the library today because my usual spot was a lake. I didn't really want to wade through it.

I spent my morning dusting the very tops of the bookshelves in the non-fiction section from my perch on a tall step-ladder. I wore a mask this time. No one thinks about the tops often enough and the dust (and bugs!) of ages reposed up there. As it was, I still needed my inhaler. The head librarian told me to only tackle this sort of thing once a week; I think she's afraid I'll get sick.

Upon getting home on my lunch break, my son greeted me, grinning foolishly. The booger (yes! I will call him that!) had received his mission envelope in the mail and had opened it!

I know he was excited...but I wanted to see his reaction. And...he's going to Guatemala, the Quetzaltenango mission.

Serves him right - Spanish-speaking! I told him his father was going to speak only Spanish to him until he left in February.

So, after work (me and Ken) this evening we Skyped with my parents in California, and went on Facebook Live (new to me) to announce it to everyone there. Our computers and phones quickly filled with many congratulations!

Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Ken, Jonathan & I did our civic duties today and voted

Okay, It's backwards

, for better or worse. I felt bad for Jonathan, though, because it was his first time and it wasn't easy or necessarily pleasant. But I did encourage him to take pride in exercising his civil responsibility. Several voters at the polls cheered me on with that statement.

Afterward, he had Ken & I take him all over town...you'd have thought he was leaving tomorrow! He got his passport photo taken (at Walgreens, of course), then applied for his passport at the county courthouse. We went to Walmart and got him a camera, then went to a specialty sotre in town to order custom orthotics and good shoes to last him through his mission.

His excitement and energy are palpable. He asked Ken this morning if he could borrow Ken's Spanish scriptures.

He is trying to say the words and phrases he knows in Spanish and doesn't seem to mind Ken's tuteledge, which would drive me crazy!

Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Coming out of Seminary, I saw tracks of mud on the sidewalk.

Deeply embedded in the mud under the acorn tree, I saw more.

Deer from the wooded area behind the church, are probably coming to eat acorns. I thought it was cool.

I took a much-needed nap this morning. Jonathan's excitement is wearing me out, much as I love it. He went for a two-hour bike ride this afternoon!

Work was spent mainly recovering and fixing up Biography books. One of my duties is to keep the books in my areas in good shape. Since we recently went through and winnowed the Biographies down, I figured it was a good time to put the ones remaining in better shape.

Thursday, November 10, 2016
Analiese and I had our annual lunch and pedicure date as a part of her birthday. I'd left my pedicure off for too long and my toes are beginning to really hurt. She picks out the colors, and usually we're both blue, but with different shades. This time I was blue (TARDIS blue) and she chose silver for herself. She's kind of getting into silver lately.

Lunch was at Applebees, which is her traditional choice, too.

They're okay. As long as she was happy, I didn't care. And she was!

The hardest part of working nights at the library is finding something to do. And I'm not allowed to READ. That's right...I work in a library and, even if I have nothing to do at the desk, I cannot read. A patron complained (they complain about everything). I am not negligent; I don't keep people waiting while I finish reading a paragraph or sentence. It's illogical and irks me because I can be looking at anything on the computer...no biggie. But because I can be seen reading...? Aren't I setting a good example? How can I recommend books? I have so little time at home anymore. Really!

Friday, November 11, 2016
Even though I had no class today, I got up at my regular time so Ken & I could get to the temple in OKC on time for the 9:00 a.m. session. It's fill-the-temple day for our stake. Considering we have two AFB and an army base in our stake, this was the best way to get the most people out to the temple, holding it on Veteran's Day. It was another crisp fall morning and I even managed a little nap most of the way there.

Somehow, I was still very sleeply in the session. Ken and I, along with the bishop's wife, were the only ward members there, though I thought a recognized a few people from our stake. I'm at the point now where I actually know a few, even with our stake spread out so much!

We took our time getting home, stopping in Lawton for a Sam's trip. The only fly in our ointment... returning home to find that the washing machine had overflowed when the kids were doing laundry. So Ken went to look at that, while I quickly organized myself to go grocery shopping (yes, beyond Sam's) and find something to fix for dinner!

Saturday, November 12, 2016
I woke up to an email from my Dad. Mom's in the hospital. They think it's her heart. They kept her overnight and are running more tests today. Lovely way to start the day!

I am trying something new in the crockpot today. I put some porkchops at the bottom and then a layer of French onion dip. I don't know if I read about it anywhere or what.... Sounded good to me!

Three people at work again today. Considering we were closed yesterday for Veteran's Day, it was really quiet.

The pork chops turned out great! Falling of the bone, they were tasty! Even Ken - the inveterate onion-hater - liked it. And it was SO easy. Analiese said, "Definitely repeatable!"

Sunday, November 13, 2016
We all traveled to Lawton today for Stake Conference. Yes, even Ken. He got the day off today for something very important!

The stake president spoke, so did one of his counselors. The new mission president and his wife spoke, so did the temple president and his wife. Concluding was Elder Stoddard of the Seventy. Much emphasis was placed on the temple and missionary work (kind of duh, I know). But still, enjoyable.

Still, one thing held the Bolton's attention there today. Jonathan was sustained to receive his ordination to the Melchezidek priesthood in the office of an elder. I could have burst, seeing him stand to receive the stake's support.

So, after the meeting, we went to the high council room to arrange his ordination. Ken was mouthpiece and, I think, a little nervous. He'd never done that before! Still, we were all grinning from ear-to-ear before and after. Ward members at conference came up to congratulate us, and some of my fellow Seminary teachers did the same. We looked at the wall of mission plaques that stand in the front foyer. There's an empty spot...for Jonathan!

Yeah, my kids are growing up. Today, Analiese went to stake conference...with LIPSTICK on! I teased, "Your lips are a funny color!" It was my lipstick, too, which apparently she knew the location of. She told me it was a special occasion. Since when did she care about this stuff?

It made for a nice family day today. We had a picnic lunch on the stake center lawn, then came home to play Clue together. Ken had purchased it the other day in anticipation of today. Did you know we didn't have it before? We have several games, but not that one until now. We like to play games.

BTW...Mom is out of the hospital. What was wrong? Something with the muscle in heart, but I guess it wasn't too bad. But she has to see two doctors next week.

TWO WEEKS VISIT FROM CALIFORNIA

Monday, October 24, 2016
It was so terribly warm in the library at first this morning. Luckily, a city electrician came and by afternoon the a/c was working...at least in the library proper. The back rooms were still awful!

I had my first performance review today. I had to tell the Head Librarian where certain non-fiction books were listed in the Dewey Decimal System. I guessed...right! Not like I studied or memorized, I just thought about where those books were when I put them away. All-in-all, she says I'm doing great!


I asked two things of the Head Librarian today. One, could I vacuum in the library before we open on Monday mornings because the floor is gruesome. We only have one older gentleman doing janitorial/gardening stuff for us and at least two other city buildings. Things like vacuuming don't get done often enough. I was getting a little grossed out because of the dead crickets accumulating on the carpet.

The other thing was, could I do the display cases? We have two as people enter the library lobby area and she always seems so busy. She was glad to say yes to both requests. I intend to have more fun with the cases, though.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016
The morning was spent in last-minute details to get ready for my parents. They're flying out today!

Work was pretty normal. Except (as usual) my big mouth/crazy brain has gotten me in trouble. Now, besides the Monday vacuuming, the Head Library is having me (and the Dude - sorry!) clean off bookshelves. See, nobody's doing that either; and some of it is dirty and gross. The price I pay for being helpful and efficient, I guess.

I got home from work to find my folks there. It was much earlier than Dad's 10 p.m. prediction, for which I was grateful. Otherwise, I might have ended up in bed even later than 10:30 and Seminary still calls in the morning! As it was, it took me a while to get to sleep on the air mattress.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Apparently, Analiese had a hard time sleeping last night, too, due to the heavy breathing and snoring by her parents on her floor. Sorry!


I was so tired and dragged out today, with the teaching, studying, and taking care of stuff at home. Just sitting down to relax and talk with Mom made me want to doze off. I hope I sleep better tonight.

My parents get to enjoy the kids alone tonight, well, at least until Analiese leaves for Young Women's. Ken and I both have work. But after their long day of travel yesterday, I can't imagine them being too energetic to do much.

Thursday, October 27, 2016
I had two girls absent today in Seminary. Things didn't seem to be going well, either, with either sleepyheads or devil's advocates. I had figured class was a washout until one student earnestly thanked me for the good lesson as he was leaving. Those little boosts keep me going...


My father doesn't seem inclined to take it easy on his "vacation." No moss grows on that rolling stone! He went to the gym while I was at Seminary and to city pool later that morning. Then, he went shopping with Mom and Jonathan, came back and fixed the bathroom door, bedroom door, and front door! I think we finally tired him out...he was napping when I left for work.

There was a Halloween luncheon at the library today. I made caramel apple cider which I took in my crockpot. It is so good! Now that tastes like fall!

Friday, October 28, 2016
Jonathan had carved a small pumpkin for me last night for Seminary this morning. To introduce our devotional theme for the next week, I brought up the parable of the pumpkin, which pretty much ended in "let your light so shine before men." Then I gave them a copy of the story with some candy pumpkins. I don't know about them, but I thought it was cute.

Ken had the day off today, so we made a trip up towards Lawton to the Wichita Wildlife Reserve. The day was lovely, sunny, with a cool breeze.

The buffalo didn't come close, but we saw plenty of prairie dogs (their funny little tails bounce when they run)

and even had a traffic jam of longhorn cattle (including calves) hold us up while they crossed.

Mom really loved seeing that.


Their Visitors' Center was interesting as ever and it hit me...my family (Ken, the kids & I) are a funny group who love to laugh and be silly. We got especially crazy in the gift shop.

This one's for Karla & ME...

Dad and Mom were ahead of us, looking at stuff and we were goofing off. And I loved that moment...we're a great family!

Dad treated us to lunch in Lawton at the Santa Fe Cattle Company.

We've been there several times and really like it. I had a great baked potato soup and a club sandwich with a chipotle mayonnaise.

Back in Altus, we had to get busy. Jonathan had work and we had to prepare for the ward Halloween party and dinner. I made a great salad (spinach, green apples, craisins, walnuts, feta cheese & raspberry vinaigrette)  and cheesy chile cornbread muffins. None of what I brought made it home. The muffins (a new recipe) were particularly good and very moist.

Analiese looked awesome in her costume. She put it together herself, being very creative. She was a (her words) a Victorian steampunk goth. Still, it looked great and she seemed so elegant and regal.

Saturday, October 29, 2016
I set up a pork roast in the crockpot before heading out to the library this morning. We're going to all (yes, all six of us!) have a nice sit-down dinner this evening.


I was so tired at work today, even though I slept well last night. After lunch, I felt even worse! I wanted a nap! Ken - my sweetheart - saved me around 4 p.m. with a Dr. Pepper. Good thing, because it carried me thought the rest of work and home to get dinner on the table. Ken and Jonathan helped and it all went off well. It tasted good!

However, I let them handle dishes. I needed to work on next week's Seminary. No matter how tired, busy, or full of visits, that still has to get done.

Sunday, October 30, 2016
Sacrament meeting was full today for the Primary program. Lots of grandparents, aunts, and uncles came to see the kids.


The bishop was very sentimental today. It started with him telling me warmly that Jonathan is READY - spiritually - to go. Then, during the third hour, he taught about fasting and serving the less fortunate, getting emotional. He's really a good bishop.

I got in a good nap this afternoon. It was well needed. I've been exhausted. Then, I made part of Analiese's birthday cake for tomorrow and normal Seminary preparation. In between visiting with my parents....

Monday, October 31, 2016
The library was very quiet for a Monday. We had a few kids to pass out non-edible (bookmarks, erasers, pencils, plastic rings) to.


All the desk people dressed up. I was a generic Halloween thing - I had a jack-o'lantern t-shirt, Halloween scarf, earrings, and a orange with black polka dots hat. But, the best of all was the Dude - who was a lobster. His foam costume seriously hampered his movements. I took advantage of this, asking him to do things for me so I could see him trying to write or work on the computer around the claws. Did I laugh!

At home, we celebrated Analiese's birthday early since my parents are here. We had chicken and dumplings that Ken had put together yesterday, and the caramel toffee poke cake that Analiese adores. I think she was pleased with dinner and the gifts later. She got a watch with matching bracelets and an Amazon gift certificate from the grandparents, and a stuffed penguin phone holder from us.

We'll be taking her to the movies at a later date as a present.

We had ONE single trick-or-treater.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016
My parents left with my children for Oklahoma City right when I left for Seminary. They wanted to be there at the zoo right when it opened so they could get scooters. The grandparents, not my kids, thank you. Ken and I followed after I'd returned home. We went at a leisurely pace, enjoying the weather and time together.

It was such a lovely day. Bright, but not too warm, and with a gentle breeze. The zoo wasn't crowded either, and we could go where we pleased.

ZOO HIGHLIGHTS:
The yawning otter.

A red-tailed hawk (not enclosed in a cage) sitting on a nearby tree branch.

Trees turning autumn colors.
Baby giraffe.
A python feeding on a rabbit (Hey! It was cool!)

On the way home, we stopped in Lawton (yes, again, it's convenient) for dinner at Panda Express. Ken tries to get there whenever he can - he loves Chinese! Getting home at a decent time, we all went to be early...but happy!

Wednesday, November 2, 2016
I took Mom with me this morning to get the CD of pictures from our family photo shoot. Then I drove her around town, showing her the reservoir and visiting the library. There, she met my boss and co-workers.

Later, when I got to work, the first thing they had me do was put up the display cases for November. The Genealogy workshop was tonight and they didn't want the cases empty. I was able to get one done (enough, apparently) for when people first enter the library. This one was for National Aviation month. I even hung clouds of batting in there.

Not bad for my first time.

As the sun set, the storm rolled in. People bravely came for the workshop and another meeting that was being held. But...I didn't bring an umbrella (figures)! We had quite the electric show outside, but no loss of power inside. At closing, I ran to my van, bag zipped so as not to drench everything!

Thursday, November 3, 2016
We had planned on going up to Quartz Mountain today for a picnic. But one look at Mom's swollen feet told me maybe we ought to stay home. Plus, having rained last night, we couldn't have enjoyed a picnic anyway. Instead, we had a take-it-easy kind of morning.

I did the second display case this evening. I only had a few books on Thanksgiving (?), so I did half of the case as Thanksgiving, and the other half as National Native American Month. Since Oklahoma is full of Native American tribes, this wasn't hard to fill. It turned out well, at least that's what my co-workers say!

Friday, November 4, 2016
This morning was a flurry of packing plus double-checking to make sure everything was going back to California that should! Before I even let my folks walk out the door, I had everyone check and double-check all the rooms!

They wanted to leave for the Will Rogers Airport (OKC) at noon, so Ken and I took them out to one last lunch at Arby's (which apparently is no longer prevalent in California and Dad has missed it). Then, they were off. The house seems emptier, but at least I think everyone had a nice visit.

Ken had the day off, so we spent most of the afternoon banking and shopping, coming home in time to take Jonathan to Walgreens. The plumber came by later (Dad had arranged it) and fixed a few toilet/pipe issues that had been spotted.

I had some Seminary work to do, but I was actually able to sit down with Ken this evening and watch a program with him.

Saturday, November 5, 2016
Somehow, my  alarm for this morning was switched OFF. I woke up half an hour later than I should (thankfully it was no more than that) and ended up rushing out the door to be at the library on time.

The Dude wasn't here today. It was me, a cataloger, and the researcher, who was running a bit late. It meant I spent most of my day behind the desk. I didn't get much floor work done, but it was a relaxing, easy day. I even had a patron give me a banana today. Yes, a banana. A nice one, too, not all spotty and mushy. I wonder how she kept it so well in her bag?

The weather (I think) has FINALLY decided to act like Autumn. It rained again sometime last night and it is overcast and cool. People are a little more bundled up. Not me. I like this weather and am perfectly comfortable.

Jonathan got an email from the Stake President today. "Have you received your call? If not, it's in the mail!" I guess he can see on his computer the status of submitted missionary paperwork. Ahhhhh....EXCITING! We should probably have it by Monday or Tuesday next week!

As part of Analiese's birthday, Jonathan & I took her to see Dr. Strange. Her YW President & husband coincidentally sat behind us! Still, we had a great time and got home early enough to get a good night's sleep (setting our clocks back first - free hour!)

Sunday, November 6, 2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL! Hard to believe, but my little girl is fourteen. You know, I remember it raining the day she was born...

Because it's raining out there today. Not just tinkley-sprinkleys, like Ken says. Nope, Real, fill the gutters and the roads rain. And, sadly, both of my kids aren't feeling well. Analiese has been fighting allergies and stuff all week and Jonathan was complaining all last evening of a sore throat. Apparently he spent a rough night (I'm guessing from all the Kleenex strewn by his bed). I'm not taking them out sick. They'll stay home and I'll go to church.

Church was wonderful today. The Spirit was strong with testimonies, hymns, and just overall revelations. Despite the rain, despite sitting by myself, I was filled. I enjoyed a funny interlude in the women's bathroom as I tried (with a visitor) to fill the paper towel dispenser. It took between us at least ten minutes, but we left laughing and friends.

A cold, wet rainy day is perfect for napping. Says I. The kids are still sick, so I had no demands on my time. Sounded like nap time for me! I had a cozy one, too. Life is good.