tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44645591358839099622024-02-20T19:21:53.523-08:00Roots with WingsThere are two lasting things we can give our children One is Roots, The other is WingsDonna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-10052148706804850902013-06-10T16:08:00.002-07:002013-06-10T16:08:16.627-07:00Life has Changed AgainLife has changed again, we now live in North Carolina. During our 45 years of marriage, we have lived in many places. In 1968, we lived in Danville, Il for 2 months. In August we moved to Coraville, Ia. Ed started his graduate work at University of Iowa. We lived in a duplex for a while, then moved to Tiffin, Ia. Ed taught hgh school in nearby Oxford and I continued my schooling in Cedar Rapids. After about a year we bought a house in Iowa City. During our time there I finished high school, Ed recieved his masters and doctorate in education, and we started our family, Scott Edward was born (1971). <br />
<br />
When Ed recieved his degree, he accepted a teaching position at Mt. Senerio College in Ladysmith, Wis. We built a house and lived there for 1 1/2 years. While expecting our 2nd child we drove to Alaska for a summer vacation. When we came home, we moved to Vermilion, S.D. where Ed was a professor at the U of S.D.where Brian Edward was born.<br />
<br />
At the age of 9 weeks, we moved Brian and his brother to Ethete, Wy. where Ed was the superintendant/principal of the Wind River Indian High School. We lived on the Wind River Indian Reservation for 2 years, that being 1975. We moved to Lander, Wy. Ed left education and joined he life insurance world. That year, 1975 is also the year we joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. In 1976, Laura Elizabeth joined our family. She must have had a friend that could not live without her, as Jason Edward was born one year later (1977). We lived in Lander untill 1982. <br />
<br />
We left Lander with me 5 mo pregnant with Sarah Elizabeth. She was born in Cheyene,Wy. Cheyenne gave Ed the opportunity to be a District Mananger.<br />
Sarah spent her 2nd birthday in our new home, Long Grove, Ia. Ed transferred with Equitable Life Insurance, this enabled us to be closer to his parents, we were able to assist them in their last days. <br />
<br />
1992 found us moving to Danville, Il. Ed lost his job with Equitable. He took a shot at a his own buisness for the third time I might add. I will talk of those in another post. Life was hard in Danville for all of us. Scott was on his mision, Brian tried living on his own, Laura & Jason graduated from high school and started their lives.<br />
<br />
1997 Ed got a job in education again. He was a dean at Mac Arthur High School. Sarah graduated from high school, I went back to school and got my degree in special education. Sarah left to live her own life. We were left with an empty nest. <br />
<br />
2013 came with Ed in retirerment (by 2 years) and me retired the last of 2012. We were quite done living without any of our children around. Scott & Brian living in Seattle, Laura & Sarah living in N.C, and Jason in Texas.<br />
<br />
We prayed as where we should live and by the girls was the answer. So here we are in Charlotte, N.C. There may or may not be any more moves for us, but I can tell you this...the best place to live is where you are at this very moment.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-8473406455854442402012-09-08T22:24:00.003-07:002012-09-08T22:24:30.987-07:00LifeFunny how life works, not funny as in ha ha, but as in strange, hard to figure out. A little over a year ago my husband had a heart attack. He survived after having a 6 by-pass surgery. Iam very lucky he survived. Iam even more aware of that today. On September 7, my dear friend, Julie, lost her husbad to cancer of the brain. He was diagnosed just 7 months ago. I feel several emotions, sad, lucky, blessed, and maybe even a little quilty. I know I have no reason to feel quilty, but knowing we cheated death and David did not is hard. <br />
<br />
David was a very special man. When Julie first started dating David I didn't like him. As time went on I realized it wasn't him but the fear of losing Julie to a different life style. Needless to say I did not lose her but gained a new friend. David was the kind of man that respected women. He was a good friend. I knew I could count on David for any thing I might need. he has been a good husband for Julie. Not only did he take good care of her but he expanded her horizon beyond. <br />
<br />
David, you are missed already. Life will go on but never so fast that we don't take a moment to think of you. We love you.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-72275368624721419422012-04-28T20:51:00.003-07:002012-04-28T20:51:58.550-07:00Life Repeats Itself I recieved a texted picture from Sarah today. Sweet little Clara spilled 4 1/2 containers of Benjamin's formula on th efloor and mixed it with water. Sarah had mother's daze day.<br />
I remembered my mother's daze. ......I had 4 children, Scott , Brian, Laura and Jason. The latter two being 3 & 4 years old. We had gone grocery shopping, after carrying in all the sacks, Laura asked for cereal to eat. Telling her if daddy worked late I would let them have cereal for dinner. A very special cereal, Wheaties, the cereal of the Champains. At that time it was a big time cereal. She wasn't sure that was a good idea. Me, I had laundry downstairs waiting to be be switched to the dryer, so I was on my way. As mothers we have many duties to complete. When I went back upstairs, to my surprise, there was Laura, holding a broom with Jason sitting in the midst of Wheaties. The floor was covered with Wheaties, the intire box. I clenched my teeth (which I still do), and screamed (which I no longer do), "What are you doing?" Laura quickly responed, "There no good mommy, there's no wainins in them." <br />
You see life repeats itself. Mothers of all times have thier mother's daze. I just love it.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-68459318998600489142012-01-10T17:59:00.000-08:002012-01-10T17:59:15.666-08:00New Doo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTd03LcJw4DBWwpjCXf0B15F8Og1J_0dOtkDKfw7B1GX3mabb-i-Vl-aF3ohvZJrGbXK5rKi96Bg2TrFh0wIEmUW7Fe_77eNTgOURpemXHigfCjt70_bD-qxqjXB9ULtSd-Q92MtnPsPo/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTd03LcJw4DBWwpjCXf0B15F8Og1J_0dOtkDKfw7B1GX3mabb-i-Vl-aF3ohvZJrGbXK5rKi96Bg2TrFh0wIEmUW7Fe_77eNTgOURpemXHigfCjt70_bD-qxqjXB9ULtSd-Q92MtnPsPo/s320/DSC_0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwVViHKRdFWYnkWWU5jQI5zTnkTgmZcWC-I4Dkc-20GJxq1tS31Yhb4aYzmsuvLdxfAVKl0sp2c0JmcK4IxEmEgXhHrVoiT8yYNV-Sh-cvf_sky1qUyp_oMkUFUIwqJZJqwf_0Q_KsgwE/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwVViHKRdFWYnkWWU5jQI5zTnkTgmZcWC-I4Dkc-20GJxq1tS31Yhb4aYzmsuvLdxfAVKl0sp2c0JmcK4IxEmEgXhHrVoiT8yYNV-Sh-cvf_sky1qUyp_oMkUFUIwqJZJqwf_0Q_KsgwE/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQKcobPGaZIii9PJuFHH7hs-lYpc-3nyQWNYx_lHn0VzdbtnJn1TCYupztcMa3kfOUS7w4ciNMav5MtYjQwDIlfBGVssv2s2jMRQO6b_n41qVHLAkdZ3tqqUV9KPjWAZyhckbhpTgs6BJ/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQKcobPGaZIii9PJuFHH7hs-lYpc-3nyQWNYx_lHn0VzdbtnJn1TCYupztcMa3kfOUS7w4ciNMav5MtYjQwDIlfBGVssv2s2jMRQO6b_n41qVHLAkdZ3tqqUV9KPjWAZyhckbhpTgs6BJ/s320/DSC_0167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
2012 is going to be a great year and I have a new doo to start the year out right. I understand Sarah just got the same cut as me and she has the same cut as her daughter. How kool is that? Emmalynne Mae we have the same hair doo. Aren't we cute!Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-81239097708438377572012-01-09T15:20:00.000-08:002012-01-09T15:20:30.542-08:00Thinking TwiceToday was my first and maybe the last doctor appointment of the new year. I have had these sore hands for along time and recently my middle finger, on the right hand, has what is called "trigger finger." Plus my thumb on the left hand was, so I thought jammed, while pulling my blankets up over my shoulders 4 months ago.<br />
<br />
So today I went to see the doctor who fixed my broken arm. I still have tennis elbow. My arm and wrist are so sore that it was hard to hold 6 week old Kate. Dr. Britt decided that I need therapy, again, for my right elbow, nothing can be done for the sore right arm and wrist, thats due to the 2 year old break. He suggested a steroid shot in the thumb and finger. And xrays of both hands, the wrist, and elbow.<br />
<br />
This is were I began to think twice about seeing doctors ever again. The steroid shots in my fingers hurt so bad but I have a high pain tollerance so I can handle it. Right? Wrong!!!!<br />
While at the hosiptal the thumb started hurting and hurting. Tears were ready to flow. My poor thumb was swelling. I couldn't let it below my heart or it throbbed like a dickens. <br />
<br />
So the smart thing to do was stop by the doctors office on the way to my car and ask if this is normal. Dr. Britt said it will feel better in a few days. As he holds the tip of my thumb and wiggles it back and forth, the tears rolled along with some sounds that resembled me blubbering. Yes I cried! It hurt so bad. There was only one thing to do.<br />
<br />
I went home tried ice, not working, took a pain pill, not working, got in the hot tub which was at 105 degrees, better, but to hot to stay in very long. Took another pain pill and went to bed. After a nap and another 3 hours the swelling was down. Now only one thing could make me feel better. Shopping. Yes, I went to Walmart. I am almost back to normal. Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-16601285396504894852012-01-09T00:04:00.000-08:002012-01-09T00:28:26.008-08:002012 Yes It Is!<div><font face="trebuchet ms"><font color="#cc0000"><strong><font face="verdana">This year</font> <font face="verdana">I hope will bring about some positive changes in myself. No. I am not starting any New Years Resolutions. I have just been working hard on changing myself. I carry my heart on my shoulders and find it gets hurts way to easy and usually for the wrong reasons. I have also found that turning sixty has come with some health issues that I don't want so its time, past time I might add, to make some changes.</font></strong></font></font></div><br />
<br /><div><strong><font color="#cc0000" face="Verdana">I have started 2012 almost 25 lbs lighter. I plan on another 25 by July. As for the weight on my shoulder, well, its time to live for myself. i spend way to much time trying to please others at my own expence. Don,t get me wrong I enjoy doing for others. I just have to do it for the right reasons. And not wxpect anything in return, even though its nice to recieve once in a while. </font></strong></div><br />
<br /><div><strong><font color="#cc0000" face="Verdana">This year I want to put more into becoming one with Ed. I almost lost him in 2011 to a heart attack. We have so much to accomplish before either of us leaves this earth. So, we are concentrating on each other more. We are still in the paper work stage but we are going to be temple workers. It will be so nice to serve the Lord together. We started unofficially in December. It has been a real blessing already. </font></strong></div><br />
<br /><div><strong><font color="#cc0000" face="Verdana">so as you can see I have my work cut out for me. changing oneself is hard. I have given my children wings, and boy did they fly, now I will fly (a little higher and freely. Welcome 2012!!!</font></strong></div>Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-14065890400323706762011-03-07T14:50:00.000-08:002011-03-07T15:15:17.865-08:00LifeI sit at my computor crying. My Uncle has lived with grandpa, and grandpa lived with us. So Perle has been a part of my life since I was born (and some would say that was along time ago (and it was). So why would that bring tears, maybe the long time ago could do it, but Perle has basal cell carcinoma. He has had this for six years and his gaurdian saw fit to treat it with herbs only. He did take Perle to the doctor but the doctor wanted to cut it out and put a skin graph on it. His gaurdian said no, for Perle likes to pick at his sores and thus could have 2 sores to pick at. So after six years, a cancer, basal cell carcinoma, the easiest to cure has become aggressive.<br /> Today Perle is staying with me untill the doctor calls for him to meet them at Carle Hospital in Champaign to remove his left eye, part of his nose, his palate, his lip, and part of his cheek bone. A 12 hour plus surgery to save his life. If his gaurdian does not change his mind Perle will come home with me from the hospital and I will care for him as he heals and then through his radiation.<br /> Perle is part of my parents. I grew up with mom and dad, grandpa and Perle. Even though Perle has mental retardation, he is my Uncle. I love him so much. I feel guilty that I did not speak up sooner and get him help. Now he may die from this and I can't deal with it. I try to put him in Gods hands. I just can't stand the thought of losing the last of my parenthood. He comes to me and says, "Donna, I don't want to go back. Can't I stay with you. And he can't, my husband says we have plans to go on a mission. I have just retired and I don't want to be tied down." I just want the best for Perle. He is soooo sweet. Anyone that knows him knows what he has gone through in his life. Why does life have to be so hard?Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-44873243489063409052011-02-06T12:16:00.000-08:002011-02-06T12:34:33.171-08:00Ants in my Pants!!!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Well, do I have ants in my pants? I love to travel, especially if its to see my family and friends. When Ed and I married we started our marrirage by traveling. I have enjoyed traveling every since. We have been in nearly every state, including Alaska and Hawai. But really, the best has been driving to see my children. Every winter I think of all the things I would like to do around the home and there are plenty of things I would love to do, paint the living-room, sand and varnish the hard-wood floors and tons of yard work.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> But! I don't see my children enough!! Maybe they think I see them plenty, you would have to check that out with them. I love being in their home, feeling the spirit in their homes. Watching the interactions, listening to the piano practice, having a young grandchild ask me to play. So if you read my last blog you will see I have alot of traveling ahead. Thereare no ants in my pants. I love to travel and while I have the health to do so, I will continue to travel from place to place to see family and freinds. Look out your home may be next on my list!</span>Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-64968147732450911232011-01-07T20:01:00.000-08:002011-01-07T20:16:31.294-08:002011 Really!Can it really be 2011? I believe time is going by much faster than it use to. Not sure how it happens with all the complaints from the adults. Children even comment that time is traveling so fast. I know time is slipping away. Jared will be 14 this summer and Rachel and Zach will be 13. Even Jackson and Clara will be 2 by this fall. Even Ed will be turning 67 in just a little over a month. Iam still 29 so how is all this happening. The stars must be rotating out of control. At any rate we have started 2011 with excitment. I have a lot of plans for the summer. Trips to Williamsburg, VA.; Charolette, N.C.; Huntersville, N.C.; Seattle, WA.; Holabird, S.D.; and of course LeClaire, IA. And all of this before school starts up in the fall. I still don't see how time can fly so fast. Any way, Happy New Year to All. May God bless you with all you need and a little of what you want.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-5942409272731559932010-06-14T14:02:00.000-07:002010-06-14T14:20:31.307-07:00Where Does Time GoOh my! I have been married for 42 years. My son turned 39 years old. How can that be? I am only 29 years old. Really!! I went to girls camp this past week. Surrounded by some 75 girls ages 12 to 18 showed me I was not 29 any more. I can get by the years of marriage and even my own children flying past 29 but these girls were something else. The heat was unbareable, the late "noisey"nights were long and I lost alot of energy. I have been sleeping for 3 days to regroup. The slip and slide down the hill into the mud was fun but my body could only take one trip down. Wisconsin Dells will find me sitting with the babies most of the time. <br /> Truely I tend to think young but my body tells my brain to mind my age for I have little engery. Do you have the problem of too many projects? Well that is how my life is; I want to do all kinds of things that my poor brain tells me to. I am crazy. When I do it any way my body takes revenge. Maybe I am not 29 any more, maybe I need to remember I am going to be 59 years old, boy is that old! I believe you are only as old as you feel, but I don't want to feel 59.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-91586542589715445992010-05-09T23:16:00.000-07:002010-05-09T23:25:49.422-07:00Mothers DayMothers day has always been a day to enjoy. I remember making gifts and cards in school for my mom. In my adult years I tried to buy her gifts that would make her happy. Now she has passed on and all I can do is think of her and wish I could see her, talk to her, hug her, and tell her how much I love her. For now those times are gone. I must look at myself as a mother and my daughters as mothers and wonder if I had an influence on their motherhood. I know my mom influenced the way I was a mom, so Iam sure I have influenced my daughters. At any rate another Mothers Day has come and gone. More memories have flooded my heart and I am grateful to be a mom and a grandma. One of the greatest gifts God has given me. Happy Mothers Day, Mom.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-71254946618848002662010-01-08T08:26:00.000-08:002010-01-08T09:03:15.310-08:00ReflectionsA new year is upon us. As my husband retires this year, as I have broken my wrist, as I sub verses teaching my own class, as days go by turning into years, I reflect.<br /><br />I reflect upon my days, the good and the bad.<br /><br />The good. Remembering the fun days, the days that warm my heart and water my eyes. Those days were filled with family and friends. I can't bring up a memory that is with out them. I remember my dad pulling us down the country road with a tractor, us on an old car hood. The snow was deep and so was the homemade sled with me, my siblings, and the neighbor kids. We pushed each other off, we ran to catch up, we laughed, and did it all over again.<br /><br />I remember my dads' sister, Dorthory Kruger, and her family coming over on Saturday nights for dinner, dancing out in the yard, and playing "ditch" a form of hide n seek, after dark. She had eight kids we had seven. WE had a blast.<br /><br />I remember birthdays filled with more love than presents, Christmas filled with people and food, late nights at the drive in movies. We laughed and laughed. There are more of the happy memories many to private to share, but they all had something in common, family and friends.<br /><br />I remember a special friend that taught me I had worth. One that laughed with me and cried with me. Helping me to become the person I am today.<br /><br />The bad. I remember mom and dad fighting, I remember waking up to a cold house with the coal stove even colder. The teachers in the schools mean to kids who lived in Hawbuck. Family members abusing children in many ways.<br /><br />I remember all of this and much more. All memories are filled with good and bad but the memories have all the people I love. Family from my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins too. Friends from childhood, friends from the years all are special.<br /><br />Life continues to evolve. Life evoles no matter what. Maybe thats alright. The best part of the evoltion is family and freinds. They are always there, from on egeneration to another. God, thank you so much for amily. Thank you so much for being our Heavenly Father, now and for ever.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-66513425220748128262009-06-22T18:57:00.000-07:002009-06-22T19:52:05.605-07:00North Carolina in June<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYHYi8ssQmsRB1QbWQnkiKsMwlvgyi_e6OWT87vpWEIq2xXkigGmuoqbVR105KDRJ7PmnLTD1UZhCnUkt84AnVTWsoFhNxLoX6-0P3xfjwOwXlGuXHqbOye0PqBzibi630DULSVJ3N-Y/s1600-h/DSC_0863.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350344468475165490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYHYi8ssQmsRB1QbWQnkiKsMwlvgyi_e6OWT87vpWEIq2xXkigGmuoqbVR105KDRJ7PmnLTD1UZhCnUkt84AnVTWsoFhNxLoX6-0P3xfjwOwXlGuXHqbOye0PqBzibi630DULSVJ3N-Y/s320/DSC_0863.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKc8ly7xAdZuELqw6b_xLHT4Rzxpt3i0H1kQqxayRgwlKm1lOxLIqxZv44GpmWMiWFFda5q_-Vxtg2HuQpQzznt0i0RpV54JudBh2PYZ01PKTOEcOz-y5qV8yCoAYtUQP2zFhyOmOsDI/s1600-h/DSC_0068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350349870086718418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKc8ly7xAdZuELqw6b_xLHT4Rzxpt3i0H1kQqxayRgwlKm1lOxLIqxZv44GpmWMiWFFda5q_-Vxtg2HuQpQzznt0i0RpV54JudBh2PYZ01PKTOEcOz-y5qV8yCoAYtUQP2zFhyOmOsDI/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to visit my children. As of this month, visiting my girls in N.C. is the thing to do. I have renewed my relationship with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Laura's</span>' 3 children, Jared (soon to be 12), Zach (11 in Oct), and Megan (3 in Sept). How fun! Megan has been so much fun especially when she plays with one of my 4 new pets. Megan will hold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cherrie</span> for hours, putting her in the baby stroller and pushing her around the house. Smokey <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gravy</span>, Crooked Tail, and White Sauce are glad its not them. No, this is not any thing from the menu, its my new girls, 4 beautiful Fancy Rats. Sarah found them for me on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Craig's</span> List. They came with one very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">grouchy</span> rat. She did not stick around for more than one day, especially when the pet store discovered she was a he. Consequently, I may be having <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">alot</span> of new babies. Zach thought they would make good food for his Bearded Dragon. I hope there will be no babies. We'll see! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sarah's</span>' daughter, Emmalynne celebrated her first birthday on the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span>. She knew exactly how to celebrate. My adventures continue until the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> of July. I will be sure to enjoy being a grandma with lots of adventures.</div></div>Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-39439227352008375082009-05-15T19:14:00.000-07:002009-05-15T19:46:02.940-07:00Their are NO WinnersDivorce is a terrible thing. Some people are just not meant to be together. They part and life goes on; but when children are involved......how sad. When my son and his wife divorced it was extremely sad. Children just can't understand. If the parents don't emotionaly support the children in all ways they have an even harder time understanding. That seems to be the case for my granddaughters. I love them very much. They will never hear me speak bad of their mother. She is the best mother they will ever have and they love her with all of their hearts. And that is the way it should be.<br /> I am proud of my son for taking all of the verbal abuse that has come his way without playing the dirty game. It does make me sad to see lies being told. The girls share with me comments that are being said but can't express that they don't like it or they are made to feel bad for loving their dad. Why must adults act worse than children? The children can set a good example to follow. <br /> As the girls get older they will look back and remember who did what, who said what and be able to judge for themselves. They are smart girls and I trust they will come to understand what has really happened. The truth will come out.<br /> If you are in a divorce; please try to put your anger away. Don't let divorce hurt children any more than it has to.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-69948440815714335302009-02-04T18:13:00.000-08:002009-02-04T18:58:29.058-08:00Moving on!Life in Danville is once again coming to an end. How many times must we live through a phase? I guess until we learn the lesson that is in store for us. The question is: is the lesson the same each time. I have lived in Danville three seperate times. The first time I was born here. My life was formulated here. It set me on the road for where I now sit. The second time was truely meant to be. That one helped me reach the point where I could let go of the hold my parents had on me. I began to grip myself. And now, once again Iam living in Danville. Here Iam living alone, if living next to my son, Jason and his family, is being alone. Ed is still in Deatur, waiting for my return. I have officially announced my withdraw as a teacher at North Ridge Middle School for the 09/2010 school year. I am moving back to Decatur when school is out. Its hard to explain why I am here alone. Its just something I had to do. Its just as hard to explain why this time is coming to an end. I like being able to spend time with my extended family and I like being alone. But its time to leave. I can't say (at this time) what I have learned. That is not for sharing at this point. It funny how things come to an end where they began. The lessons we learn in life can help us for a moment. a life time, or even an eternity. I have experienced all three and all three will be with me for eternity.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-55582473024422774502008-12-16T15:28:00.000-08:002008-12-16T15:40:37.322-08:00I'am Still HereTo quote my daughter, "I have nothing to say that is cute and clever like Lauras'." I must say though that although our governors have been getting alot of national "negative" publicity, they are doing something special for us....Making our licence plates. Oh well someone must do it.<br />I love Christmas music. I play it night and day. My students are getting tired of it though. But I don't care I'AM THE TEACHER!!!! Vacation is comingsoon and my husband and I will be going to Branson, Mo. for a week. <strong>All alone.</strong> <strong>That will be nice. </strong>But for now Iam still at school, its 5:35. At 7:00 I will taking pictures of our school Music Concert, with I might add my new Nikon 60. What a kool camera.<br />Well I stayed here so I could get some paper work done. So I will close for now.<br /><strong>Have the Best Holiday Season Ever.</strong><br /><strong></strong>Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-78963461059946540192008-11-19T19:29:00.000-08:002008-11-19T19:57:06.485-08:00I" been tagged.At my age I haven't played tag in a very long time. The rules have changed. Lets see how random and weird this is.<br />#1 weird and random- Is anything in life random? There are weird things going on. When I get overly tired I lose my voice. Today I was in an IEP meeting, every time I tried to talk, one lady would cock her head as I tried to speak. She looked funnier than I sounded.<br />#2 weird and random- I love spending time with people. Watching and talking to people is one of my favorite things to do. Yes I know that isn't weird, but I love living alone. Why? How can you love being with people and yet love living alone? I love being with people. BUT I LOVE LIVING ALONE.<br />#3 weird and random- I have 7 scars on my stomach. I don't mind. You can barely see them through all the strech marks. Kids do teh darnest thing to you.<br />#4 weird and random- I am married to a Wallis, my best friend was born a Wallace. My second child was born Dec 28th ,her second child was born Dec 28th. My last child was born Nov 16th, her lasr child was born Nov 16th. My brother died by an accident in 1973 and her brother died in an accident in 1973. My sister was born May 12th, her sister was born May 12th. My son's birthday is June 4th, her husbands birthday is June 4th. My birthday is Nov, Her birthday is Nov. I love her she loves me!<br />#5weird and random- I have been a den mother, a girl scout leader, a sunday school president, a sunday school teacher, a primary teacher, a young womens leader, a primary president, a member of the relief society presidency, a sophomore sponsor, a yearbook sponsor. And now Iam a, TIRED!!<br />#6 weird and random- One of my greatest blessings in life is when my mother died in my arms. I started this life in my mothers arms and she left in mind.<br />#7 weird and random- Iam the oldest of my siblings but I feel younger than they all look. But!! Iam still TIRED!!!!<br /><br />Now Iam supossed to tag someone. Who hasn't been tagged? I tag you all.<br />Just list 7 weird and or random things about yourself. And then tag more people. Is that right?Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-51704231741109561702008-11-09T17:43:00.000-08:002008-11-09T17:59:50.730-08:00One full week of BirthdayAs I finished an education conference in Mount Vernon, Il on Nov. 1st, I thought of my birthday that was coming in just 4 days. My brother has a birthday five days after mine. He has always been very special to me. So I decided to throw us a party. I had called everyone that is anyone and announced, " I'm having a potluck-weiner roast for David and myself on the 8th. That should have been the bjig day. The 5th wasn't going to be anything special. The 8th was to the day! But when I returned home, opened my front door, right there in front of me was my grandchildren. They were in their Halloween costumes. They were cute little kittens. But who was the baby? Who was the gjirl holding teh baby? Oh my gosh it was Sarah, Oh my gosh, the baby is Emmalynne! And Laura, she standing right next to Sarah. All I could do was say, "Sarah is you! Laura you are where!" Then the tears began to flow. What a surprise!! My daughters drove all the way from N. C. just to spend my bjirthday with me. Iam still in shock. All that way with a 5 month old, a 2 year old and my two oldest grandsons, Jared and Zach. They were here on till friday, the 7th. We had so much fun. I kept forgetting about the birthday party I was throwing myself. If that wasn't enough a perfect birthday, my best friend, Julie and her husband David, came for my party on Friday. Saturday came and so did 30 of my family members. Of course it was David's party too. But I was so happy that Iam still on a natural high. NOTHING IN THIS WORLD IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN FAMILY.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-79650381109041150072008-10-27T18:59:00.000-07:002008-10-27T19:03:49.394-07:00Its Not about LoveImproving your spirit isn't about love of self or of being loved but having a stronger spirit. For me its about being true to the light within. Knowing that my time here on earth is spent learning what kind of spirit I have and teaching myself how to have a stronger spirit. Of RETURNING WITH HONOR!Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-42886846602218528692008-10-27T17:38:00.000-07:002008-10-27T17:57:42.459-07:00My Spirit<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Over the last several weeks I have given much thought to my spirit. When I don't feel well I seek something for my ailment, whether it be asprin or a hot bath, anything that will make my body feel better. I have spent time (too much) dieting and excerising to get my body in the best shape I possibly could. What about my spirit? Well, I have been baptized, confirmed and made covenants. I attend church and live the laws as best as I can. But is that enough? Will living a Christ Like Life be all that is needed to improve my spirit. When we have children we say, "Oh she was born that way. She has always been a happy child." I believe we were in the spirit world before we came to this earth and we came with what we had in our hearts and minds. I also believe that when we leave this world we will take with us what is in our hearts and minds. So, my question," What must we do to take back a better spirit? I hav efelt that special attention needs to be placed on improving our spirits. My daughter, Laura, talked about seeing the better things in life, focusing on the good not the bad. This is truely one way to improve our spirits. Reading the scriptures will make us better people, help us to live that Christ Like Life. As for me, having depression, I believe I must work on my spirit somewhat like I must work on my body. Living the gospel alone is not enough for me. Maybe Iam too had on myself and I should just let nature takes its course. I don't think so, I need to improve my spirit. I like myself the way Iam but I know when I leave this world I want my spirit to better than when I came into this world. </span>Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-39672599845771595132008-10-15T19:28:00.000-07:002008-10-15T19:49:01.379-07:00Life is too shortAs one gets older, one realizes life is too short. I have said good-bye to too many family and freinds. Two years ago this month my sister died. It was just 2 days after her husband's birthday. His birthday is the 24th of this month. Today he passed. I spent 3 hrs and 40 min at the funeral home. I miss him already. I miss him more now even tho I have gone for weeks without seeing him. Its knowing it will or can be along time before I see him again. It is nice to think of him being with Marilyn again. Some times I think we don't slow down enough to really see our loved ones. Then they pass and we bury them so fast its over before we know. Then life starts up again, like they were not really here. We miss them and all but life goes on and we must continue. We don't take enouth time to smell the roses and then when the roses die we just get more flowers. I think I want life to slow down, to SEE life, to take time to hold on to everyone. I don't like change even tho I cause change as well. We lost one of our secetaries at school. She and her husband were killed in a car accident. I was supposed to attend her visitation today. School continued as if nothing had happened. Yes, people were sad, but nothing slowed down. Even tho it was an early dismisall for students, teachers could not leave to attend. They had to stay that last hour at school. I don't know exactly wha tI want to have happen. I know we must go on. But, shouldn't there be something more? What do think. Death (on this side stinks).Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-69236204366337696092008-10-06T19:37:00.000-07:002008-10-06T19:45:20.372-07:00What did he say! What did I say?Sunday, while watching conference, I told Autumn to remember what President Monson was saying. I couldn't believe it, he was talking about exactly what I was saying, what I was feeling. I do live in the moment but I live in the past as well. I guess when a person reaches the autumn of their life its easy to look back. I look to the future more now than ever before. Why? I think because I am living for me for the first time. I no longer live to please everyone else, but live to please my Heavenly Father and myself. My husband is at the top but I must put myself first only for awhile so I can understand who Iam. Don't lose yourself in your spouse or your children or someday you may find you are a stranger to yourself.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-87250468224519928062008-10-03T19:17:00.000-07:002008-10-03T19:38:49.339-07:00<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#ff0000;">Isn't life funny. You can't wait to become an adult, and then it happens. The whole while I find myself wishing to go back in time. Despite the improvements, I find myself wishing. Sometimes we spend too much time wishing and not enough enjoing the moment. I miis being the child (some of it) playing on Grandpa's floor, playing Ditch, going Trick or Treating. I miss the times when milk, juice and anythng else liquid would envelope my clean kitchen floor. NEVER ON A DIRTY FLOOR. I miss the times when I said and said and said Go To Bed. I dreamed of the day that it (the caose) would all end. I would enjoy the clean floors, the quite evenings. <span style="color:#000099;">NOW!! i DON'T CARE SO MUCH ABOUT CLEAN FLOORS AND QUITE NIGHTS. Don't get me wrong I enjoy my evenings but, When their are little ones about that truely love you and depend on you, you know how important you are. I miss that. When you see the older ones leaving this world and you are suddenly the older generation, you can feel less important. The cycle of life has changed. You are no longer the butterfly but ready to fly. Maybe that is how God made it. In the end we must be sure that we have filled our own cups so that we can fly and show God and our family what is truely important. We must become complete, well rounded people. </span></span>Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464559135883909962.post-87649845524248527872008-10-02T05:16:00.000-07:002008-10-02T05:22:44.951-07:00Roots With WingsThis not the beginning but a short start.Donna Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111266447554314933noreply@blogger.com5