It's about time.

Well, it's been one year and one day since my last post. I hope I'm doing this right. I've forgotten how to work the website. My husband thinks I'm a clandestine Geek Squad wanna-be. He's so wrong.

It's been a good year. Some ups and downs. My last post mentioned that Mark's dad was doing much better. Cognitively, he is still doing well, but physically, not so much. We had to find a home for both Frank and Mary this past fall. It wasn't easy, but at least Frank had a large part in the decision making this time and that made it easier (on us, anyway).

Andy was in two plays this past year. He played a little old Italian gentleman in the spring production of "Hang Ten" (ah! There goes-a my mustache again-a!), as well as Bob Cratchitt this past fall. He's still in band and maneuvering his way through life. He's turning into a great person. Developing a strong sense of right and wrong and is not afraid to call people out if he doesn't like what they're doing or saying. He's turning into a caring and proactive young man.

Joe. Still active in Student Council at Denkmann. He ran for president this year under the campaign slogan "Elect Jobama". He lost. He claims it's because one girl ran against three boys. So all of the girls in the school voted for the girl. And the boys divided their votes agains the three male contenders. The mom in me felt bad for him. The feminist side of me was knuckle bumping the winner! At least the real Obama won. Joe is also playing trombone in band this year.

Mark has revived his trumpet playing skills. He also had a very enjoyable year helping out with the election. I'm glad his efforts paid off on election night.

Me? Not much. Just working and momming it up at home. I did take up the ukulele and look forward to continuing with that hobby. I've brought a few people along with me and hope to bring a few more!

Let's see. As a family, we made it to the Rocky Mountains this year. We did some "primitive" camping (in a JellyStone Lodge) with two other families. And then we drove on further west to Grand Junction and spent time with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. Lots of hiking and a white water rafting trip!

Well, there's my year end/beginning update. Most of this is old news..
I'm hoping to keep this blog going as a sort of diary for my children to see in the future.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Linda

Random Stuff

I hope we all had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year!    The Matheis family had an unexpected Christmas present in that our dad, Frank, recovered from serious health issues.  It was wonderful to have his smiling face back.  I love you, Frank.   It's great to see you again.  I hope you enjoyed the rum-soaked fruitcake!

Now, for a not so pleasant gripe.  I really really hate when people express their favoritism of another person in a public forum that the not-so-favorite people can read as well.  Let's have a little tact people!  I love that you have a favorite family member....I do, too.   I have many of them and they're all my favorite for different reasons, but I would NEVER express that in a family blog post that I know everyone else will read.  It's just damned tacky.   Here's a life lesson:  What you say is, "One of my favorite aunts/uncles/cousins...whatever".    The blog is for communicating, not for building up walls.

Okay, recent news items and serious gripes have been aired.  Now for some blogging.   Nothing deep, just more random thoughts.   What about New Years' Resolutions?  I've NEVER kept one.  Never.  I usually make very general promises that I'll be healthier, try to be satisfied with my material things, kinder to people, blah, blah, blah.   This year I promised to spend less money, and clean my kitchen floor more often.   Believe it or not, I'm more worried about keeping the second resolution. It's easy to not spend money when you don't have it.  It's also easy to just not go barefoot in the kitchen and never look at the floor (head up, Linda!).  So far so good.  I cleaned the floor yesterday, and even replaced some burnt out lightbulbs so I can see the floor better!   Spending money? ....well, payday is Friday. Hopefully I'll show restraint.

That's about it.  I didn't sleep worth a damn last night, so I'm going to eat an early supper and go to bed.  The boys are at their music lessons, so I'm enjoying a quiet household.  

Night folks,   and if you make only ONE resolution consider this one:  Remember to laugh loud and long and try to find the humor in life (although don't share the humor if it's tacky....only Mary Tyler Moore can pull of laughing at a funeral....what WAS the name of that clown?)

Peace, Love, and Oyster Crackers to you all, Linda

A young man took his life.  I am not entitled to say who or where or when or how.  I didn't know this person, but it's kicked me in the gut like nothing else could.  I hurt for the person I know who knew him.  I hurt for his family and friends and his community.  Please hug your children today.

Oh Crap. Three new followers. I need to come up with stuff.

Glad to see you, ladies!   I'm not making promises of anything exciting or funny.  If you want funny, check out the blog for People I Want To Punch In The Throat.     A modern day Erma Bombeck.  I liked her page on FB, you can probably find it through there.

I had a great weekend of doing ABSOLUTELY. NOTHING.    We all need one of those weekends.  You know, where you don't brush your teeth until noon, and you change out of your pajamas BEFORE you go to bed on Saturday...I'm exaggerating a bit, I did change out of my pajamas when I brushed my teeth...shortly after noon.  I got some reading done, and watched the crumbs accumulate on the floor (I miss my dogs...the cats are no help with the crumbly floor situation)

Tomorrow I'll develop a plan to get the house cleanished before break starts.

How did you guys spend your weekend?   If you spent the weekend getting all of your presents wrapped, I'm not sure I'm ready to hear it.  I still need to finish shopping.

Well, that's it.  I'm feeling pressure to write a lot, but I'd rather write a little and have it be read, then write a lot and have it be too boring to stay with it.

Enjoy your Monday.  I know I will...The kids and I have dentist appointments.

Peace, Love, and Oyster Crackers,
Linda

 I have no idea why I picked that title for my blog.  It's something my mom always said.  Whenever she'd make chili for supper, she'd say "It's chili today and hot tamale!".   I googled it and it appears to have first shown up in the 70's as a Josie and the Pussycats episode title.  It also figures into some song lyrics.  No matter.  I always thought it was funny.

In any case, a friend of mine suggested that I blog about chili.  I think he's referencing my husband who really likes his chili, but it gave me the idea.

I'd like this blog to be random thoughts.  I might try cut and pasting some of my FB posts into it...along with the comments.  I have really funny friends.   We'll see how it goes.

I'm not opening this up to people to view until I've had a few entries.

So until then,
Peace, Love, and Oyster Crackers for you.
Linda