sit back, grab a cup of coffee and put your feet up - it is going to be a long one....

Wow - August 18th was the last post from me - guess we are very past due for an update....

Ok, where to start.

On Aug 19th - I left for Tulsa, OK with Angie and Vicki for a scrapbook convention. We had a great time as usual - those girls always keep me laughing. Getting home was a little tricky. We had some flight delays so actually spent a night in Phoenix and got home Monday.

After I got home from OK, I just did some hanging out time with my boys. We went to the go-karts. Wow - puts these boys in a go-kart for two hours and they go round and round! They were vibrating when they finally got out. Think the unlimited laps for a time frame isn't such a good idea.... Rough on the boys - and the track! And the grass that is on the sides of the track! But they had fun and it was a good time watching them. Then we did some school shopping and just got that last week of summer in.

August 29th - Was Jamboree for football. So the day was filled with football games. It is hard to go to the games and not see Lucas playing but he is sure liking the coaching. I love to hear his comments to the team after games and practice. Most the time it is things that the coaches have told him when he was playing.... hmmm - he remembers that but not to make his bed...

September 4th was Nick's (Tom's Dad) birthday. He turned 85 and wasn't doing too well. He had been in a care facility for a couple weeks and now was in the hospital with an infection. So we thought we better go down and see him. We drove down to Reno after Lucas' football game on the 5th. Made it to Reno Sunday afternoon and spent that with Nick. He was not doing well at all. It was lots of conflicting info from the nurses and doctor. But we left Sunday with the impression that he was getting cleared up of the infection and would be going back to the care facility in a couple days. Monday when Tom called him, he was moved to ICU. Very confused and disoriented. Later that week, I went to Nashville for another convention. Talked to Tom on Friday night and he had taken another turn. Sounded like he didn't have long. And then he passed away that night. So it was another road trip for us to Reno the next weekend for the service.

September 8th - the boys started school. Yeah! Summer is over.... Ooops, did I say that out loud??? Anyway - Lucas in 8th grade and Jake in 7th grade.

Then I was home for awhile. Lucas' birthday was on the 26th. Wow - 14! He is as tall as I am now - but I am stretching everyday and puffin up my hair as much as I can to have a little advantage over him.... I might have to start wearing heels pretty soon. I won't be able to walk but I will be taller...

Jake is growing like a weed too. We just bought school clothes a month ago and he is already grown out of them. And the voices dropping! oh boy - they are turning into young men... I can't tell who I am talking to anymore on the phone... Jake is doing good in school. We have had some bumps already this year. I don't understand why teachers do not have the info on their students before they start the year. We had the discussion about the year back in May with his team.... What is the problem? So frustrating for Jake... But he is still showing them that no matter what - he can do it and still come out with good grades.

September 30th - I was on a plane again to Arizona. We had a show in Glendale. Was great to be in the sunshine. Was starting to get cold at home - and our furnace is done! The warm weather was good... Show was good. Always great to see the other "carnies" on the show floor. (Kris - missed you!) Then home on Oct. 4th. That should be it for the air plane rides for me this year. I will be going to Seattle in November - maybe two weekends in a row... Have a play weekend planned and will be great to just hang with my buddy, Vicki M. Who knows, maybe I will actually get Christmas cards done... Been too many years since I have sent those out...

Things seem to be just as insane in my life as ever. But the past month just seemed like it is taking it's toll. My friend, Shauna, was in the hospital for 12 days. So glad she is home and I hope that she gets the rest she needs. You are always in my thoughts - S. My friend, Paris - she is such a trooper. I call her Martha Dukes for a reason. She takes care of everyone! Her Dad just recently had a triple by-pass and she has been there for Shauna and her family. So her life is spinning. P - so glad you are letting me bring dinner over tomorrow night! Let some one else take care of you for a change. And when ever you need a ride... I have the Tahoe fully gassed up at all times! I am trying to find us a new furnace and heat pump. Set up appts and then they don't show up. Don't these people need the business? I have had 6 appts scheduled and only have 2 quotes. I have another 5 set up now so we will see if they start showing up starting today at noon. Lucas is keeping us busy with football. Practices during the week and game every saturday. I also took him for some x-rays. He is having pain with his left ankle. X-rays were fine so not sure what is up there. So another doc appt on Tuesday for him. We also need to have a scan done to measure his legs. This will help us get a lift for his shoe that is accurate. Will help even out his legs and hopefully help him get more active and back into things. I went to the doc yesterday - going to have some tests done next week. Apparently not going to the doc in the last 5-6 years is not a good thing... :) Hoping it is not anything to worry about - mostly check up stuff - that whole turning 40 thing, ok 41.... It is time to see that I am healthy and start feeling good.

So think that brings us up to date with the Nicholas family.... Angie and Vicki continued their trip from AZ to Kansas City for another show. Angie's grandma passed away yesterday so they may be staying in Kansas a little longer for the service. Miss you girls... Wish I was there to help with the show and anything you need. But if you need anything from here - just let me know....

Well, better get to my Saturday chores before the furnace guy comes. Tom and Jake are off on a scout camp out. Hope they stayed warm last night. They will be out riding horses today so I know they will have a good day. Both of them were really looking forward to that.

Til next time.... Hope everything is well with you that read this.
Laura

hitting the road again.... or actually up into the air!

Well, I am heading off to Tulsa, OK tomorrow. 6 am is going to be here before I know it - so this will have to be somewhat of a short catch up. Well, actually, I need to be up much earlier than that - my flight is at 6.

Anyway, what has been happening around here....

Lucas had his 6 week post op last week. X-rays show bone growth is good and going as planned. He can stop using the crutches and work on working that leg again to full strength. He is walking with quite a limp because of that leg still being so weak. He uses the crutches now and then for stability. I can already see a difference with his foot turned back in -so that is good. He can't play football again this season. So the Coach he had when he played in 6th grade (who is also president of the league) asked Lucas to be on his coaching staff. I think he will learn more from this experience than if he played. He is really looking forward to that. He is hoping he will get a coaches hat and shirt... :) So we will be spending time at the football field again this season.

Jake is growing like a weed. It feels like he is taller every morning when he wakes up. Like he has a growth spurt when he sleeps. He has gone on some camping trips this summer with scouts. The latest trip was a 39 mile hike that Tom and Jake did around the Three Sisters in Sisters, OR. They had it planned to be a 5 day hike and they did it in 4. Think they just wanted to get home and shower! And to sleep on a real bed... Other than that, he has been a huge help this summer with mowing the lawn and doing things around the house and helping Lucas when he was still on crutches.

School is going to start in a couple weeks. I think the boys are actually looking forward to it. Better get buying those supplies. Only have paper and shoes so far!

Other than that - we are just doing our everyday thing. Speaking of which - I need to finish laundry and packing so better call it for now.

Til next time...
Laura

where did I leave off???

Well, looks like I have been away for awhile....

So time for another catch up post here on the blog...

Go back aways... The boys finished up school on the 12th. They ended up with an extra day to make up for snow days. Also on the morning of the 12th, we met with an attorney to look into an investigation about medical negligence. Not sure if we even have a case. But Lucas is facing a rough summer with this surgery and it may of been avoided. The slipped growth plate was missed in x-rays last January. Anyway, we will see what comes of that.

Then Tom and Jake went that weekend on a camp out with the boy scouts.


Then on the 20th - my brother and sis-in-law and Tom and I threw a surprise 50th anniversary party for our parents. They were starting to put things together but think we pulled off the surprise pretty well. Had a nice turn out. We had 2 roasted pigs and tons of food. Thanks to my aunts who helped bring salads and such. Lorraine did an awesome job on the slide show and so many other behind the scenes things... She is what made the event happen! Everyone seemed to have a nice time. Was great to see family and friends for a happy occasion.Happy 50th Anniversary, Mom and Dad.

On Father's Day, we went out to Hagg Lake. Tom and the boys went out in the canoe . We packed a picnic lunch and just had a nice afternoon at the lake.



On the 24th, Lucas had his surgery. (He didn't like me taking pictures while we waited.) They went in to correct the damage from the slipped growth plate. It was pretty extreme and he was supposed to be in the hospital til Friday. But he was in so much pain and didn't really have any time with the Physical Therapists to get ready to go home, so we ended up staying til Saturday. Thank goodness Tom and Jake didn't go hiking that weekend because I never would of been able to get him home by myself. Overall, he is doing pretty good though now. Pain seems to be under control and he isn't taking as many pain meds. Bored so trying to find things for him to do.. Seems like as soon as I get started doing something - he needs something.... How many weeks is this??? It has only been 1 week and 1 day and I feel like it has been a month.... Then to top it off, we are having a heat wave right now and my house is like an oven. Sleeping on a too short loveseat is doing me in and I have no patience... Not a good thing.Angie and Vicki sent him a cookie bouquet today. That perked up his morning. Thanks Girls!

Sorry - don't mean to whine... Just wiped out. So should probably just hang out in my scrap room - there is AC in there - just not a bed though. A good nap would hit the spot!

Anyway, will come back again with something good to say...
Laura

need to do an update....

Well, this blog has been neglected for some time....

Where do I begin?

We made it home from a wonderful weekend in Maple Valley over Memorial Day weekend. We stayed at my personal B&B - thank you so much, Vicki! You certainly spoiled us. Now Jake wants fresh strawberries and whipped cream on his toaster waffles in the morning! He thinks he is having belgium waffles... Don't tell him.

The pictures are a bit out of order - but think you will see that we had a great time...

We walked through the Pike Street Market after having lunch on the Pier. Ended up buying a salmon from the flying fish guys to bring home.
Of course, we went to the Space Needle.


The aquarium.
The flowers were so beautiful at Pike's Place - or is it Street????
We loved the otters at the aquarium - this guy was so cute just floating in the sun. He would even push himself off the rocks if he got too close...
Don't these just look yummy???
We went to Snoqualmie Falls. Very pretty spot - need to check into staying at that lodge sometime - off season.
The boys found some appropriate gear to wear.
They loved playing with Majic and the kitties at Vicki's.
Lucas says, "hats off to a good trip!"

We went to the Museum of Flight. That was very cool.

The boys even went in the simulator and got it backwards and upside down. I could hear Lucas inside saying - Whoa!

It was a wonderful trip with the boys. Just really didn't want to come home. But we had to....

After being home a day - almost had a trip to New York.... but ended up not going. Was kind of glad in the end because I then had another trip to Arlington, TX. Which I just got back from.

Sending out some birthday wishes this week. My sister in law, Lorraine - celebrated her birthday on Monday. My good friend, June - celebrated hers yesterday. And my brother, Mark - celebrates his on friday. So happy birthday to you all!

So stuff is keeping us busy around here... More to fill you in on but now I should be heading off to work. Will have to work on my update more later.

Have a good day.
Til next time....
Laura

hello from Maple Valley, WA

hello there...

The boys and I have been spending the weekend here in Maple Valley and just having the best time. Vicki has been spoiling us and taking very good care of us. Feels like our own personal Bed and Breakfast! The boys have quickly figured out why I love to come here so much.

So just checking in... We are off to see Snoqualmie Falls today and then drive home. So will post some pictures tonight of our weekend.

Remember today those that have given so much for us. Those that are no longer with us that we love and miss so much. And those that are continuing to give so much for us so we can be safe. Remember those on this Memorial Day.

Til next time....
Laura

a poem by Lucas...

Lucas wrote this poem for school about himself. He is pretty proud of himself, as he should be. It is so true! I love the part about getting the joke.... If you know Lucas, there is usually a little delay before he gets the joke.

Anyway, thought I would share....


I Am What I Am...
by Lucas "Dozer" Nicholas (this has become his signature now....)

I am what I am...
I am a gentleman.
When I want to be.
Hold doors.
Pull out a chair.
Give advice.
I am what I am, a gentleman.

I am serious, yes, really.
When laughter is in the air, I am hard at work.
School is a mountain in my mind.
When it's appropriate, I get the joke.
I am what I am, serious.

I am patriotic.
I pledge allegiance to this flag.
And for which both it and I stand.
One nation under one God.
We are indivisible.
With liberty and justice for all.
I am what I am, pariotic.

I am strong.
I walk tall against the hard winds of everyday life.
I have tolerance for both physical and emotional pain.
My mind is strong too.
I am what I am, strong.

I am kind-hearted.
I pay attention to the things people feel.
I wish people luck when I feel their going to need it.
People come to me for help, I give 110%.
I am what I am, kind-hearted.

I am what I am...

Great job, Lucas.
Love, Mom

home again....

It was an early morning yesterday starting at 3:30am Eastern time, but we made it home from Manchester, NH. It was a great trip. Here are a few of the highlights.

We got in pretty late Wednesday night after a short delay in Chicago (so great to get to chat with Kathy Jo on the phone in Chicago....) Terri was on our flight and went to dinner with us at the Red Arrow Diner. There are labels on the counter where people have sat there so I added our label...


Sorry this picture of Terri and I is upside down - for some reason it won't save as flipped. My tech support aka Jake is still sleeping this morning....





The convention was great. I met so many fun people at the make and take table. I should of gotten out the camera before the last hour and a half of the show on Saturday. I will never forget Lil. She came by and tried to pay me for her free make and take! After that it was just non-stop laughs. She was so fun and it was a pleasure to meet her and her daughter Shannon. Lil - if you are checking out my blog - find me on Facebook!

I also had the pleasure of meeting the Boston Scrap Mafia. They came by both days. Again another Mom and daughter and just fun to visit with.





Then Renee and Jeanne stopped by. Renee was waiting for a friend to show up. So she starts to describe to me what her friend looks like and that while she sat down to do the make and take - I was to look out for her friend wearing a tigger sweatshirt.... So it turned into me getting a full description of Christine and the girls were on their own for the project while I watched out for Christine to arrive. Again - such fun ladies.


Angie and Vicki working hard at the registers. Ang also taught three classes each day. Friday night we went to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse where some other vendors from SEI also went. So we told our waitress that it was Lin's birthday. We waited for them to sing and bring him a sundae before we left. Was so funny because it wasn't his birthday... So then Saturday at the show, we had the new guy to the event's team announce to the whole show that it was his birthday only to find out that it was not his birthday. Jory then came over to me at our booth and said - it isn't his birthday til September.... I told him, I know... But if you knew that you wouldn't of made the announcement.... lol Such good times...

Sunday we got to visit some quilt stores. Amazingly - I didn't buy anything. The first place though did have some wonderful samples that I could of gone crazy... The area was just perfect. So laid back. Beautiful homes and I just loved the huge lilacs. We ended our day road trip in York, Maine. According to Gertie Garmin, it was the farthest tip we could go - when you are at the lighthouse - you are just surrounded by water.










I also found my dream home if I ever win the Powerball lottery. This house was just perfect!
It was just a good day. Angie and Vicki - thanks again for wonderful memories and good laughs and good times.

Was great to see everyone again at the show - Kris, so glad we actually got to have lunch together one of the days to catch up. Will look forward to seeing you again in Texas....

But now it is time to put another load of laundry in the dryer, get the boys ready for school and head off to work.... In New Hampshire, the motto is Live Free or Die and in Maine, it is The Way Life should be. I so totally agree - that laid back small town feeling is just perfect. When things are busy and just out of control - I will remember that is not all that important - remember the Way Life should BE!

So til next time....
Laura

oh boy - where have I been????

Well, between work hours, kids and the house... we have been busy around here.

It has been awhile since I have posted....

In the past month....

I have been trying to get a mailing out but keep getting some back.... Going to be crunch time soon and hopefully all the details will come off without a hitch. Had several meetings with school about an incident with Jake that happened involving an x-acto knife. Apparently they don't feel this is a weapon... Long story there that is too long to go into. But I am not letting it drop and going up over the school til something is done. There was so much more to it than boys will be boys... I just puts me in a tailspin when I think about it - makes me so mad... Also had a meeting at the school on Jake's IEP - that actually went really well. I think they listened to us and Jake attended this time. He spoke his mind and told them what he needed from them. Was pretty proud of him. He is doing so well this year - really surprises me. Lucas - now he is struggling a bit in school but I think that is just the teen thing and wanting to hang with friends and be cool... But that is just my opinion.... We also met with the Orthopedic surgeon about another surgery for Lucas. Not sure if it is something we will do - it is a major one with a long recovery. So we will get some more x-rays in a couple weeks and meet with him again to decide. He is young and has so much life ahead of him - that it is hard to think this
might stop him from doing things in life. So might be the factor to decide to go ahead with it. Will mean we will be spending the summer on crutches and recovering... But we will see.


The boys scouts had a car wash yesterday. Both boys worked on that and got some car washing training.... Well, maybe not. I had to go to the pros after they washed my truck. Apparently they just washed the hood and the windows - nothing below that.... It was pretty dirty to start with - but pretty dirty still in the end... Weather was perfect though for a car wash. Both Tom and Jake got pretty burnt. Lucas - just "tan". They didn't have a very good turn out this year, but did raise a little money for the troop.

I have been taking more photos of the beautiful blooms this spring. This is the lilac in my back yard. It smells wonderful! I just wish the blooms lasted longer....





Friday night, I went to see Ron White with Angie, Vicki, Judy, and Danita. Oh and Angie's George and aunt and uncle.... It was so hilarious. Angie is probably glad she didn't sit by me though - there were some jokes that needed some explanation..... But it still was hilarious and we had such a great time!




I got to spend an afternoon scrapping with Sadie. We met so many years ago when she took classes from me. Then she ended up working at HOTP and that is where she met Justin. Such a cute couple and I had a great time just spending the afternoon at their house.








Last night, I did some sewing and made this table runner for my Mom for Mother's day. So now off to make a card and head over to see her....

Happy Mother's Day to all of you that are mom's or have mom's or have someone special that is like a mother to you! I have some pretty special people in my life that are like a mom to me - I so appreciate you all! Thank you for your love and support.

Enjoy your Sunday! We are having beautiful weather here so hoping to be out in a bit today...
Til next time.
Laura

looks like an update is needed again...

Well, been busy as usual around here. March 30th, the boys had Court of Honor at scouts and Jake was appointed Patrol Leader for the Rebels (aka Chief Lost Boy to his mom.... lol) and quartermaster for the troop. But pretty proud of him. He has already organized an organizing day to go through the scouts trailer and get the gear and supplies put together so they knew what they have and didn't have. He really isn't supposed to be in this patrol, but he bumped up and is in the same as Lucas.





One day last week, I met some friends for lunch. This is Toni, Katrina, Farhat and her daughter. We all met many many years ago when are kids just started Tae Kwon Do. Now Farhat is the only one that has a child still taking TKD. But it is nice to get together and catch up. Was a very fun day and I can't believe it was a year ago when we met the last time. Too long between good times...







I am loving the spring weather we have been having. The pink blossoms everywhere are my favorite and I can't stop taking pictures of them. Too pretty! We are going to be getting some rain soon so I know the blossoms will be down - but bring it on. I am ready for spring.













For Jake's birthday on the 3rd, we went out to dinner at Go Go's (a mongollian bbq grill place) and had a nice dinner. Jake loves pie - so for dessert we went to Shari's for pie.





Then on Sunday, Jake spent the day with his friend, Sean, playing video games. That was what he wanted instead of a party. Then, my parents, brother and sister-in-law came for dinner and more pie.... We ended up playing poker and it was a lot of fun.










These are my parents and the boys.






This is my brother and sister-in-law with the boys.







And after 3-4 tries.... us!

But need to get the boys ready for school and me off to work. So going to grab a cup of coffee and get my day going.

Til next time...
Laura