Where's January?

I can't believe January is almost over...

I was just getting started!

I want to thank those who have reached out, asking if I was okay.

The truth is, 

I think so.

Changes, that's the theme around here.

Effective January 1, Mr. K (almost) retired at age 78.5,

after working more than 20 years in his current position

after more than 50 years in the water meter industry.

He did retire in stages:

When he worked full time, he worked 90 hours a week.

When his late wife got sick, he went part time,

that was 40 hours a week.

That's what he was doing when I met him.

Now he's a consultant.

To be honest, the only difference is that he gets a smaller paycheck 

and he comes out of his office at odd times for strange reasons.

He's often in the way, but occasionally I find him useful.

The other day, Teagan wanted to watch Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.

I wanted to watch Ellen.

Mr. K offered to take her into his office to watch the TV in there.

It worked out...Kinda….

Isn't it adorable?

Speaking of adorableness...

We had art day at Grandma Jan's/

Teagan made scribbles...

Locklan made lollipops!

He put him in a jar and took them home and gave him to his mom!

Oh...

Speaking of Locklan, he slipped in the tub on Tuesday and clipped his chin.

Andy called about 8:30 and asked if I could take care of Teagan while they

took Locklan for stitches.

They told them he could either get 3 stitches or they could use glue.

He got the glue.

He's my Brave Tiger!

I'm Here! I'm Here!

Yes, I know...I've been such a slacker!

It's pretty bad when people text/email you 

to remind you that you need to blog.

I'm here!

Last week was business as usual...

Three days of kids and two days of trying to get things done.

My phone is being cantankerous, It's holding my photos hostage.

I did manage to snag one photo...

Teagan discovered the "Let's Go Fishin" game.

Her game is to take the game into Pappy K's office and saying, "Play."

 Oh, she's such a charmer.

When the week finally slowed down,

On Saturday we went to see Locklan riding the unicycle.  

He's getting closer and closer to becoming proficient!

Next we went to a boat show to check out a new dock for Camp Manfred...

I think we're going to invest in it.

After that excitement, Mr K and I got some dinner and headed for 

Butler Little Theater where we saw the play 

Lunch Hour by Jean Kerr

(of Please Don't Eat the Daisies fame)

When we went to check in, they could not find my name...

Finally, the theater manager did find it...

For FRIDAY night.  

Fortunately, she was able to exchange our tickets!

We really enjoyed ourselves and will do it again for sure.

.

Also, Saturday evening, Tony sent me two photos of Henry.

He learned how to open the gate at the bottom of the stairs...

AND learned how to open the kitchen cabinet and climb inside.

Last night, he sent a video of Henry taking his first steps!

I guess he decided he didn't want to be a baby anymore.

Today Locklan doesn''t have school so 

both he and Teagan will  be here all day.

It'll be fun.

Now I'm off to try to make peace with my phone!

Too Cute!

I'm really busy, but thought I'd share this photo of Henry.

I get such a kick out of Tony's captions...

Back in a day or two!

One Wheel Wonder(ful)

Our family, or at least Andy and Tony

are unicyclists!

Andy and Tony were muni cyclists

(mountain unicycles)

Tony on the left, Andy on the right, participating in a cross country race.

And now, we're adding another generation to the unicycle family...

Yes, it's Locklan!

Our town has a unicycle club.

Every Saturday they take over the gym at the YMCA

They welcome anyone who rides or wants to learn!

They have unicycles of all sizes to try.

Locklan was pretty pumped.

Me too!

The World According To Locklan

Every Monday and Wednesday

Andy takes Locklan to pre-school,

Drops Teagan off at my house and heads to work.

A few hours later, I load Teagan in the car

and go to fetch Locklan.

Teagan usually falls asleep before we get to the school

so Locklan and I have time to chat.

Occasionally, we'll take the long way home so she can sleep longer.

Occasionally, we'll detour through the drive-through window at McDonalds

for coffee for me and fries for him.

Yesterday, we did that.

Locklan is sitting in his car seat munching on his fries.

Suddenly he asked if there were mashed potatoes 

inside of French fries.

I explained that both were made from potatoes.

He then said he can't eat the fries because he hates mashed potatoes.

That was that!

We started talking about lunch.

I suggested macaroni and cheese.

He said he can't eat that.

He explained he could only eat the good kind that his mother makes in a pot,

not the bad kind I make in the microwave.

Go figure!

I bought this police station/fire house off of Facebook last week.

It's so cute!

The kids played with it all afternoon.

It folds up with all the furniture and vehicles inside.

AAAAAAnd before we knew it,

Andy came to get them.

Teagan gathered up her baby and purse

And I needed a nap!

Stop the World, I Want to Get Off!

Whew!  How long has it been?

Was I really MIA since December 20?  How could that be?

We did go to the party at Mark's nephew's house and had a good time...

Considering we had kids...lots of kids!

We had 7 kids with Locklan being the oldest of them...

Yes, 7 kids under 5 and one 8 year old.

I felt grouchy and couldn't wait to go home!

I had a schedule so that all my chores and Christmas duties could be completed 

at a pace that was not too demanding.

Saturday, I felt worn out but agreed to have my little buddy spend the night.

We blew up the air mattress and slept under the Christmas tree...

On Sunday, Andy came to reinforce the gate connection to keep Teagan and the dogs from running up the stairs.

Of course, Locklan helped...

Andy is so patient with him!

I was feeling like I had been dragged through the mud so I fell slightly behind on my schedule...

Monday, I woke to find Andy and the kids, the cleaning people and Ron all needing my attention.

I went back to bed and slept 16 hours!

On Christmas eve, I was up before the chickens

and managed to have everything done by time my 

family arrived at 5.

We had 14 people here for dinner.

The only person missing was my oldest grandson, who turned 27

that week.

It was amazing, and no, I don't have a plethora of photos.

I was too busy loving it.

More later, but before I go, here's a picture of Henry, who is quite a character...

Too cute, right?

I'm off to get ready for breakfast with friends!