My Tattooed Thoughts

Little Pilgrim.....January 16, 2006

2006-01-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

Just gotta say Pilgrim is home with us and doing great!!! We picked him up last Friday and he been a blessing. He is a tiny, little charmer. He wants nothing more than to follow our 10 yr old Fay around. He puts his little ears back, and looks up to her. She didn't want much to do with him but now, they curl up together on Fay's big bed. Last night Little pilgrim slept from 11 pm to 6 am. He is only eight weeks old. We just love him.

Our Little Pilgrim........................

2006-01-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

Getting you up to date on life.
Bob and I have been researching the dog breed "Rat Terrier" puppies and finally found a very nice breeder in Colorado. We fell in love with one. He is the color of this lettering and white. His littermates are black and brown. We emailed back and forth and even drove up to Golden to see the litter of four. Fell in love all over again. We gave a deposit and kissed him bye for now. They were born on Thanksgiving, in a car, on the way to AZ. So being born ON Thanksgiving, and Bob loving John Wayne, I came up with
the name 'PILGRIM'.
Ok, this morning I get an email saying "Bad News". gulp and I open the letter. TK the breeder, said they were all taken to the emergency vet last night in very bad condition. It seems their cat knocked over a bottle of dog wormer right into the puppy pen and they all drank some. That is very bad. Long story shorter, one male puppy died. He was so cute and pure black. The other two are home and getting better slowly, and our little Pilgrim actually stopped breathing and his tiny heart stopped but the vet people did CPR and brought him back.:) Thank you God. He is still at the vets being watched overnight. They say he should make it, but its still too soon to say. We are suppose to pick him up to bring home this Friday. Please say a prayer that Pilgrim makes it and is fit for us to love and care of. Our other dog, Fay is 10 now, so we want her to show him how to behave. So we are like, overlapping dogs. We will be so sad when Fay goes. She has been a sweet addition to our life.
Well, I have rambled on and on.
Bob leaves for the power plants Jan. 19. Boo Hoo. I will miss him so much. I hate that he has to travel but the money is good and he likes it. Someday I will be working with him. For now I get my daily hugs at the Day Care Center. Little Roger said Monday aas he was working on something." I love you Miss Gail." Gotta love that!. I do miss my co-worker Nicole. She quit to do home child care. Check out her blog in my list. She's a riot.
Keep us all in your prayers, and to all my family I love you, and I am praying for you. To all my friends, I love you too. Hugs..............................................................Gail

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2005-12-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is. The end of another year. 2005 was a year I'd like to forget really. Some of it anyway. I did grow a lot. I searched out God more so I guess thats a good thing. I lost my precious niece to suicide, March 2.
We traveled with Bob's work. South Carolina. Illinois.
We were homeless for a few weeks. You really think about life when you live in a camp ground.
We prayed alot after a dear friend broke 1/2 the bones in his body, in a horiffic car verses 'Mack' truck crash. And with God's great healing, Mitch is now walking slow but gives God all the glory that he IS alive and with his family.
We moved from IL to CO. We miss the grandson more than life, but when we do see him it makes it even better. Hurry up March...
Bob passed the NUF Nuclear Test, and that makes life better. He is now a Senior RP Tech. Great job Bob! I love you, and I am very, very proud of you. I am sad that in a few weeks he is off again for months of more Power Plants. I am staying home, and working. I will miss him so much. Please pray for his safety.
As I write this I am seeing we had good and bad happen but geez, We are healthy, love eachother, are searching GOD deeper, Love our church, with our funny Japanese pastor, live in a state that is so beautiful you can't believe what you see. Besides, on Christmas, it was 65 degrees out and we ate dinner outside. I love COLORADO. People think it is always cold and we have tons of snow all winter here. Huh. Its hardly in the 30's all winter. We had a whole week of 50s-70 degrees. Hello. Right now we have no snow where we live. Only up in the skiing areas.
We have big plans for 2006. I pray God guides us, and things start to happen. We are out of the Greyhound business, and that, to me, not Bob, is a very good thing. Bob has talents in other things that make money, and it is now time to embrace them. We will celebrate 8 years of being married May 10. I finally feel we are letting God be in control of our marriage. Because I see Bob growing in God. It is so neat. I love it.
I love my little Day Care job. The kids. The other week Derek says, "Do angels really resist?" He meant exist. It was so precious. I told him that we all have angels all around us keeping us safe. Then another girl, Allie said to me as we were coloring together, "Miss Gail, when I woke up I had lots of googies in my eyes." I didn't laugh at her. I just said , "Wow, did you get them all out?" She said "Yeah.".......and we kept on coloring. I love getting the daily tiny hugs of these beautiful, little angels. Bob says I go there everyday to get my grandma fix......He's right.
I blew a blood vessel in my right eye last week and it was ugly. Some kids thought it was sooooo cool, and I scared a couple others, not meaning to. It is still there, but getting better. Creepy, man.
I look back at this year, and see how much I love my in laws. I have never met two more hard working people in my life. I am so blessed to be a part of their family. Bob's dad loves me as I love him. He loves my photo work and that helps me do it better. He just loves me. He is always complimenting me on our house and how I decorate it and what a good cook I am. We all need ego boosts. And Betty, Bob's step mom..Oh my gosh. She just never quits. I have seen her bale and stack and throw hay, fix fences, drive tractors, ride horses, sew anything, climb a ladder to shovel snow off their roof, and she still goes to help other people with their chores. A couple years ago, she was on her tractor, got off it and it larched forward and she was all of a sudden it ran on top of her, she was trapped under it. . She yelled and yelled for help. She got loose, somehow, and crawled to the house and called 911. Much recouping!!! She is in one word 'AMAZING'. She is always there to give me my much needed hugs. She is in her 70's! I want to be just like her when I grow up. I am blessed with Art and Betty. Truly blessed! Bob, thanks for finding me, loving me and adding me to your family.
Well, thats about all for now. Thanks for reading my babblings. I wish you a blessed 2006. Keep us in your prayers please. We need every one of them. God Bless you..............................................

Christ mas time.......................

2005-12-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say Merry "Christ"mas to anyone who may read this. Lets keep Christ in Christmas. All the stores want to say 'Happy Holidays' But, it is all about Jesus' birthday not who can buy the most presents. I don't look forward to December. Its so rushed and crazy. For Christmas, just give me your friendship.
I want my family back in IL to know I love them, I cherish them, and I miss them tons!!! God Bless each of you.......In His Name, Gail

ADVENTURES....................

2005-12-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, its been a few days since I wrote.
Before we left our dog Fay ran away. But was found safe in a straw filled barn down the road. Also my bosses husband, had a heart attack and is fine now. Thanks GOD!!!
Thanksgiving was so fun. We drove to IL and stayed with Molly and Mike. Well, I just vegged, and loved up Brock. I didn't plan to do anything else. I hate driving so far. Especially in Bob's truck. No radio, no CB, boring. Among other things with his truck. Anyway, Brock was so fun and we laughed alot together. I babysat every chance I could.
He is a cute, adorable, funny, wild, happy, cuddly, little 19 month old. Oh I love him. I loved when he would walk up to me with his little arms open to me and saying, "Gramma" and hugged me. He calls Bob..BA. I taught him to say yellow. Well, he says it..."Thellow" It is so cute. But everything he does is cute. I'm his grandma. It was a great visit. Mike and I cooked the Thanksgiving dinner right down to the homemade gravy. Man we pigged out. It was fun!. The way home was totally different. Bob loaded up the truck with the last of our stuff from storage in WI . It was loaded!! I choose to leave a bit later. So Bob left in the am. Molly drove me to the train station and I took a train home. Well, poor Bob got stuck at a Petro station in Neb. for 12 hours!!! It was too dangerous to drive on I 80 so they closed the roads. Meanwhile back on the Amtrak train, the train I was on 'blew an engine' in Neb. in the middle of the night and power went out and we all froze in the car I was in. What a nightmare. it was a terrible experience. We arrived in Denver 7 hours late!! Bob and I kept calling eachother and texting back and forth. We figured out we were both just about 16 miles apart. How weird. When Bob and I finally met up again in Denver, we got a room at a Best Western and got refreshed, and the great van driver/assistant manager, drove us around Denver showing us the sights. It was so fun. Bob and I ate at The CHEESECAKE FACTORY. Great food and cheesecake. We took lots of leftovers back to the room. On the way out Bob says, " Gail, look at that girl over there." Well I almost fell over because she looked just like Laurie. All I could do was stare. It was like Laurie was just sitting there. I got a little teary, then it was time to catch our ride back to the hotel. Wow.
The next morning we ate our 'free breakfast' and got in the truck and made it home in two hours. Whew. it was great to be back, but of course I missed Brock, Molly and Mike.
Back to work on the 30th. That was fun . I walk in and I hear "Miss Gail is back!!" So many hugs and welcomes from the little ones. I loved it.
We woke up this morning and it was like a picture postacard outside. Everything is white. Covered in snow. Even the horses across the street. Beautiful!! Thanks God, for all your beauty. It is neverending...I love CHRISTMAS TIME. Lets go pick out a Christmas tree Bob...................

Little Kids.........................

2005-11-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

I love little kids. They are so funny, so precious. Today we compared owies. To them a tiny little scrape, is a very big deal. And it needs an ice pack, band-aid, and a hug. And they need to tell the story behind it. I love little kids. Here I am little one. Tell me your story....... "I fell down," "My cat scratched me," " I fell off my bike," "My brother and I were fighting." Every story is special. I love it. Today Bob stopped by and I introduced a classful of cuties to him. I said, "This is my husband BOB." They all waved at him and a couple said "Hi BOB." I think he was overwhelmed. After Bob left, Little Abby said to me..."Was that your husband, Bob?" She is 3 yrs old. I said "Yep, That was my husband, Bob." She just smiled and finished eating her cheese and crackers. I love these kids, and I think they love me too..............................................

Good Day Sunshine.........

2005-11-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, Nov. 16.. a full moon tonight.
Bob is sick with the cough I gave him. Sorry Bob... He was up coughing half the night. When he was gone, I had this and it sucks. Get better Bob.
Work? I like it and I hate it. Working with only women is the pits. They talk. Nothing is secret. So if you don't want something told, don't say anything. I wish just one man would work there. A little testosterone would be welcome.
Ya know after I wrote the last 20 things about me , I got so many emails from people who know me . Jim wrote and said " Don't you remember when you met Gary Coleman and how mean he was?" Yes I do and he was a jerk. Yuck. Then Deb V. in WI wrote about me making green french toast. Fun stuff. Then I remembered stuff. Like the cool life size play house my dad built for me and my sisters in the basement. And when I was 8, my dad taught me how to play pool. And that I was in the room right next to my dad when he went to heaven. Sad. When I was 5, I won a tricycle race, That whole thing just brought back so many memories. I'm sure I'll think of more. Like when I made Molly the costume of a Mint Chocolate chip ice cream cone for halloween. She looked so cute. Anyway, I gotta get to work..UGGG. More sick kids, more gossip, more things to clean. I'm the bleach queen and I hate germs. I spray everything with bleach water. I'm gettin tired of sick, snotty nose kids. I love them, but Man is there the sick kids. Calgon take me away...............................

No fair Laura...................

2005-11-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ok fine I thought of a couple more things.. Bob helped me remember.
1. When I was 17 I took flying lessons. I flew Pipers. (low winged airplanes) fun!
2. I love to fish, but not bait my hook.
3. I have been over 7 mountain passes.
4. We was married on the Royal Gorge Bridge.
5.I worked at a Nuclear Power Plant, in NC.
6. I love to shoot arrows.
7. I am really good at the video game "Turkey shoot"
8.I have whelped lots of puppy greyhounds.
9. I love collecting eggs from the hen house.
10. I have riden a tame former 'wild' Mustang horse.
11. I was licked on the face by a giraffe.
12.I lived in the biggest mansion on Lake Geneva, in WI.
13.I fused glass and made jewelry.
14. I enjoy camping.
15. I am a pretty good cook. Ask Bob.
16. I am a good housekeeper. I don't like piles of clutter. Ask Bob.
17. I helped raise a cow for food.
18. I took Dental Assisting class. Too gross.
19. I worked in a factory and made puke pans, and Sara Lee lids.
20. .I have eaten alligator, bear, and rabbit, elk, deer, and I think cat...
Ok I did 40. Everybody happy?...

I'VE BEEN TAGGED....................

2005-11-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

I WAS TAGGED BY KATIE TO SAY TWENTY THINGS ABOUT MYSELF. I HOPE NOT TO SOUND CORNY OR SHOW OFFISH..BUT.......HERE GOES:

1. I HAVE TEN TATTOOS .
2. I'VE BEEN TO ITALY AND SWITZERLAND AND HAWAII.
3. MY FIRST CAR WAS A 71 VEGA.
4. I HAD TWO POODLES AS A GIRL. GIDGET AND COCO.
5. I HAD PET MICE THAT I USE TO LET RIDE AROUND IN MY DAD'S HO TRAINS.
6. I STUPIDLY GREW POT IN MY PARENTS BACKYARD, TIL IT WAS 6 FEET HIGH. I FELT GUILTY, PULLED IT UP AND DRIED IT, THEN SOLD IT. YEP,
I WAS STUPID.
7. I WON A TURKEY AT A GAS STATION ONCE.
8. I RAN A KENNEL OF 72 RACING GREYHOUNDS, FOR TWO YEARS. YEA THATS A LOT OF DOG POOP TO CLEAN UP 4 TIMES A DAY. VERY HARD WORK....!
9. I HAD TWO MAJOR ABDOMINALSURGERIES WITHIN 5 MONTHS. A C-
SECTION AND THE OLD FASHION KIND OF GALL BLADDER SURGERY. OUCH.
10. I'VE NEVER BEEN ARRESTED..............DARN LUCKY THERE.
11. I BUY MOST OF MY CLOTHES AT GOODWILL. AND I LIKE IT.
12. I HAVE MET... HARRY CHAPIN (HE EVEN KISSED ME) TOM CHAPIN, MARIO ANDRETTI AND HIS SON MICHAEL, MOREY AMSTERDAM, BARBARA EDEN, DAVID HASSELHOFF, GEORGE HALAS, OTIS WILSON OF THE '85' BEARS, MARY ENGELBRIET, MANY CHRISTIAN ARTISTS, AND MY FAVORITE.....PAUL NEWMAN SMILED AND WAVED A FRITO AT ME . WE WERE ABOUT TEN FEET APART. I HAVE A PICTURE OF THAT!!!!
13. I HAVE LEARNED LOVE AND COMPASSION FROM MY SISTERS.
14. I HAVE A PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY....LOVE IT.
15. I LOVE GUNS AND I LOVE TO TARGET SHOOT. DIDN'T KNOW THAT, DID YOU?
16. I WAS THE HEAD LICE CHECKER AT THE SCHOOL I WORKED AT. YUCK!
17. I WAS A NANNY TO THREE KIDS. THEY ARE TEENS NOW AND WRITE ME.
18. MANDY TAUGHT ME HOW TO USE A COMPUTER.
19. MY EARLIEST MEMORY I HAVE IS I WAS IN A HIGH CHAIR AND I THREW SILVERWARE ON THE FLOOR. WE LIVED IN CHICAGO.
20. MY FAVORITE ACCOMPISHMENT...HAVING MOLLY IN 1981 !!!

OK I GUESS I HAVE TO DO THE TAGGING..I TAG
HEIDI, DEB D, LAURA F, DENISE H. USE MY BLOG, , DEB V. USE MY BLOG. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE. THIS WAS FUN.......GAIL HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEY!!

Work, Bob, and Strong Men........................

2005-11-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Hi all, Good things happening. I now work 9:30- 3:30 and no nights!!! I am so happy and I feel so much better. I hated going back at 5:00, just to keep telling kids to stop fighting and put things away. I love work now. Halloween was fun. A lot of neat costumes. Not on me tho. I didn't feel like dressing up. It was for the kids. I did wear my Jerry Rice #80 football jersey. Those little kids were so hyped up on sugar that day. Holy moly. A lot of the little girls dressed as Princesses. It fit them . A lot of them are sweet, little, princesses. It was a fun day. I had a total of 'two' trick or treaters......... We live in the country.
I am happy to announce, Bob will be on his way home Nov. 4!!!! Loaded down with cheese curds, and brats. We want our Colorado family to experience Wisconsin food. It should be fun. I can not wait to hold Bob after 7 weeks of being apart, I am so ready for his return!!
I took over some chicken noodle soup and health tea, to Bob's parents, as they are both sick. I love them very much, and want them to get better soon. Last weekend I helped them put up posts, and pulled weeds for a new fence. The dumb neighborhood dogs were attacking the chickens. Yes , my funny, waddling, cute, running chickens, that I love so much. So they hope this fence keeps the dogs out.
Oh I haven't seen the kittens for about a week, until tonight. Just one of them came up to my porch meowing. I was outside yet again cleaning my car windows. It was the little calico female with no tail. I went inside and got her a whole can of soft cat food. I think it made her happy.
I missed my Niece Heidi's costume Birthday party back in IL. last Saturday night, that Mandy threw for her. Heidi is 30 years old. Very hard to believe. Check out Barb's and Mandy's blogs to see the great costumes. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI MARIE!!!!
Last Weds. through Sunday the Strength Team was in town. About 600 people commited or re-commited their lives to Christ. It was fun to watch two of the guys roll up frying pans like a burrito. Wow. Broke 17 blocks of stacked cement, tore in half big phone books, and blow up with their mouths, hot water bottles. But more than that, they all love JESUS CHRIST with all their hearts. Amazing!!! Yes I got pictures. So happy November each one of you. Whom ever reads this anyway. Peace! Gail

2005-10-26T21:50:00.000-06:00

Hey world, I must be very boring to the blog world. No one leaves comments. lol oh well. mandy write. I am glad you got an aide.
No kittys at my door step today. It made me kind of sad. They were cute and I miss them. I even bought kitty food..
Not much new, just found out Bob's rad /tech job will not end this week. He ends Nov. 3. Unless it keeps going on and on. Hopefully I will pass the tests next time so I can work with him and make the good money. I am not a good single woman. I miss him.
Little Roger was sad today because I wasn't in his class room. He called out from his class "Miss Gail I want you to come in here now." It made me happy and sad, but today I was the cook at the Day care. aaagghhhhhh. So I couldn't give the teacher's their breaks cuz I had to cook. I hugged Roger and said I loved him and it will be alright. Man he is a cutie. Monday at the Child care center is their Halloween party. I can't wait to see all these little ones in their costumes. I don't really like Halloween, But I do like costumes. I think I'll go as......hhmmmmm?

Kittens.........................

2005-10-23T12:30:00.000-06:00

Well this is just too weird not to write about. Its Sunday.
Things are good. I went to Saturday evening church and it was great as usual. Such a wonderful Pastor. He is funny, real, sincere and has a fire for the Lord. I love my church. Yesterday was a church cleaning day. I had signed up, and got there around 9:30. I helped another woman clean the kitchen. We talked, shared our lives and then said good bye. I was sad that only about 20 people were there to clean our church. We have a lot of people in our church. Anyway....................
I got to sleep in today and that felt so good as it was cold outside and I was snuggly warm under the covers. I got to talk to Bob for a long time over the phone. :) I finally got out of bed at 9:30. Around 10:30 am I got ready to go treat myself to breakfast. Went to a local place called The APPLE SHED. It was good, I had a hot apple cider instead of coffee. Yum I then traveled to the new dollar store in the next town over. I had a very strange urge to buy cat food. Dumb. I didn't. I came home and went inside and put everything away. I bought some inside the car, window cleaner, so I got some paper towel and grabbed the spray, I open the door and there sat 4 different colored, 5 month old kittens. So weird. I bent down to see if they were mean or friendly. Well, they were so cute I went inside and got some milk, and 3 pieces of bologna. I went outside again and tore up the meat and set the bowl of milk down. They all ate and drank every drop of milk. I sat down and three of them came over purring and crawled on my lap. Yea me. One male was orange, with no tail. One other male was white and gray striped, another one was a dark calico, with no tail, and the other one, my favorite is a female white and gray. Oh brother, I'm thinking. Cats. They purred and crawled all around me and sort of said thank you for feeding them. I cleaned my windows and then sat down again. I talked to them and then said good bye. I hope they belong to someone. I hope the owner gets them all fixed. If they hang around here, I will get them to a place where they will be adopted and spayed or neutered.
So I thought that was something I should share. Me-cats-cute-purring-colorful-cuddly. Oh man...............
On another note Bob will probably be home Oct 30, :) I am glad. Keep prayin..........and Happy Birthday Betty, and brother-in -law Mike, I love you....gail

Bob....I love you

2005-10-21T22:25:00.000-06:00

Friday night.. Haven't heard from Bob for over 24 hours. I think he is being selfish. I have been praying so hard for Bob. I wish he would get it. "Marriage". All couples have ups and downs. Most couples recover. Those who want to. I cherish my marriage. God put us together and I am here to obey God. I screwed up once, I will not screw up again. God is in control of our marriage. I give Him all my heart. I ask whoever reads this to pray for Bob. For Bob to have less stress in his life, and put God first, then ME. To understand how to be a Godly husband to me. For Bob to seek God first in all his decisions. For Bob to see that I love and cherish him even when he makes me mad. For Bob to be like his dear friend Mitch. Thank you............And Bob...........I LOVE YOU. XO

Happy Monday...yeah

2005-10-17T22:15:00.000-06:00

Its Monday. A whole new day. BIG WHOOP. I just read my neice Mandy's blog. I second those thoughts about Laurie. I too wonder if she can see all the hurt and pain she has caused with ending her own life at 20 years old. Shit I hate that she can't come back. I hate this feeling in my heart that will always be a part empty. Like it is leaking and I can't fix it. Its so sad. It is forever painful. People I love can't understand why I still cry over this. I cry because I grieve, because I am emotional , and I cry because it is something that makes me feel better. So there.

I saw a cat walking down the street the other day in the busy town I work in. It had a big fish in its mouth, just walking down the street. It was very odd. I wish people would spay and neuter their cats and dogs. Mostly cats. I don't like cats. Most people get them and don't neuter or spay them and they let them go outside to pooh.. Lazy people. There are too many cats and dogs just roaming free. Why? Because people are stupid and lazy and just don't care. I hate when cats jump on countertops and tables and shed hair all over. Yuck. If you aren't going to spay or neuter your damn animal, then think first. Don't get one. Its NOT cool to have litter after litter of animals and not fix the poor mother. Dumb people. Happy Monday. Bob,,,, I miss you, hurry home.

Cute Kids...............

2005-10-14T22:55:00.000-06:00

One more cute child saying from Child Careland...

One of the kids said to one of the teachers....Miss Biny, "I'm going to go see the movie 'Star Wars' tomorrow at a theatre near you."

Prayers and Reflections..............................

2005-10-13T22:35:00.000-06:00

I work in a Child Care Center. Children are so open, and honest (most of them), I love the daily funny things they say. I've got to share one today.
Two days ago... I made the daily afternoon snack for about 35 children. That day it was just three mixed dry cereals and a glass of milk. No big deal of putting that together. Well, little Alexi says " Miss Gail you're such a good cook." It made me smile.
Everyday one of them say something so cute. I have to start writing them down.

I just bought a nice coffee table and two matching end tables. Tonight I came home and put them together. Ok it was all going well until I realized I put the long legs on the coffee table. So I had to unscrew eight legs and put them back on the right tables. DUH. It was so easy and they look so fresh. I love our place. It does lack one thing.....Bob. I am hoping he will be done in two weeks. I can't wait to show him all I've done around here.
So many prayers on my list. I'd like to share with you.......
Please pray for Deb D in FL. to get through so much grief after she lost her husband and father of her 10 children. So sudden. Pray for her to be strong in the Lord.
Pray for my niece Mandy to get all new personal assistants to help her with all her daily needs.
Pray for all our troops working so hard over there, for us over here.
Pray for Bob to be safe at the Nuclear plant he is at.
Pray for my friend at work to feel safe, and loved and stop having panic attacks.
Pray for my sister Barb. Losing a daughter has just got to be a hard, hard journey even with God by her side. Also pray for her other children Greg, Chris, Katie, and Kristin. They lost our Laurie. pray for me about this too. It is still so hard to soak into my head. Why???? I cry....
Pray for our friend Mitch in AZ. he is healing with God's grace daily. He's a miracle. Yeah God.
Pray for our dear friends in Il. J & B who after 20 years of working at the same place, they dumped his job. After Nov. 30 he has to find a new job. I'm prayin God moves them out here to be nearer to their daughter. :)
Just pray for America and our Freedom. God is so Good, He made you didn't He? Have a great weekend all...............................................Gail

Fall, Friends and Photos..........................

2005-10-06T23:45:00.000-06:00

I love Colorado. Every morning I drive 11 miles into work. The views are so gorgeous! Mountains all around. The way the sun hits them is better then chocolate fondue. That was corny but its true.
Not much new. I miss Bob so much. No one to argue with. Bummer. They may extend the outage and that means more weeks. :( I am just takin each day at a time. I want to fly out there for a long weekend. I do miss WI in the fall.
Work is good. I thank God for friends to keep me some what sane. Someone to laugh with, complain to, and do stuff with. Friends are good!! (LF) I am lovin the kids. The hugs, the pictures, and the funny stuff they say. I should be writing it all down. This one little girl told me that she and her mom went to Disneyland for lunch the same day she was sittin next to me as we were waiting for her mom to pick her up. She is so cute. Then this 10 year old afterschool boy wanted me to see a rock, so he took me by the hand and walked me over to the sandbox area. He wouldn't let go of my hand. So I said, "Hey Jake, if we keep holding hands like this, everybody will think we're married." So he blushed and let go of my hand. It was cute. Another 4 year old drew me an awesome picture of herself holding out her arms. Her mom wrote on it 'A BIG HUG'. She couldn't wait to give it to me. These kids are so special. I have been getting compliments on how well I interact with the kids. It sure makes me feel confident. It's so simple. I just love to listen to children talk one on one. They have lots to say , and I am here to listen. Sometimes they just need a hug.
I can't wait for Brock to call me and draw me pictures. Speaking of pictures, Molly sent me a bunch of new ones!! Brock in a chicken outfit and one in a monkey outfit. Oh man how cute! So many others of the cutest boy. Also pictures of their new remodeled basement. Beautiful. I can't wait to see it in person. They should be very proud of themselves on what a great job they did downstairs. Its fifty retro and I just love it. Good job guys!.
Well thats about all for now...love and bessings to everyone................................

Emotions and Blessings........................

2005-10-02T23:10:00.000-06:00

Its Sunday night. I am finally writing from home. Not the library. I was very sick yesturday.
I am feeling very alone today. I went to church this morning, and that was great as usual.
I miss Bob. I miss Molly, Brock and Mike, and MY family. I am so far away. I know I shouldn't be lonely. I love it here. I have such great in-laws, and great friends at work. They threw me a very fun birthday party Friday.
But I still cry alot. I am very emotional. I have always been emotional. So what? A lot of things bring me to tears....A sad movie, missing my Brock, missing loved ones that have gone to heaven, being alone at night, my husband far away, I feel sad for some of the children who have parents in jail, or a messed up family. They hurt and they are so young. I had a good childhood. I feel guilty.
I think about how my life went stupid back 9 years ago, and all the people I hurt. I know God forgives, but do people really forgive us? I wish people would love me unconditionally no matter what. Think about that word. UNCONDITIONALLY .
Love me with no strings, forgive me when I do wrong, help me do better, pray for me to be a better friend and wife. Cherish me for me, just being me. I use to think I was really a cool person. I want to be loved UNCONDITIONALLY. I want to feel needed, and cherished. I am not trying to sound like poor, pitiful Gail. I am just expressing my feeling today. I love life, I love where I live. I love my families, and friends. I love that I feel better today. I am very Blessed!!!
Bob, if you read this, know I love you, know I am your lonely other half, know you don't need to prove anything to me or anyone. Chill. Life is so very precious, and waaaaaay too short. We could lose our life in an instant. I know that all too well. Cherish 'OUR' life now. I love you.
Got real good news about Mitch. He walked for the first time since July4th. Praise God. I ask for all our friends to please keep praying for him. He has a long way to go. His latest update said he wants to get better so he can get back to working and taking care of his family. He is such a Godly man. He sees how God answers prayers. But he knew that already.
Well, I'm tired and better get to sleep. My poor husband is working the night shift at the power plants. 7 pm to 7am. He is beat in the morning. I'm prayin hon.
Blessing to you all....................................Gail

I'm the Birthday girl..................

2005-09-28T16:15:00.000-06:00

I just read Barb's latest blog. Wow is all I can say. Debbie and her kids must be some awesome people. The whole service for Debbie's husband sounded so nice. I love you Debbie, and I've never met you.

Things are going good. I had a very nice birthday yesterday. The kids at the Day Care , sang to me. I got cards, hugs, emails, calls, and balloons, and a beautiful necklace from my sister-in-law, and her daughter whom I love. Thank you everybody. Friday the girls at work will celebrate me at our meeting. Can't wait.. It was just so cute to hear different children come up to me and say,
" Happy Birthday Miss Gail" "Do you have cake?" So cute. Roger says today, "Miss Gail was yesterday your Birthday? " and I say "Yep Roger it was, remember?" He is just so cute. The little hugs are the best!!!
Working at a Day Care there are lots of people taking turns getting sick. I haven't ..........Yet. Say a prayer for me not to get anything.
I got to talk to Molly on my Birthday. Hearing little Brock in the background brought tears to my eyes. Oh I miss him. He is my cutest boy for sure.
Bob is working hard in WI. 12 hour shifts at night. It isn't the same without him here. I get lonely at night, but I'm doin alright. 7 more weeks.
So that is about all for now. I am so grateful to God for keeping Greg and his family safe in Houston during Rita. Amen...
Mandy, how is Diva? Hope she is not keeping you up at night....puppies.

God gives, and God takes away..............

2005-09-20T16:20:00.000-06:00

Hi once again. Its been two weeks Bob has been gone, and I miss him a lot. Things here are going well. I so love to drive to work just looking at the sun shining on the mountains that surround this area. I told my sister Barb I feel as tho it is like the mountains are God's arms holding me in His beauty and safeness. I just Love it.
A very sad thing happened this past weekend.....My friend Marsha's cousins, son who was just 2 years old, got outside and fell into a pool. He drown. Well they tested his brain function and there wasn't any so the family decided to let his little life be brought back to Jesus. Please pray for this family. The Thompsons. They are from Colorado.
I love our house. I do something new daily. I finally got curtains for the living room and it made such a big difference. I love it. Our landlord, had an accident and she got a compound fracture of her arm. OUCH. I volunteered to help with her house chores or feed the steer in our back yard. Heal quick!
I was so sad to hear about our family friend Debbie Dunlap's husband passing away so suddenly. She has 10 children and lives in FL. I ask God to help her deal with his sudden death and keep her strong. I feel lately so much death in my life. Why? Is God collecting our loved ones for some special reason? I will never know the answer. I just ask Him to help us leftovers down here to cope with all this. God love you Debbie!!!
Well that is about all for now...Oh little Roger is ill this week. Gee I miss him...........
I got to hear my little Brock on the phone the other day. He was laughing so hard. I wish I could just blink myself back there once in a while.....I love that boy. xoxoxoxoxo

Dad I miss ya................

2005-09-14T16:55:00.000-06:00

Today is the one year anniversary of my Dad going to heaven... I miss him. I miss his zany stories. I was there when he passed. I watched as he stopped breathing , then watched and patted his head as his heart stopped beating. Safely into heaven..to be with mom...and Lin, and Laurie.

I loved the story he told Bob one day.. He said that the Andretti's use to put jeff, Molly and me up in their helicopter and fly us to PA for picinics. I told dad, thats not true, But dad just looked at me and said " you'll remember it later." Oh did I love that story...

So before I go, I ask you to say a prayer for me, and call someone you love and tell them you love them....

And yipie I am going to watch Brock for a week in March so Mike and Molly can go on a late honeymoon...:) love, Gail

Found a house to rent

2005-09-10T12:50:00.000-06:00

Hey. Well Bob left today for 9 weeks of work. He took our dog "Fay" with him to keep him company. I will miss him. I am bummin. But I got my niece Rochelle and we went garage sale-ing. I found a tempoary table for the time being, and chairs. We are in a real nice rental house. It has one bedroom and one bathroom and a huge living room. The new furniture looks so nice in it. It is a wood house, and has two turquoise doors. Very cool. It comes with a steer in the back yard. The owners of the house own him. He likes to moo at 6 a.m. So now we leave the roosters and hens and now have a cow.
Work is going good. The little ones, are for the most part, so sweet. I get lots of hugs. Roger is fine. What a little cutie. He sat on my lap yesturday and told me how much he liked penguins.
Molly said Brock has been sick, as well as Mike. Molly is in two weddings this month, so she has to stay healthy.
So thats about all for now, gotta go find a dresser......
Oh Mandy, congrat on DIVA your new little min pin....

Thank God for GOD

2005-09-04T16:01:00.000-06:00

Hey..Here I am, and heres my blog,
Church was so good today. We prayed for all the sadness in the south. Our church is collecting money and much needed essentials for the homeless down there. They want to fill a semi up and be on the road by Thursday. We, Bob and I are collecting clothes for them and giving a small money donation. My thought has always been ask the rich actors and athletes to donate some of what they make. Its obscene. Us little people give with what we have. It is so sad to see so much gone there. Homes totally gone, churches, stores, jobs, people, gone. At church today we listened to the pastor talk about, is this God's judgment on New Orleans? Voodoo, sin, ungodliness? No one knows. All we do know is God is the answer to every question. He is in control of life. We are to live for Him and not man. He has eternal salvation for each of us, if we choose to accept it. He wants us to live for HIM. Our lives here are a blip of how great it will be in Heaven. I do believe this. GOD IS SO WONDERFUL.

Work is going well. I am learning all the children names one by one. I do have a favorite. Little three year old Roger.. Oh my gosh is he a cutie. He was on the play ground the other day about 20 feet from me and he yells.. "Hey, Miss Gail" and I say "What Roger?" and he yells back to me, " I love you Miss Gail" All the other teachers said "oh how sweet" Oh my heart melts. Little Roger is Asian, adorable, and I love him a bunch.
We want these kids to feel loved and safe. That's my job. So many one family homes. It breaks your heart. God gave me a challenge and I gladly accept.

Looking at a house to rent, will know Tuesday. Bob leaves Friday for the Nuclear Power Plants for 9 weeks. Say a little prayer for me to do it alone. I am very co-dependent. But yes I know God is my Father and He will take good care of me........

Toddlers, and Pre-schoolers....................

2005-08-25T11:40:00.000-06:00

Well hello. Happy Thursday!! Okay I'll tell you. I start tomorrow at a Day Care Center. They are open from 6 am to midnight. I will be a floater and help all the teachers. They have toddlers through school age children. (I bet right about now Katie is wishing she could send Denver and Maya out here with me..) I will be doing a little of everything. Teaching, cooking, helping all teachers, cleaning, you name it. I can't wait. The interview went so well, and they could see my love for children. So I'm in the work force once again...Yea
On a down note, My grandson, Brock, got paint thinner in his eye Tuesday night and is in the healing process right now. I wish I could be there just to hold him. Please say a prayer for him. I miss him soooo much.
Oh and just to make you laugh, last night I was out in the area where the chickens waddle and peck the ground, and I was talking to Bob not watching where I was going and I fell into a thick, huge mud puddle. Squish, goosh, gross, yuckypoo. It was funny. I didn't see any chickens laugh. That's a good thing or they might be dinner tonight......... Just kidding. I collected 24 eggs last night. The pullets (young hens) are doing well laying eggs. The eggs are small and cute. I get about 6 of those a day. Its fun.
So that's whats going on in Gail's life. Its all good. I do ask for prayer that Bob get the job in Colorado Springs instead of the Power plants. It would be much better for us... Love, and hugs and keep those comments comin in....Peace

Got The Job...............

2005-08-24T16:23:00.000-06:00

Hey, I got the call today. Just wanted to say... I got the job, I start Friday. Can you guess what I'll be doing?

Jobs and Chickens, and Horses....oh my

2005-08-24T11:25:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to say I have been appling for jobs and yesterday I had an interview!!! It went very well. Thanks everyone for the prayers and encouragment. I am waiting for calls..:)
Fed and watered the chickens today. What a hoot to be around them.. Went back to the horses and loved on them a while. The little baby colt, Fancy, is so sweet. She comes right up to be for hugs and kisses. Oh the Farm life. I like it.
Got a great email from my sister today. Mom and Dad's trailer is sold and the estate is over. yippie. A big burden off my sisters. Thanks God!!
Still waiting on word about Bob's jobs....WI or Colorado Springs??? I vote Colorado Springs... God is still in control.... Have a groovy day everyone...

CHICKENS ARE COOL........................

2005-08-20T10:45:00.000-06:00

Have you ever watched a chicken run toward you? It is the funniest thing.
On the farm each day I bring out treats for the chickens. Sometimes its corn cobs, sometimes its cantaloupe rinds, sometimes its potato peelings, sometimes its vegetable scrapes. I come through the gate and start calling the chickens.."Chick, Chick, Chickens" They come running so fast to see what I have for them that day. They are just so funny. They run-waddle back and forth, and sort of skim the ground with their wings out. If you ever get a chance to stop and watch some, do it. It will put a big smile on your face. They look like a cartoon. I always think of the movie 'Chicken Run' when I watch them run. I don't know why I am blogging this, I just thought everyone should watch a chicken run towards them with great anticipation. I guess that is how I will look when I get to heaven, running to Jesus. With my arms out wide, running so fast, that I waddle back and forth like a happy chicken....................

2005-08-12T13:20:00.000-06:00

Its Friday August 12.
I'm feeling a bit discouraged. Looking for a job, and looking for houses to buy or rent. I guess you have to take the beauty, and look harder for the other stuff. I am online with the job service so that is what I go to every time I get on the computer. I am the type of person who will not just 'take' any job for the sake of getting a job. I want a job I will do well at, and will be happy at. Bob goes to the power plant next month. I would like to be in our own place or with him by then. It is frustrating. I miss my silly job at the dog track. It was not too physical and I liked answering the peoples questions, as dumb as they were. Like... As I was holding a greyhound, at the greyhound track, and someone asking, "What kind of dog is that?" DUH, I would say " A Poodle ." Hello......... and, I miss the kennel work and the paycheck.
I don't want to sound so bummed. Sorry. A lot going on in my mind. I went through photos albums last night and I just miss Mom, Dad, and Laurie. Its so hard to believe they are not there in person anymore and I can't just call them up. Life is just too stinkin short.
I guess I'll go back to the house and talk to the peacocks and chickens. Not realy, I'll go talk to God.....................peace.

Rocky Mountain High

2005-08-10T13:12:00.000-06:00

Not much to say. Still looking for a job for me and a home for us. My mind is mottled with so much stuff to do. I need to be organized and I'm not. I want to be settled, as I 've said so many times before. I do love to drive around here though. These mountains are a God thing that I just can't explain. So high, and colorful, and enormous. It sounds corny, but when I look out at the mountains, I think of John Denver. All his songs about the mountains, and sky, and eagles. Faaarrr out!!
I pray for Lake Geneva youth camp to go well and for Willow Creek to have an awesome summit. 52,000 people Wow.
I will wait upon the Lord for a home and a job. Until then I will be in awe of His handiwork. I miss everyone back home in IL and WI. I miss Brock more than I can say... The little cutie.
Our friend Mitch has been flown closer to his home in AZ. He is healing slowly. He is in a hospital that specializes in head trauma. Keep praying for him please. The updates are great.
I sent some of you a recent 'country' picture of me. Hope ya like it..
Keep me in your prayers, I need all I can get...love & peace.................................

Well life on the farm is kinda laid back..........

2005-08-02T15:00:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon all.......
I had to take a couple minutes to write something funny. Yesterday I went looking for jobs. It has been around 100 degrees here lately. Very warm.. Still have leads, so that's cool. I know the right job will hit me in the face. Keep prayin...
After my work search I came back to the farm and got shorts and a tank top on. I got a blanket and went outside and spread it out. I love the sun so I thought I'd get some rays. I laid down and vegged out. About fifteen minutes later I hear a shuffling of some kind. (Note: At the farm it is quiet for the most part. You hear horses, chickens, etc. once and a while). Well I heard something so I put on my glasses and looked up and there 15 feet from me was one of the male peacocks lookin at me. Then I look over to the left and there stands a chicken pecking the ground. And to my right is Thomasina the cat. It all made me smile. I am defiantly in the country, and not in IL. Weird. Those who know me will laugh.
Last night Bob and I did a real cleaning on the chicken coops. They all have new, clean straw and pine shavings. Last night I collected 22 eggs. If anyone cares. One of the hens eats grain right out of your hand. Its pretty cool.
So today I went looking at homes with a family real estate person. Most of the houses are manufactured homes, or trailers on acreage. They are nicely priced tho. We'll find something, I hope.
Hope you all are doing well. Drop me a line when you can. Stop and smell the roses....xo

2005-07-30T12:52:00.000-06:00

Hey Happy Saturday....
Wow have you ever 'put up' hay? Oh my gosh. Yesturday Bob and I drove up 2 1/2 hours to where Bob's folks take care of this beautiful 100 acre lodge/ranch. We helped them put, count em...100 bales of hay onto two different trucks. We all drove back to their farm, where we are staying, slept, and then this morning at 6:30 am we took them off the trucks and stacked them in the barn. They weigh about 60-65 pds each. What a work out. But doing it together as a family, is just so neat. Betty and Art, my in-laws, are so very precious to me. Not to say they couldn't have, but I can't truly picture my folks, when they were alive and working, doing this. Maybe my mom. She was a hard worker. Bob's dad just throws these bales to stake them. It is amazing to watch. Gotta say I love it here. God is so good! Check Mitch's update!! www.caringbridge.com and put in mitchmccormick . Praise God for healing...and jobs, and friends, and family., mountains, stars, and sunsets.
On a funny note...Molly called this morning, she said Brock can now say "bye bye stinky" as the toilet flushes. Oh, I am so proud of that little boy!!!!! ha ha ha. I miss him a lot. Molly, thanks for calling. I love you!!!!!!!
Well, gotta go call someone about a possible job...until next time....ta ta

July 28, 2005

2005-07-28T13:22:00.000-06:00

Today I got an email from my cousin Laurie saying her sweet dog Samantha passed away the 27th (on her birthday) I feel so sad for Laurie. She loved that dog so much. Please pray for Laurie to get through this sad time. And Happy Belated Birthday cuz.. I love you.
Still looking for a job here and a place to plant roots. We search and search. I must say there sure are less jobs here. For less money but I'll take the beauty over that anyday. Less stress. I am missing family but that is so normal for me. I wonder who misses me. Hmmmmm.
Bob and I played a game of Scrabble last night. That was fun. And I won. He insists that 'tooter' is a word. Come on. I let him use it. Oh brother.
My daily chores around the farm here are so fun. We have to make sure things are watered. It is very dry here. I am in charge of the chicken coop. I put fresh saw dust in the laying boxes and then at 6 pm I collect all the eggs that the girls have laid. I love my job. I usually get about 21. Brown, light green, tan. and off white. None real white. It is a gas. We also have young hens who lay these tiny colored eggs everyday. They don't know yet, how to use the boxes , so they lay their eggs anywhere they want. It is so funny searching for them. The cool part is cooking these fresh eggs in the morning . I feel so countrywomanish now.
Well Mitch is on the mend slowly but surely. They got donations together to send him back to AZ from Iowa,to keep healing. Awesome. The generosity of people blows me away. God is Good!!!! Keep healin our Mitch Lord..amen
Well I ask for prayer for finding a home and a job. I love you all.....Gail

I Miss You Mom.....XO XO XO XO

2005-07-23T12:04:00.000-06:00

Hello from Colorado.....again

One year ago today. MOM

Well we made the long drive in separate vehicles, and it was 1,168 miles. The car ran great and Bob's truck only smoked a little.
I know why I am here. Its just the beauty of this state is more than words can say. Where we are, it is surrounded by these beautiful purple, green, and brown mountains that take my breath away everyday! I just can't explain it. It is God's handiwork right there for everyone to see. I know people take this for granted, but not me. All I wished is that Molly, Mike, and Brock lived here too. I miss Brock soooo much........ So what else is new?
We have been looking for a place to rent near Bob's folks place. The prices are so much less than IL. Plus you get land. Everyone around here has horses. It's very cool. I've been looking in the papers for a job. And asking people all over if they know of places needing a great employee. ME! Ha Ha.
Bob and I got to actually visit with Mitch and his wife in Iowa, while on the way to CO. We found the hospital and went up to ICU. We met Mitch's wife Joan (what a pillar of strength) . We talked with Joan a while then she got permission for us to go into his room. He is still in a coma, but healing. He puts his arm under his head and rubs his belly. So they know his brain is well. He has had so many surgeries. We are praying for a full healing from head to toe. He is such an awesome man of God. It was truly a blessing that we got to actually see and touch him and pray for him right there.
Please keep praying for Mitch. Bob has shaved his hair down to look more like Mitch. Also has Mitch's goatee. We left our pictures of Mitch, Bob, and I with Joan. She loved them.

I have been reading everyone's blogs lately and I can relate to Mandys. The hurt she feels of Laurie taking her own life. And Katie not putting Laurie on a pedestal anymore. Yep. Why? She is missing so many great life things. Its so sad to me and I still cry about it.

Today is the one year anniversary of my mom going to heaven. Oh man I miss her. I relive the day over and over. I am jealous of Karen Pelka's mom doing so well after having the same thing mom had. God Bless Her. I just miss my mom. You just can't replace your own mom, ever. My mother-in-law Betty, is great. She has so many children, and grandchildren, and great grandchildren, yet she takes time to love me. Wow. So I do have a mom. Thanks God, for giving me the people in my life who care, and love me...........Keep guiding me, loving me, and thanks for this place, Colorado. You did a great job with it. Amen...

July 19 , 2005

2005-07-19T20:02:00.000-06:00

Hello World,
Just wanted to say see ya in Colorado. We leave this week and I am excited and sad. Leaving Little Brock, Molly and Mike is very hard. But I know this will be a good thing. Colorado is peaceful, beautiful, slower paced, and no humidity. I will miss my family, but off to my other family. Bob's family. A great bunch of people. God is showing me the way I am to go. I feel that. We can come back and visit, and they can come to CO and visit.
My major concern right now is our friend Mitch McCormick in a hospital in Iowa. Still in a come since July 5. With many, many broken bones, and injuries. Please pray for him. Anyone who wants to know more about him check out the web site Caringbridge.com and click in his name. I keep praying that God touches him from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet and heals everything in between.. Mitch is such a good friend and we just want to see him healed.
I ask in Jesus name to take care of all my family and have His angels watch over them all. Also to keep Bob and I safe as we travel in separate vehicles on the way to Colorado. Peace.................
p.s. A congrats to all who walked the 20 mile overnite walk, for suicide prevention/ awareness. Blisters, cramps, and sore feet will go away. Good job gang..

Humbling Times............

2005-07-14T16:40:00.000-06:00

Check this blog out for an exciting next step in my life.... I am being humbled everyday. Everyone should try living in a campground. Despite some setbacks, things are going ok. God is Good!! gail

Live From Colorado.....

2005-07-07T16:25:00.000-06:00

I am here in Colorado writing this in a library. It is hot out, but not a Chicago hot.
I have been a mish mosh of emotions while on this trip. I am a worrier. I don't like being full of worry, because God doesn't want us to be. I know this. I worry about our money, our truck, the near future, the dogs, jobs, emails I just got about friends. I am a worrier. Forgive me Lord. Help me get to a place of contentment.
I love being here in Colorado. It is so much less hurried than IL. People are friendly. The mountains are awesome. We have driven here three in the front seat of a pick up. Squishy. But we have had good times. Bob and his brother Ray talking about their childhood memories. That is fun. I got to go out shooting with Ray. We used Dad's '22' and I must say I am pretty good with a gun. That was fun. I won't say what I shot at. And ridin the 4 wheeler all over. There are many horses up there on the ranch and two of them "Rusty and Blue" were cuddling me. It was so cool. I love horses. There were also 4 mares with colts. The ranch is just so fun. It is in Sargents, CO. We skipped going to see fireworks on the fourth. Instead, we sat around the campfire and sang. It was a memory for me. I love Bob's family. His dad is a neat, hard working man with a sparkle in his eye. I love him. His step-mom Betty, is a do everything kind of woman. And a very good cook!! She gives good hugs too. I love them. Ray is a minister of God's word, and lives in Tulsa, and has given me some great wisdom. Thank you Ray. Ray is doing the wedding we are going to Saturday. His first wedding!!. I know he will do great.
Bob and I also got to see Laurie and Doc. Please pray for their dogs Samantha and Savannah. Both are ill and it will be very hard on Doc and Laurie when they pass on. Laurie and Doc love their dogs, like most of us love our children. Love you guys!!!!
I looked at my emails today and got some very bad news. Our dear friend MITCH, was in a car accident on the 5th. He is in critical condition. Mitch is a strong Christian from AZ. Also, our friend Jeff, from the dog track in WI, lost his father to cancer on the 5th. I know it will be hard on him. Jeff, as far as I know is not a Christian. Please pray for both of these friends. Thanks.
And while you are praying stick a prayer in there for Bob and I. We need it.
I do have some great news.....My nephew and his wife, Chris and Christa brought home little Reece Edward Boncimino, this week and he is so adorable. I can't wait to hold the little bundle of cuteness. Now Hayden has a little brother. Brings back memories of Chris and Greg.
I missed Molly's birthday being out here. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY MOLLY GIRL!!!!!!! i miss Brock sooooo much too.
Okay, I have rambled on and on. Just trying to catch up on things. Keep God first in your life no matter how fast life is going.........Peace...................................

a hot Thursday....

2005-06-23T16:15:00.000-06:00

Things seem a bit better today. I have been in prayer and searching my bible for answers. God is Good. I love Bob and I pray he will seek God more...

Stupid Money.......

2005-06-21T22:17:00.000-06:00

Tuesday.... Since this about me and I can write anything I want, I will.
I am very confused with life right now. I'm not working right now and I hear about it. I would like to be settled and get a job. Or even babysit again. Money is so necessary, and so stupid. We are going through a very rough time right now. Bob's work is in Spring and Fall only. Unemployment is so unreliable.
I am still struggling with losses, and depression, and with the way life is going right now I am always trying to lift myself up with happy things. God , my bible, little Brock. He puts a smile on my face.
We are planning a trip to Colorado, but there isn't money for it. Do we cancel it and start working somewhere? Where do we go? I would like to rent to own, or just start small with what we can afford. Nothing fancy. Nothing dumpy either. When you have big dreams, you can dream, but get out of debt first, and be realilistic. Start small and work your way up. You can't start with the big stuff. Plan. Its not going right. We were going to buy my parents trailer and now its over, we can't. So now what? Oh Lord, I just want to be settled. A place of our own. I feel so old. I just want to be settled. I don't want to live 4 weeks at a time here and there. Settled. Roots. Family. A home. Even a rented home.
Whoever reads this, please pray for us. As I have said over and over, God is in control, He knows where we go next. It's all in His hands. Lord make me who you want me to be. Shape me, Love me, Guide me.......gf

Happy Birthday Lin.......

2005-06-20T09:44:00.000-06:00

Monday June 20, 2005

Good Morning.. Happy Birthday my sister Lin. In Heaven. I miss you more than words can say. Yes It's been 8 yrs but still everyone misses you. Because you were fun, and funny, and compassionate, and caring. You were loving, and giving, and a friend to everyone. You gave more than you got. You taught me so much about life and were like another mom to me. I will always miss you. The day you went away, I thought, No one deserves to be in heaven more than my sister Lin. But, why so soon? Was your job really done here on earth? You gave and gave and gave some more. I honor you and your life Lin. You were awesome. I miss you so much. I sit here and cry. I hope your eternal life is fun up there. Well, you do have mom, and dad, and Laurie up there. I bet you are making a Red Velvet cake for your birthday. Well, I don't know how you celebrate up there. I just know you are missed and will forever be loved down here. I love you my sister Lin.......Immensely!! love, Gail

2005-06-18T17:47:00.000-06:00

Happy Saturday.....I got to be with Brock today and babysit. Being with that little cutie is my favorite thing to do. I don't care if he cries, or whines, I love him with everything I am. Being a grandma, is the greatest adventure of life. I got a new bible from Molly yesterday. A Life application bible. It is so wonderful. I dove right into it last night. It will keep me in God's word. I can look things up. And its a study Bible. I love it. Thank you Molly my sweet daughter.
Life is still upside down with finding a home and just everyday living but I know God is guiding us, and is slowly showing us where He wants us to be. Will we just travel with Bob's job? Will we buy a home? Will we rent a home? He knows I want to be settled. But it is in His timing, not mine.
It's beautiful out today and it was just nice to babysit Brock, see Mike and Molly and Little Phil and Valerie stopped by. A very nice day. Bob even got to help Mike a bit. Male bonding.
Tomorrow is Father's Day. My first Father's Day without my own Father. I will think about him much tomorrow . So Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there............ Love eachother....xo gail

Mold me God.......

2005-06-16T11:25:00.000-06:00

Its a nice day outside. Breezy and sunshiny. So much on my wee little mind... We leave for Colorado next week, Yippie, and so much to do yet. trying to process life.. trying to find a home... trying to be a nice person....trying to heal my sadness, even if my body wants to yell....
Life takes time and money.. Money is so dumb. But so needed.... I don't want to be rich, just have enough to enjoy life here on earth without debt, and share it with friends and family.....
Church was good last night, I was glad I was there. Harvey talked about how we are the clay and God is the potter. I am slowly being molded. I feel sometimes that I am a bowl ready to be filled with really neat stuff, then sometimes I feel like a tea cup only able to hold a little bit of info. I want to be molded into a beautiful bowl that God can hold and be proud of. Able to carry anything and any situation. I want to not worry about everything as I do all the time. God doesn't want us to worry, but thats all I do. I keep telling myself HE is in control and I should leave it all to Him. I pray and pray and pray.....What do I pray for? I pray to be content and happy with what I have in my life. I pray for guidence. I pray for my marriage to be better. I ask for forgiveness for swearing, or yelling at Bob, or being jealous about something. I pray for my family and my awesome friends. I want God to be proud of me and my simple life. I want to show God's beauty in my photos. I can't wait to get to Colorado and start taking pictures of HIS creations. Mountians, wild flowers, wild life, Bob's family. Bring it on.
So God, please keep molding me, loving me, shaping me to what you want in my life... I love you......Gail

I only want Peace.............

2005-06-14T12:05:00.000-06:00

I don't keep up with my blog very well. I guess I don't have a very thrilling life. I do love to read everyone else's blogs in my family. Katie... you write , you speak volumes...Keep it up girl.. I love you...
Things are crazy right now. All I want is Peace in my life. God's peace. I feel I am failing Him. I pray, I read my bible, I sing worship songs, I love HIM. Yet I feel so out of it. I know I ask God so many things. I'm not trying to rush things. I just want Peace. I want to be settled in life. I want to feel secure in my marriage. I want to feel loved by my husband, not just sometimes but all the time. I guess we are a lot alike. Yet, we were raised way different. I love him.
I have been a Christian for 24 yrs. I grew, I got really involved, then I left, I stumbled, big, I cried, I learned, I worked hard, I struggled, I hated myself, I hurt people, I felt my family hated me, I was hurt, I was confused, then I called out to God again, I repented. I want forgiveness for everything I did bad. I want peace in my life. I want God fully in my life. All around me now. I know everything that is good comes from God. I do know that. I want to feel content wherever I am. I'm not there yet. I am very discontent. I need to be settled. Its my fault. No one else's. I need prayer you guys....God knows what's going to happen next. I'll be here just waitin and prayin. Keep healin me God.
P.S. And God.... Please bless my family, my friends, my husband Bob, showBob and I where we should go next in life. Heal my families hearts. Bless them..hold them close...Lord... love, Gail

Love ya God !!

2005-06-10T10:01:00.000-06:00

Its hot out. Summer. I love when God spoils us with a sweet breeze on a hot day. The trees slowly wave back and forth. Its God's way of saying, "Hey, I'm here for you, pay attention." I try. I see God in so many things.. A baby, nature, my family, my dear friends, and even our dog 'Fay'. She smiles. Its like she smiles just telling me to hang on, keep going.. Some people would think she is snarling, But its not a snarl. She curls her lip over her teeth and her nose wrinkles up, she smiles. This may sound corny but this 9 year old, Greyhound, has comforted me more times than I can say. She lets me cry on her. She is there with me when I am sad. Man's Best Friend. Yep.
It's been so hard this past year. It will be one year next month that my mom passed away. A year already? It seems like it was just the other day. Oh how I miss her. She had such a wit about her. So funny. Every year on my birthday she'd call me and say " Happy Birthday " and I'd say, "Thanks mom, thanks for having me." and every time she'd say, " Hey, no problem." Just a funny thing I remember. I miss her. A year already? NO way.
It's weird how we all 'go on'. We hurt and we are sad, yet we go on. Sometimes I'd just like to say to people.." Quit bein so damn happy, my mom and dad died, and I'm not having a nice day." " My niece died and I miss her, no I'm not having a good day. ". But we can't do that. It's not 'PC'. Oh well. My counselor says I can say anything I want to . I can cry as much as I want to. I can be sad whenever I want to . Its all in the healing process. Thanks Michael.....
Its a hot day but we "GO ON". I will never, ever, never let go of my memories of my loved ones. They will live in my heart forever..I will remember, their smiles, their laughs, their smell, their hugs. and....their love for me..............

HEALING

2005-06-08T12:15:00.000-06:00

I have so much on my mind. Finding a home with Bob, getting a job. I want to do everything. One thing at a time. In God's timing. I know I stress out about stuff. I am trying not to. Do we look for a house, or do we live at friend's houses and in motels til ???? I want to be settled. But with Bob's nuclear jobs, we can't settle. Travel for 3-10 weeks at a time. I want to live together not apart. So should we get a home? AAAAGGGGHHHH. Too many decisions. Too many people saying "You should do this." Too much advise. God is in Control.

I find peace in my photography. I look for God's art work in everything I take pictures of. I love His flowers. I love His mountains. I love His birds. I love His salt water fish. Oh man He made so many different colors of fish. How did he choose which colors went to which fish? They are just so beautiful. I am in constant awe of God's awesome beauty. His sunsets and sunrises. Oh wow. I could go on and on. Trees, butterflies, horses, dogs, people. He made us all different, and with different goals and plans.

I don't want a big house with expensive furniture and things. I want to live in a modest home, with simple things. I feel God wants us to live simply. Its all about living for Him anyway. Look what He had.

I have made so many bad choices in the past. Forgive me. I have hurt so many people in the past. Forgive me. I have made tons of mistakes and I know it. Forgive me. I am far, far, far from perfect. I don't intend to try to be perfect. Only Christ is perfect. I have been praying for God to guide me. To guide Bob and I to the future. I love Bob and I want us to work and go forward and live for God. There is much to repair. God is in control. I know this. I ask God to help heal me. I am still missing Mom, Dad, Laurie, and of course Lin, and my friend Paulette. Its hard to let someone go. I just miss them. I can miss them. Its alright to miss them. I miss being around them. I ask God to forgive me and forgive all the things I did that hurt Him. He does forgive us. I ask God to let Bob and me be best friends and to be there for eachother. To love eachother everyday. To help us through the bad times and help us love eachother, like GOD does, unconditionally. No strings, no hurt feelings, no nastiness. Just love.

I think I've said a lot today. Healing... Healing is good...........I am healing . Thank you Jesus....

Happy Birthday Laurie

2005-06-07T18:57:00.000-06:00

Its been a long day of thinking about Laurie. I just keep thinking as if she was still here. All the friends she has and all the fun she would have had with them. So today was just plain. I miss you Laur. I know a lot of people did special things in your honor. I love you. I miss you. Happy birthday sweet girl......love, Aunt Gail

My First Blog.

2005-06-03T12:43:00.001-06:00

Here I am starting my own blog. Get ready to see my thoughts on this page. Hope I don't hurt any feelings, but if I do sorry. It's my blog...

Summertime

2005-06-03T11:22:00.000-06:00

Lets see, I'll start with thanking my niece Mandy, for helping me set up my blog. Thanks Mandy!!
I have been encouraged by three people to start writing my own blog. Barb R, Deb. V, and Mandy. Thank you guys.
I want to start by just sharing my feelings about my niece Laurie. March 2, of this year was just about the worst day of my life. The day Laurie took her own life. Why Laurie? No one can say. A beautiful, happy, loving, sweet, charming, giving, always smiling, funny, engaged, strong Christian woman. I will never understand this. 1000 people at her wake. 1000. 950 at the memorial service. Yikes. I'll be lucky if 25 people show up. 1000!!
It floors me when I think back to the wake. All those people who loved one girl, one young woman with so much to live for.. Did she know so many people loved her that much? Was she looking down saying, "Maybe I made a mistake?" I don't know. Three months have past and it isn't really easier. She is still gone from us. I so long to see her again, to hear her laughs, and listen to her stories. I love the one she told me about a man who came into Starbucks and he was always ranting and in a hurry and had to have his caffeine, and Laurie and her co-workers made his de-caf. She would laugh as she told the story. I miss her stories.
Its summertime now, Laurie's birthday would have been June 7th, next Tuesday...21 yrs old. Just starting life. Oh Laurie, I hope you are happy in Heaven and its where you really wanted to be. You left so many people missing you, You hurt so many people by what you did. We are all trying to heal. So many people are still mad at you, still sad, angry, confused. You were someone we all liked to be with. It just hurts so big Laurie. But you will forever be loved........Tell Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Lin I miss them too. Life is way too short......