Update

Happy Easter! I'm sitting here waiting for the kids to come over. It's only Jess, Ant, and Phil as Rob has to work... :( But, at least the rest are! Church this morning was a wonder. The kids were adorable and the message really really good. So many went forward and it was such a blessing!

Only one of the canary couples have had eggs. Three so far. The one that built her nest first hasn't had any! I know it's a red alert, but am not entirely sure what to do about it. She seems to pop around the cage eating alright...

Paul and I are considering builing an aviary in the loft. We need to check out how much it would cost, and just how much work it would be. I have always wanted one and cannot imagine how fun it would be! I like the idea of having it indoors so I can enjoy it all of the time and not have to worry about weather and insects.

I had to tell the lady from church I couldn't be on the toy cleaning assignment. I did it twice and it was SUPER hard on my back. There is unfortunately something about the perpetual leaning over the sink that KILLS me. Not that I'll miss the job, just that I think it makes me look like a loser for not doing it. But it seemed insane to do something so insignificant at such a cost. She mentioned the possibility of making some Playdoh....guess I'll hang out and hope.

Some things never change

Like me for example. I've purchased some new canaries to breed. Still had a male here who was singing and the cages w/accessories so I had a bit of a start. I've decided I have a need to take care of something.

Yesterday with Jess was really fun. We went to go to see the movie He's Just Not That Into You. Really cute and fun. A perfect lala mindless type for an afternoon with popcorn and candy. We also had sushi for lunch, putting in and switching loads of laundry in between. I'm trying to talk her into once a week but I'd settle for once a month....Jess?

Went to Mom's to do the Bible lesson and visited with her and Joe today. Really a nice pleasant and relaxing little visit. Afterward, I met Jess, Ant, and Rob for dinner at Islands. A GREAT couple of days. The boy's are growing up so much and so fast lately. They've both commited to the Leech Lake vacation this year...we're just waiting on Jess and Phil's call... I really hope it could work out.

That's about it. I have the birds all set up. Two pair. They seem to all be getting along. Keep your fingers crossed!

I'm over the old title showing

I have NOTHING to share. I'm simply tired of the Official Toy Cleaner being at the top of my screen. Chuck I blame you for the fact that no one ever writes on their own personal blogs. You make yours so interesting and intriguing that it makes us feel like we have to have some sort of a point to write one.....thus, some of us never do.

I do however pick up that there are many of you out there who like myself, sift on this website DIGGING for any new tidbit of information (ie checking back on the cereal blog) in order to pass the time over a morning cup of coffee.

I REALLY enjoyed the old blogs that were just about someones day. Nothing special, just what was going on. Kept me up to date and informed and I like that just as much as anything else. Chuck, you however need to continue to write blogs with the caliber of material you have already committed to.

The week has been fairly uneventful. Sarah is missed (she's ADORABLE Dean) and I've been filtering back into the yards as well as nursing a small cold. Today however Jess is coming over to do laundry! YEAH! It may as well be a day at Disneyland for me. I'm REAL perky!

Tomorrow out to the OC...and the weekend is just Jeff's birthday. And our Sunday morning class. TTYL

Official Toy Cleaner

I wanted to share my experience with my new ministry. Now you might remember my going to the church a couple of times to make myself available for service. I have TONS of time and was sure there'd be tons of opportunity. I had several ideas of how I could contribute and help. The call came week before last. I was SO excited! Finally, the call I'd waited for...the possibilities were endless! What might they need help with? They needed a toy washer. Yes, a toy washer. My first reaction was to pretend I never got the message, find something else somewhere and possibly leave the church since I knew I could be identified as the person who volunteered.

I remembered Paul's and mine reading that morning just happened to be in John where Jesus washed the disciples feet. I considered this enough reasons to pursue the job. I'm sure the Lord is trying to teach me something here. Humility for sure. My issue with pride perhaps. I thought I'd hit rock bottom when I was laid off from my job (as the pointless person that could be eliminated) nope...now, your assignment is... toy washer.

Fortunately Paul and I share a great sense of humor. I called to tell him the story and he says "What? I thought they'd have you running the school or something...." Then he starts laughing and says "Moses! Moses! I'm here to help you! Do you need some help parting the red sea?" Moses replies, "Yes! We need someone to count the dogs!" Really put it in perspective.

So yesterday the big day arrives. I report to the church to pick up my toys for cleaning. There are six LARGE bins of toys. Toddler to Kindergarten. As I arrive home and begin to tackle the assignment I quickly become overwhelmed. What it looked like was someone had purchased 50 different toys, dumped them on the ground, mixed them up and then randomly placed them in the bins. Before long I have sections set up in the kitchen after the washing (which was a NIGHTMARE in most cases. Did we actually give these toys to the children?) one for food (plastic) one for action figures, one for Mr. Potato Head pieces...(where's his body?) It takes me 8 to 9 hours I'm not exagerrating. My back is killing me, I have toys all over the kitchen, on the patio drying, doll bodies and doll clothes in the dryer...I must have used the word nightmare 30 times.

I will say there was probably no one that would have done as good of a job as I did. You needed to use the magic eraser (how many people even KNOW about the magic eraser) to remove the marks on the toys, and I'm positive that no one is as anal as I am about organization and order. I found myself practically giddy when I'd find a part or a piece that went to something else. The unfortunate part was I started worrying about next week....will they return the toys to the right bin? Do I need to start policing the situation?

I returned the toys this am. When I get in one of the rooms I look around..tons more toys (all filthy of course) Most of them are of the larger variety (THERE'S where the iron and cell phone go) however, tucked in one corner was an EIGHT drawer plastic bin FULL of more dishes and food. I get to take these next week... PLEASE pray for me. Humorous as it is, it's also very boring and very tedious. I'm trying to remember that Jesus probably wasn't having fun either and I'm quite certain that A LOT of people volunteering and participating in ministries aren't necessarily feeling fulfilled and happy at the end of the day, the week, or often the year. I am learning I'm quite a little stuck up baby that thinks I have it all going on. (do they realize the capabilities I HAVE?) I'm fairly sure the Lord has me doing this for MANY reasons.

I'm on the phone!!

I have a topic I'm curious to see people's thoughts on. I guess I could have included a (C) as I'm sure opinions will vary, but it's so unimportant that I didn't bother. Seemed like overkill.

Jess and I were talking yesterday about being on a cell phone when you are at a checkout, a teller, whatever. As the "teller" I remember it being somewhat annoying if someone came to the window never once acknowledging my existence and tossed their transaction on the counter while they proceeded to chat on the phone. I believe it became tolerable at the point where they said hello, maybe smiled, and appeared to be available for interruption if I should have any questions.

What bothers me now is the disgusted look of a checker when I approach the check out while on the phone. At one point, the banking center in Newport actually posted signs that they would not wait on you if you were on your cell phone. Can you imagine?

My opinion is that if I've come to you, and am paying for something, service or goods, I'm on MY time. And money. I owe you the common courtesy of a hello, and a thank you, but I do not need to give you my undivided attention while you perform your duties. Thoughts?

My day Friday

Hey all. As usual there isn't any action on the blog when I come on to it. Just wanted to say what a wonder the Bible Study was this morning. I was really impressed with how organized and structured you guys had it going. I think it's going to be a really great way to get to know each other on a whole new level. I really did enjoy it!

After Deb's, I stopped by Costco on the way home. It was FREEZING! It seems as though it's either really hot or really cold.

The weekend holds not a whole lot of anything. Last one for a long time. It gets a little action packed after this.

For those who haven't seen him, Cody was DARLING today. Mel and Great Grandma horded him to themselves however. Have a great weekend all.

Slow on the Snort Rail

What the heck? I realize I have the least amount of a life on here but I have to think there must be more going on out there than I'm getting on here. I log on...desperately I might add...wait for it...wait for it...one new blog on the main page, two comments (if I'm lucky) and a decoy story from Chuck's Corner on the personal blogs.

It's hard I know to come up with anything of any interest. But let's face it, one of us is as desperate as the next for something. Any fresh decorating Di? Anyone switching a load of laundry? Come on...nothing.