Ok, been a LLLLOOOONNNNNGGGGG time since I posted. Much has happended. Jeremy surprised me last weekend and came home for mother's day. It was SO wonderful to see him and have him home for a few days. Wish Mandi had been with him too but she is finishing up the school year in Florida. Next weekend, Ronnie flys down to get her and all the "stuff" and drive it up to Aiken. Then the move will be complete!!! She is SO excited to get up there with Jeremy as he is to have her home at last. It is so great to see your children happy and healthy. School year almost over here. TIF grant goes in tomorrow. Enjoy the sunshine!!!

I knew it would all work out ok~

Mandi left for Aiken, S.C. on Friday to join Jeremy. Today they called and said they found an apartment they both like very much. Bigger than the one in Florida and cheaper too. J is off on Monday and Tuesday so they will move in on Monday. J is so happy to be in their own place and out of the club and the stinky hotel room (was a smoking room).
Pat and I went to Mt. Vernon today to shop, had lunch and came home. Nice day to be out.
Mert and Bill will be home in a month. We pick them up in Akron on April 5th.
Working Thurs and Fri this week. Fri. is all day in Columbus. Oh, well someone has to do it...
Supposed to be a warm week here in Ohio..ENJOY!

February 24, 2012

Jeremy is on his way to Sage Valley to begin his new job. Mandi wishes she could go with him but in two weeks she will join him over spring break and hopefully they will find their home near the golf course. She has most of their household things packed and labeled. Jeremy said all that was left was her clothes. Boxes everywhere according to him.

Worked two days this week. Have to do some work on the non tested grades and special areas. Meeting planned for early March. Lots of reading to catch up on this week.

"To find beauty in everyone you must see beauty in everyone, then announce that you see it, for in announcing it, you place it there in their reality. Do not miss a single chance -- not one single opportunity -- to tell someone how wonderful they are, how special they are, how important to you they are, how incredible as a person they are, how beautiful they are inside and out. Do not miss a single opening in which to insert such a comment, genuinely felt and genuinely meant. Make it your life's mission today to bring to the attention of another just how extraordinary they are. Say it. Say it. SAY it. Their heart is waiting to know that their own best thought about themselves can be believed.” ~ Neale Donald Walsch

February 16, 2012

What a week!!! Jeremy sent a resume to Sage Valley, was given a phone interview and then asked to travel to Augusta for a face to face interview. HE GOT THE JOB!! What a fabulous opportunity for he and Mandi!!! He will begin his new job March 1 and Mandi will finish out the school year then join him in May. She has a spring break so they can house/apt. hunt then.
SO excited for them and us too. They are only 600 miles away now and it is a doable road trip for a weekend visit.
Happy Dance Happy Dance!!!

February 5, 2012

Leo (7/23-8/22)

Someone is starting a new phase of their life today, and you will be especially tuned into it. The purpose of your allegiance with this person is not completely clear, but you will serve as a witness, as proof of another person's fresh beginning. This person could be anyone -- a family member, a friend or even a complete stranger. Your task is to stay in the moment to be ready to gain inspiration from someone else's remarkable transformation.


Just in case some good news comes this week to someone I know I can say it was in the stars!

February 4, 2012

HAPPY 37TH BIRTHDAY JEREMY! WE LOVE YOU!!

Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point.
- Harold B. Melchart

January 31, 2012

This picture just cracked me up!
Spring has sprung in Ohio. Crazy weather here this past month in particular. One day snow and ice, the next can be in the 50's. This week is supposed to be 40-50 all week. Hope the flowers don't come up too soon. I'm pretty sure there will be more bad weather to come.

Hoping Jeremy and Mandi hear good news this week. They seriously want to move back up north to the Savannah/Hilton Head area. Just waiting on the right job to come about.

Pat got good news that he can get lasik surgery and not have to wear glasses which he has worn since 5th grade. Yay! So surgery is scheduled for the 17th.

January 21, 2012

Ok so winter has come again to Ohio. Friday was a late start for CCS but all the rest of the districts were closed. Had a massage at 10 and roads were ok by then. However, Washington gathering at Yucatan was cancelled since they were calling for ice and more snow late Friday nite. We did get the snow but not the ice :).

Pat and Jeremy learned how to call face to face on the ipads/iphones. It is great fun to talk and see the kids while we are talking. I think the boys like their ipads!! Tonight I was playing words with friends with Jacie Wright and up popped Jeremy to talk. GREAT fun!

Pat and I stayed home all day today. He plowed earlier and the dogs had fun running in the snow off and on today. Tomorrow we will probably do the same. Gonna watch some football too.

Stay warm everyone!!!

January 8, 2012

Worked last Thurs. and Friday. Friday was an all day inservice for OTES in Zanesville. Good information. Now I wish I had applied for the train the trainer program but apps closed Dec. 31.

Have to take Mike to the eye dr. tomorrow for his other laser surgery. Probably have to take him back on Tues for his follow up. At least Pat won't have to take the time off work to do it. Thurs. and Fri. I work again. Friday is inservice for all teachers. I will be with Grant on OTES session and then by myself with the TIF session. HOpe teachers ask some good questions! Seems they don't really care much about all the work a few are doing for their benefit.

Jeremy had his first day at TwinEagles today. Group of players arrived in a helicopter! Some people have WAY too much money! Hope it is a good gig for him.

Rain this week....:(

January 3, 2012

It was a WONDERFUL Christmas!!! Jeremy and Mandi were home for a week. We had to share their company with the Hockenberrys and friends but we did get to see quite a bit of them. Mandi and I got our hair done on Thurs. "girl time" :)
Saturday we had Mike and John for dinner...prime rib yum! Joanie had to work so we sent a care package home for her. The weather was good while the kids were home so there wasn't any worry about them driving back and forth from Malvern. The iPads were a BIG hit and a surprise for everyone. Loved the things we got and gave to everyone but best of all was just having Jeremy and Mandi home!!
Tuesday night we went to Molly's for the McKenzie Christmas. Gavin and the Boose family were there too. It was a GREAT night! Lots of good food and family.
All too soon it was time to take the kids to Columbus for their flight back to Florida. They went to the OSU basketball game the night before and had little sleep before their 6AM flight. Sad to see them go back but have to think it is just so they can come home again soon.
Jeremy got an outside job at TwinEagles in Naples. He is very excited to start at a new club. FINALLY out of Triple C and on to better things.
Happy New Year to ALL!!!

December 20. 1022

Doing the happy happy dance!!! Jeremy is out of the hospital with a clean bill of health!!! He and Mandi will be on the plane tomorrow night bound for home. I can't wait.
Car is ready to be picked up. Guess it was water in the gas line??? Tanskey's said it started every time. We shall see.....
Finishing up the chex mix, cookies and caramel corn. One last sweep tomorrow with the sweeper and I'm ready. (I think...)
Merry Merry!!!

December 19, 2011

Oh My! What a differnce a week makes. Last Thursday, Jeremy wasn't feeling well and he had Mandi take him to the ER. He was coughing and not breathing well. While there they did a breathing treatment, xray, catscan,EKG and an echocardiogram plus numerous blood tests. They decided to admit him thinking he might have a bacteria in his blood from his dental surgery. UGH!!! Several days later of more test and shots and antibiotics he is hoping today (Monday) that he will be released to go home. The first blood culture which was positive was proven to be contanimated and the last two cultures have been negative (good) all tests came back showing nothing so heart and lungs are good.
Mandi has been a constant angel watching over him and keeping us posted on progress. What would we (he) do without her!!
In the meantime back in Ohio, Pat had a birthday on Friday.Happy Birthday Honey! We also got a new leather couch delivered on Friday. It is wonderful! Love it! I made Pat an Italian cream cake and it turned out pretty good.
We went to Bob Evans for breakfast yesterday and the CR-V won't start. Not needing a jump start...Pat thinks it might be the fuel pump. It's not even a year old yet!!! GGGGRRRRR!! So called Honda Care and they will come today and tow it to Zanesville for repair. Good thing is that it should be free but a pain to have to take the time to drive down there to pick it up.
Today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Joanie!
Hoping Jeremy gets out today with a clean bill of health and that he and Mandi are on the plane home Wed.

December 14, 2011

This sign is for all my teacher friends.....LOL...I'm thinkin of you.
One week from today I will be on my way to Columbus to pick up Jeremy and Mandi....whoopie! Can't wait to see them!!

December 11, 2011

Yep, I think winter is well on it's way to Ohio. In the teens this morning.
Pat and I went to Z'ville yesterday and got a new couch...leather! It is being delivered Friday-his birthday. Now to get rid of our old one....maybe one of the guys at work will want it???

Just a week and a few days and Jeremy and Mandi will be home! Been busy cleaning and decorating. This will be such a wonderful Christmas having them home.

All the presents are bought. Have a couple more still coming in the mail that should arrive this week. Next week is for baking...chex mix, carmel corn, cookies and Pat's birthday cake.

Tomorrow I go to Columbus for a TIF meeting...ugh! At least it won't be bad weather. Tuesday I will be taking Mike to the eye dr. He's having caterac surgery. Will work on Thursday since I have a meeting with Kathy aat 9AM. Probably all I will work until the first of the year. :)

Stay warm all!!!

Had to share this from FB. So funny!!!

New design for winter...scarlet and gray even :)

November 22, 2011

Ok tried to upload a picture but it does not seem to be working???? Jeremy and Mandi are cooking up a storm for the orphans. They love doing this feast each year. VERY fond memories of two years ago when we were there for Thanksgiving and Jeremy proposed and Mandi said yes!! What a GREAT night it was (even though it was Black Friday lol) Mike and Pat are in charge of Thanksgiving dinner at the McKenzie house this year. Steak on the grill, baked potatoes, and salad....VERY non traditional dinner. Hey, they are cooking and minimal work on my part...who am I to complain. ;) Massage today and then off to Z'ville for a haircut. May do some shopping if it isn't storming. Supposed to rain most of the day today and some storms in the area. Wishing everyone a VERY Happy Thanksgiving!

November 11, 2011

So this is 11/11/11 and this date won't happen again for 100 years. None of us will be here then so ..... On this day I am thankful for my family. My brother who suffered a widow maker 3 yrs. ago and pulled through and doing GREAT today. My sister who has begun a new adventure in her life to become an RN. My son and daughter in law who have found eachother, love and happiness. And my husband who I don't know what I would be or do without his support and love.

November 4, 2011

Found out that Paula and Ronnie (Mandi's parents) had to put down their dog Ruca. So sad. It was time but still very sad for the family.
Jeremy went to the dentist! He needs to have 4-6 teeth removed so off to the oral surgeon next week. Doctor said he should feel much better after they are out.
Looking forward to the weekend relaxing with Pat and the dogs. Began to drag out some Christmas stuff. Had to go thru it to see what I have...lol.
Have some carpet cleaning to do first...thank you Miss Emma! May move some furniture too not sure yet.
Enjoy these last few days of nice weather :)

October 26, 2011

Well it's not THAT bad but.... Pat and I got our new iPhones. They are really nice but different from the Blackberry so it is taking some time to learn. Got pictures on, some apps and trying to get my ringtones on. It will all come together soon. Pat really likes his!

Rained most of today. Went to Z'ville to have my oil changed for the first time since I got the car in March. Everything is A-OK. Then came back to town and worked the rest of the day. Met with Central staff after school to review the TIF plan with them. Susan is doing CHS tomorrow. I will do Lincoln and S. Lawn next Tues and Wed.

Monday Pat and I will take Mert and Bill to the airport in Canton to fly to Florida. Hate to see them go since Mert does not like being away from family expecially at the holidays.

Speaking of holidays, Molly is having the McKenzie Christmas this year. Hopefully Jeremy and Mandi will be able to join us. Will be nice to see Gavin and the Boose family.

Stay warm everyone since it is supposed to turn colder.

October 22, 2011

Got GREAT news this week~~Jeremy and Mandi are comin home for Christmas!!! SO excited!! Got their plane tickets and we are all set. Even made Mandi a hair appt. with me. I guess I will decorate this year..lol.

Getting colder here..frosting soon. Most of the leaves are gone off the trees and the sky is gray most days. Took Linda C. to get some oral surgery done yesterday in Z'ville then worked 4 hours. Had a massage at 4 and then home to relax. Plan to work most of next week to get the TIF handbooks copied and handed out to all staff. Hopefully the iPads for staff come in so Patty and I can start formating them and get them working.

Enjoy the weekend~no Buckeyes :(

October 7, 2011

These goofy pics of the kids watching Ohio State. Such fun!

Just a little veggie humor! LOL