Early morning

It's been awhile since I've written - I don't even know if you read this but I do enjoy documenting things.

I am going to buy Bob a new seat for his bike today - a Christmas gift.  I sure hope it's not too expensive. We didn't exchange anything last year because we had no money.  I think a bike seat will work this year.
We mailed cookies (unfrosted) yesterday.  I figured the frosting would muck things up.  Then my spritz maker broke.  At least I finished making the cookies.
I have my last PT today for my shoulder.  It's been almost 6 months every Tuesday and Friday.  I still have to work on it at the gym.  They don't consider it 'fixed' for a year.  The Dr. said after 1 yr. the shoulder will be at the max.  I still can't raise it up to my shoulder yet - I sure hope that will come.
I forgot to copy that chapter of the book I am reading about college decisions - I will try and scan it today and email it to you.  It is good reading - even Bob agrees.
The weather here has been cold for me - primarily in the sixties during the day and 40's at night.  At least it's not snowing and icy.  We did go to Prescott AZ last week to see a really cool light display and it had snowed there and even had some ice on the road.  Prescott in in the mts. north of here.
The firsts week of January we are going to Mexico - about 2 hrs. away - to the dentist and to get new eye glasses.  It is a border town near Yuma AZ.  Many people go there because the prices are 1/10th of the cost in the states.  All the Dr.'s are US trained - Carole paid $200 for a crown and the estimate here in Tempe was $1200.  Tom got glasses and frames at the same ratio.  Both Bob and I need new glasses and we are having our teeth cleaned and checked next week here ($39) and if we need work we will make appts. in Mexico.  They really cater to the seniors down here.  I think seniors and students.
Bob has done some substitute teaching - next time you talk to him ask him about the class from hell - the one where he had to call security. Security carry guns.  Don't think he will go back to that school.
We really aren't doing anything for Christmas unless Steve and Ann come down.  Bob plays 2 services on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas day - he  and his choir here at Contempo Tempe sing in the evening at a dinner here for people who don't have anywhere to go.  So we really have no time for us.  That's pretty much how it's always been - don't see it changing.  BooHoo
I talked to Dad before he left and he will be home to continue his tradition of spending Christmas with your family.  I think he really is looking forward to it.

we like our 'new' vehicle.  We are getting the windows tinted today and the windshield replaced - it has a chip out of it.  We are changing insurance companies and I wanted to do it before we actually make the switch.  Our new insurance is the same coverage but about $50 less expensive per month.  I really have spent some time checking things out so they fit into our budget. 
That's all for now - will write later.
Let me know if the arrive in good shape.
Love you
Mom

Dec 13th

Can you believe Jacob will be 19 tomorrow?  Where does the time go?
Great talking to you this morning - Bob loves it too.

I will try and send a picture of our 'new' vehicle.  It's paid for!

Both of us like it better than the Highlander - it even has a DVD system.  Doubt we'll ever use it but it's there.


We haven't decided yet if we are going to fly or drive to MN when Ashley graduates.  Depends on the cost of tickets and rental cars.

 I will get that chapter copies and put in a pdf for you - it has great information for you and will help you not feel too bad about expenses.

 Love you
MOM

12/2/11 Saturday

Hey-
Today Steve is running a 5K - just sent him a  text to wish him luck.
I am mailing your package today - it's all set.  Merry Christmas!
It's just fun stuff - so don't get excited about it.

I felt so bad that we were not able to bring Nic and kids down after Christmas.  We thought Bob had that first job and that was what we were going to use some money for - we'll just have to wait until Spring as we are planning to come for the graduation.Some things just don't work out the way you want them to.  Someone has other ideas and he isn't sharing them with us. We'll just keep praying that Bob will be teaching soon.

Not sure I told you what we were doing but we are selling the Highlander - it's paid for and we can get 20k for it and them buy something less for cash. Probably buy a Toyota Sienna Van.  That will give us some emergency money.  We are doing a TIGHT budget for now - a Dave Ramsey budget!  Check out his website and all the things he advocates.  We are doing a TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER - according to him.

Not much happening here - I have been swimming and biking almost ever day - my goal is to spend 2 hrs a day exercising 4-5 time a week.  I currently do 30 min on the bike and 30 min swimming 3- 4 times a week and then for 2 days a week I do 30 min on the bike and 60 min in aqua aerobics. So I am up to 1.5 hrs a couple of times a week and 60 min another few day a week.  I figured it would take me at least a month to get to 2 hrs a day - so far it's been 3 weeks so I think I will adjust my thinking to 2 months.


How is your exercising coming along?  Bob thinks he gained some weight so after the holidays he is going to "diet" - not sure about the exercise yet.

Let's skype soon -
Love you
Mom

day before TG

Let me kow a good time for us to skype tomorrow - We will be eating about 3 PM our time - should be 9 or 10 your time.
Actually, Steve and Ann will be here about noon so call anytime.

TG Prep

I am beginning to prepare TG dinner today and it's only Tuesday.

I am making the cranberry/pear relish and the sweet potato casserole today alone with the pies.  We are cooking the turkey on Wed. and slicing it and reheating it for Thursday - my over is too small to do ever thing on Thursday.  We are having a spinach casserole for a veggie and mashed potatoes.  Carole is making the dressing and Steve is doing pumpkin soup.  I think I'll do olives and maybe some sliced raw veggies.
I am doing a chip and dip thing first.
Then the walk.
Then off to see the light show or if S &A are staying until Saturday we will play our new game WITS AND WAGERS.

Think about this.............

Think about this next time you want to buy a car and finance it instead of buying an older car and paying cash.

Most people carry a car note for their entire lives, paying about
$495 a month.  That same amount invested from age 25 to retirement would, on average, amount to more than $6 million by age 65.  You do the math.                                      Dave Ramsey

Tuesday morning

Hey -
I read where you will find out about your neck this weekend - please let me know what's up.
If you read my last entry you probably are mad at me - but it's the way I think.  Feel free to comment.

 Bob and I have started biking again in the morning - it's cooler (55-60 degrees).  I also joined LA Fitness so I swim 4-6 time a week.  Along with weight watchers I should get some results.  Did Steve tell you he joined weight watchers too?  If not, pleases don't say anything to him but he is doing very well.  He is motivating me.

Steve and Ann are coming for Thanksgiving - I bought a new game to play with them and Carole and Tom.  We tried it the other night and it is really fun.  It's called WITS AND WAGERS.  You would love it.

 Bob's singing group from here is entertaining tonight at a shelter for women - I am going with to take some pictures.

 We have decided to sell our Highlander (Toyota) and buy a second hand Toyota van (Sienna).  We can actually get 23k for our car and it's almost 4 years old with 88k miles on it.  We can buy a van - maybe a 2004 or 5 for under 10k.  Thank goodness our car is paid for.  Buying a Toyota makes good sense to me because we can get 300k miles on it or more.  We need a van for the Bass.  The extra money will go into our rainy day fund which is exhausted at this point.  We are followers of Dave Ramsey (check him out on the web) and believe that this is the way to go.
 
 Not a whole lot is happening around here - We may be going to Mexico in a week or so  to get some dental work done and new glasses.  It's about75% less there than in the states and people really rave about the work they do.  Actually the dentist we are going to lives in Yuma,  AZ and works in Mexico (this holds true only for the border towns) - I don't know how the dentists are the farther into to the country you go.

 That's about all the news here - keep me posted on your neck.
Love you
Mom