What's 14 Months or so Between Friends?

I know that I am quite forgetful at times, but forgetting to update a blog for 14 months probably ranks right up there with unforgivably forgetful!!  Actually, I'm not quite that forgetful  (not today anyway), but there was just too much going on and something (else) had to give.  At the time of my last blog entry I was working 2 jobs, trying to keep up with 2 very active teenage boys,  and not doing very well at doing anything else.  At times, I would go a month or more without a day off.  I would work 15 or 16 hours a day.  I was one whooped and tired puppy.  (Except that I'm not really a puppy)

And now??  Well, now I work 3 jobs!  I still have 2 very, very active teenage boys,  have the New Zealand Vagabonds' (AKA Christopher and Amy Garza)  2 cats living with us, still have our 2 dogs, one of our own cats, and we still live right next door to GreatMa.  (AKA my mama).  Did I have 2 adorable, fantastic, smart, cute, funny (etc) grandsons back at that last post, or just one?  Well, I have 2 of them now!  And a 3rd grandbaby on the way!  The more the merrier in this family!  :)

Some of you may still be awestruck at the 3 jobs thing.  Don't get too worked up.  I still work pretty much full time at the Doc office.  I watch a little guy mornings before school.  And I work fill in at the hospital.  (Please don't come see me when I'm working in the ER.  OK?  OK!!!)  I work less working 3 jobs than I did working 2 jobs, so it's all fine and dandy.  I still do crafting and go to craft shows with  my silly crafting side kick, but I don't sell much (mainly because I don't have time to sew much and because I give a lot of what I make away), but I sure have a great time going to the craft shows.  Silly side kick and I have a blast hanging out and people watching. 

How about a rundown on the kiddo's?  Updates on everyone!!!  We will go in order of age, oldest to youngest.


Amber and Dustin are still living in Denmark, but they moved across the street.  That was one of the easiest moves I've ever been a part of.  Carry, push, haul... right across the street.  Piece of cake.  Their new house is amazing!  And Dustin has become a grilling/smoking chef extraordinaire!  We took a family vote (without him, of course) and decided that he gets to do all of the holiday and special occasion cooking from now on.  We will supply the food.. he gets to cook!  (Thanks Dustin!)  Amber turned 30 this year.  (OMG... when in the world did she get to be that age???)  We had a great time celebrating that milestone!  Amber also was named as the CNA Healthcare provider of the year for Iowa for 2014.  Whoo-hooo!  That girl has found her niche as a CNA!  (We also took a family vote and decided that we are all going to "her" nursing home when it's our time, because she gets to take care of us.  Thanks Amber!)


Eric and Candice are still living in their house on top of the hill.  With 2 great danes, 1 "weenie" dog, 1 horse, several chickens, a few cats, and.... my 2 grandsons!  :)   Eric still works for the railroad, but Candice has "retired" to stay home and be a fulltime mommy.  That is about all that she has time to do!  With a 2 year old, a 1 year old.... and baby #3 due in August!    That is one busy, busy household, let me tell you!  Lots of giggles and fun when they are all around!  :)


Amy and Christopher are the New Zealand Vagabonds.  Amy graduated from ISU  (sigh. sigh. sigh) in December.  Chris quit his job  (ok,,, the company wouldn't let him quit, so he is on sabbatical) and off they went to New Zealand.   They are hiking, working here and there, playing banjo on the beach, sleeping in their car, a Subaru named "Dirty Shirley" when the need arises, and having what looks like the time of their lives!  We miss them greatly, but love seeing the pictures and hearing the tales of their travels.  They will be home "sometime", but definitely before August.  Should you desire, you can read about their adventures here   https://garzasinnz.wordpress.com/


Jordan is a senior this year.  No!  That can't be!  Graduation is less than 3 months away.  Until then it's band, show choir, speech, biotech.... and thank heaven above that he can drive and has a car!  There is no way that I could keep up with he and his brother and their activities if I were still the main source of transportation.  Just the thought makes me want to go slash my own tires so that I wouldn't spend so much time driving teenagers!  Whew.   Anyway, my 2nd youngest has grown... and I do mean GROWN.. into a 6' 4" gentle giant.  Clothing the child can be difficult, and shoes are basically small boats, but it's worth it all not to have to climb a ladder to change a light bulb!

Finally, Jonah is now a sophomore.   Band, show choir, jazz band, science club, they keep him busy.  And fortunately he is involved in enough similar things that his brother is, that I don't have to do a whole lot of separate chauffeuring for him to events.  He is no little guy himself.  He isn't as tall as Jordan, but I'm betting that he is equally as tall as Eric at 6 foot or so.  And, his darn feet are the same size as Jordan's.  Which are the same size as Eric's.  Geesh fellas!  On the plus side, those shoes will serve me well if I am ever in need of a flotilla of floatation devices!

Whew.  That is probably enough for my first posting back.  But, I am back.  I have missed blogging, have missed writing, and will happily be back to share more with you soon!  Until then.. would someone please have a long, heart to heart with Mother Nature.  I don't know what she wants, but we need to figure it out and get it to her!!!  If I have to suffer through many more cold/snow/wind/sleet/slush/ice "events"  I may snap.  It's (almost) March already!  Give it up winter!  Give it up!

Ciao!