"I'm so glad they're coming back early."

Monday, August 17, 1992

     Guy called tonight from Panama! He didn't think they'd even be getting off the ship while they were there. I knew they were supposed to get to Panama last Friday and figured he would've called over the weekend if he had the chance. He said this was the first chance he'd had to get off the ship & find a phone. It caught me off guard & I couldn't think what all to tell him. He only got the first letter & said he'd written 3 I think. It was a little before 5:00 when he called.

     He said they'd be home about a week early. They had so much trouble on the way down that they're not going to be towing anything to Florida. They are going to make another stop but he didn't say from where. He said he might call from there but he didn't say when either. I'm so glad they're coming back early. Every night I've been praying they would.

     Guy said not to send any more letters since he probably won't get any more mail. I'm kinda glad. I was getting tired of having to keep track of what times Ez. went to sleep & got up and taking notes about everything, ever little thing we did. & tired of using the carbon paper.

     It sprinkled on us when we went to ACE. It didn't rain all day but it started again around 9:00 when I took Chief out. At least he went out this time.

     Didn't see the new neighbors today—their car(s) was gone when we got up. There were two cars there at suppertime. I heard their stereo for just a few minutes. Hopefully they'll be nice, quiet neighbors.

     I hoped Ez. would take a long nap this afternoon but she only slept 1½ hours. I tossed & turned for about an hour, actually slept maybe 20 minutes.

     I did a little more sewing on her dress. She likes to come over & see what I'm doing when I'm sewing but she wants to sit on my lap & that would be too dangerous. So I can only do a little bit at a time while she's around.

     When we went to ACE this morning I let her walk holding my hand once we got inside. It took awhile to get to the back and up front again. She had to stop & look at a few things and people along the way. I'd tried putting her tennis shoes on her but she started fussing when I got the first one on so I think they really must be too little. I wish I could find the receipt so I could take them back.

     While we were on the couch reading after I finished the dishes, Chief started barking. I guess cause he thought he heard something out front. We both jumped at first then I guess something clicked for Ez. & she thought Chief was barking because Guy was coming in. Both of them headed for the door all excited. I looked out & didn't see anything & told them there wasn't anything or anybody there. But they didn't believe me so I had to open the door & show them there wasn't anything there, especially Guy. At least I know now she hasn't forgotten him completely.

August 1992

"I hope she hasn't inherited my sleeping problems."

Sunday, August 16, 1992

     I was too tired to write any more last night. I don't know if I'm any less tired now but I don't want to get too far behind.

     Two things I forgot to mention Friday. When we went to Wal-Mart there was a table set up to sign up for Sam's. It's opening next month on Battlefield Blvd. I didn't think to ask how much it was.

     I tried that one tape in the VCR again and it finally worked. I taped Sesame Street so she could watch it Sat.

     Yesterday morning she woke up at 7:47. When I first looked at the clock I thought it said 6:47 so I stumbled in there & gave her a couple of books to look at. I never really went back to sleep but she was quiet for about 30 minutes. Since she'd slept kinda late I kept her up for the morning but she got so grumpy I put her down about 10:45 but she wouldn't go to sleep. In fact, she didn't go down til 1:30 and then she woke up at 2:37, just as I was falling asleep. I'd read the paper first. I don't know what woke her up unless it was the new neighbors. I did hear some hammering a couple of times but not when she woke up.

     They mad 2–3 trips with a small U-Haul truck but I didn't watch to see what all they had. At least it didn't rain all day on them moving. I only got a glimpse of her when I was putting Ez. in the car tonight as they were leaving. Still haven't seen the kid(s).

     The only walking Ez's done on her own yesterday or today is from her high chair to the hall yesterday. I tried to get her to at church but she wouldn't. Carter Bailey sat with us this morning. When I got Ez. from class she & Will were sitting behind us & Carter asked if she could sit with us. I asked if it was ok with her parents & Will said ok. She did ok I guess. She just wanted to hold Ez. all the time, even when we were standing up. I let her hold her a couple of times while we were sitting. They played with the 3 Bears House for a little while but Carter kinda hogged it. I'm glad she went to children's class. Ez. did fairly well til the end of service. She was so tired & was getting the sillies. She got down and wanted to go out the end of the pew but I wouldn't let her so she got fussy. By then it was time for the closing song.

     I got ahead of myself. Ez. went to bed at 8:15 last night. She woke up three times before I went to bed after the late news. I went ahead & took my shower last night to save time this morning. I got to eat breakfast alone & do the TV crossword in peace for the first time in a long time. It wasn't raining when we left the house but it was pouring by the time we got there. I took her in first then went back for other stuff after leaving her in class. (Carol Wilson taught today.) It was still raining when we left church and when we got home. She'd fallen asleep so I carried everything else in then went back for her. The only bad thing about her falling asleep on the way home & staying asleep is having to carry her up the stairs. As soon as I laid her down she sat up. I took her bows out & the leash off her pacifier but left her shoes on. I thought I wrote down what time she woke up but I can't find it. It was somewhere close to 3:00 cause I remember wondering if anyone would show up at the spouses picnic.

     When we went downstairs I saw there was a message on the answering machine. Rhonda called at 11:50 telling me the picnic was cancelled & to call the people on my list. Even though it was after the fact I went ahead & called—got 2 answering machines, one said it was long distance, one had been changed & the rest were no answers at all. I went ahead & had my hamburger since it was already out of the freezer.

     I was very surprised to see Gayle & Herkey (?) getting out of a little red sports car this morning. He got himself a Mazda RX7! Gale said it's hard to get in & out of.

     They passed out surveys in church this morning having to do with the workshop coming up in October. I didn't get you one cause they have to be turned back in before you get back. They ask stuff like how long you've been a Christian and at this congregation, background info, & rating different areas of church work in order of importance to you. I've filled mine out except for the questions they want a written out answer to. It's interesting. I hope you'll be here for the workshops.

     I worked in the library some tonight. Rick & Anita were in the nursery with their boys, Lauren & Amanda. It was 6:45 before I was done so I just stayed in the nursery then.

     Daniel was there tonight. I asked how his family was doing & I forget his exact words but like not exactly & acted like he didn't want to talk about it so I didn't ask any more. I gave him his belated BD card & presents. He said he hasn't read any of Tom Clancy's books but he's been meaning to. He seemed to like the poster too.

     The Weather Channel says we've had 8.39" of rain this month. I added ours up & we've gotten 9.1" since last Sun. The water is standing around the drains in the neighborhood. I don't know how much more rain we can get without getting flooded. And the grass is getting tall but it'll be awhile before it's dry enough to mow though.

     I put Ez. to bed around 8:15 and it took her about an hour to get settled in. I went & checked her diaper twice and just looked in the third time & told her to go to sleep. I don't know what the problem was. I hope she hasn't inherited my sleeping problems.

     I sent some coupons to Kathy Dotson by Lisa Mounts and wrote her a not asking if she could come babysit Ez. for Patrick & Amber's wedding. Hopefully she'll call sometime this week.

     They keep extending the flood watch. Now it's til 4 am tomorrow. H 75° L 70° At least it doesn't rain constantly. We get a break now & then.

August 1992

"I sure hope we don't get flooded here."

Friday, August 14, 1992

     It's been another long, rainy day. I had my alarm set for 7:30 but woke up at 7:24. I went ahead & ate breakfast & Ez. woke up sometime around 8:00. I forgot to write it down. I'd planned to leave about 9:45 so I could be to the credit union when it opened but it was after 10:00 before we left. My head started hurting while I was feeding Ez. breakfast & I took 2 Panadol before we left but it gradually got worse while we were out. I'd invited Michelle Bridgeman to go to Baby Superstore with us & she was supposed to get back to me but she didn't. She'd said if I didn't hear from her to call her back & I did last night & left a message with Bob but she never called.

     I'd planned to look at Baby S. for a chair for Ez. First we went to the credit union but there were 3 cars in both lanes of the drive thru so I decided to come back later. I decided to go to Wal-Mart first for diapers, etc. and found a little red wooden rocking chair for Ez. I let her try it out in the store and the plastic chair (not rocker). Both were $10. I thought the rocker would be nicer. We didn't go to Baby S., went back to the credit union & didn't have to wait long. They don't sell stamps through the drive thru—strange. We went to Farm Fresh then for milk, bananas, chips for Sun., stamps & a ticket. It was raining off & on all morning but we'd been lucky til we left Farm Fresh. We got wet but not soaked. The same two vehicles were next door when we got home. They were going in & out while I was running back & forth trying to get everything & Ez. in the house but I never actually saw them, just heard the doors open & close. Every time I looked over there I didn't see anyone.

     I finally saw him when I went to take the emptied grocery sacks out to the garbage can. I said 'moving day?' He said that it was partly & that the biggest part was tomorrow. I hope they don't start too early cause Ez. will probably sleep late again cause it's supposed to be still raining. In fact we're under a flood watch overnight. When we walked to the mailbox it was sprinkling (I carried her & used the umbrella) and I looked at that open grate drain in the end driveway. The water looked like it was less than a foot below it. I looked at the one across the street on the way back & could see the water level there was pretty high. I thought 'you're not supposed to be able to see the water in the sewer!' I sure hope we don't get flooded here.

     Anyway, I put Ez. down at 8:10 and about 10 minutes later she started crying. I think maybe the new neighbors are making noises that scared her. I tried to explain to her that they were just bumping around next door, gave her her pacifiers & left. Haven't heard from her again—knock on wood.

     Backing up now, we ate a quick lunch, Ez. went to sleep about 1:30. I took some more Panadol & watched the last half of my story then slept from 2:00–about 2:40. I don't know what woke me up but I tried to go back to sleep & finally gave up around 3:00 & got up. Thank goodness my headache was gone. Ez. woke up at 3:49. After we checked the mail I took some video & reg. pictures of her & her new chair. She's going to need more practice getting in it & out of it. She can only sit on the edge when she tries it by herself. I couldn't get her to take any steps today. Oh, I got her two long sleeved shirts at Wal-Mart. I know none of hers will fit, except maybe her 'Daddy' sweatshirt, and I want to be ready when the weather turns cool. It has been cooler since it's been raining. The A/C has still been coming on some probably because of the humidity. I didn't check the rain gauge til this aft. & it had 3.4". I don't remember it raining so much in August since Janice & Tim came.

August 14, 1992
"Elizabeth Jones in her new rocking chair"

"I'm so afraid he's going to be like Mom."

Thursday, August 13, 1992

     We may be getting new neighbors sooner than I expected. I thought I heard something next door when I was getting Ez. into her pjs & I looked outside and saw a minivan & a car. It might just be more repairs or cleaners but I kind of doubt it at this hour. If it is the new tenants they'll probably have the moving van here in the morning. It's weird, when I was watching for the mailman this afternoon I was thinking, 'I hope the new neighbors don't have a mini van cause it'll block the view of the mailboxes.'

     Ez. woke up at 7:03 this morning. I checked her diaper & thought I saw poop but when I changed her she was only wet. I put her back in bed & gave her a couple of books & she was quiet for awhile. I don't know if she went back to sleep or not but I never really did. We got up about 10 to 8:00. She took a nap about 10:30 til 12:23. I spent the time ironing, embroidering, & started on the outfit I already had cut out for her. One thing about kids' clothes, the smaller size means shorter seams so they're a little faster to do (but I didn't finish it).

     It was around 3 or 3:15 when she went down for a nap. I was just getting drowsy from reading when she started crying about 35–40 minutes later. I don't know if she went to sleep or not. Probably not cause she was pretty grumpy tonight. So she went to bed right at 8:00.

     Now about Sue's letter. They gave Cookie 2 to Doc to breed. They still have 3 of the puppies. Apparently Ken has a new girlfriend from near Austin and while he was visiting her they came up to visit Sue & Harold. They spent a couple of nights at the lake too. I have no idea when or how Ken met this girl—her name's Regina. These are the two main things she talked about.

     There was .9" in our rain gauge this morning. It's been raining off & on this aft. We had to wait til later than usual to get the mail. It was sprinkling when I took the trash out after supper. I tried to get Ez. to look out the kitchen window but when she heard me open the door she came to it instead. When we first went to the mailbox I saw him down the street so we came back to wait on the porch for him but it started raining. I reached my hand out then held Ez's hand out to see if she could feel it. It was just kinda sprinkling so I stepped off the porch for just a little bit to see what she'd do (holding her). She held her arm out then tried to rub the water off then held her arm out again.

     I couldn't get her to take any steps today. I tried 3-4 times.

     I hope it stops raining long enough for Chief to go out before bedtime. He hasn't been out since late this aft. I hope it doesn't rain all day tomorrow. I'm planning to run errands in the morning.

     [Later]

     I finally got to let Chief out about 9:15. It was sprinkling a little so I had to go out with him.

     I've been sewing on Ez's dress some more. Daddy called at 10:23 for about 10 minutes. He said he's been keeping a diary in a notebook and it's full now. He's planning to send it to Kenneth for him to read & send on to Judy, then Sue, & then to me to keep. If Judy gets it I'll probably never see it. I can't believe she still hasn't sent me my Avon. It's been over 4 months since I ordered it I think. Anyway, Daddy said he's been feeling good, not having to take any medicine and not having a lot of headaches. I don't remember him ever saying anything about having a problem with headaches. He was talking about us moving in with him & how we could clean out the storage shed for your shop. I told him we might end up living in Search. He said that would be a good place to live and have a shop. He asked 2-3 times how much longer you have til retirement. He also asked if we'd have a lot of stuff to move when we move back & I said yes & he said he might have to put some stuff in storage.

     I'm so afraid he's going to be like Mom. It seems like he's getting it in his head that we're going to live with him permanently.

     He was asking about Ez. talking & walking so I updated him on that. He's really looking forward to being able to talk to her & her talking back. I hope he'll be ok long enough for that to happen & for her to remember him better than I remember Papa.

"Elizabeth took a few steps on her own tonight!"

Wednesday, August 12, 1992

     It was 15 years ago today that Elvis died. That seems like a lifetime ago. It was just before my senior year in college. I couldn't believe it when we first heard it on TV. For a long time it hurt to even hear any of his songs. I'm glad I had the chance to see him before he died. I wonder how much his autograph is worth these days. I'd thought the date sounded familiar when I was writing the check for the truck oil change. I didn't figure it out though til the evening news. [I misunderstood the little bit I heard on the news. It's not today, it's Sun. 8/16. I don't know why 8/12 seems familiar.]

     I tried calling Michelle Bridgeman yesterday & today but had to leave a message on their machine. She called back this evening. They'd been at a James Taylor concert last night & she forgot today. I gave her the phone number for the toy lady and also asked her if she'd like to go to Baby Superstore with us Fri. She said she'd call me back tomorrow but if I didn't hear from her to call her again cause she's absent minded.

     Dear Guy,

     I'll start with the best news first. Elizabeth took a few steps on her own tonight! Usually when I get her out of her high chair and put her down standing up, she'll either plop down & crawl off or grab hold of my hands so I'll go walking with her a little bit. Tonight after supper she leaned back against my leg & I was waiting for her to plop down when all of a sudden she started walking off. I should've counted how many steps she took but I didn't. I ran for the camera & she was crawling by the time I got back in the dining room. She stood up but only took a couple of steps. I decided to set the camera down & try to get her to do it so I set it on the coffee table pointed toward the hall. I helped her get started & then let go & she took a few steps. I didn't check the tape to see if it got on there. I sure hope it did. I started to get the tripod out then realized I'd have to put the thing on the bottom of the camera & didn't want to take the time. I couldn't get her to do it any more after that but I'm sure she'll try again tomorrow.

     Another storm came through about 3AM and I'm not sure what woke me up, it or Chief whining. I can't remember now if I went down there or not. I think I might have after checking on Ez. She finally settled down & fell asleep around 9:00 and slept straight through til 7:56 this morning! It seems like she takes so long to eat anymore. I didn't have time to do my medicine. We got to Toyota a couple of minutes before our appt. at 10:30. It didn't take them long to do it & we were back home about 11:20. When I put her back in the truck & was getting her juice cup out of the diaper bag in the floor, she started kicking her legs & kicked me right in the mouth. I know she didn't do it on purpose so I just grabbed her foot & told her not to do that because it hurt.

     I'm writing this while I'm watching 'White Fang' & it's not the kind of movie you can just listen to, in case my writing seems sporadic.

     Anyway, the oil change cost $17 something and they gave me a sheet with info on the 60,000 service that they recommend.

     Ez. went down for a nap at 1:32. I went to sleep after my story & slept for about an hour then kind of drifted for another 30 minutes. I don't remember what time Ez. woke up but I think it was somewhere between 3:45–4:00.

     Oh when I came back from Toyota there was a car next door & a lady came out. I asked if she was moving in & she said she was just freshening it up for whoever does move in. It'll probably be the end or beginning of the month before anyone moves in but you never know.

     I forgot to mention Mon. that Ez. reached up & pushed down the button on the water filter, so now I have to push it back to where she can't reach it. Something new she tried today was stepping in her Tupperware bucket. I tried to get a picture of it but of course she stopped doing it.

     I gave her a bath tonight & she kept trying to stand up again. She slipped once when she was on her hands & knees but didn't hurt herself or get scared.

     She was in the mood not to use her spoon today and she had this bad habit. After putting the food in her mouth she'd rub her hand up the side of her face, sometimes into her ear or hair. I didn't wash her hair just wet it down real good in the tub.

     I need to go let Chief out. It's 10:00 almost.

     Something else she discovered today was that she can go all the way around Chief's chair. She just pushed those pillows out of the way.

     After her bath we went down for her snack & it was 8:32 when I put her down. She didn't fight me brushing her teeth tonight. I don't know what I did different.

     I finally finished putting that quilt block together and started embroidering the words. If I finish it before you get back I'll wait about taking it to Ann so you can see it. Haven't really accomplished much this week.

     I was thinking in the middle of the night when Chief was whining that I need to watch for P.J. on the noon news so I could ask what to do about a dog that's afraid of thunderstorms. I was surprised that she was on there today. It took awhile to get through and I was afraid they'd be done by the time I did. But mine was the last question. She said not to baby him (I certainly didn't), just act like nothing out of the ordinary is going on. Or put him in his crate. And if that doesn't work to ask the vet about giving him a tranquilizer. So maybe I'll just try next time to just ignore him all together cause going down there even to holler at or spank him is like giving him attention.

"Even in her hair & ears."

Tuesday, August 11, 1992

Dear Guy,

     Today has been a long day. Ez. woke up at 6:56 this morning. I tried to get her to go back to sleep but she didn't. She didn't get a morning nap cause we had things to do. First we went to ACE p.o. then to Boone to get my Tobra. I'd called it in Friday, saying I needed it by this Friday. They called back later & said they'd be sending it over on Monday. I went to the regular window & the woman couldn't find it (civilian). She went to ask someone & then came back & said it was over at the refill window. They usually go ahead & bring it to me but she didn't so I had to get in line. I told her that 9 times out of 10 it's at the regular window & I wished they'd make up their minds. I had to put Ez. down twice cause I just couldn't hold her any more. I held her hand but she started crying so much I had to pick her up again. Once a lady came over & asked if I was ok. I told her I was just out of breath from the heat & humidity and Ez. was just so heavy. She said she'd stand in line for me but I was next in line anyway but I thanked her. I should've taken the stroller in but I was trying to save time so we wouldn't be late to Bea's.

     I don't know what was wrong but Ez. screamed the whole way from Boone to Bea's house. She didn't want juice, she didn't want her pacifier or her burp rag. She kept pointing in my direction. I gave her your little noise-maker key ring & that lasted maybe 10 seconds. I took her shoes off. I'd put her tennis shoes on instead of the Sunday shoes. That didn't help. The only other thing I could think of was she could see my keys in the ignition & wanted to play with them. I told her she couldn't have them cause I was using them. As soon as I parked the truck in the driveway she stopped screaming. I thought maybe she was poopy but I checked & she wasn't. I tried to put her shoes back on her when we got it because there were so many kids running around but she started fussing so I left them off. She stayed in the living room awhile playing with the other kids but when they all drifted off to other places she came in the kitchen to me.

     Cathy Channell demonstrated making a pie crust and Bea demonstrated making biscuits then had everyone make some. I didn't thought cause Ez. was getting restless & I went ahead and gave her lunch. The other ones there were Rhonda Bryant, Merryl, Luana, Regina, Gwen, Angela, and Robin's sister, Terri. Melissa Dilday was there (carrying Erin around) but I don't know who she came with unless it was Cathy.

     Anyway, it was almost 1:00 before we got down to eating. Everyone was supposed to bring something but all I took was juice. I ate as fast as I could then checked Ez's diaper & she was poopy. I was going to change her before we left anyway cause I figured she'd fall asleep before we got home. She was asleep before we got to Greenwich. That was probably around 1:30. She slept til 4:04. I wish I could've slept that long. I slept a little over an hour though. I'd put Chief outside before we left this morning & let him in when we got up. I checked the Weather Channel before we went to check the mail. It was 92° with a heat index of 100° so I decided to wait about checking the mail til we go out tomorrow.

     She ate a good supper but got really messy cause she started eating her yogurt with her hands instead of her spoon. Even in her hair & ears.

     She was getting fussy while I was doing the dishes, as usual, & I decided to try something different. I put a dining chair up to the counter beside me so she could see what I was doing. She did really good. But she was so grumpy from then on that I went ahead & put her to bed at 8:00. She's fighting me brushing her teeth again the past few days.

     I just heard Chief outside our door. It's starting to thunder. He ran back down the stairs as soon as I opened the door. Now it's pouring down. We were under a storm watch til 9 & it's 10:44 now. I'd better check the weather channel. Well, I missed this go round cause he came upstairs again. I blocked the bottom of the stairs so he can't come up again. I hope I don't have to go downstairs in the middle of the night & forget it's there. He'll probably start whining now. You've got to figure out what to do with him cause he's nothing but a nuisance most of the time & I don't know how much more I can put up with.

     Now I have to backtrack. Ez. woke up twice after she went to bed. Hopefully she won't wake up from the thunder. I just remembered she woke up around midnight last night but she had her pacifier by the time I got there.

     There were coupons on last week's TV Guide so I called & got an appt. tomorrow to get the truck's oil changed.

     About Ez's tennis shoes, I'd tried them on there the other day & they didn't seem to hold her ankles up very well so I thought I'd try to take them back & exchanged them. But I can't find the receipt. I really just did a once over so I need to look a little deeper & maybe I can find it

"Isn't she smart?!"

Monday, August 10, 1992

     I was up til around midnight last night just because I couldn't go to sleep. Ez. woke me up at 7:24 this morning. She slept this morning from about 10:45–12:17. I tried to sleep then but couldn't so I worked on that quilt block some. I've got it all put together finally & now I need to do the embroidery.

     This aft. I think they were painting next door with a truck-mounted sprayer. They didn't make much noise that I heard but I guess they bothered or scared Chief. When I woke up from this afternoon's nap and went to get Ez. I opened our bedroom door & nearly stepped on Chief! I told him to go to his room and remarkably he did & apparently stayed there til we went downstairs & I told him to come so I could let him out. I gave him fresh water and made him stay outside til around 7:30. I just don't know what to do about him anymore. Having a dog sure isn't the way I pictured it. He still acts too much like a puppy.

     Anyway, Ez. slept from about 3:40–5:08. I think I slept about an hour.

     We went to the mailbox before that. I decided to try letting her walk over there so I put her shoes on her. She did fairly well—fell a few times but no scratches. I carried her across the street then all the way back. It was so hot & humid I was ready to get back inside. Her arms & lets looked like they were getting red. I was afraid she'd gotten sunburned but once we cooled off she looked ok.

     She just woke up a couple of minutes ago. I checked her diaper & it was ok. I made sure she had her pacifiers & left. She stood up but I haven't heard her again.

     I used the plunger on her toilet this aft. I had to flush a liner. I don't think her poop was really loose—I think she had pooped a long time before I knew it. Anyway, it was very slow going down then & I hope I did it good enough.

     It was somewhere between 8:15 & 8:30 when she went to bed.

     I did a couple loads of laundry today & gave our bathroom 'a lick & a promise'. Doesn't sound like a very busy day. I played the piano some after supper. Ez. wanted on my lap part of the time. I sat her on the bench beside me but she wiggled around so much it made me nervous so I put her on a chair beside the bench. She got bored before too long anyway.

     When I was getting the laundry started this morning Ez. was trying to get to the pacifier she saw under her crib. She pulled out that box til she could reach the pacifier on it. Isn't she smart?!

     I guess that's all for now. Good night.

"Wait—a new idea!"

Sunday, August 9, 1992

     I'm so tired all of the time any more. I try to take naps when Ez. does but seems like by the time I actually get to sleep it's not long before she wakes up. And if I decide to go ahead & get up & do something, like now, she wakes up before too long.

     Writing with the carbon paper is such a hassle when I want to write something here but not to Guy so I guess I'll go back to writing things twice. Wait—a new idea!

     I decided to write with the carbon paper between the pages of my notebook instead of using ledger pad paper. So now the lines line up and I got a new sheet of carbon paper so they copy should be more legible than what's in my journal so far.

     To be honest, I haven't written in the past couple of days because I was just tired of writing. But I've been making some notes so hopefully I won't forget anything.

     It was nice to stay home Friday after having to go somewhere every day for three days in a row. But Ez. apparently got used to going without a morning nap.

     Fri. I woke up at 5:32 needing to go to the bathroom. I went back to sleep then Ez. woke up at 6:24. She was sitting up crying instead of standing so I just gave her back her pacifiers & she did go back to sleep til 7:21. I tried to get her to take a morning nap but she fussed for about 30 minutes & when I checked her she had pooped. She slept good that aft. 1–3:37. I dozed through my story then woke up at 2:21 with a headache. I think I'd turned over on my stomach & that probably caused it. I took Panadol 3 times before it went away overnight.

     FRI. HI–77° LO–77°

     When she went to bed at 8:00 Fri. night I worked on the magazine pictures I've been saving up to make her some "flash cards". I've got them trimmed & sorted out but need to put the clear contact on them.

     Ez. woke up at 7:36 Sat. morning so she slept almost 12 hours! I was sorting through some stuff on the piano when she was wanting to play after breakfast and found the Wendy's Sweepstakes form. I'd thought it was over on August 31 but it's Aug. 12! I don't know if it'll get there on time but I sent in an entry just for the 99 days of mortgage payments. I figured that would help us out the most.

     We took a stroll down to the corner for a newspaper. When we got back, Barb drove up just as I was opening the trunk to put the stroller back in. She & John had come by on their way to Linda's new place (off Centerville) and she called from there & left a message on the machine since I didn't answer the door. I told her I'd figured if she came while I was out she'd see me on the sidewalk but they didn't come down Windbrooke. Anyway, she mowed while John used the weed eater. They did a good job but wouldn't let me give them anything.

     Mrs. Gibbs came home as they were finishing out front. She said she & Damion had been at Boy Scout Camp all week. I'd thought it was kinda quiet over there. Mr. Gibbs is gone til next Fri. I found out Rochelle's going to NSU this fall & plans to live on campus.

     Ez. took a nap from 12:40–2:21 yesterday aft. I don't even remember now how long I slept. I did her hair in the kitchen after I finished up the dishes after supper. Chief started getting all hyper when I started getting things ready so I put him outside. This time was even worse than the first time I did it there. I don't know why but she screamed the whole time. We did her bath right after that and she kept wanting to stand up. She slipped a little bit once but didn't fall. I had her stand up instead of laying her down to wrap the towel around her when she got out.

     SAT. H-84° L-66° (pretty humid again) I guess our little spell of nice coolish weather is over. It was sure nice while it lasted.

     It was about 8:35 when she went to bed last night. She's getting slow about eating her bedtime snack. I got up at 6:39 this morning & got my shower & hair washed before she woke up at 7:19. I thought I had most everything ready last night but for some reason we were late getting off to church this morning—8:45.

     I took a Mrs. Smith's pie & your & my tea for the visitors dinner. There was only one piece of pie eaten so I left it there for the fellowship tonight.

     Can't remember if I've talked about how Ez. is improving at her efforts to walk. In the past couple of days she's gotten better at walking just holding on to one hand instead of two. I asked Stephanie if she could watch Ez. while I got my food out & she said ok. She was already carrying Erin (Cathy said she's taken a few steps) but sat down in the floor with both of them. The first time I went back up there, all the other kids were around them and the next time, Megan Landon, Carter Bailey & Natalie Lowell were taking turns tow at a time walking Ez. around the whole room. I saw her fall a couple of times when they'd go a little too fast but she didn't cry. They helped her up. One time Carter tried to pick her up—it was kind of awkward but she did it. I stopped them once to tie her shoelace. (I don't put the bells on for church.) She looked like she had fun. When the older kids finished eating before her and started playing with the puppets she wanted to go play too. I finally had to sit her on my lap to finish feeding her. (I think there was one couple visiting)

     I figured Ez. would fall asleep on the way home but she didn't until we were off the freeway. It was about 1:00 & it's 3:32 now so she'll probably wake up soon.

     I'd left Chief outside this morning and I guess I thought I heard it thunder is why I woke up. So I went to let him in. It is getting darker but no rain (or even thunder) yet. I never really got fully asleep & I'm not sure why. It was almost 1:30 before I laid down. After I brought Ez. in & got her settled I went to get the stuff out of the car, then put her seat in the truck so we can take it tonight. It'll be the first time I've driven it since you've been gone.

     Gloria Piselli was there with baby Anna today. She's even smaller than Ez. was—not quite as long I don't think cause she doesn't look as skinny. She's got lots of hair sticking up like Ez's did but it's dark. Ez. seemed to be fascinated by her. I let her touch her arm. I didn't think to ask Gloria's permission but she didn't say anything. I told her we still have the swing if they want it back & she said yes—but there's no rush.

     I can't believe she's still asleep. I'm getting sleepy again now. If I try to go to sleep she'll wake up.

     I gave $5 to Bill Johnston for the money tree for Crutch.

     I finally introduced myself to the Claypool's. They both came in the nursery with Garrett while I was checking Ez's diaper. I told them we lived near each other and they said they'd looked over here.

     I ended up taking Ez. to the nursery. Lisa Mounts was in there. Ez. was so tired but she wouldn't go to sleep. She kept wanting to stand up & look back at Andrew 2 rows back but Doris Mozley was right behind us & I didn't think she'd appreciate the distraction. She'd play with something or look at a book for just a little bit then want to stand up again. I did have the extra pacifiers to hold but it didn't help. After I left her there I went to the office to look for a map. Jeff & Steve had been in the hall with a couple asking directions to Central. They asked if I could tell them how to get there—they (Jeff & Steve) said they could drive it but not explain it. I told them I only knew how from the freeway but that there should be maps in the office. By the time I got down there Jeff had found one. I went to check on Ez. & she was still sitting on the couch where I'd left her. Lisa was reading a book but Ez. wasn't paying much attention—she was just sitting there like she was in a daze. Lisa motioned that she was ok so I left to go back to the auditorium. But I stopped in the bathroom cause I started crying. I guess from the frustration of not being able to get her to go to sleep or be still and then just seeing her sitting there with that blank look on her face. It didn't last long & no one saw me.

     I can't believe it but Ez. slept til 4:10 this afternoon! That's over 3 hours! I sure wish I could've slept that long or even half that long.

     It started raining sometime between 4:30 & 5:00. I didn't hear too much thunder close but saw quite a bit of lightning. I almost decided not to go to church cause it was really pouring and they said a big storm was headed our way. But I figured we'd get there before it got too bad. It didn't get too scary except that it was really pouring down. When we got there I took Ez. on in and asked Mary to watch her while I went back to get her bag. My feet were soaked by the time I got back in. I took in one of the towels we use to cover her seat and left my shoes off during most of church. Ez. did fine for awhile then all of a sudden she decided she wanted to get down & go over where Ryan & Melissa & Christopher were sitting. She got too loud so I took her to the nursery again. Lisa was in there again but I stayed this time.

     Jeff came in and gave Ez. & Amanda & Rachel a little sack with a certificate for VBS and a package of chain links (Gerber brand). I asked him about promoting Ez. & the others next month & he said he pretty much leaves it up to the parents & teachers to decide when they're ready for all the pre-school-age classes. He hasn't got the new teachers assigned yet. The first Sun. of Sept. I plan to go ahead & put Ez. in the toddler class.

     We stayed for the fellowship & Ez. did pretty good again. There was one piece of the pie left this time so I just left it. We got home at 8:08 & I put her to bed by the time just before I started writing. I still can't believe she slept so long this aft.

     I checked the rain gauge when I left Chief out & we got 1.3". I expected it to be full. I put the gate up to keep Chief in the kitchen while we were gone so he wouldn't go crazy all over the house if it stormed. I need to go let him out again & do his eye drops & pills in a few minutes.

     I called for my Tobra refill Fri. saying I needed it by next Fri. They called back later & said it would be sent over late Mon. I'll probably wait til Tues. to go get it just to be sure. There's a ladies brunch at Bea's Tues. too. We'll probably go to the ACE post office tomorrow or Tues but that's all I have planned for the week so far. I should call around & schedule someone to go visit.

     I'd called Carole yesterday to remind her to bring me the Current catalog today & had to leave a message on the answering machine. Today in Ez's class was the lady who taught them in VBS. She said her name is June White and that Carole had asked her to teach for the next two weeks. She said she told Carole she wouldn't be here the second week but didn't know if Carole found anyone for them. I wish they wouldn't go off like that without telling us, especially when she's supposed to be getting back to me about something.

     Last night & tonight I made Chief go out by himself at bedtime. I had to open the door 2-3 times to tell him to go on out then watch to be sure he did something.

August 9, 1992