I can't believe my baby boy is now a high school graduate. I can't express how proud we are of him - he's become such a fine young man, an honorable man, a smart man, and just an all around great guy! We are very impressed with his dedication to school. He graduated with honors - something my hubby and I didn't do. He will be heading off to college in a few months and I can honestly say, as of now, I am very excited to see him go. Not because I want him out of the house, but because this is what the last 18 years were supposed to be about: preparing him to become a self-sufficient man.
Going away to college, while still a bit under mom and dad but in a remote way, is a great way to begin to figure out how to make it on your own. Of course I will miss him, and his laugh. But I am excited to see him grow into his own.
For now, I will cherish the few months of him being home.
Congratulations my son!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Look What We Did
We've been busy cleaning up the front and back yard. After snowy winters I love the warmer weather and planting flowers. This year we cleaned up the vegetable garden and put in a few vegetable starts. I hope they take. I'm pretty sure we waited long enough so as not to have them freeze. We missed out planting last year so we are excited to see how it goes this year. We even found a guy on Craigslist who was selling his cow poop, I mean organic compost, so we got a truck load and mixed that into the dirt. Here's hoping to a bumper crop.
During the winter my hubby and I decided to make some changes to the front yard. We cleared out a section off the front walkway and laid pavers and put in a small patio. We found a perfect bistro set at the home improvement store for a great price and we have instant conversation site.
During the winter my hubby and I decided to make some changes to the front yard. We cleared out a section off the front walkway and laid pavers and put in a small patio. We found a perfect bistro set at the home improvement store for a great price and we have instant conversation site.
Here is what the area looked like before:
And the transformation:
The final product:
We are loving this spot! On the weekend we come out in the morning and enjoy our coffee while reading the paper. In the evening we wind down from the day and just enjoy being together and the quiet of the late afternoon. Notice, only two chairs. Just for me and my hubby.
We also cleaned out an area in our backyard that had roses, but they were not good bloomers and always infested with bugs. So instead, we put in planters and flowers. I am very happy with the results here.
You can see my hubby's summer project - painting the house. He's done so much prep work with sanding and priming and today he is starting the actual painting. It took us going through 20 color swatches (on the back wall) to finally decide on the color (which happened to be one of the original finalist -but we I had to work through all the options so as not to have any second guessing on color). I'm sure our neighbors behind us thought we were trying to figure out how to make a checkerboard on our house.
Anyone else have big summer plans?
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
It's not about the numbers
Before the school year winds down I always like to get in a coffee at my house. Actually, I've been able to have two since the beginning of the year. Summer is off limits to official coffees, though I have no objections to meeting up with friends at a local coffee house. I'll have one in the fall again, after kids are back in school.
Each coffee starts the same: pick a date and send out the invite then decide on some snacks. The date arrives and I wait, usually not knowing who will attend. It's a fun guessing game as to who may show. I've had close to 10 show and once no one showed. And I love it no matter what.
Last week one gal was able to come. I felt so special having her all to myself. I love hearing her stories and she has this wonderful way of challenging me with thought provoking questions. She is a deep thinker, something I am not.
My previous coffee was such a blessing to me. Three wonderful friends showed up (clarification: all those on my invite list are wonderful!). I was able to catch up with a couple of the gals and find out some very significant changes happening in their lives and discover what their kids were up to. We sit at the table, nibble on treats, sip coffee or tea and enjoy each. The time files by.
This coffee was especially touching for me because my friend, who has been in France for a few years, was back in the states and made sure her schedule cleared to come to my coffee. This was the first time the family was back in the states since they left so they were filled with appointments and time with friends and family - and my house was one of her stops. I am pretty sure she was tired from her non-stop schedule; rejuvenated, but tired. Little does she realize how much she encouraged me to see her and hear, first-hand, how life in France is and how their call to love the French as Christ loved her has been going. If you'd like to follow her adventures of loving Christ and being a French church planter, you can at her blog, Four For France.
These coffees allow me to slow down and take in life with friends. Something I need to do much more often.
Each coffee starts the same: pick a date and send out the invite then decide on some snacks. The date arrives and I wait, usually not knowing who will attend. It's a fun guessing game as to who may show. I've had close to 10 show and once no one showed. And I love it no matter what.
Last week one gal was able to come. I felt so special having her all to myself. I love hearing her stories and she has this wonderful way of challenging me with thought provoking questions. She is a deep thinker, something I am not.
My previous coffee was such a blessing to me. Three wonderful friends showed up (clarification: all those on my invite list are wonderful!). I was able to catch up with a couple of the gals and find out some very significant changes happening in their lives and discover what their kids were up to. We sit at the table, nibble on treats, sip coffee or tea and enjoy each. The time files by.
This coffee was especially touching for me because my friend, who has been in France for a few years, was back in the states and made sure her schedule cleared to come to my coffee. This was the first time the family was back in the states since they left so they were filled with appointments and time with friends and family - and my house was one of her stops. I am pretty sure she was tired from her non-stop schedule; rejuvenated, but tired. Little does she realize how much she encouraged me to see her and hear, first-hand, how life in France is and how their call to love the French as Christ loved her has been going. If you'd like to follow her adventures of loving Christ and being a French church planter, you can at her blog, Four For France.
These coffees allow me to slow down and take in life with friends. Something I need to do much more often.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
BIRTHDAY WISHES
A big shout out for super happy birthday wishes to my older sister. I hope you are having a wonderful day!
I'm thinking of you and love you.
Peggy
Saturday, May 4, 2013
1. Make a List 2. Review List 3. Complete List
The school year is winding down and it's a hectic time but somehow I always think, "this year will be different." You would think after 12 years I'd have the end of the year figured out. Oh, no. I've been looking over the calendar and see all that needs to be done and accounted for.
Side note: I better enjoy this hectic time because I'm thinking in two years I'm going to be wishing for all this hectic too-much-to-do time. It just dawned on me that once the kids are gone the end of the school year won't mean as much. Tear drop.
Back to this year. There is a lot going on. Thankfully I'm a list maker.
Many people make lists. I make lists. Actually, I've been making lists for years! I know some people like to make lists because they enjoy the cross-off. You know, when they've finished that one task the line is drawn through the item. I'm sure there is much joy to see the tasks being accomplished. But that is not why I make lists.
My list making is out of pure need. I need organization and this is my one way of keeping track of all I need to do. I have a white board on the fridge and list out all activities for the week. If I have a busy day, a list is made. My list includes what needs to be done and then some. Sometimes I have a rough draft list for the really busy days. Then the final version includes all the tasks along with times I should be doing it. Yes, I put in the time I want to begin the next item. Here is what my list would look like:
1:00-1:40 Wal-Mart
- Shampoo, milk, socks, light bulbs
1:45 Bank - deposit check, get $25 cash
2:00 Post Office
- Mail bills, buy book of stamps
2:25 Home
- Calls: Doctor, Newspaper subscription, order gift
- Clean: Dust my room; dust Living Room; Sweep kitchen; Dishes
4:00 Start dinner
Yes, I'm a bit of a nut. But this is what works for me and I am so glad God made me this way to try to keep me a bit organized.
Are you a list maker? What does your list look like?
Side note: I better enjoy this hectic time because I'm thinking in two years I'm going to be wishing for all this hectic too-much-to-do time. It just dawned on me that once the kids are gone the end of the school year won't mean as much. Tear drop.
Back to this year. There is a lot going on. Thankfully I'm a list maker.
Many people make lists. I make lists. Actually, I've been making lists for years! I know some people like to make lists because they enjoy the cross-off. You know, when they've finished that one task the line is drawn through the item. I'm sure there is much joy to see the tasks being accomplished. But that is not why I make lists.
My list making is out of pure need. I need organization and this is my one way of keeping track of all I need to do. I have a white board on the fridge and list out all activities for the week. If I have a busy day, a list is made. My list includes what needs to be done and then some. Sometimes I have a rough draft list for the really busy days. Then the final version includes all the tasks along with times I should be doing it. Yes, I put in the time I want to begin the next item. Here is what my list would look like:
1:00-1:40 Wal-Mart
- Shampoo, milk, socks, light bulbs
1:45 Bank - deposit check, get $25 cash
2:00 Post Office
- Mail bills, buy book of stamps
2:25 Home
- Calls: Doctor, Newspaper subscription, order gift
- Clean: Dust my room; dust Living Room; Sweep kitchen; Dishes
4:00 Start dinner
Yes, I'm a bit of a nut. But this is what works for me and I am so glad God made me this way to try to keep me a bit organized.
Are you a list maker? What does your list look like?
Monday, April 1, 2013
Some random things I've been enjoying lately:
1. Dave Ramsey. He is on the radio when I leave work and I enjoy listening to his wise financial advise. What impresses me most is his kind and merciful heart toward the callers.
2. Sunshine. We have had some incredible days these last few days. We hit 70 today and yesterday was one of the nicest Easter Sunday's we've had in years.
3. Seattle Mariners. Opening day for baseball today! OK, yesterday a game was played, but today is the real opening day for the other 28 teams.
4. My Ninja blender. That baby blends my smoothies like there is no tomorrow. I love it. Throw in some ice, yogurt, protein, fruit, spinach and juice and away I go for breakfast.
5. The Bible series on the History channel. If you missed this program I highly recommend renting the five-part, ten hour series. There were some artistic liberties taken, obviously, but I don't think the integrity of the message was altered.
6. My small group. We just finished studying why we believe.... the Bible, Jesus, Resurrection and other topics. It was very interesting and affirming.
7. The Amazing Race. My daughter and I enjoy watching this show together. I could never go on that show. I'd lose any cool I had (which really is none) and show my ugly competitive side. Plus, I over-think things all the time, which is not good if you want to do well on that show.
8. My Starbucks app. I recently discovered this app. It keeps track of my gift card, my purchases and free items. When I purchase I just show the home screen and the barista scans my phone and the charges are automatically deducted. It was fun to go through the drive through and flash my phone and off I go.
9. The last few months of my son home. I am enjoying the time with my kids while they are still home. Soon enough they will be going off to college and moving on with their adult lives.
10. Bar-B-Q's. With the nice weather we've been having, we had our first bar-b-q tonight. Cheese burgers-yum. I add all kinds of toppings: Gorgonzola cheese, peppercini peppers, red peppers and mix the hamburger with garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper. Love them!
What has been catching your eye lately?
1. Dave Ramsey. He is on the radio when I leave work and I enjoy listening to his wise financial advise. What impresses me most is his kind and merciful heart toward the callers.
2. Sunshine. We have had some incredible days these last few days. We hit 70 today and yesterday was one of the nicest Easter Sunday's we've had in years.
3. Seattle Mariners. Opening day for baseball today! OK, yesterday a game was played, but today is the real opening day for the other 28 teams.
4. My Ninja blender. That baby blends my smoothies like there is no tomorrow. I love it. Throw in some ice, yogurt, protein, fruit, spinach and juice and away I go for breakfast.
5. The Bible series on the History channel. If you missed this program I highly recommend renting the five-part, ten hour series. There were some artistic liberties taken, obviously, but I don't think the integrity of the message was altered.
6. My small group. We just finished studying why we believe.... the Bible, Jesus, Resurrection and other topics. It was very interesting and affirming.
7. The Amazing Race. My daughter and I enjoy watching this show together. I could never go on that show. I'd lose any cool I had (which really is none) and show my ugly competitive side. Plus, I over-think things all the time, which is not good if you want to do well on that show.
8. My Starbucks app. I recently discovered this app. It keeps track of my gift card, my purchases and free items. When I purchase I just show the home screen and the barista scans my phone and the charges are automatically deducted. It was fun to go through the drive through and flash my phone and off I go.
9. The last few months of my son home. I am enjoying the time with my kids while they are still home. Soon enough they will be going off to college and moving on with their adult lives.
10. Bar-B-Q's. With the nice weather we've been having, we had our first bar-b-q tonight. Cheese burgers-yum. I add all kinds of toppings: Gorgonzola cheese, peppercini peppers, red peppers and mix the hamburger with garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper. Love them!
What has been catching your eye lately?
Friday, March 22, 2013
Not on Friday
I am not playing hooky; but I am home from work today.
My boss knows.
I have the NCAA basketball first round games on the TV in the background. I LOVE this tournament.
I'm not home because I want to watch the games; well, I do, but that is not why I'm home. My son has a bad tooth and we are waiting to leave for the dentist. That - getting an appointment to the dentist - on a Friday was eight calls in the making (actually it was far more than that, I'm not counting the numerous calls I made and received the answering machine AFTER the time it told me they would be open).
Oh my. Do not have to see a dentist on a Friday! My son's tooth started hurting pretty bad last night so he would have to be seen today because we didn't want to wait through the weekend. And really, why should we? So I called his dentist and the recording told me they opened at 7:00 am. Great. Called a few minutes after 7 and called a few more times and every time received the answering machine. The office is a block away, so we decided to drive over. Maybe they forgot to turn off the machine. Nope. Nobody in. As we left, I saw a girl walking into the building and thought maybe that was an employee. Got back home and called again. Yes, she was the worker, but didn't know how to reach the dentist and she was going to be the only one in. After a few minutes she saw a note that had the on-call dentist's number. OK, now we are getting somewhere. I call him. Nope. He is closed and I can call his home number. I call and leave a message. (He did call me back about 2 hours later.)
I decided to call my dentist. Guess what? They were closed. The recording said if I had an emergency I could call the dentist's cell phone. I did. He answered his phone. He gave me a few names to contact. He actually would have come in to see my son, but had previous plans and was leaving town.
I tried the first two names.
And - they - were - closed.
I called the final option he gave me. It's the office next to his. A live person answers the phone. Yes, they can see him. We set the time. Oh, by the way, the office near you is closed. We are located across town. Do you still want to come in? Are you kidding?! You are the only ones open. Of course I'm coming in!
So you now get to read about my frustrating morning trying to get into a dentist while I wait for our appointment. I get so see a bit of basketball, my boss said to take care of my baby and he'll see me Monday (I have the best boss) and my son should be feeling better soon.
I hope you have a great weekend.
My boss knows.
I have the NCAA basketball first round games on the TV in the background. I LOVE this tournament.
I'm not home because I want to watch the games; well, I do, but that is not why I'm home. My son has a bad tooth and we are waiting to leave for the dentist. That - getting an appointment to the dentist - on a Friday was eight calls in the making (actually it was far more than that, I'm not counting the numerous calls I made and received the answering machine AFTER the time it told me they would be open).
Oh my. Do not have to see a dentist on a Friday! My son's tooth started hurting pretty bad last night so he would have to be seen today because we didn't want to wait through the weekend. And really, why should we? So I called his dentist and the recording told me they opened at 7:00 am. Great. Called a few minutes after 7 and called a few more times and every time received the answering machine. The office is a block away, so we decided to drive over. Maybe they forgot to turn off the machine. Nope. Nobody in. As we left, I saw a girl walking into the building and thought maybe that was an employee. Got back home and called again. Yes, she was the worker, but didn't know how to reach the dentist and she was going to be the only one in. After a few minutes she saw a note that had the on-call dentist's number. OK, now we are getting somewhere. I call him. Nope. He is closed and I can call his home number. I call and leave a message. (He did call me back about 2 hours later.)
I decided to call my dentist. Guess what? They were closed. The recording said if I had an emergency I could call the dentist's cell phone. I did. He answered his phone. He gave me a few names to contact. He actually would have come in to see my son, but had previous plans and was leaving town.
I tried the first two names.
And - they - were - closed.
I called the final option he gave me. It's the office next to his. A live person answers the phone. Yes, they can see him. We set the time. Oh, by the way, the office near you is closed. We are located across town. Do you still want to come in? Are you kidding?! You are the only ones open. Of course I'm coming in!
So you now get to read about my frustrating morning trying to get into a dentist while I wait for our appointment. I get so see a bit of basketball, my boss said to take care of my baby and he'll see me Monday (I have the best boss) and my son should be feeling better soon.
I hope you have a great weekend.
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