It's Almost Here!

Christmas that is.  Did you make your "blessings" list from last weeks post?  I tried hard to remember them as I hurried from here to there.  Christmas cards are finished (if you didn't get one, that is because you didn't send me one last year...send me one and I'll do the same), out of town package mailed (on Saturday no less....the post office this time of year gives me hives), my kids bedding washed and beds made ready for them to come home tomorrow, my kitchen counters cleaned off, and my baking days are planned.  I was feeling horribly behind when I realized that I did all of this before December 15th.  I still have 10 days to enjoy the season with only baking to do...and I keep it really simple.  I also realized that I am doing better about being less annoyed with annoying people.  Slow down, realize that other people may be having a bad day, smile.  That is all this world really needs.

Oh yeah, my kids will fly in tomorrow morning! SO excited to see them!

Blessings

Aren't they cute? They never cease to be "cute" to me...I decided this post would be about blessings, so what picture could be more appropriate than two of my greatest blessings?

This time of year is not my favorite.  Horrible to admit, but it is true. There are things I really love about it: I love the weather (really), all the decorations, the focus on family, and the lessons we learn about Christ and His Holy birth.  I don't like the pressure to shop (love shopping...just not under pressure), I don't like the way people are impatient, rude, and unpleasant. I don't like the way the world is in a hurry...and the hurriedness triples this time of year.  Yes, "hurriedness" is a word.  So I've decided I need an attitude adjustment.  I am going to focus on the things I love about the Christmas season, and dump the rest. In order to help me focus, I decided a list of my blessings is in order.  I've also decided this list needs to be personal, and specific...and I challenge each one who reads this to make their own list:

I am thankful for (and blessed with):

1. God.  Specifically, I am grateful I can talk to Him in any situation, and that our relationship is such that I can talk to Him not only as my Heavenly Father, but my friends. What do friends do for us? They cheer us on...they hold us when we are aching and sad, and they help us grow.  I'm not sure what my life with be without Him.

2. My husband.  Specifically, I am grateful that he accepts and loves me as I am, warts and all.  And believe me, I have lots of "warts".  He is patient and he "gets" me.  He knows I am not perfect but he doesn't care.  He scrubbed the tub for me so I could take a bath after the birth of my first child...enough said.

3. My daughter. I am going in age order, so no, David, it doesn't mean I love her more because her name is before yours.  Specifically I am grateful for the adult she has grown into.  She is SO insightful, and so caring about the people around her.  I  am SO grateful that we never went through a period where she hated me.  I am excited to see where her life takes her and what happiness she will claim as hers.

4.  My son. Specifically, I love his loyalty.  I love it that he is protective of me and his sister.  He loves with his WHOLE heart, and that makes my heart swell.  I am grateful to the adult that he is growing into.  He is learning so much right now...not only academically, but spiritually and temporally. I love that family comes first with him.   I am grateful that we are close.  I am excited to see what his future holds, and for the eternal family he will add to ours.

5. My parents. Well, this isn't totally in age order.  I am grateful for ALL of them..and I have more than my fair share.  They each bring something good to the table of my life and I wouldn't be the person I am without them.  I am grateful that even though I am an adult, that I can count on them, lean on them, whine when I  need to, and share my joys.  I am SO grateful for the way I was raised and the values they taught me.  Honesty, integrity, loyalty, love.

6. My siblings. All of them. Specifically I am grateful to share this life with them...it makes life a whole lot less loney.

7.  My relatives through marriage:  When you marry, you gain another family.  If you are very,very fortunate, you gain a whole new support system. I am one of those very, very fortunate people.  I love all of my "inlaws" greatly...

8. My friends.  I can't imagine what my life would be without their wisdom, their sturdy shoulders, and their love.

What are YOU thankful for?

A Choice

This post is about a choice I made long ago that has changed my life. As you read it remember that it was my choice, and that it may not be the right choice for everyone.

21 years ago I gave birth to my first child.  I was so worried I would not be a good mother. I was worried I wouldn't know what to do...or when to do it.  From the minute she was born I was.in.love....seriously smitten. I couldn't get enough of holding her and dreaming about her future.  Shortly after she was born I was back at work...a financial necessity. I was able to go back part time for a little while, but had to go full time fairly quickly. We were very fortunate to have good daycare.  The yearning to be the one to hold her and love her all day never left me.  Three years later I gave birth to my second child.  Again, love at first sight. I was able to stay home with both kids for four months this time before I went back to work again.  It was heart breaking to leave them every day and realize that the daycare provider saw them more than I. I felt like their little lives were speeding by.

I liked my job and the people I worked with.  I felt successful and was promoted often. The head of the division where I worked invited me in his office and asked where I wanted to go professionally. He gave me the opportunity to choose the direction I wanted to go anywhere in the company. It was a heady feeling knowing I could go anywhere I chose. 

I often felt torn in two directions. I wanted to be the best employee and I wanted to be the best mother I could be. I felt like I wasn't the best at either.  I felt like I was at war inside.  I was able to cut back my full time work to part time when Sami started kindergarten.  I was overjoyed!  At the same time, I was being passed over for promotions because I worked part time.  I agonized over whether to apply for promotions knowing that I probably wouldn't get them.  Finally a very good friend sat me down and told me that I needed to CHOOSE. I could either focus on my career and  move up the ranks of state government, or I could focus on being a mother.  I, personally, was suffering from not having that focus.  It all came clear to  me after this discussion.  I didn't care about my job more than my kids...My kids were my focus.  After that life was easier.  I made the CHOICE and all decisions were put up against that choice.  Shortly after that I was able to reduce my hours even more...and then was able to quit all together.

Financially this choice didn't make sense - and we've struggled.  Emotionally, for me, it was the best choice.  I will be forever grateful for my friend for helping me see why I struggled emotionally, and for giving me the courage to choose. My choice has made all the difference.

Post Thanksgiving Post

Yes these are my children.  The picture makes it look like they even dressed alike! We had such a good time having them home for a week.  David was asked why school let him out early...he said "I left...they didn't LET me do anything". We had Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma Beth/Uncle Mike & Aunt Julie's house.  It was great...good food, relaxed atmosphere, and just happy times.  So grateful to have them close by!

I feel like I accomplished a lot this last week....so I am going to list them so when I feel like I was a slug I can look back at reality!
1. Thanksgiving/Autumn decorations put away - Christmas put up (I had help with that)
2. Christmas cards written out and Christmas letter written
3. Bathrooms cleaned!
4. A new zipper put in Sami's skirt (sorry it took so long Sami) - never put a zipper in, so it was new experience.
5. New pants shortened and a tie repaired.
6. Made the best apple pie EVER
7. Shopped on Black Friday in less than ONE HOUR!
8. Ordered my new printer with David's encouragement

Of course there is another list waiting to do...always is...but I would like to take the time to be thankful for what is already done.  Woo HOO!

They're HERE!

It seems like a lifetime ago when we drove Sami and David to college.  At the time I felt like Thanksgiving was YEARS away, and that it would be much too long before I saw them again.  The time passed slowly at first, but then as life intervined it picked up the pace and moved quickly. All of a sudden it was the day before they came home (Friday).  I scurried around trying to make sure the sheets were washed and their beds were made. We had shopped and put groceries we knew they liked in the cupboards.  Saturday morning dawned and we drove to the airport.  We didn't park and go in to wait, much to their disappointment, but met them at the curb, bags in hand. It was SO exciting to hug my babies again, holding them to my heart.  I am SO glad they are home and look forward to spending this week enjoying their company. Pictures for sure next week!

Travels to Ohio

As mentioned last week, I traveled to Ohio to visit this guy (affectionately known as dad).  It was a crazy busy trip of 6 days.  Ariana (my sister) and I were able to pretty much pare down his belongings to a couple of suitcases.  We sold his car, some of his furniture, donated the rest of the furniture, met with doctors & nurses, met tons of family members, and bonded together.  I think we did a good job. Dad is on his way to recovery (medication and gallbladder issues) and he will be moving to Florida on December 1.  Things I learned on this trip:

1.  Always get the story first hand.  Don't rely on second and third hand accounts when it is important.
2.  Love your family.  You may find it hard to like them, but love them. Everyone needs love.
3. Stay close to your family. In the end, that is all we have.
4. When someone says, or implies they are lonely, believe them. Reach out - see number 2.

Here are some more pictures - I really loved seeing everyone. The last time I saw these people I was three years old!

                                        Veronica & Dad - Aunt Helen & Uncle Peter's daughter

                                  Aunt Helen & Uncle Peter Horatschki - dad's sister & bro-in-law

                                                  John Horatschki  - Helen & Peter's son

                                                            Tanya - Mary's daughter

                                                        Mary - Helen & Peter's daughter

                                                                Ariana, dad and me



Ohio

Just a quick note...I  am in Cleveland Ohio visiting my dad. My little sister, Ariana is with me.  What I've learned so far...
1. Wheeled carryon bags are the way to go.  No sore back, and not sweating when I get to my gate are pretty big in my book!
2. It is cold here.  A coat is a necessity....glad I am not here for long because my coat is a "Washington" winter coat...more made for rain than snow.
3. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt...no further explanation needed.

that is all for today. I'll fill in more with pictures next week when I am back home. Love to all!

As the weather changes....

This last week proved to be a little stressful in someways. Dan took a work trip Monday thru Wednesday. I hate staying home alone - although I did have our canine children to keep me company, and I did sleep better this time.  I was SO cold on Monday that I build a fire in our woodstove - first one of the season! It kept me warm all night and it was so pretty to watch the flames dance.  Fortunately the time Dan was gone went quickly and he was back Wednesday night.  Some highlights of the week:

1.  I learned that it is not economically wise for me to go to Costco alone.  The book section draws me near every time and I have a hard time not buying everything I want! Fortunately I did escape for under $200...a minor miracle for sure.

2.  I used my "new to me" wood stacker (to the left of the woodstove) that I picked up at a garage sale for $5 this summer. I love the way it kept the wood neat and not falling all over the hearth...and it kept the puppies from dragging the wood all over the house. For some reason they think that the wood in the woodshed is for their sole pleasure of dragging around the yard.  While bringing that wood in from the shed they decided it would be a good time to play "kick mom in the knees and watch her fall into the mud"...fortunately I was not physically hurt, just irritated!

3. I was able to reconnect with my little sister this week and it has been a joy to me to be able to talk with her and plan a trip to visit our father.  She impresses me so much with who she has become and I'm so excited to get to be with her for a few days.

4. I had to learn to be a Long Distance Mother this week while David has been sick. Usually I am right there when he gets his twice yearly upper respiratory gunk, and it was hard to be so far away this time. He is recovering, and I am glad.

5. I had the honor of attending the temple on Saturday with Dan. There is nothing more sweet and sacred than attending the temple with your eternal companion. I am always struck by how my anxieties leave me and how I am able to concentrate on the message given while I am there.

6. Today at church I learned that it is important to extend forgiveness to others and to ourselves. All we have to do is sincerely ask Heavenly Father for forgiveness and he freely gives it - why do we expect that we cannot do that for ourselves?

I am SO grateful for my family and friends. It seems to be a good season to remember to say "thanks" to the people that touch our lives. My challenge to all of us this next week is to slow down...let someone else go first....help someone who needs help....and extend your love to those around you that may be feeling unloved.

 

October 22, 2012

Yes, I know, it is still Sunday, October 21.  Since I am trying to write on Sunday's, I wanted to keep that tradition, but this post is about October 22.  27 years ago, roughly in September, I told the love of my life that I loved him for the very first time. I was headed to college (where now my son is at) with my sister and a friend.  I had spent a wonderful summer with the best friend I had ever known.  The night before I left, he spent most of the night preparing a surprize for me to open when I arrived at college.  The next morning he gave me a tin foil wrapped package that was fairly heavy - about the size of a medium hardbacked book.  As I was getting in the car we hugged and said "I love you".  I was so excited to get to open that gift.  As we stopped for the night in Twin Falls, Idaho, I pulled it out and opened it.  It was a giant tootsie roll block with the words "Love, Dan" marked out with tootsie rolls.  I was in LOVE! It was my favorite candy at the time and he had stayed up all night melting down a ton of tootsie rolls to make it. 

We made it to college and the first thing I did was get a bank account and then hook up a phone. That was before cell phones, my friends.  Dan and I spent long periods on the phone and we wrote back and forth at a furious pace.  He said he would come visit me on October 22 - half way between the start of school and Thanksgiving, when I could return home for a visit.  I checked the mail one day before boarding the bus to school and there were 3 letters from him. I was SO excited! I yelled to a friend on the bus - I got three letters from him! A boy asked "what are you doing here then?"  At that point I decided he was right and made preparations to leave school and come back to Washington.  I was really struggling with loneliness at school and other medical issues so it seemed like the right choice.  I returned at the end of September, and by the following July we were married. 

October 22 is a special day we always celebrate - a "first date" sort of day. We laugh when we talk about, how I didn't make it to the halfway point, but how glorious that reunion was when I stepped off that plane!

Check In

Dan caught a picture of these two "sharing" my recliner.  Newbie likes to lay on the top to look out the window, and then Roo will sit in the chair. Apparently Newbie decided that there was plenty of room for the two of them to share the chair seat....

Sami asked for a picture of the corn. The garden this year was successful in some ways...but I planted too late this year, and then got tired of watering so late in the season so some things didn't get harvested, they died of dehydration. On next years agenda: watering system of some kind.  Anyway, Sami planted the corn and it did fabulously.  Potatoes, cucumbers, radishes, strawberries were all a hit. Carrots failed - planted them twice and they didn't make it either time. Lettuce was ok, but I didn't harvest it in time and it went bitter.  I did get one zucchini, and would've had more had I watered more.  I'm planning on getting a load of dirt and really winterizing the garden so that next year I will have less work in the spring.

I've decided to do a check in of sorts - stolen from a blog I follow - so here is my week in a nutshell:
1. Dan went out of town for three days.  I kept busy each day, and each night it was harder to sleep. I hate the dark, and I hate being alone at night.  I did it though - go me!

2. I was successful in meeting my work goal this week. I set a certain amount of hours I want to put in each week and then work towards that.  Due to variations in each week (doctor's appts, lunch with friends, etc) sometimes I end up working a little more on Friday than I intend. This week was perfect! I only worked a couple of hours on Friday.  Gives me a little breather and helps me to do the housework I want to do without doing it all day Saturday.

3. Speaking of Saturday, I went on a little retail therapy trip....I hit Value Village, Kohls, Fred Meyer, and Goodwill. I did find a few things I needed, but the elusive coat I've been searching for is still on my list.  And I came home with $ in my pocket - so score!

4. Spent time with a friend Friday night and then again on Saturday morning. It is SO important to keep friendships alive and well.  We all need a support system..it is better to have that support system in place all the time than to wonder where it is when you really need it.  So that is my challenge this week: Be a friend. Listen instead of speaking. Lend your love and your hand where it is needed. We all need friends.

Happy Third week in October! The wind is blowing and the rain is here - LOVE IT!

Things to Ponder

Yesterday and today I had the opportunity to listen to leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, of which I am a member, give us counsel.  Everyone worldwide, members and nonmembers alike are invited to hear the messages.  I decided today's post would be a recap of what I learned. I hope it is helpful to your lives.

1.  The sanctity of marriage and the value of strong families are paramount in today's society. How do we work towards having a strong family unit? Prayer, spend time together, share our beliefs with our children, and organize your family on clear basic principles.

2. Christian kindness. Often I hear that Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) are not christian. Not sure how people come up with that, as the name "Jesus Christ" is in our name.  Christian kindness begins at home - helping each other in any way we can. Not keeping track of who did what, how many times.  Then we extend to our communities. Christian kinds transcends all barriers: color, religion, sexual identity. Christ loves all of us no matter what color we are, what we believe, or who we love.  We need to come out of ourselves to lend a hand, shoulder, heart, ear to those in need. That is how we show Christ we love him.

3. Be anxiously engaged.  What does this mean? It means lending that Christian hand to those who need it.  Fill our souls by loving others and doing good works. Get involved, however you can, in your church, your community, your home.  Something as small as a smile to a stranger in the store can lighten your own load and let a glimmer of love take root in your heart.

4. Remain steadfast. It is easy to give up when the going gets hard. And we've all had hard trials.  No one knows your trials quite like you do, and it is easy to bury inside and let them overwhelm you.  Remember to do the simple things to keep on track: Pray (or meditate if that is more your speed), keep a gratitude journal by writing 5 things down daily that you are thankful for, surround yourself with others that hold similar values as you do.  Serve others.  Keep doing all you can to keep your head above water and eventually you'll come out of your trial. 

5. Don't erect "pavilions" or walls between you and God. Don't allow fear, hatred, or negative emotions keep you from hearing what He has to say.  We all need His guidance. Pray to accept His will before our own, and to have our prayers answered in His way, on His time schedule.

6. Extend love to those who've we've offended or feel like they have offended us. Ask for forgiveness or extend forgiveness.  Hate is allowing someone else have real estate in your head.  Don't know about you, but I need all the real estate I can get up there.

The Lord is in the details of our lives. Come - stay true - love God - lend a hand.

My Favorite Month of the Year - October

It is my most favorite month of the whole year! I love everything about October.  The changing of the leaf color, swirling leaves as they fall to the ground, the brisk morning air, SWEATERS!, the bright blue sky, and just that "change of season" feeling.  Makes me happy.  Yesterday we went to Autumn in Fall. It was a small fair with horse drawn carriage rides, pumpkins for sale, food, and tons of little tents of people selling home made items and antiques.  I loved it!  It took forever to get there - oh my..I didn't think we'd ever get there but it was well worth it when we did.  We bought some homemade bread and a few other items.  It was a totally laid back, fun sort of morning.  Later that evening we had a great meal with some good friends to round out the day.

People keep asking me how I am adjusting to being an empty nester, so I thought I would make a list of what I like and don't like.  Maybe someone else that faces this same challenge will be able to take something from it.

Likes:
1. Clean Kitchen...every day.
2. Small laundry - never, ever thought I would say that!
3. Quiet evenings when the house closes up for the night.
4. Spontaneous activities with Dan - like the fair!
5. Dinner out for $13.50 - true statement!
6. Groceries for under $200 for two weeks!

Dislikes:
1. Bustle of a busy house with people going and coming.
2. Daily hugs from my kids.
3. Empty house all day...you think that would be on the Like list, but I get lonely in the afternoons.
4. Family activities
5. Making a big dinner that everyone loves
6. Coupon shopping with David!

So you see, it is a give and take. I am enjoying this different life, and I look forward with great eagerness to Thanksgiving when everyone is together again. 

Man's Best Friends

Aren't they cute??  When Dan goes off to work in the morning, they keep me company.  I work at home, and it gets lonely sometimes.  They truly are my friends....they warn me when someone is outside (usually just walking by, or a salesman sometimes), they warn me when the school bus comes, they accompany me on my daily walks, and they make the floor messy so I get to do that thing I love most of all - MOP. Which is second best to dusting, but that is another post.  I am grateful for my furry friends!

Camp Helaman

I was asked to speak in church today about Camp Helaman.  Camp Helaman is a weeklong camp for boys ages 16-20ish. During camp they learn about Christ and His mission.  They also take part in exercises to deepen their testimonies of Christ and learn about sharing the message. This is what I spoke about:

I believe that most everything that is important in this life takes work. Relationships, marriage, testimonies…and not just the work it takes to start, but the ongoing learning and pressing forward that makes these things better than they were the previous minute. I don’t believe in “get rich quick” schemes, and I don’t believe most infomercials that promise results for $19.95…oh, and call in the next five minutes and you get one FREE!

So considering that, when people would tell me that “Camp Helaman” could change lives, while I believed it could be a good thing to do, I was wary of believing in the effect that it really could have. Sending your kid to spend a week with other boys eating enormous amount s of Hostess products – how could that really do anything?

I am happy to report that I was wrong. I saw concrete changes in not only my son, but in all the boys I saw that day when we went to pick him up. We parked our car and then began walking towards where we thought we were supposed to be. We stopped to ask someone if we were going in the right direction and he said to “follow the thunder”….not sure what he meant, we kept going and began to hear the most wonderous sound…..the sound of young men singing hymns. The sound filled the air and as we reached our destination we saw it was not unlike this chapel. The parents were seated at the back and the boys were seated down below facing away from us at a lower level – so in this room the parents would be standing at the back of the room and the boys would be seated in the chapel facing the front where the music leader stood.

Their voices were so powerful – you could feel the spirit of God strongly. The second to last song was Army of Helaman – the primary song. Before they sang, they all turned to face their parents and then sung with strong emotion the song We’ll Bring the World His Truth – or as I call it “The Army of Helaman Song” the chorus was felt by every parent that was in that meeting

We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord’s missionaries
To bring the world his truth

You could see the light of Christ in every boy’s eyes – and you could feel the light in your whole being.

After the song, one by one they lined up to bear their testimonies….and while it didn’t seem possible that the spirit could be even stronger, it grew. At the end of the meeting we stood and looked for our son. He hurried towards us and hugged us all in turn. The light of Christ was bright in his eyes and you could tell that Camp Helaman had a profound effect on him.

Camp Helaman was a great experience for our whole family….for our son, who was able to internalize the importance of Christ’s message, for the rest of us that saw how powerful a group of young men, holding the priesthood of God, can be for good. How proud I was that day to be my sons mother and how thankful I am that we are linked forever as an eternal family.

Teach Them to Fly

Once there was a mama bird.  She had two little baby birds in her nest.  She worked and worked at keeping them safe and helping them to grow.  She was there when they were pecking and pecking to get out of their hard egg shells...rooting them on and cheering when a little piece would fall away.  She was there when they were crying of hunger, fed them and then taught them how to hunt for food on their own. She would kiss the hurt away when they fell and got hurt, or were hurt by others.  Day by day she loved and loved them and  prayed they would always know it.

One day she came to realize her birdies were no longer small, and that the time had come to encourage them to venture out and try their wings.  They had been in the nest so long and it was comfortable there for all of them.  They all had their routines, and they all knew what to do with each day.  Their wing feathers were beginning to sing....and the song needed wind to be full.  So gathering up her courage, mama bird set the first birdie on the edge of the nest and with encouragement told her to fly.  The birdie teetered and tottered and then fell out....Mama birdie's heart felt like it would explode as she watched her baby birdie take flight and her beautiful wings spread and sing broadly the new song of independence.  Soon it was time for her youngest birdie to do the same. With tears in her eyes again, she placed him on the edge of the nest and encouraged him into the wind.  The same thing happened...and the song was sung again.

As mothers we spend our children's lives keeping them safe from evil that is all around. We protect them when they fall and when others threaten their happiness.  We anguish when they make choices other than what we would have done...and we sorrow to the depths of our souls when they cry.  We start young pushing them out of the nest...we teach them to self sooth to sleep through the night as newborns; we teach them to pee on the potty and not in their pants; we teach them to share and to go to school to learn.  Eventually we have to let go.....and let them soar. Our job is not done, as many think, it is just taking on different meaning.  Teach your children to fly - the song is definitely worth hearing.

I am on FIRE!

I decided to take my daughter's advice and blog more.  I realized that it is important to record things that happen so I remember them later.  And that it is important for my college kids (BOTH!) to be able to connect with home other than through the phone.  I'm trying to blog every Sunday...and I think this is at least my second time! Hence the title...
I don't have much exciting to report, but I thought I would share a few things I am thankful for:

1.  In the midst of an Eeyore streak, just a little statement on facebook will bring friends to the rescue..and turn that Eeyore streak back into Tigger!  I'm so thankful for family and good friends to lean on when the world looks a little gray.

2.  I am grateful for repentance and forgiveness.  What mistakes I make on a daily basis!  I'm so grateful my family and friends, and Heavenly Father always allow me to say "I'm sorry" and then truly forgive me. 

3.  I am grateful for fall! I love this time of year. I know, I know, we are still dragging out summer...but I am so excited to see the leaves change and get out my sweaters.  I took the advice of a good friend and really tried to enjoy the "heat" of summer this year. I think, except for a few days, I was very successful.  I really enjoyed the blue blue skies, and going barefoot as often as possible.  I am now ready to wear socks, and to curl up with a book in front of the woodstove, and light some yummy spice candles!

4.  I am eternally grateful for my family.  I don't know what I would do without them.  We all bug each other, we all do and say things that drive each other insane sometimes, but in the end, we all love each other intensely.  I'm so glad I get to spend an eternity with all of them.

5. Finally, I am grateful to have God in my life.  He is my protector, my "go to guy" in times of need, and in times of joy.  I am grateful to be able to stand and be counted among his sheep.

Have a great week everyone!

There and Back Again

We just completed our late summer trip to Utah to take Sami back to BYU.  Fortunately I got to fly there, while Dan and Sami drove the car with all her stuff.  We all met on Wednesday, Aug 22 at 11:30am.  We spent the rest of that day and all of the next getting the stuff she needed.  Her apartment is amazing! She shares the whole apartment with 3 other girls, but her bedroom is all her own. It is HUGE! She has 4 closets, 2 armoires, dresser, a huge desk, and a reading nook...take a look!

Since she is on the top floor, the closets are short, but they go on forever inside.  She really only used one, and part of another. School starts tomorrow, and she has already started working at her job at the Creamery.  She works at the grill - go see her if you are in the area!

It is hard to let her go every year, but I am SO proud of her and what she has accomplished in the face of adversity.  Sami, you are a success!

Summer 2012

I am calling summer 2012 a success! It really was a great summer. The highlights were the adoption of Roo, and our trip to Michigan.

This is Roo. We adopted her from the rescue in Eastern Washington where we adopted Newby from. She is missing a back leg due to abuse...she is so sweet and a great addition to our house!

We took a trip to see our family in Michigan at the end of July. It truly was a great trip filled with many reunitings and just plain relaxation.

Some of the greatest memories I have from childhood are playing on the beach at Lake Superior. The water is clear, the beaches are sandy, and there is no SEAWEED! Whenever we visit, going to the lake is on the top of the "must see" list.

Sami and her great grandmother, MaryLou.

Four generations of strong women!

My brother Tim and I - we hadn't seen each other for seven years! Visiting with him and his wonderful family was great. We are planning another reunion very soon.

Dan and my mom relaxing on the deck in front of my parents house. We spent a lot time just hanging out and watching the hummingbirds feed at the feeders.

My brother and sister-in-law Kayleana having fun on the ATV.

My nephews - what great kids! It was like seeing my brother again at that age - so sweet and so very much boys!

David decided that Sami needed to get more wet than she was - Lake Superior is very cold, even on a warm day!

2012 Spring!

Just when I thought the 2011-2012 Winter would never end (it was 12 years long, you know), spring has finally arrived! Last fall I planted bulbs for the first time in my flower boxes out front. I've been wanting to do that for a long time - I just never found the time or money to do it. I've been anxiously awaiting greenery to push out of the ground - my signal that spring is finally making an appearance. The greenery came through - but then it snowed, dampening my hopes. We have now experienced a few sunshiney days and the blossoms are popping everywhere! I had to cut the pink hyacinth right after I took the picture as it was really falling over...and low and behold there is another blossom coming beneath it! I took a picture of Sami's African violet because it has never had as many blossoms as it does right now. For me, this all symbolizes the hope we can find in this life. When things seem sad, slow, and dreary (READ: RAIN!), we can always dream about the spring blossoms. The hope that better things are coming keeps us buoyed until they really appear.

January 2012 Snowmageddon

I love snow. I come from snow country..Marquette, Michigan. It seems like the last few years have been less than snowy there, but I remember growing up it seemed like the snow lasted for years...then we had a month of blistering hot summer, and then snow again! We always had snow at Halloween - it was tradition. I don't miss the months and months of snow, but I like to have a couple days every year to enjoy the pristine beauty of new fallen snow. This year really delivered!

Mom came to visit from Michigan before the snow hit...she was delayed getting home because of airport closures. She was right in it with us though...helped us shovel out the driveway. It was a good thing we did that because the next day we had an ice storm and everything was frozen solid. We could at least get out of our driveway...well with the truck anyway. The cars were grounded for a few days.

Newby loved the snow. At first he wouldn't go in it...but we knew he really HAD to go out eventually, so we pushed him a little. After that he couldn't get enough! He loved to jump through it and push it with his nose. His belly was barely above the snow - so he ran everywhere to plow through!

We sure were glad when it finally melted enough to drive. David had a week off of school, and we lost power due to the ice storm for 2 nights and 2.5 days. I was SO thankful for our woodstove which kept us warm. Many friends ended up at motels. We learned about what needed to be added to our emergency preparedness kits, and that we needed our candles stored in our house, not in the shed!