Best Buddies

Grandma bought them each a bed when she was here....they choose to share!

Ode to Little Green Car

 

There once was a little green ford,

Whose oil didn't sprinkle - it poured!

Try as she might

She gave up the fight

and in our driveway she is moored!

 

 

And that my attempt at poetry.  She actually is now moored at a recycling factory - and we are a three car family....well, just one here with us!  In the last few days I've lost a brand new pair of shoes, the car died, and I broke my favorite pan...never put a clay pan on top of a burner that is on...the loud crack you hear when it breaks will scare the dog.  I hoping those are my "three things" and that the rest of the week will be great!



 

 

 



New Furniture!

One of the days mom was here we wandered into the Habitat for Humanity - Restore store.  I'd heard that they had all sorts of reusable treasures there for sale.  It was true - there is everything from paint, to cabinets, to molding, to furniture.  Some things are brand new, and some are used.  The "used" stuff has a wide range too - some are barely used, and some are very, very used.  We happened to be there and see the couch above.  It is like new - we couldn't find anything wrong with it!  I think it sat in someone's formal living room and was hardly ever sat on.  We didn't have a vehicle with us that would carry it home, and we weren't sure we should buy it.  We put a hold on it and went to lunch.  We decided it belonged here, so when we went back to pick it up the chair was there too!  It also had very little wear - and you couldn't beat the price for a leather chair - $65!  So for under $220 our living room has a new feel to it.  Thanks mom!

Life is Fragile - Handle with Care

I felt impressed to write my weekly blog post today instead of waiting til Sunday.  Today my mom left to go back home.  We had such a great time visiting, shopping, and watching her cook!  Her visits are always too short, and we always wish they were closer together.  When she returned home, she came back to some sad news.  A cousin of ours died today in a house fire.  She was wheelchair bound and had two service dogs with her.  Her husband was outside using the snowblower and by the time he realized the house was on fire it was too late.  He tried to save her, but the fire and smoke were just too great.  Life is SO short... we have no idea when or where we will leave our mortal existence behind.  Take the time to truly show your love for those you love - show it with your actions and your words.  Remember to have balance in your life so that one aspect doesn't overshadow all the others.  Take time for the little things.....help wash some dishes, unplug yourself while talking on the phone to give full attention to whom you are speaking, consciously plan your time so it doesn't fritter away.  Love the ones you are with.

Peace to you Cheryl, and those who love you.

Grandma Visits!

Well, not MY grandma, my kids grandma, which would be MY mom!  She came in on Friday during one of our epic winter rain storms.  At least we aren't having negative temperatures here like she had back home. I am looking forward to some quality time over lunch at El Sarape, and shopping together!  Love it when my mom comes.

When my kids were little one of the things that was frustrating as a mom was having to teach them the same lessons over and over and over.  Pick up your toys, stop chasing the cat, say your prayers, etc. etc. etc.  Now that my kids are grown, I realize that we all have lessons we learn over and over and over.  I'm working on balance this week - balance in all the things I want to do/need to do.  It is a HARD lesson! 

Since snow seems to be out of the question this year, I am wishing for spring now.  I am excited to take the tarp off my garden and start planning. I am excited to put my coat away and leave the back door open while I work.  Sun...please come back!

A Big Adventure & January Update

I started my own business 19 years ago.  Got a business license and everything under the name of Melinda's Transcription and Secretarial Service.  I desperately wanted to quit my state job and work at home so I could raise my own kids. The business stayed part time for years.... Fast forward to tomorrow:  I've hired part time employees and and my third starts tomorrow!

In November I looked at the state of our finances and the size my business had grown to and realized I was at a crossroads.  I either needed to work 10 hour days or I needed help.  I had already hired someone for a few hours a week, but it wasn't enough.  So with a hope and prayer, I took out a small business loan, updated my computer and bought another...and went for it!  The first two people I  hired have worked out well and I'm very optimistic about the third. I am excited about being able to expand and offer faster customer service. 

Both kids are safely back at school getting ready to start the new semester tomorrow.  We had a good time during winter break and enjoyed having them home.  It seems crazy that January is already here.  I've built more fires in the woodstove this winter than the last two winters combined.  They are calling for snow this next week.  So glad the truck is in running condition again!