Tax Time

It's tax time!! My parents are in town so their favorite son-in-law and accountant can complete this yearly requirement. The best part? Shopping and Scrabble time with my mom. 

 

Happy New Year

Several of my friends have posted in facebook about how bad 2016 was for them. I knew some have had some very bad events in their life this past year. But for Drew & I & our kids??  

It was a good year. 

We saw William really settle into college and get his own summer job. Melissa is enjoying her senior year and is very excited to be accepted into the college program she desires and has already been awarded a few scholarships. Benjamin has continued to do well in school and has come into his own on the soccer field. All three have remained active in church groups and love Jesus. All of our parents are still doing well and we were able to spend time with them as well as other family. 

And a perk of the year?? No run ins with nuts and a trip to the ER. That's a huge win in my book!

We closed out the year playing games with our friends. Drew & I came home early because we like our sleep! But before we left, I got to spend time with my new guy. Melissa and I think he's the most adorable one around! 

 

 

Our Christmas

Our week before Christmas was full, but nice! It started off with the church choir performing on Sunday. The music for the most part was the same they do every year, but a new addition was "It's bout the Cross". I love this song! It's so good! The concert ended with the Hallelujah  Chorus. Which is always good!

Sunday night we had several friends over to play games. I was able to get two games of Ticket to Ride in - won one; lost one...  The teenage boys played Risk. One set of friends played Canasta.  All in all, I think everyone had a  good time.  And we had several yummy treats!

Monday was a day Melissa and I had been looking forward to for months!! A dear friend of ours had here baby! His name is Gabriel and Melissa and I adore him!  He's so cute!!  We're looking forward to holding him again!



Tuesday we attended a friend's retirement from the Air Force. It was a beautiful ceremony. Later that night I was able to delivery my niece's t-shirt quilt finally done. She gave me her high school t-shirts back in August. I told her then I would try to get it done by Christmas.  I finished earlier in the month - I'm so glad it came out well!. She loves it!

Wednesday Melissa and I had another we had been looking forward to: her senior year portraits.  A friend of the family's is a great photographer and we had her do them. She had some inside and outside.  We'll go back in a few weeks to see the proofs. I have a feeling it's going to be hard to decide which ones to purchase....and Drew has already given me a budget....

Thursday I cooked for the friend with the new baby....we just had a relaxing day. And got to see the baby again.

Friday Drew took the day off! - yea!! I love it when the alarm does NOT go off at 5:40!! Drew and the boys went out for lunch the saw the newest Star Wars movie: Rouge One.  We all enjoyed it - the lunch and the movie!

Christmas Eve we stayed home and cooked.  I made gingerbread and sugar cookies while Drew used his new electric smoker to smoke salmon for our Christmas Eve dinner. The salmon turned out a little more salty than we all liked, but not a bad try the first time to smoke fish.  After our dinner, we attended our church's Christmas Eve service.  Instead of the normal candlelight service, this year the service had a  festive feel instead of a sacred one.  After we tortured the kids after church by driving around to look at Christmas lights, we opened our presents when we got home. I think they were overall happy...nothing too big at this time. 

Christmas morning we had to wake up the kids.  That's like with teenagers... the days of them waking us up at the crack of down are over!  William's big gift was a chair for his dorm room he asked for, Melissa got a new cell phone, and Benjamin got money.  He never could come up with a gift we would agree to, so he got money. 

After church in the morning we drove over to my parent's house for the afternoon. It was a nice time with my family...and of course, good food.

Today - Monday - we enjoyed sleeping in again!  Sadly, Drew's alarm will go off early tomorrow morning again, so we definitely enjoyed sleeping in today. We both did some more cooking. Also, a neighbor came over to taste our food and play a few rounds of a new game Ben gave Drew for Christmas called Sequence.  I have yet to win!! May not be my game..... 

The kids are currently out shopping to spend some of the money got received from Christmas while Drew and I are watching a movie.  I am contemplating de-decorating the house....but just contemplating it...got all week, right?

Sweet in the Bitterness

One of the great things about living in north Louisiana is being able to spend the day with my parents....especially knowing they don't have many years left. My dad has had dementia for many years now and our relationship is much different than it was ten years ago before his stroke. 

While he can't really carry on a conversation that someone else starts, if he has something on his mind, he'll try his best to tell a story. Usually with me he tells the same story about this huge black cast-iron pot they have in the back yard. It came from his grandmother.  I'm not exactly sure what she did with it...I tease dad and call it the witch's cauldron since that's what it reminds me of and I ask if she cooked chickens in it over an out-door fire. 

But this week for my visit Dad's mind was on other things than the black pot. He told me about how he got the mantle clock....how he saw someone throwing it out, but dad offered him five dollars for it instead. He, also, told me he has the best wife in the world. 

Yes, Dad!! YOU DO!!  Mom takes such good care when of him! Dad, then, said the best line ever: We didn't kiss on that first date, but we kiss everyday now!

Yep, Dad! I'm sure y'all do! Maybe that's the secret to being married over 53 years....don't kiss at first, but then kiss everyday. 

My View

This has been my view for the last 24-hours. It's the view from my dad's hospital room. 

Mom took him to the doctor's on Monday because he was coughing, wheezing, sleeping too much. The doctor wanted him to see his cardiologist, but he was too busy and so, to the ER they went. Where he was admitted to a room. 

And when I changed my schedule and made arrangements for the kids (because of course Drew is out of town!) & came over. 

They ended up changing some of his medicine. As of now we think his echo is clear -which is great news! (But the echo has not been read officially.) 

The doctor has told us that we can go home - much to dad's joy. Hopefully, all the discharge papers will be processed fast. But it's a hospital. Nothing fast really happens. 

Father's Day Weekend

We were able to spend this past weekend with Drew's family.  Christmas was the last time the kids and I were able to visit. It was nice seeing the new house my in-laws now have.  It's perfect for them!  

We were able to get a few chores done for them (ok - to be honest I did not really do any chores...but a few of my sister-in-laws did and Drew and the boys did....Melissa and I got some shopping in...). Also, we got a few morning walks in and were able to watch the sun set over the Mississippi - both are favorite past times in Natchez!

We ended the weekend on a sad note as we attended a funeral for a beloved uncle. It was so nice to see so many of the extended family, but hated that it was at a funeral.  But Uncle George lived a long and happy life....we're trying to focus on that.

One of the funnier moments of the weekend actually happened before we left town.  I had the kids give Drew his father's day gifts before we left so we wouldn't have to keep up with them.  All the kids are very un-inspired when it comes to gifts: they all gave him chocolate.  But, at least, he shares with me!  The funny moment was when we read the card the kids gave him.  William signed his first  - AND LAST NAME!! As if there was another son named William?? And while Benjamin didn't write his last name, he did put his last initial.  Once again, as if there was another son named Benjamin.

Who knows what these boys are thinking!!  (And maybe perhaps even funnier - this is not the first time William has signed a card to one of his parents this way!!)

What Am I?

My parents came over this weekend for a short visit. Saturday we went out to eat. Melissa sat down across the table from my father. He looked at her and said, "That's where my wife sits."

Melissa said, "What am I? I'm your granddaughter.  She can sit next to me."

We all laughed! Dad wasn't too happy. But he got over it.  This is just normal George...since his stroke he has become so reliant on Mom. At times we try to give her space - even if it's just a chair over.

The End of the Week....Somehow....

It's been one of those weeks that I find it hard to believe it's Friday already! This week really has flown by....it's been much busier than I excepted.

Monday I had lunch with my Tuesday Morning Bible study ladies.  Tricia had to work this Tuesday, so we moved our day up some.  We each brought part of a meal. I made curry butternut squash soup.  Oh, so, yummy!!  (but not according to my kids - they were glad this time around I was serving it to some one other than them!) We really had a nice and relaxing time, but it didn't last long as shortly after lunch it was back home for laundry and chores and cooking dinner and getting ready for a soccer game..

We all were excited that it was an early game - and we won! With a goal by William.

Tuesday I worked in the front office of the middle school.  It started out slightly crazy as it was the first day of 2nd quarter exams.  Instead of reporting to their homerooms, the students had to report to a different place for testing.  And of course, there were about 40 kids whom had NO IDEA where to go.  It took about 45 minutes to get them all sorted out.  I was very glad I wasn't in charge of it! I just helped out where I could.

After school it was more chores and cooking dinner and getting ready for a soccer game. (Sound familiar?)  We were excited that we won this game as well!! With 3 goals for William!!!!  He was just over the moon!!

Wednesday I drove over to my parents for a little while.  I entertained Dad while Mom has a doctor's appointment.  We went to the Outback to eat lunch.  They have a great little salad with candied pecans and blue cheese that I enjoy.  I do wish it has better lettuce though....it was a very white "green" salad....really needed more greens!!

After I got home it was more chores. Mainly, this week I have been working on my Christmas treats for my neighbors and my Christmas cards.  As I said in an earlier post, I had to recreate my address book due to it being lost when our computer crashed.  It took lots of hours tracking people down through facebook, an old yahoo address book I found, and through a white pages web-site.   I ended up using the yahoo address book and just updating as much as I could.  There was a lot of cleaning out as well.  Apparently, our yahoo account had kept every email address we had ever emailed something to.  Sounds like a good idea, but I really don't need to keep any address that has "customer service" in it.

I finally finished the new address book Thursday and so I was able to get all the Christmas cards addressed and stuffed and stamped.  I had not sent out cards last year, so I wanted to this year.  (As of now, next year is iffy!)

Thursday was also more chores - laundry!!   And getting ready for a soccer again.  This time it was a late game.  And we lost. And William got no goals.  Blaaaaaa.

This morning I finished the last of the Christmas sewing I wanted to do and cleaned my sewing room since I'll be having a guest tonight.  I'm sure my brother-in-law, David, would like to sleep in a room he can move around in with out the fear of stepping on a pins...or over an ironing board...  After that got all cleaned up, Melissa and I went out for errands.  She is looking for any reason to drive!  And it was nice to have someone with me as I went to the post office (Christmas cards are mailed!!!), dropped off recycling, and picking up those last few gifts.

We ended up stopping at the Goodwill - one of Melissa's favorite places.  She found a few things and I found some great books!  We were both happy.

And some how that's our week.  We have  few things planned for this weekend, but they should be relaxing.

A Dream Let Go

Today my parents sold "the land".  I think if my dad could have put how he felt into words, it would be bittersweet. Sweet, because, it was nice to sell the land and not have to worry about it anymore or pay taxes. Bitter, because, he never got to fulfill a dream he had for the land.

Part of the land was  given to him long ago (probably in the 1960's) from his grandfather. Then much later he received the bulk of the land from his father. Dad always wanted to build a house on the land and pond he could fish in....live in the country like he did in his childhood.  (My mother being the city girl was NOT much into this dream.)  But life got in the way.  They never seemed to find the time or money to make this dream a reality as they were raising their family. After my brother and I were grown-up and married, Dad's career changed and then his health. 

One of my favorite singer/song-writers has a phrase "Some dreams are better from afar, that's just how things are" (Joshua Kadison's Georgia Rain).  From the first time I heard this song - this phrase, I've thought about this land....this house and pond that lived in Daddy's mind and heart.
My brother and I grew up going out to the country where my father spent part of his childhood. I remember fishing in relatives' ponds....and yes! Catching a few fish.  When we were out there, we always stopped to visit Dad's aunts and uncles and cousins. I'll always think of Uncle Ed when I see a coo-coo clock....I remember asking cousin Vic who is a pastor Bible questions...and the chickens. So many chicken farmers in this part of the country, and while I love eating chickens, chicken farms do NOT smell good...not all at!  I remember being really little and picking corn with my mom and other relatives.....going to several family reunions.....lots of memories....

The man who bought the land is, also, from the area. He even goes to the church where my grandparents were members and are buried at. He is spoken highly by my father's relatives. He talked about the pond he was going to build...and the house he would live in. There's still the shell of my great-grandparents house left.  He plans to incorporate  part of the old stone foundation into his new house, old bricks on part of the flooring, use some of the tin roof as a ceiling in one room....it's nice to know part of our history will be still around for the future.

He offered for us to come back in a year and see what all he has done....see his dream fulfilled.  I think the land is in good hands.

Mother's Day

It's been a very nice Mother's Day.  Church was a great time fellowshipping and worshipping.  Then we had a nice lunch out where we saw several friends and neighbors- and good food!  And best of all? We got to eat our meal outside. I love having a meal outside (as long as the weather is nice like it was today!)

After we got home, the boys gave me a nice blouse (I'm sure Drew helped some!). Before we left for church, Melissa game me her presents: a nice tote bag and blue nail polish. Yes, I love blue nail polish!  Yesterday, Drew came home from the store with a bouquet of flowers.

After gifts, I got some time to read a book, take a nap, read some more....watch Amazing Race....talk to both our mothers...  A very nice day!

A Day of Calm

Sunday afternoon I threw a small baby shower for a friend of mine. Well, not really a baby shower - she and her husband are adopting two siblings from Ethiopia. The kids are ages 12 (a boy) and 10 (a girl). At first, Sage was very unsure about this whole shower thing! She didn't even invite very many friends.  About an  hour or so into the shower, she said, "I was a little unsure about this, but this is fun!!"

Exactly!! I knew it would be!! And I knew her other friends were like me in that they wanted to bless her!.  She got several outfit sets for both kids. (She's very excited that the kids will have something of their own in their dresser drawers!) One friend gave her a bag of school and art things to help keep them busy on the l-o-n-g airplane ride back to the States. 

We all are looking forward to meeting these two who have already stolen Sage and Tony's hearts. The way things look now, they should be in their new home by the end of the month.

After the shower on Sunday, I hopped in my car and drove to mom's.  She had her second cataract surgery Monday morning.  As with the first one a few weeks ago, this went well.  She STILL can't drive, though.  We're not sure what's that all about. She and I both know people who have had this same surgery and they were allowed to drive the next day! Her doctor is making her wait until after both eyes were done (there was a two week period between the two).  She goes back on Monday for her one-week check up. We are hoping he will okay to drive then...but there's no guarantee.  All-in-all it will be a three week period of no driving for her - if the doctor allows it after Monday.  Dad hasn't driven in about ten years due to his health, so he can't help.  They are use to going out to eat almost every day....this staying home is not fun for them!

I came home mid-day yesterday and was able to get a few chores and errands done.  Even got a walk in with Drew...one of my favorite things! It was so nice to sleep in today as well! No work for me!!!  I have about five days left to work.  School is counting down! We are all are ready for summer, I think....or maybe just ready to sleep past seven!

The kids came home from school with a tale of a friend getting arrested.  He, apparently, bought  a pill from a girl for his girlfriend.  The pill was a prescription for ADD.  It maybe have only been on pill, but it was enough.   I know this family....I'm sure they are just devastated.....lots of prayers for them. He and the girl both got arrested Monday. I know he missed one his senior final exams on Tuesday.  Not sure how it will all effect graduating...or school next year....scholarships.....

It did provide a time for the kids and I to talk about when do you turn on a friend. From the gossip after he bought the pill, he then told someone about buying it - someone over heard and either told a teacher or call the police. But I asked my kids -what would you have done??

It's a hard question. While we didn't not find an answer, I'm sure we will talk about it again.

While today and tomorrow both have one or two errands, there's no work or anything very pressing to do.  I'm enjoying a nice quiet, calm house while the laundry is going.  Summer is coming and if you have spend any time with my family, you know quiet and calm usually aren't how you describe us.  I'm enjoying it while it last!

The Start of the Week

Today I got to drive as the snow was falling...and slide at least once on a very small patch of ice. After all, if there's ice around and I'm driving, I'll find that small patch of ice.  Thankfully, it was so small I didn't go anywhere.  (It was just under an over-pass.)

All this snow was a little surprising....that's what I get, I guess, for not paying attention to the weather forecast. Usually, when I see not-so-good weather I stay at home, but for almost a month now, I have planned to take my mom to the eye doctor.  We knew her eyes would be dilated and we all agree its just not fun driving like that.

The snow was more like mist.....not too bad at all. The temperature was below freezing, but since the weather had been in the seventies just two days ago, the ground was just not cold enough for lots of snow. There were several spots between her house and mine that had a "heavy dusting" amount - it was so pretty! And yet I am very glad the roads were mainly clear.

Except that one little patch....

Got a Glimpse

One of the things we love most about living here in north Lou-zee-ana is the ability to see family. That was yesterday. My original plan was to stay a few nights at my parent's, but my brother's air unit went out and so he and his family moved in which left me with no bed. But it doesn't really matter, since I think 90 miles is close enough to drive back and forth in one day.

After all, after living literally on the other side of the world and where it take DAYS to get to your parent's house, 90 miles is nothing - NOTHING!

We got lots of rain yesterday - in fact, there were a few tense moments as I was driving over in the in the morning....the kind where you drive real slow and turn on  your flashing lights and PRAY  that the people behind you see you while  you are able to see EVERYONE in front of you (including the fool that had no lights on).

Toward the end of the day I kept a close eye on weather. There was one more bad cell of rain, then it looked like it would be clear - or at least just a drizzle of rain.  While we were having dinner, my dad leaned over and said, "Why don't you stay at my house tonight?"

He was so concerned about his little girl. I said, "No, I'll be fine. There's just one more bad storm, but once it passes I'll be fine."

Ten minutes later Dad says, "Don't you want to just stay at my house tonight?"

Ah, so sweet.  "No, I'll be fine. Besides, I don't have any extra clothes with me."

My mom jumps in at this point - "We'll get  you a night gown!"

What's amazing to me about this story is that my dad noticed the weather, knew I would be driving in it, and he didn't want me to.  Dad had a stroke six years ago and now has dementia. He can't really follow a conversation or a movie or a tv show.  But he knows his daughter and didn't want her driving in bad weather.

It's like a kiss to my soul when I get a glimpse of the real George that's lost somewhere in there.

(After ten or fifteen minutes of driving the rain stopped and I had nice skies with the sun peeking out the rest of the way home.)

Life's Update

I'm such a bad blogger...but this is for Sonny!

Soccer is over. William's team made it to the first round of the playoffs, but lost 6-0. The game was about three hours away, but Drew and I didn't go. I was working that day and frankly, didn't think he would play, so why drive that far??  Well....he ended up not only starting, but played most of the game he said. Apparently, the coaches changed how they played.

Since they lost so bad, I'm thinking that was a bad decision! Good news is - soccer is over! At least for now. We did not sign up for the local rec team like the coach wanted the players to. William is in the high school play and thought that would keep him busy enough.

Good choice on his part, I thought.

Melissa is participating in the school's beauty pageant again. After buying a dress last year, I told her she could wear that dress or buy another one with her money. So, she bought another one! She got a really good deal. A few weeks ago there was a fun raiser where people donated formal dresses and each one was sold for $25. She got a nice red one. A friend of mine hemmed it and added some sparkly-things to it. We pick it up today -  she texted me a photo - it's beautiful! Now we just got to figure out how to do her hair....

Benjamin in the last few weeks has been tested for the talented music program the other two are in at the school. We found out yesterday that he was accepted. He's thrilled! Drew and I had already decided that if he did not make it in, then he would not be returning to the private teacher we have used. He really didn't click with her...and neither did I. She was nice enough, but I didn't like her policies concerning make-up lessons - or the lack of. She didn't want you to come if you were sick, but didn't really want to make-up lessons either, so that meant I was out $25. No matter now. There's a lot of paperwork involved, so it'll be awhile before Ben starts lessons at school, but that's okay. He's still practicing.

Melissa is babysitting a lot! Some weeks four days a week! This week she's working two days, but has art today,  the dentist on Thursday, and pageant rehearsal Friday makes for a busy, busy week.  She's not happy about that dentist appointment... We were told back in October by the ortho doc that she needs some teeth pulled. At the time we were thinking of doing it over the Holidays, so she wouldn't miss school. But we were in the mist of changing dentist and it just didn't happen. When we did see the new dentist in early January, he agreed that teeth needed to go! So one was pulled. After talking to the ortho doc, they decided that two more teeth needed to be pulled.

Yea....she wasn't too happy about that. When she went back for the first one, I told the dentist that she was very apprehensive about this tooth being pulled.  They thought I was just being an over-reactive mom .

Not so much!

For these next two, she'll get the laughing gas - maybe something else....we'll see. I'm not surprised! This is the child that had to be held down to get a flu shot at 13. She only sat still at 14 for her flu shot because William had my camera and was filming it so he could put the show on facebook.

Public humiliation was enough to get her to sit still.

The other big news here is Andrew has the shingles. Yea - he's not a happy camper.  The sores are on his head and face - a few close to his right eye.  He's at the doctor now getting his eye checked.

I finally said something to the front office at the middle about not subbing a lot - so, supposedly they will move me up the list. I did get to work a half day last Tuesday, all day Friday, and all day yesterday. . I would like to work a few days a week -not just a few days a month. We'll see if I get more days.

That catches you up, Sonny!

Once Again

Once again, I have been a slacker blogger. Spring break was nice. The week after with William in the high school play was nice. Easter was nice. Everyone going back to school was nice.

My mom having surgery yesterday not nice. But she is recovering now - slowly. Not nearly as fast as she would like.  I think the pain in her tummy has taken her by surprise.  She was to have just a polyp out, but ended up losing 6 to 8 inches of her colon BUT the doctor thinks he got all the yucky stuff out. 

(Yucky stuff: stage T1 colon cancer)

Dad is taking is all in stride so far.  He has asked several times when she can come home. Today he was ready to get back to the hospital before I was - he was so ready to see "his girl"!  Hopefully, he'll feel the same tomorrow.

So, yes, I with my parents for the week and Drew is Mr. Mom back at home.  He'll do a great job - although, I'm sure no vegetables will be seen by any of my family all week....but that's what happens when dad's in charge, right? Junk food for all!!

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 was very nice. More than nice.  For our second Christmas in the Deep South, we were able to once again spend it with family at our house - this time with my family (last year Drew's parents and one sister were with us). My brother and his family along with my parents arrived Friday.  We had a delicious dinner cooked by Drew then opened presents.

I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing my kids playing and hanging out with their cousins! Such fun!

Drew and I got a portable heater from my parents - which we will use quite often since high school soccer season is during the winter. Even if we are in the Deep South, it's cold at night.

Saturday morning we enjoyed a large breakfast before my brother and his family left for their house. Saturday night we enjoyed the Christmas Eve service at our church then rode around looking at Christmas lights.   Of course, as we were looking at the lights the kids were trying to get us to drive faster so we could get home - yes, they were ready to open presents again!

Of course, we did finally get home and yes, open presents again.  And yes, the kids were happy.

Sunday the kids got full stockings and a few more presents. My mom and I were up first - we were getting our coffee when I got a text from Melissa - "can I go to the bathroom?? I'm about to burst!! SAVE ME!!"

We just laughed! After she returned to her room, she started texting again - "when can I come and see my stockings???" Then she started to text her brother to wake him up! 

After church we had a wonderful dinner with my parents as well as two airmen from Drew's office that have no family in town.  My aunt joined us late in the afternoon.  Later in the evening we did presents with my aunt - if you are counting, that's number four time for presents! 

I think the kids enjoyed all the present time instead of just opening everything at once!

This morning we just hung out for awhile before my parents and aunt left.  Not long after they left, one of Drew's sisters, her husband, their daughter with her husband and baby arrived for lunch.

We love time playing with the baby!!  They only stayed an hour or so as they were driving back to their houses, but anytime we get to see the baby, we'll take it. Oh, and yes. Anytime to see ANY family, we'll take it!

Now, I'm snuggled up in bed with one son and Drew watching the Saints take on the Falcons.

Love that I have at least one football team that knows how to play and WIN!!

Great times....wonderful times!

The Moon

A few weeks ago we spent the weekend in Natchez for the annual Great Mississippi Hot Air Balloon Race. We were very happy that we got there in time for the balloon glow and fireworks. Melissa had attended last year with one of her aunts and had a great time - we all were excited to be able to go this year.

After the balloon glow Melissa, Drew, my mother-in-law, and I were sitting outside waiting for the fireworks to start.  At one point Melissa got all excited and said, "Look!! Another balloon glowing!!"

Me:  "Um...babe...put your glasses back on."

Melissa: "Oh, it's just the moon."

Yeah....my baby girl has inherited her father's near-sightedness.

We think she's cute and smart looking in her new glasses.  Melissa? Not so much.  But she does enjoy seeing things clearly.

A Day of Remembering

I never intend to go so long without posting, but frankly - sometimes it's hard to get a turn on a computer around here!!  I love checking my email and facebook on my smartphone, but writing a post?  Not so much.  With a husband and kids that all seems to be on both computers at the same time, I seem to have to fight for a turn. And sometimes, it's easier not to. So, here's what's been going on around here:

1-  Last weekend Drew and I went to Washington, DC to check on our rent house.  Renovations had been completed that we needed to check on.  It looks amazing!  Very happy!  Even with all the reno's, there was still a ton of stuff we needed to do. Mainly, yard work - and I do mean a lot!   I don't think either Drew or I had done that much physical labor in a LOOONNNGGG time.  It hurt and we ached. But in the end, it was all worth it.  We have shown the house two times so far.  Prayerfully, soon we'll get another wonderful family living there. (Wonderful as in paying rent!)

2 - The best part of a weekend in DC?  Seeing friends!! Oh, so good to see their faces!!! I needed a good dose of them.

3 - The bad part of a weekend in DC? Not seeing other friends.  Several we're out of town....bad timing. But maybe this just means I need another trip to DC???

4 - Suzi taking pity on me and bringing me my  Chocolate Covered Coffee beans from Trader Joe's.   I knew that we would not have time for that, but she stopped and pick up four boxes for me. It's just a chocolate coffee heaven. I'm so blessed to have such a good friend.

5 - My parents keeping the kids - love that they love having my kids! My in-laws kept the kids in July and my mom last weekend - how blessed is that??!! Amazing!  After living away from family for so long, Drew and I are so loving being this close to them.

6 - Not only getting to see my parents upon returning, but Drew's parents as well. They were traveling back to their house after seeing great-grand baby.

7 - A huge blessing in our family is the birth of Drew's niece's baby - the first of another generation.  Margot is beautiful  and Drew, the kids and I are looking forward to meeting her soon.

8 - Getting back to work!!!  I was asked three times to sub at Ben's school - I had to turn down the first two times, but was able to teach third grade last Thursday. It was a sweet class. Hopefully, the teacher will call me again in the future.

9 - Teaching Bible study again. This coming Thursday will be the start date.  I have not heard of the author before, but so far I am enjoying the book.  While I was not able to pick the book, I'm hoping that next time either I will be able to or whomever will be teaching will be able to.

10 - Lots of emotions today..... 9/11 ten years later....  I have to admit that I have purposely avoided watching any of the TV shows concerning anything to do with it.  Our life totally changed that day. We still feel the pain.  My husband has missed two Christmas' (and other Holiday's, birthdays, and too many days to count) because of the events of that day. Being a military family with wars going on is heat-wrenching. I don't need a special day to remember, we live it.

Halfway Thru the Weekend

The weekend has been nice and relaxing so far. We drove over to  my parent's last night. It's always nice to spend time with them. We, also, spent some time with my brother and his family.  So, glad he put a pool in.  Especially in this 100 degree plus heat....yes, the heat just keeps  blasting.   And love playing Scrabble with my mom.  We were able to get two games in - we even let Ben join us in the second game.

Things I learned during my stay in the Mexican Caribbean:

-          Mexican men look better in Speedos than Japanese men. And Russians. But not as good as Michael Phelps and his fellow Olympians.

-          There is such a thing a biodegradable sun-block. Odd, but true.

-          I don’t like haggling.  Just tell me the price. The true reasonable price.  I don’t want to rip you off and I don’t want to be ripped off either.

-           It’s so much easier packing when I don’t to have pack for three kids and their medicines. Love Epi-pens, but not taking those makes for a much less heavy backpack.

-          Love being a mother, but need a break at times….even if I do feel guilty over taking the break.

-          Love having in-laws who want my kids for a week.

-          I miss my kids. I’m like a mother hen that likes to keep them close.  But yet, so needed the break.

-          This is not the week to try a new sun block.

-          I can now mark off seeing Mayan ancient ruins from my “bucket list”. Not sure if it was ever on my list, but I can mark it off.  Just a note: Mayan ruins are amazing!

-          Yellow butterflies flying freely in the jungle are just a wonderful as black ones in Guam’s jungle.

-          Too bad when you sweat from the heat you don’t melt away fat.  If so, I would be a size zero again.  Or smaller.

-          Japanese is in-grain in me. It’s so natural to say “hai” instead of “si” and “dōmo arigatō” instead of “gracias”.  Which is great if you are actually in Japan or Guam or even Hawaii, but not so great if you are in Mexico.

-          Tour buses really should have more than one foot between rows.

-          It seems that no matter the country, bus drivers drive crazy. It’s best not to look head. Just put on your headphones and close your eyes. And pray. Prayer is always good when riding around a foreign country.

-          A Brazilian young lady named Valencia is now one of my heroes.  None of her family or friends would travel with her, but she didn’t let that stop her.  She wanted to see the Mexican Caribbean, so she did. She didn’t just want to stay at the hotel to party and sit on the beach. She wanted to see Maya ruins. So, she did. All by herself.  Amazing.

-           It seems that no matter what country Japanese tourist tour, they still have a very….odd (shall we say?) way of dressing.

-          Still amazed at how some women - no matter their dress size – seem to think its okay to wear a bikini.  If you have a muffin top, you might want to re-think that bikini. Your “girls” may look great, but not the rest of you.

-          There is some amazing food in the Mexican Caribbean.  Really wish the heat could melt the extra calories away.

-          Having a gym at your hotel is a good thing.

-          But having a chocolate option for dessert every night is a great thing.

-          Dolphins….one of the most amazing creatures God has ever created.  And to dance with a dolphins? To kiss a dolphin? Just some more amazing things in this world.

-          It seems that there are very few stop signs in this part of Mexico, but a lot of speed bumps.

-          You must drive with great care when traveling over a speed bump in a golf cart….you really don’t want anyone – that would be me! – to fall out.

-          The beach is always a great place to be.
 -     Celebrating twenty years of marriage is a great and amazing thing.

-          Love having my tropical tan back.

-          Wonder if I can go back in a few months….