I don't really have anything meaningful to write about, but decided I need to keep up with the blog more regularly. So, apologies in advance for boring you to tears!
Hamilton started the Second Grade this year. He is attending public schools after much soul-searching & crying on my part. He decided he likes his friends. I decided I lack patience. We'll see how it goes....we can always home school later if we want to. He's doing really well, by the way! He has also started cub-scouts, so give me a shout if you'd like some popcorn, we're selling it to support our pack!
Harrison had his first day of Yellow Balloon Preschool today. What a blessing this program & these teachers are! All of the children bloom in this program! Harrison has become so much more open and trusting of other people. I love this school, and think they should teach my kids through high school. (As adorable as my kiddos are though, they have declined.)
Henderson is potty trained. I can't believe it! I was ready for a tough time (like I had with my dear, sweet Harrison) but I was entirely surprised! He announced one day he pee-pee'd in the potty & then later that day he announced he poo-poo'd in the potty. Easy as that. A gift from God, nothing less. 100% angel this one???? Maybe not. He's exerting his will & temper daily now & lives to argue with his brothers. Ahhhh.........the terrible two's. Ugh.
Matt and I are working on our front flowerbeds. They are the eyesore of the neighborhood. Our lawn is the best on the block, but with weeds in the flowerbeds higher than prairie-grass, it sure is an eyesore! We are almost done weeding and are almost done mulching. We are going to plant a Dogwood tree and another shrub to complete the hedge in the front. I'll post pictures later. Our house is so plain, so anything to add a little pizazz with do wonders. I always have elaborate plans for the spring. I was going to plant tons of crepe's & plant thousands of bulbs...but I always get busy & spend my money on other things...like...oh yeah...my kids!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Growing up, and Letting Go
So...I hate to be a downer, but I've got to write about this experience I'm going through.
I believe that nothing "grows you up" faster than giving birth with the exception of watching someone die.
My grandmother, Gracie, is in the "active death" part of her life. I have to tell you - I hate that term "actively dying".
I'll start by giving you a little history.
Gracie has had rheumatoid arthritis since 1970. She has been completely crippled by the disease. She's had multiple surgeries and cutting-edge joint replacement appliances put in her wrists and hands. She is an artist, and has amazed everyone with how her crippled hands can create such beauty. She has osteo-perosis and and steadily shrunk in size since I can remember. She has COPD. She smoked most of her adult life.
More than any of her illnesses though, she was a role model. A role model of how to be independent, of how to be a strong woman, of how to face adversity head-on, and on how to dream. Our family has a history of being matriarchal. She carried that torch successfully....we are all strong women.
She has lived with my mom and dad for over 4 years, and that entire time been under hospice care. Yes, I said 4 YEARS. While I'd love to say that the four years she was living with mom and dad was easy, I can't really lie. There was daily bickering - the food wasn't good, or people in the house were too loud - anything and everything. Mom and Gracie bickered all the time. Sometimes the negativity was hard to handle.
I never understood how mom could handle this. I was angry that she would handle it. I mean, sometimes it seemed as if Gracie had stolen my mom away from me. There wasn't enough of her to go around. She could take care of Gracie and that was all the energy she had. And, often, my sisters and I were over there giving mom a break. We took specific nights of the week - sometimes several nights a piece and that all took a toll on our families also. This past 4 years has been rough on all 16 of us (mom, dad, Gracie, the three of us girls and our families).
Mom could never put Gracie in a nursing home. Sometimes we blamed her. Once, we took her to a very nice nursing home in the morning and by 4:00 in the afternoon, we had picked her up and brought her back home. After being so strong and independent and nurturing us, we could not stomach the thought of her being alone in a nursing home.
And, here we are. She is dying. At mom and dads house. It has been such a long road. She is not in pain. She sleeps most of the time and her breaths are getting more shallow by the hour. My sisters and I are taking shifts to stay with mom and help make sure Gracie gets her medicine on time so she'll be comfortable. This is hard to watch. Hard. To. Watch.
I'm in charge of the after-death arrangements. Not sure how I got that job, but I will do whatever mom needs me to. I'll stay busy. I'll cry some when I'm alone. I'll give her pills or pain patches & turn her in bed. I'll sing hymns to her. Whatever helps mom or Gracie.
After all the struggle, after all the years, after all the arrangements, something occurred to me today. I was thinking about how beautiful it was when God blessed me with each of my boys. I remember each one of their first breaths, their first cries, and marveled at their perfection. I remember thanking God for the perfection he had trusted to me! It occurred to me that it's such a blessing to be a part of sending my Gracie to heaven, for a more-perfect-than-birth body. To be a part of ending someones struggle and knowing that they'll soon see the face of God. And, it helps me to think of death (just as birth) as being close to God. This time is precious.
I love her and will miss her.
At 35, I still hate these "growing up" lessons - just like I did at 5.
I believe that nothing "grows you up" faster than giving birth with the exception of watching someone die.
My grandmother, Gracie, is in the "active death" part of her life. I have to tell you - I hate that term "actively dying".
I'll start by giving you a little history.
Gracie has had rheumatoid arthritis since 1970. She has been completely crippled by the disease. She's had multiple surgeries and cutting-edge joint replacement appliances put in her wrists and hands. She is an artist, and has amazed everyone with how her crippled hands can create such beauty. She has osteo-perosis and and steadily shrunk in size since I can remember. She has COPD. She smoked most of her adult life.
More than any of her illnesses though, she was a role model. A role model of how to be independent, of how to be a strong woman, of how to face adversity head-on, and on how to dream. Our family has a history of being matriarchal. She carried that torch successfully....we are all strong women.
She has lived with my mom and dad for over 4 years, and that entire time been under hospice care. Yes, I said 4 YEARS. While I'd love to say that the four years she was living with mom and dad was easy, I can't really lie. There was daily bickering - the food wasn't good, or people in the house were too loud - anything and everything. Mom and Gracie bickered all the time. Sometimes the negativity was hard to handle.
I never understood how mom could handle this. I was angry that she would handle it. I mean, sometimes it seemed as if Gracie had stolen my mom away from me. There wasn't enough of her to go around. She could take care of Gracie and that was all the energy she had. And, often, my sisters and I were over there giving mom a break. We took specific nights of the week - sometimes several nights a piece and that all took a toll on our families also. This past 4 years has been rough on all 16 of us (mom, dad, Gracie, the three of us girls and our families).
Mom could never put Gracie in a nursing home. Sometimes we blamed her. Once, we took her to a very nice nursing home in the morning and by 4:00 in the afternoon, we had picked her up and brought her back home. After being so strong and independent and nurturing us, we could not stomach the thought of her being alone in a nursing home.
And, here we are. She is dying. At mom and dads house. It has been such a long road. She is not in pain. She sleeps most of the time and her breaths are getting more shallow by the hour. My sisters and I are taking shifts to stay with mom and help make sure Gracie gets her medicine on time so she'll be comfortable. This is hard to watch. Hard. To. Watch.
I'm in charge of the after-death arrangements. Not sure how I got that job, but I will do whatever mom needs me to. I'll stay busy. I'll cry some when I'm alone. I'll give her pills or pain patches & turn her in bed. I'll sing hymns to her. Whatever helps mom or Gracie.
After all the struggle, after all the years, after all the arrangements, something occurred to me today. I was thinking about how beautiful it was when God blessed me with each of my boys. I remember each one of their first breaths, their first cries, and marveled at their perfection. I remember thanking God for the perfection he had trusted to me! It occurred to me that it's such a blessing to be a part of sending my Gracie to heaven, for a more-perfect-than-birth body. To be a part of ending someones struggle and knowing that they'll soon see the face of God. And, it helps me to think of death (just as birth) as being close to God. This time is precious.
I love her and will miss her.
At 35, I still hate these "growing up" lessons - just like I did at 5.
Monday, March 1, 2010
The View From My Perch
So, I work at church in the Audio/Video perch (or balcony.) I sit upstairs for almost every church service or special event that happens in our church. I have the best view of the choir, the "Littlest Lambs" children's choir, and the back of every one's head. I'm usually concentrating on where we are in the service, how our video ministry can emphasize our Pastor's message, watching the live webcast for any prayer requests that come through, yada yada. Working.
But...last Sunday, 02-28-10 something very special caught my eye. A handsome man with two cute little boys, about the ages of 7 and 4 (both with glasses) walked in and sat in the front of the sanctuary. They weren't there at the beginning of the service, but came in as the sermon was getting started. From the time I saw them walk in, I was oblivious to my job duties. I tried to concentrate, but couldn't stop watching this man with these two boys. Yes, this was Matt with Hamilton and Harrison.
You see, Harrison, 4, has never been in Big Church as we call it. He is usually in the nursery with the other "babies". He has recently not been wanting to go to the nursery, but he is still hesitant to come to Big Church. And, we really haven't pushed him since Matt basically has to sit down there with them by himself (and Hessie, Harrison, is a VERY strong willed, LOUD child.) But, this was the Sunday for change.
Watching them sit and listen to the scripture reading, I was amazed. I mean, it had been a whole 4 minutes without an outburst. (Never mind that the scripture reading that day was a movie clip from "The Gospel of John") Still, I was amazed. Then Pastor Tiger started his sermon, and Harrison started wriggling around, playing peek-a-boo with a grown man in the row behind him (thanks, Kyle.) Hessie was starting to fidget a little too much, so Matt scooped him up and left.
That left Hamilton sitting alone. Hamilton looked back at Matt to see if he had to go with them, but decided better of it. He turned, looked at Pastor Tiger, crossed his legs and sat still for the rest of the sermon!!! People from several rows back were commenting about how big Hamilton was. I have to admit, I wanted to scream "Hey- that's my kid - still 6 - LISTENING to the sermon!", but I didn't.
Soon, Matt brought Harrison back in. Harrison told Matt (audible from upstairs, but not a yell) that he didn't want to sit next to Matt, he wanted to sit next to Hamilton. Hamilton opened up his arms and helped Hessie climb over to sit on the other side of him. Then Hamilton put his arm over on Harrison and patted his shoulder. Harrison did the same with Hamilton. Let me just say - NO ONE on that side of the sanctuary knew what Pastor Tiger was saying after that. I watched them chatter about how precious these two little boys were, and watched their heads turn to watch what they were going to do next.
They were just two little boys, brothers, being best friends and trying to keep each other out of trouble. And, they are my little gifts from heaven (no matter how loud they are!) It was, the best sermon this mom has heard in a long time.
But...last Sunday, 02-28-10 something very special caught my eye. A handsome man with two cute little boys, about the ages of 7 and 4 (both with glasses) walked in and sat in the front of the sanctuary. They weren't there at the beginning of the service, but came in as the sermon was getting started. From the time I saw them walk in, I was oblivious to my job duties. I tried to concentrate, but couldn't stop watching this man with these two boys. Yes, this was Matt with Hamilton and Harrison.
You see, Harrison, 4, has never been in Big Church as we call it. He is usually in the nursery with the other "babies". He has recently not been wanting to go to the nursery, but he is still hesitant to come to Big Church. And, we really haven't pushed him since Matt basically has to sit down there with them by himself (and Hessie, Harrison, is a VERY strong willed, LOUD child.) But, this was the Sunday for change.
Watching them sit and listen to the scripture reading, I was amazed. I mean, it had been a whole 4 minutes without an outburst. (Never mind that the scripture reading that day was a movie clip from "The Gospel of John") Still, I was amazed. Then Pastor Tiger started his sermon, and Harrison started wriggling around, playing peek-a-boo with a grown man in the row behind him (thanks, Kyle.) Hessie was starting to fidget a little too much, so Matt scooped him up and left.
That left Hamilton sitting alone. Hamilton looked back at Matt to see if he had to go with them, but decided better of it. He turned, looked at Pastor Tiger, crossed his legs and sat still for the rest of the sermon!!! People from several rows back were commenting about how big Hamilton was. I have to admit, I wanted to scream "Hey- that's my kid - still 6 - LISTENING to the sermon!", but I didn't.
Soon, Matt brought Harrison back in. Harrison told Matt (audible from upstairs, but not a yell) that he didn't want to sit next to Matt, he wanted to sit next to Hamilton. Hamilton opened up his arms and helped Hessie climb over to sit on the other side of him. Then Hamilton put his arm over on Harrison and patted his shoulder. Harrison did the same with Hamilton. Let me just say - NO ONE on that side of the sanctuary knew what Pastor Tiger was saying after that. I watched them chatter about how precious these two little boys were, and watched their heads turn to watch what they were going to do next.
They were just two little boys, brothers, being best friends and trying to keep each other out of trouble. And, they are my little gifts from heaven (no matter how loud they are!) It was, the best sermon this mom has heard in a long time.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Life, blessed
Saturday 01-30-10 I had a moment. One of those moments where time stands still and God's grace seems to be in everything you see, touch, hear and feel. Those moments are few and far between in our busy lives, but on this snowy Saturday afternoon, I drank it in.
Snow fell all day the day before and we had a good 7 inches on the ground. The sun was out, and so were we - all five of us - playing in the snow. The kids were taking it all in, from the way the snow tasted, the way it crunched beneath their shoes, the way it glittered in the sunlight and the way icicles had formed on their playhouse. It was magical. Matt always calls snow magic...and I think he's right.
I came inside to start the hot chocolate that I knew would soon be needed and to get lunch started. As I was chopping the vegetables for our soup that afternoon I realized how blessed we were. I teared up, not because I was chopping an onion, but because of our grace-filled, abundant life. I mean, here I stood watching the most handsome, wonderful man in the world discover the snow with my three sons....helping them discover and find magic in our very own backyard. And, all while I'm in my warm house, furnished with comfortable furniture, chopping fresh produce that I can buy at any grocery store at any time I want to.
The kids came in soon and put dry, warm clothes on, sipped on their hot chocolate and talked about their experience outside. They were anxious for lunch and glad to be warming up. I felt so blessed to have them in this moment, listening to their chatter & giggles. I didn't even mind the extra load of laundry this "discovery" had made, and I didn't mind the mud that Spooky, our dog tracked in.
I won't soon forget those few moments that Saturday. And, I hope that I have more moments where I am in awe of the blessed life that I live.
Snow fell all day the day before and we had a good 7 inches on the ground. The sun was out, and so were we - all five of us - playing in the snow. The kids were taking it all in, from the way the snow tasted, the way it crunched beneath their shoes, the way it glittered in the sunlight and the way icicles had formed on their playhouse. It was magical. Matt always calls snow magic...and I think he's right.
I came inside to start the hot chocolate that I knew would soon be needed and to get lunch started. As I was chopping the vegetables for our soup that afternoon I realized how blessed we were. I teared up, not because I was chopping an onion, but because of our grace-filled, abundant life. I mean, here I stood watching the most handsome, wonderful man in the world discover the snow with my three sons....helping them discover and find magic in our very own backyard. And, all while I'm in my warm house, furnished with comfortable furniture, chopping fresh produce that I can buy at any grocery store at any time I want to.
The kids came in soon and put dry, warm clothes on, sipped on their hot chocolate and talked about their experience outside. They were anxious for lunch and glad to be warming up. I felt so blessed to have them in this moment, listening to their chatter & giggles. I didn't even mind the extra load of laundry this "discovery" had made, and I didn't mind the mud that Spooky, our dog tracked in.
I won't soon forget those few moments that Saturday. And, I hope that I have more moments where I am in awe of the blessed life that I live.
Friday, September 4, 2009
August
Wow! Time flies when you are busy!
Hamilton started school. He's doing great and so proud to be able to show
us around his school at open house. First grade is such a big change from Kindergarten. They work all day with very little free play time, if any. He gets one "special" a day. Specials are: P.E., Music, Computer, Library. His favorite specials are Music and P.E. He's a "car rider" again this year. If he gets good behavior marks during the week, he gets to pack his lunch on Fridays. He LOVES taking his lunch and gets so excited to see what treat I put in and what I said on the note I write to him.
Harrison is starting pre-school on Tuesday, Sept. 8. He has visited the class and is very excited.
He'll be going to Yellow Balloon Preschool at our church. I'm wondering how I'll feel dropping him off for the first day. When I dropped Hamilton off, I drove to Wal-Mart and cried in the parking lot. I'm having a feeling I'll do pretty much the same thing with Hessie. I miss them like crazy when they are away!
Henderson is as big as the other two.....at least in his mind! He's eating with his own fork and spoon. He's growing up too fast! He is generous with kisses and will give you as many as you can stand. He loves to dance to music. He's socializing a lot at church - no longer crying when we leave him in the nursery.
Matt's back into the swing of work. He thinks this is the best group of kids he's ever had and is excited about getting to do more learning activities with them. He loves those little ones, and loves it when they "get" what he is teaching them. Lucky little kiddos, I say.....
I've recently started couponing. It's amazing to me that you can
Hamilton started school. He's doing great and so proud to be able to show
us around his school at open house. First grade is such a big change from Kindergarten. They work all day with very little free play time, if any. He gets one "special" a day. Specials are: P.E., Music, Computer, Library. His favorite specials are Music and P.E. He's a "car rider" again this year. If he gets good behavior marks during the week, he gets to pack his lunch on Fridays. He LOVES taking his lunch and gets so excited to see what treat I put in and what I said on the note I write to him.
Harrison is starting pre-school on Tuesday, Sept. 8. He has visited the class and is very excited.
He'll be going to Yellow Balloon Preschool at our church. I'm wondering how I'll feel dropping him off for the first day. When I dropped Hamilton off, I drove to Wal-Mart and cried in the parking lot. I'm having a feeling I'll do pretty much the same thing with Hessie. I miss them like crazy when they are away!
Henderson is as big as the other two.....at least in his mind! He's eating with his own fork and spoon. He's growing up too fast! He is generous with kisses and will give you as many as you can stand. He loves to dance to music. He's socializing a lot at church - no longer crying when we leave him in the nursery.
Matt's back into the swing of work. He thinks this is the best group of kids he's ever had and is excited about getting to do more learning activities with them. He loves those little ones, and loves it when they "get" what he is teaching them. Lucky little kiddos, I say.....
I've recently started couponing. It's amazing to me that you can
walk out of a store paying 
NOTHING for a cart full of groceries.
NOTHING for a cart full of groceries. It just takes planning, and lots of coupons! It's a game...and Harrison, Henderson and I love getting our "bargains" everyday!
Matt gets a big kick out of it too. I got all of these groceries, plus 2 Reese's candies for free at Walgreen's on Monday....plus had a $3.00 overage...so I made money on the deal! Pretty cool, I'd say!
Another neat thing coming up is I'm going to be on TV
talking about our Audio/Video ministry in September.
Every few months our church is asked to feature a ministry on a local Christian television show in Tulsa. They've asked Buffy and me to come talk about the importance of this ministry, and maybe give other churches some tips on how to get started or further their programs. I'm not really excited about being on TV, but I am excited about our AV ministry and how it helps people worship, learn and get closer to God.
Well, that's a lot of what's going on here in Owasso. We're excited about watching some football, eating chili and kicking off fall!!!!! We hope that you and yours have a wonderful September!
Matt gets a big kick out of it too. I got all of these groceries, plus 2 Reese's candies for free at Walgreen's on Monday....plus had a $3.00 overage...so I made money on the deal! Pretty cool, I'd say!
Another neat thing coming up is I'm going to be on TV
talking about our Audio/Video ministry in September.
Every few months our church is asked to feature a ministry on a local Christian television show in Tulsa. They've asked Buffy and me to come talk about the importance of this ministry, and maybe give other churches some tips on how to get started or further their programs. I'm not really excited about being on TV, but I am excited about our AV ministry and how it helps people worship, learn and get closer to God.
Well, that's a lot of what's going on here in Owasso. We're excited about watching some football, eating chili and kicking off fall!!!!! We hope that you and yours have a wonderful September!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Our July
Hamilton began the month still recovering from his tonsils being removed. It was unseasonal how cool the weather was, so we were able to go see fireworks despite his not feeling well. He enjoyed getting out of the house for a while. After we returned home, we discovered our A/C was out. Luckily we were able to get that fixed the next day....THANK GOODNESS! We were relieved that it was not a costly repair.
We celebrated my birthday at home. Matt and the boys went out and picked out a new camera for me to carry in my purse. The boys were so cute, they could hardly keep the secret! They were so proud of their gift to me. My sisters and I went out for a "girls night out" and had dinner and did a little shopping. It's always nice to get out with them.
Sara's (my sister) family had a new addition to her family. Duke, a German Shepherd, and longtime family member, passed away. Sara found the cutest little German Shepherd puppy, named him Sergeant and we all love him like crazy. Our boys like helping him potty outside and helping to take care of him. I'll have to say, Spooky, our dog, has gotten lots of love since Duke passed. We love Spooky to pieces and can't imagine life without him.
Matt's dad had a heart attack at the end of the month. It was shocking to the entire family. Needless to say, Matt and I were scared. We went to Fayetteville for the day to make sure he would stabilize, and we came back that night, and then Matt went back the next day. We are waiting more tests tomorrow and they will either perform open heart surgery, or place a stint. Matt and I are going to Fayetteville for the day.
Matt started back to school. UGH! Its always hard for everyone to adjust after having him home all summer, but we are getting back into the swing of things! Hamilton starts school next week and Harrison's first day of preschool will be 09-08. I think they'll both like being in school. Right now the big question is: Will Hamilton ride the bus or be a car-rider??? Still undecided on this issue. I just can't believe I have a 1st grader!!!!
Another big change this month was the purchase of a new car. Matt's Jeep broke down...again. The transmission went out, and it was having many more costly issues. After the money we spent on it this spring, we couldn't see pouring several more thousand into it. We traded it in and he picked out a Chevy HHR. We love it! He drives it to work every morning and is so happy that it has air-conditioning. Then I drive it in the evenings when I go to work. It gets good gas mileage, and it does have enough room that we can fit 3 car seats in the back if we need to. We weren't really wanting another car payment right now, but we both have to have dependable transportation. We are happy about it.
That's all that I can remember right now for July. We're just asking for prayers for Matt's dad. We pray that whatever procedure is needed, that it is successful, and that he'll experience a speedy recovery. The kids can't wait until he feels good enough for them to be able to see him.
We celebrated my birthday at home. Matt and the boys went out and picked out a new camera for me to carry in my purse. The boys were so cute, they could hardly keep the secret! They were so proud of their gift to me. My sisters and I went out for a "girls night out" and had dinner and did a little shopping. It's always nice to get out with them.
Sara's (my sister) family had a new addition to her family. Duke, a German Shepherd, and longtime family member, passed away. Sara found the cutest little German Shepherd puppy, named him Sergeant and we all love him like crazy. Our boys like helping him potty outside and helping to take care of him. I'll have to say, Spooky, our dog, has gotten lots of love since Duke passed. We love Spooky to pieces and can't imagine life without him.
Matt's dad had a heart attack at the end of the month. It was shocking to the entire family. Needless to say, Matt and I were scared. We went to Fayetteville for the day to make sure he would stabilize, and we came back that night, and then Matt went back the next day. We are waiting more tests tomorrow and they will either perform open heart surgery, or place a stint. Matt and I are going to Fayetteville for the day.
Matt started back to school. UGH! Its always hard for everyone to adjust after having him home all summer, but we are getting back into the swing of things! Hamilton starts school next week and Harrison's first day of preschool will be 09-08. I think they'll both like being in school. Right now the big question is: Will Hamilton ride the bus or be a car-rider??? Still undecided on this issue. I just can't believe I have a 1st grader!!!!
Another big change this month was the purchase of a new car. Matt's Jeep broke down...again. The transmission went out, and it was having many more costly issues. After the money we spent on it this spring, we couldn't see pouring several more thousand into it. We traded it in and he picked out a Chevy HHR. We love it! He drives it to work every morning and is so happy that it has air-conditioning. Then I drive it in the evenings when I go to work. It gets good gas mileage, and it does have enough room that we can fit 3 car seats in the back if we need to. We weren't really wanting another car payment right now, but we both have to have dependable transportation. We are happy about it.
That's all that I can remember right now for July. We're just asking for prayers for Matt's dad. We pray that whatever procedure is needed, that it is successful, and that he'll experience a speedy recovery. The kids can't wait until he feels good enough for them to be able to see him.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Our June
Our June was a busy one!
Matt ended his school year, as did Hamilton. Both were happy to start the summer.
VBS started the week after school let out - WHEW! It was a busy week for all of us! Hamilton attended as a 1st grader (what a biggin') and Harrison attended as a pre-schooler. Henderson was in the nursery. I worked on video/photography and Matt was a co-leader for the 6th graders. We all had exciting stories to tell and all had a blast!
We traveled to see Sarah and Hubert in Eureka Springs (Granny & Grandpa). It was our first road trip in the mini-van. It was SOOO much better with the extra space. The kids got restless the last hour of the trip, but all in all - it was WAY better!! We rode the train - the boys loved that! Henderson would laugh every time the diesel horn blew - he loved it! We played a lot in their yard - they had some new landscaping done - it is beautiful! Matt and I got to have a few "dates" without the boys and that was sooooo nice!!!!
Youth Force was exciting also. The youth from several United Methodist Churches get together every year (we rotate who hosts) and work on houses in the community. Our house was picked for one of the houses to be worked on this year. We got a new window upstairs - our old one was leaking when it rained. They also painted trim and repaired some guttering and added a storm window to our kitchen window. I worked at the church during youth force all day and into the night preparing for worship services in the evening. Matt worked on setting up for dinner, then preparing the worship center for worship again. It was a wonderful week - though exhausting!!!
Hamilton had his tonsils out on 6-26. The surgery went well, but the recovery has been very painful for him. The doctor said he had abnormal swelling, though he does seem to be healing. He'll be on pain medicine longer than most, but he seems to be doing a little better every day. It's been hard on all of us - I'd take the pain from him in a second if I could!
Matt and I have been working on our upstairs room. I work from home a lot for an inspection company, and work is picking up quite a lot. At the end of the year, I'll be working full-time. So, I need an office that is equipped for me to work in, yet kid-friendly so the kids can be up here with me. There was a lot of work to do - and we are about halfway done now. I have a big desk to spread out my work now. Next - the boys will get their own desks to do their homework on. It's light blue with white trim and LOTS of storage. I'll post pictures when we are done.
We are looking forward to a GREAT July! Matt goes back to work at the end of this month - but until then, we will enjoy all being home - and hopefully all being HEALTHY! With LOTS of swimming.
Matt ended his school year, as did Hamilton. Both were happy to start the summer.
VBS started the week after school let out - WHEW! It was a busy week for all of us! Hamilton attended as a 1st grader (what a biggin') and Harrison attended as a pre-schooler. Henderson was in the nursery. I worked on video/photography and Matt was a co-leader for the 6th graders. We all had exciting stories to tell and all had a blast!
We traveled to see Sarah and Hubert in Eureka Springs (Granny & Grandpa). It was our first road trip in the mini-van. It was SOOO much better with the extra space. The kids got restless the last hour of the trip, but all in all - it was WAY better!! We rode the train - the boys loved that! Henderson would laugh every time the diesel horn blew - he loved it! We played a lot in their yard - they had some new landscaping done - it is beautiful! Matt and I got to have a few "dates" without the boys and that was sooooo nice!!!!
Youth Force was exciting also. The youth from several United Methodist Churches get together every year (we rotate who hosts) and work on houses in the community. Our house was picked for one of the houses to be worked on this year. We got a new window upstairs - our old one was leaking when it rained. They also painted trim and repaired some guttering and added a storm window to our kitchen window. I worked at the church during youth force all day and into the night preparing for worship services in the evening. Matt worked on setting up for dinner, then preparing the worship center for worship again. It was a wonderful week - though exhausting!!!
Hamilton had his tonsils out on 6-26. The surgery went well, but the recovery has been very painful for him. The doctor said he had abnormal swelling, though he does seem to be healing. He'll be on pain medicine longer than most, but he seems to be doing a little better every day. It's been hard on all of us - I'd take the pain from him in a second if I could!
Matt and I have been working on our upstairs room. I work from home a lot for an inspection company, and work is picking up quite a lot. At the end of the year, I'll be working full-time. So, I need an office that is equipped for me to work in, yet kid-friendly so the kids can be up here with me. There was a lot of work to do - and we are about halfway done now. I have a big desk to spread out my work now. Next - the boys will get their own desks to do their homework on. It's light blue with white trim and LOTS of storage. I'll post pictures when we are done.
We are looking forward to a GREAT July! Matt goes back to work at the end of this month - but until then, we will enjoy all being home - and hopefully all being HEALTHY! With LOTS of swimming.
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