Well, I have to admit I did not clock the number of weeks since Bro. Kim died this weekend. That is progress. I am also moving on in the grief process. I'm smack dab in the middle of the anger phase right now. *sigh* this too will pass.
Thanksgiving
It was a busier morning of cooking than I had planned, but we got it all done. Had a nice lunch w/ my parents; the in-laws had just moved into an assisted living facility and were too tired to get out. At 91 and 92, I'd be too tired too! I sent home turkey & Dressing w/ my parents. The O'Briens came over to watch the last(?) Texas A&M/t.u. game. It was a stinker.
We spent the rest of the long weekend relaxing -- except for hubby. He now works for a co. that does lots of business on Black Friday, so he had to work (programming) Thurs and Fri. But that's what you get paid for.
WE did make one big purchase -- a Dyson vacuum cleaner. We've needed to upgrade for awhile now, so that is done! Hooray.
I am working with a friend on getting a handle on the disorganization this is my life. We met after Thanksgiving and set a couple of goals. They are being implemented. Baby steps.
In fact, I must get off here and work on one of those goals == handling the paperwork. Cannot procrastinate!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
November 19th
Wow...it's been 4 weeks since we got the news about our pastor. I cannot believe it's been that long, and then it seems like it was just yesterday. Day by day. There's no other way to deal with this.
I am working at home on the ouse. Not much progress, but it's better than no progress. Anoterh day, another project. I/m currently working on teaddy bears for the S.T.O.P. program at our elementary school.
I am working at home on the ouse. Not much progress, but it's better than no progress. Anoterh day, another project. I/m currently working on teaddy bears for the S.T.O.P. program at our elementary school.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Long-Time Friends
As a result of the awful grief that my church has been going through, many former members of our church came to town today to attend Bro. Kim's memorial service.
I hate the reason for my friends return, because I want Bro. Kim to still be here. But seeing all of those people -- it was just the medicine my soul needed today.
Wendell & Karen, Mike & Tasha, Jim & Rhonda, Mike & Amy, Kristen & Jud, Steve & Ruthie, Stacey & Suzanne, Sharon, Sissy, Joyce...there are too many of you to name! But please know this -- I know your presence was for Martha and the boys, but it sure did me a whole lot of good too. Thanks for making the effort.
I hate the reason for my friends return, because I want Bro. Kim to still be here. But seeing all of those people -- it was just the medicine my soul needed today.
Wendell & Karen, Mike & Tasha, Jim & Rhonda, Mike & Amy, Kristen & Jud, Steve & Ruthie, Stacey & Suzanne, Sharon, Sissy, Joyce...there are too many of you to name! But please know this -- I know your presence was for Martha and the boys, but it sure did me a whole lot of good too. Thanks for making the effort.
Beginning to Heal
Today was the memorial service for Bro. Kim. It was amazing to see how many people came in person to remember this wonderful, faithful man of God.
At the request of his wife Martha, our church choir was part of the service. We sang "Worthy is the Lamb." It was miraculous to see Martha's countenance change as we sang that song. She'd been in deep sorrow as she came into the sanctuary, but when we starting singing that song (one of Kim's favorites), Martha's whole demeanor changed. For that brief moment or two, she moved from grieving her husband's passing to praising her God and King. I want to love Jesus that much too.
Many words were spoken about what a wonderful pastor and teacher Kim was. But one of the things I liked best was when one of the speakers said (and I paraphrase, as it's been a long 4 days), that in the book of John, it's stated that when Jesus was getting ready to leave his disciples, he said this:
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last..."
And then the speaker said that we are the fruit of Bro. Kim's work; his faithfulness to God's calling on his life. Then this simple fact made a difference. ...that we as fruit have many, many seeds inside us...and it's our job to continue following our calling to glorify God, and by doing so, continue to plant the seeds that Kim planted in us.
I just loved the thought that even though Kim is gone from us, our work, and the work of my children will, in part, be attributed to the faithful work that Kim allowed God to do through him. God is so awesome!!
Lastly, I just have to say this...I don't know WHERE God is going to find another pastor/teacher who can teach me and reach me consistently, every week with something new to say, like Kim did. But this I KNOW -- God will do that, and I may be dragged kicking and screaming into another style of preaching. But I'll bet you anything, that if my grumpy ol' flesh will get out of the way, I'll learn just as many wonderful things about my God from "the new guy" as I ever did from Bro. Kim.
At the request of his wife Martha, our church choir was part of the service. We sang "Worthy is the Lamb." It was miraculous to see Martha's countenance change as we sang that song. She'd been in deep sorrow as she came into the sanctuary, but when we starting singing that song (one of Kim's favorites), Martha's whole demeanor changed. For that brief moment or two, she moved from grieving her husband's passing to praising her God and King. I want to love Jesus that much too.
Many words were spoken about what a wonderful pastor and teacher Kim was. But one of the things I liked best was when one of the speakers said (and I paraphrase, as it's been a long 4 days), that in the book of John, it's stated that when Jesus was getting ready to leave his disciples, he said this:
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last..."
And then the speaker said that we are the fruit of Bro. Kim's work; his faithfulness to God's calling on his life. Then this simple fact made a difference. ...that we as fruit have many, many seeds inside us...and it's our job to continue following our calling to glorify God, and by doing so, continue to plant the seeds that Kim planted in us.
I just loved the thought that even though Kim is gone from us, our work, and the work of my children will, in part, be attributed to the faithful work that Kim allowed God to do through him. God is so awesome!!
Lastly, I just have to say this...I don't know WHERE God is going to find another pastor/teacher who can teach me and reach me consistently, every week with something new to say, like Kim did. But this I KNOW -- God will do that, and I may be dragged kicking and screaming into another style of preaching. But I'll bet you anything, that if my grumpy ol' flesh will get out of the way, I'll learn just as many wonderful things about my God from "the new guy" as I ever did from Bro. Kim.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Extreme Sorrow
It is with an extremely heavy heart that I write this.
Our beloved pastor, Kim Hall, died this weekend. The worst part is that he took his own life. And that is not because he wasn't a "true Christian" or because there were skeletons in the closet that were about to/or had come out. It was because that horrid, insidious demon named depression was present in his life.
Depression is NOT an indicator that a person is not walking with God; nor, is it an indicator that you "just have unconfessed sin in your life and if you'd just confess, all would be well." Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is a medical condition and it is NOT a character flaw or due to weak character or morals. Depression is a medical condition. Period, End of story.
My life has been touched by depression, my father's life, his sister's and now my beloved pastor. The past 24 hour have been a series of contrasts for me. Four years ago, my dad tried to take his own life -- he survived, Bro. Kim did not. Dad used one implement, Bro. Kim used another. My mom discovered my dad, Bro. Kim's wife did NOT. (Thank you God!) But both of these men suffered from depression and were on medication.
We are moving through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I feel it will be a long time before I get out of any of those stages. Shock is the major emotion right now. Grief, crying, "what-ifs" and "if-only"s are present as well.
But this is one thing I know with all my heart:
Bro. Kim is in heaven with Jesus. His depression is gone. He is whole, healthy and happy, living in the presence of the living God.
Yes, we will mourn, but we do not mourn as those who have no hope. I will see Kim again and hopefully, my Nana and Grandpa have already introduced themselves to Kim.
So if you read this, and suffer from depression, and if you think that life would be better for everyone if you were "out of the way." Hear this.. LIFE WILL NOT BE BETTER IF YOU ARE GONE. There is at least one person in this world that will miss you every day for the rest of their life. And for most everyone of us, that number will be higher -- much higher.
You are loved, you are cherished, you are someone's whole world. Please know that God loves you more than you will ever be able to understand. Find a local church, friend, or crisis center. The answer is NOT to take yourself out of the picture. The answer is to change the picture and trust in God and your doctors and your counselors until you can see that the picture is 100%, TOTALLY incomplete without you in it.
Our beloved pastor, Kim Hall, died this weekend. The worst part is that he took his own life. And that is not because he wasn't a "true Christian" or because there were skeletons in the closet that were about to/or had come out. It was because that horrid, insidious demon named depression was present in his life.
Depression is NOT an indicator that a person is not walking with God; nor, is it an indicator that you "just have unconfessed sin in your life and if you'd just confess, all would be well." Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is a medical condition and it is NOT a character flaw or due to weak character or morals. Depression is a medical condition. Period, End of story.
My life has been touched by depression, my father's life, his sister's and now my beloved pastor. The past 24 hour have been a series of contrasts for me. Four years ago, my dad tried to take his own life -- he survived, Bro. Kim did not. Dad used one implement, Bro. Kim used another. My mom discovered my dad, Bro. Kim's wife did NOT. (Thank you God!) But both of these men suffered from depression and were on medication.
We are moving through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I feel it will be a long time before I get out of any of those stages. Shock is the major emotion right now. Grief, crying, "what-ifs" and "if-only"s are present as well.
But this is one thing I know with all my heart:
Bro. Kim is in heaven with Jesus. His depression is gone. He is whole, healthy and happy, living in the presence of the living God.
Yes, we will mourn, but we do not mourn as those who have no hope. I will see Kim again and hopefully, my Nana and Grandpa have already introduced themselves to Kim.
So if you read this, and suffer from depression, and if you think that life would be better for everyone if you were "out of the way." Hear this.. LIFE WILL NOT BE BETTER IF YOU ARE GONE. There is at least one person in this world that will miss you every day for the rest of their life. And for most everyone of us, that number will be higher -- much higher.
You are loved, you are cherished, you are someone's whole world. Please know that God loves you more than you will ever be able to understand. Find a local church, friend, or crisis center. The answer is NOT to take yourself out of the picture. The answer is to change the picture and trust in God and your doctors and your counselors until you can see that the picture is 100%, TOTALLY incomplete without you in it.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
blahh
I have been very down in the last week. My sleep schedule is WAY off...so much so that I missed a haircut and color. Now that should tell you something.
My youngest is NOT getting the support he needs at school right now and I'm more paralyzed than anything with the frustration and disappointment in his classroom teacher than anything at this point. He and I worked on homework off and on all weekend long. Not a realistic set of expectations for a 5th grader.
My eldest had a good weekend. My mom had to go to the ER for at UTI and help w/ pain killers and antibiotics. Hubby is busy busy and I am depressed.
I start a 6 week parenting class tomorrow w/ my co-facilitator. I've done all the administrative stuff tonight. Now must get clothes ready and get my bag packed. Have to BE there @ 8:30. and Im NOT a morning person.
My youngest is NOT getting the support he needs at school right now and I'm more paralyzed than anything with the frustration and disappointment in his classroom teacher than anything at this point. He and I worked on homework off and on all weekend long. Not a realistic set of expectations for a 5th grader.
My eldest had a good weekend. My mom had to go to the ER for at UTI and help w/ pain killers and antibiotics. Hubby is busy busy and I am depressed.
I start a 6 week parenting class tomorrow w/ my co-facilitator. I've done all the administrative stuff tonight. Now must get clothes ready and get my bag packed. Have to BE there @ 8:30. and Im NOT a morning person.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
I survived the 1st week of school...
and that was no small feat, as I drove band carpool! We had to leave home at 6:10 AM!!! to pick up the other riders. Then had to get everyone to HS to dump backpacks, etc. in the band hall before 6:30. Then I had to drive them all to the football stadium to practice!
Seems VERY incompetent people were hired to stripe/sandblast & restripe the parking lot all before school started. Since it was done incorrectly, band had to bite the bullet and practice at the stadium last week.
BUT the joy of carpooling is that I DON'T HAVE TO DRIVE FOR 3 MORE WEEKS!!! Happy dance!
The band did a fabulous performance at their first football game on Thursday! And that was so fun to see. I've never been a band parent before, but I think I'm really going to like it. Fundraising is already underway for our HS band and my son has already reached his goal for the year! A big thank you to all my friends who have pledged money for the march-a-thon!!! We couldn't do it without YOU!
In other news, my hubby has a new job title -- Director of International Integration at Living Social. Sounds impressive. The plus side for us is frequent flyer points! ha. I'm thrilled for him.
My youngest child is in 5th grade. He's adapting to school. He was very bored with the whole organization, planning aspect of the first few days. On Friday he said, "We finally did some real work at school today." I guess he's ready for the challenges of another school year.
And on the final note, I have completed the 4x4 dinner groups for my Sunday School class. Groups have been made and I'm out of the loop for it now. I'm just a participant at this point. My next big thing for SS is to organize a fall social. Must give that one some thought. I am getting ready for Bible Study to start soon.
So my accomplishments this week were:
getting everyone delivered to band on time!
picking up / decluttering the house on Thurs/Friday
Have doen all the kids laundry (yesterday)
Made it to SS w/ the snacks today!
Have purchased all required school supplies (that I know about).
Seems VERY incompetent people were hired to stripe/sandblast & restripe the parking lot all before school started. Since it was done incorrectly, band had to bite the bullet and practice at the stadium last week.
BUT the joy of carpooling is that I DON'T HAVE TO DRIVE FOR 3 MORE WEEKS!!! Happy dance!
The band did a fabulous performance at their first football game on Thursday! And that was so fun to see. I've never been a band parent before, but I think I'm really going to like it. Fundraising is already underway for our HS band and my son has already reached his goal for the year! A big thank you to all my friends who have pledged money for the march-a-thon!!! We couldn't do it without YOU!
In other news, my hubby has a new job title -- Director of International Integration at Living Social. Sounds impressive. The plus side for us is frequent flyer points! ha. I'm thrilled for him.
My youngest child is in 5th grade. He's adapting to school. He was very bored with the whole organization, planning aspect of the first few days. On Friday he said, "We finally did some real work at school today." I guess he's ready for the challenges of another school year.
And on the final note, I have completed the 4x4 dinner groups for my Sunday School class. Groups have been made and I'm out of the loop for it now. I'm just a participant at this point. My next big thing for SS is to organize a fall social. Must give that one some thought. I am getting ready for Bible Study to start soon.
So my accomplishments this week were:
getting everyone delivered to band on time!
picking up / decluttering the house on Thurs/Friday
Have doen all the kids laundry (yesterday)
Made it to SS w/ the snacks today!
Have purchased all required school supplies (that I know about).
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Our Chinese boys have come and gone
I cannot believe the three weeks with our Chinese boys have already gone by.
Charlie & LeBron were our sons/brothers for three weeks. It was really fun and interesting to have them here and to be exposed to another culture.
The parting was harder on Charlie & LeBron that on us, it seemed on Monday. They both shed some tears as they had to leave. We did not cry, but *boy* was the house quiet that night! They boys and the rest of their tour group should be in Disneyland today. Then they leave for China on Friday, I believe.
Tonight is the wrap-up / reflection mtg @ church. I'm looking forward to hearing how the other families enjoyed their homestay kids as well.
Charlie & LeBron were our sons/brothers for three weeks. It was really fun and interesting to have them here and to be exposed to another culture.
The parting was harder on Charlie & LeBron that on us, it seemed on Monday. They both shed some tears as they had to leave. We did not cry, but *boy* was the house quiet that night! They boys and the rest of their tour group should be in Disneyland today. Then they leave for China on Friday, I believe.
Tonight is the wrap-up / reflection mtg @ church. I'm looking forward to hearing how the other families enjoyed their homestay kids as well.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Over halfway with the homestay
We met our Chinese boys on July 20th. We now have living at our house...LaBron,James and Charlie,Daniel(s). So figuratively speaking wer are dribbling and fiddling around here! LOL
James, LaBron and Charlie went to Texas/China Camp M - F last week. We went to the Mesquite Rodeo on Saturday night, after everyone slept in very late. We did take everyone to Sichuan Cuisine (restaurant) becuase Charlie was asking for spicy food. They really seemed to enjoy it! Then Sunday was church day. Then in the afternoon Glenn helped a SS class member move to a new house. Then Glenn & Daniel went swimming @ Jack Carter, but the rest of us stayed home.
I think it was good that we did, as I jokingly told the boys that their parents didn't send them all this way to text in chinese to their friends. They are here to practice their English, so we played cards and had a really good time.
Then for dinner last night, I made tacos. Charlie had been wishing for spicy food, so we bought jalapenoes, green salsa and two habaneroe peppers. The first two items didn't reallly register on Charlie's spice scale, so we brought out the Tabasco sauce. I think that finally was spicy enough for him!
I've not yet attempted to even slice the habaneroes. I'll have to watch Alton Brown before I do. I'm not touching them w/o gloves!!
James, LaBron and Charlie went to Texas/China Camp M - F last week. We went to the Mesquite Rodeo on Saturday night, after everyone slept in very late. We did take everyone to Sichuan Cuisine (restaurant) becuase Charlie was asking for spicy food. They really seemed to enjoy it! Then Sunday was church day. Then in the afternoon Glenn helped a SS class member move to a new house. Then Glenn & Daniel went swimming @ Jack Carter, but the rest of us stayed home.
I think it was good that we did, as I jokingly told the boys that their parents didn't send them all this way to text in chinese to their friends. They are here to practice their English, so we played cards and had a really good time.
Then for dinner last night, I made tacos. Charlie had been wishing for spicy food, so we bought jalapenoes, green salsa and two habaneroe peppers. The first two items didn't reallly register on Charlie's spice scale, so we brought out the Tabasco sauce. I think that finally was spicy enough for him!
I've not yet attempted to even slice the habaneroes. I'll have to watch Alton Brown before I do. I'm not touching them w/o gloves!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Today's the day!
our two Chinese boys arrive for their 3 week stay! We've been working very hard around here to try to get the house arranged and cleaned.
My feet are killing me, so off the podiatrist I will go next week.
but for now...I've gotta keep workin'!
My feet are killing me, so off the podiatrist I will go next week.
but for now...I've gotta keep workin'!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Wednesday, July 6th
We did it! The boys and I made it back home, sans hubby/dad, and it was a much smoother trip coming than it was going!
We got up at 4:30ish. Everyone got dressed, got the last stuff packed, and we were out the door @ 5:15. We stopped in the Metro station and purchased one-way passes to Reagan airport.
We got to the airport, checked in and got to the gate. We only had to wait about 10 minutes before boarding. The fight home was fine. We were among the first to get to the luggage claim & our bags were among the first 6 or so bags to come out.
less than a 2 minute wait for the shuttle to take us to remote parking and we were outta there!
Great trip!!!
We got up at 4:30ish. Everyone got dressed, got the last stuff packed, and we were out the door @ 5:15. We stopped in the Metro station and purchased one-way passes to Reagan airport.
We got to the airport, checked in and got to the gate. We only had to wait about 10 minutes before boarding. The fight home was fine. We were among the first to get to the luggage claim & our bags were among the first 6 or so bags to come out.
less than a 2 minute wait for the shuttle to take us to remote parking and we were outta there!
Great trip!!!
Tuesday, July 5th
Well, the trip has been good for my youngest. He's been eating and *sleeping* and has been in a growth spurt while we were here! So today, we bought passes to go to Ballston and back. We shopped for a new pair of khaki dress pants for D, had lunch @ Chick-fil-a and came home.
We got everything packed and ate out tonight.
Have to be up @ 4;15 in teh a.m. to leave on time!
We got everything packed and ate out tonight.
Have to be up @ 4;15 in teh a.m. to leave on time!
Monday, July 4th
Well the plan was to get out and go to the National Cathedral today. Reality was that we stayed home and rested.
There was a party on the roof of the apartment building tonight, so we ate dinner (tacos!) and then went up for the party. We had an almost 360 degree view around Arlington. We had lots of far, distant fireworks to see. Then the Capitol fireworks started!
They were fantastic! The mall looked so crowded on TV that we felt we really did make the right choice in staying home.
There was a party on the roof of the apartment building tonight, so we ate dinner (tacos!) and then went up for the party. We had an almost 360 degree view around Arlington. We had lots of far, distant fireworks to see. Then the Capitol fireworks started!
They were fantastic! The mall looked so crowded on TV that we felt we really did make the right choice in staying home.
Sunday, July 3rd
The guys all went to the National Building Museum today. My feet were so sore and painful that I opted to stay home. I washed laundry all day and got everything clean!
Tomorrow is th 4th!!
Tomorrow is th 4th!!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Saturday, July 2nd
We left around 11 and made our way to the Holocaust Memorial. We picked up tickets for the permanent exhibition as soon as we arrived. Our time on the tickets was 2:15. So we toured "Daniel's Story", visited the museum store, saw the Hall of Rememberance, and the exhibition about propoganda.
When it was our turn to enter the permanent exhibition, we rode up an elevator to the top floor of the museum. We worked our way down to the 2st floor over a 2 1/2 hour period. The photographs, the personal tetimonies, the history of what Hitler and the Nazi party did was horrid.
The rooms that affected me the most were 1) the room of shoes left by those being herded into the gas chambers. 2) the room with photographs of the hair shaved from those same victims heads, 3) the tower of photographs made by the 4 photographers in Eishyshok, Lithuania; and 4) the testimonies that were filmed and played back in the last room of the musuem.
My youngest was very emotional after the visit. It's the first time he'd heard about this and then to be faced with it as he was in the museum affected him. I know that many would argue that he's too young, but as I was musing later about how unusual I found it to be that the US has a Holocaust Museum (since it didn't happen on our soil), the youngest said, "They had to [build it] so we can see it and learn about it so it never happens again!"
My sentiments exactly.
When it was our turn to enter the permanent exhibition, we rode up an elevator to the top floor of the museum. We worked our way down to the 2st floor over a 2 1/2 hour period. The photographs, the personal tetimonies, the history of what Hitler and the Nazi party did was horrid.
The rooms that affected me the most were 1) the room of shoes left by those being herded into the gas chambers. 2) the room with photographs of the hair shaved from those same victims heads, 3) the tower of photographs made by the 4 photographers in Eishyshok, Lithuania; and 4) the testimonies that were filmed and played back in the last room of the musuem.
My youngest was very emotional after the visit. It's the first time he'd heard about this and then to be faced with it as he was in the museum affected him. I know that many would argue that he's too young, but as I was musing later about how unusual I found it to be that the US has a Holocaust Museum (since it didn't happen on our soil), the youngest said, "They had to [build it] so we can see it and learn about it so it never happens again!"
My sentiments exactly.
Friday, July 1st
The boys and I stayed in during the morning and watched Wimbeldon. We finally got out and met Glenn @ the Living Social offices on New York Ave, NW. Very cool office space. Then we left and rode the Metro to Union Station. WE had dinner there @ Johnny Rocket's and then took off for our DC after Dark tour. We saw the Tile Bridge, The Capital Reflecting Pool, the Capitol, drove down Pennsylvania Avenue. Saw the WWII memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, drove past the FDR memorial, saw the Iwo Jima Statue, and then back to the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean Memorials. We finally got to see the Korean Memorial at night. very striking.
WE saw the White house and the North lawn. WE were so close to Glenn's office that we left the tour there, stopped by his office space to grab his backback and then made our way home.
WE saw the White house and the North lawn. WE were so close to Glenn's office that we left the tour there, stopped by his office space to grab his backback and then made our way home.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 30th
We took off around noon and went to the Madison Building -- part of the Library of Congress. I got a Reader's Card so I could get into the Main Reading Room in the Jefferson Building. After that we went to the 6th floor of the Madison Building to the cafeteria to have some lunch. When we finished there, we were leaving and discovered the large statue of James Madison. Took a few pictures and then went to the Jefferson LOC Building.
We first went to the Bob Hope Exhibit. Kim met up with us and we went to the Childrens' Reading Room. We actually walked in on story time @ the LOC! How fun!! We explored the three rooms that were open to us. We even found a Braille copy of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Beside that we also found a Hebrew version and an Arabic version of the same book!
Then we all went to find out how to get into the Main Reading Room. The guards were very nice and allowed J & D to go into the Main Reading Room with me! Even though they were too young! Kim requested a book that was in the Rare Books Collection and the three of us looked for one of G's books. It was actually listed there as well! We brought home the printout to show hubby!
While Kim was in the Rare Books Section, the boys and I went to the Bookstore in the LOC. D and I then took off and used our "Passports to Knowledge" to look at other exhibits in the Library.
The Library closes at 5 or 5:30 most days, so we had to leave "early" by our time schedule!
Another great day exploring in DC!!
We first went to the Bob Hope Exhibit. Kim met up with us and we went to the Childrens' Reading Room. We actually walked in on story time @ the LOC! How fun!! We explored the three rooms that were open to us. We even found a Braille copy of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Beside that we also found a Hebrew version and an Arabic version of the same book!
Then we all went to find out how to get into the Main Reading Room. The guards were very nice and allowed J & D to go into the Main Reading Room with me! Even though they were too young! Kim requested a book that was in the Rare Books Collection and the three of us looked for one of G's books. It was actually listed there as well! We brought home the printout to show hubby!
While Kim was in the Rare Books Section, the boys and I went to the Bookstore in the LOC. D and I then took off and used our "Passports to Knowledge" to look at other exhibits in the Library.
The Library closes at 5 or 5:30 most days, so we had to leave "early" by our time schedule!
Another great day exploring in DC!!
Wednesday, June 29th
The boys were begging for a day off, so we stayed in, relaxed and generally did nothing!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 28th
Today we got out of the house earlier than usual and met our friend Kim Murff at the Capitol Visitors Center. I had contacted my State Rep. and had gotten 4 tickets for the Congress tour. We got to see the Crypt, the National Statuary room @ the Capitol and the Rotunda.
Then we got to go back in to take more pictures of the statues in the crypt. From there we saw the statue of Freedom, the bronze statue that graces the top of the Capitol dome. WE had lunch @ the visitor's center and hti the gift shop. Then we took the tunnel from the Capitol to the Library of Congress. We took a guided tour and saw the Gerorge & Ira Gershwin Room; the Whitthall Pavilion where the strativarius vioins and violas are kept. Then we saw the grand entrance, the Guttenburg Bible the main reading room and then saw the Thomas Jefferson collection of books.
All in all, so interesting, we're going back there tomorrow.
Then we got to go back in to take more pictures of the statues in the crypt. From there we saw the statue of Freedom, the bronze statue that graces the top of the Capitol dome. WE had lunch @ the visitor's center and hti the gift shop. Then we took the tunnel from the Capitol to the Library of Congress. We took a guided tour and saw the Gerorge & Ira Gershwin Room; the Whitthall Pavilion where the strativarius vioins and violas are kept. Then we saw the grand entrance, the Guttenburg Bible the main reading room and then saw the Thomas Jefferson collection of books.
All in all, so interesting, we're going back there tomorrow.
Monday, June 27th
We visited the Museum of American History and came home. After the rigorous sightseeing over the weekend, just one museum was enough today.
We did meet hubby and a friend from work (Ben) @ Matchbox for dinner in Chinatown. Yummo!
We did meet hubby and a friend from work (Ben) @ Matchbox for dinner in Chinatown. Yummo!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday, July 25th
We took the Metro to Chinatown and found a Chipotle and had lunch. Then we visited the International Spy Museum. That took up a huge chunk of the day. When that was finished, we had a snack of frozen yogurt. Thus fortitied, we took the Metro to FoggyBottom. Then we walked to Lincoln Memorial, saw the non-functioning reflecting pool; Vietnam Memorial; Korean War Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument again.
Metro back to Ballston ate at Noodles & Co. home at 10 pm
Metro back to Ballston ate at Noodles & Co. home at 10 pm
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, June 24th
Another very late sleep in day.... We did laundry etc. then had dinner out w/ Dad.
Planned Saturday.
Planned Saturday.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 23rd
The boys and I slept very late after the late night sightseeing trip last night. As we got ready for the day J asked where his shorts were. We searched high and low. I am sure they are safe at home in TX! So today's plan quickly turned into a shopping trip for J so he has more shorts than just 2 pairs!
We found a mall just two blocks away from the next Metro stop up the line. So, onto the Metro, two block walk, shopping success and then lunch @ the food court. A quick stop at the apt. to drop off the purchases and to pick up the camera. Then off to the Museum of Natural History on the Mall.
We stopped at the Smithsonian Castle first off just to get our bearings. Then we cut across the Mall to the Museum of Natural History. The African Elephant in the rotunda is just magnificent. We turned left then and looked at mammals. We ended up in the Underwater portion with the enormous whale suspended from the ceiling. We then took in the Fossils and Dinosaurs.
After that we went to the 2nd floor to look @ the Hope Diamond (which was NOT in its traditional setting) and then looked at the gems in the rest of the exhibit on that floor. We left around 5 PM and took the Metro home.
We found a mall just two blocks away from the next Metro stop up the line. So, onto the Metro, two block walk, shopping success and then lunch @ the food court. A quick stop at the apt. to drop off the purchases and to pick up the camera. Then off to the Museum of Natural History on the Mall.
We stopped at the Smithsonian Castle first off just to get our bearings. Then we cut across the Mall to the Museum of Natural History. The African Elephant in the rotunda is just magnificent. We turned left then and looked at mammals. We ended up in the Underwater portion with the enormous whale suspended from the ceiling. We then took in the Fossils and Dinosaurs.
After that we went to the 2nd floor to look @ the Hope Diamond (which was NOT in its traditional setting) and then looked at the gems in the rest of the exhibit on that floor. We left around 5 PM and took the Metro home.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 22nd
Ah...a good night's rest was SOoooo great!
The boys and I slept in. We had a vacation day today. Finally got out and made another run to the grocery store as we'd failed to get ANY caffine!!
Had a lazy afternoon, and had dinner almost done when hubby walked through the door. Once dinner was done and cleaned up after, we left and took the Metro in to the Smithsonian stop. We walked to the Washington Monument gift shop and got info on where to get tickets to go up top. That will require a 5:30 or 6 AM arrival time to stand in line to get tickets for the day. If we get there really early, we can pick our ticket time. Otherwise we'll get whatever is left!
After that we walked past the Holocaust Museum and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving on our way to the Jefferson Memorial. The sea wall there is under construction, so the walk was longer than I remembered it being. We arrived at the monument about the time a couple of busloads of teenagers arrived. We managed to get some good pictures there. It was about dusk, but still nice.
Then we walked on to the FDR Memorial. Now, from the Jefferson Memorial, you enter the FDR Memorial from the wrong end (had to read the history backwards) but it was still very impressive. From there we headed back to the Mall and to the Metro station. We wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial, but it was getting late and feet were tired.
All in all a great first day of sightseeing in DC!!
The boys and I slept in. We had a vacation day today. Finally got out and made another run to the grocery store as we'd failed to get ANY caffine!!
Had a lazy afternoon, and had dinner almost done when hubby walked through the door. Once dinner was done and cleaned up after, we left and took the Metro in to the Smithsonian stop. We walked to the Washington Monument gift shop and got info on where to get tickets to go up top. That will require a 5:30 or 6 AM arrival time to stand in line to get tickets for the day. If we get there really early, we can pick our ticket time. Otherwise we'll get whatever is left!
After that we walked past the Holocaust Museum and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving on our way to the Jefferson Memorial. The sea wall there is under construction, so the walk was longer than I remembered it being. We arrived at the monument about the time a couple of busloads of teenagers arrived. We managed to get some good pictures there. It was about dusk, but still nice.
Then we walked on to the FDR Memorial. Now, from the Jefferson Memorial, you enter the FDR Memorial from the wrong end (had to read the history backwards) but it was still very impressive. From there we headed back to the Mall and to the Metro station. We wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial, but it was getting late and feet were tired.
All in all a great first day of sightseeing in DC!!
Tuesday, June 21st
We got up at 4 AM to leave the house by 5. Hubby left on Monday so it was up to me to get the boys up and moving. It was raining off and on and the lightning and thunder were non-stop. The drive to the airport was fine until I hit 635 off of George Bush. Then it was awful. 30-40 MPH, windshield wipers on high and still couldn't see! We made it to the remote parking lot and just sat and waited for the rain to stop.
During the worst part of the drive, Hubby called to say that our 7:05 AM flight had been cancelled. Great! So up at stupid-early, driving through awful rain and NO flight. So that's why we sat in the parking lot and waited for the rain to stop.
When we got to the terminal, we were told that we could make it on an 11:40 flight. 5 hours to kill in the terminal. The boys were amazing. We found the recharge station in the seating area and just camped out. We DID make it onto the flight and were in the back of the plane. Flying on passes has it's "perks" ha.
Our original flight was to land at Reagan National Airport on the metro line in DC. Our 11:40 flight took us to Dulles. a 40 minute bus ride to the Metro. We got to the Rosslyn station, purchased passes w/ the help of a Metro worker and made it to the Virginia station. Glenn was waiting for us just outside the exit turnstiles! :-)
The apartment is amazing! We NEVER could have afforded to bring the boys to DC for an extended stay in a place like this, EVER. We're on the 18th floor of the Archstone Apartments
Last night after we'd unpacked, we used Living Socials' Instant deals to find a place for dinner. A nice italian place less than two blocks away. After dinner we walked to the local grocery store and got stuff for breakfasts, lunches and 3 dinners.
Tired doesn't even begin to cover how exhausted I am!
During the worst part of the drive, Hubby called to say that our 7:05 AM flight had been cancelled. Great! So up at stupid-early, driving through awful rain and NO flight. So that's why we sat in the parking lot and waited for the rain to stop.
When we got to the terminal, we were told that we could make it on an 11:40 flight. 5 hours to kill in the terminal. The boys were amazing. We found the recharge station in the seating area and just camped out. We DID make it onto the flight and were in the back of the plane. Flying on passes has it's "perks" ha.
Our original flight was to land at Reagan National Airport on the metro line in DC. Our 11:40 flight took us to Dulles. a 40 minute bus ride to the Metro. We got to the Rosslyn station, purchased passes w/ the help of a Metro worker and made it to the Virginia station. Glenn was waiting for us just outside the exit turnstiles! :-)
The apartment is amazing! We NEVER could have afforded to bring the boys to DC for an extended stay in a place like this, EVER. We're on the 18th floor of the Archstone Apartments
Last night after we'd unpacked, we used Living Socials' Instant deals to find a place for dinner. A nice italian place less than two blocks away. After dinner we walked to the local grocery store and got stuff for breakfasts, lunches and 3 dinners.
Tired doesn't even begin to cover how exhausted I am!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Saturday
Well, today was the day of home improvement efforts. The upstairs guest bathroom has needed some love for awhile now. Today we:
1) fixed the toilet (for the 2nd time)
2) installed a curved shower rod
3) put up a new, fabric (read washable!) shower curtain
4) and purchased stuff to put in the same type shower curtain etc. for the other upstairs bathroom.
All in all, a good home improvement effort today
1) fixed the toilet (for the 2nd time)
2) installed a curved shower rod
3) put up a new, fabric (read washable!) shower curtain
4) and purchased stuff to put in the same type shower curtain etc. for the other upstairs bathroom.
All in all, a good home improvement effort today
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thank GOODNESS summer is here!!
I just reread my last post and realized it's been awhile since all of that craziness! I am so happy about that.
School finally finished. My eldest found buddies to hang out with for 3 days straight. The youngest and I got crackin' on the mess around here and since school was out I have:
1) emptied the toy box; donated usable toys to Goodwill; thrown out broken toys
2) reloaded toy box w/ the remaining toys and CANNOT believe the toy box is still full!
3) weeded out books from 4 bookshelves. Have made 3 trips to Half-price books and and up $25.00!
4) completely cleaned both of my kiddos' bedrooms!
5) gotten rid of piles, boxes and bags of stuff that were in the upstairs living space
6) hosted Stamp Club. We made two simple, but elegant cards
7) had a new guest @ stamp club! Hi there!!
8) completely cleaned the formal dining room after stamp club and it's great!
9) cleaned out the rat's nest that is my corner of the living room. I only have one handwork project in the room now!
10) cleaned out the shelves on my half of the master bedroom closet
11) completely cleaned out and organized the linen closet upstairs
12) spot cleaned the carpet in 3 rooms only to have the cat up-chuck in one of those rooms LESS THAN 5 MINUTES AFTER I FINISHED CLEANING IT!!!
So all in all a very productive two weeks since school was finished.
Happy me!!
School finally finished. My eldest found buddies to hang out with for 3 days straight. The youngest and I got crackin' on the mess around here and since school was out I have:
1) emptied the toy box; donated usable toys to Goodwill; thrown out broken toys
2) reloaded toy box w/ the remaining toys and CANNOT believe the toy box is still full!
3) weeded out books from 4 bookshelves. Have made 3 trips to Half-price books and and up $25.00!
4) completely cleaned both of my kiddos' bedrooms!
5) gotten rid of piles, boxes and bags of stuff that were in the upstairs living space
6) hosted Stamp Club. We made two simple, but elegant cards
7) had a new guest @ stamp club! Hi there!!
8) completely cleaned the formal dining room after stamp club and it's great!
9) cleaned out the rat's nest that is my corner of the living room. I only have one handwork project in the room now!
10) cleaned out the shelves on my half of the master bedroom closet
11) completely cleaned out and organized the linen closet upstairs
12) spot cleaned the carpet in 3 rooms only to have the cat up-chuck in one of those rooms LESS THAN 5 MINUTES AFTER I FINISHED CLEANING IT!!!
So all in all a very productive two weeks since school was finished.
Happy me!!
Monday, May 23, 2011
If I can just survive two more weeks...
then school will be out!
After the trip to Scotland in April, life has just been busy w/ two kids, school, church, etc.
My eldest has hit that time of the year when he has lots of performances or meetings. He's recently had:
1) Mock Trial competition
2) Peak Music Festival Competiion (with his usual band AND with the full orchestra)
3) Orchestra concert
4) State Bible Drill competition
5) NJHS year end awards program
6) President's Academic Awards for Excellence awards program
7) required participation in high school band mini-camps
and this week he has his year end band concert.
My youngest is still in grade school, so his schedule has not hit the stupid-crazy stage yet. He did have his year end piano recital recently and did well there.
Now I am completely exhausted after last week and the weekend.
Last week I had something to host or someplace to be Mon ~ Thurs. whilst being a single parent that week. Then the weekend was hectic as well...
1) eldest was at a birthday party
2) youngest had a haircut appt.
3) eldest attended an after school party prior to said birthday party
4) eldest had haircut appt
5) youngest's recital
6) eldest's Mock Trial party
7) sent kids to grandparents for overnight stay
8) had dinner out w/ friends
9) church
10) special choir performance Sunday night
and today I toured the Dallas Cowboys' new(er) stadium. It was interesting and now I can say I've been there. I'll never have to pay the outrageously overpriced fee for a ticket to anything there just so I can see the facility.
I am headed to bed....ZZZZzzzzzzzz...
After the trip to Scotland in April, life has just been busy w/ two kids, school, church, etc.
My eldest has hit that time of the year when he has lots of performances or meetings. He's recently had:
1) Mock Trial competition
2) Peak Music Festival Competiion (with his usual band AND with the full orchestra)
3) Orchestra concert
4) State Bible Drill competition
5) NJHS year end awards program
6) President's Academic Awards for Excellence awards program
7) required participation in high school band mini-camps
and this week he has his year end band concert.
My youngest is still in grade school, so his schedule has not hit the stupid-crazy stage yet. He did have his year end piano recital recently and did well there.
Now I am completely exhausted after last week and the weekend.
Last week I had something to host or someplace to be Mon ~ Thurs. whilst being a single parent that week. Then the weekend was hectic as well...
1) eldest was at a birthday party
2) youngest had a haircut appt.
3) eldest attended an after school party prior to said birthday party
4) eldest had haircut appt
5) youngest's recital
6) eldest's Mock Trial party
7) sent kids to grandparents for overnight stay
8) had dinner out w/ friends
9) church
10) special choir performance Sunday night
and today I toured the Dallas Cowboys' new(er) stadium. It was interesting and now I can say I've been there. I'll never have to pay the outrageously overpriced fee for a ticket to anything there just so I can see the facility.
I am headed to bed....ZZZZzzzzzzzz...
Monday, April 25, 2011
Accomplishment #61 & 62
Hubby & I decluttered for 1 hour on Saturday upstairs. We even boxed it up and took it to Goodwill before anyone changed their mind about what had been put into the donations box!
Today I unpacked a suitcase that I took to Scotland 2 weeks ago. There was only a handful of stuff in it, but I'd ignored it as long as I could stand it. So that # 62.
Today I unpacked a suitcase that I took to Scotland 2 weeks ago. There was only a handful of stuff in it, but I'd ignored it as long as I could stand it. So that # 62.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
End of Spring Break
We've had a low-key week here. My eldest DS has been sick w/ an upper resp. infection and the youngest DS has been battling allergies. So, it's probably good we didn't have grand plans for the week.
Hubs returned from London on Sunday. He'd been at QCon speaking there. Then he was home long enough to change out dirty clothes for clean and then take off for Washington, D.C. The company he works for was purchased by Living Social. So he was there for the first round of "hey what projects are we working on" meetings. I think he's really going to enjoy this! Hooray.
Now we are in the new benefits stage, altering pay schedules, etc. All NICE 'problems' to have in this economy.
Unfortunately BOTH A/C systems failed to work yesterday...the 1st day it was warm enough to need them. So our A/C guy came today and had to replace capacitors on both condensing units! They seem to blow almost annually. I hope this time they last longer.
Not much else to report here. Spring has sprung. Must get the eldest DS outfitted to be our 'yard man' now. So that means digging the mower and edger out of the garage so he can start work on the yard this coming week. I probably need to take the mower in for a tune up before he starts. And I have to get busy working on the bushes and trees. We need some intensive lawn therapy done around here!
Hubs returned from London on Sunday. He'd been at QCon speaking there. Then he was home long enough to change out dirty clothes for clean and then take off for Washington, D.C. The company he works for was purchased by Living Social. So he was there for the first round of "hey what projects are we working on" meetings. I think he's really going to enjoy this! Hooray.
Now we are in the new benefits stage, altering pay schedules, etc. All NICE 'problems' to have in this economy.
Unfortunately BOTH A/C systems failed to work yesterday...the 1st day it was warm enough to need them. So our A/C guy came today and had to replace capacitors on both condensing units! They seem to blow almost annually. I hope this time they last longer.
Not much else to report here. Spring has sprung. Must get the eldest DS outfitted to be our 'yard man' now. So that means digging the mower and edger out of the garage so he can start work on the yard this coming week. I probably need to take the mower in for a tune up before he starts. And I have to get busy working on the bushes and trees. We need some intensive lawn therapy done around here!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Prayers
I have a few prayer requests I want to put out there for people to pray for:
1) My friend TB and her family have been hit very hard with life circumstances. Pray for God's provision for them.
2) My blog buddy is having shoulder surgery today.
3) Please pray for the people of Japan. I cannot even fathom what they are facing.
4) Pray for my friend R. as he looks for a new job.
5) Please pray that my eldest DS gets well. What a rotten way to spend spring break -- Sick.
1) My friend TB and her family have been hit very hard with life circumstances. Pray for God's provision for them.
2) My blog buddy is having shoulder surgery today.
3) Please pray for the people of Japan. I cannot even fathom what they are facing.
4) Pray for my friend R. as he looks for a new job.
5) Please pray that my eldest DS gets well. What a rotten way to spend spring break -- Sick.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday
I didn't even attempt to keep up w/ the number of accomplishments today. Just suffice it to say that I did a TON of work in the living room and the kitchen today. My parents came over to keep me company and to help out as they could.
All clean laundry has been put away...and that was about 5 loads today.
I have also worked on going through the piles of papers that are all over the place. I filed the statments from our investments today. They were dated clear back to August! oh my word!
I took one DS to an appointment after school today. The other DS had a pre-UIL band clinic. I had a special church choir rehearsal and they served us dinner ahead of time. Yummo! And there were heaps of leftovers, so I scored enough to feed me and the boys tomorrow night! Hooray!
Tomorrow is looking good. The upstairs is already picked up and I have my bed and bath to work on. But the kitchen & living room are livable. go me!
All clean laundry has been put away...and that was about 5 loads today.
I have also worked on going through the piles of papers that are all over the place. I filed the statments from our investments today. They were dated clear back to August! oh my word!
I took one DS to an appointment after school today. The other DS had a pre-UIL band clinic. I had a special church choir rehearsal and they served us dinner ahead of time. Yummo! And there were heaps of leftovers, so I scored enough to feed me and the boys tomorrow night! Hooray!
Tomorrow is looking good. The upstairs is already picked up and I have my bed and bath to work on. But the kitchen & living room are livable. go me!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wedding and work
We went out of town this past weekend to a cousin's wedding. It was a very pretty evening. I'm so glad we went.
Sadly this same weekend is when my uncle was buried. Very sudden death, but many times now-a-days, I think going quickly is preferrable to lingering illness. Just my opinion.
And lastly, upon the return home, I've had to hit the studies hard. Hubby is on a business trip, so hopefully I'll get lots of filing done during his absence!
Off to school open house tonight! busy week ahead!
Sadly this same weekend is when my uncle was buried. Very sudden death, but many times now-a-days, I think going quickly is preferrable to lingering illness. Just my opinion.
And lastly, upon the return home, I've had to hit the studies hard. Hubby is on a business trip, so hopefully I'll get lots of filing done during his absence!
Off to school open house tonight! busy week ahead!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday was CRAZY!!
Yesterday was something else!
First of all, all 3 rooms in the house that have been turned upside down are getting back to normal...
JCPenney delivered the new TV cabinet and the new mattresses for the youngest DS's room. And as a result...yesterday hubs and I had to put ALL of the entertainment electronics back together in the new cabinet. That was something else!
Then I had a nail appt, as we have a wedding to attend and my nails looked horrid. As I left that appt, I remembered I needed to purchase a science fair display-type board for the eldest DS and his study buddy. Off to Hobby Lobby for that. When I got home I realized the youngest's new mattress was much thicker than the one we replaced. It was off to Target for a shopping run! When we got home it was dinner time. Hubs had ordered pizzas -- thank goodness! Between Hobby Lobby, Target and pizza dinner, I was bushed.
BUT...the kitchen disposal issue of last week (or the week before) had required that we leave the cabinet under the kitchen sink empty for awhile to make sure it really dried out before replacing shelf liner and the contents. Hubby did that for me! HOORAY!
But remember the laundry room? molded ick under the washer. Well it was caused by subzero temps in Feb and the incomplete evacuation of lint from the dryer vent. All of that is now fixed. But I'm WAY BEHIND on laundry.
Add to all of that, paying bills, no time to grocery shop this week, Bible study (leadership mtg & study itself) and general mom stuff.
I am SOOOO READY for teh weekend. But it includes a fast road trip and a wedding -- for which I have NOT purchased a wedding gift yet! Yikes.
I'm outta here!
First of all, all 3 rooms in the house that have been turned upside down are getting back to normal...
JCPenney delivered the new TV cabinet and the new mattresses for the youngest DS's room. And as a result...yesterday hubs and I had to put ALL of the entertainment electronics back together in the new cabinet. That was something else!
Then I had a nail appt, as we have a wedding to attend and my nails looked horrid. As I left that appt, I remembered I needed to purchase a science fair display-type board for the eldest DS and his study buddy. Off to Hobby Lobby for that. When I got home I realized the youngest's new mattress was much thicker than the one we replaced. It was off to Target for a shopping run! When we got home it was dinner time. Hubs had ordered pizzas -- thank goodness! Between Hobby Lobby, Target and pizza dinner, I was bushed.
BUT...the kitchen disposal issue of last week (or the week before) had required that we leave the cabinet under the kitchen sink empty for awhile to make sure it really dried out before replacing shelf liner and the contents. Hubby did that for me! HOORAY!
But remember the laundry room? molded ick under the washer. Well it was caused by subzero temps in Feb and the incomplete evacuation of lint from the dryer vent. All of that is now fixed. But I'm WAY BEHIND on laundry.
Add to all of that, paying bills, no time to grocery shop this week, Bible study (leadership mtg & study itself) and general mom stuff.
I am SOOOO READY for teh weekend. But it includes a fast road trip and a wedding -- for which I have NOT purchased a wedding gift yet! Yikes.
I'm outta here!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
#61 CF. (through #67)
Well, I paid bills today (discovered one I'd missed during our trip down under! ouch!!)
I also attended leaders meeting for Bible Study.
I called all of my ladies.
Took youngest to piano lessons
balanced the checkbook
and took dirtly laundry to my mom's and left it w/ her
when I picked up their shop vac.
I see myself on the roof tomorrow working to clean out the dryer exhaust vent. Oh the joys of home ownership!
I also attended leaders meeting for Bible Study.
I called all of my ladies.
Took youngest to piano lessons
balanced the checkbook
and took dirtly laundry to my mom's and left it w/ her
when I picked up their shop vac.
I see myself on the roof tomorrow working to clean out the dryer exhaust vent. Oh the joys of home ownership!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Accomplishment #60
Unfortunately today's accomplisment created more work than it accomplished. I discovered a leak(?) behind my fairly new washing machine. Hubs and DS unstacked my laundry appliances and then the real work started.
#60 - I mopped the laundry room floor...
but then discovered wet dryer lint in the exhaust tube. Yuck, YUck and YUCK!!! Hubby pulled the worst of it out, but oh my...what a load of work is left to do to clean up the room; dry out the tubes; and discover WHERE the leak is coming from!!!
so, all in all, a messy day.
#60 - I mopped the laundry room floor...
but then discovered wet dryer lint in the exhaust tube. Yuck, YUck and YUCK!!! Hubby pulled the worst of it out, but oh my...what a load of work is left to do to clean up the room; dry out the tubes; and discover WHERE the leak is coming from!!!
so, all in all, a messy day.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Accomplishment #59
I installed a new garbage disposal under my kitchen sink!
Now I did need a helping hand from hubby to get the last hose attached, but other than that, I did it!!!!!
Now I did need a helping hand from hubby to get the last hose attached, but other than that, I did it!!!!!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Accomplishements #46 - 58
I had stamp club tonight, so I had lots to accomplish today!
#46 - prepared for stamp club
#47 - found that there was a leak under the kitchen sink. Dragged everything out from there, and set a fan up to dry it. Mold in places. Yuck!!
#48 - took one DS to a dr. appt
#49 - took same DS to another appt.
#50 - took other DS to study group
#51 - 57 - made 6 special cards for sale-a-bration stamp sets to show them off!
#58 - completed Bible Study homework for this week
#46 - prepared for stamp club
#47 - found that there was a leak under the kitchen sink. Dragged everything out from there, and set a fan up to dry it. Mold in places. Yuck!!
#48 - took one DS to a dr. appt
#49 - took same DS to another appt.
#50 - took other DS to study group
#51 - 57 - made 6 special cards for sale-a-bration stamp sets to show them off!
#58 - completed Bible Study homework for this week
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Another week has gone by
I think I was up to #40 on my list of accomplishments. Good thing too since I've been down sick most of the week! I don't know if I got what one of the kids has had, or if the change in weather kicked my allergies into high gear.
#40 - I took one DS to a Monday appt.
#41 - I took same DS to a Tuesday appt.
#42 - Made it to Bible Study for the first time in 3 weeks (due to icy road conditions!)
#43 - Had lunch w/ a dear friend that I'd not seen in about 3 months
#44 - Attended Adult choir rehearsal
#45 - Took one DS to a Thurs appointment
#46 - Read a new book on my Kindle
#47 - Read a 2nd new book on my Kindle
#48 - Worked School library on Monday
#49 - Worked on helping DH w/ expense report, so the Business CC will be paid off!!
#50 - I've paid bills that have come in this week
#51 - I sorted through stacks of old magazine and tossed 95% of them!
#52 - I attended a Celebrate Recovery Graduation Ceremony that I'd been invited to. The testimonies were amazing. God still peforms miracles!
#53 - I worked my youngest DS's Valentines Day Party @ School.
That's about it. I did have a good Valentine's day. My guys spoiled me. They cooked dinner for me. And I got a cool cover for my Kindle, new earbuds for my iPhone, and a pretty necklace and bracelet.
I'd better keep working on filing now! #54 here I come!
#40 - I took one DS to a Monday appt.
#41 - I took same DS to a Tuesday appt.
#42 - Made it to Bible Study for the first time in 3 weeks (due to icy road conditions!)
#43 - Had lunch w/ a dear friend that I'd not seen in about 3 months
#44 - Attended Adult choir rehearsal
#45 - Took one DS to a Thurs appointment
#46 - Read a new book on my Kindle
#47 - Read a 2nd new book on my Kindle
#48 - Worked School library on Monday
#49 - Worked on helping DH w/ expense report, so the Business CC will be paid off!!
#50 - I've paid bills that have come in this week
#51 - I sorted through stacks of old magazine and tossed 95% of them!
#52 - I attended a Celebrate Recovery Graduation Ceremony that I'd been invited to. The testimonies were amazing. God still peforms miracles!
#53 - I worked my youngest DS's Valentines Day Party @ School.
That's about it. I did have a good Valentine's day. My guys spoiled me. They cooked dinner for me. And I got a cool cover for my Kindle, new earbuds for my iPhone, and a pretty necklace and bracelet.
I'd better keep working on filing now! #54 here I come!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Pre-Valentine's Day weekend
Things I accomplished today:
#36 - got youngest DS's valentine's made today
#37 - had both DSs take outgrown clothes out of closets today. Already folded, bagged and ready to donate.
#38 - did multiple loads of laundry today. Washed, folded & put away.
#39 - stopped at craft store and purchased my 'donation' to the youngest's party at school.
Good day. We got out today and enjoyed the spring weather too.
#36 - got youngest DS's valentine's made today
#37 - had both DSs take outgrown clothes out of closets today. Already folded, bagged and ready to donate.
#38 - did multiple loads of laundry today. Washed, folded & put away.
#39 - stopped at craft store and purchased my 'donation' to the youngest's party at school.
Good day. We got out today and enjoyed the spring weather too.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Additional accomplishments today
I have straightened all of the rooms in the house. That's 5 upstairs and 7 downstairs. I'm giving myself 12 more accomplishments, as this *really* needed to be done and I'd been procrastinating! that brings me to #32
I also found our FSA credit card and got it activated, so that's #33
and I'm about to leave to go get Rxs @ the pharmacy, so that's #34.
And I thought I wasn't going to get anything done today :-)
OH....AND I went by the public library and checked out two books for my eldest DS for his project @ school #35.
I also found our FSA credit card and got it activated, so that's #33
and I'm about to leave to go get Rxs @ the pharmacy, so that's #34.
And I thought I wasn't going to get anything done today :-)
OH....AND I went by the public library and checked out two books for my eldest DS for his project @ school #35.
Next accomplishment #20
I missed church last Sunday. Today I listened to the podcast of my pastor's sermon. It was very good.
I now have lots to think about. #20 done.
I now have lots to think about. #20 done.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Another doctor visit
My accomplishments for today have been
#17 - pedicure. Desperately needed.
#18 - took youngest DS to dr.
#19 - yet another trip to the pharmacy.
Somehow those don't really feel like accomplishments. I want my accomplishments to be something unusual for me. something that's needed doing for awhile but I haven't had time for.
Oh well, some days you take what you can get!
#17 - pedicure. Desperately needed.
#18 - took youngest DS to dr.
#19 - yet another trip to the pharmacy.
Somehow those don't really feel like accomplishments. I want my accomplishments to be something unusual for me. something that's needed doing for awhile but I haven't had time for.
Oh well, some days you take what you can get!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Accomplishments #12-16
Since today is an ice day and there has been NO school today, the boys have been home. As a result, I've had helpers today (much to their chagrin!) ha
I have done 3 loads of laundry today -- washed, folded AND PUT AWAY (#12 - 14)
I have paid all the bills I can locate in the house (#15)
I have called all of my Bible Study ladies today to tell them that study is cancelled for tomorrow (#16)
I have done 3 loads of laundry today -- washed, folded AND PUT AWAY (#12 - 14)
I have paid all the bills I can locate in the house (#15)
I have called all of my Bible Study ladies today to tell them that study is cancelled for tomorrow (#16)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Accomplishment #11
I have been through ANOTHER pile of junk mail that accumulated during out trip.
Sorry to say that's all I had time for today. Busy day @ church.
Sorry to say that's all I had time for today. Busy day @ church.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday
Well I'd told myself I'd try to accomplish 4 more things this week. I have taken my injection EVERY DAY this week. Given my history, that counts as my 4 accomplishments right there.
However, I am still working on other things. Today I started cleaning out the drawers of costume jewlery I have. I will have to find some young girls who want to expand their jewelry collections! Some stuff is cool, just not my style any more; others, I thought, now what did I think I'd wear that with?
So, I'm still working on accomplishing something every day.
I also flipped my mattress today. so that's a bonus accomplishment. Brings me to #9 or 10.
However, I am still working on other things. Today I started cleaning out the drawers of costume jewlery I have. I will have to find some young girls who want to expand their jewelry collections! Some stuff is cool, just not my style any more; others, I thought, now what did I think I'd wear that with?
So, I'm still working on accomplishing something every day.
I also flipped my mattress today. so that's a bonus accomplishment. Brings me to #9 or 10.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Accomplishment #5
I took my injection this a.m. It proceeded to make me feel sick, so not much else got done today.
However, I did get a couple of small errands run, so hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
However, I did get a couple of small errands run, so hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Eldest & All-Region Band
He tried out in Nov or Dec and made the 2nd to top band this year (no alternate position for him this year!). So this past weekend was taken up w/ his practices and concert. Too bad it came at a time when he has tons of make up work due to our Christmas vacation in Australia!
Accomplishments 1-4
A blog buddy is posting all of her accomplishments daily. Whew! I"m tired just reading it! She has had some ups and downs in the past few years and (like me) has put off dealing with the stuff that accumulates when life is hurtling along and all you can do is run to keep up. She's cleaning and it's inspiring.
In the same vein, but seemingly unrelated, our pastor preached a wonderful sermon today. It too is about life changes that can have an accomplishment attached. I have to get out of my comfort zone...learn to talk to people I don't normally have conversations with. Now that will seem completely impossible to my eldest child --- that there are people I don't know and that I've not already had a conversation with them. HA. He insists that we're one of the last families out of church each week. It's true, I love to talk w/ friends there...but that's NOT what the pastor was emphasizing. SO....
One of my goals to accomplish this week is to talk to someone (not from church) that I do not already know. There. It's in the blog and I have to try.
But back to my blog buddy's list of accomplishments. She's listing her accomplishments, no matter how small. So here goes:
#1) I did NOT nap today. I know Sunday's are good for afternoon naps, but I had stuff to do and I stayed away from the bed.
#2) my youngest child had to make a poster for school. We got it done with time to spare!
#3) I am caught up on laundry. In fact...I did some laundry that had been set aside as the "when I have time and no OTHER laundry" pile. I got two things in that pile taken care of this weekend.
#4) I have taken my injectable medication for almost a week now REGULARLY and that is a TRUE accomplishment.
My goal for this week is 4 more items. Don't know what they will be, but I just want to do a few things that will make me feel like I'm changing for the better.
In the same vein, but seemingly unrelated, our pastor preached a wonderful sermon today. It too is about life changes that can have an accomplishment attached. I have to get out of my comfort zone...learn to talk to people I don't normally have conversations with. Now that will seem completely impossible to my eldest child --- that there are people I don't know and that I've not already had a conversation with them. HA. He insists that we're one of the last families out of church each week. It's true, I love to talk w/ friends there...but that's NOT what the pastor was emphasizing. SO....
One of my goals to accomplish this week is to talk to someone (not from church) that I do not already know. There. It's in the blog and I have to try.
But back to my blog buddy's list of accomplishments. She's listing her accomplishments, no matter how small. So here goes:
#1) I did NOT nap today. I know Sunday's are good for afternoon naps, but I had stuff to do and I stayed away from the bed.
#2) my youngest child had to make a poster for school. We got it done with time to spare!
#3) I am caught up on laundry. In fact...I did some laundry that had been set aside as the "when I have time and no OTHER laundry" pile. I got two things in that pile taken care of this weekend.
#4) I have taken my injectable medication for almost a week now REGULARLY and that is a TRUE accomplishment.
My goal for this week is 4 more items. Don't know what they will be, but I just want to do a few things that will make me feel like I'm changing for the better.
Monday, January 17, 2011
2011 is here
And I'm finally blogging.
We started off the year in Australia taking our boys on "the trip-of-a-lifetime." We were gone for 3 full weeks. It was fun and they saw so much of Australia.
Now we're all home and getting back into the swing of the regular routine. School resumes (for them) tomorrow and I have 3 appointments tomorrow as well.
Laundry is the bane of my existance and still is...esp. after such a long trip! the fridge is completely empty, so I have to fix that tomorrow as well! And hubby has already left on a business trip!
I am going to try to blog more this year. It's a good way to organize my thoughts, etc.
We started off the year in Australia taking our boys on "the trip-of-a-lifetime." We were gone for 3 full weeks. It was fun and they saw so much of Australia.
Now we're all home and getting back into the swing of the regular routine. School resumes (for them) tomorrow and I have 3 appointments tomorrow as well.
Laundry is the bane of my existance and still is...esp. after such a long trip! the fridge is completely empty, so I have to fix that tomorrow as well! And hubby has already left on a business trip!
I am going to try to blog more this year. It's a good way to organize my thoughts, etc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)