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Sunday, September 2, 2012

Goodbye summer...

Hello Six Flags Adventure! We decided to spend some family time together scaring ourselves silly. We were all split up in different groups throughout the day. Cody and I both rode roller coasters separately with Josh, since he really enjoys the EXTREME rides! I went on Nitro and Green Lantern with him - but the line at Kingda Ka was just too long. Cody rode the Batman ride and Skull Mountain with him, and hung out while Josh went twice on El Toro. Bethany and Hans went on several coasters too, as well as a bunch of 'carnival' rides. And Cody won a big turtle for Bethany and a squid bday for Hans, and later I actually won a giraffe pillow pet for Hans.
There were treats and goodies for all, but mostly we just had a nice time together. Though the "cleanest park" rating is incorrect. When there's trash - including a used diaper - left on tables and nobody picks it up, yuck! But also, really people? We wonder how Americans have such a bad reputation, that's it. Clean up after yourself, and don't be afraid to point that out to others. NOBODY should have to clean up a used diaper after you - it's your baby, after all!

But I digress...  Anywho, have a lovely Labor Day, everyone!  Love to all...









Saturday, September 1, 2012

On a lighter note,

Toffee is so bizarre.  She climbed into Josh's martial arts bag - the one he uses to carry his smelly, nasty clothes back and forth to class.  She went to SLEEP in it - YUCK!  Whatever.  Apparently the men in our house are wonderfully yummy, because she loves to roll in their dirty clothes, and will act crazy sitting in their laps.  And by crazy I mean, 'licking their armpits through their shirts and nibbling them if they let her'.

I know Cody is yummy, but I'll wash his clothes the more conventional way, thanks.

A week of terror and miracles...

So, the brief rundown is I returned from NC, and started to get back on track here.  But Saturday evening I was organizing the 18" pile of mail that had accumulated while I was gone (lots of magazines and junk), and discovered a letter from USAA saying they were canceling our homeowners insurance.  Given that we are in the middle of a liability claim - which, in my mind, would make it impossible to get another company to take us - and that I didn't realize even if they dropped us, they would have to settle the claim, I was terrified.  Well and truly scared for the entire future of my family.  Really - that's how it happens, right?  Some family is living out of their car, and you wonder...  "How did that happen?  How did they get there?"

Easy.  One accident, one legal action...  and everything can just disappear.  A little at first, and then it starts to snowball.  First you have trouble paying a bill, then your using your credit cards to make the payments, then your behind on the mortgage - the fall of a family isn't so hard to imagine.  And I was beyond devastated.  Fast forward to Thursday, when I get in touch with a law office.  (The other days were a bit full, what with Josh starting college, needing to see the Dr. for his ankle, and then X-ray's; he's fine, thank you God!)  After some answered questions and discussion, I called USAA.  Turns out that we're still in limbo waiting on the liability issue, and as far as our policy...

They cancelled EVERYONE in PA so they could issue brand new policies.  We weren't being dropped, it was just an easier method for what they were accomplishing.  It did mention that in the cover letter, but it was a brief blurb, and didn't really register over the fear.  May I just say, copious tears of both relief and gratitude ensued.  Sooooooo...

Several miracles this week.  Josh's ankle isn't broken and the swelling is finally going down.  Cody made it home from HIS trip to NC safely last night.  And most of all, our policy is intact and I can breathe and go back to regular life.

I feel so blessed lately - it seems like my prayers are answered pretty regularly.  I don't take that for granted; in fact I'm amazed, since I'm definitely one of the most least deserving people I know.  Maybe I'm doing things God likes.  It is nice to think so, since we've all ready had one Job, and I really don't want to seem like I have everything and then it all gets taken away.  I can tell you, it was an overwhelming experience being scared out of my mind and trying to reconcile that God had everything under control.  That is SO difficult for humans to do, but it helps - I think God likes to be recognized for what He does.  And if He all ready has it - whatever 'it' is in your life - under control, we have to accept that.  And acknowledge it; I think telling God you know He has it taken care of, even when life seems to be spinning out of control on our end, makes Him feel good.  Appreciated.  Who doesn't want to feel appreciated?


Cindy had this great plaque and I copied the message, since it was so good.



"When you come to the edge of all the light you have known
 and are about to step out into the darkness,
Faith is knowing one of two things will happen:

There will be something to stand on, or you'll be taught how to fly."

Exactly.  Love to all...

Thursday, August 30, 2012

That's some hair!

Playing with Hans hair at bedtime tonight, and this is what it looked like. What a cutie!
Love to all...

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Hans and I went to his school today and he got to practice with his locker. They're not as easy as you'd think, but he got it after a few tries! Doesn't he look ecstatic? Lol...
Love to all.

Monday, August 27, 2012

He's off!

So I took Josh to college this morning! It was a bit surreal, but there were no tears. He was nervous, and we arrived early, with loads of others arriving - in the pouring rain. I'm excited to see how it goes. I think he's going to enjoy college - he was all ready being bored with the time off!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

The Night Before College

Twas the night before college,
and all through the house
not a person was stressing;
that is, 'cept for Josh.

Though his backpack was ready
and books all set out,
he'd checked his whole schedule -
looked like he'd freak out!

An app was downloaded
for graphing his math,
and he knew how to get there -
he knew the best path.

Yet simple to notice,
that look in his eye,
that said he was nervous
about being the 'new guy'.

We told him we loved him
and sent him to bed,
to be ready for college
with a well-rested head.

And I heard him exclaim
as I turned off the light...
"I'll be lucky if I get one
wink of sleep tonight!"

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Hallway painted...

We're not painting her roses red, but her hallway looks wonderful! I finished this last night, but it was kinda late, so it didn't get posted.
It's really lovely - and this afternoon we ran errands, shopped at Lowe's, had an early dinner at Carrabas, and then I installed new shelves in Cindy's office. Yea! They are STURDY so no falling.
I'm sure it's obvious I've accomplished alot while here... So why can't I get crap done at home? Hmmm... I know I can procrastinate, but perhaps it's the deadlines that are motivating me. Or perhaps the sheer scope of her projects seems more manageable. Something to think upon!...
Love to all.



Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Painting!

Got another project crossed off Cindy's "honey-do" list, including the lawn today! Painting ceilings, and this is the first wall done.
Miss you Hans, Bethany, Josh and Cody!
Love to all...


Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Finally!

I got my hair cut today, at The Clip Joint, and it was wonderful! And Elisa told me what to say to repeat the process. Ahhh...
Me with my new haircut, cleaning up more of Cindy's crap!  LOL...

Made it to NC!

Arrived a lot later than expected, due to No. VA and Fredericksburg traffic. You'd think after a quarter century they could have fixed Route 1. While lengthening my trip by over 3 hours, I had plenty of un-nice things to say!
However, I'm SO happy to be back with Cindy! I'm working on the honey-do list, and trying to get into a workout/work mode. I think its hard when the kids are out of school - at least for me. Or maybe thats an excuse!  ; )

Either way I'm getting myself together, and having fun doing it. I miss the kids - Boo had just come home, so we didn't get to see much of each other. I hope they're doing well.

Oh yeah - to solve the debate as to where we were shopping, no Hans, it was not Lowes.  It was Cracker Barrel in the background!

Love to all...

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Bethany's birthday

Swimming with Bethany, and had a lovely celebration at home. She had plenty of presents and fun things to get, and got to spend time with family. We really missed her on her birthday, but hopefully this made up in some small portion.

Love to all...



Saturday, July 28, 2012

That movie...

Was AWESOME! Perhaps the best Batman yet! But did anyone else think Bain sounded like Sean Connery? Yeah for Catwoman, and I didn't see the ending coming at all...
I wouldn't take anyone under 12 if you're not sure how they will handle violence - it's pretty intense, but realistic - not gory.

Batman

(Originally published 7/28)   At the movies to see Dark Night Rises...  :)

Cody's day off

Cody was sent to Alabama Sunday afternoon, and didn't get home until 1:00 am Wednesday night. So he had Thursday off, and we played. Did some things at the house, then went to the neighborhood park and played - I miss Bethany! - and decided we would go to Longwood gardens for the evening. The have an amazing light installation through September, which was even more unique to watch in the thunderstorm that came through! Of course... ; )
Between one umbrella and two sun visors we use in the van, it ask worked out. Thanks to my flexible family!
Love to all...

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Hans again


I just couldn't help it.  This guy is really taking Hans to another level!


Inspiring

So I figure, if we occasionally write about the things that are bringing us down, we should also include the inspirational.  On that note, I thought I would share a short 'something' that Father Gabin (our Pastor) shared with us this evening.  He told us about his father taking him hiking when he was a young boy, and that his father always carried a walking stick with him in the woods.  It was sturdy, and he could depend on its' strength, and it seemed to make his father walk taller and with more confidence.  "God should be our walking stick", he said.  "Lean on him as you walk through the world, and especially when the climb is hard - it's what God is there for, for us to depend on Him."

I really needed to hear those words tonight, because no matter what material things can be taken away from us, God will be there if we just let Him.  Good to be reminded of that.

Love to all...

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Do you ever have a worry, one you know you should let go of, but can't quite manage?  I'll feel better once I give this problem to God, since I know She can handle it...  ( just making sure you're awake!).  If I pray for truth and fairness, everything should be okay.

But what if...

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Seriously, I'm accomplishing nothing.

Just saw this on a favorite website, GoComics.com, and had to post it.  This ones for you, Hans!  Love you!  

Happy 4th of July!



                  
Cody, Josh and I were up early to watch the parade go by - right on our street! That is so cool... The Mummer's were there again, all the kids tossing candy from fancy cars, and our wonderful Norwood police/fire/EMS members.

Now, after a nice breakfast on the back porch (what a great breeze!), we have imitated slugs. And a really lifelike - or not - impression we are doing. I may find the energy to order wings or pick up Mexican. Or maybe I won't, and it will just be chips and salsa...

"don't want to move..."