Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Words to my feelings
Hi friends! It's with a happy heart that I tell you that I think the fog has lifted!
Just last night I realized that I'm doing better lately. I feel like I can breathe. My motivation is back. My outlook is positive. I'm keeping up with the laundry. I'm tackling projects that I wouldn't have dreamed of starting a few weeks ago. I don't dread waking up in the morning. I wanna have people over! =)
It's almost like a switch has been flipped. Just like that.
And then. And then! I was reading BooMama tonight. (I love me some BooMama.) And she posted a link to Shaun Groves' blog. And his post was amazing.
Shaun put words to the things that I have felt these past months! There are so many lines and phrases in his post that describe almost perfectly what my own experience has been like. It was a huge encouragement to me, to read the story of another Christian who has been in a funk.
I'm so thankful for God's faithfulness to me through all of this, whatever this was. And for the people who came along side me to help however they could. And for my mom, who kept the piles of laundry under control around here. And for my hubby, for hanging in there when I wasn't fun to be around. And for my kids, for their unconditional love and for the joy they bring!
And for my producer. And my director. And the writers. And the cast and crew...
Kidding!
Anyway, it's late and I need to get to bed. I have a lot to do tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. See ya tomorrow!
Just last night I realized that I'm doing better lately. I feel like I can breathe. My motivation is back. My outlook is positive. I'm keeping up with the laundry. I'm tackling projects that I wouldn't have dreamed of starting a few weeks ago. I don't dread waking up in the morning. I wanna have people over! =)
It's almost like a switch has been flipped. Just like that.
And then. And then! I was reading BooMama tonight. (I love me some BooMama.) And she posted a link to Shaun Groves' blog. And his post was amazing.
Shaun put words to the things that I have felt these past months! There are so many lines and phrases in his post that describe almost perfectly what my own experience has been like. It was a huge encouragement to me, to read the story of another Christian who has been in a funk.
I'm so thankful for God's faithfulness to me through all of this, whatever this was. And for the people who came along side me to help however they could. And for my mom, who kept the piles of laundry under control around here. And for my hubby, for hanging in there when I wasn't fun to be around. And for my kids, for their unconditional love and for the joy they bring!
And for my producer. And my director. And the writers. And the cast and crew...
Kidding!
Anyway, it's late and I need to get to bed. I have a lot to do tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. See ya tomorrow!
Monday, August 10, 2009
A Moldy Mystery
We live in a really interesting neighborhood. It's a "newer" development that was started over three years ago. You can tell that the builder had a dream. There are sidewalks, walking trails, light posts, trees and other landscaping, etc.
But then the economy happened and he went bankrupt. And our development is sort of at a standstill. It's actually looking a little like a ghost town in some places. There are LOTS of empty lots. And a few empty houses - some have been empty since the development was started and others are foreclosures.
Our realtor stated several times when we looked at this house that he wanted us to be aware that it could be some time before this area "takes off" again and it could be a little lonely out here. =)
We clearly weren't concerned.
However, I've been SO curious about some of the houses in our neighborhood and what their story is. Shortly after we moved into our house I was out for a walk with my kids. And I decided to peek in the windows of one of the empty houses.
I pressed my face up to the front door and scanned what I could see of the interior. It was somewhat dark inside and difficult to see, and then it took me a moment to process what I was seeing, and then my eyes popped open, and then my jaw dropped.
MOLD!
Lots of mold.
It is particularly bad on the wood trim and where the carpet meets the walls.
I peeked in every window that I could and was flabbergasted by it. The basement looks pretty awful. The carpet looks damp. And there's a cubby area under the stairs - the door to it is wide open - and you can see fuzzy, green mold almost covering the entire inside of that door. And you can see into the basement bathroom and the mirror is smashed to bits and is all over the floor. And there are places where the ceiling is starting to crumble, possibly from water that leaked from upstairs???
What on earth has happened with this house???
My best guess is that it's a foreclosure and that the people who owned it got mad and decided to wreck it before leaving. I'm guessing they turned on the water and left?
I was so disturbed by this house that I immediately told my hubby about it. And I wondered if anybody knew what condition it was in? I almost couldn't stop thinking about this house.
But not much later, the lock box (that realtors use to let lookers in) which had been on the front door was gone. Clearly somebody knows what it's like inside.
We have to walk by this house in order to go for a walk in our neighborhood, so it's become somewhat of a habit to peek in the windows every third time or so! It's sick, I know. Even Lily likes to look inside.
A couple times ago, the closet just inside the front door had been opened. And I could see polka dots of mold all over the inside of that closet.
And it gets even more interesting!!! My mom, my sister, Lily and I went for a walk on Thursday evening. And, of course, we peeked in the windows! But on our way back we saw a bright orange Mustang pull in front of that house, not into the driveway, just in front of the driveway. The car was driven by a woman. And a man got out of the passenger side, walked into the house, came out about two minutes later, and they drove away!
WHAT?!
It is just the strangest thing and my curiosity is driving me crazy!
The sad thing is that I'm pretty sure the house will have to be torn down. I just can't imagine that there's any way it could be salvaged. The mold has truly taken over and I don't even think gutting the house would be good enough.
From what I can see it looks like it was a great house - pretty big and no more than three years old! And it's ruined. It's such a bummer and such a mystery.
The yard is overcome by weeds and some of them are taller than Lily!
A sad, lonely, moldy house
But then the economy happened and he went bankrupt. And our development is sort of at a standstill. It's actually looking a little like a ghost town in some places. There are LOTS of empty lots. And a few empty houses - some have been empty since the development was started and others are foreclosures.
Our realtor stated several times when we looked at this house that he wanted us to be aware that it could be some time before this area "takes off" again and it could be a little lonely out here. =)
We clearly weren't concerned.
However, I've been SO curious about some of the houses in our neighborhood and what their story is. Shortly after we moved into our house I was out for a walk with my kids. And I decided to peek in the windows of one of the empty houses.
I pressed my face up to the front door and scanned what I could see of the interior. It was somewhat dark inside and difficult to see, and then it took me a moment to process what I was seeing, and then my eyes popped open, and then my jaw dropped.
MOLD!
Lots of mold.
It is particularly bad on the wood trim and where the carpet meets the walls.
I peeked in every window that I could and was flabbergasted by it. The basement looks pretty awful. The carpet looks damp. And there's a cubby area under the stairs - the door to it is wide open - and you can see fuzzy, green mold almost covering the entire inside of that door. And you can see into the basement bathroom and the mirror is smashed to bits and is all over the floor. And there are places where the ceiling is starting to crumble, possibly from water that leaked from upstairs???
What on earth has happened with this house???
My best guess is that it's a foreclosure and that the people who owned it got mad and decided to wreck it before leaving. I'm guessing they turned on the water and left?
I was so disturbed by this house that I immediately told my hubby about it. And I wondered if anybody knew what condition it was in? I almost couldn't stop thinking about this house.
But not much later, the lock box (that realtors use to let lookers in) which had been on the front door was gone. Clearly somebody knows what it's like inside.
We have to walk by this house in order to go for a walk in our neighborhood, so it's become somewhat of a habit to peek in the windows every third time or so! It's sick, I know. Even Lily likes to look inside.
A couple times ago, the closet just inside the front door had been opened. And I could see polka dots of mold all over the inside of that closet.
And it gets even more interesting!!! My mom, my sister, Lily and I went for a walk on Thursday evening. And, of course, we peeked in the windows! But on our way back we saw a bright orange Mustang pull in front of that house, not into the driveway, just in front of the driveway. The car was driven by a woman. And a man got out of the passenger side, walked into the house, came out about two minutes later, and they drove away!
WHAT?!
It is just the strangest thing and my curiosity is driving me crazy!
The sad thing is that I'm pretty sure the house will have to be torn down. I just can't imagine that there's any way it could be salvaged. The mold has truly taken over and I don't even think gutting the house would be good enough.
From what I can see it looks like it was a great house - pretty big and no more than three years old! And it's ruined. It's such a bummer and such a mystery.
The yard is overcome by weeds and some of them are taller than Lily!
A sad, lonely, moldy house
Friday, August 7, 2009
An Anniversary Hymn
My parents celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on Tuesday. And my dad rewrote the lyrics to the hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past. Here it is. I love it!
O God our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our grace for thirty-six good years
And problems overcome.
Under the shadow of thy throne
We move from day to day,
And as this milestone arrives,
"O Lord, keep on!" we pray.
Keep giving us enduring grace
And mercy for each sin.
You sent your son to overcome
Our darkness and chagrin.
You number all our silver hairs,
You age our speckled skin,
You gave us first our Dawny Joy
And then our Mandolin.
I marvel at the wife you've made:
Perceptive, gifted, right...
She blessed this old hubby man
At morning, noon, and night.
You made the features I enjoy,
Her softness and her curves,
The alto voice that softly sings,
The love no man deserves.
You made the sunrise for my bike,
You made the tall giraffe,
You made the blossoms in our yard,
You made my Vicki's laugh.
I love great music sung or played
In church or concert hall,
But Vicki's humming 'round the house,
I think outdoes them all.
More than three decades in our sight
Are like an evening gone.
Until you come to take us home
We gladly carry on.
Because Your promises are sure,
Because of where they're from,
We trust you for the future where
The best is yet to come.
O God our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our grace for thirty-six good years
And problems overcome.
Under the shadow of thy throne
We move from day to day,
And as this milestone arrives,
"O Lord, keep on!" we pray.
Keep giving us enduring grace
And mercy for each sin.
You sent your son to overcome
Our darkness and chagrin.
You number all our silver hairs,
You age our speckled skin,
You gave us first our Dawny Joy
And then our Mandolin.
I marvel at the wife you've made:
Perceptive, gifted, right...
She blessed this old hubby man
At morning, noon, and night.
You made the features I enjoy,
Her softness and her curves,
The alto voice that softly sings,
The love no man deserves.
You made the sunrise for my bike,
You made the tall giraffe,
You made the blossoms in our yard,
You made my Vicki's laugh.
I love great music sung or played
In church or concert hall,
But Vicki's humming 'round the house,
I think outdoes them all.
More than three decades in our sight
Are like an evening gone.
Until you come to take us home
We gladly carry on.
Because Your promises are sure,
Because of where they're from,
We trust you for the future where
The best is yet to come.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Illinois Recap #2
After an emotional morning of visiting my precious grandmother, it was time to head up to the Lake Geneva area of Wisconsin and see my beloved friend April!!!
I may need to give you a little background in case you're not familiar with April. She and her hubby Dave moved to St. Cloud in 2002 and Dave took the youth pastor position at our church. April started an aerobics/strength training class at church (she LOVES to work out more than anybody I've ever known) and my friend Eir (another dear friend) invited me to go to the class. I met April at that first class and the rest is history. =)
I'm a slow "warmer upper" and am not an extrovert. I sort of have to "feel people out" and observe for awhile before getting buddy-buddy. =) April on the other hand is the epitome of extrovert and has never met a stranger. And she's so likable!
She won me over and our friendship grew over the next five years. We were pregnant with our first babies at the same time - Emma was born in February and Lily was born four months later in June. It was so fun to have our babies at the same time and to go through our intiation into motherhood together.
We did countless playdates with our girls and traded baby-sitting for various appointments, running errands, dates or whatever. I never felt like she was keeping track or like I owed her anything. She was always so willing to keep Lily for me and it meant the world to me. I absolutely trusted her with my precious firstborn and Lily was comfortable with her too. It was ideal.
And then one dreaded Sunday evening Dave and April invited us over for dessert. I had a feeling. And sure enough, they announced that Dave had taken another youth pastor position at April's dad's church in Wisconsin. I was never less happy to be right. And I was crushed.
I got very little sleep that night and I cried about as much as I've ever cried in my life. The next morning VBS started at our church and their news wasn't public information yet so I had to keep it a secret!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I was a wreck. I pretty much avoided talking to people because I was afraid that I'd burst into tears or that they'd see on my face that I'd been up half the night bawling. And when I'd see April in the hall or something I just had to say hey and act normal. Whatever! It was one of the most uncomfortable and stressful days of my life.
Part of the sadness for me was that I hadn't realized how dear of a friend she had become. Our friendship had grown so deep over those five years.
The other part that grieved me was that Lily was going to lose her best buddy Emma. Emma was her favorite little friend by a mile and it made me so sad that they weren't going to get to play on a regular basis and be a part of each other's every day lives. The girls were only 2 when they moved, but believe me when I say that Lily understood that Emma was leaving and she was so sad. I remember a conversation when I was trying to explain to Lily what was happening, and her little lower lip stuck out and began to quiver. It broke my heart then and it still makes me teary now.
Long story never-ending, we have definitely missed Dave and April and their girls (Hailey was born about 8 months after they moved) and it has been a long grieving process and a difficult adjustment for me. I thank the Lord for the internet! We've kept in touch pretty consistently through email and facebook and I'm so grateful for that.
So! It was such a treat to be able to spend some time with them in their new home! It felt like old times and we just picked up where we left off. I miss having April as a regular part of my life and I think I always will. What a blessing to know her, though, and to have had the privilege of having her as one of my closest friends. She is an amazing woman, mother and wife and even though I know God has wired us differently I aspire to be like her!
Anyway, Dave happened to be away on a youth retreat, so the timing of our visit worked out perfectly. We had Papa Murphy's and watermelon for supper, played, talked, stayed up late (the girls slept in a tent together and were up past 11 o'clock!!!), had egg-free pancakes for breakfast (both Hailey and Taylor are allergic), played some more and then said our see-you-laters.
It was absolutely delightful.
The girls had so much fun together. Here they are wearing princess shoes and being fancy. =)
On the trampoline. Cute as can be.
The morning after our sleepover. Neither of us had showered yet and she wasn't excited to be in a picture, but I had to have at least one of our time together!!! =)
I may need to give you a little background in case you're not familiar with April. She and her hubby Dave moved to St. Cloud in 2002 and Dave took the youth pastor position at our church. April started an aerobics/strength training class at church (she LOVES to work out more than anybody I've ever known) and my friend Eir (another dear friend) invited me to go to the class. I met April at that first class and the rest is history. =)
I'm a slow "warmer upper" and am not an extrovert. I sort of have to "feel people out" and observe for awhile before getting buddy-buddy. =) April on the other hand is the epitome of extrovert and has never met a stranger. And she's so likable!
She won me over and our friendship grew over the next five years. We were pregnant with our first babies at the same time - Emma was born in February and Lily was born four months later in June. It was so fun to have our babies at the same time and to go through our intiation into motherhood together.
We did countless playdates with our girls and traded baby-sitting for various appointments, running errands, dates or whatever. I never felt like she was keeping track or like I owed her anything. She was always so willing to keep Lily for me and it meant the world to me. I absolutely trusted her with my precious firstborn and Lily was comfortable with her too. It was ideal.
And then one dreaded Sunday evening Dave and April invited us over for dessert. I had a feeling. And sure enough, they announced that Dave had taken another youth pastor position at April's dad's church in Wisconsin. I was never less happy to be right. And I was crushed.
I got very little sleep that night and I cried about as much as I've ever cried in my life. The next morning VBS started at our church and their news wasn't public information yet so I had to keep it a secret!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I was a wreck. I pretty much avoided talking to people because I was afraid that I'd burst into tears or that they'd see on my face that I'd been up half the night bawling. And when I'd see April in the hall or something I just had to say hey and act normal. Whatever! It was one of the most uncomfortable and stressful days of my life.
Part of the sadness for me was that I hadn't realized how dear of a friend she had become. Our friendship had grown so deep over those five years.
The other part that grieved me was that Lily was going to lose her best buddy Emma. Emma was her favorite little friend by a mile and it made me so sad that they weren't going to get to play on a regular basis and be a part of each other's every day lives. The girls were only 2 when they moved, but believe me when I say that Lily understood that Emma was leaving and she was so sad. I remember a conversation when I was trying to explain to Lily what was happening, and her little lower lip stuck out and began to quiver. It broke my heart then and it still makes me teary now.
Long story never-ending, we have definitely missed Dave and April and their girls (Hailey was born about 8 months after they moved) and it has been a long grieving process and a difficult adjustment for me. I thank the Lord for the internet! We've kept in touch pretty consistently through email and facebook and I'm so grateful for that.
So! It was such a treat to be able to spend some time with them in their new home! It felt like old times and we just picked up where we left off. I miss having April as a regular part of my life and I think I always will. What a blessing to know her, though, and to have had the privilege of having her as one of my closest friends. She is an amazing woman, mother and wife and even though I know God has wired us differently I aspire to be like her!
Anyway, Dave happened to be away on a youth retreat, so the timing of our visit worked out perfectly. We had Papa Murphy's and watermelon for supper, played, talked, stayed up late (the girls slept in a tent together and were up past 11 o'clock!!!), had egg-free pancakes for breakfast (both Hailey and Taylor are allergic), played some more and then said our see-you-laters.
It was absolutely delightful.
The girls had so much fun together. Here they are wearing princess shoes and being fancy. =)
On the trampoline. Cute as can be.
The morning after our sleepover. Neither of us had showered yet and she wasn't excited to be in a picture, but I had to have at least one of our time together!!! =) Hard to see in the picture, but she's expecting Baby #3! Due in November.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!
My darling mother and handsome father are celebrating 36 years of marriage today.
Well done, Mom and Dad! You truly inspire Andy and I to hang in there and keep our promises. Thanks for being such great examples for us and Lily and Taylor. We are abundately blessed by your influence and involvement in our lives!!!
Well done, Mom and Dad! You truly inspire Andy and I to hang in there and keep our promises. Thanks for being such great examples for us and Lily and Taylor. We are abundately blessed by your influence and involvement in our lives!!!
We love you!
This photo taken by Lily at my cousin's wedding =)
This photo taken by Lily at my cousin's wedding =)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Eggless Chocolate Cake
4 1/2 c. flour
3 c. sugar
1 c. cocoa
1 c. oil
3 c. water
3 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 T vanilla
.
Preheat oven to 350, grease 9 x 13 pan.
.
In a large bowl sift together flour, cocoa, soda and salt. Add sugar and mix.
.
Add oil, water and vanilla and mix thoroughly.
.
Pour into pan and bake 1 hour (30-35 minutes for 2 round pans).
I don't know if any of you have any need for an eggless cake recipe, but I made this one for Taylor's birthday and it turned out quite well. I was impressed.
.
I modifed it by putting in 2 cups of sugar rather than 3, adding a teaspoon of baking powder and a cup of chocolate chips. I'll definitely use this recipe again for Taylor's future celebrations and whathaveyou. =)
.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Evan James
Okay, this'll be brief. I've been up past midnight 3 nights in a row and it's been a busy week and I'm totally pooped.
My dear friend Lisa had her third baby boy early Tuesday morning. His name is Evan James and he was 6 pounds 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. I drove to the cities today to meet him and it was such a treat! He's absolutely tiny and absolutely precious. Lisa and her hubby make good looking babies!
Here are a couple highlights!
Lisa's 3 sons
Kyle, Micah and Evan
Rub a dub dub
Lily and her boys
She did an awesome job holding him!
I did an awesome job holding him too
My sister also did an awesome job holding the baby
My dear friend Lisa had her third baby boy early Tuesday morning. His name is Evan James and he was 6 pounds 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. I drove to the cities today to meet him and it was such a treat! He's absolutely tiny and absolutely precious. Lisa and her hubby make good looking babies!
Here are a couple highlights!
Lisa's 3 sons
Kyle, Micah and Evan
Rub a dub dub3 brothers in a bed
Whatever - I'm deliriously tired
Lily and her boys
She did an awesome job holding him!
I did an awesome job holding him too
My sister also did an awesome job holding the baby.
That's all. Goodnight.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wordless Wednesday
(The shower is in!)
(Fireplace)
(On the phone at Home Depot)
(TWO carts necessary on this particular trip. We're doing what we can to support our local home improvement stores and boost the economy.)
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