Oh The Joys...

Of Home Remodeling.

Nothing is quite so thrilling as knowing your son and daughter-in-law will be here in 127 hours! It pales in comparison to having our bathroom remodeled. But we forge on, as we realize there is no way it will be finished before christopher & Lauren arrive.

We've managed our schedules around one less shower, one less toilet, and one less bathroom mirror for applying makeup and straightening hair. (If you've ever shared a home with with 3 or more teen/adult young ladies, you know what I mean.) But yesterday began more of an extreme challenge.

Upon returning home from a weekend in San Diego, our daughter announced that the carpet downstairs was squishy. Translated: water is leaking from somewhere. Bathroom remodel...flooding...could they be related? Further inspection revealed that the recent lukewarm showers experienced by the girls in our absence, was most likely caused by a dying hot water heater. So not only did we not have hot water for showers (Do you know how cold the water comes out of the tap in Colorado? Think melting snow.) but we had to have the water turned off for a good portion of the day.

Okay, so maybe we'd be able to shower AFTER attending the senior high school awards night, where Hilary received an academic letter and a math award. I dumped dinner on the table and ran to the only functioning bathroom to change clothes and freshen up with cool, but running water. Wait, did I forget to mention that during the course of the day the second bathroom toilet was removed so we now had just 1 functioning toilet??? During the awards ceremony all I could do was hope the hot water heater would heat the water and that somehow our remodel guys would hook up another toilet.

Oh the joy of seeing another functioning toilet AND the feel of hot water streaming from the faucet. But why does the carpet seem even wetter than before? Noticing that the wall and ceiling were also wet, Michael decided that something else must be leaking. The water had to be shut off until something could be done. There went my hot bath.

Because our handymen took a day to install the hot water heater, no progress was made to finish the bathroom. After cutting into the ceiling, they are now repairing a broken pipe. I don't think they will have any time today to work on the bathroom. There is quite a mess with the water damage. And still we have no running water.

Christopher and Lauren will be here in 126 hours.

Did I mention the tree trimmers knocked down the fence today?

What's Going On In Your World?

I hope that you're doing fine....song lyrics, in case you were wondering. We arrived home this afternoon. Michael and I flew to San Diego.



The beach was lovely.


I miss it already.

I Wonder

Am I the only one who enjoys Hot Wing Dip for breakfast?

Do others pencil in the Senior Awards Night on their calendar at the beginning of a school year, in hopes their high school senior will earn an academic letter? And then are surprised when the notice arrives?

Does anyone else pack her bag the same day she leaves for a 4 day trip? You know, just a few hours before you leave.

Is it just me, or can Hot Wing Dip really cause an asthma attack?

Who makes a bold statement like, "I will not add anything extra to my April/May calendar", and then decides to go to the beach, in another state, for a long weekend, in the midst of home renovations?

Why do I talk about the day my children will all be grown, as if it will happen soon. And then it happens and I wonder where the time has gone.

Am I the only one who keeps eating Hot Wing Dip, in spite of not being able to breathe?

A Little Late

Here are the belated prom pics:




No help needed pinning the flowers.


The spectators with the lovely promee.


Does this say spring or what?


A third of the larger group photo

Wait, how did this get in there?

Just as cute as they were last year, only a little more mature

Deja-vu

It's funny. Exactly one year ago today, Hilary and David went to the prom. Guess what they are doing this evening? Yep! Going to the prom again. I will be posting pics later tonight. The snow did melt, but the forecast high for today is 56 degrees with gusty winds. Nice.

On May 10th, Christopher and Lauren will be here! The last time we saw them was four hundred, thirty-six days ago. Eeeek! How exciting is that?

I am feeling very blessed today.

April Showers...May Flowers?

At 12:15 this afternoon, the rain turned to snow.





Fifteen minutes later.







A fresh drink of water

A Green Poster Board

Silly me. I should have known better. With Hilary's senior prom this Saturday, I mistakenly believed they were breaking from tradition and not displaying senior collages at this event. Every parent who has had a child graduate from high school knows that sometime in the spring of the year, you gather photographs of your child's 18 or 19 years of life and make a collage out of them.

From past experience times 4, I have found if I work very diligently, I can put together something nice in about 2 weeks. But that is with a lot of thought, effort, tears, laughter,reminiscing over each and every photo, and thoughts of "how did so much time fly by???" Then comes the task of uploading digital photos onto a memory card to make prints at the local photo department, along with copies of the pre-digital pictures I've gathered. Lovingly, the photos are cropped, captioned, and mounted on a piece of poster board. At this point, I run to Kinkos. I wait to have my hard work laminated before dropping it off at the school because it is most likely the day it is due.

Somehow I missed the memo for this year, hence the silliness. But I was wrong. The soft green posterboard came home today. The project is due on Thursday. Yes TOMORROW! So maybe you will see me again late Thursday or Friday.

One Step At A Time

This is what we did today.


It was a chilly 38 degrees, windy, & drizzly.


Does Ethan look like he minds one bit?


Way-to-go Ethan!~

And on the way home, we ate at the Sunflower Cafe by day, Moonflower by night, which includes gluten free pastries and food. Delightful.

Thunk Thursday

I got this coupon in the mail. I think I'll purchase a Full Set, afterall, who wouldn't want to pay $7 more than the usual price?

I Will Go Ape

This is the ape that went to school.


He scampered through the cafeteria, sneaking up on students. He presented Hilary with a bunch of bananas.


Asking a girl to the prom is much more interesting than when I was in high school.

Always A Good Idea

It's always a good idea to decide on the proper stance when posing for a picture.



But sometimes a girl wants to stand out from the crowd.

Once Again

Oh fish, why do you hate me so?
You look so inviting,
fresh garlic and lime.
Divine going down, and then a revolt.

Oh fish, why do you hate your lover?
Tender white flesh
your taste is sublime,
Twisting, turning, churning inside.

Oh delicate fish, why such disdain?
This sordid affair
will come to an end
What we once shared is now flushed.

For The First Time, Twenty-Nine

You've been talking about it for some time. Today you celebrate your 29th birthday for the first time. Have I told you lately how proud I am of you? Well, I am. You are amazing! As I browsed old photos, I remembered your first smile.



I was a young mom, but you were very forgiving. (I mean, really, who wears a shirt with eyeballs on the front? So eighties!)



Your 1st birthday.

Your favorite Uncle-Uncle Larry, and your beautiful blonde curls.


And you just got cuter and sweeter as time went on. Ask your brother. He thought so then and now.


And this? I have no idea. Did we just wake up?

Just know, that whatever this life takes us, I will always love you. I couldn't ask for a better first born who carved the way for her siblings and made life easier and better for them.

You've aged so gracefully.
Happy Birthday Christina!

He Lives

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary, I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, Rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so living, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

Alfred H. Ackley

A Lot To Celebrate

Thank-you everyone for your encouraging words on my recent posts about Ethan. Living with Autism is a challenge and it is important to celebrate the positives and accomplishments. At the same time, I don't want to minimize the difficulty of raising a child with autism or special needs.

Today is National Autism Awareness Day. So many people have a hard time understanding what autism is. Nobody is sure yet, what causes it-although many have theories and opinions. Those who deal closely with autism want answers.

Today is also Good Friday. Many people have a hard time understanding what the crucifixion is and why we celebrate. Many have theories and opinions of Jesus and what his mission in life was. Those who deal closely with Him, know the answer.

Today I will celebrate both.

On a side note, I never imagined myself wishing for anyone to have Celiac Disease, since my daughter Elisabeth lives with this. But today, that is exactly what my hope is. My mom-in-law was tested for it yesterday and I am hoping she tests positive. It is a relatively easy disease to live with when compared to other causes of her symptoms. It would be a welcome lifestyle change. She'd come to live with us, and I'd prepare her meals. Could it be any easiser?

And really, that is exactly what Jesus offers. When we realize something is amiss in our life, He opens the door for us to live with Him. The table is already prepared.

Not This Time

Oh...my....word! Life in Korea is certainly not what I imagined. Christopher sent me a text today telling me he was so completely undone. He and Lauren are due home for in May for a very short, 2 3/4 week visit. They are flying to Detroit, intitially, then to Denver. This is not during summer break but amidst the school year. Initially, they asked for a month off, but the principal only wanted to give them 2 weeks. Somehow they negotiated for a little more.

Well, until today. She informed them she no longer had coverage and so they could only allow them to go for 5 days. Since she was the one who booked their flights, she already changed them so that they are flying to Detroit only and then back to Korea. This means we will not see them at all. Can you believe she could just renege at the last minute and ruin it for so many people?

Michael, Elisabeth, Sarabeth and I exhaustively tried to come up with an answer for this situation. I was so ready for this. But I guess not ready enough. I was fooled again. Just like 3 years ago. I was sure I wouldn't believe anything Christopher told me on April Fool's Day, but it came a day early because of the time change in Korea. I'm planning revenge.

If anyone has a good idea, email me privately.

If You Give A Boy A...

If you give a boy a broom, he'll help you sweep the kitchen. Thanks to his help, it will take a long time. While he's sweeping, he'll notice your coke sitting on the counter. He'll take a swig. As he does, he'll spill a little. Drinking soda will make him want a snack. He'll open the refrigerator door.

When he opens the refrigerator, he will see cake and want some. You'll cut him a piece and he will eat it. Eating it makes him thirsty and he'll drink some more coke...spilling it over the table, on the floor, and down his clothes. When he realizes that his clothes are wet and sticky, he will strip naked. Seeing him naked will remind you that he probably needs to use the toilet. So you'll take him to the bathroom. Being naked in the bathroom reminds him that he should take a bath.

After a bath, he'll need some clothes. When he goes looking for clothes, he will see the mess in the kitchen. He'll grab the broom and start sweeping the floor. As he's sweeping the floor...

My Buddy

What a busy day we had yesterday, Ethan. I know you don't remember, but your mom truly did say good-bye, and kiss your sweet face before she left. You were so sleepy, you rolled over in bed, never opening your eyes.

I'm sorry grandpa didn't wait a day so you could shovel snow with him. I don't think you minded too much, or is that why you worked so hard to throw snow back onto the driveway?

I really appreciated your help with peeling potatoes and putting a pot roast into the crockpot. I wish I could get you to understand that once we put the food into the slow cooker, it does not need to be stirred constantly. Nor does it need additional seasoning-once is sufficient. And if you want to eat dinner at a reasonable hour, turning the pot off and on randomly does not make it happen quicker. I'm sorry that while you weren't looking, I hid the crockpot in another room so it could cook alone. It does its best work that way.

Thank-you for setting the table. You expected a crowd and insisted on putting 12 plates out.

Did I mention how thoughtful you are? Kleenex for napkins are much softer for wiping your hands and face.



Thank-you for sharing your shower with me. Usually I'm not fully dressed when I bathe, but what's a little water between you and me? Or a lot of water?

I was sure you were tired. I let you watch television and have a snack in bed. Your grandma never would have let your mom do this. Your angelic face was so very sweet when you finally closed your eyes at 10 minutes of twelve. I smiled very contentedly.

This morning, I thought I'd be one step ahead of you and jump in the shower before you awakened. Since you didn't go to bed until nearly midnight, I knew you'd sleep later. Besides, if you did get out of bed, surely grandpa could keep you out of trouble play with you for a few minutes.

Imagine my surprise when your grandpa poked his head in the door and said you could use some help. As I walked downstairs I detected an odor. Boy was I glad you were wearing a pull up diaper. But it seemed like something more was going on as I noticed some spots on the carpet near your dog. Apparently, she must need to go too, as it looked like brown spots on the ground. Quickly I took Dazy outside, before I cleaned you up and got you dressed.

Back downstairs, the offensive smell lingered. Once again I saw how helpful you try to be. Your dog must have left a very generous pile on the carpet. I'm so glad you thought to use a roll of paper towels to pick it up. Plopping it on top of the stove was not the best place to dispose of it. But thanks.

Bucket List 1-10

My own Bucket List
Or
Things I want to do before I die:

1. Spend some time at an orphanage in another country. Possibly Uganda.
2. Rock the babies and children at aforementioned orphanage and pray over them.
3. Eat thick, chewy, crusty, pan pizza, filled with gluten and the toppings of my choice.
4. Go to a George Strait Concert. (Again)
5. Visit New York in the winter.
6. Stay overnight in a tall New York hotel, and watch snow falling down on the busy city.
7. Lose a few pounds.
8. Volunteer at a hospital again.
9. Take piano lessons and really learn to play.
10. Bless a stranger abundantly.

Random Dozen

Because it's a snow day and no school. Because I have a cold and still feeling crummy. Because...well, just because, I am playing Random Dozen, along with Linda at 2nd Cup Of Coffee. Except this week it is hosted at I Didn't Know That. If you've never read Linda's site, each week she posts a dozen random questions. Here are this weeks:

The theme is Spring . . . and any other random questions that crept in.

1. What is your favorite sign of Spring?
Snow. Lots of it. After each melt, the grass gets greener and greener until poof! And it looks like summer.

2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14? If not, how did it impact your day?
Yes, I did. But I was still impacted. I struggled with staying up late on my birthday night since I'd be losing an hour of sleep.

3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year?
asparagus

4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant?
peaches

5. What is your least favorite insect?
cockroaches

6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand?
Yes. I can see the image in my head. Let's see...oh, yes, arrowhead.

7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that?
No.

8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day?
2

9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share.
No.

10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)?
No.

11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite?
No.

12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you've never visited that you would like to visit someday?
New York, but I want to go in the winter.