I'm about to have to give up on the news. It's just too hard and hits too close to home now-a-days. Cases in point: A mother and her three children are found shot to death in their family car just a few hours from Chicago. This was not just a stranger to me, it was someone I graduated from high school with. Her name is Kimberly Vaughn (nee Phillips) and she is a twin to Jennifer. They were classmates of mine. I just can't wrap my head around the mystery of the whole thing. Her husband is not considered a suspect, tho he was shot only in the thigh. You can see the story here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/premium/printedition/Friday/chi-suvdeaths_15jun15,0,2505416.story
Then this morning I hear of the nine firemen who lost their lives in the line of duty. I can't imagine the grief that is flooding that town in SC. It's enough to bear the loss of one loved one, but multiple deaths like these overwhelm me with emotion.
I can't imagine what my friend's family is feeling. What her twin is feeling. How it must ache so very much.
So, I think I'll be skipping the news for a while. I need to concentrate on all of the blessings I have, and as I've learned since we lost my brother in law Jeremy, to make the most of every day and tell everyone you love them as much as you can. It's all you can do. Life has to go on, and I have to go on with it. I'm so thankful for my husband and children and our parents and siblings and nieces and nephew. So much love to pour out on so many people while the sun still shines for me.
So even though it's kind of a blah blog tonight. I'm going to savor the moment I curl up beside my sweet husband, on the night before our 9th wedding anniversary and thank GOD that he is alive and well, and that we are madly and deeply in love. We have two beautiful, healthy children who love us very much and bring so much joy to us (nevermind when they are button pushing). :-) I have my health and my home and my dog and much to be thankful for. A new church to grow into and be encouraged and loved on... So much to be delighting in and not dwelling on what cannot be changed.
So, let this not make you feel down after reading, but let it open your eyes to what you have to be thankful for. Each breath you take, each sunrise, each bird you hear singing in the trees, each detail of your day and your family. Hug someone, share a smile, and high five someone just for fun! Focus on what's right ( I know it's hard some days, but try!). Peace!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
HAPPY FATHERS DAY SWEETIE!
First things first. It's Father's Day and I have to say, I feel like I didn't do a good job of it this weekend. I tried. I made Saturday a do-nothing day, tho he mowed the lawn...but I also made his favorite meal and we just had a nice relaxing day. This morning tho, just seemed like we couldn't do anything right. Our checking account prevented us from going out for breakfast this morning, then at church, we listened to a message about Heaven and that sort of a set a mood for missing Jeremy, on top of which my poor husband misses his parents so much right now too, cuz we've not seen them since February. Then we had to go sit in the heat for my niece's birthday party, which didn't go so badly, just not what I would like to do for Dave on his day, you know? I tried to tell him it was okay to go shoot in lieu of the party, but thankfully, he wanted to be with us. Anyhow, though none of the hassles of the weekend were really bad, it just felt like nothing I did was right. We all have those times, and he did keep re-assuring me that it wasn't me, but I felt like it was some me.
So sweetie, if you read this, here's my Father's day tribute to you.
You are the love of my life, you know that. I am so blessed to be your wife. In good times and bad (some REALLY bad, even), we have thrived and fallen more in love. You helped me make two of the cutest kids in the WHOLE world, and challenging as they are sometimes, they are a constant reflection of how much we love each other. We are all well fed, and comfortably sheltered each night because of how hard you work at your job. Even the jobs you've been miserable with, you've plugged along just to know you were taking care of us. For that we are ever so thankful.
Most of all though sweetheart, is that I love how you show our kids how much you love me. I know you think you don't show them much sometimes (cuz sometimes everything we say goes in one ear and out the other, without sinking in), but I know every time you hug me, kiss me, hold my hand, slap me on the hind end, any number of million ways you show me affection will have a GINORMOUS effect on them. Trust me, I missed that a lot, and you know that I still wonder about my parents sometimes. Thank you for that HUGE life lesson that you show them every day without even thinking about it. Thank you for loving me the way you do. I love you so much. Hannah and Spencer love you so much too. Thank you for being our hero and taking such good care of us. Hugs and kisses!
So sweetie, if you read this, here's my Father's day tribute to you.
You are the love of my life, you know that. I am so blessed to be your wife. In good times and bad (some REALLY bad, even), we have thrived and fallen more in love. You helped me make two of the cutest kids in the WHOLE world, and challenging as they are sometimes, they are a constant reflection of how much we love each other. We are all well fed, and comfortably sheltered each night because of how hard you work at your job. Even the jobs you've been miserable with, you've plugged along just to know you were taking care of us. For that we are ever so thankful.
Most of all though sweetheart, is that I love how you show our kids how much you love me. I know you think you don't show them much sometimes (cuz sometimes everything we say goes in one ear and out the other, without sinking in), but I know every time you hug me, kiss me, hold my hand, slap me on the hind end, any number of million ways you show me affection will have a GINORMOUS effect on them. Trust me, I missed that a lot, and you know that I still wonder about my parents sometimes. Thank you for that HUGE life lesson that you show them every day without even thinking about it. Thank you for loving me the way you do. I love you so much. Hannah and Spencer love you so much too. Thank you for being our hero and taking such good care of us. Hugs and kisses!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Another weekend is here!
Wow! Where did the week go? Let's see if I can recap.
Monday: The most I remember is finally having Haley Jane back for the day. It was fun. She is such a gem of a niece. She's 9 1/2 months old, and is just a silly little thing. Doesn't take much to napping for me, unless she falls asleep in the car, or if I'm holding her, and I've been instructed that I'm not to do the holding her while she sleeps thing anymore, but gosh, I miss that, cuz my stinking kids are too big now!
Tuesday: First day of swim lessons for Hannah and Spencer. They had a blast! And thank the Lord, although many people from the church we've recently "moved on from" were there, it was as pleasant as could be. All that were there, loved on us all as much as I could have dreamed of. I love my friend Teena, for just saying she loves me no matter where we go to church, as it should be, but you know how life really is... Anyhow, it was fine.
We also had Hannah's last regular ballet/tap class. This week will be dress rehearsal, in full hussy make up and all curled up and made all purty. I'm afraid I've complained so much about the recital that she asked me the other day, "mom, do you like ballet?" and I had to tell her that I loved watching her dance, but I just thought the recital business cost too much money, that's all. She was cool with that. And truly, we've spent over $120 just to dress her up for 5 minutes and hear the song Chattanooga Choo Choo. Between tickets, costume, and all..... ouch. So I told her if she ever wanted to dance again, then she could, but we'd celebrate the end of the year a different way, like maybe a trip to six flags or something less expensive... but more fun!
Wednesday: sadly, this day has already slipped my mind.
Thursday: Hung out with Mom and Sarah and Lucas and Amanda. We played at Mom's for a while, and then she took us to a McDonald's with an outdoor playground. The kids had a blast! It was fun. The weather was lovely. Afterwards, I took Sarah, Hannah and Spencer to the library and we watched a puppet/marionette show. It was really nice and it was absolutely free as well. I've been searching for fun, free things to do this summer. Hannah actually has only 6 weeks of summer break.
Friday: Grocery/Target trip. But the kids were relatively well-behaved. I really don't enjoy shopping with both of them for a big grocery trip, cuz Hannah, especially gets bored. She's too big to ride in the cart, so she gets antsy and dances around, in my way, in other shoppers' way. No real major behavior issue, but annoys me to no end. I need to lighten up about it. Friday night we stayed at home and had a spaghetti dinner. It tasted wonderful, but I was miserable! Too many carbs yesterday! I'm going to crack down and try to Phase 1 this next two weeks, to hopefully slim down before the wedding in 2 weeks.
Today: The kids let us sleep in. Til nearly 9:00! Woohoo! Got up and we all ate some breakfast. Then Dave left to go shooting (which never worked out, cuz the range wasn't open). The kids and I headed to the convention center for the Friends of the Library Book Fair. Oh my. A sea of books! And we left with 11 books from the children's section, for, are you ready???? $2.30 That's it. I couldn't believe it. It was a little crazy with them there, and maybe next year, I'll pay for the early bird special and get a better selection, but it was kind of fun. Then we went to one of our local libraries to cash in our reading program page. Each kid got a toy and two tickets to the Rascals game. The River City Rascals is a small independent baseball team here in our town. Tickets are dirt cheap and you're really close to the game and they do lots of fun activities in between innings. It's a great time. Now all four of us can go on a Tuesday night for FREE! Not a bad deal, huh?
This afternoon, we headed to my friend Jamie's (who's wedding I am in in two weeks) and helped her pack up some of her condo to move out. She is closing on the sale on the 15th. She is a frazzled woman, but I know it will all work out. We worked for just a little while and then we had to head to my brother's to drop Hannah off for a sleepover with Sarah for her 5th birthday. She was a bit nervous, but we've not heard from them yet, so I'm assuming all is well. Then we took Spencer out for a picnic in the park and some playground time. Next a trip to Bass Pro Shops for some climbing around on some boats and seeing some guns. :-) Lastly we went for ice cream and met my friends Lisa and Karn there. It was a fun night, and we are all tired. Hoping all sleep well tonight.
Tomorrow is church and then nothing of significance. Which will be nice. I think Dave may try to go shoot at a different range, but we'll see. Sunday is usually laundry day around here too so that's about all I'll be tackling.
And then we start another crazy week....
Monday: The most I remember is finally having Haley Jane back for the day. It was fun. She is such a gem of a niece. She's 9 1/2 months old, and is just a silly little thing. Doesn't take much to napping for me, unless she falls asleep in the car, or if I'm holding her, and I've been instructed that I'm not to do the holding her while she sleeps thing anymore, but gosh, I miss that, cuz my stinking kids are too big now!
Tuesday: First day of swim lessons for Hannah and Spencer. They had a blast! And thank the Lord, although many people from the church we've recently "moved on from" were there, it was as pleasant as could be. All that were there, loved on us all as much as I could have dreamed of. I love my friend Teena, for just saying she loves me no matter where we go to church, as it should be, but you know how life really is... Anyhow, it was fine.
We also had Hannah's last regular ballet/tap class. This week will be dress rehearsal, in full hussy make up and all curled up and made all purty. I'm afraid I've complained so much about the recital that she asked me the other day, "mom, do you like ballet?" and I had to tell her that I loved watching her dance, but I just thought the recital business cost too much money, that's all. She was cool with that. And truly, we've spent over $120 just to dress her up for 5 minutes and hear the song Chattanooga Choo Choo. Between tickets, costume, and all..... ouch. So I told her if she ever wanted to dance again, then she could, but we'd celebrate the end of the year a different way, like maybe a trip to six flags or something less expensive... but more fun!
Wednesday: sadly, this day has already slipped my mind.
Thursday: Hung out with Mom and Sarah and Lucas and Amanda. We played at Mom's for a while, and then she took us to a McDonald's with an outdoor playground. The kids had a blast! It was fun. The weather was lovely. Afterwards, I took Sarah, Hannah and Spencer to the library and we watched a puppet/marionette show. It was really nice and it was absolutely free as well. I've been searching for fun, free things to do this summer. Hannah actually has only 6 weeks of summer break.
Friday: Grocery/Target trip. But the kids were relatively well-behaved. I really don't enjoy shopping with both of them for a big grocery trip, cuz Hannah, especially gets bored. She's too big to ride in the cart, so she gets antsy and dances around, in my way, in other shoppers' way. No real major behavior issue, but annoys me to no end. I need to lighten up about it. Friday night we stayed at home and had a spaghetti dinner. It tasted wonderful, but I was miserable! Too many carbs yesterday! I'm going to crack down and try to Phase 1 this next two weeks, to hopefully slim down before the wedding in 2 weeks.
Today: The kids let us sleep in. Til nearly 9:00! Woohoo! Got up and we all ate some breakfast. Then Dave left to go shooting (which never worked out, cuz the range wasn't open). The kids and I headed to the convention center for the Friends of the Library Book Fair. Oh my. A sea of books! And we left with 11 books from the children's section, for, are you ready???? $2.30 That's it. I couldn't believe it. It was a little crazy with them there, and maybe next year, I'll pay for the early bird special and get a better selection, but it was kind of fun. Then we went to one of our local libraries to cash in our reading program page. Each kid got a toy and two tickets to the Rascals game. The River City Rascals is a small independent baseball team here in our town. Tickets are dirt cheap and you're really close to the game and they do lots of fun activities in between innings. It's a great time. Now all four of us can go on a Tuesday night for FREE! Not a bad deal, huh?
This afternoon, we headed to my friend Jamie's (who's wedding I am in in two weeks) and helped her pack up some of her condo to move out. She is closing on the sale on the 15th. She is a frazzled woman, but I know it will all work out. We worked for just a little while and then we had to head to my brother's to drop Hannah off for a sleepover with Sarah for her 5th birthday. She was a bit nervous, but we've not heard from them yet, so I'm assuming all is well. Then we took Spencer out for a picnic in the park and some playground time. Next a trip to Bass Pro Shops for some climbing around on some boats and seeing some guns. :-) Lastly we went for ice cream and met my friends Lisa and Karn there. It was a fun night, and we are all tired. Hoping all sleep well tonight.
Tomorrow is church and then nothing of significance. Which will be nice. I think Dave may try to go shoot at a different range, but we'll see. Sunday is usually laundry day around here too so that's about all I'll be tackling.
And then we start another crazy week....
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Greg's funeral
Today was Greg's funeral. I'm amazed how God supplies the strength for families to get through these times. Berkley was ever so composed, as were Tanner and Hanna. She spoke so sweetly of Greg, she was even able to sing "Amazing Grace" at his grave side service. I don't know how she did it, except that God gave her the strength. We felt that strength once, then we came home from Indiana after Jeremy's funeral and the avalanche hit us like a ton of bricks. My prayer is to be here for Berkley when that avalanche hits her. After all the people stop coming by, after the shock settles in, it sucks. That's when the pain seems to settle in. The reality hits. The alone-ness sinks in. I cannot imagine what would happen to me if I lost Dave. I'd fall apart pretty bad, I am certain of it. I pray I never have to find out.
Sissy woke up and threw up this morning. Thankfully she improved after the day went on. I'm so glad. I also, on the other hand seem to have pink eye again. Unbelievable! SO what little I was home today, I spent cleaning my kitchen with Lysol. I mean I washed down everything! Still have the floor to do, and the microwave, but all the cabinet pulls and appliances are washed down really good. Dave tackled the bathrooms for me. .... SEE how blessed I am by him? I managed to change out our sheets, have to do the kids still. Ah well, tomorrow's another day. Yeah, another day to call the doctor about another round of pink eye! GRRRR! We even threw open the windows, and turned on the attic fan to blow out any germs in the house. Wish we could get this out of our system. The weather is far too nice to feel this crummy over and over again.
I was fortunate enough to make it to church back at Grace today. So thankful for that place right now. I've just really enjoyed the feel of it. The worship was lovely this morning, and I was thrilled that the fiddle/violin was still there. It's just so lovely to hear while worshipping. The message was good too. Pastor Perrin spoke of how patient God is with us, and how, tho He is, we ought not continue in sin, but turn toward Him and strive for his holiness.... hard work. But he spoke of how the more we continue in our sin, the easier it is for us to tune out to God's voice and the easier it is to fall into rationalizations, like "well, I'm this far in, there's no hope that I can change my ways"..or.."well, I guess this is just part of who I am now.."....thoughts like that are Satan's way of stealing from the kingdom of God. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The more of us Satan convinces are unworthy of God's grace, the less the Kingdom can thrive. We aren't worthy, but God is faithful and full of grace and mercy. He gives us many chances to turn around, and follow Him. Not without consequence, but without guilt, and with NO condemnation. I am so thankful. And I look forward to what next Sunday will bring, and I am excited about church, and hope that I will continue to feel that way.
So tired am I tonight. I'm looking forward to no alarm clock in the morning. And to having my little niece, Haley Jane back tomorrow. I've not had her for a few weeks. Hoping we'll all be over our junk so we don't pass it along to anyone else. Here's wishing you all a blessed week. Hug anyone you love and TELL them you love them. Life is just SO short...don't waste it!
Sissy woke up and threw up this morning. Thankfully she improved after the day went on. I'm so glad. I also, on the other hand seem to have pink eye again. Unbelievable! SO what little I was home today, I spent cleaning my kitchen with Lysol. I mean I washed down everything! Still have the floor to do, and the microwave, but all the cabinet pulls and appliances are washed down really good. Dave tackled the bathrooms for me. .... SEE how blessed I am by him? I managed to change out our sheets, have to do the kids still. Ah well, tomorrow's another day. Yeah, another day to call the doctor about another round of pink eye! GRRRR! We even threw open the windows, and turned on the attic fan to blow out any germs in the house. Wish we could get this out of our system. The weather is far too nice to feel this crummy over and over again.
I was fortunate enough to make it to church back at Grace today. So thankful for that place right now. I've just really enjoyed the feel of it. The worship was lovely this morning, and I was thrilled that the fiddle/violin was still there. It's just so lovely to hear while worshipping. The message was good too. Pastor Perrin spoke of how patient God is with us, and how, tho He is, we ought not continue in sin, but turn toward Him and strive for his holiness.... hard work. But he spoke of how the more we continue in our sin, the easier it is for us to tune out to God's voice and the easier it is to fall into rationalizations, like "well, I'm this far in, there's no hope that I can change my ways"..or.."well, I guess this is just part of who I am now.."....thoughts like that are Satan's way of stealing from the kingdom of God. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The more of us Satan convinces are unworthy of God's grace, the less the Kingdom can thrive. We aren't worthy, but God is faithful and full of grace and mercy. He gives us many chances to turn around, and follow Him. Not without consequence, but without guilt, and with NO condemnation. I am so thankful. And I look forward to what next Sunday will bring, and I am excited about church, and hope that I will continue to feel that way.
So tired am I tonight. I'm looking forward to no alarm clock in the morning. And to having my little niece, Haley Jane back tomorrow. I've not had her for a few weeks. Hoping we'll all be over our junk so we don't pass it along to anyone else. Here's wishing you all a blessed week. Hug anyone you love and TELL them you love them. Life is just SO short...don't waste it!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Fun game.
SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Everything has to start with the first letter of your Name.
Your Name: Heather
1. Famous Singer/Band: Hannah Montana
2. 4 letter word: Hugs
3. Color: Hunter green
4. Street: Highgate Lane (the street I grew up on)
5. Gifts/Presents: Handmade gifts
6. Vehicle: Hum-V
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Hats
8. Boy Name: Heath
9. Girl Name: Hannah (my daughter's name)
10. Movie Title: Hunt for Red October
11. Drink: Hot tea
12. Occupation: Hair stylist (been there, done that)
13. Flower: Hydrandea
14. Celebrity: Helen Hunt
15. Magazine: Highlights
16. U.S. City: Honolulu, Hawaii
17. Pro Sports Teams: Houston Astros
18. Fruit: Huckleberry
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: Held up in traffic.
20. Something You Throw Away: Holey socks
21. Things You Shout: How many times do I have to tell you????
22. Cartoon Character: Homer Simpson
Ok...if you've read this, consider yourself tagged!
Good luck!
Your Name: Heather
1. Famous Singer/Band: Hannah Montana
2. 4 letter word: Hugs
3. Color: Hunter green
4. Street: Highgate Lane (the street I grew up on)
5. Gifts/Presents: Handmade gifts
6. Vehicle: Hum-V
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Hats
8. Boy Name: Heath
9. Girl Name: Hannah (my daughter's name)
10. Movie Title: Hunt for Red October
11. Drink: Hot tea
12. Occupation: Hair stylist (been there, done that)
13. Flower: Hydrandea
14. Celebrity: Helen Hunt
15. Magazine: Highlights
16. U.S. City: Honolulu, Hawaii
17. Pro Sports Teams: Houston Astros
18. Fruit: Huckleberry
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: Held up in traffic.
20. Something You Throw Away: Holey socks
21. Things You Shout: How many times do I have to tell you????
22. Cartoon Character: Homer Simpson
Ok...if you've read this, consider yourself tagged!
Good luck!
Daddy's home!
Dave finally made it home, granted it took hime a lot longer to get here than it should have, but he is safely home. There were some nasty storms last night. I'm just thankful he's here and on the ground.
Sissy's last day of school was yesterday. I know have a little first grader. So hard to believe. Her teacher, Miss Meyer was so wonderful. So vibrant, and caring, and just did a fantastic job. After all, my 6 year old is reading on a fourth grade level. We are so proud of her.
Today the kids are just playing, Hannah has a freind over. It's raining, again here. And tonight we have to go to a wake for Greg Smith. I'm so sad for Berkley and the kids. I can't imagine losing Dave ever, much less at such a young age. Tomorrow will be the funeral. I know it will be a lovely service. She was picking out some music, the other day when I was there visitng.
I hope that tomorrow we'll make it to church, back to Grace, and be as blessed as we were last Sunday. I'm really hoping that this could be where we can call home someday.
Right now we're watching 10mph. It's really good so far. I am enjoying it. It's fun, and what an adventure they've had.
Now I'm going to snuggle up with my hubby on the couch and finish the movie. Cya!
Sissy's last day of school was yesterday. I know have a little first grader. So hard to believe. Her teacher, Miss Meyer was so wonderful. So vibrant, and caring, and just did a fantastic job. After all, my 6 year old is reading on a fourth grade level. We are so proud of her.
Today the kids are just playing, Hannah has a freind over. It's raining, again here. And tonight we have to go to a wake for Greg Smith. I'm so sad for Berkley and the kids. I can't imagine losing Dave ever, much less at such a young age. Tomorrow will be the funeral. I know it will be a lovely service. She was picking out some music, the other day when I was there visitng.
I hope that tomorrow we'll make it to church, back to Grace, and be as blessed as we were last Sunday. I'm really hoping that this could be where we can call home someday.
Right now we're watching 10mph. It's really good so far. I am enjoying it. It's fun, and what an adventure they've had.
Now I'm going to snuggle up with my hubby on the couch and finish the movie. Cya!
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