30 Days of Gratitude - Day 14

For the past two weeks I have been thinking a lot about gratitude.  I find things all throughout the day that I am grateful for.  Much of which I normally take for granted.  Blogging 30 Days of Gratitude has made me slow down and notice what's around me.  I feel more aware of things, like the fall leaves on the ground and how they crinkle and crunch when I step on them.  Or the courtesy clerks at the grocery store as they smile and ring up my purchases.  It's amazing how a smile can affect others.  When someone genuinely smiles you can't help but smile back.  I noticed a lot of smiles today.  In particular, Sarah's smiles.

I love her smiles.  She can light up a room with her infectious grin.  Her eyes even sparkle when she smiles and it melts my heart!  Tonight we were watching a movie and about 15 minutes into it, they started speaking German and there were no subtitles so it made it very hard to follow.  The movie was set in German so I wasn't surprised at the German language, but subtitles would have been quite appreciative, especially for a moving that relies on dialogue!  After a couple more minutes, she smiles real big and says "I think there are supposed to be subtitles" and then she chuckled.  We turned off the movie and talked about her afternoon and class.  And she smiled. She seemed happy tonight.  And that made me smile.  Oh how I love my Sarah and I am very grateful for her smiles and the happiness she exudes when she does smile.

Sarah age 5 (and ridiculously adorable)

Sarah (age 10) and Kristin (age 12) with their Beany Boppers

Senior Portrait

Sarah is such a love bug with the warmest smile!

What are you thankful for?

feeling nostalgic for costumes, candy and adorable children

Fall is my favorite season.  I love the cool weather, the crisp leaves and the variety of weather patterns that appear in the fall.  Today it's a bright sunny day and tomorrow it's supposed to rain.  And I adore rain.  Seriously, I love gloomy, gray days where I can sit inside and hunker down at my desk and get work done.  Sip a cup of steaming hot coffee while cozy in my nice warm house.  I love the sound of the rain too.  I am waiting for the rain, and the weather man says tomorrow.  I hope he's right!

Fall brings stews, casseroles and hot cocoa.  And Thanksgiving, which is my favorite holiday.  The kids will be home from college and my parents will be visiting, it will undoubtedly be a wonderful week.  Before we can get to Thanksgiving we will be celebrating Halloween.  Halloween was such a fun holiday when the kids were little and in recent years we've been at parties with friends and haven't even been home to pass out candy and see our neighbors cute little kids all dressed up.   I'm feeling nostalgic for the old days with little kids and costumes.  This year I put out the small pumpkin lights and bought a few pumpkins.  Not very exciting, but with no kids at home I just don't have the motivation to go hog wild.

A few pictures of Halloween through the years

They are so adorable it makes my heart melt.  I remember those days like it was yesterday, but it was 13 years ago!  Why does time have to go so fast?

They made this great haunted castle our of graham crackers, pretzels, chocolate frosting and candy.  We did this several years in row.  Ah the memories...

The girls were adorable black cats, even Josefina (Sarah's american girl doll) had a matching costume. 

 

 

Happy Halloween 

a good day

Today was a good day.  I slept in until 8:30.  Had a nice lunch with Sarah and my grandmother.  Then saw Toy Story 3. Wow, what an emotional movie.  I cried at the beginning and at the end.  And afterwards.  What the heck?  I was not anticipating the movie have that much of an effect on me.   Growth, change, moving on.  The themes in the movie were so relatable to my life now.  So what do I do?  I cry.  Thank goodness for sunglasses.  At least I left the movie theater hidden behind dark shades.

The afternoon was filled with menial home tasks.  I felt some sense of accomplishment.  No dinner was planned so Jim and I went out to Black Cypress.  Very delicious meal tonight.  We started with a flatbread appetizer with roasted asparagus, egg, cheese and lettuce.  Sounds strange I know, but it was delicious!  For the entrees Jim had shish kabobs with couscous that had the perfect touch of mint, lemon, almond and red onion.  I had a seafood stew - but it really wasn't a stew at all.  And it was divine.   Clams, white fish and shrimp simmered in a delicious, light white wine broth with some carrots, celery, onion and seasonings.  We hadn't been there in a while.  Glad we went tonight.

Now it's time for put the feet up, have a glass of wine evening.   Grateful for today.  It was a good one.

♫ All you need is love ♫

Whenever I look at this note card I smile.  Sarah made it for me and though they are a mere 4 written words, they make my heart sing.  It's nice to love and be loved.  Not everyone needs to hear it and feel it, but I do.  The feeling that you matter to someone else is an important one for me.   I have had this note card by my computer for over a year now and read it often.   Today is one of those days where I could use a little extra love.  So thanks Sarah for reminding me that I am loved. ♥ ♥ ♥

looking for motivation

I have lost my motivation to do much of anything this afternoon, so instead I choose to blog.  There are so many things I should be doing:

1. Laundry (never ending I know, but starting it would be a plus)
2. Start prepping dinner (seeing that it's already 4:01 and the chicken is still semi-frozen, dinner is going to be late tonight), 
3. Clean up office so I can find my desk (distressing that I just can't keep it neat and organized - the daily flow of incoming mail/paperwork apparently gets the better of me)
4. Sort through pictures from our trip to Florida
5. Pay bills 

This morning started out with at nice breakfast with Jake at Tams.  We had a good heart to heart about a lot of things and cleared the air on some issues that had been bugging us both.  He has his apartment lease through the end of July and will then move into the TKE house.  I am really glad they finally have a house.  It was their original house and after a different fraternity lived in it, it's now theirs again.  I think there is so much to be gained from living in a fraternity.  Being part of a fraternity (or sorority) is a great experience.  So many people give it a bad name and I don't think it's deserved.  I will save my rant on greek haters for another post.  The bond and friendship that is developed in a fraternity/sorority are second to none.  Though Jake has been a TKE for over a year now, they haven't had a common living space.  But that is changing in August!  Woo hoo!  I just hope Jake doesn't get the really scary, dark, dank, basement rooms.  Personally I don't think they are fit for human living!  The rest of the house will be nice once some windows, dryall and rooms and repaired and painted.

The day progressed to listing some items on eBay.  I opted for 24 hour sales because I don't want a sale ending on a weekend, especially not a 3 day holiday weekend.  I learned that the hard way on a previous sale.  Already have watchers and bids - this time tomorrow I should be a couple hundred dollars richer.

After a quick lunch of a pickle (my breakfast with Jake was still sitting with me) I went out for a walk with Kathy.  I haven't walked in a while and it felt good.  3 miles in 70 degree temps.  Nice, very nice.  She and I have such a nice friendship.  I enjoy her company thoroughly and we chatter about big things, little things and everything in between.  I won't see her for quite a while though, she is living with Bill and Danny on Friday and will return on the 11th.  I am leaving the 11th and returning the 16th.  I am going to miss our walks, talks and coffee get togethers.

After my walk, Sarah and I had fun looking at ratemyprofessor.com to check out potential profs for her upcoming classes at UW this fall.  She originally registered yesterday for 3 courses, but changed them all today.  She was kind of bummed because the communications class she wanted to take was open to FIGS (freshman interest group - which she is not doing) only, as was the psych class.  Also finding courses to work with the different times of lectures and quiz sections was a bit challenging.  But in the end it all came together.  Her courses seem very interesting and the professors got good ratings and she is happy.  Her fall schedule is Archeology 101 (exploring archeology), CHID 110 (Question of Human Nature) and Philosophy 120 (intro to logic).

Here is a picture of Sarah's graduation from PHS earlier this month.  I think it's rather nice and evokes good memories of a fun weekend.  Isn't this a great family shot?  I sure think so!
 
If you are wanting to catch up on Kristin's adventures in Rome check out her BLOG.  I think you'll enjoy it, I sure do!


Now, if only someone could light a fire under my read end so I could be productive.  I really need to find some motivation and get some stuff done!

the week ahead

Tomorrow morning I leave for Puerto Vallarta.   It's a girls week at Kathy's time share.  I've got my kindle, my camera and a carry on suitcase filled with a few clothes, swimsuits and workout gear.  My kindle has 7 new books on it, all of which I'm eager to read.  I just picked up an Oprah magazine at the grocery store and pack of gum.  I can't wait to get going.  We all went in 2007 and said we'd make it an annual trip.  3 years later we are finally going again. 


I will miss Jake and Kristin's 20th birthday.  This will be the first time and it's feels strange.  Granted, I wouldn't have seen Kristin anyway this year on her birthday because she's in college on the other side of the state.  Jake has two finals on his birthday and then one the following day.  Wednesday night Jim and Sarah have plans to spoil Jake.  There are some presents on the dining table for him to open.  I already mailed Kristin's presents.  I will call both of them and tell them how Happy Birthday and how much I love them.  I am really proud of them.  

Sarah has an AP test on Thursday and the opening night of her play is on Friday.  It runs 2 weekends though, so I will catch the closing night.  She is such a go getter and I know she'll be the star of the play, even if she doesn't have the lead roll.

I will miss Jim too.  He's really a good guy.  I was having a bikini wax today and the wax lady (don't know what the technical term is) was talking about how bad the men in her life have been.  It was weird because I just couldn't relate.  I am lucky.  Jim is a good guy and I love him.

I've finished packing, now it's time for bed.  4:45 is going to come awfully early.

My heart sings

My heart is full today and it's a wonderful feeling.  I have so much love and pride for my family that sometimes I am reduced to tears of joy.  Crazy, huh?  As a new parent (many, many years ago) I was besotted with my children.  Jim was too.  We used to sit and watch them just breathe.  It was amazing to think that we created these beautiful human beings.  Watching them grow through years only intensified the feelings.  My, our, love for them never waned.  Yes, there are times when we didn't like them or the choices they made but our love for them is steadfast.

This morning Sarah gave me a huge hug and said "you are the best Mom ever and I love you so much."  And she hugged me, a big bear hug where she was the last to let go.  Wonder how full my heart can get without bursting with joy?  I am going to really miss her day to day presence when she goes to college this fall!

Today starts off Mom's Weekend at WSU and I finally get to take part.  I am so EXCITED!  I have lived in Pullman since 1990 and this annual event has seen Mom's come to town year after year and spend time with their college age children.  Now, it's my turn. Technically, I could have participated last year when Jake was a freshman but we were out of town on a trip planned long before I knew the dates.   Not sure of our exact plans today, but tomorrow we are going to breakfast and the craft fair in the morning and then dinner and Jay Leno in the evening!  His girlfriend Lauren, and her Mom, will be joining us in the evening.  Jay Leno is quite funny and has been to Pullman several times for this event.  We saw him back in the 90's and laughed the entire time.  Even though Jay will be enjoyable, the BEST part of the weekend will be spending time with my son.  I am so lucky to have him for a son as he calls periodically to just talk, he likes to hang out with us at home and be together as a family.  He's a great kid and I'm proud of him.

I don't have the quality time with Kristin as I'd like.  Mainly due to the fact that she is at college on the other side of the state and doesn't use email or skype with any regularity.  I miss her.

At the time I didn't realize it would be our last family vacation, just the 5 of us, for who knows how long.  But I hold the memories of our trip to Cabo last Christmas near and dear.  Usually we are all together at Hayden Lake, but this year Kristin will not be joining us.  She'll be back east with her government internship.  It will be the first time in 20 years she will NOT be at the lake for our annual summer vacation.

When they grow up, things change and I know this is just the beginning of their lives as adults and more changes lie ahead.  I am proud of all of them and I know they will do well as they make their mark in this world.

But for now, today, I smile and have a happy heart due in no small part to my wonderful children.  And I can't wait to spend the weekend with Jake!

My heart sings.

Kudos to Delta Airlines

I can't thank Delta airlines enough for brightening my day.  Yesterday, it was decided that Sarah would fly back east with me to help Kristin drive back across the country - 3 drivers will make it a lot easier! At least that's the current plan and hope anyway!

Last minute flights typically aren't the most economical but I did some research on kayak.com and expedia and still found it was cheaper to book directly on Delta's website.  I booked my flight back in January, but now a week out the second leg of the trip from Salt Lake to Baltimore was sold out.  The only thing available for Sarah was a flight from Salt Lake to JFK then on to Baltimore.  We would be on the same flight from Lewiston to Salt Lake.  Because of the good price I booked it for Sarah and she was a bit timid about traveling part of the way by herself, but in the name of family peace decided to just deal and suck it up and travel alone.   While out on my walk this morning (I do my best thinking while walking!) I had this great idea that perhaps once in SLC Sarah could get on standby to Baltimore and hopefully then be on the same flight with me.

When I got home from my walk I quickly looked on the computer to see what was available today.  I was so excited to see a seat available on the exact itinerary as mine (why this seat is available today and not yesterday I don't know, but I was happy!)  I immediately called Delta and explained that I wanted to change Sarah's flight to match mine and since there is now a seat available, but how much it cost - that would be the deciding factor.  He puts me on hold and says he can switch her flight and I'll get a $75 credit.  I'm really excited at this point, not sure how he did the math, but excited nonetheless.

He then says there are no seats next to each other, but then he asks how old Sarah is.  I tell him, and he says well, I'll just put you both in an exit row.  I'm very happy now.  More leg room, a $75 credit, and one more person to help out with the driving from DC to home...all 3000 miles.

So, some serious kudos to Delta Airlines.

a good day

It's been a great day and I'm elated.  

I walked 4 1/2 miles with a friend this morning.

I remembered to take my vitamins.

I did some laundry.

I made my bed.

I balanced our home checking account and paid bills.

I read for 1 hour - a book for pleasure.

I saw the movie Shutter Island with Sarah.

I had a very nice dinner at home with Sarah - home made sloppy joes.

Life today made me happy.

weekend excitment

It's Saturday morning, the sun in shining, the air is cool and I'm looking forward to today and the days to follow.  Celebrating Sarah's 18 birthday with family and friends on Monday.  I'm working her birthday slide show, it's going to be a winner - can't wait for her to see it!  Glad to have Kristin home for the weekend all the way from Maryland! Will see Jake also this weekend.   I'm excited, because I enjoy spending time with my family and the moments when we are all together are getting less frequent now that everyone is getting older.  Definitely going to savor the moments!

I rode the exercise bike for 30 minutes this morning.  I challenged myself to a programmed workout with varying degrees of difficulty and I feel good.  Exercise really helps me clear my mind and helps me put things in perspective.

I am smiling just thinking about the fun ahead this weekend!

abundance of JOY

Three things that gave me joy today :)

1) pecan pound cake - A delicious cake, made with butter, cream cheese, eggs, sugar...all good things that make heaven in your mouth.  It was my grandmother Gogie's recipe, a definite winner.
2) a hug from Sarah - When she came home from school today she came into the living room where I was reading and promptly gave me a hug and cuddled up in the chair with me - a perfect few minutes!
3) a long walk with Kathy - a 4 mile walk with a dear friend in 34 degree temps - so invigorating

You Capture - Faces

This weeks You Capture challenge at I Should be Folding Laundry is FACES.  I was actually excited for this challenge and went to grab my canon digital rebel.  Turns out the batteries were dead and I have been hunting for the battery charger ever since.  I'm fairly sure it's around here, but where? My little point and shoot is great for certain things, but not faces.  My rebel excels in that area.

Since the battery charger is MIA, I armed myself with my little camera started taking pictures of one of my favorite subjects.  Sarah is my third child and an absolute delight.  She is funny, kind, empathetic and smart.  And she actually likes me, which is rare for a teenager.  Though she will be 18 in 2 weeks and reminds me of that frequently.  Can't believe my baby will soon be 18.  That will be another blog post for another day!

Here are some fun photos of a mini photo shoot we had in the kitchen. I will title this sequence

The Many Faces of Sarah :)

 

 

 I've read that the 3rd child is often the ham, the expressive one.  For our family that has proved true.  My older two, twins are sophomores in college and so it's just been me, her and my hubby at home.   And I'm loving it!  It will be hard when she departs for college in the fall.  I will miss her immensely.  If you want to read a witty entertaining blog about fashion, I suggest you hop over to Marvelous Bear which Sarah writes. The following few photos I took using my digital rebel for her senior photos. And since they are faces, they fit they theme!  Now, if only I can find my battery charger..uggg!