Almost Back

We are heading to Newton/Wichita this weekend for a much needed break. I can hardly wait!! We've never been able to spend time there with Josh when he hasn't been on some sort of a tight schedule.

I'll be back regularly posting after that. I've got lots to say (as usual). And also as usual, there are lots of ideas swirling around in my head.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!!

Summer 2011 and Stuff.....

It's been a hot, quiet summer around here. Not too much going on other than trying to stay cool!! Just a quick update on everyone:

* Cliff is doing GREAT since his epidural injections....little to no back pain. He will have 1 more injection in 2 weeks and that should last him the better part of a year. He's been back to work since the beginning of May with no problems!
*Josh has made a life for himself in Newton. He's found a good job that will allow him the opportunity to travel for up-coming grad school auditions. He's got 5-6 schools lined up. It's going to take him a while to prepare for these auditions as he's going after a fellowship....which will basically cover the cost of all his schooling expenses. They are tough and competition is stiff. His auditions need to be flawless.
*Amy has registered at the local community college to continue her education. She will be taking classes in their culinary institute for baking & pastry.
*Jacob will also be attending the local community college. He's taking almost a full course load with a major in music. He's been working out all summer in the hopes of making the track team for shot put.
*Emily spent the bulk of this summer with her two cousins from GA and had a great time with them. She has been focusing on math homework that has to be completed before school so she can enter the honors math class.
*Me...well, I'm finding my way through my ever-changing household again....adjusting to kids leaving and growing. It's hard but good for everyone. This past weekend, Cliff & I had the opportunity to just get away for the night and meet up with some of our dearest friends. It was so good!!

I've been away from my blog for a while because, frankly, I have felt like I haven't had much to say. To be honest, I don't want my blog to be a daily "Christmas letter." So I'm going to step away for a few more weeks.....probably until after labor day. I have a few ideas but I'm not concrete on anything yet. Plus, we have alot going in the next few weeks. Getting ready for school and a Labor Day trip to spend some time with Josh.

So, thank you so much for your interest. I'll be back in a few weeks.
Have a Great finish to the summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Show & Tell Friday - Revisited

**I thought I would re-post some favorite "Show & Tell" Friday posts for a while. They were lots of fun and its something I'm thinking about picking up again in the future. In the meantime, I'm enjoying these memories.

One of the things I always loved and admired at my grandparent's house was this shelf of my grandmother's that housed her teacup collection. There was just something about it that captured my attention and I just loved to stand there and look at it. One of the last times I was at their home, I went around and took pictures of some things that said "this is my grandparent's house" to me. Things that had been there for years. Things that I kind of always counted on seeing when I was there or things that evoked some very wonderful memories of my childhood times there. Of course, I took some pictures of this shelf.

About 1 1/2 years ago, I was browsing through Goodwill with my mom and guess what I found? A shelf just like my grandmother's. I snatched it up, not even caring about the price. That shelf was coming home with me. (I think it ended up being 4 or 5 dollars!) I hung it in my dining room on a large blank wall. It now houses two of my collections. One is a collection of little houses that Cliff collected for me one Christmas about 15 years ago. (has was so proud of himself!!) And a little collection of 1940-1950 looking children. On top, I have two "Gone With the Wind" figurines my mom gave me. Why? Because my grandmother had these same figurines on the top of hers. Yesterday while I was dusting it, I thought of my grandmother. These are the kinds of things I love having in my home. Things that evoke pleasant memories. Things that make us think those we love.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sweet Little Faces

Finally got to see my youngest neice, Emma who is a year old today! I love my neices and nephews and they all live so far away. This is my youngest nephew, Ben and his little sister, Emma. Priceless!!

The Red Spot

There is an episode of "Seinfeld" where George buys a beautiful cashmere sweater as a gift for Elaine. The reason why George buys Elaine such an extravagant gift is because near the hem of the sweater there is a miniscule red dot. What makes this episode so funny is that everyone who sees the sweater can only see that teeny red dot.

I'm currently reading a book that deals with dealing with the current economic fallout. It doesn't matter who you are or what walk of life you are from, the economic news hits us all. And lets face it, the news in the headlines and on the nightly news is hardly ever good.

One of the exercises she suggests is to make a list of 5 things that helps you through the day. I've discovered that things that I find "good" or that bring me joy are things as simple as the cherry scented hand soap on my bathroom sink, the purchase of a new hairbrush, or getting into a freshly made bed made up with clean line-dried sheets.

There is a campaign currently running on a TV station I frequently watch. Its called, "See the Good in the World." They challenge people to photograph the things that are good in their worlds.

It's human nature to focus in the "red dot" (or the black dot on a white piece of paper). It's my human nature to zero in on the red dot and feel that there's just no good news....and that's a lie because there is so much GOOD. Its my perspective that has to be tweaked. And this simple little daily exercise helps....alot. And sometimes is the smallest things that make the biggest differences in our lives.

My Kid's Dad

My husband, Cliff. He's been a great, fun father to our kids. I couldn't ask for more! He's been encouraging and these days he's every bit as proud as I am!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, CLIFF!!!!

Me & My Dad

I have a pair of these pictures. I showed the one of my mom on my mother's day post. I think they are so cute. One held the baby and the other took the pictures. I'm currently working on a scrapbook page of them. This one of me and my dad is so special because I don't have many of just he and I.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD!!

I'm so thankful for you and love you so much!!