Big Goals and a New Bible

I cannot write one more post that says I'm going to start blogging again.

It's just too pathetic.

So with that little thought not being said, here I am!

And since I haven't told anyone I'm blogging, I guess it doesn't really matter. Is it silly to have a blog if no one reads it? Maybe someday, I'll share with my friends. I'm sure they have nothing better to do that read my crazy, sporadic musings.

Actually, I'm trying to get on the ball and lose some weight. And if I publish pictures and results, it may help me be more accountable. To be honest, I am extremely unhappy and disgusted with myself. I could just cry when I see a picture of me. Who/what have I become? All I know is that I almost can't stand myself and have to make changes. Starting today, here's to my new weight loss journey ... and ups and downs and struggles and triumphs. And I will triumph ... even 25 lbs would be a blessing, although, I would really like to lose about 80 lbs altogether. I just re-read that sentence and realized that 80 lbs is 20 lbs more than Eric weighs! Oh, to carry around 80 less lbs! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

Tonight I made Cabbage soup to jump start the new me. (Cabbage Soup is low sod. beef broth, low sod. stewed tomatoes, celery, onion, cabbage, and water) I actually like it pretty well. Lots of flavor.

******

A special moment happened today also. It was a quiet moment, but one that will be important for the rest of Eric's life, I hope. I was able to buy a new Bible for Eric today. He has the engraved Precious Moments Bible from my mom and dad which is special, but he needed one he could USE ... READ ... STUDY ... LEARN ...WEAR OUT! We were in the Paradise Christian Bookstore and I asked him if he would like one. We looked at 3 different Bibles, and finally we happy to buy a Bible just for Boys! I made sure he knew the Bible is for everyone, but this particular one had extra lessons and devotions that boys would like best. We also bought a new cover for it that is easy to carry. It was a very special moment. I want more than anything for Eric to love God and want to learn more about him and obey him ... at all costs. He just learned the Bible Pledge in Word of Life also ... I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I will hide its words in my heart, that I might not sin against God. Amen.

I really do want to be a blogger!

I have good intentions of writing ...

Really, I do.

In fact, I think of posts at random times ... like in the grocery story or in the car driving. And in my mind, I am a brilliant writer. I am fun, interesting, relevant. I even have fans. It's great!

And then I get home, rush to the computer ... and nothing.

BUT!

We just joined the 21st century and signed up for DSL. It's wonderful. And again, I have aspirations to be a blogger ... because now, I can post pictures, and I can post everything faster, and I am re-inspired to be a blogger!

Stay tuned! I promise I might blog as soon as tonight or tomorrow and not next year!

One year later ... or 35 years all together

Well, it's my birthday again. And since I posted last year for my birthday, I thought I should make an update.

I am so blessed! I've had a wonderful day with family and friends. I woke up to open a card from my dearest Angie, and then our campground neighbors first thing before church showered me with "Happy Birthday to you" and a beautiful card and gift. My church friends sang to me and afterward, Kevin, Eric and I had lunch with our good, and dear friends, the K's. Even though Mr. K did a great job embarrassing me, I was still happy to be in their company and they also gave me a beautiful card and gift. Sadly, Kevin had to go to work and I missed him very much. But Eric and I went to my sister's house, which always feels like a "Homecoming" and my parents came and my brother and sister-in-law and their son and it was wonderful! I had the best time being with everyone .... laughing, telling stories, listening to the kids play (and fight!) and giggle and being outside on this lovely evening ... the moon just as big and round as can be... They also gave me gifts that I love and just seemed so perfect. The only things that would have made it better were to have Kevin and Mike, Sarah and Mikey, and Gramma there with us! But the children were wonderful. Emily, Seth and Eric are finally old enough to sing the birthday song and it was the sweetest music ever.

Coming home, I discoverd a sweet card and gift from other campground friends and I just felt so blessed all over again. Birthdays are nice, and its' so especially nice to have such great friends and family who love me ... just the way I am.

And can I tell you, lately, the way I am, has been a little bit weepy and nostalgic, and scared and overwhelmed. But these good people all keep reminding me and pointing me to the Lord, who is in control and is watching over me and is faithful to keep all his promises. Oh, that I may trust him more now and in the year to come.

Over the Hump

I think we've finally turned the corner in the potty training saga. Eric is finally using the potty! He tells us when he has to go ... most of the time. We still need to remind him throughout the day and ask him from time to time to "just try". In 10 days we've only had 5 accidents.

Of course there are little things to master, such as ... pull up your pants before you leave the bathroom, "shake it " over the potty, don't touch toilet seats with your hands, DEFINITELY do not put your hands in "the stream", and other such nuances of potty etiquette. I haven't even really got to Wiping yet.

I must say, this whole experience has been and is as bad as everyone said it would be. When moms would say, "Oh just wait until potty training!", I now totally know what they meant. To you mothers of mere babes, "Just wait!" I have absolutely no advice to offer ...only luck!!

In case I have failed to mention in all my whining and introspection, I am soooo proud of Eric. Every time he runs to the bathroom on his own, my heart leaps and when he announces his good effort, I am cheering him on all the way. This is a major passageway into boyhood from babyhood. And by boy is doing it well.
Way to Go Eric. Mommy really is as proud of you as she tells you she is ... maybe even more.

A Bird Humming & More Potty Training Chronicles

It's such a gorgeous sunny day ... fluffy clouds ...0% humidity ...and even a gentle breeze.

This is such a welcome relief after the extreme heat and humidity early in the week. I feel like today is the rainbow after the great flood. And in all honesty, would I be able to appreciate today so much if I had not suffered Sun. - Wed.?

The potty training continues. As the opening of school is Aug. 27th and looming closer, I get more and more anxious for Eric to be done. Sometimes I think we are making real progress ...like 2 times he's actually told us he had to go, and then did. And then I feel like he is developmentally behind ...like the other night when he pooped in his pull up twice within a 1/2 hour. I mean, what's so hard about going to the potty? I think math is way harder. Does this mean fractions and algebra are going to be worse than this? I dread the thought. I'll start praying now.

I have already turned potty training over to the Lord. When Eric says his prayers each night I also have him say, "Help me to pee in the potty and help me to poop in the potty, too." And then I have him say, "Be with mommy and daddy and help them have patience," because by bedtime we are almost all out.

One special moment yesterday morning when I told Eric to sit on the potty and he was ignoring me and trying to change the subject fast, he said, "Mommy, I just want to look in your window and see a bird humming." (We have humming bird feeders on our picture window and the little darlings are very active and fun to watch!) Potty training stopped being important for just that one minute, when I delighted in my son and his sweet little boyhood innocence.

Then I remembered that he was totally playing me to avoid the potty.

So we compromised. I pulled the little potty in the living room facing the window so he could sit and do business while he watched for ....

a bird humming!

Successfully employed for a week!

Friday evening ... Eric is all tucked in bed after stories and songs, the house is picked up, a favorite soft music cd is on, Kevin just came home from work, and I have 1 week of work under my belt (with a holiday in there, too!).

I'm not going to lie. I feel a little more spent than I usually do. I am so incredibly grateful that I get to ease back into work with 3 1/2 hr days for a few weeks before I go to full days. I also want to add that I like my job, the school, and the people I'm working with. I feel incredibly blessed.

And I want to take this opportunity to thank all my friends, family and church for their wonderful love and support. So many of you have said or sent a kind word of encouragement, helped with Eric, given me gifts, and prayed devotedly. All of it has meant the world to me and I do so appreciate it and you. I love you all so much!!

As for potty training: This past week was a bit of a setback, but we are not daunted. Lots of change and mom and dad have not been as diligent either with reminders and encouragement. We will start anew tomorrow with big boy underwear! I counted 9 pair that are clean tonight. That should get us through tomorrow even if every time is an accident. We are going to save pull ups for long outings and overnight only (and if Gail wants them for naptime ...I wouldn't blame her ... no fun washing blankets if an accident happens)!

So tonight I'm going to bed tired, overwhelmed a bit, but feeling loved! God is great and life is good.

Starting a New Job

Does time ever go quickly! Again, it's been a long time since I posted a message, so again, I'm at it again.

Thank God for AGAIN!

Because he is a great God that forgives me again, and again and again.

So, I start a new job on Monday. Since I don't have an old job, I guess I should amend that to say, "So, I start a job on Monday." I'm going to be the Director of Development at the Wyoming Valley Montessori. I'm very excited because Eric will attend there in the Fall (if we can get through potty training) and it's the kind of work I enjoy. It will be challenging, but God will be with me. I know I'm not alone. I also believe I have great people around me, so it's very exciting. I covet all your prayers though.

Eric is doing very well! He's making progress on the potty and is getting taller. He really is a joy to be around most of the time. He loves everyone.

We are pretty much settled in at our cottage at the Wyoming Campground. We love it here.

I'll post more real soon! Promise!

Love,
Jennie

A little older and a little more blonde

Today I became a little more blonde. And it feels so good!

The aging process hasn't decided I was too worthy to bother with! Lately I look in the mirror and am so surprised by the face staring back at me. I sometimes have to stop and look again. I have white hair starting to frame my face. My eyes are more sunken and baggy and my complexion a bit sallow. My pores are huge too. It makes me wonder how my grandmother feels when she sees her reflection.

It's not that I really believe I am immune to looking older or aging. It's just that I don't feel it. My mind still hasn't comprehended that I'm a grown up. Things I thought I would have figured out by now are still NOT figured out. I still feel 22, hence I guess I think I should look 22. And since my "gray coverage" this afternoon, I still probably don't look 22. But I'd settle with 26!

I also had my first Lip Wax! Wahoouch! I thought maybe I should do it since I'm a grown up now ... you know ... getting my hair colored regularly ... an all! ha!ha!

Well, that's enough vanity for one post! Beside's I'm off to do a facial mask!! (Smile!)

BFF: MOM-Style or Ode To Gail

I have not had a post lately ... because I've been reading so many blogs lately that by the time I get around to doing my own, I'm exhausted, or have just spent too long on the computer.

But in my blog reading Beth Moore from Living Proof Ministries made an entry about how glad her daughter had good mom friends, and how much she appreciated having a mom friend. This led Sarah from In the Midst of It to post about her mom friend and Clemntine from What's up Buttercup to talk about her mom friend experiences. And it just so happens that my best mom friend just created a post about me being her best mom friend, and so.....

It's my turn to tell you about Gail, my best mom friend!

(A mom friend to me is different than say school friends, college friends, work friends, etc. What makes a mom friend is 1. We are both moms 2. We need each other to talk about the mom thing and the wife thing and all the other roles we play and 3. We would be best buddies even if we didn't have kids or husbands or other roles to play because there is so much more we appreciate about each other.)

Here's my side of the story of meeting Gail. I saw her at a women's bible study that I had just started attending so I didn't know many people and I was trying to learn everyone's name and sizing them up in my mind. When I saw Gail, I thought, "Oh, she's very pretty and she sings so beautifully, and she seems so nice. I wonder if I'll ever get to know her." And the next week, she sat right behind me, singing to Jesus in her beautiful voice. And then we happened to be in the same Bible study class and sat right next to each other! We chatted a little bit ... small talk and I think it was mostly about our husbands ... how they were BIG sports fans and would probably get along well together. I was pregnant with Eric and Gail was excited for me I could tell. I know I left the church that day happier and remember even telling Kevin about meeting her. We shared small talk a few times and when I missed Bible study a few weeks in a row, she called me to check on me. And then she kept calling and invited Kevin and I to her house for New Year's Eve. And then she came to see me in the hospital when Eric was born with the cutest little outfit.

Well, I have been in love with her and our friendship since the first day I met her and I am sooooo blessed and thankful for her taking the lead early in our friendship because, to be honest, I thought she was too nice and pretty and talented to want to be my friend. And it's not because my self esteem is that low, but it's just what I thought in my silly old head.

I hadn't had a great friend since college, so Gail was a Godsend. She and I had BOTH been praying to meet another woman friend to connect with in a special meaningful friendship and I can say in all truth, it has been such a sweet and blessed answer from God.

Last night, she and I went shopping and she helped me find the perfect curtain rods and valances for my living room. Afterward we stopped for a cup of tea and coffee and we chatted non-stop and laughed and giggled and it was sooooo wonderful! If I could bottle the evenings joy and sell it, it would be worth thousands!!

Thank you Gail! You always make me want to be a better person. You are just beautiful, gifted, kind, generous, loving, motivated, organized, neat, fun, and smart. You are a great wife and mom. I learn so much from you. And you are the best darn tea brewer I know! It tastes so much better when you make it.

So thank you God for Gail! "Jennie + Gail = Best Friends Forever"

Oh be careful little mouth what you say!

For my oh so few readers, I would like to apologize for the length of the last post! I was really on a roll!

Yesterday, my sister and I, along with her sweet mother-in-law, Clara, went to a Ladies Easter Tea at the Montrose Bible Conference. It was so nice to take a much needed respite in the middle of a busy week to reflect on Holy Week and Easter. The music, a dramatic monologue, and the message all served my need to just worship with Jesus.

I love church, but sometimes I do get caught up in the details and miss the Holy Spirit filling up my soul. An attitude of worship has new meaning to me now that I'm a mother. I hope it doesn't sound selfish, but I just love to be fed and filled with our Lord uninterrupted.

The speaker yesterday at our tea, gave a wonderful message on taking care how we use our words. It sounds pretty obvious, but we are ALL guilty of not using our words to honor God. I know I am much quicker to speak than to listen. I rarely think before I speak. And while I don't want to admit to being guilty of the G word (gossip), I know that I am. She gave some examples that really hit home too! I was definitely "Rootching" in my chair, and not just because the room was Hot! Or was it really hot? Anyway, she also gave some advice on how to be more honorable to others and to God with what we say ... and don't say. I pray that it stays in my heart and that as I try to do better in this area of my life, it becomes a healthy habit!

I've also noticed that Eric is a little bolder with his language too now that he is talking more. He is getting to be a pretty good/bad backtalker. I guess we have something in common to work on together!

Recognizing what its all about

Last Friday I got to thinking, "I'll bet there are lots of Easter egg hunts tomorrow ... And I'll bet Eric is old enough and smart enough now to get the hang of finding Easter eggs (at least I hope he finally is!)." So on Saturday morning I called my friend Missy, who is really into these kinds of things, to see if she was taking her kids to any egg hunts. Of course, they were planning to go to 3 of them!!! We agreed to meet up at the first one and go from there. I was a bit hesitant to commit to all three. I was thinking one would be fine. Well it turns out that we both went to an egg hunt at 1o am on Sat. morning on Third Ave, but who knew that there were two different egg hunts going on ... on the same street at the same time!!

I thought the egg hunt I was at was at a Rec. Center because all the activity was going on behind the Rec. center building. I saw the deranged looking Easter Bunny, the crowd of people with basket-carrying children, but I couldn't find Missy. I was a few minutes late also and all the 1-4 yr. olds were already in the fenced in area picking up eggs. All my hype for Eric having a great time at an Easter egg hunt was starting to dwindle ... disappointments were piling up. Eric was still happy to see the crazy looking Easter Bunny, and watch a bunch of balloons that had come loose drift slowly away. We could have left right then and he would have been just as happy. when we got there.

I was trying to decide what to do ... when they announced that 5-8 yr olds were next and could come into the fenced in area and line up. A mom will do anything for her child to experience what children are supposed to experience, so I asked if we could join these "big" kids. It was no problem and there were several other "under 5" children whose parents must have been late also. We lined up ... all 50 or so children and look into the basketball court sized area in front of us with maybe (and that's a big maybe) 100 pastel plastic eggs. The woman in charge instructed us that parents could help children under 3 pick up eggs, but they were only allowed to pick up 3 eggs for their child. All children picking up their own eggs could pick up as many as they could. My heart sank. How on earth were we going to get eggs for our basket?! I was never good at math, but I could see the ratio of eggs to kids was going to equal disappointed kids! I started to reason how thankful I was that Eric was too little to really understand the competition, when our line of greedy egg grabbers started inching closer to the field of eggs. What should I do? Maintain position. Move up too. Tell them to move back. Why was this feeling like a moral dilemma?? We held to the rules and stayed where we were and then the woman in charge said, "Go!" I urged Eric forward and in the rush for booty, a small cache of 3 eggs were overlooked. I herded Eric toward them and he managed to pick up 2 of them before the third was snatched away even as he reached for it. I relaxed. Eric did what we were there to do. We even gave one of his precious eggs to a little boy who didn't have any.

And then we went to stand in the VERY LONG line to redeem our eggs for prizes (or in our case: egg for prize). There were sad children who didn't get any eggs and then there were bold ones boasting of their 8 and 10 egg bounty. I also learned at this point that I wasn't at the rec. center, but at a nursing home, and in addition to prizes (even to those who didn't get any eggs) they had hot dogs, chips, and drinks. We chatted with a few moms and kids in line around us, but I was still feeling a little irritated at the whole process. Why didn't they tell all the kids they could only pick up 3 eggs at most? How could some parents encourage their kids to get the most instead of sharing with those crying ones who weren't fast enough? Good grief! An Easter egg hunt should NOT be Survival of the Fittest. Even as I was thinking about this, a woman from the local paper told us they had taken our picture and asked for our names. So much for smiling! I didn't even know the camera was on us.

Inside, nursing home employees were passing out prizes, dishing out hot dogs, and serving their young guests. And their residents, young at heart, if not of body, looked on. The staff had arranged that the exit would take guests through the halls of the facility past the residents, who were mostly all in the hallway, and then to the parking lot. As we threw our trash away and organized our basket, egg and prize plasic inflatable rabbit, it occurred to me that all the work that went into this event was not about prizes, polite and charitable children and parents, Easter Bunnys, or served hot dogs. It was about bringing joy to people confined to a care facility who probably don't see many young faces close up throughout the year. And for me and I hope others, awareness of a population of our society who are often forgotten. I felt like the Grinch whose heart had also grown 3 sizes that day. I encouraged Eric to say thank you to people and "Happy Easter!". I had him give Hi-5's to as many as I could. The smiles he got bring tears to my eyes even now. God bless him. God bless them all.

I will always remember this Easter Egg Hunt and what I learned. And I pray I will teach it to Eric and apply it to all areas of my life. I thought it was about finding Easter eggs, prizes and the "Ultimate" experience. No. It wasn't that at all.

It's like life. I tend to get bogged down thinking about the details. I think it's about finding contentment instead of being content. I am after the "Ultimate" experience.

No. It's about Jesus. It's all about Jesus. And his grace and mercy and love. Amen!

It reminds me of the line in a worship song .... "It's all about you, Jesus. It's not about me, as if you should do things my way. You alone are God, and I surrender. I surrender to your ways.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for my self centeredness. Forgive me too for being so critical of situations around me and failing to see You and your goodness. Lord, when I am like this, my mind is closed to you, and I don't want to be closed from you at all. I know that with Jesus, all things are possible. Thank you. I thank you for all those who work in nursing homes and care for those who are sick, and weak, and too unwell to care for themselves. I pray that you would keep their hearts from being hardened and help them be renewed in showing love and kindness to their patients. Father, I pray for all these people who are patients in nursing homes. Father, if they do not know you, I pray that they would come to put their hope and trust in you. I pray that they all would know your presence, your peace, and your abiding love. Thank you for allowing Eric and I to touch a few of their hearts in just a small way. Lord, I pray you were reflected in our smiles and handshakes and hi-fives. Show us more ways that we may serve you and bring joy to others who particularly need it. and Help us to Surrender to You. Amen.

This smile gets me every time!

Here's my happy boy! I just needed to share his picture because his personality really shines through. Note the crazy hair. It looks like that more often than not. He says of this picture, "That's Eric and Mick-a Mouse." I hope to share more pictures in the future ... but with dial up it may take a day or two to load them! Have a great day!

The sun just kissed me!

Hurray for these past few days of springlike weather! Eric and I went for a walk around the neighborhood yesterday, and today we were outside blowing bubbles after we ran our errands. Tomorrow is supposed to be close to 70 degrees, too! I might break out the sidewalk chalk!
As we started our walk yesterday in the afternoon sunshine my precious little boy said, "Oooooo! The sun just kissed me, Mommy." He giggled like it tickled and went on about his business. And I could not have been happier. (When we are in the car and the sun is in his eyes I am the one telling him not to cry because the sun was kissing him.)
Not a block later, he continued to amuse me by playing with his shadow and talking to it as we passed a white building and big parking lot. I could have stayed all day watching them jump together and dance, lose each other and then happily find each other again. Peter Pan would have been proud.
We also found a scary playground ...scary because of all the "big" kids with skate boards, profanity on every surface of equipment, empty beer cans, cigarette packs, and 2 teenagers making out without a care in the world of who saw them. There was a nice dad and his daughter though too. Eric spotted the slide before I could properly assess the situation and get us out of there. So, I thought to myself, don't be so uppity Jennie, just let the kid play. As long as there is no broken glass, needles or anything else to get hurt on, you will be fine. And so, we took a few turns down the slide and up and down ladders and steps before leaving. And Eric said hi to the 2 necking teenagers and I wished I could be as friendly and innocent as he was. And even more, I wished the 2 necking teenagers were more innocent, too ... at the very least more respectful of a mom and her 3 year old going to a park where 3 year old should be able to run and play without seeing young teenagers pretending to be grown up.
After the park, the walk just wasn't the same for me. Or Eric ... he cried when I made him leave the park! At least until we found our shadows again!
Lest you think this walk was all so deeply profound, let me tell you that if I told Eric, "Please hold me hand," once, I told him a hundred times! And most of the time, he didn't cooperate, and that sent me into the "You'll get hit by a car", or "Someone will take you" or "Mommy is trying to keep you safe" lecture. And by the end of the walk, he was getting the "You're never going to go for a walk with mommy again" and the "If you're too tired to walk and hold my hand, then you must be ready for bed" speeches.
Thank goodness for shadows and sun kisses to erase the memories of the last part! They must be erased for Eric too for as good as he listens! Ha!Ha!

Down but not Out

I've been on pins and needles the past week wondering about a job I interviewed for at a local private school. It was for an office assistant position that was a 10 mo. job which of course would mean summers off to be with my little Eric. Now, I've been on the fence about going back to work, so this seemed like a pretty ideal arrangement.

Well, the Lord has other plans for me. I just received the "dear john" letter today that said I was great but that they decided to hire someone else. And I sort of anticipated this letter since I knew they were in a hurry to fill the position.

But it feels like the pits. It's hard not to take it personally, although I know it's not. And I really did ask God to close the door on this job if it wasn't His will. And I know but I know that God is in the midst of this decision. He is telling me the time is not yet right to go back to work, and that something else is going to come along.

So, I'll just keep trusting Him, and trying to be faithful.

And to cheer myself up, I'm going to post my new resolutions to get over not getting this job. I'm going to tackle potty training full force. I'm going to pray for God to help renew my spirit about housecleaning and home management. Since I have been looking at day cares and preschools, I'm inspired to work harder at building learning activities into Eric's day. And on April 3rd I'm going to a Women's Luncheon with my sister! And of course, I'll keep my eye on the classifieds too!

I only hope Kevin will get over it as well .... The dollar signs in his eyes are just puddles now. While I'm not a fan of SpongeBob, I have to say that Kevin has reminded me a little of Mr. Crabs lately. Maybe there are other lessons for us to learn here as well ....

Cleaning, UGHHHH!!!!

Well, here I am at the computer when my to do list of cleaning chores is a mile long.

It's not that I don't like things neat and clean. I do. I really do.

But for some reason, my get up and go, gets up and goes when I have to do housework. I am ashamed to admit it. But it's true.

The only time I can get my behind in gear is if I am expecting company, and only then do I shift into turbo.

Thus the solution should be to invite company to my house at least twice a week.

And so, I have invited Gail and Susan and their kids to lunch on Friday. (I just hope they don't bring their white gloves! ha!ha!)

Keeping up with Gail!

I love reading other people's blogs. There are about 3 or 4 that I regularly check out. I say that nonchalantly, but sometimes I go to their blogs before I read my own e-mail. I don't know these women personally, but they do inspire me. They make me laugh and cry with stories from their lives -- their ORDINARY lives. They love Jesus, their families, their friends and they try to live their lives making a difference. They are the kind of women I try to be and the kind of women I would love to have as friends. (They are also really great writers, too.) So I read their blogs regularly and was thus inspired last summer to start my own blog.

But ...
I only wrote one and didn't think anything I had to say sounded very good after that. I wrote a few more blogs, but deleted them because I didn't like my "tone" or thought my writing wasn't good enough.

Then...
My best buddy Gail (who I actually know personally!) started her own blog, and I am so proud of her. And I love to go to her blog now and see what she has written. When we were together yesterday (in person!) I shared with her how happy I was she was blogging when she reminded me that the ONLY post I have on my blog is "Happy Birthday to Me!"

How narcissistic am I? So, I decided I'd better put on at least one more post.

And because I love and admire Gail so much, I am usually tagging right along behind her, so don't be surprised if I try to keep up this blogging for awhile.

Thanks for visiting!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I'm just coming off a wonderful birthday weekend. Don't you just love when your birthday falls on a Saturday? There's no way it won't be happy. Saturdays and birthdays by their very nature are just that ... happy! Anyway, my husband, Kevin took me to lunch on Friday for Japanese at Katana. This restaurant is located near where I used to work, so I ate there at least once a month. And it's been about five years since I worked there so that's about how long it's been since I ate there. It was fabulous. I had the Bento Chicken Katsu with brown rice, Miso soup and a salad. Then he took me to the movies. We saw "Invincible". It was a great sports movie, but not my usual choice. There was nothing else playing that interested me, and mostly I was just happy to be out with my husband sans child. (Thanks Gail for keeping Eric for us!) We had dinner and cake with our friends Ed and Gail and Kurtis, and it was a perfect day!

And that wasn't even my birthday! Kevin likes to joke that my birthday usually lasts more than one day. He's right and jealous. My parents and siblings and families celebrated on Sat. with dinner and just hanging out together. My dad also surprised my mom with her birthday present a week early. He gave her a computer! Maybe we'll be a blogging family.

Mostly though I just feel so loved. I received the most thoughtful cards and gifts and good wishes that I am blessed for another year. Thanks to all of you. And thanks to God for creating me and giving me life for these 34 years. (Thanks Colleen for reminding me of this!)

A Beginning

Not much to say. It's taken me too long to figure out how to do this. Tomorrow I'll get organized.