Good Evening -
Just a quick update, we are almost all ready to leave on vacation. All children are packed and their luggage is in the car! They are all in bed and excited about getting up early (well, maybe not excited) and getting on the road. Of course, what am I doing - laundry! Why do I leave it to the last minute???
I also discovered that when I was washing my favorite pair of shorts and capris that there was sewing to be done!! I so cannot sew, much my Aunt's dismay! My Aunt Sharon is a wonderful seamstress! Tonight I called her about something else, and then brought up my needing to sew on a button and how do I get the stitch witchery to stick to my pants? I can never get a button to stay on, but now I know the secret. You start sewing on the button, but you use sew over a toothpick. When you are done, you pull it out and bring the needle back up, but not through the button and wrap it around the thread under the button, but it back down through the fabric and knot it off! THANKS AUNT SHARON - now if only the dryer would get done, I could be almost packed! I've decided to go without the capris - I'm not up to the challenge of getting the hem to stick again! I already fixed it this morning for work - it will just have to wait until I get back home from vacation!
Well - I'm off to get laundry from the dryer and finish my packing! Russell is on his own for packing except for my making sure that he has his wallet this time!
I'll check back in when we return!
Tina
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
An Update..........
Well, the last week and a half has been another crazy one............
We made it to Iowa (after a 2 hour delay - thanks to the Mississippi River and havoc that the flooding caused). Russell and I enjoyed our "night out" on Friday in Champaign, IL. We visited the book store and indulged ourselves in a couple of good books and then a tasty dinner out. We were going to go for a swim at the hotel, but we laid down to watch a bit of TV and were out like a light for the night. The auction took place on Saturday and for the most part the weather cooperated. There was a good turnout according the records and all items that needed to sell, sold. It was a bit sad saying goodbye for one last time, only to know that the next time I returned to Packwood, IA 200 N. Church Street would no longer be the home that both my Mom and Daddy treasured. Thanks for all the prayers, my family and friends - without all of you I would not have been able to be as strong as I was.
It is good to have everyone back home and be back to our summer routine. Last week Brooke visited us for a few days and everyone had a good time. Rachel & I took her shopping to get her "stocked" up with back to school clothes and had a blast. The girls even ended up wanting matching p.j.'s and shirts. Please continue to keep Brooke in your prayers - she needs us to keep on loving her and supporting her, even if from afar. She was with us for only 2 years, but left a lasting impression on all our hearts and will forever be a part of our family!
The week came and went, and the weekend was relaxing and enjoyable. Isaac had a birthday party to attend for one of his friends (we didn't even realized he lived so close). He had a great time and even stayed after the party to play. He hasn't ever really had a friend, especially one that lived so close - a draw back to living in the country. The boy's parents are really nice people and loved having Isaac. Next is our turn to reciprocate and have him over for a play date - but that will have to wait until we get back from vacation.
Yes - we are going on a vacation!!!! I so cannot wait. We have not gone away as a family for several days for a few years now. We are leaving Friday bright and early for Gatlinburg, TN! One of my most favorite places (plus it holds a dear place in my heart, as it was on a trip to Gatlinburg with the love of my life that we decided we didn't want to live without the other one)! We are going to be spending time with my brother-in-law Brad, Sister-in-Law, Glenda. nephew Brian and Brian's cousin. Originally the boys were suppose to camp while the girls got to stay in the hotel. But like all good plans, they sometimes get altered just as ours has. Now everyone is going to stay in the hotel - we are looking forward to the time away and time to spend with family! We won't be home until Monday evening. While there I get to do a fair amount of shopping - even looking for accessories to go with my new Vera Bradley purse that I received for my birthday - I can hardly wait!
I am hoping to have lots of pictures to post - as I am not only taking my camera, but Rachel's too! Her camera with the memory card can hold over 150 photos. Plus if needed we will have the laptop with us, so I can always download and keep on clicking!
We still don't have a band director - we are praying that we have one by the beginning of school! School is just a few weeks away for our children - 2 of the 3 aren't ready to go back. For those of you that really know our children, I'm sure you can figure out who is ready, and has been ready to go back.
I'm signing off for now, as I have to work on getting my clothes ironed for work tomorrow and my work laundry in the washer (the only thing I'm responsible for washing). I want to be close to being completely packed so that when I come home on Thursday, all we have to do is the finishing touches. I want to be up and out of the house by 6:30 AM - my family thinks I'm nuts, but I am too excited to wait much longer. We have had a few bumps and hills to climb so far this year and this is a much deserved trip for our entire family!
I'll post when we get home from vacation - unless I find a minute to give you all a quick update from beautiful Gatlinburg!
We made it to Iowa (after a 2 hour delay - thanks to the Mississippi River and havoc that the flooding caused). Russell and I enjoyed our "night out" on Friday in Champaign, IL. We visited the book store and indulged ourselves in a couple of good books and then a tasty dinner out. We were going to go for a swim at the hotel, but we laid down to watch a bit of TV and were out like a light for the night. The auction took place on Saturday and for the most part the weather cooperated. There was a good turnout according the records and all items that needed to sell, sold. It was a bit sad saying goodbye for one last time, only to know that the next time I returned to Packwood, IA 200 N. Church Street would no longer be the home that both my Mom and Daddy treasured. Thanks for all the prayers, my family and friends - without all of you I would not have been able to be as strong as I was.
It is good to have everyone back home and be back to our summer routine. Last week Brooke visited us for a few days and everyone had a good time. Rachel & I took her shopping to get her "stocked" up with back to school clothes and had a blast. The girls even ended up wanting matching p.j.'s and shirts. Please continue to keep Brooke in your prayers - she needs us to keep on loving her and supporting her, even if from afar. She was with us for only 2 years, but left a lasting impression on all our hearts and will forever be a part of our family!
The week came and went, and the weekend was relaxing and enjoyable. Isaac had a birthday party to attend for one of his friends (we didn't even realized he lived so close). He had a great time and even stayed after the party to play. He hasn't ever really had a friend, especially one that lived so close - a draw back to living in the country. The boy's parents are really nice people and loved having Isaac. Next is our turn to reciprocate and have him over for a play date - but that will have to wait until we get back from vacation.
Yes - we are going on a vacation!!!! I so cannot wait. We have not gone away as a family for several days for a few years now. We are leaving Friday bright and early for Gatlinburg, TN! One of my most favorite places (plus it holds a dear place in my heart, as it was on a trip to Gatlinburg with the love of my life that we decided we didn't want to live without the other one)! We are going to be spending time with my brother-in-law Brad, Sister-in-Law, Glenda. nephew Brian and Brian's cousin. Originally the boys were suppose to camp while the girls got to stay in the hotel. But like all good plans, they sometimes get altered just as ours has. Now everyone is going to stay in the hotel - we are looking forward to the time away and time to spend with family! We won't be home until Monday evening. While there I get to do a fair amount of shopping - even looking for accessories to go with my new Vera Bradley purse that I received for my birthday - I can hardly wait!
I am hoping to have lots of pictures to post - as I am not only taking my camera, but Rachel's too! Her camera with the memory card can hold over 150 photos. Plus if needed we will have the laptop with us, so I can always download and keep on clicking!
We still don't have a band director - we are praying that we have one by the beginning of school! School is just a few weeks away for our children - 2 of the 3 aren't ready to go back. For those of you that really know our children, I'm sure you can figure out who is ready, and has been ready to go back.
I'm signing off for now, as I have to work on getting my clothes ironed for work tomorrow and my work laundry in the washer (the only thing I'm responsible for washing). I want to be close to being completely packed so that when I come home on Thursday, all we have to do is the finishing touches. I want to be up and out of the house by 6:30 AM - my family thinks I'm nuts, but I am too excited to wait much longer. We have had a few bumps and hills to climb so far this year and this is a much deserved trip for our entire family!
I'll post when we get home from vacation - unless I find a minute to give you all a quick update from beautiful Gatlinburg!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Latest Happenings...........
Just wanted to let you all know that we have not fallen off the face of the earth. We are just crazy busy.
Darryl spent last week in Washington, D.C. with his Aunt Brenda, Aunt Pat, and Cousin Joseph. They were visiting Pat's son, Bryan. Darryl went to see all the great sites that Washington has to offer and had a really good time. Of course, we all missed him (even his sister) terribly. We went to Northern Kentucky last night to pick him up, only to have to get him repacked and ready for Boy Scout Camp. His little brother has been lost without him and it is going to be another long week.
We have managed to get a load of laundry done to get him repacked, dressed and hygiene taken care, uniform shirt ironed, breakfast done, and the dishwasher is running. It has already been a hectic morning. I am praying that nothing gets broken or he doesn't get hurt while at camp.
I hope that you all had a very enjoyable 4th of July! We spent it at home with Laura, Christopher, Laura's Nephew and his friend. It was a really good time, even though the pool was way too cold to swim in. It seemed a bit odd, without our oldest son here, I have decided that I do not like having holidays without our children. I'm not sure what I am going to do when they go off to college and/or grow up and have families of their own. I'm just thankful that time is a long way off.
This week is a mixed emotion week for me. We leave to go to Iowa on Friday for my Daddy's sale. I don't want to be at the auction to watch my childhood be sold for cents on a dollar and things that hold so many memories that I could not bring home. Thank God for the wonderful memories and that no one can take those away. I would really rather not go, however because I am the Executrix, and if the house and vehicles sell, I will need to sign paperwork. Please pray that all goes well and we have a good turnout. I really only care that we make enough from the auction to pay off the debts that were left behind, so I can work on closing this chapter. Not that grief is done in a systematic or logical way, which is very hard for me. All things should have logic and be systematic! I just remind myself that God is in charge of this process and that he will see me through.
On a happier note, I am very excited to report that I am finally feeling a whole lot like the old me, and taken another 3 lbs. off, so that is a total of 78 lbs. lost! This is the first week that I have not taken Alleve at night and only taking 2 in the morning and the best part of all not having to lay back down after having a shower because the pain is so great. THANK GOD FOR WONDERFUL RECOVERIES!!!
I would like to congratulate our niece, Shelly and Brian were married yesterday in Moline, Illinois. We were sad that we couldn't be there to celebrate their special day, but with having to make another trip to Iowa and the price of gas, we just couldn't squeeze it in our budget. CONGRATULATION'S SHELLY & BRIAN - WE WISH YOU THE BEST!!!
This last note of gratitude goes to all the MEN and WOMEN who defend or has defened our country so that we can celebrate the 4th of July and live in a land of freedom! THANK YOU SOLDIERS (Active & Retired) for all that you have done for this great country!! I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.....(Lee Greenwood's song about being proud to be an American comes to mind. Now I will have it singing through my head.)
Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day!
Tina
Darryl spent last week in Washington, D.C. with his Aunt Brenda, Aunt Pat, and Cousin Joseph. They were visiting Pat's son, Bryan. Darryl went to see all the great sites that Washington has to offer and had a really good time. Of course, we all missed him (even his sister) terribly. We went to Northern Kentucky last night to pick him up, only to have to get him repacked and ready for Boy Scout Camp. His little brother has been lost without him and it is going to be another long week.
We have managed to get a load of laundry done to get him repacked, dressed and hygiene taken care, uniform shirt ironed, breakfast done, and the dishwasher is running. It has already been a hectic morning. I am praying that nothing gets broken or he doesn't get hurt while at camp.
I hope that you all had a very enjoyable 4th of July! We spent it at home with Laura, Christopher, Laura's Nephew and his friend. It was a really good time, even though the pool was way too cold to swim in. It seemed a bit odd, without our oldest son here, I have decided that I do not like having holidays without our children. I'm not sure what I am going to do when they go off to college and/or grow up and have families of their own. I'm just thankful that time is a long way off.
This week is a mixed emotion week for me. We leave to go to Iowa on Friday for my Daddy's sale. I don't want to be at the auction to watch my childhood be sold for cents on a dollar and things that hold so many memories that I could not bring home. Thank God for the wonderful memories and that no one can take those away. I would really rather not go, however because I am the Executrix, and if the house and vehicles sell, I will need to sign paperwork. Please pray that all goes well and we have a good turnout. I really only care that we make enough from the auction to pay off the debts that were left behind, so I can work on closing this chapter. Not that grief is done in a systematic or logical way, which is very hard for me. All things should have logic and be systematic! I just remind myself that God is in charge of this process and that he will see me through.
On a happier note, I am very excited to report that I am finally feeling a whole lot like the old me, and taken another 3 lbs. off, so that is a total of 78 lbs. lost! This is the first week that I have not taken Alleve at night and only taking 2 in the morning and the best part of all not having to lay back down after having a shower because the pain is so great. THANK GOD FOR WONDERFUL RECOVERIES!!!
I would like to congratulate our niece, Shelly and Brian were married yesterday in Moline, Illinois. We were sad that we couldn't be there to celebrate their special day, but with having to make another trip to Iowa and the price of gas, we just couldn't squeeze it in our budget. CONGRATULATION'S SHELLY & BRIAN - WE WISH YOU THE BEST!!!
This last note of gratitude goes to all the MEN and WOMEN who defend or has defened our country so that we can celebrate the 4th of July and live in a land of freedom! THANK YOU SOLDIERS (Active & Retired) for all that you have done for this great country!! I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.....(Lee Greenwood's song about being proud to be an American comes to mind. Now I will have it singing through my head.)
Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day!
Tina
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