My Daughter is a Grown Up

Carley turned 18 last week. She's made a conscience decision that now she has to be a grown-up, and it hasn't been all fun for her. If you asked her, I think she would tell you that she chooses to stay a little girl. But with her predictable maturity and pragmatism, she knows what she needs to do. And she is rising to the occassion. She is such a blessing to our family!



She wanted a cheesecake for her birthday dessert, and gave me three choices of flavors, and I chose to try a peanut butter one. In a word: Rich.




I suspect that this was an assignment in Spanish for Kimball, but still sweet that he gave his sister this valentine.

Kitchen Renovation Begins

We decided months ago that it was time to update our kitchen, to be more beautiful, and my favorite reason, more functional! We learned that our Amish-made cabinets will be done in a couple of weeks, so intensity begins as we make sure the wiring is how it needs to be, the venting, and the preparations for the new floors, including painting the walls. The ceiling was finished last week, with new lights and new paint. Please note that anytime the word "we" happens in connection with real work on this project, it can be substituted for "Todd", or "My Sweetie". He is owning this project, and with the generous help of friends, is taking it in small pieces and getting the job done. The only outside, paid help he will get is from Erwin, the Amish cabinet maker who will also install.

I'm anxious to post a few pictures and update the progress!!

These picture of the demolition of the soffits were actually taken several weeks ago, just after Christmas. That's when we learned that there are pipes hidden in the soffits and that a Sawzall really will saw All, even water pipes!


This picture shows the new canned lights. We still need to choose pendants.

A Real Friend.

Yesterday a friend and I went for a drive. We had a destination and a purpose. We were productive with the errand we ran. But more imporant to me, by far, was the counsel, validation and direction I received from a friend who listened intently and spoke with love. For living such a small life, how can I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders? My challenges must seem pathetic to many, yet they challenge and frustrate me. I know I have it GREAT ... my life is so blessed. But a real friend doesn't brush past that fact and tell you that you have nothing to complain about. I learned yesterday that a real friend sees when you have a need for change and offers encouragement in making the change.

Let's try this again ...

Long time no ... update.
I'm going to see if I can figure it out this time around. :o)

Last Little Family Trip Together

We decided to take one last little trip with just our family before things really start to change. I made an executive decision to go to Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula. I've always wanted to go. And it was beautiful. It's the second largest Falls in North America. It's very remote. And it has a nice 4-mile hike between the smaller lower falls and the larger upper ones. The kids got ahead of us right off the bat, and we heard that had a grand time singing and goofing off on their way, as did we.

The next day we went to Mackinac Island. It was raining and rather chilly when we left on the ferry. Consequently, and to our benefit, not many others chose to visit the island that morning.


By the time we got there the rain stopped and we had such a lovely walk around the homes, including the Governor's mansion


and we played on the lawn of The Grand Hotel




(remember "Somewhere in Time"?).







We biked around the island on tandems






and enjoyed incredible view of lighthouses






and the Mackinaw Bridge on the way back to Mackinaw City.



With the family as a whole, this trip will be a sweet memory to cherish!

Mother's Day Activities

We were involved with the Mothers Day program at church today. Todd was asked to speak, and the talk he gave was just perfectly on target! He spoke about some of the (random) women who have influenced his life for good. He began with the nurse at the hospital when he was born who would not hand him to his mother before his thick mane of red hair was combed flat (only to spring back up again). He named a 5th grade teacher who was mean, but encouraged him to be better. And named Julie Schindler who influenced him with her frugality. He also quoted from Sister Nadauld's talk about the kind of women our world needs more of. It was just a wonderful, encouraging tribute to women, without gushing about mothers or wives. Our entire family also sang with the choir, and I was able to sing in a small group of women a beautiful song called "My Sisters Hands" by Sally DeFord. The memorable part of that for me was that the group included Suzanne Leonhardt, Kierste Wade, Wendy Plewa, and her sister Jenny Jordan Frogley. (There's a little claim to fame for me.)



While I came home and became unconscious on the couch, Todd prepared a fantastic dinner of steaks, flaky biscuits, roasted potatoes and salad.

After dinner activities included the Todd taking a well deserved nap ...



the boys bouncing each other on the trampoline ...




and Carley creating dessert! (Looking forward to forest cake brownies.)


For Mom's Movie Night we'll be viewing my new dvd "Mrs. Minever".

Happy Mothers Day!

Slow Learner

I've just finally been learning how to add pictures. I can't seem to make them do just what I want. But I have been able to go back to older posts and add on to them. This is going to become more fun as I figure things out!

And just for fun (because I think the kids would laugh) here's a picture of Sunday nap time on the little love seat in the living room.