Stuff

I keep telling myself that I should sit down and post something on the blog but as usual I procrastinate and then before I know time has slipped away. 2011 went by so quickly and it looks like 2012 is going to go just as fast.

We moved into our house at the end of April 2011 and decided lets not go crazy, lets live in this house and get to know what we like and dislike before we start remodeling. We did do a little painting and we know that we are going to remodel our kitchen and lay down wood floors but first we want to fix up our pathetic back yard. That is the project we will be working on over the next few months. After that we are going to put in new windows and add insulation. That will be enough for 2012.

We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Hawaii. It was a magical visit with our three daughters and two of their friends. I am so looking forward to going back and due to the fact that there was a problem with our return flight home we will get the chance to go back this year.

We got another dog...it was finally time after losing our two other dogs. Kuma is a spoiled brat but she has quickly become a wonderful addition to this crazy family. I'm enjoying my morning walks with her.

Our two cats are like two old crotchety women. They are getting up there in age and do a lot of sleeping and eating. Our one cat had hyperthyroid problems over the summer and got treatment and now is a tubbo. Looks like another trip to the vet is in order to make sure she does not have hypothyroid. When I look at the two of them one so plump and the other so thin I think of the first part of the Jack Sprat rhyme.

Spring is slow to come to Seattle. It is past the middle of March and some places in the area got snow this morning and it is downright cold in the mornings. We slowly warm up during the day but we are about 5-10 degrees below normal. Lots of rain, rain, rain. I'm not complaining I rather be cool then baking in some of the temps that the rest of the country is having.

April brings the wonder and glory of Easter. I am so thankful that I have a savior that I can turn to know matter what is going on in my life.

Life

Life is such a wonderful adventure. The last time I wrote in the blog was when our wonderful Little Bit died. I did not write after that because I was just in a funk and it has taken time to even want to sit down and write.

In November we enjoyed a great trip to Disneyland. We got the chance to stay at the Disneyland resort and though I enjoyed the resort I realized that it does not have the charm that the Polynesian resort at Disneyworld has.

The Holidays came and went in a flash and then 2011 started. Now it is June and I'm wondering where these past six months have gone!!! 2011 is going way to fast.

In late February we started the hunt for a house and in April we moved into a charming three bedroom home that I totally love. I am so very happy to be here in this home and thank God every day for the wonderful blessing of owning a home.

More to follow!

Little Bit

Today has been a day of tears, sadness and heartache. Our beloved pomeranian Little Bit died. We were lucky and privileged to have her for 10 years and she was the funniest little dog but also a love.

It was just a year and four months ago that we said good-bye to our Sheltie Princess. The pain is now double and as I stated before those who have never bonded with a pet will not really understand. These incredible creatures that God has created give us so much love and joy that they become a family member and it is so difficult when they leave.

Little Bit was a christmas gift to our daughter Candace. Months before Christmas she had stated that she wanted a pomeranian in a basket with a big bow under the christmas tree. That was all my husband needed to start the search and he found her in Virginia. Keith's parents happened to be coming for Christmas and they brought Little Bit, by plane, to Texas from Virginia. It was a delightful moment to see Candace's face light up when she walked through the door and found this wonderful ball of fluff under the Christmas tree. This moment is a treasure on my heart and one of my favorite memories of my oldest daughter and Little Bit.

She loved to ride in the car, guard her slippers, steal the cats food and treats and wanted as much attention we could give her. I am so very grateful that we all got the chance to say good-bye and I do believe that there is a special place in heaven for our pets. I picture Princess going to greet Little Bit and together they are running and playing. I hope she knows how much she was loved and how much she will be missed.

The World is your Oyster! Now go find your Pearl!

We have had several exciting events happen to our family during the past few months. Each one has made Keith and I sit back and try to figure out where did the time go. Our youngest daughter completed her Senior moves in Figure skating and she is now a USFSA gold medallist. Our middle daughter turned 21 and our oldest daughter graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Sociology. They are remarkable young adults and their futures look bright and promising.

Keith and I were talking about our girls which got us thinking about what we could tell each daughter as they continue their life journey as adults. First, finding and doing what you are passionate about gives you power to handle other aspects of your life. Second, fifty years from now, what will you wish you had done? What ever you choose to do make sure it is something that brings you joy. However, always make God and your family your priority. The rewards of God and family last forever. Third, stay optimistic. Keep a good attitude about your situation and about others. Pray continuously! Look to the Bible for answers. Fourth, you will make mistakes along the way but often the tough stuff can better your future. Along with making mistakes don't be afraid of failure....you may fail once, twice, three or more times but that does not mean you are finished and often the failure in life makes you stronger. Finally, I recommend reading Dr. Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go".....never lose your childlike wonder.

Remember the World is your Oyster! Now go find your Pearl!!!

April

Its April! Time has been slipping by and here we are in the month of April. I have always thought April is a month of transition. Winter is being left behind and if you are watching you can see the first signs of "life" make its appearance as the trees start to bud and bloom and the flowers are pushing up and showing their bright and colorful faces. Keith and I took part of an afternoon to go out and explore Magnuson Park in Seattle. This park was a former Navy Airfield which has been transformed into an extremely enjoyable place for recreation and leisure.

Merry Christmas!!!

Rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Savior!!

She really is 18

Heather celebrated her 18th birthday in August. The week of her birthday she kept making the statment that she could not believe she is turning 18. Whenever she said that I would think back to her birthday when she was in grade school. Our home had a terrific back yard with a great big tree perfect for a pinata. I can still "see" Keith hanging the pinata and all the kids taking their turn. It is a simple but fun and special memory.

All our girls are now adults. Its a hard transition for mom and dad....letting go. It really is not easy to do but you have to trust that your children have been prepped for life and that you are always there for them no matter what their age. I also trust that they will turn to God and look to him for guidance not only in times of strife and hardship but when times are good. God always wants the best for his children.

Heather, yes you really are 18 and you have a wonderful path ahead of you. Live your life to the fullest but strive to live a life that is good and one that definitely has God at the center.