Saturday night stitching

I have a friend who requested 4 corner bookmarks with green lace.  I ordered 4 from my friend in Canada and made these:

They are all just a little different.  The two pink ones on the right are made with satin floss so they are shinny.   I lined them all like this:

So that the stitching doesn't show.  I hope my friend likes them!

Auction Fever

My intent last night was to go home and get Michael and get something for him to wear tonight.  But he really didn't want any company.  He told work he was taking today off so he is going shopping today.

So I went to the auction and Andrew went to get his haircut.  Now please don't judge me for leaving Michael home alone.  I am certain he wanted time to himself.  And I know I can be a *bit* overbearing at times.

Daddy wasn't at the auction last night - Al (Denise's Husband) is a truck driver and was in the area so he and dad went to dinner.  My purse strap broke on Tuesday and I saw some purses I liked on the auction website.  I figured I could get a good quality purse at the auction house for the same amount of $$ I'd spend at KMart.

Then I saw Andrew walk in!  Usually he doesn't go because it is a school night.  But being right before Spring Break I guess the homework load was light.  He has been to auctions before but was still amazed at the how fast the auctioneer talked!  He was having trouble following so I explained the price of the items till he got it.

And boy did he get it.  =)

They had some actual fencing swords...I think there were 6 or 8 in the bunch.  Andrew thought that was cool.  But when the barkers (I think that is the official name) mentioned how good these would be for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows Andrew was sold.  It was so funny.  At least when the bidding got over his budget he quit.  They would have been perfect for sure because the swords have a protector around the hand so you hand wouldn't get too hot while roasting!!!

A little while later they had some neat pineapple and palm tree candle holders.  As you probably know, my family is partial to anything that is tropical/Hawaiian related.  I saw the auctioneer looking towards me to someone that was bidding behind me.  Well, the bidder behind me won them.  They were separated into two sets (one set pineapple, one set palm trees) and the bidder won the auction at $8.00 and they could buy one or two sets.  Next think I know I hear Andrew say that he'll take both!!  Mike, the auctioneer ask him for his bidders number so suddenly I am scrambling to find MY bidders number!! So we are now the proud owners of this:

(insert picture here)

So now I need to find some good candles for them.  I think we'll put them on the shelves above the entertainment center!

Andrew also bought a neat piece of framed artwork that is now hanging above his bed!  It is a yarn stitched country church scene.

I wonder if I'll have company next Thursday at the auction?  If so, I hope Andrew gets lots of hours at work while he is on Spring Break!!!

BTW...I got a purse that I love for $25.00!

Prayer Request Please...

We found out yesterday that Michael lost his cousin Jeff.   Although they weren't super close, they did live together prior to us getting married and it was probably the one he was closest too.

Michael is pretty upset - just as I think he is turning the leaf on his depression, something like this happens and he is blue again.

Compassion International "Adoption"

I mentioned a few weeks ago I signed up to sponsor a child from Compassion International.  I hadn't heard or seen anything yet so yesterday I contacted them.  Well, since I specifically wanted a child in the Mathare Valley it takes a longer to find a child. So after an fun "live chat" with Brett w/Compassion I decided to just go ahead and sponsor one in Kenya.  I mean, all the kids are screened and are in need.  Since I'm going to a specific area it would have been nice to have a personal connection but I know that is not the purpose behind sponoring a child. 

But I decided that I wanted one in Kenya.  I also wanted one that has been on the waiting list for a while.   That narrowed it down to about a dozen kids - and they were all boys.   Do you know how hard that is?  To pick one over the other.  I looked at each boy and the area they lived seeing if I could find close to where I will be at.  I was sure I wanted an older child - seems like all the girls and younger kids get picked first.  I was hoping I felt a leading towards one or another - It didn't happen.  I finally found a link that said, "Let us pick your child" - POW!  I was so there! 

So it's official!  I should find out more information in the next day or two!  I will share everything as soon as I find out!  I'm so excited to finally step up to the plate and do this! 

41% - Mission Trip Progress

Things are moving right along!  As I previously posted, I am over 1/3 of the way there!  To put it a different way, I am  41% of my goal!!  How exciting is that!?!!?

Today I appiled for my passport.  Not impressed with the picture, but oh well.  I should have it by the end of April he was saying!  How exciting is that? 

I know the leader of my trip was back from Haiti Monday or Tuesday - hopefully she'll be able to mail my trip packet by the end of this week.  I know she probably has a horrible case of jet lag.  I know my travel time is something like 23 hours.  Maybe that is a good thing.  We will be getting there a full day ahead and not something like the middle of the night.  Does that make sense?  Or maybe that is just me making myself feel better!

Anyhow, I'll update with the scoop just as soon as I get my trip packet!

Well the weekend was wonderful.  We had absolutely WONDERFUL weather on Saturday. I started it out making breakfast for the boys and waking their lazy butts up at 10am.  Did a little cleaning, did a little yard work (yes, I got the day lilies moved) and just enjoyed the day.  It's amazing how such wonderful weather can just make my mood!  The sun was shining the house was opened up and the breeze was perfect!  

Sunday it got cooler and cloudy.  Didn't do much after Sunday school and church.  I think I tried to nap, but that didn't happen.  Spent the evening stitching while we watched Amazing Race and Undercover Boss.  Two of my favorite shows!

Michael and I are doing the NCAA brackets.  He spends time picking his bracket, and I usually just pick names I like and usually I'm in the kitchen or something and he just reads me team names.  Loser has to make breakfast in bed/buy breakfast out for the winner.  Looks like I picked a few of the great upsets.  I usually do well, but Michael tends to pull it out in the end.  But it looks like I have a chance this year!

Andrew got his review back from the Academic Meet on Friday.  Total possible score from each judge is 100 and one judge gave him an 88 and the other a 91.  They both marked off for watching his outline/notes a little too much and a point here for this and a point there for that.  We are proud of him for stepping so out of his comfort zone and rising to the challenge!  He's still set on not doing it next year!

Oh!  Heather accepted his request to go to the Jr/Sr Banquet in May!  I think he is excited!  They don't do a prom because that goes against the code of conduct between opposite sexes  - so they do a formal dinner instead. I'm wanting him to get a tux, but he said he wants to wear his suit.  =)  I'm still working on him!  They have pretty strict dress regulations as well so I'll have to pass that on to Stacy (Heather's mom, my friend since grade school).  

Bible Study was amazing tonight.  Still on Peter and tonight was about when Jesus washed the disciples feet at the Last Supper.  Talk about seeing things for the first time even though you KNOW the story inside out!  Here are a few things - Jesus even washed Judas' feet - even though Jesus knew what Judas was about to do.  Jesus still served Judas.  WOW.  How many times do I fail to serve those that have hurt me in the past?   Human love is completely conditional.  We love people who are lovable.  We don't want to help them when they are unloveable (or didn't follow our advice or didn't do what they promised or hurt us in some way.)  We don't love people who resent us, are holding a grudge against us or something like that.  Jesus love us unconditionally.  We can never earn His love - it wasn't the nails that held Him to the cross - it was His love for us.  Are we shallow enough to think that ANYTHING we do can be worthy of His sacrifice?  We can never be too bad to not be loved by Him - He willingly, freely died for us.  We can never be good enough to deserve His love - we are sinful, prideful people.  We are like a thermostat when it comes to loving people - hot and cold depending on the people around us.  Jesus loves me...loves YOU...just you are.  WOW!  And I was SO MEANT to go to this study tonight.  We talked about a few things that just brought me to tears - and tomorrow I have a few people that I will be asking forgiveness from.  I need to learn Humility - Not thinking more highly of myself.  To not be proud, arrogant and learn to serve others as Jesus served.    And when Jesus went to wash Peter's feet  - Peter said that Jesus would never wash his feet.  How many times do we refuse to let Jesus wash away our sins?  How many times do we tell Jesus that we don't need him to wash something away because we want to hold onto it (especially when it comes to relationships and past hurts?)  - Anyhow - What a blessing this Bible Study is!  I want to change!  Like the song from Rich Mullins goes "Step by step He leads me, and I will follow Him all of my days"

1/3 of the way there!

I'm just in shock.  It's been two weeks since I started fundraising.  And today I am officially over 1/3 of the way there! 

My trip leader should be back from Haiti anyday now - so I should have my trip packet next week!  I'll be sure to share everything I find out!

In the meantime, here are some photos from last year's trip to the same place.  Note that the mission group brought over-the-counter medicine for the outreach program there (I will be responsible for that as well) as well as crafts and even some candy!  I'm thinking some Smarties and some Dum-Dum suckers.   I can get lots of them for a good price! 

Anyhow - enjoy!  There are a few hundred pictures to view - so make some time to browse the pictures!

Kenya #1 2009

Kenya #2 2009

Kenya #3 2009

Where did the week go?

It ended up feeling like a busy week.  Either that or I'm still not adjusted to Daylight savings!

I've been really tired in the evenings lately - I think I was in bed every night but one by 9pm.  I didn't even go to the auction with Daddy on Thursday and I know I was asleep by 8pm on the couch!  I got my blood results back and the Dr. said my Vitamin D is low and to get on some medicine.  So maybe that'll help!

Andrew was in the school's academic meet yesterday so I took the day off from work to go with him.  It was all the way up in South Bend!  It was about a 3 hour trip.  We had to be at school at 6am!!  They took two vans and I followed behind in my car.  The first 1/2 of the trip Andrew rode in the van (we thought he had to) but when we did a potty break he came back to my car.  The vans don't have radios and only cassette players (and no tapes!)  I had tunes! We get to the church/school and about 9:15 and Andrew was scheduled to preach at 10:30.  I think I was an nervous as he was.  He did a great job!  His sermon was on forgiveness.   It had to be between 10 & 15 minutes long.  He had good eye contact, he used his hands and facial expressions well.   I though he did a great job!  The kid before him went for 10 minutes and 6 seconds (the Proctor said the kid prayed a nice long prayer to meet his time requirement) - Andrew was 14 minutes 45 seconds including his prayer (needless to say Andrew's prayer was SHORT.)  After he was done we were free to do what we wanted until 4:15 when the choir had to get together to practice to preform at 4:30.  During lunch I asked him if he would do it again.  He said, "Not unless God calls me to do it again" - bless his heart!  Needless to say it was a long day.  At one point Andrew went out to my car to sleep.  Something about being up late the night before even though I had said go to bed EARLY Thursday night (but when mom goes to bed at 8, the boys decided otherwise.)  Anyhow, even though Andrew didn't place in the competition, he did an amazing job rising to the call.  We left about 6 and was so glad to get home at 8:30!  The choir did good as well. It's hard for the smaller schools (BA has less than 350 kids from K4-grade 12) compared to some of the schools that had a BUNCH of kids - but Baptist Academy held their own!

I did see one amazing Science Fair project.  It was the effect of microwave water on mice. Two tanks set up - mice in each.  The control group used distilled water and the microwave group had their water microwaved prior to putting it in their water bottle.  Although the student was unable to prove his hypothesis, there were some amazing results.   The microwave group slept in erratic positions on top of each other (compared to the organized sleeping from the control group as well as when you see them in the pet store), 2 of the mice in the microwave group died with tumors and the microwave group was more hyper, active and didn't go into their house much.  Wow.  Makes ME want to do some more research on that!

I think I'm gonna move some day lilies today from the area where they stump used to be over to the one side of the deck that doesn't have any.  We've had wonderful spring like weather this week so I've got the bug!  It's gonna rain and cooler tonight and rain all day tomorrow so I want to get it done!

Anyhow, that is about it.  I know I missed a bunch of stuff this week to share, but I'll share it as I remember!!

Heavenly Father I thank you for your calling.  Holy Spirit I thank you for stirring our souls to step out of our comfort zones to do what we normally wouldn't do for your glory and our growth.  I pray that we continue to listen to Your still small voice for Your will in our lives.  Thank you for being with us as we grow in You!

97%

Just wanted you to know that I got a 97% on my Census test!  So hopefully that will be enough to convince them that they need to hire me for an inside job!  =)

The weekend is over.... =(

I'm up early today - we have an office advance to go to.  I really like the way they do them.  We used to go offsite and just do meeting stuff (and when I first started they were overnight visits) but now we actually go to a job site and get to tour the buildings before we do meeting stuff.  It's a nice addition for those of us who never get to go to job sites.   So this morning we are going to Marian University.  And although I don't have to be there any earlier than when I normally have to be at work, I have to drive farther, so my butt is up early. 

Weekend was good.  I went to the auction with Daddy.  I only bought a blender for $5.00 but Daddy got some stuff.  I hope he does good on EBay with it!  It started raining about an hour into it.  I pretty much stood under a tree (not that it helped much, there aren't any leaves on the trees yet) - but I was guarding Daddy's loot! 

I went and took the test for the Census - nothing like a 28 general knowledge test in 30 minutes to make you feel stupid.  Most of it was very easy.  Basic math and reading - stuff like that.  But they had two questions that I had to skip and then go back to them.  One I figured out but the other one I had to guess on.  Good thing it was multiple guess!!!  Anyhow, I came home pretty deflated about getting a job there in the office.  My Sunday school group was very supportive about it so that helped encourage me. I didn't realize how much I was counting on this job ($15.00 and hour!!) to help offset the cost of my trip.  BUT if nothing comes from it I know there are other jobs out there and it's still early enough to find something.

I called Archivers to find out about going up there and making cards, but there was a scrap booking party there Saturday night so I couldn't go up.  BUT I did manage to make 12 cards here at home and I think they turned out pretty nice!  I did run out to Hobby Lobby to get some glue dots ($4.99) but that was it.  I turned them in Sunday morning - I hope they like them!

Church was amazing again yesterday.  Service was really good - talking about the importance of working out issues in a marriage.  And I can attest to that.  Early on we had some issues and I'm so thankful that we worked through them!  Sunday school was good too.  I've mentioned before the age range in our class and I think we go from late 70's down to Andrew.  And everyone's input is great!  It's nice to see Andrew comfortable there too.  I am truly blessed to be able to attend a Godly church with Godly believers.

Not sure I have anything going on this week.  Except that I need to go to the dentist for an abscess on the left side of my jaw.  It doesn't hurt all the time, but it is the side of a marble and it hurts to smile.  So that is on the agenda today too.  I think God is working on me.  I realized that I have no right to bellyache about my shots for my trip  - hummm...think he is teaching me to not bellyache about the dentist either?  =)

We switched to Daylight Savings this weekend.  I don't adjust well. I love the light evenings, but I don't adjust to the loss of an hour well at all.  And it doesn't help that I was up LATE Saturday night to Sunday (I watched the clock change on TV from 1-3 am) - but hopefully I'll do better.  Mind over matter...right?  Hummm....wonder what jet lag will be like for me!!  =)

Ok, I'm off to finish getting ready for work....

Weekend Happenings!

Not much happened the end of the week.  I was sick Wed night to Thursday - just a completely cranky stomach.  No fever, so I don't think it was a reaction to the shots, both the boys were fine so I don't think it was dinner - maybe I tried to pick something up when I was at the board of heath.  Who knows!  At least it only lasted a short while. 

Today I'm going to an estate auction with Daddy today.  It's right down the street from Papa's house.  I'm not looking for anything special, but just going for the fun of it.  I wish I had a chair or something - this one is outside - the pull everything out of the house except the furniture and it's miserable to do one of these in the rain.  But I've got big umbrella's just in case!

Tonight Andrew works and Michael is going to play poker with the boys so I think I'll go up to Archivers and work on some cards for church.  I'm not sure how all of that works - I think you have to buy your paper there but you get to use all of their tools.  I can fork over a buck or two on paper to be able to use some tools!

Oh!  Still coke free!  Well, I had a can Wednesday night with Joe's, but that was it.  I'm not sure I drank the whole thing - it tasted just ok.  But since then I've had 80% water and 20% milk (or something like that!) and I don't WANT a coke - so I think I'm still doing good!  Did I mention Michael gave up cokes now too?  He is 2 weeks coke free with one can when he was sick and was sick of water and juices.  That is a HUGE thing for him too!  Even bigger than for me!

I think that is all for the weekend.  It's gonna be rainy and cool (typical for March) so it's not a weekend to be outside. 

Spring is in the air!!!

Boy do I have spring fever!!!

Today was beautiful!  It started crisp and cool with a beautiful sunrise and the birds were singing!  We hit 72.  Sunny and 72.  It was warm yet just cool enough.  I'm so glad I have big window's at my desk to enjoy it.  I love being able to open my windows and let the fresh air in at work.

We had Acapulco Joe's for dinner (and lunch tomorrow for all of us!) and Papa came over for a visit.  When Papa was leaving I grabbed the rake and started cleaning up the yard.  We had sticks and limbs that had come down over the winter so I collected those and stared a fire.  I had such a good time.  I've got day lilies coming up (BOY do I have the day lilies coming up!) and my lilac bush has buds.  I know it's early yet to be counting on spring being here for good...but I'm going to enjoy it while I can!  I want to get some sunflower seeds (Andrew's favorite) started  for planting soon and I'm really thinking about getting one of the tomato topsy turvy plants.  Wonder if they really work!

I'm so thankful tonight for the beautiful weather!  My soul is refreshed and peace is in my heart.

Restless Night

They say that dreams are our minds way of dealing with things.

Last night I was dreaming about shots and kids.   Not sure it if was due to my appt yesterday, due to the pictures from the Compassion International group that were posted  of where I am going or what.  But my heart was heavy about the kids not getting the shots they need.  Here I am bellyaching about shots that I need to go on my trip to give kids the shots they need to save their lives.  Parents in the United States have access to free vaccinations that their kids need to keep them healthy.  Polio, Mumps and Measles are practically gone in the US.   The kids in Kenya (and other places) don't have access to shots they need unless others step in to help.  How can a government - people - allow this to happen?

Anyhow, no more bellyaching from me. 

Today, I called Compassion International and sponsored a child!  It's been on my heart for awhile and I've prayed abut it.  I want to sponsor one from the Mathare Valley.  I asked for a little girl.  But I also said that should they have a child that has been waiting for a sponsor that I would take that child instead.

It is $38 to sponsor a child for a month.  Less than $10.00 a week.  I gave up cokes and I was spending more than $10.00 a week on cokes.  So this child isn't "costing" us anything.  But that may soon change as well.  My heart is torn for these kids - and I want to make a difference for as many as I can. So I am gladly going to be going to JoAnns & Hobby Lobby less.  I will  continue to watch my budget and pack my lunch.  

I can't wait.  I will get my information in the mail...I'll keep you posted!

Two down...

I made an appointment today at 4pm for my first two shots. Hepatitis A & B and the T-Dap.

I left work early to come home and change.  I wore a long sleeve shirt to work and decided to come home and change so I didn't have to undress for the nurse.    I get there at 3:55 and sign in.   After some minor confusion between the tetanus and the tetanus/pertussis shot and why I wanted the second one I filled out my paperwork and waited.  It was packed.  Good thing I had an appointment! 

Lots of young young moms there.  Most of them looked like babies themselves.  Maybe it is because I am getting older, but they seemed so young.  Some of them brought friends with them, most of them texted while they were waiting.  There was one young mom there - she had 5 kids.  The oldest had to be no older than 1st grade and the baby was no more than 6 months old.  She sat and read to them - they were so well behaved.  I asked if they were all hers (they were) and I complimented her on how well they were behaved.  I continued to sit and stitch and people watch.  

4:45 they called me back - good thing I had an appointment, huh?  The nurse was nice enough - went over the questions and the side effects - I signed off and it was shot time:

The nurse told me to turn my head, she asked me where I was going and as I was answering I got the shot.  Barely more than a sting.  Then came the second shot - this time the question was when I'm going and she gave me the second shot.  This one stung.  It was the amount of the medicine going in more than the actual shot.  

Two band-aids, $90.00 and out the door I went.  Next shot (part two of three for the Hep A&B) is April 6th.  This summer I'll get Typhoid and Yellow Fever (I hope that is it) and then round 3 for Hep A&B right before I go in September.

I guess it is really happening, huh?  =)

Weekend...

What a whirlwind weekend.  Saturday was a blurr.  Church on Sunday was awesome.  It's hard to explain how and why I like going to church.  I love the music for sure, but it is so much deeper than that.  Pastor Gary (or Gary as he prefers to be called) teaches from the bible.  But he puts so much life into in and makes it real and relevant.  He isn't afraid to step on toes if it is biblical.  Just what I am looking for so I can grow and change.  And my Sunday school group is great too!  There are about 20 of us and it's a nice small group.  Everyone knows everyone and there is friendship, accountability, trust and fun.  We are working our way through the bible - usually one chapter a week.  Right now we are in Joshua - near the end.  The questions are though provoking and challenging and I'm learning so much!

I am ashamed to say that I had really let my laundry pile up.  I wasn't in the mood to go up and down the basement steps over and over doing laundry so I stripped all the beds, grabbed all the comforters and blankets and took everything to the laundry mat and spent 2.5 hours getting it all done.  Kinda an expensive way to do it, but it was nice having it all done.  Andrew was an amazing help - I called when it was all drying and asked for someone to come help fold.  He was up there lickety split helping without a complaint.

Spring is around the corner.  The last few days have been AMAZING - but I heard on the news this morning that more cold is on the way.  I want to get out in my yard but it supposed to be raining when I get home from work tonight.

I haven't been myself lately.  Not sure what it is.  Mom's been on my mind a lot and last night I had a dream about Cocoa dying (it was so sad!) - so that tells me something is going on.  Guess I'll just have to sort it out and go from there.  I haven't even been in the mood to stitch!!! 

I leave work a little early today to go get my first shots.  Hep A & B and the D-Tap.  I'll post pictures. 

Compassion International in the Mathare Valley

MckMama - Mathare Valley

Mathare Valley

Brad Ruggles

many more found HERE.

My morning started out with a fasting blood draw.  I get it done every year because of my RLS medicine.  I was supposed to get it done last Sept when I had my annual, but I kept putting it off.  So when I went to the Dr. this week she told me to go get it done!  They took 6 tubes...SIX!!  But at least she was a good sticker - right in first try and didn't bruise me!

The rest of the day has been hit or miss.  I had to go up to work to make sure a FedEx package was picked up (it was still there when I left yesterday)  - looks like someone brought it back into the office so FedEx couldn't get it.  So I had to run it down to FedEx on the circle.  Whew!

Andrew spend the night at Eric's last night - he had a great time.  We missed him, but it was ok.  Cocoa kept pacing.  Michael is still fighting his cold - he's pretty miserable.  I try to take care of him, but I just stink at it.  You'd think after 21 years of marriage I'd have learned to have patience with him when he is sick and know how to take care of him.  Sigh...hopefully I'll get it one of these days...and soon!

Little bit of stitching, little bit of mission stuff - no cooking or cleaning.  So that is my whole day tomorrow after church.  I hate it when I do that to myself.  I really liked it the other week when I did all that cooking on Saturday - made for a nice week dinner wise.

Heading to bed early tonight.  I plan on going to Archivers or something like that and work on cards for the card ministry at church.  Give me something to do while Andrew is at work and Michael is getting Taco Bell money!

40 Photos & 40 Words

Absolutely wonderful BLOG from one of the team members of the Kenya Compassion International Trip.

Enjoy

Daddy's Girl!

It's official.  I'm daddy's girl!

My birth certificate has had my dad's middle name wrong all these years - Henry - uh...no!

It was never an issue until now that I need to get a passport.  So today I had to go to the board of health and get it corrected.  I called last week and she said I needed a copy of dad's certificate and Nikie's birthdate (since she was born in Indy and dad's information was correct in the computer for her) and I could get it fixed.  

So today I took any early lunch and went and got it!  After an initial scare that I would actually need dad to come down, they decided to go with what I was told last week.  

Twenty-five minutes later it was done.

I'm officially daddy's girl.

Drat, Drat and Double Drat!

Well, didn't get my first shot today.  My plan was to since I had a regular Dr. appt today I would go ahead and get my tetanus shot (it would all be covered under my $20.00 co-pay) - well, at the end of my appt when it was time for my shot I found out they don't do the D-TAP shot that I need.  So I'll add that to my list next Tuesday when I go to the Board of Health. 

Hopefully I'll have better luck tomorrow when I go get my birth certificate fixed!

And I still didn't get my into packet in the mail.  Each day Andrew checks the mailbox for me after school and calls me at work.  HOPEFULLY it'll be here tomorrow!

I've been following the tweets from the Compassion International group - looks like it took them 27 hours to get to Kenya via Amsterdam (per the tweets from someone just north of me in Carmel.)  

Are you kidding me?  =)  I'll need LOTS of leg pills for this trip!

No adventures in the kitchen tonight.  Andrew started dinner (the BBQ ribs I froze two weekends ago) and I finished it up with mac & cheese and green beans.

Michael is down with the cold Andrew gave him.  Hopefully he'll feel better soon!

Other than that, it's been a quiet night.   

Thankful

Since I was heading out tonight to the card ministry Andrew cooked dinner.  Just spaghetti - something quick and easy.  

I come home from work and find the back door wide open.  Now it was a beautiful day and all, but not enough to have the house open!

Andrew (and Cocoa) greet me at the door and Andrew starts in...

"I pulled an Uncle Al today"

Apparently Andrew had put the box of spaghetti on the stove while waiting for the water to boil... nd he turned on the wrong burner.  The awful smell in the house was the box and the spaghetti that had burnt!!!  He showed me the evidence that was in the trash and then the brown lunch bag that held the unburnt spaghetti that he didn't use for dinner.  And it smelled like smoke!  I was going to toss it, but the spaghetti Andrew made for dinner was DELICIOUS!    Maybe this is a new secret ingredient?  =)

So tonight I am thankful.  Thankful that we didn't have a stove fire (Hummm....seeing a pattern here?)  Thankful that Andrew was attentive to the stove and not distracted by the computer or TV.  Thankful that he didn't get burnt while cleaning up. And thankful for a delicious dinner with my family.

Compassion International Trip to Kenya

Shaun Groves, a Christian music artist, has teamed up with Compassion International and a bunch of bloggers (Stellan's parents are a part of the group) for a trip to Kenya.  I don't think they are going to the Mathare Valley, but the will be in the area I'm sure.

You can follow them on Twitter here.  I just thought it would be interesting to see what they all say!

Newest Corner Bookmark

I tried with everything in me to get a really good picture of this bookmark, but I just couldn't do it.  This one is so different than the others becuase I have contrasting colors in the heart compared to the blending colors I've been using.  AND I used gold metallic thread for the bow.  I really really like it.  It seems so warm and inviting.  Others have said it looks Christmasy.  Either way, I know I'll be making more soon!  What do you think of it compared to the others?

BONUS!

When I was 16 Michael gave me my first promise ring.

When I was 17 he gave me my engagment ring.

Less than a month after my 18th birthday, he put my wedding ring on my finger.

I really never took my rings off very much until I was pregnant with Andrew.   It was important (and still is) to always have my ring on.  When I was pregnant I wore them around my neck.  Right after deliverey I put them back on.

Within the last year I finally admitted to myself that the rings were too tight and I had to get them cut off.  Michael cut all 3 of them off, and we only had my wedding ring resized.

It's been a just over a month and a half since I gave up cokes. 

My wedding ring is now loose  - almost too loose to wear. 

Looks like I'll need to get it sized down!!! 

BONUS!   =)

Family Fun Night and more!

Friday night I went and got Super Mario World for the Wii.  It is just like the old game most of us grew up with for the Nintendo (64 maybe?).  I can't begin to explain the fun and laughter we had Friday night.  Andrew was off work and Michael didn't have to work Saturday so we didn't have any kind of a time crunch.  

The game is up to a 4 player game.  Team work is important as well as some sort of video game skill.  If you haven't noticed on previous posts, I suck at video games.  The boys usually play rock/paper/scissors and the loser gets me on their team.  =)  This game was no different, but the laughter was nonstop!  I just have to say thank goodness that you get unlimited lives.  It was funny, there seems to be some sort of a "help" mode for the rookie players where you put a bubble around yourself and float through the game.  Somehow, and I don't know how, I kept bubbling myself (the boys were thankful!) and when you die, you come back in a bubble until a teammate bumps into you.  Well, lets just say that the boys went to great lengths to avoid bumping into me!!  And I have to admit that I did my best to try to get close to them and harass them!! It was so much fun!  I know it sounds rough, but we were laughing for two hours! It was a blast!   

Saturday I had to get two new tires on my car.  No fun.  BUT we found out good news about Andrew's car!!  It was just short on oil!!  Apparently as old as Andrew's car is, it is very sensitive to it's oil level.  So one quart of oil and it is running super smooth!  Andrew is glad to have his car back, although he did admit that he will miss being my chauffeur!  What a sweet kid!

Saturday night I went with a friend to get stuff for my letters.  We found great paper for my letters.  Then we went to the casino.  I know, kinda not right, huh?  =) But it was all good.  I took $15.00 of my budget and played the 2 cent slots.  The three of us found machines next to each other and laughed and giggled for just over an hour.  Was it fun, yea, I had fun with my friends, but not something I would do often.  I've always said that it is a waste of money, but the three of us had a good time so it was worth it.  

I set my appt for my shots starting on Tuesday the 9th.  I'll get the Hepatitis A&B. I'll get shot two of this in a month and then again shot 3 right before I go in September.  Hopefully I'll be able to get my new birth certificate this week.  OH!  And HOPEFULLY I'll get my information packet in the mail tomorrow!!  Then I'll have all the scoop to share!

I did a new bookmark this weekend.  Well the same bookmark as before but new colors!  I'll take a picture tomorrow and post it.  Everyone seems to like it.  I ordered  a bunch more corner bookmarks from my friend in Canada.  People are encouraging me to sell my bookmarks, but right now I'm just enjoying making them.  I'll post pictures tomorrow!