Experiencing a New Normal

Since TJ's been gone, going to any kind of musical anything is really hard.  Music or any kind of performance (acting, singing, whatever) was where TJ would shine.  His passion for those things was evident.  So now that his presence is gone - all I can do is imagine what he would have been like and to enjoy Anthony, Will and Charlie shine in their performances.  I tell you what - Anthony would have made his big brother so proud this year.  Fourth grade is when the kids get their recorders!  Anthony played TJ's recorder and did it well (I think - how do you really know when there are 40 of them playing at once)!  But then they sang a song - where Anthony got to be one of the four soloists.  I was so shocked when he came home one day from school telling me he had tried out for this and was really hoping he would get it.  And the song they sang was so fitting - I was left with tears running down my face....

Anthony is now old enough or I should say in the right grade to participate in 4-H.  I think between the two of us we were anxiously awaiting this time to come.  I was the same way when TJ was old enough - however, he never got to participate more than just five short months.  I must confess that I have long awaited this time - when my children were old enough to be in 4-H.  I was in it when I was younger and enjoyed every bit of it - ok, not record books!  I had tried to convince TJ to show a steer or heifer - but had no luck.  He did agree to having livestock - just none to show.  So, now that it is Anthony's turn I thought I might get a second chance!  To my surprise he WANTED to show a steer - there was no convincing on my part - seriously!  Weigh in was quickly approaching and we still had nothing.  I began to think about choring in the cold winter months and had tried to convince him to show a heifer instead (those don't have to be...

With trying to finish up the basement, Christmas activities and getting the flu I haven't had the time to update the blog. I'm hoping to do that this week. So stay tuned to hear about Christmas programs, finished basement pictures, Anthony's new 4-H project, Christmas and more!

For the past four years (minus one year in there because of bad weather and no more boxes) our small group from church has traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota to help in the processing center for Operation Christmas Child.  For those of you who have not heard of this it is a ministry by Franklin Graham.  People pack a shoebox with items such as:  toys, clothing, personal hygiene items, candy, etc. to be sent somewhere around the world to bee given to those children who have nothing.  So, at the processing plant it is our job to go through all those boxes to make sure that there are no inappropriate items sent.  This is a lot of fun.  You get to inspect every box - so I am always finding new things to pack in our shoeboxes that we do at home.  They have quite the process to do all of this - there are over 750,000 boxes they inspect just at the Minnesota center.  The first person gets the shoebox out of the larger carton and their...

I'm going to wait until next week - once the carpet has been laid - to show you pictures of the basement.  But thought I'd share a few pictures that give you a little hint on what things sort of look like around here!    My sister Jeana.  She was a HUGE help - she did almost all of the trim work!     Charlie painting his room - yellow!   Anthony painting his room - green!  Dad helping in Will's room - he too was very helpful.  He helped with primer, ceilings and color!   Will painting his room - orange!   Jon painting the stairway - it looks green in this picture but it really isn't!    

A dear friend of mine invited me to her "favorite things" party!  We were to bring a $5 gift for everyone, of one of our favorite things.  You know - kind of like Oprah used to do at Christmas time - except we had a smaller budget!  I had so much fun.  We started the evening with some delicious food and great conversation!  There was hardly a moment without laughter and I learned a lot about a variety of topics!  I'll just leave it at that - you know how women can talk!!  Then it was time to exchange our gifts.  I was anxious to see what everyone else brought.  Here is the stash of stuff I got to bring home! In case you can't tell what everything is....let me tell you! 1.  Jergens lotion and Blistex chapstick - from Courtney 2. Downy UnStoppables  (which by the way are AMAZING) - from Mallory 3. Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap - from Kelly 4. Puma running socks and "cand...

I've been wearing these clothes for the past two and a half weeks!  If you look close enough you will probably see every paint color that we have painted in the house on this pair of pants or shirt!  Only have a little bit of trim left to do and then I can retire these clothes - hopefully for a VERY long time!

So I've been REALLY busy painting that I haven't had time to post.  Well, I'm still not quite done and carpet is coming Monday.  SO, just wanted to let you all know that once I'm finished - I'll be back to blogging more regularly!!