Lambeth Zoo

Almost a Month

2011-06-26T13:22:00.002-05:00

It has been almost a month since I posted. One word for this; busy! So my kids are going to look back on this blog when I am old and grey and say; she was a little forgetful. Can't help it. Seems I work all day, (or play all day) and then just fall in a slumber of sleep and forget to document my life. Its probably mostly boring anyway.

In the past month, D has gone back to work with very little back issues and is doing fantastic! Praise God for that because I was about ready to kill him. Sitting around the house for 6 weeks was about to drive me crazy. Oh I know he was in pain and all, but come on. I gave birth for crip sakes.

Anyhow so lets see; Drew is doing fantastic with his new job. Praise God again. The kids are busy making plans to move out. Yes that would make the zoo empty. D and I have never been by ourselves. Not sure how to even do that.

Devin has decided to change jobs. God love him he has had more jobs then I can count. And more degrees in so many different areas. He always ends up on top though.

Stephanie? Well she hasn't been home in a while. Gonna need to kill her when I see her. She probably has changed her major again it has been so long.

A couple of weeks ago I was driving Drew's truck to a doctor's appointment. When some one rear ended me and totalled her car and Drew's truck. I thought Drew would be really upset; but when the insurance company gave him double what he paid for the truck he was all good. Turns out he was going to sell the truck anyway.
The best part of the whole thing was that when the police arrived and started handling the accident I called Devin to see if he could tow Drew's truck for us. At the time I was unaware that it was totalled. It did not appear obvious to me. Anyhow, I didn't know that Devin was pulling a day shift at his police department and came right away and took care of it all. The original office said he has never took care of an accident when the victim had there own officer and tow service. Ha!

Let's see what else happened in the past month. Oh, I was recently called into the Director of Nursing office at my work and she told me that the company would like to send me on to CMT school. They are picking up the tab and think I would be perfect for the job that will be coming available in October. The school starts in July and will be completed at the end of September. And did I mention they are picking up the tab. Gotta love it!

That seems about it other than work, work and more work. Lost several patients, something you never get used to.

This weekend was awesome though. D and I celebrated our twenty-ninth wedding anniversary. We went away for the weekend and had an awesome time. I think we might like being at the zoo alone. Well at least for a little while.

Many blessings,
Heidi

Beautiful Weekend!

2011-05-30T20:37:00.002-05:00

D and I had a wonderful weekend. We really needed some time to sit back and relax and enjoy some down time. This weekend my beautiful auntie L planned a family reunion of her siblings and their families. Her siblings include my father and their brother J from Colorado. I love family reunions. As you know D and I host his family reunion at our house every year. It is so wonderful to keep in touch with family. My uncle J and his family have lived in Colorado since I was a little girl. Now his kids are grown and have grand kids of their own. The memories flood back while spending time with them this weekend. I had several opportunities to just sit back and look at them all. See how much my dad looks just like his dad. My uncle J sure does resemble my grandma; his mother. My beautiful niece Emmie; well there are no words. She is just so beautiful. She looks just like my sister. I so enjoyed visiting with her. She is getting so big. Off to middle school for her this fall. Such a big moment in one's life.
This would be a good place to insert photo's if one was smart enough to do so. But at the moment I am not sure where my camera is.
But back to family. This seems to be the season for family reunions. I hope that if you are blessed enough to have one then go. Don't worry about a thing. There are crazy ones at these things but look past that. Look past the ones that think they know it all. The ones that don't have a clue as to the person that you really are and have a wonderful time. Enjoy all the beautiful babies. Count all your blessings because when you have a big family there are many blessings to be counted. Each family unit has a blessing to be told. And if you are really open to Gods grace then don't judge the choices of others. They have a story too.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Just sitting with it for a while.....

2011-05-22T18:13:00.003-05:00

D and I just got back from the lake. This is where we go when life is too hard for us to deal with. We can sleep all day if we want. We eat some of his mom's comfort food. Watch the waves splash on shore. Snuggle on the porch. And just sit with what has been dealt to us. What is our future? Who knows but does anybody really? This week we have an appointment with the neurosurgeon to see if surgery is in D's near future. No matter what happens this is what is to be. We will sit with it a while and accept all that is to come....because as my son said recently. What is to happen is already planned. Just go with it. There has been so many changes in the last few year. Some good some not so good. I was hoping for some sort of normal for a while.

What is normal anyway?????

Many Blessings,
Heidi

I have been gone so long.....

2011-05-21T16:44:00.003-05:00

I opened my blog today, it has been so long since I have been here. I have missed posting. Life is taking me on a journey; I am not sure where it will lead. Or if I even want to go......praying is all I know how to do.

Heidi

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T13:15:00.002-05:00

The last few weeks have been so busy. D has been spending a lot of time at the lake getting some work done for his family. Last week however he over did it and hurt his back really bad. Bad enough to put him in the hospital for a few day. Back problems are not new to us. He knows to be careful. Well, most of the time he does.

Today is Easter Sunday; one of my favorite holidays. Days like these are when I miss when the kids were little. We used to spend a fortune on them. It was like another Christmas. Were they spoiled? Heck yes! I really miss it though. The dying of eggs. The egg hunts. The pinatas full of candy. Sweet times. This year D and I are alone. Not in a sad way. We don't get to be alone too often so we are enjoying our day. And after the week we had with D in the hospital a low key holiday is just what we needed.

....my cup runneth over..... may you always feel Gods grace.

Beautiful Weekend!

2011-04-03T03:36:00.002-05:00

Thursday evening I left for the lake to see D. A week is too long to be apart. I know we have been married forever but we don't do well when we are apart for very long. The weather has been so beautiful here. Spring is in the air and I love it. We are just far enough south from where we live that all the flowering trees are in their peak. My father-in-law mowed the grass yesterday and the smell of fresh cut grass was just heaven to me. Of course I had to take my allergy pills but a small price to pay to enjoy all that spring has to offer. My sweet Aspen turned 4 on Friday. I can't believe how fast she is growing. Such a sweet baby. Yes, they are all babies to me. Wish I had a picture of her to insert here but I am at my mother-in-laws lap top and the only photos of her are old and I have already shared them on this blog. Moving day for the kids is just a couple of weeks away. Can't wait! Now that they will be just a block or two away I can see those sweet babies anytime I want. D and I are headed back to the city today. But first we are going to enjoy another spring day at the lake. Many Blessings, Heidi

Weekend in Review

2011-03-27T15:54:00.002-05:00

My birthday weekend has been pretty good. I am very blessed to have heard from so many friends and family to wish me happy birthday. Meg made me a birthday cake. I don't ever remember anyone ever doing that before. It was a white cake with pink icing. It was a double layer one that fits perfectly on my cake plate. Well it did fit perfectly. I have eaten so much of it. Cake and icing is a real weakness for me. But no worries. I am still down about 30 pounds and so far all the cake that I consumed has not shown up on the scale. Back to work tomorrow so I should work it off. D left yesterday for the lake. He is going to spend the week down there helping his brother. I wish I could have gone but I need to work. Stephanie called this morning; I really miss her. It looks like Easter will be the next time she can come home. Seems so far away. Many blessings, Heidi

Life is Good!

2011-03-25T14:55:00.002-05:00

Today is my birthday. I have never been more happy or content. Yes there are always life's little issues that make things hard at times; most of which are out of our control. But that is OK. I think that those are times when we learn and grow.
I am so blessed. I have amazing kids and the best friends that anyone could ask for. What more could a girl want.
Happy Birthday to me!

2011-03-13T11:24:00.002-05:00

I seem to repeat myself so much on here but the time is seriously flying by. I thought I just updated a few days ago. Most of my problem is having computer time. Meg is on full time with school which is so much more important than anything I need to say on here. HA

Heather's birthday was a week ago Friday. It was great seeing them this week but sure wish I could have seen her on her special day. I can not wait until they move to my town. Then I can see them when I want to. They will be sick of me I am sure. Aspen is growing like a weed. So precious! I love the way you say something to her and she rolls her eyes. Such a girl! Which I am so not used to.

Meg just completed her first semester of classes. Straight A student! We are so proud of her. Drew has been to the lake the last couple of weeks to help his uncle work around his house. He came home on the weekends but it was so hard on Drake for him to be gone. Thank god for skype, but that was only a temporary fix for him. The three of them had this weekend together so he should have had the daddy time he needed.

D and I have had a wonderful time here at the lake with his parents. He has caught the heck out of white cat. We love fish so it is great to be filling the freezer. Mom (D's mom) and I have been working on the reunion details. We are having a very large family reunion the first of May at my house. It is going to be so much fun. But there is so much work to do to pull this off.

Time to head home from the lake. Get ready for the work week ahead.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

March!!

2011-03-02T19:52:00.002-06:00

I have been waiting months for the month of March. It is the beginning of spring. This month we should start seeing daffodil's pop up. The grass starting to change green and not this yucky brown I have been looking at for months. Have I mentioned that I don't care for winter? To me the new year starts with spring. Everything is new and clean and fresh. I get excited about all the possibilities for the new year.
A little over a month from now Devin will be moving his family just a few blocks away. That's as close to the zoo as I can get him. So happy about it.
Meg and Drew are already looking into preschools for Drake. I can hardly believe how fast time goes by.
This weekend D and I are headed to the lake. He is having fishing fever while I am having mother-in-law fever. Good times. So looking forward to it. It wont beat last weekend though.
Saturday afternoon D and I got a wild hair and ran away. It started out to be just a date night but turned into over night in a hotel room about an hour away from home. We felt like kids again. It was so much fun. We did some shopping. Bought some nursing shoes so that my feet won't scream at me any longer. We decided that we really need to spend more time with just the two of us. So I can see us running away again in the near future.
On a sad note Miss V passed away yesterday afternoon. She passed very peacefully. I really thought I would be very upset by her passing but I wasn't. We had her on a turn schedule every two hours to prevent skin breakdown. Every time we turned her she was in so much pain. She is pain free now.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

2011-02-25T04:16:00.002-06:00

Well it seems that I have forgotten I have a blog. So many distant family members are sending me messages wanting to know what is going on in our lives.
Work, Work, Work is about it. I wish I could say that the last month has been exciting. This nursing thing is really exhausting. I had no idea how physical it was. I really enjoy the people I care for, but can really do without all the coworker drama. It just amazes me how people are. Do they not have any more meaning to their lives then to create so much drama.

I really dislike February; it is so cold and snowy and dreary. So looking forward to March. I need to feel the sun on my skin. D has tried to help me with my winter blues by taking me to the lake. It really helped. I so enjoy spending time with his mom.

My last post was about Miss V. Well Miss V is still with us. And God only knows why. It is so hard to watch her linger on. It is really starting to show on her family the stress of it all. They sit with her every day. God bless her.

Gosh what a boring post. I need a vacation. A sunny beach with a fruity cocktail with those cute little umbrellas.

Many Blessings
Heidi

Miss V

2011-01-24T20:07:00.003-06:00

Today I took care of a patient who's time here with us is limited. I will call her Miss V. I have been taking care of Miss V for several months now. I did my clinicals at this facility so I am very familiar with her.
She is the type of lady that is so cantankerous that they put all incoming nurses on her hall to take care of her. I call it a little hazing on hall 400. She is something. Will call you every name in the book. I have been hit, choked and almost bitten just trying to get her to eat something. We all draw straws to see who has to give her a bath.
But care for her I do. I know that in her earlier years she was probably a real nice lady. Early hours of the morning when all the patients are sleeping I will walk in to Miss V's room and say a little prayer for her; and for me. Ha because I may be the one that needs to bathe her that day.
Last week I walked into Miss V's room to find standing there my mothers best friend. She asked what I was doing there. I told her that I am now employed here and take care of all the beautiful ladies on this hall. I asked her what she was doing there. She said that Miss V was her mother. What a small world. I was totally shocked to find out just who Miss V was.
After the long weekend I went in this morning only to find out that Miss V is not doing well. She is refusing her meds and has not ate or drank since last Thursday. Her coloring is not good. As I walked into her room late morning her daughter was standing at the end of the bed watching her mother. It struck me that she will not be here much longer. I know in this profession that I have chose that death is something I will experience. But I wasn't expecting it so soon.

Many Blessings
Heidi

Just taking one day at a time.

2011-01-23T13:07:00.003-06:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I have updated. I am here; not well but here.
Right after my last post I had a doctors appointment for a check up. I have not been feeling well for a couple of months but couldn't put my finger on what the problem was. The doctor did an extensive blood work up and called me the next afternoon to tell me the news. It appears that my thyroid has stopped working. Great; just what I wanted to hear. This is why I have been experiencing extreme fatigue and not able to loose any weight.
He started me on a medication a few days later. He said that getting the right medication is often difficult and that I will need to be closely watched. On the day I started my meds I got a nursing job. So excited to start my new career but not while I am dealing with these health issues. So needless to say this past week has been very hard for me. My job turns out to be very physical. Not a bad thing but when you have been sitting on your bottom for the past year and a half it is taking a toll on my body. I have muscle pain in areas that I didn't know there were muscles. Because of the thyroid issue and the new job I am a mess. I go to work and then come home and go to bed. I was told it will take weeks to get my medication to where it needs to be.
Thank God I have a husband that is so understanding.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Good News!

2011-01-06T20:51:00.004-06:00

Well D and I have been busy with a flurry of activity bringing in the new year. Speaking of the new year. D and I are real big party people; yes we are. For New Years Eve we rented movies and Wii games and had a kitchen full of junk food. Good times. Then by 10:45pm we couldn't wait for midnight to get here because we were exhausted. Meg and Drew stayed home as well to enjoy all the excitement with us. At the stroke of midnight we all fell over each other trying to get to bed. Yes; the excitement was just too much for us.
But D and I did write down our goals for 2011. So glad to be doing that; we always reach our goals when we write them down.
I was blessed with news yesterday of a job opportunity. Glad to be starting the new year with a new career.
In other wonderful news Devin and Heather are moving back to our small town in the Spring. So so happy about this. Life would be perfect for me if all my kids would live here at the zoo. But what I think is perfect and what they think is perfect are two different things. But am jumping for joy tonight that they will be living a couple blocks away.
Meg and I have been real busy in our storage room organizing and purging. Goosh I love purging. Since I will be starting work soon and Meg is going back to school in a couple of weeks we thought it best to whip this place into shape. It is amazing with the Holiday season how things can really get out of hand.
D will be building more shelves in the laundry room soon. Meg watched a show on TLC called Extreme Coupon. Tomorrow we will be shopping for groceries and household items totaling over $300 and all we will be paying is around $120! Yes! I can get used to this! The additional shelves are needed because she is getting so many items FREE. Yes I said free! She is using store coupons as well as manufacture coupon on sale items makes them free. Gotta love it!
With so much good news I am flat on my back with a head cold. Ugh I feel like poo. Have so many plans and dreams for 2011 so I need to get back on my feet soon.

Many Blessings
Heidi

PASSED!

2010-12-30T21:34:00.002-06:00

This evening was my state board exam. I passed with flying colors! It really wasn't that hard. I studied all day today so maybe that helped. I am so glad it is behind me. Now on to getting a job in a hospital then on to the next step in becoming a nurse.
I am so glad to be bringing in the new year with a new career!

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Happy Birthday Drew!

2010-12-28T08:03:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Drew's birthday. Happy Birthday son; we love you. I didn't have access to the computer so was unable to post this yesterday.
Drew is an amazing father and husband. I am so proud of the man that you have become.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T20:10:00.004-06:00

This is my beautiful family(minus Stephanie), they are a silly bunch but they are mine and I love them all.

We had such a wonderful Christmas. It took several shoots to get this picture. We had an escapee in the middle shot but quickly got him back on track. Getting all seven looking at the camera and smiling would have been a Christmas miracle.
This was taken on Christmas day evening about 9:00pm. At this point the kids are tired and cranky. The parents....well as you can tell the women already had on their jammies. Its what we do after dinner. Put on our happy pants(that is what my mother-in-law call them).

So blessed to be able to be with my kids this Christmas. We sure did miss our Stephanie though. My in-laws were very missed as well. Maybe next year we can all be together.

I spent the day today taking down all of our Christmas decorations. I do that every year the day after Christmas because someone here at the zoo will be having a birthday tomorrow. Since a birthday is so close to Christmas I remove all decor for their birthday. I will tell you more about that tomorrow.

Many blessings,

Heidi

This year..................

2010-12-24T11:27:00.002-06:00

This year, this is our Christmas journey.

Less Decorating, more living.

Less Shopping, more giving.

Less Running, more being.

Enjoying all the little gifts along the way.

Christmas is coming.

From our house to yours, may the perfect love of Christ be your light and life.

Christmas Eve Eve

2010-12-23T16:53:00.004-06:00

Our Stephanie came home last night. I wish it were for Christmas but unfortunately she was hear because of a funeral of a friend. We were able to give her her Christmas gifts this morning before she had to return to southern Illinois to a job that I wish she did not need this holiday season.

Meg's twin brothers were here this morning as well. Drew helped them prepare for their driving permit. It appears that parallel parking is not their thing. Wasn't mine either. Still to this day I will do everything I can to prevent parallel parking. But this afternoon we received good news that they both passed.

I did some holiday baking today. Well maybe I should rephrase that to I made chocolate mint cookies. That's it so far. I hope to do more baking tomorrow. The mint cookies were so easy though. All you do is melt chocolate bark, add a little peppermint extract then dip Ritz crackers into the chocolate and set aside. Heaven! Hoping to make peanut cluster as well.

These are some pictures that I had on my computer. I think they are just precious. I really need to download the 300 plus pictures on my camera before tomorrow.

Many Blessings from our family to yours this Christmas!

Heidi

Really Good Santa!

2010-12-19T16:46:00.003-06:00

I am not doing a very good job lately in documenting my life. I have been so busy that I am not sure what day it is. The days seem to fly by when I am going to school. Just about ready to wrap it up though. Clinical's are complete. Now just a couple more tests and I will be done.

I can not believe that Christmas is less than a week away. All gifts are bought and wrapped. Thank goodness for Meg though. I haven't had time to wrap one gift. If not for her no one would be able to open gifts this year.

I have been able to relax a bit this weekend before a big test on Tuesday. So I decided to keep my Aspen for the night. Her and Drake have been having a good time. Drake calls her Appy. Aspen is just too hard for him to say. Drake is talking a lot now. It is very cute to hear him.

Drake recently went to see Santa. He didn't cry which was really surprising. He doesn't take to strangers very well. I asked Aspen if she has seen Santa yet. She said, "No; he is sleeping a lot." HAHA she is too funny.

Well off to do some home work.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

UUMM December, REALLY!?!

2010-12-07T22:53:00.002-06:00

The time is flying by; when did it become December!?!

My time is filled with school and clinical's. A week will go by in a flash. Not sure how that happens. I will be done with my clinical's on Monday. Yea for me. I will be hitting it hard again for three tests before the end of the year. No rest for me.

I wish I could say all is well here at the zoo but all is not well. All have colds and cough. Yuck. I wish I could say that I breezed right by it all but I got it.

Spent last weekend at the lake. We really needed a little R&R. What better way than at the lake.

Christmas shopping is 95% done. Wrapping is 100% incomplete; but have intentions on getting that done soon. Like maybe next week.

Off to bed. What a boring post.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Beautiful Thanksgiving Week!

2010-11-27T21:47:00.002-06:00

I have been knee deep in the Thanksgiving week. Our Stephanie came home on Monday evening. Feels so good when she is home. All seems right with the world.
Thanksgiving was wonderful; was able to see all my kids. Dinner if I do say so myself was amazing. I tried out a new mashed potato recipe. The. Best. Ever! Definitely will be a family tradition from now on.
Then there was BLACK Friday. Yes I do partake and yes I never slept Thursday night because sales started at ten and went on the entire night. The number of great deals were endless. So excited. Now I am paying for it because now I have a bad head cold. Feel like poo. I need to be decking the halls but all I can do is take halls cough drops. I have a major test Tuesday and I haven't even opened my books this Holiday weekend. I have to get to it tomorrow.
Off to bed with my new fleece pj's my box of Kleenex and my cough drops.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Love Sundays!

2010-11-14T16:54:00.003-06:00

I just love Sunday's. I am sitting by the fire. Listening to the football game. Smelling chicken tortilla soup simmering on the stove.
Then D called and told me he got another deer. Great another one hanging in the tree. He is ruining my Sunday tranquility because I know he is going to want me to get on a coat and take a picture of that thing. I won't share that here. Again your welcome.
I finished my first clinical shift yesterday. All I can say is I survived. I also realized that for the past thirty years I have umm lets say not had the opportunity to see some things. Well I seen enough yesterday for last me a while. I worked in a total Alzheimer's care facility. This was very hard for me. I just wanted to sit down and cry when family members would visit there loved ones. I have had several family members tell me that this nursing thing would not be for me. I disagree. At first I wasn't sure but now I know. Yes I am going to be the kind of nurse that gets too involved with her patience. I am going to feel their pain. Yes I am going to sit down and cry like a baby when I loose my first one. But that is ok. Because it is all going to be worth it.
Yesterday I took care of a patient; I will call him Eddie. Eddie was an elderly man that was a boxer in his day. Very large strong man. I would guess that Eddie is in his late seventies. The current nursing staff could not get Eddie to eat. What was my job assignment for the day? To get Eddie fed. Three square meals. I knew the challenge I had before me and got right to it with breakfast. At first Eddie was not having it. This did not surprise me. But I kept at it. I cared for him for more than ten hours.
When I walked up to Eddie with his dinner tray he looked at me and smiled. I knew for a brief moment he was there. It made it all worth it. What was really neat was his son was there to see it. I didn't know he was standing in the door way to his fathers room when I received that smile or the big hug I gave him. Once I turned around and noticed him he said, " That's my dad; and I haven't seen a reaction out of him like that in months." I left the room and allowed the father and son to have as much time as they could. I hate Alzheimer's. But I love what I do. Its all worth it.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Happy Birthday Devin!

2010-11-09T22:00:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to my first born son. I hope that you will always know how much your father and I love you. We are so proud of the man that you have become. Have a wonderful day son!

Tests Tests Tests

2010-11-08T21:52:00.002-06:00

I have two tests this week. One tomorrow and one Thursday. Lots of studying going on here.

But the weekend was fun. D and I went on a date Saturday night. Drew said it was a date for old people but I had a great time. We went to dinner and shopping. To me that is a perfect date. I don't know what he is talking about OLD people.

Devin shot his first deer over the weekend. Yep another deer in the tree. Dang I thought I had one son that hadn't been touched by the hunting bug. I don't believe that he will become an avid hunter now. Just one of those fluke things. I would love to show you a picture of Devin with his deer; however I don't have it downloaded yet and I don't have time to do it because of all the studying I need to get done. I will tell you though it is not your average deer with hunter picture. He is standing next to the deer which is hanging in our tree while eating a bag of donuts. Only a cop. HA

Back to studying.
Many Blessings,
Heidi

Here I am

2010-11-05T21:30:00.002-05:00

Here I am again; not posting on a daily basis. I give up. I thought my life was crazy before. Ha I have school two days a week and then I try to schedule clinicals three other days a week. Makes for a busy girl for sure. Especially for a girl that is not used to getting dressed before 2pm.
School I love. I am learning so much for which I am grateful. Clinicals? Well today was my first day and lets just say I know why all nurses have to do their clinicals at a nursing home. Because if you can't make it there then you have no business being a nurse. At one point today I wanted to just run out the front doors. Like most women feel just before they give birth. They decide that they have changed their minds about the whole birthing process and just want to go home and cover their heads and pretend they are not even pregnant. Yea; that was me today. I wasn't sure if nursing is in my blood. And today; it was just observing.
I am not giving up though. I know a hospital is where I need to be. I will give this nursing home all I have. These sweet old people at least deserve that. And the fact that I can't graduate until I complete one hundred hours their.
I may need some prayers. No I know that I do.

Many Blessings
Heidi

Great Day!

2010-11-01T21:31:00.004-05:00

Here are pics of the grand kids trick or treating last night. They were so cute. Drake was a monkey which in the picture above it is kinda hard to tell. As you can tell Drew put a lot of thought into his costume. I think he walked out of the woods and was ready to go. Ha. Thank goodness it didn't rain and fun was had by all.

Today I spent the day with my friend H. We had fun catching up and laughing. That girl says the darnedest things. We had lunch and then a pedicure with shopping through out the day. All friends should do this at least once a week. Friend therapy is the best.

Now back to reality. Homework. Homework. Homework.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T22:36:00.008-05:00

Pictures from the pumpkin patch. It is a tradition to go to this pumpkin patch every year. It is owned by D's friend. So we get to pick all the pumpkins that we want. He usually tries to unload some really big pumpkins on us. This year we decided to go out into the fields and pick our own. Drew got a wagon because we were unsure as to which ones the princess and Drake would want. Meg decided to have Drew pull her to the field. HA

Drake decided to help his daddy pull the princess and her pumpkin. How sweet is this!

Hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween.

I am still here!

2010-10-30T21:24:00.003-05:00

Too long since I have updated. Hate it when life gets so busy that I don't have a chance to update. So much to talk about. Drake's birthday party was a big success. His parents rented a big bounce house. All the kids had so much fun.

Started school on Tuesday; had a small melt down the night before. Scared to begin a new chapter in my life. All was well after a call from my mother-in-law. She knows just the right thing to say. The first class was very nerve racking with two tests right off the bat. Passed them both. It was a basic English and math test. Just to see if you had any smarts, Thursday was the second day filled with 6 hours of lectures. My brain was mush by the time I got home. It is going to take me a while to get back into the swing of school and studying.
A good friend of D's owns a pumpkin farm. So Drew, Meg, D and I took the babies to get pumpkins. Drake calls them punkies. It's the cutest thing. They each picked out baby ones and then two big ones for carving. I will post those pics tomorrow. That is if I remember to update. Devin and Heather did not go to the pumpkin patch. They took Brennon to a rodeo. Umm I like pumpkins but I would have loved to go to the rodeo and horse show. Maybe next year.
Well another weekend and another deer in the tree. D got an 8 point buck this morning. Freezer is full of meat I don't eat and now another one hanging in the tree. Greaaat!
I played the good wife and took lots of pictures for him to show his friends. Will not be posting any of those anytime soon. Your welcome.

Back to the books.
Many Blessings,
Heidi

Wedding/Grandkids/Deer

2010-10-18T19:21:00.007-05:00

Friday was a very quiet evening for Drake's Birthday. The princess came to spend the night with us and ended up spending the weekend. Her and Drake are getting along a little better. So close in age and her having and older brother causes fights sometimes.

Saturday I went to lunch with Devin and the princess. Love spending time with my Dev. I don't eat out much so it was a real treat.

Saturday night we went to a wedding of one of Drew's best friends. The bride Beckee was just beautiful. Beckee and Drew; Beckee's twin sister Aubrey and their cousin Sam have been very close friends since they were in kindergarten. Drew calls them his girls. It was so much fun sharing this wonderful evening with all of them for Beckee's wedding. I thought I had some pictures but they didn't turn out.

I do have a picture of the princess taking a nap. She is so peaceful when she is sleeping. But look out when she wakes up. She starts talking and doesn't stop. Poppa tried a game with her on the way to the wedding to see who could stay quiet the longest. Um guess who lost. HA
Today was just beautiful. The high was about 65 and no wind. Picture perfect day. A day that I like to do some outdoor projects. Like clearing out the garden. Weed eating and trimming bushes. Drake was trying to help his daddy with some dirt hauling. He was such a big helper. There is so much to do before the weekend. I have made a to do list a mile long and each day we are seeing what we can get done.
Drew got another deer this morning with his bow. Can one have too many deer? My answer is YES. One is too many. No one should have to see a deer hanging in ones yard. Thanks goodness I have no neighbors to speak of. I need a nap!

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Happy Birthday Drake!

2010-10-15T22:49:00.002-05:00

Today this sweet angel turned two! I can hardly believe how fast time has past. It just seems like yesterday that he was born. He is talking so much now and is so funny. Next weekend his parents will be having a very large birthday party for him. I will post pictures of all the fun.

After a fun day of watching precious Drake play with all his toys his mom and dad got him. I am snuggled up on the couch with another angel or I should say princess. Aspen is spending the night here at the zoo while her mom and dad work. Love to watch her sleep. Another sweet baby; yes at three and a half she is a baby to me.

Many Blessings to a wonderful weekend
Heidi

Ten things

2010-10-13T19:51:00.004-05:00

Here is a list of a ten things that I have learned about myself in the past week.

1. I can't live without Craigslist.
2. I really love spending alone time with my hubby (as long as we have been married its good to know these things; ya never know when that could change. HA)
3. I really don't like jeans.
4. HoneyCrisp apples are the best apple there is. Why can I not have them year round!?!
5. I can't live without my mother-in-laws wonderful advice.
6. I am not perfect but that is ok with me.
7. Love Love Love when my house in completely organized.
8. Nike tennis shoes make my feet happy.
9. Nervous and excited about school starting.
10. Love my boys more than my Louis Vuitton purse. This isn't something that I learned this week; its just I ran out of things that I have learned about myself and both of my boys are on my mind. I wish they both were here so that I can squeeze them to death.

Talked to Stephanie today. One of the reasons I love Wednesdays so much. That is our day of the week that we catch up on what is going on in our lives. We both are so excited for her to be coming home next weekend. I can't wait until she graduates college so that she can be home to stay.

Many Blessings
Heidi

2010-10-11T21:33:00.002-05:00

It feels good to be back home. My father-in-law had surgery on Friday; he did really well so my mother-in-law and I was able to bring him home Friday evening. The hospital is a long two hour drive from my in laws so Friday was a very long day.
Saturday was a very relaxing day; D and I slept in and then spent the day just visiting with his parents. It was awesome. Very relaxing. Our lives are getting ready to be really busy so it was nice to just take a weekend to relax and recharge. My Mother in law made chocolate chip cookies and fed us some amazing food that she was trying out on us. One of the things that we like to do is try new recipes on each other.
My father in law is recovering nicely so we felt it was ok to come back home on Sunday afternoon. D and I returned to the zoo with a few less people living here. It was great that Matt and Amanda are going out on their own. We wish them many blessings.
Today was rainy yucky day. I spent the day unpacking and getting a TB test done before I start school. Hope tomorrow I am able to get some things done on my to do list.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Once a week

2010-10-06T22:14:00.002-05:00

Maybe I should only post once a week because that is what I seem to be doing lately. Monday I spent the day with Devin at his house. I really enjoyed myself. I wish we both had more time to spend together. His wife has been fighting a virus for several days now. I am praying for her to recover as soon as possible.
Yesterday I spent organizing my closet. Packing away most of my summer clothes and washing my winter clothes. It always feels good to purge all my unwanted items in my closet and get completely organized. I tell you the heavens open and the angels sing with this job is complete. I have a whole list of items I am wanting to get done before school starts. It's just how I like to roll.
D and I are off to the lake tomorrow; my father in law is have surgery Friday and my mother in law would like for me to be with her. D is going to show his support by fishing and hunting while we are at the hospital. That's how he rolls.

Many Blessings
Heidi

Beautiful Weekend

2010-10-03T21:36:00.002-05:00

Another beautiful weekend. The temps were cool and crisp. Love it!
The zoo has been a flurry of activity. The guys have been hunting and building deer stands. I picked up Aspen on Saturday morning so that she could spend the weekend with us. She is having so much fun with Mariah and Taylor. They had a slumber party last night right after Matt made them Banana splits. Personally I was grateful that they all stayed at the lower level of the zoo because that is a lot of sugar before bed and there was lots of giggling going on. It is so strange to have so many girls living here at the zoo. I am used to so much more testosterone; its kinda nice for a change.
I wish I could say that we got something accomplished this weekend but we didn't unless you count the 3 deer stands that were built. Which I don't. I can't even supervise such an event.
Crazy busy week ahead. Looking forward to it.

Many Blessings
Heidi

Another week has flown by!

2010-09-30T21:57:00.003-05:00

Where does the time go. I can't ever seem to get caught up. In the past week or so I have signed up for school. Going into nursing. Starting at the bottom and seeing how far I want to go. Can't wait to get started. It is going to be so different then what I am used to. But caring for people seems to be speaking to me right now. I never thought I would be happy to go back to school or work but I am looking forward to it. I have had a year to catch my breath and figure out what I want.

My nephew and his wife had family pictures recently. Their baby Eva is three months old now. I don't get to see her too often so thank goodness for facebook.
Not too much going on here at the zoo; just the normal day to day stuff. Its deer season here; so the men in this family have been hunting fools. Drew got a deer tonight. Wish I liked to eat it but it is just not my thing.

Many Blessings
Heidi

A week from HEL........

2010-09-23T23:06:00.002-05:00

This has been the worst week ever! Truck broke down. Then car broke down. Washing machine broke and D told me tonight that the spring broke on the garage door! I can't take any more.
Also my precious aunt on my grannies side passed away and some deer friends of ours are moving here to the zoo because life has not been treating them too kind. Issues resulting from this horrible economy. See told ya it has been a bad week.
I think I will just stay in bed tomorrow then maybe nothing bad will happen.

Many Blessings.....I could sure use some.

Heidi

2010-09-20T21:31:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it has been almost a week since I posted last. I have been so busy here at the zoo. Last week Meg went to Virginia to visit her grandma. So I was all by myself as zoo keeper. Too many people here at the zoo for just one keeper.
Then D whisked me away to the lake for the weekend. I would like to say that we got to spend a lot of alone time together but that didn't happen. It is archery season; so unless I look like a deer I am not getting much attention.
Got home from the lake to the wonderful news that our washing machine is broken. Can't keep this zoo clean unless I have all my appliances working; and working well. Thank goodness D is real handy so he will have it up and running again soon. I hope!
Signed up last Friday for nursing school. Can't wait to get started. Classes begin at the end of October.

Many Blessings;
Heidi

Corporal Lambeth

2010-09-14T06:49:00.004-05:00

My son called and woke me early this morning. Since he is a police officer it is alarming to get a wake up call from him. But this call was so awesome. His chief (pictured above) made him CORPORAL this morning! His father and I are soooo proud of him. Look out chief. My son can do amazing things and your job can be taken from you. HA

One of my favorite photo's from last weekend!

2010-09-09T21:08:00.001-05:00

Labor Day Weekend fun!

2010-09-07T06:18:00.011-05:00

D and I had so much fun this weekend. On Saturday we had all the kids here for D's birthday. The zoo was full with kids and D and I really enjoy that. It seems that over the last couple of years we have added to our zoo family with friends that have become family. So we started the weekend with birthday celebrations. It was also Amanda's (adopted family) birthday as well. So celebrate we did.

D fried up some frog legs and fish. Us girls filled in with yummy side dishes. Thank goodness it was a little cool because we wanted a bonfire Saturday night. The kids had roasted marshmallows and the adults had adult beverages while we enjoyed the fire. I failed to get any pictures. I was so busy with all the fun I never got my camera out.
Sunday D and I spent the day together; we again had a great time of shopping and BBQ ribs and a movie. Monday the kids invited D and I to Deanna Rose Farmstead. This is a farm that is part of a Parks department in a neighboring state. The kids had so much fun with all the animals.

The guy in the top picture with all of us is another friend of Drew's; his name is Tyler. He started coming to the zoo in the spring and never left. Started calling me mom about a month ago. Another adopted family member. I am up to four boys and one girl. Life is good! D and I always wanted a big family.

Another picture above where Amanda is looking up; we are in an old school house. The ceiling was beautiful with old tile. She is admiring the tile work.

The kids had so much fun feeding the goats; fishing and riding a horse drawn carriage. We will be returning to this farm next month for their Halloween Festival. Can't wait!

No it is Monday morning. Time to clean the zoo.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Happy Birthday To My Best Friend!

2010-09-05T12:20:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my hubby!

Government Office and Shopping

2010-08-30T20:32:00.004-05:00

Well today I ventured out to the big city to our local government office to get a copy of D's birth certificate. After waiting for 30 minutes the kind lady said that they can not locate any birth certificate for D. She asked if I was sure he was born in this state. Yup cuz his momma said; I told the kind lady. She said well we have no record of his birth. Umm kind lady; I just saw him this morning and I am sure he was in fact born and I am pretty sure his momma is correct on the state that she gave birth to this big lug. The kind lady said well I will have to e-mail the states capital to see of they have anything on him; come back in 30 minutes. Well I live about 30 minutes away so I was not driving back home. So a diet coke was in order if not something stronger.

As I was driving to a convenient store for my diet coke I saw a sign about a summer clearance on summer clothes. Well I couldn't pass that up. I may not go home with D's birth certificate but I am all over this clearance sale. Scored I did; bought two tops for $6 each! Gotta love that.

So after 30 minutes had passed and one diet coke and two tops later I returned to the government office.

Kind lady said the state has located his birth certificate. Well that's good. After paying I was on my way back to the country. Well suburbs anyway. All in all a good day.

PS-The picture above has nothing to do with this post. It's just a cute picture of Drake after he had fallen asleep on his bean bag chair. Too cute!

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Beautiful Weekend.

2010-08-29T21:50:00.003-05:00

D and I had a date all day on Saturday. Drake went with us. We went to a local lake so that Drake could feed the fish and the ducks. He loved it. He wouldn't take his binky out of his mouth though. The top photo is the little pond inside Bass Pro. Another one of Drakes favorite places to go. He loves animals so much. So really D and I didn't end up having a date, date. It was more like a Drake day. Drake's parents were gone all day helping her mother move. Move; in the heat. Umm that would make me sweat so I volunteered to watch Drake. In the air conditioning. If I haven't mentioned it before I don't do sweating.

We did stop by the local DMV so that D could renew his drivers license only to find out that the original birth certificate in not acceptable. I have to get a copy this week from a State office. Doesn't make any since to me that the original will not work but a copy will. We are running out of time because his license are up later this week. If we miss the deadline he will have to retake the test. Not a pretty thought at all; D doesn't take tests. D doesn't even read unless it is a recent copy of Field and Stream.

Anyhoo we had lunch at a local pizza shop that has been in business when Washington was president. They remodeled which was badly needed; and the pizza was wonderful just how I remembered it when I was a teenager and D would take me there on a date.

We ended the beautiful day at Devin and Heather's for dinner. They wanted some time alone so we brought the princess home with us for the night. Poor baby cried all the way home wanting her momma. Once we pulled in the drive way and she saw her uncle Drew she announced that she was done crying. She's a hoot!

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Friday!?!

2010-08-27T18:59:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that it is already Friday. I have been in such a funk this week. Menopause really sucks and has been kicking my butt.

I just need some hubby time and a couple days of sleep.

Many blessings
Heidi

Tamara Lowe at Christ Fellowship

2010-08-22T11:48:00.000-05:00

More wedding pics

2010-08-19T22:12:00.007-05:00

Here are a few more pics of the wedding. I sure had a great time. I love it when all my kids are together.
My boys don't look so happy in this one. Probably because they were tired of their mother telling them to hold still and smile. The girls look cute though.

Meg and Stephanie right before the ceremony. I wish I would have taken a picture of these two with Heather.

My in laws with Devin. The wedding was in a beautiful park. You can kind of see a small lake behind them. There were lots of geese. Needed to watch that geese poo though.

This pic is of my kids. Devin doesn't look to happy. I am sure it is because it is one hundred and fifteen degrees and he is in full uniform.

The reception was at my parents house. Drake likes the gator, D watching over him making sure he didn't start it up and take off.

As you can tell there are no pics of me. That is because I don't do sweating and that day I was doing a lot of it. I looked like I was melting away. Not pretty at all.

This was a very casual wedding so that is why the guys look like they do. Girls just don't know how to dress down when it comes to a wedding. Fun was had by all.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Wedding Pics

2010-08-18T23:53:00.011-05:00

The beautiful couple right after the ceremony. I thought Devin would melt in his uniform. It was so hot. We were all dripping by the time they said their I do's. You know I don't like to sweat; but it was worth every minute of it.

This is our beautiful daughter Stephanie; we were so glad she was able to come home from college to be with Devin on his wedding day.

More pics later in the week. I need sleep.

Many blessings to these kids,

Heidi

Busy Busy Busy

2010-08-13T22:02:00.001-05:00

With the wedding tomorrow I have been real busy with out of town guests. Lots of fun. Pictures on Monday.

Blessings,
Heidi

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

2010-08-11T14:29:00.001-05:00

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues,
but the parent of all the other's
~~cicero

It's over!

2010-08-08T22:24:00.003-05:00

The garage sale is over; thank god. I think I finally dug myself out of a whole and ended up with a profit of $1.25. Meg and other families fared pretty well; me not so much. Don't think I will be having another one of these for a least twenty years. Can't stand all the excitement more often than that.
It is amazing to me as I stood back and watched that there were so many men that attended the sale. Maybe it is a sign of the times or I have just had my head in the mud. Which is totally possible.
There were also many elderly ladies driving mini vans. Why I ask myself; when your in your 80's you do not need to have an extra 100 feet behind you. Its an accident waiting to happen I tell you.
Maybe the heat is starting to get to me. I need rest.

Many Blessings
Heidi

Garage Sale Today!

2010-08-05T21:58:00.002-05:00

Today was the first day of our garage sale. I am already exhausted. Now I know why I never have these; so much work for very little money. But now that I think about it I don't have very many items in the sale; other families with kids are the ones making the money.
First day down and I am in the whole; I made $10.25 and spent $17.64 on lunch for everyone. So tomorrow they are getting bologna and cheese so that I can at least have something to show for all this sweating. I don't think Dave Ramsey would approve. Just sayin....

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Back to normal what ever that is!?!

2010-08-03T22:01:00.002-05:00

My in laws headed back to the lake yesterday. I spent yesterday afternoon and today picking up around the zoo. Mopping the floors and just general cleaning that one does after they had company for a week.
Meg and I have been going through every room in this zoo deciding what items we will be putting in our garage sale later this week. I like going to these sales but am not a fan of having them. Meg likes it though so I am sure she will get me through it. It is so hot here that all I want to do is read my latest Southern Living magazine and drink lemonade. Maybe I can just supervise this event from my living room!?!
Last week marked the one year mark of me being laid off from my job. I can look back now and say that I do not miss it at all. The people I miss. But most of those that I miss left when I did and I still keep in touch with those that meant something to me. I sure do not miss all those board meetings and all activities that was the responsibility of upper management. I especially do not miss all the travel. I so love my life right now but the pay could be better!

Many Blessings
Heidi

I Love Sunday's!

2010-08-01T21:38:00.002-05:00

Today was a very lazy day; the day after the wedding shower. We spent several days running around this week so it was so nice to have not one thing on my list to do. Well maybe some laundry but I always have that to do.
My in laws are still here so we had some good home cooking and lots of laying around reading and napping. That's why I love Sunday's so much. A day to rejuvenate before the week begins again.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Another busy week at the Zoo!

2010-07-29T05:03:00.002-05:00

Devin and Heather's wedding is fast approaching. This week my in laws are here to help me get all things ready for their wedding shower this weekend. Details, Details. My life is so crazy busy and I love it!

It's Friday!

2010-07-23T23:14:00.002-05:00

The last couple of day's have been pretty busy watching Matt & Amanda's girls. Matt was fortunate enough to get a job. He started Monday of this week. This news however formed a problem with the girls. So I am watching them until school starts. Miss Taylor is 7 and Miss Maria is 4. Boy do girls really keep you busy. I am not used to having someone underfoot when cooking. When my boys were little all they wanted was food; they were not interested in the cooking process; just bring them the grub. Not so with girls; they are under foot the whole time asking tons of questions. This is taking some getting used too. God new what he was doing when he gave me boys!

Many Blessings
Heidi

Happy Birthday to my Grannie

2010-07-22T14:10:00.003-05:00

Today is my grannies birthday; she would have been 91. I miss her so much. She was my world. I have so many beautiful memories of her. She taught me so many things. I felt nothing but unconditional love from her.
The things I miss:
Daily phone calls to see how I am.
Fixing her hair.
Eating her food.
Watching her can pickled beets.
Working in her yard.
Listening to her tell me about the bad weather to come only to find out she has been listening to a Chicago station that is 3 states away!
Her perfume.
Her love.
Her hands.

I wish that she could have seen me become a Grannie. I have very large shoes to fill and I work hard everyday to be the Grannie that she was to me.

Heidi

Professional Photos

2010-07-21T21:22:00.005-05:00

Recently Meg and Drew had a professional photographer come to the zoo to take pictures of Drake. They were beautiful! But I sure wish I had my dream camera. I could have went crazy. Some day Some day it will be mine and I can take professional photos of all my kids. He didn't care for the idea at first. But it didn't take too long until he warmed up to the camera.

What a sweet boy!

HOT HOT HOT!

2010-07-17T21:15:00.005-05:00

Today and the past several days it has been so hot out. I can't stand to be out there more than a few minutes. Today I puttered around the house. D was going to mow but it was too hot so he is going to get out there early tomorrow. I also have a list of other out door stuff for him to do. Like clean the gutters and weed eat. I won't be supervising these activities because well I don't do sweating.

I can't really list anything that I accomplished today. It's hard to get anything done when you are spending most of my your trying to keep from sweating.

Meg's grandma made it back to VA safe and sound. Here is a picture that I took of them the day before she left. I hated to see her go; we had lots of fun.

My nephew and his wife were able to bring Eva home from the hospital a week or so ago. I am so happy that all of our prayers were answered with this beautiful little girl.

Off to keep myself cool.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

MIA

2010-07-16T21:16:00.002-05:00

What a crazy week. I have been MIA. Heather's dad has been having health issues so Devin brought me the princess on Monday so that they could be at the hospital with him.
Wednesday Meg's grandma returned home to VA. She had a really hard time leaving this time. I think she is considering moving back here. All of her kids and grand kids are here and I think she is realizing what she is missing.
After she left on Wednesday morning Meg and I packed up the kids and went to the lake to see my in laws. I was really hoping for a nice and quiet time with them but it was anything but. At the age that Drake and Aspen are they are little terrors. We have a soon to be two year old that is experiencing the terrible two's and then when you add a bossy princess to the mix it makes for fun times. We did take the little darlings to the dam to see the water rushing over. They both loved it. We wanted to take them to do other things; you know to keep them busy so they would not fight but the temps were so high that we were concerned about keeping them out to long. We have had temps in the upper 90's with heat index over 100. So doing any outside activities were not an option for very long. So back inside with the two little devils. I have enormous amount of patients but these two were going to drive me to drink.
Off to bed. I will be more myself with some sleep in my own bed.

Many blessings,
Heidi

Friends; Farmers Market and so much Fun!

2010-07-11T19:49:00.002-05:00

I had a wonderful weekend and am so exhausted. Friday night we ordered pizza and had Matt and Amanda over and their beautiful girls. Matt is D's adopted son by choice. Actually he was an employee of D's that we have made family. Again no pictures. I am so bad at documenting these memories.
Saturday morning Meg; her grandma and Amanda and I got up early and went the farmers market in the big city. I could not believe how wonderful the prices of fruits and veggies are this year. In years past I don't remember them being this good. We bought so much that we are planning on bringing a wagon or something next week to carry all our things. I bought peaches that I was able to taste before I bought and they were amazing. Would love to make a peach cobbler later in the week. I also bought tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, zucchini and sweet potatoes. After a wonderful morning at the market we then went junking as most call it in blog land. Fun Fun. I bought some amazing things. Again no pictures, trust me it was a good haul. All this shopping made us hungry for chips and salsa. But most days make me hungry for chips and salsa. So we had to stop by our local Mexican restaurant to get my fix.
We finished the day with Matt and Amanda and the girls spending the night. Drew and Matt went frog hunting at the pond most of the night while all us girls made cookies and watched movies. D had a night fishing tournament so he was not in on the frog hunt. I am sure he will next week though. There is always some sort of manly hunting activity going on around here.
We have tried to do so much while Meg's grandma is here; however all this fun is waring me out. She is here until Wednesday; I will nap then.

Many Blessings
Heidi

Friday?

2010-07-09T13:58:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it is already Friday. This week as been so busy. Meg's grandma is still here and we have been shopping fools. I have bought so many awesome things for the house which is one of my favorite things to do.
My house work has suffered so much through it all; but we will worry about that next week. I am so bad about taking pictures. Need to get with it.
I did take a few minutes out of this busy week and go with Heather to buy her wedding dress. It is beautiful. The big day will be here before we know it. I did take pictures of that but she would kill me if I posted them. I will post plenty of the wedding day.

Resting a bit before we go at it again over the weekend. It sure is a good thing she is only here once a year. This is exhausting but so much fun.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Rainy Day!

2010-07-06T22:09:00.003-05:00

I awoke this morning to rain. My garden needed it but I didn't. The humidity is so high it is like breathing water. Not to good when you have asthma.

I love a little sight called C...list. Not sure if I have mentioned it before but I do. I sold two headboards and a foot board within an hour of each other. It was awesome.

Because of the rain today D didn't work. That doesn't mean he sits around in the lap of luxury. No sir. He caulked both of the bathrooms; after he had a large country breakfast. On rainy days I like to cook breakfast. And with all the honey dos I have I needed to get him some nutrition.

Late in the afternoon Meg, her grandma and I went shopping. It has been so long since I have been shopping. Or I should say shopping in a women's clothing store. I couldn't help myself; I bought an out fit. I have not bought any clothes for me in over a year! I used to be the type of person that would buy a new outfit just because it was Monday. Now since I don't have that fancy career any longer I just don't need that many clothes. But I sure do love to shop.

Off to bed. Not sure what tomorrow holds but it better not be any more rain.
Many Blessings,
Heidi

The day after.

2010-07-05T22:59:00.003-05:00

Well today we all recovered from the holiday weekend. Not that we did a lot this weekend that we needed to recover from; but a day of rest was what we did. Well I should clarify; I rested; D worked. I had him painting the ceiling in our bedroom. He also put up a queen size bed in one of the spare bedrooms here at the zoo. Also put the full size bed in the other spare bedroom on the old white iron bed that he painted recently. Things are starting to come together. Now if he can just get my bathtub caulked. I will add it to next weekends list of honey do. Oh I am not a total slave driver; I helped out when I could. I made dinner.
We are really enjoying Meg's grandma's visit. So much fun to have visitor's at the zoo. Maybe I will get the camera out and post some pictures.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

God Bless America!

2010-07-04T15:58:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone is having a beautiful 4th of July celebration with family and friends like we are. We are so blessed to live here in America!

Tons of fun!

2010-07-03T21:24:00.002-05:00

We have visiting guests at the zoo for the next ten days. Meg's grandma is visiting from VA. We have not seen her since last October. Always so much fun to visit with her. I hope to get a lot of pictures over the next few days.

Our second guest is a hundred and fifty pound yellow lab. His name is Kramer and I am falling in love. One of D's employees that has turned into one our sons; went on a camping trip with his family this weekend. They didn't have any room in the truck for Kramer. So I reluctantly said that we can watch him. I just knew those big droopy eyes would get to me, and they have. His big paws stepped on my food early this morning. I thought he broke a few toes. I don't know what I am going to do when it is time for him to go home on Monday. He is so precious and has the sweetest personality. My five pound Yorkie is not sure what to think of him. She is about the size of Kramer's head. I will try to get some photos of them together tomorrow.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

What a Beautiful Day!

2010-07-01T23:37:00.004-05:00

The weather this past week has been just beautiful. High in the upper 80's but the humidity is low so in the shade it is so nice. I have been able to enjoy my deck more when it is this nice. Otherwise it faces the west and you feel like your roasting on any other normal July day.

Today I had a long over due pedicure and manicure. AAHHH I could have these every week. I would prefer a pedicure once a week but will have to settle for once a month.

Today I found a beautiful white channel bead spread for this iron bed that D painted recently. I plan on decorating one of our spare bedrooms in all white with a touch of robin egg blue. It is a work in progress and I am in no hurry so the after pictures could take a while. I like to take my time gathering just the right items for a room. And since I am doing all this on a tight budget it will take some time. At one point in our marriage when money grew on the tree out back. I would redecorate in a weeks time; true fully I really enjoy taking my time and finding the right items and not spending very much on the redo. I think the blog world calls it thrifting and I am getting hooked. In the photo above you can see my chair in the back ground. There is where I did my supervising of the painting. D needs a supervisor; if not he has been known to up and go fishing or hunting in the middle of one of my project. This is why it takes me so long to get anything done.

We are in the beginning of frog season hear in these parts. There always seems to be some sort of season that D and the boys need to partake in. Devin is not much of an out doors man. He says his job is to hunt down the bad guys. Its what cops do.

Many blessings,

Heidi

MADD

2010-06-30T22:09:00.003-05:00

As I said in my last post....days ago because the Internet has been down. That we had a pretty fun weekend last weekend and it would take several post to get it all in.
Saturday night MADD honored my son for arresting over fifty drunk drivers in 2009. We are so proud of him!! They gave him the medal that you see around his neck. Getting him to smile is a major undertaking so I was grateful to get this picture.
Saturday night while Devin was getting his award we had a few friends and family over for a little BBQ. In the small town that we live in they set off their city fireworks the week before the 4th. Why? Who knows but we take advantage and have a few people over. We have front row seats to the fireworks display. The temps on Saturday were sweltering. Just standing in the shade you could start sweating. It was awful. So being that I don't like to sweat and all I made my whole made ice cream in the house. Thankfully by the time the sun went down we were all able to pile in the back of several pickup trucks and drive past the pond to see the professional fireworks display and not break a sweat. I love love love having people over; make memories, and making my own family traditions.
Meg unfortunately became very sick on Saturday evening and started running a high fever. She didn't start feeling better until today. The doctor said she had a virus. Goosh I hope no one else at the zoo comes down with it.
Today my in laws came into town for a visit. It was a beautiful day with low humidity we were able to sit on the back deck and have a nice visit with out sweating. Have I mentioned that I don't do sweating? Just sayin.....

I just love summer!
Many blessings,
Heidi

Happy Anniversary!

2010-06-28T09:08:00.005-05:00

This was an amazing weekend. I will need several post to get it all in. But first and foremost it was my 28th wedding anniversary. I don't have any wedding pictures on this computer. I got married in the 80's so the gown isn't very stylish now. Here is the hubs; always on the phone or playing with the grand kids. I can never find a good photo of just him. Matter of fact I can't find any photo on this computer or my camera of just him and I . I will work on that. This one was taken recently at a family reunion.
Twenty-eight years ago we had a very large church wedding. It was hot! There were so many people that there was standing room only in the back of the church. It was great to have so many friends and family there. The reception was at my parents house. It was catered with several bar areas; a live band and lots of people. I will say my mom did an amazing job on my reception. I don't think I ever told her that. Anyhow fun was had by all. Years after our wedding people were coming up to us telling us what a great time they had. Aww the memories.

Love ya babe,

Heidi

8-14-10

2010-06-24T21:48:00.003-05:00

Today was a very bittersweet day. I heard some very upsetting news and some good news.

The good news is that these two finally set a wedding date. August 14, 2010. Yep that is just 7 weeks away. The date 8/14 is my sons badge number. I am sure that had something to do with the planning. HA Congratulations to you both!

The bad news that I received today.....well the only thing I know to do is pray about it. It makes my heart ache. So I pray that GOD can take the pain away and walk with us during this very uncertain time.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

This and That

2010-06-23T21:34:00.002-05:00

Today seemed very productive. I washed sheets on all the beds; and we have a lot of beds here at the zoo. I also hung them out to dry. I just love sheets that have been hung outside to dry. It was a very hot day; I almost broke a sweat with all the sheet hanging I did. Which is not good. Have a mentioned I don't like to sweat.

I also cleaned the outside of my kitchen cabinets. They are sold oak so after a while they need cleaned and shined. I really love all the white kitchen's I have been seeing around blog land but I just can't bring myself to do it. I don't think it would look right in my house. No need for me to work on the inside of the cabinets because Meg has them very organized. Ever heard of that movie "Sleeping with the Enemy". Yea that's Meg. Everything is alphabetized.

Before I did all the above work I sprayed for weeds. They are tough little boogers; pulling them would be just way to much work. Besides that would cause be to sweat and we can't be having that.

My friend H needs to get her self home because all this work has caused me to need a pedicure. She is at her lodge in TN mowing herself to death so I know she needs one as well.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Quiet Day at the Zoo

2010-06-22T19:25:00.003-05:00

Today I had an old friend stop by and visit me today. I haven't seen her in at least ten years. She was in town for a few hours so she stopped by. She hasn't changed a bit; a grandma now but most of my friends are now. I owned a day care many years ago and I watched her two kids for four years. I think about her kids often. When you raise them from toddlers to school age you become attached. The last of my daycare kids are graduating this year. Time sure does fly by.

The rest of the day was pretty quiet. My heart is heavy this evening for my daughter-in-law to be. Her fathers health has been failing recently. He is ready to give up. His quality of life is not what he wants right now. I pray for Heather tonight. Her dad has made up his mind what he wants. Its who he is leaving behind that will need prayers. It is never easy when our loved ones are ready to go to heaven. There fight must be just to difficult to stay with us.

This is Heather's dad and her dog Vegas. He is a big baby; Vegas not her dad.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Happy 1st day of SUMMER!!

2010-06-21T22:05:00.003-05:00

I love spring and summer; they are my favorite time of year. I know it comes as a shock since I recently posted how I do not like to sweat. I will take the humidity as well. Our humidity has been so high here that our comfort index has been around 100. LOVE IT!

Today I had the misfortune; oh I mean pleasure of watching the two youngest zoo members Drake and Aspen. I think I have a few grey hair after today. Aspen was an angel all morning. Drake which is now 20 months old has decided that he doesn't want Aspen to touch any of his things. He expresses this by clenching his fists and screaming at the top of his lungs. Yea it was an awesome day. Then after the princess had her beauty sleep; she decided that she kind of liked it when Drake would scream so she spent the rest of the afternoon trying to get him to do so.

Here are those little devils, I mean sweet angels of mine.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T20:31:00.002-05:00

Happy Father's day to my dad. I know he will never read this because he doesn't know that blogs even exist. My father is alive and well; at least I hope he is well. I haven't spoken to him in about a year. If I could talk to him I would tell him how much I love him. How much he means to me and that I am sorry for how things have turned out. Sometimes in life you have to make tough decisions. Four years ago I choose my family and what was best for me. I am not used to putting me first. But since I have decided to do so; I have never been happier. I am sorry that in making my decision that I have lost you. Maybe one day you will understand.

May God bless you dad every day of your life.

Love you always and forever,

Heidi

Too hot for the air conditioner to go out!

2010-06-16T10:48:00.002-05:00

Wow it is already Wednesday. The last few days have been such a whirlwind of activity. Monday morning D and I had to head to the lake with an outside air conditioning unit; his parents unit decided to die on them on Sunday. It couldn't have been the worst time for this to happen. But not sure if there is a good time. D's older brother has been fighting cancer for several years now; over the weekend he had a heart attack. He has been staying with my in-laws to recover. Nothing like going home to mom to make things all better or in this case just to have her take care of him. His wife is not offended; she stayed there as well.

So we got a call that their air conditioner went out so Meg; the C list queen found one at a really good price. In no time D and his step dad had it up and running and everyone was feeling much more comfortable by the time we left. Thanks god my in-laws only live a couple of hours away. We are able to be there in no time for them if need be.

Yesterday was back to my normal days; what ever normal is any more. Grocery shopping and running around taking care of odds and ends. Today I am home watching Drake for Meg. All the zoo members are at work so it's just me and the little one. I love days like this. I putter around my house all day. Moving home decor from one room to another. I can redecorate a room in no time. I get bored with things staying the same too long. With a five bedroom three bath house gives me lots to mess with. It's not a big house just cozy. Off to putter.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Eva; my great neice!

2010-06-13T19:59:00.004-05:00

Eva is up to a whopping 4lbs and 7 oz. This is her sweet mama feeding her a bottle for the first time. She is almost 3 weeks old in this picture.

Isn't this such a beautiful family. Her parents are only allowed to hold her for a hour out of each day. But their precious baby girl is improving each day so God willing she will be home with them soon.

I so enjoyed the weekend. Saturday I went to a small town in a neighboring state to meet Meg's biological father and his wife. We had a wonderful visit. This town that he lives in is very small. Her father is the towns banker; so everyone knows him. We had lunch in one of the only two dinners in this town. One served pizza the other served bar-b-q. We opted for pizza. They don't have any fast food, no malls, no theaters, basically there is nothing there. But we had a great time. I hope that we can enjoyed many years getting to know each other.

D stayed home to watch Aspen and Drake. We really appreciated it however I believe he allowed them to eat anything that they wanted. The house was still standing so I am grateful. I sure loved have the princess stay the weekend with us. She is becoming such a joy. Last summer she was still little and quit a handful. Now that she is three you just have to let her do things by herself and all is right with the world. Ha

This evening my heart is heavy for my hubby D. His older brothers health is failing. He has been fighting cancer for several years. Currently he is having some heart issues. Not sure if he is going to pull out of it this time. He is currently staying at my in-laws. His wife and son are with him.

Blessings,

Heidi

Another busy day at the Zoo.

2010-06-10T21:43:00.003-05:00

The past couple of days Drew and his friend has been working on the air conditioner in Megs car. The car is not so great to look at but it gets amazing gas mileage. Nowadays that is really important when gas is $2.65 a gallon. But the air is broke and driving it is awful; you will start sweating just looking at that car. Since I don't do sweating I don't drive it.

Today it finally dried out enough so that I can mow the grass. I got a huge blister while mowing so I need some better grass cutting shoes. Just before I started mowing I received a call from a friend of mine telling me that her husbands company is going under. This company was a multi million dollar company just a couple of years ago. This is the second time I heard this same story different friend this week. I can't believe the state of this economy. It seems that everyone I know has been affected one way or another. It is so sad.
Which makes me feel really good that Drew got another job today. Devin, I don't need to worry about; he is a cop so there is always someone making stupid choices. But Drew's back ground is construction. Its what he went to school for so he would really like to stay in his field. He applied a couple of weeks ago and received a call yesterday that he got the job and could start today. This call was a real surprise because he was told at the time of his interview that they were not hiring. So tonight we had to open a bottle of champagne and just celebrate getting a job during these really hard times. I on the other hand did not have any champagne because it gives me an extreme headache or will put me to sleep in no time. Goosh I am such a partier.
The days ended so beautifully; Devin and Heather dropped off the princess to spend the weekend with us. They are going on a float trip.
Off to bed; next few days will be busy here at the zoo.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

100th post!

2010-06-08T21:26:00.002-05:00

Well you would think I would have something of importance to say since this in my 100th post but you would be wrong.
I have been trying to post the past couple of days but this system would not let me.
Sunday was a great day. I was able to use my new push mower. Well you don't actually push it; it is self propelled so you just walk behind it. I liked it a lot; this is another way I can get me some summer exercise. The weather was just beautiful; very little humidity. Sunday evening Devin and Heather had us down for dinner. But before we made it to their house D had to peruse Bass Pro. He feels the need to keep up on their inventory. With the price of fishing lures nowadays I could buy me a new pair of shoes. Anyhow dinner at the kids house was fantastic; we had grilled chicken and for dessert we had chocolate covered strawberries. Yummm.
Yesterday and today it rained. Today it especially rained hard all day. Great for the garden but that is about it. The satellite has been out all evening because of the storms. We have been watching Little Einsteins over and over. We have about 27 shows recorded. When you have a nineteen month old living here at the zoo that's all you can watch.

Many Blessings
Heidi

2010-06-05T12:30:00.002-05:00

Life is change.
Growth is optional.
Choose wisely.

Summer School Boy!

2010-06-04T16:24:00.003-05:00

Second post in one day. Here is Brennon on his first day of summer school. He is soo cute. All I have to do is wait for his parents to post to facebook and I have instant photos. Gotta love that. He looks way to little to be attending the big school!

Can't get rid of the ants!

2010-06-04T10:16:00.002-05:00

This week has gone by too fast. Not doing a very good job keeping up on this diary of our lives. There is not much going on but cleaning and laundry and some pesky ants that I can't get rid of.
Memorial day was great. I was able to be with all my kids and have a fantastic dinner of ribs and peaches and cream corn with some friends.
Brennon started summer school today. I will be there when he officially starts school this fall. It is odd they are starting school on a Friday. But they didn't ask me. Heather sent me a picture; he looked so cute. Here is when I would post that picture if I knew how. I am not totally computer stupid. Its the picture thing that gets me. But I can create a mean excel spreadsheet. Don't feel the need for one of those lately though with no job and all.
So back to laundry and those darn ants.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

A lot accomplished today!

2010-05-30T20:35:00.002-05:00

The garden is finally planted. D worked very hard getting it done for me today. I was successful in supervising the whole thing. We have tomato plants and jalapenos as well as bell and banana peppers. The garden is small so I am unable to plant some things that I really want. Like zucchini and honey dew melon. I would also like cucumbers and okra. Maybe we can expand next year. This year I feel grateful to just get the darn thing done.
I also supervised another project that D did today. My MIL gave me a beautiful old iron bed. This bed has to be at least 50 years old. I had D paint it white. I am going to put it in one of the spear bedrooms. I want to purchase white bedding for this bed. I want everything in this room white with very little touches of robin egg blue. I will work on that. The fun is putting it all together.
All this supervising is exhausting; I am off to bed with a good book.

Many blessings,
Heidi

Hot Hot Hot

2010-05-28T21:38:00.004-05:00

Today was hot hot hot hot hot; well maybe not that hot; but when your central air motor goes out then it can get pretty hot. Everyone gets a little cranky. Drew picked up a new motor and D put it in late this afternoon. It is still warm in here at almost 10 o'clock at night. Hopefully by morning it will be at a comfortable temp. I don't like to sweat!

Speaking of sweating D has promised he will put me a few tomato plants in the garden this weekend. I will be over seeing this project. You know because I don't like to sweat and all. We were going to go to the lake this weekend but have decided to have a quiet holiday weekend at home. We haven't had a calm weekend in a while. Sleep in late; have brunch. Watch D plant tomatoes. Perfect weekend!

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Great Aunt!

2010-05-27T21:27:00.002-05:00

Today I had plans to do some spring cleaning before the weekend. But at about 5:00 am I received a phone call from my oldest son (the one that is up all night catching bad guys) that my Nephew and his wife went into labor and they are doing an emergency c-section within 45 min. So I jumped up and headed to hospital. I did put my face on though so I wouldn't scare anyone.

We have been so worried about this pregnancy because we knew early that she would have some complication do to the fact that her intestines were on the outside of her body. Surgery would be needed immediately after she was born.

At 5:48 am Eva Paige was born weighing 3 lb 14 oz and only 15 inches long. Surgery was performed shortly after her birth and she did just beautiful. Mom and baby Eva are doing great tonight.

Eva will remain in the hospital for about 6 weeks. She has a lot of healing to do; as well as a few pounds to gain.

So on this date I became a great aunt for the first time. It is as awesome as being a granny.

Many Blessings to Gabe, Adrianne and their beautiful baby girl.

Heidi

Still no garden!

2010-05-26T12:44:00.002-05:00

I can't believe how the time passes. I knew I hadn't updated in a while but this is crazy. Last weekend I was blessed to have kept the princess on Saturday night after a fish fry that D and I had for some friends and family. We love keeping her over night. This time the over night was extended a few days because Heather's father was unexpectedly rush to the hospital. All is well now. Still praying for his full recovery. Hated that he was in the hospital but love keeping our granddaughter.
Not much else happening this week; just the usual. Do I have my garden in yet? NO! Meg and I tried to the other day but it was too hot and the weeds were too many. I don't like to sweat. So D has promised that he will help me this weekend. I will have to bake him something special. Bake that man a brownie and I can almost get him to do anything.

Blessings,
Heidi

2010-05-21T18:57:00.002-05:00

Wow this week really flew by. Still do not have my garden planted. It hasn't stopped raining until today. So the plans are to plant it tomorrow.
Had an awesome day with my friend H. Went to lunch at a new deli in town. Then went back to her house for a piece of a seven layer cake. Yummm. The cake was a gift from her son who is currently in the dog house. It was a peace offering. My guess is it didn't work but we are not foolish enough to not enjoy the cake. I think she should keep her whole family in the dog house for a while. See what else they bring home. Just sayin...

Many Blessings,
Heidi

My Aunt Linda

2010-05-19T05:44:00.002-05:00

I found out late last night that my Aunt Linda was having chest pains while visiting her son and his wife. Her son convinced her to get it checked out. Early yesterday morning soon after her arrival at the hospital they did heart surgery. Two stints were put in. They said that if she had not gone to the hospital when she did; she could have had a massive heart attack. One that she would not have survived.
My Aunt Linda is so special to me. I am just in shock that she is going through this. It was not long ago that she was in the fight of her life with breast cancer. I know that she is a fighter and she will come through this but I just hate to see her go through it.
When I was a little girl I wanted to grow up and be just like her. She is the kind of aunt that treated you like you were the best thing that ever happen to her. I will be praying for her speedy recovery.

Well it is rainy again today. I really wanted to get my garden planted this week but the rain just keeps coming. Today I was going with my friend H to purchase all the plants but D said I am getting the horse before the cart. The garden is a mess; very wet and needs to be weeded. I told D to get busy the rain will end and if I have to I will mud those plants in. I need to have a garden. It is good for my soul.

Blessings,
Heidi

Clarity

2010-05-18T12:54:00.002-05:00

This past week D and I spent a lot of time thinking about our future and what we want it to look like. It was great to be able to do this while relaxing at the lake with my in-laws. Nothing like a week of down time for clarity.
So now that we know what direction we are headed. I will be getting ready for the summer. I have a garden to plant. That is my goal for the week.
But first I need to unpack and do a mountain of laundry. Where is the maid when I need her?!?

Blessings,
Heidi

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-05-10T05:21:00.002-05:00

The reunion was a huge success. There were so many people here; some of my husbands family I haven't seen in years. What a wonderful day.
But at about 1 am I awoke with the stomach flu; was up all night. Spent mothers day in bed all day. Yuck! It was nice to be waited on by D though.
Today D and I will be leaving for the lake. Sometimes you just need to get away by ourselves to work on plan B for our lives. Need to make some really tough decisions. We do that best at the lake. Not sure when we will return; maybe a week or so. Will update when I return.

We need prayers,
Heidi

Birthday in the park.

2010-05-08T05:01:00.004-05:00

We went to a birthday party the other night for this sweet girl that turned 7. Her name in Taylor and she is the daughter of one of D's employees. The weather has been so beautiful this week so having a birthday party at a local park was perfect.

This little guy had so much fun. There were about 9 kids and he tried to keep up with them all. At 18 months he did pretty good.

Plan B for D and our lives is in full swing. I know the change will be good. It's just that change is not easy for me. It used to be but now that I am older I kinda like for things to calm down a bit.

Today is our family reunion at our house. Only putting final touch on everything this morning then sitting back and enjoying myself. I love family. I love entertaining at my home. SO much fun.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Busy Busy Busy

2010-05-06T07:11:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy getting ready for the family reunion this weekend at our house. So much to do.................

Plan B

2010-05-04T21:47:00.002-05:00

You know when you are married as long as D and I have been you make plans for your life. You set goals; may plans; have dreams. Then one day you wake up and realize that your plans have went all to heck and you its time to figure out a plan B.

We will need prayer,

Heidi

Stephanie

2010-05-02T21:09:00.003-05:00

I had the best weekend. It was jammed packed with so many things to do. On Saturday I went to a baby shower for this beautiful couple. My nephew and his wife. They are expecting their baby on July 1st. They are going to have a girl. We don't know her name; the parents will not share that with us just yet. I have prayed daily for these two. Their baby will be born with a birth defect and will need surgery immediately after birth. They both are in Gods hands and I just know everything will be ok.

This is our Stephanie and her boyfriend Bill. Stephanie moved to southern Illinois to attend school. She has not been home in two years. Today was the best day ever when she pulled in the driveway. I have missed her so much. D and I tried to adopt her many years ago but was unable to because she would have been turning 18 at the time. This little detail didn't make a difference to us. She is our daughter and always will be.

We wrapped up the weekend with a Bar-B-Que at our house that Drew had for Meg's birthday. I love love love gatherings at my house. I could do this every weekend. Devin and Heather you were missed!

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Happy Birthday Meg!

2010-04-30T20:54:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Meg! You are such a joy and a beautiful addition to our family. I am looking forward to many more birthdays with you.

2010-04-29T22:06:00.003-05:00

I received a wonderful surprise yesterday afternoon. Everyone at the zoo was gone. Yes I was all alone; which is never good. I may find some kind of trouble. Usually in the way of moving objects around my house which I like to call puttering.
Anyhow while I was puttering Devin and Heather and the kids stopped by and picked me up and took me to their house for dinner. It was wonderful; the kids and the food. Had a great time.

Hope I am invited many times.

Blessings,
Heidi

First real hair cut!

2010-04-28T15:47:00.002-05:00

The princess got her first real hair cut recently. She has had her bangs cut numerous times but this is the first time all over. Isn't that a precious face. According to dad this precious face is experiencing the terrible three's. She's a little bossy. I just think that maybe dad needs to be told what to do. HA

Many Blessings,
Heidi

2010-04-27T20:41:00.003-05:00

I haven't updated in a while. I hate when time goes by so fast. The purpose of this blog is to document my life with my kids so I should update daily however I just forget. Life gets in the way.

Last weekend was a rainy gloomy weekend. I topically hate weekends like that but mine was productive so it turned out OK. We are still in the process of finishing off our basement. D had some supplies to add an additional wall so he did so on Sunday. We were blessed to have Aspen spend Saturday night with us. We sure miss the princess.Meg bought the above play system at a consignment sale that we went to recently. Soon it will be filled with balls for the kids to play with. Aspen and Drake enjoyed it this rainy weekend. It is currently in my living room. That's just how we roll. It was so much fun watching a 3 year old and an 18 month old communicate. Aspen did most of the talking. Drake would shake his head no to almost everything she said. It didn't seem to bother her. They get along great together.

This week thus far has been pretty quiet. We saw the sun today after several days of cool and rainy weather. Today I went to see my friend H's new house. It is so adorable. I would love to have her dishwasher; it is one of those two drawer washers. I don't wish for mine to break any time soon but if it does I just may have to have one like hers.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

Morning Thunderstorms; Afternoon Garage Sales

2010-04-23T21:39:00.003-05:00

This morning we had a thunderstorm. I just love them. Especially if I can stay in bed and read or just listen to the thunder. This morning however there was no laying around. Drake awoke this morning at 6:00 am; yelling for anyone to come get him. I think he made the rounds yelling all of our names.

After the storm cleared. Meg wanted to go to a few garage sales. I am new to garage sales. My parents never went nor did my grandparents. I just didn't know what I was missing. I believe I am a new fan. I love the hunt of that one special item. Meg did well today; finding things for Drake and Aspen. I on the other hand only scored at my friend H's house. H sold her house and is down sizing in a major way. She is going from a four thousand square foot house to one she can clean easily in one day. This means her garage is full of items that she is not taking with her nor is she have a garage sale herself. And my silly friend has great taste. So I will be removing some of these items that she plans on leaving behind. For example her Louis Va ton(spelling?) luggage that I took from her garage this afternoon. When I head down to my in laws with that bag I will think of her.

My father-in-law received great news this afternoon. All lymph node test came back clear. He is completely clear from cancer. God is good!

The picture above is of Drake; he fell asleep on his mom and dad's bed.

Many Blessings,

Heidi

So Good to be Home!

2010-04-21T22:30:00.002-05:00

It feels so good to be home. My father-in-law is doing fantastic. He had a couple of issues after his surgery but over all he is doing really well. This picture was from over a year ago. Not sure who took it but the quality is not very good. I don't have any current pictures of my in laws together. He didn't really want me to take his picture this past week. I can't blame him.

I was so grateful to spend the week with them while my father in law had his surgery. Mom and I had plenty of time to talk and catch up. We talk on the phone weekly however that is different then spending quality girl time in a hotel and at her house.

I really missed all my kids though; I was able to see most of them today which was awesome. I am really exhausted. Nothing like being home and in your own bed.

Many Blessings,
Heidi

Leaving

2010-04-13T18:09:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow morning D and I will be leaving for the lake for a few days possibly a week. My father-in-law will be having surgery on Thursday so I will go and be with my mother-in-law during this tough time for them. Cancer is not an easy thing to deal with; however under these circumstances his chances for them getting it all is 95% which is pretty good. No radiation or chemo will be necessary. He is so very blessed and he knows it.

I remember almost five years ago when I was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. Most people do not survive stage 4 melanoma but I was blessed and I know it. I remember how I felt when I was told. First disbelief. Then all I wanted to know is what is the plan. I always need to know the plan. I also know that no matter what I plan for GOD has his own plan.

I am only going to be gone a few days but I am sure going to miss these sweet babies.

Many Blessings,
Heidi