Renovation time

We are preparing to renovate and update the look of our house. I just wish that I had more confidence in being able to do some things myself. I know how to use a hammer but that would just make a mess. I know how to use a saw, but that would wreck the cupboard. Okay let me explain - I have wanted to redo my kitchen for quite sometime but the cost would make it so that we would never recoup the money out of our house when we sell. So instead we need to make some minor changes in the kitchen keeping the cost down but esthetically improving the look. Last night we went out and bought new light fixtures for most of the house - WOW - we actually took the step and bought them. Now, hopefully (with lots of prayers & encouragement) my dear, sweet (did I say how wonderful my husband is) will actually start to replace them. I think that this will encourage him to want to get the kitchen renovated to a new era and not the one from my early post-high school days. I only want to knock down a set of cupboards (actually take them down and move them to a new wall - which I'm being told isn't possible)and get some more natural light into the cooking area. Then we need new counter tops and back splash area which is a big job as we have small, ugly 1980's tile to get rid of. Several folks told me that Home Depot has folks that can come out and give a quote for all of this kind of work...I think I'm calling them. There are so many choices of counter tops that it makes a person's head spin...just like that movie! Well just a few more decisions and lots of prayers then we should be travelling into a new room. Wish me luck or should I say, wish my dear, sweet, wonderful husband the best of luck in getting the lights changed over. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

October 2008 - My last year of being in my 40's!!!!!

I can honestly say that I am excited about turning 50 next year. I have had such a traumatic couple of 30's & 40's that I never thought I would enjoy saying that I can hardly wait to get through being 49 and turning 50. It might have something to do with the man that I married and how content and happy I am in my life! But then again the economy sucks right about now...but who cares, as I am having the time of my life just being 49, married to a great man and about to hit the the half a century in age. My grandma and I are exactly 40 years apart and when I look at her life and how happy her and my grandpa were, I'm very excited to hit 50 next year. I watched a program that talked about if women could go back in their lives, which ten year span would they live and almost all of them said there is nothing like being in your late forties or entering into your fifties. Your kids have gotten their own lives and don't depend on you, as well you have found security within yourself and are on an even plateau with your spouse. Well I will definitely vouch for the even plateau with your spouse, as well my security has never been better. I have found that even though I carried a chip on my shoulder for many years (with being a single parent) I have become more self confident and self assured more than ever. I love life and I have found that God plays a big part in that. He has been with me for all of my journey and no matter what mistakes I made or what road I took my kids on, I could always count on him to be with me. I never endangered my kids but I know that there were many days when I wondered how I would feed them or pay for the roof over their heads. My biggest worry was how they would look at me for what I put them through with no dad in the picture, but as time went by it was "dad" that didn't want to be in the picture with them. I love my children more than life itself but even more I love myself for what I have accomplished through these years of hardship. But further more, I love my husband for helping me become the person that I am becoming....rich in faith, believing in myself and having God in my life, helping my children to become more dependent on making their own decisions for themselves. I just know that by next year I will be a better person, richer in spirit but most of all I will be seasoned with lots of life's experiences! I can hardly wait for October 2009!!!!

What an Uplifting Service!

What a day! We went with heavy hearts expecting to have such a sad service for a baby that was way to young to pass on. And yet what we got was 2 grandfathers talking quite openly; a host of pictures that brought everyone to tears to see such a beautiful child taken from his family and yet we know that God lends us our children as they are not ours to keep.
When Barb and I were asked by Patti & Kevin to put the lunch on, we were humbled to know that they wanted us to do this for them. It was an undertaking and yet we know that our church family wanted to help and support this family. And did they ever answer the challenge...thank you, thank you church family & friends for bringing so much food that no one went hungry today. Also, we were able to send food for the Clark families and still have more than enough to give to Teen Challenge - a charity that we knew would accept this kind of a donation.
Then when we thought we couldn't shed anymore tears, Kari & Jordan got up and talked and praised everyone for the support they had been given. I always find it encouraging to hear from the ones that can, during their moments of grief, a true from the heart thank you. I believe that if you can, you should as there is nothing like a personal, outpouring of thanks while your supporters are all together. Just by Kari & Jordan sharing their blog about there experiences, trials & disappointments with Drew's medical journey, this too was touching to know just how much everyone meant to them. When this happens it makes a person wonder if and when your time comes to be at the front, could you stand up in front of so many and thank those who came? Would you buckle at the knees? Could you tell a crowd just how much that loved one meant to you and that your life will go on without them? Could you keep it together and be audible for all to hear? Would you wonder if God would be so ever present to help you during this time of need? I guess that as time goes by and one day our time will be that time to be at the front of the room...I hope and pray that I too can be the strong one to stand and thank so many. I pray that I can feel uplifted by all who come to share in the celebration of life of my loved ones.