Happy Memorial Day!

Usually we think of Memorial Day as just a day off of work; however it does have a meaning. One of my loopy friends reminded us of it with this video from you tube. Make sure that you turn off the radio before clicking the You Tube video!

Most of you know that our son, Ben, is serving in the Army. He recently returned to the states after a 15 month tour in Iraq. But my father also served in the navy for 20 years. He served during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. My sister was in the Marines for 6 years. My father in law served in Germany. I just want to say thank you to all the men and women who have given of themselves for our freedom.

This was actually the first Memorial Day in 2 years that we stayed home. I just couldn't stay home and watch all the specials and tributes while Ben was in Iraq. But this year, he is safe.

May 24th - 26th

Just some pictures from the weekend. I worked Saturday and Arthur worked Saturday and Sunday! Fortunately that is a rarity for him. Sunday the kids and I went to church and then Sierra and I went shopping for a few things. That night we went to Lisa and JD's house for awhile. Monday we did relax and had Joe and Rose and Lisa and JD over for shish kabob.

Arthur mowed the slope behind our house with his redneck invention.

Shish kabobs (not cooked) for Monday night

Gracie trying on a new hat

Daniel trying on his graduation cap and gown.

The guys at Lisa and JD's

The kids roasting marshmallows over the fire pit

A summer trifle for dessert

May 23rd

Just in case you think I only watch TV .... I just finished this study. I had picked it up in Kansas. I love Beth Moore studies. I am always a bit skeptical of any speaker that is *too* popular. Usually I find them to be very shallow and too merchandised. I don't get that sense from Beth Moore. I'm challenged by her guidance. The focus in her studies is God's word; not Beth's words.

Living Free is a short study, about 6 weeks, and is easy to do on your own. It focuses on praying the scriptures.

Our Ladies' Bible Study group is doing Stepping Up . This study is about studying the Psalms of Assent. I bought the book but I'll be doing it on my own. I'll probably be able to borrow the dvd's from the church. I would love to do it with the group but it is at 6:30 on Tuesdays. I just can't make 6:30 when I don't get out of work until 6:00 or later. After struggling to get to Bible Study and ending up frazzled and not being edified by it (because of rushing not anything to do with the group!), I gave myself permission to not go . I'll go to the fall study when my hours change at work and I'm out at 5:00. I'm looking forward to starting the study though - I think it will nicely follow the Living Free study.

May 22nd

And now my other favorite show has started! I do more than watch TV, I swear! Lol! It's pretty much the same with this as American Idol. I like it once they get past the auditions by people that should never have gotten out there in the first place and they actually get into the competition.

May 21st

Yeah! I thought he should win all along. This is only the second season that I watched American Idol. I could never get past the stupid stuff in the beginning and the meanness. But once you get into the competition, it starts getting good. I always thought that it would come down to the 2 Davids but I was hoping David A wouldn't win. He just rubbed me the wrong way. David C seemed so talented (loved The Phantom of the Opera performance!) and seemed to be more well-rounded.

May 19th

He's still here! His flight didn't take off so he ended up leaving on Monday instead. This is the only time he is still. He hasn't changed since he was a baby!

We went to our shag class and had a blast. We had missed last week and were afraid we'd be lost but we did pretty well.

May 18th

My baby turned 24 today!! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

Wasn't he sweet!

His first hair cut! Bye bye curls!

His hair cut Sunday! Lol! He's grown up a bit. We all went out for a birthday breakfast at IHOP and then Ben wanted to get his hair cut. Arthur couldn't resist going in and taking picture. Sierra had to work at 12:00; I had to work at 1:00 (it was my weekend but Nancy covered me for Saturday); Dan had to work at 2:00. Ben wanted to be at RDU by 2:00 for his flight to England.

Happy Birthday Ben! We are so proud of you!

Sierra wishing the monopoly money was real!

Other news - Sierra has been struggling financially and had a horrible situation with her roommates. She asked if she could come home for awhile. It is great having her back.

May 17th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

My mother turned 76 today!

Ben got Dan up early and made him go running. This was before obviously!

At night, we opened a bottle of french wine that Ben had brought me direct from France! Honestly, it wasn't any better than some of the local wines but it was still cool to try it.

May 16th

I had Friday off. I dropped Gracie off to the groomer and then I went to get my hair cut.

Gracie looks so cute! Note the little green bow; Gracie is NOT a bow kind of dog.

So much cooler.

Dan gave blood at school.

That night Ben flew in from Florida.

May 14th

Today I got a frantic email from Daniel. He needed his cap and gown for Friday and somehow he didn't get it!! He gave me a number to call. I called and the Herff Jones office was minutes from my office so I ran there on my lunch hour. Apparently he was suppose to get it at lunch but never went and got it. We are on the count down now - 14 days left of school!

May 13th

We have grass! Arthur could not get over how thick it is. He actually had trouble getting the mower through. We going to overseed the sod and fill in a few bare patches.

May 12th

I know, not very attractive pictures. I had Monday off since I worked Saturday. I have begun to truly enjoy my days off during the week. No one is home; I can putter around doing whatever I want. I took it slow in the morning and then cleaned the house. In the afternoon, I went to the spa and got a manicure and pedicure done with the gift certificate that I got for my birthday. It was wonderful and so relaxing!

May 11th

Happy Mother's Day!

We went to church and then went over to the Vidals'. The men and kids cooked while Donna and I lounged in the living room.

Donna and her lovely daughter, Erica.

Dinner! Veggies, fried chicken, pasta salad and

salmon!

It was all delicious. Rachel and Dan came with us but Dan had to work at Costco so he had to leave early. I got phone calls from both boys and Sierra, without prompting from their Dad (at least I don't think so ). My day was complete.

May 10th

Inside the Eiffel Tower

No I didn't suddenly jet off to Paris. But Ben did! I couldn't get him for a couple days and then he called - he had been to Paris, France for 2 days! He was going to attend a wedding with his girlfriend, Nathalie, but he got some sight seeing in. He sent me over some pictures. Right now, he is in Florida with some friends; he'll be here on Friday; then off to Paris and England for 10 days. How cool is that!

May 8th

My new hanging plant

May 7th

Strawberries from the farmer's market

May 6th

Gracie and Pappi sharing a snack

Rose's father passed away on Tuesday and the family left for RI. We puppy sat for Big Pappi (yes, named for the Red Sox player). It took us a few days to all get into the routine. I realized how selfish I am - I'm not used to taking care of anyone but myself in the morning. Lol!

May 5th

Shagging! We started the intermediate class on Monday.

May 4th

I'm a bit behind since I couldn't locate the cable to download the pix. But I'm back!

Sunday, Nancy came back around lunch time and left for the airport at about 5:00. Arthur and I went down to Rose and Joe's to finally pick out our cruise for our 25th anniversaries. The guys lit the fire pit - they tend to help it along with lighter fluid. Kids don't try this at home.

May 3rd

I have managed to finish 6 of the Yada Yada series and am halfway through the 7th. I don't know what I'm going to do when I finish! I am so involved with all these charactures! When I began the first one, I was surprised how much I related to the main characture, Jodi, and it hasn't changed. Hmmm... I wonder why... middle-aged married white woman, with older children... I don't see any similarities . But it is also that she seems to worry about the things I worry about, and see things the way I see them -not that that is always good. The 6th book really seemed to hit the nail on the head for where I need to trust God the most - with my children! One of the charactures commented " I'm thinking that its time I quit telling God what he's supposed to do and just start asking God to work out his own purpose for my boy". That is so hard when your children are young adults and we see them choosing paths that we disagree with. We see them making bad decisions and forget that God still has His hand on them and is in control. It may be painful at times for both of us, but God is working out his purpose in them. I have to step back and let go. The last line said it all "Time for you to let go. And-- think of the possiblities!

Romans 8:28
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

May 1st

Arthur gave me my favorite colored roses "just because".

April 30th

Aunt Nancy came to visit. She was here for their cousin, Cindy's, 50th birthday.