Finally after all this waiting, the big day is here! We were wanting to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary with a special trip just for us, but alas at that time things were just a bit hectic. So here it is, October and well wouldn't you know it, the timing couldn't be more perfect for us to take a trip!
Our bags are packed, just a few little details to take care of around here and then we'll be off! we won't have internet connections other than at the airport so I'm leaving my little laptop behind. I am bringing a note book to write about all of the places we've been to and our experiences. When we get back, I'll tell you all about it!
Our daughter is off as well- we all will have stories to tell of our travels when we get back.
Please keep us all in your prayers!
Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, September 06, 2010
The Death of my Dad
It's on a sad note that I announce the death of my dad. He was a kind soul who was always there for his family and friends. He was the neighbor who was always there to lend you a helping hand when you were putting in a new lawn, fixing a broken fence post or putting on a new roof. He loved ice cream, hamburgers, chocolate chip cookies, a frosty mug of beer on a hot day and a steamy hot mug of coffee every day!
He died this past Sunday, September 5th, 2010 in his sleep. I like to think that he's in heaven taking a walk in a garden, no longer trapped in his body able to express his thoughts. That he is having a conversation with Jesus about fruit trees (he loved his fruit trees) and how best we can go about to feed the hungry of the world.
He died this past Sunday, September 5th, 2010 in his sleep. I like to think that he's in heaven taking a walk in a garden, no longer trapped in his body able to express his thoughts. That he is having a conversation with Jesus about fruit trees (he loved his fruit trees) and how best we can go about to feed the hungry of the world.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
My latest observations
Some days I feel like Erma Bombeck- seeing things how they really are and able to write about them in a manner which makes people laugh at the obvious. I loved her writing style and her witty sense of humor just makes you smile. Was her wit based on sarcasm? To a certain degree sure, but it was focused on the obvious.
As many of us with children are looking at this time of year as "back to school" there are those of us (myself included) that are saying "finally, a break from the kids- woo hoo!". I've always wondered why so many mothers are sad at seeing their children grow up and start that new part of their lives, in their gaining their independence we get ours back! Me? I'm doing the happy dance! I've got one off in a state side University and one here at home- perfect!
No more hen pecking my eldest to clean up his pigsty- it's clean, smells fresh and is loaded with beautiful fabrics and all kids of creative things! I've taken time to turn our son's old room into our new guest room/sewing room. I've chosen an Americana theme and I hope that the guests don't get too cosy because I plan on sewing even with guest staying here-HA!
Seriously though, I know so many mothers that make their kids old room into some sort of shrine once they leave the house (my own old bedroom at my parents house is pretty much just that). Do you really want them back? I don't think so! It's YOUR space, turn it into something that YOU can use! Get rid of that crap that your teen had on the walls, paint the walls, ring up your kids and give them the opportunity to take the stuff with then that they want and just donate the rest to a charity shop (or simply toss the rubbish into a wheelie bin). Granted with our son living in America and us living here in England, well his stuff just gets boxed up and put into storage until we move state side ourselves in a few months. But seriously- empower yourself! Take over that empty space and make it over into a room that you'll be proud to show off to your friends! I'll let our son stay in that room for his holiday break but only after he signs an agreement not to make it a pigsty while he is here "visiting".
As many of us with children are looking at this time of year as "back to school" there are those of us (myself included) that are saying "finally, a break from the kids- woo hoo!". I've always wondered why so many mothers are sad at seeing their children grow up and start that new part of their lives, in their gaining their independence we get ours back! Me? I'm doing the happy dance! I've got one off in a state side University and one here at home- perfect!
No more hen pecking my eldest to clean up his pigsty- it's clean, smells fresh and is loaded with beautiful fabrics and all kids of creative things! I've taken time to turn our son's old room into our new guest room/sewing room. I've chosen an Americana theme and I hope that the guests don't get too cosy because I plan on sewing even with guest staying here-HA!
Seriously though, I know so many mothers that make their kids old room into some sort of shrine once they leave the house (my own old bedroom at my parents house is pretty much just that). Do you really want them back? I don't think so! It's YOUR space, turn it into something that YOU can use! Get rid of that crap that your teen had on the walls, paint the walls, ring up your kids and give them the opportunity to take the stuff with then that they want and just donate the rest to a charity shop (or simply toss the rubbish into a wheelie bin). Granted with our son living in America and us living here in England, well his stuff just gets boxed up and put into storage until we move state side ourselves in a few months. But seriously- empower yourself! Take over that empty space and make it over into a room that you'll be proud to show off to your friends! I'll let our son stay in that room for his holiday break but only after he signs an agreement not to make it a pigsty while he is here "visiting".
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A fine ending...almost
Yesterday was another one of those days where I spent the majority of the day in the kitchen. Once again I was wrangled into cooking big for a function, but not a military one, this one was for a school party. I jumped at the opportunity to help out.
The "Leavers Party"- obviously this is a British wording and not American as we would have worded it quite differently but it gets the point across none the less. This is not only a party for those that are graduating from Kingham Hill but also for those US students that are moving away this summer. What a wonderful tribute to pay to those US students that work so hard to fit in, to adjust to something new and foreign to them and all supported by their British friends and teachers. Even our Andrew had a special speech said about him- and it pretty much summed up what he had gone through- I had to hold myself back from crying because there it was out in the open-All of the things he thought that his Senior Year in High School would have been and we move him right before all of that. Everyone applauded him when he stood up, the journey was over, he survived and he even made a handful of great friends along the way. It was nice way to start the final days of school.
Although Andrew is technically done with school, Speech Day is July 3rd and we will ALL be in attendance then! He's off to South Dakota soon (yes again) but this time it's for University orientation. He'll spend 4 or 5 days there then he'll be back here, then he goes back to South Dakota at the end of July . We won't see him again until December.
I took about a gazillion pictures (of which I need to upload to my computer), now to find out where my camera had gone off to...it's around here somewhere. Now for some coffee and working on finding that camera!
The "Leavers Party"- obviously this is a British wording and not American as we would have worded it quite differently but it gets the point across none the less. This is not only a party for those that are graduating from Kingham Hill but also for those US students that are moving away this summer. What a wonderful tribute to pay to those US students that work so hard to fit in, to adjust to something new and foreign to them and all supported by their British friends and teachers. Even our Andrew had a special speech said about him- and it pretty much summed up what he had gone through- I had to hold myself back from crying because there it was out in the open-All of the things he thought that his Senior Year in High School would have been and we move him right before all of that. Everyone applauded him when he stood up, the journey was over, he survived and he even made a handful of great friends along the way. It was nice way to start the final days of school.
Although Andrew is technically done with school, Speech Day is July 3rd and we will ALL be in attendance then! He's off to South Dakota soon (yes again) but this time it's for University orientation. He'll spend 4 or 5 days there then he'll be back here, then he goes back to South Dakota at the end of July . We won't see him again until December.
I took about a gazillion pictures (of which I need to upload to my computer), now to find out where my camera had gone off to...it's around here somewhere. Now for some coffee and working on finding that camera!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
New Years Resolutions
I stopped making New Years Resolutions years ago, to me it seemed pointless. I'd much rather set achievable goals and works towards them.
Since having all of my crafting and cooking tools in storage for 6 months I have lots going on in that department...
My goals for 2010
*to make a sweet treat for my family every week
*to try a new recipe every week
*to work in my new scrapbook nook at least 1 hour every day, be it organizing it, making cards, scrapbook layouts or printing pictures.
*to continue to be a mentor for military spouses, to help to get them involved in community service projects and knowing their neighbors and fellow Church parishioner's
*to continue to be a good friend, confidant and listener. To be able to assist friends and military spouses as best as I can with keeping a positive attitude
*to offer classes on cooking, sewing, scrapbooking, card-making and quilting classes to other military spouses
*to continue to work towards my dream, to complete my cookbook and look for a publisher when it's ready
*to laugh every day
*to look for the rainbow after every rain storm
*to never pass an opportunity to tell my husband and children that I love them
*to entertain in my home whenever possible
*to surprise friends with special homemade treats
*to be adventurous
*to travel as much as I possibly can
Since having all of my crafting and cooking tools in storage for 6 months I have lots going on in that department...
My goals for 2010
*to make a sweet treat for my family every week
*to try a new recipe every week
*to work in my new scrapbook nook at least 1 hour every day, be it organizing it, making cards, scrapbook layouts or printing pictures.
*to continue to be a mentor for military spouses, to help to get them involved in community service projects and knowing their neighbors and fellow Church parishioner's
*to continue to be a good friend, confidant and listener. To be able to assist friends and military spouses as best as I can with keeping a positive attitude
*to offer classes on cooking, sewing, scrapbooking, card-making and quilting classes to other military spouses
*to continue to work towards my dream, to complete my cookbook and look for a publisher when it's ready
*to laugh every day
*to look for the rainbow after every rain storm
*to never pass an opportunity to tell my husband and children that I love them
*to entertain in my home whenever possible
*to surprise friends with special homemade treats
*to be adventurous
*to travel as much as I possibly can
Thursday, September 03, 2009
First 'Official" Day of School
My children left this morning for school wearing their new school clothes...Andrew was in a 3 piece suit with an oxford shirt and a spiffy looking striped tie and
Miss Hannah wore her new school uniform. which consists of a black-watch plaid skirt, white blouse, dark blue jumper (that's a long sleeve pull over sweater for us Americans) and her school blazer.
This is our son Andrew's last year and our daughter Hannah's first year of high school.
Now if blogger would stop acting up I could add in these great pictures I've taken over the past couple of days!
Their first day at school went so much better than their orientation event the night before. I hope that today goes even better for them. I know how much they are missing their friends back in South Dakota. It's hardest on our son who won't be going to Home Coming or going to the school football games with his friends or hanging out at BK after going to a movie in town. I've got to stop beating myself up about this and think about how this is such a wonderful opportunity for him learning about foreign relations.
Now for me to finish getting ready to go to a retirement ceremony this afternoon.
Miss Hannah wore her new school uniform. which consists of a black-watch plaid skirt, white blouse, dark blue jumper (that's a long sleeve pull over sweater for us Americans) and her school blazer.
This is our son Andrew's last year and our daughter Hannah's first year of high school.
Now if blogger would stop acting up I could add in these great pictures I've taken over the past couple of days!
Their first day at school went so much better than their orientation event the night before. I hope that today goes even better for them. I know how much they are missing their friends back in South Dakota. It's hardest on our son who won't be going to Home Coming or going to the school football games with his friends or hanging out at BK after going to a movie in town. I've got to stop beating myself up about this and think about how this is such a wonderful opportunity for him learning about foreign relations.
Now for me to finish getting ready to go to a retirement ceremony this afternoon.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Home Sickness
Our teenage guests are starting to get a little homesick. We talked last night and I knew what was on their moms...I am a mom you know ;-)
This is Drew's first time being so far away from home. Heck this night even be his first time out of the State of South Dakota. Tyler went to China last year with a school group. This year Tyler and Drew traveled together from South Dakota. This is their first adventure out of the country on their own...I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. Tomorrow the boys fly back home...I'm going to miss them. I knew that these boys were a part of my son's life, but it took until now to realize how much they are also a part of my life too. They're the "extra" kids that got under foot, ate us out of house and home and had teenage issues of their own. They will always be my son's best friends and they will always a part of our family. I know now how very much my son has missed his friends- just seeing them all clown around and act goofy together has brought joy to my heart! I know that I'll cry when they leave tomorrow-heck I'm crying now just thinking about it. The quote "don't cry because it's over, be happy that it happened" comes to mind. I'll need to remind myself (and my boy) of that one in the weeks to come. I will encourage Andrew to call his friends more often.
Now for me to wake the kids and get everyone ready to go out and have some fun in Oxford today...or not. We shall see what the day holds for us!
This is Drew's first time being so far away from home. Heck this night even be his first time out of the State of South Dakota. Tyler went to China last year with a school group. This year Tyler and Drew traveled together from South Dakota. This is their first adventure out of the country on their own...I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. Tomorrow the boys fly back home...I'm going to miss them. I knew that these boys were a part of my son's life, but it took until now to realize how much they are also a part of my life too. They're the "extra" kids that got under foot, ate us out of house and home and had teenage issues of their own. They will always be my son's best friends and they will always a part of our family. I know now how very much my son has missed his friends- just seeing them all clown around and act goofy together has brought joy to my heart! I know that I'll cry when they leave tomorrow-heck I'm crying now just thinking about it. The quote "don't cry because it's over, be happy that it happened" comes to mind. I'll need to remind myself (and my boy) of that one in the weeks to come. I will encourage Andrew to call his friends more often.
Now for me to wake the kids and get everyone ready to go out and have some fun in Oxford today...or not. We shall see what the day holds for us!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
The laughter of children
I did bring my camera yesterday and I had every intention of taking pictures while my children were busy being fitted for their new school clothes. But alas I'm also a mother who has a heart, LOL!
We did laugh pretty darn hard at Hannah's antics while trying on her new gym clothes-the skirt and shorts thing she has to wear for PE is pretty darn funny! And lets not leave out my boy- Andrew will have to suffer with shorts that are indeed quite a bit shorter than what he is used to wearing (he does not like the fact that his knees are showing). I told the kids that "everyone" at their school is wearing the same thing so they can stop acting as if they are the only ones who feel silly wearing the new clothes- yes, my kids are dorks but I love them none the less. The really funny part is how there seems to be an outfit for everything- just what I want...more laundry, LOL!
After leaving the school with 3 huge bags crammed full of new school clothes for Hannah and a few meager pieces of gym clothes for Andrew, we left and went to have lunch at our favorite restaurant in Deddington- Pudding Face.
Here's Andrew being himself- he had us cracking up!
This isn't the best picture of Hannah, she's soaked from the rain and hair is still a wreck from trying on sooooo many articles of clothing. But we're here together laughing at one another and having fun being silly. The time I spent with my children was priceless!
We did laugh pretty darn hard at Hannah's antics while trying on her new gym clothes-the skirt and shorts thing she has to wear for PE is pretty darn funny! And lets not leave out my boy- Andrew will have to suffer with shorts that are indeed quite a bit shorter than what he is used to wearing (he does not like the fact that his knees are showing). I told the kids that "everyone" at their school is wearing the same thing so they can stop acting as if they are the only ones who feel silly wearing the new clothes- yes, my kids are dorks but I love them none the less. The really funny part is how there seems to be an outfit for everything- just what I want...more laundry, LOL!
After leaving the school with 3 huge bags crammed full of new school clothes for Hannah and a few meager pieces of gym clothes for Andrew, we left and went to have lunch at our favorite restaurant in Deddington- Pudding Face.
Here's Andrew being himself- he had us cracking up!
This isn't the best picture of Hannah, she's soaked from the rain and hair is still a wreck from trying on sooooo many articles of clothing. But we're here together laughing at one another and having fun being silly. The time I spent with my children was priceless!
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Birthday Girl
It's official , our Hannah is 14 years old today! And if you're thinking that our son Andrew had his birthday last Monday yes, last Monday was our sons birthday....nothing quite like having your children's b-day 1 week apart. Little does everyone know but I could have delivered Hannah on Andrew's birthday- making it one big party day, but I decided to hold off as long as I possibly could until then my baby girl was born via c-section.
So for us, it's nothing but chocolate cake in the month of July!
So for us, it's nothing but chocolate cake in the month of July!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Happy Birthday Andrew
As insainly busy as my day has been I've not forgotten that today our son Andrew is offically 17 years old.
Happy Birthday Andrew!
Happy Birthday Andrew!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Farewell Luncheon
Today was the farewell luncheon for my husband. It was great seeing old friends and the nice things they had to say about my husband. My husband gave a little speech thanking his boss and the people who made his stay here a memorable one. It was both, a happy and a sad moment.
***I've taken some pictures and just need to get them onto the computer so I can add them in to this post
***I've taken some pictures and just need to get them onto the computer so I can add them in to this post
Friday, March 20, 2009
TGIF
My dear friend Theresa helped me to have a little less on my plate today as she asked a mutual friend if she could watch little Amelia-whew! Now I can get errands done w/o baby in tow. I'll be back to taking care of my little friend next week but today menu/schedule was just so hectic.
I'll be picking the kids up from school early today so they too can be there to witness their Dad coming back from his last flight on a B-1 bomber. That right there saddens me...to think that today will be that this will be the last time my husband flies. He's been flying for 20 years, needless to say I will be there with my camera in hand and I hope that the base has one of their professional photographers there too. As per tradition, I get to spray him with the fire hose and a bottle of Champagne. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about this. The clock is now ticking on his out processing and departure from Ellsworth AFB, SD.
My daughter has her solo today. She wanted to look extra special today (you should see the outfit she bought for this event- very nice) and I'm going to put her hair "up"...once she's finished drying it. I'm going to take some pictures of her once she's all dressed and her hair is done up.
You're going to be surprised with this next thing- believe it or not I managed to get a total of "4" Americana themed pillow cases made in just a couple of hours (that's an all time record for me) Oh and they are stitched in too! Although I do need to get the top stitching done, I want to do that using red,white and blue variegated quilting thread, I'll get that done today sometime. Isn't it amazing what we can do once we set our minds to doing something?
I managed to get half way through that horrendous pile of laundry yesterday. Now for me to work my way through the other half-ugh!
I'll be picking the kids up from school early today so they too can be there to witness their Dad coming back from his last flight on a B-1 bomber. That right there saddens me...to think that today will be that this will be the last time my husband flies. He's been flying for 20 years, needless to say I will be there with my camera in hand and I hope that the base has one of their professional photographers there too. As per tradition, I get to spray him with the fire hose and a bottle of Champagne. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about this. The clock is now ticking on his out processing and departure from Ellsworth AFB, SD.
My daughter has her solo today. She wanted to look extra special today (you should see the outfit she bought for this event- very nice) and I'm going to put her hair "up"...once she's finished drying it. I'm going to take some pictures of her once she's all dressed and her hair is done up.
You're going to be surprised with this next thing- believe it or not I managed to get a total of "4" Americana themed pillow cases made in just a couple of hours (that's an all time record for me) Oh and they are stitched in too! Although I do need to get the top stitching done, I want to do that using red,white and blue variegated quilting thread, I'll get that done today sometime. Isn't it amazing what we can do once we set our minds to doing something?
I managed to get half way through that horrendous pile of laundry yesterday. Now for me to work my way through the other half-ugh!
Friday, January 02, 2009
a new year with new beginnings...
It's hard to start a new year without looking back at the past year and wondering what you can change. What can you change about yourself? What can you change about your environment? These things are more commonly known as resolutions.
For me, resolutions are not about changing myself into a better person, but more of setting realistic goals to get things done or to acquire knowledge.
So here are my goals for 2009
*to be a better photographer, so first I'll look into getting myself a better camera and then I will look into finding some photography classes.
*to scrapbook more often. I will set myself time each week where I will work only in my scrapbook nook, taking time to create quality scrapbook layouts.
* to get back into making greeting cards. I need to set aside time each week and dedicate it to paper crafting.
*to take some quilting classes when the chance arises
*to take chef classes when the chance arises
* to post more pictures with my blog entries. I need to make a better effort at doing so.
*to be able to stay on top of the laundry and not let it pile up.
*to be able to keep my house company clean 24/7- that's the entire house children's bedrooms and bathroom included (wish me luck here)
*to go on weekend adventures- this starts as soon as we get to England!
*to continue to encourage other military spouses to become involved in their local community. This is especially important while their spouses are deployed.
*to continue to be a good friend, confidant and listener. To be able to assist friends and military spouses as best as I can with keeping a positive attitude
*to laugh every day
*to tell my children and husband that I love them- every day!
*to entertain in our home more often
Sunday, November 16, 2008
a Mother's moment...
I asked my son to put in a load of towels in the washing machine for me, he did as I asked. Now the interesting part... I went to pull them out of the washing machine and realized that they didn't smell quite right. So I checked to see the dispenser...my boy washed those towels alright, LOL! detergent in the detergent bin and more detergent in the fabric softener bin- nice, LOL! Note to self- make sure children know how to fill the little bins with the correct stuff (insert eye roll here).
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Happy Anniversary to Us!
When any two young people take it into their heads to marry, they are pretty sure by perseverance to carry their point, be they ever so poor, or ever so imprudent, or ever so little likely to be necessary to each other's ultimate comfort.
Jane Austen (1775 - 1817), Persuasion
Today my husband and I celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. To be with the one you love on your special day no matter where you are in the world is like heaven on earth. Just a few short months ago we weren't sure if he (my husband) would be here in South Dakota or if he would be far away on a deployment when it came for our anniversary. I can say with all of my heart that I'm glad that we're together.
Jane Austen (1775 - 1817), Persuasion
Today my husband and I celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. To be with the one you love on your special day no matter where you are in the world is like heaven on earth. Just a few short months ago we weren't sure if he (my husband) would be here in South Dakota or if he would be far away on a deployment when it came for our anniversary. I can say with all of my heart that I'm glad that we're together.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Happy July!
The birthday count down begins! 19 more days until our son turns sweet 16 and 26 more days until our daughter becomes and official teenager. Lord give me strength when those blessed events take place, LOL! Suddenly I feel my age- yikes! My babies are growing up.
June didn't start or end on a good note. The month started off with rain, rain and more rain and then well yesterday was yesterday...there's nothing I can do to change my day. From having suspicions confirmed with having a broken finger, to having chipped my diamond engagement ring (still have no clue as to how that happened) or the fact that some people choose to have poor business habits/ethics. So I'm hoping that today is going to be much better :-)
June didn't start or end on a good note. The month started off with rain, rain and more rain and then well yesterday was yesterday...there's nothing I can do to change my day. From having suspicions confirmed with having a broken finger, to having chipped my diamond engagement ring (still have no clue as to how that happened) or the fact that some people choose to have poor business habits/ethics. So I'm hoping that today is going to be much better :-)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Change of Command
I go today to witness the change of command for one of the Medical Group commanders, Lt. Col. Tom Greenlee. His wife Kim has been a dear friend to me for these past 2 years. Their next assignment takes them to Hawaii (like they won't have any visitors- yeah right!). I'll miss her terribly but at the same time I'm happy inside- happy that I got to meet and become friends with such a fantastic person.
Now for me to get ready for this event...where's my coffee? I need coffee!
My quotes of the day reflect this "change of command", there's nothing good or bad, it's just the way things are.
Now for me to get ready for this event...where's my coffee? I need coffee!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Our Little Red Car
Here's our Little Red Car, it's been a well loved member of our family. This is the last picture we'll be taking of it in our driveway...my husband has traded it in for another automobile. We bought it while we were stationed in Texas and it's been a good little car. So while I was at the Quilt Shop participating in a Quilters Show and Tell, my husband drove to Colorado and bought a new car. The weather being the strange and fickle thing that it has lately made for a rather blustery day as it snowed during most of his trip.
Here my husband is introducing the Miata to it's replacement...the new and improved Little Red Car , a Corvette
My happy husband and the two little red cars together
And here it is, the NEW Little Red Car, my husbands dream car...a Red Corvette 
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