Sad Day - February 27, 2015

My mom died today.  It wasn't that we weren't expecting it, it just happened sooner than we thought it would.  She's in Heaven with her husbands, rejoicing at the feet of Jesus (now there's a picture for you!)  Fortunately, both of her husbands were a lot alike and I've always thought of them sitting around, trading military stories about Korea, up in Heaven.  Now she can sit with both of them, waiting on them hand and foot, like she did here when they were alive.  Laughing at their jokes, keeping the house spotless, watching whatever they wanted to watch on TV.  She definitely was devoted to each of them and they loved her dearly.  She was devastated when they died and really never recovered after losing her second husband, Richard, almost ten years ago.

My Dad, George (she and everyone else called him Ed) was totally devoted to her as well.  They made a good team.  I was fortunate to grow up in a home where I never had to worry about my parents divorcing.  They bickered but never seriously.  I always felt that Mom was in Dad's shadow but I didn't understand their relationship.  They were happy and content with their lives, and that was all they needed.  When Dad died, Mom was only 56 (5 years older than I am!) and she began the life of a single woman, unhappily.  She was incomplete without Dad but she managed.  I remember teaching her how to put gasoline in her car - we both cried through it! 

Years later, she met Richard, a neighbor who lived a few houses down from her.  I didn't know Richard very well, as I had married and moved away by then, but I do know he was devoted to her and our family.  They were happy, traveling a bit but mostly spending time together at home - my Mom's happiest place to be.  Richard totally accepted and loved me and my sisters, plus our families.  I was so happy for her, to have another husband to enjoy.  Richard had two grown children of his own and I count his daughter as another sister, as close as my own.  She and her daughters loved my Mom and we were happy to add them to our family.

My Mom was happiest when she had her family with her.  The house was full of daughters when I was growing up, and then full of friends of the daughters as we grew.  It was normal to always have company and everyone loved my Mom.  Some of my sisters friends would stop by, just to visit my parents, after my sisters moved away.

One's perception of one's parents tends to change as we grow (it should, anyway) and I certainly watched my Mom change over the years, learning from her as she handled whatever life handed her.  She was stronger than she let on, relying on God to see her through.  I know I learned about God from her at such a young age that I do not know life without God.  I learned to pray from her, and I know she prayed for her family.  I am grateful for all she taught me.  She turned 85 last Monday.  I hope I will continue to live my life in a way she would be pleased with.  She and I have had a terrific phone relationship for many years, since I moved away.  She always asked about my family and the last few years, always sent her love to them at the end of every conversation.  I spoke to her every day for the past year or so.  I will miss that.  I feel empty.  I am so glad she taught me the importance of devotion to family.  And how to do my taxes!  Many blessings will come to mind, I am certain, as I reflect on our relationship of 51 years.  Since her birthday was just a few days ago, I was able to send her a card, thanking her for all the things she's been to me.  I had a feeling it would be her last birthday, the Lord gave me that nudge.  I feel like I was able to convey my gratitude, I am so glad I had that opportunity.  And I talked to her yesterday, a short but nice conversation, ending with "I love you, Mom" and saying I'd call her later.  These are the things that one needs to remember, for comfort and peace of mind.  She is at rest.  I will miss her.

Thank you, Lord, for my Mom.

Twenty-Five Years

I was paying my credit card bill online August 5th when I decided to review my recent transactions.  Imagine my dismay when I saw a transaction for a local hotel dated August 2nd - and the realization that my credit card number had quite possibly been stolen!  I immediately called my card company and, nearly in tears, haltingly explained the situation.  Patrick, the young man who answered, was most helpful and proceeded to take care of the situation.  During our discussion, I had a sudden thought.  I said, "Oh ... tomorrow is my 25th wedding anniversary!"  Patrick said, "Ohhh."  I looked at my son, Chad, who was in the room and said, "Do you think your Dad did this?"  We all started laughing, and I went from being stressed to being overjoyed - what a roller coaster!  Patrick called the hotel and spoke to reservations.  Sure enough, Todd did it, making reservations for the night of the 6th.  Patrick thought it was really great and wished us a happy anniversary.  I thanked him profusely for his time and effort.  I was so thrilled it wasn't a false charge to my card and totally surprised and pleased that Todd planned this for our special day.  I was concerned that I would have to tell him that I found out because, as far as I knew, our current credit card wouldn't work since the first thing they do is cancel that number and send out a new card in fraud cases.  I wasn't entirely certain about this as I had been rather dazzled by the whole incident.  Anyway, later that night at dinner, Todd told me about the hotel plans and I guess I didn't fool him, he could tell I knew something was up.  He thought maybe the hotel had sent an email to confirm the reservation.  I told him the whole story and he found it amusing.  I did stress how surprised I was when I first found out - I really was!  He was pleased with himself and didn't mind how the situation worked out.

We left around 4:00 pm, drove down the coast to the hotel (in a resort town 25 miles south of us) and settled in.  It was a boutique hotel in an old historic building with a view of the beach and a major rock formation that this town is famous for.  It was really terrific.  The room was nicely decorated (even to my husband's sharp eye for design!) and had a separate room the held just a stand-alone bathtub.  Such a great idea, I'd like to incorporate that design in our home - a room with just a tub and a heated towel bar.  We looked out the window and saw that a restaurant we had eaten at before was within walking distance.  We ate outdoors, watching the sunset.  The weather was perfect - warm with no wind!  Wind is such the norm here - it was definitely God's hand keeping it still.  We walked on the beach until sundown.  Picked up coffee on our way back to the room and turned on the gas fireplace.  Another design element I want in our house - a gas fireplace that turns on with the flip of a switch.  No firewood (speaking of which, it's that time of year again, to place our wood order)!  Made good use of that bathtub.  Relaxed for the first time in who-knows how long.  Stayed awake for a long time, listening to the waves.  An awesome evening.  Breakfast was in the cafe attached to the hotel, blueberry scones and yogurt was my choice, coffee and the front page (not too much news to spoil our day!)  We spent the morning visiting the art galleries and little shops that line this beautiful beach town.  Mid-week is a good time to go during the busy summer here.  We ate lunch in a small restaurant and visited with the waiter a bit.  We came into this particular place because Todd had installed a good deal of woodwork 20 years ago when he was first working as a cabinet builder.  Most of his work was still there, still in good shape.  I remembered this job because one night, he had to work late there and I went to be with him.  We were there until 2:00 a.m., headed back home and got up early the next day to go to work.  Those were the days, young, energetic and no children!  It was so fun, sitting there and reminiscing about that time.  I forgot to mention that the restaurant we ate at the night before had a lot of Todd's woodwork in it also.  His work is all over this resort town, both in residences, second homes and commercial establishments.  He was (and still is in some circles) well-known for his woodworking talent. I've always been proud of him, whatever career he has had.  Now as a nurse, he is known and liked by his patients.  Everywhere we go, people stop and talk to him and I'll ask later "Was that a patient?"  One reason I married him - I knew a good thing when I saw it.

We had checked in with the kids several times the night before and also the next day.  They were fine and it was such a blessing to know I can trust these kids completely.  They had never spent the night without one of us there - never!  This was the first time Todd and I had gone away for the night since a few months before Chad was born, 18 years ago!  It was so nice to be able to relax and know that the kids were o.k.  I prayed for God to keep them safe and really, I didn't worry about them at all.  They made their own dinner as well (a first!)  We got home in the afternoon, staying away less than 24 hours but it seemed a lot longer than that.  It was so fun to just be with my husband again, without my attention being divided.  I love my kids, of course, but I also love my husband and really enjoyed being together.  I can't wait for the next time we can go out alone!  I made sure I thanked my kids for being trustworthy and reliable.  They were very glad we were home, especially Carmen.  It was good to see them, too!

Thanks, Todd, for a terrific 25th wedding anniversary!  It was so fun, what a great surprise!  He apologized for not getting me a card - who needs a card?!  His surprise was one of the best gifts he's ever given me.

Happy Birthday To Me

I turned 50 on May 8th.  That was easier to type than I thought it would be.  My husband spent the days between my birthday and Mother's Day doing dishes and laundry for me (he took a few days off of work - just for me!)  My family took me out to dinner at my favorite restaurant, which is spendy so it remains a once or twice a year thing.  We had a terrific time and I'm so thankful for each of them.  I am so blessed.

Mother's Day was very nice as well.  Todd made blueberry pancakes and presented me with a platter of pancakes shaped into the word "MOM" - very clever.  I got cards from everyone and then I was lead out into the front yard, where a magnolia tree stood waiting for me.  I had been admiring the few magnolia trees in our area and Todd thought I'd like one on our property.  I was so surprised and pleased!  Can't wait to get it planted.  Again, I feel so blessed to have this family.  Thank you, Lord!

Happy Birthday to all the May birthdays that I know are out there!  It's a great month to celebrate.  

He Won!

Happy news!  Chad was one of three winners of the essay contest he entered!  His was a 30-page essay on Palestine and Israel, failed attempts at peace, the players, and so forth.  Each winner will receive a nice cash prize.  We are so happy for him and very proud of his work.  I am still so amazed at his continued good fortune at this community college.  It's been a good fit for him and I am thankful.  Chad definitely has a talent for writing - hopefully it will serve him well in whatever field he chooses to pursue.

First Blog for 2013

Spring is here!  Spring break for Chad.  He's had a very good year at college so far.  Todd has spent many weekend hours on the largest of the concrete counter tops for the kitchen which we finally put in place last weekend.  (Oh, yes, remember the kitchen remodel, a work-in-progress.)  It's beautiful and I'll put up a photo when I can.  Time has slipped by so fast since last fall.  Not much time to blog (obviously).  So nice to have warmer days finally, will help us get through all the rainy days to come.  Chad has entered an essay contest at the college, at the suggestion of his writing teacher.  It would be cool if he won!  I hope to blog again soon, especially if I'm inspired to write something more than an update!

Post-Election Post 2012

With the election over (finally!) things seem relatively quiet around here.  We spent so much time talking about everything related to the presidential vote, as well as state and local elections and measures.  When the big night arrived, I traced a map of the U.S. from one of those educational placemats we have (those are such terrific reference tools) and gave it to Carmen.  While I cooked dinner, everyone sat in the kitchen by the radio and, from 4:30 on, we listened to the election coverage.  When the polls finally began closing and each state's results were announced by NPR (National Public Radio), we wrote it down and Carmen colored each state the appropriate color (blue for Obama, red for Romney).  It was a loud, tiring, exciting and, finally, melancholy evening.  By 9:30, we were done and turned off the radio.  We missed Mr. Romney's speech but that's o.k.  I heard some of it the next day.  Anyway, we learned a lot and had a great time.  Todd was done by 7:00 and went off to watch Star Trek.  The kids and I stuck it out and I think Carmen wanted to stay at it until the Florida polls closed, bless her heart.  We used the Internet to find out what the radio didn't provide.  All in all, it was a good evening, another historical event and a great way to get the kids interested in politics.

We have a child in our family with political aspirations and I want to do all we can to encourage it.  I don't care if they ever actually run for a position (although that would be cool!) but we need our young people to care about these things.  They are, after all, our future, however repetitive that may sound.  And when I get excited about something, they are more likely to join in.  What a blessing.  I just found out that two teenagers in my husband's extended family are doing drugs, with all the family problems that causes.  That makes me all the more thankful for the relationships I have with my kids.  And thankful for the kids I have.

So, now, as we heard on the radio yesterday, we look forward to the 2016 election.  Who might run?  Chad and I had just talked about the head of the CIA this morning.  He had looked promising, we both surmised, but hearing tonight that he resigned has changed that (we won't go there in this post right now!)

Like Mr. Romney said he would do, we will (continue to) pray for our country and our leadership.  They need it.

Change of Seasons (Reluctantly)

We spent two weeks getting Chad situated at the local college.  Two classes this time but it seemed to take forever before we were done.  And then, for the icing on the cake, we received a bill in the mail, saying we owed the tuition on one of the classes with a $50 late fee slapped on to boot!  It seems that when we registered for that class, the clerk forgot to run our credit card.  Fortunately, the staff I spoke to about it straightened everything out and waived the late fee.  We began our first day of school the last week of September and that has been going well, slow to start as I am still figuring out where we need to fill in gaps and order some new things.  But, really, right now I want to remember what my kids did this summer.

Chad and Alec each entered something at our county fair this year.  Chad entered a Lego creation and won first place in his age group.  I was very proud of him as he is not usually interested in this kind of thing and winning was icing on the cake.  Alec's creation was made out of recycled materials (which was the category he entered) and he won first place in his age group, then went on to win Reserve Champion.  He was beaten out of Grand Champion by a cookie jar-type object made completely our of deer bones (ugh!)  It was, um, interesting and the guy who won was nice and very happy to win.  Alec's creation was a diorama of the Titanic ship, showing it in its glory days on the water on one side and how it looks now, under water and covered in algae, including a mini sub floating nearby.  His diorama showed the ice berg with the damage it did just before the Titanic started to sink.  Creating miniatures is a hobby of Alec's and he's really very good.  His current interest in the Titanic has lasted all year and winning with this art project was really special.  I am proud of both boys.

Carmen sent in a caption for an elephant to say, as it was leaning on its hind legs against a tree.  The magazine, Nature Friend, was holding this contest and when Carmen came up with her caption, I told her to go ahead and send it in.  Weren't we all surprised when she was one of the five winners!  There it was, on the back cover of the magazine.  She was very, very happy and I, of course, was very proud and pleased for her.  Alec entered a drawing of his "Dream House" to a contest that Highlights magazine was having and we were all amazed that his was one of twelve chosen!  When I encourage my kids to enter contests, it's with the expectation that there are a lot of entries so winning is not probably, just possible.  What fun to see them both have something published!  I know how fun that is to see my words in print (however small an item!!) and I'm so thankful and pleased that they have had that opportunity (and, o.k., proud!)  What I take from this is that I need to encourage them in their writing/drawing skills, to continue to improve both for the fun and pleasure it brings but also perhaps to make a living at someday.

Helpful News Indeed

My Mom's condition continues to be foremost on my mind.  My sister, Connie, and I talk at least twice a week, and when she visits my Mom at the care center, she calls me so I can talk with Mom.  My mother is not herself and it's been very difficult to speak with her.  I had been under the impression that she was, well, basically losing her mind as she was totally confused and speaking nonsense.  Since then, I have been told it is mostly the medication she is on that is making her so loony.  With that hope in mind, it was so wonderful to talk to her yesterday.  She was pretty much herself again, oriented to time and place, talking and asking about my kids, a lot like normal.  What a relief that was!  Apparently, it was nearly time for her pain medication which is the main culprit for her confusion.  I was fortunate to catch her at the right time.  She is also making progress as far as walking some and sitting up more often.  Her pain is also less.  I know there will be good and bad days ahead but every good day will definitely give us hope for her complete recovery.  And thank you for the kind comments, my friends!

We spent last Friday at the annual kite festival in Long Beach, Washington.  We look forward to it every year, especially when it happens to be warm and not too windy, like it was Friday (not our usual beach weather, for sure!)  The beach is full of colorful kites with competitions for stunt kite flying and things like that.  We took some photos (see below).  After walking the boardwalk, we went through the small town, visiting a local coin dealer (a hobby of ours) and ending up at a place to ride go-carts.  Chad took a spin around the track and looked quite pleased with himself.  We have attended this festival every year since we moved here, except when Chad was just 3 weeks old (I wasn't up to it!) and it has always been a fun family time.  Except for that one year when Alec was just a toddler.  We were out in the sand, among the kites, with Alec a few feet ahead of me.  Suddenly, a kite bigger than Alec came crashing down a few feet ahead of him!  It stuck into the sand like a huge sword.  I grabbed Alec lightening-quick - everyone around was so startled and glad he wasn't hurt.  I think I spent the rest of the day thanking God for sparing my small son.  Since then, we mostly stick to the boardwalk, sometimes flying our own kites along the edge.  But never again will I venture out where the big kites are - we learned our lesson that day.

It may be the longest beach in world (that's what the sign says) and it's awesome to see it covered in kites.  This is just a slice of beach.  It was voted America's Best Boardwalk more than once.

I loved these rows of frogs, can you see the blue crab in the lower right corner?  We also saw caterpillar balloons the size of diesel trucks.

Carmen and I swam with an orca ...

Alec shows just how much he's grown this summer.  Carmen didn't like the sun in her face.  The orcas were good about posing for us, though.

Chad, taking the lead.  Didn't crash once (unlike his mom when she was a kid!)

And So To August

O.k., let's recap ... Chad is now 17.  He had a nice birthday, getting a trip to the Oregon Zoo out of the deal, as well as a battery for his car (courtesy of his father).  His car, a 1966 Volvo Amazon, is sitting quietly in our driveway, awaiting the day when it can roar to life.  It needs some work and Chad needs his driver's license so the Amazon will have to be patient.

Todd turned 1/2 century.  We all spent the day in Portland, where Todd bought clothes for me at Nordstrom.  It's what he likes to do. We had a good time together, Portland was warm so we enjoyed some summer there.  We had dinner at the Nordstrom cafe, which we love, and had Sees' candy for dessert.  Todd got a box of his favorite candy to go.  And he doesn't look a day over 49!

Todd and I have now been married 24 years (and 11 days).  We had a nice anniversary, lunch at a favorite restaurant overlooking the Columbia river and went for a drive afterward.  Surviving this kitchen remodel has definitely been a marriage challenge.  It's a good thing I'm so flexible.  Don't tell him I said that.

The bad news is that my Mom's situation has definitely changed, for the better and for the worse.  For the better in that my sister and my Mom are now over the problem that I mentioned in my last post.  But my Mom spent several days in the hospital last week, and is now in a nursing home, with no real certainty that she'll ever go home again.  Big sigh.  My sister, Connie, has gone above and beyond what any of us could have done to take care of my Mom.  This is the first time in her life that I've seen her be there for my Mom (and Connie is 63!)  In some ways, you could say it's Connie's turn, as my other two sisters and myself have each had our time of caring for Mom at different times in her life.  I'm just so thankful she is able to do all that she's done for Mom and I tell her so every time we talk.  In fact, I've never, ever talked to Connie as much as I have in the last month.  My Mom fell and fractured two ribs as well as L6 in her spine.  She's been in a lot of pain but seems to be doing better this week.  It will take a long time for her to heal.  There are a few other health issues as well.  We pray for her every night.  A long road ahead.

Todd is working on the pantry ... well, actually he removed the pantry and it's just an empty space at the moment.  I still haven't posted any photos.  This summer turned out to be busier than I expected.  It's hard to find time to blog.  But I have found time to bake with Carmen - she's fearless in the kitchen.  I love it!  She gives me courage, actually, as I have little confidence in the kitchen.  We made apple pockets (like turnovers) and she was so proud.  She's bookmarked several recipes in some of our cookbooks that she wants to try in the future.   It's so fun to have a partner to cook with!

July Birthdays, Etc.

I certainly had no idea that this summer would involve so much phone time with my family in California.  It's absurd.  But necessary.  Sigh.  I am so, so very thankful that we moved up here so many years ago.  I am glad to be miles away from the nonsense but I wish I could help more.  My sister and my mom are at an impasse and I don't believe things will change soon.  I have taken on the role as mediator, but for me, the worst is over.  I refuse to spend any more time worrying ... I'll just pray and listen and offer anything useful the Lord gives me to say.  It's a very silly situation but, to them, it's a very emotional one.  Ugh.

On to other things ... like my son turning 17 later this month!  In some ways, it's no surprise but in other ways, I wonder where the years have gone.  I suppose because I'm so proud of the young man that he has become, it just seems logical that he'll be 17 soon.  

Todd will have a birthday a few days after Chad's.  It's a big one, too.  I'm not entirely sure how he feels about it but he's pretty rational.  We age, big deal.  Still don't know what we'll do for his birthday but I did buy him a piece of artwork he admired last week when we were in Cannon Beach (an artsy community 25 miles south of here.)

While the rest of the nation continues to have its summer, it's 80 degrees in Portland and eastern Oregon is in the 90's with flash-flood warnings, we on the coast are "enjoying" temps in the 60's and clouds.  I'm really not complaining except I had hoped to wear my summer clothes - more than once.  I'm currently re-reading my Frances Mayes books, dreaming of spending my summers in Italy.  Ciao!

Start of Summer

I've been having difficulty loading my "new post" page, hence, no new posts.  With the stupid drama happening back home (in So. Cal), I've had plenty to keep me busy and fretting a bit.  What does one do when one's own parent acts in an immature way that is totally baffling?  It's true what they say about older parents regressing back to the teenage level.  I guess I'm at that "sandwich" time of life, parenting my kids and parenting my parent.  I'm not trying to be disrespectful, I love my Mom.  But ...,

Oh, anyway, the kitchen remodel is going very well.  I really haven't been inconvenienced that much which is amazing.  Todd is wonderful.  Hoping to post a photo in near future.  Todd and the boys hauled a van load of construction debris to the dump in the drizzle.  I am SO thankful I don't have to do that anymore!  I used to be Todd's "helper" and, praise the Lord, now I have two very able teen boys to do the work.  


We officially finished school last week which I know was a welcome break for us all.  I always think that the kids will be bored once they finish school but that only lasts a few days, perhaps a week.  I am enjoying having my mornings free even though I was a little sad to finish yet another year.  Each year finished is one less I get to have my kids home.  


Chad got to attend two classical music concerts last weekend, part of a three weekend music festival our town holds every June.  I remember the first year they were putting this event together and it is really nice to see how, 10 years later, it has grown and really become a success.  Most events are sold out and they aren't cheap, which is why we send Chad instead of the whole family attending.  He really enjoyed the concerts and got several autographs (which I think is pretty neat!)


It has been rainy and cool in the Northwest, while I keep hearing of very high temps all around the U.S.  Summer is here.

Shakespeare, Finally

When we moved to OR 20 years ago, some dear neighbors up the street became good friends and we spent a great deal of time with them.  They taught us a game called Mah Jong which I never really got the hang of but we had fun anyway.  They had property across the street from our house on which they had planned to build a home on someday but they changed their minds, sold the property and moved to eastern OR.  My in-laws bought that property and built their own home on it (that's another story!)  Anyway, we have kept in touch with these neighbors all these years.  Before they moved, they gave us quite a few books and magazines that they no longer needed.  One of these books was Shakespeare: 23 plays and the Sonnets.

This book has been kept in a prominent place for 20 years, being referred to when needed (Shakespeare comes up more often than one would imagine).  I had always hoped at least one of my kids would want to read it someday but I never pushed.  And then one day, four months ago, Chad announced he was going to read it.  It took him four months to finish (as he said, "Shakespeare is not easy reading") but I was so proud of him for never giving up.  I think he was proud of himself as well.  The great thing about Chad is that whatever he is reading, I get to "read" it, too.  I got to learn all about the plays as he was reading them.  I did the same thing for him when I was reading "War and Peace".  It's fun to have someone to share with when one is reading a great peace of work.  We discussed each play, Chad giving his opinion for each one.  Learning the background was interesting as well.  We both got a terrific education on Shakespeare, simply because he wanted to read it. And that is exactly what I had hoped would happen.  I could have made it an assignment but I chose not to and I think he learned more because it was his idea.  I wish I could do all our learning that way.

It was interesting to see just how many phrases have passed into modern life that have their origins in Shakespeare.  I think a lot of people would be surprised to learn that.  We also enjoyed reading Verla's notes (our neighbor that gave us the book).  I think this was college reading for her, probably dating back into the late 1950's and her sense of humor shows through in her comments.  She was a teacher for many years and I think she would love to know that Chad enjoyed this book.  That's a letter I need to write, and soon.

We have other books Verla gave us that turned out to be very important to our children.  She will enjoy knowing what an influence these books have had on our lives.  I've never thought to mention this to her in our yearly letters to each other.  But this year, I definitely will.

Memorial Day 2012

Today is Memorial Day, the day when we are to remember all those who have served and died for our country and beyond.  When the kids were little, we spent a great deal of this day learning, doing crafts, putting out the flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  And we nearly always go to one of the cemeteries in our area, particularly the one where a lot of soldiers are buried.  There used to be ceremonies including fly-bys of fighter jets, sometimes we could see them from our living room window.  But, since those jets are usually being used elsewhere, we haven't seen them in several years.  This year, we are planning to attend a ceremony in town and then go to the cemetery we usually go to.  Chad put our flag out.  We talked about the origin and whys of Memorial Day (it used to be called Decoration Day) and I prayed with my kids, thanking God for all the brave people who served and died, including the families left behind.  In particular on my mind is a family here in Oregon who lost their only child, a son, just last week.  He was supposed to be married in the next few weeks.  He was on his second tour of duty and he didn't come home.  Not alive, anyway.  My heart goes out to that family.  I always cry when I read about those we have lost in these recent wars, especially when it hits in our state.  Oh, it doesn't matter where they live, I cry anyway.

There was a good article in our local paper about the shift of focus for Memorial Day, how for most people it's about getting away and having fun.  But there was also an article about several families who convene every year at a cemetery where their loved ones are buried.  They use this time to not only see family but to clean up the grave sites and bring flowers.  I thought that was a lovely tradition to have.  The children in those families hopefully will continue the tradition, making sure their kids honor their loved ones.  Important stuff.  I want my kids to have these values, always showing respect for those we have lost, for those in the service, keeping traditions.  Today, Todd and I both told the kids about our family members who served our country.  I have a lot of military in my family, including the Civil War, and I hope to keep telling these stories so my kids will remember.

Progress, progress ...

Hey ... the saw is gone!  It's really gone!  We are adjusting to not having to squeeze past it and the dishwasher to enter the kitchen.  So much space!  All of the lower cabinets are in place (no doors or counter top yet), except for the island which isn't built yet.  It's looking terrific!  We purchased an island hood and a cooktop at amazing prices, what a blessing.  Todd had to go through Longview, Washington, on his way to Portland and stopped at a Lowe's (they are like a Home Depot) where they had a clearance section.  He found the island hood and cooktop which happened to be styles/models he was pleased with.  He came home and talked to me about them, and then I called to see if we could purchase them over the phone.  The appliance manager I talked to offered me the hood for $300 less than the price Todd saw on it (I almost cried).  Seems that she's been wanting to sell this for some time and there wasn't a demand for island hoods in that community.  It's not been out of the box, in perfect condition.  The cooktop is gas which means we'll have an extra monthly bill but fortunately there is a gas line already run to our house in the finished basement, we've just never needed to use it.  I'm sure there's a fee to hook it up again, there's always a fee, right?  Anyway, these purchases take care of a couple of big ticket items we were going to need to buy.  I believe we saved more than half of what we expected to pay if we had bought these items elsewhere.  And Lowe's kindly allowed us to open an account online and gave us 6 months interest free.  I feel so special.

I honestly have trouble remembering life before this remodel began ... and it hasn't been all that long!  It's funny how something can take over your life so quickly and easily.  I'm so thankful for how God has blessed us in different ways through this.  

My husband and our sons took a road trip last Sunday to see the annular eclipse.  Since it was cloudy here on the coast, they drove until they found sun, which turned out to be about a 4-5 hour drive one way.  They didn't get home until nearly midnight but they had fun and took some great photos with their cameras and sun filter.  Carmen and I spent the day talking and playing games.  We made a simple dessert also.  It's fun to see her so interested in cooking.  We made dinner together, a new recipe that we modified to suit our tastes.  It was a great day for our whole family, and I got to see some photos of the eclipse as it was happening, via computer.  

Todd has time off through Memorial Day (the doctor is gone as well).  Hopefully, he can move forward with the kitchen, despite the torrential rain and wind we have been having since yesterday.  And the weather is looking just as foul for the rest of the week.  Springtime on the coast, you know! 

49 And Thankful

We've gotten our routine down now:  Monday through Thursday, life as usual.  Homeschooling, driving Chad to college and his volunteer job, etc.  On Friday, everything gets covered, the plastic comes down all around the kitchen and we look for things to do that keep us out of the way.  When the saw is running, we look for ways to be out of the house.  Lots of cleanup each day of the weekend, then Monday, everything gets uncovered and shaken out.  Life as usual.  Sort of.

Todd has built the upper cabinets on the back wall of the kitchen.  The refrigerator cabinet and the shelves above.  Installed a vegetable sink with a disposal and water filter, for which I am thankful since my other sink has been disconnected.  Amazing how grateful one can be for water when it's turned off for any length of time.  Last weekend, the kids and I went for a long drive, since I knew if I was in the house without water it would drive me nuts.  On our drive, we happened upon a herd of goats, including a pair of newborn kids.  From the appearance of their mother, we supposed that the kids were less than 20 minutes old.  The mother was trying to get her twins to stand up.  It was very cool to witness.  When we returned to our house, Todd was still working on the plumbing (it NEVER goes as quickly as one would like!)  but eventually everything came together, the leaks repaired and all was well.  Little by little, the kitchen is taking shape.

Oh, yes, there was that small event a few days ago.  I turned 49 last Tuesday, and since this kitchen remodel is not cheap, I chose a very small celebration.  Chad put a candle in a chocolate donut and brought it out to me after lunch.  Alec picked a daffodil for me (something he doesn't usually do).  We ordered Chinese take out for dinner which Todd picked up on his way home from work.  He brought in dinner, along with a dozen red roses.  Very sweet!  It was a nice, quiet birthday and I am very glad we didn't go to Leavenworth, WA, this time.  As much as I like going there, it is very spendy.  Actually, having a quiet birthday seemed just right this year.  My daughter baked a chocolate cake today, and said it was a late birthday cake.  She has been choosing recipes out of a terrific cookbook for young people and this was the first time she's ever made anything like this, especially with very little assistance.  She is so proud of herself and so am I.  It was very good, by the way.

I was thinking about my birthday last week, how I love my family and my life.  I used to get so worked up about my birthday, wondering if anyone close to me would remember and do anything for me.  I really didn't feel that way this year - what a relief.  I remember when I was about 11 or 12, my mother told everyone not to worry about her birthday and so nobody did anything for her.  I believe she spent most of the day on the couch, something she absolutely never did.  She was depressed that we listened to her and didn't do anything!  That afternoon, I found a cake mix that you mixed up right in the included disposable box and it was either microwaved or baked (I don't remember).  I brought it out to her and I know she really appreciated my small gesture.  I learned from that experience that you must be careful what you say - people will believe you!  She never again said not to worry about her birthday.  I think she learned a lesson, too!

There's a table saw in my kitchen ...

Oh, not JUST a table saw, but the whole "table" part surrounding it, which makes the whole thing about 10' x 8'.  Makes a nice island.  All it needs is a granite countertop to complete the look.

Filling the rest of the kitchen and into the living room are all the cabinet parts.  Getting to the garage is a challenge.  If you suck in your breath, you can just squeeze between the saw and the dishwasher to exit the kitchen near the front door.  Plastic sheeting hangs decoratively around the perimeter.

The dining room has become a storeroom.  Boxes holding my kitchen things make accessing homeschool books difficult (voiced not-so-kindly by my 11 year old!)

And Todd's three weeks are over.  He's happily back at work in a new, open office with elbow room.  Actually, I know better.  Todd would much rather be here, assembling cabinets and finishing this project.  But life doesn't always go as planned.  Fortunately, my darling has left the kitchen functioning well enough that it's not that bad.  As long as I move slowly, I don't run into anything.

The ceiling is done for the most part.  Love the skylight!  There is still one wall of cabinets attached.  Sink, stove and dishwasher are still there.  Toaster oven and microwave still usable (the microwave is living on a old cabinet on wheels rolled into the living room.)  I threw a tablecloth over the table part of the table saw for an additional work surface.  Lots of sweeping.

It's funny how certain things can get on one's nerves, silly things like everyone in the house asking (for the 100th time) "Where are the clips or where are the twisty-ties?"  For the 100th time, I answer "In the box with the white lid in the pantry!"  Somehow, they can't get used to this as these particular items have always been in a drawer that is no longer there.  Carmen blows hot and cold, even on a good day and if she's in a bad mood, her tolerance level for living in a construction zone plummets.  The boys don't seem to care which, of course, they wouldn't.  As long as they can eat, life is good.

Oh, do you want to see some photos?  Here goes ...

Before the ceiling went in (after the skylight was installed) This is the view from the sink, looking out toward the dining room.  The pendant light is new and will
have a banquette beneath it:

My skylight on a rare sunny day:

Showing the versatility of the in-kitchen table saw (It slices, it dices!!)  Don't try this at home:

Breakfast prep on my temporary (I hope) island.  That stack of material behind me has now been cut up into parts that will become our cabinets:

This view shows the new archway out into the living room, which created a view out toward the bay from the kitchen.  I used to have to go around the wall there to see out that window.  The baby grand piano usually sits just behind me (it's been pushed further into the living room and is trying to eat the sofa):

I'll end this post with this wonderful piece of news:  Todd now will only work four days a week, 10 hour days, which will give him a three day weekend - all the time!  He works 10 hour days now anyway but the week will be shorter and, in theory, he'll be able to spend more time on the kitchen!  God is good.

Out With the Old!

The kitchen now has no upper cabinets and no ceiling. It does, however, have a new skylight! Imagine ... LIGHT in my dark kitchen! With temperatures in the low 40's this week with rain, we were wondering how things would go when actual demolition began. No worries! On Wednesday, when the weather man was calling for snow, bad enough to hamper travel, our part of the coast cleared up and got sunny! Todd got up on the roof and installed the skylight in 4 hours and only got rained on for about an hour of that time! Thursday was nice enough for us to walk and then he started tearing out upper cabinets. Today was sunny all day, the kids and I sat on the deck while Todd made a nightmare out of the kitchen, tearing out the ceiling. I still got to cook in the remains of my old kitchen tonight and perhaps tomorrow night, but I am thrilled that the weather made today much more tolerable. The kitchen will be colder tomorrow morning but that's part of remodeling.

We are getting the travel trailer ready for cooking dinners. I think we can still do breakfast and lunch in the house. Who wants to stumble out to the trailer in the a.m?! This is all so surreal. It feels like a dream. The cleaning up part doesn't, though! Pink fluffy fiberglass is a pain to clean up - who invented this stuff, anyway?

We still have decisions to make regarding the cabinets, counter tops, etc. The floor has been decided. The pantry will have to wait a bit. I am praying for God's guidance and for Him to give Todd strength and wisdom through all this. I am so thankful how God answered my prayers for the weather. I mean, He moved a snowstorm further into Portland! It missed us completely! Now, I know He didn't do it just for my husband but I am so happy that we were blessed by this. The boys have been working when needed. Good experience for them.

It's Looking Different Around Here

My husband has been wanting to build a new kitchen in this house since we moved here, about 14 years ago. To make a long story short - he began the process last weekend. He knocked out the wall dividing the kitchen from the living room and suddenly I have a view of the bay from my kitchen (through the living room windows). Wow! The view today was of rain, high winds and then snow falling (and sticking) but who cares! It has been fun getting used to that wall being gone. We do not miss it except when my daughter turned to look at the calendar that used to hang there and had a good laugh at herself. Todd came home tonight and said he is taking not two weeks (which he had already scheduled) but THREE weeks! In fact, his boss suggested he take the extra time since the doctor will be gone as well. Todd has never had that much time off, ever, since our marriage. I hope everything goes well and I am giving this remodel to God, asking for wisdom and guidance. We will need it.

When he gets to the part where I can't cook in the kitchen, the plan is for me to cook in our travel trailer which is fine except for the times it will be raining and, possibly, snowing. The weather report didn't call for snow today so it came as a complete surprise. Todd didn't get home tonight until 8:30, driving up and down the hill from town in snow! Sometimes I wish we still had our 4-wheel truck that we foolishly traded in for a vehicle that would hold a growing family. Anyway, I am optimistic and will do my best to be a good sport. I want this remodel to go well for Todd - I'm just along for the ride.

Really, I'm serious. He keeps asking my opinion about things and when I don't have one, we tend to, ahem, debate a bit. I finally told him I just trust him to built a terrific kitchen, like I used to see him do when he had his own cabinet shop. I'll try to give my input when needed but, really, I'll just be so happy with whatever he does.

He built an archway in the area between the kitchen and living room which looks lovely (will look even better when it's dry-walled and painted.) I guess this will call for some pictures which I'm sure Chad will be happy to provide. He's better than I am at taking photos and posting them. Alec and I held up one end of the huge beam that had to go in place to hold up the ceiling where the weight-bearing wall had been. My shoulders are still recovering. He'll also put an arch between the kitchen and dining room.

Definitely looking forward to the new kitchen. Not looking forward to paying the necessary bills! But it will be worth it. I'm very excited!

My Mom's Life

I've started a new project that I am fairly excited about. For years, I have wanted my Mom to record her life somehow. After several attempts, I've finally hit on a solution that works for both of us. Awhile back, my kids and I came up with several questions for my Mom to answer and I sent them to her. Now that she's had time to come up with answers, my plan is to call her on my land line and take dictation, typing her answers on my computer as she speaks. This is not new to me, as I was a transcriber in a medical office before my first baby was born. I don't know why I didn't think of it before!

I assured my Mom that we didn't have to spend a long time on the phone, just take a few questions at a time. We started last Tuesday and in just 20 minutes, I got a page and a third. Tonight, I went over what she said and edited it. I'm writing it from her point of view which can be confusing but I think it will sound best that way. If we can do this once a week, it won't take too long. It was fun and interesting to hear her talk about her family and my Dad. Some things I knew about and others I didn't.

Mom turned 82 today, bless her heart. She was a farm girl in Arkansas until her family moved to California when she was 11. If she had stayed in Arkansas, she never would have met my Dad and, therefore, I wouldn't be here. Interesting.

I'm looking forward to our phone interviews.

Birthdays in Winter

Middle son, Alec, turned 14 last week. The kid is taller than me, taller than his older brother - and he's not done yet! He's at that in-between age, part boy, part young man. We got Alec a new guitar for his birthday and he was really thrilled, having outgrown his beginner guitar. I love it when Todd gives Alec a guitar lesson. A nice time for them both, I think. Alec has a lot of great qualities about him, but he's a hard kid to encourage without spoiling. I'm afraid I haven't done a good enough job in that area. Sigh. Got to work on that.

Carmen will be 11 this Monday. We bought her a pink ukulele and I can't wait for her to unwrap it! I just couldn't resist when I saw it at the music shop in town. They had about 10 ukuleles hanging on the wall, each a different bright and beautiful color. I think they're made in Hawaii. I want one for myself, in fact. Mother's Day gift, anyone? Hope she's not afraid to try playing it. I have been teaching her piano, using the same books that Chad's instructor used with him. She definitely has the talent and rhythm, I feel, and she has developed much greater patience in the past few months. I hope she stays with it.

Having two birthdays so close after Christmas is kind of a bummer but it is what it is. It's gotten easier now that the kids are older. Todd will actually get Carmen's birthday off this year which will make it even better!