I met him when I was 16, married him when I was 19, today we celebrate 20 years of marriage together. I am overwhelmed today by the tender feelings of my heart. A lot happens in 20 years. We have had some really good times and some really hard times and through all of these times we've had each other. There have been times I've wondered how I could live with him, but mostly times I've wondered how I could possibly ever live without him. Richard is my safe spot, my comfort zone- the person I can be myself with. He lets me be the worst possible me, but makes me want to be a better person. He is always there for me and so non judgemental- often I have felt that he is much better at being a husband than I am at being a wife. Words can't express the feelings in my heart today- I love him and I'm looking forward to the next 20 years.
** Oh and he's patient- the last post wasn't true! I later found out that Jayna had hung the mirror herself on a nail already in the wall.
Reading Now- Crime and Punishment
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
"Mirror Mirror on the Wall"
It's nice when your husband is willing to do the chores you give him. It can also be interesting and amusing. Last night I told Richard I wanted him to hang a mirror on Jayna's wall. She had seen a mirror I have from the Phillipines and expressed interest in it. Since we've moved she no longer has a door mirror, and I thought this might also encourage good hygiene ( hair brushing) It's a small mirror, maybe 8x14 or so. I went in her room today and saw that yes he had hung the mirror. However- it is very high! I can not look in the mirror while standing on the floor, surely my 9 year old can not either! But Jayna does have a chair in her room that I found pointing towards the mirror- perhaps that was her solution?? The situation gave me a little smile this morning- which is just what I needed- I guess my hubby knew what he was doing after all.
And so it goes...
Reading now : Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dostoevsky
And so it goes...
Reading now : Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dostoevsky
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Alexandria, PA
I've been wanting to write for awhile but things have been so crazy- even now I don't know where to begin and I'm sure I'll just cover little bits of things.
Anyhow- we have been in our home for almost two weeks now- it seems like it can't possibly be that long- it seems so much more still needs to be done. We've been busy- last week I took kids to 3 doctors appts.- and the doctor is now about 35-40 minutes away, and no none of the apts. were on the same day. It's been an adjsutment getting use to our new area- not all bad or good- but definitely things to adjust to such as:
1. Everyone knowing where we live- " Yes we do live in the parsongae" Our house was completed in 1901 and had been the Presbyterian Parsonage until now. It is a very well known home in the area and it's weird for people to talk about your home and how it was taken care of and... I almost feel guilty- like we stole the Parsonage! I'm curious to know why they sold it now- I'll have to find out!
2. Lightening bugs and toads! This is a YaY thing for me!! It has been since I lived at my parents that I could go outside and see toads and lightening bugs- but I can here so that's kind of cool.
3. The traffic on Main Street- we live in such a tiny area, the traffic that goes by is much louder and disturbing than I had imagined. It appears that mufflers are optional here- or that people do something to purposely make their cars loud. Farm equipment goes by, and there is also a Mead factory that creates traffic. Oh- and if your neighbor recommends you don't park on the street- I recommend you listen to them- which I did not completely do. I was having appliances delivered so I parked on the street. Next day I heard a crash and saw someone drive away as a piece of my mirror flew onto the sidewalk. Evidently it's normal- my neighbor had 2 mirrors swiped and one of those also hit the fender- and no stopping. If you are in the area you will notice that some people fold their mirrors in- if you are considering parking on the street- you better.
4. Living in the country is an adjustment for my kids. It is hard not having stores and such that they can ride their bikes too. And Whitney was taken back when someone recommended basketball practice be adjusted based on their milking schedule. It's an adjustment for me as well- but I grew up in similar area, so not quite so much for me as it is for them.
5. Hunting is HUGE here. The school is closed the first 2 days of deer season.
So it's been interesting and has had it's share of ups and downs- I'm wondering how we will all feel about things a month from now. There is a great lake about 20-25 min. away, the library is next door ( the books are somewhat limited since it is not affiliated with any govt., but is self funded) but there's some good stuff and helpful library ladies. Our neighbor to the right reminds me of my brother- a bit redneck perhaps but with a good heart. He has given us all kinds of info., and set us up with some firewood for our firepit.
And so it goes...
Reading now : "A Tale Dark and Grimm"- although it's a kids book I can't read it when Richard is away and I have to sleep in my new house alone ( sometimes it feels a bit creepy still)
Anyhow- we have been in our home for almost two weeks now- it seems like it can't possibly be that long- it seems so much more still needs to be done. We've been busy- last week I took kids to 3 doctors appts.- and the doctor is now about 35-40 minutes away, and no none of the apts. were on the same day. It's been an adjsutment getting use to our new area- not all bad or good- but definitely things to adjust to such as:
1. Everyone knowing where we live- " Yes we do live in the parsongae" Our house was completed in 1901 and had been the Presbyterian Parsonage until now. It is a very well known home in the area and it's weird for people to talk about your home and how it was taken care of and... I almost feel guilty- like we stole the Parsonage! I'm curious to know why they sold it now- I'll have to find out!
2. Lightening bugs and toads! This is a YaY thing for me!! It has been since I lived at my parents that I could go outside and see toads and lightening bugs- but I can here so that's kind of cool.
3. The traffic on Main Street- we live in such a tiny area, the traffic that goes by is much louder and disturbing than I had imagined. It appears that mufflers are optional here- or that people do something to purposely make their cars loud. Farm equipment goes by, and there is also a Mead factory that creates traffic. Oh- and if your neighbor recommends you don't park on the street- I recommend you listen to them- which I did not completely do. I was having appliances delivered so I parked on the street. Next day I heard a crash and saw someone drive away as a piece of my mirror flew onto the sidewalk. Evidently it's normal- my neighbor had 2 mirrors swiped and one of those also hit the fender- and no stopping. If you are in the area you will notice that some people fold their mirrors in- if you are considering parking on the street- you better.
4. Living in the country is an adjustment for my kids. It is hard not having stores and such that they can ride their bikes too. And Whitney was taken back when someone recommended basketball practice be adjusted based on their milking schedule. It's an adjustment for me as well- but I grew up in similar area, so not quite so much for me as it is for them.
5. Hunting is HUGE here. The school is closed the first 2 days of deer season.
So it's been interesting and has had it's share of ups and downs- I'm wondering how we will all feel about things a month from now. There is a great lake about 20-25 min. away, the library is next door ( the books are somewhat limited since it is not affiliated with any govt., but is self funded) but there's some good stuff and helpful library ladies. Our neighbor to the right reminds me of my brother- a bit redneck perhaps but with a good heart. He has given us all kinds of info., and set us up with some firewood for our firepit.
And so it goes...
Reading now : "A Tale Dark and Grimm"- although it's a kids book I can't read it when Richard is away and I have to sleep in my new house alone ( sometimes it feels a bit creepy still)
Monday, July 18, 2011
And so it goes...
It gets a little draining after awhile- you know the part when the other half of you is gone and is just coming home for the weekends. There are lots of things that are just hard to do over the phone- and we're both swamped with responsibilities on both ends. And you know when you talk on the phone and are getting bugged because the one your talking to seems a bit "off" and you think your not connecting well, but really the other person is just sick- physically, but also drained from being apart and the issues he has to deal with also?
So I have had 3 lovely kids to deal with and the parenting issues that come up there. As well as the craziness of having our house show ready and getting the kids and the dog out as needed. ( and for those who know me well know I'm really not an animal person.)And he is subletting a room in an apt. and has a roommate. Poor Richard is sleeping on an air mattress that he has to blow up about every 3rd day. He took a camp chair to sit on. He calls his room his jail cell. He's not eating well- just doesn't feel like putting effort into it. He is a sample of his daily meals- pop tarts for breakfast, for lunch hot dogs from the gas station ( because really, I guess who can pass up 2 hot dogs for a buck!) and dinner is 1 1/2 peanut butter sandwiches ( no jelly, just pb) and some microwaveable single serving of mac and cheese ( or something like that)
Needless to say we are both waiting for when we will all be together as a family- and that is just a few weeks away. If all goes as planned we will be leaving the Buff early August. I'm still not sure how to say good bye???
And so it goes...
Reading Now: Son of Hamas- an interesting read
So I have had 3 lovely kids to deal with and the parenting issues that come up there. As well as the craziness of having our house show ready and getting the kids and the dog out as needed. ( and for those who know me well know I'm really not an animal person.)And he is subletting a room in an apt. and has a roommate. Poor Richard is sleeping on an air mattress that he has to blow up about every 3rd day. He took a camp chair to sit on. He calls his room his jail cell. He's not eating well- just doesn't feel like putting effort into it. He is a sample of his daily meals- pop tarts for breakfast, for lunch hot dogs from the gas station ( because really, I guess who can pass up 2 hot dogs for a buck!) and dinner is 1 1/2 peanut butter sandwiches ( no jelly, just pb) and some microwaveable single serving of mac and cheese ( or something like that)
Needless to say we are both waiting for when we will all be together as a family- and that is just a few weeks away. If all goes as planned we will be leaving the Buff early August. I'm still not sure how to say good bye???
And so it goes...
Reading Now: Son of Hamas- an interesting read
Monday, July 4, 2011
Pictures
Our family is really lousy at taking pictures, and once we do have a few- I'm technologically challenged and need Richard's help to put them on the computer for me. You will also note that we are not "posers". Anyhow TA DA- Pictures!!!
Whitney before her 8th grade farewell dance
Whitney before 8th grade graduation. I have some pictures of her with friends that are nice, but was uncomfortable posting other peoples children on my blog without permission.
Jayna at the bike rodeo held at her elementary school.
Jayna on the horse at Viddlers. We just recently made our first trip to Viddlers- an old fashioned 5 and 10 store. You can ride this horse for 10 cents. It was not the standard slow motion ride, but more like a bucking bronco!
Whitney before her 8th grade farewell dance
Whitney before 8th grade graduation. I have some pictures of her with friends that are nice, but was uncomfortable posting other peoples children on my blog without permission.
Jayna at the bike rodeo held at her elementary school.
Jayna on the horse at Viddlers. We just recently made our first trip to Viddlers- an old fashioned 5 and 10 store. You can ride this horse for 10 cents. It was not the standard slow motion ride, but more like a bucking bronco!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Gratitude
It's been a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week" Well, not exactly or completely and that's the point of this post. Because truthfully- there have been some terrible, horrible no good, parts to this week- and it's been draining and frustrating. But I'm trying to look for the good in it all and not get too discouraged. So here are some of the good things of the week:
1. Family fun- an afternoon spent bowling with Richard and the kids. Jayna even did one game without bumpers and did quite well.
2. Church friends to chat with for a bit today. I was only there for the first hour, but it was long enough to be with some very sweet people.
3. After being away since Sunday, Richard returned Friday night.
4. Richard was home to make a certain house repair ( part of the terrible, horrible)
5. I finished up what I needed to for one of my jobs- although I felt kind of melancholy about it I'm glad it's done and I can focus on other things that need my attention.
6. Since Richard was home I got some better sleep.
7. Richard seems to be really enjoying his new job.
8. The dog came right back after she escaped out the front door, while I was trying to carry her dog bed out to the car for a showing.
9. Dinner with my kids at Tullys.
So there- some good things of my week- and we'll leave it at that.
And so it goes....
Sue
1. Family fun- an afternoon spent bowling with Richard and the kids. Jayna even did one game without bumpers and did quite well.
2. Church friends to chat with for a bit today. I was only there for the first hour, but it was long enough to be with some very sweet people.
3. After being away since Sunday, Richard returned Friday night.
4. Richard was home to make a certain house repair ( part of the terrible, horrible)
5. I finished up what I needed to for one of my jobs- although I felt kind of melancholy about it I'm glad it's done and I can focus on other things that need my attention.
6. Since Richard was home I got some better sleep.
7. Richard seems to be really enjoying his new job.
8. The dog came right back after she escaped out the front door, while I was trying to carry her dog bed out to the car for a showing.
9. Dinner with my kids at Tullys.
So there- some good things of my week- and we'll leave it at that.
And so it goes....
Sue
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Adventure?
So we are in the midst of plans to move and I really want it to feel like an ADVENTURE! But sadly I must say that more than anything (especially tonight) it is feeling more like STRESS.
Selling our house- We've had several people come and look, and people that we were told that were interested in it- yet we wait for an offer. It's draining- we have tried to do all that we can do- put in new carpet, got a storage unit for clutter, keeping it clean and ready to show, and more. It gets discouraging to have showings then wait to here something back. We've dropped the price once, hoping that it would encourage some of those that had "shown interest" to make a commitment. Nothing yet. I'm trying to believe that if I've done all I can, God will magnify our effort. And I know we are not in an unusual position- our house has been on the market for just about a month, which is normal. It's just being on a timeline has me stressed out.
Richard leaves on Sunday to start his job. He is subletting a room for awhile. It sounds pretty dumpy, but we needed something pretty fast, and this is rather inexpensive. He'll be sharing a place with a college student. I'm not looking forward to him being gone. There are days I feel my share of "Girl Power", but I'm just not feeling it this time around.
The move- a lot depends on selling our house here. We have considered buying a home as we wait to sell this one- but I'm nervous about multiple payments if this one doesn't sell soon. We have looked for places to rent but haven't had much luck finding a 4 bedroom that will also allow a dog. There is one possibility, but it would be much more expensive than paying a house payment. If we don't find a home soon though- we won't be able to get the kids started at school for the beginning of the year- and as I hard as it is to move them - I think that would make it so much worse.
Like I said - stress, plus Richard and I are busy trying to finish up the end of our jobs here. Sorry this all sounds so down- blech- not what I like, but I was hoping this would be a good way to vent or share or something. Things will all be okay- I just don't know how or when. On another note- more negative things have come up with the company Richard has been working for- just more confirmation that it was good for him to get out when he did.
Just read: "How to Break a Terrorist"- yep you should read it. It opens your mind and gives background on Iraq war, and talks about using "brains" not force to interrogate. It's really good
Reading now: "have a little faith" by Mitch Albom
Ok- and so it goes... ( I know this is all just life and we have to have these times- so here's to ADVENTURING on)
Selling our house- We've had several people come and look, and people that we were told that were interested in it- yet we wait for an offer. It's draining- we have tried to do all that we can do- put in new carpet, got a storage unit for clutter, keeping it clean and ready to show, and more. It gets discouraging to have showings then wait to here something back. We've dropped the price once, hoping that it would encourage some of those that had "shown interest" to make a commitment. Nothing yet. I'm trying to believe that if I've done all I can, God will magnify our effort. And I know we are not in an unusual position- our house has been on the market for just about a month, which is normal. It's just being on a timeline has me stressed out.
Richard leaves on Sunday to start his job. He is subletting a room for awhile. It sounds pretty dumpy, but we needed something pretty fast, and this is rather inexpensive. He'll be sharing a place with a college student. I'm not looking forward to him being gone. There are days I feel my share of "Girl Power", but I'm just not feeling it this time around.
The move- a lot depends on selling our house here. We have considered buying a home as we wait to sell this one- but I'm nervous about multiple payments if this one doesn't sell soon. We have looked for places to rent but haven't had much luck finding a 4 bedroom that will also allow a dog. There is one possibility, but it would be much more expensive than paying a house payment. If we don't find a home soon though- we won't be able to get the kids started at school for the beginning of the year- and as I hard as it is to move them - I think that would make it so much worse.
Like I said - stress, plus Richard and I are busy trying to finish up the end of our jobs here. Sorry this all sounds so down- blech- not what I like, but I was hoping this would be a good way to vent or share or something. Things will all be okay- I just don't know how or when. On another note- more negative things have come up with the company Richard has been working for- just more confirmation that it was good for him to get out when he did.
Just read: "How to Break a Terrorist"- yep you should read it. It opens your mind and gives background on Iraq war, and talks about using "brains" not force to interrogate. It's really good
Reading now: "have a little faith" by Mitch Albom
Ok- and so it goes... ( I know this is all just life and we have to have these times- so here's to ADVENTURING on)
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