Practicing the Impossible

Impossible thoughts...

2010-11-17T17:54:00.000-08:00

So there's been yet another long lag in my blogging. The longer I let it lag, the more I think my project is an impossible endeavor. But didn't I set out to practice the impossible? My rhetorical answer is yes, I did. And I am going to finish the project, no matter how long it takes.

And for those people that actually read this stuff, I'll update you on the big events in life.

I met the love of my life.

My first-born entered kindergarten and is in love with every day of her life.

My boy spawn entered preschool and was called "a sweet alpha dog" during his school conference.

I passed 2 kidney stones that were worse than natural birth and experienced the joy of C-diff. I have a new compassion for my patients!

I added a third job to my life in order to pay for the first-born's education and add to the sanity of everyday living.

I continue to recognize the gift in every day, the amazing man who has joined in it, the beauty of my children, the wonder of the human body and its ability to heal, and the awesomeness of God who provides everything we need to keep life going.

So the project continues. Tonight I ask for prayers for my children who are both sick. Matthew is on the end and Clare on the beginning of something viral that includes a high fever and a lot of congestion. Mr Mucus and I are getting acquainted early this year!

Sleepless in Holden...

2010-08-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm not good about keeping up this blogging project. But tonight I am (once again!) having trouble sleeping and have access to my dad's laptop while we are vacationing in Holden Beach. What a gift this time has been. The kids and I are here with Stephen, Lilly and Harry as well as my parents being with us for half of the week. I am sad to see them leave tomorrow. Each of the kids has enjoyed having them here and it's been wonderful to have a few extra hands. Tomorrow the true test begins- how do 2 single parents of 2 kids each come together to form a "family unit", meshing very different eating habits, sleeping habits, and maturity levels while cooking, cleaning and relaxing together?

Meanwhile... back in the 'Burg, last week was not such a great week. I shall add it to this post as maybe I can gloss over this moment with as little fanfare as possible. Last week it was confirmed that I have rheumatoid arthritis. I sunk to the point of bargaining with God to make the symptoms something else, anything else. I work with this stuff, not live with it. Please pray for my acceptance and for the doctors who are going to help me find my way back to health.

I can't seem to move the photos from the top to bottom so enjoy the pictures of a few special moments in our vacation thus far.

Hilton Head & gratitude #9 + 10

2010-04-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

I decided to start with current history and work backwards in time. Maybe my memory will be better that way.

The week before Easter I received a text message from my friend Jim asking if I had any vacation time. Conversation led to him offering us a week he had reserved the following week at Hilton Head. Who gives away vacations?!? Apparently Jim does band it was one of the best weeks we've ever spent as a family. I haven't been so relaxed in ages. Thanks, Jim. You rock!!! (#9)

This was the mermaid statue outside our hotel. Despite the look on Clare's face here, she loved this!

We did just about nothing, or maybe we did everything. Given my kids' sleeping schedule, we managed to see every sunrise and every sunset on the beach. The weather was sunny and 75-78 degrees every day with only a bit of rain once in the middle of the night. We spent the days doing a lot of digging, kite flying, splashing and playing. We met another family on our first morning there and spent a lot of time watching our kids build and swim together. Always awesome to make new friends on vacation, especially ones that we will definitely keep in touch with!(#10)

I did mention the kids did a lot of digging, right?

I mean A LOT of digging!

True beach bums.

The kids loved eating at Salty Dog. Who knew Clare loved fish so much?!?

She also shares my love of sunrises and sunsets!

Yep- still technologically challenged. But here's Clare and I heading for the water. Why don't kids notice that it's cold?

The start of the summer blonde- Matthew is definitely going to be a surfer dude!

Our last afternoon we decided to make the short trek to Savannah. What an amazing place! Even the kids adored it and want to go back when we have more time. The azaleas and wisteria were in bloom and there was too much to see and do. We had a fabulous dinner on the water with lots of great conversation about our trip. If anyone is looking for a very family friendly beach, this is it. What an amazing week!

Egads...

2010-04-25T18:06:00.002-07:00

Where has the time gone? I haven't moved on with my gratitude project, written about the amazing amount of snow we had this winter, told of the amazing blessings that have happened in our lives or responded to the fact that the dryer is buzzing at me. Maybe if someone is out there reading this, you'll be lucky enough to read about the world's worst first and last blind date, see that I have already finished another quilt this year and continue to lead a bizarre life. I will make an attempt to do a few updates this week.

Christmas quilts

2010-01-07T16:58:00.000-08:00

I used to be diligent about photographing every quilt I made and writing down it's story. But my break from quilting was so long that I must have forgotten everything, including this final part. After more than a year, I started sewing in earnest again this fall and finished four quilts for Christmas, 2 large and 2 small. I had forgotten how much went into them besides the mechanics of sewing. I probably put more thought and care into these than I ever had, with the exception of my children's baby and wall quilts.

This was a wall hanging created for a friend's newly painted bedroom. I'm sorry I didn't take a close-up picture as the quilting itself is extensive. It's a rendition of the traditional Mariner's Compass pattern and incorporates his paint colors- navy in the bedroom and slate gray in the bathroom. It was made for a larger wall space across from the bed but this is where he felt it belonged. Although I would have changed my sizing and pattern a bit for this space, I am flattered to have this part of me in such a place in someone's life. The story of the quilt will be a tale of another time... until then, I will try to go back and photograph the others to post for my quilting friends.

Gratitude #8, 9 & 10

2009-12-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

It seems appropriate today to add my nieces, Amelia, Marie and Grace. They've been staying with us since Friday night when we got 15" of snow, a very rare occasion here. The kids have loved having them here and are already mourning their leaving tomorrow.

Amelia, you are such a beautiful girl. You are wonderful with Clare and Matthew who love you so much. You are so very smart and fun to dance with!

Marie, you are so brave. I love listening to you play your violin and wish I would remember to play with you more often. I envy your drawing skills and think you are amazing. We love you, too.

Grace, you are a pistol! (In our family, that's a huge compliment.) Clare tells everyone you are her "family best friend" and adores the time you spend crafting with her. I love watching the two of you snuggle into bed together! Of course, we love you bunches too!

You girls make our family so much more complete. Without you, we would have so much less joy, fun, and love. Having you here has been one of the best Christmas presents ever! Thank you for being part of our lives!

Life as we know it- gratitude #7

2009-11-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay- I'm behind and I know it. Am going to keep going until I hit the mark of my 52 weeks of gratitude, but it's going to have to be in my own time. We have been through 4 oozing eyeballs with pink eye, two ear infections, one systemic infection and one broken foot in the past 3 weeks alone. If God wanted to speak louder, I'm not sure He could. "SLOW DOWN!" He picked the fine time to yell- right in the middle of repairing and remodeling the living room. So this is a moment of gratitude to Mike & the guys finishing up my projects while I limp around and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Nothing like standing back and watching men work! ;) If anyone needs a contractor/handyman, call me. He has done an amazing job, especially considering he had to work alongside me! You didn't think I'd really just sit back and let someone else do all the work, did you?

Breathe...

2009-10-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

To quote Allegra, the ever-amazing photographer who took this on Saturday, we are Americans by birth, Virginians by the grace of God.

Life is good...

2009-09-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Gratitude Project- Week 4, 5 & 6

2009-09-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

(This is posting on 10/19/09 even though the date indicates 3 weeks ago when I started writing this)

I was surprised to hear from a few people that my blog was behind. I had intended to put these together last week but life has slipped away. It seems like fall is our busiest time of year and we are attempting to get started on some long overdue house projects. But without further ado...

I placed these three together because I entitle them "3 angels" and felt they belonged together here as such. I have made a quilt in their honor each year for the cancer auction here in Lynchburg with the exception of becoming too busy this year.

In 2007, three beautiful women in my life died, two of which occurred in October. The first was Sue Bryant, midwife at Forest Woman's Center who battled breast cancer for over 20 years. Sue was an amazing woman! Her husband was in a freak accident when her children were young and she raised two beautiful girls while going back to school to follow her passion, what she called "catching babies." I came to Sue after many miscarriages, wanting a natural birth but not a home birth. She was a no nonsense kind of person and I appreciated that. And when it came time for Clare's birth, I needed that. Clare was a very long labor (66 hours!) and I was determined to stick to my plan despite pitosin and a few complications. She stayed with me through the night and did everything she could to support my plan. She knew the miracle Clare was to my life and what it meant to me to follow through. When I became pregnant with Matthew, Sue had her final recurrence. She promised to be there for me again but ended up going out on medical leave and passed away 3 weeks after his birth. But a wonderful thing did happen. She was in the hospital the day I delivered him and we were able to take him to visit her one last time. I don't think I could ever thank her enough for the love she showed me and the miracle she helped bring into the world.

The second angel was a child I worked with that summer and early fall. She was just 4 when she developed a brain tumor that took her life in 6 short months. She was such a joy in my days and taught me such appreciation for my children. I have maintained contact with her mom who is so positive. She reminds me to thank God for my children every morning and night. (But of course, Clare reminds me if I forget during prayers too!)

The third angel was a friend I met in Kindermusik two years earlier. Mary was a gentle soul, a kind and loving friend. Our daughters loved to play together while we talked, laughed, and scrapbooked. Mary was one of the most selfless people I have yet to meet. She lived with a grace I was priveledged to witness. At 32, Mary developed a brain tumor that progressed very quickly. She continued to smile and do everything she could as long as possible. I was so grateful to be able to take a shift with her each day for the last few weeks of her life. Although Mary couldn't communicate, those hours were priceless. It chokes me up to write more so I'll leave it there for now.

May your days be filled with gratitude for all of the blessings in your life!

Gratitude Project- Week 3

2009-09-16T03:43:00.000-07:00

This week I'd like to shout out my thanks to my dear friend Annette Van Dyke. Talk about someone who's changed my life!!! (Sorry for the bad pic, Annette. Only one I could find quickly! Check out the belly! It's from my baby shower for Matthew- I was 38 weeks pregnant and popped a few days later.)

Annette and I met when her family moved to Lynchburg and our children were both receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatments one after the other. One morning we compared notes on GF/CF fruit snacks, exchanged phone numbers and were instant friends. Over the next few years we spent many hours playing with kids, trading advice, cooking (and eating!) brownies, and attempting to find the perfect wine without sulfites (I admit I gave up on the quest, Annette. My vice for the good stuff was too strong!)

Annette, without you, I would have never made it through the first year of Clare's journey. You taught me the diagnosis of ASD was not a cross to bear but one to embrace and celebrate. You saw every little gain she made and always knew exactly what to do next. I am so grateful for the knowledge you have and your willingness to share it with everyone you meet.

I am grateful for your friendship. You are the kind of friend I want to be. There is never a moment you don't have time for me, even when you work a million days straight or have a screaming kid. I miss you being in Lynchburg more than you can imagine. The hours we spent together were priceless and I still hope we'll get up to WI to see you soon!

I am grateful for the confidence you gave me. When I was doubting the biggest decisions of my life, you held me up and gave me the strength to believe I could do this. And yes, you were right.

You are a brilliant and amazing woman, Annette. I love you dearly, even if you're a bit of a nut! ;)

Gratitude Project- Week 2

2009-09-13T17:59:00.001-07:00

The other obvious week of gratitude belongs to my children, Clare and Matthew. Without them, the world would be so bland!

Clare was my seventh pregnancy. Unlike my mom, I can't say I loved being pregnant. But I was so grateful for the healthy life within me, I tried my damnedest not to complain. I was diligent to do everything "right." Her birth marked a day in my life that I remember being the most grateful I've ever been. I still feel a sense of awe when I think back on the morning of September 11th, 2004.

To you, Clare, I am so grateful for your life. You are the most generous soul I've ever encountered in a 5 year-old. You embody a passion for everything you do, and light up many lives. Without you, I would miss so many flowers, butterflies, sounds, hugs, kisses and moments of sheer joy. I would forget to dance naked across the house on my way to the shower, singing at the top of my lungs. I wouldn't giggle nearly as often. And I wouldn't have learned to love at the core of my being.

Two and a half years later, along came Matthew, a true bundle of joy from the moment he was born... almost. Matthew decided to arrive just off center and broke my pelvis on the way out, but was an otherwise perfect labor and delivery. There were no complications this time and the moment was so sweet. Matthew inched up to nurse immediately and was amazingly peaceful. I distinctly remember saying a prayer right then to thank God for this precious gift.

To you, Matthew, I am also grateful for your life. You have been nothing but joy to everyone who loves you. The way you cuddle up to me, look up and ask for a kiss makes my heart melt. I love the way you plop into my lap with a book, garden with me for hours and spot any tractor or motorcycle within visual range. Watching you be "Papa's apprentice" amazes me as I see your gift for spatial activities and putting things together. Without you, my life would not be full.

I am grateful to wake up to both of you each day, so happy and full of life. I am grateful for the laughter that fills our home and the love we share. I love you both more than any word I could write in a blog. I will thank God for you tonight and always.

Interview with Clare

2009-09-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

This is the eve of Clare's 5th birthday. If I could freeze her at this age, I would. She is so full of life, loving everyone and everything with a passion I strive to imitate. In an effort to remember the things most important to Clare, we spent the last hour having a conversation about all of her favorite people, things, events, etc. Here's some of the highlights (all thoughts are direct quotes):

Me: What is your favorite thing to do?
Clare: Draw pictures. Do I have to pick just one thing? I do love to nature walk and pick flowers and dress up and jump on the trampoline too, you know.

M: Favorite color?
C: Pink and white. I do like yellow still but not as much.

M: Favorite place?
C: My backyard. It rocks, Mom.

M: Favorite friend?
C: Miss M (full name omitted per her mom's request)

M: Favorite food?
C: Coconut ice cream

M: Favorite toy?
C: My princesses

M: Favorite word?
C: Flora

M: Favorite flower?
C: A rose, particularly in red

M: Favorite season?
C: Spring. I do looooooove the flowers, you know

M: Favorite things?
C: Flowers, pearl necklaces, and high heeled shoes. Can I borrow yours when I grow up?
(Warning issued for future spouse upon learning this one!!!)

M: Favorite vacation?
C: The beach, of course, Mom. You know I love the beach.

M: Where would you like to visit?
C: Hawaii

M: What do you want to do when you grow up?
C: Be an artist, cowgirl, dancer, veterinarian, gardener

M: How big do you think you'll be when you grow up?
C: About as tall as you. 4" maybe.

M: If you could do anything, what would it be?
C: I would fly into the sky and kiss the birds.

M: What do you think you'll like about being 5?
C: I like it all! I'm going to go to kindergarten and dance and play and ...
(this went on for ages.)

I'd be a huge liar if I didn't admit to being a little sad to see Clare turn 5. But, oh, the impossible things we're going to practice while she's 5! Happy birthday, my sweet girl. I love you to the moon and stars ten thousand times!

Gratitude Project- Week 1

2009-09-07T06:28:00.001-07:00

Here we are. 52 weeks of gratitude. For week 1 I chose the obvious, my parents, Joan and Russ Beimler. They did bring me in to the world, you know!

But despite being obvious, this may be one of the hardest to write about.

I have an incredible array of family memories, particularly vacations to Wisconsin with a lot of together time in the car. Music was a big thing in our house and I can remember belting out the Mamas & the Papas, the Carpenters, and the Kingston Trio in the car for hours. (remember Don't Worry, Be Happy on the way to Toronto? Or yodeling on the way to Wisconsin Dells?) I owe my violin talent to all the years you berated me to practice, schlepped me to lessons and camps, and listened to really good music at home. I don't think many kids listened to as much classical music as we did. Gripe, groan... yes... it was a fantastic idea, Mom.

I am grateful for all the time you spent with me. I can't remember a single event you missed from the beginning even through college. In fact, I think you were still my best band groupie up until a few years ago!

I am grateful you taught me to love the outdoors, art, good food, and the value of a good friend.

I am grateful for how you took care of Grandma Jaeger for the last 5 years of her life. I learned a lot about life and love.

I am grateful you were both there for the birth of Clare. And that you could help me again with Matthew, Mom. As many times as you've told me what a pain I was to deliver, you inspired me to make it without drugs and did everything you knew to support me. You were right- it hurts like hell!

I am grateful you were hard on me when I got sick. I would have given up if you hadn't supported me through that time.

I am grateful you helped me to stand on my own two feet and make a different choice for the lives of my children last year.

I am grateful, Dad, for all the times you've helped me install toilets, rewire walls, repair jobs that I really could do by myself, and on and on.

I am grateful, Mom, for inspiring my profession, teaching my children day in and day out, and being such a great friend.

I am grateful for all the care you've given Clare and Matthew. Watching you both with my children has been the greatest joy of my life and I cannot thank you enough for loving me through them. They are the luckiest kids in the world to have you both as grandparents!

I could write pages about all the things you've done for which I am grateful. But most of all, you've grown with me and loved me no matter what. I was a tough kid (okay,okay... that hasn't changed) but you always encouraged me to push for my dreams. I look forward to many more years of dreams coming true together.

Prayers requested...

2009-09-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Clare and I were privileged to spend most of the morning at Lynchburg General hospital with her godfather "Godpa Jim" today. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer a month or so ago, right before his 50th wedding anniversary. Last week he began having trouble swallowing with unreal amounts of pain. I don't think I've ever heard Jim complain about anything. He fell off a roof working on a Habitat for Humanity house a few months back, sustained several fractures and commented, "It wasn't that bad." Wasn't that bad?!?!? His comment about chemo was "it's no worse than a little headache." But today he looked at me and said, "I just can't do this." He has a very bad case of thrush, dehydration due to not being able to swallow and uncontrolled nausea.

Please take a minute to pray for relief of his suffering, however God sees fit, and for his wife, "Godma Betty."

(Pic taken from Clare's Baptism in October of 2004)

PTI Swaps

2009-09-05T13:44:00.001-07:00

Here are my cards for this round of SCS PTI swaps. I'm borrowing someone's camera and can't quite figure out how to turn these pictures. So, just turn your head. Thanks, Jenn, for a few of the ideas! :)

My counselor made me do it...

2009-09-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, Dr. Jefferson, here it is. I am now divorced. Yep- there it is. I said (or wrote) it. It is one of the ugliest words in the English language and I am not proud of it. In fact, I'm writing this because we are addressing the shame, guilt, fear, etc. about it in counseling. I never intended or believed this would be my life. In fact, I was very judgmental of people I believed didn't work hard enough to stay married.

On August 10th, I went to court and divorced my husband of 9+ years. It was the hardest day of my life, beating out 66 hours of natural labor with Clare by far. The decision wasn't made lightly or quickly. We have been separated since early March of 2008. It was not a healthy marriage. There is no reason to repeat the stories here. But I know without a doubt I did the right thing for my children. A nice side effect is learning I also did the right thing for me. I still find it challenging to believe I deserve respect, effort, and love at its best. I didn't even believe this was a possibility for me when I left the marriage, but am getting closer every day.

I wish I made different decisions years ago. And I am sad for the kids. But I am also grateful, hopeful, and joyful. So many of you have been amazing through this. My gratitude could reach the ends of the earth! The little things like tomatoes on my doorstep when I had a pity party about missing my gardens, midnight phone calls, girly drinks on the back porch (at hours far later than midnight!), shared tears, one slap across the face, and on and on were always exactly what I needed at the moment.

Since I'm being sappy, I can say I often thank God for each of you. For that reason I am starting my "gratitude project." For the next year, 52 weeks, I am going to write about someone for whom I am grateful. They won't be in any order and some of them are going to seem very odd and obscure. I have chosen the obvious for my first 2 weeks but the following weeks will drift into all areas of my past and present life. I hope my journey will inspire someone and to continue to grow.

(Whew- I did it!)

In the words of Dave Matthews...

2009-09-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

"So much to say, so much to say, so much to say!"

I often lie in bed thinking of the things I need to add and what I want to put here, but haven't gotten around to it. August was a challenging month personally and I hope to find it within myself to write about it soon.

Beach bums!

2009-08-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Myrtle Beach was a blast. This was our annual trip with my brother and his girls, always a treat for the kids. Clare had no fear this year, running right into the ocean and getting knocked down by the waves. Matthew, on the other hand, was terrified of the water and would go in if being held with a death grip. He loved, loved, loved the sand- "DIRT!" and spent his hours filling buckets and just being held in the waves. Clare said she loved it all and wants to go back "next week." I was sad to leave and re-enter reality. But that's why it's reality, right?

Traveling with allergies..

2009-07-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

can be such a pain! I spent the better part of an evening cooking and freezing meals as well as packing non-perishables for our trip to the beach next week. I admit that part of this is because I'm cheap but mostly it's just easier to count on having what we need rather than have whining hunger at any time during the day and being unable to satisfy it. Both kids and I are free of wheat, dairy, corn, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. We also are very limited with sugar. The story is long but it works for us. No gut issues and no behavioral issues when it's done right. I'm amazed at how easy it has become for us but also by how critical people are of what we don't eat. Guess that's life.

Bison and tigers and flamingos, oh my!

2009-07-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Last week we joined some friends for a trip to Safari Park in Natural Bridge. I think the adults had more fun than the kids- we loved the animals and the kids loved the gravel and peacock feathers they found. Reminder to self: stay home and play in the dirt more often! Matthew was terrified of the bison that came up to the wagon to be fed and was so upset when a camel took his bucket of feed and ate not only the food but the bucket as well. Oh, the traumas of a 2 year-old!

Fun at the Fair

2009-07-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the day at the Salem Fair. Despite several downpours, the kids had a great time. Matthew was quite disappointed that he couldn't ride anything besides the merry-go-round. Clare surprised me by liking some rides like bumper cars, kids tilt-a-whirl and a little roller coaster. Of course, the merry-go-round and the animals were her favorites. Personally, I liked the roller coaster thingie that suspended us upside down (without kids, of course!) Thanks, everybody, that came and played, watched kids and had fun with us!

Most recent card swaps

2009-07-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Each month, some friends and I swap cards that we make. I also participate in my very favorite swap quarterly on Splitcoast stampers- cards using Papertreyink (PTI) images. They're always amazing and I love making mine to send in too. Here are my favorites (so hard to limit them and choose) from our latest swaps. The first is by Jennifer Edmonds and I'm not sure about the other 2.

Celebrating Independence

2009-07-06T04:13:00.001-07:00

This year, we celebrated the 4th of July with a bang! We attended the neighborhood parade at a friends' place first. The decorated their "bikes" and rode down the length of the neighborhood in high style. Then for a delicious lunch with friends and a trip up to Wintergreen for swimming, their annual festival and fireworks. Both kids loved the fireworks with Matthew falling asleep halfway through. Afterwards, Clare jumped the whole way to the car, stating, "I just can't keep it inside." Independence is fantastic!

Shenandoah Caverns

2009-07-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we made a girls trip to Shenandoah Caverns. After a scenic drive along the parkway and a picnic, we arrived to some awesome sights! Clare and her friend were amazed. They loved the "bacon formations" and the colored lights best. I enjoyed the adult conversation and the beauty of the caverns. It was an amazing day!

Tractor boy

2009-06-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

Matthew's favorite thing in the world is "tac-tors." I think it would be a conservative estimate to say he says the word tractor a thousand times in a day. His very favorite place to visit right now is the school park by our house. They're building a new school very close to the playground and he loves to go see the tractors and the "dirrrrrt." And on an exciting note- he slept through the night for the first time for me last night. Woohoo!!!

Ballerina Girl

2009-06-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today Clare became a "true ballerina." Here are some shots from her first day as a dancer at Dance Theater of Lynchburg. According to Clare, it was, "beauty, beauty, beautiful!"

July calendar

2009-06-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite monthly projects. It's a calendar that hangs by our back door so I can track what's going on and get a quick smile. I try to keep it very simple, including pictures from the previous month. Here's the July version I put together in 15 minutes today.

Father's Day Bowling Trip

2009-06-25T05:39:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure where or how it started, but I have taken my dad bowling for his birthday and Father's Day for years. We don't go any other time of the year and it's safe to say that we're awful! But it's always a great time! We started taking the kids this past fall and have had a blast! Matthew really got into it this year, pointing at himself and then the pins every time the ball went down the lane, saying "yeah, yeah, yeah." I took the first game with a whopping 104 and Dad won the second with a huge 122- close to our record!

Loving summer!

2009-06-23T10:26:00.001-07:00

So I'm going to try blogging again. I've got some hints on the photo software and can hopefully keep up with myself.

As you can see, summer is definitely in full swing at our house! Thanks for the great cookout, Allegra! We all had a blast!