walking

my new walking shoes have been waiting for me to break them in for many weeks. I've been slacking on my normal routine of walking, but started back yesterday. my back was screaming at me, my arches ached, and I was winded at the end. it was foolish to think I was in the same workout shape as I was many weeks ago. one option is to give up...continue the lack of consistency. another option is to get back in step and begin again. one day at a time, one walk at a time. today in my devotions, I recorded "honor God in what you do and say one day at a time." each day is new to God. we may carry baggage with us from day to day, month to month, year to year, but why? what does that get us in the end? what better "thing" does God have for me each day when I allow myself to to live one day at a time walking with Him? I want to find out!

blessed by results

sorry I've been away. I've missed this place of mine. just too busy, too distracted for visiting before now. this week we're on vacation in hilton head, south carolina. I've gotten some rest, been filled with friendship love from lisa, and gotten some vitamins via the the sunshine and now feel somewhat refreshed. so much has happened. check back later this week for project updates and vacation pictures.

medical challenges

friday I was blessed by a call from kris. all I remember hearing is "the margins are clear!"

"praise the Lord!", I said. she is healing nicely from the surgery and now encouraged by her test results. we now wait until late august for her visit to the chemo doctor, when they will determine future treatments. thank you for your continued prayers as she battles breast cancer.

my grandmother is now resting comfortably as well, after having a "re-charge" heart procedure today. I called to check in with her earlier. a tired voice perked up after hearing spencer and connor were well and enjoying vacation. "that connor just gives me a charge" a woman of few words but much love. we have all been blessed by more days with her in our lives.

traveling again

I'm off to chicago tomorrow for our pampered chef national conference. then fly to ohio for our family reunion, so I'll be away until next week. thanks for stopping by. enjoy a few of my favorite p.c. photo memories.

distracted

I'm distracted today. today one of my best friends, Kris, is having a breast cancer procedure. just two short months ago breast cancer was found and today a surgery. I can't imagine what she's thinking and feeling. the surgery may in fact be over at this point, just can't stop thinking about her. so I'm fluttering around my house from one meaningless task to another trying to keep busy. I know many are praying for her; I know God loves her more than I do; I know God is the great physician and can be trusted to take care of her; I know. just distracted.

the end

our campers are now half way back to their home in atlanta, ga. mark and connor made the trip down to kentucky to meet chelle and tony at chick-fil-a for the "drop off". spencer and I had to stay behind due to a scheduled MANDATORY baseball practice (due to our poor performance on monday night). as it happened- it was raining at practice time. practice was cancelled.

spencer and I enjoyed the day together doing errands- post office, pampered chef delivery, west grange, target, mcdonald's, pampered chef pick up, old navy, barnes & noble, and panera. I enjoyed listening to him read "diary of a wimpy kid" to me, then his excitement at the purchase of book 2 at barnes & noble.

I so enjoy the young man spencer is turning into. he is so attentive, generous, friendly, honest, and fun to be around.

we're home now...starting to put things back together around here. actually the only room that need attention is the kitchen (that shows how well the kids were- I was able to keep up pretty well). we had a great cousin camp week! thanks for coming to michigan carson and natalie!

a week at cousin camp

updated 7-11
6:00pm
monday
t-ball game; baseball play off game; dairy queen treats



tuesday
kristyn's errands; webkinz for all; perler bead projects; I made sponge balls
wednesday
t-ball game; sponge ball fight in the backyard; a day at the pool

thursday
playing with friends; lube oil and filter; special dollar store treats; down time; reading; walle movie; dinner at moe's; girl's night shopping; playground fun; boy's wiffle ball game
friday
a day of blessings-hedke park fun; a trip to the library; free slurpies at 7-11 on 7-11; trip snick snacks; lunch outside; reading; laundry-it is finished!; pizza; movie; brownies and ice cream

saturday plans
traveling back to kentucky to meet our family for drop off

cousin camp breezes

updated 7.11.08

when I had the idea for cousin camp, I was more thinking about the fun the boys would have with carson and natalie. I wasn't thinking about learning anything about myself or parenting along the way. well, I'm now 6 days into caring for four, and I've learned a few important breezes.

1. I have to be the first up in the morning. exercise (if I have the energy), get showered, hair & makeup, dressed with shoes to keep up- not just with the children, but with "things".

2. plan for each activity to take more time than you estimated.

3. when walking anywhere- put sneakers or crocs with socks on everyone- or you'll end up taking care of blisters.

4. be sure everyone goes to the bathroom before you leave anywhere.

5. laughing, loud bursts, singing, loud talking, compromise, and some mild bickering are all part of being together.

6. follow kate's example at meal time-fix the plates for the kids-whatever is on the plate is what you can eat.

7. if you have an allergy to wheat or nuts, you basically can't eat anything processed.

8. it's the little things that mean the most.

9. a "snack" is required before bed.

10. having family you are close to is a blessing to be cherished always. don't let the distance that separates you keep you apart. let there always be enough time for us to spend together.

cousin camp begins

I've thought of this space often over the past few days. our days and evenings have been full, so time has been limited.

our anxiously awaited campers have arrived! we picked up carson (8) and natalie (5) in kentucky on saturday when we met at chick-fil-a for lunch.

saturday was our travel day. we all started the day at 6:00 am and ended in our drive at 9:00 pm, needless to say, some of us were running on excitement alone. thanks to the blessing of a new van- everyone had an enjoyable ride- watching movies, playing handheld video games, talking, listening to music, and of course some knitting.

thanks to 'chelle for taking the time to make cousin camp t-shirts for all the campers!we started sunday out a church; lunch at mcdonald's; then home for down time before our voyage to the toledo mudhens baseball game. I love these baseball photos. precious faces...precious cousin camp memories