Detroit Zoo + Rain = Ick

Rachel and I are heading to the zoo today for her end of the school year field trip.

Yeah, walking around the zoo in the rain is exactly what I had in mind. Ugh.

Before I got out of bed this morning, I was lying there thinking about what I would wear. Its been so hot lately, I was thinking something very light.

We had our windows shut with the air on, so I didn't notice the rain yet. Or the forecast.

Hopefully Rite Aid sells those $1 raincoats, because that is what I'm thinking now.

Hosanna

I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes

Yeeeah

I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing

[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest x2

I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith

I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees

[Chorus]

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from earth to
Eternity

[Chorus] x2

Hosanna in the highest

Me, Myself & I

I work as an office manager at a monument dealer in Lapeer three days a week. Most people say that they wouldn't be able to "do what I do", because of the nature of the business. Some days, it IS very difficult, but I feel that I handle it very well. In fact, I surprise myself. I not only manage the office, but I also work with families who have lost a loved one, either years ago, months ago or even days ago, in creating a granite monument that will stand in the cemetery forever, over their loved ones grave. Sometimes its an older couple who want to take care of their own monument themselves. They actually choose what they want and are actually excited to see the finished product. I got the cutest thank you card from one of those older couples that I had worked with last summer. After their monument was set, they promptly sent the card. It stated how much they appreciated our work and that they truly loved their monument. They even took friends out to see it! I had a couple come in about two weeks ago and when I told them my name, they responded, "Oh good, you were who we wanted to see!" I had just helped friends of theirs with a beautiful black granite monument last winter and we had just set that one a few weeks before this couple had come in. They seen it and it inspired them to come in to see me and get one for his deceased parents. I love that part of my job.

On my days off, I am always TRYING to catch up on my mountain of laundry and all the household duties. I certainly am not the housekeeper that I once was, but I think I still do a fair job. Our house is lived in, with six people I might add, so its going to look lived in.

Turning forty was kind of an eye opener for me. I'd let my weight really creep up on me in the past few years. I'm working on it, slowly, but my goal is to have lost at least 50 pounds by Christmas. I'm just at the -26 right now. Feelin' better. Since we are going to Florida in two weeks, I wish I was a size 2, but hey, like that would've really been possible! Sounds good though.

I love watching Jon & Kate Plus 8, LOST and The Office. I had also been watching Little People, Big World, but for some reason haven't had a chance to really catch an episode this season.

I've always been a nap taker and still love to try and squeeze one in when I can. My Mom once told me, when I was in junior high school, "Your middle name should've been TIRED!", because EVERY morning, as I walked from my bedroom to the bathroom, I would declare just how tired I was.

At this stage in my life, I've pretty much lost touch with all my 'old' friends. The girls from high school, along with girlfriends that I would get together with regularly when the kids were smaller. When I started working, that is when I seen a big change with that. Isn't that sad? Everyone has such busy lives, going in all different directions. I miss each one as I reflect on my relationship with them.

I LOVE doting on my kids. From helping Josh make his lunch at night, to giving Alec the three kisses and four hugs before bed, to straightening Rachel's hair for her and picking out special things for Matt at the grocery store, I LOVE it all. I feel blessed. Very.

Lastly, but certainly not least, Jesus called my name one day over five years ago and I've been following Him ever since. I ADORE Him. ~~ Isaiah 9:6 ...And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John Edward, My Husband

Since I've been reminiscing so much in my blogs lately, I thought I would go into the NOW time. I'm starting with the man of the house.

John works as a supervisor with a commericial/industrial heating & cooling outfit. He gets up at the crack of dawn, pays bills and balances the checkbook most mornings and then heads off into the busy world of big, sometimes dangerous, construction sites. He spends a lot of time driving from one job to another. Starting out at a job location that is only thirty minutes away from home but maybe ending up at another location that is two hours away by the end of the day. I'm walking the line of road rage every time I drive into the not-so-big-town of Lapeer, I cannot imagine his drive every day. Yet he comes home from work, with a smile on his face and a kiss for his wife. Every day. Oh, and I should add that he almost always asks, "what's for dinner, I'm starving!" Whatever task needs to be taken care of on the homefront, he gets right to it. I seriously don't know where he gets the energy. But he has always had it. From cleaning the pool to mowing the grass and then mostly helping Matt with their truck project. And then, just about every other night, like clock work, he goes into the basement for at least an hour and a half and works out while watching a basketball game or his Survivor Man on tv. Then he falls into bed and is asleep in 14 seconds. Flat.

He is now trying to make more time for himself and Josh. They tried to spend some time together last night to go hit some golf balls together, but someone's air conditioner wasn't working and he spent hours after work fixing that and didn't get home until after 8pm. That is typical for this time of year for him. EVERYONE's air conditioner will need some sort of attention by summer's end, and our number will be dialed in each of those instances. Just like the winter, when someone's heat doesn't work. Such is life for my husband, John Edward.

He is known as Mr. John to the kids at church on Wednesday nights. John and I have been part of the children's ministry for the past three to four years or so. He is so patient and hands on. On Sunday mornings at church, John and I are first time greeters, meaning we welcome first time visitors. He wasn't thrilled about the position at first and told me that it was my thing (cause yeah, I'm totally the yakker) and that he would follow, but he is so geniuine in greeting everyone.

I'm also quite impressed with the wisdom that he has pulled out of his sleeve at times. Those of you who know the history of this huband of mine, know that he has blossomed into a fine christian man. His Mom will call, asking for advice on family matters and John gives it straight up, honestly and sprinkled with wisdom. Now I'm not saying that all of the time he has all the answers. Who does? But he has grown and I'm so proud of him.

I might also add that John and I, being in the stage of life that we are right now, discuss our future plans quite often. Hopes of traveling together out west and maybe even out east. Helping each adult-child with whatever the need is when they are out on their own while also desperately and breathlessly loving every future grandchild that we hope to be blessed with. Okay, the desperately and breathlessy loving part are definitely my statements. But I know that John will make a WONDERFUL grandpa/papa/poppy...whatever the endearment.

*****

Up next: Shari Lynn, the Wife and Mom

This Morning's Flower Tour

This is our patriotic welcome to our home.




I loved these flowers when I first saw them. They are called Daybreak and they open when the sun comes out and then close at night.



My orchids finally bloomed! There is a bit of a story with these. John's Mom gave some bulbs to me about four years ago and they were left in the same Wal-Mart bag through that first fall and winter in the garage. The next spring she asked me if I had planted them. No. With good intent, I moved the bag to the backyard for planting. Still never happened. Then I started a garden way out back and left the BAG outside all summer and that winter and still never planted them. The summer she lived with us, I finally planted them. I am not sure if they bloomed last year, but I have about 4-5 blooms now! Talk about tough little plants!



This snowball bush was also from my mother-in-law. She had this bush at her old house here in Metamora. It was originally a bush that was planted at the home that she grew up in. Her mother loved it. It's still trying to adjust to being moved, but I think in a few years it will once again be a beautiful bush.




Pinks. Once my Mom told me that Tammy loves these flowers, I think of Tammy everytime they bloom. I need to split and move 1/2 of them this fall though, they have spread out so much.



I got the orange vining Black Eyed Susan plant and can't wait for its beautiful display once it has matured more.



The gorgeous Dahlia. Love 'em.

Mini-Me

As my birthday was approaching, Rachel kept asking me what I wanted for my birthday. As most mothers would say, I told her, "Oh honey, I don't want you to spend your money on me. Just make me a card and I will treasure it".

So that is what she did. She made a card and had everyone at home sign it. I loved it!

Fast forward to last Sunday evening.

"Mom, I need to get some supplies for an extra credit project," she told me.

So her and I went to Wal-Mart in search of these needed supplies. She is on the honor roll and doesn't want her slipping science grade to affect that.

Anytime you go to the store, you always find other things you need. So I threw in my cart: coffee, wipes and some low-fat snacks. She then asked me, "Oh! I want to go and look at picture frames." She is such a photographer, I understood the need for her to get the multi picture style frame to put some pictures of her and her friends in. Trying to stay in her budget, we choose a simple one that allows five pictures. Perfect. Away we go, home with our few bags of goodies.

A few days pass. We came home from her orthodontist appointment yesterday and she remembers that she had actually left the Wal-Mart bag that had that picture frame in it in the car. She brings it in and after eating diner, she begins taking it apart to work on it.

John and I are discussing our vacation plans at this point. My mind is completely focused on our airline tickets, especially after checking our itinerary online and finding out that one of our flights has changed and is getting us into Miami an hour and a half later than originally planned. So now, my mind is no where else, except focused on a possible problem. Typically, when the kids ask a question or need me during times like that I tell them curtly, "Not now, I'm busy!"

Rachel asked me where she could get some pictures from and did I have a box of doubles or anything? I directed her and remained on task.

She shows me her work in progress. She has dressed up the once simple frame with cute floral stickers. "Cute!" I tell her, also adding, "Rachel, that is going to turn out so nice."

How can our flight time change so drastically I am thinking...

"Mom? Can you come here?" Rachel asks from the kitchen. I get up and go see what she needs. She hands me a card that says: "Happy Birthday Mom, I wanted to get you something! I love you, Rachel"

THE PICTURE FRAME IS FOR ME. She picked out three photos of her and I together and two of her by herself (that she knows I absolutely love). She did such a great job.

I instantly thought and even told Rachel, "You are so much like me. I was always doing stuff like this for my Mom."

The Everlasting Gobstopper

The title means nothing. It just popped into my head and I thought hey, thats a good title. For what? Doesn't matter.

*****

One year ago we were celebrating Josh's graduation and preparing for his open house. His commencements may have actually been a year ago today. My how times flies.

Five years ago, the kids were: Josh 13, Matt 10, Rachel 8 and Alec 6. I had just finished working my first tax season at my previous job. I worked about two days a week. I was evangelizing at every opportunity. The seeds that I had planted in one person did eventually grow though -- my cousin Stacy has been a born again believer for a couple of years now. Hooray! We didn't have our pool yet. Oliver was a little bitty puppy. None of my kids were driving. I had three in elementary school. I was probably 20 pounds lighter than I am now. I was only 35. I had never heard of Tim Horton's.

Ten years ago, the kids were: Josh 8, Matt 5, Rachel 2 1/2 and Alec 1. This would've been our first summer in our new home.
No dogs. I didn't work outside the home. We had our yard to put in (grass, sprinklers, landscaping...) I think we were actually putting in all of the brick pavers at this time. Kristie had her first child, my nephew Daniel Todd. My Mom and Mike lived in West Bloomfield. The woods behind our house were right off the back patio. Josh and Matt were the only ones going to school. They were in third grade and kindergarten. Nick Jr. was on the television all day. I would get together with friends for lunch all of the time, with the kids of course. Alec took naps in his crib. Keeping the house clean and decorating were huge priorities. No one was on the internet. We didn't even have a computer! Gas was probably $1.30 a gallon and I could feed my family for about $130 a week. John was always doing 'side jobs', which were very lucrative.

Fifteen years ago, the kids were: Josh 3 1/2 and Matt would've just been turning a year old. We had just moved into the house on Fish Lake Road. It was our first brand new home and it was on four and a half acres. We were so excited about that. I drove a white Chevy Corsica. Me and the boys were always doing something fun. John had just started working at the job he is at now, switching from the other heating and cooling company he had worked for. None of my family lived anywhere close to us. They were all at least 45 minutes to an hour away and thought we lived in the boondocks. John's parents lived in Metamora and we had dinner over there just about every Sunday. We didn't have central air and I remember it being very hot that summer. We had a window a/c and I would close up the house, all the blinds and try and keep the house cooled off. I loved my white kitchen with the cute farmhouse style kitchen table. I was 25 years old. John and I had been married for five years.

Twenty years ago we didn't have any kids yet. John and I were newlyweds. We would've been married for two months! We were living in our loveshack, also known as the trailer, in the trailer park that was located in Clarkston. Our whole lives were ahead of us. Just a few months later, we would start discussing having our first child. I could not wait. I was working at the tax and accounting office that I had started working at as a co-op student in high school. We had a dog, a cocker spaniel named Max that we had adopted from a shelter. My Mom and Dad were still married and living in the house that I grew up in. Kristie was graduating from high school and dating her long time boyfriend Jeff. I loved General Foods International coffee. Suisse Mocha and Cafe Vienna were regularly stocked in my cupboard. John and I would go to Meijer and spend about $80 and it would feed us for a few weeks. I weighed about 125 pounds. The tv shows that we watched were: Roseanne, The Wonder Years, Bosom Buddies, Family Ties and Growing Pains. I also loved watching Knots Landing. My Mom wasn't even 40 years old yet.

Twenty five years ago. Now I have to do some thinking here. I would've been fifteen, which puts me in the 9th grade and madly in love with a boy named John Walls. I talked on the corded telephone constantly with him. We would have two to three hour conversations. We found out that our Moms and Dads went to high school together. My best friend Laurie and I spent the night at each other's house often. She lived two houses down. I had babysitting jobs in my neighborhood. One was my favorite, babysitting Joey and Karen. Karen was only a year old when I first started. Anyone who knows me knows that I love little ones. I would dress her up and fix her hair. Okay, so this makes her at least twenty five now? Ugh. I remember a boy named Paul, who I knew since grade school, had started liking me and was dropping by the house. He didn't live too far away. I didn't give him the time of day though, I was way to lovestruck with John. I worked as an assistant in the front office at my junior high school. My friend Deena and I were both in there at the same time and she knew that I liked John. I would make up excuses as to why I needed to go out of the office and she would cover for me. I would then go and find John's class and stare at him through the window in the door.

Thirty years ago. I'm ten years old. Life is good. My biggest chore is maybe washing a dish or two. I spent a lot of time playing with my cousins Traci, Debby and Todd, who lived next door. Jumping on the trampoline, playing in the playhouse that Uncle John had built in their back yard and riding bikes. I remember riding my bike up and down the street with my portable radio slung on the handlebars. "Hot child in the city" is playing on that radio. I was way cool. This was also the time when Kristie and I spent a lot of weekends with our Grandma Cooley. We would go to my Uncle Butch and Aunt Sue's. The adults would play cards all night and we would play with our cousins Mike, Allen and Shannon. I remember the boys having this cool stereo that had lights all over it. The lights would light up to the tune that was playing. KISS was really big. I had a huge crush on my cousin Allen's friend Mike H. I was invited to go with Allen, Mike H. and Mike H.'s family to celebrate his birthday. We went to Farrell's and then went to the movies to see "Moonraker". I was in love. All of us kids spent many summer days swimming in Dixie Lake, playing hide and seek outside and listening to our older cousin Gary's super cool band play their super cool Bob Seger like music. On tv was Laverne & Shirley, Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, The Love Boat, The Incredible Hulk, Fantasy Island, Wonder Woman and Welcome Back Kotter. I had a great childhood.

As always, I so enjoy going back in time.