For this child I prayed
 1 Samuel 1:27

This baby was long awaited. 

We (along with all those that know her) are so happy for our friend and her family. I was also honored that they asked me to take some photos. There were no special photoshop tricks here; no layers or enhancements. Just a lovely mother, her beautiful newborn and soft afternoon light.

Heavy heart, thankfulness and words of advice

My heart is heavy and yet I am thankful. l received word yesterday that a friend I had served with in a Relief Society Presidency in my last LDS ward in South Carolina walked in on a robbery at her own business and was killed. She was well-known in the area and was very well liked. She was truly a wonderful and lovely person. Never have I met someone with such a smiley, happy attitude; one of those genuine souls.

I am so sad for their family.

I am thankful that I knew her. I am thankful that I worked with her and was in one of the best wards in the world where we still keep in touch, still send letters and Christmas cards, still mourn with each other... I am truly thankful for those associations.

As someone who has lost both parents at an early age, I can tell you that little anecdotes about your parent's life, those little remembrances told by people that loved them or worked with them or just associated with them somehow are hugely comforting. Not just the "you'll see them again" comments which are nice but I feel are a little trite. Mainly because most Christians believe in life after death of some sort so we want to hear something more personal in these moments. 

Remember that although intellectually they may believe in eternity and life everlasting, the heart is broken and tends to rule. It's ok to cry, it's ok to be angry, it's ok to be sad. Don't try to force the healing process by saying how wonderful their reunion will be some day. We know that. It may just take a little time for that to comfort us. Just share a nice moment in time about their loved one, something that will make them proud of their family, and be a friend. And all will be well eventually.

A little bit of latelys

We spent July 4th with friends, eating like it was Thanksgiving. I made hot-weather potato salad and chocolate chip shortbread with fresh berries. Luckily we had games like Bocce ball and 3 legged races to work off the food. It was ridiculously fun.

*****

Nothing says summer like beautiful blooms. A few days ago I found an abandoned house with a gorgeoous Hydrangea bush. The people next door said it has been empty for a few years and that no one should care if I took some flowers. So I did. It needed to be cut back anyway so I look at it as doing the bank a favor. Now flowers are all over the house. I love it.

You know I have a thing for vintage school items. But I have too many so I need to part with them. Some maps and chairs are going up for sale. The maps are big and awesome school maps from 1950.

I went to my neighbor's surprise anniversary party thrown by their 11 and 5 year-old. It was actually really nice. The kids came over and invited us a few weeks before the party. I think they have futures as event planners. I'm surprised Blair and Trae didn't let the secret slip. They can't be trusted with info.

*****

Our friends from Florida are coming to visit. We are excited. It's Jon's buddy from the military and his family. They are hilarious and Jon actually gets a day off to visit. He hasn't had a day off in over 3 weeks so we're making the most of it.

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The kids and I have been spending many days at the Library. Blair is determined to earn a ticket to an amusement park for summer reading. Except the last time she just danced.

Facebook thrift

Tis the season for flea markets and garage sales. If you've only read a couple of posts on this blog you know I am always up for antiquing and thrifting.

Recently I joined a group on Facebook that buys and sells household goods and antique or vintage items. It's great because you can sell exactly what you're asking for or close to it rather than completely giving it away at a garage sale.The best part is that there are also people looking out for what other members of the group want.

Just the other day I put out a call for vintage thermoses and within minutes I had a few people giving me leads. When I met the seller she said she hadn't even thought about listing them but then saw my post and remembered she had one that was exactly as I described. It made me really happy; how those little things fall into place.

So this week I put up a few items and had a good return on investment or ROI. They were: an old Kraft cheese box, a 1950's butter dish, vintage Pyrex and a globe. These items were literally sitting on a shelf in the closet. It was so much easier and quicker than Craigslist. So if you want a decent return or are looking for something in particular, find yourself a local group on Facebook and have fun!

*The pictures were taken with my phone which explains the quality. They sold so quickly I didn't even bother taking a picture with my real camera. ; )

We were hoping to strike gold

Last week I noticed a pretty little creek that sprung up in our front flower bed and trailed down the steps. Water was bubbling right next to the steps so we assumed there was a leak around so Jon started to dig. He dug a hole about 6 feet deep to repair it himself. The pipe was directly under the steps of course so he had to dig down and across. It literally took 9 hours but saved us over a thousand dollars. We were hoping to find gold or even something cool that fell out of the pocket from a builder a long time ago like on "If walls could talk" but all we found was the lousy pipe...

I shouldn't brag but the hubster has some strong arms and back. The water company guys were amazed that he dug it out himself. 

Just as he finished we went out back to hose off the shovels (and Jon since he looked like he had taken a mud bath.)

 I noticed the water pressure was low so I checked around hoping there wasn't another problem somewhere. Jon checked the garage and sure enough it was flooding. So now he gets to do more pipe repairs.  Luckily this time it won't require an archaeological dig.

Father's Day Scavenger Hunt

Every year we organize a scavenger hunt for Jon, combining little gifts with a fun-filled day of clues and destinations. This year it was almost stymied by him having to work so we just had to start later which unfortunately meant Blair would have to miss part of the day. She was heading to a birthday party complete with a bounce house and balloon animals - too good to pass up, and we were ok with that.

We introduced the day from the first note; "Let's start out with the most imortant meal of the day where you'll receive your clue and be on our way."

Clue #1
"Through the country we will go to get to the water's edge (or the G. McBride's) A little hike is good for the soul but you'll have to dig like a mole for clue #2 at the first bridge. A 'J' marks the spot."

This took him a few minutes to guess but he figured out it was the Conoy trail where we like to hike. Belén, Charley and I went out on Friday night with a shovel in hand to bury the clue. It looked a little suspicious that we had a shovel...
We ended up just moving some rocks and putting the clue in a baggie under the rocks. Things in baggies - a little suspicious too...good thing there were no cops around.

He searched for a while but it was actually Reese that noticed the "J" formed by a piece of wood and some rocks. Jon lifted the rocks and found the clue. We hiked the trail for about an hour before opening it.

Clue #2
"Now is the perfect time for a little treat. Just head up the street to a cool, little shop where our sweet, petite friend will give you clue #3."

He had no idea about this one so we gave him some hints. He guessed the only place on the street that served ice cream, Gigi's. It was reeally good. Old-tymie, serious over indulgance. We were the first ones there when it opened at 5 pm but then was swarmed right after. I guess it's the place to be in Bainbridge. So if you're in the area and want to go, get there early. The girl's friend, Jane, works there and we set it up to deliver the next clue.

Clue #3
"Let's pick up the pace and go on a race where even the kids can compete. Maverick & Goose said it best, "I feel the need for speed."

Jon was probably hoping that this was a flight of some sort because of the Top Gun reference but we told him (unfortunately) we were staying on the ground. He mulled it over and figured out we were going to do a little go-kart racing. So off we went to Adventure Sports near Hershey and they had a blast taking to the track. Reese was so happy he was able to drive by himself for the first time and Trae finally got to be a passenger. It was a long ride probably due to a few (3) crashes (ahem, no names).

There we gave him clue #4 which read:

"Head towards the smell of chocolate and there we will have a little lunch. Trae won't be worried because these bees don't sting very much."

Last week Trae man was stung twice so I figured he'd understand the reference. This took a few minutes as well and he guessed "Applebees" but we changed plans and went to The Pita Pit in our town instead. We ended the night by watching Monty Python's "The Holy Grail" that the kids got him.

It was perfect weather for a perfect day. Despite a few setbacks, including a pipe leak in the front yard, we just rolled with it and things always turn out. The kids love their dad a ton and this is a fun way they get to show him. I'm kinda fond of him too.

Teacher's gift/last day of school

This past school year I was a co-room parent for both my 5th and 1st grader. Luckily the 5th grade teachers do most
of the activities so I didn't have to plan much. 1st grade on the other hand, requires more work for activities so the teachers give you an idea of what they want and then you run with it.

The 1st grade end of the year party theme was a camp out so we had a few activity stations. We made bug jars, had a fireside reading complete with inflatable flames and a camp out sticker picture activity. We served hot dogs, trail mix, fruit, vegetables and a drink. Our final activity was making 5 minute ice cream in a bag which was kind of hilarious watching 20 first graders run around outside and shake their bags of ice. You can imagine the chaos. A few got a little crazy and broke their bags but luckily I brought extras with ingredients.

The teacher gift presentation always puzzles me. What do they really want? I mean they know we're going to do something but do they worry they're going to get another "Best teacher" mug??

So for this teacher we had the kids fill out a little card about what they learned from 1st grade, one thing that they'll remember about the year and one thing they loved about their teacher. I put them in a little album which wasn't fancy. At first I was going to design an album and go all out but then I thought that this was from the kids, not me and it should reflect that. There is beauty in the simple nature of things, especially in the way kids write and draw.

Along with the cards we gave her a gift cerificate for a one hour massage which she reeaally liked.

After a few activities throughout the year that I helped with, I was tired out. And that was just once a month or so. I can only imagine the day to day process of wrangling 20 kids and trying to inspire them. So we felt that she needed a little pampering and took her reaction as getting it just right for her.

I don't know if I'll be able to volunteer in this way again but it was fun and Blair and Reese were so proud. Their approval was probably my favorite part.

And now for some cell phone pictures...