Today is the day we are supposed to find out if our concrete pond can be fixed or not. We found a really great pool guy (who henceforth shall be called, "the pool guy") who gave us a quote on Tuesday to have the pool fixed which we can work with. However, the pool hasn't been up and running in almost ten years and was left in even worse shape than this. The pool guy is supposed to come out today after work to test the pressure in the lines. If they hold pressure, he could start work next weekend! If they don't hold pressure, then the pool that was supposedly winterized SO well will have to be filled up one last time... with dirt.
I tossed and turned all night Tuesday night and went from dreams about pool disasters to waking up to think some more about the pool. There was quite a bit of prayer on Tuesday night seeking guidance. After a phone call on Wednesday which helped us decide what we were going to do, I slept just fine.
I hope that the lines either check out or that they don't and that there is NO gray area. We are really okay either way at this point - we'll be okay filling it in if the pipes are busted or we will be ECSTATIC to get to potentially swim this summer. Either way, we will be making our back yard look better than how we found it.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Busy
It would appear that as soon as the weather got warm enough to stand outside without a parka, our schedule filled up! Yet when I try to think about something to blog, there really isn't anything that exciting to read about going on.
Over the span of two months, we have been invited to two weddings and one wedding reception for some very good friends who are leaving soon for Cancun where they will be having a beach wedding. So of course, each of those has their own wedding shower and bachelorette party. One cousin is preparing for a new baby while another cousin was finally able to adopt her daughter - parties for both. My very best friend's grandparents are celebrating a big anniversary - party. My neice celebrated her 9th birthday with a party at our house and Sean's birthday is coming up so I'm sure there will be a party there as well with all of his friends. Is it any surprise that for my birthday next month I want a low-key day?!
Between all of the celebrations we have so kindly been invited to, we have planned a good number of projects to work on around the house. We have finished the majority of the work on our privacy fence which I have looked forward to having since we very first looked at the house. We badly need to re-side the garage and tear down the carport and some other minor maintenance tasks before Sean starts school in August. This weekend, in the midst of the heatwave we are experiencing, Sean's family is helping put together a softball tournament to benefit families in Joplin who are having difficulties paying for funeral services for those lost in the tornado. Since I don't possess an athletic gene, but I'm kinda smart, I'm running the concession stand.
I am planning on taking off work through the last week in July to relax and enjoy some time with the hubs before he starts school and our finances become tight. I want to go to the beach so badly, but he doesn't want to go very far away (I fall asleep too quickly so I'm apparently not a reliable navigator. Whatev). Regardless of what we do or where we go, I won't be at or think about work which will be a very welcome feeling I am certain.
Over the span of two months, we have been invited to two weddings and one wedding reception for some very good friends who are leaving soon for Cancun where they will be having a beach wedding. So of course, each of those has their own wedding shower and bachelorette party. One cousin is preparing for a new baby while another cousin was finally able to adopt her daughter - parties for both. My very best friend's grandparents are celebrating a big anniversary - party. My neice celebrated her 9th birthday with a party at our house and Sean's birthday is coming up so I'm sure there will be a party there as well with all of his friends. Is it any surprise that for my birthday next month I want a low-key day?!
Between all of the celebrations we have so kindly been invited to, we have planned a good number of projects to work on around the house. We have finished the majority of the work on our privacy fence which I have looked forward to having since we very first looked at the house. We badly need to re-side the garage and tear down the carport and some other minor maintenance tasks before Sean starts school in August. This weekend, in the midst of the heatwave we are experiencing, Sean's family is helping put together a softball tournament to benefit families in Joplin who are having difficulties paying for funeral services for those lost in the tornado. Since I don't possess an athletic gene, but I'm kinda smart, I'm running the concession stand.
I am planning on taking off work through the last week in July to relax and enjoy some time with the hubs before he starts school and our finances become tight. I want to go to the beach so badly, but he doesn't want to go very far away (I fall asleep too quickly so I'm apparently not a reliable navigator. Whatev). Regardless of what we do or where we go, I won't be at or think about work which will be a very welcome feeling I am certain.
Friday, May 20, 2011
My Glass
Glass half empty: realizing that I've eaten all of my gum (with some help from my nieces) after eating a super garlicky spaghetti lunch.
Glass half full: remembering that I "stole" the rest of the mints this morning at my early morning meeting at the hospital. They have really good mints and no one else was in the room.
Glass half empty: wishing so badly I could go home because the rain makes me want to nap.
Glass half full: because it's raining, I won't have to water this weekend which means I have more time to do other things. Like nap this weekend.
Glass half empty: this next week looks so daunting, with a number of tasks at work and home that have to be done by a certain time. Our fence has to be finished by Memorial Day because we won't have any help after that. I have a deadline that has to be met by next Friday or else I won't be able to take Tuesday off or will have to work from home the entire weekend & Memorial Day, which I won't be compensated for.
Glass half full: I took this job in order to have a challenge. I can't ask for a challenge and then complain about it. And after Memorial Day, the entire fence will be done, beautiful and something we can be proud of. We WILL finish it.
Glass half empty: dreading the holes we have to dig this weekend for our fence we're putting up over memorial weekend, possibly in the rain.
Glass half full: we're making memories working on a project together for which I am very thankful. We don't have to hire someone to do our project when we can do it ourselves (with a LITTLE oversight from my father. That could be glass half empty AND half full, I'll let you decide). Also, I have a husband who is willing and eager to try to do these projects on our own. I love that he wants to improve our home just as much as I do. After talking to some of my other girlfriends, I am extra thankful for that.
Glass half full: remembering that I "stole" the rest of the mints this morning at my early morning meeting at the hospital. They have really good mints and no one else was in the room.
Glass half empty: wishing so badly I could go home because the rain makes me want to nap.
Glass half full: because it's raining, I won't have to water this weekend which means I have more time to do other things. Like nap this weekend.
Glass half empty: this next week looks so daunting, with a number of tasks at work and home that have to be done by a certain time. Our fence has to be finished by Memorial Day because we won't have any help after that. I have a deadline that has to be met by next Friday or else I won't be able to take Tuesday off or will have to work from home the entire weekend & Memorial Day, which I won't be compensated for.
Glass half full: I took this job in order to have a challenge. I can't ask for a challenge and then complain about it. And after Memorial Day, the entire fence will be done, beautiful and something we can be proud of. We WILL finish it.
Glass half empty: dreading the holes we have to dig this weekend for our fence we're putting up over memorial weekend, possibly in the rain.
Glass half full: we're making memories working on a project together for which I am very thankful. We don't have to hire someone to do our project when we can do it ourselves (with a LITTLE oversight from my father. That could be glass half empty AND half full, I'll let you decide). Also, I have a husband who is willing and eager to try to do these projects on our own. I love that he wants to improve our home just as much as I do. After talking to some of my other girlfriends, I am extra thankful for that.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
To pass the time...
Age: 26
Bed size: Queen
Chore you hate: Cleaning my bathroom. I don't like any part of it. And it's not just any bathroom, it's my bathroom. Everything is so old and out-dated and stained that I feel like no matter how much I clean, it will never be clean. I can scrub it until my knuckles bleed and it still won't be clean enough for me.
Dogs: Sir Optimus Prime (but you can call him OP)
Essential start to your day: Hitting snooze at least 3 times.
Favorite color: Aqua/turquoise
Gold or silver: White gold
Height: 5'4"
Instruments I play (or have played): Bass clarinet & piano. Neither of which I could probably play anymore.
Job title: Regulatory Compliance Coordinator
Kids: None at this time. Hopefully after Sean graduates I will have a different answer.
Live: Billings
Mom's name: Grace
Nickname: Steph, Stephie, Pooey (but only if you're my Aunt Fran).
Overnight hospital stay: I've stayed overnight in the hospital to sit with people far more frequently than I've stayed over for myself. And even then it was because I waited too late in the day to go to the ER for my appendix, otherwise I would have gotten out much sooner.
Pet peeve: People who are always negative - cheer up or shut up. Lazy co-workers who don't really understand what I do, therefore I must not do anything.
Quote from a movie: I think I've quoted it before on this blog- from Ever After, "You look like a girl," "I am a girl you half-wit!" "Yeah, but today you look it!" Katie and I have started so many conversations with this quote.
Right or left handed: Right
Siblings: 1
Time you wake up: The alarm goes off at 6:00. I am usually up somewhere between 6:30 and 7.
Underwear: Yes, please.
Vegetables you dislike: Brussels sprouts. I've eaten them frozen. I've eaten them at fancy restaurants. I've eaten them coated in butter which usually fixes everything. Not Brussels sprouts. Are beets and turnips and radishes vegetables? I can't eat them either.
What makes you run late: Snoozing the alarm too many times.
X-rays you've had done: Teeth, feet, wrists
Yummy food you make: Cookies & carrot cake
Zoo animal: All of the bears. They're so cute :)
Bed size: Queen
Chore you hate: Cleaning my bathroom. I don't like any part of it. And it's not just any bathroom, it's my bathroom. Everything is so old and out-dated and stained that I feel like no matter how much I clean, it will never be clean. I can scrub it until my knuckles bleed and it still won't be clean enough for me.
Dogs: Sir Optimus Prime (but you can call him OP)
Essential start to your day: Hitting snooze at least 3 times.
Favorite color: Aqua/turquoise
Gold or silver: White gold
Height: 5'4"
Instruments I play (or have played): Bass clarinet & piano. Neither of which I could probably play anymore.
Job title: Regulatory Compliance Coordinator
Kids: None at this time. Hopefully after Sean graduates I will have a different answer.
Live: Billings
Mom's name: Grace
Nickname: Steph, Stephie, Pooey (but only if you're my Aunt Fran).
Overnight hospital stay: I've stayed overnight in the hospital to sit with people far more frequently than I've stayed over for myself. And even then it was because I waited too late in the day to go to the ER for my appendix, otherwise I would have gotten out much sooner.
Pet peeve: People who are always negative - cheer up or shut up. Lazy co-workers who don't really understand what I do, therefore I must not do anything.
Quote from a movie: I think I've quoted it before on this blog- from Ever After, "You look like a girl," "I am a girl you half-wit!" "Yeah, but today you look it!" Katie and I have started so many conversations with this quote.
Right or left handed: Right
Siblings: 1
Time you wake up: The alarm goes off at 6:00. I am usually up somewhere between 6:30 and 7.
Underwear: Yes, please.
Vegetables you dislike: Brussels sprouts. I've eaten them frozen. I've eaten them at fancy restaurants. I've eaten them coated in butter which usually fixes everything. Not Brussels sprouts. Are beets and turnips and radishes vegetables? I can't eat them either.
What makes you run late: Snoozing the alarm too many times.
X-rays you've had done: Teeth, feet, wrists
Yummy food you make: Cookies & carrot cake
Zoo animal: All of the bears. They're so cute :)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Feeling Royal
Despite some naysayers (read: Sean) I have been up since 4:58 this morning watching the royal wedding. I can remember where I was when Princess Di passed, where I was during her funeral, and now I can say I remember what I was doing during her son's wedding (folding laundry, in case you are interested). It was a beautiful occasion, although just about any wedding will make my throat tight and my eyes well up with tears. Then it was a beautiful ride back to the palace, as I explained to Lex who everyone was and why they were important. And then it was beautiful kiss on the balcony as Lex asked why, again, all of those onlookers were there. It was just a magical morning for a girl who had a crush on a prince in middle school.
And then I got in my less than fashionable car and fought traffic to go to my common job.
It was worth it, though! I shall have perma-grin for the rest of the day (although, it may also be because today is Friday, pay day, and I have glorious plans to furniture shop with my husband this weekend).
And then I got in my less than fashionable car and fought traffic to go to my common job.
It was worth it, though! I shall have perma-grin for the rest of the day (although, it may also be because today is Friday, pay day, and I have glorious plans to furniture shop with my husband this weekend).
Monday, April 25, 2011
Rainy Easter BBQ
This post would make for a more interesting read had I taken pictures yesterday, but I did not because I spent the entire day up and down and back and forth and all over my house making sure everyone was having a good time that I completely forgot to take pictures! I wanted to post, though, so that in the future I can remember my first Easter family gathering in my home. So bear with me. I'm still new to this having a blog thing (again).
Saturday morning I woke Sean up at 6:30 (that's AM, people) to hit up this sale at Sutherlands: 1/2 off trees and shrubs. We got quite a bit for not a whole lot. I also purchased some geraniums in hanging pots to hang on one of the 20 hooks on our back porch (this is not an exaggeration) and they really brought some spring to that area. When we got home at about 7:30 we crashed onto the couch and did not move until about noon. I have been battling some sinus problems so I really didn't feel good, and Sean doesn't usually wake up until about 10 or 11 anyway so it was a lazy Saturday.
When we finally mustered the strength to pull ourselves into an upright position, we scrubbed the house until it shined and then scrubbed a little more. My husband and I have a different opinion of what "tidy" means but beyond that we worked very well together. We treated ourselves to a date at Target and Chick-Fil-A. We redboxed The Tourist on the way home and I have no idea if it was good or not. I wasn't awake for much past the opening credits.
Sunday morning we were up and at 'em to finish getting things ready for a family dinner at 12:30. I iced the cake and colored eggs with the niece and nephew. I dragged Sean out of bed and we got ready for church with Mom and Dad. We brought the niece and nephew along with us and during the opening worship Sean leaned over and said, "I don't think J is going to make it." Dad asked if he wanted to sit next to him and J jumped at the opportunity. They proceeded to play tic-tac-to throughout the sermon and I could barely hear them whispering back and forth about what was going on in the service. Lex does great in church with me. I don't know if she ever gets much out of it, but she continues to want to come so I'll continue to take her.
We made it home right as my father-in-law was pulling in our driveway. We ended up having 20 people altogether at our house for burgers and hot dogs and all that is appropriate at a BBQ. The rain held off just long enough to grill everything and then the skies opened up again to continue to pour for the remainder of the day. After a couple of hours, Sean's mom and dad were both around the same table remembering "the good ol' days," and laughing about Easter's past. This isn't entirely out of the ordinary; my in-laws get along very well. But it is still very refreshing to see.
After everyone left, I had an overwhelming sense of joy from the events of the day. I didn't get to spend very much time with my family, but I have excellent in-laws. I feel like Sean's family is mine and they treat me just the same. I love that feeling and the feeling of everyone just being together. It was an excellent Easter.
Saturday morning I woke Sean up at 6:30 (that's AM, people) to hit up this sale at Sutherlands: 1/2 off trees and shrubs. We got quite a bit for not a whole lot. I also purchased some geraniums in hanging pots to hang on one of the 20 hooks on our back porch (this is not an exaggeration) and they really brought some spring to that area. When we got home at about 7:30 we crashed onto the couch and did not move until about noon. I have been battling some sinus problems so I really didn't feel good, and Sean doesn't usually wake up until about 10 or 11 anyway so it was a lazy Saturday.
When we finally mustered the strength to pull ourselves into an upright position, we scrubbed the house until it shined and then scrubbed a little more. My husband and I have a different opinion of what "tidy" means but beyond that we worked very well together. We treated ourselves to a date at Target and Chick-Fil-A. We redboxed The Tourist on the way home and I have no idea if it was good or not. I wasn't awake for much past the opening credits.
Sunday morning we were up and at 'em to finish getting things ready for a family dinner at 12:30. I iced the cake and colored eggs with the niece and nephew. I dragged Sean out of bed and we got ready for church with Mom and Dad. We brought the niece and nephew along with us and during the opening worship Sean leaned over and said, "I don't think J is going to make it." Dad asked if he wanted to sit next to him and J jumped at the opportunity. They proceeded to play tic-tac-to throughout the sermon and I could barely hear them whispering back and forth about what was going on in the service. Lex does great in church with me. I don't know if she ever gets much out of it, but she continues to want to come so I'll continue to take her.
We made it home right as my father-in-law was pulling in our driveway. We ended up having 20 people altogether at our house for burgers and hot dogs and all that is appropriate at a BBQ. The rain held off just long enough to grill everything and then the skies opened up again to continue to pour for the remainder of the day. After a couple of hours, Sean's mom and dad were both around the same table remembering "the good ol' days," and laughing about Easter's past. This isn't entirely out of the ordinary; my in-laws get along very well. But it is still very refreshing to see.
After everyone left, I had an overwhelming sense of joy from the events of the day. I didn't get to spend very much time with my family, but I have excellent in-laws. I feel like Sean's family is mine and they treat me just the same. I love that feeling and the feeling of everyone just being together. It was an excellent Easter.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday Thoughts
Things that are swirling around my head today:
- "Lost are saved, find the way/ At the sound of Your great name."
- We are hosting an Easter dinner at our house on Sunday - burgers because it's what we can afford. I hope it doesn't rain like it's supposed to. But if it does, I am sure we will still enjoy our time together. I like having a home that people can gather in. It's not much, but it's ours. And the laughter that fills its spaces is what makes it a home. What good is a home if people can't gather in it? That's what I tell myself when I get embarrassed by what it lacks.
- The highlight of my week so far: I get to make dessert for Sunday. I haven't made anything in such a long time because no one will eat it. I can't help it if my joy is found in sugar.
- A very good friend revealed she is pregnant. I am so excited for her news and new life. I worry for her though. I pray that her partner will support her and lift her up when she needs it. I pray that they will seek guidance from the Father in how to be good parents.
- Sean is doing so well in school - much better than I thought he would do when he originally began. I am so proud of him and his determination. However, I can see the weariness begin to show. He has just one month left - I pray that I can be the cheerleader he needs.
WeI have been cleaning out his old room(s) at his mother's house recently. He wants to keep a tub of clothes from his teens/early 20s to give to our kids in the hopes that they are "retro" by then. I washed them and folded them all thinking about what my life will hopefully hold in store for me when I look at them again. And then I realized that some of the shirts were truly "bachelor" shirts. Needless to say, in 20 years Sean might be asking me where some of the shirts are. Hopefully he forgets about them by then. And thank God his wardrobe has changed.- My family is getting together for Easter & I won't be there. But I continually pray for my grandma's health and healing.
- A friend from college (not a good one, but still a friend) found out yesterday she has cervical cancer. She's getting married in the summer to a boy I went to kindergarten with. What a small world! Prayers for healing.
- I have not been nearly as close to the cross as I
would like toshould be this Easter season. This gives me goosebumps that I would take advantage of such a sacrifice. Who do I think I am, really, that I would ask for all of these things in prayer? Thankfully, He listens anyway. And it's not too late for me, either. - "Hungry souls receive grace/At the sound of Your great name"
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