An unusual task

To me the term "mother board" is an oxymoran and one that rarely is on my general conversation. Today, however, I was finally able to appreciate my brother Stephen's world and win my son's respect by accessing the mother board on my computer! There is an intimidating world lurking under a boring box!

Shelves

It all started with a search for a book in a box somewhere...My quest led to a mess and a renewed effort to make our livivg area more usable. The shelves were on Kris's list for a while and they are so perfect for oranizing towels, sheets, and hiding children!
Quick thoughts on the go...

Snapshot

When I was growing up in NY a couple began attending our church that I really admired. I was a teen and forming some ideas of my own. I especially enjoyed hearing some parenting decisions that they had made and how they balanced a challenging work life with little children.
Fast forward a few years. Tonight we had the privilege of hosting this couple's son for dinner. As I watched this young gentleman interact with us strangers I remembered myself as a young teen with a head full of dreams listening over a church pew. Who could have known all those years ago that one day our children would be playing the piano together in Ohio!
Thank you, Lord, for a picture of faithfulness I was able to see today.

Life is short...

Stay awake for it! This byline is a real seller when you are running on 3.5 hours of sleep! :)


Quick thoughts on the go...

Rewarding the reader

Quick thoughts on the go... At the Greene

Watermellon Salsa

2 Cups watermellon
1 Cup peach, peeled and cubed
3 jalapeño peppers,seeded &
Minced
3/4 Cup purple onion, finely
chopped
1/2 Cup fresh cilantro,finely
chopped
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. grated orange zest
1/2 tsp. salt
Stir together. Cover and chill for one hour.

Quick thoughts on the go...

20 minute tasks

12 years ago my Bible study leader told a bunch of newish moms that she couldn't tell us how to get more hours in our day but she could come over and peek in the windows for us now and then. Thinking of that has helped me in my crazy schedule.
I have discovered a tool that has been very helpful to me. Instead of being overwhelmed I try to work at a task for 20 minutes. My watch has a timer feature that repeats itself.
I have found the following tasks to be able to become nearly completed in this alloted time frame: a quick run, walking Smudge, a workout video, a shower, a nap, cleaning a room, reading my Bible, calling a few friends, making a batch of muffins, helping with homework, a trip to and from town, an adult conversation, reading a story, making a quick meal, folding laundry, checking email, and cleaning bathrooms. I often remind myself that finished is better than perfect. My days seem to be divided into 72 segments! OK... My timer is now alarming and I am off to another task. ;)

Beautiful day

Picture taken just before breakfast with one of my former nursing profs....


Quick thoughts on the go...

Grattitude

This is a national day of rememberance and a personal one as well. This date 8 years ago changed our country's direction and attitudes. This day for our family 4 years ago began with a jolt as Isabel introduced us to the world of medical emergencies. Today I am celebrating then "normal" and mundane and so very thankful that God saw fit to heal Isabel's brain.

Money Laundering

One of today's unexpected surprises...





It is a good thing that our General Contractor also specializes in small appliance repair. This quarter was trapped in our washing machine pump! I think the Maytag repairman might have charged more than 25 cents to fix this. Have you ever seen such a used-looking coin?

Happy Labor Day

Boating Lessons

The girls and I sat the 4-mile paddle out today and let Wes and Kris take off. We did get to play for a bit at the launching site. It turns out that Smudge is not overly thrilled about being a passenger in anything but a vehicle. :) Wesley said that kayaking is much less stressful then golfing with Dad.

Isabel had a little lesson on floating with the current today. Kris discovered a new take out on the river that makes the trip possible with younger paddlers. Kristianna practiced some life guarding and storytelling skills regarding the aforementioned current. I was reminded again how essential play is to any age group.

These are some good lessons for a Labor Day weekend!

Peaceful Sunday afternoon

We revisited an old familiar place this afternoon. The kids were excited to see that a new 'bridge' has replaced the previous fallen tree.
The sound of the running river...the cool water...watching the girls play...Thank you, God, for your good gifts.






Quick thoughts on the go...

Cousins

Isabel had a great day on Saturday hanging out with two of her cousins

from VA. Sam is only 1 year older and Caleb is about 2 weeks older. Could you resist making lunch for such cuties? Also pictured is a tree that came from their house and pictures from a 'field trip' with Aunt Susan. I wonder what will grow faster...the boys or the tree? :)

Instrument change

My older children have been taking piano since they were 5. This past year Wes has expressed interest in a band instrument. When he got to try out different horns our house was buzzing with a new kind of enthusiasm. We heard something like this.
"Mom, I liked the trumpet. I couldn't quite figure out how to blow into it well but I thought I could learn. I thought I could see myself playing it for a few years. When I picked up the saxophone it was completely different. It was like...like I could see my career in front of me!
Career or no career we are excited with some new musical energy in the house. Smudge, however, likes these new blasts as much as the noise of a nail gun and spent a lot of time running to his box! :)
Enjoy your new musical avenue, Wes. Dad said you can practice anytime in Aunt Susan's stairwell!!

Company!

We are excited about being able to entertain family again for the third weekend in a row! 2 weeks ago my sister Catherine and her family as well as my youngest brother Peter and his family came for a "beading" weekend. My Uncle Doug and cousin Denise were traveling from CA to RI last weekend and stopped in for dinner and a tour. Today I am preparing for my younger brother Sam and family to arrive tonight! My 6 year-old nephew has already requested that he and his 5 year-old brother be able to stay in "the little cabins" (meaning Wesley's closet cubbies). :). I hope you have exciting prospects to look forward to as well at this start of this holiday weekend.



Quick thoughts on the go...

Star student

Our youngest daughter is having a big year but seems to be handling the stess of kindergarten well. Here is some proof! So proud of you, Isabel! Keep up the good work.
-- On the go

Volleyball

We are learning a new sport this season as Kristianna has begun volleyball. Isabel was particularly proud of this picture this week (and the gum that she got to share!).


Quick thoughts on the go...

Smudge

Wes and smudge after school

-- On the go

Off the bus

-- On the go