Ruts part 2

rut/rət/

Noun:

A long deep track made by the repeated passage of the wheels of vehicles. An annual period of sexual activity in deer and some other mammals, during which the males fight each other for access to the females.

The ruts I want to talk about fit definition number 1. he he he

Thinking about ruts and how to get out of them.  First off...not all ruts are bad, well...if they don't control you; if you can crawl out of them at will. But, that's probably why it is called a rut, because you can't get out of it easily, without making a conscience effort. So, I'm guessing that the most important part would be awareness.  Always analyzing your life and seeing where things are out of control or too excessive.  So for myself I need to figure out what my ruts are. What mindless activities do I have in my life?  Do they help me, hurt me or just plainly waste the time that God has given me.

By definition, a rut is made by....YOU!  If we make them, can't we unmake them?  I would think so.  If you fell in a rut along side the road, you would never get out if you just kept walking in the rut, now would you?  So the only logical thing to do would be to put some effort into it and go against the grain. So, why is that so hard?

Back to mindfulness.  I think we, or I, do things without thinking, because we couldn't possibly think about every action that we are going to do along with everything else we need to think about.  So, in order to get out of a rut, or break a habit, we must make the effort to "think".  And most of our lives do not lend themselves to that much leisure time.

My solution:  THINK, in advance.  Since I'm a creature of habit, of patterns, of ruts...I will make new, better ruts.  Plan them out ahead of time and THINK about them in advance.

Will I get around to it?  Who knows!  I may just get stuck in a planning rut. :)

Define Insanity

They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting different results.  So, I guess I'm insane!  I have trouble with change.  I'm a pattern person.  That sounds so much better than being stuck in a rut.  Ha, well..I suppose they are very much the same.  Whether it's a good rut or a bad, they are both comfortable for me. I do pretty well climbing out of the rut when I first get up, when I'm all refreshed for the day.  But fatigue...is my enemy.  Fatigue tells me to stop working so hard, I deserve a break.  When I'm tired, I just move in the rut.  So...how do I change those bad habits that make me fat or lazy etc?  If I knew that, I wouldn't be insane. :)  Maybe someone out there can tell me what they do?  I guess what I need to do is think about the ruts that need to be changed, into good ruts.  But not just think, actually make a plan for when I'm tired and a little brain dead.  What do you think?  Think that will work?  I know this is short, but I'm tired and in my evening rut. He He

Our times are in His hand...

Tis the Season

The older I get the more I notice how much STUFF we have and...how much more STUFF we want, as a society.  We have tons more that we did 20 or so years ago, but....we still want more.  Kids have more toys, adults have more toys!  We have bigger houses, more cars and take vacations on planes instead of in a trailer.  And yet...we are not content.


The Internet has added a whole other arena of creating wants.  Kids no longer have to wait for parents to go shopping, they can do it from home.  Creating lusts for all the world has to offer. Every year at this time, we are bombarded with ads, coupons and specials.  All, so we can go out and buy more but, is more...the answer?


I've had less in my life and I have had more, but neither one is what has brought me true joy, contentment.  Some of my most creative days, were when I was poorer.  On the other hand, having more money was really nice. I enjoyed not worrying about paying bills.  But I was both happy and sad, tired and stressed, etc.  Spiders make webs in mansions as well as shacks.


Wanting not only includes material things, but relationships, fame and even substances.  All which we crave to fill ourselves...to make us happy.


Look around you, at wealthy people, at the famous at people who used substances to bring peace and contentment to their hearts.  Does it work?  Ha...of course not.  


Define contentment: "Contentment" seems realistically defined as "enjoyment of whatever may be desired." That definition is realistic because the more contented an individual or community becomes the less extreme so more acceptable their desires will be. 


Contentment is not about what you HAVE but what your WANT.


Are you content?  If not, then your desires are wrong.  Ha, bold statement I know, but...it's not mine.  I'm just repeating it.  Psalms 37:4 says: Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.


When I was a new Christian I believed that God would give me all that I desired if I delighted in him.  I soon realized that was not what this verse meant.  Let me say it simply...If we find our delight in God...our desires will change.  We will no longer desire with lust new material things, relationships or substances to fulfill us.  God will fulfill us.  It's not that we can't have what we desire...we just desire the wrong things. 


I wrote a drama once that depicted a young girl.  She was lonely and thought a relationship would make her happy.  She got a boyfriend, but... that didn't fulfill her.  So she got married and then of course...she was not content.  So she had a baby.  Ugh...well we all know married people and parents that are still lonely, still wanting, still not content.  We all see rich people who are miserable.  So, we know that what this world has to offer...does not fill us up. These are the desires that leave us empty! 


This is a great time of year to ask yourself...What do you desire?  Are you content?  The things of this world can be wonderful, exciting and fulfilling, but they can never feed the eternal soul that God created.  

Ugh!

My truck has a trunk door that closes with a push of a button.
However, I chose to close it manually. Right on my head!

After going through my usual pain language of ouchshhhhhes, I received
a text message from my husband proclaiming his love and wishing me a
wonderful day.

I returned his text with a very thankful response because of the
traumatic occurrence I had just suffered through. To which he
replied...

Should have used the blonde's close button.

:O

If you give a blonde a Neti Pot...

I have had a cold for over a week and still have the headache, congestion etc.  Don't believe I have an infection, but thought that I would try the Neti Pot thing that everyone brags about.

First mistake...thinking that I could do it myself without buying a Neti Pot or solution.  I filled up a squirt bottle with lukewarm water and a pinch of salt. Leaned over the sink and began what I thought would be a simple task.

As I squirted the salt water through one nostril, the first thing that I felt was stinging!  I jumped around doing the "o" dance.  You know, where you hold the ailing body part and dance around saying "oh, oh, oh!"  After composing myself I began again.  This time it shot down my throat.  I had read not to swallow, but to blow it back out my nose.  Blowing back out my nose caused more stinging, more dancing and consequently choking from the solution running down my throat.  Not to mention running down the front of me and on to the floor. The choking then caused me to get asthma. So, I'm blowing, sucking, swallowing, coughing and wheezing...along with the dance.

Wiped my nose, used my inhaler and went to work...with a headache, leaky nose and the "Original Neti Pot" on my grocery list.

No Cold Medicine Required

So you got my back

My father lent me a hand

A cat got my tongue

Someone is pulling my leg

Someone else is twisting my arm

My Mom has her eye on me

But I do have a good head on my shoulders

Even though it might be half way up a gift horse's mouth

But here are my concerns

If I get a leg up and everyone is pulling the other one, then I land on my non existent back, cuz you got it.

Although I have eyes for Richie...I have 3 now, thanks to Mom

Not to mention that with 3 hands, I have lots of choices which one to give a "hand out".

The other two will be on the keyboard trying to communicate since

The cat got my tongue

Oh wait, one arm is being twisted   o nooooooos!

This isn't a very attractive look on my good head sitting on my shoulders

Moral:  Next time someone says they got your back....retrieve it and run!

Oh I know...this will all go in one ear... and out the other





Dedicated to my Mom's cliches and my Dad's kookie way of taking things literal.  Love you!

Mommy Moments

OK, I am not and never have been a "perfect" Mom.  I am however an experienced Mom.  What this means is that I have had, and still do have many children, ages 13 through 28 years of age.  I have made, and will still make many mistakes.  Plus, I have children that span a large age range, so...I have experience with different ages also.  This Experience does not make me so much smarter than everyone else, but this is experience that I would love to share with others.

 I am a big proponent of women teaching other women. I have always watched and listened to other women for advice and answers to problems. Most of what I could share with you would be advice that I also learned from older more experienced Moms.  That being said, I would like to share, from time to time, some really practical advice about being a Mommy.  Hopefully, what I share will be helpful.  I was also thinking that I wish I had done this years ago with my first child; so that, any time after, I could just tell the offending child to "go read my blog."  :) ha ha ha

So today, I want to talk about something very practical that will help with a lot of unnecessary arguments between the kids:  My older kids used to call "shotgun!", as they went to the car.  Most of you know, this meant that they got the front seat.  The problem with this system was that Shane was always quicker, so I had to tell Shane that is was Sean's turn and then I was the policeman of the front seat situation.

Any time that you can eliminate yourself from being a referee between your kids the better.  So, my husband (not a older wiser woman/mommy, but...very wise), had a great idea:  Our two younger kids have birth dates that are odd and even.  So, on odd days, Josh gets the front seat and on even days, Ashlee does.  This is awesome for these two espescially, because we share custody and we can't always be around to referee their arguments.  They have adapted to this very well and we never have an argument about who rides in front.  We also use this system to keep track of who's turn it is to do dishes and who's turn it is to empty the trash.

So, that's my Mommy Moment for today.  Tons more coming soon!

Please tell us all if you have a great system also.  Would love to hear from you!

Duh

I'm taking cold medicine and well...it makes me a little scattered.  So, needless to say, haven't thought of a thing to write a post about.

Some of the the things that have been going through my head are...Who has two heads?  If two heads are better than one.  I guess conjoined twins might, but...pretty sure they don't think that it's better.  One head has to want to get away from the other head, at least once in awhile.  And, if the early bird gets the worm, there are still a lot of worms left, not to worry. If all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, then I am Jack's wasted life.  he he he

OK, so enough of my profound thoughts.

I'm so glad we had this time together
Just to have a laugh or sing a song
seems we just get started
then before you know it
comes the time we have to say
So long

Goodnight everybody!

Happy Birthday Avery!

Until I had a child, I had no idea how much I would love this baby, nor what it felt like to be a Mom.  Likewise, with being a Grandma.  Yesterday was Avery's 1st Birthday.  I wanted to put it words what it means to be a grandma, since no one could give me a really precise idea of it, when I was looking forward to Avery's birth.  Well, now I know.  Now I know why no one could really put it in words.  There aren't any.

There are somethings in life that only experience can teach you.  I don't believe you can ever know how it feels to be a grandparent, until you are one.  Just as you can never know a parent's love until you are a parent.  I know, I know that there might be some of you out there that might be offended by my comments.  I have wonderful friends that do not have children.  I can't imagine how you have dealt with this.  But, I stand by my opinion that just as you cannot know what it's like to have a child, I don't know what it would be like if I hadn't had any.  Does this make sense?

Some knowledge can only be attained by experience. Little side note: Be careful when you feel critical of someone, if you have not walked in their shoes.  You never know how you're going to handle something unless you are faced with it.  Then and only then can you give good counsel and/or criticism.

OK...back to being a Grandma.  I was talking with a Grandpa the other day.  He was talking about his grandchildren and I was talking about mine.  I paused and he said "I know...he has your heart."  THAT, is the best that I can do, at describing how it feels.  Avery has my heart.  I get tears in my eyes just typing that.

Yesterday I went to see him on his Birthday.  I love the way he smiles when he sees me.  I got on my hands and knees and chased him around the house.  He laughed, screamed with excitement, gave me slobbery kisses and hugs.  This has to be what Heaven is like.  he he he

Happy Birthday Avery, my heart, my grandson.  I love you!

Favorite Things Part II Makeup

One of my daughters requested that I talk about makeup.  I love makeup!  I'm kind of an artsy creative kind of person, so for me makeup is just another medium and my face is the canvas.  Needless to say, when I first started creating on my face...I made some horrible mistakes. :0

I never really asked my Mom permission to start doing things.  I just started when my older sister Jeanie did. lol  I know she hated that, but...we were loyal to each other.  Mom was pretty busy with life and really didn't seem to notice that I looked like a common prostitute.  Ha...just kidding.  I never looked common. :)

So...Jeanie worked on Mom for a couple of years for permission to wear makeup and I just started when she did.  My first attempt was eye shadow.  I picked a light gray that washed my eyes out completely.  But I thought...I was pretty.  Then one day at church camp, I watched an older girl put on mascara.  It was called something magic and I really thought it was.  As soon as I got home, I got some of that magic stuff that makes your eyelashes longer.

There was an older girl in my church who I thought was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen and I wanted to be just like her!  Her name was Mikelle B. So, the moment came for me to sport my new magic mascara and Mikelle, noticed me.  I didn't think she even knew I excited.  She stopped dead in her tracks and said "You have pretty eyes.)  I thought I was going to faint.  I swore that moment that I would never be caught dead without mascara.  If I were stranded on a desert Island and I could only have one thing...It would be mascara.

From there it was looking at magazines or other girls, copying their looks until I found mine.  At least until a few years past and I realized that you had to keep finding your look because styles change.  But...it's still fun. It still feels like art and I love experimenting.

So, here are the makeup products that I love.  Realize, I'm not that picky.  What works for me, works for me and there might be something totally different that works for you.  We are all unique. Keep in mind that I have dry to normal skin, I'm 50, medium complexion and light eyes.

Foundation:  I've tried the age defying stuff, but most of the time, it feels greasy and sweats off quickly. The foundation that I use the most is...
 It has the coverage that I like, a little spf, and just seems to do what I want, which is even my skin tone.

Next I use cover up.  I have one red scar in between my eyebrows that makes me look Indian, which I don't mind, but...it's really not dark enough to look authentic, so...must be covered.  I also have circles under my eyes because I'm old and have 5 kids. :)

I like two different cover ups for different reasons, but they are both from Benifit cosmetics.  The first one covers the touch stuff better, but will accentuate any lines.

 Love, love, love this stuff.  The light seems to be too light for me and the medium, too dark.  So..I buy both and mix.  They last forever, so...don't worry about the price.
The second one is called Erase Paste Really does what it says and is much creamier.  Well worth the money and again, will last forever!

While I'm on the subject of Benefit cosmetics, want to mention a few more amazing products.  I love their
Powderflage I never put powder around my eyes, cuz..I think it dries your skin out, but this stuff is amazing.  It diffuses the light and takes years off of your appearance.  I suppose young women have no need for this product, but...for us oldies...isn't awesome!

Another wonderful product that Benefit has is That Gal, face primer. Really holds your makeup on longer and makes it look smoother.

Benefit has a bunch of fun products and everything if packaged...just like a girl would love.  Very pretty.  You can find them online or at Sephora.  Check them out and have a blast with their cute little names for everything.

Ok...where were we.  Blush.  Ugh...I still have not found a blush that I swear by.  Always buying something new when my old one is finished.  If you have any hints... please share.  They are usually too dark, too light or too iridescent. And...I have never been able to use a cream...seems to come right off.  :(

Face Powder:  Here again, no all time favorite.  I prefer a loose powder, but carry a compact for those touch up moments.

Lipstick: love the long time wear ones.  My favorite one is:
Covergirl Outlast Double lip Shine.  I love being able to kiss my kids and grandson, without leaving lipstick on them.  This one also has a shine to it, so, it appears smoother, creamier.  Also like this...




You can find this brand at Target.  I love everything I have tried from this brand.  They have fun stuff and great fragrances.  This lip gloss actually makes your lips tingle and suppose to make them look larger.  Not sure about the larger claim, but...still love it!

Eye shadow:  It use to be that you could not get a good pigment from over the counter, but...they have improved enormously.  And, buying eye shadow at Target or Walmart

Eye liner:  Anything that is soft.  I don't like the pencils that pull on my eyes. Make sure the color you choose it not too dark for you or you might look kind of cheap. Waahaha!  I also use eye shadow for liner with a damp eye liner brush.

Mascara:  used the magic stuff for years, but switched a couple of years ago to

Cover Girl Lash Exact Mascara, Very Black

It goes on thicker, so I don't have to spend as much time putting on layers.   I also use water proof, because I cry a lot. Ha!

Well, can't think of anything else, but...if I do, I'll write about it later.  Please let me know about your favorite products and ask me any questions if you have them.

Happy painting!

Cheaters

I always follow the rules.  Well, most of the time.

I went to McDonalds to get a good nutritious breakfast. ;)  When I arrived, there was a little line.  I pulled into the line. (following the rules)  The lady behind me decided that her time was much more valuable then the rest of ours, so...she pulled around me and went to the second line.  She did not take into consideration that the rest of us would do the same, when the line moved up.  There is a reason there is a solid white line. (rules)  Anyway, I didn't have time to get out of my car, knock on her window and challenge her to a dance off, so...I took the high road and blew it off.

Just so happend that God rewarded me and I got the speaker before her.  I spouted my order off promptly.  One, because I knew exactly what I wanted.  One sausage mcmuffin and Lg diet coke.  An order well thought out because a sausage mcmuffin will stay with me for aproximately 6 hours which will allow me to clean 2 houses without needing to be refueled.  And number two reason for ordering quickly....I wanted to beat the CHEATER!!!!  Which I did.

But...the cheater decided to advance in front of me to pay and pick up her food, even though I was done ordering first.  Ugh...she beat me again!  So, I did the Christian thing and once again refrained from a throw down.

The score was now 2 to 1. She was in the lead. After paying and picking up my well planned out breakfast, I drove off.  A bit down the road I opened my bag to find that there were two hash browns enclosed!  O my...I got the other ladies breakfast! Because I had ordered first, but she went to pick up first, they got our breakfasts mixed up.  She got my well planned out treat and I got her hash browns.

It took me a minute, but then the elation began to come over me.  This skinny female dog, cheater who probably can't eat meat...got what was coming to her!  I started singing praise songs and giggling at the thought of the inconvenience it was causing her and how she deserved it. etc.  (oh stop....I know you feel like that sometimes, too)  I was so wrapped up in my triumph that it took a second to realize that I was going to have to eat her hash browns. My well planned breakfast had turned into a carb fest with little or no nutritional value.

Oh well...it was worth it!

Moral to the story:  Cheaters are also carb eaters and that's probably what makes them act like female dogs.

Whaa ha ha ha ha!

Happy Days

OK, here's 13-30

Happy, happy, happy etc.

he he he

So...I'm bored with this subject.  Not that I'm not happy, but...it's seems that I'm a pretty boring person.  The same things make me happy, over and over and over!  Maybe that makes me simple.  ugh...let's not think about that. :)

My Mom and Dad are opposites, complete...nothing alike kind of people.  Well...they gave me that!  I'm a sort of yin yang.  I'm artsy and fun...like my Mom and responsible and structured like my Dad!  This, for the most part has me arguing with myself on a regular basis.  You can have when your chores are done...kind of thing.

The creative side got bored with the happy posts, because she felt like she was being told what to do.  She wanted the freedom to write whatever came to her mind.  Now the "I must follow the orders" side of me said "no way, you can't stop.  You said you were going to do 30 days."  The fun side then argued that she wasn't the one that said that in the first place.  The arguing went on for a while. ;)

The Artsy Fartsy side won!  So...the happy posts are over and now "we" can move on.  Woo Hoo!

So, here's a random happening:  I laid down to take a nap. (I know, awesome cushy life that I have)  My dog jumped on the bed and I thought...no big deal.  I was almost asleep when she crept up and licked me on the lips!  ewwwww!  Now this was no little thing!  How was I ever supposed to sleep knowing that at any moment...my dog might be licking my lips!  And...what if I'm sleeping with my mouth open!?!?!?!?

My naps will never be the same. All this time, I thought Richie was a very affectionate husband!

Happy Day #12

Was thinking today about how we generally never appreciate things until we lose them. Oh we remember to say I love you to the ones that we adore, we remember to appreciate life and love, but...it's the little things we sometimes ignore.  Our health, our jobs, the sunshine, flowers, quiet time, etc.

When you have a flu or cold...remember how full of life you feel when you get well!  It's amazing.  But, right before you got sick...you were complaining of not having enough energy.  Ha!  See what I mean?  Sometimes, it takes worse things to happen, before you appreciate the life you have at the moment.

So...do we walk around not seeing the good things, only destined to be hit with tougher times?

Yeah, maybe. he he he

Of course not.  We try to see beyond our circumstances everyday.  We strive to remember the past when we weren't as well, when we were stuck in a snow storm or hurricane. Remembering the this too shall pass. Leaning on truth that is bigger than us.

Living outside of right now. Looking at the good, learning from the sad, bad or horrible.

Happy Day #11

Today was a busy day, full of work and errands, but I did smile.

I smiled about the sunshine.
Air-conditioning in my truck
No horrible surprises
Time alone with Ashlee
Taking with Jeanie and knowing she is feeling better!
The sound of crickets outside and
The thought of the trees turning colors soon.

Now, going to sleep will make me happy.
Goodnight everyone!

--
Sheryl
sherylbriggs@gmail.com

Happy Day #10

My attention span is very short and I'm already getting a little tire of this subject.  Let me know if you are as bored as I am.

Today was a very average day.  Get kids off to school, go to work, come home, dinner, dishes, laundry etc.

What make me happy about an average day?

Having kids
Having a job
Having my husband cook dinner! Yay!
Kids that help with dishes and trash
And, well...I guess having clothes to wear.

But, most of all...having a day that is maybe normal, somewhat boring, but...has no drama!  I'm happy I have a home that is peaceful and where people love me and think I'm funny.  I love not walking on egg shells...sort of speak.  I have a good home and hope I never take that for granted. :)

Happy Day #9

OK...Thought I would try posting from email.  If it works, then I will be able to blog from my phone.  

Today was Monday!  I'm assuming most people dislike Mondays, but I love them.  It's a clean slate with the possibility of wonderful moments and lot of things accomplished.  It's the possibility of being a more perfect person, of laughing and loving more.  Of course at the end of the week, there might be memories of crying or tragedy, but on Monday...you have a new chance for amazing things to happen!

My Monday was not necessarily amazing, but...I had some smile moments.  Here's my list of Happy:

1. sleeping as late as I wanted to, 8am

2. waking up to two dogs who crack me up, because they are so mentally challenged

3. having no unexpected problems at work

4. laughing with/at a friend of mine, who we'll call Charlie Brown.  He was all mumbly and grumbly and well...that makes me laugh. 

5. getting some yard work done before total exhaustion. :)

6. now, quiet evening to start a new book

PS. Hope you like your paint, Ash! ;)

Sheryl

Happy Day # 6,7 & 8

Ha...got a little behind. :(  One of my daughters text me last night and asked if I have nothing to be happy about anymore.  lol  Truth is...I was having such a wonderful weekend that I didn't take the time to get on the computer. What a shame, right?! he he he

So, quickly before I'm off to work...here's the run down:

Friday: Happiness is...
Having the day off.
Spending hours with Avery...making him laugh so hard!  He's such a cutie!
Looking at paint chips.  (I know, it sounds lame, but...I like colors and paint and creating something new)

Saturday:
Sleeping in!
Going to the most fabulous restaurant I've ever been to.  The food was amazing! We tried the chefs tasting menu which was small portions of 5 different dishes.  Here's what we had:

My husband:

bacon wrapped quail with forbidden rice caramelized oyster mushrooms and cherries
heirloom tomato salad with basil pesto, olive puree' and feta *(tie: My favorite of the night)
sauteed sea scallops with cauliflower couscous Chanterelle escabeche
pan roasted eye of rib-eye with sweet corn souffle and corn succotash and huitlacoche mole'
chocolate torte with blue berry sauce and chocolate lemon ice cream *(tie My favorite of the night)

Me:
house made potato gnocchi with Shitake mushrooms, leek and shaved parmesan
king crab salad with hearts of palm, watercress in palm sugar lime vinaigrette
grilled mahi-mahi with jasmine rice, shrimp, squash blossoms and black garlic *(Sheryl's favorite of the night)
8 hour pork roast with green onion risotto, jaliscan pico de gallo and natural pan sauce
berries and fruit tart with lemon curd and blackberry sorbet


I love surprises and every time they brought out a dish, it was like getting a present!


I can't wait to go again, but...have to save our money. :)


We went for our 9th Anniversary and that is something big to smile about!  I can't believe how fast it has went.  


Sunday:  Sunday's are always wonderful, but...add in that I got to play some poker and well...that's a big smile. :)


I'm also a big fan of quality time and this weekend was so fulfilling.  I desperately needed some alone time with my hubby and that gave me the emotional strength to start this week off with a bang!


Got to go!

Happy Day Snag

When I started this, I wanted to just post those random things that make me smile.  I didn't want to list the all the things that have brought me joy in my life.  I mean, we can always think of things to be thankful for, but I wanted to concentrate on the little things that we often over look.

Today was a tough.  I had a difficult time seeing the little things because I had so much on my mind.  I started praying that God would help me see things to be happy about and then God, well...lets just say that God would not let me by with that.  He wanted to re-teach something He has taught me a million times.

Don't let the cares of this world consume you, take you away from the important.  Cast all your cares on me!

I guess I have a thick head, because I can't tell you how many times I have had to come back to this truth, but not until I get stress out.

No matter what goes on in my life...God is in control.  He can work it out.  I just have to lay it down at His feet. He wants me to see the little things and enjoy life. He is bigger than any problem I will have.

Lets see how long I remember this time. Ha!

Happy Day #5

Missed posting yesterday, things got crazy, but I did write some things down during the day.

1. Happiness is...kids getting themselves up for school, on their own.
2. Love sitting on the porch with Lady (dog), watching the kids while they wait on their buses.

3. Smiled and laughed a lot with Ashley.
4. Jim Lee gave us cookies! Yum

Funny thing about a stressful day...there are still moments that make you smile. :)