The sight of these brings me joy! And the fragrance! What an awesome Creator!
Blue skies, warm sunshine, flowers, kids playing,….could it be Spring!? Thank you God, for every time you push the clouds away to let us enjoy the sun in your blue sky!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Could it be Spring?!
What a heavenly day! I strolled through Garland Nursery, surrounded by the sights and smells of spring flowers, accompanied by the friendly warm sun and blue skies! When I got home, I was greeted by the sight and fragrance of two hyacinths and a tulip that had finally opened up by my front door! My kitchen was filled with beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables from the day’s shopping. I had to put my sunglasses on before going out for an evening walk. I got to chat with a neighbor who was also out enjoying the evening. I walked by the park, full of kids (in shorts and tshirts) and parents, playing catch, shooting hoops, enjoying the playground. There was even an old guy jumping rope!
The sight of these brings me joy! And the fragrance! What an awesome Creator!
A beautiful magnolia and forsythia combination.
As I walked away from this place, I said hello to a gentleman taking his evening walk. He asked if the old gal there had offered me a bouquet. She gave him a big bouquet this morning when he walked by!
A gorgeous star magnolia in the neighborhood.
My first tulip!
I kept looking up at the gorgeous blue dome above me. I haven’t seen so much blue sky in a long time! There were many dark clouds along the horizon, but it is quite easy to ignore dark clouds on the horizon when the sun is shining!
Blue skies, warm sunshine, flowers, kids playing,….could it be Spring!? Thank you God, for every time you push the clouds away to let us enjoy the sun in your blue sky!
The sight of these brings me joy! And the fragrance! What an awesome Creator!
Blue skies, warm sunshine, flowers, kids playing,….could it be Spring!? Thank you God, for every time you push the clouds away to let us enjoy the sun in your blue sky!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Spring Break Falls
Spring Break has been here and is gone for another year. I had to work a couple of days, but Wednesday seemed to have the least threatening weather, so we went out and explored a National Scenic Area.
We took a scenic drive to Timberline Lodge up on Mt. Hood for lunch. The sun disappeared behind dark clouds and the 55 degree temperatures turned to 28 degrees with light swirling snow by the time we arrived there.
Naturally, the first thing to look for was the restrooms. Will led us into the ski lodge and disappeared. I spotted a big "Restrooms" sign and thought I was walking down a hallway toward them but suddenly found myself in the men's room. Yikes! As I whirled around to leave, a kind man asked me if I was looking for someone. Really?! Good grief! They need to label these things better!
The brunch buffet in the lodge was very delicious and enjoyable. One unlucky waitress kept dropping things and breaking glass, but fortunately we weren't in her area. Our charming waiter happened to be a long time friend of Craig’s, so that was fun too. (He beat me at texting Craig the news. Darn younger generation!)
Brrr. We left the cold and blowing snowflakes behind us eventually as we took the “Mt. Hood Scenic Loop” (Hwy 35 to Hood River) then back along the Columbia Gorge. We took the Historic Columbia River Highway and enjoyed all the waterfalls along the way. Five of them, with only one that wasn’t visible from the road!
The first one was Horsetail Falls. Will drove past it and then asked if I wanted to stop. Thus we were immediately able to establish that I ALWAYS want to stop at waterfalls! Though our four-door long bed pickup wasn’t really made to do u-turns with ease, Will managed to make a quick turn around!
Next was Multnomah Falls, where of course we have been before. We got good coffees and Will found a place to sit and enjoy the view. While I was taking a picture, a sweet lady came along, mentioned that it looked like he found the best seat in the area and joined him. Yep, he is just irresistible to women over 60 and under 6!
I left him with his new friend and hiked on up to the bridge. I thought the little waterfall along the way was beautiful too!
A little further down the road was Bridal Veil Falls. Just a quick glimpse was visible along the road, so we parked and took a little walk to see it. Zeek got to come along.
Next came Shepperds Dell, which I was unable to satisfactorily photograph because of its height.
Latourell Falls was the final one. We ran out of time to walk closer because darkness was coming soon.
Last but not least, we stopped at the Crown Point Vista House, with panoramic views of the Gorge and mountains…but the clouds limited the view that day.
We felt very fortunate that the rain didn’t fall until we were almost done viewing the last waterfall! I can’t believe we haven’t done a little more exploring in the area. I look forward to another trip on a sunny day when the wildflowers are blooming and we have time to hike a little more to get closer to the various falls. Also there are a couple more that we didn’t see because you have to hike a little to get to them.
I LOVE living in the Pacific Northwest!
Oh, one more thing...at 8:03 pm as we were driving down I-5, I realized I was missing American Idol. Will was able to walk me through the DVR app on his phone. We actually got it programmed to record and it worked!! So I got to watch it when we got home. I LOVE modern technology!!
We took a scenic drive to Timberline Lodge up on Mt. Hood for lunch. The sun disappeared behind dark clouds and the 55 degree temperatures turned to 28 degrees with light swirling snow by the time we arrived there.
The brunch buffet in the lodge was very delicious and enjoyable. One unlucky waitress kept dropping things and breaking glass, but fortunately we weren't in her area. Our charming waiter happened to be a long time friend of Craig’s, so that was fun too. (He beat me at texting Craig the news. Darn younger generation!)
Brrr. We left the cold and blowing snowflakes behind us eventually as we took the “Mt. Hood Scenic Loop” (Hwy 35 to Hood River) then back along the Columbia Gorge. We took the Historic Columbia River Highway and enjoyed all the waterfalls along the way. Five of them, with only one that wasn’t visible from the road!
The first one was Horsetail Falls. Will drove past it and then asked if I wanted to stop. Thus we were immediately able to establish that I ALWAYS want to stop at waterfalls! Though our four-door long bed pickup wasn’t really made to do u-turns with ease, Will managed to make a quick turn around!
Next was Multnomah Falls, where of course we have been before. We got good coffees and Will found a place to sit and enjoy the view. While I was taking a picture, a sweet lady came along, mentioned that it looked like he found the best seat in the area and joined him. Yep, he is just irresistible to women over 60 and under 6!
A little further down the road was Bridal Veil Falls. Just a quick glimpse was visible along the road, so we parked and took a little walk to see it. Zeek got to come along.
Next came Shepperds Dell, which I was unable to satisfactorily photograph because of its height.
Latourell Falls was the final one. We ran out of time to walk closer because darkness was coming soon.
Last but not least, we stopped at the Crown Point Vista House, with panoramic views of the Gorge and mountains…but the clouds limited the view that day.
We felt very fortunate that the rain didn’t fall until we were almost done viewing the last waterfall! I can’t believe we haven’t done a little more exploring in the area. I look forward to another trip on a sunny day when the wildflowers are blooming and we have time to hike a little more to get closer to the various falls. Also there are a couple more that we didn’t see because you have to hike a little to get to them.
I LOVE living in the Pacific Northwest!
Oh, one more thing...at 8:03 pm as we were driving down I-5, I realized I was missing American Idol. Will was able to walk me through the DVR app on his phone. We actually got it programmed to record and it worked!! So I got to watch it when we got home. I LOVE modern technology!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Lovable Lucy
Sometimes I am a little jealous of Will. Why do my little great-nieces (and little nieces) always like him so much better than they like me?
My niece Dawn and her family are visiting from Hermiston this weekend, and we got to spend the afternoon with them at my brother's house today. After lunch I was thinking I wanted to find her five-year-old daughter Lucy and visit with her. Lucy had greeted us wearing a Little House on the Prairie dress and kept showing up in different outfits. Just then I realized that Lucy was up close and personal with Uncle Will, giving him a hug. I nudged Eric, who was sitting next to me. He told me I had just missed her telling him, "Uncle Will, I love you. Are you really my uncle?" (She never once told me she loved me:( I wish I knew how to insert a real sad face symbol there.)
I observed with interest as she chattered away to him. Before long she had told him his breath smelled like her friend's dog's breath. Then she was looking closely at his face, from the front, side and slightly behind, and I was hoping she wasn't going to insult him too badly with another observation. But her next question was, "Why do you have a line in your glasses?" So Will got to explain bifocals. Of course she had to try them on, and wondered why they were so big.
Lucy is extra-special because she was born on my son Eric's 17th birthday (August 8, aka 8/8). She is a wonderful reminder to me that every child is an incredible blessing and gift from God. I am looking forward to another reminder next Saturday when I get to keep my sister's three for an evening!
My niece Dawn and her family are visiting from Hermiston this weekend, and we got to spend the afternoon with them at my brother's house today. After lunch I was thinking I wanted to find her five-year-old daughter Lucy and visit with her. Lucy had greeted us wearing a Little House on the Prairie dress and kept showing up in different outfits. Just then I realized that Lucy was up close and personal with Uncle Will, giving him a hug. I nudged Eric, who was sitting next to me. He told me I had just missed her telling him, "Uncle Will, I love you. Are you really my uncle?" (She never once told me she loved me:( I wish I knew how to insert a real sad face symbol there.)
I observed with interest as she chattered away to him. Before long she had told him his breath smelled like her friend's dog's breath. Then she was looking closely at his face, from the front, side and slightly behind, and I was hoping she wasn't going to insult him too badly with another observation. But her next question was, "Why do you have a line in your glasses?" So Will got to explain bifocals. Of course she had to try them on, and wondered why they were so big.
Lucy is extra-special because she was born on my son Eric's 17th birthday (August 8, aka 8/8). She is a wonderful reminder to me that every child is an incredible blessing and gift from God. I am looking forward to another reminder next Saturday when I get to keep my sister's three for an evening!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Best Vest
Don’t you just love it when you’re browsing the clearance racks and you come across an unbelievable deal? Recently I found the most beautiful fur vest at Kohls, marked down from $72 to $14.40. Incredible! And it was even my size! All I had to do was touch its luxurious softness to know it was worth every dollar at that price.
A few minutes after my purchase, I was wearing the vest over to my Uncle Cloy’s house to see my cousin Cyndi who was visiting from Arizona. Naturally, Cyndi adored it and when I shared the amazing deal, she said, “Mother, we should run out to Kohls and see if we can get one too!” Aunt Norma Jean wasn’t too sure. “It’s not really my style,” she demurred as Cyndi made her try it on. “Hey,” said I. “It’s not really my style either, but it’s only $14!” (But I’m pretty sure they didn’t go to Kohls that night!)
From there, I went to the home of a new friend who was hosting practice for our upcoming retreat skits. All the girls were very complimentary of how terrific I looked in this amazing vest, especially in combination with the stunning new color my hair had magically become earlier that day. I just love girlfriends!
When I got home, the reaction from my husband was not nearly as enthusiastic, but then again, I would never expect him to be quite as effusive as my girlfriends are. I kind of wanted to keep the tag on to show off the amazing price reduction, but he said that would be tacky. So I reluctantly cut it off.
I wore it to work the next day and I have never had so many comments on any piece of apparel in my life! My two office co-workers greeted me with compliments and I shared what a great bargain it was. I also told them that my husband pays a lot of attention to his dog and I thought if I wore fur, maybe I’d get more attention from him. That struck them as very funny. When the next person came through the office and complimented my fabulous vest, I shared the great price. My co-worker Cindy told me I needed to tell the real reason I got it, so I repeated the part about my husband. Everyone laughed again. I had the most fun that day, getting a laugh out of everyone who complimented my vest when I shared the “real reason”, and I believe Cindy laughed every time too! I just love working with her!
The next Sunday when the boys were home for dinner, I had to show them this amazing find. Will told them he was a little taken aback when I came home looking like a floozy with this fur vest. What? He tells them his thoughts but he doesn’t tell me?!
Of course I had to take the vest to retreat with me, feeling the risk of being judged a "floozy" there was pretty slim. I saved it for the last evening session and again got to share some laughs about my “real reason” for buying it again with all the women there. A vest that can make people laugh that much is indeed a very special vest, and I had an inspiration about a fitting way to honor it.
I was playing the role of “Dr Phillis” in our skits during the weekend. We had come up with a giveaway to the audience during the first two “Dr. Phillis Shows”, and what better thing to give away during the final skit? One of our talented team members wrapped it beautifully for me.
Sunday morning, Dr. Phillis (pictured here) carried the package into the show and announced that one lucky audience member would be the recipient of a fabulous gift. Dr. Phillis believes that every woman should have at least one outfit or article of clothing that makes her feel very special, to wear on those occasional days when you really need a lift. This gift s one of those items of clothing. But we also need to think of others, so after you have worn this item a few times, you want to share the blessing with someone else to brighten their days. The recipient will know when the right time has come to pass it on. The person with the closest birthday would be the lucky recipient. The fortunate woman who ended up with this prize graciously modeled it for us, and it looked absolutely beautiful on her as well.
I wonder how many women it will bless? Will I ever see it again? On whom, I wonder?
I wish I had a picture of this wonderful vest, and if one shows up, I will post it here. Until then, it shall live on in my memories and in its new life with the lucky current owner!
A few minutes after my purchase, I was wearing the vest over to my Uncle Cloy’s house to see my cousin Cyndi who was visiting from Arizona. Naturally, Cyndi adored it and when I shared the amazing deal, she said, “Mother, we should run out to Kohls and see if we can get one too!” Aunt Norma Jean wasn’t too sure. “It’s not really my style,” she demurred as Cyndi made her try it on. “Hey,” said I. “It’s not really my style either, but it’s only $14!” (But I’m pretty sure they didn’t go to Kohls that night!)
From there, I went to the home of a new friend who was hosting practice for our upcoming retreat skits. All the girls were very complimentary of how terrific I looked in this amazing vest, especially in combination with the stunning new color my hair had magically become earlier that day. I just love girlfriends!
When I got home, the reaction from my husband was not nearly as enthusiastic, but then again, I would never expect him to be quite as effusive as my girlfriends are. I kind of wanted to keep the tag on to show off the amazing price reduction, but he said that would be tacky. So I reluctantly cut it off.
I wore it to work the next day and I have never had so many comments on any piece of apparel in my life! My two office co-workers greeted me with compliments and I shared what a great bargain it was. I also told them that my husband pays a lot of attention to his dog and I thought if I wore fur, maybe I’d get more attention from him. That struck them as very funny. When the next person came through the office and complimented my fabulous vest, I shared the great price. My co-worker Cindy told me I needed to tell the real reason I got it, so I repeated the part about my husband. Everyone laughed again. I had the most fun that day, getting a laugh out of everyone who complimented my vest when I shared the “real reason”, and I believe Cindy laughed every time too! I just love working with her!
The next Sunday when the boys were home for dinner, I had to show them this amazing find. Will told them he was a little taken aback when I came home looking like a floozy with this fur vest. What? He tells them his thoughts but he doesn’t tell me?!
Of course I had to take the vest to retreat with me, feeling the risk of being judged a "floozy" there was pretty slim. I saved it for the last evening session and again got to share some laughs about my “real reason” for buying it again with all the women there. A vest that can make people laugh that much is indeed a very special vest, and I had an inspiration about a fitting way to honor it.
I was playing the role of “Dr Phillis” in our skits during the weekend. We had come up with a giveaway to the audience during the first two “Dr. Phillis Shows”, and what better thing to give away during the final skit? One of our talented team members wrapped it beautifully for me.
Sunday morning, Dr. Phillis (pictured here) carried the package into the show and announced that one lucky audience member would be the recipient of a fabulous gift. Dr. Phillis believes that every woman should have at least one outfit or article of clothing that makes her feel very special, to wear on those occasional days when you really need a lift. This gift s one of those items of clothing. But we also need to think of others, so after you have worn this item a few times, you want to share the blessing with someone else to brighten their days. The recipient will know when the right time has come to pass it on. The person with the closest birthday would be the lucky recipient. The fortunate woman who ended up with this prize graciously modeled it for us, and it looked absolutely beautiful on her as well.
I wonder how many women it will bless? Will I ever see it again? On whom, I wonder?
I wish I had a picture of this wonderful vest, and if one shows up, I will post it here. Until then, it shall live on in my memories and in its new life with the lucky current owner!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
SACC Retreat 2011: The Blessings
As the MC, I got to close out the retreat with a time to for people to share the blessings they received this weekend. Since I was leading it, of course I gave myself permission to go first.
How do you decide which blessing to share when you have been bombarded with them the entire weekend? My advice is, go with the one first pops into your mind. And how strange is it that my first thought was: my roommates!
Yes, very strange. Especially when one roommate has been your friend for 25+ years and you have just come to realize this weekend that you are frighteningly alike in some ways (the ditzy ones). (But at least I have never walked into a waiting room and said hello to my reflection in a mirror!)
Friday night I was gathering my things together for the next morning, courteously planning ahead so that I wouldn’t awaken my roommates by rustling around too much in the morning. Strangely, I could not find any underwear. I remembered opening the drawer at home, but had I become sidetracked and closed it before completing my task? I frantically searched all the pockets of my garment bag and other bag, exclaiming I couldn’t believe I forgot them. Finally, my thoughtful thieving roommate got down on her knees and kindly started pulling my underwear out from under the bed where she had stashed it.
Can you believe that?!
Saturday after lunch I followed the example of my other roommate (the nice one) and brushed my teeth. When I started to put my toothbrush back into its container….uh-oh. My toothbrush was still in there! I had just brushed my teeth with my thieving roommate’s toothbrush!!!! GROSS! And I couldn’t hide it because she was standing right there to witness my freak-out at this appalling discovery!
Can you believe that?! Fortunately, the thieving roommate (though rather unhappy about this turn of events), could understand perfectly how one could make a mistake like that. Just like she could understand how someone could open her glasses case and exclaim, “Oh, no, I forgot my glasses!” and then notice that the glasses are already on the counter waiting to be donned. Just like she could understand the multitude of mysteries that fill my days. Because her days are also filled with little things that make one wonder, “How did that happen?”
In spite of her kleptomania, she is a very loving and kind friend and there is never a dull moment when hanging out with her!
Last year at retreat, I was very fortunate to be assigned to room with my other roommate (the nice one). She is calm and laid back, friendly, kind and interesting, blessed with a quick wit that will make you laugh when you least expect it. She was gracious enough to accept my request to be roommates again this year. I hope she will forgive me for not warning her that we would be joined by the thieving roommate. I owe her a debt of gratitude because she had an extra brand new toothbrush and she saved the day by graciously giving it to that undeserving roommate. Just another example of grace. I think she was a very good influence on that roommate. (On me too, for that matter!)
Both of these women care and pray, and I am honored to call them friends!!
A few of the other blessings:
• An entire weekend spent with 40+ women who are filled with the love of God (and cute and fun-to-be with besides)!
• The worship team, whose voices blended in beautiful harmony with the keyboard, piano and flute in songs of worship and praise.
• The speaker who came and shared challenging and inspiring words from God from her very humble heart (and I used to babysit her!)
• The privilege of working for months in advance with a group of very talented, organized and creative group of friends to make the weekend happen.
• All the fun we had working together as a retreat committee and drama team.
• The time to get acquainted with new friends and re-connect with old ones.
• Hearing women share amazing stories of how the healing grace of God transformed their lives.
• The opportunity to watch a presentation on “Gifts from the Heart” from Judith, who doesn’t get older, she just gets better and funnier!
• Being the recipient of a “gift from the heart”. (But some things that happen at retreat, stay at retreat!)
• All the laughs we got to share!
• That once again, at the end of the retreat, I could declare, “This was the best one ever!”
I know I haven’t listed nearly all of them. Tell me what I missed!
(Note to self for next year:
1. Buy locking suitcase
2. Buy new underwear.)
How do you decide which blessing to share when you have been bombarded with them the entire weekend? My advice is, go with the one first pops into your mind. And how strange is it that my first thought was: my roommates!
Yes, very strange. Especially when one roommate has been your friend for 25+ years and you have just come to realize this weekend that you are frighteningly alike in some ways (the ditzy ones). (But at least I have never walked into a waiting room and said hello to my reflection in a mirror!)
Friday night I was gathering my things together for the next morning, courteously planning ahead so that I wouldn’t awaken my roommates by rustling around too much in the morning. Strangely, I could not find any underwear. I remembered opening the drawer at home, but had I become sidetracked and closed it before completing my task? I frantically searched all the pockets of my garment bag and other bag, exclaiming I couldn’t believe I forgot them. Finally, my thoughtful thieving roommate got down on her knees and kindly started pulling my underwear out from under the bed where she had stashed it.
Can you believe that?!
Saturday after lunch I followed the example of my other roommate (the nice one) and brushed my teeth. When I started to put my toothbrush back into its container….uh-oh. My toothbrush was still in there! I had just brushed my teeth with my thieving roommate’s toothbrush!!!! GROSS! And I couldn’t hide it because she was standing right there to witness my freak-out at this appalling discovery!
Can you believe that?! Fortunately, the thieving roommate (though rather unhappy about this turn of events), could understand perfectly how one could make a mistake like that. Just like she could understand how someone could open her glasses case and exclaim, “Oh, no, I forgot my glasses!” and then notice that the glasses are already on the counter waiting to be donned. Just like she could understand the multitude of mysteries that fill my days. Because her days are also filled with little things that make one wonder, “How did that happen?”
In spite of her kleptomania, she is a very loving and kind friend and there is never a dull moment when hanging out with her!
Last year at retreat, I was very fortunate to be assigned to room with my other roommate (the nice one). She is calm and laid back, friendly, kind and interesting, blessed with a quick wit that will make you laugh when you least expect it. She was gracious enough to accept my request to be roommates again this year. I hope she will forgive me for not warning her that we would be joined by the thieving roommate. I owe her a debt of gratitude because she had an extra brand new toothbrush and she saved the day by graciously giving it to that undeserving roommate. Just another example of grace. I think she was a very good influence on that roommate. (On me too, for that matter!)
Both of these women care and pray, and I am honored to call them friends!!
A few of the other blessings:
• An entire weekend spent with 40+ women who are filled with the love of God (and cute and fun-to-be with besides)!
• The worship team, whose voices blended in beautiful harmony with the keyboard, piano and flute in songs of worship and praise.
• The speaker who came and shared challenging and inspiring words from God from her very humble heart (and I used to babysit her!)
• The privilege of working for months in advance with a group of very talented, organized and creative group of friends to make the weekend happen.
• All the fun we had working together as a retreat committee and drama team.
• The time to get acquainted with new friends and re-connect with old ones.
• Hearing women share amazing stories of how the healing grace of God transformed their lives.
• The opportunity to watch a presentation on “Gifts from the Heart” from Judith, who doesn’t get older, she just gets better and funnier!
• Being the recipient of a “gift from the heart”. (But some things that happen at retreat, stay at retreat!)
• All the laughs we got to share!
• That once again, at the end of the retreat, I could declare, “This was the best one ever!”
I know I haven’t listed nearly all of them. Tell me what I missed!
(Note to self for next year:
1. Buy locking suitcase
2. Buy new underwear.)
Friday, March 04, 2011
Ten Things I Loved about this Friday!
1. Payroll paperwork was due in the courier at 8:00 am and there was not one sub in the building today, therefore no last minute rushing around updating/changing paperwork in the midst of all the morning hubub! Unheard of - perfect attendance on such a day! Our staff obviously really loves me!
2. An appreciative parent brought donuts to the office. What was nicer, her kind words or the box of donuts? I got to share the donuts with people all day. Our parents must really love us!
3. A lively gang of teachers around my work station first thing to read a great Dr. Seuss story over the announcements. What a great group of people! (And funny too!) We all love each other!
4. The sugar free, skinny Snickers mocha delivered from the high school next door - YUM! (Love my coffee!)
5. Even better, the warmed half of an apple fritter to go along with it! (Definitely NOT sugar-free or fat free but mm-mm good!)
6. I text my husband to see how he feels about me inviting two brothers and their wives over for taco soup tonight and he texts back, "You are the princess." That's the story of my life with Will! (He definitely loves me!)
7. Both sister-in-laws text back that they will come! (and so will their husbands of course!) (They all love me too!)
8. After lunch, I can't believe my eyes when I see my friends Sara and Emily (sisters) come in the door with Sara's nearly one-year-old twins in a double stroller! How exciting to see all those girls! Adorable babies! And Sara even referred to me as "Aunt LeAnn"! (Which reminds me, I promised Sara monster cookies after those babies were born. Oops!) But she loves me anyway!
9. The chicken taco soup experiment turns out great! We all love it and have a great time around the dinner table.
10. Bonus - nephew Duane eventually stops by for some dinner too, and it is great to have a teenage boy in this empty nest house! Love that boy! (Missed Venisa though!)
Such a great Friday - love, laughs, food and surprises!
2. An appreciative parent brought donuts to the office. What was nicer, her kind words or the box of donuts? I got to share the donuts with people all day. Our parents must really love us!
3. A lively gang of teachers around my work station first thing to read a great Dr. Seuss story over the announcements. What a great group of people! (And funny too!) We all love each other!
4. The sugar free, skinny Snickers mocha delivered from the high school next door - YUM! (Love my coffee!)
5. Even better, the warmed half of an apple fritter to go along with it! (Definitely NOT sugar-free or fat free but mm-mm good!)
6. I text my husband to see how he feels about me inviting two brothers and their wives over for taco soup tonight and he texts back, "You are the princess." That's the story of my life with Will! (He definitely loves me!)
7. Both sister-in-laws text back that they will come! (and so will their husbands of course!) (They all love me too!)
8. After lunch, I can't believe my eyes when I see my friends Sara and Emily (sisters) come in the door with Sara's nearly one-year-old twins in a double stroller! How exciting to see all those girls! Adorable babies! And Sara even referred to me as "Aunt LeAnn"! (Which reminds me, I promised Sara monster cookies after those babies were born. Oops!) But she loves me anyway!
9. The chicken taco soup experiment turns out great! We all love it and have a great time around the dinner table.
10. Bonus - nephew Duane eventually stops by for some dinner too, and it is great to have a teenage boy in this empty nest house! Love that boy! (Missed Venisa though!)
Such a great Friday - love, laughs, food and surprises!
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