our old stomping grounds

Josh and I declined on buying a house when we first moved to town. I guess it was something between a new job, new marriage and new town that placed a hold on a new mortgage. Instead, we pushed up our newly entwined sleeves and remodeled an old rental of my parents. I'm not sure if I would recommend it for all first marriages but we survived and the house did too. Anyway, I digress. My parents still own the house and a few lucky gals rented it June 1. Since my parents were off gallivanting in the Dakota's, I was deemed the keeper of the key and delivered it last night. Of course, the faux landlord that I am, choose to do the walk through. Here's just a few pictures:

incredible hardwoods
gigantic windows - tons of trim to paint
more of the hardwoods

This was the ONE and ONLY bathroom - it explains why we thought our current bathroom was HUGE.
the one and only existing vintage fixture in dining room
bing red kitchen

and, probably something we SHOULD have changed but neglected...

count down is on

I can't believe the movie is ALMOST here! I've been counting down the days although, I'm going to skip the opening due to madness. I'd hate to be anywhere near chaos.

What we did for Memorial Day weekend

Friday night we went down to check out the progress of the cabin. It's lookin' good, about 90% complete. It's missing trim, floor register's, a good scrub down and furniture. I can't wait to enjoy it this Summer!

Saturday we headed to Hutchinson, KS for Josh's cousin's wedding. I was in HEAVEN when I saw this picture. I made Josh STOP the car in the middle of the street so I could run out and snap a quick picture.

What a DREAM come true for Erin and Derek! Someday, I hope to have my name on a McDonalds Marquee. You'd think they'd have a welcome Jen here in our town since I'm there on a bi-weekly basis! I guess it doesn't hurt that her father owns most the McDonalds in western Kansas. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed when they served they roasted chicken. I was hoping for the usual #2, 2 cheese burgers, medium fry and Dr. P.

The kids had a ball dancing, devouring cake, chocolate covered strawberries and punch.
The proud parents of the groom, Josh's aunt and uncle.
Kisses from Sophia
Entertainment, Josh style.
Congrats Erin and Derek, have fun in Jamaica.Sunday, we spent inside painting...I know, it's what everyone dreams of doing every Memorial Day weekend. I figured, since the weather was going to be crummy, why not be productive?!?! So, goodbye to my bing cherry red kitchen and hello drifting dune. And, for the living room, so long boring, unadorned beige and welcome happy trails.

tay and say

I took a few (221) pictures of my good friends daughter who recently danced in 11 different number at the Bates recital. Saylor tried to get in on the action...

and this one was one of my favorites. Seriously, does gravity not apply??

the best show on earth

What a amazing delight. Saylor Lillie noticed a Circus advertisement today in a window while we were waiting in line for the drive-thru at the bank. Pending further investigation, I found out the circus was indeed tonight! Honestly, I felt VIP with our front row seats and the lions, tigers, pony, camel, puppies and elephants only inches away. Since the seating capacity was limited, less than a few hundred, everyone enjoyed fabulous views, and smells for that matter.

Saylor enjoyed her first elephant ride - with zero hesitations.

Josh and Say waiting in line for the elephant.

Sophia devoured her first lollipop.

Saylor and her new friend. What a great time. We'll be back next year!

the best backyard in town...

hammock of havoc

ahhh, how I love hammocks and my daughters dirty feet. :)

splish splash

a little pool action with Saylor Lillie and the neighbors. Today's weather could not have been any nicer!

street mother's

just a few pictures of neighbors enjoying their kids on Mother's Day.

something's different

and I'm not sure what it is...

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my inspiration, my mentor, my support, my rock, my friend, my MOM.

and Happy Mother's Day to every Mother -this is your day.

Date Night

Josh and I went on a date last night - gotta have those kid free nights as much as you can - and had a ball. First, we headed to the Arts Center to check out the local Photography exhibit. Very Inspirational. Next, we met Keely and Trav at Bolo's for dinner and drinks. Delicious.
Then ended the evening with a movie "What Happens in Vegas." Very amusing.
Great night, Great Friends, Great entertainment, need to do it more often!

innocent

If only she could always be this innocent

A woman and a fork

I rec'd this as a forward but thought the message was worth blogging...

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.

"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork the best is yet to come."

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?"And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Me and Marlee

Just in case you don't watch the slide show..
This is me, Marlee Matlin and her Dancing with Stars partner.

My Time in San Diego...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

piggy time

Sophia's first piggy tails...