50 shades of grey

This is a runner I ordered from Crate and Barrel for my kitchen. I like that is grey. I am loving all things grey these days.

Here is some news to share!!

I was hired by a couple to help build their new home. I am super excited by this new adventure.

So far we have chosen the windows.

There is a lot to decide.

I am so up for this challenge

It has been a huge boost to know that people (who are not related to me) trust me to help pick out their windows, paint colors, countertops, sinks, lights, floors and doors.

 EVERYTHING! I'm helping them choose it all. For their brand new custom build home.

And they are paying ME. Which seems ridiculous.

Getting paid for something I have been doing for free. Something I love to do.

Oh Happy Day!!

Dream Pusher

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” Eleanor Roosevelt


My kids have made plenty of choices and own the consequences of those choices.

Like if they want to wear shorts and freeze in the middle of winter.
If they watch a horror film - they will have nightmares.
If they board their plane too late - their luggage will stay in Chicago even if they are in Kansas City. (OK- I paid for this consequence, too. No Fair!!)

There were things in our home that our off spring did not get to have a say.

Here is a short list:

They have to learn to play an instrument. (they may choose to never play again after they learn)

They have to brush their teeth.

They have to learn how to balance a checkbook. (I know they don't do this)

They have to learn to swim.

They have to play Draw Something with me.

They have to learn to drive stick shift. 

They must buckle up. (this is hard to monitor but hopefully a life long habit)

They have to go to college. (my huge regret - so I push my hopes and dreams off on my kids. It is awesome parenting - isn't it? That is why there are therapists)

In three SHORT weeks I will have lived to see two of my children graduate from college. One of them twice!

That makes me happy. Very happy.

Life is uncertain.

Life is long. (or short - depending on where you are at on the timeline)

I know a diploma does not guarantee a well paying job or even a job in general.

They may work in a factory where an education is not needed. They may never hold a job that earns a paycheck. Maybe someday they may choose to go back to school for something totally different.

However, they have gained life skills and met forever friends and grown up while they were away at college.

It may be expensive but at the same time it is priceless.

Whatever they choose to do with their time and talents from this point forward is their choice. I will always be their to love, support and encourage them.

I am NOT an expert parent. Far from it.  I have no idea what I'm doing half the time. Randy and I know college is not for everybody. But we prayed and worked really hard and decided it was best for our kids.

We really expected a lot from them. They exceeded all of our expectations.

They both worked really hard and did not ever give up when that would have been easier. It was a long road at times.

I would not change a thing. I am so proud of my girls.

I hope they feel the same way.


p.s. Abe came home from school a few weeks ago and said he was quitting sixth grade. Something about a failed volleyball test. I am really hoping to have a 100% success rate here.  After a little pep talk - I am proud to announce he is moving on the 7th grade next year!

currently addicted

I think I have some kind of "catch" in my brain. I get stuck on certain things and it can get out of hand rather quickly.

1st - Globes.  I got my first globe a few years ago at a garage sale. Since that time - I have acquired many more. I may have one in every room of my house. Apparently, I should have "staged" these before my picture. Sorry.

2nd - Glass Grapes.  At first I was under the impression that these would be hard to find. Therefore, I felt the need to buy them every single time I saw them. I am happy to confess - I am DONE buying these. I have seen them and been able to walk away.

Maybe I'm almost cured.

Oh! the smell!

These lilacs are from my sweet friends lilac bush.

Everytime I see them they make me smile.

pruning

I got these from bushes around the house. I found that old pot at the thrift store. I am loving all the color changes outside but wonder what a freeze would do to all of the trees, flowers and bushes.

It's the story of my life.

I guess I should enjoy things in Gods time and not worry about the "what ifs."

Listen

This is so awesome. Please take a moment to read:

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

22

The baby sister we prayed for is 22 today.

Here are some of the reasons I am proud of you.

You are a faithful and loyal friend.

You have shared your friends with us.

You do not judge.

You love everybody.

You have a huge heart.

You are a talented artist.

You make everybody feel like they matter.

Your faith in God is authentic.

You are a wonderful sister.

You are a fantastic Auntie.

You have the gift of forgiveness.

You are honest.

You have persevered through college (my dream - not yours)

You are an old soul.

You have always been honest when you have made a mistake.

You have always made family your priority.

You are a blessing and gift to our family.

Happy Birthday beautiful Annie.