tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27114582239407638632024-03-02T13:43:22.934-08:00Families R Built with LoveI write about our family which is built through adoption, our life together,parenting, my personal interests and hobbies and my various views on the wider world.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.comBlogger1850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-53068802643860298892024-03-02T13:42:00.000-08:002024-03-02T13:42:23.653-08:00The Revolution will not be danced!<p> That was the title of the dance piece that my son choreographed taught to 11 other dancers and performed himself at college. At almost 12 minutes it was the longest piece in the evening performances. They had asked that he shorten it to 10 minutes. He refused and said that if he had to shorten it he might as well not perform it. They looked at the outline of the piece and let him keep it at that. The piece is about racial injustice and is very emotionally hard hitting--especially for a mom watching her son portray himself from the afterlife after being a victim of racial brutality. Luckily, I knew what the theme of the piece was and what he was trying to get across.</p><p>What I did not expect was the maturity of what he created. It's not just a proud momma here. It was the best piece that night. Both nights his was the piece that got a standing ovation. His narrative was clear, the choreography was excellent as was his use of the stage. He trained his dancers well--and boy his dancing has also reached new levels. He had mixed his own music, chosen the cues for the lighting tech team, and helped his team of dancers build props. Is it weird to cry tears of joy while also knowing part of the tears are from the fear that I feel for all my kids when they are out in the world and I am not there with them?</p><p>His local dance teacher who started him on this journey at age 5 came to see it as did 4 other people from our city dance school. My wife and I and his sister were there. On the previous night good friends from church drove out to see it. </p><p>He has been told by several instructors that he should enter the piece in several festivals that are upcoming. He is thinking he may indeed do that. Today when I drove him back to school after a short home visit, he said that he has always known he wanted dance to be his career but wasn't sure what that could look like. Now, at this moment, he said he wants to be a "dance storyteller." I can see that in a lot of different scenarios. For instance, working with kids and helping them dance out their traumas. Creating dance stories for different life situations, dancing out news stories for social justice programs. It could literally be anything, and of course right now, he does not have to pin that down.</p><p>He has been asked to teach a hip hop workshop this month at college for the dance club that is on campus. He has been hired to dance in another students division three project, truly he is growing so fast as a person and an artist that it is hard to keep up with it all. Our home schooler is thriving there.</p><p>Easter is the end of the month and while for our house hold that is not a religious holiday in the way it is for my Christian friends, we honor the rebirth of life and the onset of spring. I asked him to invite home any friends who might want to come for dinner. So far we will have 5 friends plus the 6 of us plus my mom. I am thinking a buffet style meal and have asked him to find out people's favorite foods so we can be sure that there is at least one thing everyone likes available to them!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-46924794972703002322024-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:002024-01-28T15:18:13.088-08:00Fledging kids and failing parents<p> KC is loving this semester of college. He loved last semester too, but there is a lot more actual dancing in these classes and he is totally loving it. He danced a lot last semester but typically in opportunities beyond classes that he sought out for himself. As predicted, the house is quieter (and cleaner!) </p><p>I am feeling better and was back at my dance class this week. But aging parents are also weighing on my spirit lately. Both my mom and my FIL (who is Dad to me) are 90 Mom is beginning to feel either unable and/or unwilling to cook for herself. She is looking into a meals on wheels type option and I have been bringing her food that I cook. (I chronically over cook anyway and usually freeze for the future or use for lunches so this is not hard for me.) However seeing her slowing down is hard.</p><p>More worrisome is Dad. Til now he has been robust, walking his small dog regularly, and while his vision and hearing are poor the rest of him was in good health. Last week I got a call from Life Alert that he was in distress and that emergency services were dispatched. Life Alert then called me back and said he was being transported to the hospital. (side note: I can't say enough good things about this company! I set up his account when he fell a few years ago walking the dog and cut his head badly. They have been nothing short of amazing to deal with and help my mind be at ease with him 40 minutes away)</p><p>It turned out that he had a bacterial infection in his bloodstream and he was hospitalized til Friday when they got that under control. Now he is in rehab to try and build up his strength. He presently has to use a rollator to walk and for him to return home, he has to be able to go upstairs for bed and for bathing. We talked on the phone today and he is in good spirits. He is highly motivated for his PT as he wants above all else to get back home to famliar surroundings and his little dog.</p><p>But it has been a hard emotional hit watching the two seniors begin to falter. K said Dad told her at Thanksgiving that he was ready to see her mom again. (she passed many years ago) I kind of freaked out when K told me as her Dad has always been there for me in all the ways you would hope a dad could or would be. I can't envision life without him.</p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-38997771113892820022024-01-21T15:24:00.000-08:002024-01-21T15:24:46.994-08:00Back to College!<p> Bags are packed. Laundry is done. Lists are made and banking's done. Tomorrow when I get home from work the house will be quieter. It will be cleaner. It will be emptier. KC returns to college tomorrow morning. I am excited for him. This really is such a great fit for him. He has a great circle of friends. He has been able to focus on his dance in a way that no other college he toured would have been able to accommodate. He goes back to school ready to work with 13 dancers that he has gathered to dance a 13 minute piece that he has choreographed and will also be dancing. It is part of a dance program the end of February. To hear him take calls with a lighting person, and discuss his needs and expectations so knowledgably is amazing. Every time I see him, he has grown so much, as a man and as an artist. I can't wait to watch his production. I glowed with pride reading his evaluations from his professors. It was wonderful to know that these people see the man I see. The talent, the sensitivity, and the committment to art, and to social justice. </p><p>His break has had lots of good things. Time for him to eat lots of his favorite home cooked meals. Time for him to reconnect with friends here and to work at the store saving money for the next tuition. Time to be part of our family holiday traditions and to go to the Big City to see a concert with his sister, a friend and me. He passed his drivers exam and is a fully licensed driver. He visited my mom (his nana) twice and had long talks with her. He visited his "home" dance studio and danced with them at local nursing homes bringing some joy to local seniors. In fact he got so invested in talking to the seniors after the show that he is missing from the group photo of the dancers. But that is KC in a nutshell, someone who more often than not works at bringing smiles and joy to others.</p><p>So it's all good, and I am only selfishly mourning the fact that he leaves tomorrow. This is right and he is ready. As soon as I get over this crud that keeps me barking like a seal, I'll jump back into my workouts and my own dance class and I will find things to occupy my time. I am always a little down in the dumps this time of year. The unremitting cold wears on my spirit and my body, but the wheel will turn. We are getting more daylight hours now than we had in November. Spring will be here before I know it and he will be home and we will be celebrating his birthday with a trip to the Big Apple to see The Wiz!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRbxiDQown48Vtc7TiZM8vhrqWuE1dNjjsEcNUqb7VMGa90b2e2CAUflzhSIWw5xaMNdXozdCBwmhc9JYQadX7hS7s8QUSbf8CEK7XUkrHvoUCMB73-z0tD-w8CdEMaLNNABwGvL_n9hSMIRPtu3obMKdNeUSgE-4YeSXSUuPqbpqSB4R8XYGlIylXYV8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRbxiDQown48Vtc7TiZM8vhrqWuE1dNjjsEcNUqb7VMGa90b2e2CAUflzhSIWw5xaMNdXozdCBwmhc9JYQadX7hS7s8QUSbf8CEK7XUkrHvoUCMB73-z0tD-w8CdEMaLNNABwGvL_n9hSMIRPtu3obMKdNeUSgE-4YeSXSUuPqbpqSB4R8XYGlIylXYV8" width="320" /></a></div><br />This was the one and only picture I got of the kids at the concert a couple weeks ago. <p></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-9666807862833495912024-01-15T08:05:00.000-08:002024-01-15T08:05:49.141-08:00Christmas break is ending<p> KC has been home since the middle of December. It has been such a joy to have him here again. The house is louder when he is here. It is messier when he is here. But it is filled with laughter also. He's had friends over and gone to other friends homes. He has worked a lot of hours at the grocery store, saving diligently for college tuition bills. He has eaten favorite foods and shared stories about school. We have watched shows together and he, Elisabeth, their friend J and I went into Boston to attend a concert together. He finished driving school and passed his RMV test. It's been a break filled with fun, work and good memories.</p><p>He's starting to pack now as he leaves next Monday to go back to school. His bedroom is starting to show signs of the pending departure and will soon be a lot emptier. It's hard when he leaves. Every one of my kids has their own place in my heart and the void when he is not physically present is pretty large. After a few weeks I get used to it, but it takes a while. It was like that when Rob left too.</p><p>He's ready for the return. I can sense it. In some ways, our city is too small for him right now. He is eager for those new classes and dance experiences. He has been working on the choreography for the piece he is creating for a winter show at the school. It will be performed in February and he has 13 dancers that he is working with for this piece. He had a phone conversation with the people who will do his lighting while he was home on break. It is exciting to see him grow, stretch, and reach new heights in an art that means so very much to him.</p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-52482150889413724512024-01-15T07:55:00.000-08:002024-01-15T07:55:38.455-08:00Christmas Vacation 2023<p> That old phrase about life is what happens other than your plans is so very true! I planned a very different "vacation" from what actually happened this holiday. But regardless, our family time together was amazing and wonderful and I am so very grateful. My company closed early for the holiday on December 22nd. The doors closed at noon and I actually was able to wrap up my work and be out the door by 1:30 or so. Those who know me well, know that is pretty unprecedented. I usually work till near to our regular closure time but I was seriously excited for vacation! I went to my mom's and got her shopping list, went straight to the grocery store and did her shopping and came home.</p><p>Meanwhile, my wife had taken Elisabeth to the podiatrist that day for a surgery on her foot. She had a growth which he thought was a wart but wasn't sure and wanted to operate on. It wound up meaning that she had 5 stitches in the bottom of her foot days before Christmas.</p><p>Right after I got home with the groceries and got them unloaded, Chet came downstairs and was talking with my wife and I. About a minute or two in and he began to say he was dizzy and very hot. We got him into a chair and seated and almost immediately he began to have a seizure. I could brace him and make sure that he did not fall and my wife called 911. It was only about 6 weeks since his previous serious seizure incident. The doctors had thought the seizure were due to his severe shingle outbreak and we had thought it was an isolated event.</p><p>Things worsened though and the EMTs decided he should be transported to the hospital. Once there, they discovered he had dangerously low potassium levels (likely due to the violent voiding of his stomach after the seizures) They admitted him, put him on a potassium drip, and scheduled 2 MRI's, one without contrast and one with. My wife was with him for most of this; I was home taking care of Elisabeth and her stitched foot.</p><p>We were lucky that we were able to have him discharged before Christmas so we were all together, despite stitches and seizures. Rob came down from Maine and spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I went and brought my Mom to the house to spend Christmas Day with us. Despite the unexpected (which is what life is) we had a happy time and made wonderful memories. </p><p>However my days off were filled with surgical follow ups, KC's annual physical, and Chet's drs appointments. We are still waiting for a contrast MRI which will take place early next month. The non contrast MRI showed some brain scarring and they therefore want a contrast. He has started a low dose of anti seizure meds and thus far there have been no other seizures. We have also practiced with him what to do if he feels like he might have a seizure as there are times when he is home alone.</p><p>What I didn't do on my vacation was work on beginning the repointing of our foundation. This was my hope but it was not to be. But the foundation will still be there the next time I have a bit of time off!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-29195223030607054902023-11-26T12:56:00.000-08:002023-11-26T12:56:32.126-08:00Thanksgiving 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpNfPdqzhXpuQiE-8dk_r0bcZdiCK8er3TwWug1LthAo1Eq5sTGmS2WN-_Nc-mOqA5416VnJh0JF6dMO3FYyvGoLt8uvncbgRfWzyS61fEPv05C53KF-TrLt0UkzKQ_driW472a37zZjhHj7QMeTftII7xOupGLolNZ0L2hnh35fJrnqVEMhb63E6avM/s2048/thanksgiving%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1797" data-original-width="2048" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpNfPdqzhXpuQiE-8dk_r0bcZdiCK8er3TwWug1LthAo1Eq5sTGmS2WN-_Nc-mOqA5416VnJh0JF6dMO3FYyvGoLt8uvncbgRfWzyS61fEPv05C53KF-TrLt0UkzKQ_driW472a37zZjhHj7QMeTftII7xOupGLolNZ0L2hnh35fJrnqVEMhb63E6avM/s320/thanksgiving%202023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> What a wonderful wonderful holiday. We were blessed to have KC come home on Tuesday night and for Rob to come in for Thanksgiving Day and spend that night here with us as well. He was also here to help decorate the house for Yule and that was so special.<p></p><p>The house rang with laughter. I'm still not used to how quiet the house is with only two of the kids at home. We are still very connected--thank goodness for texting--but we are moving into a different phase of our parenthood. So I savor all the times we are able to be together, bask in their banter, and make everyone's favorite foods.</p><p>This Thanksgiving was also special because my mom and my FIL (who is Dad to me) were here, as well as my beloved SIL. We had two friends who are usually with us and who had to bow out at the last minute because of illness. Truthfully with 2 90 year olds at the table I am grateful that they did, though they were definately missed. But my mom has not been at Thanksgiving with us in many many years. She lived out out state and neither her husband, or later her partner were able to make such a long trek to our home. I could tell that even though she lives close by now, she too was tired when the festivities were done. One thing that was weird and hard for me was that Fiona was not with us. She has moved to a shared living residence much closer to first family members and the Big City. I truly can not drive there. I also thought her first family were getting her for the day but she spent it with the family of her shared living provider. She seemed to have a good day and we Face Timed each other, but I missed her. I am not her guardian any longer but she is always my daughter in my heart and we are still in touch a lot. Again, thank goodness for the Internet!</p><p>There was food aplenty. We had many pies, I made three batches of parker house rolls, we had giant turkey, I made mac and cheese and sauteed greens. There were mashed potatos, squash, carrots and corn. I also made rolled sugar cookies shaped and decorated like fall leaves. No one left this house hungry or without a doggie bag!</p><p>Thanksgiving night, I took down a lot of the harvest decor, the kids put the living room back to rights (we have to move out all our furniture so that we have room for the tables) and we watched our first Christmas movie of the season together--Spirited. </p><p>Friday we did almost all our indoor decorating. KC and I watched a movie together that night as well. We adore the movie Jingle Jangle but are the only 2 in the family who love it so it was just us. Rob headed back home to Maine and we all went to bed early!</p><p>Saturday I made the cemetary boxes, and KC and I went to my mom's and helped her decorate her apartment and had lunch with her. We had lots of time for KC to talk one on one with her about his college experiences so far. He used to text her daily before school began and they are both missing the fact that there is not time for that now. While KC and I were gone, Elisabeth did an amazing surprise for me. I always decorate the tops of our upper kitchen cabinets. She got red ribbon and bows and turned the door fronts into lovely packages. It really looks amazing and I absolutely adore it. It is extra special as Elisabeth has never been one to be super excited about decorating. KC has always been the one for that (and Rob's special thing is the tree) So to have her plan this herself and do it for me, is a huge and special gift. That night we all went to see the new MCU movie The Marvels. The movie has really been panned but we loved it and I suppose I would have loved anything really as we were all together and having fun.</p><p>Saturday night Elisabeth had her two best friends sleep over and this morning, I had to drive KC back to school. He won't be back for two weeks as he has rehearsal commitments at school. But he will be back the weekend of December 9th and his gift this year to Chet and I is to go see Elf on the big screen! We are both excited for that. Elf is one of our favorite movies. Can you get a sense for how really big the holidays are here?</p><p>Tonight it is back to reality. Elisabeth has Friendsgiving with the Youth Group tonight and while she is there, I'll be at work. I took Wednesday off and we were closed the rest of the week so I have had a long luxurious break from the office. But tomorrow it will be busy there and I have no office staff in that day except me, so it will be best to have this done ahead of time.</p><p>I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was what you needed and wanted at this moment in time, and that the coming weeks bring times of light, and joy.</p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-21704624260696090582023-10-15T04:34:00.007-07:002023-10-15T04:34:51.032-07:00Friends and Family Performance<p> Last night we drove out to the college KC is attending. It is friends and family weekend there. Lots of families are spending the weekend with their college student. We only went last night because our guy would not have been able to spend any time with us. He was performing in a project called SEEP which was a dance program that was envisioned, choreographed, learned and performed in the same day. They started work at 10 a,m. and performed at 7:30 </p><p>I waited eagerly for him to appear on the studio floor with the two other members of his trio. As always, he is so compelling to watch when he is dancing. His role was the ocean and his moves were so fluid. But I am a mom. Yes, I was also a dancer, but I always wonder if I am looking through the lens of love and it is biased.</p><p>After the performance he was introducing us to his friends who had come to watch him perform as well. A woman who was unknown to us came up and wanted to speak with KC. She asked what division he was. He explained he was Div 1 (how they indicate first year students.) She was visibly shocked. She said she was a Div 3 and was putting together an entire show and wanted him in it. She asked about the styles of dance he is familiar with and he told her what he has studied. She asked if he could dance house.</p><p>My son who was once so afraid to step on stage at recital confidently said, "I can learn." They exchanged contact information for a deeper discussion to be had later. It was everything that i hoped college would offer him. He's well known as a dancer in our city, but our city is not exactly a cultural hub. To be able to shine in a bigger pond and to be willing to take risks makes me so happy for him.</p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-63032864649161369512023-09-21T18:19:00.006-07:002023-09-21T18:19:59.917-07:00What's important<p> Last Monday was pretty ordinary til about 5 pm I went to work. I stopped in to see my Mom. I picked my daughter up at the mall from her job at 5 But right as she left work a heavy rain storm moved in. Driving home became treacherous as roads began to flood. I tried alternate roads with no success and finally got us safely home. I was so thankful; I had water was coming through the floor boards of my car during the last part of our journey. </p><p>When we got to the house we could see that our back yard was flooded. Not just a few inches, but feet. The water was racing across the yard up the slope to our home. Our street became a raging torrent. It did not even look like a road. Cars began to stall out. I called my wife who was at work in the next town over and told her to check in with me before she tried to come home from work. In the middle of that conversation we lost our phone and internet. I was cooking supper also while all this was going on--food is always a priority! LOL As I was making supper my daughter Elisabeth said she could hear things bumping in our cellar. I went outside and opened the bulkhead (we don't have an inside access) and discovered the cellar was flooded to the second stair from the top.</p><p>We have a gas heater which was not on. And a gas hot water heater which had been on. I have alarms down cellar if gas is escaping but those also were now underwater and unlikely to be functional. I have no sense of smell so I would not know if gas was escaping. I called the Fire Dept and explained. They said they would put me on the list. I could hear sirens all over the city and I knew others were very likely worse off. Supper was done, I had not used gas to cook it (thank you Instant Pot) We ate while we watched out the windows as the water roared like a river down our street. I texted my wife that we were all ok but she should stay where she was. </p><p>Hours passed. Water crept higher. I called the fire dept again and they said they would bump us to priority status. A few minutes later I saw an engine up the street. I ran up to them and explained. They agreed to check our gas for us. They used a meter and could not detect escaping gas. However they also could not shut off my gas as the shut off and the meter are inside the cellar. Evacuation was suggested but not made mandatory. Truly I had nowhere to go with 3 animals, a disabled adult and my daughter and myself. I suggested we shelter in place with doors and windows open. The fire folks could not of course say that was great but there was no compelling proof that we would not be safe, particularly if we did not use any gas.</p><p>I slept rather little that night. My wife called about midnight and said she heard a dam might break and that the water could potentially head to us. I tried to sound super calm because she was hysterical. I said no one had come to talk about evacuation and that they surely would if that was immenent. I fell back asleep but woke when flashing lights were outside. Worried that this might be the evac order, I got up but it was a crew trying to get a submerged car out of the street. I texted my boss that I would not be at the quarterly manager's meeting and gave a brief overview of what was transpiring. I dozed some more til about 6 when I got up to try and survey the damage.</p><p>The water had receded. There is a benefit to a clay floor in the cellar. But the devastation it left behind was pretty massive. I could not walk safely down there initially. My wife arrived home and I said the first thing was to call for a dumpster because they were going to get rented out quick with all the damage sustained by folks in our city. The second call was to the plumber so we could at least get hot water and order a new heating system. The last call was to our insurance company. </p><p>It turned out we were the first people to rent a dumpster. A 10 yarder was delivered early that morning and I called out of work and started filling it. Friends came over the next day and they helped continue that effort. We got fans going in the cellar to help the floor dry but getting out everything that was wet was key. By the end of the week I had moved out enough belongings to fill the dumpster 3 times. Wash rinse repeat. On Saturday my friends came back and helped me move out the 2 fridges, the washer and the chest freezer that had been destroyed. The water was so strong it had tipped over the fridges and the washer!</p><p>I am looking at this as a great opportunity. An expensive one to be sure as surprise! Homeowners insurance does not cover this. One apparently needs flood insurance even if you don't live in a flood plain and have never had this happen in the more than 90 years that your family has lived in this same house. (I am not that old, I am the fourth generation to live here!)</p><p>I plan on repointing the foundation over the winter because hey, I like a project. Once that is done there are walls that I will insulate with rock wool and we can put in some new led lighting and make a decent workshop. My grandfather had put up paneling (which I have had to rip out) and instead I will use a plastic product that I used in part of our bathroom reno. It is water and mildew resistant and a better choice for a basement/cellar area in my opinion.</p><p>Others had it so much worse. Someone I know had a sink hole destroy the foundation of their home. It is condemned. Another person had their car swept away when the driveway gave way. No less than five people I know personally had cars flooded and totalled. My neighbors house is being worked on but was declared unlivable at this time. 3 families have had to find temporary housing as a result. I may eventually remember to post some pictures of right after the flood and after I cleaned it up. We will see. For now, I am simply hyper aware of our good fortune and that what is important is not things, it is family.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-12217897657166470442023-09-05T15:53:00.001-07:002023-09-05T15:53:17.249-07:00The Nest<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lobster;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">I watched the female cardinal yesterday</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Lobster;"><div style="text-align: center;"> (the one who raised her young in our burning bush)</div></span><span style="font-family: Lobster;"><div style="text-align: center;">The babies fledged--they fly albeit haltingly</div></span><span style="font-family: Lobster;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Looking back to mama.</div></span><span style="font-family: Lobster;"><div style="text-align: center;">She seemed to be ignoring them until Val</div></span><span style="font-family: Lobster;"><div style="text-align: center;"> our lean black cat sauntered past.</div></span><span style="font-family: Lobster;"><div style="text-align: center;">Then her body was on high alert,</div></span><span style="font-family: Lobster;"><div style="text-align: center;"> watching, making sure the young were still safe.</div></span><span style="font-family: Lobster;"><div style="text-align: center;">I wonder if at night she stretches her wings in her nest</div></span></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lobster; font-size: x-large;">and if it suddenly feels too large.</span></p></blockquote>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-36488266900690042842023-09-03T13:22:00.004-07:002023-09-03T13:22:53.758-07:00The House of Tomorrow<p> I actually wrote the previous post last Thursday but we got home so late that night that I forgot to finish and hit publish! He has been at college now since 8/31 Move in went smoothly. They really have it down to a science. I thought I would be carrying the furnishings and was a little worried as my wife's ankle is not good right now. But no! They have a cadre of folks who help load stuff up and cart it to the room and all you have to do is put it away when you are there. Amazing! </p><p>After the move in there was orientation and a lot of speakers and a delicous food truck supper. Not going to lie though, driving away was hard. Going to bed that night was hard. And we have all missed him so much at so many times since he moved in.</p><p>But. . . he is supremely blissfully happy. He is finding his tribe. He has friends all ready. He has plans and goals. He is exactly where he needs to be at this point in his life. And incidently, yay for another successful homeschooler going to college!</p><p>And I am working on this new period in my life as well. I have parented for almost 40 years. I have forgotten how to NOT actively parent. LOL Well, Elisabeth is still home but she too is so close to fledging and I am quite sure she will "adult" as soon as she is able. </p><p>I have spent this weekend doing house projects with my wife. Reorganizing spaces. Building a new back step. Repairing a back railing. Taking down summer decor. Putting away summer clothes and taking out the fall and cooler weather work duds. Helping Chet wash the siding on the house. Hanging a new clothes line. Cleaning our back storage room with Elisabeth. Bringing my mom her groceries and popping into work for a short bit on Saturday. Working on moving a ridiculous amount of pictures off my work phone onto my home computer one by one.</p><p>It's mostly all good, though I find I am somewhat lonely. It's okay. As I told KC when he left, it is OK to be uncomfortable. It's how we grow. I will grow too. I will gradually find new interests, people, experiences, that enrich my time. I keep thinking of the poem by Gibran. Our church uses this at child dedications:</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: fira-sans; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Your children are not your children.<br />They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.<br />They come through you but not from you,<br />And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: fira-sans; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You may give them your love but not your thoughts,<br />For they have their own thoughts.<br />You may house their bodies but not their souls,<br />For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.<br />You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.<br />For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.<br />You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.<br />The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.<br />Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;<br />For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think til now I did not think of the house of tomorrow that I will not visit. But I am always willing to be the stable bow.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-88525251961374492232023-09-03T13:07:00.006-07:002023-09-03T13:07:50.594-07:00Moving Day<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRUs8VUerGnvZ09IFyO2ejhGN_9Sbmr8BmT3Bb2Xu0U-DCFH2Mncn0Nv7RYZTueD2iHc8wvlyiXGT8pna6DqnaOO2hUuWwvVOrtQzAxam1WLKVjn_I-sJiZWsCAS8woT7Mkpw7he7gDJCRCyHeeH9H1qUt9unQt0UDP5iAnh5F9AVWZDuqtqG_wumuJ6s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRUs8VUerGnvZ09IFyO2ejhGN_9Sbmr8BmT3Bb2Xu0U-DCFH2Mncn0Nv7RYZTueD2iHc8wvlyiXGT8pna6DqnaOO2hUuWwvVOrtQzAxam1WLKVjn_I-sJiZWsCAS8woT7Mkpw7he7gDJCRCyHeeH9H1qUt9unQt0UDP5iAnh5F9AVWZDuqtqG_wumuJ6s=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>It's move in day! The car is packed. Mini fridge, microwave, clothes, dance gear, pillows, bedding, stuffed animals, food and cooking supplies. It's there. We leave in about an hour. He stripped his bed and the sheets are in the wash. The bed that won't need to be remade tonight. <p></p><p>I took this photo at the Jacob's Pillow center when we were there last week for the hip hop class. Martha Graham was one of the founders of the Pillow (along with Ted Shawn) and the quote actually refers to dance. But it is also so true about parenting. It's about helping our kids find their wings and take those first, sometimes halting flights to independence. Not pushing out of the nest, but guiding them to the edge with encouragement. Lifting up when the down drafts try and grab them helping them flap the wings just a bit harder.</p><p>It will be hard tonight when I go up to bed and I don't hear him in his room--music playing, or chatting with friends. I'm not sure what I'll do then but I too will find my way. This is a new place in parenting. With a big family I have never even come close to empty nesting. I need to be intentional about finding my new wings too. I'm taking a dance class this fall. That is one thing. I'll find others as well.</p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-35875283545091395372023-08-28T17:09:00.003-07:002023-08-28T17:09:18.061-07:00Last Weekend before the college drop off!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YS0-n4T0R6YyIJ64DXmvhNkWAvpMvEtaHI_1c9xmPVD008g7LpPjnPzQMc8Ul3yIloS8ig4Bf3mr1fpiAKeya-feyNutS8bl7_tEcIvRyONqB2UGIak3yOw9TQbEl4wf1S86bGhtNxAw2rQ1vaZipj3rsCEe2z0hEkora2Vhh7JR94Jp5XudWSydAL8/s935/jp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YS0-n4T0R6YyIJ64DXmvhNkWAvpMvEtaHI_1c9xmPVD008g7LpPjnPzQMc8Ul3yIloS8ig4Bf3mr1fpiAKeya-feyNutS8bl7_tEcIvRyONqB2UGIak3yOw9TQbEl4wf1S86bGhtNxAw2rQ1vaZipj3rsCEe2z0hEkora2Vhh7JR94Jp5XudWSydAL8/w225-h400/jp.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It was a busy weekend. The days and hours are fleeing quickly until that guy on the right gets dropped at college on Thursday. I'm smiling but I am sort of a wreck. So excited for him, so knowing how very very much I'll be missing him. I'll miss calling out to him, hey look at the sunset. I'll miss him calling out to me to come see the moon. But he needs this.<div><br /></div><div>Sunday we drove two hours west of our city so that he and Elisabeth could take a hip hop class at Jacob's Pillow. This is a cool experience because the participants are studying with instructors from companies that are touring. This was a class led by Compangnie Kafig and it was extremely cool. Both of my kids liked it (and rocked it!) The class was supposed to be an hour but ran 90 minutes. This is them afterwards with the two instructors. A fun side note, this pic is from Elisabeth's phone. She initiated them taking the picture! A sure sign that she also enjoyed herself.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did not get to see much of the class as this one was held in one of the Pillow's indoor spaces. The last time we went they were on an outdoor stage and I could observe the whole class. I did get to peek in at the end though and it was so cool to watch. KC is so fluid and just lights up when he dances, and Elisabeth was having a great time as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also have been overwhelmed with the kindness shown to KC as he readies himself. A customer where he works gave him a brand new dorm fridge. As in, still in the box! A co worker gave him a brand new microwave. It is clear he is loved by many. I have always said there can never be too many people loving your kids. In today's turbulent times that is ever more true. May he meet many more of those people in this next chapter of his life.</div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-83853774186781592632023-07-30T11:00:00.001-07:002023-07-30T11:00:07.552-07:00Count down to college<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTi8r9VtlkEOtemIPiiNP-M7T--pJFOn-NyqB7ZjxI-d8av5DOZtyM28IriYfg3EoY4mNpjE-Zcxw_KZmIjxpfvk1aQ5yrZIXbJAnpFs-kkblQnxT6i-qBM-YQJzlQRJmm4Uafao2M_icjqzwzlJszlvPF7vEkm4uZj6ED5gsCp_lH8mThkyVbK8FEVc/s4082/hiphop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4082" data-original-width="2742" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTi8r9VtlkEOtemIPiiNP-M7T--pJFOn-NyqB7ZjxI-d8av5DOZtyM28IriYfg3EoY4mNpjE-Zcxw_KZmIjxpfvk1aQ5yrZIXbJAnpFs-kkblQnxT6i-qBM-YQJzlQRJmm4Uafao2M_icjqzwzlJszlvPF7vEkm4uZj6ED5gsCp_lH8mThkyVbK8FEVc/s320/hiphop1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>It is exactly a month tomorrow. 30 days until we drive this handsome man to his college, help load up his room, participate in the parent orientation. . . and drive away. This is HARD folks! The gap year has flown by. I am thrilled that he has been accepted at a learning institution where he can follow his duel passions of dance and film. He lights up a stage. He has such passion for what he does.</p><p>But the hole in our home life will be immense. He is the guy who always asks how my day was. Who hugs me every night. Who checks in often in so many random little ways. The house will be cleaner. The shoe rack will be tidy. There won't be dishes (or not so many!) in weird places. But I won't hear show tunes belted from the bathroom, or come upon him counting out choreography in the dining room. Or having him run in and tell me to come look at the moonrise or a special sunset.</p><p>It feels like not at all long ago that he was always cuddled up with me, reading stories or singing. Watching Kipper on TV. Taking nightly walks to the park. He has of all my kids, been slowest to step out on his own but now, he is ready.</p><p>This is all what <b>should</b> happen. He is ready to fly and I want him to soar. But I suspect I will also spend this last month spontaneously crying at odd random times. Send kleenex.</p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-51533934318237318372023-02-12T06:40:00.004-08:002023-02-12T06:40:35.838-08:00More College Ramblings<p> Yesterday we toured KC's top choice school in Western Mass. It is a very different college from what I am used to with two living buildings on campus, which is highly unusual. <a href="https://www.houzz.com/magazine/what-is-a-living-building-stsetivw-vs~29375838" target="_blank">What is a living building</a> ? Click the link for a more concise explanation than I could give! Obviously there is a strong environmental focus at the college, but there is equally a passionate social justice program and a thriving arts program which seems a wonderful fit for KC. The college is part of a 5 college consortium and he would be able to take classes at all colleges without extra tuition. Dorm rooms are singles and that too is something that will help make his transition easier I think. He is a guy who needs his space. He also needs sleep and if he was paired with someone who had different needs/schedules he would struggle.</p><p>He has all ready been accepted and offered a really great 4 year scholarship from the college. But after we toured we were told he is being considered for a greater award which we won't know about till probably early April. He still wants to tour the third choice college in 2 weeks but I am pretty sure he will accept this school's offer and be very happy there. His friend goes there and was able to meet up with us and join us on the tour and talked afterward about what his experience has been like this first year. Those were helpful insights.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-58175604902255042182023-01-29T08:07:00.003-08:002023-01-29T08:07:08.474-08:00Endings and Beginnings<p> It's been busy here. A bit of reno but most of the busy has been my mom and my youngest son KC. It's a story of endings and beginnings. Mom is 90 and has lived two states away from us for more than 25 years. Til recently it has not been a problem. But as she ages it has become more of a concern to me. She lives on a second floor and has to also go to the basement down some very sketchy steps to do laundry. If she needs help she is 2.5 hours from us. During Covid lock down we could not travel to her. I began to realize that this was a situation that should change. She did too, but it is hard for her. </p><p>She has lived in this apartment for 20 or so years. It holds memories and lots of stuff. Not in a hoarding way, but more than she needs and can realistically care for. It is a two bedroom so she has a room that is just a study with two desks and file cabinets. Again, more than she needs but that is hard to say to someone.</p><p>About 8 months ago she did agree to apply at the high rise where I work. Her name came up more quickly than anticipated and it looks like she will move in this month. The process has produced some excitement for her---the idea of being close to the grandkids and my wife and I,the prospect of attending church with me have been happy thoughts for her. The idea of an elevator so she does not have to do stairs has been a plus. But there are also things that produce anxiety. The very act of moving and realizing that all she owns will.not.fit. She will be moving to a lovely one bedroom apartment. There is a great view of a pond and she is close to two city parks and will be able to enjoy nature which is great. But again, a one bedroom unit. To try and alleviate the stress I have rented a storage unit. We will store things she is unsure about and/or which don't fit in the new apartment there. She can "audition" some of her furniture by doing this. For instance the woman has two kitchen tables. One she presently keeps in the front hall of the apartment building. She can't do that in the new place. She can try one of them in the apartment and we will store the other one. If she doesn't like the first one, we will swap them. The one that ultimately is not chosen we can donate or put on marketplace. It will be the same with the two desks, and other items that she feels unable to decide about. This has helped calm her a bit.</p><p>She is realizing that she does not want to drive in a new city and is considering giving up her car. At 90 I think that is a good thing. She is close enough when she moved that I was planning on taking her shopping anyway. She is grieving the loss of what she once had--the ability to walk at the oceans edge, gatherings with work and church friends ---many who have passed on now or who are less capable than she is. It is good for her to move but also so hard. It is a reminder that the wheel of life keeps turning and time on this plane is finite. It is hard for me too, as she is obviously less capable these days and not the Mom or Nana of years past.</p><p>But this is also a season of beginnings. KC has applied at three colleges. His intent is to major in dance and minor in film. He has been accepted all ready at two of the three. His top choice school, which also offers an amazing financial award toward his tuition and his third choice school which offers a modest award toward tuition. He has not heard from the second choice but interviews with them this week. My gut is that he will go with the top choice school but he wants to tour all three and make his decision from that. All the schools are in our state and within 90 minutes of our home. He knows he does not want to be further than that from home as family is his touchstone in a very deep way. February is not only a time of moving Mom to a new apartment but also filled with weekends of the college tours. </p><p>I am so excited for him. This is his dream and he is chasing it with vigor and purpose. It is also hard. Hard to imagine him not in the house every night. Or here when I get home from work, asking how my day was. Or dropping him off at dance. He is so intensely woven into the fabric of family life, that this will be a big adjustment for us all here as well. This is absolutely what every parent wants for their child, but oh I am still going to be crying into my pillow when he leaves.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-34093714980946782042023-01-07T15:34:00.005-08:002023-01-07T15:34:58.980-08:00Updating Old cabinets<p> Months ago we installed new uppers in our kitchen. We installed a set of custom lower cabinets in one area but there was a run of base cabinets that would have been too complicated to replace. Made many years by vocational school students, the doors are thinner than normal. They are essentially plywood. But to remove them and put in a new base is more money and time than we wanted to devote to it. So we mutually agreed to paint the lowers and put on new hardware to give them another lease on life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5A1jaKd9szPX0K-86R5DnkOgpI6kOuF58_gClf-PB0OfcoKRsWgobcpnyYEaBHybeRjsYgn1-GHfk_QUPhDbEOCQ5kVOYir0t8cg5aaXkCDBQxKeNe-nTMSaoYpOpZ5yFEXj0VpVEAW6BLFkEDwkVm9ZGzzxpwBQQqQOu9JnSRMG0jk5EHTvNFn2/s206/323633816_2360219730811447_6160089472982767359_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5A1jaKd9szPX0K-86R5DnkOgpI6kOuF58_gClf-PB0OfcoKRsWgobcpnyYEaBHybeRjsYgn1-GHfk_QUPhDbEOCQ5kVOYir0t8cg5aaXkCDBQxKeNe-nTMSaoYpOpZ5yFEXj0VpVEAW6BLFkEDwkVm9ZGzzxpwBQQqQOu9JnSRMG0jk5EHTvNFn2/w320-h320/323633816_2360219730811447_6160089472982767359_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There used to be two very ugly faux drawer fronts underneath the sink. They didn't fit properly and wobbled all around--in fairness all of my 5 kids pulled on them at one point or another when they were growing up. But you can see the lovely orangey color and the dated hardware. I had obviously removed the two faux drawers at this point--an embarrassingly easy thing to do that took about 3 minutes of time. We also removed a piece of quarter round that was under the counter and discovered that there was a bit of a mess there. Moisture had gotten behind the trim and mold was growing. There was a gap, caused in part by levelling the counter but also partly because there used to be a different counter and sink there in my childhood. I did not want to put trim back there. So I went to my source--Youtu*e and sure enough someone had solved a similar problem with an old door. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The solution was to put painters tape behind the gap and seal it thoroughly. Then we used wood resin fill to fill the gap. The procedure was pretty easy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRLsa5oXnIJxBc0b33u8v-wiX5rbKnN3WbUhuG0M9NIHFQfhhJY5vHNNeuSZOKgce6lhxiV-Ny98O1VZzquNB3_tl-U6qOiBzKt5GKq_K_rk0nSsDWHi21vJKIEE3ht83PwhXZ11tNTIt-A2q5LkGZ_y750lLQidAS3XG_QWl-0Xur3YEx470oHQG/s206/324250065_457137596618923_9155473305307667509_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRLsa5oXnIJxBc0b33u8v-wiX5rbKnN3WbUhuG0M9NIHFQfhhJY5vHNNeuSZOKgce6lhxiV-Ny98O1VZzquNB3_tl-U6qOiBzKt5GKq_K_rk0nSsDWHi21vJKIEE3ht83PwhXZ11tNTIt-A2q5LkGZ_y750lLQidAS3XG_QWl-0Xur3YEx470oHQG/w320-h320/324250065_457137596618923_9155473305307667509_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>Here it was after filling the gaps so that that top is flat. We sanded it down with a mouse sander. My wife then took off all the old hardware and painted the drawers and lower cabinets. Amazingly, for the first time ever, our new hardware lined up with the holes for the old hardware. Truly a renovation miracle! <div><br /></div><div>Our plan was to replace the two faux drawers with one longer piece of wood. I am a bit of a wood hoarder. Lumber is expensive and old wood is just so special. One of the pieces i had saved from the bathroom gut job was a lovely pine board. It was too thick for our purpose so a friend planed it to the correct thickness for us. Today we painted and installed it. The lowers look amazing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Iu1xvQGhVSFR1Qp6j9ajnPljI4qWFbKybtJlHUiNfYSYkLug16M1fmfDCP00hECB8orMHIb5xWlhRYP9uInF-jOjwUdAZ247Z6LLpHo2lEW3tRds4j-eyzSILgYXQHBzpvhnzKbjhsDUv1-Ezh8I5sptOvhNi5TO68lCw_RVfgEyyyGq3N2Wdd_D/s206/324241356_904302680728565_3647078866368943698_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Iu1xvQGhVSFR1Qp6j9ajnPljI4qWFbKybtJlHUiNfYSYkLug16M1fmfDCP00hECB8orMHIb5xWlhRYP9uInF-jOjwUdAZ247Z6LLpHo2lEW3tRds4j-eyzSILgYXQHBzpvhnzKbjhsDUv1-Ezh8I5sptOvhNi5TO68lCw_RVfgEyyyGq3N2Wdd_D/w320-h320/324241356_904302680728565_3647078866368943698_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Youtu*er I watched called this process "puttin lipsick on a pig." Well this pig looks pretty fine! We used Heirloom Traditions paint for this. I have used their paint in other applications in our home and find it to be exceptionally durable and very easy to apply. This color is called London should anyone be interested in the color in their own home.</div><div><br /></div><div>First project of 2023 finished!<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-1623562159919599602023-01-01T07:48:00.001-08:002023-01-01T07:48:28.583-08:00Hello 2023<p> Happy New Year! It was a different New Years Eve this year. They have changed a lot over the years. There were the years the kids were too little to stay up (and be human the next day!) so we would pick countries around the world and make special food from that country , and learn facts about them and play trivia games and learn about them. Then we would have sprinklers in the back yard or glow sticks and say Happy New Year according to the time it was the new year there.</p><p>Then the kids got old enough to stay up. We had snacks and movie nights together and snuggled watching the ball drop. One year KC timed us watching the Avenger movie so that when the "snap" happened it was midnight.</p><p>Now things have changed again, as is the way in life. Rob does not live at home. KC went to a friends house for New Years Eve and to sleep over. Elisabeth had two girl friends sleep over here. Chet always prefers to stay in his room, not liking noise and hoopla so it was my wife and I rattling around the house. I made tostones and coquito to snack on, but then by 10:30 I was cold so I snuggled in bed and watched the new year in from there on my phone. What a party animal!! At midnight we were all texting each other watching fireworks on our phones (which I have to admit was extremely cool!)</p><p>This morning, kids are still sleeping but my wife is at work and I have been up for hours. It is uncharicteristically mild here right now so I took a long walk to welcome the New Year and to talk to the goddess.</p><p>May 2023 be good to us all! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-59912747841361893382022-12-26T05:54:00.003-08:002022-12-26T05:54:35.115-08:00Christmas 2022<p> Wow! And in that blink Christmas came and went. December was a whirlwind--it always is with 2 birthdays in my family, one in our friend/family and a bevy of work challenges.Added to that were sicknesses--the kids and then me. I inconveniently became ill on the 19th. I got through that birthday party but woke sicker on the 20th. I was out of commission that day and the following Monday. It is super rare for me to call out of work so you know I was really feeling low. I was well enough to go back to work Tuesday and do things like stocking shopping, food shopping etc, but I still don't feel well. It's annoying. I am a lousy patient.</p><p>Despite that, Christmas was wonderful. Rob was here, and Fiona was in the Big City with other family as she was here on Thanksgiving. I texted her a Merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday. I made our traditional home made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and despite usually wanting to sleep late, KC had us all up by 7 a.m. Gifts were thoughtful and appreciated. Laughter was plentiful. </p><p>I found myself melancholy last night as I realize that there may not be many more years when we are all together like this on Christmas morning. Rob has been in a relationship for over a year now and though we have extended a welcome to bring his girlfriend and her son anytime, they have not done so. He comes on his own but never with her. At some point if the relationship continues, I am sure they will want their own traditions and the timing of ours will have to adjust. KC is looking at colleges and next year he may not be home. I'm sure he will come home on break but he won't be part of decorating the house,,making chocolate houses, and driving around looking at lights and all they myriad traditions that have evolved over the years and make up our Decembers.</p><p>I want this for them. I want them to fly and soar and test their wings. I want them to do this when they can still come home to roost when wind buffets young wings too badly, so I can give them hot cookies and fresh made rolls and a hug. I hope to see them imparting some of our traditions--with their own spins--to a new generation.</p><p>But I would be lying if I said that I am not missing putting out the magic key for Santa, reading carefully lettered lists, reading bedtime stories under the Christmas tree . . . And I am realizing that at this point in my life there are fewer Christmas mornings ahead of me than there are behind me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3SJxaTcwGzr8FLXUmPimJDLrqdtwmq6WU53A3rQl9STqAdptHcHeTq59UEH1dpG7B0zNnvFcPcSBK--h6gZ6ot_cWMXVlw4V9P_SQ_yTQURhPUScA0fC-XnfAP3BvPMK4o509MBw33xPa15tVaFjtvBINnU29iLDI0-v86M3Qhek4ZBG1PTIz52_/s2048/322109330_562422865804439_7398410185627021785_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3SJxaTcwGzr8FLXUmPimJDLrqdtwmq6WU53A3rQl9STqAdptHcHeTq59UEH1dpG7B0zNnvFcPcSBK--h6gZ6ot_cWMXVlw4V9P_SQ_yTQURhPUScA0fC-XnfAP3BvPMK4o509MBw33xPa15tVaFjtvBINnU29iLDI0-v86M3Qhek4ZBG1PTIz52_/s320/322109330_562422865804439_7398410185627021785_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUokKjvzxY_Z4uFnWy6LNXYJkDWxpEXGO0facvGeBTGSFELE8Nh2jK4xcPP6uOvXh2cR-mMnhyRZ8uzC7lvKaMl6GKp_H9pqZQx3mwg9Ybcoc3NnqzruG2SdtCecwZaak5thhbUALDWSnOchtoxoSG8eSsCq__tLQ2WGcGJLv4MCdHK5401viWiSaV/s2048/322065436_3347145188949175_2830875484140418593_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUokKjvzxY_Z4uFnWy6LNXYJkDWxpEXGO0facvGeBTGSFELE8Nh2jK4xcPP6uOvXh2cR-mMnhyRZ8uzC7lvKaMl6GKp_H9pqZQx3mwg9Ybcoc3NnqzruG2SdtCecwZaak5thhbUALDWSnOchtoxoSG8eSsCq__tLQ2WGcGJLv4MCdHK5401viWiSaV/s320/322065436_3347145188949175_2830875484140418593_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ypm5siL2uTumpP6BZiv_cGduIwpbPHLrwF2J_7jo7Xpv7bCoYlMYbXB_7DiUUt5k3RDFkFZp8u6qJKu2EgG9c4pBwxkVZ4tc3bUH0prtHl9lksY1P49kc4dhKLMtNL-RDV5L48ZbfrNw4TkqxHaNPPZSJK7ubPpdTQKNm5GNyLRdnODZUumII2Xp/s2048/322024207_861264931878490_3426126305563397481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ypm5siL2uTumpP6BZiv_cGduIwpbPHLrwF2J_7jo7Xpv7bCoYlMYbXB_7DiUUt5k3RDFkFZp8u6qJKu2EgG9c4pBwxkVZ4tc3bUH0prtHl9lksY1P49kc4dhKLMtNL-RDV5L48ZbfrNw4TkqxHaNPPZSJK7ubPpdTQKNm5GNyLRdnODZUumII2Xp/s320/322024207_861264931878490_3426126305563397481_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKdW4cC6ddhTSXyNTYukh6QEijgG4JFs6J-LlIe-UrP-kqJPn64gQ7lekAVXNEqgYPZnuwxdvg6bP9j87zrLb4JzZg-_vl0wTVRyi6JWHrZ5_fg2LxONvY91khRFFPUXmRwFH024UDB_Mvkpq9qZ0j61vYsoZ4slw0W1L12bB4Fsy2B9O_p_6Ry94/s2048/321925984_906157983890232_6025369665183125989_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKdW4cC6ddhTSXyNTYukh6QEijgG4JFs6J-LlIe-UrP-kqJPn64gQ7lekAVXNEqgYPZnuwxdvg6bP9j87zrLb4JzZg-_vl0wTVRyi6JWHrZ5_fg2LxONvY91khRFFPUXmRwFH024UDB_Mvkpq9qZ0j61vYsoZ4slw0W1L12bB4Fsy2B9O_p_6Ry94/s320/321925984_906157983890232_6025369665183125989_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxc5gFLGqaL2OBAXtS6J4Mt4A7UPzSgK_KE6Ospita-_zWUHWPlxAd9Xp851yaKoXcdM2eRvHU_gBhl07nsJkBtGDgoqNRrA8jeVrIvwFak1cF-io8E4N3q-8jk75TYNNS-2_IF5m-VmhPP_6LWEeTvdD8AdICQ8GMgJ8kCRkclehKfllDZIeZl6X/s2048/321799991_1674669236281712_1826275740848088587_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxc5gFLGqaL2OBAXtS6J4Mt4A7UPzSgK_KE6Ospita-_zWUHWPlxAd9Xp851yaKoXcdM2eRvHU_gBhl07nsJkBtGDgoqNRrA8jeVrIvwFak1cF-io8E4N3q-8jk75TYNNS-2_IF5m-VmhPP_6LWEeTvdD8AdICQ8GMgJ8kCRkclehKfllDZIeZl6X/s320/321799991_1674669236281712_1826275740848088587_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-34967957248982517192022-09-26T15:43:00.008-07:002022-09-26T15:43:54.761-07:00A jolly bathroom!<p> We are pretty much dancing toward the finish line for the bathroom project. There are still things to do, but mostly they are of the fun cosmetic nature. Like, building a barn door for the bathroom closet. I have ALWAYS wanted to build a barn door. (OK I am willing to own the weirdness of that, but it is true!) Also that project uses more reclaimed wood from another part of the house and I love that too. There is something special to me about using wood in new ways that has a history where you are. So let's look back at this delightful photo:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aPYqcFXWixnHxSXbqSCEM8ujTjEHs_FhMtGSbu-Od2C5lEJQmgIQ303B0SbyUxTIBlnapSDbUSjHOL-Etamn4Hsao9TqeDWk6g07KzqEAv5CFuUOg03H6W5HhximS494oqB36A4z_mRjk4cFKaZCm4GABp31IQ-xpTq5oDxWFhSlj8sx4V8CABCZ/s2048/239193077_10216676851673673_6625475247519054719_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aPYqcFXWixnHxSXbqSCEM8ujTjEHs_FhMtGSbu-Od2C5lEJQmgIQ303B0SbyUxTIBlnapSDbUSjHOL-Etamn4Hsao9TqeDWk6g07KzqEAv5CFuUOg03H6W5HhximS494oqB36A4z_mRjk4cFKaZCm4GABp31IQ-xpTq5oDxWFhSlj8sx4V8CABCZ/s320/239193077_10216676851673673_6625475247519054719_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This wasn't even the very beginning. This was after I got the old tub out, moved the plumbing and insulated the walls. But it was at the very least 'rustic.' Now I am focussing on things like this instead:<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E_vNo5AIQMtQifxnS6gMq1U0KggJ-2fvZzAzM2psORjoiVa1XSoliehdGB2QxTnRZaBGUFhbJIiEyAHnywkj2LFviDwqjaBQsez3NsvGZqFqwNNQzJJOccU-xKe-c9DvoTsbXlWn4PY8I19m6bwvskmCBg4gDTQRxZKPyNEDbvAmmRiozNcHdqsd/s1080/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E_vNo5AIQMtQifxnS6gMq1U0KggJ-2fvZzAzM2psORjoiVa1XSoliehdGB2QxTnRZaBGUFhbJIiEyAHnywkj2LFviDwqjaBQsez3NsvGZqFqwNNQzJJOccU-xKe-c9DvoTsbXlWn4PY8I19m6bwvskmCBg4gDTQRxZKPyNEDbvAmmRiozNcHdqsd/s320/thumbnail.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Saturday we installed subway tile and a jolly stick trim (side note: can someone tell me why the stick is jolly?) We wanted to cover the base which was formerly visible under the shower pan. This ties nicely with the floor we put in and just makes for a clean, finished look. </p><p>We won't have much time for reno in the next few weeks as vacation is getting veeeery close! But really, this has been such a fun project and I have learned so much.</p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-55354226227281388452022-08-13T08:39:00.003-07:002022-08-13T08:39:22.765-07:00Oh wait! It's ME?<p> Since lockdown I've followed a bunch of You T*bers that teach home renovation skills. I have about 4 favorites that are my go to sources when I am learning new skills. And if you've meandered through this blog you will know that I have learned a lot. Truthfully not JUST from the vids. I also have a talented friend who has shared his time showing me plumbing and electrical wiring. But from the computer I learned how to demo, how to build and put up a new wall, how to modify cabinets, how to hang cabinets, how to do a back splash how to hang and repair drywall and more.</p><p><br /></p><p>The other day when I tuned into one of my fave tubers he was doing a piece on using new found skills as a side hustle. The premise is that by devoting the occasional Saturday one could now charge for doing these things for others and make some much needed cash. He pointed out important things, like keeping the jobs you take on to ones that do not require a permit, registering your business etc. And although I have <strike>little </strike> no free time, I was still intrigued. After all, I COULD have time in the future? Maybe?? And i do love to do these kind of things. Then the dude continues on, talking about not underpricing your skills. . . because there is a huge labor shortage and a lot of boomers are now in their 60's. They don't want to be on ladders and doing these kind of things anymore. They will pay good money he said. Wait! Stop the presses! Um, I fall into that age demographic.</p><p>I don't mind being on a ladder. I can carry drywall and subflooring. I can do these things. So if I can do them, can't a lot of other "boomers?" I posited the question to my co workers who said that probably others didn't and it was just that I am an anomaly who does not feel or act my age. I'm still trying to decide the veracity of that and whether or not it is a compliment.</p><p>Meanwhile I am going to go continue repairing and refinishing a table destined for my workplace!</p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-82638667365260715082022-05-22T16:41:00.006-07:002022-05-22T16:41:45.555-07:00Recital 2022!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGwEGn8kwCYV72cvLD1WV0KGZW8mFw5Ew6Nf66RAfnc4k_YzG9ctB6qS-_Smmc2-dVGjjKst3e8DrEB1UZeDtyaip0t7mN19_1ctmRBx8CkqcNeTBKF9BNSD1DIeB_nf_uYf_MoiHWocU7Umr2M9lzvPSk8Jp2COEW2TwWmyuosPSzRAWgOno-axQ/s2048/al.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGwEGn8kwCYV72cvLD1WV0KGZW8mFw5Ew6Nf66RAfnc4k_YzG9ctB6qS-_Smmc2-dVGjjKst3e8DrEB1UZeDtyaip0t7mN19_1ctmRBx8CkqcNeTBKF9BNSD1DIeB_nf_uYf_MoiHWocU7Umr2M9lzvPSk8Jp2COEW2TwWmyuosPSzRAWgOno-axQ/s320/al.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Yesterday was recital. And prom. A double header of emotional exhaustion and fun for our family. This guy in the center played Aladdin in the recital production which is both theater and dance. To say he shone would be an understatement. Yes, I am biased. But he is so good at this. It leaves me with my jaw hanging down. The combination of theater and the dance. It is so fun to watch and so so good. This was a big year. The school almost closed; a combination of the pandemic and a tragedy in the owners life. But the love that KC and his class have for her was a big part of what made her hold on and try to rebuild. They would literally do anything for her. He has danced there since he was 5 and he is now 18. He dances all disciplines. He taught a boys hip hop class-a first for the school. He choreographed two duets for himself, one with the young woman who plays Jasmine and one with the young woman who played the genie. They were fabulous and showed a lot of maturity in his craft. The lovely young lady to the left in this shot is his sister Elisabeth. She too, has grown so much in her dance abilities this year. <p></p><p>From the high of the performance it was home to scramble around and get ready for senior prom. Most readers know that we are homeschoolers. Homeschoolers constantly get the question "but how do you socialize." Well, fear not! This guy was taken to prom by not one but TWO lovely young ladies. I am not posting their picture as I don't have the ladies's permission but they looked amazing. One wore white, one work black and KC wore both! They have been friends for years and had a wonderful night together. More dancing and he was exhausted when he got home. </p><p>Today is a Youth Group party to say farewell to an Indonesian exchange student who has been part of the group this year. To say this was an emotion packed weekend would be an understatement!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-64270657533176370342022-04-17T07:08:00.007-07:002022-04-17T07:08:47.801-07:00Suddenly 18<p> KC is 18 today! Obviously this is not 18 pictures, but it is a reasonably good photo glimpse of how somehow that wee tiny baby who honestly only fit in doll clothes, is now this tall handsome young adult! How this happened I don't know. It feels like not long ago that he was so young, so needing of help. Our buddy in everything we did. The little guy who needed me to sing him to sleep every night and who put on "shows" after supper for us every single night.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXJY5zfv3m2l85AP8g7fCjIhvATd-rkSN7wfDX-vPz_Fa539pCIXKW6ZGrBvwwOdWyCBtP0RacjxpUoAEYqX2HVIFon0hjFTsQ_Jtnm8lIRhdYiELCBk7UqHnWS6szg8LqBGToZ5-9ZU3buURykcNgRYPInz5Wot8kLECL4AN4dePK4oeNwOlPExQ/s206/278244260_10217569131380108_3563840224350734706_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXJY5zfv3m2l85AP8g7fCjIhvATd-rkSN7wfDX-vPz_Fa539pCIXKW6ZGrBvwwOdWyCBtP0RacjxpUoAEYqX2HVIFon0hjFTsQ_Jtnm8lIRhdYiELCBk7UqHnWS6szg8LqBGToZ5-9ZU3buURykcNgRYPInz5Wot8kLECL4AN4dePK4oeNwOlPExQ/s1600/278244260_10217569131380108_3563840224350734706_n.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjxLxWW3BwW7raP9THsFyPk0A3COrcHVRjr2ZsMCOVdi88Ydbw0n1hiEK_gnGL3S4ip_UC9ddq8xCDxd8HCum8h8AlQ6s9D6h3Z34K5ObCvHg_jdbualAozOg1vFvyWpBYwDBHGP21kOP212lEBSfX45gLSl-8XiHsyaI9Tq6ePVgHcdHeXY8mwRP/s206/278773559_10217568772171128_4650633146498995493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjxLxWW3BwW7raP9THsFyPk0A3COrcHVRjr2ZsMCOVdi88Ydbw0n1hiEK_gnGL3S4ip_UC9ddq8xCDxd8HCum8h8AlQ6s9D6h3Z34K5ObCvHg_jdbualAozOg1vFvyWpBYwDBHGP21kOP212lEBSfX45gLSl-8XiHsyaI9Tq6ePVgHcdHeXY8mwRP/s1600/278773559_10217568772171128_4650633146498995493_n.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>Now he is a thoughtful kind and engaging teen, someone who has found within himself the capacity to lead peers, to teach dance, to work on making a positive impact in the world we live in. I am so proud of him. I am also frequently scared for him.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbqaP3tKVFPOy2sCopfewqn0f2bTpyNwIOTLCbTCF8Zu1KPU8JSJyj4EpIPbZpq1aero07E2z7vM8hRJ7KDOuvwDcsfcGqOVAUHG36cEJYXJjbNxaXZiwC7-m-867VuC_MQBhudDLeOIs_zjd-OEpDNoMl0nj1YY3uM0vKWLcOHMeoGEPJI2BiakJ/s1440/71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbqaP3tKVFPOy2sCopfewqn0f2bTpyNwIOTLCbTCF8Zu1KPU8JSJyj4EpIPbZpq1aero07E2z7vM8hRJ7KDOuvwDcsfcGqOVAUHG36cEJYXJjbNxaXZiwC7-m-867VuC_MQBhudDLeOIs_zjd-OEpDNoMl0nj1YY3uM0vKWLcOHMeoGEPJI2BiakJ/s320/71.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zRLfIpR7W6vPO9h5UHtj25u7ncmEuLk7PXXjrXrpOFc4SctKAHxLKIMUdVcaPTrsi4T-pEUUuIZbd0l2dW1CqaSt6zt8AWbX4D6Lz7YroRAd6hw0p-Urx5OXgzVfdgG9yYD5t2k-IzoKxVqxUuwsFz3GsuVzgc3RFPd8cjCm2EfFWHsK5BSnJ4nl/s1440/124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zRLfIpR7W6vPO9h5UHtj25u7ncmEuLk7PXXjrXrpOFc4SctKAHxLKIMUdVcaPTrsi4T-pEUUuIZbd0l2dW1CqaSt6zt8AWbX4D6Lz7YroRAd6hw0p-Urx5OXgzVfdgG9yYD5t2k-IzoKxVqxUuwsFz3GsuVzgc3RFPd8cjCm2EfFWHsK5BSnJ4nl/s320/124.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />I will be forever grateful to have been chosen to be this young man's mom. I will always remember leaf piles and puddle jumping, the first terrifying dance recital and the triumphant ones that followed. The hikes and homeschool classes, the silly traditions we have that make up family life. The joy and magic that he has brought to us all. Today we celebrate all that he is in many ways--favorite breakfast rolls made by me, birthday dinner made by big brother Rob, and a viewing of a show at the theater. Happy Happy Birthday dear son!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzEh4f-Ck79WDNv7XQsfPebvE_F0Limh2GF_MkCPv8JIBaFIFUHaDTFYCknbBtaAZv6G7qDbx4anQXvmGk3JjrTH0DwfpWbVuEXrn2BjjazWRLfTnRXtC8E7ksm1MlpSh9nyBDlNCuzrSpdDrsPa6yGG-sVI82xs2OpL5caHoBZAqqRS0vHrUZNtJ/s1080/thumbnail%20(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzEh4f-Ck79WDNv7XQsfPebvE_F0Limh2GF_MkCPv8JIBaFIFUHaDTFYCknbBtaAZv6G7qDbx4anQXvmGk3JjrTH0DwfpWbVuEXrn2BjjazWRLfTnRXtC8E7ksm1MlpSh9nyBDlNCuzrSpdDrsPa6yGG-sVI82xs2OpL5caHoBZAqqRS0vHrUZNtJ/s320/thumbnail%20(17).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XRXHEVVzRtS58EYDRyw7-sc4ULDOPbAVlUF6uf_EgprdaG1IXS8HvoaYX0g7p6Hpn6w1w58q_uHJwdezrAVyAwxOmEo44qpq8EpTGxpfvfe5WKIRn-Y5s8gogtRxXL5682-xgTX6cYvKi-xgu4Vtzodi0v4g0xxWMpIQ6ByKaM3T1XgeG7DEsC47/s1080/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1080" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XRXHEVVzRtS58EYDRyw7-sc4ULDOPbAVlUF6uf_EgprdaG1IXS8HvoaYX0g7p6Hpn6w1w58q_uHJwdezrAVyAwxOmEo44qpq8EpTGxpfvfe5WKIRn-Y5s8gogtRxXL5682-xgTX6cYvKi-xgu4Vtzodi0v4g0xxWMpIQ6ByKaM3T1XgeG7DEsC47/s320/thumbnail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJb91JjdIuQF5zKxxzoouo4EZIsG-F1RKmG8AG7LwlJBChdf5Fo98nQW--wLlt5b3NhDCGbiRwIjvp-AV3OoYyCOkyvTurLg09OD2FCy5OeXWjdppy03VHuhAWcY0LwxVyQ6wD5h1nLkh0u2eXnTimoZyH4eEGVl4l3mrCtL8FqiN3AGzjBfXFl60/s640/11043041_957061370973421_5714768291349165178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="632" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJb91JjdIuQF5zKxxzoouo4EZIsG-F1RKmG8AG7LwlJBChdf5Fo98nQW--wLlt5b3NhDCGbiRwIjvp-AV3OoYyCOkyvTurLg09OD2FCy5OeXWjdppy03VHuhAWcY0LwxVyQ6wD5h1nLkh0u2eXnTimoZyH4eEGVl4l3mrCtL8FqiN3AGzjBfXFl60/s320/11043041_957061370973421_5714768291349165178_n.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-6266893226760218622022-03-27T16:02:00.006-07:002022-03-27T16:02:41.594-07:00Youth Group Sunday<p> It happens. It sneaks up on us. One night we are rocking our babies. The next, they are on the cusp of "grown." That's where KC is now. And I am so.not.ready. This was hard with Rob too. But Rob wanted to live at home and train in to school. KC has an interest (dance and film) that make that not the best choice. He has opted for a gap year to spend time sorting this out and will likely be applying to Hampshire College in the western part of our state next year. It looks like it could be fabulous. He tours the end of next month. </p><p>In the day to day living, I lose track of how close to grown he is. His shoes still clutter the entry way. He still has to be reminded to do things like hang up clothes or do the wash. Yet there is so much that shows how much he has grown and hints at the amazing young man he is becoming. </p><p>Today was one such day. Yearly our church Youth Group does a Sunday service. They craft the service themselves and put on the whole thing. It is their vision, their words, their day. This year the group had trouble pulling a service together. They decided on a theme but covid protocols threw meetings back on zoom right when they typically do this prep. With zoom fatigue at an all time high, it was hard to pull people in.</p><p>KC did though. He organized most of the service, playing to the individual strengths of the youth group members. He got them to agree to <b>dancing</b> a prelude down the aisle of the church. (thankfully the surge passed and protocols allowed for masked gatherings) He taught them a dance that had everyone in the pews standing and clapping along. There were fabulous readings, reflections written and shared by the graduating seniors, one of whom was my son. He not only wrote something, which was read thoughtfully and powerfully, but he wrote an original dance and did that as part of it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s4_a9jlalkfIi6s4yGgwrOsG1NikG9dAyYW7-D3peHdDOITCiJnwceUHWS_9z9sED3vkkDUcQwu-Asmfc1qpfuj3Y4zs4prBUQmKHWvrEiL73o5_j2Szw9pm4MX3zxEzp_sEoYxeT7ZHIiAzZVlKm8tALLbV50-nVd1kojV6LaeurFhbomI880k-/s1440/kc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s4_a9jlalkfIi6s4yGgwrOsG1NikG9dAyYW7-D3peHdDOITCiJnwceUHWS_9z9sED3vkkDUcQwu-Asmfc1qpfuj3Y4zs4prBUQmKHWvrEiL73o5_j2Szw9pm4MX3zxEzp_sEoYxeT7ZHIiAzZVlKm8tALLbV50-nVd1kojV6LaeurFhbomI880k-/s320/kc1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeprfEucGpH8EDCpnsgQqJCS8kQQyOuawei5tJmj1GCJQ7tOQRsBzDSQ1gstigeipAR_-cXMF8h7Y93Ojc3P4rRSk_2POuLP1lcBeRpPcOEGLtgICqo9NSGdu-GAERaNCTsKqW5JEhq8t4xA8mNp7BoNvrkCDmIm8Qx-wF0Fx9gFu6tMicEhkf8A0k/s1440/kc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeprfEucGpH8EDCpnsgQqJCS8kQQyOuawei5tJmj1GCJQ7tOQRsBzDSQ1gstigeipAR_-cXMF8h7Y93Ojc3P4rRSk_2POuLP1lcBeRpPcOEGLtgICqo9NSGdu-GAERaNCTsKqW5JEhq8t4xA8mNp7BoNvrkCDmIm8Qx-wF0Fx9gFu6tMicEhkf8A0k/s320/kc2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I was blown away at so many levels. The dance was amazing. But if you zoom in you will see that he is wearing a necklace with a ring on it. I didn't notice it at first, caught up in the movement of the dance. But there was a place where he stopped and held the ring and looked up. And then I saw it. It is his Grampa Ken's wedding ring, gifted to him when he was very young by my mom when Ken passed. Ken was a minister in our faith. He would have been so very proud of his grandson and what he shared and the young man he is becoming.</p><p>I am not ready, but I need to do the work to get ready, because KC is. And I want to watch him stretch, and soar, and reach for all that he envisions. </p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-76715868276299250982022-03-14T16:09:00.000-07:002022-03-14T16:09:54.365-07:00Strikes and Subway!<p> As our world opens up again (this would be the second go round at trying that!) gatherings have begun to occur. We went to our second birthday party yesterday for a family friend. The party was held at a bowling alley and was a lot of fun. Partly because of the good friends, partly because I still enjoy bowling (and to my credit did get scores of 80 and 70 respectively) I said I bowled older than my age so I was very happy. LOL Elisabeth finally bowled for the first time ever and got a strike. She has never bowled because she deems bowling shoes ugly and that they should not be worn. So when I would take the boys when she was younger she always ate snacks and cheered but never bowled. She still isn't a fan but had a good time because of who we were with.</p><p>While we were gone, K began tiling the wall in the bathroom that our sink is on. When I got home I helped cut tile and it went much more quickly. Then we decided on how we would finish the vanity that the sink sits on. When I bought the vanity on line, it had a little bottom drawer and an open space above it with a door. (of course it was a vanity you had to build so it has been sitting with just the exterior built so that the sink could be on it for months. ) The challenge is that in this bathroom the plumbing to the sink comes up from the cellar not through the wall as it does in our upstairs bath. Which meant we had to drill a hole in the bottom of the cabinet rendering a drawer impossible.</p><p>There were a number of options. We could put a false front on where the drawer should go. We though of attaching the drawer front with strong magnetic tape. Then my wife thought of marrying the two together with small flat pieces of metal on the backs and treating it as one door. It worked. . . except that our screws when we did this dimpled the front of the door in a few places. This is not fine cabinetry folks. We are talking MDF here. I'll give you that you can't see the dimples unless you look for them. But we know we WILL look at them, because we did this and we know they are there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDU4cYP3PbfduOMRIAeWpMuseEq8dgioX3OKABRw_wq9AVO09kZhltUQ_NiMqlZJoo3q3Q-d7SOsuUdnFSFy_ksfd0T9uJ2JBDz5XlRoxdeNobgqqowEt3l7WMRksKw0rAuM276LKDmDknE_rpEN3As3cQB3oYToBNb1Rz_2B0Dt3NxTibVMZCcYdT=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDU4cYP3PbfduOMRIAeWpMuseEq8dgioX3OKABRw_wq9AVO09kZhltUQ_NiMqlZJoo3q3Q-d7SOsuUdnFSFy_ksfd0T9uJ2JBDz5XlRoxdeNobgqqowEt3l7WMRksKw0rAuM276LKDmDknE_rpEN3As3cQB3oYToBNb1Rz_2B0Dt3NxTibVMZCcYdT=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here it is as it looks now. We have ordered a waterproof peel and stick wallpaper piece that will go into the panel and a grey cabinet door knob. The piece of baseboard on the left is not attached, but it is what will eventually go around the room. It is as close as I could get to the baseboard in the rest of our home which is a very wide baseboard and has lots of curves and ridges. This is smaller but has a very similar pattern and is made of plastic which is what I want for a bathroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have some drywall to work on on the other side of the bathroom so that is next up. But we are done with all tile work except for a line of bull nose that will go on the front of the shower area after the floor is installed. The areas we tiled used 2 full boxes of subway and 8 tiles (yes 8!) from the last box. Since I can't return the box for credit we are giving this partial to our friends who have helped us on this renovation journey. They are using the same tile in their bathroom project (though not the accent tiles)</div><br /><p></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711458223940763863.post-42075959567049491972022-03-06T13:18:00.005-08:002022-03-06T13:18:50.542-08:00The damas dress!<p> It is bizarre to realize that I have blogged, though not consistantly, since 2008! When I started, my kids were so little and life was so crazy. Now they are in various stages of "grown" and life is still crazy. Today we went to a bridal shop because my daughter is a damas for her friends quince and we had to get the gown. Egads that was a pricey endeavor! I got out of it for under $500 which I guess was lucky. However the dress looks absolutely stunning on her and it is a huge honor to be one of L's damas. It was fun to be there with L and her mom (who is a dear friend as well) and look through the scads and scads of amazing gowns.</p><p>I wasn't sure how this would go as Elisabeth does not really like dresses. She wore a gown to prom at youth group but that was the only time she has and she said she does not like gowns. I explained to her when she was asked to be a damas that there are responsibilities if she said yes, so she definately understood that she had to do this in a certain manner.</p><p>The only restriction was that the dress be some shade of pink and that it be long. She chose a subdued rose lace column dress with lacing up the back. It was the only dress she tried on. It fit perfectly. Back when I started blogging, she was probably about 2. Now she is a lovely, outspoken 15 year old young woman. Days of choosing matching outfits, and beading her hair are long gone. But today was fun, filled with laughter and conversation as our gaggle of girls and moms traipsed up and down the aisles of the bridal shop looking for "the" dress.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghX1ML0up2HpkWXKluJjiezgFd4BPUCi4wta1ZSUj0-Tsta93-Mw4uhef3gh9PtbAvnAQhPyQ0I-Cmm_DfakTIHK3Gt71ZEAQ_uIavMrb1Pl2coAtgXIp8f11MWkwLUFekPh59945b1Y7_XtPDVY_ZHhtNjjQEJvlW7AOAzEo_xgp5dqwpCnIqudCX=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghX1ML0up2HpkWXKluJjiezgFd4BPUCi4wta1ZSUj0-Tsta93-Mw4uhef3gh9PtbAvnAQhPyQ0I-Cmm_DfakTIHK3Gt71ZEAQ_uIavMrb1Pl2coAtgXIp8f11MWkwLUFekPh59945b1Y7_XtPDVY_ZHhtNjjQEJvlW7AOAzEo_xgp5dqwpCnIqudCX=s320" width="240" /></a></div>The next task is to find shoes. This is harder as Elisabeth as you may gather from the picture is quite tall and her feet are sized to accommodate her height. They are not so much sized for pretty footwear and she is very sensitive about what she calls "her stompers." Stay tuned!<br /><p><br /></p>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02333788218398458127noreply@blogger.com0