We have lights!!!

We will have lived in this house (which we had built) 2 years on the 26th of this month.  We opted to finish the basement (minus the kids bedrooms and a bathroom) on our own.  We finally got started. My hubby is so proud of himself...he installed 8 recessed lights this weekend (we had just 2 bare bulbs).

Next up is to put in outlets.  We are debating about adding a gas fireplace. My parents have offered to buy that for us, but we are unsure if it's worth the money as we are not sure how much time we will actually spend down there.  Our daughter wants a fireplace and she may be more likely to have friends over once the basement is finished, but she may only be living here for 3-5 more years. (YIKES!!! They grow up way  too fast).

Sure is nice to see some progress.

A Light Went out

Yesterday, this world grew a little dimmer as my beautiful friend, Roberta lost her battle with leukemia. My heart is heavy with grief-more for her husband and children-than for myself. She was one of those people whose life pointed heavenward. She was an incredible wife, mother, friend and servant.

I will miss her laugh and the smile that lit up her whole face. I will miss her insight into mothering and being God's servant.

I do not understand why He took her now. I know she is no longer in pain and is laughing with Jesus and the angels.

On my mind.....

There is a boy who should be in my daughter's class at school. He's been on my mind lately. Over the summer his dad died. His parents are divorced. He lived with his dad here on the MN side of the Red River. His mom lives on the ND side of the river. He is now living with her. Because we are two different states (Fargo and Moorhead are separated by the mighty (but not very wide) Red River, he can no longer attend school here in Moorhead. 

Unless, he can raise $6000 dollars.

My heart aches for this boy. He attended school in Moorhead from preschool until the beginning of this school year. His junior year. He was very involved here. As a child we moved alot. It wasn't easy. If we had the money, I would give him it to him.

I've been like Pooh "think, think, think" trying to come up with a way to raise the money. I come up blank every time......

Ideas would be much appreciated.

Tough days.....

These last few days have been tough ones.  My friend, Roberta, is hiking a "trail to meet God face-to-face". She's been battling leukemia for a little over a year. I don't understand why God wants to take her...she is one of those people who lights the way to Him.  I have learned so much about faith and mothering from her.  She has five children-her youngest is only 10. 

On Tuesday, my best friends mother in law died suddenly. She was 76-that's younger than my father-in-law and just a little older than my parents and my mother-in-law. My dad's health is not good. My father-in-law is going to have surgery this week for an aortic aneurysm. I'm not ready to lose any of them. Sometimes, I feel paralyzed by that thought.

I believe in heaven. Why doesn't that comfort me?

She's growing up....

The Girl is out on her first date tonight. It's homecoming. Thankfully, it is a group date, but nonetheless, it is a date with a boy. YIKES!!!  He seems to be a very nice boy...good manners...looked her dad and I in the eyes, shook our hands, etc. He brought flowers over to her this afternoon....she hadn't wanted a corsage, but he wanted to do something. Awww, how sweet(I know you're all saying that).

Anyway, here they are....check the shoes...she can't wear heels and I guess he thought he'd join her in wearing Converse.....he spray painted his to match...yes, he is man enough to wear pink shoes!!! I think I'm gonna like this boy!

Disillusioned....

#1 I tried the Phiten titanium necklace--it did nothing for me. 

#2 Extreme Makeover-Home Edition is in my town.  I indirectly know the family.  They are a very nice family-the children are sweet and polite and oh, so, cute. Their old house was not demolished, it was moved and will be donated to another local family. Those are good things.

Unfortunately, the house that is being built is two times bigger than the old house. I don't think they have any yard left. The house, a two story, looks very out of place as it is surrounded by small ramblers (or ranch-depending on where you live).  My husband works for the company that is donating the electrical supplies-they are getting 100 recessed lights!!! I wonder if the family will be able to pay the heat and utilities on such a big home....and those lights use ALOT of electricity.

On a happier note, my shoulder is getting better and I have been able to sew again.YAY!!! I still have a long way to go, but at least I am on the mend.

Hmmm, would you try it?

I am still battling shoulder pain and now it has migrated to my shoulder blade and neck. I was out shopping for new gym shoes with The Boy and saw Phiten Titanium necklaces. They are apparently worn by athletes to balance things out and ease pain.

I did a little research, and there doesn't seem to be any scientific evidence, but they do seem to work for some people. They cost around $25, which I'd much rather spend on more quilty stuff (and possible a new transmission for The Girl's car).

Would you try it?