if these shoes could talk...

mode. stopwatch. start.
so close to home but so far away.
the beginning is the hardest.
cross the road.
i hope the roadkill is cleaned up today.
gross. look left. LOOK LEFT.
phew.
duck under the evergreen that overlaps the sidewalk.
traffic light #1.
no one is playing tennis today.
they finally got the windows put in that new construction.
one mile down.
that's a lot of dandilions.
traffic light #2.
my, it's awfully early to be laying out in the sun.
this grooved sidewalk feels good.
half of the students in that dorm are still asleep.
here comes a hill.
traffic light #3
should i turn now or go for another mile?
straight.
mile 2
traffic light #4
ah, downhill
construction blocking the sidewalk. better cross.
big hill now.
brutal.
almost to rite-aid.
that house is still for sale.
traffic light #5
that is a nice yard.
little hill.
three miles down.
the long downhill.
i love this road.
i think i know that lady.
traffic light #6
weave through the trash cans.
almost to the elementary school.
little annoying hill.
4 miles.
ah, the 7th traffic light (same as the first) is in sight.
oh, i hope that dog is on a leash.
all bark, no bite.
movin faster than the cars.
traffic light #7
final turn.
homestretch.
cross the road after the red car.
now. cross.
brown shoe - in bad shape.
other brown shoe - in worse shape than the first.
oh, they fixed their fence.
made it to the church.
it's almost over.
sprint to the neighborhood
GO.
hurting.
made it.
stopwatch stopped.

4.9 miles.

again tomorrow?

buds and giggles

Today I spent a little time in the morning working in the garden before really diving into work and before baby Brooke came for a few hours. I transplanted a few of my Moonflowers, vine-like plant with 6in diameter blooms that open in the evening and throughout the night (similar to Morning Glories) last week and now that the ground is warm enough, I wanted to get some bulbs (Freesia and DayLillies) in the ground. I also transplanted some Cosmos and Morning Glories. This weekend hope to transplant some Petunias and some of my perrienial Poppies. I'm realizing now that I have too many plants and not enough garden. I'll have to get some planters to just put on the deck for some of the leftover buds. Here are some updated photos of all the growth in the last week and a half. This is for Jenn who called last week to "see how the flowers are growing!

(click to enlarge)

In the afternoon I had my regularly visiting Brooke come over for a few hours while her mom, Nikki, was coaching softball. She is very responsive – smiling a lot and "talking" just to hear the sound of her voice. Here are some cute pics and a video I got of her doing a little "talking."

What a week!

My sister Carrie and her husband, Chris visited this past week with my nephew Wyatt who is growing up so fast! I also got to watch a friend's little girl, Brooke, who is three months old a few days too. Then, on Thursday, our friend Beccah and her husband came for a few days with their three kids. It was a houseful of kids! Here are a few pics and videos of my time with the family.

Wyatt and Auntie Katie

Sleepy Wyatt and Uncle Dave

I promise he loves drums more than dolls

Wyatt chillin in grandma's chair like a stud

Natalie and her only breakdown of her life - in the car to the mall

Naked Wyatt drumming with Kaylie

Brooke and her blow-out. How can such a tiny baby
such a big nasty mess?

Wyatt kept hugging Brooke saying "ooooh baby" in a very gentle voice

Helping wash the car

"My Parents Are Exhausted"

ALL the kiddos in the backyard with Dad and our neighbor (and their two huge dogs)

They're growing up!

I was SUPER excited when I went to put all my planters out in th sun this morning and found out that a bunch of seedlings have sprouted! Early in day for, I saw 2-3 sprouts in about half of the planters. And, this afternoon when I went for a little photo-op (can you tell I'm a proud first-time gardener?) even MORE had sprouted up above the soil. I knew I'd be giving updates, but I didn't realize they would be this early. Thanks for humoring me.

Green thumbs and some splinters

This weekend was home-improvement weekend. I bought seeds a few weeks ago to plant some perennials and a few other flowers. Since it's still a bit cold outside at night, I started some indoor planters for my seeds. So, a big bag of potting soil, a bunch of random containers and some $1.50 packets of seeds and some "encouraging" from the planter (I talk to my plants every day and Matt makes fun of me). I'll post pictures from time to time of (any) growth.






After I finished planting, and Matt and I "tilled the land" to make some flower beds around the house, we discussed removing the railing off from around our deck (only 2 feet off the ground.) We have high hopes of "renovating" the deck for the summertime. A privacy wall, to block off our neighbors yard, a grape arbor over the deck to hang lights on perhaps, and some built-in seating for friends to join us. Here is a video of Matt tearing down the railing. It took about 5 minutes.

Friday with Haylie

This morning I babysat for my niece, Haylie. She was feeling a little under the weather so she wasn't her usual perky self. But, it made for some fun snuggle time with Aunt "Kiki." She even fell asleep on my lap while we were watching Dora the Explorer. When "gammy" came at noon to pick her up, she couldn't even keep her head up while I was putting on her shoes.

Haylie Ann's toes (paint courtesy of great Grandma Kilbane)

A good friday...

For whatever reason, I just remembered that today is Good Friday. I've spent a lot of my day working here, in my home office. From time to time, Matt pokes his head in and wants me to keep him company. I can tell he's bored. Just a short time later I can hear him yelling at the current tournament basketball game. It's that time of the afternoon that the sun finally reaches my desktop. It's so vibrant and warm...

Then I heard it from the other room...

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to dispair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because of sin my Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
to look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there, the Risen Lamb
By perfect, spotless righteousness
The great unchangable, "I AM"
The King of glory and of grace.

One in Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise the One, Risen Son of God

I have the ability to work, live and breathe ONLY because of the cross.