daily living

this is in reponse to my latest blog. I got a very long comment, that to be honest I had a good hearty laugh about.... it was so full of contradictions and lies and ramblings that I had to wonder if the person that wrote it was on drugs at the time. It was amusing to see that the person that wrote it contradicted themselves so much in that they were too coward to even sign their name. Oh, well-some people just don't get it and I had a good laugh-thanks!!! If any of you out there want to try to figure out what this person is saying-go ahead and have a good read. Oh, and while we are at it, fellow Christians, lets add him or her to our prayers.

Being a Blessing with a broken down old yellow car in my driveway!

Today I was reminded about being a blessing. There are so many times that I get caught with doing the everyday things that I just do them with out putting special thought into it. Especially with my own family. Even though I was reminded of this today though I already feel as though I blew it with my 17 year old.

last night he bought his first car. A 1978 Chevy El Camino. Not my kind of car and I would of liked him to pick something with air bags. he bought it off of an ad so it was not through a dealership. My dh felt as though we should let him get the car even though we communicated our concerns about having an older car and then expenses ect. So we let him.

Well, this morning the car wouldn't start for him to go to work. I figured there would be problems with it but I did not expect them the next morning! I rolled my eyes as if to say I told you so. I am sure that is not what he wanted to hear or see, as i would of not wanted that kind of support either.

So now, as he is at work, I am feeling convicted and guilty of not being a blessing. I am not thrilled with a 30 year old bright yellow car sitting in my drive way, especially being broken down. Then I take a step back and think, "Its just a car" There may be a reason God didn't want him to drive it to work today. It could of broke down on the way, or in the parking lot, which his boss would not be pleased.

So now, I have to think of a way to tone down my feelings about him buying that car and try to be a blessing and more encouraging, without encouraging him too much in that he buys a parts car and that sits in my drive way too :)

So my goal for the rest of this week and next week is to look for ways to make the everyday stuff I do special so that my family feels even more loved and cared for.

revamping and prioritizing

I tried to post the other day but it wouldn't add so I hope it does today as I will feel like I have wasted my time.

I have been out of sorts the last few days. I had a phone conversation with my one sister in law that left me angry. We are not close but do speak. Do you ever have a person that contacts you only when they want something, whether it be money , information (the kind they wuld use to spread and hurt someone), ect. Well this time it was information and money, the last time was just money. She made a few comments about my inlaws, which she doesnot really have a relationship with, to her own choosing, which were out right lies. I ended up correcting her false information and then handed the phone to my husband. I did not say goodbye. I think I know where her info. came from, another sister in law and that makes me all the more angrier. I love my inlaws like they were my own parents and I am amazed that family members who claim to be Christians can sit in judgement instead of getting down and praying for the situation and being supportive. I said in one of my blogs that I have been prioritizing and revamping parts of my life. there are relationships that I want to nurture and ones that need to be let go for the time being. Over the past few years I believe God has been speaking to me about these 2 relationships and now is the time to back off and let go and let God do with it what he wants. This is hurtful for me as I love my one sister in law greatly. I don't believe God intended for us to be best of friends with everyone,even family members but I do believe that we need to live in harmony as this is where Satan attacks the most. i am working on my anger, and hoping to get to the place that I can walk away when hurt is there.

today, we woke to thunder storms that shook the house. I ended up getting up and starting a beef stew and bread rising. i had some time to myself so I did my daily reading, then the wash. i have been putting off sorting through paperwork and doing the bills.

Saturday, our neighborhood is planning a yard sales so I hope to go to that and scrap up some bargains.

Back Home

I really felt that my kids needed to go and see their friends and family. It was a decision we thought through as it is not cheap to fly a family. In the end though, it was the right decision and I have thanked my dh several times for providing for the trip.

Our first stop was in Richmond, VA. I did not realize the Queen of England was arriving the same day and time as us. The airport security was unreal and at first I thought something bad happened. Even leaving, there was state police at every entrance and exit and several miles down the road. We then met friends for a late lunch-supper and had a great visit. The next time we are going to stay there for a few days.

Then on to Lexington, VA where my br-inlaw and his family live. We stayed with them for 6 days. My oldest went to Prom there at his old highschool and was able to reconnect with teachers and friends. My second oldest, Alex had a great time with his friends and hung out at the local ice cream shop, and their houses. Zach got to see his best friend there too and we had supper with his family. He lives with his grandmom and she is such a giving person.

Since my kids were visiting others, I was able to explore some of the local antique shops that I had on my wish list. Of course there were several items I could of went home with but since we were flying I had to be careful of what I purchased. In the end, I choose several old dolls and I shipped them home!

I also ended up shipping home some treats that I can not find here in Texas.

We then left for NY, early Tuesday morning in a rental car. My kids were looking forward to a good old homecooked meal and we were invited to stop at my sister inlaws home. We returned the rental there, visited and then my father in-law picked us up. Then on the granma's farm. They have a beautiful piece of property that has been in the family for 4 generations. The kids can go exploring in the woods, boating out on a huge pond, more like a small lake, lay in hammocks under the trees ect. Jonathan slept out in the hammock most of the visit. My family came there to visit so we did not have to drive places, which makes it nice for us. We did stop and visit 2 family friends and picked up just like it was yesterday. I love friends like that, kindred spirits! Jonathan went to another formal and I took tons of pics! His Dad flew in that week and we had a graduation and party to get ready for. We had a ceremony for Jonathan, where his Dad wrote a long poem about Jonathan's life and what he met to him and about his future. I made a gag diploma out of construction paper and glitter, which was a joke

between us but he got the real thing too. I dedicated a verse from the Bible to him and in the end most everyone had tears.

The party was good except for the weather. The day before the kids, my m-in-law and sister and dh did so much outside work to get ready. We had volley ball, boating, remote control boat races, badmitten. ping pong, and archery. The kids still played out in the rain though and we had a bon-fire later that night.

At the beginning for the vacation in NY, I felt overwhelmed as a pipe broke in the basement and we had to gut it and a reconstruction company had to come out and dry everything out. But it was worth all the work and now we are back home trying to recoup. I am not starting back at school work till June. We school all year but at a more relaxed pace in the summer.

At home here the garden was in need on weeding and I had to dig up some dead tomato plants

. Our one cat, who has been sick left signs of vomiting on the floor and chair. The people taking care of the animals cleaned up the mess but it still left stains that I need to try to scrub out.

Well, It was good to reconnect with people. Sometimes we get in our own little world and forget that our family needs us too, just as much as we need them. My Dad needed to see us, my sister needed time with me, my son, Zach needed to play with his cousins just as they needed to be with him. I feel very blessed to have been with them all and share Jonathan's graduation, share the frustration of a flooded basement, share looking at wedding dresses with my sister-in-law, share the hugs and much needed words. I am going to try to be extra better about sending the cards and letters, phone calls and e-mails, it is not the same as personal contact but it helps. I encourage anyone reading this to reach out to someone today that you have not been in contact with lately and you will be blessed too as well as a blessing. Thanks for listening.

happenings

This week has went fast. I have been trying to get stuff organized and ready to leave for our trip. The kids had school projects to finish up. Jonathan had two small jobs for people to finish up on. I am trying to get organized on paper work, getting the bills paid ahead so I don't have to worry about them while I am gone. i had college forms to sign and send in for Jonathan, get his graduation invites sent out, menus to plan ect.ect. On top of this my fil, asked me to do some job hunting for him on the internet, our one cat is peeing blood and they aren't sure why as she does not have a bladder infection, my son hurt his foot and had to have x-rays and we still aren't sure why it is swollen, and we have no water pressure here. I am trying to remind myself that God is trying to teach me patience. I am abit worried about leaving the cat for 3 weeks. My dh will be here for 2 of those weeks and then our neighbors are suppose to watch her but they are not animal people so I am not sure how in tune they will be. Also, It would be nice if my son could walk on his foot while we are traveling. I am not sure what to do for him.

Putting things into perspective-Jer.29:11

I have not been on in awhile as I hurt my back so I have not been doing alot of sitting. I have went to the chiropracter 4 times and she gave me a natural herb for back spasms as the ones I have gotten from the doctor make me groggy. today, my back seems to be on the mend, I hope so. My kids and I fly out of Texas on May 3 to VA and then have a drive to NY after visiting friends and relatives in VA. I do not look forward to the trip if I have back problems.

Well, let me see if I can up date you all on what I have been doing. Schooling of course. Jonathan is finished and he officially graduates May 19th. We are having a party for him at my in-laws house. They live out in the country in NY and have a huge pond. We will barbacue.

He still is not sure what he wants to do for school but I get the sense that he wants to go away from home and so he is looking at some NY colleges :( I am glad my in-laws are up there though, if he chooses that. He may be working at a Christian camp for the summer.

Alex and Zach will school all summer. Mostly math, some English, lots of reading and some science experiments. I have started getting books together for next year and buying a few. We have a few used books stores here in Texas, and I have found a few things there. ( I just used the word few 3 times :) I must be tired.

Well, my garden looks terrible, not like NY gardens. My dh tells me to be patient. We bought a maple tree and plan to plant it in the front yard this weekend. My dh hope it will grow fast and shade the front of the house as the sun comes in there and it gets so hot. We bought some of that window treatment stuff that you put on your windows to shade them but have not put it on, so maybe that will get done this weekend too. We have to organize the back bedroom too, and use it as an office , craft room.

One thing that happened today that has been on my mind: I went to the chiropracter and while there a girl came in with a VA tech t-shirt on. I recognized her from being on the news the night before. She was in the dorm where the shooter shot the first victims at 7:15. She flew home to Texas since school was out for the week. As we talked, I fumbled for words, something I don't usually have trouble with. She seemed like she wanted to talk but she seemed dazed. One thing that she said that she is having trouble with is that on Monday morning she set her alarm for 7:20 (5 minutes after the first shooting). She hit the snooze button and decided to sleep in. Now, she thinks if she got up that she could of met the gunman in the halls on the way to the bathroom. She feels fortunate but at the same time wonders why not her. The guy that was killed was her RA and she knew him well and the girl that was killed was three doors down the hall from her.

All I could tell her was that God had a reason for her to still be here. we don't know God's plan and why some were singled out and others were not. I felt so bad for her that I wanted to hug her. She looked so young and vulnerable. If any of you can remember her in prayer, her name is Sam and she goes back to school on Sunday and classes start on Monday. She is concerned about the media still being there, and of course the safety issues. She is having trouble sleeping. It really put my thoughts into perspective. We never know how much time we are going to have with someone. We don't know why God chooses some for certain things and not others. We don't know why God allows us to go through certain experiences, meet certain people or be in certain places. I just keep holding on to Jeremiah 29:11. That is the verse I gave to my oldest son this year.

Friends at Virginia Tech

Short blog

A short blog this morning: I woke early to make breakfast for my dh and his and Jonathan's lunches. Then started a load of wash and Zach on his school work. I have a list to do today as the last couple of days I have not done much as my back is acting up again. I have a chiropracters appointment tomorrow but am icing it right now.

Today, I have to cut up and freeze 6 quarts of strawberries they were on sale for a dollar a quart! I have some mending that needs attending too, two sewing projects to finish up, a yard to weed and feed, and beds to be stripped of bedding. Of course there is the everyday chores too. So until later.....

beautiful weather and putting yourself out there!

Today the weather is beautiful. of course I haven't been out much in it as i am behind on things inside. i did run some errands while my dh was home this morning helping Alex with Algebra. I ran to the bank and then to Walgreens and then get gas and Walmart. You know, originally I am from upstate NY and my family has been wanting me to make strawberry-rhubarb pie and do you know I cannot find rhubarb around here. I can't even find anyone that works in a grocery store that knows what it is! it is very frustrating. So I may look into digging up a plant root from my husbands aunt and mailing it here to me in Texas. I would try to pack it in my suitcase but I do not think you can do that. We are flying to Virginia and then to NY on the 3rd of May through the 22nd. So I won't be on much, if at all. My inlaws donot have a computer. We are celebrating my sons graduation and he is going to two different proms, we plan to visit friends and relatives. I would like to go to the apple orchard too but this time of year up there they don't have much.

This will be the first time I am flying with all my children, all alone. My dh will fly up later on in the month and then back with us. I looked into buying tickets 2 months ago, thinking it would be cheaper then but we never ordered them and then yesterday we went timcket shopping on-line and the tickets were 130.00 cheaper per ticket then they were 2 months ago so we ordered them then. I think I am more nervous about renting a car and driving from Virginia than I am flying. My dh usually takes care of all that.

Well, I am finally starting to put myself out there in my neighborhood and trying to meet more people. we have not found a home church yet and so that has been daunting as well. monday night our some of the ladies in our subdivision have organized a ladies Night out at a resturant and so I signed up to go. I don't know any of them but I hope to find a friend among them. I also signed up on a list to bring a pregnant lady in the neighborhood a meal as she is on bedrest with her third pregnancy. I have been there and other woman certainly lighten the load. I was in a Mops group as a coordinator when i got pregnant with our third and the women were great at bringing meals, picking up my kids for play dates and also for cleaning my bathroom :) So it is my time to give back.

i would like those of you that read this to pray that through my neighborhood we will find friends, not just for me but for my boys as well. Sometimes I get tired of putting myself out there to feel rejected and then i get back on track and go back out there. i know the friendships will come, I just want them NOW :) patience is not always my strong suit :)

Now, I have to go and weed and feed my lawn, never have done it before but we have the ugliest grass here in Texas, at least my lawn. It is sure not lush NY grass. We have crab grass here that chokes the life out of the rest of the lawn.

For supper, I am having Chicken Casserole Supreme, My family loves it. I may post the recipe if anyone is interest. Got to run, I have a 10 year old wanting to snuggle in bed and read a story! So much for getting out in the nice weather but there will be other days for that and i have to take advantage of the fact that he still wants to snuggle and read! :)

Busy Preparation

I was up early this morning to get Jonathan off to work. He will be leaving that job soon and is applying to work at a Christian camp in NY. He has his heart set on it so I hope it is in God's plan as well. I will miss him but it would be good for him.

This morning, I started a batch of bread and a batch of soft pretzels. I double the recipe to freeze some as quick snacks for the boys. I made up to batch of cookies, Snicker doodles and a new recipe I found for chocolate carmael cookies. I may post the recipe later, after I see how they turn out. We are also making jello eggs. They were out about 10 years ago from jello with egg molds. I used to make them for my older boys for preschool ect. My son Zachary said I never made them for him so this morning we made them together. We are making duel colors so the bottom layers are in the frig, setting waiting for the top layer of the egg.

Well, I need to run and do some wash before I start back on the baking prep. I am also babysitting for a neighbor so they can attend a wedding. I am tired just thinking of it as their girls are high maintenance. I guess it is all what you are used to but my boys really are pretty easy. Hope every one has a happy Easter. We are trying a new church tomorrow, so I am excited about that.

My Dad's birthday.

Today, I had to take Alex back to the eye doctor because the contacts are giving him grief. Then a quick trip to Lowes and I bought a few petunias to plant in the front around our two small trees there. I came home and had to run Jonathan to the photographers to place the order for the senior pictures. He bartered some of his wares for half the price of the pictures which helped us out alot with that. Then we did some work in the garden and out front and then it was time to throw together some dinner. After dinner we colored eggs and then the kids had a friend over to play games and I went to the pharmacy and grocery store to pick up things for over the weekend. It was a pretty cool day here, big change from last week in the 80's when we were swimming in the pool.

Day of fishing

I have not been on in a few days. I have been busy with mostly paper work for graduation and college applications ect. My son is not sure what he wants to do so we are weighing alot of different options. he had his senior pics taken and I still have to go back and give my final order, we have had eye appointments, physicals, taxes to do ect. My dh has been working so many hours every day that it is starting to take its toll on me and I have been feeling overwhelmed. So here I am now:)

Today, we did not school. After an early morning appointment I took the boys to buy fishing licenses and bait and we went fishing for the afternoon. Alex caught the only fish of the day and it was small so we threw it back. We did see several turtles, fed the ducks, found lots of fresh water clam shells, two large cray fish and talked to other fishermen and a mom and her two little ones. They liked my boys and so she stayed and talked to us for 2 hours while my boys helped her kids fish. They had never even held a pole.

Saturday-Rabbits

it is sunny here, not what the weather channel predicted. I ran to the post office today to mail out a package to my Dad for his birthday on Friday. I also had some Easter stuff in there. then I made a stop at the bank. At home my dh had to work today so I am concentrating on getting the house cleaned and bills done.

While I was out doing that our neighbor ran across the road chasing something, I thought it was a baby rabbit that they bought for Easter but it was a wild baby rabbit. She was planting flowers and dug up a nest of baby rabbits, 5 in all. The were so tiny and cute. My boys ran over and helped her as she was a bit afraid of them. We put them in a cat carrier with old towels and a small baby blanket wrapped like a nest. I also have several small bottles that we have used in the past when we have rescued animals. My advice to them is to call a rescue agency because they are going to need round the clock care in order to make it. I usually do those things but am feeling abit overwhelmed at the thought. plus we are traveling in May so we would need to find someone to take care of them. Hopefully they will live.

New Pictures

Okay, I have been playing with putting pictures on my blog and boy is it ever frustrating. But I did with the help of my 15 year old, get some loaded on here. So take a look at the photo album. I hope to put on some more of our pets on and some of my sons woodworking. Be patient with me this is a learning process :)

Yesterday, My son took a woodworking class on how to make peppermills. His boss was there and was rude. My son came home and told me of his bosses actions and comments and my husband and I were alarmed at the comments, which were more like threats. Some even had a sexual connotation. They were also overheard by other students and fellow employees. This is not the first time this has taken place.

This has all started because my son wants to take a leave of absence for 3 weeks, and his boss is bent out of shape that my son would think of doing such a thing, oh my!(sarcasism) He has also taken this request of leave as a personal slight on him.

Well, today my husband and I went in and my son spent some of his hard earned savings on restocking his workshop and buying a grinder/sharpener because our plan was for him to quit today and he wanted to get his stuff under the discount. His boss could not believe Jonathan was quitting and thought he was bluffing. At this point, it is not about the 3 weeks, it is about respect, it is about being treated poorly and according to our lawyer friend, it is about harassment. It is sad, it has come to this and I question how we get involved with such people. It is a long story and I don't want to post the sorted details.

While we were at his work, his boss came in and tried to make small talk with us and I had all I could do to keep my composure. He acted like a chameleon. We didnot want to make a scene and so we said very little and left. he got the picture and called my son later and wanted to know what was up and after said Jonathan could have the 3 weeks but it was putting him in a real bind and of course he would be beholden to the store for sometime.

Well, long story short, like I said it is not about the time off anymore and my son has come to the place where he does not want to work in that kind of environment. He has been looking into being a camp counselor at a Christian camp, and is waiting to see where God leads. He is putting in his last 2 weeks there. He tells the boss on Monday-oh, boy sparks are gonna fly, more sarcasism, I am so bad!

Okay, to move on- today, I went to look at my sons senior pics we had taken and they came out so good. The photographer took over 125 and I had a hard time limiting it down to 15 and now I have to choose from them. One thing that worked out great though is that my son, bartered some of his wares. The photographer bought 3 pens and a kalioscope and that came up to 150.00. I know that sounds like alot but the pens my son sells go from 25- 55.00 and the kalioscope for 35.00. We wanted to make him a deal but he refused and so he is taking it out of the pics, horray. I have to post those pics soon.

The rest of the day was spent not doing much as we had no power, my husband has to work all weekend again so he was home today and he played board games with the kids and I read to Zach, Eragon. Then we went to Jonathan's store and went shopping for a futon but we think we are going to make one instead. Then it was late and my dh suggested we get a pizza, horray again!

Nothing new with my son's job tonight. the boss says he thinks Jonathan is bluffing and is not going to put in a two week notice. Right now, he plans on going through with it and quiting the end of the month of April so he can go through with his plans for graduation and visiting my Dad in NY before he goes to college. Maybe this is for the better as his old employer would not be flexible with the college schedule and it would be a hassle.

made a pot roast today. Did school and laundry. My back has been bothering me for 2 days so not much got accomplished today. I will need to go to the chiropracter I guess :(.

Tomorrow, is another attempt at senior pictures and Alex and my dh have eye appointments. Alex's new glasses should be in.

Emotional rollercoaster

the last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster here. we are trying to work out a vacation schedule to go to VA and NY. We were going to visit some friends and then go to NY for family and a graduation party for my son. he is suppose to be going to the prom in VA and then another formal in NY with another friend. The hitch has been his work schedule. he works "part time" for a fine woodworking company. he really puts in almost full time hours. he has worked for the company for a year and this particular store since we moved to Texas. His old store was extremely flexible with the college age part time staff. this store in texas is not even though they said they were when he applied. he is such a good worker and has excellent references. He is punctual, committed and flexible. he covers for other co-workers at least once a week, sometimes at the request of the boss.he has been top salesman since December and he won a national contest for this store bringing in bonus money for them. The bosses can't say enough about him. Well, the dilemma is that he asked for 3 weeks off in May to go home to celebrate graduation and visit relatives before the fall when he goes off to college and won't have the luxury. He is concerned about seeing my Dad as he is older and not always in the best of health.

The boss said yesterday that he can not let him have the time off. 2 weeks was pushing it but three is unresonable. Most of the other employees are in their 40's and older and take numerous days and weeks off for health issues and the store manages to cover the shifts (probably because my son covers for them) I know real health issues are not on the same level as a vacation but time off is time off. So Jonathan is forced to make the decision to keep his job and only go to visit for a week or put in his 2 week notice and not have a job when he comes back.

the boss was shocked he was going to put in his notice and doesn't want to loss him as he makes up 3/4 of the sales in the store. But the boss won't budge on the leave of absence. I realize it is a part time, min. wage job but he loves the woodworking and the experience, not to mention the discount. I know if he stays to work there, his attitude will suffer as he does not feel what he has accomplished at the store is valued but he is a creature of comfort and change scares him so he doesnot want to look for a new job.

As a mom, I am probably biased. His two other old employers were great and worked the schedule around family and vacation, realizing he is only 17. he is also very mature, responsible, loyal and works like a dog. I am feeling hurt for him as he is angry and feels used. Like they want him to be flexible and come in when they call but they cannot work with him. Anyhow, he needs prayer to feel a peace about being forced to leave this job. he needs to have a peace about being okay with going home to NY and knowing that as you get older you don't have the luxury to leave a full time job as you have bills and family to take care of.

Today, he went back into work and I am sure it is awkward as his boss is abit petty, and says snide remarks and uses lots of sarcasism. So if you are reading this and you remember, pray for Jonathan today that God will work it out, and Jonathan will be able to accept the outcome with out getting bitter and he will leave the job with a good example and not on bad terms. And if it is God's will for him to stay at this job then he will work out the vacation schedule and work in his bosses heart.

Thanks for listening to a mother who has to step back and let her child work things out on their own, when my instinct is to go in there and talk to the boss myself.

This weekend has been spent mainly doing things around the house, outside mostly.

We have a swimming pool and we are new learning how to take care of it. So we have been cleaning and sweeping it ect. There was yard work that needed to be done and weeds to be pulled. Alex had two lawn jobs this weekend.

Some neighborhood kids came over on Saturday but it was sad because their parents were fighting and they left the house to get away from all the yelling. the two brothers, ages 5 and 7 were clearly upset when the arrived at my house. they said their Mom was packing and going away for a very long time because she was tired of taking care of them and them not listening so she had to yell all the time. the Dad came looking for them as he did not know where they went. The oldest was so distraught that he wet and messed his pants. Anyway, I talked to the Dad and told him what the boys had said and that they could stay for lunch and swim in the pool. I also offered to keep their little sister, so the couple could go out and have some time alone. the boys stayed but they did not take me up on the offer. he seemed surprised that I would offer but I told him that I know how it is to live where you have few friends and no family around to lean on. I also know how it is to live in a home where your family life is unstable and as a child you feel to blame.

The rest of the weekend was spent running back to another Walmart to finish up stocking up, more lawn work and more cleaning of the pool. My dh is still working and so is my oldest son. I am feeling like a nap but there is so much to do inside. So I think I will make some tea with sugar and hope it peps me up! Roberta :)

Prayer List

I am going to list some prayer requests and ask for whoever feels led to remember these:

1. We are having a conflict with vacation schedule and need that to be resolved.

2. My oldest son, suffers from mild depression (I am learning that most teens do during sometime in their teen years) he has had a couple of bad weeks.

3. Also for my oldest, (Jonathan) that he will feel a peace about plans after graduation.

4. We are still searching for a good church, where we can bond with people and have a "second family", & friends for my kids.

5. lastly, we have some financial goals and debts we want to pay off this year. pray that God will help us to be responsible with his money.

resturant supper

It is late here or shall I say early in the wee hours. I have been keeping a different schedule while my husband has been working different hours. Today, was pretty busy and my back is feeling it. this morning, we did not school as most Fridays we don't. My dh was off till lunch and I cleaned the laundry room, cat boxes and did some wash. the people that owned the house before us had pets and their cat had peed in the laundry room and down stairs bathroom, well my female has taken to marking her territory on the laundry room floor, even with a litter box there. it is becoming frustrating, trying to get that smell out. Any advice, I would appreciate it.

Then I took the 3 boys shopping for clothes. My oldest loves new clothes, the 15 year old hates it, and the 9 year old is okay with it as long as it doesn't take too long. Jonathan bought a tuxedo for prom. He is traveling back to Virginia to go to prom with his old class and friends there. He has saved the money for the plane fare and paid for his own tux. it was cheaper to buy it than to rent it for a long period of time as we will all be flying out to NY after that.

I bought Alex 2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts and 4 shirts. He used to wear most of Jonathan's hand-me downs and didn't care but now he has grown taller and bigger than jonathan so he needs larger sizes. Since he is the size of a man, clothing is not cheap but we hit some bargains at JC Penney. Zach got 2 shirts. I still need to buy him a couple pair of shorts but did not find any today.

They we met my dh for supper at a resturant. He got a raise at work so we celebrated. We have not eaten out as a family, with all of us together since December, so it was nice. of course they give you so much food that we all brought home a box and will be eating that for tomorrow's lunch.

After eating, I went to Walmart and did some badly needed grocery shopping. I decided to try the new Walmart and found I need to go to the other one I usually go too as this one was not as stocked as I had hoped so I have about 14 things on the list that I could not get there. I wish Texas had an ALdi's as I loved the one we had in NY. I go to Sam's club to get most of my meat and have yet to do that too. I hope to stock up as I like to go only once a month.

From glasses to contacts!

Today, Alex had an eye appointment. He has wanted contact lenses since last year. Last year the eye doctor didn't think he was ready for them and we didn't have eye coverage anyhow so we stuck with purchasing the glasses. But today, we tried a new eye doctor that was very patient and said Alex was a pro at putting in the contacts so he was able to get them and now we have eye coverage that covered the glasses and part of the contacts, so our cost was less than paying for the glasses and exam last year! So the next week will see how he does. he has worn glasses since he was 7. He has blue- green eyes that just stand out now.

The rest of the day was spent cleaning out the garage and making it look more like a work shop. Jonathan has his senior pictures taken tomorrow and the photographer is coming to our house after the appointment at the studio and is taking pictures of Jonathan doing his woodworking. He likes to take senior pictures with what the kids are interested in and this is his thing so instead of taking power tools to the studio, he suggested coming here. I am very excited to see how they will come out. I hope I don't fall in love with them all because then I will have a hard time choosing and will want to buy them all. Well, until tomorrow.