Saturday, August 30, 2008

My Green Thumb is Waning....


I know - not such a pretty picture to pull up of my ivy that is dying off. I bought these the same day that I found out I had gotten my new job - kind of a celebration - you know, a new phase in my life, a new plant to grow and thrive...only no one told the plant - well, I tried to, but John laughs at me when I talk to my plants (even though I tell him the co2 from my breath is good for them). Anyhow - my ivy is dying and I want to have beautiful ivy! When I bought these plants they said - 'easy to grow'. Not sure if I'm missing something. I'm hoping someone can help me out on this one. First - are they already dead? Should I just gracefully dispose of them? Second - if they are not dead, what else can I try? I have tried keeping them moist, not keeping them too moist, keeping them in full light, keeping them in moderate light...Comments and suggestions are welcome!!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Change of Seasons....Part 2


In my last blog I wrote about the excitement and anticipation for the change of seasons. Our family is currently going through another 'change of seasons' - one that I am not so keen on. Dan and Karis left for Yaounde', Cameroon on Thursday and tomorrow Tim drives out the truck to Kansas and Kristen will fly out on Thursday. For the last two years we have enjoyed having John's family close. And even more so, have enjoyed them as friends. Tim and Kristen shared John's schedule so we found ourselves spending a lot of time with them and their Wii. And in our first year of marriage Dan and Karis would spend a lot of time at our house on their weekends off of deputation. We said one good-bye last Thursday and I found myself saying another good-bye already today. Thinking that Tim and Kristen won't be around has taken a lot to get used to. I don't think I can fully express all in a blog...my heart is sad. I know the Lord still has us here and has led them to where they are supposed to be - what more blessed place to be. In the midst of these two years of adjustment to Virginia Beach John's family has not only become my family, but my friends. They have helped to strengthen through tears and laughter. And not all of his family is gone...just two so close together. I think about the past two years and I think about the future - how it is uncertain. We all enjoyed a season together with baby nieces, dating, engaged, and newly married couples, Thanksgivings with so much food, late Sunday night football games and coffee, Dr. Pepper and plenty of laptops. It was our season. I hope our children have a season similar to the one I just shared with my husband's family. It has been blessed.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Change of Seasons!


I get so excited about Fall...pumpkins, new scented candles, rust orange decorations, crisp air, pumpkin spice coffee, sweaters, leaves turning colors and rustling out my window...something about it. I think it has to be my favorite season. I have been seeing decorations in the stores already and I'm trying not to rush it and keep myself from putting out Fall decor until the end of September - but I am already getting ready for it to come!! 'Just enjoy summer' I keep thinking. But as temperatures start to even out from the summer humidity I can smell it in the air and I can't wait for it!!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Yea for Berres Brothers!


There is something about coffee bringing a feel of home and even more so when it is transported to you by a thoughtful friend. Recently, a new couple joined our church. Both of them are originally from WI and share my love and appreciation for our hometown coffe makers, Berres Brothers. I was so elated when Jenny showed up at church this morning with a bag of my favorite Highlander Grogg Coffee!! I was so blessed by their thoughtfulness and felt like they brought me the spirit and a piece of home.