To Do List...

Today is starting wonderfully. I've been desperately trying to keep my sanity as the next week comes and goes. We are having my teenage step-daughter come live with us. For most of you, you know that this is the last thing I want. It's one of those 'Been There, Done That, Never Ever Want To Do It Again' type of things. My boss was nice enough to give me the next two weeks off (except Saturday) to give me time to prepare. My grandparents are driving 2 1/2 hours as I write to help me out.

Main things on the list are:

1. Install a lock on the guest bedroom closet, I have it as my tiny craft room and I am not undoing it! and that is that! 
2. Moving most everything out of the guest room, empty the bookshelf, take all decor off the walls, and empty the dresser. 
3. Install locks on overhead bins in garage, for any valuables or whatever. 
4. Install a lock on doors of the master bedroom and bathroom. 
5. Make sure all valuables are put in rooms with locks. 
6. Install a towel rack in guest bathroom.
7. Clean everything.
8. Make sure tv in guest bedroom is working and usable.
9. Install an extra lock for back sliding door.
10. And last but not least, PRAY.

Thank the Lord my grandparents are coming to help. I cannot even express to anyone in words how I am feeling. But I know that once all of those things are accomplished, I will feel a lot safer in my own home. Maybe I'm just OCD about my things, and I know I am. But there is something awful about feeling unsafe in your own home.  And if everyone could just say a prayer about this situation, please do! I would really appreciate it!!

Relay for Life 2011

I participated in Relay for Life this year. I had heard about it before but never really knew what it was about. What it does is basically raise money for the American Cancer Society. They do that by hosting a 24 hour event that helps people to celebrate those who have survived cancer and remember the ones who have lost their battle to cancer. Pretty much a 24 hour cry festival with games and snacks.

I have had the privilege of getting to know a little cancer survivor, Graham. As a baby, Graham was diagnosed with cancer and in turn had his eye removed. He is a survivor.

I didn't hear about this event early enough to do as much as I would have liked. I was able to use money from doing hair to go towards it. Next year we have big plans. It's very exciting to think about how much we could have accomplished if given enough time. Such a great event. I feel very accomplished from my weekend none-the-less.

My good friend Liz, Graham's Mom, and Cancer Advocate.

Me and Wednesday

 There were thousands of Lumineers and each one had the name of someone who has had cancer, In memory of one lost, and in honor of one surviving.

Imagine them lighting this, talking about cancer and playing Sarah Mclauchlan's 'Angel' and tell me you wouldn't cry!!

So for everyone who knows someone, or has lost someone to cancer, this blog is for you! Can't tell you how awful it is to loose someone that way.

Spring Flowers

Today I finished planting my flowers. Nothing makes me smile more in the summer than seeing all the bright colors of flowers everywhere. When we moved into this house, there were flowers already planted in the front flower bed that came up in the spring. Also that first year, my husband accidentally killed them with the exception of a small patch on the end of the flower bed. After that, I have always planted annuals because I could never quite decide on the colors. This year, I just bought whatever looked different or that I had never planted before. None of them match but I think that is the best part. The flowers above are my favorite, I love how they have two or three different colors at any one time. and they grow tall too. Also I planted:

 These are the pink version of the ones above.

 These pink beauties were actually planted 2 years ago and just popped back up.

 I always wanted to plant these but never did...

 I wanted to add some purple.

 This is my hanging basket. I love the scent of them!

These black beauties are in the back yard, I have never seen a black flower before. The top is called "Phantom" with a thick yellow stripe, and the bottom is called "Pinstripe" for the purple pinstripe on it. I also planted a solid black version as well. These are the most unusual find, but so pretty. 

And to finish it all, the stepping stone that my 3 year old made!

Happy

I've been absent for a while because I've been torn. I decided that this will be a happy blog for the most part. and since my life lately has been very drama-full I have decided to take a break. No one wants to hear about ones unhappiness. I don't mind reading about ones troubles from time to time, but not a blog dedicated to it by no means. I want to read about Triumphs & Victories!

My work load has decreased, so I am happy to say nothing but smiles for a couple weeks, but if I do fade away again, please pray that the wickedness of the world will let me back into the light!

Have a wonderful day all of my fellow bloggers!!

Rough Day Rhyme

I'm sitting here and wondering

Why people act the way they do.

Was it just the way they were raised?

Did they grow up in a zoo?

I know sometimes it's hard

To keep your opinions to yourself,

But when you speak your thoughts out loud,

Could you please use words that help?

Do not be cruel or mean.

Think before you speak.

Instead of using hurtful words,

Please be kind and meek.

You never know who is listening,

Or what your words are teaching.

Little ears can hear you.

Be gentle when your preaching.

Photo above taken by my little buddy Graham.

Rainy day

Rainy Day

Go Away

Come Again Another Day

I miss the Sun

and the Blue Sky

Please Go Away before I cry

April Showers

Bring May Flowers

At least I have these

Pictures to brighten my day

and maybe yours

Happy Rainy Day!

Spring Friends and Flowers

Usually I hate spring. It's just an annoying drawn out wait till summer. I love summer, I love fall, I love half of winter, but from Valentine's day till 70 degrees, I am miserable.
But this year is different. I have found a new group of friends. Caring and loving friends. Friends that email me when my daughter is sick offering anything they can do. Friends that send me links to new yummy vegan treats. Friends that respond to my messages instead of blowing off for days. Friends that are actual friends. I love them!
The friends have lightened my mood enough to just enjoy Spring. I can smell the flowers, and feel the warmth of the sun on my feet. (Even if it is through the window) I've been taking tons of pictures lately. I love to take pictures, but for a long time I had quit because no one seemed to look at them or care. Now I take pictures and I have friends who look at them, and love them, and comment. It makes me feel so wonderful. So loved. I want to thank you guys so much for taking the time. I do notice. I only hope that I can be as good of a friend to all of you as you are to me! Thank you!

These are the wonderful people who are changing my life for the best everyday, Justin, Roger, Anna, Caleb, Jane, Wednesday, Kristi, Q, D, Traigan, Dylan, Liz, Graham, (Gina not shown but still loved)

The Garfield Park Conservatory Orchid Show.

I'll post more orchid pictures throughout the week, they turned out beautiful, don't you think??