Watching Mom pays off!

Well, nothing like being asked to make, not one but two, costumes for a school play just 3 days before opening night! Plus they had to be bears!

If it hadn't that I watched Memaw pull out so many miracles when Mary, June, and I were kids, I wouldn't have believed it to be possible. I just had to take a deep breath and think what would she have done and then back my ears and go for it!

1. Jacob and I shopped for two stuffed bears.

Mission accomplished

2. Jacob and I shopped for one black sweat suit and one brown sweat suit.

Mission accomplished

3. Dismember above bears.

Mission accompished

4. Spend all weekend up to my earlobes in fur and stuffing.

Well here are the results!

Our Kitchen Renovation

Well, finally! The kitchen is now (almost) complete.

It wasn't the hardest reno I have been through but it I think it was for Chaling. He learned A LOT! And, he is glad it is over. I don't think he wants to quit his day job!

I have never had a kitchen so lovely (mostly cause it is the way I wanted it). Looking back, I had only purchased one new refrigerator, one new dishwasher, and one new washing machine and dryer in my life (washer and dryer were coppertone!).

This was one of the most stressful renovations I have lived through, but it has been the most fun.

This is not for the faint of heart, for sure.


I am humbled by having Joe's help to design and build the wall for the additional cabinets; Jacob's demolition abilities to tear out that kitchen in short order, and then Jason for giving up 3 wks. of his life to come in and work on this kitchen. I just wish he could have been here to see the beautiful parts installed, like the granit countertop and glass tile.

I am so thankful to have such a sweet husband who absolutely moved heaven and earth to make sure I had everything I asked for in this kitchen and who never, ever, said no to anything. He is truly a jewel and a blessing to me and I thank God for putting him in my life.

This video was done in a big hurry because I wasn't sure it would post. There is so much more to show and there just wasn't enough room. I hope it loads. Check out the fan! The blades open as it comes on and they are clear. Most of the cabinets below have pull out chrome drawers so I NEVER have to get on my hands and knees to look for things again!

Chaling worked so hard to get it finished and all that is left is the stainless steel doors above the vent-a-hood. We just love it.

My first Thanksgiving Lunch with Wyatt at School

For the past 2 years, I have gone to eat Thanksgiving Lunch with Wesley.

This year, however, I was able to get to go have lunch with Wyatt, as this was his first year in school.

It was a surprise

to Wyatt and that made it all the more special.

I was able to snap a photo of Wesley on my way out, though!

It was great and I love being able to participate in things they do at school.

It is things like this that make being a Grandma so wonderful.