For:

*Pastors that preach the Word
*Awesome children
*Great people to work with                                 
*Betsy and Meg
*Husband that never balks at home projects      
 *Targets with Starbucks
*Jigsaw puzzles and a puzzle table to do them on     
*Time for baking
*Christmas music                                                       
*Christmas lights
*Friends who understand "happy" tears           
*Seeing former students who are successful
*Lowe's                                                                     
*Bezzerwizzer with the family

Rebels-Fall 2011 Sr. Night

Bittersweet time of Life....

Some pics of Senior Night with Andy

Some of my favorites....

There is nothing more precious than time spent reading with little ones.  I love children's books and count every minute I spent reading them with my kids as the most precious, even as they got older and we read chapter books together.  These are just a few of our favorites....when you have a minute, check them out!

Just Some Projects at Home....

I just remembered that I previously said I'd post pics of some of the projects we've been working on.  This  is our downstairs bathroom.  I've recently fallen back in love with wedgewood blue, so blue it is-for now anyway.  Colors don't last long at our house.  Thankfully, I have a patient husband who's willing to humor me.

Here are a few pics of the living room with new furniture.  When Lilli moved to Iowa City, she needed a couch and chair....so, what's a mom to do, but sacrifice her furniture for her beloved daughter.

We also have been doing a bunch of things in the backyard and Lilli's room---I'll try to be better about posting those soon. 

Are You Ready for some Football?

Rebel Football 2011

Andy with the other Captains and the Honorary Captain

Pete entertaining the crowd on the sidelines

Both of the boys getting personal coaching

After the Grundy Center game talking to the fam

Talking to Papa and Liz

This year we get to watch the boys play together again--we didn't think that would happen past jr. high.  It's great to watch them warming up together and talking on the sidelines.  It's pretty special.

Under "construction".....

This time of year always brings out a desire in me to re-do things at home!  Maybe it's getting the house ready for winter when we'll be trapped indoors for months at a time.  This year, it's partly that and partly having one less person living there and wanting to occupy my time.

Projects in progress:

*Painting and redecorating the downstairs bathroom  (with the upstairs one to follow)

*Sanding, prepping, and painting an antique bed and dresser to put in Lilli's room--since she took all of her things with her

*New living room furniture/configuration--Lilli even took our living room furniture!

*Relandscaping our backyard--moving plants to the stream, taking out some bushes that don't "match" my yard  :), and putting in some new perrennials

*Just finished painting one side of the house

As I look back, I'm using the word "I" quite liberally--Joel is doing the lion's share of the work, but I'm great with the ideas and planning!  I love the way a room looks with new paint! 
I'll post some pics soon!

Happy Fall and if you need an idea person for re-doing something, call!
(I chose this picture because I've been threatening Joel with painting something this color, he's not on board yet.)

Sunday Musings

I'm thankful.....

For friends and family that have been encouraging Lilli every step of the way and will continue to pray for her and support her at school!

For our church where we're held accountable and made to think about our actions which can be uncomfortable, but is so necessary.

For family that love our kids and are convinced that they're the best!  :)

For jobs where we can touch and help people and have great coworkers.

For 75 degree weather.

For my aunt Pat, she is simply the best!

For a home to decorate and husband who is always willing to do the work that I envision.
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For a dog that will walk with me whenever and wherever I want her to.

For the ability to see the blessings in my life.