jam-packed "full"

 

Tomorrow is August. . . .unbelievable! already into our last month of summer vacation.  I'm so thankful we have a state law that does not allow us to start school until after Labor Day!  Its a real treat to have the entire month of August to enjoy and prepare for school and the fall schedule.  However, August also brings a month full of craziness.  Kids moving in, kids moving out, family from Texas visiting, kids from North Carolina visiting, baby shower, 30th birthday celebration, friends for dinner, dinner out with my high school Diva's, Anniversaries, kids home from camp, kids moving into apartments, kids moving to North Carolina, parents visiting, 2 VBS programs, and last but not least, our vacation to North Dakota to visit our married kids!

I'm already working on a month meal menu, figuring out sleeping arrangements and clean-sweeping the house!  I'm praying that God helps me savor each and every moment; enjoying my beautiful family, extended family and the wonderful gift of friends. 

got goat?

Our grandson, Wilson, is selling tee shirts to benefit his "Got Goat" fundraiser.  The kids received theirs in the mail today and couldn't wait to try them on!  Of course, we had to take a picture to show how much they appreciate Wilson and his efforts to feed the hungry.

a Victoria-ism. . .

The other day one of my manboys was commenting on how another manboy continuously spoils his little four year old sister.  We, Den and I, think its sweet and endearing! This morning Den stopped by the grocery store to pick up milk and coffee creamer.  When he got home he was calling Tori into the kitchen because he had bought her a treat, graham crackers (my kids love graham crackers and milk for breakfast).  I went into the kitchen and said that he was spoiling her buying her such treats and Victoria says, "he's my father. . . ." to which both Den and I just cracked up!

have you tried your library lately???

Jacqueline, Colson and I have been on a reading frenzy this summer.  Our public library has become our second home as we seem to visit it several times throughout each week, either dropping off or picking up books (the library staff knows us as well as our doctors office staff!).  I love that I can get on line to search, order and check when the books are ready for pick-up!  Since I've been taking classes the past three years I've not had any time for fun summer reading!  Last week I walked out of the library with my arms loaded with books (16+) and a guy said, "are you reading all of those?" to which I replied, "me and my daughter" and he says, "that's impressive!" yup we're impressive! no one can call us illiterate either!  Yesterday when I came home with, yet four more books, Den looked at me and smiled! I said, "hey, this will end all too soon and it will be back to the grind of reading for class not pleasure!" 

Without further ado. . . .I'm off to read and enjoying "every minute of it" (thanks Renae!)

 

Yesterday, Victoria and I, had a chance to enjoy the pool together without the other kids.  She was able to show me how she can, now, swim from one side to the other all under water, with her eyes open! Impressive!   She also found out that she can pick people up in the water and thought it was so cool that she could cradle me like a baby and of course, she named me "Breeze!"  We had a fun time of playing, a rare moment to ourselves when I started dodging her playfulness by pushing inner tubes towards her, she would try and move around them, push them aside, etc and I would quickly place them over her head.  It was cute listening to her sweet giggles! all of a sudden she stops and says, "I don't like this game! and I don't want to play this game any more!"  I laughed and pulled her to myself and we had a quick water snuggle!  She's definitely "my girl" and likes to be with me pretty much at all times, unless of course her sister-in-laws are around then they get her full undivided attention!  

an evening with dignitaries. . .

Den and I were invited to attend a fundraising dinner for the Honorable James Marleau, Michigan Senator.  My son, Benjamin, works for him and we were able to enjoy an evening of hor d'oeuvres, jazz and conversations.  It was exciting to dress-up and rub elbows with the elite of our states government.  It was also a time were we, as parents, couldn't have been more proud of our son.  He was highly praised for his role in making the event a huge success; at one point our former Lieutenant Governor said that he raised the bar high for future fund raising events. 

our week, in review

 Last Monday our daughter-in-law was due to have our grandson so we knew that a trip to North Carolina was in store, at some point, that week.  We had several logistical issues to figure out; do we take the kids, do we leave them home, do we have enough money to cover the trip with or without the kids.  Lots to ponder but we knew we needed to be there, our kids requested that we be there.  I began praying on Monday that if God wanted us there that he would provide "specifically" for the trip.  This was a conversation that I had solely with the Lord, no one else.  I knew in my heart that we were supposed to go but Den also knew that our finances didn't warrant such a trip.  Each morning during my quiet time I would ask God to provide; I also did this throughout the day and as each day came to a close I would give my worries to Him, trusting that He would provide.  Wednesday morning I told the kids to pack their clothes giving specifics on what to put in a bag (by that time we had decided that if we went they were going).  Though God still hadn't yet given my husband the financial ok, we packed and placed everything in the dining room.  Wednesday drew to a close and Thursday morning I said to God, "this is the day, Lord.  We have to leave tonight if we're going! I'm trusting you to provide!"  Den was sharing with a good friend about our indecision  to go when he said, hang on a minute; I have something I want to give you and out he came with a handful of cash.  He handed it to Den and said that he wanted him to use it for our trip expenses.  He said he saves money, a little bit here, a little bit there, for ministry purposes and this was one he wanted to invest in.  Den called me, choking back tears and told me the story and how much it was. . . . $220.00! We both cried and I sent praises up to God for answering my prayer as my faith grew by leaps and bounds.

Fast forward to North Carolina, Sunday afternoon: Den is talking with our son's neighbor, Jack about the trip home, the best route to take, etc, when Jack goes to leave he says to Den, "I know how tough it is to travel with a family, across country, so we'd like to help you with your expenses on the way home," of which he handed Den a $100 bill in a handshake! We had just met Jack and his family, over the weekend, as we enjoyed their wonderful southern hospitality.  They are an amazing family that truly love our kids (Dave, Casey and Breeze) and we are so thankful they have a surrogate family that will continue to look after them and care for them when we, as parents, are not able too. I love the way God chooses to connect people! Not only was it hard to leave our children and new grandson, but these precious neighbors as well.  In just a few short days God blessed us, not only financially, but with life-long friends.


We left our sons at 6:30 last night and arrived home at 7pm this morning.  No weather, vehicle, or sickness issues; the kids slept until we were about 10 minutes from home and we were able to bring home some of that wonderful North Carolina heat and humidity, 'cause we're just that kinda people who like to share and it's how we roll!

meet our new grandson. . . . .

Breeze Thomas Lutz

7 lbs. 13 ounces

22 inches long

Our little grandson in his daddy arms, wearing the same outfit his daddy wore when I brought him home from the hospital almost 30 years ago.  Underneath was the tee-shirt the hospital gave us for David!  I love that my kids are sentimental and don't mind putting an outfit on their newborn son that isn't "up-to-date, trendy, or even stylish" (though it was pretty pricey 30 years ago and Carters was 'the" in baby clothier).   

. . .Pure Michigan. . .

This summer our state has adopted an amazing logo and put together top-notch commercials, to garner tourism.  I have to say I'm completely impressed and in awe; utterly proud to be a "Michigander".  We often dwell on the negative here; foreclosures, job loss, etc and forget that just steps, outside our doors, there is beauty and grandeur, it's "Pure Michigan".  If you've never experienced it, maybe this summer you can come and enjoy what we're enjoying. . . .

a captured moment. . .

Ever since summer began I've been anxiously wanting to do my quiet time on our outdoor swing, but since spring sprung in Michigan we've had mosquitos that keep you from doing anything outside, morning or late evening.  This morning I went outside to put chlorine into the pool and realized it was the perfect morning for my quiet time on the swing.  Just when I was done praying, my sweet little princess came out looking for me.  She climbed up on my lap and we began to swing softly.  As we were talking she says, "mama listen. . . ." and we stopped to hear all the beautiful music the birds were making.  She asked what they were saying and I told her they were having conversations with their friends and singing was how they communicated.  She thought that was so cool.  Not only did I get my special time outside but I also enjoyed a bonus with my little girl; a rare and, never forgotten, cherished moment.

the second Sunday of the month!

  Once a month our family has the privilege of preparing food and serving at the homeless shelter.  It's an amazing and humbling experience.  Several months ago our pastor announced that we would be needing team leaders to spearhead a group, each Sunday, to feed the homeless (it's the only day of the week they aren't provided a good warm meal).  I volunteered to lead a group and immediately began praying that God would direct me to the people He wanted on our "team".  I called one family and they thought it would be an awesome idea and the other family I sent a lengthy facebook message explaining how I had prayed over this and felt God's leading to ask.  I received a reply back and they said, "we knew God wanted us to be a part of this but He said to sit and wait, that someone would be asking!" I just love how God connects individuals and families. 

We had planned to do Little Caesars Pizza, as one family had a neighbor who owned a franchise.  I was bringing the salad and the other family the dessert.  Just as I was going to bed Saturday night I got a call that the pizza was a "no go".  My mind went blank as to what to do!  Then my friend said that they had a huge roaster full of taco meat and all the fixings (for walking taco), would that work! Oh my YES! so plan B went into action.  I decided instead of salad to do a fruit salad.  I ran to the store early Sunday morning, bought the fruit and Jacqueline and I cut it all up.  Unbeknownst to me both families also brought a fruit salad and 5 watermelons!  Den assured me that it would be no issue, it was hot,  90's, so the fruit would be a welcome relief.  We made our way down to the shelter after church, got everything set up, everyone in their designated spots and began serving, serving and serving!  We ran out of food, a first ever, and thankfully there were sandwiches, yogurt, and cookies in the walk-in frig (left over from the week previous) and watermelon!  It was amazing watching everyone working together (18) of us; washing trays, drying trays, wiping off tables, putting up chairs, wiping counters, etc.  oh and the laughter and conversations, nothing like it!

Several of the homeless commented that they hadn't had such good food! always they thank us and tell us how blessed they are that we serve them.  Um. . . excuse me. . . you're blessing us!  Its a very humbling experience; you realize. . . .but by the Grace of God. . .there go I!

how we spend our days. . . .and nights. . . .

I honestly think our state bird should be the "mosquito"!  This picture truly conveys how we live around here! We can't enjoy a balmy evening or a morning sunrise without these pesky bugs!  Victoria is highly allergic to their bites so everywhere she has one its swollen, huge and fevered!  Is there really a purpose for them? I recently was told that if you spray, the mouthwash, "listerine" around you they won't bother you! Wish I had known that when we were setting off fireworks the other night!!!  We are supposed to have above-temps for the next week, maybe all this heat will "kill them off". . . .it's what this girl is hoping for; in the mean time, we're taking safe cover from them!! oh and did I tell you I LOATHE mosquito's?????  Yup! I sure do!

an amazing 4th of July parade. . . .day. . . .

My son, Benjamin, works for the Honorable James Marleau, Michigan Senator and we were able to be a part of his team in the Clarkston 4th of July Parade this morning.  We had a "blast"!  The kids passed out candy, stickers and flags! The weather was perfect and after the parade Senator Marleau and his gracious wife, Thea, treated all of us to dinner at the Deer Lake Athletic Club.  Once dinner was over, Senator Marleau gave our family a guest pass to use the facilities for the day.   The kids were ecstatic!  Water slide, spray park, pool and mushroom fountain! We had the best day together, from beginning to end! What a gift, to our family! and we were honored to meet such a quality man working to better our state government, our state, and the people who live in our state.

ahhh. . . . .this makes life much easier. . . .

Yesterday my in-laws came over for dinner and to celebrate Bryan's birthday.  After dinner my father-in-law and my husband had to run an errand, when they returned they came back with a brand new refrigerator.   "Happy" does not describe how elated I was.  In all of our almost 33 years of marriage I've never had a new refrigerator.  What an unbelievable gift and blessing it was, because the refrigerator we replaced it with was also leaking all over the floor!  My manboys, Bryan and Ben, carried the new beauty into the kitchen, Tori quickly assumed the position of pulling off all the tape from the outside to the  inside and I stood in "awe".  We had to let it sit for a few hours before plugging in, and once the time was up it was filled and ready to run.  Ben, Den and Bryan took the other, less desirable, leaking frig down to the basement for its new home; then Ben (what a manboy he is) carried his third and final frig to the basement, the mini we were using!  When I walked into the kitchen this morning, as I swiped my hand across the front of that frig, I got the biggest smile on my smile on my face!  It was my son's birthday but I'm the one that got the biggest gift of all!

Thank you, Mom and Dad!

workin' on new. . . . .

my old meal menu is "not" working so I'm developing a new one; getting feedback from the kids as well as meals they would enjoy eating.  Nothing worse than slaving away in the kitchen to have your family turn their noses up in dislike!  So I sat down yesterday, with pen and paper in hand, and asked my kids for input into what they would like in their bellies!  We even came up with some catchy day phrases (I was bypassed on creativity, but where I lack, my kids make-up for it!) and now have a new, revised up-to-date menu in hand for grocery shopping! Since we are now down to one frig (see earlier post) I am shopping weekly, which really means buying less and planning better!  I may even insist that my kids help in prep/cooking/clean-up! we'll see how it all plays out! But it's summer, and I'm game for anything that will change up the days, (not that they drag or anything), I love having my kids home, but boredom does have a way of creeping in and I'm not my kids activities director!!