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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Random Thoughts


Me, today.

  1. We are having the most amazing weather!  It feels like the beginning of fall with low humidity, mornings in the 50's, blue sky and puffy clouds.  Wow.
  2. I took myself on an afternoon drive today.  It was just too beautiful to stay home and do laundry!  Pictures to follow tomorrow.
  3. With the wedding, college and high school over, we have officially moved into a huge life change around here.  I've been feeling sentimental but not at all sad.  The changes are happy and exciting!  I love how each stage of life is wonderful in it's own way.
  4. I recently moved the boys computers to their bedroom where they each have a large desk area and room to spread out.  They had gravitated to a spare room where there was an extra TV and DVD player.  Well, the DVD player broke and since they can play them on their laptops, we decided not to replace it.  And the TV is an old, heavy box style...which I plan on taking to the curb. ha.  As a result, I have an empty room.  I have big plans to knock down a wall and expand the boys bathroom into the whole area.  But since we just finished paying for 4 years of college (without going into debt..yikes!), and a wedding, The Mister said I had to wait until next summer to do such a big project.  That's fine with me...it will give me a chance to dream on Pinterest and shop the auctions for great ideas and awesome trash finds. :)
  5. I've also been walking past Taylor's empty room and thinking that it needs a fresh coat of paint and a new purpose.  Maybe a guest room, which we've never had!  This one I can start on right away. The funniest thing left in there is the ceiling, which is covered with pro basketball player posters and the circle of holes in the wall that was left when the dart board was removed.  Ah, the high school years! :)
  6. The boys are still doing very well at summer day camp!  We've officially given our notice that they will not be attending any program at the high school (they could have continued after graduation until they are 22 years old), and have been lovingly accepted to remain at the facility where the summer camp is!  So, instead of camp ending on August 10th, it will continue on...for as many years as we wish, all year round! We've been happily surprised at how well the boys transitioned to this new place and how much we like it.  Wonderful!
  7. Two high school girlfriends that I recently found on Facebook also had kids get married the same weekend Taylor did!  What a fun, serendipity thing!
OK, enough rambling from me!
What did you do today?


56 comments:

  1. What great plans in the future. Can't wait to see what you do with your "Guest Room" So happy the boys get to keep on doing what they enjoy at Summer camp.

    BTW..love that picture of you, and I'm inspired NOT to cut my hair in this "inbetween" stage, so I can pull it up on top of my head like yours. I've always like that style.

    Am I really first AGAIN!!!

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    Replies
    1. Being able to put your hair up in warm weather is a must for me! And it's fast and easy...no more bad hair days. ha. But I'm the opposite...and think I really should actually 'fix' it some days and wear it down! lol....

      The guest room will be fun...can't wait!

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  2. aah Betsy sometimes I think you work so much:)
    but sonds fun!
    nice picture of you like always!
    these are the earrings give you the mr?
    are lovely!
    xo

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes I think I work too much, too! ha.
      But this afternoon I didn't work and just played.
      Yes, those are the same earrings! You remembered!

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    2. of course I remember:)
      ok but dont work so much Betsy :))

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    3. yes Ok I work a lot too, but you with all the cats LOL
      The dos are only two and two bunnies, the bunnies are eating their house oh dear!

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  3. Oooh I love your earing!

    Great news about your boys' facility where the summer camp is! Enjoy planning for your new room!

    Take care
    x

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  4. Looks like you have quite the reno ahead
    Each stage of life can differ and bring good and dread
    Still be nice to find the fountain of youth
    To stay at one stage for a while at ones booth lol
    And no debt is great
    Can't say I can relate lol
    And as for us
    We moved with no fuss
    Orlin is a bit of an unhappy camper though
    But he'll get over it at our show

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    Replies
    1. I don't want the fountain to stay
      in one stage
      but to keep alive to experience the next
      unless I eventually end up in a rest
      home somewhere
      with diapers for underwear.
      lol...

      no debt is grand
      but it nearly killed us at our land.
      Still glad we did it, though
      as now it doesn't linger at our show!

      Glad your move was a success
      My cats would also be a mess.
      haha.

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    2. Yeah 15
      Would surely hate a new scene haha

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    3. They would all have to stay inside
      then with them it would not be fun to reside.
      lol...

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  5. It's so cool to hear that you have friends whose children got married on the same day as Taylor, just awesome. Really love your idea of using his old spare room as a guest room too although my favourite news is that the triplets will be staying at Summer camp for many years to come, sounds like they absolutely love it there already!

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    Replies
    1. I'm especially happy for my boys, too! And it's not just summer camp, but an all year program!

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  6. We're having the same weather as you, but it's supposed to get more seasonal this weekend. I am NOT looking forward to it!

    It's been so long since my first empty bedroom was painted it's almost time to redo it :-)

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    1. We're supposed to have this cooler weather all week...I'm going to enjoy it while I can! It's wonderful to have the windows open, but actually almost too chilly to do that! ha. I'm sure more heat is on it's way. I'll wait for you to announce it's coming to Ohio. haha.

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    2. Did you make your empty bedroom a guest room?

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    3. We had three empty bedrooms, but when Youngest Son moved back in we lost one of them :-)

      The only people that have used the bedrooms are the boys (and DIL) when they visit from out of town.

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    4. I like the idea of having beds available when they come back to visit!

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  7. I had big plans to get some cleaning accomplished here at home while the little girls I watch attended VBS. I hadn't been home ten minutes when my daughter rang my phone and said she was coming over while Josh attended VBS. I was knocked just a bit off kilter but still managed to clean my kitchen, do some laundry, and take a shower. Bethany vacuumed for me between her business phone calls... five of them. I think I shall never really get to those bathrooms that so desperately need attention. Must keep my focus on what HAS been accomplished rather than what hasn't, yes?

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    Replies
    1. well, true. I can relate to the bathrooms. Mine are smelling kinda funky. If I don't do anything else tonight, they have to get done. haha....the perils of living with all these men. lol....

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    2. There must be something humorous in having my plans continually interrupted. I should just pretend I'm watching a movie where I am the star and laugh long and loud.

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  8. I love the candid shot of your pretty face ... today, I went for an invigorating three mile walk .. puttered around the house .. left comments on my favorite blogs .. grocery shopping (out of coffee!!) .. like you, enjoying perfect weather. The calender arrived today, putting into mail tomorrow. OH, and I am in love with my new counter top and kitchen sink/faucet. Next we are doing Carl's bath .. he has already picked out a vessel basin and tall faucet, counter top has been measured and we choose the new one tomorrow. Carl is paying for everything with his income tax refund. Yea!

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    Replies
    1. puttering around the house...that's my most favorite thing to do! :)

      Can't wait to see pics of your new kitchen stuff! Carl's bath sounds awesome!

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  9. Replies
    1. oh, I never have a problem not rambling...but I am surprised that people read it. lol... But thanks, Kim! I always enjoy you stopping by!

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  10. We have a 4 bedroom house...now with only 2 people!!!
    All 3 kids have been gone for a while...
    I missed them when they left...but it gets better...
    One bedroom is now my "office"...the other has a double bed and a playpen for Vivian...and the other is my ironing room!!!
    Mind you...all the cupboards are full!!
    I enjoy hearing your random thoughts...very inspiring!
    I got up at 6:45...Vivian arrived at 7...had my oatmeal...spent the day playing with Vivian...bathed her...fed her...folded sheets while she was napping...took her for a walk...PHEW!!! I am old!! ha!
    After she left at 5:30...I did some deadheading in the backyard...and vacuumed the pool!!!
    Then.......now I am getting long in the tooth...we had dinner...did my fingers and toes....and came up here to see what was new with my bloggy pals!!
    Sorry for rambling...it has been a very loooong day!!

    That's it for me....enough already!!! hahaha! Geeeesh!
    Enjoy your evening...
    Great news about the triplets...you look lovely in your photo...

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    Replies
    1. You had a full, very fun day! Just the right balance of work and play! I played too long today and now the bathrooms are still dirty. lol....

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  11. smiles...it is interesting life change...and it has all been happy...i know there is a bit of mourning that happens too though we oft dont want to admit it...let it happen when it comes....wow on the room make over...i for one would be glad to wait a summer...ha...

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    1. hmm...well, I've thought about your comment here and if mourning is going to happen, all I can say is that it hasn't yet....and I think I would admit it. I think it would be much different if Taylor had gone away to college instead of living at home and attending here in town. And if he married and moved far away. But he stopped by tonight and they are going to be here for dinner Wednesday. I haven't felt a loss at all...just a fun transition and a gain of a daughter.

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  12. Good to hear about you after so many days and a nice picture it is..how do you maintain yourself so nicely amidst so my tasks..sometimes I wonder how you do so may things..nice that you are having a nice weather..at this part of the world we are having heavy downpour from last 72 hours..but I do not mind the rains until and unless it keeps the heat away and it does not sweat..means we too are witnessing a nice weather..

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    1. haha...aw, thanks Ranita! But you know, I think my tasks have lessened a great deal since I had 4 babies under 2 years old! lol.... This is a nice stage in life, even though the triplets still require a lot of care and supervision. It isn't nearly as intense as it has been at other stages in their lives.

      How nice that you've had rain. I love rain, actually...especially if it's a relief from the heat! Enjoy!

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  13. I'm enjoying the cooler weather too....of course. :) Your remodeling dreams sound fun!!! Today I canned pickled red beets.....tired, but happy with all I got done. :)

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    1. just dreams for now...but that's fine. Eventually the kitchen will be completely gutted. Really looking forward to that project!

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  14. What a lovely picture of you, Betsy...and I always enjoy your ramblings! And what great news that the boys' summer camp facility has a year-round program and they are staying there. You're so fortunate to have that type of program close by. We're also having the cooler, drier weather and I love it. My day was spent taking care of our new chocolate Lab puppy...it's just like having a toddler again lol! I have to watch her every minute -- she's constantly into something, but she's a lot of fun and really adorable.

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    1. Thanks, Dawn. You're so sweet. :)

      I agree about us being fortunate with that program nearby. A friend of mine was recently telling me that in a neighboring county, there is nothing at all available after high school! We are counting our blessings, that is for sure!

      Wow...that puppy sounds adorable! You really need to start a blog! You know we'd all love to see pictures of your new baby!

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    2. chocolate labs are one of my favorites! Puppy name??

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    3. There are no daily programs available in our area after high school either. Matt has been a resident at a state-run facility for the past 2 years and it's actually been a very good fit for him. He's happy there and keeps busy with activities they provide. It's only 5 minutes from our home so I see him several times a week and we have him home for weekends quite often. The downside is that their goal for all residents is to discharge them into the community, but there are no programs available for adults with autism or any type of mental challenges locally outside of the facility. We're thankful that he is currently meets the qualifications to be there but that could change sometime in the future. We just take it one day at a time.

      Chocolate labs are our favorite too. We had a male (Alex) for 13 years and he's been gone now for several years. The new puppy's name is Abbi. I do have pictures of her on my facebook page. If you're interested, just send me a friend request...Dawn Henry from Warren, PA.

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    4. Well, I'm so glad Matt is happy where he is and that it's so close to you! I hope he can continue there a good long time. This program does have employment opportunities right under the same roof. They do all the laundry for the two area hospitals on one side and then the other side is a document shredder for the IRS. Not sure if my guys will ever be able to do that, but for the ones that can, it's a real nice opportunity. It's surprising to me that some places have this and others don't...and it isn't even a state thing but different even between counties.

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    5. Dawn ~ can't find you on facebook...no dawn henry from warren! Can you click on my FB link so I can find you? Thanks!

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  15. I was waiting to hear what you would decide about returning to HS or keeping the guys in day programming! I knew the day program would need to be a GOOD one...so GLAD to hear that they are enjoying it and that Mom and Dad like it too. YEAH. A real blessing!!!!!!

    N's room is EMPTY...I want to paint it...and of course, need a bed for it...but hope that our auctions over the next few months will produce a trash to treasure opportunity!

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    1. It ended up being a very simple decision! ;)

      I'm sure we can find stuff for your spare room at the auctions! Fun!

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  16. Wow. Long post, for you. Who do you think you are... Me?

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    1. Gosh, I hope not! ....lol....ducks....

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    2. You wouldn't like dressing all in black all the time.

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    3. actually, I wear a lot of black...it's one of my best colors! I was thinking the whiskers might not have the same look on my face. ha.

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    4. those johnny cash sideburns, especially ....lol....

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    5. What sideburns? It's all part of the beard, now. :)

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    6. toldja I needed a new photo. ha.

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  17. Great and Blessed news about the boys and their summer/day camp! And that they are happy. Really blessed. That's the most important part.
    Oh! And can't wait to see what you do with the boys' bath and Taylor's room. Aren't you excited?
    A guest room would be nice. How far away does T&L live now? Would they be spending the night if they
    visited? I love the planning stage. So many possibilities to choose from. Fun too.

    As for what I've done today.
    I'm grand-dog sitting this week whilst ds,dil and the grand is lying on the beach in FL. Oh the joy.
    Being not an animal person it had been fun. They are really good so I can't complain. I've shot myself
    up with meds, inhalers and the like to keep going until they return.
    Today I've rearranged my spice cabinet. What a disaster that had become.
    I've spent time outside with the pups so they could play.
    Folded a load of yesterday's laundry.
    Wiped down Mr. Jake's a Girls' bathroom.
    Trying to decide what's for dinner. Take out probably as I tend not to cook when the dogs are here.
    The weather yesterday was less muggy and the temps cooler. Today is much warmer but not up to the usual
    GA. slap me now and fall over dead humidity.

    Sounds as if you had a really nice day. Don't you just love those.


    Jake's a Girl


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    1. Jake, you are just so cute, you know that? :)

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  18. Yes...change is good, not always easy...but good. You've had a lot going on.

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  19. Hi Betsy .. love the pensive yet creative thoughts for the future. It does all seem to be coming together and that's great the boys are happy with their summer camp 'routine' .. so pleased for you all.

    Happy days .. Hilary

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