Random Thoughts and Happenings of Late

When you buy a brand new refrigerator, it's supposed to work for more than five weeks, correct? I mean, come on, at least give me a couple of months before I have to call a freaking repair man. Lowe's is terrible here. That's where the aforementioned appliance was purchased - as well as many sets of blinds that still have not arrived nor been installed. Ducking beneath the windows in my room to fetch clothing everyday has really gotten old. Mike and I are on display to the neighborhood every night as we read in bed. It's ridiculous... thank goodness there are no other houses close behind us. The blinds should be off backorder and to our doorstep next week (fingers crossed).

I had a breakthrough this morning at the gym. You're probably wondering... what did she do? Break a personal record on the treadmill? Lift a million pounds? Spin so fast she rode the stationary bike right out the door? No, no, something way more miraculous. The big breakthrough was that Abby Kate actually loosened her death grip around the nursery worker's neck and walked around and played today. Imagine that! In all previous visits, she'd be crying when I left her (actually she starts to cry as soon as we pull in the parking lot) and then she'd calm down, but sit in the lady's lap the whole time and then cry again when I picked her up. But not today my friends! I peeked in at her and she was playing with the other kids, having a grand ol' time. I asked her if she had fun and she said, "I had a good time," which is way more comical if you could hear her say it. Anyhow, SUCCESS!

Uncle Bill (Mike's younger brother) came to visit last weekend. He and Mike played golf and then we all enjoyed Mexican Lasagna when they got back home. Abby Kate warmed up to Bill very fast and was singing and laughing and playing games with him up until bedtime. Bill leaves for Iraq this coming Monday on his fourth deployment. He is also a pilot in the Marine Corps. Please pray for a safe trip over there and for a quick and safe return.


The Newbolds came over on Saturday. They brought their blow-up pool, which was a fabulous idea as it kept the kids entertained while we spent time catching up and enjoying a couple of drinks and chips'n'dip on our deck. We had dinner and truly enjoyed their company as it had been awhile since we'd had a gettogether. The girls have so much fun together. I love it when they get to play and laugh and run around. They are all so sweet.

I heard from an old friend I met when we lived in Virginia after she found out we had moved to NC. I met Jody when Mike began TBS in Quantico. She, her husband (also named Mike) and their 15-month-old boy, Noah, live down in beautiful Emerald Isle. It's about an hour drive from here. Jody invited us down to spend a few hours at a water park near their home. We had a nice time catching up. Thanks for inviting us, Jody! It was great to see you and meet your adorable son. The picture is of Noah and AK getting ready for the water park.