Boys Will Be Boys

Growing up as the only girl in a family of three kids, I quickly learned that my brothers were not only there for me, but they ultimately taught me lessons that helped in picking the mate that I would have for the rest of my life. While I'm a girly-girl, I can certainly "hang" pretty well with the "boys". In fact, I get along much better with guys than I do with girls - and I'm sure that my childhood had a lot to play into that.

Lately, I've been thinking about the men in my life that mean the most to me, and I just wanted to post a quick note about how proud I am of each and every one of them.

First, my husband. While I've known him the least amount of time as any of the others I will mention here, he is an incredible guy, who, for some reason, never gives up on me - even when I give up on myself (which seems to be often lately). He is my rock. I look back at where I was 14 years ago and realize that he has taught me so much. He's encouraged me to be independent. I know how to change spark plugs, tires, belts and other miscellaneous car parts. I can build a computer basically from scratch. I can finish drywall, cut the grass, etc. I've acquired a taste for Chinese food, and other edibles I wouldn't even try before I met him. In the past few years, I've watched him grow spiritually, which has helped us grow closer together both emotionally and spiritually. I'm proud of who he is, all that he has, and for never compromising to those around him.

Next is my father. Obviously the adult male figure in my life as a child, he has taught me so much. As I get older, I find more and more in common with him than I ever thought possible. He is always there to listen or provide support. He admits his weaknesses and displays his strengths. With some not-so-good memories, I am grateful today to have my father in my life. He may not be physically close, and I may not see him often, but I always know he is a phone call away. I admire him, am proud of the man he is, and happy to call him my dad.

My older brother is next. With a 3-1/2 year age difference, I can say that we were never really that close as kids. He didn't always want his baby sister hanging out with him. But, when he left home and joined the Navy, I was so proud. While things got a little rough between the two of us many years ago, I can honestly say that I am so happy that some things can be forgiven (but never forgotten). I look at him today and admire the strength he has. I'm proud of the man he is, the father he is, and overall the person that he is. I hope to someday be able to have as great a family as he does - with the openness and sharing that they all have together. His son, my nephew, is growing to be the same kind of guy that he is - and that right there make me proud. Things are changing is his life right now, and I can't be more proud of him for not giving up on his dreams.

My baby brother, if I can say that, is last, but definitely not least. I call him my baby brother, but in fact, as my twin, he is more my second half. Growing up, we were close - we had to be. However, as with any brother - he didn't always want his sister hanging out. Yet, in high school, that changed. His friends were my friends, and vice versa. To this day, I appreciate the fact that I was welcomed by him (and his friends). Pursuing his own dreams and moving out of state, I see now how much he has grown in the past two years. He is happy; happier than he ever was living closer. He's grown spiritually, and guides me with what he has learned. He is continuously learning and teaching. Someday, he is going to make a wonderful father. I'm proud to be not only his twin, but his sister and friend. I'm proud of the man that he has become and proud that he has never ever given up on his dreams.

For all of you, I'm blessed to know each one of you. Together, you have formed me into a different, independent person than I ever thought was possible. I love you all very much and am proud of each of your accomplishments, families, dreams and pursuits.

Deep breaths

It's funny sometimes how certain events will perpetrate some memories you hoped would remain hidden forever. But, sometimes those memories still surface and you just can't help but play through them in your head again - like a video playing over and over again.

A lot has happened in the past few weeks that have brought to surface many memories and fears. The fears - much like anyone I would assume to have - are simply just things that get you thinking when others around you are experiencing it. Things like your own mortality. I don't think of myself as old by any means, but...wow honestly, I can't even put it down into words. Deep breaths.

The memories have come kind of sporadically. It's weird. We were driving somewhere and I saw a dog. Got me thinking about our dog, Lexy. Wow. Crazy stuff. Hadn't thought about her for quite a while - and since then, she hasn't left my mind. Thinking of her leads me to think of Blue, then of Brutus, both cats who left our little family way, way too early. But, it brings about memories of different times. Times that seemed simpler. Times that had a lot more laughter than now it seems. At the same time, however, it resurfaced those feelings. The feelings of abandonment. Had we done the right thing, at the right time? Whoa. Deep breaths.

These were just our animals. What about those people in my life that are not here any longer? The memories of them hurt also. What about those who are still here? Do they know that we love them? Have I shown them how much they mean to me? What if they are gone tomorrow - will I be able to handle it? Answering that right now, I would have to say NO. So, what can I do? Deep breaths.

I just hope that things are better now. Lexy, Blue, Brutus, Caly. I hope they are all running with all those friends and family that have gone too early and are playing without pain or anguish. Those of us here that still have to accept those that are gone, I know we will get through it - but it won't be easy. Deep breaths.

The tears are selfish - it is better this way. God has His plan.

Impromptu

I love spontaneous trips - albeit short ones! Ben had a pretty busy and rough week at work and there was a stretch of about 3 days that I barely saw him. We didn't get much time to talk either because he was so busy. Therefore, when the opportunity presented itself - I had to jump at the chance.

We left Friday night to go spend the day on Saturday at Houghton Lake. The weather was going to be (and did turn out to be) beautiful, and we always have so much fun up there. My dad's friend has a cottage on one of the channels off the lake, so we went up to get some much needed R&R. My family (brothers & sisters-in-law) and us usually go up about 1 time per year.

We were only able to stay until Saturday evening because we had to be back in time for church obligations on Sunday, but this time was so much different for many different reasons - and we had an absolute blast! We got to meet some new friends, hang out at the beach all day, and even ride on a jetski a little bit. The sun was shining, with just enough clouds to give your eyes a reprieve for a bit, with temperatures in the upper 70s. I can't wait to go back again in a month with the rest of my family (almost the rest anyway)! It is so relaxing!

Jeepers Creepers

This past weekend, Ben and I got to enjoy ourselves and accomplish a dream of Ben's for many, many years, while at the same time reignite a hobby of mine from my childhood. We went camping at Silver Lake Sand Dunes on the west side of Michigan. And, at the same time, we got to meet with more members of the 4x4 club that Ben has become a member of.

The day we arrived, we met up with some of the club, and actually were able to take our Jeep - yep, our own vehicle - out on the Sand Dunes. One of the guys took us around the dunes, showing us some of the terrain and testing out the capabilities of the Jeep.

Entrance to the Dunes (aka "Gateway to Heaven")

Ben did a great job not freaking me out too much - and really only getting stuck once!

Ben waiting to get "unstuck" from the sand

Once the rain started to roll in, we went back to the campground for the night and hung around with some of the club members, chatting and getting to know each other. The storms were fierce that night, but we made it through and got up the next morning to beautiful clear blue skies! What a great day to be on the dunes!

Playing on the dunes

Helping out a fellow "Jeeper" out of the water

Club members and guests

Club Logo (4Given 4x4)

Then, at the end of the day, we got to go back up to the dunes to watch an absolutely beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan.


Overall, we had a great time and were exhausted at the end of the weekend. The best part, for me, was seeing the smile on my hubby's face every time I turned around. I'm so glad that you got a chance to do this honey! I love you, and can't wait to go back again!

Thoughts on the weekend:

• Wow, how I wish all weekends could be three days!
• Ever wonder why we all look forward to weekends, but then are so busy that Monday (or in this case Tuesday) is just hell?
• Weddings are beautiful, and makes one think back on all the good and bad of his/her own marriage/relationship.
• Sunny weather puts pretty much everyone in a good mood.
• God works in mysterious ways.
  
• Why is it that fresh air makes one so tired?
• Movies, parades and putt-putt all in one day - what a great date!
• Seeing kids smile at parades puts a smile on my face!
• Whether old friends or new friends, they are all special people!
  
• Why are kids scared of clowns?
• Las Vegas is calling my name...
  
• Family time is important - and they are fun to be around.
  
• Mad Gab is a silly game that is a riot to play!
• The tent is going to work beautifully!
• The Praise Team is so much fun to be a part of!
  
• The Red Wings played a hell of a game on Sunday! Game 5 on Wednesday!
  
• Love can withstand everything, and makes one glow from the outside.
• Happy babies are all around...must be catching on!
• Hope everyone had a great weekend...and remember,
  
• Only 3 more days til the next weekend!

Long needed update...

What a shame. I started this blog just about a year ago and haven't really kept up with it. I feel like I've let some people down. But, regardless, I can say that I am back - at least for today - with some long awaited updates.

First and foremost - the weather is finally getting beautiful! The sun is shining and for the most part moods are reflecting that.

Second - my headaches appear to have returned in full force. There are days, it seems, that I cannot get through the entire day without either a nap or just outright going to bed at 7:30pm. I've started to realize how much these headaches impact my social life, and that of my husband. He is awesome to be so understanding - but my embarrassment hit a new low this past weekend. Maybe it is time to pressure the doc some more.

Third - my hubby has fulfilled a dream of his in more ways than one, which makes my heart happy and proud. The lease on one of our vehicles is coming to an end, and we had a choice to make. We loved the truck and planned to buy it out right, but in this unstable economy, that wasn't going to be too much of an option. Alas, his decision was made - he would buy a Jeep. And that is exactly what we did.

Now, I can honestly say I wasn't thrilled about the idea, and parts of it still makes me seriously wonder what goes through men's minds sometimes. But, we have had the Jeep for a week, and I can say that I thoroughly enjoy it. I don't get the mud thing - but someday I expect to. Anyway, we have met a great group of people - all Jeep owners with God and 4 wheelin' in mind - and plan to spend a lot of time with the Jeep.

All of this has also brought back one of my passions - CAMPING! We haven't camped in about 8 years because we were over the tent thing, but I have been getting the itch seriously lately. Well, tonight, we made our first reservations for the year at a campground. Yes, it is a Jeep trip - the one Ben has wanted to go on for years - and it is with this great group of people that he is getting to know. The weekend sounds like it will be fun.

Everything that has happened over the past 2-3 months has been somehow a sign. God intervenes in amazing ways sometimes, but the direction He has me pointing right now is a good one (aside from the headaches). Anyway, thanks for being loyal and checking in once in a while. More stories will probably come with all the adventures we will be partaking in, so please check back often.

God Bless and Happy Spring!

It's about time!

We have finally done it! After quite a while saying that we were going to, we have finally accomplished it!! A lot of sweat and tears went into it, but I'm thrilled to say it's about time!

What is it?

Well, a little embarrassing to say the least, but we have finally finished our master bathroom. It wasn't a remodel mind you, just a repair. Unfortunately, it has taken us a long time to complete it.

Some time ago (we can't remember when), the stand up shower in our master bathroom got a crack in the floor. We tore the shower out with the plans to replace it. Then, we remembered that we have a modular home and the shower is a smaller size than usual and required a specific shower (unless we wanted to remodel the entire bathroom). Since we had another bathroom, this was not going to be a big deal for us - we would just use the other shower until we could afford to get the one for the house.

Yet one day, not too long ago, we were shopping and decided to try and patch the crack. The fiberglass sheets and resin that we bought seemed to repair the crack nicely even though it didn't look too good. This past weekend we decided to finally start taping, gluing, screwing and nailing everything back in place. As of about 9:30 tonight, we have a working, operational shower back in our own bathroom that we can start to use again! And....we did it all ourselves. That little fact makes me feel good.

I want to thank everyone who has offered to help in one way or the other. This was a test of sorts for Ben and I, and I am very proud of Ben for not giving in to my whines and demands. He is a much handier guy than I imagined him to be - just one more thing to love about him!