Here is a glimpse of some of the music playing at our house…
I peeked into Abbey’s room while she was working on an assignment for her digital animation class and found it very interesting to watch her progress. Yes, she has two black lights and a blackboard bolted to the wall, black-out coverings on her windows and only about 3-feet of empty floor space in her bedroom with way too much stuff bursting out everywhere.
but, she loves what she’s doing!
Jared enthusiastically shows John each step completed as he creates a computer game.
My favorite $3.00 bench purchased from a garage sale 25 years ago and painted and repaired dozens of times got to the point that John just couldn’t fix it and keep it fixed. Mostly it was the arms that took the brunt of the abuse but even the legs were not staying together any longer.
{ha, that sounds like my body recently}
We considered making a porch swing from the bench but I really wanted it back in the kitchen to hold all of those little grandchildren. So we sent it off to a furniture maker for a complete overhaul .
Please, please, little bench, stay strong!
We have been moving furniture, boxes and rearranging rooms as Erin and Jared return home. The nursery has become Jared’s room and the guest room is now Erin’s room. Making them feel loved and comfortable, and though sad about the circumstances, we love having them home.
The painting above Jared’s bed was something my sister gave me when she moved out of her house last fall. I wish I had taken a photo of the before when it was in shades of bright green. I knew when I saw it I would paint over the canvas. Wanting something masculine for this room, I went to work. Nothing artistic but it works to fill a big blank wall.
We’ve done lots of yard work and home repairs.
Weeding, planting, painting, edging, raking, digging, dividing, potting, sweeping, blowing, washing and, well, you know. You are probably doing the same things at your house.
Who would had thought removing 20-year old, dead boxwood bushes would be so hard! Eighteen in all.
The last five with some much appreciated help from Jared.
Always the sentry, Raider keeps watch while we work.
Now, it hasn’t been all work.
My streptocarpus is blooming profusely in our bathroom.
Jared, the oldest grandson, and Keri, our oldest granddaughter, had a great time together. Last weekend we went to his high school spring musical, Mary Poppins. The following day, after getting those bushes out, Jared tried his best to hit Keri’s wild wiffle ball pitches (one that had to be rescued from the roof) and they had some impressive exercise challenges. As if push-ups aren’t hard enough, imagine doing hand clap push-ups! {The thought takes me back to the old broken bench feeling}
Our favorite time to visit Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery is Memorial Day weekend when all of the graves are decorated with an American flag. Both my parents are interred here. A perfect place to find a bench, remember loved ones and the Veterans that gave their service for our freedom.
Haven’t had much time with the littles through all of these changes but John snapped this pic of Chloe sleeping soundly the last time she was over. Playing it tiring work!
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Psalm 40:3
Goodness, you've gotten your money's worth from that bench. Sounds like a whole lot has been going on. Congrats to your daughter on her accomplishment. Your yard is looking so lovely and green. Have a wonderful week. Tammy
I consider it a real privilege to step into your world for a few brief moments. It is a world filled with so many interesting aspects and so much love. Thanks so much for sharing life with us. The flowering plant is beautiful!
It looks like busy times at your home! We are about to embark on some major home improvements too this summer…it's exciting! I am so glad you were able to keep that adorable little bench…it love it! Hoping you are enjoying your weekend!
You have been busy people there! Wow- You got a lot done. How fun to see the "artists" at work in your family. Those kids never cease to amaze me with what they can do with music and computers.
We ended up pulling our old boxwoods out by hooking them up the the truck and pulling them out that way. Still a mess to do it that way, too.
LOVE that little sleeping Chloe. xo Diana
You reminded me of the saying, "that which does not kill us, makes us stronger." Bet you are feeling like a really strong woman these days.
Love all the pictures and I'm sure your home has such a welcoming feeling.
Have a wonderful Lord's Day tomorrow!
Such a busy time of year! Seems like my life just gets busier and busier, does yours? Such fun though!
Nothing like family and it's the ups and downs that makes us stronger and the connection stronger. Music is so beautiful as well as healing. You have really been busy, enjoy some down time too!
Wow! You have been really busy!
Your projects and flowers look great!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Love this post. Midst changes and challenges, the music plays on bringing focus to the beauty and good. You've been busy with lots of house stuff as have we. I guess it's that time of year and life. It looks like your hubby was glad for Jared's assistance with those boxwoods. Have a good sabbath tomorrow.
I love my family.. there can be ups and downs but that's part of living and life.. Happy Weekend with love Janice
I always love seeing your family and what you've been doing. They are beautiful and such a treasure. What wonderful music they make in our lives.
~Adrienne~
Good Morning, It is nice to Jared smiling and enjoying time with his grandpa and Erin. I hear you about the push ups…..my thumbs have arthritis (of all things!) and I would die doing a push up!!!!! Your bench is beautiful and just perfect to squeeze in the little grands! I remember my parents using Atlanta phone books (thick) to help Karen's kids reach the table! Love your bathroom plant..that color would be gorgeous in my bath but my cats would not leave it alone. Raider looks very sweet in his Memorial day bandanna. I know it was special for you and the family to visit the cemetery. Wishing each of you a blessed weekend.