W.I.T.W.

Stands for What In The World!!!


This is what I look like today:

or perhaps I should say this is what my eyes look like today.


It all started last night with extreme itching on my forehead.  I kept applying anti-itch cream and  cortisone cream all night.


The itching eventually turned to a combination of itching and tingling...


And then when I woke up...WHAM...my eyelids are swollen!!!!! 


The picture does not even come close to portraying how hideous I look.


At this point...all signs are pointing toward an allergic reaction to something...just not sure what.


Just taking antihistamines to see if the swelling goes down.


I think it's a good day for a nap! 

Happy Birthday, C.J.

I'm fairly certain that the most defining moment of my life happened 21 years ago today when, at 1:54 p.m., a 6lb 8 oz miracle was placed into my arms.  

He immediately snuggled into my chest and filled a void that I didn't even know existed. But, at that moment, I knew nothing in my life would ever be the same.

I'm pretty sure I can safely say that it was also the best moment of my life (repeated two more times with the arrival of his brothers) but, at the time, it was definitely the best moment I had ever experienced.


 It's a crude analogy but a newborn is similar to an artist's fresh canvas. And just as the artist stares and this blank canvas and dreams of what his finished product will look like...I remember spending hours gazing at C.J. wondering what kind of man he would grow up to be...hoping that he would absorb the best of everything he was taught so that he would become a polite, respectful man who, at the same time, would feel comfortable stating his opinions and ideas even if they were not in line with everyone else's.  The perfect combination of a leader and a follower.

It's surreal to sit back now and realize that he IS a young man and he has made this momma so proud of the man he has become. 


Although, at times, I can't help but still think of him as my little boy...

I guess that's what he'll always be to me.

We're Back

We are back from our trip and I feel totally re-energized...my internal battery has been recharged.  


We spent a lot of time at the lake this trip, which provided time for reflection and a deepening appreciation for the blessings of each new day we are given.

watching the sunset over the lake

Zack enjoyed the fun of finding new friends at the lake which made swimming just a little more fun.

These two pictures were taken just before he found the friends

And had the fun of an impromptu night wade in the lake while we were there for a concert.

Mean old mom wouldn't let him get his shorts wet.

Is there anything more calming than the serene quietness of a walk through the woods?

perfectly accompanied by the roaring rush of water as it spills over rocks.

Stopping occasionally to take in the beauty everything around us...or to just rest and re-charge.

Or to hug a best friend

Overall, it was 5 days that went by too quickly.  Stressful situations at home have made it hard to relax and enjoy the summer...but these 5 days have been rejuvenating. 

We've Been...

...up north

relaxing, swimming, and visiting with the folks.

Heading home tomorrow and back to reality...and dental work...ugh!

Firecracker Fourth

You know it's hot when your sunglasses fog up when you step outside!

Anyway...it's the 4th of July...and it is HOT!!!

Zack and I spent the morning at the park selling these - and other items.

Zack was a very attentive salesman

We go back in about an hour to sell glow in the dark items before the fireworks tonight.


**Added later**
94* today with a heat index of 104*

What A Way to Break Out of a Drought

 How about 2+ inches of rain in less than an hour...complete with marble-sized hail and 60 mile an hour winds!


Driving around post-storm last night we saw some trees down:

 Nothing shocking...


Until we saw this:

Not a great picture because it was taken in the dark with the zoom lens but this huge sign had fallen and crushed at least six cars.  Thankfully, the cars had been empty at the time.

Dinner Out

Last night I needed to get out of the house.  I had to get my mind off the events of the day.  Several ideas were suggested and discussed...and what we ended up doing was not even in the mix of the discussions...but sometimes those outings turn out to be the most memorable.

So yeah...we went to the A&W and ate outside in the 90* heat.

Once again I was only able to get one semi-good picture of Zack...next time I went to take a picture, he did this:

at least Ollie was a willing subject.

when he wasn't wagging his tail and trying to greet every new person who walked within 10 feet of him.