fun in the snow

Yesterday we took some of our visiting family up to the mountains. Being from southern California, they don't get to play in the snow too often. Don's niece, Sarah, who is 4 had never even seen snow. We found a small hill and spent the morning sledding, making snow angels, having snow ball fights, and just having a real fun time.

I took over 300 pictures, but am only including a few here...

which door would you go through?

This was my dilemma today as I had to use the restroom after my wonderful lunch with my son. I really wasn't sure and I didn't want to make the wrong choice. That could be a real embarrassing catastrophe! I had to ask Jake which one was the women's restroom as he had been to this eating establishment before. He laughed and pointed me in the right direction.

The problem is that not everyone is as lucky to be with someone who has personally gone through the same process and either made the right guess or the wrong one. As I sat in my stall, I heard someone come in and wash their hands. I didn't think anything of it until this person gave out a little cough. It was a deep, manly cough. I peeked through the cracks and could only tell that this person was tall and had a masculine build. I realize it could have been a woman but I'm pretty sure it was a man. Thank goodness he (or she) only chose to wash his/her hands.

I've decided that if I ever return to this fun Boulder landmark that served great burgers, I will make sure I don't have to use their restroom. Even though I know which door to go through, it is obvious that not everyone does.


30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

hear that bass beating?

...

Music from basement warms my heart.

Both Dani and Jake are home for the weekend, so this is one happy momma.

Whenever Jake comes home, his band gets together for a jam session. In fact, that's usually the main reason he comes home. But I don't care of the reason because the bottom line is that he's home for some period.

As I sat and listened to the music coming up from the basement, I was reminded how much I miss hearing it. It used to be every Saturday that the boys would come over. I wasn't always happy about it because, well, let's face it... it's loud. Just as it is with other things in life, some times you don't realize how much you like something until it's gone. That's the way I'm feeling now.

And not only am I enjoying the music, but the boys themselves. I love when they come up for lunch (Don barbecued hot dogs), sit around my table, and talk about their lives with each other. Some times I join in the conversation, some times I just listen to theirs. I've watched these boys for the last 4+ years and it's been a joy to watch them grow up into the young men they have become.

I sit here content and happy.

Six Word Saturday is hosted by at Cate at Show My Face.

what's happening...

Randomness...

-> Around here, schools started last week. Yet, I have not heard from the district whether I have my job from last year, when I would start, and when and where I would be working (which school(s). I'm going crazy. I'm pretty sure I have a job, but what if I don't? I could (and would) be spending this time looking for another job. I sent an email to the secretary about a month ago and she sent out a mass email to all the tutors telling them to not bug her and that they would get us the pertinent information some where around the end of August. Well, today was the end of August. Do they think that we don't have lives? I can't even plan anything in the future because this part of my life has been settled. Ugh!

-->> As I waited in a very long line today at my local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), I was thoroughly entertained watching and listening to people with the cell phones. I'd say 90% of the crowded room were people who were either talking or using the phones. I must have heard 10 or more ring tones that were songs, mostly TV theme songs or songs from the 50s and 60s. It just struck me funny to see this room full of people (70 or so) in their own little world by using their cell phone. What did we do before we had these things?!

--->>> Jake got a job this weekend at a sporting goods store near his college campus. He'll be working quite a bit for the next two months during their huge sale on ski and snowboard items. This had been his plan all along but it now means that we won't be seeing him very much. He has a very tough semester (actually, the whole year) ahead of him and now he's adding the work schedule to it. Good luck Jake.

---->>>> We're going camping this weekend. We're going with many families from our church and we're going to a place our family has gone to for 18 years (minus a year or two) on Labor Day weekend. Danielle has asked to be baptized again. Her baptism will be in the same pool where she was originally baptized, about 10 years ago. Also, Don will be delivering the message on Sunday morning in the quaint, outdoor chapel. For those two reasons, plus a great time of fellowship and camping, it should be a great weekend.

time marches on

Ok... it's time to get back into the habit of blogging. I've been terribly lazy and unmotivated. I miss one day, and then two, and with each passing day, it gets harder to sit down and write something of quality. But I enjoy writing here and reading other bloggers, so I just need to make the commitment.

The last month has been hard because Danielle was traveling and my mind was on her and her trip 24/7. I didn't want to bore any of my readers with my daily thoughts and worries, so I withdrew a bit. I am happy to announce, though, that she arrived home Monday night safe and sound. She had a wonderful time, a lot of interesting stories, and memories to last a life time. Thanks for all of you who lifted a prayer on her behalf.

I've been reading a lot. I found that my mind wouldn't wander to Danielle as much if I was engrossed in a book. I read a book titled Still Alice and would highly recommend it as it sheds light on the reality of living with Alzheimer's. It's told in the first person of a 50 something year old who starts displaying symptoms of early onset Alzheimer's. It really makes you think and helps you understand what this terrible disease does to not only the patient, but the family as well.

I also started reading the Harry Potter series. I saw the sixth movie over the summer and became intrigued. Or maybe it was because Jake read all seven books over a month's time and kept talking about them. Don't ask me why I haven't had any interest before now. All I know is that I found myself having the desire to read them. I've read the first two and enjoyed them very much. I think I'll read them two at a time, and read two or three other books in between.

We are once again empty-nesters as Jake and Danielle started classes this week. As always, the summer flew by. We didn't have any of the super hot weather, so in some ways, it didn't even feel like summer. Since we didn't get the hot weather, I'm wishing summer would last another month or longer instead of looking forward to Fall, like I usually am about this time of year.

But life, and the seasons, march on. And so do I.

what a day!

June 25, 2009
a day of joy, and sorrow.

We celebrated Jake's 19th birthday today. Wow! It's hard to believe that my baby boy is 19 years old. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was holding his hand as we crossed the street? I guess not. It just seems like it. It's been nineteen years of amazing memories and watching him grow up to be the wonderful young man he is. Happy Birthday Jake.

But, in the future, when I think of this date, it probably won't be Jake's 19th birthday that I think about. It will be the two celebrities that passed away today. Farrah Faucet and Michael Jackson.

Many are mourning the death of these two iconic figures, but many others could care less. I understand this. This group would include those who don't follow the lives of celebrities, or are not interested in the music industry, or are just too young to appreciate who these two people were and what they contributed to their respective industries.

It's not that I'm some big follower of celebrities or a personal fan of either one that has me mourning each death. It's the fact that each one was a part of my early years, and because of that, they have impacted my life.

Farrah Faucet became part of my world when she played one of Charlie's Angels on the popular TV show in 1976. I was a teenager and watched the show religiously. It was a time when women's roles on TV were changing from the Harriet Nelson and Carol Brady types to more of the young, modern characters; roles I could relate to. Farrah Faucet was young, beautiful, brave and funny. Young (and old) men weren't the only ones that admired her. Young women just had a different reason to.

I remember seeing Michael Jackson performing with his older brothers, as the group The Jackson 5, when I was quite young. He was just a boy, a boy the same age as I was since he was only a year older than me. They would occasionally perform on the Andy Williams show, or some other variety show that my parents used to watch. I watched him grow up and become an amazing musician and entertainer. I had some of his music and played it and danced to it at parties and get-togethers. Yes, his life was marred by controversy, but no one can deny the talent he had and how much he contributed to popular music. He was, and will always be, the king of pop(ular).

Both Farrah and Michael were rare individuals, bigger than life, who changed their world and the world around them. I join thousands of other mourners because that world included me.

monday, monday

For Today...

Outside my window... green. everywhere. That's what happens when you get a good amount of rain over the past month. Now that I'm looking outside, I notice Jake needs to mow the lawn... again.

I am thinking... about Danielle. Last night was her first night house sitting. I'm wondering how it went for her.

I am thankful for... the fact that Don passed a kidney stone yesterday morning. It was a painful night but it's passed and it won't cause him any more pain or trouble this week.

From the kitchen... nothing. Absolutely nothing. Nothing was cooked yesterday nor will there be anything today. Is that sad? But due to that fact, it's clean.

I am wearing... plaid shorts and brown t-shirt.

I am reading... The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. It's one of those books where the characters now feel like family and I don't want the book to end.

I am hearing... The birds chirp, and the trash truck coming up the street.

I am hoping... Don has a wonderful time in California this weekend. The combination of the beach, family, and time away from work should mean a great time for him.

I am creating... a website to celebrate my grandmother's 90 years of life. We'll be celebrating her birthday in November.

I am going... to have to figure out what to get Jake for his birthday, and help Don figure out what to get for his mom for her birthday.

I am praying... for Danielle, her team, and her upcoming trip to Nepal.

Around the house... the garage has been picked up and cleaned out. The kids and I tackled the job last Friday as one of Don's Father's Day presents. He said it was the best gift we could give him.

One of my favorite things... sitting outside, under the gazebo, reading a book, while storm clouds roll over head. The light rain was an added bonus.

A few plans for the rest of the week... getting together with friends... for lunch, at the pool, and over coffee. We're hoping to buy a pop-up camper. Oh, and it's Jake's 19th birthday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


As I was walking through a parking lot the other day, this caught my eye... in the passenger seat with a seat belt around him or her. It's times like this that I'm glad I keep a camera in my purse.

Thank you to Peggy of The Simple Woman for this wonderful format for sharing part of our lives.

puzzles, tags, and a movie

Randomness...

Danielle, Jake and I are officially addicted. It's called Yubotu. I was given a book of puzzles in which you use your strategy skills to figure out where the hidden sea vessels are hiding on the grid. It's a little like the classic game of battleship. Once the kids saw what the puzzles were like, they wanted to solve them so I was copying them from the book onto grid paper. I couldn't keep up with the demand. Fortunately, Jake googled the name Yubotu and found that there are web sites that provide the puzzles and ability to solve them online - which is a lot more fun. No less addictive, but easier than using paper and pencil. If you would like to try your hand at these fun puzzles, check out YubotuOnline. The good thing about this site is they only give you nine puzzles a day, in varying degrees of difficulty. I now do my nine a day and call it good. My addiction is under control.

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A week ago, I posted six unimportant things that make me happy from a tag I received. I then went on to tag six people. The process of defining what's unimportant and then coming up with six things was interesting for me and I have enjoyed reading other people's list. I encourage anyone who might be reading this who wasn't tagged to try this exercise. I think it has great value for all of us. I also want to extend the tag to one more person; my daughter, Danielle. She has a blog but claimed she can't write a post on this subject because she wasn't tagged. Okay, Danielle... consider yourself tagged.

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Danielle and I saw the movie Up a couple of days ago and loved it. This is a Disney Pixar animated story of a old man and a young boy who go on the adventure of a lifetime. It's funny, it's sad, it's touching, and it's meaningful. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy this film. It's being presented in two formats, one being 3D. We saw it in 3D and thought it was great (boy, has 3D come a long way from earlier days). In fact, I don't know why anyone wouldn't see it in 3D. If you haven't already seen it, try to find a couple of free hours and make your way down to your local theater.

straight up the mountain

I had a very nice Mother's Day. I hope any mother reading this did so also.

After church, Don, Jake and I traveled down to Colorado Springs to spend the afternoon with Danielle. Before leaving her place for the restaurant for lunch, we spent some time talking and laughing and opening the presents Jake and Dani gave me. They gave me a beautiful candle holder and an even more beautiful bracelet. The bracelet has a charm that they had engraved with their names on one side and LOVE on the other. I love it!

We then went to lunch at Texas Roadhouse. Yummy food. Even better company.

After lunch, we drove up into Manitou Springs, which is a lovely little mountain town with a cute main street full of quaint little shops. I would have loved to do some walking and looking and shopping, but it was rainy and I knew the guys (Don and Jake) wouldn't have enjoyed the time spent that way. But I will be going back there some day - it's my kind of place.

Instead, we drove up to the base of the mountain where Danielle showed us her latest conquest... the Incline. It's a stairway straight up a mountain. It's crazy! It's a path made of over 5,000 railroad ties that goes straight up the mountain with an average grade of 41% (steepest is 68%). It starts at an elevation of 6600 feet and rises to 8600 feet. The trail down is a four mile hike. Like I said... crazy!


This picture doesn't do the breadth and scope of it any justice, but it's the best I could capture with a camera. Dani had wanted to conquer the beast, and did so a week ago. She doesn't want to ever do it again, which I find amusing. Once Jake saw it, he felt the challenge of it calling to him. He wanted to climb it right then and there. We talked him out of it. Mainly because it would most likely be a couple of hours that we didn't have. I have no doubt that he'll be at the top of that mountain in the next week or so.


After we left that area, we headed over to a beautiful park called the Garden of the Gods. There's some incredible rock formations to drive through and climb on. Even though the weather was on the dreary side, the park was full of people. Before we knew it, it was time to head for home. Another wonderful Mother's Day in the books. I am so blessed by my family.

this is how...

I spent my snowy Saturday...

We had planned to be snowed in today with the forecast saying we could expect anywhere from 5 to 15 inches of snow. Well... we got less than an inch. Instead, we got a lot of freezing rain with a lot of strong winds. We still stayed inside all day.

After breakfast, I crawled back in bed and read the new book I started a couple of days ago. After a bit, Danielle joined me and we enjoyed some quality mother-daughter pillow talk.

A little later I made some chocolate chip muffin tops.


This was after Don and Danielle made fried rice, after I put a roast and potatoes in the crockpot, and during the time Dani made fun-fetti cookies. It was a cooking and baking kind of day.

In case you're wondering what Jake was doing, he and his band were jamming in the basement.

I played a few games on POGO, read and commented a couple of blog posts, checked my email, and then... read some more of my book.


After Dani's birthday dinner, which was scrumptious, Hollee came over and we played cards. This is how we enjoy many Saturday nights. Don wanted me to mention that he won the game this night - which is a rare occurrence. Way to go Don.


I am now writing this post while the kids are playing Super Mario Bros. on the Wii. And now that I'm done, I'm going to go read my book. Good night all.

art and snow

The kids and I spent Wednesday afternoon at the Denver Museum of Art. Jake had an assignment to pick out a piece of art and draw his own recreation of it. We walked through several floors of varying exhibits - everything from fine art, to art from different countries, to unique and unusual contemporary art, before he found a piece he wanted to draw.

He found an oil painting amongst the western art displays, pulled up a chair, and spent the next hour drawing what he saw before him. I was impressed since he is not an art student and he did his best while onlookers peeked over his shoulder expecting to see some impressing recreation. Jake's not an artist but he did a great job.


These two pictures were from one of those unusual displays. It was a walkway where there were tables set with dishes and food - all painted in red. And amid the tables, there were foxes playfully posing. It was fascinating to me and pleasing to my eye. You know what they say; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with my children and experiencing all the art.



On another note... we had a blizzard today! (which was yesterday by the time you read this.)

We knew we would be getting a big storm going through, but because of the winds, they upgraded it to a blizzard. They predicted 8-12 inches for the Denver area. Areas to the north and west received at least 12" but as I type this, about 11:00 at night, we only got about 6". It is still snowing but so lightly that I don't think we'll get more than another inch as it's supposed to snow off and on through the night.

Most of the schools were canceled today, and tomorrow as well. It was nice not having to go anywhere and catch up on things around the house while the snow came down outside. Yep, a nice day.

flowers and cookies

This is what I found when I came downstairs after my shower today. What a sweet husband I have.


Both Dani and Jake came home this weekend. Jake and Hollee spent Valentine's Day on the slopes snow boarding while Dani decided to bake cookies. It was fun helping her decorate them.



As I type this, Don has steaks on the barbecue which will accompany baked potatoes, salad, and garlic bread for dinner.

We've had a nice Valentine's Day. I hope you have, too.

smile and say hi

Jake told me last night (through text messages), that in one of the classes he's a learning assistant for, there's a kid he was once friends with in elementary school. In fact, very good friends. The two of them would occasionally go over to each other's homes to play and they invited each other to their birthday parties. They were in the same class for many years. But after they finished fifth grade, they went on to different middle schools and never saw each other again - until yesterday, in a freshman college class.

So I asked him what this kid's response was when he realized who Jake was and Jake's response was, "oh, I didn't say anything." What? I asked him why not and if he was planning to say something like, "hi, remember me, I'm Jake Varey." His response to me was, "no, I'm not planning on saying anything unless he says something to me first."

Although I think I would say something if I were in his shoes, I can kinda understand where he's coming from. In the past two days I've had situations where I've come into proximity of people I knew but didn't feel comfortable enough or it necessary for me to greet or instigate a conversation with.

The first situation was a neighbor and someone we used to go to church with. I only know the couple very casually and I wasn't sure they would truly recognize me, so I actually did my best to avoid them in the store. We ended up at the cashier at the same time but they never looked my way so I didn't speak up.

The second situation was a mother and sister of a kid from youth group in which I'm very close to. I know the mother well enough and have spoken to her countless times over the years, but I felt hesitant to call out her name and engage in a conversation. I think I felt guilty because she had surgery a few months back and I never followed up to see how she was doing or if I could help in any way. She ended up seeing me and we did have a short conversation before both of us headed into the same theater.

So, I know there's times when we don't want to make that first step in greeting someone or to see them at all, but I'm questioning whether that is good, or even right. God wants us to love our neighbors, and that doesn't just mean those who live in our neighborhood. How can we do that if we don't allow ourselves to be open and available to others?

If Jake doesn't ever take that first step of saying hi with an old classmate, how will he ever know what may lie beyond; what kind of relationship he and this old acquaintance could have, how his life may be enriched, or how he might minister to another person. It means that there are times when we have to step out of our comfort zone but knowing that there's a chance that we may be blessed by doing so, or that we may bless someone else.

These are just my thoughts on the subject. I'd love to hear yours.

knott's berry farm

No words are needed...






Wordless Wednesday HQ

the pier

Yes, we are enjoying our visit here in southern California. The past two days have felt so relaxing and care free. Both kids have mentioned how good it feels to be on break from school and not to have to think about classes, papers, or professors. For Don, the much needed break relieves him of the stress he's endured lately.

Today we went down to the pier and enjoyed walking around and observing everything going on. It's a fishing pier with shops and restaurants, so there's a mixture of fishermen, tourists, and wildlife. This pier holds so many memories for us all and we will most likely spend more time there this week.


Pelicans seemed to be in charge as they were everywhere. Most of them would you let them walk right up to them. Tourists were snapping pictures left and right. As Dani and Jake approached this pair, they scooted over, not wanting to get to close, which was fine with Dani, who was a little freaked out being that close. This pier holds so many memories for us all and we will most likely spend more time there this week.


We've enjoyed how care-free these past two days have been because we now go into visitation mode. We'll be traveling to see my side of the family and Don's brother and sister will be here in a couple of days. Let the celebration begin.

up, up, and away

Jake started his education as an aerospace engineer nearly three months ago. He tells us he's enjoying it and I know his grades are good. One of his classes is called Gateway to Space and the main focus of the class is to design and build a mini-satellite that will perform certain tasks while being launched by a high altitude balloon.

Jake and his team have been working hard on their satellite and today was launch day. The balloon expands to the size of two (yes, I said 2!) football fields. The students can watch it as it climbs in altitude. Once the balloon bursts, the parachute deploys and brings down the satellites that are attached and the students are in hot pursuit.

Jake drove his team over 200 miles round trip to collect the payloads. Everything from the launch to the pick-up was a success. They will now interpret the data they collected. The launch was at 5:00 in the morning and he didn't get home until after 6:00 pm. Long day.

The following pictures were taken from Jake's satellite, which was one of the tasks that his project had to perform. Other tasks included measuring light intensity with photo diodes and solar panels, measuring internal and external temperature, and measuring internal humidity. They figure that outside temperatures reached -40 F. In order to keep everything working, they installed some kind of internal heater.

The following pictures show: (1) a couple hundred feet up (2) a couple thousand feet (3) probably around 70,000 feet (4) 100,000 feet (estimate) (5) 110,000 feet - 20 miles! (6) coming back down. Pretty amazing stuff. Well done, Jake.







I love Saturdays. It's a blessing to be able to sleep in a little bit without having the dog wake me up, telling me he wants out. On Saturdays, Don gets up early and takes care of the dog. I can sleep until my internal clock wakes me up and then if I want to stay in bed and read, I can. Blessing indeed.


Blessing #15 in a month's worth of blessings.

oh no! not another political post...

Don't worry... I'm not going to talk about any particular party or candidate. I think we've all had enough of that and I know I'm not the only one that is glad to see the election process end today. But this is the last time I can say anything about politics for awhile because it would sound silly to talk about it after today. Bear with me.

I am amazed I would want to say anything at all. Before this election, talk about anything political would not have happened with me. I have never felt comfortable with politics, and there's still a part of me that isn't. I have found that most political conversations don't accomplish much except judgement and division.

But this election was different from previous ones. I have found an interest in politics that I have never had before. I've been trying to figure out why and I've come up with a couple of reasons.

One, this election has been so different in that a we saw a popular woman running against the first African American and a fairly large number of republicans throwing their hat in the ring in the beginning. Then history being made with the first African American candidate who ends up having a good chance at being elected President. And not to be outdone, the Republicans picking a woman - a pit bull of a woman - for the role of Vice President. From these standpoints, it's all been very exciting and I didn't even mention some of the major issues that have become so important to the country.

The second reason I accredit to the Internet. It has been so easy for me to research candidates and issues. Facts and opinions are plentiful if you're willing to dig a little and keep an open mind. I've spent a lot of time online reading up on both candidates and many, many issues. It has helped me get a clearer picture of who our two candidates are.

There's a third reason, and that is that both of my kids are voting for the first time in their lives. They're new to the process of listening to the candidates, doing their own research, and deciding who they want to vote for. We've had many conversations over the last 21 months (yes, it's been that long since the campaigning first began) and I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed the great discussions we've had and watching them form their own opinions.

A few days ago, Don and Danielle were discussing some of our local amendments. Don was explaining some of the intricacies of some complicated issues. She listened intently and asked many questions. I loved watching this interaction. A little bit later, she asked me something about one of the issues and then told me she didn't know if she agreed with her dad on some of the issues.

Woo-hoo! This made my heart smile. I want my kids to be independent thinkers. I don't want them to think a certain way or make any decision just because that's the way mom or dad think. And I am thrilled that they've taken this election seriously and see voting as a privilege that they want to be a part of.

My blessing today is that I live in a country that is built on democracy and gives it's citizens the freedom to vote for it's officials. The added blessing is that my children are now a part of this process.


Blessing #2 in a month's worth of blessings

blessings

Both of my children are such a blessing to me. I love having them home and interacting with them on a different level than I had when they lived here and I had to be more of a "mother." I see how they are maturing and finding their place as adults in this world.

There are times when Danielle will cook a meal for us while she is at home. It's so nice to sit back, watch your kid cook, and then sit down to a meal that you didn't have to lift a finger for.

This weekend Jake and I got into a conversation about music as I was looking for some new stuff to load onto my ipod. He ended up burning a custom made CD for me with music he thought I'd like. Danielle then made me one, too.

When he was to take his girlfriend home last night, he asked if he could take my car. I'm always a little anxious when letting my kids take my car but I said okay. This morning when I got in to it to go to church, the CD started playing and there were a handful of smarties candies in my cup holder. The candy was from Hollee, Jake's girlfriend, because she knew how much I loved that particular kind of candy. I'm so glad I allowed him to use my car.

We did our best to teach our children to care about others and it's so wonderful to see this come to fruition. It's not only wonderful.... it's a blessing.


Blessing #1 in a month's worth of blessings

go buffs!

I didn't take this picture (how I wish I did). It was forwarded on to me from a friend who was at this game and it was her friend who took the picture. Isn't it beautiful?

Why am I posting it? Besides the fact that it's a great picture? It shows off where my son, Jake, goes to college. His school's football team is part of the Big 12 and this is their stadium. Jake's only made it to one game but told us how much he enjoyed it. He takes pride in his school and their team (even though this season hasn't been the best) and has taken a bigger interest in college football. And since this is his school, I, too, have taken an interest in their team and games and will continue to root them on.

I was going to make this a Wordless Wednesday but there were just too many words =)

i don't feel 49

What a nice weekend I had.

Both Danielle and Jake came home to help Don and I celebrate our birthdays.

We enjoyed the company of each other while eating at home and eating out, playing cards, watching football (college and pro), having Jake's band jam in our basement, going to church, opening presents, and the capper of the weekend.... a concert.

We enjoyed hearing Jars of Clay, Robert Randolf and the Family Band, Switchfoot, and Third Day at a fairly new venue here in town. We had great seats to watch a great show and had a great time. And as I type this (at midnight), my ears are still ringing.

Dani, Jake, and his girlfriend, Hollee, made us a cake Saturday afternoon. It was fun watching them do everything from start to finish. It was delicious. And their presents to us were so thoughtful.

But the best present was having them both home and the fun we had together. Thank you Dani and Jake.