Family – Page 8 – Asbery's Echoes

Rain, Rain Go Away

The weather has been miserable here. I’ve even turned the furnace back on. I don’t ever remember running the furnace in April and especially not in May. The poor chickens have been cooped up since Thursday. Joe opened their door up for them yesterday and they refused to go outside. Drew tries to go out but comes right back in. It is cold, windy, muddy, miserable out there. On the bright side – it looks like after today things might be turning around. Warmer and sunshine – yeah! I will definitely appreciate it when it comes! The sun is even trying to shine right now – yeah!

Last Thursday I painted. And painted and painted and painted. I almost got the dining room done. I decided I like the color so much, I’m going to paint the living room, hallway, our bedroom, the kitchen and maybe even the bathroom in the same color. It will take me awhile to get it all accomplished, especially with graduation coming and hopefully with the weather turning for the better here I’ll need to be working outside. But I will get it done. These walls haven’t been touched for years and it’s definitely time.

A very neutral paint color. So much better than the green I had before. I don’t know what I was thinking! I still have some rearranging and decorating to do but that will have to wait until all the painting is done. That will be the fun part!

Friday I subbed at the elementary school. That was an experience. I worked with a very challenging boy for sure. I was in an old friend’s classroom, someone I hadn’t seen in a long time and we had a nice visit. All in all it was an enjoyable yet very tiring day. We should all appreciate the associates out there who dedicated their time working with special needs kids. It is an extremely rewarding job yet one of the hardest jobs I can ever imagine.

Saturday was spent finishing up painting the dining room and getting the room put back in order. Then off to Jeremy and Abby’s in the afternoon. They invited us over for supper so we went a little early to have time to play with Braxton. He was mad at us when we got there because we took so long! It’s fun to watch him and Drew – they play together so well.

If April showers bring May flowers we should have an abundance of beautiful blooms!

On Sunday we ended up running to Ottumwa to Menards. Joe needed more boards to finish his lean to and Drew needed a package of toys to put in a piñata at school. We picked up a few groceries too while we were there but since it wasn’t a planned trip I didn’t get everything I needed. I’ll have to sit down this week and figure out what I need for graduation food wise. It’s hard to believe it’s only two weeks away.

My Lily of the Valley are starting to bloom. These came from Mom. They are one of her favorites and she carried them in her wedding. We planted these about three years ago and they are slowly starting to spread out and fill in. The blooms are beautiful – small but mighty!

Prom 2017

I love this – sixth grade dance on the bottom Senior Prom on the top. My how they have changed. Beautiful women and handsome young men. Eric, Anna, Lindsey and Tyler. Hard to believe they are seniors. It’s been fun watching them grow and change. They are each unique strong individuals. I’m sure they will go far in life!

What a beautiful day we had for prom this year. The sun was shining all day, the temperature was cool but not cold, we couldn’t have asked for anything better! It’s hard to believe that my baby is a senior this year. He was my baby for so many years before we had Drew and we hadn’t thought there would be another child. So I still consider him my baby – not that he wants me to think that! He’s so ready to head out into this big old world. He’s just tolerating things like prom and high school at this point. He’s definitely counting down the days until the last day of school. He’s ready to begin his next big adventure.

Eric and his date Anna. A stunning couple! I love to see the kids all dressed up.

Pictures were taken at Belva Deer by the pond. A local favorite for many in our community.

It was a little windy outside. These four went out to supper at Olive Garden in Coralville after our little photo shoot. They went out to the cemetery on their way back and visited the grave of their friend who recently passed away. Then they stopped by our house to see the baby chickens!

Tradition here is the kids pull up to the front of the school in all kinds of vehicles. There was a tractor this year, a golf cart, a semi and a group showed up sitting in chairs on a trailer! These two girls sat on the tailgate of Luke’s vehicle. The dad in the background parks the vehicles for the kids and keeps their keys!

My pictures got out of order and I can’t get them where I want them to go. Oh well! Here they are having fun!

And a typical guy pose waiting on the girls. I love that they both have their hands in their pockets! Check out Luke’s shoes! Allison was wearing white tennis too!

After Grand March. Each couple is introduced and walks down off the stage to the center of the gym. After each couple is announced they all around the gym before family and friends head down to the gym floor for more pictures!

Braxton and Uncle Drew. Braxton was more interested in running around the gym than in taking pictures!

Me and Eric and Dad. I love this picture – Eric is not a picture taker so I have to take advantage of any chance I get to get a picture with him!

This is a favorite – Aaron, Braxton, Eric and Abby. Drew was missing – he went home with my sister to Norwalk to spend the night. They came down earlier to see Eric, went out for supper with us and then left so they wouldn’t be late getting home. Jeremy couldn’t make it either. He got busy at work. Was happy to have Aaron, Abby and Braxton there for Eric.

The senior girls in their beautiful dresses.

The handsome senior boys. Eric’s friend Will was missing. His girlfriend is from another town and her prom was tonight too so he went there.

2017 Senior Class. Don’t they all look wonderful! A great group of kids!

After all the pictures were taken the kids headed next door to the little gym for the dance while a group of adults spent that time here in the big gym setting up for After Prom. After the dance the kids are give a short amount of time to leave the premises and change their clothes. Then back to the school for After Prom. Once they walk back into the school they aren’t allowed to leave again until After Prom is over. If they do leave, their parents get called and they aren’t allowed back in. They have all kinds of entertainment, refreshments, give aways, etc. for the kids to do until 4:00 a.m. Eric got home around 4:30 after taking Anna home. This keeps the kids from partying and driving around and keeps them safe. I think Eric had fun. He slept until 1:30 then had to be to work at 2:00 until 11:00 p.m. so I didn’t get to talk to him much. Another Sigourney prom is in the books for us and it’ll be a few years before Drew goes to prom!

Yesterday Joe and I worked on the lean to he’s putting up to store fire wood. Then we headed to Pella to meet Beth and Drew. He had a great time. They got root beer floats Saturday night and had chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Then they went fishing. He was full of stories! We ate at the Chinese restaurant in Pella for an early supper then a nice relaxing evening at home.

This week I’m focusing on graduation decorations for Eric’s open house. I have a pallet sitting out in the sun right now drying off. I’m going to round up pictures and different display items today. I have mason jars and twine and clothes pins and balloons and lots of black and gold. Our school colors and the University of Iowa colors are both black and gold – that works out great! Abby is making a banner and my niece is making cake balls. I think all I have left to buy is the food. Eric’s only request – pasta and fruit. So Alfredo and spaghetti it is along with meatballs, shredded chicken, lettuce salad and fruit salad. I will be glad when this is all over with. I wish I could say I enjoy hosting these types of things but it’s just not my cup of tea. Thank goodness for Pinterset and my mom and Abby! And now I’m off to gather up photos and get caught up in memories!

Easter Fun

The bluebells were up for Easter! One of my favorite spring flowers are the wild bluebells that grow in Dad’s timber. Rarely does a spring go by that I don’t get down to the timber to visit them. They are beautiful and the timber is my happy place. There’s no place I would rather be to relax and unwind!

We had a perfectly beautiful day for Easter and it was so nice and relaxing. Just spending time with family, sitting down together at the table, being outside and playing with the littles. There’s nothing better.

Grandpa and Braxton hunting for eggs. Braxton loved finding eggs this year!

Teamwork – I love how these two are bonding! They get along so well together right now. I can’t even imagine what kind of trouble they will get themselves into in the coming years.

A beautiful end to the day.

Birthday Boy

A battery operated pencil sharpener. You never know what he’s going to ask for!

Wow – Drew is 6! Where has the time gone? It’s amazing how fast time flies. There was no school for Easter so Drew go to sleep in on his birthday! He opened up presents at home on when Dad got home from work and we took him out to supper. Of course he picked his favorite restaurant, Bubba-Q’s in Ottumwa which worked out great as we picked up the chicken coop while we were there. They have the best barbecue ever although Drew always orders the macaroni and cheese! He got to open more presents on Easter and we had birthday cupcakes for dessert after out Easter meal. Lots of fun for a six year old!

Drew loves Play Mobile and he had been asking for the tree house forever. I love Play Mobile too – I would have loved to play with this stuff when I was little!

Later we went out to the shop and put together the chicken coop. We were actually able to put the whole thing together without any arguing – a small miracle for sure!

Its so cute – cant wait until morning to put the chicks in it! I think they are going to love it!

Spring Was Here Today!

We had a beautiful spring day here today! The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the temperature was in the low 60’s. Normally I consider that the perfect temperature, not too hot, not too cold, but I didn’t spend much time outside. For some reason, I have been so cold the last few days. Chilled to the bone cold. I did open up a couple of windows this afternoon to let some fresh air in but if I’m not up and busy, I have to sit under a blanket and I’m still cold. I hope I’m not coming down with anything. We had a nice surprise at supper again tonight. Aaron showed up unannounced. He didn’t stay long but it was nice to have all three boys at the supper table! Tomorrow it’s supposed to get up to 73 and sunshine. We have a soccer game in the morning and then I plan to spend the rest of the day outside working on flower beds. Even if I am cold! I want to enjoy the day as it’s supposed to cool down again and rain most of next week. Since April showers bring May flowers we should have lots and lots of flowers next month!

Graduation time is almost here

Eric’s graduation invitations came this week – yeah! My cousin took his pictures and worked up the invites and she does such an amazing job. It’s great having such a talented professional photographer in the family!

This fun little notebook contains everything I need to remember to plan this graduation. Lists, addresses, ideas, etc. It will get used a lot the next couple of months!

So yesterday and today I worked on gathering up addresses, typing them into the computer, printing them out and getting the envelopes stuffed and ready to go. I have to say, I’ve done a lot of mailings throughout the years working as a secretary but it sure is a lot more fun when you’re home with Pandora playing your favorite music, a nice candle burning and a nice quiet house to work in. And a friendly cat to keep you company!

Thanks to Amazon – I didn’t have to run to Osky for supplies!

One graduation project to check off the list. Now to get the cake balls ordered. My niece has a catering business and makes the most delectable sweets – cake balls being one of them. Eric specifically asked for them so of course cake balls it will be. He very rarely asks for anything specific. His normal answer to any question is “I don’t care!” Next I’m hoping to get together with Abby and decide on decorations. Hopefully we can DYI the decorations. If I get that taken care of this month I can concentrate on the food in May. Then it will all be over with before we know it!

In the meantime, Eric got fitted for his tux earlier this week. His date went with us to the store to pick out colors for his tie and vest and I had to explain to her that she would have to make the decisions. His answer to all her questions – “I don’t care!” If he really does have an opinion he will say otherwise he really just doesn’t care. He’s a pretty easy going guy!

It’s hard to believe he’s going to be graduating in such a short time. You would think that by this time I’d be used to this but it doesn’t get any easier. You’re so happy to seem them get to this point and to see them go off and spread their wings but it’s so sad to think he’ll be going to college next year and won’t be home. He will be missed around here.

I took this picture through the glass hoping to not get his attention but he caught me!

We’ve had lots more rainy, cold, windy, dreary days but there was one afternoon that even though quite chilly, the sun did shine. Because Drew so wants it to be nice so he can play outside, he decided to take his blanket and his Kindle and entertain himself on the deck. I didn’t think he’d be out there long but he proved me wrong. It almost dark when he came in – cold and ready for his bath but at least he got some fresh air!

Signs of Drew

This little guy has been hanging out on the back porch for awhile now – I think he’s looking for some sun!

I’m not sure how long this little piggy has been keeping company with my dad’s Easter bunnies and chicks – I just noticed him today! He blends right in!

I never know what I’m going to find where in this house. Drew leaves his mark in every room in the house. I know he’s been through every corner, cupboard and drawer. He’s found things that I’ve forgotten I even had and somethings he should never have found! He has no boundaries and believes if he found it, it’s his. We’ve had discussion after discussion about respecting others and their belongings. Someday I hope it will sink in. It can be very frustrating at times but for the most part we’ve learned to accept it and laugh because you never know what you are going to find where!

Glad To See Friday

A sweet prim stitch that hangs in my kitchen – words to remember!

What a long week this has been. I’m glad to finally see the weekend. It started out so sad. Such a tragic accident to occur in our community. (See previous post). Joe was out of town from Sunday through Tuesday night. Then Wednesday afternoon he and I headed to Ames to stay the night. His brother had surgery for prostrate cancer yesterday morning. Joe wanted to be there to support Tom so we stayed the night so that we could be at the hospital by 5:30 a.m. The surgery went great and it looks like they were able to get all the cancer. What a blessing. Although the circumstances were not so fun it was nice to spend some one on one time with Joe Wednesday evening then with all of his siblings and some of their spouses yesterday at the hospital. Tom isn’t married but his girlfriend was there too. We enjoyed some reminiscing and I think she enjoyed hearing the siblings talking. They haven’t been dating for very long so I think she got to learn some things about the family throughout the day! She seems like a very nice person and you can see that she cares for Tom.

A springy wreath to welcome us home after a long day away.

It was a long day and so nice when we got home to run over to Dad and Mom’s to pick up Drew (they kept him overnight for us while we were gone) and have a warm, home cooked meal there. Eric headed over too so we got to enjoy more family time there. There’s nothing better than being with family eating a home cooked meal after being gone overnight and eating junk food all day. Family time all day and then family time in the evening. Precious.

A spot of green in a dreary landscape. Spring is here!

I think the weather this week has made everything just a tad harder to deal with. I’m beginning to wonder if we will ever see the sun. It’s been cold, wet, windy, and just downright miserable all week. Looking at the forecast it doesn’t look like things are going to improve anytime soon. But, things are sprouting up out of the ground despite the weather and the grass is getting greener by the day so we do know Spring is here and one of these days I’m sure we’ll be donning those sunglasses and short sleeves. At least we have something to look forward to! Before you know it, everyone will be complaining of it being too hot and these dreary cold days will be long forgotten! So, I’ll just light another candle, keep my slippers on and stay inside as much as I can. Cuddle under a blanket with Drew when he’ll let me and enjoy each day as it comes!

Pierre is getting a little too brave around a burning candle.

Did anybody see Trace Adkins on the Today Show today? I’m glad I was able to tune in. I have always liked Trace Adkins but now that I know his drummer personally – I enjoy seeing him perform live! The drummer, John Richardson, is from my hometown! His mom and my mom are good friends and we spent Saturday morning coffee at each other’s houses when we were growing up. I can still see the play room in their neat old farmhouse – it was so much fun to visit. He and his brother Tom and me and my sister Beth. Nobody deserves the honor of being the drummer for such a well known singer more than Johnny! He’s worked hard and followed his dream and it’s great to see him living it now!

Rainy Days

Drew eating his afternoon snack in the rain.

It’s been overcast and rainy the past three days here in southeast Iowa. But the birds sure are singing so we know spring is here! It’s a typical Iowa spring. It’s chilly and damp and there’s not much that can be done outside. Drew’s first soccer practice was canceled. Yesterday we decided to go to Des Moines to the camper show being held at the state fair grounds rather than sit around the house. My dad and mom went with us and we met up with some friends from Clear Lake.

Its perfect candle burning weather – this one is called Snickerdoodle – yum!

None of us are looking to buy a camper but we always have fun looking. We look at all the different choices and go home still loving the one we have. That’s a good thing!

Today is another overcast, drizzly, chilly day – one of those lazy sit around the house days. It’s nice to have one once in awhile. Joe had to leave to go north for work this morning – as much as he hates leaving on a Sunday, he doesn’t mind so much when he’s headed to Clear Lake – to work for the next couple of days with a good friend who works for the same company. They have fun together even if it is work. Eric is home all day which is a treat for me. I feel like I hardly get to see him anymore. So the boys and I are being bums this afternoon and enjoying our time together! (Of course Eric has basketball going on TV – but that’s okay – I’ll survive!)

Quiet Days

After such a busy weekend it’s nice to have a quiet week. We haven’t done much of anything this week. Joe has been busy with work. The boys are gone to school every day and I’ve been getting the house back in order. It never fails, when we have busy days the house becomes a mess. Laundry and picking up – that’s my week so far and that’s fine with me. Drew starts soccer tomorrow night, prom and birthdays next month and graduation in May. Busy days ahead. I need to enjoy these quiet peaceful days as they will be few and far between in the coming months.