Summer Blog Challenge

I am not, as you may have noticed, an assiduous blogger -- some of you miss my posts and some could care less. But it is time to catch up. My dear friend Fonda has issued a challenge... a "Summer Blog challenge". I thought, this would be as good a time as any to start blogging again.

Our first topic... WHAT SAYS "SUMMER" TO YOU?

Summer means so many things for me. One of them to say the least is sadness. Every time around this year, for the last 13 years, I have been reminded of that fateful day when Paul passed away. The pain of losing him is gone, but in a strange way it's still there. I still miss him. I don't think I will ever forget the day I found him laying unconscious on our front-yard. I never thought I would lose him like that, so suddenly... so abruptly. Even though his death certificate says July 14, 1997; In my heart and mind, he died July 13, Sunday.

I am grateful to God for the many blessings He has given me. My life with Paul, a beautiful daughter, and now my life with Doug. Thank you, Lord!

In Loving Memory

Paul Rene Saunders
May 5, 1959 - July 14, 1997

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

~Psalm 116:15

I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
~ Shannon Moseley, “Don’t Grieve for Me”

Meet Brutus

Our new baby... a 4 1/2 pound Shima!

I have been wanting a designer doggie for a long time! For the last couple of years, I have been looking to get a Yorkie-Poo. Tonight, DH and I decided to get a Shima, it's a cross between Shih Tzu and Maltese. He is such a cutie!!! Don't you think Brutus is a perfect name for our little fur-ball?

Brutus needs a haircut!

Summer Round-Up

Summer is quickly coming to a close and fall season soon to begin! I'm sorry to see summer gone but I am ready for the cooler weather and I am ready to end my hiatus from updating my blog!

DH had to work a 6-day week pretty much all summer. The extra money from over-time was very nice. But we weren't able to do our favorite activity which is to go on road trip on weekends, to visit nearby towns and check-out festivals around the area. Although, we had a chance to go and explore the Olympic Peninsula while visiting his parents in Bremerton.

I have lots of photos to share, and DH just bought me an external hard drive (1Terrabyte) so I can organize my pictures. I will try and upload some photos soon.

Dropping By

Sorry if updates in my blog is kind of slow (more like non-existence) but time is not on my side as I juggle to finish commitments and everyday chores.

Anyway, just drop by to say that DH and I are doing well and will try to get an update soon!

In Loving Memory

Paul Rene Saunders
May 5, 1959 - July 14, 1997

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
~Psalm 116:15

I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
~ Shannon Moseley, “Don’t Grieve for Me”

Spring has sprung!

In spite of Old Man Winter's grip, spring has sprung! Fuzzy buds are unfurling from the tips of our bushes, flowers are budding and tulips are poking through the ground.

To celebrate spring DH and I went to Seattle for a few days last week to visit his parents and sister. Sarah took us up to the viewing area of where she works; Columbia Center, Seattle's tallest building. We had fun looking over the city and had a great time.

Of course, you can't really go to Seattle and not stop at Pike's Market. On the way to his parents house, I got my M-i-L a bouquet of spring flowers and I got some for myself on the way back home.
While on the Ferry, we saw the USS Abraham Lincoln on it's way to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. The Ferry actually stopped and let the ship through the channel first. The USS Lincoln is huge; it was an awesome sight!
On the way back to Spokane, we stopped to take pictures at Columbia River and the Wild Horse Monument.

Thanks mom and dad, we had a very nice visit!

Then and Now - Dear Husband

My DH took a picture of himself while at work today and emailed it to me.
I found an old photo of him at his heaviest and wanted to share it.

This and That

Writing about the weather seems to be an easy subject when I can't think of anything to say. I will do my best to not focus on the weather since I can't really do anything about it. Although it's been warmer and sunny the last two days, it's still too cold to work in the yard.

I have been kind of in the dumps lately. I just haven't had the motivation to get these boxes unpack. Believe me I have the plan on how to do it, what I don't have is the motivation to get going. Every day I tell myself: "August, you need to unpack these boxes. Start with one box!" But when I see the mountain of boxes in the living room, family room and garage, it's just so overwhelming!

I think I know what's bothering me... it's the possibility of moving to Texas. DH hasn't heard anything from them, but he did tell me that they sent his boss some sort of "evaluation questionnaire" so they are looking at him. At this point we don't know anything yet. It's the waiting and not knowing that's so hard!

Last week DH and I went to Outback for dinner and the service was so poor that the manager didn't let us pay. I felt sorry for him because they ran-out of a lot things and he was going from table to table explaining and probably giving them a free meal as well. He told us because of the weather their delivery truck was stuck on the other side of Snoqualmie Pass. Our date wasn't a total loss, we still had a nice time talking with each other.

Because of the economic downturn, DD (darling daughter) lost her job and got-laid off. So yesterday, Sunday, she moved in with us until she figures out what to do. This is going to be a big adjustment, she hasn't lived with us and had her own apartment for the last 3 years. Come to think of it other than summer and holiday breaks, she really hasn't lived with us since she left for college in 2003.

Wow, I didn't think I have that much to say! I guess I better stop for now before this becomes a big wall of text.

Until then,

Spring, where art thou?

The gray and cold weather is starting to get on my nerves! Today, I woke up and there's frost on the ground! Weather forecast for snow today and tomorrow. Grrr!

I've been having a very bad cabin fever for the last week. I want to start my vegetable garden but it won't be frost free until May 15th. So, I must wait until then.

To my friends down south, won't you please send warm sunny days in my neck of the woods!

Adoption Update

I hired an attorney to help me with the adoption. I was interviewed several times by the local social workers who will be handling the case. They came by the house to do a child and home study report. Consent papers were signed, and when I left the Philippines, my attorney was ready to file the petition for adoption. He told me, it's going to take 6 to 12 months for the final hearing.

I need to get a home study report done here in the US and I was given a number to call in Seattle, so as soon as I get that done, I need to send the report to my lawyer and the Social Worker who's handling my case.

So far, it's looking good!

Once she is legally ours and we have the birth certificate to prove it, we can file the necessary paper work for her visa so we can bring her to the US.

In the meantime, DH and I continue to provide for her financially and we talk to her on the phone at least once a week.

Please continue to pray for her, for the adoption process, and that our hearts and home will be ready for her.

Here are some photos of her to enjoy!

at the beach...

girlie tent & a new doll...

say cheese..!

my new bike...

mommy and me...

Philippines Part Deux

It's Saturday midnight... and as usual I left some of my preparation for my trip at the very last minute. But I am all pack and right now DH and I are listening to some music, drinking a bottle of Pinot Grigio while we talk and play on the computer.

I am very excited! The main reason I'm going to the Philippines is so I can get the adoption paperwork started. That's right you read it right... adoption! I have been keeping this a secret, other than our immediate family and 2 or 3 close friends I shared with, very few people know that we are planning to adopt a little girl.

I am not yet ready to share the details about her, other than she is a beautiful and a very smart little girl. I fell in-love with her the first time I met her. But I will share a picture.

@ 18 months

So I covet your prayers, that the adoption process will go smoothly. I was given a name of an attorney, who was well recommended and I plan to use him. I have done my research online and I am bringing the necessary papers with me. I just hope I have everything I need!

Update on Dear Husband

Most of you know that DH had an RNY Gastric Bypass done in Sept. 2008. You can read his adventure here.

It's been almost 5 months since his surgery. Almost immediately, he has stopped taking ALL of his prescription meds, no more insulin and best of all his Diabetes is in remission. He is down to 227 lbs. (the heaviest he weighed was 350 a few years ago in Alaska). Lost 15 inches around his waist. He's wearing 44 waist pants now and he told me today that I'm going to need to get him some size 42's pretty soon! And he went from size 20 neck down to 17. I am telling you, he's almost a different person looking at him! He's always been a very handsome man, but he's really looking mighty fine these days! :)

I snapped a picture of him early this morning before he left for work, but I haven't figured out how to really use my new Canon camera. So I'll post a photo of him another day.

He's really doing awesome with his new eating habits and that's good for me as well since I've lost 10 pounds. I can't wait for warm weather when we can take advantage biking/walking the trails & park around the neighborhood. I wonder if I can get him to play golf!!!

Home Sweet Home Part 2

Well, we have been in our house for two weeks now. It's been very busy and chaotic. We have so much to do!!! With the holidays coming up we are trying to get the house in order for friends and family.

Darling Daughter has a childhood friend from Illinois visiting her for Thanksgiving and along with DD's "Manfriend" they will be having dinner with us. I still have yet to unpack my fancy china and silverware.

The rest of my Dear Husband's family will be here weekend of December 12th for family get together. And DH doesn't seem to understand that I'm a little nervous since this is the FIRST time his whole family will be visiting us. And I want this to be absolutely perfect, which I know it won't be.

New beds have been delivered for the guestrooms, sectional sofa was ordered from Lazyboy and a big flat screen TV has been shipped. I just hope they get here before Thanksgiving.

Now if I can just unpack the boxes in the garage and put away... every thing would be so nice!

Back to the World Wide Web!

Oh my goodness! We finally have interwebs!!!
Will post more later. :)

Home Sweet Home

After our marathon househunting over the last few days, DH and I struggled which house we were going to make an offer to. There were two houses that were on top of our list, one was in the Upper South Hill area (very desirable neighborhood in Spokane) and the other house is in Liberty Lake. After thinking and talking it over, we decided to choose the house in Liberty Lake.

This morning our Realtor called to tell us the good news, our offer was accepted! I am hoping and praying that everything else will go smoothly. We're having a home inspection done in a few days and I hope there's no major problem with the house.

This is Century 21's description of the property:

Pottery Barn Contemporary Home in Liberty Lake, WA. This Home has Lovely Curb Appeal and is situated on a wonderful view cul-de-sac location.

Within a short walk to Liberty Lake Golf Course, Liberty Lake and the beach, Pavillion Park and Liberty Lake Elementary School. Liberty Lake is a Urban Lake Community south of I90 between Spokane, WA and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with an upscale flair. Lifestyle is at the top of everyone's list. Paved Walking, Jogging and Bike Trails. 15 minutes to Centennial Trail where you can ride or run for miles and miles. It's all about "enjoying Life while enjoying Nature at its best!" Wonderful community, Great Location.

Near everything yet has a kind of Lake Tahoo-ness to it yet located in the Inland Northwest! Much more affordable here too! Home Features 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 2 Car Garage. 2 Master Bedrooms both with Adjoining Bathrooms. One of the Master Bedrooms has a garden window and a single french door to a beautiful backyard courtyard (wonderfully landscaped) Newer Roof, Tiled Countertops, Gas Fireplace in Family Room. Living Room is adjacent to the Kitchen and Dining Room.

If you would like to see a virtual tour you can see the house here.

Hello Spokane, WA

We're here! We made it safely and getting settled in our new temporary housing.

DD (darling daughter) and her "Manfriend" came over for dinner and we watch the VP Debate. We had fun watching and playing VP debate bingo.

Tomorrow, we meet with our Real Estate agent and start our house-hunting marathon.

PostOp: Day 2

It's day 2 after DH's surgery and he is doing very well. I'm so happy that everything went well and he came out of the surgery with flying colors. We're hoping he can go home this afternoon. We're waiting for his doctor right now.

I've been here since Monday, so I'm getting a little tired of hospital cafeteria food. Also, DH is getting a little stir crazy in this room. ;)

Prayer Request

My DH (dear husband) is having his surgery today. Please pray that everything will go as plan and there will be no complication.

Packing our household is coming along nicely. I hope to get all my packing done by September 20th. I'm really getting excited about our move to Spokane and I'm looking forward to this new chapter of our lives.

73 Days!

WHAT?!? You're probably wondering what happened to the other 14 days.

Well... while DH was out for his doctor's appointment Seattle HR called again and told me that he needed to call them back because the date got changed. When I mentioned that I was his wife and we knew that it was changed to Oct. 12, she said... "Well, his new pick-up date is now Sept. 28!"

GRRRR!!!

Fortunately, 80% of our boxes are still packed. Since, we were planning to do a "touch and go" here in CRW, we decided not to unpack everything.

I just finished talking and making reservation for the moving company. They will be here Sept. 29th to load and take everything. So, Tuesday, Sept. 30th were on our way out to Spokane, Washington!

Now, I just need to make airline & hotel reservations and get a rental car for Spokane. We're planning to go at the end of August to do a "marathon" house-hunting.

Of course there are still a lot of editing and packing to do. I'm getting stressed-out thinking about it.

One of the worst days of my life

Sunday, July 13, 1997 exactly eleven years ago today.

Some things I remember about this day:

• It was an extremely hot day

• I did not go to church - Paul and Autumn went
  

• Paul made some sort of chili-pie for lunch

• Paul had a "things-to-do list" - mow the lawn was on it
  

• Someone else usually mow the lawn - I do not know why he decided to do it

• He was going on a business trip the next day - maybe this was the reason why

• I was in the garage doing the laundry - getting his clothes ready
  

• I didn't hear the sound of the lawn mower

• I went outside to check on him - I thought he was resting on the grass

Life as I knew it ended.