Mary Poppins on Broadway!

Sweet-Pea and I had a wonderful time this past Saturday. We ventured into New York City with friends of ours to go see Mary Poppins on Broadway. Wow, what an outstanding performance!!! Sweet-Pea sat on the edge of her seat in awe the whole time!! She had never seen a Broadway show before, so this was all so new to her. Being that she's a dancer, her favorite parts were obviously when they were dancing, and believe me, there was plenty of it.

Here are a few photos from our day. Unfortunately we couldn't take photos inside the theater, but at least I got one of her outside with her bag of goodies. She purchased the Mary Poppins carpet bag and matching umbrella. They're adorable!!! I'll get a photo of her with them soon and add it to the photos below.

Here is the theater....


Sweet-Pea outside the theater just after the performance


Sweet-Pea and I at dinner after the show


Riding home on the train. She was being silly with my best friend's niece who came with us...they were giggling so much!


Hopefully I'll get to take Lionel into NYC to see a Broadway show sometime soon too. It's so much fun going with one child at a time - the bonding experience is so awesome!! I just adore my children. Watching them see and experience things for the first time is a great feeling!

Friday Faves #19 Musician

Friday Fave #19 - Favorite Musician

Oh my goodness, I don't know that I could pick just one!?! I love SO many. My favorite music is definitely Christian Inspirational, but I also love classical and some of the more modern mellow music that's out there. I'll list my favorites by topic:


Favorite:
Christian groups: Selah
Christian soloists: Mark Lowry, Michael W. Smith
Non-Christian groups: Il Divo
Non-Christian soloists: James Galway!!! Josh Groban, Andrea Botticelli
Classical composer: Mozart
Modern/classical album: Sundown by Stewart Dudley, George Winston

There, that about covers it...or not. I'm sure I'll think of a bunch more after I post this! What are your favorites?!?

Thursday Thirteen #15

13 Things that stress me out!

I often wonder why I get worn out and run down. My doctor told me that the eczema I had on on my hands all winter was stressed induced, and the allergic reaction I have now (itching ALL over!) was probably due to the fact that my defenses are down. Hmm, think I need a break? Calgon...take me away! So...with that said, here are 13 reasons I'm stressed.

1. I've been caring for my Dad for a long time now, and even though he recently moved into a nursing home, the stress is still there!! It's a huge responsibility!!!! We are the only ones that visit him which is very sad...so the burden is quite heavy.

2. My grandmother (Dad's mother) is also alive - she turned 100 last month and I was told that she wasn't doing well. Just one more person under my care due to the fact that I'm the only family member around who seems to care. My Dad had Power of Attorney over her and now that he's in a home himself and I have POA over him, I am having to deal with her too. It's amazing how the rest of the family has abandoned her...very sad.

3. I'm the leader of a homeschool group. I love it, but it's a lot of work. I began the group over 6 years ago with a dear friend, and although there is now a board, my job is still full which keeps me busy. It's like a full time job!

4. I homeschool my children. Pure joy? Not all the time, but the rewards are priceless!!! I wouldn't trade it for anything...they're my world and I love them so much!

5. I need to lose weight. I have in the past and yet with the stresses, it makes it so much harder to keep it off. I don't even over eat like you'd think, I just eat the wrong things when I'm stressed out - which seems to be all the time.

6. Our dog, although he is now adjusting to our family, has taken a lot of work. He does bring joy into our home and we all adore him.

7. Bills. Enough said? With gas prices soaring up over $4. a gallon, it seems like going out to do activities with my kids is less feasible. Oil has gone sky high too, and now with summer coming, we will need to use our air conditioners, so the electric bills will skyrocket. Ugh! Does it ever end? My husband doesn't get a raise every time something else goes up in cost! God will provide for what we need though, we're counting on it and are depending fully on Him!

8. Sleep, or lack thereof. I don't sleep as well as I used to. When Dad lived with us I lost a LOT of sleep...but it's getting better a little at a time. He lived in our home but in a separate in-law we built onto our existing home. The few times I had to rush down to care for him after he either fell or had seizures were during the night or very early in the morning. I still think I hear him sometimes during the night...which is obviously my mind running in circles from the stress of when he was here.

9. Household responsibilities. Sometimes they are too much for me on top of all the other stuff I have to deal with. We try to keep our home fairly neat and tidy, but it's so hard. My husband is a huge blessing in the fact that he has taken on so much more than most husbands ever would! He not only is the sole bread winner in our home, but he also does all the outside yard work and then does a lot inside as well. He knows that my plate is full right now and he is helping to ease that burden. I love him SO much!

10. Friendships. I have several friends, but only three truly good friends who I am very thankful for (you know who you are!!!) I find it hard to maintain friends like I used to be able to. When I was younger I had a ton of friends, but now that my life is so busy, keeping the few good ones is enough. I hope to never lose contact with them, even if I ever move away. On the up-side...I have one dear cousin who is like a sister to me, only she lives too far away!!!! You're the best - and you know who you are too!! = ) Hopefully we'll be closer in a few years which brings me to my next one...

11. We want to move out of state. Things here are very expensive and life is so fast paced. We want a slower way of life, not only for us, but for our children. We would like to move so my husband could keep his current job, just in a different state, but we aren't sure that is possible. With the way the economy is, he could move and then lose his job is any people are laid off. That would be scary! We also can't move until my Dad passes away. Only God knows the plans He has for us, we just have to wait, but in the mean time it's hard...and stressful!!!

12. Violin. Lionel has been taking lessons from a wonderful teacher, but now we found out that the company where the teacher is hired out of, is closing. So...we're not sure if we will still have a teacher for him or not. The great part (besides the fact that he's an awesome teacher) is that he comes to the house to teach! He lives over an hour away, so we're not sure if he'll want to keep coming on his own, with gas prices and all. I hope so, otherwise it will be a HUGE let-down for Lionel, and for us. We will have to find someone else. I loved that his teacher was also a Christian and the recitals were wonderful.

13. Dance. Now that Lionel's teacher is iffy (is that a word?!?), we have decided to change dance schools for Sweet-Pea. Her dance studio, although professional, is not professional enough. We would like her to take from some place that shows their professionalism. She has even been discouraged about this current place, but not dance, so we need to find a good studio before her passion wears thin! She's been very passionate about dancing until recently, but we feel that it's not her, it's the studio she's at. Ugh...one more thing!

Through all of these trials and struggles, we look to God for answers, comfort and peace. We know that things happen for a reason, and that they are only for a season in our lives. A few verses that do give me comfort:

Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass."

Psalm 145:18-19 "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them."

Isa 40.28-31 "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

John 14.27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Rom 8.28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Holy Macro!

Yeah, I know...that's a corny title, but it's hard to come up with them all the time!!! As you know, it's spring, therefore for me it's macro season. I do enjoy taking macro photos throughout the year, but never as much as during the spring when flowers are just in bloom!

I haven't taken too many yet. Let me clarify that...I haven't taken too many GOOD ones yet. Here are a few from this week...

Cody Visits the Nursing Home!

We brought Cody to the nursing home today to visit my Dad. He was so well behaved, we were proud of him! Dad just loved him too. He couldn't keep his hands off him for the longest time. They say that animals are great for the elderly and it's so true. Dad perked right up and enjoyed having him there. He fed him treats and was able to see how truly loving and gentle Cody is.

Here's Dad and Cody...


Cody, asking Dad to pet him again! = )


Hopefully we will be able to bring Cody to the home more often now that we know he was good, and that Dad loved seeing him.

Photo Hunt #109 - Share any Photo

Wow, any photo huh? There are SO many I'd love to post, but I think I'll post this one that truly touches the depths of my heart. I apologize if this photo creeps you out, but it is reality...



This is Lionel sitting down beside the coffin of 'Gramma' (my Mom) when she died almost 7 years ago. They were best friends, and this photo (captured at random, not planned!) shows the sadness in his heart. He talks about her ALL the time and misses her dearly!! We all do.

Fun family day!

Don't you just love family days?!? Today was Edward's day off from work and we wanted to do something fun. Since we haven't left Cody for more than 3 or 4 hours, we decided that today would also be a good day for him to get his teeth fixed at the Vet's office, so...I called them the other day to make his appointment. Cody's teeth were never cared for by the breeder (nice huh?!?), so we have to pay the price to get them cleaned properly which isn't cheap! We were told that the condition his teeth were in were quite bad, so it would be upwards around $500. to $600. for it since they have to anesthetize Cody during the procedure. It's a big ordeal for dogs, it's not like us going to the dentist and we sit there and say 'ahh'. Dogs need to be put under for this procedure so they can be worked on properly.

So...off we went at 8:30 to bring Cody to the Vet's office for the day - perfect timing for our day out. We, on the other hand were headed north. Lionel saved up his money for a new Lionel train engine that he's had his eyes on for a long time now. We thought we'd bring the kids up to this huge hobby shop that's about a 40 min. drive away so they could look around and Lionel could purchase his train. As soon as we got there, he noticed the sign in front of the engine he wanted...SALE! He was SO excited! He saved $130. but got it for $89. Now he's already $40. ahead in saving up for his next big train purchase...according to Lionel.

Sweet-Pea had her eyes on the Breyers horses. She LOVES horses and is so into them lately. Her stuffed horse collection has grown quite a bit and now she's got her eyes on these. She bought a mini horse stable to play with, but wants to start saving for these Breyers. Seeing that it took 20 min. to get her out of the Breyers horse section, I know what's going to be on her birthday list this year! ha ha

After the store, we went out to lunch and then headed to our favorite mini golf course. We all had a blast playing golf, and we were the only ones at the course so it was quiet and peaceful. Gotta love it. One nice part about homeschooling (and that Edward's got a weekday off from work instead of Saturday) is that we get to go out and do things when everyone else is at work or in school.

Here are the kids at the golf course...


This is such a pretty course...you never know what's around the corner when you're headed to the next hole. The landscaping is beautiful and it's on a hill so you get a great view of the area.


They've even got a nice waterfall that you can walk under!


Lionel, getting 'attacked' by the lion. Such a ham!!


Now you know where Lionel gets it from...Edward is such a ham too!


Lionel and Sweet-Pea


Of course I was the big winner at golf! I got only 3 over par for the whole course. Believe me though, it was not skill! ha ha We then headed home but decided to stop at IKEA on the way since we pass right by it. The kids love walking through the store because of the fun rooms they have set up all over on the 2nd floor...plus their ice cream is SO cheap! Here's Sweet-Pea in one of the rooms she said she'd love to have at home! Dream on girly!!



While we were there we got a phone call about Cody. He was awake and although groggy, he was ready to come home. So, we went right to the Vet's office to get him - great timing! The ride was fine, but once we got home he went right to his bed and laid down. He pretty much was out of it the whole evening, but today I'm pleased to say that he's a very happy Doodle once again...but with much cleaner teeth!! Here he is in the van on the ride home...you can tell he's a bit out of sorts - he looks so tired! (Notice Lionel's train box in the background. ha ha He must have opened the box 20 times on the way home to just look at the train he bought!)



Fortunately Cody's teeth weren't as bad as they thought. There were no underlying problems, and they were able to get them sparkling clean. The bill? Well, it was only half of what they said it may be which made us even happier! It was a good day....now back to reality and school. Hope your day today is fun!!

Our Dapper 'Dood'

Cody, our 17 month old Goldendoodle, has been with us 10 weeks tomorrow...hard to believe. He continues to amaze us each day. He has gotten playful just the past week or so and it's so much fun to see him run around the house! Lionel gets him going and that's all it takes. He runs from one end of the house to the other as fast as he can. Sometimes he runs into the kitchen on his way by, but because we have hard wood floors in there he skids and slides, banging into the pantry doors...poor guy! He thinks it's great fun though and just continues on his way.

This silliness lasts about 20 minutes and then he's done. No matter what you do or say, he's done! He goes and gets himself a drink, then proceeds to lay down on the floor in the living room ready for a nap. He's such a quiet dog most of the day, but somewhere between 8pm and 10pm he's got energy left in him from the day and he's just got to let it out. We're trying to get him to fetch, but he thinks we're just weird for throwing things. He looks at the ball we through and just runs past it! Go figure...silly dog.

He also LOVES going out on walks with us. He has his favorite 'pit stop' where he does his business (fortunately it's in a wooded area and not on one of our neighbor's front lawns. Gasp!) He also looks for his friend Leo who lives down the street from us. Whenever Leo (a yellow lab) is outside, he gets very excited! It's nice to have friends, even when you're a dog I guess.

Here are a few photos from the past few days:

Lionel and Cody on our walk...


A boy and his dog...best of friends!


Someone is gettin' ready to run...


...and there he goes! He LOVES to jump down the few steps into our living room! (Please ignore the paint behind the table...we're testing different paint samples before repainting).


Well, it's getting late and I need to get to bed. Cody is sleeping soundly behind my computer desk chair, so he's obviously ready for bed too. Have a great Monday!

Photo Hunt #108 - Time

First of all, THANK YOU for choosing me for site of the day for my previous Photo Hunt! Woo hoo, what an honor! Thank you tnchick.com!!

My 'time' photo is a classic one...the clock in the middle of Grand Central Station in NYC...probably one of the more recognizable clocks that rate up there with Big Ben.

Thursday Thirteen #14

13 Scotland Castles I've been to:

I'm a bit hard pressed here tonight. I'm not feeling that great, so I'll post an easy Thursday Thirteen - one that doesn't require much thinking. I'm currently fighting a cold. It started with my allergies, but it developed into a bad head cold. Medicine helps, but not as much as time and rest, which is what I'm going to do after this post. Anyhow...

There are over 3,000 castles in Scotland. Wouldn't it be fun to try and visit them all...that's a trip in itself! Edward and I went to Scotland on our honeymoon many years ago, and we fell in love with so many of the castles we visited...some we even got to sleep in!
Here goes:

1. Castle Kennedy - favorite romantic spot in Scotland!

2. Glamis Castle


3. Culzean Castle


4. Floors Castle - Want to live here!!!!


5. Crathes Castle


6. Ardoe House - Slept here! Awesome place!!


7. Eileen Donan Castle


8. Urquhart Castle


9. Edinburgh Castle


10. Lockerbie Manor - Slept here (Had the place to ourselves!)


11. The Old Manor - Slept here


12. Loch Ness House - Slept here


13. Dunrobin Castle