Wednesday, March 18, 2009

This, That, and Other News






I have to say that the house has been peaceful and calm.  The turmoil that was, no longer is and that is something that I am very thankful for.
I've been reading.  I finished Guernsey and have started reading The Shack.  This book came highly recommended to me by several of my friends so I knew it would be a "must read" for me.  So far it's a good book and I'm not disappointed.    I have LOTS of books on my shelves to be read, so I'm not certain what is up next.  Any recommendations?


The weather here in Chicago has been lovely.  Sunny and breezy and just perfect for springtime.  I love to have the sun shine pouring in through the windows and having the windows opened here and there to let some fresh air come in.  It is especially wonderful after a long snowy winter.  Of course, it also brings about that look of yuck in the yard.  All that grass that hasn't come back to life just yet, the debris that accumulated over the late fall and throughout the winter.  Lots of work to be done.  My main "outdoor" objective this spring is to power-wash the house.  The siding really needs a good cleaning after the winter.


I've been cross-stitching a lot!  I have finished a few projects, but I haven't "finished" them into anything or framed them.  I hope to get photos of all my stitching projects this week so I can share them with you all.  I have found my stitching a great necessity as of lately, it is wonderful for the spirit and calms the nerves.  

We've been painting too.  (yes, again)  With #1 son deciding to move out, Caitlyn decided to move downstairs to the teen sanctuary.  So, we painted her new bedroom (Vic's old room) and she picked some new bedding and accessories.  So grown up!  I will be sharing photos of her new room very soon.  Thomas also decided to switch rooms since he has the entire upstairs to himself now (well, he still has parents and dogs, but no siblings) so we gave his new room a quick painting and he also got a new quilt since his had definitely seen better days.  Photos of his room to come soon as well.  Now we're gearing up to paint the "empty" room.  This is the first time ever that I have had a room that no one is going to occupy.  I'm calling it my grandma room.  I'm going to fix it up just for me, my little sanctuary where I can escape.  

Our anniversary was so wonderful!  We both had wanted to go away for the weekend, but it wasn't in the finances for us this year.  So, we spent the day together doing little things and then
both Caitlyn and Thomas headed out and we had the house to ourselves.  We went to dinner at my very favorite restaurant, Maggiano's.  I had shrimp oreganato (yummy) and for dessert Nonna's Pound Cake.  I enjoyed a watermelon Martini (delish!) too.  
After dinner we headed home to our empty abode and watched Nights in Rodanthe.  A lovely movie except I don't think I like the ending.  I had hopes for a different ending so I'm not sure how I feel about the movie overall.  
More "stuff".  For those of you who have been reading my blog you know that I've had a dilemma about my nephew.  A decision has been made.  After speaking with several social workers we decided not to take on this situation.  There are many factors that led us to make this choice and I have struggled deeply with what to do too.  But, when all the factors are looked at carefully and using logic, this is not a good situation for any of us.  At this point it is best for my nephew to stay where he is since he's been there for quite some time and is adjusted and doing well.  As I continue to pray for him, the situation, and for peace I know that I made the best possible choice I could have made for now.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're right Suzann about your nephew...if he is already in a home and adjusted, that is best for him. I will pray for him too...for his well being and emotional health. God Bless him....

Nancy Rosalina said...

Suzann, Seems you have alot on your plate right now...and I am adding you to my prayer list! Nancy

Heather said...

Man, girlie, you packed a lot of stuff into one post!

First, I'm so glad you had a great day on your anniversary. Even if it wasn't what you had planned and hoped (a getaway), at least you were able to spend it together, and enjoy it.

I can't imagine how hard it must be to let go of that first baby. There are so many seasons in our life, it's the adjustment that is hard. It sounds like you are doing well in that department. I would love to see what you do to the "grandma room"!

I feel the same about scrapbooking as you do about stitching. A way to relax and escape the drama of our lives, if only for a while.

It's good to be back in the blogging world again. I've been missing everyone!

Sue said...

Bless your heart. You have a lot going and I will pray that you find the peace to cope with it all. Happy Anniversary to you and your hubbie.
Hugs,
Sue

Deanna said...

Happy Anniversary! Your time sounds wonderful. I have been afraid to see that movie because every says the same thing you do. They didn't like the ending. I don't want to come out of a movie sad and depressed!

I was wondering if you have read Ruth Bell Graham's book, "Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait". I haven't read it, but know a few who have read it during times like you are doing through with your #1 son.

Loved catching up on your life!

Betty said...

Lot´s of info here! Great post. I´m glad you had a good anniversary!
That must have been really tough having your son move out. How old is he? I had my girls move out a few years ago, but it was on good terms, and that was hard enough!
Just posted a review about The Shack today. I hope you like it as much as I do. It really helped me see some things more clearly.
Thanks for the updates in you life!