Wow, first of all I can't believe I haven't visited this page in 6 weeks?! Where has the time gone?
Happy Birthday to Christian on January 17th. We celebrated with his close friends Tim and Seth at their favorite restaurant: Changs Mongolian Grill. Second year in a row- I guess that means it's a tradition?
Our family has a great love of traditions.
They give life order and a sense of continuity- which we desperately need.
Especially now.
Lucas is nearly at the end of his Sophomore year basketball season. It's not been the best season.
We haven't had a consistent coach and the team is too big. It's scattered a bit and it makes it difficult to
get a great team chemistry going. But we've been fairly succesful and I have enjoyed cheering these boys on-that I have watched grow up with Lucas. They are a wonderful group of kids.
The best part about living in Corbett and attending the school here is spending time with the families we've grown to love.
And lastly...tomorrow, February 2nd 2011.
The day I married Nick 25 years ago.
I am not sure the East Coast O'Connell's even know??? That Nick and I were married twice!
We were engaged at Christmas time- we set the date for 8/10 to let family have a chance to make travel arrangements and for us to book the church, reception hall, etc...
But we soon found a house to buy. It had once belonged to my grandmother Bernice Cooper. It had a lot of great memories for me. And the price was right.
However, I did not want to move into that house and not be married.
Nick didn't care really care. But I certainly did.
I'm a traditional girl for sure.
So we bought the house and we eloped!
Nick's best friend Thomas and my good friend Susan were witnesses for us.
A judge married us on a Sunday afternoon.
It was tres romantic.
Poor Nick- it created a lot of confusion over the years- having 2 anniversaries!
He would always ask about 2 days before the big day- are we celebrating this one? (February) or the OTHER one?(August).
I of course, had to remind him that they both count and we should celebrate everything!
Girls are like that.
This morning I woke up at 6AM wishing someone would bring me my morning cup of coffee to bed.
Nick always did that- even when he was sick.
I miss him so much and I wonder how we would have celebrated tomorrow?
I'm sure it would have been sweet and I would have been spoiled-just as I have been for half my life with the husband I never deserved.
XOXO,
Kimberley
My song for Nick today-
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Saturday, December 18, 2010
An early Christmas present for us-Range Hood installed
I have been so lucky to know some really generous people. One of those is Russ Prewitt. He is an amazing person-AND bagpiper!
He came over this week and worked very hard to help me get the range hood installed. He finished today. And then left to work 10 more hours at Alaska Airlines. Very, very generous.
And as you see here- he does fine work.
We are getting closer to finishing this facelift in the kitchen.
Still don't have propane hooked up or windows trimmed out and painted-but we're making progress!
I am still stunned at how lovely and charming it turned out.
The boys said "Mom, it looks like you took all of your favorite things and just threw them together".
and that's a BAD thing????
That's exactly what I did.
I dreamed up this Kitchen and dreamed about this kitchen for about 20 years.
I hope the boys and I can enjoy many more years of family dinners here...
that includes you of course!
I took these pictures with my phone camera- so they're not the best, but you get the idea.... : )
Photo below is our Christmas tree with gifts beneath from Ozzie!!!!!!! Thank you so much!
Nick's corner.
Kimberley and the boys....
He came over this week and worked very hard to help me get the range hood installed. He finished today. And then left to work 10 more hours at Alaska Airlines. Very, very generous.
And as you see here- he does fine work.
We are getting closer to finishing this facelift in the kitchen.
Still don't have propane hooked up or windows trimmed out and painted-but we're making progress!
I am still stunned at how lovely and charming it turned out.
The boys said "Mom, it looks like you took all of your favorite things and just threw them together".
and that's a BAD thing????
That's exactly what I did.
I dreamed up this Kitchen and dreamed about this kitchen for about 20 years.
I hope the boys and I can enjoy many more years of family dinners here...
that includes you of course!
Photo below is our Christmas tree with gifts beneath from Ozzie!!!!!!! Thank you so much!
Kimberley and the boys....
Thursday, December 16, 2010
One Year ago...
It's impossible to believe even after one whole year that Nick is gone and really never coming back.
We couldn't have survived this year without all of the love and support from our close friends and especially from the O'Connell family.
Camp and the brothers- Nick loved nothing more. This smile says it all.
Clan O'Connell-words can't express our love and gratitude for this great, great family.
Rare and beautiful love.
Today was endurable because of all the support we have. I was thinking about this time last year every hour and remembering what we were doing every second of Nick's last day. Remembering when Peter left, how scared I was. I called my friend and asked her to come. Please come is all I could get out and she did. Linda Mack was here with us for 24 hours. She was amazing and we couldn't have made it through the day without her. I still don't know how she kept us all going. Hospice came, but they didn't stay. They came and evaluated, ordered pain medication that was delivered at the door and then they were gone. It was too much for us and just so frightening. Thomas came and stayed as long as he could also. What would we all do without friends and family?
We love you very much and thanks for the outpouring of love today.
XOXO,
Rare and beautiful love.
Today was endurable because of all the support we have. I was thinking about this time last year every hour and remembering what we were doing every second of Nick's last day. Remembering when Peter left, how scared I was. I called my friend and asked her to come. Please come is all I could get out and she did. Linda Mack was here with us for 24 hours. She was amazing and we couldn't have made it through the day without her. I still don't know how she kept us all going. Hospice came, but they didn't stay. They came and evaluated, ordered pain medication that was delivered at the door and then they were gone. It was too much for us and just so frightening. Thomas came and stayed as long as he could also. What would we all do without friends and family?
We love you very much and thanks for the outpouring of love today.
XOXO,
..short clip of Nick being a great Dad-fishing with the boys in Idaho in 2008
Kimberley and Matthew and Christian and Lucas O'ConnellFriday, December 03, 2010
Lucas 2008 basketball season
We're excited about a new basketball season. This video is from 2008.
Of course we didn't make one for last year. No one felt like it.
This is going to be a great season for our cards we have a great team, and Lucas has learned to love making the assist as much as making the shot.
Lucas needs to work on his confidence. Nick always encouraged him. As have just about every referee we've met. I think they see the fight in the smallest kid on the team and how much he can do with sheer will power and focus. But Lucas just sees in himself a small kid who can't dunk. (yet).
Of course he's not the smallest kid on the team this year! : )
XOXO,
k.
Of course we didn't make one for last year. No one felt like it.
This is going to be a great season for our cards we have a great team, and Lucas has learned to love making the assist as much as making the shot.
Lucas needs to work on his confidence. Nick always encouraged him. As have just about every referee we've met. I think they see the fight in the smallest kid on the team and how much he can do with sheer will power and focus. But Lucas just sees in himself a small kid who can't dunk. (yet).
Of course he's not the smallest kid on the team this year! : )
XOXO,
k.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Giving Thanks
The day I have been dreading for months came and went. Thanksgiving.
It's not that I don't have a heart of gratitiude for all I have been given.
It's just THIS YEAR is so very hard.
There is always this pressure during the holidays to be happy, to have wonderful experiences with family and for some sort of perfection. I have always struggled a bit with that.
Last year at this time is when Nick really started taking a turn for the worse. At the time I was in some sort of fog bubble. Too close to the forest to see the big tree falling. This year as it draws near the one year marker, I find myself reliving it all more vivdly than before. Dreams are relentless and sleep doesn't come easy. December 16th looms. It's the next hurdle.
But this holiday we did much, much better than I ever thought we would. I ruined a perfectly good turkey-AGAIN! "What is with you Kimberley- it's easy?!" But we laughed a lot, saw a movie and had a wonderful visit with best friends Linda and Tom Mack.
Matthew and I were talking about how we learned through this last 18 months that what you fear you can't endure-God gives you strength to rise above, face head on and even find the ability to feel joy.
We spoke of gratitiude for our family- especially the East Coast O'Connell clan. Our good faithful friends and a warm home home in a beautiful setting.
We're grateful that Adele was able to recover from surgery enough to enjoy the day. Beautiful Jenny came home from Ghana with a nasty infection in her leg, but grateful that she is recovering and has a great support group in San Francisco.
Christian is grateful for the love in his life-Hannah. Lucas is grateful for the promise of a new basketabll season and Matthew may be offered a new opportunity with his employer.
I of course am grateful for my boys who continue to enrich my life with pride and joy and inspiration.
We're all starting a new chapter in our lives, gaining independance and the confidence that we have the strength to carry out the dreams that Nick had for us.
God bless you dear friend-thanks for caring and as always thanks for loving us.
XOXO,
Kimberley
It's not that I don't have a heart of gratitiude for all I have been given.
It's just THIS YEAR is so very hard.
There is always this pressure during the holidays to be happy, to have wonderful experiences with family and for some sort of perfection. I have always struggled a bit with that.
Last year at this time is when Nick really started taking a turn for the worse. At the time I was in some sort of fog bubble. Too close to the forest to see the big tree falling. This year as it draws near the one year marker, I find myself reliving it all more vivdly than before. Dreams are relentless and sleep doesn't come easy. December 16th looms. It's the next hurdle.
But this holiday we did much, much better than I ever thought we would. I ruined a perfectly good turkey-AGAIN! "What is with you Kimberley- it's easy?!" But we laughed a lot, saw a movie and had a wonderful visit with best friends Linda and Tom Mack.
Matthew and I were talking about how we learned through this last 18 months that what you fear you can't endure-God gives you strength to rise above, face head on and even find the ability to feel joy.
We spoke of gratitiude for our family- especially the East Coast O'Connell clan. Our good faithful friends and a warm home home in a beautiful setting.
We're grateful that Adele was able to recover from surgery enough to enjoy the day. Beautiful Jenny came home from Ghana with a nasty infection in her leg, but grateful that she is recovering and has a great support group in San Francisco.
Christian is grateful for the love in his life-Hannah. Lucas is grateful for the promise of a new basketabll season and Matthew may be offered a new opportunity with his employer.
I of course am grateful for my boys who continue to enrich my life with pride and joy and inspiration.
We're all starting a new chapter in our lives, gaining independance and the confidence that we have the strength to carry out the dreams that Nick had for us.
God bless you dear friend-thanks for caring and as always thanks for loving us.
XOXO,
Kimberley
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Crown Point at Sunrise- Corbett, Oregon
Had to share this photo a friend took. I feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful place!
The Gorge-- from The Women's Forum- Corbett, OR
Sunday, October 31, 2010
PUNKIN
I know I posted awhile back that I would not have anymore pity parties here.
I lied.
As we speak, our orange tabby cat-Punkin is lying on the floor of my bathroom. Not eating or drinking-sleeping mostly. He won't be with us much longer.
I brought Punkin home from the parking lot of Alberstson's in October-1995, He was the last kitten in a cardboard box- offered up by a sweet little girl. I had never owned a cat before and decided we needed one! Living in the country-everyone needs a cat to maintain the rodent population.
Punkin was the cutest little thing! I went to school to pick up Christian one afternoon, shortly after we got the kitten, only to come home and find Punkin had his head caught between the slats of the kitchen chairs. It's about a 2 inch gap.
How the heck did he ever get his head in there in the first place? It was not easy getting him unstuck.
There was bleeding and pain involved. Mine- not his.
He didn't stay little, he got huge and reminded me of a lion.
That's the thing about Punkin' he was kind of a Cujo cat.
He would lurk on the stairs until one of the kids would innocently walk by and THWACK! His little paw would come out and he would swipe at the ankles.
Tiny, little, scary cat. Matthew was scared to death of him.
He has done his job over the years and brought us all kinds of 'gifts' left on the door step. He was a great hunter.
He also had a knack for knowing when someone in the house was sick and he would come climb on the ill person's lap. Other than that he didn't really care to cuddle. I always wondered how he knew???
He turned himself into a liveing breathing hot water bottle. Cool trick.
Today would have been my Mother's 90th birthday. She loved Punkin. I think she thought of him as some kind of kindred spirit. All tough on the outside and jello on the inside.
Punkin- you are a cool cat and I will miss you. Give Nick and Dixie a swipe for us.
Now, can we please go more than 3 months without losing somone we love? I seriously think this is the very, last straw.
XOXO,
K.
PS: Punkin passed away this morning. Godspeed.
I lied.
As we speak, our orange tabby cat-Punkin is lying on the floor of my bathroom. Not eating or drinking-sleeping mostly. He won't be with us much longer.
I brought Punkin home from the parking lot of Alberstson's in October-1995, He was the last kitten in a cardboard box- offered up by a sweet little girl. I had never owned a cat before and decided we needed one! Living in the country-everyone needs a cat to maintain the rodent population.
Punkin was the cutest little thing! I went to school to pick up Christian one afternoon, shortly after we got the kitten, only to come home and find Punkin had his head caught between the slats of the kitchen chairs. It's about a 2 inch gap.
How the heck did he ever get his head in there in the first place? It was not easy getting him unstuck.
There was bleeding and pain involved. Mine- not his.
He didn't stay little, he got huge and reminded me of a lion.
That's the thing about Punkin' he was kind of a Cujo cat.
He would lurk on the stairs until one of the kids would innocently walk by and THWACK! His little paw would come out and he would swipe at the ankles.
Tiny, little, scary cat. Matthew was scared to death of him.
He has done his job over the years and brought us all kinds of 'gifts' left on the door step. He was a great hunter.
He also had a knack for knowing when someone in the house was sick and he would come climb on the ill person's lap. Other than that he didn't really care to cuddle. I always wondered how he knew???
He turned himself into a liveing breathing hot water bottle. Cool trick.
Today would have been my Mother's 90th birthday. She loved Punkin. I think she thought of him as some kind of kindred spirit. All tough on the outside and jello on the inside.
Punkin- you are a cool cat and I will miss you. Give Nick and Dixie a swipe for us.
Now, can we please go more than 3 months without losing somone we love? I seriously think this is the very, last straw.
XOXO,
K.
PS: Punkin passed away this morning. Godspeed.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A fresh start in the kitchen
Here is the refrigerator cabinet where the pantry used to be.
My range looks so tiny! It's 30" The sales rep told me a bigger one would just give me a burner I would never use and cavernous oven that would take longer to pre-heat. But I wish I had gone with the 36". I stand and stare out the right window forever. I love the addition of those 2 windows- they let in so much light!
This is what we call the bar area-or pass through. It used to be a wall that housed the refrigerator on the kitchen side. Now the upper cabinets hold all of our glassware and the doors on both sides open and are glass. It's a cool mottled glass that looks like rain.
Another view...I mixed white painted and mocha alder because I thought this bar area would not look right if it were white.
I love this chandelier- it goes with the pendants and it's so so pretty. Over the island- which used to have hanging pots and pans-remember?F
ireplace with new mantel. Chandelier from Pottery Barn. I have another larger one that will be hung (sometime) in the staircase.
ireplace with new mantel. Chandelier from Pottery Barn. I have another larger one that will be hung (sometime) in the staircase.
There she is... I'll load more photos when it's completely done if you want? Missing: Trim around the windows- in and out. Baseboard trim too. Copper range hood. Backsplash tile. Draperies/swag curtains. I have the fabric- I'll make those last. My only serious regret in this kitchen is the choice of marble for counters. Too, too much headache and worry. Not for staining like everyone thinks but for the scratching and etching. But it is very pretty and cool to the touch.
So what do you think???? : )
Friday, September 03, 2010
My latest obsession
Well, I can't remember how I came upon it, but Goodwill has an auction website-very much like Ebay.
I don't have much art work on the walls of our home because good art- (not the mas produced stuff you find at home stores) is so expensive and I don't have much extra $$ in the budget.
(Who does these days?)
So, I have been checking out art work- specifically paintings and drawings on the Goodwill website.
I really wanted this painting so, so badly. I love it! I started bidding at about $8. It sold for over $400 with shipping. Too much for me, but I have been pining away ever since. If I could do it again- I would have splurged- I love it that much.
Check out shopgoodwill.com
Maybe you will find something fun there?
Just review the shipping and handling charges first!
XOXO,
k
PS: Kitchen is still not done- I'll post photos when it is. I'm waiting for someone to rescue me and finish my windows(they are only temporarily placed), my range hood needs to be installed and my lights need to be hung. When all is done, I might be able to get propane to my range so we can eat pancakes and grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken fettucine and.... I'm still so hungry!
I don't have much art work on the walls of our home because good art- (not the mas produced stuff you find at home stores) is so expensive and I don't have much extra $$ in the budget.
(Who does these days?)
So, I have been checking out art work- specifically paintings and drawings on the Goodwill website.
I really wanted this painting so, so badly. I love it! I started bidding at about $8. It sold for over $400 with shipping. Too much for me, but I have been pining away ever since. If I could do it again- I would have splurged- I love it that much.
I did buy a painting: (below) for the jam room or maybe for Christian's room if he likes it?
It was only $6.
BUT the shipping cost is $51!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT the heck? Are you kidding me?!
Kimberley: READ the fine print idiot. Why oh why do I always do that?
I don't think I like it enough to spend $60, but it's coming to our house anyway.
It reminds me of New Orleans and that has a special place in Christian's heart as he worked there on a mission trip to help re-build after Katrina.
Maybe you will find something fun there?
Just review the shipping and handling charges first!
XOXO,
k
PS: Kitchen is still not done- I'll post photos when it is. I'm waiting for someone to rescue me and finish my windows(they are only temporarily placed), my range hood needs to be installed and my lights need to be hung. When all is done, I might be able to get propane to my range so we can eat pancakes and grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken fettucine and.... I'm still so hungry!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who posted/emailed support. I love you guys and we are going to be OK. It's just really hard to see the light at the end some days.
No more pity parties here- from now on I'm only going to focus on the positive things in our lives.
Numero uno is you.
XOXO,
K.
No more pity parties here- from now on I'm only going to focus on the positive things in our lives.
Numero uno is you.
XOXO,
K.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
I need a lifeguard
We were discussing recently how drowning victims aren't always easy to recognize.
They don't thrash about loudly and make a lot of noise or commotion.
You just see their head, barely above water desperately trying to keep their faces above the surface
Until they can't anymore and they slip under.
I haven't written here for awhile
I feel like that drowning victim.
I am so tired and the effort to keep afloat is sometimes too great.
I worry nonstop about everything, everyday is a new hurdle to climb, a decision to make, a bill to pay, an action that needs my reaction. On their own-no big deal-but daily the stress of it mounts and mounts and mounts. All the while, still feeling the loss of Nick. Missing him and hurting for myself and for our sons.
They. lost. their. Dad.
Try as I might, I can't take his place. I can't give them that sense of security back.
We've all had the rug pulled out from under us.
Nick took care of us and we didn't even know how much until we lost him.
So, here I am trying to keep us all from going under.
I pray daily for strength, for wisdom in all the daily decisions that are to be made and for healing of our broken hearts.
I haven't been a very good friend or sister or employee or anything for a long time.
Please forgive me for that-
I'm just quietly dog paddling under the surface.
Thanks for caring,
Kimberley
They don't thrash about loudly and make a lot of noise or commotion.
You just see their head, barely above water desperately trying to keep their faces above the surface
Until they can't anymore and they slip under.
I haven't written here for awhile
I feel like that drowning victim.
I am so tired and the effort to keep afloat is sometimes too great.
I worry nonstop about everything, everyday is a new hurdle to climb, a decision to make, a bill to pay, an action that needs my reaction. On their own-no big deal-but daily the stress of it mounts and mounts and mounts. All the while, still feeling the loss of Nick. Missing him and hurting for myself and for our sons.
They. lost. their. Dad.
Try as I might, I can't take his place. I can't give them that sense of security back.
We've all had the rug pulled out from under us.
Nick took care of us and we didn't even know how much until we lost him.
So, here I am trying to keep us all from going under.
I pray daily for strength, for wisdom in all the daily decisions that are to be made and for healing of our broken hearts.
I haven't been a very good friend or sister or employee or anything for a long time.
Please forgive me for that-
I'm just quietly dog paddling under the surface.
Thanks for caring,
Kimberley
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
daily mantra
each morning i pad into our closet
what to wear?
i see your jackets and suits
i remember each purchase-at birthdays, holidays, shopping just for fun
i bury my head into the lot and hug them to me-tight
i want you back i want you back i want you back...
what to wear?
i see your jackets and suits
i remember each purchase-at birthdays, holidays, shopping just for fun
i bury my head into the lot and hug them to me-tight
i want you back i want you back i want you back...
Friday, June 25, 2010
Another marker
One year ago yesterday Nick called me at work, crying. We had the diagnosis of cancer. I remember I hugged my friend Bill and cried. Even though Nick and I knew in our hearts already what it was, hearing the words was shocking. I raced home from work. Nick greeted me at the door with his bag packed and we went straight to OHSU. One of many visits over the next few months. He had surgery the following day and spent 3 days in the hospital, mostly for pain management. The next night after being home, he had to go to the ER for swollen feet and legs. He would be plagued with that for 6 months, ever worsening.
I sat with him in the emergency room and he was in severe pain and it was barely controllable. I was praying for God to help us both. I didn't feel I would have the strength to watch him suffer and to not be able to help him. I didn't know if I had the courage to be strong for him. I prayed-Dear God please help me, I can't do this alone.
Just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, in walked our dear, best friend Thomas. Bigger than life into the emergency room and he sat with us. I felt that Thomas was an answer to my prayer from God. We had many angels over the next 6 months, come into our lives and give us strength and encouragement and kept our spirits lifted. I'm so grateful and can never repay that debt.
I miss most about Nick his calm strength and how he made it seem everything was nothing and all would be well.
How our lives have changed in one very long, short year.
May God bless you with many years of love in your life- it's the only thing that matters.
I sat with him in the emergency room and he was in severe pain and it was barely controllable. I was praying for God to help us both. I didn't feel I would have the strength to watch him suffer and to not be able to help him. I didn't know if I had the courage to be strong for him. I prayed-Dear God please help me, I can't do this alone.
Just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, in walked our dear, best friend Thomas. Bigger than life into the emergency room and he sat with us. I felt that Thomas was an answer to my prayer from God. We had many angels over the next 6 months, come into our lives and give us strength and encouragement and kept our spirits lifted. I'm so grateful and can never repay that debt.
I miss most about Nick his calm strength and how he made it seem everything was nothing and all would be well.
How our lives have changed in one very long, short year.
May God bless you with many years of love in your life- it's the only thing that matters.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Missing Nick
Today is 6 months said since I had to say good bye.
The 16th of every month drops me like a rock
I miss you Nicky and I keep hearing you talk to me in my head
am I going crazy?
I like to think it's because you're still here-
silent as dew
invisible
like the air I breathe
nourishment
all my X's and O's are yours...
The 16th of every month drops me like a rock
I miss you Nicky and I keep hearing you talk to me in my head
am I going crazy?
I like to think it's because you're still here-
silent as dew
invisible
like the air I breathe
nourishment
all my X's and O's are yours...
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
Beautiful disaster
Well, first things first. Tessa is so cute! And she is healthy-at least healthier. She goes back to the vet on 6/21. She had giardia, coccidia, tape worm and hook worm. So, she had a rough week-but we finished our meds and she has doubled in size. She will be 3 months old on June 21. The house training isn't going so well, but we're working on it.
I am going to upload my latest photo of her.
I thought I was getting her for the boys... I thought they needed the life and love that a puppy brings.
I didn't know I would need her so much too.
It's hard to describe the feeling of holding her and she sighs and puts her little chin on my left shoulder-takes another lick of my cheek and goes all soft in my arms.
My broken heart gets a little warmer each time I hold her.
Our cat, Lilly is not sure what to make of her and as of yet, they are not anything close to be being pals, but Tessa keeps trying. I see Lilly just staring at her, like 'What is WITH you?!"
Then the dog barks and goes completely flat with submission.
So far Lilly is not having any of it.
I think she might be a one dog cat.
So it has been a very busy weekend. I was lucky enough to get to be in the Starlight Parade, that kicks off the Portland Rose Festival. I walked along with our Alaska Airlines float. At first I felt dumb and wanted to hide, but I soon got into the festive atmosphere, the waving people and the ADORABLE children. Oh my gosh, they were so wide eyed and cute and I fell in love with them. Two little girls each offered me their glow in the dark bracelets. And tons of kids wanted high fives- you give one and all of a sudden 20 little hands are out there waiting for a slap. I got completely caught up in the moment and had more fun than I can remember having in a long while. When I got home I played back the dvr recording so I could catch myself on TV. My 1.5 second of fame.
Things are starting to come to completion in my kitchen! I think it is going to be the prettiest kitchen I have ever seen. Just gorgeous.
Today my friend and amazing builder installed the windows for me. He did a fantastic job, and it was a little challenging-so I am so happy I had someone I could trust working it out. I've learned that it's important to have people around you who are honest and that you know have integrity. I have been really lucky that way, except for the 2 guys that over charged me and did such sloppy work- I actually had to pay to have someone else come re-do what they did. Other than those two bozos, I have been so fortunate.
I love my electrician, Don. He comes in and hits the ground running. He cleans up after himself, he is on time and he actually followed up with me to schedule our finish of electrical. He is a dream come true.
My hardwood guy is amazing. He is coming 2 weeks from today to refinish our hardwood floors.
He will be placing the cherry on the sundae.
Next up is dry wall Wednesday and Thursday
The appliances are coming Thursday
The propane tank is being set Friday
Cabinets maybe Friday or Monday?
I will paint over the weekend
Counter tops will be measured after cabinets go in
Chandeliers and pendants will go up last.
I don't know why it has taken so long to get this far, but now that things are happening- it's going fast!
Here are a few pictures of what the kitchen looks like today:
The view from my new and improved HUGE kitchen window...
More later.
XOXO,
k.
I am going to upload my latest photo of her.
I thought I was getting her for the boys... I thought they needed the life and love that a puppy brings.
I didn't know I would need her so much too.
It's hard to describe the feeling of holding her and she sighs and puts her little chin on my left shoulder-takes another lick of my cheek and goes all soft in my arms.
My broken heart gets a little warmer each time I hold her.
Our cat, Lilly is not sure what to make of her and as of yet, they are not anything close to be being pals, but Tessa keeps trying. I see Lilly just staring at her, like 'What is WITH you?!"
Then the dog barks and goes completely flat with submission.
So far Lilly is not having any of it.
I think she might be a one dog cat.
So it has been a very busy weekend. I was lucky enough to get to be in the Starlight Parade, that kicks off the Portland Rose Festival. I walked along with our Alaska Airlines float. At first I felt dumb and wanted to hide, but I soon got into the festive atmosphere, the waving people and the ADORABLE children. Oh my gosh, they were so wide eyed and cute and I fell in love with them. Two little girls each offered me their glow in the dark bracelets. And tons of kids wanted high fives- you give one and all of a sudden 20 little hands are out there waiting for a slap. I got completely caught up in the moment and had more fun than I can remember having in a long while. When I got home I played back the dvr recording so I could catch myself on TV. My 1.5 second of fame.
Things are starting to come to completion in my kitchen! I think it is going to be the prettiest kitchen I have ever seen. Just gorgeous.
Today my friend and amazing builder installed the windows for me. He did a fantastic job, and it was a little challenging-so I am so happy I had someone I could trust working it out. I've learned that it's important to have people around you who are honest and that you know have integrity. I have been really lucky that way, except for the 2 guys that over charged me and did such sloppy work- I actually had to pay to have someone else come re-do what they did. Other than those two bozos, I have been so fortunate.
I love my electrician, Don. He comes in and hits the ground running. He cleans up after himself, he is on time and he actually followed up with me to schedule our finish of electrical. He is a dream come true.
My hardwood guy is amazing. He is coming 2 weeks from today to refinish our hardwood floors.
He will be placing the cherry on the sundae.
Next up is dry wall Wednesday and Thursday
The appliances are coming Thursday
The propane tank is being set Friday
Cabinets maybe Friday or Monday?
I will paint over the weekend
Counter tops will be measured after cabinets go in
Chandeliers and pendants will go up last.
I don't know why it has taken so long to get this far, but now that things are happening- it's going fast!
More later.
XOXO,
k.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Another bump in the road...
It's just a few pot holes... but when you've been on a bumpy ride too long, sometimes you just want off.
Tuesday was supposed to be an adventure to LA and a seat in the Nokia theater for American Idol final episode with Simon.
However-
The night before Christian tells me that his driving exam for his driving test is tomorrow.
Me: WHAT?????!!!!!!!!!!! NO it isn't Christian, it's Wednesday.
Christian: Mother, I put it on my phone calendar, it's Tuesday.
It's been a long journey getting to this point with Christian. His last exam was canceled because the night before the test-Lucas broke off Matthew's side view mirror playing basketball , and you sort of need that for the exam. I had work commitments, so they couldn't use my van.
I felt like Christian needed me this day and I didn't want to be the cause of him not being able to drive to work this summer. I also understand how nervous he was and I didn't want anything to add to the stress of the occasion. Namely trying to find an adult to step in.
American Idol tickets don't come along every day-so, I got up at 4:30 am to leave the house at 5:15 to catch an early flight to LA.
But- I awoke to a huge mess in my bathroom. (Currently puppy quarters at night)Tessa wasn't doing too well. She had bloody stools, and that worried me.
I had to clean up the messes, shower, gather my things for the day and make Lucas a lunch and walk and feed the dog.
I was a bit late meeting Linda for our rendezvous spot. She doesn't own a cell phone, so I couldn't call her to tell her I was running late because my puppy was sick and I couldn't find the new toners to change in the printer, so I could print up proof of insurance for Christian and all of the other things that challenged me this morning. I think there was tension, and I felt so much stress I felt sick.
I just couldn't leave home, traveling so far away with so much happening at home.
It's hard being the only sheriff in town. I've lost my back up. Nicky I miss you more each day...
Sometime between leaving the outlet mall parking lot in Linda's car and arriving at PDX-we turned the car around and canceled the trip. There were tears.
My heart was so heavy for disappointing my dear friend. I was stuck in the proverbial hard spot.
Either way I let someone I care about down.
But being a mother has always come first, and always will. I know there are people that don't feel that same strong pull or bond with their children, who encourage independence and wouldn't have worried or cared. But I have never been that person. My family is my life, and nothing else matters to me.
I had a full, tiring day.
As it turned out-Lucas was sick again with that weird stomach pain, nausea syndrome. So he was home from school.
The puppy is still not out of the woods, we're waiting for results back from the vet tests.
I took Christian to DMV only to find out that I WAS RIGHT! His appt. was scheduled for the following day. Weirdly though- I like to believe it's a God thing- there was a cancellation for the very time we arrived. So Christian got his test.
I still have not slept passed 4:30 AM since last Friday.
e x h a u s t e d
So, just a few bumps in the road-but Christian has his license!
Congratulations Christian.
You had a challenge with your left eye blindness that threw a curve ball into the driving issue, but you faced it and I am proud of you- please drive safe.
I hope and pray our puppy is not sick and that Lucas gets well too.
I hope Linda finds some way to understand that I did not intentionally wait until the last minute to
change plans
and
that life sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans.
All this and I still don't have a kitchen and my window installer no showed on me.
I can't wait to sleep on Saturday- I hope someone takes puppy duty for me!
Love you!
XOXO,
Kimberley
Tuesday was supposed to be an adventure to LA and a seat in the Nokia theater for American Idol final episode with Simon.
However-
The night before Christian tells me that his driving exam for his driving test is tomorrow.
Me: WHAT?????!!!!!!!!!!! NO it isn't Christian, it's Wednesday.
Christian: Mother, I put it on my phone calendar, it's Tuesday.
It's been a long journey getting to this point with Christian. His last exam was canceled because the night before the test-Lucas broke off Matthew's side view mirror playing basketball , and you sort of need that for the exam. I had work commitments, so they couldn't use my van.
I felt like Christian needed me this day and I didn't want to be the cause of him not being able to drive to work this summer. I also understand how nervous he was and I didn't want anything to add to the stress of the occasion. Namely trying to find an adult to step in.
American Idol tickets don't come along every day-so, I got up at 4:30 am to leave the house at 5:15 to catch an early flight to LA.
But- I awoke to a huge mess in my bathroom. (Currently puppy quarters at night)Tessa wasn't doing too well. She had bloody stools, and that worried me.
I had to clean up the messes, shower, gather my things for the day and make Lucas a lunch and walk and feed the dog.
I was a bit late meeting Linda for our rendezvous spot. She doesn't own a cell phone, so I couldn't call her to tell her I was running late because my puppy was sick and I couldn't find the new toners to change in the printer, so I could print up proof of insurance for Christian and all of the other things that challenged me this morning. I think there was tension, and I felt so much stress I felt sick.
I just couldn't leave home, traveling so far away with so much happening at home.
It's hard being the only sheriff in town. I've lost my back up. Nicky I miss you more each day...
Sometime between leaving the outlet mall parking lot in Linda's car and arriving at PDX-we turned the car around and canceled the trip. There were tears.
My heart was so heavy for disappointing my dear friend. I was stuck in the proverbial hard spot.
Either way I let someone I care about down.
But being a mother has always come first, and always will. I know there are people that don't feel that same strong pull or bond with their children, who encourage independence and wouldn't have worried or cared. But I have never been that person. My family is my life, and nothing else matters to me.
I had a full, tiring day.
As it turned out-Lucas was sick again with that weird stomach pain, nausea syndrome. So he was home from school.
The puppy is still not out of the woods, we're waiting for results back from the vet tests.
I took Christian to DMV only to find out that I WAS RIGHT! His appt. was scheduled for the following day. Weirdly though- I like to believe it's a God thing- there was a cancellation for the very time we arrived. So Christian got his test.
I still have not slept passed 4:30 AM since last Friday.
e x h a u s t e d
So, just a few bumps in the road-but Christian has his license!
Congratulations Christian.
You had a challenge with your left eye blindness that threw a curve ball into the driving issue, but you faced it and I am proud of you- please drive safe.
I hope and pray our puppy is not sick and that Lucas gets well too.
I hope Linda finds some way to understand that I did not intentionally wait until the last minute to
change plans
and
that life sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans.
All this and I still don't have a kitchen and my window installer no showed on me.
I can't wait to sleep on Saturday- I hope someone takes puppy duty for me!
Love you!
XOXO,
Kimberley
Friday, May 21, 2010
Tessa's Home
Here she is! We picked her up at 11:30 this morning. American Airlines did a great job of taking care of her. I think it's only approriate that she has frequent flier miles already!
She is so sweet and cuddly. We've been taking turns holding her all day and I was quickly reminded how much puppies are like babies-time consuming!
Lucas is working very hard to house train her and it's challenging in the pouring rain. But the guy was incredible patiently standing outside in the rain with her. She is going to get along fine here because she didn't seem to mind at all, rolling and playing in the wet grass.
I'm not sure how smart she is, but hey she doesn't have to be smart- she's blonde and beautiful.
XOXO, k
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