Wow, what a week!

I think last week must have been twice as long as usual.  It was a week of starting some big projects.  Papa hired a company to paint the outside of his house.  The prep commenced, colors were picked and the project is underway.  There are such wonderful memories in this home and it is so nice to see the beauty restored.  Inside we began our own painting projects and I must say I'm not as fast as I used to be!  I guess I just have to accept that and be thankful I can still paint (albeit more slowly) at all because I so enjoy making a room new again.  Nathan and Robert have been great to come help move furniture and stuff to clear the decks and of course will be helping to move it all back again when the time comes.  I appreciate them, and their muscles so very much!  The painters outside are almost finished and so far have done an excellent job.  Our saga inside is only beginning.  

As if all of that wasn't enough, I decided to refinish my old dining room table for Taya to use for a while.  Gel stain is an ingenious invention (wish I had thought of it), but doesn't have a very long window for application.  You pretty much have to get it done fast, or your project just got a lot more complicated.  At least that has been my experience.  All in all, the table is turning out well and will host many meals to come.  Taya and Kevin have been preparing for their kids to come from Texas for spring break.  It is always such a happy time when they get to come for any length of time at all.  Now they can sit together for family meals around the “family round table” and the happy talk that is part of that as well.

Summer has double ear infections, and is just not feeling well at all.  I guess working at an elementary school does have it's down side.  She is a trooper though, and gets through the best she can.  Hopefully she will be back to her healthy self soon.  I love the long talks we sometimes get to have - I love that she lets me be such a part of her life.  It is a joy to see her doing so well with her family.

Stacie's mom, Susan was married on Saturday and we were helping with her celebration at RB and Stacie's home.  Stacie always says large groups intimidate her, but she did such a great job planning, shopping and executing this event.  Everything looked pretty and inviting, she coordinated the food and it's presentation very well.  You did an awesome job Stacie, and everyone was happy to help.  Jade traveled from Pima and was on hand to help make everyone beautiful, (she is quite another story)!  After some advance prep together, Grumpy and I did the divide and conquer maneuver that works so well.  He and RB handled the food at the luncheon, Tawna and I went and painted ceilings and walls.  

While Jeff got in a trip to the dunes, Jade and the boys came to beautify and play.  She is so good to us and with the cuts, the color and all time that takes still manages to be wife, mom, sister, daughter and aunt rolled into a day and a half visit.  I need her to teach me her happy dance - no ones does it quite like her!

Robert and Jennifer took Chance and Faith to the Zoo and we were happy to note there were no melt downs (by the adults, or the kids) and the children were not kept in the monkey cages, but returned home safe and sound.  Robert is so good to help whenever he can, I have always been grateful for his generous nature.  Jennifer is so good with the kids, it is really fun to get to know her better.  

I have such great kids and grandkids.  Wouldn't trade them for anything.