A Week at a Glance...

Already into the "next week" but thought I'd catch up with last week's happenings.

Erin, Chris and Baby C went north to spend the holiday with friends in Moscow. Saturday was our DIL Karissa's birthday and her confirmation into the Catholic church.  The weather was a picture perfect Spring day.

Baby C liked the Easter Bunny better than Santa

Easter was a quiet day.  We attended mass and shared breakfast with Matt, Brit and Mr. T.  I'm not embarrassed to say we spent the rest of the day in comfy clothes, watching movies and napping. Yes, we caved...

Just relaxing.

My favorite part of Mass today was after communion.  The music started playing "How Great Thou Art" and I felt a rush of tears.  I cannot explain why but this was one of my Gram's favorite hymns and I felt her unconditional love hold me close.

We finally have the office done - check that box.  We found a nice rug for the boys to play on and Papa very smartly thought ahead - low pile rug making it easier to locate the Lego's played with in the office.  He's a genius I tell you!

We've gone through files and documents, shredding like a shady government official.  It feels so good to have things in order and clutter cleared.

The living room and dining room walls are now painted the two tones of gray.  The white trim just seems to 'pop' off the wall.  I'll be looking around for some white curtains to complete the look.  Everything looks so clean and fresh.

I started painting into the kitchen but didn't get far.  Sometimes my achy bones just need a break from the stretching and bending. I honestly believe I look forward to going to work to get away from all of the physical projects we have going at home.

Mike and I have an ongoing project outside.  He started moving the pavers surrounding the new fire pit.  It's like having a 500 piece puzzle sitting on the table.  You walk by and see a piece you've been staring at forever and it fits perfect.  Mike made major headway earlier last week but ended up with blisters on his knees from his knee pads and had to let them heal.  Gradually the patio is being put into place.  Soon we will have to go get another load or two to complete the patio area.

New Fire pit buried in ground and early stages of moving pavers

When I returned to work I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from our boss for Admin Assistant's Day.  It's so nice to be appreciated for the contributions you make every day.  My coworkers are so much fun to be around.  I was referred to as "secretary to the people" because I don't limit the things I do to management but enjoy helping my coworkers as well.  I'm so thankful to have a job I enjoy while feeling like I'm making a difference.

Our dear friend Randy celebrated her birthday this past week as well.  Happy Birthday!  Tomorrow we are driving to McCall for lunch.  She's never been up to Valley County.  The weather looks like it will cooperate and we plan to stop whenever we want to take pictures.

33 years of friendship - 1981-2014

Our weather lately has been alternating between sunny spring-like days and April showers.  We've seen it all.  I went out on a limb and planted tomatoes already - but do not hesitate to cover them on some of these cooler nights.

I'm motivated to walk regularly and am excited to do T-25 every day.  I seriously watch the 25:00 minute clock count down and am often amazed to see how fast it goes.  Between T-25 and my 2 mile route with Ruger, I am easily meeting my 10,000 step goal nearly every day.   Even at work - it's incredible how much walking I do in a day!   I hope the regular activity will help build my energy.  I have to keep on schedule.  Erin and I have multiple bookings for Natural Touch Photography in July, July and August.  How exciting!

Tonight my mind is with family and friends back in the Midwest and South.  The spring storms are frightening and leaving so much devastation in its path.  You are all in my prayers.  Be safe.

Easter Blessings

There are days when you stop and count your blessings.  Easter is definitely one for reflection.  Mass this morning was uplifting.  Hearing "How Great Thou Art" brought me back to my childhood Methodist Church, listening to my Gram playing the hymn on the old upright piano in the church basement.  I felt her unconditional love.  I felt so blessed.

We are indeed blessed to have three healthy children, each who has met their soul mate and starting their lives together.  We are fortunate to have them living near, and able to interact with in-laws and share grandchildren.

Mike and I have nearly 32 years together.  It's good to stop and reflect on your strengths, the positive things that have brought you to where you are today, and even the trials you have survived together. Its all part of the puzzle that makes you who you are at this point in time.

I realize we don't have control of what other's think of you.  I try to be the best person I can be.  When I someone has the wrong perspective of me I like to find the source of the misconception. It's human nature to defend yourself against a wrong. Sometimes it just escalates and nothing you do goes the way you hope.

After weeks of struggling to understand, replaying events in the past, you finally just throw your hands up and say "God I've done all I can do!".  It doesn't make your heart any less heavy because there is a missing piece but you can't force someone to listen when they aren't willing.

You do what you can do.  Move forward.  Be the best you can be without changing the person you are. You drop to your knees and pray.  You reflect on your blessings and know the answers will come.

May your blessings be plentiful and your prayers bring answers.  Happy Easter.

4P's for Lent and Celebrating Easter

With the season of Lent winding down, we celebrate the rebirth of Jesus.  Lent is always such a cleansing period, and Easter is a re-awakening.  Fortunately this year the weather also added an additional pop to the big day. 

We gathered with our sons, daughter-in-laws and favorite five year old for Mass Easter morning.  As Father shared the Homily I enjoyed hearing him share his personal moments of sacrifice and change during Lent. 

After church we met up at our home for a family meal.  Krieg invited an unexpected guest who was traveling from Portland, OR, relocating to Syracuse, NY.  We'd met RP two summers ago when he hosted a Rhino Lacrosse Camp in Boise.   Krieg was working at the camp after meeting RP and team over in Oregon.  Naturally we had to extend some Shaw Hospitality when they came to town. 

Holiday or not, the Shaw family table has no boundaries and all are welcome.  I think both Mike and I enjoyed how Krieg knew RP would be welcome without asking first.

Missing from our family gathering was our new parents and newest grandson.  With their work schedules and hockey season sneaking out of town with a nearly 2 month old baby wasn't on the agenda.  Besides they were anxiously awaiting the arrival of Chris' dad and Kathy, who were driving to Idaho from Michigan soon.

Cute Easter Bunny 

She loves being a Momma

After a meal with several new dishes, we took in some vitamin D and added some photographs to go with our Easter memories.  

Our Easter Family

With Brit

Tater got a fun Creationary Lego game.  Much like Pictionary but you have to build something out of Legos and have others guess...  My coordination with Legos is nil (ask my sons) and my recent attempt at building with my favorite five year old was an epic fail - and that was WITH the "map" so I abstained from the game.



Overlook the shaggy beard.  My hubby has accepted our son's Duck Dynasty beard challenge...  winner to be determined the last week of July at Kalaloch.  (Oh goodie...  April...  May...  June...  July...)

Krieg and RP