Big News!

Drum roll please........Our house has officially been rented. Hallelujah!!!!!! We have to be out by April 1 so the mad dash to find a place is on. We'll keep you posted.

Hot Spot

"Move over."

"I was here first."

"I want the hot spot too." Oh, the hot spot. Every home has one. The favored spot on a cold morning. In our house the "spot" is behind the love seat in the family room over the heater. We have a bazillion heater vents in our home but I guess this one is the best. Every morning Easton lays on top of it and covers himself with a blanket. If it's a weekend the spot is used on a first come first serve basis by all of the boys. Words are exchanged and sometimes it is shared.

When living in Connecticut the hot spot was the kerosene heater in the kitchen or the hallway. Whenever the heater was blasting you could find at least one of the Homer kids warming their cold hands and toes. We would gather around and share time together. Even Mom would hang out with us. You could adjust the flame to make it really hot. I loved watching the flames dance in the glass. I have fond memories of my childhood "hot spot." It not only warmed my outsides, but my insides as well. My heart was warmed as time was spent together with siblings. We always stopped at the hot spot after coming in from a cold outing. Standing, warming, talking, rubbing hands together and laughing.


Growing older I still can appreciate the hot spot. I love watching my children cuddle in warmth--bonded by the heat. And my favorite hot spot now is when I steal Stephen's heating pad that he uses for his back. If he leaves it for a moment I capture it's warmth until he returns. Then he says I can use it if I need it. Knowing he will share his hot spot with me warms me up on the inside.

Ebony and Ivory

Landon and Dallin participated in a very interesting cultural experience yesterday. They were invited to participate with the Stake YM choir to perform at the Gwinnett United Ebony Society's annual Black History Month Reception. "Interesting" is the word that comes to mind to describe it. They sang a rousing version of Called to Serve and then Dallin sang a duet with one of the Elders in our ward. The people in the audience were dressed in colorful, bright outfits with hats, matching shoes, and JEWELRY!!! Lots of shouting and hallelujahs throughout the program could be heard. The pastor who was to give the opening prayer couldn't make it so they announced that Elder K would be giving the prayer. It was surprising to see a cute little blonde missionary walking to the podium to give the invocation. He started by saying how grateful we were to be meeting for this....blah, blah, blah. "AMEN! Uh huh!" Throughout the entire prayer comments were made by the audience. Elder K said a fabulous prayer and was very composed considering the fact that he isn't used to shouts of hallelujahs being called out why praying. From there it just got more interesting. I've included a picture of the keynote speaker--a loud, energetic preachers wife dressed from head to toe in black and gold! She was quite the woman and really got the crowd going!!!!! I kept watching the boys in the choir--their facial expressions were priceless. We enjoyed songs being sung by an all-black Baptist choir. The program was long and definitely an experience unlike anything I've ever been to. Nice that our boys had a missionary experience and helped to build bridges in the community.

Dallin warms up with Elder K.

The keynote speaker dressed in her finery!

Dallin and Landon getting ready to perform.

Ihop morning

Monday morning I suggested to Easton that he have blueberry waffles for breakfast. He agreed. I was in a creative mood and made Eggo waffles topped with blueberry syrup, whipping cream and fresh blueberries. What a treat for Easton! Well--that's the new breakfast trend for the week. Everyday Easton has had yummy blueberry waffles. Better than IHOP!

I have enough fresh blueberries to last until tomorrow. We'll have to come up with something new and exciting for next week. Maybe we can just go back to a basic bowl of oatmeal.

Here we come!

Piano practicing is done for Landon. Homework is done. Guitar practicing is done for Dallin. Now we are ready to watch American Idol!

Homework

Last night's homework for the evening was a little stressful. Easton was to write a paragraph for his spelling words--the topic was "Something you would wish for..." Well, as an adult things were just rolling through my brain. World peace, better economy, and a little closer to home--selling of the hoouse, Stephen's back getting all better, being together as a family and a little extra money can never hurt. Landon thought more money would be great or to wish for everything because then you just could have everything. For Easton this topic was just too much. He couldn't think of anything he wanted. We kept giving him ideas that we thought he would grab on to. Nothing. He was so frustrated and visibly upset. After an hour of stewing he finally settled on the topic of "not moving to Alabama". He just wanted to stay in Georgia. His supporting sentences included because I have lived here my whole life, because I know everybody, and because I have a good school. I had my eyes opened last night. Easton seems pretty content with life. He doesn't want. He is just happy with the way things are and that's good. Are we happy and content? What do you wish for?

Calm

There's a feeling in the air--strange. It's the feeling you get when there's a nasty storm brewing. The air is stale, no movement. No breeze. Nothing. A dimly lit sky hovers over the earth. A calm before the storm. You know it's coming. You wait and wait for it to hit.

I'm living in the calm of an eminent storm. I know it's coming. The signs are there. People come, at least two a week now. They wander through my home, scrutinizing everything. Analyzing colors, floor plans, the yard, the unfinished basement. Is the refrigerator staying with the house? The skies in my life are changing color. It's coming. And I'm finally ready.

Bring on the clouds, the rain, the lightning and hail. I'm ready to face the storm with umbrella in hand and my galoshes on. I'm prepared for the moment. The cupboards are clean, closets organized, garage neat. The weather's about to change around here. When the clouds burst and we begin to bustle around with energy I'll let you know. Right now--I'll just enjoy the peace and stillness and wait.

Life Lessons-Part II

There are so many lessons and "ah-ha" moments in life. Thought I'd share a few more lessons that I have experienced lately.

1. It's hard to get rid of your baby's clothes. Lately I have been scouring closets, drawers, and the basement for all unwanted and unused clothes that my children have worn during their short little lives. I used to find great joy and satisfaction putting Dallin and Landon's clothes that they had grown out of into a box to save for Easton to wear when big enough. It wasn't difficult to save the clothes. The difficulty now comes when the youngest child grows out of something. I hold the used items tenderly and stare at them--looking in the past for the memories attached with those gently used pieces of clothing. An old jacket played in, toe-scuffed Sunday shoes, tattered jeans that ran outside, cuddly Christmas jammies, a favorite cozy sweater. I hug them tight. I want to hang onto those pieces of clothing and never let them go. I want to put them in a box where I can save those memories and save the bits of childhood from my children that are disappearing more quickly than I want. It's been hard to let go of the tangible things from their lives. But I will now value my boxes of pictures even more--the memories will always be there and now, so will my clean closets!This is Easton's FAVORITE sweater right now--if it's clean he's wearing it. I can see Dallin in this also--he used his money to buy it from Old Navy. It was one of his favorites too!

2. Boys always leave random utensils in containers of food. I know this sounds a little strange but when you have boys around you will discover the truth of this little tidbit. I cannot count how many times I have opened a container of sugar, chocolate milk powder, peanut butter, or leftovers in the fridge and found a spoon or fork just sitting there. Just this morning I was sneaking a bite of leftover chocolate cake from Sunday dinner. I peeled off the shiny foil to reveal a large serving spoon! What's up with that?!? Surprise. Oh, and big boys do it too.

3. College is really expensive! Blessed be my Dad for helping me get through college financially. I had no idea how much college cost until I sent my daughter off to that place two thousand miles away. And it costs way more than just room and board, tuition and books. I knew it cost a little because I helped defray the costs with my 20 hour a week job. Thank goodness for that. But, seriously--it's shockingly expensive.

4. The rule is that you don't wash your Sunday glasses until Tuesday. I was wiping down the kitchen counters this morning getting things all spiffied up for all the house hunters that will be coming today (I wish) and noticed yesterday's goblets sitting there in a nice little neat row waiting to be washed. The entire kitchen was clean except for the glasses. It's so silly but they never seem to get their much needed hand washing until Tuesday. Why can't I do them on Sunday or Monday? How hard is it to actually get the soap out, fill the sink with water, run a clothe over them and set them to dry--or even dry them yourself and put them away. Maybe I'll try that next week. Right now I kind of enjoy knowing that I have something to look forward to on Tuesday.

5. You are not going to go to jail if you cut the tag off an appliance. Why do I always feel so guilty about cutting the government tag off an electrical cord? I stare at the one on my hair dryer every time I use it. I can almost repeat what it says from memory--"Do not remove this tag, under penalty of law". What does that even mean? Are the electrical cord tag police going to come knocking on my front door and arrest me if I take the scissors to it and remove it? Last week I cut the tag off my Kitchen Aid. Nobody arrested me. I felt empowered.

6. I shut the door when using the bathroom when I am home alone. Okay, I know this one's a little strange. I realized this morning that I do that. Do you do the same thing?

Scared to Death

Last night around 9 I was hanging out in the Loony Bin (the office for those of you who don't know the family joke) talking with Landon while he did some homework. I had just settled in and had begun work on a scrapbook page and was quietly flipping through the orange and black paper attempting to find just the right sheet for my Halloween pictures. Side note: I've decided to start scrapping again, beginning with updating the Halloween and Christmas books that are about 5 years behind. Back to the story: I was sitting with my back to the door and deep in concentration. All of a sudden some man reached around me and laid a big kiss on my lips. I seriously screamed--it scared me to death. When I turned around and looked I beheld my hot husband standing there just grinning and laughing. He had come home from Alabama a day early. I was expecting him today (Friday) around 5 pm. What an awesome surprise! He had left right after work and rolled into our driveway around 9 and doesn't have to go back until Monday morning. We're so happy to have him home. He didn't get to come home last weekend because he was at a trade show in Reno so we were missing him more than usual. I can't believe I didn't hear him come in or open the garage door. What does that say about me? Anyone could walk in my house and I would be clueless. So glad our little stranger was the friendly kind!

Sunday dinner

Sunday dinners are a highlight for my boys because they love to EAT! They have a great appreciation for the good things in life. They always want to know what we are going to have--then I get an "awesome" or "mmmmmm". Last Sunday we invited our friends the Days to join us. It was four of us-me, Dallin, Landon, and Easton and five of them--Amy (my friend), Amanda, Connor (Dallin's friend), Ethan (Landon's friend), Molly (Easton's friend) and little baby Austin. We enjoyed a yummy Italian dinner with Lasagna, salad, and breadsticks. Dessert was a plethora of choices--Strawberry shortcake, Italian ices, or Rainbow Sherbet. We enjoyed the food and company. We missed Stephen because he was in Reno for work.

The Day family, minus one son, Brant who is at BYU Idaho.

Everyone is helping themselves to the fabulous dessert choices.

Shoes

While doing some returns at my store TJ Max, my eye caught a fabulous pair of silver flats on sale--a smoking deal! I tried them on. Feeling a little like Cinderella I was a flutter when I realized they fit perfectly. Ah, the joy of a new pair of shoes--I've wanted silver ones for a while but couldn't find the perfect ones. Upon arriving home with my treasures I began the examination process. You know, when you really look at your new purchase. I tried them on and gazed at their cuteness in the mirror. I even tried on a few outfits with them and oh, the possibilities. As I took them off I glanced at the inside label and was horrified! The brand name was Naturalizer! How could that be possible? I don't wear Naturalizer shoes--that's the brand my Mom has always worn. I remember searching for shoes at department stores with Mom as a child. She had long, narrow feet with a high arch and really had a hard time finding shoes that fit and were comfortable. She was drawn to the Naturalizer brand because they somehow worked for her strangely shaped feet. We knew we had found the Mother Lode when a cute pair of Naturalizers were found. I, on the other hand was never drawn to that brand. They just were not my style--seemed a little matronly to me. Don't get me wrong. My mother is a super classy lady and has always dressed very nice and is always put together. She's just a little more conservative than I am. Now I find myself questioning my shoe purchase. Have a become my Mother finally or has Naturalizer changed their style to fit mine? Am I just getting old and matronly? I've been thinking about this change of events with grave concern. It would be silly just to return them because of the stigma I have attached to their label. So...what was I to do? I stepped out of my comfort zone, embraced my matronly season in life and wore my funky new shoes last Saturday, feeling pretty cool and hip--I'm so loving my Naturalizers!

8:10

Happy to announce that I slept in til 8:10 today.
A wonderful thing!
Wasn't missing that little blackberry this morning.
Was missing it's owner.

See this little contraption? It's called a Blackberry and it's Stephen's connection to WORK! It really is quite an amazing piece of technology--it receives and sends email, makes phone calls, takes pictures AND you can watch TV on it. Now I suppose you're all thinking I need one of these hot little numbers. Think again.....this innocent looking piece of amazingness has it's own mind. Seriously. Stephen uses it as his alarm in the morning and I suppose it works quite grand for him, but when he comes home on the weekends it's quite a different story. I remind him every Friday night to turn it off so that I can sleep in on Saturday morning, a rare treat for me. I'm not a good sleeper inner--once something wakes me I CANNOT go back to sleep. I know I'm weird. There is hidden in the wires of this hand-held wonder an automatic setting that automatically turns it on in the morning. It has a mind and it's possessed! On numerous Saturday mornings (too many to count) this thing has come alive and the alarm has gone off at 6:40. Ugh.........Because it's fairly new it's taken a while for Stephen to figure it out while I have suffered. No sleeping in for me. But alas--this weekend the evil, possessed thing is in Reno with it's owner and I won't have to contend with it. We have a love/hate relationship. Love that I can communicate with my hubby anytime, anywhere. Hate that it ruins my blissful Saturday morning dreams. See you next weekend--you psycho little blackberry!!!!!

Service

Words of wisdom are always shared from my Dad whenever we are together. A long visit with Mom and Dad over Christmas vacation was time spent learning and listening. Dad shared about being in a meeting with the "brethren" at the church office building discussing the current status of working/paid custodians. A suggestion was made that maybe the members could help clean the church buildings that they attended, thus eliminating the need for so many paid custodians. The leaders weren't sure that members would do this. My Dad shared an experience of faithful members of the church in our little branch in Danbury, Connecticut who took ownership of their church building by cleaning it every Saturday in preparation for Sunday meetings. I remember cleaning the building with my family--it was our brand new building that we had worked and sacrificed for to even get built. We took great care to keep our building nice, new and spiffy. Families sacrificed their time and were happy to maintain it because we loved "our"chapel and were incredibly grateful that we had a building to meet in. We were appreciative of our building since we had been meeting in schools and other churches for many years. After great discussion church leaders decided to try having the members clean their buildings.

Because of the success of that inspired program being implemented with the help of Dad many years ago, my children had the blessing of being able to clean our building in Georgia this past weekend in preparation for our Sunday meetings. We were part of the assigned cleaning crew from our ward that wiped down bathrooms, mopped, dusted, cleaned windows and doors, gathered trash, tidied the chapel and vacuumed. My boys worked hard and did a great job cleaning the Lord's house. I'm grateful for the opportunity our family had to take time out of our busy lives to serve and care for the building that we are blessed to meet in. Stephen reads the list of duties that we must complete.

Dallin working hard to rid the building of TRASH!
Landon and Dallin make a great team.
I'm not sure when the last time the benches and all the trimwork in the chapel had been dusted but judging by the residue left behind on my cleaning clothe it had been a while!

Check This Out!

I was cooking in the kitchen today and I bumped a knife off the counter. Imagine my surprise when it just stuck right in the wood floor and stood straight up. Dallin and I were amazed and shocked. We laughed so hard for the longest time. It's a good thing it didn't poke into my cute little barefeet!