Long overdue

I just forget to do this. And it doesn't seem that I do enough noteworthy things. Usually they involve the babies, and you can check out their blogs to get that info. Ok, we had an incredible Christmas with Katrina, David, and Hueston; Matt, Sara, and Emmett; H & E's Great Aunt Carol Anne and Ed; Uncles Tom and Mike; and adoring friend Nara. The little fellas met and gave us all moments to cherish and dreams of happy times to come. More currently, we went to Atlanta about a month ago to babysit while Sara and Matt went to a concert. We had great fun. Again, check out the baby blogs to see pictures. Our biggest new as of late: we bought a new refrigerator last night--and the old one hasn't died yet. We got to thinking that we should probably look into replacing some of our 15+ year old appliances while Dick is still working. It's a white Kenmore Elite, French doors without water & ice dispenser. It won't get here until June 3, so it's a good thing we're not desperate. Next will be a new vacuum. Our whole-house system died a couple of weeks ago. We were about to just get a regular vacuum, until Matt pointed out that the system had lasted 15 years which would not be the case with a regular one. Unfortunately there isn't a local dealer so we're researching. That's about it for now.

21st Century Practices

All right...Here we go! I finally figured out how to put up a new post.

After a wonderful week in Texas lovin'-on Hueston (and Katrina and David) we are back to our normal "routines". I use the term loosely: Right now that includes something really exciting for me. I love the idea of bartering, but don't really have skills I thought anyone would be interested in. One of the families in our new Sunday morning Bible study class (for parents and caregivers of people with special needs; Dick co-teaches, I take names--I mean I'm secretary) is made up of a mom, her kids, and her mother. They have no washer and dryer and not even hooksups, so have been spending $60-70 of their hard-earned money at the laundromat. They didn't want just money but loved the idea of housecleaning for us while their laundry is being done here. I'm thrilled because I'm always behind and have other things I'd rather be doing. They will be coming Monday for the first time. Meanwhile I'm in the midst of coordinating Angel Tree Christmas 2009 at our church, writing letters seeking donations for diabetes research, and doing a major reorganization of the house. That means sorting into trash, stash, giveaway, or sell. Next step for the stash pile is moving everything from wherever it has been located to another room, cabinet, drawer, etc. This is part of simplifying our lives and getting ready to host the 2009 Christmas at the Cowleys which this year will include both children and their children, a couple of nephews, and Dick's sister and her husband. Wish I could say it will be an annual event, but I'm just thankful for this year! But did you notice: I'm bartering, recycling, and blogging! Very up-to date for me!

First Post!

Ok, here I go...10/1/09 Starting my first blog entry. Accomplishments so far today: haircut and caught up with Kris; unsubscribed from about 15 e-subscriptions to shorten time spent reading things I really don't need to know; short chat with Matt; checked out Emmet's and Hueston's blogs--what precious little fellows!; made plans for this weekend's debut of our new ministry: SS class for parents and caregivers of people with special needs (We need a name for the class. Any suggestions?).