tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52246433651791884972012-02-13T18:33:54.192-06:00... is like driving at night with the headlights on: You can only see a little ways in front of you, but you can make the whole journey this way. E.L. Doctorow (sort of)andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.comBlogger5481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-83629378975762068782012-02-10T07:56:00.000-06:002012-02-10T21:04:19.211-06:00

I'm definitely raising a boy. I had a matchbox collection when I was a little girl. I never invited them in for an overnight tho. In fact, I've been fantasizing about boys, not trucks, since I was 5. That explains my current love life these days. Ah, but I digress. Back to the Peanut. The Wisconsin snow has melted in our quiet little town. Winter seems to have dissipated,

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-82551862108937650282012-02-07T00:02:00.000-06:002012-02-07T00:02:00.230-06:00

That is a spectacular video. And oh my my. This (pause) is the perfect song for a break up playlist. Especially these lyrics: You stole my happy You made me cry Took the lonely and took me for a ride And I wanna uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-undo it You had my heart Now I want it back I'm starting to see everything you lack Boy you blew it You put me thru it And I wanna uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-undo it

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-19428577421270673522012-02-06T08:19:00.000-06:002012-02-06T11:58:28.890-06:00

Life's been good. I'm glad for that. I've decided two things: I should have been born a Kennedy. I should have been a Southern Gal. If I could do it all over again, I'd have moved south when I turned 18 (freedom). Alabama. Texas. Somewhere like that. In fact currently, Salt Lake City Utah's lookin' perty good these days. I'm not 100% sure why. The only time I've ever been in Salt Lake was when

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-92103865036552686052012-02-05T08:15:00.000-06:002012-02-06T08:58:17.045-06:00

Alone today. Feels good but I miss my little Peanut. He had his first ever sleep over last night. We're so lucky, so blessed. Oliver has made a little best friend, AJ. They have been best friends since they were both 2 years old. Who knew little Bugs could find a way to a best friend when just out of diapers? AJ is a cute kid, a sweet kid. Lucky us. His mother (and father) are really good

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-63215905399756927812012-02-03T01:12:00.001-06:002012-02-03T09:08:05.320-06:00

When I was heart broken and pining away for my husband I listened to such sad, pitiful songs. I needed them at the time. Those days are long over. I'm creating a new playlist. I will be posting songs periodically (daily) for a while until my list has been exhausted. This particular song is at the top — my new favorite. (Oooo, if you have any to recommend to me, I'm all ears!) Take it away

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-25761898613153505422012-01-26T06:52:00.000-06:002012-01-27T14:23:50.764-06:00

*   *   *   *   *I M P O R T A N T  My nephew James is having his last and final surgery tomorrow — Friday at 2pm. It's been tough on him. PLEASE pray for him. He decided to skip this semester of school in order to focus on recovery. He's bright. He's hurting. He needs your prayers. U P D A T E  2:18PM ; January 27th From James' mom, Crys: Surgery over. Less than 1 hour. Waiting for

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-33239164577588584022012-01-23T06:56:00.000-06:002012-01-24T09:12:24.407-06:00

I read this today, by Kristin Armstrong. It's profound and very meaningful to me.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-35598379338079087152012-01-22T23:25:00.000-06:002012-01-22T23:29:05.559-06:00

And Some things never change. Remember this? And now this: It was fun to watch Oliver shovel snow with this daddy. We had our second snow storm on Friday, and I love when the roads are white. It astounds me how much children grow in the middle of the night. Here are two photos of my boy from last winter. Now this winter. These were sweet to see side by side. The first

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-91288196384382684692012-01-20T01:29:00.001-06:002012-01-20T11:22:04.495-06:00

since my last post. Life's been busy, as well all know. It's not just me. Single mothers, working mothers, mothers of one or mothers of multiples, married women, spinsters, leisurians or librarians, we all seem to have busy lives. I went away last weekend with the gals, only 90 minutes south to Chicago for a “spiritual” conference. It was a blast — lots of great speakers, lots of

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-50564361052324696202012-01-10T05:35:00.000-06:002012-01-10T13:15:17.003-06:00

To hold myself accountable, I thought I'd post each month how I'm doing on each of the things I'm determined to do! How's that for being responsible for my own happiness? I know it's only been ONE day. I'm a little excited! The real test will be when the months begin to pass. Second, I'd like to thank you for your written, spoken and unwritten, unspoken prayers for me (or for keeping me and

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-1502428440851274892012-01-09T00:44:00.000-06:002012-01-09T07:32:48.567-06:00

Inspirational photo ... ;P .... Chicago, IL, from the John Hancock Center, facing south break This coming year, I am determined {God willing} to: arrive early return calls as soon as possible look great at work, not like I just woke up  get outdoors, be active read fiction books instead of marriage saving books get back to 120+ lbs  {aka: lose 20 lbs} get the RP website design finished wake

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-76922621791782945662012-01-08T11:19:00.000-06:002012-01-08T13:56:40.088-06:00

Yum! I thought I'd write a quick post on how we eat yogurt in our home. I think this method is the best way to enjoy a healthy treat. First, I buy a large container of plain organic yogurt. If you made a commitment to purchase just organic yogurt, you'd make a significant difference in helping the many organic farms stay in business, not to mention the nutritional benefits — no pesticides and

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-68060028695841275452012-01-07T14:45:00.001-06:002012-01-08T01:29:28.594-06:00

Life began as normal yesterday. I returned to work only to learn that a project I so had dedicated my time to would be turned over to another designer. Defeat? Perhaps. I have other things to work on, and so I took a deep breath, put on my big girl panties and forged ahead. Today is the first moment I have to take a step back and look at the year ahead. I have not even given a glance back to

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-11746403019501363232012-01-05T17:37:00.001-06:002012-01-05T19:20:08.561-06:00

Sigh.... it's finally over. The holidays (for me) are now complete. No more cards to sign. No more gifts to wrap (or purchase). No more dinners to cook. No more gifts to open. Phew. That was fun — but I'm done. Now I just have to take down the beautiful tree (I think it's the best one we've had yet) and put away the decorations. My home is actually clean today. I had yesterday off work and was

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-12425509550844559162011-12-31T23:59:00.000-06:002012-01-01T09:54:27.877-06:00

Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? What a year... what a holiday. Cupcakes. Jasmin. Family. Christmas. New Year's. Healing. It's all there.... We were in Chicago today. We did not go to the show you see above, but we certainly made our way thru Michigan Avenue and ended the day of shopping with a bit of ice skating in Millenium Park. Five. Four. Three. Two. One.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-52899409907348213032011-12-26T22:38:00.000-06:002011-12-27T09:58:43.965-06:00

It was a great Christmas again this year. I had the best time with my family. I have much to tell, but I'm exhausted and will try my best to spend some time with you soon. There's a lot on my mind that needs to be written down. In case you are wondering, that is my nephew James. He's doing well.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-9637383899470520132011-12-18T21:30:00.000-06:002011-12-20T20:43:39.207-06:00

First, all credit goes to her: fat girl trapped in a skinny body Second, take a look:   Third, here's what I have to say: Oh my. Pinterest has really opened up my world and become a dangerous obsession for me. I have purposely tied myself to a chair just to keep off it. If you haven't tried it out, you really, really should. Fair warning. You'll find all sorts of people you know, and you'll

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-43865536486343861522011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:002011-12-16T10:56:08.030-06:00

So you may THINK this has something to do with my love life (or lack thereof) but alas, for not. (Altho I have had an ephemeral relationship with this song lately....) Instead, I had a visit with Molly last night. And I really like the results. This is the culmination of months of planning. There is no crazy bleaching going on, therefor my hair will not get fried. As well, this is

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-16824821044270549852011-12-14T19:37:00.002-06:002011-12-19T15:26:48.202-06:00

“If animals could speak the dog would be a a blundering outspoken fellow, but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.” —Mark Twain My sweet Velvet has been laid to rest... Call me odd, but I had to take some photos. Look at his eyes.... Les chats yeux brillent grand comme la lune. I often called him Moon Eyes. Vee Vee had been sick for more than 2 years. Yet

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-5096076529862752822011-12-12T18:14:00.001-06:002011-12-12T18:14:43.583-06:00

Can’t wait to share the weekend’s musings with you. Stop back soon....

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-27303897559356744322011-12-09T06:00:00.000-06:002011-12-12T11:54:56.250-06:00

Today I'm grateful that the strength I have been feeling these last two months is still there that the weekend is here and I can get caught up on my life that I have options with regards to my career ... sometimes it just takes a little bit of action on my part to see what God's will for me is that I can be more direct than I have ever been that I get the chance to behave differently today; in

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-62787714725421731302011-12-06T06:53:00.000-06:002011-12-06T17:50:37.836-06:00

Lord help me. Tonight I am going in for a long, arduous, life-changing event. Why I put so much trust in the woman (Molly is her name) who does my hair is baffling to me. I think I have more trust in her than God, and that says a lot since my complete and total dependence upon God has taken thee most upswing of strength and assurance this year. Yet, she has complete control over my emotions. If

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-60863880599400192842011-12-02T06:48:00.000-06:002011-12-02T10:49:16.898-06:00

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-56083712177366160752011-11-28T03:14:00.000-06:002011-11-29T12:53:55.438-06:00

au·dac·i·ty [aw-das-i-tee] noun boldness daring, especially confident or arrogant disregard for personal safety, conventional thought, or other restrictions. effrontery or insolence; shameless boldness: His questioner’s audacity shocked the lecturer. *   *   *   *   *  One of the things that has come up is the overwhelming sense of duty I have for Oliver. As a single, full-time

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-10480030020610908412011-11-24T09:48:00.001-06:002011-11-24T09:50:05.934-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I have a cute Oliver video to upload later today, plus a gratitude list of course as well. In the meantime, my friend Jackie turned me onto this video. It's really sweet — the feel good video of the day. Thought I'd share.... dog lovers, beware. It's cool. Lily Shreds trailside. on pinkbike.com

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-88566911683849193682011-11-21T06:12:00.000-06:002011-11-22T12:48:35.685-06:00

I knew this would happen one day. So it happened this Saturday. Blood, an open wound, an acute medical emergency, and the permanent scarring of my nearly perfect child's body and skin... We were at the playground. A good friend and I met for coffee that morning. When Oliver was delivered back to me, she thought it would be great to walk down the street to the playground — er, the antiquated

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-3586032213325436372011-11-18T07:20:00.000-06:002011-11-18T10:28:54.174-06:00

Thank you friends.... I  managed to gain some of my self-respect and serenity back as the day moved on. I thank you for the wonderful support, the kind words. I knew I had a lot of visitors to my site daily, but I had no idea how many of you really seem to get me, to know me and are also walking in a path of faith. I am wowed. Side note: I wanted to share that there has been an update with my

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-43699427687177176932011-11-17T09:30:00.001-06:002011-11-17T11:23:12.262-06:00

Hello I need you all today. For I believe that the true and intense joy I received yesterday was given to me to prepare me for the news I was to hear last night, and then the mean, unkind tone of voice I had to deal with today as I started my day. Please pray that I get the joy again. Divorce is so hard, yeah, we all know, right? You don't know, you don't until you go thru it. I'm doing ok. I

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-87022133444960644982011-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:002011-11-16T11:58:38.998-06:00

Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God. Teilhard de Chardin for my amazing, amazing God for the incredible presence of God in my life for no longer having a single DOUBT that God is taking care of me, very good care of me for knowing, now, finally, that I am beautiful for knowing, now, finally, that I am going to be OK for today's reading in Jesus calling.... about the fog.... for

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-3677911462506551632011-11-15T05:00:00.000-06:002011-11-18T10:22:31.072-06:00

11.18.2011 UPDATE: Crystal, James' mom sent this to me at 8:30 am... He slept all the way 9 to 4 when IV alarm went off. Only 1 spit up after that. They brought me a regular bed at that time.   * * * * * 11.17.2011 UPDATE: Crystal, James' mom sent this to me at 9:15 am... He had a rough nite. Nauseous. NG tube. Had Dr remove tube when I got here. MUCH better since then. Even walked

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-50313067323565693512011-11-12T19:05:00.001-06:002011-11-12T19:13:51.247-06:00

Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything    to reach the end without delay. We would like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something    unknown, something new. And yet, it is the law of all progress    that it is made by passing through    some stages of instability -    and that it may take a very long

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-77386395790176547072011-11-09T00:47:00.000-06:002011-11-15T08:50:05.661-06:00

Ha! Thought perhaps I was speaking of a certain someone? Wrong! I want a break from the Marriage Report to share instead with you our other endeavors, you know, the fun stuff that makes life so incredibly good! The weekend before Halloween we went up to Door County. It was a short, sweet visit — just the usual suspects, Oliver and myself. Check out these little foot prints... The best part

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-12882847628588024462011-11-06T11:58:00.000-06:002011-11-07T10:22:18.737-06:00

I came across these today.... Sonnet XIII And wilt thou have me fashion into speech The love I bear thee, finding words enough, And hold the torch out, while the winds are rough, Between our faces, to cast light on each?— I drop it at thy feet. I cannot teach My hand to hold my spirits so far off From myself—me—that I should bring thee proof In words, of love hid in me out of reach. Nay, let

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-57494974241211623342011-11-05T02:09:00.000-05:002011-11-05T19:29:45.759-05:00

I don't know what has come over me but in a moment of pure idleness, I found a way to spend my hard-earned cash, and security at my bank was so concerned they put a hold on my bank card! Help! First we can thank zappos.com for my new boots: My Wellies have finally arrived now and will keep my feet dry (maybe not so-warm) and in tip-top fashion. I even modeled them for a certain someone and

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-48281799314557350992011-11-04T06:49:00.000-05:002011-11-04T12:56:25.796-05:00

I said this prayer a while back: God please give me the strength to let go. I don't see what's in the inside of Matt, but you do. I place him in your hands, just as Abram placed his son into yours. I ask you to please allow me to see what other's see in me, to judge myself not as Matt judges me, but to feel and know instead your love, your promises and your will for me. With love today,

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-32506723777315022102011-11-03T06:03:00.000-05:002011-11-03T10:05:08.968-05:00

Oliver: Mom, lets play hide and seek. Me: OK. Oliver: You hide right here so I know where to find you.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-763673206918868892011-10-27T00:50:00.000-05:002011-11-14T14:19:39.227-06:00

Ready for this? ‘Cause it ain't gonna be pretty. I hope you can see, if you are a long standing reader of RP, that there has definitely been a shift in me. I can't quite explain it. Part God. Part the X doing me a favor. Part the new drug cocktail I've been prescribed. I see things realistically now, and trust me, I'm beyond disgusted and angry. I'm so angry in fact, that I have to distract

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-91694564439667345782011-10-24T03:05:00.000-05:002011-10-25T00:02:06.849-05:00

Ah.... first kisses. They are soft, delightful, amazing, innocent, powerful and enlightening. They can make a gal weak in the knees and make her front bum awaken as a man breathes softly into her ear... She feels wonderfully beautiful, his kisses sweet and enjoyable. He powers his unquenchable desires for more of her. Ultimately, when his affection is tender and warm, she feels beautiful and

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-56571443028121282112011-10-19T07:01:00.000-05:002011-10-19T13:49:09.168-05:00

I have only a few moments today before I head off to work. After my morning meds (that's short for meditation!!!), I realized that the sucky part of D is really just beginning. I truly thought that we could at least be amicable. But I realize now, it's not going to happen. The more I pull away, the more adversarial my son's father gets. (Notice something?) Oh never could I have foreseen this.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-38229101021585003952011-10-18T06:28:00.000-05:002011-10-18T15:37:11.564-05:00

I’m here, I’m here. Just busy. Here’s a taste of what’s to come: Life has been good lately, no seriously, it has. I can’t explain it, but this new awareness has overtaken my mind, heart, body, emotions.... just about everything. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it’s greater than myself. I can’t stop it, nor do I want to. I’m not in control of it, nor do I want to be! It feels

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-90413470812138319182011-10-14T06:20:00.000-05:002011-10-14T13:21:50.178-05:00

for the gift of growth for the gift of writing for the gift of anger, finally for the courage to be angry for the courage to face my future for the courage to accept what is for my son for my dad for a wonderful dinner last night for the gift of compassion and tolerance for others for the gift to be forthright for the kind things peeps said to me last weekend for the fact that i tried, and

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-64817914515500374152011-10-13T22:05:00.002-05:002011-10-13T22:09:32.783-05:00

I noticed that I'm feeling angry lately. Actually I'm rip-roaring mad. I'm beside myself with thoughts of revenge, and I know that if I want to rest my head on my pillow each night in peace, I cannot act on the revenge. But trust me, it's tempting. At this point Matt can hold nothing, absolutely nothing over my head anymore and it feels great. I'm not the same old me anymore, and absolutely

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-1492771376056292702011-10-10T23:29:00.002-05:002011-10-11T00:00:34.009-05:00

I looked back over the past year and re-read some of my posts. Are you guys getting sick of hearing me talk about “moving on”? :) I know, I know... same old same old. Well, it’s been more than a year of limbo with a lot of ups and downs. I have been told I’m growing stronger, and I guess in some ways I am. Some times I feel as if I’m not however. I think to myself, “Here we go again...” as I

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-80606383508014709662011-10-09T17:29:00.002-05:002011-11-04T12:48:54.631-05:00

Today is our 12 year wedding anniversary. What do you say on your anniversary to a spouse who wants out of the marriage? Happy Anniversary is no longer appropriate. Happy “No More Us” Day? Happy “It's Over” Day? I wonder, did he remember? (I used to get a dozen roses for each year of marriage on our anniversary.) I chose to say nothing, as did he. We met at a gas station today to exchange

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-12302281885445251372011-10-08T17:21:00.000-05:002011-10-08T17:24:21.240-05:00

I have come to realize that as humans we are all inherently cowards, afraid of the truth, afraid of the what if, the past and present and future. We are all afraid of death and in many ways afraid of life. We have all these fears till the day we die. Only through acceptance of our imperfections, mistakes, misfortune can we stand tall to face this world instead of hiding behind that which we

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-14089475938299939382011-10-05T22:49:00.001-05:002011-10-05T23:24:14.230-05:00

a friend of mine today said that i had better face reality; that this divorce is really going to happen. i faced it already, and it's a hard bitter pill to swallow. it's on me to accept it. nope, nope, i don't want to. i try to accept it and then hope creeps in. it's just there. but guess what. i am getting used to this way of life. it shocked me, saddened me the other day when i was thinking

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-84691908445197825902011-10-03T00:34:00.000-05:002011-10-04T09:58:02.325-05:00

He's beautiful, funny and delightful. He's playful, inquisitive and teachable. He loves me, needs me and likes me. He adores me, trusts me, relies on me. He's strong, brave, and adventurous. He's curious, fearless, and eager. He's happy, free, and loved. He sleeps in my arms, cuddles into my breast and knows how warm and safe that place is. It's very difficult

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-86238655831293368162011-09-30T06:36:00.000-05:002011-09-30T10:39:34.114-05:00

feeling better and better and stronger and stronger every day feeling confident at my job having Oliver the last two days... he's a treat having the $$ to buy him additions to his train set our Door County cottage... cozy and wonderful and warm electronics! :) getting a decent night's rest letting go and REALLY letting God thinking about my future in a positive light treading gently and gaining

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-13137413644907462572011-09-29T06:21:00.000-05:002011-09-29T09:32:15.638-05:00

Ridges Sanctuary, Bailey's Harbor, Wisconsin Gnasha found buried in the sand in the water at Bailey's Harbor For Momma Ellison Bay, Wisconsin At the cottage, Gills Rock, Wisconsin Sister Bay, Wisconsin Horseshoe Bay, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin School House Beach, Washington Island, Wisconsin Ephraim, Wisconsin Hedgehog Harbor, Gills Rock, Wisconsin

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-61595412585185209792011-09-28T00:24:00.000-05:002011-09-28T15:41:36.506-05:00

I owe you pix of our 10 days in Door County, and then of course, photos from another weekend there right after that. It's been a while since I've shown you some visuals on RP. Therefore, it's picture time! Not too many words today. However, for those of you interested, I'm doing good actually! Yay! Today was the first day in months, even when I was feeling good, that I woke up without a

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-32545879223571853132011-09-26T05:56:00.000-05:002011-09-26T11:07:31.442-05:00

Mommy, play with me. Otherwise you'll miss playing with me. - Oliver Sunday was a wonderful day. I got up early and did the Komen walk/run. The rain held off and the experience was cool. I've done it one other time. There is no one in my family or life that I know of who died or survived BC, but I wanted to do it anyway. It's an amazing experience. Photos to follow soon. Oliver came home just

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-31268979550785991452011-09-25T14:41:00.002-05:002011-09-25T14:45:02.201-05:00

Even when I find myself growing in understanding new ways to be strong and can see tangible results from my new attitudes, I still question myself.  Embedded in a difficult situation, I doubt I can ever be free from all this woe and care. When I think of how closely my life is intertwined with Matt's, I'm sure personal freedom is impossible. The key word is personal. I can free myself from

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-2495453036383173452011-09-24T01:00:00.000-05:002011-09-24T22:31:56.284-05:00

I'm so blessed. I have so many to lean on here in my life. And thanks to them, I am doing pretty good today. :) I have my dear friend Kathy who spent the night with me this week, sleeping on a very stiff couch so that I would not have to be alone. Kathy is also a prayer partner. I like to pray, I like praying with others. It's beautiful to speak to God in front of others, or to listen to others

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-31025025567286018982011-09-23T00:01:00.000-05:002011-09-23T10:45:12.488-05:00

I had a rude awakening yesterday. I wrote this yesterday: But "hope" was my higher power that whole time — moreso than God. And hope is now gone and I am faced with a death of what was, death of my future, death of my dreams. I don't know, maybe I'm too emotional, too analytical, too wimpy, too insecure, too co-dependent. I never thought of myself as co-dependent. I never thought of myself

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-70881788979490074852011-09-22T06:08:00.000-05:002011-09-23T10:20:42.238-05:00

Another post about loss. The last three days have been especially difficult for me. You know what baffles me? There are so many people in this world who get D. And yet I cannot seem to move past wanting to repair what's there. I have held onto hope for 17 months now. That and God has gotten me thru. Friends too. RP too. But "hope" was my higher power that whole time — moreso than God. And hope

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-17840748880667194292011-09-21T08:09:00.001-05:002011-09-21T08:09:45.831-05:00

Thanks to everyone who's given me such wonderful suggestions lately. I bought a new book, The Power of a Praying Wife and am saying the very first prayer. It's only three words, simple enough, "Change me, God." {thanks lisa!} Today I wont be at work; I decided last night. Truth became apparent yesterday, and the last 15 hours have taken a toll on me. I'm going to attend Oliver's field trip with

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-44859055341215314682011-09-19T01:02:00.000-05:002011-09-19T01:02:06.966-05:00

Ephraim Beach, Door County, WisconsinSeptember, 2011 We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body. Ralph Waldo Emerson

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-46662092903476007762011-09-15T06:13:00.001-05:002011-12-28T16:25:09.649-06:00

18 years ago today, my mother passed away. Here are some things my mother taught me: plant flowers use the term of endearment, honey sing to your children let them smell you and your breath so they know you intimately speak gently to them in the evenings rub their backs when they are in bed take extra good care of them when they are sick get them a fun comforter and sheets so their beds feel

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-26198641372444782192011-09-13T06:45:00.000-05:002011-09-13T22:54:48.346-05:00

I say this prayer daily. I used to say it for years, on my knees, each and every single morning, until finally, one day, I realized it had come true. Recently I have started saying this prayer again, altho I have tweaked the wording a bit. Feel free to use it yourself, substituting any person you like. It works for children, parents, brothers, sisters, coworkers alike. Dear God, Help me not to

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-49957445698365874892011-09-12T12:52:00.000-05:002011-09-12T15:49:57.945-05:00

Hi all! I'd love to give you a quick synopsis of our trip, but we’ve been jetted right back into the swing of things here. This morning when Oliver awoke he asked why we were not back at the cottage. When I told him I had to go to work he asked, “So you can buy me more presents?” :) We left Door County last night at 8pm on the dot. We swam in Ephraim Bay Beach until 7:30 or so, just in time to

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-52901569989593985262011-09-08T14:28:00.000-05:002011-09-08T19:55:17.618-05:00

Today we are in Washington Island. We had a beautiful ferry ride across the lake; it took maybe 15 minutes. Not a breeze in the air — the stillness of the water and the low hum of the motor was hypnotizing. I had only one small moment of child-like self-pity while putting the finishing touches on preparing for this morning’s adventure: Once I had my bike on the car rack and saw how ridiculous it

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-30730674788707239382011-09-07T09:37:00.000-05:002011-09-07T09:37:44.201-05:00

Not so long ago in a galaxy far, far away.... It's Wednesday — Ah you see? It still feels like a weekend! We've had some fun so far, mostly rock throwing and swimming. I don't care if it's in the 60's.... I've let Oliver get into the water. He doesn't last long, but at least he has a lot of fun! We also discovered another treat.... baguettes. He loves them! He ate the whole thing with a

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-43793077308754278552011-09-05T17:49:00.000-05:002011-09-07T09:16:24.318-05:00

Happy Labor Day everyone. I’m up in Door County. Not to worry, I have Big Fred, Chief of Security guarding my home along with my three attack cats*. The homestead is being watched; all gates secure. So I’m free to roam. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve had any sort of longer vacation. I’ve taken nothing quite a few extended weekends and I've nickle and dime’d many of my vacation days.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-6075107492502671112011-08-31T22:52:00.010-05:002011-09-01T22:11:06.112-05:00

I love being a mother to a boy. He is so different from me. And yet we are so much alike. :) His goofiness? That's all me. Yep. Me. Thank you very much. His politeness too? Um, I'd like to take credit for that as well, if you don't mind. I mean, Matt's a great dad - and - all, but I'm the keeper of good manners. Huh? Ah that's, Pardon me, what did you say? Burps. Ski-use me. Passing

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-78605914478797964142011-08-28T23:10:00.003-05:002011-08-29T00:46:20.144-05:00

Yum yum in the tum! INGREDIENTS 1 lb fresh ground turkey 1/4 red onion, very finely diced 1 small teeny tiny red / green / purple / yellow pepper {Use whatever color and flavor suites your fancy. My pepper happened to have all of the above colors in one!}  1 small teeny tiny zucchini 1 slice whole wheat bread a bunch (lots and lots) of basil leaves (I used 10+ large ones) a small bunch

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-31636080620435277932011-08-21T14:02:00.004-05:002011-08-22T14:52:14.105-05:00

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-85949982853325680682011-08-19T22:31:00.003-05:002011-08-20T08:02:46.222-05:00

I thought I'd offer a little insight into where I'm at. Life is good, I'd like you to know. Seriously. Tomorrow I attend the funeral of the father of a very good friend of mine, Pamela. She is hurting, so if you could offer up some prayers for her, I'd really appreciate it. She prays for me daily, I think, and she is a beautiful woman, inside and out. I'd love to be more like her. Life has been

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-71287395111206893022011-08-18T07:00:00.001-05:002011-08-18T10:58:15.059-05:00

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-45743212059504151702011-08-17T12:23:00.000-05:002011-08-17T12:23:05.318-05:00

Friends, at the bottom of my last post I had asked for prayers for my dear friend Pamela's father Orrin. Little did I know that he had already passed on, peacefully late last night. Pamela has been with her mom since last weekend. Please pray for this sweet grieving family as they experience a loss of a husband, father and grand-father. Thank you....

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-1786035418482301262011-08-17T08:07:00.004-05:002011-08-17T11:15:12.675-05:00

Northport sundown, Gills Rock, WI Door County is just one of thee most beautiful spots in Wisconsin. I love Wisconsin, but never moreso than I have the past few years. I'll never forget the first time Matt took me up to Door County for a romantic long weekend away. He carefully planned this time for us, one of the first real getaways we've had. And he did it all by himself, without my asking,

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-62685404085038062622011-08-10T22:10:00.002-05:002011-08-11T10:40:12.587-05:00

Lets just get right to it, shall we? Here are the players: Garlic, fresh, always... Herbes de Provence and Rosemary {yes, fresh would have been much better} Key ingredient.... You'll also need a bit of olive oil, black pepper too. And don't forget the chops... Start by mincing fresh garlic. I have a press that I use prolly a little too often. :) As I began to mix things up here, I

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-4895038965190480482011-08-08T06:14:00.002-05:002011-08-08T09:22:52.402-05:00

Hi friends, This is just a short post. I had a blast with my nephew Jonas the past two days. We accomplished quite a bit and spent very little time indoors. We tackled an air show, a bike festival, diner on my patio, shopping, a water park and dinner on a patio watching a water show. We had so much fun, and folks were in love with Jonas, stopping him often to ask if he and Oliver were brothers.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-70552491569345428292011-08-05T23:34:00.000-05:002011-08-05T23:34:49.131-05:00

Hi friends. I'm so excited. Tomorrow my nephew Jonas will be coming to my home for two full days and nights. He lives in Switzerland, where Matt is from. Yes, I married a Swiss man. Jonas came to town on Tuesday night, and he's been staying with Matt. Yesterday Matt picked up Oliver, and the three of them have been having a good time it seems. It makes my heart gleeful to see my son having a

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-48633570981381672902011-08-04T01:26:00.001-05:002011-08-04T01:26:03.129-05:00

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul and you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't always mean security. And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead with the grace of woman, not the grief of a child and you learn

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-63121813839511708602011-08-02T23:11:00.003-05:002011-08-02T23:29:47.508-05:00

The day prior to his scheduled surgery, James was admitted to the hospital. His hemoglobin was extremely low and he then received a blood transfusion. He was in good spirits that evening as I had a chance to text with him a bit. And so it was prior to heading into his surgery. My nephew is wise beyond his years. I'm honored to be someone in his life that he sometimes confides in. {You know,

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-84390255513053421912011-08-02T01:54:00.004-05:002011-08-02T07:43:20.463-05:00

With these hands, I gently cradled this child, Held him close to my heart,Nursed his wounds and calmed her fears,Held the books that I would readAnd rock this child fast asleep. With these hands, I made his lunchesAnd drove the car that carried her to school;Snapped endless pictures, wrapped countless gifts,Then did my best to assemble those gifts.Combed his hair and wiped her tear,Let her know

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-7957285255916009502011-08-01T08:00:00.010-05:002011-10-03T21:23:37.896-05:00

Hi friends, This is not a depressing lament today. :) No worries. I wanted to share some insights I've had lately. I was reading (re-reading) parts of Beth Moore's book, So Long Insecurity, and came across a section on rejection. Beth writes, Rejection No matter the source, the shout translates into the language of the soul as one jolting message: I do not want you! Nothing elicits quicker

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-52400197086903894822011-07-29T00:26:00.001-05:002011-07-29T00:33:43.588-05:00

Someone got a new pair of sunglasses.... And a new tow truck.... That someone also has a cool way of wearing his sunglasses off the eyes... That little someone is also slightly irritable lately. Notice the wheel barrel behind him. I purchased this so that my little guy could help his mother carry in groceries. But when that little someone is sick (he was in the 4th day of 102-103

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-15399635318507335372011-07-26T18:01:00.002-05:002011-09-24T22:33:44.199-05:00

It is with tears that I post this. I am done........ please please pray for me that I get thru this. I'm so so sorry, my dear dear sweet Oliver. A friend of mine gifted this song to me today. Here's her message to me..... it's like she knew what I just realized. Andrea, I heard this song again today (itunes Genius picked it for me, which I always think is God), and I thought of you

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-47757206599186984162011-07-25T11:41:00.006-05:002011-07-26T09:22:44.128-05:00

Got to spend a couple days with these three beautiful females.... It was carefree, joyful, intimate and a barrel of laughs. It was definitely too short. *  *  *  *  * I had a great weekend even with a few concerns about my little guy. Matt called to let me know Oliver was running a high temp all weekend. He kept me posted and toward the middle of the day on Saturday our conversation got a

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-46651064029642601942011-07-21T22:16:00.001-05:002011-07-21T22:28:00.927-05:00

A couple weekends back, my girlfriend Pamela came to town. She's on my right (your left). Hey there Ms Pamela! She reads my blog regularly. She's a great friend, one of the truly best people in the world. She's been one of my biggest supporters through this season. To the left of me (on your right, my left) is Debbie. Deb we often call her. But professionally she's Debra. She was the

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-17522224274823049422011-07-20T10:30:00.006-05:002011-07-21T16:13:53.106-05:00

I love having a boy. At first I was so sad when they told me we were going to have a boy. Angry in fact. I wanted to blame Matt, but then I found out that the woman's genes determine the sex but I couldn't because at the time I believed that the woman’s chromosome determines the sex. How could this happen to me? I asked myself. I'm a girly-girl. I wanted to get our toes painted

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-73512261645269341402011-07-17T17:28:00.001-05:002011-07-17T17:58:44.836-05:00

We travelled north again, to the Wisconsin peninsula. We had a nice, relaxing weekend. And we invited a guest. Our good friend Maggie. :) We made it there and back safely. And we'll show more photos soon! :)

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-58905942056280068322011-07-14T01:36:00.000-05:002011-07-14T01:36:41.962-05:00

How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells, And pretty maids all in a row. The Black-eyed Susans are about to bloom... Mustard leaf is ready to be harvested and will continue to grow. Butter leaf lettuce is growing faster than my weeds! The lilies will bloom this weekend. And this is my only tomato plant (out of 7) that has fruit already!

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-44199768347012659582011-07-12T07:30:00.021-05:002011-07-12T12:09:53.672-05:00

Well friends. I am just not having the best day. I'm not sure why. It started out great, with time on my back porch, doing my morning readings. Perfect weather too. But the last week or so, I have had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. I'm not sure what it is because I am having a great life, and I am keeping busy. I'm not crying all the time (like this time last summer!) and yet, I

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-29966837782334502772011-07-11T23:16:00.000-05:002011-07-11T23:16:55.155-05:00

Have you heard this song? Well, it's my theme song now. But.... you absolutely have to listen to it to the very end. :) Then you'll know how I'm doing today. I'm just sayin.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-19924266056771314952011-07-06T07:26:00.003-05:002011-07-06T10:22:02.369-05:00

Hello friends. It's the beginning of a new day today. Yesterday was not my favorite day. But the best thing about it was that I am not my mistakes, nor do I beat myself up for them. I also had a "conversation" with Matt that did not bode well, and this time, altho it left me in tears, I am not taking on his stuff. I suck sometimes. It's true. We all do. We all make mistakes. In this journey I

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-26229522228308329472011-07-05T22:34:00.004-05:002011-07-06T10:24:15.601-05:00

It's true. This year I've spent a little time outdoors. I try to tend to my garden on the weekends and every morning. I very much enjoy it. My fleurs and plants are my little children that I nurture (and neglect), care for and dutifully report to as often as I can. I'm also sharing this experience with my son who seems to fully accept his chores gladly. I don't even have to bribe him with gummy

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-5206255617513251772011-07-04T06:30:00.001-05:002011-07-05T14:16:32.123-05:00

I know it's been a while. Summer is here and there's so much going on. I can't wait to share photos and more. But here's proof we are OK. :)

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-36011817521699648732011-06-27T08:00:00.003-05:002011-06-27T10:31:11.846-05:00

My son. What an angel. Today his dad came to pick him up. I have to be honest, this doesn't get any easier. Some days it's OK. I fly off to work. Some days, I just ache. I ache and feel every single move in the room; every gesture and every dismissal becomes magnified. So after Oliver left, I went to meditate and pray for a bit. I have a new very cozy chair on my back patio. I love it. I closed

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-48003616635935519822011-06-24T05:52:00.000-05:002011-06-24T09:52:51.075-05:00

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-56335272203122276852011-06-21T23:49:00.015-05:002011-06-23T16:24:51.351-05:00

Oh my goodness! My friends who I don't get to see too often (you know who you are) will sometimes check in with me when they see that I have not posted in a few days. I try to post often, but life has been busy! And.... life has been good! So, I'm still here.... I've been thinking lately that I really need to take a food photography class. I just can't seem to get good photos. Most of my work

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-38556595832450969702011-06-15T00:53:00.000-05:002011-06-15T00:53:39.953-05:00

First let me preface this by saying this dish would be incredible sitting on  bed of julienne zucchini, carrots and yellow squash. Yum. Oh well. You were granted a sneak peak of this post yesterday. ;) Now you will be able to see the "making of." Here's the finished dish, once again: You wont believe how simple, quick and easy this is. To cook the tuna takes literally 5 minutes or less. The

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-73203711081582005932011-06-13T23:40:00.000-05:002011-06-13T23:40:15.611-05:00

Or.... Come for the story, stay for the food. I just want you all to know I am feeling much better and back in the swing of things. I'm out of my funk, thank God. Thanks for all the kind, loving comments, all the support, and all the prayers. So.... While I was hurting last week, I still had to go on with life. Isn't that how it is? Lest you think I had locked myself up in my bedroom to cry (

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-28921728509165113332011-06-10T05:07:00.017-05:002011-06-10T16:30:16.576-05:00

Photo by Kelly Fisher Photography Humility  Perpetual quietness of heart.  It is to have no trouble.  It is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore;  to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised, it is to have a blessed home in myself where I can go in and shut the door and

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-76379061357818227432011-06-08T08:48:00.002-05:002011-10-03T21:10:41.809-05:00

Photo by Kelly Fisher Photography Monday and Tuesday were not the best days for me. This morning isn't much better. It was the first time in a long long time that morning slapped me in the face and my heart sank as I realized my nightmare is real. Grief. Uncompromising, intrusive and immobilizing. I haven't felt this kind of grief since last summer. I always tend to underestimate the

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-76167947140171048652011-06-07T06:40:00.001-05:002011-06-07T08:27:38.862-05:00

I cried myself to sleep last night. I can count on one hand the times I've done that in the past year. Not often. But my heart hurts. It aches actually. I'm sorry to disappoint those of you who are hoping to see me doing better. I'm sorry to not give hope to those of you who need it — the ones going thru what I'm going thru. I hate crying at night. Usually I'm too exhausted to care much. It's

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-69670635220468174712011-06-06T17:17:00.000-05:002011-06-06T17:17:49.149-05:00

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry Is how long must I wait to be with you I close my eyes and I see your face If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow I've never been more homesick than now Help me Lord

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-58067744729525630702011-05-31T22:45:00.005-05:002011-06-02T13:19:29.129-05:00

for my cottage that i had a great time with oliver up there this past weekend that i got almost everything done.... it's a challenge to open the cottage for the summer being a single parent! the peace that the cottage affords getting landscaping done this weekend. I am Woman. Hear me ROAR! (wait, that was Oliver roaring!) being a single parent feeling strong, secure and happy feeling content warm

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224643365179188497.post-70352959842763546182011-05-31T06:45:00.005-05:002011-05-31T09:38:53.305-05:00

Feels good to be back in town. My plans to stay “connected” while away were foiled. Perhaps The Great One up there had something else in mind for us. Phbbt. In any case, I got a lot done this weekend. Here's a preview, and when I have more time, I shall give details. :) Life is good. We had a blast. I am happy. Oliver is happy. We are doing OK.

andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01488192339094027879noreply@blogger.com0