keep the faith

Darcy and Dan

 

If anyone doubts the power of patience and persistance, just ask this couple and they will testify that determination can move mountains.  Their journey to find the perfect place to nest began the beginning of this year and once they locked into a home with endless possibilities, it was full steam ahead.  They played the waiting game like no one else when it came to negotiating contracts and closing the deal.  Their realtor, Sally, Kraska, helped appease any anxiety during this process, but let me tell you, it was not easy.  Once Wayne decided it will get done his way, all bets were off and he made it happen. Despite the fact they finally closed and paid for the home, they still were not able to move in or do anything to the dwelling for a couple more days until a signature was executed by the seller.  That was painful, but once everything was signed, sealed and delivered, it took one month to bring beauty back to their home on Bluebird Drive. 

Wayne secured a great crew headed by Juan to perform the priming, painting and spackling of what seems like a million holes, but in less than a week it all came together.  Initially, Dan was hesitant about the place but his Dad has vision after all the restorations we did in the past, and Dan put his faith in his folks that it could be done.  He saved every penny for half a year to be able to purchase everything needed to get his home ready once it was truly his and methinks it was actually a good thing there were so many delays for it gave him time to pull in more funds.  As we all know, owning a home is not cheap and there is always something lurking around that needs repairs or replacement. 

Our friends, Tom Block and Mark Glista, gave us the green light with their inspection and both approved the place as structurally sound and safe.  They tweaked up the broken exhaust fan, made sure all the plumbing was in order and heating and air conditioning worked and went through the place and offered their expertise as to what needed to be repaired. 

I was obsessing over the window treatments and after months of scouring stores and Overstock options, we had all the pieces ready to roll.  It took Wayne a day to install them and they fit beautifully.  As his confidence grew, he installed their ceiling fan, replaced the sink faucet, little plumbing replacements and tackled things he never did before.  If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. 

Tom had his buddy, Donny, replace over 20 tiles and regrout as Wayne continued to dabble in placing the rubber trim and breaking down splash tiles so they could install the microwave.  All the appliances were installed without a hitch, which was amazing considering they needed everything. It's a good feeling to have a fresh start. I was chuckling, however, when Dan picked and purchased everything as sticker shock kicked in and he felt the pinch of his hard earned money being depleted from his account.  He avidly budgeted for all that would be needed and when the time came, he was able to dispense the funds accordingly.  These were great lessons for someone who never left the nest in 26 years.  (Well, actually, he left for one week when he went to Southern Campus.) 

I enjoyed finally being able to enhance the front of their home with a little landscape.  It took Wayne two days to trim the out-of-control bushes but once he opened up the areas, it was easy to place a few plants around.  One day I went to the St. Theresa chapel and prayed that all the concern about the house be uplifted and was told "all will be well and when it is I am to plant three pink roses in front of their home in honor of her".  I did.  Thanks to St. Theresa, St. Anthony, St. Jude  and St. Joseph for all prayers answered. 

The good thing about recycling items is that workable things can be new to someone else.  These shades have been to a couple other dwellings and provided good energies.  We had them in our summer home in Delavan and then they moved to my spa in Hinsdale and now, instead of hiding in storage, I pulled them out once again and they all fit perfectly.  Our beloved dining room set graces their open area and if you look hard enough, we collect so many things that we don't need or use and someone else can utilize them.  I was happy to supply whatever extras I had around the house so they could begin their lives together.  The best part is I get to clear out my place, too!  Win-win.

This spare bedroom will be furnished with the mahogany bedroom set left by Dan's Gramzie and when we were installing it, I kept smelling pickles.  It was as if they were looking down from heaven and happy he would have a part of them. Their home is all set to move in comfortably with all the essentials.  First timers can take their time to bring in their own artifacts and eventually they will grace their place with things they want and someday cherish and perhaps share some with their own children.  That's the beauty of passing things down.  The memories attached to them can continue.  I have to admit, before the carpets were installed, I went through the entire dwelling and smudged to rid the place of any negative and unwanted energies. 

Mike and Dan's buddy, Anthony, spent days replacing the tiles in both bathrooms and saved them a boatload of dough.  Now all the old guff is gone, all the leaks secured and the best part is Dan now has a contact if he needs any work done down the road.  It was interesting to begin the process and slowly transition so Dan makes the decisions and schedules regarding the repairs.  All that is left is the garage repair and changing new locks.  Steve came by often to move furniture and provided the muscle I could not and he is amazed at how it all turned out.  Once Darcy and Dan moved in, she took off like a bat out of hell and enjoyed decorating with her special touch and filled the place with basic staples.  The family room sectional from her parents should be delivered shortly so they won't have to watch TV on the floor.  Bean bags might work til then. Dan and I dragged Wayne with us as we filled the cart at Trader Joe's so now both our fridges are filled with goodies from our favorite food store. 

Thanks to Uncle Spike (Wally) for all the wonderful turbo tools, carpets, handyman stuff, ladders and furniture.  Dan already stoked up his grilled with mahi mahi and I am sure it will get a workout.  Men make the best chefs! So many lessons learned in this adventure.  Many times it could have become a nightmare, but alas, it all fell into place as their dream come true. 

Warm wishes for a beautiful life together.  Enjoy the silence.  Bask in the quiet of no dogs barking, no dishwasher sounds, no clothes dryer churning, no footsteps imposing on your sleep, no Bingo.  LOL.  Now you can continue your masters degree in peace and quiet and Darcy can focus on graduating Lewis with ease.   We are so happy for you both and please know our house will always be your home, too.  Don't be  strangers. Just because you have your own digs doesn't mean you can't pop in here whenever the spirit moves you, or if you miss my cooking.   Besides, Ponti needs his head rubbed and Thumper needs to see you now and then.

Happy 26th birthday, Danny (a few days early) xo

 

 

 

 

  



justin and jackie wedding

 

Justin and Jackie Hunt tied the knot on August 10. 

 

My sister, Julie, walked down the aisle with the beautiful bride.

Officially Mr. and Mrs. Hunt.

Their first dance together as husband and wife.

Sisters Vickie and Ginny offering a toast.

Most memorable moment of the evening when Julie danced and sang My Wish...

and the sisters joined in together.

 

Congratulations on your special day.  May God continue to bless you and your families. xo

 

 



happy first birthday dillan

One year has passed since you arrived in our world.  What a journey it has been. As grandparents, we have known immeasurable joy and learned many things in the process.  The secret is to go with the flow and don't worry about a thing (3 little birds.)  Our hearts skip a beat when you see us and squeal with delight.  You recognize your family and feel our love. Those big baby blue eyes reflect your soul.

You have accomplished so many milestones lately, especially the art of walking.  Once you found your wheels, there is no stopping you.  It is funny to see you in shoes but you mastered that immediately, just like everything else.   Days are spent exploring the world around you and practicing how to open and close doors, dash up and down stairs, associate sounds and who makes them.  When an airplane flies overhead, you hold up your arm and look up.  When the dogs bark, you imitate them and when you look at flowers in the garden, you touch them and speak in a language only you know for now (or in your case, two languages)  but you are indubitably telling a story.

You helped me make soup which you tasted and really enjoyed. In the last few weeks you have conquered turning on and off the light switches and call it "yite".  Ceiling fans amaze you and your favorite song is B-I-N-G-O.  We dance the polka to that song.

When you come to visit we have the good old sandbox and splishy pool at the ready for you.  Born in the sign of Cancer, you love water and play for a long time in the pool and really like the sprinklers when we take our walks.  You have a healthy appetite and love watermelon and bananas and lately flavored yogurt.  The baby biscuits are a hit, too.

We all made a journey to Brookfield Zoo on Father's Day and you got a kick out of all the amazing animals.  Of course, all of them go "roof roof".  The best part of the whole day for you was playing with the wind chimes at the gift shop. 

On Monday and Tuesday we have special time during my Dillan Days and I must say, I don't know who wears out who the most and there is never a dull moment. Naps do rule!

Sunday we will celebrate your big day with family and friends at the park and make more memories.
Spoiler alert:  you get to eat ice cream cake, too!

Check out those chompers. 

 Life passes so quickly, but we are constantly clicking our cameras to capture the moments that take our breath away, which is every single second you are in our life.  Remember what I say as I rock you to sleep ~ you are big, brave, strong, beautiful, important and loved.  You are my sunshine.  Happy birthday, cha cha boo (ya ya). xo

ch ch ch changes

Life is a balance of holding on, letting go and knowing when to do which of the two.

Amen to that!  So many changes in our pocket of the world.  Steve graduated from College of DuPage with Honors and is headed for DePaul in the fall. Hey, that rhymes! 

 During the orientation, the speaker stressed how important it is to have the students establish a good credit report. Boy, do we know about that. All these years we pounded into our kids to live debt free and cash is king, however, in the big, bad world, you must have some sort of credit established in order to move forward. The secret is to get a revolving credit card, charge a third of the limit and pay it off each month. Use it as a tool only to get on "the books" so to speak so any future financing will go smoothly. Live and learn. 

We have three college diplomas gracing our home and now Steve continues to secure a bachelor's degree at Depaul and Dan will continue his master's through Kaplan.  More to come.

Just let go.  Let go of how you thought your life should be, and embrace the life that is trying to work its way into your consciousness.

When the sun has set, no candle can replace it.   George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones)

Faith requires that we relinquish control.  As the new Wind family expands their nest and spreads their wings to find a bigger home to lay down their roots, it is time to say goodbye to their previous place and hi to another dwelling. Now that Dillan likes grass, he will be free to roam on a huge lot filled with the green stuff.  Onward and upward!

Learn something new every day.  Let go of something old every day.  Dan and Darcy will move into their new digs on Bluebird within a few weeks.  We look forward to this summer project as it is a lovely home with so many possibilities.  Full speed ahead!

Your presence is a present to the world.

You're unique and one of a kind.

Your Life can be what you want it to be.

Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.

You'll make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal, your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot ... goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life's Treasures are people ... together.

Realize that it's never too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have health and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.
And don't ever forget...
for even a day ...

 how very special you are...

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you...

Optimist's Creed written by Christian D. Larson

 

A laugh is a smile that bursts :O

 

a slice of heaven

Being with our grandson Dillan is nothing less than heaven.  We don't have to ponder the wondrous blessings bestowed on us when we take one look at this photo which reminds us of the joy he brings  whenever he is in our arms. 

As Dillan approaches his first birthday, he is ready to conquer his world by exploring all it has to offer.  He loves looking at flowers and trees and knows airplanes and lights. 

He mastered climbing stairs and slaps them when he reaches the top.

Dillan and Grandpa Poppie.

Not too fond of swings just yet, but if he is anything like his daddy, he will frequent the parks all the time.

He takes after his godfather, Dan, and likes to drum. 

Grandpa gives him pony rides.

A truly happy mother's day for me.

Now he is an airplane.

And dancing to the Beatles.

He is just waiting to get outside and explore.  He is taking his first steps and will be blazing through the rooms any day now.

Great Grandpa.

He loves the remote.

He is a good eater and pops when he eats his nummies. 

 His first stop is a beeline to the guitar.

Look out world!

And I think to myself...what a wonderful world xo