6.28.2011

No pity parties allowed!

Its been a month of unexpected surprises,
shoot, its been a year of them!
But isn't that what makes life interesting?
Its how we learn and how we grow
into the person we are supposed to be!

Late last year we found out
our family friend had Stage 4
Pancreatic Cancer...expected to only survive two
months.
He lived 8 months, and when I say he lived
I mean he L*I*V*E*D it!
He savored every relationship.
 Everyone he met
was more than a friend, they were family.
He became a second father to my oldest son
and many other boys over the years.
He left behind a legacy that has impacted
a generation of young men.
He demonstrated what a difference it makes to have a happy demeanor
and positive outlook on life...and just loving people...
NO MATTER WHAT.
Last week our friend Rodney went home to Jesus
and I do believe Heaven is smiling!

Thank you Rodney for such a beautiful gift.


Today, Im headed to the airport to pick up 
my sister, Jill, and my 7 year old niece.
My sister and I a few years back. We were visiting Coupeville, WA

It has been a few years since
she has visited us.
They love to come during the 4th of July
because its a extra special treat to 
do fireworks!
They can't do them where they live because
its WAY too hot and dry.
I have the guest room all cozied up
and ready for their visit.
There was no time to paint it, but I know she
will enjoy the fresh flowers from
the garden.
I added 3 quilts to her bed.
It has been a cool Summer for us...
and they are used to the Phoenix heat.
Having them come is a happy surprise!

So...we may rename our home "The Money Pit".
ha ha...seriously.
Remember that movie??? Im living it!
This was before we moved in. We have removed the grass on the slopes
and put in perennials and bark. We added a storm door in white,
put in new outdoor lighting.

I should do a post on the importance of a GOOD
home inspector.
NEVER use the selling agents inspector....
NEVER decide not to be at the inspection...
and get a second opinion on anything that seems questionable!
I know, I know, after  buying 5 houses I should
have known this. But if you
remember from my earlier posts,
my husband was living in San Diego for 2 years
and I bought this one on my own
 (with his confidence...poor guy)
THIS week alone,
we found out that the roof was not installed properly
and has been leaking into many parts of the house.
Fortunately we have not noticed any serious problems to date.
The gutters are all leaking and draining in bad places.
AND the house REALLY needs a new paint job
with some dry rot and bubbling paint and unsealed windows.
(with 3/4" cedar siding, its not a quick fix)
The "New" furnace still has all the original
1930's ducting and one bedroom was completely
unvented...hence the damp/moisture problems.
After getting many estimates
it looks like we will have a fixed roof, new gutter system,
and freshly painted house by the
end of the summer.
Thankfully, the furnace will only need some tweaking in the Fall
to prepare for Winter.
Its not what we had hoped to spend money on this year
especially since these things passed inspection
according to our inspector a year ago.
BUT
Lesson learned, and we can put it behind us.
Beans and Rice
for the next year though.
 ha ha ha
Thanks to Rodney...I will appreciate the bright side!

Hey, if you are headed up to Poulsbo for the
be sure to stop in at the Poulsbo Antique Mall!
I added some more things this week.
Maybe we will see you there!

xoxox
Jodi


6.13.2011

The gift of Love...

Sunflowers!
Do they make you smile?
They have always been my favorite
HAPPY flower,
like a big smiley face.

Several years ago my dad gave me the
greatest gift.
We have lived several states apart my entire adult life.
In the summer of 2005 my family
went on vacation to visit for the 4th of July.

My dad, knowing my favorite flower, surprised
me with the most amazing gift....

Nearly an acre of sunflowers planted
 just.
for.
me!

Imagine the love I felt.



My dad passed away suddenly in 2007.
Every 4th of July since, I have displayed a large bouquet 
of sunflowers to remember
that loving gift from my daddy.

THIS year, I have my own little sunflower garden of my own.
My sweet husband gave me a corner of our garden 
JUST for Sunflowers.

I can't wait for them to bloom!!! Happy smiley-faced flowers,
a beautiful reminder of a loving gift.

Each day we have an opportunity to give...

IN FACT...
Smokey, the cat, brought me a special gift today....along with the fresh leaves
from the tree he found it in.
Thank you Smokey, I love you too.
Next time you can leave it at the door...outside :)