Quiet Evening

I had quite the day today. I went out with one of the people serviced in my program and we played tennis. We had a good time, but I was absent minded and forgot the sunscreen. My arms got burned. They aren't too bad, but any burn isn't good for you. We then went out to lunch and talked politics and religious symbolism in movies. It was quiet lovely. When I got done, I made some phone calls and then headed out to Gulley's Gardening Center and bought some flowers. I got home and watered the yard, took a shower, and promptly fell asleep, despite my attempts at resisting.
My cat, Dante, is now trying to make it difficult for me to type by laying on my chest and left arm. However, I had both hands on the keyboard and I can still go at it. Oops! He got offended that I was paying more attention to typing then him. Sorry, Bubbie.
Oh, yes, I should tell you what flowers I bought today. I bought some yellow and white gazania's. These are really cool because they have purple around the center. I got three different colors of petunias, a Lantana, 2 things of violas for the front porch, some basil and dill, columbine seeds, moss rose seeds, and I think California poppy seeds. No, no, I'm not going to grow poppies and make opium! YAH! :)-
I was so tired tonight, I just watered them and let them be. I will plant them either tomorrow night or the next. I am so excited to see my flowers grow and bloom. My cacti are getting buds. Normally, I think they are a big nuisance. I would not have thought of putting them in my garden, but the previous owners put them there. However, when I first saw them bloom, I was blown away. The flowers are absolutely gorgeous. One has yellow flowers and the other pink. My red yarrow is about to start blooming and the yellow is already in full force. A lot of my succulents are also blooming. I will have to take some pictures and post them. My rock garden flowers are also blooming. My lavender has doubled in size and is developing flower buds. My columbine has multiple flowers on it. Oh, I just love it all.
I am seriously thinking of having a brunch at my house, outside, for my providers. We will see. I just want to have time on my porch and enjoy other people. At the very least, I should have my girlfriends and their adorable babies come over. I am also thinking of having a tea party. I love tea parties and things associated with tea. I promise not to make it too girlie, Dawn. :)
Well, I should check a few things for work, since I will be at a training in the morning and then a Good Shepherd Employee Recognition event in the afternoon. Both are in Denver. It should be fun, but it does make it difficult to get things done. Oh well, I will just enjoy what I can. If I constantly worry about how much I have to complete, I won't enjoy days like today and tomorrow.

Allergies and Gardening

Well, the fallen nature of the world has struck yet again. My allergies have been horrible on an incredibly beautiful day. I love to open up my house or be in my garden, but today the house stayed shut up and the AC on because I felt like keeling over from my allergies. By the time I got back from work (which involved a home visit in the Livermore area and a home visit in Fort Collins) my eyes were about to drive me mad. I finally broke down and bought some Benadryl. I got home, changed into my pajamas, washed my face, put in eye drops, took some Benadryl, and promptly took a nap. I feel much better now. No more itchy eyes or runny nose. My throat still hurts a little, but it's tolerable.
It's horrible not being able to enjoy the beauty and splendor of God's creation when all you want to do is scratch your eyes out. I was in the mountains today and the whole way up and back down, I didn't really enjoy the scenery since my eyes bugged me so much. I don't even know what makes me have an allergic reaction. I never had allergies until 10 years ago and then they just hit me and hit me hard.
I'm going to be outside part of tomorrow, too. Hopefully, my allergies aren't too bad or I may have to cut my excursion short. Thursday, my job is having an employee appreciation celebration at the Hudson Gardens. I've never been there and I hope itchy eyes and runny noses don't ruin the event for me. I love flowers and the immense variety that is out there. God certainly did create art all around for us to enjoy. I am so thankful he has given me an appreciation for these things.
Speaking of gardens, I planted seeds this weekend. I'm on a tighter budget this summer, so I had to do more seeds than actual plants for my garden. I planted Morning Glories (my all time favorite), Larkspur, Canterbury Bells, a fun and bizarre mixture of purple and green flowers, and zinnias. I still need to buy some plants, too. I need to get some herbs (basil and dill), some pansies for the front porch, gazanias, petunias, and maybe some violas. I also need to buy a trellis for my morning glories to climb. I did some rearranging in my yard, too. I have great plans for my garden, but it will have to come in spurts. Landscaping and plants are not cheap! My goal is to have some ferns, Lily of the Valley, and Bluebells in the shady part of the house where you leave the backdoor and then go into the garage. I want to have tulips and German Irises, too. I think I will ask my parents if they can dig up some of my grandma's irises so I can have a piece of her in my garden. Grandma's irises are a very strong and pleasant memory for me. I also want to plant some mums, so I have color in the fall. I have some seedum (I think that's what it's called) to buy for some empty spaces next to the ones already flourishing in my garden. Then I need to get some Rose of Sharon bushes and maybe a lilac hybrid (so it stays short) for the area in front of my deck. I need to re-finish the deck, but I feel hesitant to do it myself. One, I'm not sure how to do it well and two, last time I was around treated lumber, my throat started to swell shut (fun!). I don't know if I will have the same kind of reaction if I re-treat or re-stain the deck. Anyone know of any inexpensive service that would do this for me? Anyway, it's pretty obvious that I have big plans for my backyard. I want a lovely oasis where I can sit and read or just daydream.

Babies, Babies, Babies

Hooray! All the babies I was expecting to meet in the past couple of months have arrived. Lyndsey and John had little Jackson. He was born on March 14. Here are some pictures of me with Jackson and one with Lyndsey, Jackson, and me.

The next baby born was to Dawn and Scott. Austen entered the world on April 26. Here are some pictures of this cutie-pie and one with Austen, Dawn, and me.

Lastly, my cousin Lindsay and her husband, Eric had their little girl on May 9. Her name is Mira (pronounced Meera). I don't have as many pictures of her yet, since she hasn't been with us as long as Jackson and Austen. But here are a few of this precious girl.

Another Baby

Well, the last baby of my two month trio was born early this morning. My cousin, Lindsay, had a healthy little girl. She weighed in at 8 pounds and was 21 inches long. I got to hold her tonight and she is precious. I will post some pictures later on.
The other two babies recently born are doing well, as well as the new parents. It's funny, when I was showing pictures of Austen to my regional director he pinpointed one of me with Austen. He commented, "That's a picture of a mommy wanna a be." I have to agree with him. I would love to have the opportunity to experience pregnancy and raising a child. It is a thrilling prospect to me. Alas, I don't know if that is something in God's design for my life. Sometimes, it is really hard for me. I am blessed to have three people close to me with little ones. I can at least get a mommy fix and they have someone who is more than willing to help out when they need a break.

New Baby!

I am so thrilled to announce the birth of Austen Scott Parker. He was born at 7:54 am on April 26, 2008. He weighed 7lbs, 5 oz. and was 19 inches long. While it took a while for him to decide to enter the world after his mom was initially induced, once he made the decision, he came quickly. Mom and baby are both healthy and doing well. Outside the sleep disruptions, the family is doing great! I have some pictures below of this new little guy.

Waiting for a Baby

Well, here I am 9:30 at night, writing from a hospital room. My friend, Dawn, is hoping to have her baby soon. They induced her earlier today, but things are still going pretty slow. I've almost been here for 12 hours, but the time has gone by very quickly. I'm surprised I don't feel more tired.
I feel very honored to be here with my friend. She could have easily called me after the baby was born or even when she just went to the hospital. Instead, she asked me to be here with her and her husband as they awaited the arrival of this new little one. I am very blessed to be a part of this and very blessed to have Dawn and Scott in my life.
I have been keeping myself busy by doing some work from my laptop and also playing with my games.
I am sure I will blog again to announce the arrival of this beautiful little boy!

Back Again

Well, yes, it has been a long time since I last blogged. I just haven't been in the mood for writing lately. I go through spurts, I guess. Right now, I am dealing with the challenge of my cat suddenly deciding he wants to help me type. I love my boys, but they seem to think they rule the roost. Oh wait, they do, don't they? :)
I am enjoying the prospect of having three new babies to play with in the next couple of months. Lyndsey had her little guy, Jackson, earlier than planned. He is adorable and such a sweetie. Dawn is due any day and I can't wait to meet this little guy. My cousin, Lindsay, is due in the next couple of weeks, too. I am very excited!
Work has been going well. I always have tons to do, but the stress level is tolerable right now. HOORAY! Well, hopefully, I will feel like blogging again soon. SEE YA!