8.19.2011

This + That Friday

THIS

This month marks lots of one year anniversaries with my brother. His death. His funeral. His Burial. On Aug. 9th I went to my brother's grave for the first time. It was the year anniversary of his burial. I thought I would have gone sometime before that. I thought about it often but could never drive my car in that direction. I think I was scared of how I would feel once I got there. But my mom suggested we go bring flowers and then go to lunch on that special anniversary. The kids and I drove into the cemetery with my heart pounding. I especially wanted to be strong for my mom and not make it a really emotional day. But I wasn't emotional. While we were somber there was an overwhelming feeling of calm and peace. I am so glad I finally went.

This week we decided to rip out a wall in our office/family room.....because why not start another project before the rest are completed!

This week my bloggy friend Julie from Angry Julie Monday came for a visit. We had a wonderful day. But in KEEPING IT REAL I will tell you what kind of 'rambuctious' kids she was talking about in her post. Of course when introducing your children to new friends you want them to use their manners and show how sweet and well raised your kids can be. Well Blake kept it real and showed some true colors. He was whiny, moody and didn't want me to leave. So he took it out on his sister. I went down the hall to grab something and I hear Kaia yell "Mom, Blake just SPIT on me." And Julie yelling..."It's true...I witnessed it!" Ummm...time to die and crawl under the bed covers and pretend that didn't just happen. But it did. At least he walked down to his bedroom for discipline by himself. I didn't have to drag him in front of Julie!

This week the kids started school. Kaia's schedule is crazy. She gets up at 4:30 to get ready for early morning seminary {church scripture class} that starts at 5:50am. From there she heads to early flight at 7:00 am and finishes her day with Volleyball practices after school. She's pretty much getting home around 5:00 pm. She made the JV Volleyball team and is so excited to be playing with her friends! Blake went to school on the first day a different kid than any other first days. He didn't cry. He didn't latch on to me. He walked right in and sat down and barely gave me a kiss goodbye. And on the second day....he had me drop him off at the front of the school and he ran to get in line. What a different kid from the last couple of years.


THAT

I've decided THAT next week is the week I get back to regular business hours now that kids are back to school. That includes regular blogging and regular bookkeeping hours for the construction company. It will be good to get back into a routine and blog about so many things that happened this summer.

That procrastination blog post that I shared last week will be updated next week. I'm making progress. I think I am going to name my updates....Procrastination is My Middle Name until finally I can title the blog posts....Procrastination No More! I loved that blog friends have been emailing asking me about my progress and want the secret ingredient.

That What I Wore post where everyone said I looked so skinny....I'm thinking about doing a blog post just on 'flattering picture taking' of pear shaped bodies! haha. But thank you for being so sweet. I have kept off the original 11 pounds I lost back in March and hope to get exercising again this fall to lose the additional 8 pounds so that I'm not lying on my driver's license {which is actually expired so I have to renew it}! What weight should I put down when I renew. What I will be in the next few months after I start exercising....or what my current weight is?!

Dave and I completed an advanced CPR and First Aid class this week. That was empowering. For real. I honestly feel like I could help someone in need now without being scared to death that I wouldn't know what to do. Choking? I've got that covered. Heart Attack? I know CPR. Open wound? Well I know how to treat it if I don't pass out first!

I hate making school lunches and Dave's lunch....so I don't make Dave's lunch. And, That is all I have to say about THAT!

And totally unrelated to This + That....I got an iPhone! What apps should I download? Which ones can I NOT live without?! Oh, and who wants to FaceTime with me?! Can you tell I'm excited? That was alot of questions!

Happy Friday.


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21 comments:

  1. I wasn't able to go to my brothers grave for 5 years. And when I went it was really fine. I also felt the same peaceful feeling although I cried a little. But I easily do. :)

    I was also going to write you to ask about your "procrastination secret"!

    And congrats on getting an iPhone! I just got mine a few weeks ago and am hooked! I could send you some screenshots of my apps :)

    Senja

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  2. My father died when I was young.I don't visit his grave often,but he's in my heart everyday..Life's short-make memories for your loved ones..

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  3. My brother passed away a little over two years ago. I still haven't been to his grave sight. He is constantly on my mind and in my heart. I miss him like crazy. When you blog about the loss of your brother I do feel a connection. Not many people my age with children have lost their only sibling. Sometimes it's a lonely, life...without him. I'm glad through the blog world I can connect with someone who faces the same fears, regrets and feelings as I do. Thank you for being open and honest. I love your blog! God has carried me through the hard times and He is still carrying me. I don't know what I would do if it weren't for God's peace. =)

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  4. Must have apps!

    Hipstamatic
    Instagram
    PS Express (free photoshop app)
    Pinterest
    Craftgawker

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  5. It was a very sacred feeling, standing at his grave with you, Kaia and Blake. Even the children were a bit reverent. And I never cry there. I remember the poem that Aunt Lorraine read that day. "Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep." Nice to have all the firsts behind us.
    Love,
    Mom xoxo

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  6. LOVE THE BLOG!

    Anyway apps: Pandora and Around me

    Have a great weekend!

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  7. It's hard to believe it's been a year.....I'm so glad you went...and that you had a good experience....I hope it will be a place where you can continue to have moments with your brother....and you must be on the same mindset as my husband...where I think the starting of the project is his favorite part....I'm still waiting on just one finished one....:-)

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  8. You gotta get Words with Friends, Pandora & Pinterest!

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  9. I'm sorry for your loss, I said a prayer for your family.

    Please give tips on pear shaped bodies!!!

    I'm in the same boat with projects. I have about 10 going on at the same time. I want to start adding molding to my entry way, but my husband will not help until I finish the baseboards in our bedroom.

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  10. I am so glad your visit was a peaceful one. What a marvelous feeling that must have been?!? Know that you have complete strangers praying for you....much love and many blessings!

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  11. Although some of the apps have already been mentioned I'll chime in because I love love love them.

    Hipstamatic
    Instagram
    Incredibooth
    Camera+
    Pandora
    Pinterest
    Angry Birds
    Words with Friends

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  12. Cozi is the best calendaring app ever! Especially if others in your family have iPhones or an iTouch.

    And the Chipotle app is a must have once you have one in Napa. You can order and pay from your phone and then just walk in, pick it up and go! Love it.

    ;)

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  13. April Dear!
    Pleeease get words with friends! Pay the $.99 to get the version without ads-- trust me its is worth it. You can find me at brandybee.
    I love the google translate app- Jo uses it for Spanish too.
    Hope to see an invite from you soon!

    Brandy

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  14. Thanks April, you made my day!!!

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  15. DUDE! I love your This + That post!
    The part about your kids acting out in front of guests made me laugh out loud. :)
    I love that you are so real and honest here on FVL.
    The comment about your daughter in high school, makes me jealous! I would love to rewind and go back to my HS days!

    Lastly, I am trying to see if I can make some time for Napa during my days up north. I am dying to have some real "face time"! If not, I will have to wait till the next QBM. (And not be a chicken and say hi. What a nerd I am!)

    Anways, Have a great weekend!!
    Look forward to your upcoming posts!
    -Jacqui

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  16. I downloaded a new one today, Photovine. You might like it!!!

    JH

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  17. my dad died just over 20 years ago...i understand that apprehension and fear...i have only visited it once...it makes it final when you see it...i was ok...but i didn;t feel close to him there...i think about him everyday and talk to my kids about him constantly...that is what i feel is best for me...oh..congrats on weight loss too...its so hard...i am about to embark on a weight loss journey, a lifestyle change..i hope i am as successful as you...xxx

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  18. My nephew died almost 2yrs ago and I still haven't made it to the cemetery :(
    LOVE the pear shaped post idea, that would be great! Since thats me too. Loved your outfit, so cute!
    Have a great weekend.

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  19. Oh April, I can't even imagine what you must have felt standing at your brothers grave. I'm glad there was some peace, and not all sorrow.

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  20. Love your blog -- we live in the same town and our circles overlap a bit. I found your blog through another blog I read regularly, but I don't remember which. I'm happy I got here however it was :)

    I'm sorry for the loss of your brother but happy that you were able to visit his grave site and that it was an uplifting experience.

    Welcome to the iPhone world!!! It's a happy place to be {except on Hagen Rd and First Ave :)}. I love these....

    Instagram
    Snap Speed
    Words With Friends (scrabble)
    Hanging With Friends (hang man)
    And the emoticons -- they're so fun to add to your texts!

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  21. My brother was a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. I've gone to a few concerts since he died and when I've visited his grave (it's out of state), I've buried Bruce Springsteen concert key chains near his marker. It's just a little something that I do.

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