Oh dear.....

I just re-read my goals for the year.

Participate in the Breast Cancer walk (haven't done this - Maybe in November when it comes around again)
Volunteer at Peoples Kitchen - (nope - haven't done this either)
Backpack with the family in Yosemite - didn't make it but DID spend a fantastic week in Ohio - I think that counts.
Learn how to surf - I am waiting for the water to get warm?
Ride in a hot air balloon (I have always wanted to do this) - What about learning zumba - kind of the same?
Learn how to cook a gourmet meal - I have decided that every meal I actually cook is gourmet - served with napkins and a glass of wine...definitely! 
Change the oil in my car.....(Andy help!) - jiffy lube?
Manage people (school, church, work function - this scares me to death!) - I have come to realize I do this on a daily basis.  In my job, in my home, with my friends.  

It is September,  I only have a month to get it together......  Note to self - try not to procrastinate.

Father Daughter Day

New Neighbors

We went to a neighborhood party tonight to meet some new additions to the neighborhood.  It was fun to gather and chat with those people we haven't seen in awhile.  I am so thankful that we live in such a friendly neighborhood.  I know many people live in their houses and rarely even talk to their next door neighbors - they may not even know their names.  This is not the case here.  We all look after each other.  In fact, our neighborhood had another break in this week and we are coming together to catch these thieves (we think they are a bunch of kids looking for some quick cash).  They don't know who they are dealing with!   We are a friendly group but we are also protective and strong.  Watch out!

Update

Many of you have been asking about my Dad.  I am sorry I haven't been posting regular updates.  He only has one more chemo session left!   This will happen a week from Monday and then he is done.  He has weathered this quite well and we are all confident that at the end of this he will have a clean bill of health.  Thank you for all of your support and prayers over the last few months.  I will write a final update when I know.  Please continue to pray for his full recovery.

Time off

This week I switched classes with someone and so I just happened to have the day off today.  I had a fun time walking around San Luis by myself and I met some friends for lunch.  I feel extremely blessed to have this time.  I am thankful to God and to John for providing for our family so well.  He works very, very hard.  Sometimes late at night.  He shoulders all of the responsibility for our financial situation and I know it must be very stressful.  Because of him and his amazing determination and talent our family enjoys the luxury of living in this beautiful area with a few little extras along the way too.  Thank you John for being that man that you are.  Thank you for allowing me today and time to enjoy friends.  Thank you for being the best father our children could ask for.  Thank you for being such an awesome husband.  I love you!

Sally

Today is Sally's birthday - my Dad's wife.   I am happy the two of them have found some steadiness in their lives now.  They seem to enjoy living in Des Moines (at least in the spring, summer and fall).  They find pleasure in their day to day lives with their dogs and nice home.  Sally is a very good cook and seamstress.  She has a knack for choosing just the right fabrics to go together.  She has an eye for good artwork and an appreciation for fine workmanship.  She also is a very good writer.  She has a pretty straight forward look at life which I can relate to.   I actually knew Sally before my Dad did.  I watched her house for a short time while she was away on vacation.  Because of this I have always had an easy time talking to her and our friendship came naturally.  I am glad the two of them have found comfort and security in each other.  I am happy she has been there for him while he has been going through such a trying time.  Thank you Sally for taking care of my Father.   I hope the next few years will be calm and peaceful.  I hope you both have a chance to enjoy the goodness that life offers you.  I wish you health and happiness and a very blessed birthday.

Mexico

John left today to travel down through the fires in LA, across the borders of Mexico into Tijuana and down into Baja Mexico where there is a hurricane to see a customer.   Now that is dedication.