Today is my 3 year blogging anniversary!

It's hard to believe that I've been typing away online for 3 years (over 1095 days) with a total of 443 posts! That's an average of a post about every 2 1/2 days.

This photo was from my first post back in 2006. A lot has changed since then. I have a new job, which is only 4 days a week. It allows me more time for home, family and friends (an answer to prayer). Amy & Andrew are living in So Cal, with college degrees and working in totally new careers. Kevin is single and officially finished with active duty in the Air Force. For now he is in Omaha, Nebraska and we're waiting to hear if he'll be coming home or moving on to another location.

We have made dozens of changes around the house, including our most recent, a new front yard. And to top it off, Terry and I have had some wonderful times with friends and family both at home and elsewhere. Plus we have taken some amazing trips! Of course, we had some sad times, lost some precious friends and family and dealt with other losses and struggles, but overall we know that God is so good and we're thankful for the life He has given us. My mom turned 85 this year and Terry's parents are turning 75 soon. All are healthy, happy and independent. Which is just where they want to be.

What a blessing to be reminded of so many wonderful gifts we've had in life, even when just looking at the last 3 years.

On a somewhat related note...I've been thinking about dividing my blog into 2 different ones. A new one would be for activities around the house like cooking, landscaping, decorating, crafts, etc. The existing one "Down the Road and Back Again", would concentrate on topics away from home like traveling, vacations, things to see and do, activities with friends & family, etc. It would continue to have more of my personal journey, history and stories and the new one would probably be a little more informative, creative, with training, ideas, etc. for folks who don't want to hear about my personal life.

Of course, I would hope that friends and family would follow both. I don't have any expectations that the readership would pick up, it just seems more logical to me. Will you let me know what you think?

I also need to come up with a name for the second blog, if I do it. I was thinking of something like "just puttering...". I'm assuming everyone knows that expression, but I'd love to hear your suggestions.

By the way, Terry's mom showed me how to make beautiful bows for packages or decorating and I'm thinking of posting step by step photos & instructions on how to make them as one of the first on the new blog. They're so easy and turn out beautifully! Watch for it.

Oh, I took this photo on our way back to Prescott from Phoenix a few weeks ago. We were driving north on Cave Creek road. I just can't get enough of these Arizona sunsets, especially in the summer.

POST # 300!!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO OUR FAVORITE DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW

I was already working on a different # 300 post, but since it's Amy & Andrew's 3rd wedding anniversary, I thought it best to post about that. I won't be able to write a lot, because I'm working, but didn't want to miss the big day! Here are just a few of my favorite pictures of them together.
#1 - (2002?) Amy and Andrew early in their relationship. It's amazing how young Andrew looks!





#2 - (2003) Amy and Andrew in the snow in Northern AZ. What a cute couple!




#3 - (Early 2005) The day they got engaged. Andrew made her this totally awesome scrap book page that said, "Will you marry me?" and "Say Yes". He had all the details all planned out and it was such a special day for them. We were so honored that they came over and shared their joy with us that day. (You guys need to write about that before you forget all the details.)

#4 - (Nov 6, 2005) Wedding Day! This was one of the best weddings that I've ever been to. So true to the personality of the couple. I still hear comments about what a fun day it was. I love this picture during the ceremony of when Amy was drawing the wedding ring on Andrew's hand with a Sharpie marker, instead of placing a real ring there. Andrew doesn't like to wear rings, so he had it tattooed on later. I'm sure many of the attendees were a bit shocked, but it was so perfect for them and such a fun special moment for all of us to share with them.
We truly love these two and miss having them around to play cards with and hang out with. We look forward to every time we get to see them.

Congratulations Amy & Andrew! We love you both, forever.

MIA and other tidbits:

Sorry my posts have been so sporadic lately. The big semi-annual 4-day fund-raising retreat that our ministry, (Leadership Catalyst) does, is coming up this week and I've been waist deep in prep, planning, and "putting out fires". The event will be held at the Four Seasons Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, CA, just north of San Diego and quite near the recent fires in So Cal. Fortunately, the resort was unaffected, except for having to close a few outdoor amenities, like the pools and golf course, for a few days because of smoke, ash and poor air quality. They're all good to go for our event and we're looking forward to being there. Terry and I and 2 other couples will be leaving on Weds to drive over, get a good night's sleep and start on setup on Thursday morning. The event goes from Thursday evening thru noon Sunday, so we'll be busy during most of that time with a few breaks here and there. Of course, I'll post more pics after the event in a week or so after we catch ou.

Also went to Savers (thrift store) yesterday looking for some props & decor for the event. The theme is the setting of a fictitious Southern California beach cafe called Bo's Cafe. I found 3 fun beach hats and 2 white baskets for a steal. One was this picnic basket lined with blue and aqua striped fabric plus 4 cloth napkins and a tablecloth all with the same fabric, 4 plastic plates and 4 sets of heavy plasticware all for $3.99! Great deal, huh? It was a little knicked and scratched so I spray painted it a medium blue color. I still need to wash the liner. The only piece that doesn't come out is the lining on the lid, but it seems to be in pretty good shape. It will be a great addition to our beach decor for the event. Take a look.

Also went to Terry's mom's in Prescott last Sunday with Amy & Andrew and enjoyed a little birthday celebration with her. Went to dinner at The Rose restaurant in the evening. Nice place, very small, so we were lucky to get in without reservations.

And just in case I don't get time to wish them a happy anniversary on Tuesday (the night before we leave for the event)...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AMY & ANDREW!!!! CONGRATULATIONS on 2 wonderful years together. It's hard to believe that two years ago this week we were preparing flowers in the backyard, wrapping yarn around your cinnamon sticks and apple cider packages, prepping for the rehearsal lunch and the wedding. What a beautiful wedding it was and now you seem to be enjoying life and love and your time together. Keep on pursuing your dreams. We're proud of who you are and what God is doing with your lives. We love spending time with you both and we look forward to many precious years to come.