Patrick's Proposal

Patrick proposed last Friday with the help of his five beautiful kids. We've been spending time with them these past months getting more acquainted. Friday he invited me over to his place after work to join them for movie night. I was prepared for another night of good laughs when he surprised me with a wonderful greeting leading up to the big question. (He's such a romantic and I love it!)

He had everyone there with six big lilies, one from each of them and the sixth from Patrick. He said some wonderful things, which I will treasure always and then proceeded to ask me if I'd marry him and that the kids and he wanted to know if I'd be the "bonus" mom. I said yes. (Of course).

The boys made an origami ring for me with a big flower which we fastened on with some string. The next day I was greeted with a box of starburst and red hots in a handmade box with a note that said you are the "star" and we are "red hot" for you. They really made me feel special. I am honored by their affections.

The whole weekend was all-around enjoyable with a sweet feeling between all of us. We celebrated with a trip to the skating rink on Saturday, noshed on snacks and played around. The boys went to see a movie and I took the girls to the store for some girls only time. Sunday we attended church all together, which was a first for us. I fixed us dinner and we played games while visiting.

Now that our news is out, I'll start to share more about our story and where we are headed. The kids are amazing and we grow more at home with each exchange. They live with their mom nearby but will be visiting us every other weekend and throughout the week as schedules allow.

Patrick just got a promotion and title change from Regional to National Sales Trainer for Beldon Enterprises. He's rocking it and on the road building the skymiles account. I am really proud of him and the opportunities that seem to constantly come his way. We are excited about our future and new life together. Thanks for your well wishes and congratulations.

Hopefully, pictures to follow soon.

A Honey Project

We have had a five gallon bucket of honey in storage that wasn't usable because it had crystalized over the years but was still edible. (I am told ancient Egyptians stored honey that is considered edible even today ... probably one of the most preservable foods.) It tooks some extra umph to dig out the gooey globs from the bucket. Over a mild heat it returned to it's familiar state and then it was a matter of ladeling it into the funnel and into the freshly washed jars.

It made 25 pints total which will be nice to have on cornbread this winter along with honey butter and other delights.

What is Elegance?

"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart, to bear all cheerfully, to all bravely await occasions, hurry never. In a word, to let the spiritual unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is my symphony."

William Henry Channing (1810 - 1884)