Life, Love, and a Happy Home

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T07:18:00.000-05:00

As I sit here on my inlaws couch nestled in the middle of the flat land of the Midwest, I am thinking on all the things of which I am thankful. Many would even call me lucky.

Then I remember all the times in 2011 that I didn't feel very lucky. I wasn't very thankful.

But I am.

I am blessed.
I am happy.
I am lucky.
I am overwhelmingly loved.
I am the recipient of a life better than most of the world.
I am sometimes sad, sometimes mad, sometimes ungrateful.
But always better off than I deserve.
And luckier than most.

Merry Christmas Eve! Be thankful and remember how very blessed you are!

Family on Purpose: A Glimpse Into the Life and Family of Ralph Lauren

2011-08-23T17:48:00.005-04:00

I sit down, flip through a few stations and stop on a show I rarely watch. Oprah. But today it was meant to be that I hear a message that churns deep down in my soul.

She is talking to the family of Ralph Lauren. Fashion mogul, kind-spirited man, and father.

Oprah asks this question of his children: "How did your parents manage to create such good people? 'Cause everyone states what good people you are."

David Lauren: "My parents were always home. As kids when we came home from school our parents were there; we had dinner together. Being together as a family was a priority. We really felt like a family because they were there on purpose."

To be such a high-profile family now, the Lauren family certainly paid their dues. Their two sons state how they shared a bedroom when they were young. But the overwhelming current during this interview is that Ricky (mother) and Ralph Lauren "did family on purpose".

I believe that we must "do family on purpose" with every fiber of my being. everything matters from the words we speak, glances we pass, absent moments, present moments, meals together and even the mumblings. Although we might not always get it right, it still makes a difference to try.

So relax, take a few things off of your "to do" list and place a few things on your "family on purpose" list. Enjoy a glass of sweet tea with a loved one on your couch, cook dinner for your parents or grandparents and have them over for a lingering meal and a long talk afterward, or go for a walk with your spouse just because and no agenda.

These are the things that make life, love and a happy home an experience to remember.

Freedom

2011-07-04T22:42:00.008-04:00

Today we celebrate freedom.

Freedom means so many things.

Freedom is . . .
Being able to make our own choices.
Being able to decide to listen to advice.
Being able to make wonderful decisions.
Being able to make terrible mistakes.

Freedom is . . .
Being able to learn from our experiences.
Being able to heal and grow from our pain.

Freedom is . . .
Being able to love and laugh.
Being able to cry and mourn loss.

Freedom is a wonderful and generous gift.
Freedom always has a cost.

This day of celebration is coming to an end. Let's not forget that freedom always has a price; a price that is worth the victory, and worth the lesson it brings.

So This is a Story of a Cute Little House . . .

2011-05-22T21:45:00.013-04:00

So this is a story of a cute little house,
That sat for years as quiet as a mouse.
We were looking for a project and along one day,
The owner was interested in what we would say.

"Let us make this house beautiful,
Let us make it have appeal.
Then next year you go to market,
Find a realtor and a deal!"

We moved in, and decided to stay,
Until we fix her up,
And it feels like play.

Primer and paint,
Flooring to sand,
Bathroom to remodel,
Hammers in hand.

A kitchen to finish,
An office to create,
Cozy and creative,
A home we will make.

The owner is happy,
For all he will see,
Come spring next year,
A beautiful home it will be.

For now, enjoy the journey, the story, the tale,
This little house one day will be ... FOR SALE!

So our journey begins here with Day 1 of the Cute Little House remodel.
We've been here for a couple of weeks and love the peace and quiet the country offers.

But, my oh my, some days we wonder "What did we get ourselves into?" You will see exactly what I mean when you see ALL of the before and after pictures. I promise.

Don't worry . . . I won't leave you hanging, I have a few of the BEFORE shots below. We have already come VERY far even from these few before pictures.

Our goal is to have this house looking great and in saleable condition by spring. The owner is thrilled that two cooky kids want to move into his vacant home and bring it to life again.

I've been interested in finding out and telling you the story of this home. Every home has a story, you know . . . .

It's a beautiful little home with lots of character and charm. The lot is huge and the nights and wonderfully quiet. There is a small one-car garage behind the house with a carport.

Do I really have to blog about the orange curtains? I sent them to purgatory. Done.

The kitchen was actually partially complete when we started. Brand new custom oak cabinets and new laminate countertops had already been installed. We have added a stove, overhead microwave, and refrigerator. You'll see those in later posts.

And now the bathroom; no explanation or commentary needed, you think?

Stay tuned and enjoy, share with your friends. Give me ideas and comments, I love them and will give you credit for your ideas!

Season's Changing

2011-04-26T18:56:00.002-04:00

It's been a wild couple of months and lots of things have certainly changed!

I made an important decision to take charge of my life and leave the corporate non-profit world. Simply, it just wasn't right anymore.

Things are wonderful as I have found the freedom that being honest with who you are brings. I have stepped out into the wild and wonderful world of being a self-employed entrepreneur. Offering marketing, public relations, communications, and advertising services to services to individual clients has been a dream of mine for a long while. And I'm so thrilled to be in this season that the Lord has given me.

Another season change is that I have started working out at Fit Studio 365 and eating FITFOOD. I feel amazing (albeit sore most days) and have already dropped 8 pounds in the first week! I look forward to giving you all some before and after pics later! :)

For now, life is good, it's storm outside, and I'm loving the season's change!

Spring is on the Way!

2011-03-01T20:27:00.007-05:00

Spring is almost here and I am so very excited! I love the cool spring days, the sunshine, the Easter season. Oh, how I love the Easter season!

I am also so excited about all of the fabulous deals on the Willow House Outlet this week!

For example, these sweet little Tuscan Accent Plates just feel like a cool spring lunch with my girlfriends . . .

And this sweet little bedroom office/workstation scene is adorable.

I've actually ordered duplicates of the Zoe Organizing Buckets and the Zella Notice Board and going to incorporate it into the Easter gifts I have for my neices. Shhhhhhh . . . .don't tell!!!

But, most exciting is the March Madness discounts that are going on! Oh my! You've gotta check out the TON of items that are 30% or more off original prices! You can order directly from my website and it will ship directly to you! That is too easy and the items are way to inexpensive to be legal! Please join my fun FACEBOOK PAGE too! I have lots of tips and tricks and pics there for you to enjoy and get great ideas for your decor.

Enjoy shopping and please do let me know what your plans are for the spring season! Remember that LIFE, LOVE, and a HAPPY HOME is really what it's all about!

I L.O.V.E Willow House

2011-01-25T21:14:00.006-05:00

Many of you who know me know that interior decorating is one of my favorite things ever. I just started the most fun part-time job on the planet that feeds right into this personal passion and addiction . . . WILLOW HOUSE!!!!

Gorgeous and high quality items are the only kind you'll find with Willow House. I'm really excited to have an opportunity for new relationships and lots of girl time! This picture really is gorgeous and I love the look.

This table has so many things I love about it. It's just so organic and clean feeling. Featuring our Lady Jane Bottle Neck Vases this look is so airy and fresh, I think I'm going to incorporate it soon into my dining room!

Spring is just around the corner, I hope you enjoy this Willow House journey and please feel free to contact me if you're ever interested in the products or hosting a party in your home or at my place to earn free product. In the meantime, have a blessed day, live life to fullest, and enjoy the goodness all around!

A New Year, A New Me!

2011-01-07T06:59:00.007-05:00

I'm a little late . . . . by 7 days posting about the New Year! But I just couldn't until..... yep ..... I changed my hair color. I have never been anything but blonde. I thought this change would be much more difficult than it was. It wasn't really. Mostly because I realized immediately that my favorite makeup artist, Christin, at Pure Spa, was so right. She has been saying for months: "Suni you have this light skin, light eyes, and light hair! Something has got to change!"

So I did it. And, again, she was right. Don't you think?

BEFORE

AFTER

So that's the first part, and much less important part of the New Year, New Me!

The morning before the hair change the Holy Spirit came over me while I was standing in front of the mirror getting ready to freak out about this big change. God gently spoke and said "Does your hair color really matter to the Kingdom? It is not your outward appearance, dear Suni, that I am concerned with." He is always so right, isn't He? I love the Lord so much that I can't even put it into words (but I believe one day that will be able to write about my love for Him and the things He has done in my life.) It doesn't matter what my hair color is. My soul, my spirit, my knowledge of the Word and Saviour is what really matters. Those things are what I want in my obituary, not the color of my hair.

So, I have started a Scripture Memory Team lead by Beth Moore on her blog. I love Beth Moore. She is such a spiritual giant and loves the word more than anyone I know! I vow to be in the Word more than last year and less than next year. I can't wait to see what this year will bring!

My first memory verse: “Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous your future will be.” Job 8:7 NIV

I am also really excited to start the first women's bible study of the year with this amazing group I have found at a friends church. We will be studying "Me, Myself, and Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover". I can't wait!

Would you like to join me? I invite you to click on Beth's blog link above and join the "Siesta's" (visit her blog to figure that out). Or join me at this upcoming Thursday night study. Comment below if you'd like to join . . . it will certainly be one of the best starts to any year you can remember to date! Much love and kindness, In Christ.

When the Going Get's Tough, the Tough Girls Get in the Lord!

2010-12-17T06:17:00.006-05:00

This holiday season started out rougher than usual. Seven weeks ago my family experienced the death of our very favorite, and most precious, Aunt Edith. She was a angel, a saint, a humble, a generous, God-fearing individual that literally gave us a home when we were homeless and gave us love when we were loveless. I miss her terribly and can't wait to see her in Heaven one day! Aunt Edith's birthday would have been on Christmas Eve . . . Happy Early 1st Birthday in Heaven!

Since then there hasn't been any news that is much better. I will spare you all the details - they really aren't that fun and I won't give Satan the satisfaction of rehashing it all.

Anyway . . . . I've been in a slump, I've allowed a bit of depression to creep in, I've been in a PIT! But the Holy Spirit came on me in a new and refreshed way last night after a little encouraging by a few close friends. The Lord moved me to get up off the couch, clear out my chair in my office, get my Bible, and start reading!

He said: "When the Going Get's Tough, the "real" Tough Girls Get in the Lord and in the WORD!"

There is not a medication, a healing balm, a beverage out there that can heal our hearts and our souls like His Word. If you don't believe, you are missing the most precious life you could ever imagine. If I didn't have the Lord and the Word tucked away in my heart, this season would drag me down, I would sulk a long time, losing the ability to allow God in to drag me out of my PIT! Depression is not of the LORD! He is our Healer, our Comforter, and our Peace no matter what life throws our way!

The PIT I refer to is the topic of a Beth Moore book - one of which I have owned for at least a year now, but never picked up till last night. Get Out of That Pit is a book I highly recommend if this season just isn't turning out to be what you expected.

"All image-bearers of God were intended to overflow with effervescent life, stirring and spilling with God-given vision . . . having the eyes of your heart flooded with LIGHT. Our imaginations (and souls, hearts, and minds) were fashioned like wicks to be ignited by the fire of fresh revelation, dripping with wax that God can imprint with His endless signatures." p.18 Isn't this great?!?!?!?!

I praise God this morning. . . . I feel like this little pit I've fallen in is getting more shallow with each word I read from the Book of Life . . .

"I waited patiently for the Lord;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord."
Psalm 40:1-3

We look to Yahweh. (Be sure to turn off my blog music player below before you click to listen.)

The Holidays are in FULL SWING!!!

2010-12-10T13:50:00.004-05:00

Hubby and I enjoyed our first "real" holiday party last night. The Junior League of the Roanoke Valley hosted a beautiful affair at the Roanoke Country Club. We had a great time chatting with friends and getting caught up.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE IN FULL SWING!!!

Talbots Marketing . . . . . wow!

2010-09-09T17:39:00.007-04:00

All I can say is . . wow! Talbots has got it going on this season. Their marketing is crisp, clean, high end, and just makes me want to shop, eat, work AND sleep there!

This video says it all. For those of you who love fashion and for those of you who can appreciate really great advertising . . .here you go!

Talbots Redefine Fashion Video here!

YES! IT'S TALBOTS!

Her Double Life Makes Me Laugh About My Pet

2010-08-18T05:38:00.007-04:00

Okay, so today I'm playing along with Mid-Week Laughs by E, Myself and I.

This is my first time along for the mid-week ride and it couldn't be a more perfect topic! The topic this week is

_____________ makes me laugh about MY PET!

Our Tigger (yes, Tigger, like the bouncy character on Winnie the Pooh) lives a double life and it makes me laugh!

We literally load her up in the car every single morning before work, take along any necessary toys, treats, blankets, and food, and drop her off at my parent's house for "dog sitting". Then dear hubby or I will head straight there, with much anticipation and anxious joy, to pick up our little princess. She usually hops around, barks with excitement, or runs away because she's had too much fun that day in the grandparent's back yard and wants to stay.

She definitely lives a double life. Some days I wonder who she loves more, us or them. But it doesn't really matter, cause I know she has enough love and laughs for both homes. So, for now, I'll let her continue with her little double life charade and I'll continue to love picking her up every evening just like our little princess deserves.

Well Rested and Ready to Conquer the World!

2010-08-02T06:38:00.004-04:00

Have you ever had that kind of weekend that you just MUST absolutely rest and do nothing else but sleep and veg on the couch?

Well, I had one of those weekends, kinda. I actually worked on Saturday at Touch-A-Truck, cute picture of the Fireman's Foam was the best part! Afterwards I came home and crashed!

Come to think of it, yesterday was quite busy as well, with two church services. We went to see Nick who is the "Without Limbs" amazing person. No arms, no legs, but a message straight from the Lord. He was amazing and I'm so blessed to have been able to hear him speak yesterday.
Then off to our church for the 11am service. It was the start of a new series and new perspective from Pastor.

So, eventually, I did actually sleep a lot, cleaned the 3rd bedroom/office, and made cookies for Cameron to take to the fire station today. Overall, a fantastic weekend! Happy Monday all!

Why doesn't my dog know . . .

2010-05-22T07:11:00.007-04:00

Why doesn't my sweet doggie Princess, Tigger, know ....

... that Saturday's are not for waking up at 5am as usual, at 6am which is still too ealry, or at 7am which is still not fair to mommy?

... that when I'm so tired in the evenings after work stuff, volunteer stuff, family stuff and more, that we don't need to have another walk and she already emptied her bladder 5 times since the 6 o'clock news.

... that she really needs to get a job to pay for her keep. I mean, she's absolutely adorable and could make us big bucks! Just look how cute she is with that tongue sticking out just so.

... that I love her more than anything and would give the world for her, including all the things above which I do on a daily basis anyway!

I love her.

Fitzpatrick . . . Roanoke is so blessed.

2010-05-18T22:43:00.008-04:00

So I think Eric Fitzpatrick has to be one of the best artists not only in Roanoke, Virginia, but around, anywhere! Don't you?

This gorgeous tee shirt was designed by Eric "for this year’s In the City T-shirt Day. Fitzpatrick produced the print for Downtown Roanoke’s 50th Anniversary. In the City T-Shirt Day is an annual event celebrating everyone who works in downtown. Official celebration day is Friday, June 18." Visit Valley Business Front's blog here for more information and here to buy a shirt!

Guest Blogger: Love Post

2010-05-17T06:35:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday friends! You may be surprised that I'm on my game today, first thing on a Monday! Well, that's because I'm so excited to be 'Trading Spaces' with Amy Bennett today. Heather, from Desperately Seeking Sanity, has just started up a monthly event wherein we'll get matched up with another blogger, and trade spaces for a day. I love it and will certainly help me keep up my blog, get to know some awesome new bloggers (new to me, but very savy bloggers), and have fun in the process!

Please welcome Amy Bennett to Life, Love, and a Happy Home.

Amy Bennett is a developer by day that works at home with her two girls Emma (7) and Lexi (5). She’s been married to Scott who is a state trooper for 11 years and they all reside in South Carolina. Amy blogs about her kids, TV, her faith and whatever else comes along. She gives you permission to peruse it all at PermissiontoPeruse.com

What better way to talk about love and introduce a little bit of me to you than talk about a few things I’m loving right now? Let’s do it!

Words with Friends iPhone App

In the nook and crannies of my life these days, I play Words with Friends. If you’re not familiar, it’s Scrabble as an iPhone app and you play with friends you know or you can let it choose a random opponent for you. I like the challenge and that it keeps my brain smart (ish). My ID is amyjbennett if you want to play!

Mere Christianity

I picked this book by C.S. Lewis up last week and I know I’m decades behind on reading it but I have to say I’m loving it so far. I only can take it in small bursts as I can’t keep up!

Purple Shoes

I picked up these shoes at Payless last week and I love to wear them! I don’t have much to wear WITH them but I feel so girly and pretty when I do.

White Skirt

I bought this long white skirt from Target at my husband’s prodding. He is actually really good at picking out clothes for me. I love how long it is. I’m not sure to feel like a hippie or a rock star when I wear it with the black tank he picked out (much better than what this model has on!) but I know I love it!

My new bike

My husband is all about biking right now. My kids are learning to ride as well and I was left out so my husband bought me a bike. I love riding it! Like all other 10 year olds, I used to ride a ton but haven’t had a bike much since. It brings back great memories and I love that I get exercise and don’t even feel like it (until I go up a hill).

The weather

I hate winter. I truly do. There isn’t anything I like about it. Yes, I like to see my kids get excited about snow and every few years, I don’t mind sledding, but give me summer any day. I’m loving all the sun and warm weather we’re getting in the Carolinas!

The Pioneer Woman

I’m in the middle, well tail end, of cooking through The Pioneer Woman’s cookbook. Only 6 more recipes to go! I met her last week at a book signing and have been over the moon since.

Friday Night Lights

As I’m writing this I’m in Austin, Texas for a Friday Night Lights charity golf event. My friend and I run fridaynightlightsfan.com and we decided to come out and meet the cast. I love Friday Night Lights even more now if it's possible!

My friends

(my friend Becky and I at PW’s book signing)

I love all my girlfriends! I love that they inspire me, comfort me, laugh with me and love me.

My family

After a few rocky years, my husband and I are in a good spot right now. I love how he takes care of me! My little girls are turning into big girls right before me and they are so much fun! I love to be with the three of them!

All of these things put a smile on my face. But that’s what love does isn’t it?

Not So Fabulous Friday

2010-05-14T06:41:00.005-04:00

I really think Friday's should ALWAYS turn out nice, always go smoothly and people should be REQUIRED to be polite! Every single Friday, every single week, these above mentioned rules should be followed - NO EXCEPTIONS!

Needless to say, my Friday was less than stellar:

1. Rude people.

2. More things to complete than I can get done in this lifetime - and things that I actually love doing and would love to complete!

3. I work tomorrow. Doing things I love to do, with people I adore, helping people that I want to help . . . but . . . .

I NEED A VACATION! Is it too early in the season to say that?

BUT!!!!! Friends, I have great news . . .
I pulled into our community, saw the umbrellas up at the pool, got on my little blackberry:

Office: Hello

Me: Hi, it's Suni Heflin in XXXX Suite X and I HAVE AN URGENT QUESTION!!!!

Office: Oh no! Is everything okay?

Me: WHEN DOES THE POOL OPEN?!?!?!?!?!?

Office: Yes ma'am (laughter). It opened today. (more laughter)

Me: Oh, we absolutely love it here and might stay forever!

Office: (lots of laughter) Yes, Mrs. Heflin, we'll see you in a few minutes.

So much has happened since . . .

2010-05-10T14:50:00.011-04:00

. . . .since I last posted . . .oh my!

So it was way back in March since my last post, and I so completely apologize! But so much has been going on. I'll break it all down here, but will reserve the next days to delve into each topic in detail.

1. Hubby graduated from the Firefighter/EMT Academy! Yeah! Congrats baby!

2. I had a cardiac catheterization. Yeah, at 32. I'm fine, don't worry, all the nasty details later.

3. The in-laws visited . . .love it!

4. Little sis is prego and ready to go soon.

5. Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - Greater Roanoke Valley's Inaugural Race - it was ahhhhmazing!

So, this is just a little tiny snapshot of all the major goings on. I'm gonna love giving you all the details over this week!

Sunday Morning, 10AM, and I've already had a nap . . .

2010-03-21T10:23:00.004-04:00

Is it so bad that it's 10am on Sunday morning and dear hubby and I have already had a 1 1/2 hour nap? I mean, we're not sick or anything!

I did awake at 6:30: took dear Tigger for a walk, cleaned the kitchen, and put a venison roast on for lunch complete with potatoes, carrots, onion and broth.

But then we were trying to decide between church and a nap - that is SOOOO sacrilegious! Oh my! Sorry God, we are really good kids, I promise!

It was a nice nap.

Now, I am totally inspired by two of my new favorite blogs:
1. Local to Roanoke, E, Myself, and I - my new Junior League friend, E. Love her!
2. This was E's inspiration for her post, so I must include.

Maybe today will be my "Getting Things Done Day 2010" --- who knows?

First, we're gonna get our tails to church (the late service) and off to my beautiful neice, Karly's, eigth birthday party complete with a Hawaiian Hula theme! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARLY ELIZABETH, we love you more than you know!

I Don't Want to be Happy . . .

2010-03-16T17:00:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I don't have children yet. But you really must read this fabulous post! I think it could easily be turned to each of us personally . . . A MUST READ DARLINGS!

I Don't Want My Children to Be Happy . . . Guest Blogger
Click here to read . . . it's had over 30,000 hits in 30 days . . .

Thursday Evening Banter

2010-03-11T22:04:00.003-05:00

Do you ever feel like no one else is listening to all the needless chatter, all the snide remarks, and all the truly ugly stuff going on and things we say? I mean, what would it be like if we could all just get along, none of us were stressed out, everyone was happy all the time. Sometimes I just crave that planet . . . and sometimes I have that planet inside our home, just me and Cam and Tigger. It's nice.

I'm totally guilty of it, please don't misunderstand this little "it's only Thursday and I can't make it through another day and then another full Saturday of 'stuff' " to be about you, her, them, or anyone else . . . it's just my little banter.

But do you ever feel that way?

I feel so much better.

Renewing of Vows, NOOMA, and Alice

2010-03-08T19:52:00.008-05:00

So, first of all, Cameron and I renewed our vows yesterday at church. This was an 'almost impromtu' occassion which our Pastor had announced the week before but we didn't really discuss at all. I was kinda waitin' for Cam's lead . . . and he lead me right up to that altar, took his ring off and gave it to me, and took mine. It was truly this amazing experience we shared with about 40 other couples. I cried like an absolute baby, just like at our wedding. You should have been there, it was ridiculous!

The best part of yesterday by far though, was this beautiful tear that slowly drifted to the corner of Cam's eye, filled the spot to overflowing, and then slide softly down his cheek. THAT WAS AMAZING!!!

Saturday night was week #2 of our new Life Group at Parkway called NOOMA. Did you know that the same word for "breathe" is also the word for "spirit"? What if we considered everyone around us as Holy just based on the simple fact that God breathed into them when they were created?

Week #1 was about the Rhthym of life. We are all part of this song being played, a song that ebbs and flows as the seasons of life change and pass us by. What if we are out of tune? What if we are one of the ones in tune? How do we treat those around us that are clearly out of tune? There are so many amazing questions that this class has already presented . . . I cant' quite articulate all my thoughts on the subject matter, but will be sure to once I figure it all out.

Friday night was girl's night for me and a few friends. We went to Abuelos and then to see Alice in Wonderland. I thought the movie was great! It was in 3-D, the theatre was packed, and, besides having to get stern and tell the teenagers behind us to "Be quiet or excuse yourself from the theatre!", it was a stellar experience.

Local Roots Cafe . . . Where have I been???

2010-02-28T19:36:00.003-05:00

Where in the world have I been? So I just discovered that the Grandin area in Roanoke has this incredible cafe named Local Roots Cafe

"Local Roots is Roanoke Virginia's first farm to table restaurant. Working with southwest Virginia's best and most trusted farmers allows us to source many of our fruits, vegetables and meats locally. What we cannot obtain locally Chef Joshua Smith sources with the utmost scrutiny. Our local offerings are our highlights for sure, but are supplemented by small scale farmers who adhere to age old principles of honest food production."

Oh my goodness, this spring and summer are looking better and better! Evidently this place even has the best brunch around!

Who doesn't want to eat food that's locally grown, well presented, and very healthy for you? Cameron and I will be looking for a double date night for this new discovery! Any takers?

Ready for the Winds of Change . . .

2010-02-27T15:05:00.008-05:00

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say "I am so ready for Spring!" But I'm ready for many things that come along with Spring including change in attitudes, change in behaviors, change in mindsets, fresh fruits and veggies, warmth, green grass, and beautiful flowers.

Let's take the change in attitudes, behaviors and mindsets first, shall we? We all can get in a rut and this way too long winter has seemed to do just that for many of us. We need some fresh air, a new perspective, and some warm weather to help us refocus, see things things in a new perspective, and have a change of mindset. Ultimately, it's the changing of the seasons that I love most about living in Virginia! We get the best of all four seasons . . . . and we have certainly seen the best that 'ole man Winter has had for us this year!

One of the things I am most looking forward to is our new membership in a local farm co-op. We joined Sausser Farms co-op, a 72 acre farm in Lynchburg, VA, that we are so excited about!

Starting in May we will get 5 lbs of fruits and vegetables of our choice each week for 24 straight weeks! Plus each co-op member gets 1 dozen of sweet corn per week (in season), 1- 10 to 12 lb pumpkin and a 10% discount on all other purchases. Getting back to the way God intended for our Earth to provide us food is such a good feeling. Plus knowing that this is all only $35 for the entire 24 weeks! I'd certainly spend at least half that in one trip to the grocery.

Change is good. I've always loved changed. Short of the big winter storm being forcast by Kevin Myatt for this week . . .

I'll be ready in about 20 days for Spring to come and the winds of change!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T18:45:00.005-05:00

So today is Valentine's Day 2010. It's been a really busy year already but Cameron and I more in love and happier than ever!

Cameron is busy today (and everyday, for that matter, since January 4) studying for the Firefighter/EMT academy. He loves it and is working very hard. We both are anxiously awaiting his graduation in April which will be the day we find out which station he will be assigned. This little fact MIGHT ultimately determine which end of town we will live on. We're both so glad we moved back from Cleveland, Ohio. I certainly met a few great lifelong friends there, but we certainly hated it . . . the snow, the gray skies, the rude folks, the big city . . . we're more simple, our small town of Roanoke, Virginia fits us just fine.

I was busy today sleeping. It was a wild weekend with Tons of Fun (a children's event at Tanglewood Mall) and then today's show of Curious George Live. I know, I know, you may say "But Suni you guys don't have children!" Yes, of course, but it's outreach and marketing for my position at Goodwill. Although exhausting, I love my career at Goodwill.

This picture is the latest of the two of us. Valentine's Day reminds me how I absolutely adore this man. He is the kindest, gentlest, most humble and considerate husband any girl could ever have. I'm the lucky one that gets to be his wife!