Out of Naugatuck

My second day off and the weather is cooperating nicely. I am savoring these last few days of having nothing imperative to do.
I got a wonderful surprise in the mail yesterday. Someone sent me the soundtrack of one of my favorite movies, Out of Africa. No card, no note, just the CD. I have always wanted that sountrack. I think that I love the movie so much because of the music and beautiful scenes of Africa. Pure magic.
Anyway, I was off early this morning to get a haircut and I popped in the CD. I cranked up the volume, opened all of the car windows and sunroof and headed off to Southbury. It was a glorious morning. All of the fruit trees are in full bloom, white, purple and pink flowers. The tulips are at their peak. The sky was so blue, the grass so green. It all took my breath away and it hit me again how blessed I am to live where I live. I hope that does not sound trite, I really mean it. The beauty of everything, the colors, the music, the clean fresh air all hit me and literally brought me to tears. Now as I sit here at my computer, I feel refreshed and so peaceful. Like I have said before, it's the simple things that make me happy.
Now, who sent me the CD? Must it remain a mystery? I love it! It was the most thoughtful gift. Thank you.

Here is a snipet of what I was listening to. Turn up your volume. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSO3DEcyxPI&feature=related

Random

Last night was our Tuesday night bible study. Love it. Love these cuties whose desire to delve into God's word just blows me away.

Well, at this moment, I am currently unemployed. New job starts on Monday. I've got a few days to decompress and get the home things in order before I start my 60 days of probation with no days off. After that I will have every Tuesday as my day off.

Jim is working at home today and later we are both heading outside AGAIN...to work in the yard. After we get this spring stuff done it will be just a matter of maintaining. Can't wait for that.

Zach has been working every day. He does not mind...he is so happy to have a job.

We are starting to prepare for some out of state company, coming the weekend of 5/9. Jim's sisters and their hubs will be here on Sat., and then his Uncle Mitch and Aunt Jean Kyte, and some of his Kyte cousins will be coming on Sunday for a reunion. We are so excited about that. Other great news...we will have a visitor soon. Our friends Mike and Chris's son, Nick will be staying with us for the summer. He will be interning at ESPN. It will be a joy to have him here and a blessing for us to have the chance to spend this time with him. Can't wait.

Hmmm, what else, oh, there is a frost advisory for tonight. Yesterday it was 95 and tonight the heat may click on. Gotta love New England.

Goodbye

Today was a hard day for me. My boss and co-workers gave me a pizza party farewell lunch. I am so sad to leave my comfy job at Physicians Health. I talk a good game. Looking forward to the challenge of a new job...blah blah, more money...blah blah blah, new people to meet... blah blah blah blah. The truth is, I am devastated that I have to leave. I turn in my key tomorrow and I could literally howl with the sadness that I feel. I know, I know...I chose this, I sought out this change, and although I am so grateful for this new opportunity, it does not lessen the feelings that I have about leaving.
I received a bunch of cards, a plant, lots of hugs and well wishes, but a note from Dr. Yoo touched my heart the most. It said

Patti,
What about me??
Who is going to take care of me?
I am so sad.
Dr. Yoo


My sentiments exactly.

So tomorow after 10 years, I will say so long to PHWC. Makes me think of a line I heard in a movie once...

* Momma says, that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will...

What Season is This?

The temp today is 85+. Sunny and breezy with a deep blue sky. Just a taste of things to come. I love it...the summer is stretched out before me, and winter is a distant memory.
Jim and I have been at the chores since early this morning. We have already washed both of the cars. Scrubbed down the front porch and all of the outside furniture. Jim just took my car to the carwash to vacuum it and I came in to start some laundry and shower. We are going to take a ride up to the Northwest corner of the state to enjoy some of the beautiful sights and smells of spring.

*Ok, I guess I was a little too excited about the weather earlier. Jim and I were sitting in the family room, feeling a bit groggy. He got up to check the thermostat ., and it is a whopping 87 degrees...inside. We (Jim) are/is now closing all of the windows and turning on the AC...IN APRIL!!!

Full Time

After a busy week of interviews, family discussion, and much praying...I have decided to accept a full time position. I will be working with an Internal Medicine practice in Waterbury beginning May 4th. I am nervous about starting all over again, but have a real peace about my decision. Full time will mean a big adjustment for me and the fam. It is necessary at this time...so I am trying to focus on the positives, and not even think about how my heart is pulled toward home and family. Whoops, I just let my mind go down that road. A huge factor in my decision is I will be salaried, but only working 34 hrs...done in 4 days. So great! Never any weekends. Yay! More days and long weekends off throughout the year. It is so close to home...quick drive (10 min). So off I go into the reality of full time, and so it will probably be until I stop working for good.
I have been so blessed to have been a homemaker for so long. Jim's hard work allowed for that to be a reality. That being said, we always felt like a team and that both of our contributions to our family were equally important. Even when it was finally necessary for me to work...God provided a job that I was able to do from home for 12 years and then an additional part time job in my own town with such flexibility it was unbelievable.
He has provided again for us in such an amazing way. Zach is wrapping up his senior year and off to college in the fall...the timing for this move is just right.
So, on May 4th I join the "real" workforce, excited to take on a new challenge.

Some Weekend Fun

Like everyone, our weekends are usually busy. This weekend was no exception. The difference is, it wasn't just housework and yardwork busy...we had some fun. Kate and I were up early on Saturday and so we did a little shopping and had breakfast out. Yum! I then headed over to "The Hills" for Bekka's lovely shower. Her creative family and new family chose a garden theme, and everything was so beautiful.
Since Jim and I knew we had a lot of home things to accomplish on Sunday, we decided to attend the Sat. night service at Black Rock and turned it into a date night. After church we bought dinner at Danny's Drive-In and took our food over to the Harborside Restaurant parking lot to watch the sun set over the water. Then we drove up to Paradise Green and had ice cream cones at Baskin Robbins. Simple, but so perfect.
Sunday was dedicated to yardwork. (Rachel..the bulb has been planted) If Jim can get out of bed this morning, I will be shocked. He worked so hard...from dawn to dusk, literally. Zach was out there working right along with us. He keeps asking what we will do when he is at school, and honestly I don't have an answer. Condo living is looking good to me this morning.

So pretty

Gifts galore

Getting ready for slideshow/games

Gifts...

Gifts...
and more gifts! (Chris, this is yours and Maria's)

Date night...

The Devon bridge

Random

Hurray for Friday! The weather forcasts a sunny and warm Sat. and Sun. I cannot express how happy that makes me feel. I have a shower to attend tomorrow (so looking foward to that), and then I plan to scrub my car from top to bottom (there goes the manicure that I splurged for on Monday). Whoo Hoo, my heart is so light today!

Easter Fun

All of the kids were home this weekend to celebrate Easter. We started Saturday with coloring eggs, and then ended on Sunday with an Easter egg hunt, and a nice dinner together. So great to all be together.

Here's where Zach got a hold of the camera.

Zach's big bunny...from Tina, his girlfriend.

Zach won our Easter egg hunt this year!

Happy Easter

I have the sweetest Easter memories. Bonnets and baskets. New dresses and patent leather shoes. The egg hunt at my Aunt Meme's. Sunday morning mass at St. Lawrence church. The lucious ham dinner prepared with love by my Mom. Our whole family gathered around the table as my Daddy said grace. Feeling so safe, so loved.
And then later...dying eggs with Jim's whole family on Chickadee Lane in Stratford. Attending Easter Sunday service at Calvary EFC in Trumbull...the whole family. Singing..."He Lives" and hearing Jim's mom's voice above the rest. Coming back to a wonderful meal that she had prepared for us. The most delicious deviled eggs known to mankind! Sitting around her dining room table while the kids (cousins) played outside. The laughing...oh so much laughing!
I have the sweetest Easter memories, but none is sweeter than the first Easter that I truly believed. The Pastor shouted out "He is Risen" and the congregation responded "He is Risen indeed", and my heart soared. HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Happy Easter Everyone!
http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=83e335755e5e914c16da

Easter Through the Years

My first Easter

John...what a big boy, so brave.

Out for a fancy dinner...thanks Mom. (Check out Jim's "Members Only" jacket and our huge glasses...the 80's baby). I am pregnant with Kate!

Outside Jim's Mom's house on Chickadee Lane. Kate's first Easter.

First Easter on Damson Lane.

The cousins (before Megan and Zach) at Nana's.

Zachy doodle's first easter

In her Easter bonnet

My little bunnies