Home Sweet Homestead

We had a WONDERFUL fall trip a few weeks ago. During the boys' break, we spent a day up in Midway at the Homestead. We couldn't have asked for better weather - they were the perfect fall days!! We finally made it to a hotel (Micah has been asking for months.) The boys think they're in heaven with watching cartoons in bed, but in addition to that luxury, we took a little bike ride, played shuffle board, participated in the pumpkin launch, played at the park, did a scarecrow scavenger hunt, swam, ate pizza & fudge, and Phil and I even got to have a little tennis match while the boys played on their own court. We really enjoyed ourselves. These times when we can get away as a family are pretty special.

(Phil thought he was pretty clever taking pictures of me playing shuffleboard - this one's for him!)

I know I'm going to miss these days...I love our little peas in a pod. They are such good friends. Thanks for making it fun to spoil you boys once in a while!!!

Rubbing Shoulders

Before I met Phil, I can't say I'd ever met a Prosthetist, or even knew what one was for that matter. It's a small field, with few schools that offer the program. That being said, Phil tends to cross paths with people in his profession more often than he might have in another field. Since Phil graduated 10 years ago, I've gotten to meet quite a few Prosthetists and to be honest, they have been some of the nicest people I've ever met.

When I went to Oxford with Phil a few years ago, I loved meeting the other participants in his conference. Good, funny people. One of the organizers from Scotland was even at the piano with everyone singing along at one point! We've had another colleague from Scotland eat Lasagna with us in our home. I spent a few days with the "Wives of the Board" and Board members in Chicago this summer. We've hosted a few other friends from around the country in our home as they've met the boys and enjoyed dessert with us. It's been so great to meet these down-to-earth people, and it's always a pleasure to get to know and associate with those that Phil works with.

Over the years, I've heard Phil talk about Marty Carlson, a great leader in the field. Marty has done a lot for the profession in our country and many others. He came into town this weekend and once again I had the chance to meet one of these impressive professionals. I must say I was a bit nervous. Phil has always spoken so highly of him and all that he has accomplished. Yet, he had no qualms about climbing in the back of our mini-van, dropping the boys off at my brother's (wrapping his jacket around Ben to keep him warm) and listening to our travel logs (he has lectured all over the world, he must have quite the life!) I don't think I've met anyone more successful and humble than Marty was. It was such a pleasant evening as we leisurely ate dinner and talked. He was very complimentary of Phil and just a kind individual.

I hope over the years we'll continue rubbing shoulders with these amazing people. And maybe somehow some of their goodness will rub off on us!

A Little Poll

I've always done it. As long as I can remember. I set my alarm clock ahead. It started small and then gradually over the years I've managed to add the minutes on until last night as I reset our clock before bed, I set it 22 minutes ahead and tucked myself in. My husband, however, started to moan and groan about what a quirky person I am! It's simple really. I set my alarm for 5:36. When it rings, I (unbeknownst to me most of the time) push snooze twice then get up at 5:54 which is really 5:34 and I'm two minutes ahead of when I wanted to get up. 20 extra minutes! He complained about getting ready and trying to do the math and figure out what time it really is and eventually it makes him late. Not my problem!

So I explained to Phil that he's really the weird one and that I'm not the only one who sets their clock ahead. Please back me up here, I'm not am I??? I'd like to know if you do, and if you don't, if you have another quirk that makes you, you know, normal like me!