Crazy Busy

Sorry for the lack of updated posts…Things have been crazy around the Barten household lately! I am having a garage sale – and I tore my house apart to try and gather up items to put up for sale – thankfully, I was able to de-clutter in a major way.

Here are some highlights of what we’ve been doing for the past few weeks:

• The best news is that my mom is done with her radiation treatments! It's been a long road for her and we couldn't be happier that this part of her journey was a success and is complete. She has a good prognosis, so please continue to keep her in your prayers. She has to go back in 3 months I believe - to be rechecked. That's a little nerve racking, especially when you've been seen by a nurse or a doctor practically every day since May 4.

• While I was slaving away de-cluttering our house (just kidding, I really had a good time), Parish was able to go up North to Two Harbors with his friend Dave. They enjoyed a weekend of fishing, golfing, campfires and good food. He had a blast and I am so glad that he did.

• I went shopping for the first time in a long time and actually found some great clothes. I always have a problem shopping – either it’s too small or too big, it never fits just right – but I lucked out this time, which I am happy about.

• Work related, things have been busy, but I am enjoying my job more and more each day. This is truly what I was meant to do! Parish is still enjoying St. Francis and he gets to go to 4 – 10s in September, so he’s really looking forward to that.

• We are headed to the State Fair tomorrow (8/23) with Josh, Kris & JJ – should be a great time. I can’t wait to see JJ – its been too long and I am sure he’s even more hilarious and polite. He makes me want to have kids – so well behaved. Kris is moving right along with the new baby - I think she had 11 or so weeks left, so we are really looking forward to meeting their new, healthy baby girl!

• We are looking forward to Parish’s mom and grandparents coming on August 29. Thankfully, they will be here to help me with the sale…so that’s good!

• Happy 22nd Birthday to my sister Ashley! She was just offered a really good position with American Medical Systems – so that when she graduates, she doesn’t even have to stress about finding a job. She’ll be 22, making great money, living in Minnetonka and so independent. We are proud of you Ash!

• My Grandma’s sister, Aggie, isn’t doing too well. She’s been a surrogate Grandma to us, along with Anna since our Grandma passed away. Please pray for her strength and healthy recovery. She’s 94 years young and has lived a great life – but she’s a fighter, and I don’t think she’s ready to give up just yet.

Hope you have a great weekend! TGIF!

It's ALL fun and games!

About 5 days ago, our bulb in our flat screen TV went out and we had to order a new one. That's fine and dandy, but we are realizing that we watch WAY too much TV! It's not like we sit down in front if it all of the time, but we watch the news and our weekly rituals (Grey's - in season, Axmen, Ice Road Truckers, Deadliest Catch - and my favorite HGTV) - it's our time when we relax and talk with each other, and a lot of times the TV serves as background noise - not always, but sometimes...

The first day, we felt out of place - I mean what were we to do with no TV? We have one in our bedroom, but that's lame to go in there at 5 p.m. and stay for the remainder of the night - so we have made EVERY NIGHT....GAME NIGHT!

I have dominated in 4 games of Phase 10 and 2 games of LIFE. I forgot how much I love that game!

It's even better now that we are older and we actually understand that life can throw you curve balls - or broken $200 TV bulbs...it's just too bad that we don't go through the "real life" by eventually ending up at milllionaire mansion, turning over our life cards and end up winning $655,000! ha!

So, now that we've been without for a while, I hope we continue to make time to dive into fun board games. It's one thing to have found your soul mate, but it feels like quite the total package when you've found the BEST board game competitor ever!!

Hope you all enjoy your weekend...