did you ever feel thin?

Not thin physically (that would be nice) but thin emotionally. Maybe it's flat that I feel. I'm not sure, but going home to MI, visiting churches we've been a part of, spending time with old friends and thinking of all the great people I've met along the way sometimes makes me feel sort of... flat, thin, stretched, adrift, I'm not quite sure how to express what I'm feeling.

Friendship is something I value and having moved so many times I've had to leave a lot of friends. Maybe I just grieve those lost friendships. With many of my friends when we get together we just pick up where we left off. But, there's something about doing life together that takes friendship to another level and distance makes that difficult.

My life has truly been enriched by friends. I have a small group of friends from junior high/high school. Friends from my summer travels with Kids Crusaders. There's something special about my crazy college friends. Then there are friends from my time in Philly - living with people creates a bond. As an adult I've lived in Marion, Milwaukee, Madison, Eaton Rapids, Lansing and now Plainfield, Indiana. Thank you to those of you who have encouraged me and let me share a bit of your life.

Applesauce

Once again the kids and I went to Michigan to make applesauce. We make it with my parents and the kids enjoy the process and the product. This year the redhead got to use the clever to chop the apples into quarters. She was quite excited about it. I try to stay out of the kitchen while the kids are using the knives. It just makes me nervous.
I'll try to post some pictures when I get them from my brother. I left my camera in Indiana and had to borrow his.

Just chillin

One day I found my younger two playing quietly - having a great time in their play kitchen.

The small guy munching on a triangle.

Who knew?

I don't usually blog about things that tick me off. But, I'm mad right now because I just found out that our bank charged me an excessive activity fee. What's that? I called to find out. It seems that my bank only allows 4 ATM withdrawals per month from savings and then charges a $2 fee. And, the nice lady told me that the government monitors savings accounts and if there are 6 ATM withdrawals they charge $15. Why? Why do they care about my money. Errrrrr! Right now I don't like government regulation very much!