This was the only horse photo I had in my pictures so it will have to do...
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Checking back in on Derby Day 2010
Well, it has been almost 6 months since I posted anything on here. Today is Derby Day and last year I spent Derby Day with Carol in her house in Louisville. We decided that if she still lived there this year we were going to go to the Derby but that isn't the way it turned out...thankfully. She is living down the road from me. It has been raining in Louisville all day and beautiful here. I am sure that all the people having Derby Parties in there homes are having a good time reguardless of the weather. Those were fun time but last year Carol got all my money and this year I got to keep it :)
This was the only horse photo I had in my pictures so it will have to do...
This was the only horse photo I had in my pictures so it will have to do...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
NOVEMBER 2009
It has been 2 years since Robin died and it will be 2 years since Mom died later this month.
I have not had one moment since then that I felt bad for either of them. I am convinced that they are both in Heaven and happy to be there. There have been many times that I have wanted to call each of them, to tell them something or to ask a question but am quick to realize I can't and what I had to say wasn't all that important anyway.
Many people morn the loss of there love ones because they were so close and the person that died was such a big part of their everyday life. Other people morn because they didn't spend time with that person when they were alive and are regreting that choice.
Next week I will be going to Kentucky to help Carol close the sale of our childhood home. This was my parents "dream house", the address I lived at for the first 19 years of my life, the grandparents home that I brought my babies to visit and much, much more. We will miss being able to go back there but I realize that what we will miss is not the location but the experience we shared there. We will always have those memories. We will always remember the love. We are who we are today, living in the present and very greatful for being so blessed, as a result of the past.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
HALLOWEEN CUTIES
Chloe was a Ladybug.
Troy was a Member of a Gym.
Bryce was 1/2 Angle and 1/2 Devil.
Hunter was an Indian.
Maison, Anna and Sarah haven't sent photos yet but if they do I will be sure to post them.
I always loved seeing the kids all dressed up and having fun on Halloween! Good job guys.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
31 DAYS UNTIL WE LEAVE
We will be staying in this condo in Bavaria for a week in September. I am not even taking a bathing suit because I am sure I would freeze to death in that water.
I will try to post photos of the hotels we will be in while we are in Frankfurt and the other condo in Berlin later.
Friday, June 12, 2009
MAY YOU ALL BE COFFEE!
A good friend sent this story to me today. I haven't heard it before but liked it and thought you might like it too.
Carrots, Eggs & Coffee
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...
You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling... It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.... Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.''Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water.. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Carrots, Eggs & Coffee
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...
You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling... It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.... Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.''Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water.. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
HAPPY 9TH ANNIVERSARY
Todd and Christa are celebrating their 9th Anniversay today.
Congratulations!!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
ROBIN (aka The Princess)
On May 31, 2009 Robin would have turned 60. Robin and 60 just don't seem to fit together. Even when she was sick and couldn't think things through she always seemed young at heart. She was the "fun" kid. She was the teenager that had confidence in herself. She was the young mother that loved her girls totally. In business, she proved over and over that she could get the job and get it done even when they tried to tell her she didn't have the education or qualifications they needed. She always loved having people around and appreciated those who came to visit. Being on time was not her style. About 10days before she died she told me that Jesus was coming soon. I told her that I thought some of us might get to see him sooner than others. This once, I think she was more than on time she was ready early and she is with him now. 
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 03, 2009
MY TRIP TO TEXAS WAS FUN
After the worse plane ride of my life I arrived at the Dallas/Ft Worth Airport at 9pm Thur evening. Cheryl was waiting for me at the baggage claim area and it was good to see her and after a couple of months she still looked the same.
We had so much fun even though she wasn't feeling well. She took me to some of the neatest shops and places to eat. We laughed a lot and ate even more. We went to Prestonwood Church Sunday morning and it was HUGE.
The 4 days went by very quickly for me but it was well worth it.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
PARENTS THAT ALWAYS LOVED US
When I was very young people would tell my Mom that I was her carbon copy. They laughed for years about me asking her "what is a "kibbin copy". Many people would tell me I looked just like my Dad. That seemed strange to me because he was a boy. After I met David he couldn't tell which side of the family was my Mom's relatives and which ones were my Dad's so I guess that explains why I look like both of them. Dark hair, dark eyes and a big mouth.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
GOD IS GOOD
When Dave left for work Friday he came back in because he want to show me this Sunrise
Scott and Becky are having twins. They will be the best parents!
I can't wait to see what this week will bring.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
FEBRUARY 2009
Since my blogging has fallen off to once a month I thought I would just recap February for you.
It has been great having the Rapp's down here for the last 2 months but they will be heading back to Kentucky at the end of next week. We have enjoyed having them over for cards, going out to eat, taking our chicken wings to the causeway to watch the sunsets and an occasional dolphin show. I gave Debbie a crash course on 'loving sushi' and Dave and Joe have played some golf. Debbie and I have been shopping. We have hit everything from the flea market and thrift stores to Coconut Point.
This month has also included taking Michelle to Doctors appointment and just keeping an eye on her on the days she doesn't feel right. I tease her and tell her it is like Doggie Daycare but I call it Anti-seizure Day Care. She has behaved very well and we have not had to go back to visit the ER. She did get a good report yesterday and will be going to Texas in a couple of weeks to get a second opinion from doctors out there.
My poor computer sounds bad so I don't know how much longer that little fan in there will last so if I fail to answer emails you will know why. Well maybe I will be back in March...
It has been great having the Rapp's down here for the last 2 months but they will be heading back to Kentucky at the end of next week. We have enjoyed having them over for cards, going out to eat, taking our chicken wings to the causeway to watch the sunsets and an occasional dolphin show. I gave Debbie a crash course on 'loving sushi' and Dave and Joe have played some golf. Debbie and I have been shopping. We have hit everything from the flea market and thrift stores to Coconut Point.
This month has also included taking Michelle to Doctors appointment and just keeping an eye on her on the days she doesn't feel right. I tease her and tell her it is like Doggie Daycare but I call it Anti-seizure Day Care. She has behaved very well and we have not had to go back to visit the ER. She did get a good report yesterday and will be going to Texas in a couple of weeks to get a second opinion from doctors out there.
My poor computer sounds bad so I don't know how much longer that little fan in there will last so if I fail to answer emails you will know why. Well maybe I will be back in March...
Monday, January 26, 2009
OTTERSBACH
Having the last name of Ottersbach gives you a connection to otters. In high school, David sometimes called me Little Otter. My cousin Richard Ottersbach has otter pictures, a water fountain with otters on it and other things with otters that he has collected over the years.
When I got an email with this video that was posted on YouTube I just had to post it.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
YES, IT'S TIME TO UPDATE THE BLOG
I have been very busy since I lost my job. No more long days playing on the computer from 9 to 5.
Today is Todd's 35th birthday and since I didn't talk to him I thought I would just say Happy Birthday here.
Part of the reason I didn't blog for so long was because I was busy with these two girls. We had such a fun time with them.
This photo was taken after we went to have their hair styled and shopping at Target.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Sand Sculptures on Sanibel
Our head designer was Maggie. Seen here as "Maggie the Mermaid".
This is "Paul The Shark".
and "Mike The Pencil"
This is "Paul The Shark".
and "Mike The Pencil"Brian was our head sand mover but many of our workers had to do more than one job.
Monday, December 22, 2008
ONLY 3 MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
Many of my friends and family members are having a white Christmas but I am happy to not be one of them. The photos are pretty and I am sure it feels more like the Christmas of my childhood but I will just settle for the pictures and movies that show the snow and cold weather.
December is a big month for birthdays for my family. Mom's birthday was the 5th. Bryce and Anna where the 13th. Carol is today. Maison's will will be the 24th and Josh Robinson (ours by adoption) will be the 27th. Happy Birthday to all of you. I love you very much and celebrate your life and the joy you have brought to mine.
December is a big month for birthdays for my family. Mom's birthday was the 5th. Bryce and Anna where the 13th. Carol is today. Maison's will will be the 24th and Josh Robinson (ours by adoption) will be the 27th. Happy Birthday to all of you. I love you very much and celebrate your life and the joy you have brought to mine.
Friday, December 19, 2008
ANOTHER WEEK WINDING DOWN
In fact the month and the year are also winding down. This has been a good week. I have so much to be thankful for. I love living here. It has that hometown feeling.
I spent the week (after going to the gym everyday) visiting with friends, taking neighbors to the airport, delivering cookies, going out for lunch and even made it to the pool.
The only bad thing is my asthma is acting up. I went to see my doctor. He had surgery last month to remove a tumor from his thyroid but is doing fine and back to work. When I told him that I was praying for him and had called the office to check up on him he hugged me and kissed me on the cheek and thanked me. He probably isn't the best doctor in the town but I love that personal touch.
More answered prayer is that we now have a new pastor at our church. I have met him and his wife several times. They are moving from Colorado and he is going to start preaching the second Sunday of January. The new year looks like it is going to start off good!
I have been giving my tile hearts to many of the people that have added so much love to my life.
I spent the week (after going to the gym everyday) visiting with friends, taking neighbors to the airport, delivering cookies, going out for lunch and even made it to the pool.
The only bad thing is my asthma is acting up. I went to see my doctor. He had surgery last month to remove a tumor from his thyroid but is doing fine and back to work. When I told him that I was praying for him and had called the office to check up on him he hugged me and kissed me on the cheek and thanked me. He probably isn't the best doctor in the town but I love that personal touch.
More answered prayer is that we now have a new pastor at our church. I have met him and his wife several times. They are moving from Colorado and he is going to start preaching the second Sunday of January. The new year looks like it is going to start off good!
I have been giving my tile hearts to many of the people that have added so much love to my life.
Every time I get one ready to give I realized how truly blessed I have been my whole life. I wouldn't say I am the emotional type but when I think about each of these ladies and the place they hold in my heart I can't help but wipe a tear from my eyes. It is true joy!
Merry Christmas and God Bless you!
Merry Christmas and God Bless you!
Monday, December 15, 2008
I LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Last year about the only thing I did for Christmas was bake cookies with Cheryl. My kitchen was torn up and it had been a hard year so this year it is fun to be back to normal.
It was nice to have time to bake and not rush through it. Since Cheryl took off on me it did take a lot more time but it is such a good feeling after all the tray are decorated and ready to be delivered.
Friday, December 12, 2008
TGIF
You didn't expect that from me since this is the first week I have been unemployed, did you?
Well, as many of you know the job on the street corner didn't come through for me and last Friday, mom's birthday, was my last day at Lifestyle.
I am exhausted and very happy that today is Friday. I didn't have to work this had at my job. They let me sit at my desk, answer the phone mark the sales orders when we received shipments, place an order, update the catalogs and fabric and mostly play my games on the computer.
Well it hasn't been like that this week. "The General" as she has been referred to by people close to her has had me going to the gym for an hour everyday (which is very hard for a 55 yr old overweight woman) baking Christmas cookies (6 different kinds so far), putting up Christmas decorations, going to talk to the mortgage people, shopping for Christmas, going to dinner with friends, entertaining friends at our house (which meant HOUSE CLEANING), signing up for unemployment, making calls to the investment office, delivering payment to doctor's office, taking care of the church finances, meeting with people about church expenses,washing ironing,
cooking dinner and packing Dave's lunch, standing in line at post office for 50 minutes (but I did make a few new friends while I was there),...the list goes on and on. I am taking the weekend off but it isn't 5:00 yet so I better see how much more I can get done.
Well, as many of you know the job on the street corner didn't come through for me and last Friday, mom's birthday, was my last day at Lifestyle.
I am exhausted and very happy that today is Friday. I didn't have to work this had at my job. They let me sit at my desk, answer the phone mark the sales orders when we received shipments, place an order, update the catalogs and fabric and mostly play my games on the computer.
Well it hasn't been like that this week. "The General" as she has been referred to by people close to her has had me going to the gym for an hour everyday (which is very hard for a 55 yr old overweight woman) baking Christmas cookies (6 different kinds so far), putting up Christmas decorations, going to talk to the mortgage people, shopping for Christmas, going to dinner with friends, entertaining friends at our house (which meant HOUSE CLEANING), signing up for unemployment, making calls to the investment office, delivering payment to doctor's office, taking care of the church finances, meeting with people about church expenses,washing ironing,
cooking dinner and packing Dave's lunch, standing in line at post office for 50 minutes (but I did make a few new friends while I was there),...the list goes on and on. I am taking the weekend off but it isn't 5:00 yet so I better see how much more I can get done.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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