June recap: new car, new job, blessings indeed

Okay, so I've mentioned the heat in St. Louis.... um, it's still a popular topic out here. I join fellow St. Louisians in relief that this coming week's temperatures will be in the mid-80s. I will say that it is fantastic to have so many beautiful (however, incredibly warm) sunny days.

The month of June is not complete without mentioning a few crazy days for Matt and I. Actually, the craziness began the end of last month when I experienced my first car accident -thank God, no injuries. I skidded into (and under) the back of a Mazda Tribute. The SUV's only damage was a scratch to its bumper; however, my car suffered a bit more. In fact, it was totalled, get this.... because of the radiator! My car also had damage to the hood (see the pic below) and the front frame/bumper, headlights, etc. It was the radiator that tipped the scales to an unsalvaged vehicle.


So here is my new, used vehicle... an Oldsmobile Cutless Supreme.


It actually has a few bells and whistles my Alero didn't. I like the leather interior, which is in great shape. Dual climate controls, and the steering wheel has one-touch access to controlling radio volume and stations, temperature and fan. Even though I'm not happy about losing the Alero, at least the Cutless is paid for!

Another blessing we received is Matt's new job - just when we needed it the most! He is still working as an insurance agent, but his primary job now is working for a health care company, second shift in the warehouse. I'm so pleased that he is happy with the new job.

Additionally, Matt is considering his options to serve in the military, specifically the Air Force Reserve. Matt's felt called to serve for a number of years. It's an honor to be his wife, and Matt has my full support. On a side note, as a result of going through so many hardships this past year, our relationship has been strengthened far greater this year than in our almost six years of marriage. We fully believe the course of going through so many challenges and coming through them blessed is a testimony to God's grace and our strength as couple growing in faith. So, with that said, if the military is where Matt is meant to be, my prayer is that the door remains open, and if not, then I pray the Lord closes it. As I've heard many times before -- and continue to believe -- where one door closes, another opens.

I will keep you posted on Matt's decision!

Summer in St. Louis

Well, summer has officially arrived! After being out in the heat this weekend, my husband and I definitely feel it! I listened to our local weather report this morning call for a hot day; and I felt the heat at 7:30 am when I began my morning commute. It was already 84 degrees, and a bit humid.

Just so we are all on the same page, here's what the National Weather Service has to say for St. Louis: excessive heat warning for the St. Louis area remains in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday.The high temperatures for the next three days are expected to reach the middle to upper 90s.

(Welcome to the mid-west!)

The combination of the hot temperature and humidity will make it feel like 105 degrees or hotter. The city of St. Louis and surrounding municipalities will feel the warmest -- and afternoon heat indices could climb to 110 degrees.The National Weather Service said the danger will increase each day as the buildup of heat beings to impact those at highest risk for heat-related illnesses.

(Oh. My. Gosh! I am going to melt every day this week!)

If you recall, I work a second job at a family recreation center, a.k.a. family water park known to be the stopping ground for 300 people seeking the indoor & outdoor pool area on weekends. I'm sure this week will be just as busy. Great, fun for me and the Rec Center crew!

Well, I will take the heat any day over the six months of winter in NYS. (Just a reminder that St. Louis experienced one day of snow-fall this past winter, in the amount of 6 inches... that melted after two days.)

Anyway, blessings for air-conditioning this week! And thank goodness I don't work outside.

Little late .... Easter pics

I know this post is a little late, but I needed to give a shout out to my family in NY for hosting a wonderful Easter brunch. My brother and sister made it into town as well, and it was wonderful to share an Easter meal with my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Chuck. My mom arranged a fantastic buffet, full of traditional recipies that have been passed down from great-grandma B. And of course, I was not around to help my mom cook at all... I have a suspicion that I'll never learn how to cook this meal. (Maybe my sister Jen will?)

My brother and I started off the buffet line. In the background you can see my dear hubby and my mom; however, I'm not quite sure what they are discussing.

And here is our family picture, a happy bunch. Thanks everyone for a wonderful Easter. Matt and I can't wait to see you all again!