Read My Blog - Swap-bot Swap from Happy Mom

I have to admit -- I'm having fun with this blog.  I don't journal on a regular basis, but having a place to upload pictures for swaps and just to vent if I want to...well, that makes me happy!

So, for this swap, and just to post an update for anyone who might drop by... Here's a re-introduction about me and an update on my family.

I can't hardly believe it,  but I turned 60 just a few weeks ago on August 10th.  This is significant to me for a few different reasons.  Besides the obvious - a new decade, senior citizen discounts and more candles on the cake...I'm happy to have lived longer than my mom, who died entirely too young.  She passed away in 1995 at 58 years old.  Now I'm aiming to live beyond 65 years old.  My dad was killed in a car crash in 2000, not long after his 65th birthday.  Not that we really set age goals for ourselves, but I always notice dates, times, years, etc...

Besides a milestone birthday, this has been a fun summer.  They always seem to go by faster every year, and this time around is no different.  While others are complaining about the heat and humidity, I'm enjoying every minute of it.  Winter will be here soon enough, and I'll be the one complaining.  I wish I could just go to sleep in October and wake up in May!  And the weather here in Virginia isn't nearly as brutal as it is up north.  Growing up in Chicago, living in New England....I have had my fill of rough winters!   Virginia is so much more tolerable, even when winter hits.

The highlight of summer for me was our trip to Phoenix and a mini-family reunion there.  It was 106 degrees....and I love it!  Here's a photo of the gang that came to celebrate my birthday:

Another big event this summer was my resignation from the international leadership team for "The Walk to Emmaus" -- After 11 years, it was time to step down and make room for someone else to take the reins.  I loved my role and the amazing people I served with, but I have to admit -- it feels pretty good to have a little more breathing room with my schedule.

As for work, it's been a good year so far, and with 4 months left, I think I have a good shot of qualifying for Presidents Club.  I need more NEW business though, and quite a big chunk.  I'm already at my annual sales quota, but we need $325K in NEW business to qualify for Presidents Club, and I'm not even close!  Yikes!  Know anyone who might be a good prospect for me??  I do pay referral fees, so don't hold back!  LOL -- CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE INFO

Update on the kids -- Callie was promoted at ULTA Beauty, and is now the co-manager of the Short Pump store.  She and Elliott came to Phoenix with us, and then went straight to Nags Head with his family when we got home.  Jacob is a freelance graphic designer in Chattanooga - still loves rock climbing!  He's bringing his new girlfriend home in 2 weeks, and I'm excited about meeting her!   He surprised her in July by showing up at her yoga studio in California, and spent 10 days out west.  We're all going to the Washington Nationals game on September 11th -- that was Michael's Father's Day present from the kids.

Michael has been keeping busy with his 3 churches, as well as serving in Emmaus, Kairos and as a hospice volunteer.  He's gotten a lot of work done here at the house, and at the parsonage - His garden was very fruitful this summer!  He's ready for a break though - Anyone who thinks that pastors only work on Sundays has no idea!  

So, as we head in to Labor Day weekend, I'm looking forward to a weekend trip to Marco Island, Florida, with one of my very best friends.  Margaret and I both love the ocean, sea shells and playing Scrabble, so our weekend will be a great getaway!  I hope you have an awesome holiday weekend too, and thanks for reading my blog!  

My Favorite Photo from July Swap-bot swap from Happy Mom

Once again, I'm using my blog to post the photos I'm selecting for this swap on Swap-bot.  These swaps are fun and I'm a sucker for looking at others' photos too.  Even if you're not assigned to reciprocate and send your swap to me, I would love to see the photos you shared this month too.  If you feel like sharing, send them my way!  And thanks for posting a rating, so I know you got this swap alright.

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This month was a busy one for me, so I'm going to share some highlights.  July is one of my favorite months and it includes my favorite holiday- America's Independence Day - July 4th.  I love my country and have always been very patriotic.  Here are a few pictures I took at the Reservoir near our house.  We had dinner at my favorite restaurant, "The Boathouse"and I caught a gorgeous sunset!

Also took a picture of my hubby and me, and my daughter and me:

Here's a picture of the restaurant too - I love how they decorated for the summer festivities:

I had a business trip to Augusta, Georgia towards the end of the month.  I lived there before moving here to Richmond, so it was fun to see how much the area had changed.  I drove past my old apartment building and snapped this photo.  My unit was the upper corner with the balcony.  

I also had friends in from Seattle, and we had dinner at Station 2 in Richmond.  Here's Susan, me and her grandson Jackson:

My son came home for a visit and to drop his dog off with us, while he traveled to Oakland, California to be with his girlfriend.  He's picking her up at the airport in Tennessee today, and I know he's glad that she's back.  They've only been together for a few months, but I think he's pretty smitten with her -- could be "the one" for him!  I took this picture with him before he left here to go back to Tennessee:

Now, that was taken a few weeks after the ones from the Boathouse - I swear, I do own other dresses besides this one, but I happened to be wearing it both days!

I also had a business trip to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, so I "had" to include a visit to the oceanfront.  I love the beach and summer.  Here are two shots from my trip:

And my final shot for the month cracks me up!  I was leaving my house for a meeting, and noticed this little green thing sprouting up as I stepped out of the door.  It was so bizarre, I had to take a picture of it!  Crazy, isn't it?!  It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, which I included at the end.

Hope you have a great month, and thanks for checking out my favorite photos of the month for July!

Till the next one - 

Ilyse - Happy Mom