the joys (?) of home ownership

It really is good to be home- but I admit that I had to remind myself that home ownership is a worthwhile investment! Every since I returned to the States, there have been several 'welcome home' events. What started with two dead cars (one needed to be towed up to the shop, the other responded to a jump start) has now joined up with a falling garage ceiling (thought it was due to water damage... which was very disheartening considering we just replaced the roof last year, but it ended up being compliments of a poorly installed ceiling from Mr. Do It Yourself who we bought the house from!). Yesterday, our hot water tank decided to join in the fun. Thankfully, and I do mean thankfully, I was home and caught the 'rushing river' within minutes. Today, I had the honor of meeting several plumbers and Andrew and I will be enjoying cold showers until Monday when we will have a new tank-less water heater installed. I admit to being shocked at the cost of replacing a water heater. I was thinking a new tank would be a few hundred dollars- Not! For those of you who have a water heater purchase in your near future- be prepared! We got what seemed like a reasonable deal and it was $2,000!! Ouch! With two kids in college, I'm thinking our house just wants to join the fun! I only wish I could end up with a master's degree or something from these tuition-like payments!

Good bye ole' girl!

A quick Pittsburgh run

Andrew and I just got back from a quick trip to Pittsburgh where we celebrated Kristin's 21st birthday and delivered Kobi (the cat) to her new home in the south side with Kristin! We had a wonderful time and loved seeing K's new apartment! God is good!!!
Andrew and Kristin moving in the new loveseat. What a great apartment!

I think Kobi feels right at home!

Kristin and her roommate, Emily! Special friends!!

The South Side of Pittsburgh is a great place- so many fun shops, restaurants, community outreaches and a great church community. I think K and E are going to love living there! (I will try to figure out how to insert a slide show to attach some more pics!)

reverse nesting and thrift stores

I've spent the last few days running around gathering items to take up to Kristin for her new apartment.. and have found some good deals. The best find of all, however, was discovered while I was searching for folding chairs. I went to several thrift stores before THE discovery at the Bargain Box in Cameron Village. Although they didn't have any folding chairs, they did have a huge selection of fabulous bargains! I think I must have gotten there shortly after someone my size cleared out their closet AND it just happened to be a special sale day with all tops/shirts being 50% off. I ended up spending $102 and came home with 24 items! I had rec'd some money for my birthday (thanks Mom and Ema) and had hoped to find a few tops some time this summer... little did I know I would get a new wardrobe! A few of the items had their original price tags still attached. I think the best deal was an Ann Taylor skirt, tag said $49, I paid $2.50! Other brand names included Talbots, Ann Taylor Loft, Petite Sophisticate and Eddie Bauer! I admit that this was the most fun I have had shopping in years. (I strongly dislike shopping, and spending money, esp. on clothes for me!) It's great being home!

here's a pic of the "goods" (not pictured: a scarf, pair of shoes and three tops that are currently in the laundry basket!) love these name brands!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

The kids surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of pink flowers today- in honor of Mother's Day. They are gorgeous and I feel incredibly blessed to be their mom.

Just a quick update- I (Karen) am home in Cary, NC. Unfortunately, Jeph is still in Osaka- classes don't end until June 30th! While flying home (I had a few hours), I had fun pondering the whole idea of "home"- how I can feel so at 'home' in Osaka, yet I was eager to come 'home' to NC. I know the saying that 'home' is where your heart is but also believe that Christ has made His 'home' in my heart and is busy preparing an eternal 'home' that I yearn for. Maybe I needed to be in the air a few more hours to get a better handle on the whole 'home' thought, but I did have fun pondering!

It is fun to be back- although I do admit it is a bit lonely and I already miss Jeph! I went to the Velto's and relieved them of their cat-sitting duties and am really enjoying having Kobi's company. She is sitting on my lap as I type this and is gently purring. Guess she's glad to be 'home' too! I am enjoying her presence for a few more days before I take her up to Kristin's new apartment in Pittsburgh. I will miss her but I know Kristin will really enjoy having her (and I am so excited to see Kristin too!).

Andrew is due home tomorrow and I can't wait to see him. As I type this, he and Amberly are packing up his dorm room and preparing to venture into Boston for the night before Andrew heads home. Amberly has been a great sister/substitute mom this year- what a gift!