One of my favorite things is Thanksgiving. I love it for many reasons. I love planning the menu with my mom, even though it generally looks the same year after year. I love going shopping and preparing the food with her. I am so thankful that she made sure I was competent in the kitchen. She actually made sure I was not only competent in the kitchen but also at home among the appliances and food stuffs. My mother is an excellent cook. She just has a very natural knack for it and a great love of sharing so that makes her food extra good! Thanks Momma.
I love eating the food. The mashed potatoes, the broccoli and cheese casserole, French Onion Casserole, spinach salad, and ohh the desserts! Yummy!
I love planning my Christmas shopping adventure with Jenny. I love playing games, and I love the talking and laughter.
I mostly love the people. So let me tell you who I spent the day with and why I am thankful for them.
Scott- His patience and great love of me
Allye- Her joyful, ever encouraging look at life
Ash- His sense of humor
Tucker- His desire to always do the right thing
Landry- His ability to laugh at himself
Momma- Her generous spirit
Daddy- His complete dedication and loyalty to his family
Todd- His open heart and great love of everyone
Jenny- Her ability to stay on track
Barry- His willingness to say "yes I'll help."
Lydia- Her spunk
Anna- Her quick laughter
Zane- How he is such a total boy
Julia- Her Mona Lisa smile
Dawn- Her way of thinking things through
Steve- His great need to serve God
Jake- His desire for goodness
Cora-Her sweet smile and friendship with Allye
Tricia- Her wisdom
Mike- His love of family
Katie- Her desire to show God to her children
Mackenzie- Her "sistershood" with Jules
James- His dimples
Leanne- Her calmness
Terry- His banana bread
Zachary- Being a good buddy for Z
Nicholas- Policing the other boys
Lucas-Protecting his mom from the scary Barbie van
Kendra- Her wish to be all God wants
Ben- His love of his family
Emma- Her feisty spirit
Kate- Her ability to laugh at herself
Jack- The way he makes my heart smile
LaToya- Her sweetness
Josh- His way of having fun with the kids
Brooklyn- Her openess of heart
Taylor- Her subborn streak
Corran- Those sweet cheeks
Brittany - Her intensity
Shizoni- Her desire to play
All of these people are important to me and I have so many reasons to be thankful for them, so I just listed what jumped in my mind. I am blessed with so many and so much. This group of people is just a sampling of those that make my life richer. Thank you all for being a part of my life.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I'll probably live.....
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| Back in the day, I think I was 1 here.... |
It happened, I turned 40. Dah dah duhhnnnn....... Maybe there wasn't actually any startling, mood setting music to announce the day but hey, it kinda feels like a crescendoish sort of moment!
I still don't know how I'm feeling about this momentous occasion. I really like my birthday because it's so near Thanksgiving, and I love Thanksgiving. Spending the day with people I love without worrying that
I should be doing something else = magic. However, I did take a bath to relax last night and ended up hosting a crying jag. Hmmmm..... If you ask why I was crying I couldn't say, maybe because I fear the early or even inevitable onset of menopause. I reeeaallly am not looking forward to hot flashes. It's possible I cried just because I got soap in my eye. Either way I consoled myself by not setting my alarm for this morning, so I slept until 7:30 and no one else was up yet! Happy Birthday to me!
I decided to give time travel a try and see what about my early, middle and now this later portion of my life I could recall. Let's see how it goes..........
I remember my parents telling me I was born in an army hospital I always thought that was cool. When I was in 5th grade, we went on a trip to Wyoming and they said we were going to see where I was born. When we got to Ft. Hood, Texas I was so disappointed that I couldn't see the tents.....Yes we were a M.A.S.H. family.
I remember when I was little I wanted my named to be Suzy Mae. I made everyone call me that or Suzy Q. It stuck pretty well I still have an Aunt who only calls me Suze.
I remember that my uncle used to tickle me until I could only squeal, he said he'd stop when I quit squealing. This probably explains many things.....
I remember going through a peanut butter and pickle sandwich phase. Yes gross. Must have been a shock value thing.
I remember in Kindergarten at Morgantown Elementary falling in love with Jay Toney.
I remember learning about the great honor we should pay the American Flag and should it ever touch the ground it might as well be burnt. Unfortunately,I heard "Don't ever let the flag touch the ground because it will spontaneously combust." Yes I spent my early elementary years terrified of our flag.
I remember that Christmas was indeed magic!
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| I got a Barbie Dream house like this... |
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| A Fresh and Fancy kit like this... |
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| This Drowsy Doll |
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| My newest toy! |
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| I remember Shaun Cassidy. |
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| I remember my Yo-Yo's |
I remember when I realized with great sadness that I was not meant to be tan. In 7th grade at church my Mamaw very sweetly and loudly complimented me on my new yellow outfit and my nice white panty hose....... I was wearing a flipflop style sandal.....no hosiery.
I remember when I was about 7 or 8 and I loved Snoopy. My Papaw made me a Snoopy shaped shadow box and filled each box with a snoopy character.I remember the turning point in my friendship with Jenny when we both knew that we were meant to be life long besties. Yes, Isis brought us together. Our shared memory of that classic but little known piece of 70's TV.
I remember calling home from college one day and this guy I didn't know answered the phone. We got to talking and eventually I came home from school and we met. He was lots of fun and he seemed not to mind that I'm complicated, so I married him.
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| I "heart" him! |
Monday, November 1, 2010
Game night isn't all about winning, but that's fun too.
On Thursday Momma and I thought it'd be a great idea to have a girl game night so we set it for Friday. Turns out it was. So many good things came of this evening! Let me begin be saying that anytime you are with people you love good things have happened.
The evening began with dinner, first good thing, yummy yummy slow roasted beef! Momma asked Jenny to pick up so rolls, which she interpreted as "go home and make them from scratch", second good thing. I only had to make brownies and this was optional, third good thing. Third and fourth if you count to bowl licking portion if the day. We played Pennies( or Hand and Foot if you like, it canasta) and Jenny and I won ( I won't say who we beat) fourth good thing! It was fun.
Quite possibly the most productive of our activities was the list. What list you ask? Let me tell you......
I was VERY casually and kindly informing my mother ofyet another something from my childhood that maybe my parents should not have allowed. So she flipped to a clean piece of paper and said "Why don't we just make a list?" Now while I would have NEVER considered the idea of enumerating, on paper no less, the flaws of my parents I do like to indulge their requests, so make a list we did.
~ When we were children, we shot fireworks on Christmas Eve(I don't know either). This was not the problem, we were in charge of ourselves. We would shoot the roman candles first so that we could use the spent tubes as rocket holders for our bottle rocket wars. Yes we aimed at each other. The real issue was the item we were given to ignite our fireworks, as you may have already guessed, it was in fact a shovel of coal from the fire place. I know for sure they like their grandkids better than us because this would not be permitted for them.
~ Loveboat (Captain Stubing even annouced he likes "mountains" the Dolly Parton kind!)
~Happy Days. I know what those kids were up to now.
~Grease. Although I am not sure this should be on the list she says it should.
~She let me go to the mall alone with my friends, now if my daughter finds out she will want to...
~I tried to get her to put Preston as a bad influential brother on there but she refused.
~Most recently I discovered that it is quite possible that an item on this list is what mutated my ovaries and may even have been the cause of my having multiples. When we were young we lived in a neighborhood where the ice cream truck would rattle through and we would be so EXCITED! Especially if we were in a position to get a treat. We also had this other cool truck that would rattle through the neighborhood regularly. It was a very exciting fog truck! Yeah, I know right? I mean we would run to the edge of the street and dance and jump around in the fog squealing with excitement. It was pure joy as we followed as far as we were allowed filling our hearts, lungs and nasal passages with the fog. It was such fun that we were able to ignore the smell and taste of the pesticide fumes that were being sprayed in order to create this awesome fog for us to play in. Curious, huh?
Now we never got to the list of good things......
~My dad used to play records on the stereo and dance around the house with me.
~My parents used to play Uno, Aggravation, and Yahtzee with us all the time.
~My parents taught us that Christmas is magic.
~My parents showed us that if you can do it for someone there is no reason not to.
~My parents gave me a childhood so happy I can't visit a flea market or antique store without a teary trip down memory lane.
~My parents let my brother write on the wall that girls were silly so that when he had a crush they could remind him of his previous ideas on females.
~My parents used to let us paint our faces like clowns whenever we took a notion.
~My parents would always take the time to watch whatever dance I made up to my current Olivia Newton-John favorite.
~My parents showed us how fun it is to open your home to friends.
~My parents taught us honesty is crucial.
~My parents taught me to love God and to trust Him.
Yep they did a good job. Thanks Momma and Daddy.
The evening began with dinner, first good thing, yummy yummy slow roasted beef! Momma asked Jenny to pick up so rolls, which she interpreted as "go home and make them from scratch", second good thing. I only had to make brownies and this was optional, third good thing. Third and fourth if you count to bowl licking portion if the day. We played Pennies( or Hand and Foot if you like, it canasta) and Jenny and I won ( I won't say who we beat) fourth good thing! It was fun.
Quite possibly the most productive of our activities was the list. What list you ask? Let me tell you......
I was VERY casually and kindly informing my mother of
~ When we were children, we shot fireworks on Christmas Eve(I don't know either). This was not the problem, we were in charge of ourselves. We would shoot the roman candles first so that we could use the spent tubes as rocket holders for our bottle rocket wars. Yes we aimed at each other. The real issue was the item we were given to ignite our fireworks, as you may have already guessed, it was in fact a shovel of coal from the fire place. I know for sure they like their grandkids better than us because this would not be permitted for them.
~ Loveboat (Captain Stubing even annouced he likes "mountains" the Dolly Parton kind!)
~Happy Days. I know what those kids were up to now.
~Grease. Although I am not sure this should be on the list she says it should.
~She let me go to the mall alone with my friends, now if my daughter finds out she will want to...
~I tried to get her to put Preston as a bad influential brother on there but she refused.
~Most recently I discovered that it is quite possible that an item on this list is what mutated my ovaries and may even have been the cause of my having multiples. When we were young we lived in a neighborhood where the ice cream truck would rattle through and we would be so EXCITED! Especially if we were in a position to get a treat. We also had this other cool truck that would rattle through the neighborhood regularly. It was a very exciting fog truck! Yeah, I know right? I mean we would run to the edge of the street and dance and jump around in the fog squealing with excitement. It was pure joy as we followed as far as we were allowed filling our hearts, lungs and nasal passages with the fog. It was such fun that we were able to ignore the smell and taste of the pesticide fumes that were being sprayed in order to create this awesome fog for us to play in. Curious, huh?
Now we never got to the list of good things......
~My dad used to play records on the stereo and dance around the house with me.
~My parents used to play Uno, Aggravation, and Yahtzee with us all the time.
~My parents taught us that Christmas is magic.
~My parents showed us that if you can do it for someone there is no reason not to.
~My parents gave me a childhood so happy I can't visit a flea market or antique store without a teary trip down memory lane.
~My parents let my brother write on the wall that girls were silly so that when he had a crush they could remind him of his previous ideas on females.
~My parents used to let us paint our faces like clowns whenever we took a notion.
~My parents would always take the time to watch whatever dance I made up to my current Olivia Newton-John favorite.
~My parents showed us how fun it is to open your home to friends.
~My parents taught us honesty is crucial.
~My parents taught me to love God and to trust Him.
Yep they did a good job. Thanks Momma and Daddy.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
It is sooo hot in here!
So today I thought I'd confess to some of the things I am not so proud of but I don't seem to be in a hurry to change. I am not a stellar house keeper. I want to be a whiz at all things domestic but alas I am not. I am a fair to good cook, a decent seamstress, a mostly loving wife and mother but I will probably never manage to wash the dishes as I go about my cooking. Thus leaving a giant pile that I have no interest in washing after all that cooking. My dream life involves having clothes in my closet ready to wear not clothes that must meet the iron before adornment can take place. Even dreaming this dream of life without wrinkles does not inspire me to stand by the dryer ready to hang everything while it is still radiating heat. I wish to be thin I would even dare say the size of my soul is a shapely size 10 but I can't seem to get past the sweating involved in running.
All of the above would seem to be victimless crimes and generally speaking they are unless you count me. However my most grievous and some may say annoying flaw is the direct link between my physical comfort and my ability to be rational. I do not like to be sweaty, hot, tired, hungry, cold, sad, stressed, itchy, sleepy, confused, or achy. Really, I know I should just suck it up and deal right? The problem is Scott. You see he seems to be a very tolerant person (sometimes this aggravates the problem) and he lets me get away with complaining. I haven't said or done many things that have resulted in him getting to exasperated with me. However allowing the children to consider shoes as optional year round and adjusting the thermostat from 65-80 with no stops in between, are no crossing zones. So I have say things like "Do not go out without shoes until at least April!" and I have to ask permission to adjust the temperature in the house. Honestly he can be a real fun sucker sometimes!
Well all that to say it is VERY hot in this house today. 78degrees! I mentioned it no less than seven times with no results. I stood in the front door going in and out breathing loudly to indicate the pleasant outdoor temperature compared to the inside OF OUR HOME!! Nothing. It's possible I began ranting about heat stroke and the dangers of excessive sweating and how maybe I could faint from this heat. Nothing. While rushing around to get the boys dressed nice for Young Men' s night at church I began to experience stress. Where could the church socks be? Confusion. Where on earth had the belts disappeared to? Of course my temperature was at atomic levels by now and I couldn't even think! Did Scott care? No, he was giving some lame excuse about between seasons and dealing with it. I had to take off my shirt lay on the bed and absorb all the coolness I could, which let me tell there wasn't much. I yelled for no one to touch me. And Scott just hovered over me, exuding heat I may add, laughing! Yes that's right laughing at my pain. Finally I had to finish finding the boys' things so I got dressed and headed up stairs tocomplain look for the belts. The boys' were concerned they asked why I was so hot so I told them their dad was a sadist and refuse to cool the house for me.
Now I do not need any dogooder improvers of mankind to point out that a.) If I were a stellar housekeeper I'd have known where the socks and belts were b) If I were at the dryer hanging up warm clothes I would not have needed to use the hot iron, and c) If I dropped a few pounds my body temperature would most likely not escalate to such a degree. See, I know stuff!
All of the above would seem to be victimless crimes and generally speaking they are unless you count me. However my most grievous and some may say annoying flaw is the direct link between my physical comfort and my ability to be rational. I do not like to be sweaty, hot, tired, hungry, cold, sad, stressed, itchy, sleepy, confused, or achy. Really, I know I should just suck it up and deal right? The problem is Scott. You see he seems to be a very tolerant person (sometimes this aggravates the problem) and he lets me get away with complaining. I haven't said or done many things that have resulted in him getting to exasperated with me. However allowing the children to consider shoes as optional year round and adjusting the thermostat from 65-80 with no stops in between, are no crossing zones. So I have say things like "Do not go out without shoes until at least April!" and I have to ask permission to adjust the temperature in the house. Honestly he can be a real fun sucker sometimes!
Well all that to say it is VERY hot in this house today. 78degrees! I mentioned it no less than seven times with no results. I stood in the front door going in and out breathing loudly to indicate the pleasant outdoor temperature compared to the inside OF OUR HOME!! Nothing. It's possible I began ranting about heat stroke and the dangers of excessive sweating and how maybe I could faint from this heat. Nothing. While rushing around to get the boys dressed nice for Young Men' s night at church I began to experience stress. Where could the church socks be? Confusion. Where on earth had the belts disappeared to? Of course my temperature was at atomic levels by now and I couldn't even think! Did Scott care? No, he was giving some lame excuse about between seasons and dealing with it. I had to take off my shirt lay on the bed and absorb all the coolness I could, which let me tell there wasn't much. I yelled for no one to touch me. And Scott just hovered over me, exuding heat I may add, laughing! Yes that's right laughing at my pain. Finally I had to finish finding the boys' things so I got dressed and headed up stairs to
Now I do not need any dogooder improvers of mankind to point out that a.) If I were a stellar housekeeper I'd have known where the socks and belts were b) If I were at the dryer hanging up warm clothes I would not have needed to use the hot iron, and c) If I dropped a few pounds my body temperature would most likely not escalate to such a degree. See, I know stuff!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
My Momma at 60......
Today is Momma's birthday. She is 60 years and you know what's terrible about it? People ask if she's my sister...Well good for her and she does looks great but really??? I can't imagine ANYONE asking if Allye and I are sisters.
My earliest memories are just fleeting images and sensations. I remember loving to lay my head on her lap and she would repeatedly tuck my hair behind my ear until I fell asleep. I remember getting in her bed in the middle of the night. I remember her teaching me to fear cats and mice. I remember her always making my favorite cake for my birthday, Texas Sheet Cake! I know she gave me a very happy childhood because when I go to antique stores and resale shops I see toys, dishes, pictures and such, and I want to weep at the good feelings and memory that fills me.
She taught me many important things. These are just a sampling...
Iron your clothes.
Love my husband and let him know it.
How to cook.
The proper way to fold fitted sheets.
How to freely open my home to anyone who needs to be there.
Give when you can whatever you can.
She is still trying to teach me not to worry over what I cannot control.
Do not force your bad mood on others.
Being patient doesn't mean we will eventually get our way.
It's okay to be affectionate in front of my children.
I am not always right.
Body language screams.
God doesn't always give you easy choices.
When I got pregnant for the first time she was thrilled. I can think of no one better suited to grandparenthood. Despite the fact that there is no question she indulges my kiddos, she has always fully respected our choices as parents. She was NOT a fan of our decision to let the kids "cry it out" when we were training them to put themselves to sleep. Never did she criticize or try and undermine. My children are under the impression that Gramms is the place to be for treats and special attention. I love that!
I often think she spoils me more now that I am an adult than when I was little. When the boys were born she would come over every night at 3am to help me feed them and sometimes she'd recruit a buddy so I could sleep. I wonder why she didn't think she ever needed a break? She is the queen of buying me "happies" if she sees something she thinks I'd like or have said I want she will pick it up as though it were the most natural of things. She does everything in her power to facilitate my doing what I enjoy.
If I had to use only one word to describe her it would be SELFLESS, said with an echo for emphasis. She shares with everybody without thinking it's a sacrifice. I bet she feeds 20 people or more a week without considering that it increases her grocery bill tremendously. People just walk into her home, make lunch and leave, often not cleaning up after themselves. Once they even ate the food she had planned to serve her family for dinner! Crazy but you know she doesn't complain, or even boast a little....
If I ever grow up I hope to present God as effortlessly and consistently as her. Thank you Momma for being a great mom, Gramms and friend.
My earliest memories are just fleeting images and sensations. I remember loving to lay my head on her lap and she would repeatedly tuck my hair behind my ear until I fell asleep. I remember getting in her bed in the middle of the night. I remember her teaching me to fear cats and mice. I remember her always making my favorite cake for my birthday, Texas Sheet Cake! I know she gave me a very happy childhood because when I go to antique stores and resale shops I see toys, dishes, pictures and such, and I want to weep at the good feelings and memory that fills me.
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| Back in the day.... |
She taught me many important things. These are just a sampling...
Iron your clothes.
Love my husband and let him know it.
How to cook.
The proper way to fold fitted sheets.
How to freely open my home to anyone who needs to be there.
Give when you can whatever you can.
She is still trying to teach me not to worry over what I cannot control.
Do not force your bad mood on others.
Being patient doesn't mean we will eventually get our way.
It's okay to be affectionate in front of my children.
I am not always right.
Body language screams.
God doesn't always give you easy choices.
When I got pregnant for the first time she was thrilled. I can think of no one better suited to grandparenthood. Despite the fact that there is no question she indulges my kiddos, she has always fully respected our choices as parents. She was NOT a fan of our decision to let the kids "cry it out" when we were training them to put themselves to sleep. Never did she criticize or try and undermine. My children are under the impression that Gramms is the place to be for treats and special attention. I love that!
If I had to use only one word to describe her it would be SELFLESS, said with an echo for emphasis. She shares with everybody without thinking it's a sacrifice. I bet she feeds 20 people or more a week without considering that it increases her grocery bill tremendously. People just walk into her home, make lunch and leave, often not cleaning up after themselves. Once they even ate the food she had planned to serve her family for dinner! Crazy but you know she doesn't complain, or even boast a little....
If I ever grow up I hope to present God as effortlessly and consistently as her. Thank you Momma for being a great mom, Gramms and friend.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
FIshing with Grandpa!!
Like I said Grandpa is visiting. The boys are soooooo excited. About an hour before his arrival, they stood at the window in the play room on the look out. When he FINALLY got here, they ran out, grabbed his bag each arm and escorted him into the house. Then they proceeded chatter all at the same time trying to out do one another in volume. We sat down for dinner and as we were talking Landry informed Gpa that he is very popular, he should visit us more to keep his ego in high form. We ate buffet style and while Gpa was fixing his plate he snuck a cookie, not very sneakily since everyone saw him. Anyway this cracked Tucker up and he declared this to be the funniest dinner ever.
We took Gpa to church which was fun, we've talked about him so much people we very anxious to meet him, see he IS popular. We as usual were among the last to leave....
This morning, I was called away before coffee..MOM! While sitting in Momma's living room we saw Gpa out for a morning stroll, 7:30 ish. Seconds later we see a streak of orange (Landry), then a streak of blue (Tucker), then a streak of grey (Ash). No alone time for Gpa... I can sympathize. While on their morning constitutional they planned a fishing outing so after having breakfast to a chorus of "When are we going fishing" off they went.
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| BIG PLANS.... |
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| Unsuccessfully digging for worms... |
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Having a visitor this week!!!
So Grandpa is coming to visit us tomorrow! Grandpa would be Scott's dad and we are very pumped about the visit. As of now the plans look to something like this: Wednesday afternoon arrival, dinner then church, Thursday Scott is taking him to work with him and they will be pouring concrete(fun stuff huh?) Friday they will be going to fill in some gaps in the genealogy research grandpa started last year. Saturday will be a cross country meet so Allye can run her heart out for him, Sunday church and football and he has to go home on Monday.
This will be his first time to come see us without Mano. I am feeling the loss of her acutely as we plan this visit. I know that he will miss his traveling companion as he has missed her everyday. I always look forward to their coming so I can catch up and play with her. Let me tell you about my mother in law....
Her name is Shirley Huston and I know of no one who did not love her. She had such a spirit of fun and life and to be with her would boost your day immensely. She had a desire to honor God and did this with seeming ease through her marriage, family and service. She was a tireless worker and always looking for some new way to use her talents to benefit someone. Family was her primary source of joy, she loved her children, grandchildren, her brothers and sisters in-law, her nieces, nephews and beyond.
My first meeting with Shirley was an introduction to a woman that would become my family and my friend. We spent the time together shopping, playing games, working puzzles and golfing. I was a nervous wreck at the prospect of spending the week with Scott's parents but they made me feel like I belonged within moments.
Delighted with our plans marry, she often made me feel like the daughter and Scott the in-law. When Allye was born she came in at grandchild number 13, by the time the boys were born they numbered at 18, 19, and 20. When she died the number was 22 and a few weeks following her memorial service number 23 was born. All of them precious to her and all could be thought of as the first.
She was so unselfish, one year Ed wanted to take a "baseball trip", with Scott not her. So the guys put together a plan, it involved visiting 6 or 7 MLB teams at their home ball parks, a visit to Cooperstown and despite the fact that I felt it was "off-theme", the National Football Hall of Fame as well. Well when the time came for the big trip Mano and Grandpa, flew in to Cincy, rented a car and spent 2 days hanging out with us. Then the guys loaded up the rental and headed off for their adventures in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Boston, New York, Cleveland, and Cooperstown. Mano got to stay in Pleasant Plain with me and my six year old and 3 two almost three year olds. Fun stuff! We did exciting things like sat in the heat at the water playground, sat in the heat in the back yard, and Mano even got to change 9,257 diapers. Yes I know we were slow to get on the potty training bus. Anyway we did also go the Newport Aquarium and that was fun, once we managed to get the frightened toddlers past the giant shark in the entrance. Later when they'd talk about the trip, you'd think she was the one who had the better time, she'd say "I got to be with you..." The guys wanted to do it again, on a different coast, and she wanted the two of us to join them this time. I would have loved that!
My children used to be afraid of dogs, big time! whenever Mano came, they would pretend to be dogs, ask her to pretend to be afraid of them, and then one of them would comfort her. She thought that was hilarious. Mano was ALWAYS cold, and I always tend to be hot. When visiting us she brought along a jacket and we kept a blanket on the couch for her to snuggle, I will miss that. At her house I wasn't allowed to make coffee because I make it too strong, I will miss that. She always liked my cooking, I will miss that. We always made the guys play cards, I will miss that. She always had stories to tell me about her ministry work, her clogging and her girlfriends, I will miss that. She had a remarkable way of making me feel exciting even though I know I am dull, I will miss that. I miss her and I hate that as we sit in our living room this week I will not be able to stop myself from looking at her spot on the couch and feeling the void that her absence creates.
After her diagnosis, she was continually upbeat and positive. Her original prognosis was not good and as it worked out it was pretty accurate. We were all crushed but she carried us along with her attitude of "God's got this". We went with her to one of the first visits with the specialists in Houston and at that appointment they gave her her chemo/radiation options and schedule. I asked her if she was scared, she said "It is so weird because I know I ought to be but I'm not. I guess I know God will do what is the best thing even if I don't like it." I want that kind of certainty that "God's got it all!" I never saw her cry through the pain or frustration that none of the treatments we changing things. I did however see her cry once because she wanted to share with her kids how wonderful her prince was. It was so important that we know what a good, Godly man Grandpa is and how he demonstrated his love for her, and it moved her to tears. I've had a crush on Grandpa for years now it's cemented forever.
I know our time together will be blessed and I hope Grandpa will feel the same!
This will be his first time to come see us without Mano. I am feeling the loss of her acutely as we plan this visit. I know that he will miss his traveling companion as he has missed her everyday. I always look forward to their coming so I can catch up and play with her. Let me tell you about my mother in law....
Her name is Shirley Huston and I know of no one who did not love her. She had such a spirit of fun and life and to be with her would boost your day immensely. She had a desire to honor God and did this with seeming ease through her marriage, family and service. She was a tireless worker and always looking for some new way to use her talents to benefit someone. Family was her primary source of joy, she loved her children, grandchildren, her brothers and sisters in-law, her nieces, nephews and beyond.
My first meeting with Shirley was an introduction to a woman that would become my family and my friend. We spent the time together shopping, playing games, working puzzles and golfing. I was a nervous wreck at the prospect of spending the week with Scott's parents but they made me feel like I belonged within moments.
Delighted with our plans marry, she often made me feel like the daughter and Scott the in-law. When Allye was born she came in at grandchild number 13, by the time the boys were born they numbered at 18, 19, and 20. When she died the number was 22 and a few weeks following her memorial service number 23 was born. All of them precious to her and all could be thought of as the first.
She was so unselfish, one year Ed wanted to take a "baseball trip", with Scott not her. So the guys put together a plan, it involved visiting 6 or 7 MLB teams at their home ball parks, a visit to Cooperstown and despite the fact that I felt it was "off-theme", the National Football Hall of Fame as well. Well when the time came for the big trip Mano and Grandpa, flew in to Cincy, rented a car and spent 2 days hanging out with us. Then the guys loaded up the rental and headed off for their adventures in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Boston, New York, Cleveland, and Cooperstown. Mano got to stay in Pleasant Plain with me and my six year old and 3 two almost three year olds. Fun stuff! We did exciting things like sat in the heat at the water playground, sat in the heat in the back yard, and Mano even got to change 9,257 diapers. Yes I know we were slow to get on the potty training bus. Anyway we did also go the Newport Aquarium and that was fun, once we managed to get the frightened toddlers past the giant shark in the entrance. Later when they'd talk about the trip, you'd think she was the one who had the better time, she'd say "I got to be with you..." The guys wanted to do it again, on a different coast, and she wanted the two of us to join them this time. I would have loved that!
My children used to be afraid of dogs, big time! whenever Mano came, they would pretend to be dogs, ask her to pretend to be afraid of them, and then one of them would comfort her. She thought that was hilarious. Mano was ALWAYS cold, and I always tend to be hot. When visiting us she brought along a jacket and we kept a blanket on the couch for her to snuggle, I will miss that. At her house I wasn't allowed to make coffee because I make it too strong, I will miss that. She always liked my cooking, I will miss that. We always made the guys play cards, I will miss that. She always had stories to tell me about her ministry work, her clogging and her girlfriends, I will miss that. She had a remarkable way of making me feel exciting even though I know I am dull, I will miss that. I miss her and I hate that as we sit in our living room this week I will not be able to stop myself from looking at her spot on the couch and feeling the void that her absence creates.
After her diagnosis, she was continually upbeat and positive. Her original prognosis was not good and as it worked out it was pretty accurate. We were all crushed but she carried us along with her attitude of "God's got this". We went with her to one of the first visits with the specialists in Houston and at that appointment they gave her her chemo/radiation options and schedule. I asked her if she was scared, she said "It is so weird because I know I ought to be but I'm not. I guess I know God will do what is the best thing even if I don't like it." I want that kind of certainty that "God's got it all!" I never saw her cry through the pain or frustration that none of the treatments we changing things. I did however see her cry once because she wanted to share with her kids how wonderful her prince was. It was so important that we know what a good, Godly man Grandpa is and how he demonstrated his love for her, and it moved her to tears. I've had a crush on Grandpa for years now it's cemented forever.
I know our time together will be blessed and I hope Grandpa will feel the same!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Well they weren't awful.....
So i looked around the internet and came up with a recipe for fondant. I love love the smooth look of this stuff. I always try to smooth out my frosting and it is never exactly right. It is usually kinda bumpy and I feel like I went to all the trouble and mess for nothing....
Landry has recently been working on his skateboarding skills and so I thought I'd make him a skateboard cake. I was not completely happy with the wheel placement I felt with the wheels on the "ground" it resembled a car too much. Scott thought that they should go on the ground and he really helped me a lot today so his idea won.
Ash loves Luigi! I know he loves all the Mario characters but Luigi wears a green hat and that speaks to his soul. Probably because green was his assigned color as a baby, toddler and preschooler.... I dabbled in fondant for this cake, I had no trouble covering the cake but the decorations were trickier since I do not think I had teh consistency down. I think he favors Mr. Potato Head....
Tucker has always been a loyal Texas Rangers fan, a few years ago he had a cake shaped like a Ranger's baseball cap. So in keeping with the theme......
And for my niece, Katie, I went for girly.
I cannot figure out why the pics are uploading sideways.....sorry.
Landry has recently been working on his skateboarding skills and so I thought I'd make him a skateboard cake. I was not completely happy with the wheel placement I felt with the wheels on the "ground" it resembled a car too much. Scott thought that they should go on the ground and he really helped me a lot today so his idea won.
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| Blue is one of his favorite colors. |
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| The other side says "Rocks" 'cause Landry Rocks |
Ash loves Luigi! I know he loves all the Mario characters but Luigi wears a green hat and that speaks to his soul. Probably because green was his assigned color as a baby, toddler and preschooler.... I dabbled in fondant for this cake, I had no trouble covering the cake but the decorations were trickier since I do not think I had teh consistency down. I think he favors Mr. Potato Head....
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Friends!
I have been richly blessed with dear friends. I have known many enjoyable, fun people in my life and hope to meet many more. Many of the people you encounter never become more than acquaintances, some become occasional pals, few are considered chums, and fewer still become close friends. I have a wealth of chums and am blessed with many close friends that are willing to sacrifice much for my benefit.
I have introduced you to, Dawn and Jenny. Now let me introduce Kendra. During the last two years I have developed a precious relationship with a fellow homeschooing mom, Kendra, and as luck would have it she lives right across the street. Kendra is loads of fun even if she is way younger than me and I simply adore her delightful children. Ben, her hubby and Scotty are golfing buddies and if only time and finances allowed they would be able to date more often.
I would love to tell you that Kendra and I were drawn to one another through our mutual love of the Lord and a great desire to please him through our marriages and raising our children. It was more like we share similar neuroses and because of that link discovered we also share other common goals. I love the way she encourages me and reminds me that my purpose is to honor God through the tasks He has charged me with, my husband and children. Her children are a testament to her and Ben's commitment to God.
I love that she helps me laugh at my weirdness and chuckle at my quirks. I think it is grand that she can acknowledge her strengths and is very willing to confess her own faults. I'd like to think that since I am so old I am something in the way of an example to her but she is certainly an example for me. I appreciate who she is and the blessing of our friendship!
I have introduced you to, Dawn and Jenny. Now let me introduce Kendra. During the last two years I have developed a precious relationship with a fellow homeschooing mom, Kendra, and as luck would have it she lives right across the street. Kendra is loads of fun even if she is way younger than me and I simply adore her delightful children. Ben, her hubby and Scotty are golfing buddies and if only time and finances allowed they would be able to date more often.
I would love to tell you that Kendra and I were drawn to one another through our mutual love of the Lord and a great desire to please him through our marriages and raising our children. It was more like we share similar neuroses and because of that link discovered we also share other common goals. I love the way she encourages me and reminds me that my purpose is to honor God through the tasks He has charged me with, my husband and children. Her children are a testament to her and Ben's commitment to God.
I love that she helps me laugh at my weirdness and chuckle at my quirks. I think it is grand that she can acknowledge her strengths and is very willing to confess her own faults. I'd like to think that since I am so old I am something in the way of an example to her but she is certainly an example for me. I appreciate who she is and the blessing of our friendship!
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| This would be last summer at her fondue b-day dinner with the girls!!! |
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Where does the time go?
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| Hugely Preggers!! with 2 months before delivery... |
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| First days at home... |
Well eleven years have come and gone, and I can't imagine how that has happened. I have managed to feed them although not always nutritional masterpieces, clothe them, despite a heartfelt disagreement on what matches what and we are still working on normal.... How, you may wonder, have I managed such feats of parenting? Well not alone! We have been blessed in countless ways, and even though I began my journey of mothering multiples in such a faithless fashion, God has never allowed me or my family to go without what we need. Through friends and acquaintances and friends of friends we have been served and showered with love beyond measure.
My boys are a treasure and a bright spot to everyday. With their bonds of togetherness I see how lovely the relationship of brothers can be. Through their individuality, I see the beauty of God's creation in our free will and his love of us.
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| One... |
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| Two... |
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| Three... |
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| Four.... |
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| Five.....(don't ask) |
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| Six... |
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| Seven... |
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| Eight..... |
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| Nine... |
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| Ten.... |
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| Practically Eleven........ |
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