Life has so many chapters, doesn't it? As the holidays approach (which I love, because I am totally a holiday kind of girl), my mind keeps drifting back to my Grandma Ilene and remembering that this will be the first Christmas in 30 years that I haven't spent with her. I think of small things like the pink recliner she always sat in, the funny and honest stories she told, the smell of vegetable soup on the stove, and sharing with her all the bargains I got while shopping (and what each one cost). Those of you who know me, will note that the bargain apple doesn't fall far from the tree:)
I also think of my Dad, who has had to close this chapter in his life. It must feel hard and strange and surreal to lose your parents. He is a loyal and kind-hearted soul, which he got pretty honestly. I'd like to do something special and memorable for my dad this Christmas. Anyone have any ideas?
As Grandma's estate was getting settled, I received two important momentos to keep and pass on to my children. One is a black onyx ring that my grandpa gave my grandma. The other is an engraved banglet that my great-grandfather gave my great gradmother when they were dating. I have vivid pictures in my head of her wearing both.
Ah, life. Chapters open, chapters close. I am thankful God gave us a brain capable of storing memories.
The older I get, the more I realize that little things really do mean a lot. When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me that I needed to find more joy in the little things like trees, and playing games, and relaxing. She's right, and so I'm starting the journey...and it's about time.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Owl Shower
My creative sister-in-law Kelli and I hosted an Owl themed baby shower for our sister-in-law April. I have never worked with fondant, and it was fun to experiment with. Kelli had lots of cute ideas, including making onesies for the baby using seasonal iron-ons (wish I would have taken a picture of them). Can't wait to meet my new little niece of nephew next month! Here's a picture of our cake.
Monday, October 19, 2009
U2 at OU
U2 is one of the bands Alex and I have always wanted to see live. They haven't come to Oklahoma City in 26 years, so when were heard they were coming, we really wanted to go. Our friends found us tickets (because I gave up hope after the pre-sale tickets sold out). They were amazing, and the concert was a blast! It was perfect outdoor concert weather.
This is their 360 Degree Tour, so the stage was circular and looked like a rocketship.
And of course, here's one of Bono...
This is their 360 Degree Tour, so the stage was circular and looked like a rocketship.
And of course, here's one of Bono...
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
it's just part of life...
The car was quiet tonight as the kids and I drove home from my parent's house. I even had the radio turned off because I have an ear infection and can't handle extra noise.
Out of the blue, this conversation began.
Oliver: Mommy, I need to ask you a question
Mommy: Ok
Oliver: When I was at Awana I told a little girl that she needed to share a toy with me. I told her she had to share because it's just part of life, and she said, no, it's not part of life, and I said yes it is.
Mommy: (holding in a chuckle) Well sharing is part of life, and you just need to make sure you share when you have a toy.
It's funny the things that come out of kids mouths. I know I have reasoned with Oliver more than once with the "it's just part of life" saying. I keep a list of all the funny things Oliver says...this will definitely make the list. Maybe I'll keep the radio off more often.
Out of the blue, this conversation began.
Oliver: Mommy, I need to ask you a question
Mommy: Ok
Oliver: When I was at Awana I told a little girl that she needed to share a toy with me. I told her she had to share because it's just part of life, and she said, no, it's not part of life, and I said yes it is.
Mommy: (holding in a chuckle) Well sharing is part of life, and you just need to make sure you share when you have a toy.
It's funny the things that come out of kids mouths. I know I have reasoned with Oliver more than once with the "it's just part of life" saying. I keep a list of all the funny things Oliver says...this will definitely make the list. Maybe I'll keep the radio off more often.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Fall
Fall is my favorite season. This fall is off to a good start. Bible Study, substitute teaching, and Young Lives (teen mom mentorship) are in full swing. Oliver and I are going to a preschool class together at a Children's Museum on Thursday mornings. I am thankful everyday that I get to be home with my kids. Even on the hardest days, there is no place I'd rather be.
My good and forever friend Cristy and I baked and decorated 600 jersey shaped sugar cookies a few weeks ago for the Young Life Banquet. We had some help, or it would have been crazy(and even with help it was a little crazy). We loaded them all in my van and drove really slow so they wouldn't tip and spill all over.
Meredith graduated from her high chair to the booster seat, so her and Oliver get to sit together every meal.
We had a family movie night, complete with popcorn. We rolled out the sleeping bags and laid on the floor. Daisy especially liked the sleeping bag on the floor part.
Alex has been working like crazy on the basement. Lots of electrical work both in the basement and upstairs. He has to do a little more framing, then floor leveler, then comes the drywall. I need to take some pictures and post them soon.
My good and forever friend Cristy and I baked and decorated 600 jersey shaped sugar cookies a few weeks ago for the Young Life Banquet. We had some help, or it would have been crazy(and even with help it was a little crazy). We loaded them all in my van and drove really slow so they wouldn't tip and spill all over.
Meredith graduated from her high chair to the booster seat, so her and Oliver get to sit together every meal.
We had a family movie night, complete with popcorn. We rolled out the sleeping bags and laid on the floor. Daisy especially liked the sleeping bag on the floor part.
Alex has been working like crazy on the basement. Lots of electrical work both in the basement and upstairs. He has to do a little more framing, then floor leveler, then comes the drywall. I need to take some pictures and post them soon.
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