My grandma's sister passed away on Sunday, and I have been listening to all kinds of memories in my mind for the past few days. I don't think I have a childhood Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration that doesn't include going to my Aunt Bernice's house. She would have the house full of people by the time we arrived and she would be buzzing about making sure everyone had everything they needed. Her home is a beautiful 2 story house that movies should be made in. The beautiful banister that begged to be held, the stairs that went to a "secret" little attic, the huge living room with the most beautiful Christmas tree and cozy fireplace, the bathroom the size of a bedroom. She would tell me how the bricks for the house were fired there on the property down by the pond where she would host parties. My aunt B is the only person besides my parents to throw me a surprise birthday party. For my 21st birthday, my aunt gathered all the family she could together for a cookout down by the old pond. I felt so important. Once, my aunt had the most beautiful bouquet of dried flowers and I remarked about how pretty they were. I got that bouquet for Christmas later that year, and I still have it today.
My aunt had a knack for giving the most unusual Christmas gifts. I remember the stilts we got one year and how I loved to use them. She gave my parents a flag pole one year and all the cousins got gloves one time. My all time favorite gift is the pair of flip flops that are adhesive and just stick to the bottom of your feet. I brought those with me when I got married and my husband wanted to know what in the world they were. I simply replied, "They were a Christmas gift from Aunt B." Enough said. We still joke about my saving them for some special occasion when they are perfect to wear.
Sunday night, we were at church when my aunt passed away. Our pastor was talking about wanting to be the type of person that others know just by being around that they are a person of faith. That is my Aunt B. You knew by the time she took to care for people and all that she did there was something special about her; she had a faith that lasts for a lifetime.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Day 6: California Vacation
Day 6: We woke up early and headed out to Disneyland. It seems like we had all been waiting for this day to come, and it was finally here. We got parked, got our tickets and walked in just as the gates were opening. Perfect timing.
Once again, the weather was superb. It never got above 80 degrees, the sun was shining and there was a beautiful breeze. I would give anything for a little bit of that breeze now. In the evening, one of the ride operators even had her winter coat on; I suppose they aren't used to cool weather in sunny California.
We rode just about every ride there is to ride and enjoyed it all. We rode the Bobsleds, which was Mr T's favorite roller coaster. It's pretty mild and perfect for all of us. We rode Peter Pan and It's A Small World, which are the 2 rides I remember riding as a small child. We rode the teacups. My hubby rode with the kids. My mom and I rode together because we refused to spin, party poopers I know. We rode the Thunder Mountain Railroad and Mr T's response was, "That was awesome. I don't ever want to do it again." His response to the Splash Mountain was in his most cheerful voice, "That was fun. I didn't like it." We rode Dumbo, which was a ride we missed at Disney World and Mr T has been reminding me of that for the last 2 years. That was a MUST ride for us.
My favorite part was the fireworks at the end of the night. Disney is doing a new show for the summer and Tinkerbell flew through the air. There were fireworks to look like shooting stars and Dumbo flew through the air too. It was so magical.
I'm sure I'll think of more stuff to say about this day but that's most of it.
Once again, the weather was superb. It never got above 80 degrees, the sun was shining and there was a beautiful breeze. I would give anything for a little bit of that breeze now. In the evening, one of the ride operators even had her winter coat on; I suppose they aren't used to cool weather in sunny California.
We rode just about every ride there is to ride and enjoyed it all. We rode the Bobsleds, which was Mr T's favorite roller coaster. It's pretty mild and perfect for all of us. We rode Peter Pan and It's A Small World, which are the 2 rides I remember riding as a small child. We rode the teacups. My hubby rode with the kids. My mom and I rode together because we refused to spin, party poopers I know. We rode the Thunder Mountain Railroad and Mr T's response was, "That was awesome. I don't ever want to do it again." His response to the Splash Mountain was in his most cheerful voice, "That was fun. I didn't like it." We rode Dumbo, which was a ride we missed at Disney World and Mr T has been reminding me of that for the last 2 years. That was a MUST ride for us.
My favorite part was the fireworks at the end of the night. Disney is doing a new show for the summer and Tinkerbell flew through the air. There were fireworks to look like shooting stars and Dumbo flew through the air too. It was so magical.
I'm sure I'll think of more stuff to say about this day but that's most of it.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A Whole Lot of Nothing
It's so hot here. I haven't complained because I hate to be cold and have been looking forward to the heat, but this heat is a bit much. Just a few degrees cooler would be perfect.
My kids went to spend the night with their cousins last night and came home talking about the great time they had. My son came home in a different shirt but was wearing the same pants he was wearing yesterday. Note that they were long pants, not shorts. His reason, "The other shorts you sent didn't match." Remind me whose child you are. :) No one else in this house seems to mind if they don't match.
I am cooking stuffed bell peppers, fried squash, and cooked green beans for dinner. Don't you just love the fresh veggies from the garden? And especially the ones at the beginning of the garden when they are fresh and well-watered. I can't wait to eat.
My kids went to spend the night with their cousins last night and came home talking about the great time they had. My son came home in a different shirt but was wearing the same pants he was wearing yesterday. Note that they were long pants, not shorts. His reason, "The other shorts you sent didn't match." Remind me whose child you are. :) No one else in this house seems to mind if they don't match.
I am cooking stuffed bell peppers, fried squash, and cooked green beans for dinner. Don't you just love the fresh veggies from the garden? And especially the ones at the beginning of the garden when they are fresh and well-watered. I can't wait to eat.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
My Arms Don't Want to Help
I have 2 more days of the vacation story, and I'll get to it eventually. But this week has been a week already and it's only Tuesday. I've been in a funk and can't seem to break out of it.
This morning, my hubby asked me to do something and without thinking, I replied, "I can't. My arms are broken." And we both laughed because we both KNOW I'll do it. I always try to do what I can to help people out; I just don't always do it with the right attitude. As soon as I said my cute, short retort, a story came to my mind of my son when he was 4 years old.
On Mr T's 4th birthday I took him for his 4 year check up. I figured it didn't matter if it was on his birthday because shots happen when they are 5 years old, and we wouldn't be celebrating his birthday until later that night. Boy was I wrong. The doctor did all her "examining" and then suggested that we go ahead and do the shots. I figured it was a good idea since I was sure he would bellow and scream more at age 5 than 4 years old. The shots were given, the screams were yelled, and we left with Mr T sobbing on my shoulder. We got home, and he immediately went to the sofa to watch tv while I got lunch. I figured I would treat him and let him eat in front of the tv since it was his birthday; aren't I great? I brought him his lunch and he said that I was going to have to feed him. I asked why and he replied that his arms didn't work. Then he said, "See?" Imagine my 4 year old sitting there with his arms at his side not moving, pretending in his mind to try to move them. "See?" he said. It was the most pitiful thing I had ever seen.
I am sure that my hubby thought I was just as pitiful this morning. And don't worry. Everyone I talked to on Mr T's birthday fussed at me for getting his shots on his birthday. I know it was a horrible thing to do.
This morning, my hubby asked me to do something and without thinking, I replied, "I can't. My arms are broken." And we both laughed because we both KNOW I'll do it. I always try to do what I can to help people out; I just don't always do it with the right attitude. As soon as I said my cute, short retort, a story came to my mind of my son when he was 4 years old.
On Mr T's 4th birthday I took him for his 4 year check up. I figured it didn't matter if it was on his birthday because shots happen when they are 5 years old, and we wouldn't be celebrating his birthday until later that night. Boy was I wrong. The doctor did all her "examining" and then suggested that we go ahead and do the shots. I figured it was a good idea since I was sure he would bellow and scream more at age 5 than 4 years old. The shots were given, the screams were yelled, and we left with Mr T sobbing on my shoulder. We got home, and he immediately went to the sofa to watch tv while I got lunch. I figured I would treat him and let him eat in front of the tv since it was his birthday; aren't I great? I brought him his lunch and he said that I was going to have to feed him. I asked why and he replied that his arms didn't work. Then he said, "See?" Imagine my 4 year old sitting there with his arms at his side not moving, pretending in his mind to try to move them. "See?" he said. It was the most pitiful thing I had ever seen.
I am sure that my hubby thought I was just as pitiful this morning. And don't worry. Everyone I talked to on Mr T's birthday fussed at me for getting his shots on his birthday. I know it was a horrible thing to do.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Pink Toenails
I really do have to go back to Day 1 of our vacation and comment more on our plane ride. We were so blessed to have 6 seats between the four of us. My hubby and Mr T were in one row with an extra seat, and Miss A and I were behind them with an extra seat also. As soon as we took off Mr T moved back to join Miss A so that my hubby could fall asleep. I got to read and the kids watched movies and read. It was perfect, except for the 2 obnoxious girls behind us. The easiest way to describe them might by "potty mouth." I think that about says it all. It makes me angry again just thinking about it. I wanted to turn around and say something to them but I figured that would just make it worse so I just buckled up and refused to listen.
About 30 minutes into the flight, one of the girls behind us decides to put her foot on Mr T's foot rest. Her big mistake was that she had taken off her shoes. So there beside Mr T was this foot with bright pink toenails. My kids just giggled and giggled. Mr T began to pretend that he was tickling them, smiling devilishly the whole time. I tried to be the good mom and said no while inside begging him to disobey. In retrospect, I should have just told him to go ahead and tickle them. That would have gotten their attention.
About 30 minutes into the flight, one of the girls behind us decides to put her foot on Mr T's foot rest. Her big mistake was that she had taken off her shoes. So there beside Mr T was this foot with bright pink toenails. My kids just giggled and giggled. Mr T began to pretend that he was tickling them, smiling devilishly the whole time. I tried to be the good mom and said no while inside begging him to disobey. In retrospect, I should have just told him to go ahead and tickle them. That would have gotten their attention.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Day 5: California Vacation
Day 5: We got up and ate a breakfast of fresh fruit and granola bar and then hit the door running. We went to see General Sherman, the biggest tree in the world. We headed out of the national park around lunchtime, planning to eat lunch after we got out of the park. We decided to follow the GPS----BIG MISTAKE!!! We ultimately found ourselves on a 40 mile stretch of curvy road with absolutely nothing to eat. Mr T ended up sick and the rest of us were starving. It was a blessed relief to see a McDonalds once we got back to civilization. I don't care to ever go on that road again. Ever. Have I made that clear?
We got back to my parents around 7; the kids went to bed, my dad was grilling out, and my mom and I ran to the grocery store. We got back and were so exhausted that we decided to put off Disney for a day and spend the next day just touring a national park that was close to my parents. It turned out to be a great choice. We saw one of the neatest thing I've ever seen.
We got back to my parents around 7; the kids went to bed, my dad was grilling out, and my mom and I ran to the grocery store. We got back and were so exhausted that we decided to put off Disney for a day and spend the next day just touring a national park that was close to my parents. It turned out to be a great choice. We saw one of the neatest thing I've ever seen.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Day 4: California Vacation
Day 4: We headed out to Sequoia National Park which is 5 hours away from my parents. It was a neat drive through the desert; there is absolutely nothing there but flat land, sand, and wind mills and solar panels that are used to generate power. Then all of a sudden we entered these huge fruit groves. We stopped at a roadside stand and picked up strawberries, blueberries, and some apples. We then began our trip up the mountain. Let me just say that I only thought I was prone to car sickness. Mr T, I now know is a car sickness child. He almost got sick on the way up and definitely got sick on the way down. I pray I never have to travel either of those roads ever again. Ever again. It was grueling.
We finally got to the park and saw the most amazing trees. They are huge, just like I knew they would be but I could never imagined just how huge they are. No words or photos could describe how majestic those trees really are. They don't even look real. I don't know how anyone can doubt there is a God when they something as spectular as those redwood trees. It was awe inspiring. We found ourselves walking amongst these trees and everyone was whispering, even my kids, and believe me when I say this is the ONLY time they whispered. It just felt like a holy place that deserved respect. We saw 4 deer and a black bear as we were hiking. We hiked up 400stairs to the top of a mountain and saw the most panamoramic view of the area.
We didn't want to drive back out of the park because of the fear that Mr T would be sick so we decided to get a room in the park. By this time, we were all tired and cold so we got into the room, got under the covers, turned the heat on, and ate our fruit. It was so cozy. Thank God for heat. I think everyone fell asleep right away, worn out from our hikes and the drive.
We finally got to the park and saw the most amazing trees. They are huge, just like I knew they would be but I could never imagined just how huge they are. No words or photos could describe how majestic those trees really are. They don't even look real. I don't know how anyone can doubt there is a God when they something as spectular as those redwood trees. It was awe inspiring. We found ourselves walking amongst these trees and everyone was whispering, even my kids, and believe me when I say this is the ONLY time they whispered. It just felt like a holy place that deserved respect. We saw 4 deer and a black bear as we were hiking. We hiked up 400stairs to the top of a mountain and saw the most panamoramic view of the area.
We didn't want to drive back out of the park because of the fear that Mr T would be sick so we decided to get a room in the park. By this time, we were all tired and cold so we got into the room, got under the covers, turned the heat on, and ate our fruit. It was so cozy. Thank God for heat. I think everyone fell asleep right away, worn out from our hikes and the drive.
Day 3: California Vacation
Day 3: We headed to Hollywood to spend the day. We got there in time to eat lunch at Pink's, a really neat street diner that serves hot dogs and hamburgers of every kind of variety. The last time I had a hot dog was in 4th grade and I still remember how sick it made me so I chose the chili cheese burger. It was awesome. Everybody who got the hot dogs said they were great too. I'll take their word for it.
We then headed to the street where all the Hollywood stars have their stars on the sidewalk. We went to Grauman's to see where alot of stars have put their foot prints and hand prints into the sidewalk. It was neat to see how our feet matched up.
We headed down Rodeo Drive and then made our way to the beach to watch the people surfing. Once again the weather was beautiful, sunny, breezy, and cool. It was a neat day to see some of the sights that you hear everyone talking about when they visit Hollywood. We didn't go to any studios or anything like that because most required the kids to be at least 12 years old. Oh well. Maybe another time.
When we got back to my parents' we went swimming. There is a heated pool which was great because it was in the 70s and cloudy. The guys swam with the kids while my mom and I worked on dinner. Then they would all go sit in the hot tub to warm up before coming in. The swimming wore my kids out. The kids would eat dinner and then fall into bed. It was great. I never took my camera to the pool so I don't think I have any pictures.
We then headed to the street where all the Hollywood stars have their stars on the sidewalk. We went to Grauman's to see where alot of stars have put their foot prints and hand prints into the sidewalk. It was neat to see how our feet matched up.
We headed down Rodeo Drive and then made our way to the beach to watch the people surfing. Once again the weather was beautiful, sunny, breezy, and cool. It was a neat day to see some of the sights that you hear everyone talking about when they visit Hollywood. We didn't go to any studios or anything like that because most required the kids to be at least 12 years old. Oh well. Maybe another time.
When we got back to my parents' we went swimming. There is a heated pool which was great because it was in the 70s and cloudy. The guys swam with the kids while my mom and I worked on dinner. Then they would all go sit in the hot tub to warm up before coming in. The swimming wore my kids out. The kids would eat dinner and then fall into bed. It was great. I never took my camera to the pool so I don't think I have any pictures.
Day 1 and 2 California Vacation
Day 1: We arrived in California around 10:00 at night and my parents met us there. It was so good to see them and to be finally there. We drove a couple of hours to their place and immediately went to sleep.
Day 2: We woke up and headed out to see where Papa works and see his really cool big airplane he's fixing.
We got to drive on Route 66, the road that Cars is all about. We got to see tons of airplanes, trains and lots of people countryside. We went through one town that is a really a ski town that I could just imagine spending a week in during the winter. The weather was really cold so it wasn't hard to imagine some good snow.
We found an ostrich farm and the Roy Rogers' farm. Lets just say the smell of the ostrich farm leaves me thankful I live closer to the city.
All in all, it was a great day to just get settled in and spend the day with my parents.
Day 2: We woke up and headed out to see where Papa works and see his really cool big airplane he's fixing.
We got to drive on Route 66, the road that Cars is all about. We got to see tons of airplanes, trains and lots of people countryside. We went through one town that is a really a ski town that I could just imagine spending a week in during the winter. The weather was really cold so it wasn't hard to imagine some good snow.
We found an ostrich farm and the Roy Rogers' farm. Lets just say the smell of the ostrich farm leaves me thankful I live closer to the city.
All in all, it was a great day to just get settled in and spend the day with my parents.
Once again, a quick update
Just a few little things on my mind.
1. Yesterday was my birthday and my favorite gift was a glow in the dark phone cover my mom gave me. I have a tendency to drop my phone so maybe this will prevent me from breaking another one. And the fact that it glows in the dark is just extra.
2. There is a sweet lady at church who gives my kids candy, and my kids give her hugs. She really is precious. Last night she told me that she keeps a picture of my family in her prayer journal and prays for us all by name every day. I think that's the first time anyone has told me they are praying for me and it warmed my heart. It gives me the strength to want to try again at some things I have been failing at miserably.
3. We got home from a week of vacation on Sat. morning, and I am going to try to journal about it here so you can all know what went on and I'll have a record of what went on. It really was a great week. I miss being there but am looking forward to what we have planned next.
1. Yesterday was my birthday and my favorite gift was a glow in the dark phone cover my mom gave me. I have a tendency to drop my phone so maybe this will prevent me from breaking another one. And the fact that it glows in the dark is just extra.
2. There is a sweet lady at church who gives my kids candy, and my kids give her hugs. She really is precious. Last night she told me that she keeps a picture of my family in her prayer journal and prays for us all by name every day. I think that's the first time anyone has told me they are praying for me and it warmed my heart. It gives me the strength to want to try again at some things I have been failing at miserably.
3. We got home from a week of vacation on Sat. morning, and I am going to try to journal about it here so you can all know what went on and I'll have a record of what went on. It really was a great week. I miss being there but am looking forward to what we have planned next.
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