Memory Moments

My Family Rules

2010-10-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

I recently jumped on the bandwagon and made my own "Family Rules" canvas for our house. I was pleased with the way it turned out. I got to use my new (used) Cricut to help me out with the lettering (thanks, Maria). It took me longer than I thought it would, but it was worth it.

I wanted to make our "rules" ones that were things To Do and not a list of no-nos. Several of them were "borrowed" from other bloggers that have posted their own creations. However, I came up with a few of my own too. My favorites are "Be your siblings' biggest fan" and "Remember Whose you are".

My kids are already referring to "rule # 3" or "mom's rule #8". That was my goal...just to be aware of what we should already be doing. I think it was a success, despite a few wrinkles caused by the glue. :)

Run...Evan!!!

2010-10-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

This year, Evan decided to try something new. Cross country!!! I have been very impressed with his strength and stamina. Holy cow, I would keel over after a block to two...not to mention 3.1 miles!

Nate's Date

2010-10-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, Nate is a freshman this year, and I CANNOT believe it. It's amazing how time flies. It doesn't seem possible that he is old enough for all the high school activities.

Following are some pictures from his first high school Homecoming dance. He invited Kiera to go with him, and they made a very cute couple.

I Know...It's the Wrong Time of the Year For This

2010-08-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

I was looking over some of the blogs I follow, and I was inspired by Karen. At the beginning of the summer, she made a list of 20 things she wanted to do over her summer break (she is a teacher). It made me think of a couple of things I would like to do. I know it's not the right time of the year for resolutions, so I won't call it that. However, I supposed getting back into the school routine and work routine is as good an excuse as any...right?

So here is my list of things I would like to do before the end of the year.

1. Hug and kiss my kids EVERY day. (I'm sure they will appreciate this, since they think I do it too often as it is. They will just have to deal with it.)

2. Take more "everyday" pictures. I am pretty good at taking pictures at events, but I want to remember the everyday things too.

3. Drink more water.

4. Call my dad once a week. I usually talk to him more than that, but it's not usually me that does the dialing (much to my shame).

5. Learn to make no-bake cookies that we don't have to eat with a spoon.

6. Visit a new thrift store every month.

7. Play more games.

8. Make curtains for my living room.

9. Finish watching the series "Christy" on DVD.

10. Put up more pictures of my kids - they are just too cute not too.

Berry Pickin'

2010-07-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where I've been for the last 2 years...but I have never realized that there are wild blackberry bushes that line the property of our church building! I wonder if these have been going to waste for the last couple of years?

Well, once I discovered it (thanks to my kids), I went a picked some! Truli wasn't too happy about me taking her picture while she was picking, and I'm not even sure that Evan knew I ever took his picture, but I was having fun!

It was about 90 degrees at 9 a.m. when we were picking, and there were wasps trying to attack Evan, but we succeeded. Below is our reward! Mmm...

Great Grandma Mathis' Harvest Cake

2010-07-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

When I recently found a box of my great grandmother's recipes, I was excited to start trying them out. To start out with, I made her Harvest Cake with Harvest Icing. It is a pretty heavy cake that isn't too sweet (it sort of reminds me of pancakes). It goes great with a cup of coffee. I had fun making the cake from my Grandma Mathis' handwritten recipe card. (I was very thankful for my Sunbeam mixer too. The icing took about 20 minutes to make. It saved my arm.)

And here is the finished product!

Good Neighbors

2010-07-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

I have wished several times this summer that I would have had a garden. I didn't ask our landlord, but was pretty sure they didn't want me tilling up their yard. However, I am getting to eat some great fresh garden vegetables (Thanks to my neighbor and friend, Bob!) Here is some of the fruit of his labor...

I Did a Little Diggin'

2010-07-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

I decided a few days ago that I was going to redecorate my little kitchen. I was so excited. Then it dawned on me that I really couldn't make many changes to the actual kitchen. You see, we rent, and I can't paint, change the cabinets, etc. I was going to have to settle for scrounging up some new "things" to make my kitchen look different.

I decided on a 50s theme, and asked the question (via Facebook status) what colors I should use. I got all kinds of suggestions. Most of them I loved (with the exception of the chicken wallpaper). I decided that red was a must. I wanted another color too, but I couldn't decide. I started browsing around on the internet, and then it hit me! I have some of my great-grandma's things in a box stored in my garage. I started digging through my stash, and I visited a local thrift store. I decided to share what I have come up with so far.

I was so excited to finally find my Great Grandma Mathis' recipe box (AND IT'S EVEN RED)! I have had it for years, and even used it for a while when I first got married. Somewhere along the way, the "Aunt Jemima" had fallen off and it found it's way into a storage box. A little craft glue and VOILA! Good as new.

This is one of my favorite finds. This old fan (which still works) now sits on top of my frig. It was my Pepa's garage fan. When I was just a little girl, I remember him warning me to stay away from it because it would "chop them fingers plumb off". I think of him and smile every time I see it.

Now these were a deal! I saw them at our local thrift store. It's an awful little place that I usually hate going to. Not because I don't like second hand stuff. I really do. I'm a garage sale junkie. I hate it because the people there are really "proud of their stuff", as my husband would say. They are WAY overpriced. When I asked how much these were, the lady said, "Well...gen'rally those cannister things are about $15. Let me ask Wanda." I waited patiently as she consulted Wanda (whom I never did see...I wonder if she was really asking anybody). When she came back, she was still undecided on a price, so I started pointing out every little scratch and ding on them. I walked away with them for $2.50. A little bleach and they are as good as new!

Now this....this was a total accident! Remember that box of my great grandmother's things? I happened upon some old recipes. I don't have a clue why I had put them in a box instead of using them. This was folded neatly on the bottom of the stack. I loved it. I spray painted a frame I already had, and here it is! Definitely one of my favorite pieces so far.

This isn't actually in my kitchen yet, but I think I'm going to order this fabric to do my curtain. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it.

I'm excited about my new project. I'll try to keep you posted as new pieces are added.

Worth Waiting 20 Years For!

2010-07-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

In May, Greg and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. I can't believe how the years have flown by. About a year ago, we decided that we were going to celebrate this anniversary...and celebrate it RIGHT! We decided on a cruise!

So, we left our kids under grandparent supervision and on April 24, 2010 we sailed out of Mobile, AL on the Carnival Fantasy. It was fabulous!

The first evening was a little "rocky" (Literally...the boat was rocking from a strong storm that moved through that day). I was a little sick because of the motion...I was so disappointed because I was sure that I was going to be seasick the entire trip. However, the next morning I was fine again.

Us...

This was my view of the ocean from the beach in Progreso, Mexico. We enjoyed a great Mexican buffet, and a private beach at a beautiful resort.

When we arrived in Progreso, we rented a dune buggy and rode out to the Xcambo Mayan Ruins. It was a really cool place to explore.

This is our boat docked in Cozumel!

This was taken at a beach resort in Cozumel where we enjoyed snorkeling, lying around in the hammocks, watching the dolphins play, and taking pictures. It was a beautiful day.

Another gorgeous view of the beach in Cozumel.

This was taken at one of our favorite places on the ship. It was called the Serenity Deck...there were no kids allowed - just hot tubs, cool drinks, and soft music!

The bluest water I've ever seen...

We had a fantastic time. It was definitely worth waiting 20 years for.

Time Flies!

2010-07-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been over a year since I have posted. I really have no excuse...laziness I guess. I'll try to do better (if anybody cares). When I have time, I'll sit down and catch up a bit. :)

Love My Kids!

2009-06-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

I gotta tell you, I have the greatest kids! I know everybody thinks that, but I really do!!! Aside from the occasional argument, they really get along pretty good and have a lot of fun together. They still humor me too (even Evan who is almost 17), as you can see by these pictures!

Congratulations Evan!

2009-04-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Evan will be honored at a banquet on Friday, April 24, 2009 for being the winning designer for the Marshfield City Flag contest. His design was chosen from several entries and will become the official city flag at the Cherry Blossom Festival. We are looking forward to seeing the "real" flag when it is presented at the banquet. Of course, there will be more photos to follow. If you get the chance, congratulate Evan...he deserves it!

On the Road... Again

2009-02-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well, my oldest son is now a licensed driver. I knew this day was coming. As a matter of fact, I looked forward to this day. I am tired of being the official driver of every football practice, weight lifting session, church youth group event, run to the store, track practice, etc. The thing that I wasn't ready for was the fear and worry that go along with watching him back out of the driveway. I know...he took driver's ed, he logged his required hours of driving with a licensed driver, he practiced parallel parking (although I don't know why because I have never had to parallel park in my life - I just drive around until another space opens up!), he wears his seat belt, he has been given all the speeches that parents give their kids when they start driving, he passed the driver's test...HE'S READY!!! However, none of that makes any difference to the sick feeling of worry that I have. My head knows he's ready to drive away...my stomach is tied in knots until he returns.

You know what? He's not the only one on the road. I'm on the road too....albeit a different road. I am on the road to learning to let go a little bit more. I'm glad God gives us baby steps to take in learning to let go of our kids and let them grow up. Otherwise, I'd be a real mess. Someday (sooner that I want to think about) he'll be ready for me to let go for good-to let him be completely in charge of his own life. I am praying already that I will be ready when that day comes.

Friend Making Monday

2009-02-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

Head on over to Kasey's blog and join in on the fun! This week's task is to answer the following questions......

1) My favorite book is: I always love what I'm reading at the moment. One of my favorites is The Shofar Blew

2) I drive a: Blazer

3) My favorite type of food to eat is: Anything with sugar in it.

4) My favorite dessert is: Ben & Jerry's

5) My favorite movie is: I have 2 that usually tie for first: The Wizard of Oz & Steel Magnolias

6) When I go to Starbucks I get a: Caramel Macchiato (sp?)

7) My favorite vegetable is: Corn on the cob

8) My favorite thing to wear is: something comfy - usually jeans

9) My favorite color is: brown. I know, it's weird.

10) I decorate my house in this style: Mostly I just try to make it look like we aren't Sanford and Son

11) Right now I am reading: Opal by Lauraine Snelling

12) If I could vacation anywhere I would go to: Southern China (love it) or the Redwood Forest (never been there)

Mom

2009-01-29T17:05:00.000-08:00

I miss my mom.

There, I said it. I miss her, I miss her, I miss her. I don't miss her because we live in different towns, or because I don't get to see her very often. I miss her because she has Alzheimer's.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy seeing her and visiting with her, and I am so glad that she is still around. But it's not the same. I wish that I could sit here and write about all the emotions that I feel when I think about her and her disease. I might be able to someday, but right now I don't even understand it enough to put it into words. All I can say is that I miss hearing her speak in complete sentences. I miss hearing her real laugh. I miss being able to ask her advice or ask her for a recipe. I miss seeing her face light up when I tell something funny about my kids. I miss her being able to understand and follow a conversation. I miss talking to her on the phone. I hate it when I see confusion on her face. I hate the impatience and anger she displays sometimes (that was never my mom's way). I hate feeling like I'm treating her like a child when I know she deserves much more. I hate watching my dad try to take care of her, although I'm very thankful that he is so willing and able to do it.

I love my mom and am so thankful for her love and care over the years. I will do whatever I can for her for as long as I can. I just wish I didn't have to miss her while she is still here.

Things I Want to Remember...

2009-01-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

There are certain little things that you just never want to forget. Here's my list:

I never want to forget:

-how a freshly fallen snowflake looks when it lands on my daughter's dark hair.
-the feel of a steaming cup of coffee on a freezing cold morning.
-the feeling of a newborn baby's skin (it's so soft you can't hardly feel it - Thanks for reminding me Reese!)
-the look on Greg's face when he's trying not to smile.
-the sound of my sweet mom's voice speaking a whole sentence.
-how lucky I am to have a "whole" family and a husband who loves me.
-how it feels to sing my heart out!
-how goofy I act when I'm hanging out with my sister.
-how I felt the first time I held my babies.
-how red a leaf can get in the fall.
-the sound of Nate when he is really laughing.
-how Evan will still hug me in public even though he is 16!
-how I feel when Greg grabs my hand when I don't expect it.
-the way Truli snuggles up to me when she's watching tv.
-the way the kids smile when we play "Dollar Question".
-what it feels like when you laugh so hard your eyes water.
-the sound of really good harmony.
-how talented my kids are.
-the way my Pepa would laugh out loud when we teased him.
-the first time Greg and I sang together.

Christmas Angels

2008-12-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas program at church was great. It was fun watching the kids portray the wonderful story of our Savior's birth. They all did a great job, and I got a lot of good pictures. However, my favorite shots were of the precious little angels. Here are a couple of my favorites. Here is sweet little Callie and cute little Silas! They really look the part, don't they?

My Cutie Pie Niece

2008-12-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed that I got to take these pictures of my cute niece, Eden! In the five years of her young life, this is the first time she has ever smiled at me when I had a camera in my hand (and believe me, I have a camera in my hand a lot)! I'm sure she didn't realize what she was doing! :)
If you know my mother-in-law, please don't be confused...this is Eden, not Roberta. I'm telling you, they look exactly alike! Eden had fun "posing" with the umbrella and showing off for Aunt Lori!

Truli's Insights

2008-11-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

Truli recently received an assignment in her language arts class. Her instructions were: Write a poem. Use words or phrases that talk about your five senses. Here is what she came up with, complete with the artwork she did to go along with it.

I realize that I am her mother and will always be prejudiced, but I think she did a great job. I was almost teary eyed when I read it the first time. It made me realize how she views God. She knows he will comfort her and take care of her (pat her on the head). She knows that God will hear her when she speaks even if it is only in a whisper. Such insight for a little girl. I don't think I will ever look up at the night sky and not think of her poem. Thank you Truli.

Memory Moments

2008-11-11T07:58:00.001-08:00

You know, I've never really considered myself a writer or a blogger. I usually leave that to my husband. However, I have recently decided that there are so many moments in my life that I never want to forget. Some are fabulous and exciting. Some are everyday and quiet. Some make me laugh, cry, contemplate, or even wish they wouldn't have happened. I think there is something to be learned or enjoyed in almost every moment of our lives. My goal is to try to share some of those moments with others.