Erin

Erin and I met at the beginning of high school. I had just moved to Lancaster and we went to the same school and church. I honestly don't remember the actual time or place that we met, but our lives were very much entwined. There's a lot of history here. Other than family, Erin has known me longer than anyone and we have shared a whole lot of life-even if it's been by long distance. Erin and David (David also is from Lancaster) married not long after Cary and I did. They have two beautiful daughters, two sons-in-law, and twin grandboys! Erin and David live in Montana now, and until last week, we had not seen each other since they moved from Lancaster. When we last saw each other, Britney was 1 and Joshua was 7 months. They came to Florida for a sunny vacation and some time away from the cold! We were able to be together from Thursday evening until Friday night and the time was precious, but oh, too short! Being able to share life, over many years, just leaves you with some deep roots. She knows my heart, and I know hers. We have both lost our parents and then been parents. We have secrets. Shared hurts and pain, laughter and deep faith. There's nothing we won't talk about, and yet so much that doesn't even have to be said. It is amazing to think about staying in touch for almost 40 years and feeling so close after miles and years of separation. I am sure that Erin is one of God's greatest gifts! I'm so thankful for the little window of time that we had together last week!

Mother's Day 2010

You just can't have Mother's Day without thinking about your mother! My own mother has been gone for four years now. My day started off with having my own children sitting next to me in church. I'm not sure I can explain it with words, but when I am surrounded by my children, and especially in church, all is well. No matter what is going on around me, no matter what is going on in my life, everything is still and quiet, I am at peace. It is the most calming feeling I know. Of course, children without a Mr. Wonderful wouldn't be at all the same, but someone had to take the picture! There is no better gift. THAT is the best.


As I sat there with my own children, I couldn't help but think about mom's last time in church. It was Christmas Eve, and she had all of her children together for the day, then three out of the five of us were with her at the Christmas Eve service. She was gone from this world just three weeks later, and I know she knew that her time was near, even that night. What were her thoughts? Did she find comfort and complete peace just having us with her that night? We missed the photo of us together, but it's in my head! When I was in Arizona in January of 2009, there were four of the five of us together at my brother's church. That was a pretty meaningful thing too, because my oldest sister was able to be there, even tho her health has not been good for a while now.
I realize that church is not the normal place for family portraits, but I am sure that these photos are my favorites. These things seem like small things, but when kids grow up and have their own lives, and when siblings are strung all over the United States, it doesn't always happen so easily! I'm very thankful for a mother that taught me the importance of worship with a body of believers, and also thankful for being surrounded by family today! We all went to lunch at Carrabba's (including the adopted child, Steve) and then came home to open presents. It has been a wonderful day! God has blessed me SO much and I am VERY thankful! Years ago, mom gave me a little plaque that says "The BEST things in life aren't things at all". That pretty much sums up how I feel today!

Just Enjoy the Memories

To read the first part of this story, you can go to Jan. 17, 2008. You can see a picture of my mother's mixing bowl that brought back a whole lot of memories for me. It was glass, and I knew there would come a day when an accident happened...and last night it did. I had wondered how I would handle the incident...are THINGS really as unimportant to me as I think they are? Would I be mad, or cry? What would be going on inside, no matter what was displayed on the outside? I heard the crash and looked toward the kitchen and said "it's OK," knowing what it probably was. Kaylee said "it was Granny's". She started picking up the pieces and putting them in the trash while I got the broom and started sweeping. I really was ok, and even in that moment I thought about a lot of memories and even memories that have been mine in just the last couple of years of using the bowl. The bowl was gone, but the memories were all there, and THAT really was what mattered. I knew Kaylee felt bad, and I even wondered if I will leave anything behind to remind my kids of such simple, but happy memories. Over the years I have seen several things done with broken glass, and I saved some things of mom's that we shipped here that got broken in the process. So, after the floor was swept, I went to the trash and started digging out the broken pieces and put them in a box. I was grinning when Kaylee walked by and witnessed my response. Call me crazy. Sentimental. I don't really know what I am, but I wasn't quite ready to accept the complete absence of the bowl that I remember from childhood. And yes, I kept ALL the pieces, there's enough for everyone to have some, if they want them! Maybe I can have necklaces made for my sisters and daughters! Maybe the bowl only means something to me, I don't know! For now, the pieces are still with me!

I have to laugh here and wonder just WHO is reading this! The other day, I discovered that I have 5 followers to my blog. I was shocked. I thought I only had two, and those two aren't even listed as part of the 5! Funny thing is, when I looked them up, I only know 1 of the 5 followers. Can't imagine what I have to say that would cause 4 strangers to follow my blog! This blog may just be the one that causes them to think twice about my mental state! And if not, I hope they enjoy the family story about the green ivy mixing bowl! I'll be sure to let you know what I do with the pieces!

Graduation Nears

We are just a month out from Kaylee's graduation! That means we are full force into the "lasts". Saturday was her last prom, and our last as well! I will try to add some more photos in a couple of days. I'm waiting to get some that are better than mine!

Talented Tucker

Donna also got Tucker doing his tricks on video. He's SO smart...and cute!

Johnny Rockets

Since Carissa started working at Johnny Rockets, we have tried to find the song in the juke box that makes them dance. While Ron and Donna were here, we finally did it...with a little help from one of her friends! She figured out that she had been ganged up on, and decided that she'd make Kaylee dance with her, even tho Kaylee didn't know the dance. Donna was quick enough to get it on video!