How Lucky I am …
In Memory of Grandma Doris
As I sit here quietly for the first time in awhile I begin to reflect on my Grandma Doris and the multitudes of ways she impacted my life. Part of me doesn’t want to think about life without you in it, but I realize that you will always be a part of my life story and many others. Even though it’s not easy there’s a time to say goodbye….I’ve never been good at goodbyes….
I learned many lessons from Grandma over the years. You gave me the extra confidence to do or be anything I set my mind on. Grandma Doris was truly a one-of-a-kind person. She was unique and loved you in her own way.
Growing up whenever they could Grandpa Verlyn and Grandma Doris would take the time out of their busy schedules to come to see me and the other grand-kids participate in whatever sports, concerts, competitions, or activities we were involved in. I cannot tell you how much this meant to me, just knowing that they cared enough to be there for me and be a part of my life and activities spoke volumes in my life. They have a lot of family members and many spread out over multiple areas so I know it wasn’t always easy or convenient to make it to these events. I never doubted their love (why else would they sit on those hard bleachers to watch us over the years). You knew when Grandma Doris was there….her voice had a way of piercing through all the noise in the crowd and hitting straight into your heart. She would be your loudest and proudest cheerleader in the crowd no matter how good (or bad) you were. It was one of Grandma’s many ways of supporting and encouraging you to be your best.
As a kid we would spend our Christmas Eve’s at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. There was always an amazing spread of food, fun activities, games, gifts and fun. The house was full of many family and friends on any given Holiday. As kids we would often play in the basement while the parents would play games upstairs. One of our favorite games was Ghost in the Darkness…can’t remember who came up with it, but it was fun! If we got too loud or rough we would hear Grandma Doris’ shrill voice and her footsteps on the stairs, it was pretty amazing how quickly all kids were instantly on their best behavior as soon as we heard Grandma coming. I have no idea why Grandma and Grandma went through so many deep freezers when we were kids, but it may have had something to do with the grand-kids using the top of the deep freezer as our safety zone in a variety of games we played while at their house. Oops!
Grandma preferred comfort over elegance in her day to day life but enjoyed getting fancy for special events involving family and friends. Grandma knew how to have a good time.
It was okay with Grandma if her house wasn’t perfect as long as everyone felt welcomed. Anyone was invited to come join the fun adventures at her house whether they we family, friends, or even strangers. If you needed a place to crash for the night, no problem, there’s always room for one more. The more the merrier at Grandma’s.
Grandma wasn’t big on making fancy meals, but could make the best Mayonnaise Cake with Chunky peanut butter frosting. Delicious! When it came to cooking, the quicker the better, as far as Grandma was concerned.
My family lived in Grandpa and Grandma’s basement for several years while my parents were building their house. It was an adventure in itself, but gave me additional opportunities to spend with Grandma which is something I didn’t truly treasure until later in life.
Grandma was a bargain hunting, coke and beanie baby collecting lady. I have often wondered over the years how many McDonald’s or other kids meals she and Grandpa have eaten in her quest to collect the special beanie babies or other cool toys!
Life is precious, life is short. May this be a time to reflect on the special memories, love, and fun times with Grandma Doris. She has made an impact on the hearts and lives of those around her. You were always gracious, giving, and had a strong personality Grandma.
I will always remember Grandma’s smile and cackle that came along with the twinkle in her eyes when she was having fun. Her spunky personality, loyalty to those she loved, spirit of adventure, gift of hospitality, and so much more.
Whenever I see a chicken, I can’t help but think of you, if I ever have a house with a big enough closet I plan to leave my Christmas tree up year round (just in the closet covered with a sheet most of the year – think how much time it would save around the Holidays decorating and un-decorating….genius Grandma!) You always amazed me how you could walk barefoot on the gravel roads, through sticker patches, and more. We always knew when you were walking through the front door with your friendly “YooHoo! Anyone home!” Many times stopping by to say “Hi” or drop off a batch of fresh eggs, garden tomatoes or other items. Disposable cameras, toasty warm home with a crackling fire in the winter, digging out slivers, and even Vicks vapor rub remind me of you.
Thank you Grandma for loving us and leaving your imprint in our hearts and lives over the years. I love you Grandma. May you rest in peace today January 15, 2017 and forever.
The Best Time to Celebrate …
Start Each Day …
Be Thankful For What You …
Relationships: Traits of a Good Friend
- A friend is a person you can trust,
- Who won’t turn away from you;
- A friend will be there
- When you really need someone,
- And will come to you when they need help.
- A friend will listen to you even
- When they don’t understand
- Or agree with your feelings;
- A friend will never try to change you,
- But appreciates you for who you are.
- A friend doesn’t expect too much
- Or give too little;
- A friend is someone you can share
- Dreams, hopes, and feelings with.
- A friend is a person you can think of
- And suddenly smile;
- A friend doesn’t have to be told
- That they are special,
- Because you both feel that way
- A friend will accept your attitudes,
- Ideas, and emotions
- Even when their own are different,
- And will hold your hand when you’re scared
- A friend will be honest with you
- Even when it might hurt, and will forgive you
- For the mistakes you make.
- A friend can never disappoint you,
- And will support you and share in your glory.
- A friend shares responsibility
- When you have doubts.
- A friend always remembers
- The little things you’ve done,
- The times you’ve shared, and the talks you’ve had.
- A friend will bend over backwards
- To help you pick up the pieces
- When your world falls apart.
- A friend is one of life’s most beautiful gifts.
– Luann Auciello
Wow, some powerful words and wonderful reminders of the characteristic traits to look for in a friend as well as how we can be to be a real friend to others. We will never be perfect all or even most of the time, but if we have a supportive friends we an still enjoy the journey through life.
Sometimes You Will Never Know …
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a busy week, but we had a lot of fun. The girls came into work with me first thing in the morning for a little bit. They helped unlock the doors, turn on lights, and get set up for the day before spending time working on their summer workbooks for some time before I took them into camp. They did a Music & Technology camp in the morning and a Rube Goldberg creative experiments in the afternoon. It was super neat seeing what cool creations they developed over the course of the week.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.
Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday –Thankful for an opportunity to spend some time chatting with the girls on the way to work and their help getting everything set up for the day.
Tuesday – Thankful to have an chance to see and hear all the neat things the girls are learning and creating in their week at Summer Camp.
Wednesday – Thankful for a dentist near home, that gets me in for an early appointment, and that I didn’t have any cavities or items that need to be done! Yay!
Thursday – Thankful for the girls curious and inquisitive minds. They are not afraid to ask questions so they can learn more from people in various areas.
Friday – Thankful for some quiet one-on-one time with Jake. It was nice to relax, catch up, chat, and spend some time together. Grateful for his thoughts and for being a sounding board regarding my crazy ideas. He brings peace, calm, and great insight to areas that am I trying to figure out.
Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to spend time my family! We got a lot of accomplished, but also had fun together!
Sunday – Thankful for the freedom to attend church, learn, and grow. Grateful for a refreshing and much needed moments with my family.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.
Brina & Karlie’s 5th Grade Graduation Party & Celebration!
Brina and Karlie with Mrs. Johnson at their Graduation Celebration Party! Mrs. Johnson was Karlie’s homeroom teacher in 2nd Grade, taught Karlie in Gift & Talented Program from 3rd grade up, and was both girls STEM Club Coach for 2 years. Excellent teacher!!!
Such a sweet Daddy spent a lot of time helping get ready for this big day including helping cut starfish, decorate, blow up balloons, and so much more. Thankful to have a partner that pitches in and takes the time to celebrate with the kids!
Luau theme at the Grad Party! The kids had a blast!
Karlie with her homeroom teacher Mr. Moore and her friend David! Mr. Moore was an awesome teacher!
Brina hanging out with her friend at the party!
Sweet Sisters! Thankful for these two girls!Relationships: Friendships & Crossroads
The beautiful flower is the one that Brina gave me on Mother’s Day!
I have been thinking a lot lately about relationships and friendships. Part of the reason this has been on my mind a lot is that our girls are going through the process of learning what it means to be a real friend and characteristics of friends. They are slowly, and sometimes painfully, at least from a Moms standpoint, learning the value and qualities portrayed in a true friend.
As they wrap up their final year in elementary school and prepare to move up to Middle School they are realizing that many of the people they know now are going different directions. They are are starting to understand that the friends they have known since Kindergarten are not going to the same schools. Yes, they will see a few people they know next year, but many of the classmates, teachers, and faculty are going to new. A new school, new location, and in some ways a fresh start to the next phase in their life. Kids from their school are going in various different directions some due to location and others family decisions.
I was thinking about friendships and how our lives continually crisscross paths with individuals who become our friends. Sometimes for whatever reason or due to circumstances our paths have to go separate ways, but that doesn’t mean your friendship is lost or that you’ll never see them again. Other times for various reasons it is best to go separate ways. As I was thinking about the conversations I have been having with my kids and ideas of how to encourage them through this transition I came across this little saying by Donna Yea that describes this part of the friendship journey well:
Life is like a journey. We may be walking along a path with friends and then come upon a crossroad where we each must choose the road that is right for each of us individually. At times we may find ourselves walking a path alone, but somewhere along the road we find new friends to walk with, friends to love, friends to grow with, friends to share with. The path of life has many crossroads, and at each one it’s difficult to say good-bye and go our own separate ways, choosing the direction that is right for each of us. But the memory of a friend will always remain, and there is always the chance that our paths will cross again. – Donna Yee
Thankful for writers that can put words down in such a way that they can encourage my heart and let me know that this is normal. Is it easy to go through this stage and process with your kids, no, but it is necessary. Our support as parents and families is essential as our kids learn to grow and adapt to the changes they encounter while they are under our roof. How we handle or don’t handle these little crossroads will make a big impact on our kids. Let’s make this a positive experience for them. One of the hardest times in my life was transitioning to a new High School, but I met some of the most amazing people and friends during those last couple of years that I may have never met had I not been required to switch schools. God is good and will provide those people at the right times and in the right moments.
