January 30, 2013
Today is Dana's birthday.
When Andy and I got married, there was a wedding right after ours that had the song, "Sunrise, Sunset" as part of the ceremony. I'm sure it was included for the parents, as a reminder of how fast their daughter had gone from infant to bride. It was poignant, to say the least.
Oh, man... the lyrics say, "one season following another, laden with happiness and tears" - or something like that. Little did I know later as a young mom with two little girls how that song would mean so much to me now.
Dana. Christian woman. Teacher. Sister. Friend. Traveler. Independent thinker. Daughter. And so much more.
Erin. Christian woman. Wife. Mother. Friend. Sister. Daughter. Giver. The list goes on.
When your daughters are grown, there's a whole new wonderful side of them that you could not forsee when they were little; when they were grumpy, or stubborn, or timid, or worried. You just hoped that each day, you'd make the right choices and tell them all the right things. You just didn't want to "mess them up." Somedays, you sure wished you had a crystal ball, so see how the story was going to play out, but then the surprises wouldn't be so amazing, and the outcomes so fulfilling. I'm sure there are things I would do differently if I could, but since that isn't the case, I'll just give myself some grace that the good way outdid the bad. That's all you can do when your daughters are grown.
Anyone who knows my girls knows that they are beyond exceeding any expectations I could have had, and that is giving all the glory to God; for He is theirs, and they are His.
So, on this reflective day of Dana's birth, I'll just relive some fun "Mom memories", and look forward to the years to come. Because when your daughters are grown, it's what you do.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Maurine Perkins loved my hands. Every single time I saw her, she'd hold them in her own, stroke them from top to bottom, and tell me how pretty they were. Didn't matter if the nails were manicured - or even filed or painted for that matter, she told me how soft and lovely my hands were. I thought about that a lot recently, as I had my very first manicure. The manicurist was a long-time employee, so I'm sure she'd held a lot of hands, but she made no comment about how extraordinary MY hands were, as Maurine always did. Maurine died yesterday, at 93. The last time I saw her was too long ago, when a friend and I visited her at the nursing home where she'd moved. She was still Maurine, although a little "less" her... if you get it. And since I'm not the best at visiting nursing homes, that's the last memory I have of her. Sad....
Maurine never made excuses for her hard life; one of an alcoholic husband, 5 children, and great faith. In my early years, I remember stories about her husband - how he was known as the "town drunk", and how Maurine stood by him and raised their children. She could tell you stories that would make most of us wives run for the hills, but she didn't. She stayed. His own funeral was full of folks he'd helped in his later years, as I'm sure her's will be. It spoke of learning from your demons, of making peace in all situations, and of taking where you'd been and helping others with that knowledge. It was quite a testimony of commitment in life.
And that's what I take from Maurine. Her innate faith in God and His Word; His Church as a support in life's hardest times, and the knowledge that He will take us to Him after we draw our last breath. Because of Maurine and many like her, when things get rough in my life, or I question God's will, I can stand firm. I will not run, I will not falter, I will not quit.
Rest in peace, my dear sister, Maurine.
Maurine never made excuses for her hard life; one of an alcoholic husband, 5 children, and great faith. In my early years, I remember stories about her husband - how he was known as the "town drunk", and how Maurine stood by him and raised their children. She could tell you stories that would make most of us wives run for the hills, but she didn't. She stayed. His own funeral was full of folks he'd helped in his later years, as I'm sure her's will be. It spoke of learning from your demons, of making peace in all situations, and of taking where you'd been and helping others with that knowledge. It was quite a testimony of commitment in life.
And that's what I take from Maurine. Her innate faith in God and His Word; His Church as a support in life's hardest times, and the knowledge that He will take us to Him after we draw our last breath. Because of Maurine and many like her, when things get rough in my life, or I question God's will, I can stand firm. I will not run, I will not falter, I will not quit.
Rest in peace, my dear sister, Maurine.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Saying "Goodby" to Christmas
So, today I packed up Christmas. Been meaning to, just haven't. For me, putting Christmas away is sweeter than putting it all out to begin with. Usually, you are in a rush; people are coming over, or family is coming in, or - well, you know. In years past, the girls hovered over my shoulder wanting to help (which I LOVED, in case you doubted!), and so the dishing out of "stuff" takes on more of a hurried feel.
But putting Christmas away is more settled, for me anyway. Today, the house is quiet, and I'm alone. It's my birthday, so I'm feeling introspective anyway, and the handling and wrapping of each item is both sad and memorable.
I decided to write this post as I was wrapping up a Jim Shore snowman that Erin's mother in law gave me several Christmases ago. They are wonderful, and over the years, I have recieved several. For some reason, I thought - "someday, these will all be Erin's, and she'll have a really nice collection!" While that is a lovely, warm feeling, I really hope it isn't too soon!! :)
So, in an effort to keep this from rambling too much, I'll just relate some of the thoughts that crossed my mind today -
Mom's ceramic carolers - she loved working with her hands, and since I've always loved singing, they are tops on my list! Each one delicately done, with mouths wide open in joyous singing...
The "Yule Log" candle holder - one of my favorites; I think Erin's already claimed that one for later. Each year, I enjoy the intricate work on the berries and holly leaves. It was one of my best "finds" ever!
Dana's aluminum Christmas Bell - done in 4th grade when she had Pauline Williams for her teacher. Back when days could be spent on fun things like gifts for parents instead of preparing for the next Benchmark test. It sits in the same frame she brought it home in. Sweet memories.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa and Frosty are not in their place this year; they've gone to live at the Johnsons. I painted them years ago, and haven't taken them out of the cabinet for a few years, so I offered them to the girls. Dana's in Cairo, and Erin has 3 children, so there's one for each of them. A nice symetry, and a future memory of something Nana once did for them to enjoy.
My aunt Joyce and uncle Curtis always shopped at the Dollar Store. One year, they gave us a little plastic red and green train that spells out "Merry Christmas". I used to take it to school for my desk, because the kids loved it. I love it, too.
I have an old, fragile string of beads that Mama had on her tree. It finds a different place each year; this year, it was on a shelf with some family pictures; kind of a heritage thing, I guess.
Jackie's quilt; just received last Christmas. Lots of love and hours of work in that - the warmth of the fabric is nothing compared to the warmth of the idea that she made it for me.
Andy and I have our stockings that my mother in law, Anne made. She knitted each and every family member their own, with Bladen receiving the last one two years ago, before she was no longer able to do them. (Andy's being the first, he'll tell you that each one got bigger and bigger... to his chagrin!)
And lastly, our Christmas tree skirt. I see in my mind's eye Andy sitting on the floor our first Christmas together, latch-hooking to his heart's content. It has stains from when Smudge, our late son-cat, used it for a litter box, and Latch-hook went out of style decades ago, but it is ours. The girls' first - and every- Santa gift sat on that skirt, and will for the rest of my life.
While I could go on, I won't. You get the idea - So, Christmas is over and put away for another year. Lord willing, we'll drag it all out in November 2013, and enjoy another season together. Who knows what that will be!!
So, today I packed up Christmas. Been meaning to, just haven't. For me, putting Christmas away is sweeter than putting it all out to begin with. Usually, you are in a rush; people are coming over, or family is coming in, or - well, you know. In years past, the girls hovered over my shoulder wanting to help (which I LOVED, in case you doubted!), and so the dishing out of "stuff" takes on more of a hurried feel.
But putting Christmas away is more settled, for me anyway. Today, the house is quiet, and I'm alone. It's my birthday, so I'm feeling introspective anyway, and the handling and wrapping of each item is both sad and memorable.
I decided to write this post as I was wrapping up a Jim Shore snowman that Erin's mother in law gave me several Christmases ago. They are wonderful, and over the years, I have recieved several. For some reason, I thought - "someday, these will all be Erin's, and she'll have a really nice collection!" While that is a lovely, warm feeling, I really hope it isn't too soon!! :)
So, in an effort to keep this from rambling too much, I'll just relate some of the thoughts that crossed my mind today -
Mom's ceramic carolers - she loved working with her hands, and since I've always loved singing, they are tops on my list! Each one delicately done, with mouths wide open in joyous singing...
The "Yule Log" candle holder - one of my favorites; I think Erin's already claimed that one for later. Each year, I enjoy the intricate work on the berries and holly leaves. It was one of my best "finds" ever!
Dana's aluminum Christmas Bell - done in 4th grade when she had Pauline Williams for her teacher. Back when days could be spent on fun things like gifts for parents instead of preparing for the next Benchmark test. It sits in the same frame she brought it home in. Sweet memories.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa and Frosty are not in their place this year; they've gone to live at the Johnsons. I painted them years ago, and haven't taken them out of the cabinet for a few years, so I offered them to the girls. Dana's in Cairo, and Erin has 3 children, so there's one for each of them. A nice symetry, and a future memory of something Nana once did for them to enjoy.
My aunt Joyce and uncle Curtis always shopped at the Dollar Store. One year, they gave us a little plastic red and green train that spells out "Merry Christmas". I used to take it to school for my desk, because the kids loved it. I love it, too.
I have an old, fragile string of beads that Mama had on her tree. It finds a different place each year; this year, it was on a shelf with some family pictures; kind of a heritage thing, I guess.
Jackie's quilt; just received last Christmas. Lots of love and hours of work in that - the warmth of the fabric is nothing compared to the warmth of the idea that she made it for me.
Andy and I have our stockings that my mother in law, Anne made. She knitted each and every family member their own, with Bladen receiving the last one two years ago, before she was no longer able to do them. (Andy's being the first, he'll tell you that each one got bigger and bigger... to his chagrin!)
And lastly, our Christmas tree skirt. I see in my mind's eye Andy sitting on the floor our first Christmas together, latch-hooking to his heart's content. It has stains from when Smudge, our late son-cat, used it for a litter box, and Latch-hook went out of style decades ago, but it is ours. The girls' first - and every- Santa gift sat on that skirt, and will for the rest of my life.
While I could go on, I won't. You get the idea - So, Christmas is over and put away for another year. Lord willing, we'll drag it all out in November 2013, and enjoy another season together. Who knows what that will be!!
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Christmas with my girls -
Wow - two months without posting on this site; I have to confess that I have considered writing in the meantime as well as just shutting the site down, but obviously neither one very seriously. I've had such fun over the past two weeks, however, and decided that I wanted to document the time with my daughters before it fades from my middle-aged memory. So -
I've been so blessed to spend extended time with Erin and her family ever since the birthday party for the kids in early November. In the LaMore family, from early August to March is one birthday/holiday after another, and this time of year is typically crazy. Add Gregg's surgery for his ACL, and I basically moved into the Johnson house. Let me say that I always feel welcome and valued while I am there, even when other sons-in-law would be praying for my return home. Thanks, Gregg!!
So, Dana flew in on Christmas Eve. Andy and I had driven over on the Sunday before, and were able to enjoy some quality Christmas cooking time with Liz and Bladen. We had to get them ready to leave for Santa, and he really enjoyed them. The kids did really good with the sprinkles and choosing the color of icing for their specific cookies, and the tasting was enjoyed by all! Andy was helpful in putting together some of Santa's treasures, and then it was time to head to the airport for our biggest delivery! I expected the airport to be crazy on Christmas Eve, but we had no trouble meeting up with Dana, and were soon on our way back to the house.
Christmas Day was so fun. The kids, of course, were the focus, but we adults waited patiently and enjoyed our time of gifts while they relished in toys galore. Erin and Gregg are savvy parents and know that the kids would do better entertaining themselves while we opened our gifts, so we waited .... Dana brought treasures from across the sea, and Erin and Gregg thoughtfully considered what our hearts would enjoy - and for the first time in many, many years, I gave them matching tops! It was fun to see them hold them up together; I actually have the same top as well! Later in the day, we drove over the Albert's house and met up with the rest of the LaMores for dinner and a gift-card exchange. Seeing the kids all growing up into wonderful adults adds to the enjoyment of the Season.
Andy left the next day to return to work, but I got to stay. We tried to go over the Santa's Wonderland in College Station, but were rained out. Instead, we found a Dairy Queen in Navasota and treated ourselves to some yummy ice cream. It was fun to see the kids dive into their cones, even Ginny!
I don't have to always be going somewhere or "doing something" to enjoy my girls. It's like I'm storing up just the sight and feel of them in my heart, so the rest of that visit was quiet. Dana drove me over on Saturday to Schulenberg, where Andy met us to bring me home.
Then, on Friday, we drove BACK to Houston, and the girls took me on my first spa adventure. They tried to get me to get a massage, but I held out; not ready. Once we got into our robes, we sat in the quiet waiting area, enjoying the atmosphere and some delicious juice drinks. I have to confess being a little awkward in my slippers.... but it was a nice, relaxing place. My manicure was awesome, and in no time we met up again to enjoy some time in another relaxation room. Yummy treats and delicious hot tea alongside a lovely fire in a darkened room relaxed us further. Soon, it was time to move on back for more fun -
Back at the house, we joined one of Dana's friends and former roommate from Cairo and her new husband to watch the Cotton Bowl. Jenn - the roommate- came ready for a "Fry Fest", fried cheeses, pickles, and - yes, Oreos! Oh, man. We also had dip, wings, sausages, and peanut butter bars. I enjoyed them one and all, thank you! The Aggies gave us a great game - Dana's first to watch in two years!
On Saturday, I made Dana's birthday cake, as we will not be together on her special day, and then she had some shopping to complete. While at the mall getting her birthday gift from Erin and Gregg, they surprised me with a shopping trip for MY birthday! Liz was along, and she was so good! The time could not have been more fun - and I loved that they pampered me so lovingly.... Back at the house, we ate cake and gave Dana and Gregg their gifts after eating some delicious Mexican food. (So glad I don't have to see my surgeon anytime soon!!)
So, Sunday was departure day. I did well; didn't get too emotional, and soon Erin and I were driving back to the house by ourselves. Right now, the thing I am most grateful for is their relationship with each other. They are such a blessing to me, and to each other, in their pure love and respect. We had a quiet night with the Johnsons while we waited to hear that Dana was once again in Cairo, and suddenly; Christmas was over.
It was hard to leave the next moring, beause I've become so comfortable in that house! But, it was time, and leave we did. Now, routine can resume, and fun, fun times can be reflected on. The best thing for me to hear is Liz saying, "But I don't want you to go home, Nana!" Me, too, Liz - me, too....
Dana reminded me this trip that I raised them both to be independent. I'm eternally glad that they both have their own minds and ideas - even when the mom in me still wants to sometimes call the shots. It IS what I raised them to be, and it makes seeing their lives so beautifully lived all the sweeter.
It WAS truly a Merry Christmas!!
Wow - two months without posting on this site; I have to confess that I have considered writing in the meantime as well as just shutting the site down, but obviously neither one very seriously. I've had such fun over the past two weeks, however, and decided that I wanted to document the time with my daughters before it fades from my middle-aged memory. So -
I've been so blessed to spend extended time with Erin and her family ever since the birthday party for the kids in early November. In the LaMore family, from early August to March is one birthday/holiday after another, and this time of year is typically crazy. Add Gregg's surgery for his ACL, and I basically moved into the Johnson house. Let me say that I always feel welcome and valued while I am there, even when other sons-in-law would be praying for my return home. Thanks, Gregg!!
So, Dana flew in on Christmas Eve. Andy and I had driven over on the Sunday before, and were able to enjoy some quality Christmas cooking time with Liz and Bladen. We had to get them ready to leave for Santa, and he really enjoyed them. The kids did really good with the sprinkles and choosing the color of icing for their specific cookies, and the tasting was enjoyed by all! Andy was helpful in putting together some of Santa's treasures, and then it was time to head to the airport for our biggest delivery! I expected the airport to be crazy on Christmas Eve, but we had no trouble meeting up with Dana, and were soon on our way back to the house.
Christmas Day was so fun. The kids, of course, were the focus, but we adults waited patiently and enjoyed our time of gifts while they relished in toys galore. Erin and Gregg are savvy parents and know that the kids would do better entertaining themselves while we opened our gifts, so we waited .... Dana brought treasures from across the sea, and Erin and Gregg thoughtfully considered what our hearts would enjoy - and for the first time in many, many years, I gave them matching tops! It was fun to see them hold them up together; I actually have the same top as well! Later in the day, we drove over the Albert's house and met up with the rest of the LaMores for dinner and a gift-card exchange. Seeing the kids all growing up into wonderful adults adds to the enjoyment of the Season.
Andy left the next day to return to work, but I got to stay. We tried to go over the Santa's Wonderland in College Station, but were rained out. Instead, we found a Dairy Queen in Navasota and treated ourselves to some yummy ice cream. It was fun to see the kids dive into their cones, even Ginny!
I don't have to always be going somewhere or "doing something" to enjoy my girls. It's like I'm storing up just the sight and feel of them in my heart, so the rest of that visit was quiet. Dana drove me over on Saturday to Schulenberg, where Andy met us to bring me home.
Then, on Friday, we drove BACK to Houston, and the girls took me on my first spa adventure. They tried to get me to get a massage, but I held out; not ready. Once we got into our robes, we sat in the quiet waiting area, enjoying the atmosphere and some delicious juice drinks. I have to confess being a little awkward in my slippers.... but it was a nice, relaxing place. My manicure was awesome, and in no time we met up again to enjoy some time in another relaxation room. Yummy treats and delicious hot tea alongside a lovely fire in a darkened room relaxed us further. Soon, it was time to move on back for more fun -
Back at the house, we joined one of Dana's friends and former roommate from Cairo and her new husband to watch the Cotton Bowl. Jenn - the roommate- came ready for a "Fry Fest", fried cheeses, pickles, and - yes, Oreos! Oh, man. We also had dip, wings, sausages, and peanut butter bars. I enjoyed them one and all, thank you! The Aggies gave us a great game - Dana's first to watch in two years!
On Saturday, I made Dana's birthday cake, as we will not be together on her special day, and then she had some shopping to complete. While at the mall getting her birthday gift from Erin and Gregg, they surprised me with a shopping trip for MY birthday! Liz was along, and she was so good! The time could not have been more fun - and I loved that they pampered me so lovingly.... Back at the house, we ate cake and gave Dana and Gregg their gifts after eating some delicious Mexican food. (So glad I don't have to see my surgeon anytime soon!!)
So, Sunday was departure day. I did well; didn't get too emotional, and soon Erin and I were driving back to the house by ourselves. Right now, the thing I am most grateful for is their relationship with each other. They are such a blessing to me, and to each other, in their pure love and respect. We had a quiet night with the Johnsons while we waited to hear that Dana was once again in Cairo, and suddenly; Christmas was over.
It was hard to leave the next moring, beause I've become so comfortable in that house! But, it was time, and leave we did. Now, routine can resume, and fun, fun times can be reflected on. The best thing for me to hear is Liz saying, "But I don't want you to go home, Nana!" Me, too, Liz - me, too....
Dana reminded me this trip that I raised them both to be independent. I'm eternally glad that they both have their own minds and ideas - even when the mom in me still wants to sometimes call the shots. It IS what I raised them to be, and it makes seeing their lives so beautifully lived all the sweeter.
It WAS truly a Merry Christmas!!
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