Sometimes

Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't

This week it is more like sometimes I can and sometimes I can't

On Holidays I love to set my grandma's table with pretty dishes, fancy silverware, cloth napkins, and use pretty serving dishes

The best part of the meal is to gather my family and spend time with them.

For Christmas I have holiday plates with an outdoor theme, birds and pinecones wrapped in ribbon. For Thanksgiving I set the table with blue Currier and Ives dishes that have beautiful scenes printed on them. For Easter I have china printed with pastel flowers and a silver edge, these were my mother in law's that I inherited.

This Easter, even though I felt keenly aware of the love of my Savior and His atoning sacrifice for me, all I could muster was paper plates, napkins and cups.

We had a ham, sliced and barbequed by my dear husband.

I cut up some apples, put out carrots, warmed up some broccoli and baked some cut up rosemary potatoes

We did not even have pie

My police officer son was on the schedule to work, but at the last moment received a few hours off and surprised me--He has not been home for Sunday dinner for many months--this was not my best offering--but

It was the meal that I could do and it was filled with simple love

My family was gathered around my grandmothers table, physically 6 adults and 4 children, yet in my mind I had 14 adults and 17 grand children, all smiling, talking and laughing.

With paper the clean up is quick and easy--time enough to play a game....

Sometimes I can do it up with linen napkins and heritage china.

Sometimes it is paper plates and finger foods

Yet I hope those I love know that I try to serve with a smile and a prayer of thanks for my many blessings--

My cup runneth over with love,

Simple pure love

The Perfect Family

Last evening my girlfriend and I had a conversation about the perfect family.

It seems that the family holiday celebrations were marred by a conflict between two of their daughters, resulting in one of them leaving in a huff.

I miss my friend Nancy Pyne. Whenever things like this happened to me she was always there with insight and a laugh to remind me that my family was normal. Nancy, where are you?? (I know, on the other side of the continent dealing with your own version of family fun)

I reminded my friend that a perfect family happens in perfect moments. If you string enough of those moments together you can have memories of the perfect family.

Every family has growing pains as you add new spouses and babies. I like to refer to this phenomenon as the family stew pot. Each new face that joins the family brings their own spice of life. Each spice needs time in the family stew pot to steep and meld until the stew is tastey and delicious with the mellow flavor of slow cooked deliciousness.

In most families, mom is the master cook. It takes a lot of love and patience as she tries to blend all of the spices into the bubbling pot. Sometimes she will worry that the new added spice is too bold for her wonderful stew, but in time, with plenty of love and stirring, the spice will settle in and make the whole so much more delicious than it was before.

As I have spoken to a few friends this week about their holiday celebrations, especially in our new role of grandmother, I have heard phrases such as "Happy Chaos" and "sad affair" (this is from a friend with 30 grandchildren under the age of 12--meaning a little one was always crying over the sad state of life).

Overall my friends have agreed that it was hard work that was worth the effort. Keeping a family strong when you add in marriages and new babies is hard work for the grandparents, but in time it will turn into a memory of the perfect family get together. Small perfect moments strung together with the thread of memory creates the perfect family we all dream about.

I encouraged my friend to write a letter to her daughters reminding them of how much they both are loved. I encouraged her to give it a little time and prayer. Family, it is the place where we feel at ease to let it all out, testing to see if we are still loved, even with our outlandish actions. The answer is yes, there is family love, but sometimes it needs a little time and distance to see the beauty of each family member that comes together to make the perfect family.

The perfect family--created one perfect moment at a time, surrounded by numerous moments that may not be quite so perfect--such is life.

True Christmas

This Christmas was a bit disjointed for me.

It started last fall when my daughter hurt her back and needed my care for her and her children. We went day by day, hoping each treatment and the bed rest would bring less pain--and soon--4 months had passed.

I added a trip to Indiana to care for my son's family and took my mother to Germany for her first trip abroad. While in Germany I enjoyed the time with my daughter as the Christmas season began in earnest.

The next thing I knew it was December 15th and not a gift had been bought.

I spent a good deal of the season rocking fretful children, softly singing Christmas carols as a lullaby.

I gathered children around me and read holiday stories to ready them for bed.

I looked at trees trimmed with memories in each of my children's homes.

I sat and held hands with my sweetheart as we watched a movie or two that portrayed a heart felt message.

I drove down the streets of town looking at pretty lights in amazement of the magical transformation they make in the season.

Too soon the calendar stated that the time for preparation was past and it was time to sit and reflect.

It was not a year for wonderful home made gifts crafted with love. It was more of a checkbook Christmas which could only hint of my love for those that I call dear.

But, a magical Christmas it was.

I was able to see all of my children and grandchildren during the season. I was able to hold them and kiss them and hug them.

I played games with the children and cooked tastey food that I hope will make a memory far lasting than a trinket I might buy or bauble I might craft.

My daughter received a clear bill of health from her doctor. Though she is tired and weak, in time she will be strong again.

My husband is working his last few days in preparation for retirement in the first days of the new year. We have worked our entire married life for this exciting event, I am looking forward to this wonderful change in our lives.

I am thankful for the birth of my Savior, for his life and atoning gift for me and you. The world is a sweeter place during the Christmas season. I am glad I was able to spend the season rocking little children, looking at the sparkle in their eyes as the magic of Christmas unfolded with each new day.

I hope you were able to make a Christmas memory that will last longer than the falling needles of your once beautiful tree.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Security

From Germany to the States took almost 18 hours. Tired and worn out before needing to wade through security one last time, we marched on.

We had just finished passport control and found our way to terminal 3. As we placed our items on the conveyor belt two men jumped in between me and my mother. Mom got through security just fine, the two men were struggling. It was my turn and my items were rolling along when TSA decided to pull me out of line and let me go through the newfangled security machine that can see EVERYTHING.

My health condition requires that I keep my stress low, eat regularly and get enough sleep--none of which were happening on this particular day.

With my arms over my head I tried to stand still as the modern wonder scanned my tooth fillings. I had my hair pinned up on top of my head with plastic clips (to minimize security stress) and the modern "see-all" did not like it. Soon a lady had her hands in my hair, poking and prodding to see what I had hidden in the rats nest she was creating. FUN, it was not.

I was visibly distressed with the poking and gouging from the lady wearing gloves that had been in how many other peoples hair while another TSA lady shouted at me that they could do a full pat down if that is what I wanted.

Now I know that two grandmas coming back from a Christmas holiday with the grandkids are truly a security risk to watch out for. I travel frequently and know how to do security, but these new machines, after a long day, while still facing still another few hours, was just a little too much.

As I look back on the experience I think the dirty gloves and pokey fingers, while being shouted at, were my undoing. I could not get home fast enough to wash my hair.

After the near tear experience at security we walked down the concourse to find our gates. As we looked down the long hall lovely Christmas decorations greeted us. Rich full garlands draped the arched ceiling. The garlands were wrapped in shining red ornaments and ribbons. All of a sudden we were reminded of the joy of the season and why we decided to travel at this time of year.

It was a great trip full of wonderful memories. After 24 hours of travel to reach my home that hot bath felt really good.

Independence Delight

We shared a wonderful weekend at our daughter's home. She invited us to come celebrate Independence Day with her and her family. She told us it would be a quiet weekend, a simple cookout and plenty of time to just relax.

After all of our travel of late, and the mess we have made of the house in the effort to redo the laundry room and pantry, a few quiet hours at her lovely home sounded most welcome.

I have enjoyed watching my daughter grow up and mature. She is creative and has quite the artful eye. Her home is happy and joyful. I love spending time with her. Her family is active and busy doing the normal things a happy family does.

Now, when you tell me we are going to cookout for the Fourth of July I think of hot dogs and hamburgers with sides of potato salad, watermelon and baked beans. Little did I guess of the feast that awaited.

I love to cook for my family. I feel happy when they come to visit and find me in the kitchen, apron on and the stove working hard with a pile of dishes on the counter in some stage of cleanliness. At the end of the day I am tired, tummies are full, children are content and smiles abound. That is a good day for me and a happy memory of when I used to go to grandma's house.

When we arrived at Cara's on Sunday evening dinner was waiting on the table. Fresh made Lava Cake was served for dessert--YUM. We ended the evening teaching the new card game we learned at the family reunion. A delightful day.

On the Fourth I woke up to the smells of a busy kitchen--scones for breakfast--a tradition handed down from my grandmother. As we finished breakfast the first of the cookout treats started to show up as the timer called us to rescue the cupcakes from the oven. Then the second layer to the 3 layer jello surprise was added and the crab salad was started. The cupcakes were not just frosted, they were also a bit of eye candy in the presentation. Baked beans were on the menu for tradition and delightful cooked mushrooms topped the steaks that were perfectly grilled by the grillmaster. This was a feast to rival those I have tasted over the years prepared by trained chefs.

Kevan and Brooke brought their new baby to share the day with us. Greg's mom came and together we enjoyed hours of play with the grandchildren. Eden won a hand of War and Connor stuck in there until the final card was played in another card duel. We taught Grammy the new family game and had fun playing all afternoon, smiling and content as a happy satisfied family can be. Ada and Preslee enjoyed a few quiet moments with their mothers, cooing a gooing as they nursed, completing the family picture.

We set off a few fireworks before the weather changed and we had to begin the journey home, facing work and real life again tomorrow. It was a delightful weekend with a fabulous feast. Happy people, full tummies, a tired mommy, wonderful memories.

I am so thankful for the privilege of living in a free country. I am thankful for those who work to keep us safe. I am thankful for home and family. I am thankful for memories filled with love.

Happy Valentines Day

Today is the day that our society celebrates love.

When I was little I remember creating valentines for my family and classmates from construction paper and lacy paper doilies. My siblings and I would spend hours over a weeks time creating, with glue and do-dads, the perfect remembrance for each person on our list.

When I finally had someone of my own to love and care for I started creating the perfect valentine from my kitchen--you remember the old saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I would try to cook his favorite meal and would bake a heart shaped cake--usually chocolate. (take note of recipe on the right-->)

The last few years I have baked cookies and decorated them. It is delicious to take a soft butter cookie and add buttercream frosting with a few heart shaped candies with just the right message for each person on my list--usually a preschooler. The cookies just melt in your mouth.

This year I think I will stay away from the oven--and go back to the glue and paper creations of my youth to state my sentiments to the one I love. The bathroom scale at our house is beginning to groan after 38 years of delectable delights this day has to offer. Maybe a calorie friendly meal at a new restaurant and then a romantic walk around the lake.

I have heard it said that you should go into marriage with your eyes wide open and then live your married life with them half shut. I think this is good advice. I found this quote that my sister mentioned years ago and it helps me remember that I married the perfect man, and I am not a perfect woman:

To love someone means to see them as God intended

Happy Valentines Day

White Christmas

For the first time since 1947 we have snow in the south on Christmas. Beautiful fluffy white snow that is great for packing and making a tall statuesque snowman sentry to guard the yard. Eden thinks he is just perfect with his hat that her daddy donated and pieces of coal (black checkers) for eyes and buttons.

We are cozy in the house with hot chocolate on the stove, a puzzle on the table and a movie on the screen. Yes, this is a perfect winter day.

Baby Ada is dressed in her angel outfit, snuggled in her blanket and Connor is warm with his jammies under his pants and layers to keep the flakes from giving him a chill as he sleds down the hill.

Church at the building was canceled today. Later we will gather as a family and have a lesson, sing a hymn and talk about our blessings. We don't get the privilege of doing this very often--Christmas, Sunday, snow and family, a good combination for a day to remember.

-Sleigh Riding

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year.

It is usually the day we deliver plates of Christmas cheer we have created in our kitchen to our friends and neighbors. When the children were still living at home I would send them out with their father to deliver these delights late in the afternoon. While they were gone I got busy and tidied up the house, gathered all of the treats that friends had delivered to our house, turned off all of the house lights and turned on all of the Christmas lights. I lit the candles in the luminaries and house then prepared the dining room for our Christmas eve feast. True, it was a simple feast of canned soup, home made bread and all of the plated goodies that had come from our friends, but sometimes greatness is in the presentation.

When my family returned our house looked like a fairy tale. The children's eyes would light up as we headed to the dining room to fill their hungry tummies and start the night of magic.

After dinner we would gather in the family room under the tree to hear a few Christmas stories and sing a few songs. We would end with my husband reading the scripture verses from Luke followed by family prayer. It was one of those magical moments when the house felt overflowing with love and gratitude. We were glad to be a family and glad to be together.

Then together we would recite "Twas the Night Before Christmas". The children would giggle and laugh, we were silly with our Santa hats on. Most years we would then gravitate to the car or back of the truck for a bit of sleigh riding--driving through our neighborhood to see the lights. It was a magical scene that still sets my soul with wonder at the magic of the evening and anticipation of midnight visitors.

When my children were newly weds and all living in the same town we would have progressive Christmas Eve from house to house enjoying a treat, story and decorations at each home. Tonight we will be going to my daughters home with strict instructions to bring the truck and a stack of warm quilts.

I like driving home from my children's homes on Christmas eve. The streets are empty. Everyone is at home enjoying the evening with their own families. It is peaceful and my thoughts turn to the quiet moment that Mary and Joseph shared in Bethlehem that night of the most amazing gift that was ever given to the human family--the birth of our Savior.

May your Christmas eve be filled with joy in your heart as you contemplate your blessings on this the most amazing night of the year. Maybe you will go 'sleigh riding' to see the sights and lights, sing a carol and read a few verses from the Book of Luke.

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the whole year. Enjoy

-Stories

I love sitting and reading or listening to a heart warming Christmas story.

When the children were still living at home we had family devotional every morning before they left for school. Usually we read a chapter of scripture and had family prayer at 5:30 in the morning before the oldest had to be out the door at 5:45.

During the Christmas season we would try to add an uplifting story to go along with the prayer and scripture verses. Part of my thinking was that with 6 children the bounty under the tree would be better appreciated with a bit of humble priming. The other thought was that a good story, well told, is quite entertaining and it would treat the kids to something more than the TV had to offer.

I have quite a few notebooks filled with stories of Christmas Cheer that I still enjoy getting out and reading during the season. A story a day till Chiristmas fills your heart with joy that the mall cannot match.

I hope you have time to settle down and read a quick story or two to get yourself in the mood for the real meaning of Christmas during these last few days of hurry and scurry. Treat yourself and enjoy.

-Carols

Today at church the choir sang many carols for a wonderful Christmas celebration. My son Kevan and daughter Teri sang in school choirs over the years and I loved going to their concerts. I miss those opportunities.

As we sang the carols and hymns of the season today my heart was full. I thought about my Savior and the great gift he has offered me. I am thankful the world stops for a moment at this time of year to recognize His birth.

As I thought of that young couple looking for a place to stay and finding none, I realized that they probably did find the most quiet, peaceful place in the bustling city of Bethlehem. The inns were so full and noisy--yes, out back was definitely better.

I thought of Joseph and what a good, strong, honorable man he was. He was trusted to love Mary and raise Jesus. He was in tune to spiritual things and protected and taught Jesus. He was a good man.

I thought of Mary and her great calling and responsibility. She is truly honored among women.

I hope that I was in the heavenly choir that sang to the shepherds. Today I sang from my seat in the chapel, Joy to the World.

My heart is full as I listen and sing the songs of the season. I contemplate my many blessings. It is a great time of the year. I am richly blessed.

My grandaughter told me she hopes to be in the school choir next year--I will enjoy going to her concerts.

Indiana

We arrived just a few minutes after 9pm.

Little ones who should have been in bed were waiting for us by the door. They were so excited to show us their rooms, Christmas stockings, and other important things in their lives.

The baby has grown so much in the 2 months since we last saw him--he is nice and round with quite a vocabulary of coos and goos.

Brody can't wait for grandpa to finish his computer work this morning so they can watch their favorite 'Cars" movie together.

There is a dusting of snow on the ground and the house is cozy and inviting.

This is going to be a wonderful, enjoyable, family weekend.

More of life's blessings to be enjoyed.

Run

As I go about my hurried days this week all I can think of is...

Run, run as fast as you can
you can't catch me
I'm the .....

Grandma with a deadline!!

Packages to mail

Gifts to finish

Presents to wrap

Grandchildren to go visit

See if you can catch up....

I'm running, running, running

Gotta remember to breathe....

-Slow Down and Smell the Pine

There is a nip in the air and colorful lights in the dark. The smell of fresh cut pine is intoxicating. It is a joyous time of year when we slow down and savor the moments that are upon us.

My daughter called from Germany and said they have about 2 feet of snow on the ground--I will enjoy that one vicariously--I am happy to drive on clear streets as I go about my shopping.

Truthfully, I have so many packages to mail that I am learning to shop with my fingers on the computer keys. It is much more delightful than fighting the crowds and standing in line at the post office. I did quite a bit of my shopping this week and only ventured out of my house to take a walk in the neighborhood. It has been a wonderful, quiet week at home putting up my Christmas decorations and enjoying the sounds of the season from the comfort of my family room.

I enjoy carols on the stereo, the smell of delicious foods to serve my family and the pretty lights. Give me a warm quilt and a heartfelt Christmas story to read and my day is complete.

It is a magical time of year. I choose to be happy and go slow enough to smell the pine, but fast enough to get it all done. A balancing act that can be done, slow and steady with a ready smile.

-Life in the Busy Lane

I had such good intentions--write a blog entry every day last week. I have many blessings to be thankful for and I had ideas jumping out of my head.

But, alas, real living needed more attention than I had hours in my days.

Beds to make so my visiting grandchildren had a place to sleep.

Rooms to clean so the cobwebs wouldn't scare anyone.

Food to purchase and cook so the troops would not starve.

Babies to hold and kiss.

Little ones to play with and listen to.

Pies to bake.

Turkey and the trimmings to prepare and serve--a feast for the best of guests--
My family that I love.

I was missing two of my children, but they were close in my heart. (and on the phone)

This is the best time of year to reflect on all that is good. I am sure there is plenty that needs attention and improvement--but, let's choose to focus on the many rich, wonderful and good blessings that we all have.

Yes, I live in the busy lane right now, but it is busy with family that I love. I am richly blessed. I am a lucky girl.

Holiday Cheer

When I was a young mother I had a poem posted on my wall. It said:

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow,
But, babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So, quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

Does that same thought process work with grandbabies?? Lately I have felt like a college student. I have spent the weekdays with my daughter in Charlotte helping take care of her and her household. On Friday afternoon or Saturday morning I would drive the 3 hours home. I would do the laundry, eat some food, visit with my "boyfriend" then head back to Charlotte again on Sunday night or Monday morning.

My daughter is finally feeling a little bit better--not 100% yet, but good enough that I stayed home this week. I look around my house and am overwhelmed by the mountain of work to do. I realized after looking in the laundry room and finding the Christmas wreaths sitting there that I have been gone since Christmas--January 8th is when Cara and her honey were leaving for a long awaited trip and I assumed leadership of the 2 munchkins. I have either had her children at my house, her house, or my foot up in the air for 4 months now--hence Christmas decos that still need attention. If I leave them out maybe I can get a jump start on this years holiday joy.

I think it is time to find that poem again and post it on the front door as a warning to all who enter. Grandbabies seem to grow up faster than my own sweet little ones did and when I am given the opportunity to rock and love them, I know to take it.

In the meantime, I've got a jump start on this next years holiday cheer!!

Easter

I love Easter, spring and new beginnings.

I love to see the buds on the trees and the signs of flowers blooming.

When I was a little girl my mom always made my sister and I a new dress and we got new white Sunday shoes to wear. I always felt pretty on Easter morning. When my own children were little I would try to make all 3 girls matching dresses and my young sons ties or vests to coordinate.

I love being able to go without a jacket, to kick off my shoes and enjoy the warmth of the sun on my face. I guess that is my California upbringing.

Most of all I am thankful for the opportunity to begin again that this time of year reminds me of. When I have made a mistake I have the privilege of saying I am sorry and trying again. Death visits every door step at one time or another, yet it's sting is softened by the knowledge that life does not end with this earthly life--in time I will be surrounded again by all those that I love.


Easter morning dawns bright and warm in my heart no matter what the weather man says.