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Little Trip

December 4, 2012

I’ve been missing on here for a long while. It’s been chaotic. Lots of good stuff happening.

There’s also been some really difficult things going on~my dad is still not doing well at all. He has been in the hospital 7 times since his bypass surgery. A little over 3 weeks ago, he passed out and broke his leg…and, since he can’t seem to do anything halfway, he REALLY broke it bad in 3 places…had to have surgery. It just complicated what was already complicated.

Last week he was told he has a defect in his central nervous system. It’s just never-ending. Please pray for him.

Anyway. I’ve been worried sick. Dying to get there. And also trying not to go WHILE he’s in the hospital because when I rush there when he’s IN the hospital, he rushes to get OUT of the hospital before he really should so he can be with me.

This past Saturday was his birthday and Greyley and I surprised him with a visit. He had NO idea we were coming.

I’d like to say right off the bat that my dear daughter is such a fine traveling companion. She was a happy spark of joy every single moment. It was such a treat to have this time with her.

She is also a very fine moving walkway model. I think she could go big-time with this, don’t you agree?

My dad can’t put ANY pressure on his foot at all. And he’s on oxygen full-time. So this is a rare moment with him unattached to any machines or walkers. I like it. I want to keep it like this…not just for a picture. For REAL.

He is the sweetest daddy. He really is.

I didn’t leave the house while I was there, but when it looks like this, why go anywhere?

I missed my boy so bad it hurt. He’s my heart and I like to hear his running soundtrack that has become my own. So I took a picture of his picture. How pitiful is this mama.

Picture by Jennifer Bong

At least I could eat away my sorrows.

The homemade pies were delicious, but wouldn’t you know it, I didn’t get a picture of them.

SO good. Raisin Cream Pie and Sour Cream Pie. Yum.

But these S’mores were also wonderful. Look at the cute little arms!

The chocolate melted to perfection. I didn’t get a picture of that either. Had to eat that goodness.

My mama is hanging in there. She’s weary. But she’s not showing it. She’s so concerned for my dad and doting on him, taking care of his every need. I don’t know what he would do without her. I’m just hoping she will keep her strength, get rest in all the spaces and sleep the sleep of the angels when she goes to bed at night. And that joy will be in her every step, even in these hardest times. That’s my wish for her. She needs a humongous crown with lots of jewels in heaven. But that’s MY wish for her, not her wish. heehee

It was so hard to leave. I’m not a crier, but I cried. And cried. And cried some more. I hate seeing my dad suffer and I hate being so far from him, period, much less while he’s going through this.

But this cat kept trying to lighten the mood.

And it worked.

Posted in Birthdays, December 2012, Family, Travel | 10 Comments »

I Had No Idea

September 17, 2012

Why have I never heard much about the Renaissance Festival? What I thought would be a quaint, little seasonal fair was really a full-on walk back in time. It’s HUGE. There were elephant and camel rides, for crying out loud. Fun shops, delicious food. We loved it.

There were some bizarre aspects of the whole affair. I couldn’t quite pinpoint it, until the last hour of the day. All day, I was mesmerized by the sheer volume of characters~ not festival employees, mind you, but festival attendees. Nate and I were definitely in the minority, since we weren’t in Renaissance regalia. I could have sat on a bench and watched people all day long. I have never seen so many hippies all in one place. Very fun. Hippies are my kind of people. But there was also another level of costumes…one that involves leather and whips. I’ll just leave it at that.

We also saw the full meaning of Cinching. Goodness. Very convenient if you need an extra shelf on your person. (If that went over your head, I won’t bother trying to explain. It’s not worth it.)

I think next time, I’d like to go earlier in the day. Or carry a sword of my own.

It was a wonderful experience, though. We will definitely go back.

The birthday girl. And yes, I realize now that she’s standing by a garbage can, but at the time, I thought it was a cute little fabric hamper.

The swords were speaking my son’s name. He looked so cute wielding this wooden sword with his plaid shirt, knight vest, shorts and Crocs.

I would like one of these magical swings in my backyard, please.

Handsome couple~ sorry, I don’t know you, but I liked your costumes.

Sweet old-fashioned touches everywhere you look…

Missing pictures of: Jerk Chicken, Popover with Cinnamon Butter and Massive Turkey Leg. You’ll have to take my word, it was all beautiful and scrumptious.

Sir Brave A Lot

Next time we go, I might have to pull out my peasant skirt or fairy garb so I can float around the park.

Also, next time, I’m hitting the meat pies.

Posted in Birthdays, Family, Sept 2012 | 8 Comments »

Birthday Girl

September 13, 2012

My girl, Greyley, turned 14 yesterday. I think it might be the first birthday that I haven’t had to go have a minute of tears. Although, I guess I had that moment already a week or two ago. Greyley and Indigo hugged each other tight and I suddenly had a vision of them hugging at Greyley’s wedding. It was so real, it made my breath catch. They looked over at me and I made the mistake of telling them about it…and I started crying in the telling. I’m pretty sure they wanted to have me committed at that moment, but they lovingly smiled their, “Aw, isn’t Mama sweet and weird!” looks and fortunately, we all moved on.

Maybe that got it out of my system just a little…

But, oh…my baby girl. I can’t believe how she’s become a mini-adult right before my very eyes.

This is really a wonderful time. Every day, more of her beauty, love, creativity, gentle spirit…I could go on and on, but…more of her comes out. It’s actually quite a breathtaking thing to be behold. I love who she is.

We did exactly what she wanted~ a quiet dinner at home. But there are SURPRISES ahead for the weekend. Muah Hahaaa! We will cover that topic more next week, I’m sure…

Meet the newest member of our family:

I hope he will be very happy here.

We enjoyed beef stroganoff, spicy green beans, crescent rolls, tiramisu and cheesecake. Mmmm! I do like birthday celebrations.

Happy Birthday, dear Greyley. You make my life complete. XO

Posted in Birthdays, Sept 2012 | 11 Comments »

I Heart Meredith

August 15, 2012

This little one has me wrapped.

It’s been that way from day one.

She loves me. Passionately. (It’s true.) And I love her. Just as passionately. (Also true.)

Ask her mom how Meredith kisses me and maybe you’ll believe it.

We just click. It’s weird how that happens with babies and kids just like adults. They’re people too, can you believe it?

Meredith turned one and the little peanut has all our hearts so full. She’s been a ray of sunshine in my life this past year.

OK, she loves other people too…

Like Courtney…

Almost as much as me.

I’m kidding.

Kind of.

No, no, really. I am.

And her mama…I think she might love her too.

Happy Birthday, dear Meredith. May you always have your sweet spirit, your magnetic smile, soulful eyes that go to the depths, your gentle determination to be heard, a good appetite for food and fun, and love for others that is so true it heals. May you always be this way, only a thousand times more as you grow.

Posted in August 2012, Birthdays, Family, Friends, Fun, Heartwarming Events | 2 Comments »

Hoedown

July 27, 2012

We had as close to a hoedown as we could possibly have in the North Country last weekend. Two dear friends, Jill and Carrie, had MAJOR birthdays and we celebrated them in high style.

Culprit #1, Carrie:

Culprit #2, Jill:

There was barbeque galore~ Carrie’s husband grilled a feast. We had dirty cake from Danna that was delicious.

Perry the Platypus made an appearance, thanks to my girl, Greyley…he’s from Phineas & Ferb, in case you aren’t as cartoon savvy as Jill, Carrie and Greyley.

It was actually hard to say good-bye to the Perrys, but fortunately, we can visit them in their new homes.

The ONLY trouble whatsoever with this shindig was reining in the sheriff~ he wanted to arrest all the cowgirls…

Do we look like trouble to you?

Don’t answer that.

Posted in Birthdays, Friends, July 2012 | 4 Comments »

Florida trip

May 7, 2012

It’s been a week since I’ve been home from Florida and I’m still smiling over the memories. What a great trip…I love it when things come together unexpectedly~ everything about this trip suddenly lined up and worked OUT. All thanks to our respective husbands~ Nate, Matt and James. Tosha’s been wanting us to go on a trip for my birthday since last year and at times it seemed iffy that it would happen. Now I can’t believe it’s all over…

Tosh and I dragged our sleepy, excited selves to the airport and giddily talked all the way to Florida.

Our God-given SMFFL (Soul Mate Friend For Life) Tarryn, met us at the airport and then we all three did our part to ensure we got our 120,000 words in for the day. I never knew I could talk so much. There’s something about these two that draws it all out of me. That and the fact that I go days without talking more than 1,000 words a day, so it was time to catch up.

Tosha and Tarryn at Jaxson’s~ aren’t they both so pretty?

The BEST ice cream ever!!!

Crunchy Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Hot Peanut Butter and Hot Fudge Topping~ OH MY!

We ran into two of these in different parking lots. I thought they were some kind of turkey, but they’re ducks and very common in Florida, I guess. Very interesting~ it looks like its eyes got hit by a turkey’s waddle and the duck was left with the repercussions.

The next day, we made our way out to Sunny Isles, which is a fun little jaunt. If you’re ever in the Fort Lauderdale area, you should go over to Sunny Isles just to see the skyscraper penthouses on the main strip. Unbelievable. Donald Trump has some landscape there and let me tell you, it’s spectacular. Tarryn found a Groupon for a spa day~Seven Seas Spa & Salon~ in one of the hotels and this tiki hut was involved. Also included: lunch, massage, and facial. Yes, I felt SPOILED rotten.

Glorious

All the cares melted away…

Look at the bubbles coming out of the ceiling…

After we were thoroughly relaxed and pampered, we met Madison and Traci at Tatu~ a gorgeous sushi place in the Hard Rock Hotel. DELICIOUS.

Look at our pretty dessert. (It was delicious too.)

The next morning, we took our time before checking out and then headed to Starbucks. We also went to Ross, as in, Ross Dress for Less…we don’t have these in Minnesota and I love them. Found some cute things! They have so many more dresses than TJ Maxx or Marshall’s…

The next couple of nights we stayed at Tarryn’s house. Her dog, Willow, found a home at Tosha’s feet…

We met Tarryn’s mom, Cynthia, who is such a lovely woman. I wish I’d gotten a picture of her. She is from South Africa and has the greatest accent ever. Cynthia reminded me of a blond Mary Poppins, only much, MUCH sweeter…

We laughed a lot and cried some too. We ate great food and played a game or two…we talked about God and life and trouble and writing and heartache and all that is good and bad and fantastic and sad. I’m pretty sure we could have covered much more…

It was hard to say good-bye.

On the way home…

My heart is full.

Thanks, girls. xoxo

Posted in Birthdays, Friends, Fun, May 2012, Travel | 2 Comments »

It’s My Party, I’ll Cry If I Want To

April 4, 2012

I was feeling a bit melancholy about this birthday…yes, it’s my birthday today.

Since having children, I have become increasingly sad over birthdays~ I absolutely love to celebrate, make the day/week special and go all out, but I also look at my children and inwardly my heart breaks just a little for the little people they are leaving behind.

And while I have also enjoyed every birthday I’ve ever had, along with every age so far, that same feeling has come over me…I would like to stay right here and just be THIS…forever and ever. Amen.

I was thinking these morose thoughts as Nate and I drove past our mailbox and actually voicing these very depressing thoughts to him. Absentmindedly, I pulled out the mail and looked down at it. I flipped through the bills and junk mail and an envelope addressed to my mother-in-law caught my eye.

On the bottom left-hand corner of the envelope it said:

Free Pre-Paid Cremation!

DETAILS INSIDE

Well, goodness, I’m not there yet! I guess it’s what I have to look forward to, but not for a little while anyway…

I’m not going to give Nama this particular piece of junk mail. I took the liberty of opening it up~ I NEVER do that, but really, she does NOT need this to brighten up HER day! The theme scattered numerous times throughout the letter is~ Cremation just makes sense!

Lovely birthday (or any day) thoughts.

I was able to shake myself (somewhat) out of the funk and realize that I might have a few more good years left in me. And in 38 years, when I’m getting MY cremation details in the mail, I hope I’m able to laugh it off and just be who I am then too.

It’s hard to maintain any sad thoughts when you wake up to birthday elves in your kitchen…

(It was really 7 A.M. I need to change my clock!)

My sweet baby girl got up at 5 A.M. to make blueberry pancakes and decorate with all the festive balloons. Makes me want to weep. Nate made his fabulous omelets and we had a feast.

Indigo said, “I love you, Birthday Girl.” (melt)

He also thought surely he HAD to stay home from school so we could make it to the special dinner destination they’ve planned. We assured him there would be time for both.

Loved ones make everything better. So bring it on! I’m ready for this next ride.

Posted in April 2012, Birthdays | 19 Comments »

Birthday, Mush and McDonald’s

February 10, 2012

We’re in the midst of birthday festivities over here…Indigo informed me this morning that he wants a birthday WEEK. I asked if a weekend would do. He agreed that would be sufficient and then when Nate woke up, he tried for a week again…

School conferences have also been going on, so the kids have been off school the last two days, putting a nice head start to the birthday weekend.

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know that I have a hard time with birthdays. I love them and I can hardly take them. I’m a sentimental mess, especially with my children. I love every stage of their growing, but I also grieve for what has past and what will never be again. It makes my heart hurt. However, I do enjoy making their birthdays special and remembering the day they were born.

A birthday can’t go by without me thanking God that Indigo lived. He’s a miracle and I will never forget. He’s so full of life that it takes my breath away sometimes, the thought of not having this child of sunshine. I know, it’s extra mushy around here today. I can’t help it. My little man is 7 and I know just around the corner, he won’t want to cuddle every morning, hold my hand and have his sweet little boy smells. I’m going to blink and he will be grown.

I’ll move on now.

We had a surprise guest for breakfast yesterday morning~ Miss Courtney. With school and jobs and busy lives, the kids don’t get to see Courtney as often and they were so happy to see her.

Greyley made her specialty~ pancakes~ and Nama made a quiche. We had decorated the night before, since Indigo had wondered where all his birthday decorations were…we made sure we delivered.

After our fun breakfast, we gave hugs to Courtney and sent her to work, while we went and spent the day at Pinz. It’s a crazy place that has an arcade, bowling and laser tag. We were practically the only ones there~ not every school district is off. Sweet!

Doin’ a victory dance…

He wanted a surprise for supper too, so we did that, but on the way to the restaurant, we passed McDonald’s and he got all excited.

“McDonald’s?! I hardly EVER get to go to McDonald’s!”

“You want McDonald’s?”

“YES!”

We all groan.

As we try to talk him out of McDonald’s, we drive right behind it to Osaka, a Japanese restaurant. He almost didn’t get past the craving for a burger, but the people in Osaka made it so fun, he got over it. (Although he’s saying this morning that he still wants McDonald’s. Sigh)

So, whew. I survived the birthday. We had a wonderful day. All emotions are still intact.

Today is Tosha’s birthday. And you know I can get mushy about her too. Love you, Tosh! We’re gonna have a fabulous year.

Posted in Birthdays, Family, February 2012, Grateful Heart, Kids, Life | 16 Comments »

Arkansas Bliss

December 6, 2011

We’re home!

We barely blinked and the trip was over~ it went by so fast!

But, oh my, was it ever fun!

Say hello to Honey…

And the birthday Fella…

Our prayers worked~ my dad felt better on his birthday than he has the last 5 months! Just a couple of days earlier, my brother was visiting them and warned me that Dad wasn’t doing well at all and to be prepared for that. We were all surprised that he turned around. He had two really good days…the next two, not so good. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Seeing him finally feeling better gave us hope that things can turn around~ so thankful for that!!!

As always, Honey had the house fixed up so cute…

Look at the cute Christmas wreath. Come January, that birdhouse will be bare, but for now, let it snow…

Papa’s Pepper Tree

We had a couple days of almost 60 degrees, which was bliss for me and Tosh~ especially since we knew it was supposed to snow at home while we were gone. Then the rain came~ that was lovely too.

The next picture is grainy, but I can’t resist putting it in…we look like we’re getting away with something.

Ahem. You know it.

Pretty much as soon as we got there, it felt like we were 16 10 again…it was the best.

I love them.

And the next few are funny, so, of course, they’re my favorites. As you (might) know, my mom LOATHES having her picture taken. In between every take, she has something to say and when we are able to see the picture while it’s being taken (iphone), you can imagine her sass…this shows just part of the progression. Notice how fabulous she looks in all three photographs, while the rest of us are snort-wheeze-laughing. I am even willing to contribute my triple chins to the cause!

Fill my heart to the brim goodness.

It was dreamy great.

Posted in Birthdays, December 2011, Family, Grateful Heart, Travel | 12 Comments »

Jet Plane, Birthdays, Gigglin’ and Laughin’

December 1, 2011

As you read this, Tosh and I…

Will be flying over lakes, mountains and lots of road kill, to be here…

To see these beautiful people…

Papa and Honey. (My parents, in case you’re new to the Girly Muse party.)

Ahhh.

Can’t wait to get there.

It’s my dad’s birthday (today!) and I’ve been so worried about him~ Tosha has been too. Tosha is one of my dad’s favorite people in all the world and I can’t think of anyone he’d rather see on his birthday (or any time). Add his grand kids into the mix and he’d be overjoyed. But Tosh, she’s right up there. I hope we can bring some cheery spark of sunshine to them and that it will carry over, even after we are gone. I am so hoping my dad’s health will turn around and that this will be a year of miracle and promise for him.

Cross your fingers that the people on the plane near us will be tolerant of lots of chatting…because that’s what will be happening! The two of us with no kids? Look OUT! We will be talking a mile a minute! Cannot wait. It is going to be so fun to have this time together.

Happy Birthday, dear Dad E. You are the very best there is. I love you so. Come on, let’s get you better so you can start living this fabulous life again.

Posted in Birthdays, December 2011, Family, Grateful Heart, Parents, Travel | 14 Comments »