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Last Saturday we had our family picture taken. It took some scheduling, and some planning, and some shopping, and I'm sure some behind the scenes stress for everyone... but we did it!! Lilian took pictures of our whole family, each individual family, each grandchild, and my four kids together. I can't wait to see them all... in the meantime, here is a sample (the only one I've seen so far). I think we passed the family picture test. What do you think? FYI we just found out a couple of weeks ago that our picture will be outdated in November when grandchild #9 arrives (Jeff and Melissa are having a boy). We are very excited!!!
When I returned from my trip to Disneyland last month I had an e-mail waiting for me from Rachelle Price from The Power of Moms website. Rachelle is the coordinator for spotlights and she informed me that I had been nominated by my friend Tiffany to be spotlighted. She asked if I would be willing to answer some questions about my experiences as a Mother. Well, it turns out that it really is a pleasure being nominated, my spotlight was published on the website last Friday. If you are interested in reading what I wrote you can find it here. Thanks Tiffany for your kind words recommending me.
Yesterday I got a new cell phone (it's fancy). Not only did I get a new phone, but I left my phone provider (of many years) and started with a new provider. So far I'm impressed with the service I've received.
A couple of weeks ago I called my (previous) provider and explained that I would be terminating my account with them, I made inquiries as to my billing cycle in order to make it a smooth transition. Of course they tried everything they could come up with to get me to remain, but I told them that they didn't have a plan that could accommodate me the way this new provider/plan would.
You may remember my freckle post (btw I found that girl on facebook) and you may remember a previous post where I told Verizon "what to do with their freckles"; but not this time.... when the phone call ended and the woman said to me, "thank you for choosing Verizon." You can be proud of me for not saying, "ummm... I think I just un-chose Verizon." Not me, I just said "thanks" and ended the call.Oh btw... if you are someone that calls me on my cell phone, my number is still the same. Just sayin'.
The summer of 1991 was by far the hardest and most challenging time of my life. The uncertainty and fear of what was ahead, as well and the grief and pain that was in my heart and soul seemed to consume my life.
It was during the fall and winter months previous to that summer twenty years ago, that I was first introduced to the music of Michael McLean. A simple cassette tape that I listened to daily as I drove to radiation therapy, brought comfort to this young mother's mind and heart, even if for just a few minutes each day.
Later in the summer, a home healthcare nurse loaned me a video tape of Michael singing his own music to a small audience. I enjoyed listening to him singing his own songs... although he claimed he was not a singer; I loved hearing him sing the songs he wrote. You're Not Alone, Hold On, We Can Be Together Forever Someday, all brought a sense of comfort to me as I sat there "holding on" to whatever hope I could that would get me through this experience.
Nearly twenty years have passed and I have held in the recesses of my heart my memories of Michael's music and the peace it brought to me when I needed it. At a time when I was scared and sometimes felt alone, his music reminded me that I wasn't.
Tonight I was able to see Michael McLean perform in person and the memories flooded back to me. After the concert (with persuasion from my Michael) I went up to meet him. It took a lot of courage for me to do that, but I was compelled to do so, and was glad that I did. I was able to tell him how much his music had meant to me twenty years ago and I thanked him. He was genuinely touched and appreciative that I had shared with him and he gave me a hug.
Thanks to Murphy's Guitars for providing such a wonderful free concert for the community and to Michael McLean for sharing his amazing talent.
Zach, Grandpa Bear, and Adam in between a double header in which Grandpa, Uncle Jeff, and Uncle Jeremy played a few days ago.Last week Michael and I attended Adam and Zach's baseball game. It was so much fun to see both of the boys get a good hit, play well in the field, and to observe their good sportsmanship throughout the game. We were impressed by how Andy and his friend coached the team. The boys had been given opportunities throughout the season to play in different positions on the field; and at the end of the game before cheering for themselves, they cheered for and "hand slapped" the other team. All in all, playing baseball appeared to have been a good experience for all of the boys on this team.
Michael who has always been a huge fan of baseball, was particularly impressed. His experiences as a child; as well as a coach for our own children, sometimes left him amazed and confused at the behavior of the adults (namely coaches and parents). We were both happy that we didn't see any of that kind of behavior at this game... after all, these are our grandchildren and we want their experience to be positive.
Being at a baseball game always brings to my memory a story that makes me smile. When Jeremy was about six he played t-ball. The coach used to line the boys up on the grass between 3rd base and home plate. They all sat there in a neatly organized row waiting for their turn up at bat. During one of the games a teammate got out on 3rd base. The boys on the team began to murmer about this "out" as the 6-year-old that caused the "out" had to shamefully walk past his entire team to get to his place in the line. I remember feeling so sorry for him having to walk past all of his peers, knowing that he had let them down. At one point he stopped, and with hands out in pleading desperation proclaimed, "I wasn't there the day they gave the instructions."
I love that story. I love coaches that care more about building a child's confidence than winning a game; parents who realize that all of those children on the field matter, not just their child; and those who show understanding to those who weren't there the day they gave the instructions.
On with the game.
In answer to the question in the title of this post... NOT ME. I love nature. I love beautiful yards filled with trees and flower beds, shrubs and stone walkways. I love seeing pots and hanging planters filled with perennials and annuals throughout the summer (hey... at least I know those terms AND the differences between them), as well as tulips and daffodils creeping up from the ground in the spring. But alas, my thumb is as pink as it can be.
We are preparing to put in a yard... from the dirt up. Mike has moved rocks, sprayed weeds, plowed dirt, raked dirt... and then done it all again. Archie (thanks Arch) has come over and designed a sprinkling system with Mike; our friend Mike (thanks Mike) came over and designed a wonderful layout for us.
I'm nervous. As long as it sits there undone, we can dream of how beautiful it will be; but the minute we start to put it together, reality will set in. What if we do it wrong? What if our lawn isn't thick and healthy? What if we buy trees and they die? What if, what if...
Well I took a baby step and planted daffodil bulbs. My friend Paula (who has TWO green thumbs and a beautiful yard) brought these bulbs to the "Favorites Party" last fall and Caitlin's name was drawn out. Being a teenage girl, she was happy to trade her daffodil bulbs for a ring I received when my name was drawn out. So here they are. I planted them in the winter (Paula said I could) and they bloomed. I've watched them and thrilled over them every step of the way.
We just need to take a few more of those baby steps. Our friend Mike had a 5-year plan for his yard (which is beautiful by the way). So right now (year 1/5) our plan is sprinklers and grass, and weather permitting we'll be moving forward right away.
As I'm siting here typing, I think I'm noticing a slight hint of green on the tip of my left thumb. I think our yard may turn out to be just fine.
As I mentioned in a previous post (TDBC Day:19), I have been neglectful of my hobbies in recent months. We Also Sing recently held a concert... and I wasn't in the choir this time. My family performed at the City Hall in April, and although I was asked to participate; I declined. I can't even remember the last time I scrapbooked or made cards and I haven't crocheted for months; so I decided to at least remedy that. You may remember this blanket; well I finally decided which baby to make it for, so I picked up my crochet hook and started to stitch, and I discovered that it's just like riding a bike... I can still do it!
FYI I also mentioned in my TDBC Day: 19 post that I would be starting two new hobbies ASAP. I started one of them just a few days ago, and although it is significant and important, I'm not quite ready to share just yet... but I will!
Mike the incredibly talented rhythm guitar player and vocalist. Wait 'til you hear his high notes on the Beach Boys songs!!
Kevin he does an amazing job on the lead guitar... what a talent!!
Andy the incredible vocalist and keyboard player... but wait a minute, where's the keyboard? Oh well, I'm his mom so I will just tell you that HE CAN PLAY ANYTHING!!! Just sayin'.
Doug fabulous bass player and vocalist... multi-talented; 'cause... did you notice he's playing the banjo!?!
Mickey the drummer of all drummer's... he never misses a beat!!
Ummmm... these two aren't in the band... oh well, I just think it's a dang cute picture!! And it is my blog.
