Confessions of a Jewelry Designer: family

Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Baking Divas

One of those things that I am working toward with my grandkids is instilling a few of things:
1. Grandma’s house is a fun place to be
2. The importance of laughter and having a good sense of humor
3. Baking is a staple of life
4. Singing songs makes the time fly by and lightens our heart
5. Nothing beats a good nap

This past weekend, all of the above was accomplished, save the nap part.

We started our adventure by heading to The Chicken Nugget Place, AKA McDonald’s Playland. Perfect. Much to this grandma’s dismay there were 58 (okay not that many) snotty nosed kids with dirty hands playing in the middle of the big play toy. Eeewww. I just bathed them in hand sanitizer when they got back to the table. It went something like this:

Maycie: Grandma did you see that boy with dirty hands?
Me: Ummmm, which one? They all had dirty hands.
Maycie: The one who was picking his nose.
Kayla: Gwwwoooosssss
Me: Let’s go outside and hose you two down.

Then it was back to the house for our cookie baking adventure. This time I introduced the art of …. Stirring….

And here you have my baking divas. Their grandma wouldn’t be caught dead in an apron, but I’ll be darned if they didn’t look precious!

Happy Fall!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

My Boy

I was talking to my oldest daughter yesterday and she was telling me about Brandon, my grandson, her baby boy. She said "Mom, I don't know what it is about him, but it is different. I feel different about him than I do the girls. It isn't that I love him more. It is just different."

I can relate. I seriously can relate. My girls were/are my loves. But there is just something about my boy. I don't know what it is, but it is different. J'Amy's words rang so true that it just caught me so off guard, and made me ponder. What is it that connects me sooooo to my Jake. Bottom line is.... he is Jake, and he is mine, and he is perfect...to his Mama.

Monday, October 3, 2011

He Would Be So Proud

Last night as I drove home from Ashley and Drayton's new little nest, I was struck by the gut wrenching though that he would be so proud of them.

On Saturday night the girls got together and did a Halloween crafting marathon extravaganza. They made a myriad of different decorations.

As I pulled out of Ashley's driveway, and looked at the front of her house with the witch's legs hanging down from the soffet of the house, I thought to myself, "they didn't get this from me." The girls both share a love for this season that was given to them as a gift from their father. Even though he never really told them how much he loved them, I know that he did.

For as much as I take great joy and pride in my girls knowing that, for the most part, I raised them on my own. I have only to look at them, especially during this time of the year, and know that he is just as much a part of them as I am .... and you know what? I am glad. They got the very best that he had to offer, and I am glad.

And even though he never really told them how proud of them he was, I know that he is.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Home is Where the Heart Is

I have always felt strongly about being a California girl. Ask me. I will tell you that I am a valley girl from SoCal. And yes, I can totally pick off a valley girl accent. Further to that, I was a valley girl long before it was the thaing to be one. Just sayin.

But I find as life goes on and I, ahem, age.... Home is more where my heart is. There are so many things about Utah that I love. How can you not love this, the amazing skies:

There is so much beauty in the Wasatch, so incredibly majestic.

This is my little Bountiful valley:

And the sunsets....seriously....

Although Utah may not be this:

It certainly is this:

And therein lie my heart.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The HB

So a couple of weekends ago I visited the HB. See - - it really is the HB.

I helped a sista out with an organizational project that seemed a bit daunting. Please note the use of plastic storage containers. I love plastic storage containers. Please see in the closet and note the further use of plastic storage containers.

I love the Harris family. I do live in Utah - - I could be a sister wife, just sayin.

We ate at Dukes, fish and chips to die for….

Another reason I love Huntington Beach?

This…….

This…....

And of course this……..

Did I mention that I love plastic storage containers and the beach? Oh ya, I guess I did.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Lady Bug

When I was a little girl my mother used the name Ladybug when there was a strong admonishment coming. Kinda like this “If you think for one minute Ladybug that you are going to stay out past 11:00 p.m. you can just think again.” Ahem, the preceding is only an example and not anything my mother ever said to me. But for Ashley, it has always been a term of endearment. She has been Ladybug, Bug, Buggie.
From early on she was creative, making hats for the pups for every occasion. Please see photo below. Maggie is the Angel (well duh), and Scooter was really excited that year in the role of the Christmas Tree.

As Ashley grew, so did her hair. This pose depicts “Hurry and focus the camera Mom.”

I know that on August 17, 1987 something absolutely miraculous happened. A perfect little baby girl was born. The angels sang.

We have had our ups and downs, my little Buggy. What mother and daughter hasn’t? But this I know… No mother ever loved a daughter more than this mama loves you. Happy Birthday my little ladybug! Muah!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Ism's

The following is a list of my recent favorite Kayla-isms and Maycie-isms:

Kayla

· Mmmm, I-wish-iss! = Mmmmmm delicious!

· Bye I gotta shop (ummm where do you think she gets that from???)

· Whenever she is tattling, her hands go on her hips, and she says No faware = No fair! Mommy, Daddy no sharwing wif me.

· As she steps on Brandon, “sorry bud”.

· I’m a poop maaachine! (my favorite!)

Maycie

· Singing - - “We are in a washing achine, washing achine”

· In a high pitched princess voice “Let me take you to the princess castle where we can see Sweeping Cutie” ummm, that would be Sleeping Beauty. But don’t you dare try and correct her, I always want her to call Sleeping Beauty “Sweeping Cutie”

· Grandma, did you see those futterflies?

· Guess what Mom, Jesus is real. Grandma said so.

· Grandma, I love you the sun, the moon, the stars, fishing, fairy princess castles, gum, the ocean, and Cinderella.

I don’t think that this Grandma can stand too much more than that.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

4th of July - Huntington Beach Style

This year I was fortunate enough to spend the Fourth with my friend Marika and her family. See look how cute we are:

And look how cute our toes are. Not that you care about our toes, but you know me…. I am all about the toes.

We started off our morning at the Huntington Beach parade. It is the largest 4th of July parade on the west coast, and probably west of the Mississippi, but at least on the west coast. Little children leaned in to see the action.

But the standard attire was this:

Please note the strategically placed star and matching sunglasses, thank you.

Every parade has its fire trucks. But the Huntington Beach parade has the vintage pumper truck with Blaze the mascot dalmation. Here we see Blaze regally riding.

Then we see engineer Bob giving Blaze the two finger signal. I don’t know what the two finger signal is…but Blaze does. He is, after all, a super hero dalmation.

I think the part that got me the most were the veterans and active duty military. Some gave all, and some were impacted for life.

Some have the spark of patriotism that shows in their walk. God and Country.

After the parade we headed back to the Harris abode where Roger grilled up some incredibly yummy tri-tip, and shrimp.

We finished up with fireworks. Please note the firework reflection in Uncle Fred’s glasses.

What a great holiday courtesy of Harris and company.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Random Facts and Simple Items of Interest

The garden is not growing.

I love my iPod Touch.

Brandon's head smells yummy.

Maggie is pouty.

I want to be someone’s priority.

It is nice to have a house full of people.

I miss my Grandma.

Kayla twitches her nose when she smiles big.

I need new carpet.

I love my feet right after a pedicure with Sonny.

In September, I will be swimming in the ocean in a place I never have before.

The planter in the front of the house is planted with red and white petunias.

I love Maycie’s song “We are in a washing a-chine, a washing a-chine”

Coffee is a gift from God.

Three dogs make a lot more dog poop than two.

I want a love in my life that completes it.

I love Words with Friends (carrillosun if anyone is interested)

I love my Daddy, and I will always be his Cinderella.

Just sayin’

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

In a New York Minute Everything Can Change

The lyrics from the Eagle’s song New York Minute, hit home this past week. They read:

And in these days
When darkness falls early
And people rush home
To the ones they love
You better take a fool's advice
And take care of your own
One day they're here;
Next day they're gone

Literally, in a New York minute everything can change and does. As those words floated through my head along with the lyrics Don Henley hauntingly sings, my mind drifted to days and times when he was still here.

I remembered leaving work, going to my car and having it all decorated, with love notes he left all over it. I thought about the bill that he must have run up at Peg’s Flower Shop in Sunland for sending me flowers every 9th of the month. I remembered going to the Eagles concert and racing Lee Majors. I remembered him sneaking up behind me at Hober’s Pharmacy and snuggling my neck with a stuffed animal, and later finding that same stuffed animal in my car with a note that said “Please take me home and love me” more referring to him than the stuffed animal. I remembered our honeymoon, and the flowers he had delivered the next day to MRS. Cindie Lund. Then I remembered the sign he painted “It’s a Girl”. And then ditto when the next one came. I remembered him in the brown sweater, sleeves pushed up, his long legs, and his curly long hair. I remembered that man, not the one he became. I mourned him. I wept for him. I loved him.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Bathroom vs. Birthday Party

I admit it. I am not a good closer. Sometimes I struggle with completion. I know, I know ~ I am in therapy. But the first step is admitting you have a problem right?

Sometime back I tore apart my bathroom downstairs when the plaid wallpaper just wasn't doing it for me anymore. Back in the day, I used to tear apart a whole room, paint it and redecorate it in 6 nano seconds. But when I tore apart the bathroom I forgot that I am now...Ahem... 49, it took a lot longer. I enlisted help from all sources available. They completed - - came through for their Momma, but I am still left to finishing. And, as I so bravely admitted above, I am a poor closer. So.... enter my dilemma.

Do I finish up my bathroom or make a run up to Idaho and surprise my baby brother for his birthday? Bathroom..... birthday...... bathroom...... birthday......

Being the great closer that I am
want to be ------------- BIRTHDAY!

Jake and I loaded up and started the 5 hour trek northwest. We had a great time visiting, listening to audio books (I love my new iPod Touch!) We stopped in Brigham City on our way. Being in that little town conjures so much in me. So many swirly emotions that I don't know how necessarily to address them all. It was there that I felt more alone than I have ever been in my life, completely isolated from everyone who loved me and every thing familiar to me. It was also a place where I have never been more loved in my life. The place where all my children were born. The place where I couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting an ex-husband. A place so stifling that I knew if I didn't escape it, the pure essence of my life would be sucked from me. And yet, all that said, when I go through I can't help but admire the beauty of its gorgeous and majestic mountains

And the quaint feel of the tree lined Main Street.

Jake and I had the opportunity to talk about where he came from, where he is going. We reminisced about times gone by and fun times in Brigham City. It's good for a boy to remember his roots. It is good for all of us to Remember Who You Are and What You Stand For.

We arrived in Boise and had a great time visiting with my Mom and Daddy. I always feel so connected; so plugged in when I spend time with my parents and my family. They encourage, they love, they help me to remember who I am and what I stand for.

Mike got the fishing assortment that every boy wants....please see Power Bait photo...

And if you don't get the correct/enough fishing accoutrement, then there is this - - The Sportsman's Warehouse gift card.

And seriously - - - you have to look cute when you fish right? (Ahem, that would have been my birthday present.....but hey, I did give him an econo sized jar of smoked almonds....you can take that fishing right??)

The birthday party was the right choice. My little brother will be 48 in a few days. And while I don't know everything about life, making the right decisions or being a good closer - - this I know, I made the right choice between the bathroom and the birthday party... Love you Miquito!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Mother's Day

To say that I feel blessed as a mother probably sounds so run of the mill. How do I say how incredibly lucky I feel to have three beautiful, healthy, happy, well adjusted, funny, wonderful children?

First, both of the girls called me and wished me a Happy Mother’s Day. Jake woke up first thing in the morning (closer to noon) and the first thing he did whilst stumbling out of bed was to come find me, kiss me, and tell me Happy Mother’s Day. Seriously? It doesn’t get better than that…. but wait, there’s more. Earlier in the week, each one of my kids posted on Facebook their own version of me.

J’Amy’s read:

“Well words can't really put into perspective how perfectly wonderful my mother is. Yes, you all should be jealous! :D She is by far the most remarkably loving mother and Grandma. She has stood by my side through everything, when I look around and can’t seem to see anyone in the clouds….There she is.”

From the moment she was born, my little nickel baby, she was my first love. The day she came I looked at her and knew that my life would never be the same again. The amount of joy, laughter, and pride that she has brought to my life is immeasurable. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for her and all that she has brought to me.

Then Ashley:

“An Ode to my Momma you never cease to amaze me whether that is with your talent, kindness or beauty. You have forever & will forever be the best teacher I have. I can't tell you how much beauty dwells in you & is shown in your everyday life. I love you SO much Momma & can never express how blessed I am to have you! -Buggie”

Ashley has always been my little ladybug - - my Buggie. She blesses me. She warms me to my soul and in her I see a light that transcends this world, an eternal flame. Every day of my life I am grateful for her. It was not by a stroke of luck that she is mine and I am hers. She is a precious part of my life, my journey. I am forever glad that she is mine.

And last of all, my Jacob, the man of many (NOT) words:

“I changed my profile picture to one of my favorite memories that I have with my mom to honor her for mothers day. I love her with all my heart and couldn’t ask for a better mom. I love you momma :)”

Ahhhhh my dear and sweet Jakie boy.... He has been my darling baby boy. He has been the light and joy of my life. There is nothing that compares to the love between a mom and son. I can look at him and feel his happiness, his sadness, his joy, and sometimes his anxiety. He and I are connected ~ we get each other. He is my precious, my baby, my son. There is nothing quite like it. .... I love you!

The week started wonderful with such beautiful things on Facebook. And then on Mother’s Day the girls made an incredibly yummy dinner, that I didn’t have to lift a finger to prepare or clean up after - - - niiiiiice. Maycie made me an absolutely stunning, seriously stunning, pipe cleaner necklace. J’Amy had the kids make me a darling flower pot with all of their handprints and B’s footprint…precious! And fun little miscellaneous decorating items. Ashley and Drayton gave me the perfect plant – Moses’ cradle in the perfect pot - - a HUGE coffee cup. Seriously, I don’t think she could have picked anything more aprapos. And Jake surprised me by getting off early from work just to come and spend the day with me. Sometimes, the gift of time is more valuable than anything.

Again, to close this post with what a blessing my kids are to me seems trite, but you know what? They just are.

Muah!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Life is All About the Moments

I will always cherish and remember the time that I spent with my grandma. I loved the way that she made scrambled eggs. And she would cut up my banana…. I loved that. These are the Moments I hold near and dear to my heart.

This weekend I had Maycie Jean overnight. We did our regular routine of chicken nuggets, cheese, and cut up banana. We read books and sang songs. Please see below for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and associated hand motions….this would be “like a diamond in the sky.”

We also baked cookies…We started off with all fresh ingredients, kneaded, rolled out, cut into those perfect Valentine cookies….. ummmm not…..

Maycie will now demonstrate the proper way to arrange store bought cookie dough on a round baking sheet.

When I asked Maycie if she thought the cookies would be good, she handed me some dough and said "I don't know.... You taste it."

We got them all arranged and put them in the oven to bake.

I put 10 minutes on the timer.

Maycie: Grandma what are you doing?

Me: I am turning the timer on so that Grandma will remember that there are cookies in the oven."

Maycie: Silly Grandma, you will remember.

Me: Trust me, I won't.

And in the famous words and gesture of Maycie Jean she says.... "But you will..." Duh, Grandma....

For the next ten minutes, we did princess poses....

Taste testing of uncooked cookies...I don't recommend this...

We even completed a rousing round of calisthenics involving heads, shoulders, knees and toes....you know I am all about getting daily exercise.

We even had a momentary stare....

Then that was it - the timer went off and out came our hard work....

I know that Life really is about the moments. I know I will never forget the moments of my grandma's and my time together. I pray that Maycie Jean will always remember ours!

Muah!