You Don't See That Every Day

This time of year there is a lot of talk about turkeys, and oh, yeah being thankful for all we have. I have read numerous articles on how to help your children, or yourself, be thankful! But it really hit home for me this week. But first, a little of the back-story: two weeks ago I went in to the doctor for my first ever exam-for-women-who-are-over-40. You who are over 40 know what I'm talking about! That lovely machine that tries to squish parts of you into pancakes. The lady running the machine - mammographer I believe is her title - was super nice and relaxed, and just made it comfortable as possible. I left thinking, phew, done for a year. My week was cruising along nicely; I had vague plans as to what we would eat for Thanksgiving, along with thoughts about my son's upcoming birthday, crowding around the daily feed-them, get-them-where-they-need-to-be routine that fills my life. A week after I had my exam, the clinic called and asked to schedule another exam. My thou...

I've never been graceful. My arms and legs have never had the fluid movement of a ballerina. But there are some days when it's worse than ever. Sunday was one of those days. I dropped the keys. I dropped my pear from dinner, then promptly dropped more dinner food in my lap. Earlier I dropped a library book at the library. It was so bad that my husband suggested I not pickup the 4 year old. That evening I met up with a friend for some 'girl time' and on the way out of the restaurant, I dropped my half of the delicious chocolate cake that I had not finished. Getting ready for bed, I dropped the my face soap. And then, I pull up the Book of Face and see a post about my niece (who is infamous for dropping things also) having dropped her ice cream. I'm glad to know it's genetic.

It took weeks of planning, numerous emails and phone calls, a bit of decision making ... But we pulled it off. We surprised my parents, which isn't always easy to do. So earlier in the summer we had a gathering to celebrate my parents 60th Anniversary. It was intended for extended family and friends to come to during nice weather. But my sister and I wanted to do a little something more. So we planned a special dinner with all of 10 of the siblings to come to for my parents, closer to the real anniversary date. And somehow we were able to keep it a secret for mom and dad. The look on mom's face when she walked into the restaurant was priceless. She thought it was going to be a dinner with just my sister, who drove them. Then she saw my siblings from out of state and I think that's when it hit her, this wasn't just a little dinner. It was a fun, noisy, yummy time, visiting with family we don't get to see often, catching up on what's happening in other fami...

I can't believe I missed it! Writing about my second born turning 14 was one of the moments I was looking forward to - and it happened Three weeks ago!!    My baby girl, my first daughter, my 2nd child, the one who I gave birth to without any epidural (the only one!) the one who stole her daddy's heart and her brother's toys-- she is now a young woman turning heads and not realizing it. At 14 I was awkward and strange with big glasses and frizzy hair. Amend yet I met some great friends who liked me for me, and who will still talk to me this day, if I badger them enough. I was a pest sometimes and yet I made it through those days alive. My daughter goes through the emotions just like I did, ups and downs; the fears of the future and the hopes of here future wreaking havoc on her mental state. Just like when I was her age. So we celebrated her birthday a number of times. Oh the cake we had that week! One day with friends from church, another day with the immediate ...

Today with social media, staying in touch with friends is easier than ever. Without the Book of Face, I probably would not be connected to a number of people. But still, nothing can beat actual face to face time with friends (or family). Last night we had friends over for the evening - some good dinner, some delicious dessert, made by my daughter, and some great conversation. I enjoyed just sitting and talking about different experiences and ideas, and sharing our perspectives on life, kids, culture, Africa, etc. So why don't we do this more often? Why is it months in between gatherings? Football games, basketball games, church events, date nights - they all have a place in our lives, but finding the balance is what I am after. I enjoy people, and visiting with them, not just watching from the outside. There was an article going around online about introverts and how to understand them. I still don't know if I am an introvert or extrovert. I think I am both. An introverted ...

Today is a celebration. My parents have been married 60 years. Yowzers! 60 years, 10 kids, 2sons-in-law, 7 daughters in-law 22 (+1) grand kids, 5 (+1) great-grandkids, a dozen different homes, pets, and schools, And they are still smiling.