I don't mean you grew up in the Projects or with extreme difficulty in your life each day. What I am talking about is After you had kids. Kids make you grow up fast and it isn't always easy, ya know?
Many of us try to 'un' do what was done while we were growing up and at the same time try to 'do' what was not done that we feel should have been done.
All this agenda managing while taking each day as it comes in the midst of the craziness we call LIFE.
However, in all our planning, hoping, protecting, teaching and letting them fall off the bicycle to help them understand balance, we really screw/ed up sometimes.
So, we ask friends, we ask our moms, we ask our grandmothers.
Then, we are told by teachers, coaches, tutors, physicians, counselors and still... STILL we get it wrong in the midst of all the 'right' we are doing.
I Twittered onto a site today while sipping morning coffee. And I realized: we are all on our OWN journey with this Mom Thing.
And it ain't easy, nope, it is all out action.
And, it's as critical as a soldier standing ground in Afghanistan. There are demands on him/us we never see coming, demands that must be handled perfectly, in a heart beat, in a split second of time.
There are no DVRs to rewind or place on hold while we think things over and nuke a bag of popcorn.
We are in this Motherhood thing for a Life-time. Bottom line is this:
You can't get it right all the time. You can't.
And your friends don't, and your mom didn't.
Well, I read that site till I cried. I had to let it sink in.
And I realized something to add to my LONG list of things to be a great mom...Comfort.
Comfort your kids. It's a small thing. A gentle hug. A smile. A few words that say 'it will be different tomorrow', 'this difficulty won't last forever', 'you are ready for the task at hand and I believe in you and love you'.
Comfort.
Whether your kids are 5 or 45.
We know they need it when they are young but I think as they age we want them to be strong and we tend to withhold Comfort...not meaning to but thinking they aren't babies anymore. We older moms may be more encouraging when Comfort might be a better option. My kids are 20 somethings and I realize they need comfort just like I do at twice their age.
I think we all find little gems along the way, things no one tells us like I did by reading this site.
Might want a box of kleenex handy...OR you might want to skip it entirely and get a mug of hot chocolate and watch Fried Green Tomatoes or the Family Stone (fill in here with your chick flick, crying catharsis movie).
I challenge you this weekend to:
Comfort someone's child...old, young (you) or in between.
Take in the scent of a real rose.
And have TWO mugs of hot chocolate, the calories really don't matter.
((Hugs))
Melissa
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Bit of Small Town Eye-Candy....
A bit North East of Dallas lies a small town that has AMAZING Older homes...the kind of old homes with History and Character that get you thinking about commuting long distance just so you have the pleasure of weekends in the country at a Bed n Breakfast called 'Yours'.
I stumbled on such a house today and thought about punching numbers on the calculator.
Notice the front porch is screened in for enjoying those cool summer evenings sans mosquitoes.
This is the balcony off the Master bedroom upstairs
Here is the original wood stair case. There is another stair case, most probably in the back of the home. The front door looks original too.
The 4th bedroom, one of 5, is located on the third floor. Look at the old wood and the old windows. I would have that painted white in a heart beat and a window seat would be where those treadmills are. That blue carpet would be gone and wood floors would be polished. An old iron bed, lots of pillows, sheers hung at the windows. And spring nights would be spent reading then dreaming as cool breezes wafted through.
It sets on over an acre, backed by lush trees.
Looks quaint in the height of summer as it does when snow whispers into North Texas.
Photos from over a century ago...
A piece of the past. This humble Lady certainly merits a bit of time with the calculator and cup of hot tea, don't you think?
I stumbled on such a house today and thought about punching numbers on the calculator.
Notice the front porch is screened in for enjoying those cool summer evenings sans mosquitoes.
This is the balcony off the Master bedroom upstairs
Here is the original wood stair case. There is another stair case, most probably in the back of the home. The front door looks original too.
The 4th bedroom, one of 5, is located on the third floor. Look at the old wood and the old windows. I would have that painted white in a heart beat and a window seat would be where those treadmills are. That blue carpet would be gone and wood floors would be polished. An old iron bed, lots of pillows, sheers hung at the windows. And spring nights would be spent reading then dreaming as cool breezes wafted through.
It sets on over an acre, backed by lush trees.
Looks quaint in the height of summer as it does when snow whispers into North Texas.
Photos from over a century ago...
A piece of the past. This humble Lady certainly merits a bit of time with the calculator and cup of hot tea, don't you think?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
All things Sparkly
"In the end...sparkly will always win." TheCottageRose
It was 11 years ago we had one of those BIG white trees that was as wide as it was tall and it was beautiful loaded with all the Victorian Roses, Burgundy Vintage looking ornaments and Pink and Gold balls with glitter and ribbons. Two moves and one bad fall 5 years ago left us without a tree.
Since then we have had a variety of green trees small to tall, somewhat leaning, sparse in areas, grace our living room. 'Christmas Twigs' they were labeled by the two younger males. It was their way of saying my frugal reuse of past decorations and hand-me-down trees were just not cutting it.
I had to agree. Saturday Mr. Rose I began earnestly looking for a white tree. There simply were none over 3 feet tall! Until finally we landed at Big Lots and found this sweet little 6 footer, narrow diameter (which I prefer) iridescent white tree. It was smaller than what we were looking for, but with none to be found elsewhere it became our new Christmas Tree!
Garden Ridge had a sale on Ornaments so we headed over there and found all the sparkly, dangly, shiny, pretty, shimmery ornaments in every color imaginable! I wanted watery greens, blues and plums. And I love the way it turned out. Simple, sparkly, with butterflies and baubles.
Called my very traditional mom to tell her about the new tree and baubles, butterflies and sparklies.
"Hmm...Butterflies" she said. Then added, "Well at least you don't have grapes hanging off it."
I laughed, "You'll love the Butterflies!" She'll be here for Christmas Brunch next weekend. Maybe she won't notice the grapes...
It was 11 years ago we had one of those BIG white trees that was as wide as it was tall and it was beautiful loaded with all the Victorian Roses, Burgundy Vintage looking ornaments and Pink and Gold balls with glitter and ribbons. Two moves and one bad fall 5 years ago left us without a tree.
Since then we have had a variety of green trees small to tall, somewhat leaning, sparse in areas, grace our living room. 'Christmas Twigs' they were labeled by the two younger males. It was their way of saying my frugal reuse of past decorations and hand-me-down trees were just not cutting it.
I had to agree. Saturday Mr. Rose I began earnestly looking for a white tree. There simply were none over 3 feet tall! Until finally we landed at Big Lots and found this sweet little 6 footer, narrow diameter (which I prefer) iridescent white tree. It was smaller than what we were looking for, but with none to be found elsewhere it became our new Christmas Tree!
Garden Ridge had a sale on Ornaments so we headed over there and found all the sparkly, dangly, shiny, pretty, shimmery ornaments in every color imaginable! I wanted watery greens, blues and plums. And I love the way it turned out. Simple, sparkly, with butterflies and baubles.
Called my very traditional mom to tell her about the new tree and baubles, butterflies and sparklies.
"Hmm...Butterflies" she said. Then added, "Well at least you don't have grapes hanging off it."
I laughed, "You'll love the Butterflies!" She'll be here for Christmas Brunch next weekend. Maybe she won't notice the grapes...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Of Joy and Sadness, a Farewell
I wondered how the call would go, what would be said. But my husband answered the early morning call. I knew. The words rang through my dreams and the look on my husbands face when he walked into the bedroom told me everything.
"Was that your mom or mine?" I asked, as his mom is very ill. "Yours. She just called Hospice and will call back...I'm so sorry, Babe."
For a few minutes I stood in the closet unable to dress myself. My husband suggested jeans and flannel were appropriate for this crisp blustery fall day. I remembered to brush my teeth. I forgot to comb my hair.
He had my coffee waiting at the back door and handed me the keys continually questioning if I was 'ok' enough to drive to Dallas. Yes, I am.
I exited at Skillman/Audelia, right where concrete and glass turn into the most beautiful residential scenery. At the top of the hill on Audelia as the sun lit up the yellows and burnt orange trees, their leaves dancing across the road, I thought of my father.
He loved Yellow!
As the leaves snowed down the scene in front of me became surreal...I saw him as he was years ago up at the level of the tree limbs. His hair dark, his dark eyes shining triumphantly. He was smiling a smile that said he was SO excited and then he blew me a kiss. I kid you not, I saw that. His expression said everything I needed to know. That he had a place to go, to be with the Lord in the place prepared for him. That he was free of the dementia, of the strokes, of the body's prison. The was no sorrow, just a beaming delight and assurance that he wanted to convey.
That was at 8:36am. The Hospice nurse had declared him at 8:30am.
I now know that vision was from the Lord. And it will comfort me daily.
Two ladies from the funeral home came to transport him from his home and they handed my mom a huge red rose and said it was a reminder for her that they were taking good care of him. I didn't know companies cared enough to do that.
Moments later he was draped with the flag of the United States of America. It was neatly tucked across his chest and mom and I kissed him goodbye once again. The ladies then respectfully covered his face and took him to the van.
We stood in the driveway watching them back out the long drive. They waved, like old friends, as they were leaving and I found that so touching.
All through the day I saw his face beaming through those beautiful billowing trees. It is that face, that smile, those gorgeous brown eyes I will remember each time I think of my dad. And I will thank God for the blessing of his salvation in 1975 and having had him for my earthly father.
Update...
Early the following Wednesday, Dec.5th, Pastor Geiger spoke of the assurances we have in Christ Jesus, Psalms 91, John 14 and then led us through The Lord's Prayer. The Flag was folded and handed to Mom. The service was exactly what Dad would have wanted. Though my father accomplished much on this Earth he didn't want those things discussed overly much. So, there was no mention of those achievements. There were no flowers, no fan fare, just a serene quietude of respect and remembrance. I placed a kiss on my fingers and laid them on top of the dark wood then said "Goodbye Daddy".
Forever in my heart will be your strength, character and integrity.
"Was that your mom or mine?" I asked, as his mom is very ill. "Yours. She just called Hospice and will call back...I'm so sorry, Babe."
For a few minutes I stood in the closet unable to dress myself. My husband suggested jeans and flannel were appropriate for this crisp blustery fall day. I remembered to brush my teeth. I forgot to comb my hair.
He had my coffee waiting at the back door and handed me the keys continually questioning if I was 'ok' enough to drive to Dallas. Yes, I am.
I exited at Skillman/Audelia, right where concrete and glass turn into the most beautiful residential scenery. At the top of the hill on Audelia as the sun lit up the yellows and burnt orange trees, their leaves dancing across the road, I thought of my father.
He loved Yellow!
As the leaves snowed down the scene in front of me became surreal...I saw him as he was years ago up at the level of the tree limbs. His hair dark, his dark eyes shining triumphantly. He was smiling a smile that said he was SO excited and then he blew me a kiss. I kid you not, I saw that. His expression said everything I needed to know. That he had a place to go, to be with the Lord in the place prepared for him. That he was free of the dementia, of the strokes, of the body's prison. The was no sorrow, just a beaming delight and assurance that he wanted to convey.
That was at 8:36am. The Hospice nurse had declared him at 8:30am.
I now know that vision was from the Lord. And it will comfort me daily.
Two ladies from the funeral home came to transport him from his home and they handed my mom a huge red rose and said it was a reminder for her that they were taking good care of him. I didn't know companies cared enough to do that.
Moments later he was draped with the flag of the United States of America. It was neatly tucked across his chest and mom and I kissed him goodbye once again. The ladies then respectfully covered his face and took him to the van.
We stood in the driveway watching them back out the long drive. They waved, like old friends, as they were leaving and I found that so touching.
All through the day I saw his face beaming through those beautiful billowing trees. It is that face, that smile, those gorgeous brown eyes I will remember each time I think of my dad. And I will thank God for the blessing of his salvation in 1975 and having had him for my earthly father.
Update...
Early the following Wednesday, Dec.5th, Pastor Geiger spoke of the assurances we have in Christ Jesus, Psalms 91, John 14 and then led us through The Lord's Prayer. The Flag was folded and handed to Mom. The service was exactly what Dad would have wanted. Though my father accomplished much on this Earth he didn't want those things discussed overly much. So, there was no mention of those achievements. There were no flowers, no fan fare, just a serene quietude of respect and remembrance. I placed a kiss on my fingers and laid them on top of the dark wood then said "Goodbye Daddy".
Forever in my heart will be your strength, character and integrity.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Vintage Pink
A Vintage Pink table linen stained beyond saving
+
A Pink Sewing Machine
=
A pretty Pink pouch for just about anything!
Stuffed with your Pink flannel PJs and tossed eloquently on the bed...
OR
Stuffed with you Bible and notebook for Church or an afternoon Truth Dig
OR
Stuffed with your latest crafting/quilting
OR
Stuffed with pretty papers, envelopes, teas for a unique gift to be laid on top of the desk for anyone to see
Either way, it sits Pretty and Pink just about Anywhere, for Everyone to enjoy!
Just to let you know...
I made a small pouch of white cloth and sewed it just inside the Vintage pouch so the weight of my Bible and notebooks wouldn't harm the old fabric. Then I attached two small plastic rings to the back for hanging on the wall by the bed. If your vintage piece is frail you might want to make a pouch to fit inside like I did.
Happy PINK Saturday!
Want more PINK fix? Click here for the list at How Sweet The Sound
+
A Pink Sewing Machine
=
A pretty Pink pouch for just about anything!
Stuffed with your Pink flannel PJs and tossed eloquently on the bed...
OR
Stuffed with you Bible and notebook for Church or an afternoon Truth Dig
OR
Stuffed with your latest crafting/quilting
OR
Stuffed with pretty papers, envelopes, teas for a unique gift to be laid on top of the desk for anyone to see
Either way, it sits Pretty and Pink just about Anywhere, for Everyone to enjoy!
Just to let you know...
I made a small pouch of white cloth and sewed it just inside the Vintage pouch so the weight of my Bible and notebooks wouldn't harm the old fabric. Then I attached two small plastic rings to the back for hanging on the wall by the bed. If your vintage piece is frail you might want to make a pouch to fit inside like I did.
Happy PINK Saturday!
Want more PINK fix? Click here for the list at How Sweet The Sound
Monday, November 24, 2008
Lookin' Out My Back Door
I couldn't stand it anymore!
So out on the patio I went and with a couple good jerks I pulled down the Radiant Barrier that protected my window from the sun. I put the Tea Pot on and ran to the shower and when I came back in the kitchen I was greeted with my favorite sight.....The HUGE Texas sky, the trees and the colors of Fall.
The windows are open in the kitchen giving us that wonderfully cool breeze that will cool my walnut and chess pies tomorrow. I LOVE this time of year! So I grabbed the camera to share the view out the screened half of the window.
From the patio I had this view of Autumn Trail, the street running beside our home.
Over the weekend I noticed our new crepe myrtle had turned this beautiful shade of fall
Our first little summer garden failed miserably. So, I planted another. Here is our new bell pepper! Its about the size of my thumb print...lol. We learned SO much this year and hope to have a full up garden next year.
Isn't it cute?
AND, we have 4 Roma tomatoes but that photo blurred badly...perhaps it would have been better to wear my glasses while snapping photos but honestly, I was just coming to the kitchen after my shower to make a cup of Tea when I was so happy to see the sky again!
Hoping you all have a lovely day!
So out on the patio I went and with a couple good jerks I pulled down the Radiant Barrier that protected my window from the sun. I put the Tea Pot on and ran to the shower and when I came back in the kitchen I was greeted with my favorite sight.....The HUGE Texas sky, the trees and the colors of Fall.
The windows are open in the kitchen giving us that wonderfully cool breeze that will cool my walnut and chess pies tomorrow. I LOVE this time of year! So I grabbed the camera to share the view out the screened half of the window.
From the patio I had this view of Autumn Trail, the street running beside our home.
Over the weekend I noticed our new crepe myrtle had turned this beautiful shade of fall
Our first little summer garden failed miserably. So, I planted another. Here is our new bell pepper! Its about the size of my thumb print...lol. We learned SO much this year and hope to have a full up garden next year.
Isn't it cute?
AND, we have 4 Roma tomatoes but that photo blurred badly...perhaps it would have been better to wear my glasses while snapping photos but honestly, I was just coming to the kitchen after my shower to make a cup of Tea when I was so happy to see the sky again!
Hoping you all have a lovely day!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Weird-ities
Is it me?
Am I just totally OLD here? I'll admit to being a little clueless.......but I don't get it.
Dominoes Pizza just sent me an email inviting me to use my cell/mobile phone to place my order via signing on to the internet and texting my order.
Now, if I wanted pizza and wanted to use my Cell/mobile/wireless (what DO we call these today?) wouldn't I just call?
Why would I punch buttons and go through doing internet online thing, punching all those buttons when I could spend half the time talking to a human....?
Especially if I'm on the way home from work or running errands. Wouldn't I just use my cell to call it in?
One day, we will get an email that says: "pizza made EZ!! Just punch 10 buttons and speak.
What am I missing here?
Ok, I will say that last time I tried to order pizza over the phone the guy couldn't speak English and therefore couldn't understand me. I tried to be nice, finally I just said 'thanks anyway' and hung up. I do order online now. Besides, I like that little ticker thing they have that shows when the pizza is made and by whom.
But use my cell/mobile/wireless? And not CALL in the order?
Hmmm...Maybe if I had a bad case of laryngitis...that is what it's for, now I get it!
My Grandmother would SO be giggling right now. She'd love this!
Am I just totally OLD here? I'll admit to being a little clueless.......but I don't get it.
Dominoes Pizza just sent me an email inviting me to use my cell/mobile phone to place my order via signing on to the internet and texting my order.
Now, if I wanted pizza and wanted to use my Cell/mobile/wireless (what DO we call these today?) wouldn't I just call?
Why would I punch buttons and go through doing internet online thing, punching all those buttons when I could spend half the time talking to a human....?
Especially if I'm on the way home from work or running errands. Wouldn't I just use my cell to call it in?
One day, we will get an email that says: "pizza made EZ!! Just punch 10 buttons and speak.
What am I missing here?
Ok, I will say that last time I tried to order pizza over the phone the guy couldn't speak English and therefore couldn't understand me. I tried to be nice, finally I just said 'thanks anyway' and hung up. I do order online now. Besides, I like that little ticker thing they have that shows when the pizza is made and by whom.
But use my cell/mobile/wireless? And not CALL in the order?
Hmmm...Maybe if I had a bad case of laryngitis...that is what it's for, now I get it!
My Grandmother would SO be giggling right now. She'd love this!
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