During Thanksgiving break, my parents, sister, and I had a nice morning together. First, we went to the beach with Bailey and then we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast.
Bailey girl LOVES the beach! Even in her old age, she surprised me and ran through the waves to fetch her ball. It is funny because she has a difficult maneuvering around on solid surfaces (tile, carpet, yard) but she ran on the beach with hardly any problems.
Happy Girl...
Those of you who have a dog, specifically a Lab, realize how special they really are. Just like family....
Our Thanksgiving was wonderful and so relaxing. We traveled down to southern California to spend the holiday with our family. Saturday night I got together with all of my cousins on my mom's side and we surprised my grandmother with a pizza dinner. It is VERY rare that all of us are in one place. A few months ago, my sweet cousin Jenny had the idea to have a dinner with Grandma with all of us in one spot to let her know how much we adore her.
We all met up outside her home and signed a card. My cousin, Mitch brought a beautiful flower arrangement as well. My sister went in first, as my grandma was just expecting her. When she walked in the back room she told my grandma that she brought along a "few friends" and that she hoped she wouldn't mind...so all of us walked back to surprise her!
I will never forget her face...it was more of a look of confusion rather than surprise. She kept looking at all of us and asking what was going on. We told her we were there to spend some time with her and tell her how much she meant to us.
We took a few pictures and then sat down to eat. My sister and I picked up Pat and Oscars pizza, salad, and breadsticks (my favorite) before hand so that we would not have to take time to prepare anything. It was perfect!
After we ate, I took a moment to ask everyone around the table to state their favorite memory they have of Grandma and also give one word that describes her. The words included: ROCK, WARM, BEAUTIFUL, LIGHT, PROTECTIVE, COMPASSIONATE, and FAMILY.
Grandma, you are all these things and MORE! Love you so much and we are so THANKFUL for you!
I enjoy the nice warm days, but it was weird having 80 degree weather in October. The beginning of November finally brought a cold spell (if you can call 60 degree weather cold) and with the cold weathercomes new heater filters for the vents and a fire in the fireplace....
Our favorite thing to do when it is dreary weather is to lay by the fire and relax...it is even better with our favorite furry friends to snuggle with. :)
Is it really November? Wow, time flies! I feel like I say that a lot!
This week will be full of parent conferences, a board meeting, early Thanksgiving meal with the brain injury survivor group I facilitate, midnight showing of "Breaking Dawn" (Crazy), Kindergarten Thanksgiving program, and hopefully finishing up on my CHRISTmas decorations before we head down to San Diego with the family...busy, busy, busy!
I want to say thank you to all of you who are praying for us. I especially appreciated all of the comments and personal e-mails sent to me by our loved ones and others that I don't even know personally. I definitely don't want this blog to become a "sad" blog...I can say for sure that most of the time, Rick and I take our difficulties in stride and try to make each day count. But, there are a few times when the stress/pain gets the best of us. Knowing that we have you all here to support us is so humbling...we gain strength from your prayers more than you know.
I am trying to post a few blogs from Halloween, pumpkin patch, etc. but have been a little lazy with posting.
This is a bit random, but, I really want to get back into reading consistently. It is so easy for me to pick up a book, read it in three days, and then lag for a month until I even pick up a new one. Right now, my book clubs are reading 1) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and 2) "Wildwater walking Club." They both are very different from each other, but good. Hopefully I will finish them up during Thanksgiving Break. What are you all reading right now?
Well, I am off to take a late Sunday nap...
I am sure I have written about my hopes for one day having children. I love them...all of them...well, most of them. Rick and I have quite a few kids who we have "adopted" as nieces and nephews and try very hard to spoil them rotten. We always said we would "one day have kids" whenever we felt ready.
Well, we "felt ready" almost a year and a half ago...
I have been a little apprehensive about writing about this on such a public forum, but I know most of my readers are friends and family. I also realize that a stranger might be lead to this blog and may find support or comfort by what I have to say.
Rick and I have been going through the awful, sometimes lonely, sometimes painful, annoying, life of infertility...I really hate that word...it is not a good word. The good thing is, our doctor has high hopes for us. The even better news is that our GOD has even higher hopes for us and I believe that one day he will bless us with a child.
Through this whole experience, I have been so uplifted by our friends and family. I had mentioned that at times, infertility can be a very lonely process. I am so thankful for my close friends and family who have stood by us in prayer and support. I don't think I could go through this without all of them.
Rick, especially has been a strong point in my life. He has strong faith that I am so inspired by and pray daily for.
I heard this song on the radio the other day and wept...I love the message it gives. The song, "I'm with you", performed by Nichole Nordeman and Amy Grant, is the story of Naomi and Ruth...a story that illustrates the triumph of courage and ingenuity over adverse circumstances. One woman helping another promising that "until your heart finds a home, I won't let you feel alone, I'm with you. "
When I hear this song, I think of all of our loved ones who are holding us up in prayer and standing by us...I know we are not alone...
My iPad...thank you hubby...I really didn't need this....but I LOVE it!!!
Fall flowers and decor
Sabria Hummus. Particularly the spinach and artichoke flavor, or the red pepper, or garlic...ha!
Real Simple Magazine...I wish I could do each and every thing this magazine recommends...
Mineral water...totally weird...I used to hate this stuff. But for the last few months I have lived off of this wonderful and refreshing beverage. YUM!
In early August my mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law, came for a visit. We had a wonderful time relaxing and also took time to cruise along the American River in a raft and travel up to Chico to watch my cousin play baseball.
My cousin plays for the Chico Outlaws. He is very talented and our whole family is very proud of him. The whole crowd up in Chico loves their team...cow bells were ringing all night long!
Mandy and I sitting in the "best seats in the house." This couch was right behind home plate.
The family getting ready for the game to begin.
The next day the family went to Sierra Nevada Brewery to eat and later take a tour. We all shared the beer sampler (16 shot glasses). I would highly recommend this experience. It was great to try new brews; although there were a few that were a little to strong. I really liked the Kellerweis and Bitter Best. The food was fantastic! Dad and I had the fish and chips that, of course, had a wonderful beer batter covering. Everyone was so happy to be spending time with one another. We are so blessed!
Check these guys out! Rick, Ralph (Father and Son), Darell, and Pat (Father and Son), were very excited to team up for the first annual men's golf tournament back in July with our church down in Vista, Ca. They were so excited they planned on coordinating in Raiders gear. They had a great time!
Brinkley, Today you turn one year old! I am so thankful that you are in this world. Do you know how special you are? You are the light in your parent's eyes...they love you very much. You are a blessed child. My prayer for you is that you learn to love Jesus and trust Him with all your heart just like your mom and dad. Your parents are very gracious people who are incredible examples to follow in your sweet life. I hope that I can be there for you too...even though we are so far away. Happy Birthday sweet girl... Love, Your Auntie Lena (and Uncle Ricky too.)
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
I love these verses...they speak to me every time I read them. The past two months have been difficult...they have brought sorrow so strong I could barely stand on two feet. Receiving a call from my sister that sweet Grandma had passed away, hearing my father's voice crack when he spoke of his mother at her funeral, holding my grandfather as he wept....these things broke me.
I know that there is a time for everything....and miraculously, even in times of sorrow, JOY pushed through and gave me a smile. The promise that Jesus is Lord and heaven is real...visiting and renewing relationships with family members from far away...watching my parents work together to care for my Grandpa, and cruising in the AUDI with Grandpa...these things rebuilt me. The Lord is good...he is faithful...he is true...he sustains us through sorrow...he brings joy to his children...
This summer Rick and I spent sometime visiting the Wilkinson's down in San Diego. They traveled from Michigan to visit family and fortunately we were there during the same time! We were beyond thrilled to see little miss Brinkley! She is adorable and we fell in love with her right away! Brink loved Rick (who can blame her?) We are so thankful for good friends. It was amazing to witness the love that Ben and Laurin have for their sweet daughter. Ben and Laurin, you are amazing parents!
I miss my Grandma very much. It is hard to think that I will never see her again in this world, but praise God I know that I will see her again in heaven. These pictures remind me of one of the last conversations I had with my Grandma. She called me and said "I miss Riley!" Riley is our dog and traveled down to San Diego with us when we stayed down there for a couple weeks. Riley's favorite spot was on Grandma's lap...and I think that is right where Grandma wanted her to be! It is amazing to see how much joy an animal can give someone.... I just love how happy she looks in these pictures.
"I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow." Jeremiah 31:13b
My wedding day, August 29, 2003
Grandma looked so beautiful!
My sweet Grandmother went to heaven this afternoon. She has been on hospice for the past two months, but the news was still difficult to hear. Actually, I scrubbed the kitchen floor with part anger and part sadness while Rick sat there crying with me...we talked about her life...about my memories with her...and how much she meant to both of us. Half way through our discussion, I stopped, mop in hand and said "She is dancing with the angels in heaven...she is healthy and happy." This I know for sure. She is in a better place and I will see her again.
When I think back to the times when I was young, one of my very first memories was of my grandma bathing my sister and I in a big claw foot tub. I remember her singing. I remember her smiling at us. A smile, so loving, so bright, it made me feel like I was her favorite person in the world...she made everyone feel like that...this I know for sure.
Cooking, playing, hugging, laughing, and rocking us in her chair is what she did best. I hold these times close to my heart, especially hearing her say "My grandchildren can do whatever they want" when a friend commented on my sister and I eating icecream in her living room when we were little girls.
As I grew older my grandmother continued to have a lot of spirit, and, God bless her willingly endured a few pranks. She laughed as my church group held her hand to walk her across the street for a scavenger hunt. (Our task was to help and old lady cross the street).
I visited her everyday during my highschool years. I walked up to her house, we ate lunch, and watched television together. She got me hooked on daytime soaps and french vanilla icecream. She took time to invest in all of our lives and I am thankful for that. She was interested in meeting all of our friends, and all of our friends loved her. Their door was always open!
My grandmother, of course, was even more interested in meeting our spouses. She always had a good sense of humor. I remember there was a time while Rick and I were dating and we were headed into a restaurant. Grandma and I were walking behind him and I blurted out "Boy, Rick sure has a nice butt!" And she replied "Oh yes, he sure does" and gave me a wink.
The greatest part of my grandmother is that she loved with all of her heart. She loved big...she loved full...so much that you could feel a gentle squeeze even when she wasn't hugging you. Here eyes were bright with joy and love for her family...this I know for sure. I once asked her what her greatest joy was in her life and she replied "My greatest joy was when my babies were born, and then when my own children grew and had their babies."
She was loyal and true. My grandparents spent their lives loving eachother. 60 years married...what an incredible example for our family to follow. Times were not always easy, but my Grandmother was faithful. She loved my Grandfather and he loved her. It was obvious the way they looked at eachother. True soulmates...this I know for sure.
What I know for sure is that my grandmother was one of the greatest people I will ever know. Not every grandchild has the opportunity to have a relationship with their grandparents. I was blessed enough to have a grandmother who was my friend...my hero...my heart. I am who I am because I had her in my life.
It has been written that everyone has a soulmate. Some say that you only have one true soulmate in a lifetime.
In my family, there are two special people. A man and a woman...old in age, but young at heart. They are my Grandparents, Gerald and Kathleen Meacham. True soulmates, in my opinion, and today they are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They are an example based on their commitment to each other, love for their family, and faith in Jesus.
I love you Grandma and Grandpa! Thank you for showing our family how to love BIG!
I have a friend. Her name is Dale and she is one of my favorite people...I have only known her for two years, but I respect her and enjoy spending time with her. She is wise and has great stories which she tells wonderfully. A couple of months ago I decided to learn how to knit...yikes...that was a scary experience. I was thankful for Dale because she helped me understand the lingo...pearl stitch, knit stitch, etc. and pretty soon I was making my first scarf. Since learning how to knit I have ventured into patterns and have finished a few projects. A few weeks ago I joined my friend Dale on a quick road trip into Placerville to partake in part of a yarn hop. By the way, she visited all 15 stores in four days and won the grand prize! We visited two different stores and I found really cute patterns and yarn. Here is the project I am currently working on:
I found this pattern and yarn from Sierra Knitting Company in Placerville. Unfortunately, we found out shortly after that her store is closing. :( I think the owner is still available to teach classes though.
After visiting the yarn shops, Dale took me to a winery in Placerville called Toogood Winery. We did a tasting (very good by the way) and then ate outside.
It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed my first experience in a yarn shop and drinking wine with a great friend! Thanks Dale!
In May, Rick's parents and sister came up to visit so we could celebrate Mothers Day as a family. We had a wonderful time. On Saturday morning we woke up early, went out to breakfast and headed our way into San Francisco. What was supposed to be an hour and a half drive turned into a three hour drive due to traffic, but it was nice being together and looking at the sites. Well, who am I kidding...I slept for most of it. And so did this girl...:) When we got there we found the infamous Lombard Street and made our way down the very windy road! I always love doing this and it was Bekah's first time. Afterwards we headed to the theatre to watch "Wicked." What an amazing play! The singing was phenomenal and the moral of the story was so sweet...and so true! If you haven't seen it, please go! It is a fantastic play! I cried at the end...no surprise there. After the play, Rick and I treated his parents to dinner at Boudin Bistro. This is a fun place right above the Boudin Bakery in Fishermans Warf that has excellent food. I had the sourdough fish tacos (yum) and Rick had the fish and chips. I have no idea what Ralph and Lori ordered, however I do remember Bekah (13 years old and probably not even 60 pounds) ordering a 16oz ribeye....ha! The waiter's words exactly: "You do realize that is a pound of steak, right?" But she ate the whole thing! The next morning we went to an awesome church service at Bridgeway and enjoyed a quick lunch before heading off to drop them off at the airport. We had such a wonderful weekend! It is so nice having family come up to see our "neck of the woods." Love, love, love family time!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Happy Birthday to my sister, Mandy!
I have always respected you for your kindness and loyalty.
You are beautiful inside and out! I love you very much!
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