Back to normal...if you can call it that

Finally I have a new computer. I can download photos and everything Yee Haw. First I have to down load the billion photos I have taken and sort them all out.

I have been under the weather the past couple of weeks. Had to have a little surgery but not anything you want to know about I promise. I was so thankful for my new laptop. I wish I could say I was in a drug induced haze but I can't take pain killers so all I could take was Tylenol. I could not even take Advil it thins the blood and doc does not want that.

The boys started school. It is hard to believe that Chase is in High School! I think what makes it so hard is that means less than four more years with us and then he is gone. I don't care if you come back and live at home it is never the same once you have gone off to college.

Justin is doing well in middle school. Before I blink an eye it is going to be him in High School and then they both will be gone.

We bought a piano Chase wants to learn how to play now that he is not taking band anymore. I only took lessons for a short while but I think I can pick it back up it will be nice to try.

Justin is still playing baseball. The other night he his a 2 run RBI single of course it was the first game I have missed. I was so sad that I missed it. Drew said it was a nice hit right between first and second base.

I know I have so much more to catch up on but I will wait for some photos so you have something to look at and no need to pay attention to my ramblings :)

Talents from Generation to Generation

Elizabeth Marshall Ayers
"Granny"



















Edyth Kenny Powers
"Grandma"

I have been thinking a lot about talents lately. For a long time I didn't think I had any. Both of my grandmothers were wonderful artist, gardeners, seamstresses and cooks among many other things.

I spent a lot of time with my maternal grandmother whom I called Granny, when I was very young I could not say my "G's" so I called her Nanny and as an older teenager and into my twenties I often, affectionately called her Lizzy. I spent many afternoons sewing cloths for my dolls from scraps of material that she was making cloths for me. While I spent many hours "sewing" with her this in NOT one of my talents. I loved to be in the kitchen with her cooking and baking. I learned the " a little of this and a little of that method " with her. Cooking is something I am good at but didn't really think of it as a talent until later.

I did not spend as much time with my paternal grandmother but learned so much from her. She always made me feel special. The first real memory I have of spending time with her was the summer I was 8. She drove down to South Carolina from Pennsylvania with my uncle who was 16 or 17 at the time. Then drove all the way back with me. We spent time baking together, making art projects and just hanging out. I loved every minuet of the two weeks I spent with my grandparents that summer. It became the highlight of my summer when I got to go visit them.

As I was growing up anytime talents were talked about at school or church. I would think to myself I don't have any. While I LOVE art and so wanted to draw and paint well like my grandmother well lets just say that isn't one of my talents ;)

To me a talent was, drawing,painting, singing, dance, playing a musical instrument ... something tangible and I didn't feel that I had any of those ( I KNEW I didn't have any of those). I had friends who danced, sang, played instruments and not only did they do these things they did them really really well.

When I went to college and people would ask me if I had any talents my answer usually was " I am here for the entertainment others" or " I smile really well". It was said jokingly, but it really was to hide what I thought was a huge fault... I had no talent in ANYTHING.

It wasn't until I was older and already married that I began to realize that some talents are not as easily seen as others. I also discovered that I do have talents. I don't sew (much), I don't sing, I don't dance, I don't garden much,( in fact I really do think I have a black thumb). I don't play a musical instrument but, I can cook, bake, crochet, knit , and rug hook. Once given the opportunity I discovered that I work well with clay. I love babies and can usually get them to stop crying and to sleep when no one else can ( but not always ). I can keep a secret and if I tell you I am going to do something you can depend on me to do it.

So what does all this have to do with my grandmothers? I know I may not be a great artist in the drawing and painting department or gardener like they were but I also know that I am a better person for knowing them, spending time with them and learning from them. They taught me to love, listen and look for the beauty in the world around me. They taught me to try new things and not be afraid of failing.

This is a dress I made for my niece for her second birthday. I knitted the top and did a very simple skirt on the bottom.



P.S
Least you think my mother does not exist or that I did not learn from her, she does, I did and I love her very much but that is a whole other post.

Baby Day!!

photo from Lily the Black Bear facebook page

So today I have been glued to my computer watching Lily the black bear. She gave birth today around lunch time to at least one cub. I feel blessed that we live in a time where we can be a part of this. I have continued to keep my computer linked to her den and listen for the sweet cries of the cub.

While I was able to watch Lily today I was not able to be with my cousin Annie. Annie also gave birth today to a sweet baby boy.I wish I could have been with her so I could have given her a big hug and kiss and snuggled with her sweet little boy. He is so darn cute!

This past week found me looking through old photos. I laugh a lot and cried a little as I looked at my own sweet boys as babies.

I am truly blessed in many ways.

Magic Spots and People

Me and Grandad one of my Magic people

The Beach one of my Magic Spots

I was reading a blog post by my uncle over at his blog the Incompetent Gardener about "Magic Spots" It got me to thinking about Magic Spots I have found in my life. Then when I was donating platelets I watched the movie "Mr.Magorium's Wonder Emporium" which got me to thinking about "Magic People" I have and have had in my life. It seems to me that for me my "Magic Spots and People" tend to go hand in hand.

When I was little I spend a lot of time with my mothers parents. My grandmother loved to garden. She had a Rose garden that she really loved to work in, beside that garden there was a Dogwood tree that grew at an angle. It was the perfect spot to sit and watch my grandmother, to dream and just be. I wish I had a photo of that tree it really was the perfect climbing tree. I think this was one of my first Magic Spots, My grandmother was one of my Magic People.

As an Adult I still find Magic spots and Magic People. I love the Beach it really brings a peace to me when I am there. You would think that when I have my days that I want to run away from everything that is where I would want to go, but when it really comes down to it I want to go to "Thistlemoor". That is where I find peace and love and family. Again I wish I had a photo ( I know I have taken them but who know what I filed them under and I can't find them sorry). Thistlemoor is my Fathers parents house in Pennsylvania. When I was little it was a fun place to be. My Grandmother always made sure we had fun, but gave us plenty of time just to be a kid. Now I just love to be there and wish I could spend more time there. I love the beauty, the peace and the love. I love that I can sit on the couch with my Grandad and we don't have to talk or we can talk for hours about what ever crosses our minds. I love that there is an endless supply of books, I love the beauty of the land, I love the memories that abound when I am there, I love that I can spend time with my Uncle John and that he is so willing to share his knowledge with me. Yes of all the Magic Spots Thistlemoor is my favorite. I hope that I am creating a "Thistlemoor" type home for my family.

Six words

Me and Deb in November at her graduation
Betsy

David with all the Nephews


So I saw a writing prompt here she had gotten it from here.

"Ask a loved one to use 6 descriptive words to describe you and report your findings. How well do they know you? "

Well you know me I could not just ask one person I asked three. My brother and two of my sisters. Here is what they had to say

This is the order I received them in and the order they wrote them in.
So lets see how well they know me.


Deb
Loving: I really do try to love all those around me. I have found that I am much happier when I can love each person for who they are and not who I think they should be or want them to be.

Creative: Well two of you wrote that I am creative and I guess I am in some ways. I think I am just a really good copier.

Intelligent: Well of all my brothers and sisters I think I am low man on the totem pole in academic education. However when it comes to everyday life I think I do OK.

Talented: I am not sure what area you are referring to there are so many.... Just kidding. I love to learn new things so I am always trying new things. I think I am truly a Jack of all trades master of none kind of person.

Beautiful: Thank you

Thoughtful: Again two of you choose this word. I really do try to think about others and how they are feeling. I don't know how successful I am but I try.

Betsy
Nurturing: Not to sure how well I do at this. My kids would tell you I run for the hills when they are sick.

Creative: see above

Considerate: I think this goes with being thoughtful. I want others to be happy and if they are not I don't want it to because of me.

Accepting: I do try to be accepting to all those I meet. I know that you never know what someone has gone through, or is going through. I try to live by the old saying " Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes"

Involved: Yes you hit the nail on the head with this one! I try to be as involved as I can at the school. I volunteer in the class room , Media center, PTA and help out with the copy program at the elementary school. At the Middle school, I am the band booster President, help in the media center, and help with the knitting and crochet club. I am the Cub Committee chair person for our Cub Scout Pack, I help at church with visiting our sisters, our service group and what ever else I am asked to do. I also try and do as much service in the community as I can. I really love to help others.

Expressive: Well I guess this depends on who I am talking to and what I am talking about. I tend to keep things inside of me. Very few people know all there is to know about me or even most of what there is to know about me.


David

Caring: I do care about a lot of people and a lot of things. I think that is one reason I am as involved as I am with church, school, and community.

Wise: well that is still out for debate ;)

Understanding: I try to be but sometimes it is really hard.

Fun: I think I am more myself when I am with family and tend to cut loose a little more. Family may think I am more fun than some of my friends.

Stubborn: Why YES I AM when I think I am right. I do try to listen to all sides of what ever is going on. I WILL change my mind. I don't tend to speak up about things unless they really mean something to me. Most of the time if things are being decided I won't say anything unless I have strong feelings on the matter. I often let others make the decisions because in the long run it really does not matter to me. So if you are ever with me and I am really trying to get you to change your mind or I have spoken up about something you know it really matters to me anyway.

Thoughtful: again see above.

I think for the most part they get me. Seeing as I am 10 1/2 , 13 and 15 years older then they are and for the most part did not live at home while they were growing up. I love you all thanks for sharing with me.

Happy Birthday Deb

This my beautiful little sister Deborah. She was born my Freshman year of High School. I remember being called to the office to go home the day she was born (thanks you got me out of English that day). I was so excited. The next day at school I went around telling all my friends that I had a new baby sister. I wish I could find the picture of the day she came home from the hospital. I had so much fun holding her. She has been a joy to my life. I love her more than I could ever express. She is a lot of fun to be around. She is good a lots of things and is a great Aunt to her niece and nephews. I wish I could be with her today to celebrate. She is a great woman, friend, and sister.

May your day be filled with joy and this next year be a blessed one. I love you

Here are a few more things about her enjoy getting to know my little sister a little better.

I think this was while I was on my mission. She must have been around 6 or 7.

At Deb's graduation in November She graduated at the top of her class and had the highest average ever in the 25 years her instructor has been teaching!! Way to go Deb.



What is your favorite thing to do?

Right now my favorite thing to to is probably riding my horse, Nova. There is something very therapeutic about it. Riding my motorcycle comes in second, though. I can go fast for a long time and not feel bad about making it work hard, like I do with Nova. :)

What is your favorite color?

Green

What is your favorite book?

Ouch! I don't think I can narrow it down to just one. My old faithful is the Lord of the Rings trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien. I've probably read and re-read those more than anything. I also love Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. I have to give a shout out to our sister Betsy and the book she has written. It's excellent! One of the best romance books I have ever read.

***I have to agree with this and can't wait for it to be published***


What is your favorite food?
Dang. If I have to pick I guess it would be and Indian dish called Matar Paneer with some nan bread on the side. If you put that in front of me I'll eat it until it is gone, every single time!
What are you most afraid of?
My family becoming gravely ill or terribly injured. I believe that is an unavoidable by product of my profession, however.


What are you most proud of?

Becoming a Paramedic. When I was a kid, I'd see the ambulance go screaming by and think, "wouldn't that be cool one day?" Now it's a reality and it's just as cool as I thought it would be. How awesome is that?

What is your favorite music?
Classical, hands down. Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Vivaldi...I love it.
What is your favorite movie?
Labyrinth. I know it is juvenile, but I loved it the moment I saw it and haven't ever stopped. Plus it has a great moral: Don't ever give up. If you want it bad enough you can overcome anything. (And I had the worst crush on David Bowie because of that movie, too!)
What is your favorite memory of me ?

When you gave me the tape of Labyrinth. ;) I still have it, too. Seriously though? That's tough. Anything you did when I was a kid was special to me. I loved being around you. You were so beautiful and grown up! Lots of my favorite memories are of us just sitting around and you playing with my hair. I still like it when you do that. Some stuff just doesn't change.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Going out to Utah to visit Grandma Vel.
What do you love most about life?
Learning new things and going new places. The two go hand in hand. I've been very fortunate in my life that I've gotten to travel and see new things and meet people and learn new ways of doing things. I have a job where I have to constantly learn to keep up to date. I have an insatiable curiosity and I'm blessed to be able to feed it as much as possible.
what are you really good at?
Crafts! That is one thing I can do, for sure. And I love it that you are crafty too. I can talk to you about knitting or whatever and you don't think I'm insane!

Thanksgiving better late than never

As usual three cooks, untold hours cooking, and 20 minuets after we sat down its over!

Drew's parents brought games for the kids to play. It never ceases to amaze me how creative they are!

The first game the kids had to find 20 pieces of paper each that had been hidden in the yard. Each child had a paper bag with some kind of picture on it and the kids had to find their papers. One of the pictures had the word "prize" on the back they had to find that one to be able to claim their prize.

Chase and Justin at the start of the hunt

dashing through the woods

GAME 2

Notice their is a boy and a girl turkey!

The kids had to drop candy corn into the mouth of the turkey

Ava and Chase with Tess looking on

Grandmommy, Tess, Ave, Max and Chase

Ava and Justin with Drew looking at all the candy corn on the floor

half of Tess and Justin

Ava, Grandmommy, and Tess

GAME 3

Toss the coins

Chase with his cute smile

Justin with Aunt Sandra next to him



GAME 4

Grandaddy aka as Mac Daddy put an orange in the leg of pantie hose and tied it around the kids waist. They then had to use hip action to swing the orange into another orange that was on the floor and get across the finish line. This was a timed game ( of course in Grandparent world there are no losers!)

Justin and Grandaddy getting ready

Justin was the first to go

Ava was a riot to watch boy she sure can use those hips!

Finally Chase got to go he was the fastest I almost didn't get any photos of him he did it so fast!

Uncle Max and Justin no words needed just look at their faces it say it all "Here comes trouble!"

We hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. I am so thankful that we live so close to family and are able to spend time with them. We have been blessed this year with many friends old and new in our lives and are looking forward to spending more time with them this next year.

On The Road Again

I am on the road to see my little sister graduate from Paramedic school. According to the sign below there are still a few Zombies out from Halloween that I need to be on the look out for.

I'll be back before you know it.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Betsy
This is my sweet little sister with whom I share a birthday. Yes for my 13th birthday I got a sister. I love her beyond words and always have. She is beautiful, strong, independent, and really really smart. She has provided me with two sweet nephews and a niece that is cute enough to eat.

She is a much better writer than I am so I am going to let you find out more about her in her own words.



First of all, Happy Birthday! One of the coolest things about being me is sharing my birthday with my sister--I don't personally know anyone else who shares a birthday with a sibling. Thanks so much for featuring me on your blog today!

What is your favorite book Unpossible! I love too many books to choose just one. Some of my favorites are: Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, and My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. I'm sure I'll shortly think of 35 others I should have listed, as well.

What is your favorite color I love cool blues, greens, and purples.

What kind of music do you like I enjoy a whole smorgasborg of musical genres, from opera to bluegrass and most everything in between. Lately, I've been listening to Feist, Bob Marley, and U2. The kids and I have regular ABBA dance parties in the living room. I'll be sad when they get old enough to be embarrassed by dancing around with Mom. We also listen to a lot of Hearts of Space, which is a show featuring ambient, new age type music--Brian Eno, Enya... that kind of thing.





What is your proudest moment? I am really proud of all three of my childrens' births, but my daughter's home birth has a special place in my heart. I'm also proud of having completed three novel manuscripts so far.

What are you most afraid of? I'm not afraid of death, but I'm afraid of leaving my children motherless, or even worse, orphaned altogether. There's nothing like being a parent to really bring out mortality anxiety.



What are you really good at? I'm really good at cooking, and I enjoy it quite a bit. I'd also like to think I'm pretty good at writing, although I am still learning and growing as a writer. My most recently-completed novel, a Regency-set romance entitled Reconciliation, is currently under consideration with a NY literary agent. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

What is your favorite time of day? I love quiet mornings when I watch the sun slowly light and warm the woods behind our house. It's also the time of day before I get caught up in children and chores. I have the energy to appreciate that period of the day.




What is your favorite childhood memory? I always loved going out to Utah to visit Grandma Vel. The West is such a different landscape from what I'm used to, it was almost like visiting a different country. She treated us without spoiling. Grandma never talked down to me as a kid. I always knew that my thoughts were important to her. I always felt really good about myself on those visits, which is as much a part of the memory as the wild mountains she lives in.

What is your favorite memory of me? Ooo, I can't choose just one. You were moved out of the house already by the time I really knew what was going on. I always loved it when you came home to visit. You were my special big sister who was already all grown up, and it was such a treat when I got to spend time with you. It's still a treat to spend time with you! There was one occasion in particular I can think of that was not "favorite" in the good sense. It was actually a really bad day. But I needed you to be with me, and you were. There wasn't anyone else in the world I would have had with me that day. I'll never forget that when I needed my big sister the most, you were there--without question, without judgment, without reservation--just there.