In 2010 on this day, Steve and I went to a Colts game with Bren and Andrew. That was always such fun. I remember it was really cold!
Just a few weeks before that, Brenda and Andrew had gotten married in Florida. I guess that attending their wedding got my brain into marriage mode. I remember giving him a hard time at the end of the day about whether marriage was something he wanted or not...blah...blah...blah :). I'm sure that this is the conversation every man dreads!
He really did need to get it into gear though...I was an awesome catch!
Little did I know, the next evening he would propose...December 20, 2010.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Friday, December 18, 2015
December 18, 2015
Poppy's holiday party was a repeat of the Halloween party.
I ran from work to the daycare just a block away at 2:00pm. I'm afraid that I'm not fostering enough independence or something, because all of the other kiddies are able to leave their parents for a second and go and eat snacks at the little tables.
Poppy is stuck to me like glue! She's always so afraid I'm going to leave, that it takes a while for her to get comfortable.
I love that kid. So far the "twos" haven't been very "terrible"; however, I guess we are only a couple weeks in.
By the way...it was Pajama Day at school! I promise.
I ran from work to the daycare just a block away at 2:00pm. I'm afraid that I'm not fostering enough independence or something, because all of the other kiddies are able to leave their parents for a second and go and eat snacks at the little tables.
Poppy is stuck to me like glue! She's always so afraid I'm going to leave, that it takes a while for her to get comfortable.
I love that kid. So far the "twos" haven't been very "terrible"; however, I guess we are only a couple weeks in.
By the way...it was Pajama Day at school! I promise.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
The Story About Believing
Do you ever think that there really might be a Santa Claus? I never believed in Santa as a child, but as an adult...it seems possible.
I always liked the end of the television Christmas special, Yes, Virginia...there is a Santa Claus. The letter that the editor of The New York Sun writes to Virginia -- a little girl questioning the existence of Santa Claus -- is beautiful.
This year, the spirit of Santa Claus has existed for me in many ways...the volunteers at the hospital who often have little extra to spend, but excitedly gave each other small and meaningful cards and gifts today...the daycare teachers who donated precious spare time to make crafts for parents...the daily boost I've received this week from a sweet pal...the notes and letters I've retrieved from the mailbox giving updates about old friends and new acquaintances...the photographs generously given to me that will always serve as a memorial of what was, and a reminder of good times in the present...
And today, when I pulled up to the condo at 5:45pm and tiredly prepared to make my three trips back and forth from the car to the house, I suddenly saw it in the corner by the garage. And I knew that Santa had visited us early.
You might think I'm crazy...but he dropped his hat, so I know it was him.
It was a tree. A beautiful Christmas tree. And it had lights and was fully decorated and child-friendly, complete with tree skirt. Even though I thought I didn't want a tree, it made me really happy to see it. I seriously could not believe my eyes.
So I ran back and forth with a new spring in my step, carting babies and bags in, put Oz in a safe location and ran outside to bring our tree inside. It's so pretty...and full of soft things that babies can chew on! :)
I'm glad we have it. I guess Santa knew that we needed a bit of help this year.
But you know...we've experienced a little bit of magic, as well. Thank you for giving us the magic and for making us believe.
We needed that.
I always liked the end of the television Christmas special, Yes, Virginia...there is a Santa Claus. The letter that the editor of The New York Sun writes to Virginia -- a little girl questioning the existence of Santa Claus -- is beautiful.
This year, the spirit of Santa Claus has existed for me in many ways...the volunteers at the hospital who often have little extra to spend, but excitedly gave each other small and meaningful cards and gifts today...the daycare teachers who donated precious spare time to make crafts for parents...the daily boost I've received this week from a sweet pal...the notes and letters I've retrieved from the mailbox giving updates about old friends and new acquaintances...the photographs generously given to me that will always serve as a memorial of what was, and a reminder of good times in the present...
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| The babies enjoyed my new slippers tonight! |
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| Oz made me these coasters. Poppy needs to get her act together! |
And today, when I pulled up to the condo at 5:45pm and tiredly prepared to make my three trips back and forth from the car to the house, I suddenly saw it in the corner by the garage. And I knew that Santa had visited us early.
You might think I'm crazy...but he dropped his hat, so I know it was him.
It was a tree. A beautiful Christmas tree. And it had lights and was fully decorated and child-friendly, complete with tree skirt. Even though I thought I didn't want a tree, it made me really happy to see it. I seriously could not believe my eyes.
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| All set up and ready to go in front of the garage! |
I'm glad we have it. I guess Santa knew that we needed a bit of help this year.
"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy."We have certainly experienced a lot of heartbreaking tragedy this year...
But you know...we've experienced a little bit of magic, as well. Thank you for giving us the magic and for making us believe.
We needed that.
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Wednesday, December 16, 2015
The Story About Organic Solutions
I was cleaning out the garage on Saturday. When I was trying to pack up the Layman House, I just ended up throwing stuff into boxes, and placing them in the garage here until I could deal with them. It is always a mental and emotional challenge to go through our old belongings and daydreaming about precious moments from the past.
Steve was determined to do yard work as organically as he could. He looked up natural concoctions to kill weeds a couple of years ago. He mixed up the ingredients and put them in this container, carefully marking it "Poison Only."
He was very worried that we would get confused and use the container for something else, so it was only this weekend when I saw the additional warning that he had written on the other side. I guess that he thought this would grab our attention even more. :)
There will never be another like him.
Steve was determined to do yard work as organically as he could. He looked up natural concoctions to kill weeds a couple of years ago. He mixed up the ingredients and put them in this container, carefully marking it "Poison Only."
He was very worried that we would get confused and use the container for something else, so it was only this weekend when I saw the additional warning that he had written on the other side. I guess that he thought this would grab our attention even more. :)
There will never be another like him.
December 16, 2015
There was ANOTHER Diet Mountain Dew at Entrance 12 today...and a "D" mug with candy and a very thoughtful card. I think my co-workers are enjoying the suspense as well.
You know what was totally extra cool though...I work with a woman named Erica. She is just a bundle of energy and makes me laugh. I wish I was that young again! Anyway...today after I picked up my surprise, she stopped by my office to ask about it. Then she said that she wanted to do something like that next year for someone else. I thought that was really cool that she was inspired by the kindness that I've experienced.
So that was a nice moment for me today.
You know what was totally extra cool though...I work with a woman named Erica. She is just a bundle of energy and makes me laugh. I wish I was that young again! Anyway...today after I picked up my surprise, she stopped by my office to ask about it. Then she said that she wanted to do something like that next year for someone else. I thought that was really cool that she was inspired by the kindness that I've experienced.
So that was a nice moment for me today.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
December 15, 2015 - Continued...
Today I spent a great deal of time in the Emergency Department...not for personal reasons. It seems so sad there to me now. It's pretty overwhelming for my emotions. After sitting idle there for four hours, I was having flashbacks.
However, I did have a high point to the day! My 'Secret Pal' dropped off another surprise for me. I was shocked.
Who are you? And why are you so nice to me? :) I think my co-workers are getting a kick out of how excited I've gotten both days.
There was an anonymous individual last year that gave me surprises and encouraging notes on 'sock monkey' postcards. Today's holiday gift bag featured a sock monkey.
Coincidence????
Doubtful. Sock Monkey lovers are a small segment of the population, I would think. But what are the chances that the Sock Monkey Secret Pal traveled to Greenfield and now travels to Southport? That's a really long haul for someone to bring holiday cheer.
On the other hand...Santa does it. So, it isn't out of the question...
You must tell me who you are so that I can thank you for giving me some happy moments this week. I have a feeling that you aren't going to tell me though. :)
Happy holidays, Secret Pal.
However, I did have a high point to the day! My 'Secret Pal' dropped off another surprise for me. I was shocked.
Who are you? And why are you so nice to me? :) I think my co-workers are getting a kick out of how excited I've gotten both days.
There was an anonymous individual last year that gave me surprises and encouraging notes on 'sock monkey' postcards. Today's holiday gift bag featured a sock monkey.
Coincidence????
Doubtful. Sock Monkey lovers are a small segment of the population, I would think. But what are the chances that the Sock Monkey Secret Pal traveled to Greenfield and now travels to Southport? That's a really long haul for someone to bring holiday cheer.
On the other hand...Santa does it. So, it isn't out of the question...
You must tell me who you are so that I can thank you for giving me some happy moments this week. I have a feeling that you aren't going to tell me though. :)
Happy holidays, Secret Pal.
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| Sock Monkey Gift Bag 12 15 15 |
December 15, 2015
Shelly came to our home three weeks before Steve passed away. She took some precious pictures of our family of four. I will always appreciate the talent she has shared while expecting nothing in return.
The first time I met Shelly, it was under very different circumstances. When Poppy was six weeks old...in January 2014...she captured a couple of treasured pictures in a Valentine's Day Mini-Session with Ashlynn and Megan.
And then the February 2015 family pictures...the last pictures taken of us all together.
And last week, she made time in her crazy holiday schedule to see us again. This wonderful lady has a studio in Greenwood. I wish I had known Shelly under different circumstances...but also grateful that she played a role in the lives of each member of my family this year. Down the road, I am certain that Poppy and Oz will appreciate these glimpses of their early childhood.
I will post more in the future, but also wanted to provide the link to Shelly's Website, in case you need a photographer down the road...http://storybookphotographybyshelly.com/
Happy Holidays and gratitude to Shelly...and to all of you who have shown us compassion over the past year!
The first time I met Shelly, it was under very different circumstances. When Poppy was six weeks old...in January 2014...she captured a couple of treasured pictures in a Valentine's Day Mini-Session with Ashlynn and Megan.
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| January 2014 |
And then the February 2015 family pictures...the last pictures taken of us all together.
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| February 2015 |
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| February 2015 |
And last week, she made time in her crazy holiday schedule to see us again. This wonderful lady has a studio in Greenwood. I wish I had known Shelly under different circumstances...but also grateful that she played a role in the lives of each member of my family this year. Down the road, I am certain that Poppy and Oz will appreciate these glimpses of their early childhood.
I will post more in the future, but also wanted to provide the link to Shelly's Website, in case you need a photographer down the road...http://storybookphotographybyshelly.com/
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| December 2015 |
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