Please share your memories of Mom

5 years ago yesterday my mom passed away. It has taken me these 5 years to try to erase the last memory I have of her in the hospital bed fighting to stay but really wanting to go. I am so grateful that I was there. Dad stayed by her side but when the exhaustion and hunger began to show, the family took him to get something to eat. I think Mom was just waiting for him to leave so she didn't have to leave him. With my husband's arms wrapped around me, I watched her go. I could swear there was a hint of a smile, probably a first glimpse of Barbara Jill.

Anyway, now that five years have gone by, I can begin to have visual memories of better times with my mom. That has prompted me to ask myself, if I had to identify my favorite memory of my mom, what would it be? Was it the way she had the most beautiful handwriting I ever saw even when her hands shook seemingly uncontrollably? Was it sitting in her 2nd grade classroom as a kindergarten kid and feeling such pride? Was it the way she could make such a beautiful birthday cake in the crooked oven at the house at 2459 Day Island Blvd when the floor was so uneven the cake layers were grotesquely lopsided? Was it her unselfishness letting me go abroad for a year? I know now that I have been there as a parent how hard that must have been for her. There must be a reason I only called home once in the whole year and it was Mother's Day. Maybe it was shopping for my wedding dress? It took less than 1/2 hour because neither one of us liked shopping but going out to lunch was great! There are too many of those kinds of memories to choose from.

So, what it has to come down to is when did I have that feeling? You know, that feeling like there was nothing in the world that could hurt me or make me sad or make my world anything less than perfect. Is there a memory out there like that? It has to be tucking me in at night. She sang that song, Goodnight Sweetheart, and ended up with "Now Run along home and jump into bed, say your prayers and cover your head. This very same thing I say unto you, you dream of me, and I'll dream of you, ba doop a doop doop." This last part was done while poking me in the chest which always tickled and made me giggle and I would fall asleep with a smile. Mom left the world with a smile, no wonder!

So now I invite you all, reading this blog who knew or loved my mom to share a memory you have of her. Memories are what keep our loved ones with us after they're gone and with so many great ones of my mom, I know she is always close by.

Christmas in July?

No, it's not Christmas, obviously, although I did receive my yearly Danbury Mint Cougar Ornament already!

Actually, due to a moment of weakness, I have agreed with my immediate family members to limit our gift exchange this year to homemade gifts. It seemed like a good idea at the time but now, with my limited talents, I am beginning to panic. I am not at all certain that I have the imagination or the ability to fulfill this agreement.

I don't know how many blog readers I have but I am appealing to any and all who may read this to give me their ideas. Knowing that any quality hand made items may take time I am beginning this process in July, therefore, Christmas in July.

I love Christmas, and not because of the gifts exchanged. I think this is an awesome idea and I am really looking forward to what may come of it. I just hope I am up to the challenge.

Please let me hear your ideas!

A kid is a kid is a kid at heart

My two weeks of vacation have come to an end. I will need to return to work, the daily grind, tomorrow. But I have just had the greatest last three day weekend to end it on.

Friday we went to the Seattle International Beer Festival, more for the experience than any real drinking although the array of beers from all around was quite amazing. The best part was being there as a family and spending the day together. Of course, diet or no diet, we had to stop at Dick's Drive In on Queen Anne. Then, we had to buy our fireworks on the way home. We kept thinking we needed one more thing and in the end, we bought way too much, but oh well!

Saturday was the Fourth of July, Independence Day. We always spend it at home and until last year, it was usually just my husband and I. Last year, the boys stayed around, a few of their friends came and some family. This year, no family decided to come but lots of young friends made it. In fact, my husband and I were the only ones not between the ages of 21 and 26. How special that so many youngsters were okay with hanging out with us!

What I found is that no matter what the age, everyone remains a kid at heart. A summer day, the 4th of July, picnic food and fireworks tends to bring that out. We had a bunch of 20 somethings at the house. It was hot. The legendary slip and slide had to come out. When it did, so did the kid in everyone. I may not have actually participated but the joy I experienced just watching them made me feel young again anyway. We all got into the groove with horseshoes, a new game called "cups" and hillbilly horseshoes.


There was lots of food, a fire with s'mores and guitar and ukelele music. And then the fireworks. There is something about lighting things that blow up that is inherently vital to the being of every young person. We had some wild "wizard" roman candle action going on with Hal, Kale and Sydney. I even got into the act lighting up some of the "Trilogy" artillery shells. While I may have exited a little early, it went on well into the wee morning hours. I hope the neighbors still like us.

The funny thing was, the next morning it didn't end. I got up, got coffee, bagels, juice, fruit ready and everyone awoke in their own time waking up in either their truck, the back of a car, a tent, sofa or bed. Their young bodies had taken a beating on the slip and slide but they got up and going enough to eventually get back into that "kid" zone. They decided to play freeze tag. Remember that game? I have not laughed that hard in a very long time. I so enjoyed seeing these young people just having fun, no adult pressures or expectations to weigh them down.

All in all, this was a special holiday weekend. I won't mind going back to work because basically, I left nothing on the field this vacation. Besides, my sons are home. That's really all I need.

Life is Good

I am in the middle of my second week of vacation at home, the weather is spectacular and I have had all this time to spend with family. I could very well get used to this!

Monday, 6/22, I picked up my boys from their worldly travels and it was so good to get the hugs I have missed for so long. They were tired to say the least but we managed to stay up and talk. We were joined by my oldest son's girlfriend later that night and my world was complete.

Since then we have moved sons to their house in Tacoma, worked in the yard alot, went to Taste of Tacoma, the Dash Point Beach and I have been able to clean the house getting ready for the 4th of July. All of this with the company, off and on, of my sons. I can't think of anything better than that.

I know I have to go back to work on Monday but at least I know that the summer is here, there are many adventures ahead and I can see my sons whenever I want. What more could I want?