Waving...

Last week at this time, I was waving good-bye to my sister, brother-in-law and my two nieces. Although, my heart was filled with sadness, I knew it would be a shame to waste that time sulking knowing every moment of the last 5 days was spent in the presence of my amazing family. Our tired feet and full bellies went to bed each night after a day of memories that are sure to last.

My sister and her husband...on the day of their 20th anniversary!
(They are still smiling....)

My nieces entering the walls of the "Old City" in Quebec.

~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I wave good-bye to my readers for a mysterious 5 days away with my husband for my 4oth birthday gift. Hints from him: we are driving and I need cute as well as functional clothing/footwear.

Talk to you soon...

Just the five of us...

This week my in-laws came to visit... For some of you that might evoke feelings of dread, but not me. It was an absolute delight. I know...I'm lucky!

Quebec City opened its arms as wide as we did. The sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze caressed our skin as summer temperatures allowed us to sink deep into our lounge chairs, take long strolls and dine outdoors.

An anecdote or two about my husband's childhood always entertains my heart.


Did I mention they have a super cute dog?

It was hard to see them go, but I won't allow that sadness to cloud all the happiness that filled our home.

Paige Maree

My niece, Paige Maree.
If you want to hear more of her beautiful voice go to YouTube and type in her name.
13 years old. What were you doing at 13?

I'm a proud aunt. What can I say.

Thanks for stopping by and listening.
Paige would be thrilled to see that more people watched her video.

Neon Lights

A smile can't always express the abundance of emotions that fill up inside me when I'm with my family. Yesterday, I went to a county fair with my nieces and nephew. My 16 year old niece drove halfway there, crazy!
It's like I blinked my eyes and they all grew up.

They also batted their lashes to get me on a couple rides.

My niece performed in the talent contest... the reason for going in the first place.
With a lump in my throat I watched Paige
strum her guitar and sing like no one was watching.



Videos...from another performance by Paige Maree.
(Go to Youtube for more.)

When is the last time you went to a fair? Do you go on rides?

Horses, a Spider and big truck...oh my!

Kentucky was amazing!

From Friday to Tuesday we talked (about the past, present and future), laughed (at and with each other), ate (a lot of culinary delights), drank (a lot of tasty drinks), shopped (My MIL has some mad shopping skills :), swam (in a wonderfully warm pool) and.....loved every minute of it. I feel very fortunate to have such kind and caring in-laws. I'm trying to figure out how to say what's on my mind and in my heart....here's what I came up with.

After 20 years of marriage my father and mother in-law continue to show love and respect towards each other. They are a great example for a couple who are still finding their way in life...like my husband and I. Although, it may be months between visits we still feel close to them. Time might pass, but the love doesn't fade.

Thank you doesn't cover it....Until next time. XXOO

We also got to spend time with a young man who is dear to my husband and I....the one in the big white truck. From a little guy who use to scare me with snakes to a solider fighting for our freedom. You're loved....by us~

Jerseylicious

The first night I was at my sisters house we saw the unforgettable Jerseylicious. Out of my nieces mouth, "can you say Bumpit". What? Yup, Bumpit...!


First stop Walgreen's....


Tease and spray girls....

Our audience was captivated.

Well, kind of...

(Yes, that is one cat.)
The outcome makes this former 80's girl proud. It was a tearful moment.
Before:


After:

Of course, it would be Jerseylicious without a lesson in how to wear heels.


That's what Aunts are for....



It was fun to play dress up, but I was glad to see them in flip flops the next day.

All my bags are backed

As I try to stuff one more thing into my bag, my thoughts drift back to this last week here in Missouri. No doubt grabbing a tissue to soak up my tears is the next thing I have to do.

My sister and her husband did some traveling for work while I got to spend quality time with my nieces and mother.

One week ago today..... 200 photos later.

The Power of Communication

This morning I saw four of my nieces. Together in our p.j.'s we chatted about what they have been doing. I even got to watch my brother's kids swim. I live 22 hours from my oldest sister's kids and 19 hours from my brother's kids. Without jumping on a plane or driving in the car I got to spend the morning with them.

THANK YOU Skype!

The power of communication! Just hearing their voices and seeing their smiles was more than I could have asked for. If you don't have Skype...you should. It is what makes being hundreds of miles away from the people I love with all my heart o.k. It's the next best thing to being with them.

I even got to see my 87 year old grandmother (will be 88 on Feb.11th) and her "friend" last night. They are in Florida and drove to visit my parents who are also in Florida.

*For all of you who don't like the idea of someone seeing you in the morning before your hair and teeth are brushed don't worry, it's always a little blurry and they can't smell you. (Smile)

Do you use Skype?
Do you talk with your family members a lot or often?
Are you one of the lucky ones who get to see your family?


I am not affiliated with Skype. I just love the service they provide.

Green and Lonely..or.. Green and the Family Tree

What? Last year in September I gave up purchasing magazines. It was an early New Years Resolution with really good reasoning. (I can read recycled magazines, so I'm not in the dark or out of the fashion loop. Not like I'm in the fashion loop when considering the last piece of clothing I purchased was a pair of brown pants from Walmart that were on sale for $5.00...Did I just admit that? Oh well.)

(I heart Jennifer, but look at the small photos above...let's rate the importance...)

Why? When talking to friends/people I could recite with easy what was going on with Angelina and Brad. I knew who Drew Barrymore was dating and why the Olsen twins were fighting. What I didn't know was what my nieces and nephews were doing. I didn't know how my brother was feeling, (Not like I'll ever really know that..Are you reading this Jota?)but you get my reasoning, right. Magazines were not the problem. I was the problem. I wanted to know more about people in my family than the people I've allowed to replace them.

So, while I sit here remembering my Jan. 1st resolutions that I am failing at miserably (darn donuts and pastries) I can give a little pat on the back for sticking to my goal of knowing my family more than the famous. I wouldn't say that I've done the best job of keeping up with them, but I can say I have my head and heart in the right place.

(I'm not really lonely. Of course, I would always welcome more communication with friends and family. As I mature (LOL) I realize how little time many of them have for themselves let alone others outside of their home. I just thought the title was fun hence the reason for two titles.)

Hug a tree....Call a family member....and if you are a part of my family... I love ya and I'm thinking about you. I'm also likely to call you in the next few days. so look at caller id before picking up. Hee! Hee!


When is the last time you called someone..."just because"?
Do you read a lot of magazines? What magazine do you like best?
Are you sticking to your New Years Resolutions? (Avoid this question if it will only cause sadness.)

I love how my friend Jill has questions at the end of her post. It allows for commenting ease, so I am going to follow in her fabulous foot steps and do this more often.
Have a great Saturday..... check out Creative Musings and Such for some reading pleasure.

Happy Birthday!!

My Sister...
I look up to you in so many ways.

You're kind and caring. You're a wonderful sister, mother and wife.


And, my favorite thing about you....

I love how you laugh until you cry!

As I said yesterday... I was feeling a little crafty, so I made you a special gift with my
new sewing machine. Many hours, a little blood and a lot of loven' and your gift is done.

Veterans Day

I am so proud to be a Veterans wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and friend.
Thank you for serving our country and fighting for our freedom.

The day we became us...Happy Anniversary!

Seven years together, three of them as husband and wife...today! It's the day that track our commitment, but I feel his love everyday in a new way.

Happy 47th Anniversary Mom and Dad! Thank you for sharing your special day with us.

Happy Birthday!!!
To my older (hee hee), perhaps a little wiser (only said on your birthday),
beautiful, kind and admirable sister...

Have a wonderful day! We will be thinking of you!