This past Wednesday, my daughter asked if I could keep Kate because Noah was having a friend over to play. Noah seemed to think that Kate might interfere with his fun day. Since that was also Kara's nap time, she came as well. The girls and I had a yummy lunch of macaroni and cheese, PB&J, and strawberries! It was then time to put Kara down for a nap. For a while all was quiet.
I have been promising Kate a Tea Party for a while. I had told her that when she was born and I held her for the first time, I had told her that we would have Tea Parties. I have wished several times that I hadn't told her that, because I always think I have to do things up big, and was dreading the whole thing. I had visions of making scrapbook invites, finding "dress up" clothes, making cupcakes, cleaning house, decorating, well OK, can you say PERFECTIONIST! I was trying to think of something fun for us to do and Lindsay suggested making cookies and letting her frost and sprinkle them. That sounds fun--well the "frosting and sprinkle" part did. I had had a busy week and was REALLY tired. So--Vanilla Wafers--here we come!
It's amazing what can make a four year old happy! I decided that if I just bought some Sprite (a special treat) and used tea cups, we could turn this thing into an instant tea party! She was so surprised when I put Kara down for a nap and I told her we were going to have a Tea Party. She had a blast putting canned frosting on the vanilla wafers, using pink sugar and pink sprinkles, and licking the spoon--the BEST part. She is so sweet. She made cookies for her neighbors--an older couple that live right next door--and for every person in her family. I let her drink out of my best tea cups, and we "crossed our legs like ladies". Then she informed me that to have a tea party, we needed tea--and a tea pot. I have lots of tea pots, but since this was a spur of the moment, fly by the seat of your pants tea party, I hadn't thought that far. I assured her that next time we would have real tea and a tea pot.
Meanwhile. I don't think Kara ever went to sleep. I kept hearing her calling my name and "talking". She didn't get loud, so I just let her be--who wants a 2 year old and frosting in the same room? Kate and I moved on to the Play Dough and when Kara started getting louder, I decided that I should go get her. I opened the door and instantly thought--frosting and a 2 year old in the same room really isn't that bad. She was standing in the crib with her diaper off and there was brown stuff--ALL OVER MY WALL!! I yelled K A R A J O Y C E!!!!
She instantly squatted down and didn't move--her body or her head. I went to get paper towels to start the clean up, and when I came back she hadn't moved a muscle. I started wiping the walls, and decided I really should deal with her first. So I took her out of the crib, holding her under her arms. I was saying, "I am NOT happy with you right now." She still had a dazed look on her face. About that time Lindsay and Noah walk in the door. She knew something was wrong because Kate was in the front room looking TERRIFIED. She has NEVER heard me yell like that! Poor baby was scared to death! We finally got the mess cleaned up, and Kara was still a little unsure of where she stood with me. We finally kissed and made up. Now she goes around saying, "Mimi, NO NO, Mimi, NO NO!
I hope that Kate remembers the fun that she had at the Tea Party.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
MICHAEL
Fifteen years ago today, I received some very tragic news. The phone rang--I answered--it was my mother. She said, "Your Daddy has something to tell you". I knew this was something that was not so good. My Daddy NEVER talked on the phone independently of my mother. However, I was not prepared for the news I was about to receive--not in my wildest dreams. He just came right out with it. "Mike died today." WHAT? HOW? WHY? A million thoughts raced through my mind. What will Nelson and Marty do? How will they handle this? WHY, HOW? He is 17 years old. Must have been in an accident. No. He was home in his bed in the middle of the afternoon. WHAT? HOW? WHY?
Earlier that day he had come home from school. He didn't feel well. I don't want to get all the facts wrong, but basically it didn't seem to be anything of great concern. A little while later, his mom went to check on him, and he was gone. She called 911--did CPR--but from what I understand and remember, he was already gone, and nothing she would have done would have changed that. WHY? HOW?
We still don't really know the answers to those questions. The autopsy wasn't definitive. No drugs, alcohol, things that are standard to check for when someone that age dies unexpectedly. Apparantly there was a heart issue--just one of those sudden things that you hear about.
Next, I had a decision to make. I certainly wanted my brother and sister-in-law to know that I was devastated at this news--but how do you make a phone call like that? What do you say? They are in the middle of chaos and grief. Do they even want a phone call from me right now? But what if I don't call--they will think I don't care. I so wanted to be THERE. RIGHT THEN. They live in Colorado Springs, so that wasn't possible. I wanted to hug them, cry with them. Ask questions with them. I decided that I HAD to call. I won't go into all the details of the phone call--it was just hard. Hard for all of us. Hard for me to hear a mother grieving in the background, as only a mother can. But I'm so glad I did it.
Rick and I ended up flying out for the funeral. It was just too costly for the kids to go, too. They wanted to. It was all still so unreal to me. I am the CRYER of the family. I expected to be a mess. It was so unreal to me, that when I saw them, I didn't cry. I guess I just hadn't processed it yet. They attend a small little church, with a country-like atmosphere. When the music started it became real. When they sang--Our God is an Awesome God--it became real. There had been a beautiful moment the day before at the funeral home. Mike had a beautiful voice. One of his singing buddies just started singing "Amazing Grace". I think that was when it first became real. The church had a dinner for the family after the service. My brother said the most amazing prayer thanking God for Mike's life. That was VERY real. It is real NOW, as I sit here typing, still wondering, WHY, HOW? I have debated all day about whether to write about this today. Michael would have been 33 on February 23. I know his parents have wondered many times what he would be doing. What kind of man he would have grown up to be. ONE thing they know. He is with the Lord Jesus Christ. THAT is how they can face each day.
So today Mike, I pay tribute to you. You were funny. You were SO musical and talented. You had a sweet nature. I, too, wonder what kind of man you would be. But I, too, know that you are with Jesus--maybe you and your Grandmother Spires are singing together. She did love to hear you sing. We miss you and we never forget you. But--Because He lives--we can face tomorrow.
Love,
Aunt Rudie
Earlier that day he had come home from school. He didn't feel well. I don't want to get all the facts wrong, but basically it didn't seem to be anything of great concern. A little while later, his mom went to check on him, and he was gone. She called 911--did CPR--but from what I understand and remember, he was already gone, and nothing she would have done would have changed that. WHY? HOW?
We still don't really know the answers to those questions. The autopsy wasn't definitive. No drugs, alcohol, things that are standard to check for when someone that age dies unexpectedly. Apparantly there was a heart issue--just one of those sudden things that you hear about.
Next, I had a decision to make. I certainly wanted my brother and sister-in-law to know that I was devastated at this news--but how do you make a phone call like that? What do you say? They are in the middle of chaos and grief. Do they even want a phone call from me right now? But what if I don't call--they will think I don't care. I so wanted to be THERE. RIGHT THEN. They live in Colorado Springs, so that wasn't possible. I wanted to hug them, cry with them. Ask questions with them. I decided that I HAD to call. I won't go into all the details of the phone call--it was just hard. Hard for all of us. Hard for me to hear a mother grieving in the background, as only a mother can. But I'm so glad I did it.
Rick and I ended up flying out for the funeral. It was just too costly for the kids to go, too. They wanted to. It was all still so unreal to me. I am the CRYER of the family. I expected to be a mess. It was so unreal to me, that when I saw them, I didn't cry. I guess I just hadn't processed it yet. They attend a small little church, with a country-like atmosphere. When the music started it became real. When they sang--Our God is an Awesome God--it became real. There had been a beautiful moment the day before at the funeral home. Mike had a beautiful voice. One of his singing buddies just started singing "Amazing Grace". I think that was when it first became real. The church had a dinner for the family after the service. My brother said the most amazing prayer thanking God for Mike's life. That was VERY real. It is real NOW, as I sit here typing, still wondering, WHY, HOW? I have debated all day about whether to write about this today. Michael would have been 33 on February 23. I know his parents have wondered many times what he would be doing. What kind of man he would have grown up to be. ONE thing they know. He is with the Lord Jesus Christ. THAT is how they can face each day.
So today Mike, I pay tribute to you. You were funny. You were SO musical and talented. You had a sweet nature. I, too, wonder what kind of man you would be. But I, too, know that you are with Jesus--maybe you and your Grandmother Spires are singing together. She did love to hear you sing. We miss you and we never forget you. But--Because He lives--we can face tomorrow.
Love,
Aunt Rudie
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
One Year Later
Well, it's been a year since I have posted anything, so I guess it's about time to catch up. I didn't get the annual Christmas letter written, so I guess I will use this space in place of a letter.
We have a new addition to our family. Addison Grace Bennett entered this world on November 12, 2009. I am amazed at how the birth of the fourth grandchild is as exciting as the birth of the first! She brought her own unique excitement. The doctors told Megan and Dustin that she was over 9 lbs. and would need to be delivered via c-section. This time we had an exact time to head to the hospital!! She ended up weighing 8lb. 4 oz. We went to the Newborn Nursery to get a first glimpse of our newest granddaughter. What a perfect baby! What an awesome ability God has given us--the ability to make a human being! It never ceases to amaze me! She ended up having a few breathing problems, so we did not get to hold her that day. It was disappointing, but we knew that the hospital was doing what was in her best interest. The next day we drove back to Texas Women's Hospital (where, by the way, I gave birth to Lindsay 30 years ago) to hold our newest blessing! It's just the best feeling in the world to hold a newborn baby. She is adorable and has a cute little dimple. She looks like she may have a little red in her hair! Dustin and Megan are great parents and I love watching them love on her.
Our oldest grandchild, Noah, turned 6 in November. He started Kindergarten this year--so hard to believe. He has lost TWO teeth and is working on the 3rd. He is in gymnastics and has been asked to join a "by invitation only" class. This will start in January. We are having our tee-shirts printed up for the 2020 Olympics! He does keep us on our toes with his hard to answer questions. He has become very interested in space and I am hoping to get his space quilt finished soon!
Kate will turn 4 on January 17. She brings us so much joy. She is a beautiful little girl and seems to always want to help people. She sometimes lives in her own little world, but it is a beautiful world, where she is the princess! She likes all things female, and does not like bo--eys! She is so much fun to go shopping with. We had a "pink" shopping day this year--pink shoes, pink ice-cream, pink make-up. She does love her shoes!
Kara--Boosie--is 1 1/2 and is our clown! She has curly blonde hair and an attitude to go with it. She laughs at EVERYTHING, and when she tries to pout, she ends up laughing! She is in that adorable toddler stage. She is not so much the shopper, but that will probably change when she realizes what shopping is. Now it consists of sitting in a cart while someone pushes you around and tells you "no". She has just grown into Papa's age group. He is not so much into babies--he LOVES the babies--but really starts to relate to the grandkids at this age. Her magic finger works really well on him, as it did for Noah when he was a baby. Kate never really used her magic finger.
I am still leading the quilt group at our church. My friend, Kyrenda, retired this year from her job, so she will be doing a LOT more this year. She helped me to start the group, but her full time job kept her from actively participating. I love these ladies more each year. We have a special bond and we teach each other all kinds of things.
Rick is still at NASA and hoping to retire in maybe 3 years. He built the Caboose to the train this year, and got it finished just in time to put out about 3 days before Christmas! He worked SO HARD, and is now taking it down. Hopefully he can get it up earlier next year. Each car is for a grandchild. The engine was for Noah--the middle car was for Kate--and the Caboose for Kara--thus the name, Kara-boose. He is thinking that little Addison will get a gingerbread house.
There are many other things going on, but I will try to post those a little at a time. I actually tried to post another blog earlier in the year, but somehow couldn't get it to work. Old age--bummer! Anyway there is 2009 in one short post! See you next year!
We have a new addition to our family. Addison Grace Bennett entered this world on November 12, 2009. I am amazed at how the birth of the fourth grandchild is as exciting as the birth of the first! She brought her own unique excitement. The doctors told Megan and Dustin that she was over 9 lbs. and would need to be delivered via c-section. This time we had an exact time to head to the hospital!! She ended up weighing 8lb. 4 oz. We went to the Newborn Nursery to get a first glimpse of our newest granddaughter. What a perfect baby! What an awesome ability God has given us--the ability to make a human being! It never ceases to amaze me! She ended up having a few breathing problems, so we did not get to hold her that day. It was disappointing, but we knew that the hospital was doing what was in her best interest. The next day we drove back to Texas Women's Hospital (where, by the way, I gave birth to Lindsay 30 years ago) to hold our newest blessing! It's just the best feeling in the world to hold a newborn baby. She is adorable and has a cute little dimple. She looks like she may have a little red in her hair! Dustin and Megan are great parents and I love watching them love on her.
Our oldest grandchild, Noah, turned 6 in November. He started Kindergarten this year--so hard to believe. He has lost TWO teeth and is working on the 3rd. He is in gymnastics and has been asked to join a "by invitation only" class. This will start in January. We are having our tee-shirts printed up for the 2020 Olympics! He does keep us on our toes with his hard to answer questions. He has become very interested in space and I am hoping to get his space quilt finished soon!
Kate will turn 4 on January 17. She brings us so much joy. She is a beautiful little girl and seems to always want to help people. She sometimes lives in her own little world, but it is a beautiful world, where she is the princess! She likes all things female, and does not like bo--eys! She is so much fun to go shopping with. We had a "pink" shopping day this year--pink shoes, pink ice-cream, pink make-up. She does love her shoes!
Kara--Boosie--is 1 1/2 and is our clown! She has curly blonde hair and an attitude to go with it. She laughs at EVERYTHING, and when she tries to pout, she ends up laughing! She is in that adorable toddler stage. She is not so much the shopper, but that will probably change when she realizes what shopping is. Now it consists of sitting in a cart while someone pushes you around and tells you "no". She has just grown into Papa's age group. He is not so much into babies--he LOVES the babies--but really starts to relate to the grandkids at this age. Her magic finger works really well on him, as it did for Noah when he was a baby. Kate never really used her magic finger.
I am still leading the quilt group at our church. My friend, Kyrenda, retired this year from her job, so she will be doing a LOT more this year. She helped me to start the group, but her full time job kept her from actively participating. I love these ladies more each year. We have a special bond and we teach each other all kinds of things.
Rick is still at NASA and hoping to retire in maybe 3 years. He built the Caboose to the train this year, and got it finished just in time to put out about 3 days before Christmas! He worked SO HARD, and is now taking it down. Hopefully he can get it up earlier next year. Each car is for a grandchild. The engine was for Noah--the middle car was for Kate--and the Caboose for Kara--thus the name, Kara-boose. He is thinking that little Addison will get a gingerbread house.
There are many other things going on, but I will try to post those a little at a time. I actually tried to post another blog earlier in the year, but somehow couldn't get it to work. Old age--bummer! Anyway there is 2009 in one short post! See you next year!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Eve Service
This year we decided that we would do our own "special" Christmas Eve Service. Why not? Our son is in the process of going into the ministry--how special would it be to have him do our Christmas Eve Story. With pride I watched as our precious grandchildren, Noah, Kate, and baby Kara were all lined up on the floor anxiously awaiting the reading of the Christmas Story from the Bible. Their mother had threatened them with taking away one of their gifts if they dared to move! Here was a moment any mother would be proud to observe. It was a moment that in my earlier days, before Zoloft, I would have had tears streaming down my face.
As Dustin read the story, the little ones were trying SO HARD to pay attention and not move (after all, there is a great penalty involved). I could tell that they didn't have a clue about some of what he was reading--they did recognize that it was about baby Jesus. Then I asked him to do a "kid friendly" version. With even MORE pride I listened to him explain how the world is in "time out" and that Jesus had to come to get us out of "time out"--what a GREAT concept, I thought. He did a MUCH better job than I am doing, but trust me, it was great. Then Kate, who never fails to amuse us, looking TERRIFIED asks, "Am I in trouble?" Noah is freaking out at the mention of going to heaven--he is just learning about death, heaven, etc. He doesn't quite grasp that heaven is a GOOD thing. He just sees it as having to leave his mommy and daddy, and is quite sure that it doesn't seem like a good thing.
I think next year we will go to church.
As Dustin read the story, the little ones were trying SO HARD to pay attention and not move (after all, there is a great penalty involved). I could tell that they didn't have a clue about some of what he was reading--they did recognize that it was about baby Jesus. Then I asked him to do a "kid friendly" version. With even MORE pride I listened to him explain how the world is in "time out" and that Jesus had to come to get us out of "time out"--what a GREAT concept, I thought. He did a MUCH better job than I am doing, but trust me, it was great. Then Kate, who never fails to amuse us, looking TERRIFIED asks, "Am I in trouble?" Noah is freaking out at the mention of going to heaven--he is just learning about death, heaven, etc. He doesn't quite grasp that heaven is a GOOD thing. He just sees it as having to leave his mommy and daddy, and is quite sure that it doesn't seem like a good thing.
I think next year we will go to church.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Honoring My Mother
"Her children shall rise up and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31.28
Today is my mother's 8th birthday! It has been 8 years since she left her earthly body and was given her new body in heaven! Praise God!
My mother was a very complex woman. She grew up in a very disfunctional family. There are many things that I could write about that, but that is HER story and therefore not my business to tell. However, in spite of her upbringing, my mother somehow learned the things that she needed to learn to be the mother that I wouldn't trade for any other mother. We had our differences. I think if Zoloft had been "invented" at an earlier time, we would have had a great relationship. I now understand, since I am a Zoloft girl myself, that many of the problems we had in communicating were due to the fact that her body just need that wonderful drug. I was headed in the same direction, until I discovered this drug.
I say all that so people who know all these things about me will not think that I am suddenly saying great things about my mother just because she is gone, and I'm just sugar coating things now. We did have a very rocky relationship. However, the mother that I want to talk about and honor, is the one who taught me many things.
My mother was the first one to teach me about Jesus. Funny, she wasn't raised in a Christian home, but she knew that was important. When I was 4, we started attending Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Gainesville, Texas. She sang in the choir, and was a teacher for the 9-10 year olds, who at that time, were known as the Jr. Department.
Those kids LOVED her and if I run into one of them today, they will still tell me what a great teacher she was, and how they loved her.
My mother gave me (and my brother) a PASSION for music. Wow--what a gift!! It has opened so many doors for me and it's a gift I take wherever I go. I have been gifted with just a little musical talent, but she made me believe that I was the best Alto that God ever created. Because my mother said it, I believed it. I went with confidence into any choir audition, and because of that was able to always be in the top choirs.
My mother taught me how to raise children. I have been successful in raising two wonderful children, and I owe most of that to her. When my children were born, I thought of how SHE had raised 2 children successfully and for the most part just did what she did.
Most of all, my mother LOVED me. My brother and I were her life. Through all the craziness that we went through, there was NEVER a doubt that she loved us with all her heart. She would have died for us and we both knew that. She tried to teach me to be a good housekeeper!! Our house was always immaculate and there was always a hot meal on the table. She had a very generous heart, and gave to those in need, even when she didn't have it to give. That is another thing that she taught me.
So today, Mother, I honor you and I thank God that you taught me all of the important things that I need to know to be the person that I am today.
I love you,
Rudie
Today is my mother's 8th birthday! It has been 8 years since she left her earthly body and was given her new body in heaven! Praise God!
My mother was a very complex woman. She grew up in a very disfunctional family. There are many things that I could write about that, but that is HER story and therefore not my business to tell. However, in spite of her upbringing, my mother somehow learned the things that she needed to learn to be the mother that I wouldn't trade for any other mother. We had our differences. I think if Zoloft had been "invented" at an earlier time, we would have had a great relationship. I now understand, since I am a Zoloft girl myself, that many of the problems we had in communicating were due to the fact that her body just need that wonderful drug. I was headed in the same direction, until I discovered this drug.
I say all that so people who know all these things about me will not think that I am suddenly saying great things about my mother just because she is gone, and I'm just sugar coating things now. We did have a very rocky relationship. However, the mother that I want to talk about and honor, is the one who taught me many things.
My mother was the first one to teach me about Jesus. Funny, she wasn't raised in a Christian home, but she knew that was important. When I was 4, we started attending Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Gainesville, Texas. She sang in the choir, and was a teacher for the 9-10 year olds, who at that time, were known as the Jr. Department.
Those kids LOVED her and if I run into one of them today, they will still tell me what a great teacher she was, and how they loved her.
My mother gave me (and my brother) a PASSION for music. Wow--what a gift!! It has opened so many doors for me and it's a gift I take wherever I go. I have been gifted with just a little musical talent, but she made me believe that I was the best Alto that God ever created. Because my mother said it, I believed it. I went with confidence into any choir audition, and because of that was able to always be in the top choirs.
My mother taught me how to raise children. I have been successful in raising two wonderful children, and I owe most of that to her. When my children were born, I thought of how SHE had raised 2 children successfully and for the most part just did what she did.
Most of all, my mother LOVED me. My brother and I were her life. Through all the craziness that we went through, there was NEVER a doubt that she loved us with all her heart. She would have died for us and we both knew that. She tried to teach me to be a good housekeeper!! Our house was always immaculate and there was always a hot meal on the table. She had a very generous heart, and gave to those in need, even when she didn't have it to give. That is another thing that she taught me.
So today, Mother, I honor you and I thank God that you taught me all of the important things that I need to know to be the person that I am today.
I love you,
Rudie
Thursday, November 6, 2008
NAMING THE HATS
I have decided to start a Blog. Yes, I've been sucked in. I am finding that I am in need of a place to write down my thoughts and feelings. When I am busy cleaning house, making quilts, scrapbooking, or anything that allows my brain to wander, I find that there are so many things running through my head that I want to say or want to remember. There are also many things that I want my children and grandchildren to know about me that they may not know or remember. So here goes--
I have always thought of myself as kind of an ordinary person. Nothing special. Not known for great works. Good mother. OK wife. You know, just ordinary. However one day I got to thinking about how important those jobs are and how many hats I wear, thus the name of this blog. I hope to explore those many hats, and in doing so get further insight into who I am and where God is leading me. SO, HERE ARE THE HATS I WEAR--
I am a child of God. I am a daughter and a sister. I am an aunt. I am a mother and a mother-in-law. I am a grandmother. I am a quilt teacher--they call me Quilt Mama. I am a friend. I am a listener. I am an American.
I'm sure there are more hats in my closet to find and explore. I welcome anyone who wants to explore them with me. I'll leave this as an introduction, short and sweet, and look forward to see where this will take me.
I have always thought of myself as kind of an ordinary person. Nothing special. Not known for great works. Good mother. OK wife. You know, just ordinary. However one day I got to thinking about how important those jobs are and how many hats I wear, thus the name of this blog. I hope to explore those many hats, and in doing so get further insight into who I am and where God is leading me. SO, HERE ARE THE HATS I WEAR--
I am a child of God. I am a daughter and a sister. I am an aunt. I am a mother and a mother-in-law. I am a grandmother. I am a quilt teacher--they call me Quilt Mama. I am a friend. I am a listener. I am an American.
I'm sure there are more hats in my closet to find and explore. I welcome anyone who wants to explore them with me. I'll leave this as an introduction, short and sweet, and look forward to see where this will take me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
