Wednesday, November 30, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LALA
Happy Birthday to one of my favoritest people! Makes you wonder where the time goes...One of my favorite pictures...you haven't changed...much ;) Anyway Happy Birthday to a great son! lym
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Black Friday Birthday Bash...50 the Party Continues
That was the title of the invite that my son sent out BLACK FRIDAY BIRTHDAY BASH! Yes I turned the big 50 and my kids threw me a party on black Friday...we had tacos...to which my son had said and you will like them...turns out I love tacos...turns out he has the smart a**leck gene...where I do not know where he got it...but must say after Thanksgiving...was good to have some Mexican food.
We had about 30 people show up and must say I am blessed! I decided that most of this would consist of putting in some pictures I took...I must confess I am not sure what to do with myself where the party is for me...I kept thinking I should be doing stuff...Of course, I did whine to the Nertz people that we should have cake...and could I open my gifts...I really wasn't being selfish but there were some that were wanting to leave.
The day started out having fun playing with my Firecracker who had spent the night with her mama and her Uncle LaLa...while the others were cooking...Izzy and I played and just strolled around piddling...the food was made earlier because there was going to be some shooting going on...my kids were joined by cousins, P-pa, and I think they had some fun...shooting birds...mostly the clay ones. I on the other hand enjoyed playing with Peyton, Mason, and Izzy.
We had about 30 people show up and must say I am blessed! I decided that most of this would consist of putting in some pictures I took...I must confess I am not sure what to do with myself where the party is for me...I kept thinking I should be doing stuff...Of course, I did whine to the Nertz people that we should have cake...and could I open my gifts...I really wasn't being selfish but there were some that were wanting to leave.
I was showered with all sorts of gifts...some pretty funny gag gifts including my new bra...you have to see it to appreciate it...Thanks Heather...One of my favorite gifts that made me laugh was Menaw giving me my own "Sugar Mama" purse...Doris is one of my special people...I suppose you could call her an old friend because she was mom's friend, my grandma's friend, but maybe she is a young friend because she is also my daughter's and now my granddaughter seems to love her to...even before she really met her just because Menaw was the one who gave me the Izzybell doll she loves to look at...Anyway Doris had went what seems many years ago with her daughter Becky and Tim and Lance to Sedalia to the sheep show...we joked about her being Sugar Mama (as well as those other sugar mama's they seen) and so that has always been one of our jokes and so she gave me my own purse that I was old enough to be a sugar mama...the story is much better if Doris is telling it...the purse was filled with a pill box...a few bucks to get started on...and some of my own bling! Then she also gave me a rock and roll hat...from younger days. Maryann also gave me a "red hat" with a matching purple scarf...I got the now ever present ceremonial coming of age prune juice that keeps showing up...thanks Brendon and Selice. I also got some special gifts...Jeff and Tonya gave me a clock Jeff made...Keri and Alex and boys a cool sheep sign and a Believe pin...journals...a "love" sign from Mary with a Casting Crown's cd...journals...and a guitar book from my kids...See that is one of the things I want to start doing when I hit 50--play guitar, play piano, play golf...and then of course get a passport and my name in the phone book!
Sounds like I might be playing alot...which Heather had asked Izzy what they should get Ahma to which she told her..."Toys...Ahma size" and so that's what they did...a new printer that I have had fun playing with and then the shepherd got me a taller Christmas tree...and when I say taller...I mean taller. See I was thinking maybe a 9 foot tree but then there is the shepherd..."Go big or go home"...but I must say I love the tree and Sandy stayed in the Christmas theme and gave me a Christmas barn...
While I loved the gifts and all the good food and cake...my favorite gifts was just spending time with those I love...if I have learned nothing in these 50 years it is that we do not know how much time we are given...and to enjoy these days we have so I include some of my favorite gifts...
Well it was a pretty wild party...there was the BAR and then of course the NERTZ table...
And with all this celebration there are the casualties...those that partied like "rock stars"...Especially poor Otis...
I know there are things I forgot to say...later I will remember...but see I am 50...WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!
So I stop for now and say Thank you to all those I love...I need to go play with my Ahma size toys...Because I loved the signs and napkins that said 50 The Party Continues! SO...HELLO 50's!!!
lyp
Friday, November 25, 2011
A gift...
So since my other blog was so long...I put this on its own...
Today (I'm speaking of Thanksgiving) so I guess by now I should include yesterday...was our first Thanksgiving with out Jay...but this morning I feel a gift the song When I Get Where I'm Going just kept playing in my mind and next thing I knew I was singing along...but the words spoke to me of those who are also missing those that they have lost...and I did not have tears today...and I embraced the joy that was around me...from the wonderful time with Jay's Peanut...time with my family...my last day at 49...laughing when I had texted Maryann and she told me that the next time she cooked Thanksgiving on such a beautiful day she was going to make it a scavenger hunt and everyone would have a bike and find the meal...I loved that...playing with a couple "great" nephews...but I add this video in just because I feel like it was shared for me and makes me think of those who have went to a better place...
I think of Jay and how we miss him...but this song makes me smile...of when we all get where we are going and those that are there...but yesterday it was such a gift...
Today (I'm speaking of Thanksgiving) so I guess by now I should include yesterday...was our first Thanksgiving with out Jay...but this morning I feel a gift the song When I Get Where I'm Going just kept playing in my mind and next thing I knew I was singing along...but the words spoke to me of those who are also missing those that they have lost...and I did not have tears today...and I embraced the joy that was around me...from the wonderful time with Jay's Peanut...time with my family...my last day at 49...laughing when I had texted Maryann and she told me that the next time she cooked Thanksgiving on such a beautiful day she was going to make it a scavenger hunt and everyone would have a bike and find the meal...I loved that...playing with a couple "great" nephews...but I add this video in just because I feel like it was shared for me and makes me think of those who have went to a better place...
I think of Jay and how we miss him...but this song makes me smile...of when we all get where we are going and those that are there...but yesterday it was such a gift...
So I think of all of those that have got where they are going...
lyp
Hands of Love...
This is the blog that never ends yes it goes on and on my friend...one day I started writing without knowing what it was and I continue writing it forever just because...okay I am finishing this this morning! I tried last night but at 1:30 a.m. I decided to sleep instead...so here we go...hang on...one might just need a helmet for this "bike ride"...(Please note that it will refer to various mornings as though they were today...but isn't that what yesterday is...simply today but a different day).
I give thanks for this day...THANKSGIVING...I thought I would finish this up this morning but instead I played with one little Firecracker...gave her a bath because she wanted me to...usually it's Mom...so if I get the chance...then it was off to a family dinner...and wonderful times with special people and so here it is already past another Thanksgiving...but I want to finish up...1 in the morning...is still part of the day prior...right...so I try to tie this together and much like the bread that we make with these hands of love...I try to add some of these ingredients...and so I go back to a little bit of this and a little bit of that. You see I am still up now because one little "Izzy bell" wanted to stay up with Ahma...we'll sleep when we're old...okay that's another blog...I go back and add a little of this and a little of that and hopefully the Good Lord will add...but I can think of nothing more special than playing and holding one little Firecracker in my arms until she fell asleep...
And this morning I give thanks from my kitchen table. My kitchen is filled with the aroma of ham cooking and I have my bread mixed and am kneading it as it "knead" be! But I have to share a special verse that while I have been reading in the "IANS"...I told myself that I wanted to go through all of those Books in the New Testament that end in IANS...well today I had made it to 1 Corinthians 10. But given what I was doing and being it is Thanksgiving and that this writing as been in process for over a month, I share...
If you notice the hands...they are mixing bread...and I will talk more on that later...but with Thanksgiving I give thanks that I have been touched with hands of love. That I look around and it seemed that I seen hands everywhere that I wanted to include...but let me not forget the Hands that are holding me always.
I look back on an earlier statement and I leave it in...because I do love this song and it does make you think...because when I had started this blog probably over a whole month ago I had some thoughts...but as with the bread that I mix...more and more just kept getting added and so yes it is a longer one. On this particular day I was blessed by the song You love me ANYWAY" by Sidewalk Prophets kept playing in my mind as if in my shortcomings He loves me anyway...and for that I am thankful...
So the next bit is some that I had written different weekends but they are things I am thankful for...just part of the hands. Sometimes our cup runneth over so much that you have "runneth over" running over with simply the simple ordinary things...I leave in my words from past weekend...This particular weekend started out with Tim picking up a few more green chili's as their days are limited...and if you haven't experienced having your own chili's for cooking...this is one to put on your list! I admit I am not a die hard burn your mouth up HOT chili eater so we usually go with the milder chili...an Aneheim or got a few Big Jim's...but Anaheim's was what we were working with this particular day. And so I add I am thankful for green chili's...and time spent with the shepherd...because you see...I had seen on facebook that Emily over at http://trailerhoodaristocrats.blogspot.com/ was making green chili. Emily is the daughter of one of my good friends Brenda over at http://tonyandbrenda.blogspot.com/ . Anyway Emily is talking about how good the house smells in making green chili...so the shepherd and I decide to make some and so while I had asked for recipes which Emily sent a link to hers...we also called Harry. At work we have chili days when the weather gets "chilly" and so Tim had tasted some of Harry's and so he said I should get his recipe...well a quick call and we now have Harry and Emily's recipes...so we co-cooked on this project...kind of unusual for the shepherd and I as we have what you may say different "styles" THAT's IT! Different styles! I'll leave it at that...not sure what is wrong with mushing the tomatoes with your bare hands...this one had the shepherd laughing at me as it must have resembled my "spooning" the tomatoes...My family gives me a hard time about my cutting skills. I don't think that each thing has to be uniformally cut. I like my veggies UNIQUE...so in order to leave this and stay with my theme...I am thankful for friends and green chili...And you are thinking hands??? aren't you...get tot he point Penny!Anyway I thought our cooperative venture was mighty tasty...much like our combination of such different personalities but can still make a unique "dish"! And we had decided to make up some chicken fajitas as well using some of these fresh peppers (and I think how this is out of date as the only green chili's now are those in the freezer). Anyway--part of our motivation was...yes we had COMPANY coming! Okay I wouldn't exactly call them company...I would say family! MY KIDS! First one here was my nephew Ethan...he is a freshman in college...I don't know where the time has gone because I had just got some pictures developed and here he was...Yep I am thankful for my family and love this Ethan!
As I began to make the bread. Yes me there in my pajamas...and I realize in doing this I HAVE ARRIVED! I am a Grandma...that was one of the perks I was sure was one that was one that made me want to be a Grandma...that if you wanted to wear your jammies all day...you could. And so with that I was mixing bread in my jammies! But I was being watched by one little Firecracker who once she saw my hands go in the bowl...she "kneeded" to join me...and there in that bowl of bread our hands were together and I could feel the love from my mother who taught me how to make bread and her mother who I am sure taught her. My daughter watched on and snapped some pictures...but this moment was more than making bread...it was something that went back farther and would continue on. Of course I am more than thankful for being an Ahma AND for my daily bread!
And so I start coming upon some conclusion and I think of Grandma's...what a gift they are...and what a gift they are to be...I think of Izzy and Great Grandma Pfeiff blowing bubbles and how I will treasure this memory...
And so it is as though...hands...hands that have passed from generation to generation I conclude with and give thanks for...I have a special Grandmother one that I had stuck in quite some time ago for those who actually know when Kristy's birthday was...
In looking in my mirror this morning I could not get the picture of Kristy and her Grandma Stella out of my mind. Kristy celebrated a birthday and so HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MISS KRISTY! For those who don't know...you may hear me talk time to time of Mary...that would be my friend...my "angel" Mary...anyway turns out she has some family I am fond of as well...one of which Miss Kristy! I guess this picture just hit me...in thinking of hands of love because it seems to go with this theme of hands of love...these precious times that we can only take and keep in our hearts...a faded photograph...but will make us smile always.
So....I am not reading over this anymore...I am just sending it off out there...SO HAPPY BELATED THANKSGIVING and I am thankful for your hands...lyp
I give thanks for this day...THANKSGIVING...I thought I would finish this up this morning but instead I played with one little Firecracker...gave her a bath because she wanted me to...usually it's Mom...so if I get the chance...then it was off to a family dinner...and wonderful times with special people and so here it is already past another Thanksgiving...but I want to finish up...1 in the morning...is still part of the day prior...right...so I try to tie this together and much like the bread that we make with these hands of love...I try to add some of these ingredients...and so I go back to a little bit of this and a little bit of that. You see I am still up now because one little "Izzy bell" wanted to stay up with Ahma...we'll sleep when we're old...okay that's another blog...I go back and add a little of this and a little of that and hopefully the Good Lord will add...but I can think of nothing more special than playing and holding one little Firecracker in my arms until she fell asleep...
And this morning I give thanks from my kitchen table. My kitchen is filled with the aroma of ham cooking and I have my bread mixed and am kneading it as it "knead" be! But I have to share a special verse that while I have been reading in the "IANS"...I told myself that I wanted to go through all of those Books in the New Testament that end in IANS...well today I had made it to 1 Corinthians 10. But given what I was doing and being it is Thanksgiving and that this writing as been in process for over a month, I share...
"The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread." 1 Corinthians 10:16 (NKJV).I don't know about you...but to me this was just sooo cool. That God would share this with me...as I write upon a collection of many I love who are part of this "body". And I give thanks...The other day on one of my walks...I thought I will finish this one up for Thanksgiving...to me it is a special one and today makes it all the more special...
If you notice the hands...they are mixing bread...and I will talk more on that later...but with Thanksgiving I give thanks that I have been touched with hands of love. That I look around and it seemed that I seen hands everywhere that I wanted to include...but let me not forget the Hands that are holding me always.
I look back on an earlier statement and I leave it in...because I do love this song and it does make you think...because when I had started this blog probably over a whole month ago I had some thoughts...but as with the bread that I mix...more and more just kept getting added and so yes it is a longer one. On this particular day I was blessed by the song You love me ANYWAY" by Sidewalk Prophets kept playing in my mind as if in my shortcomings He loves me anyway...and for that I am thankful...
So the next bit is some that I had written different weekends but they are things I am thankful for...just part of the hands. Sometimes our cup runneth over so much that you have "runneth over" running over with simply the simple ordinary things...I leave in my words from past weekend...This particular weekend started out with Tim picking up a few more green chili's as their days are limited...and if you haven't experienced having your own chili's for cooking...this is one to put on your list! I admit I am not a die hard burn your mouth up HOT chili eater so we usually go with the milder chili...an Aneheim or got a few Big Jim's...but Anaheim's was what we were working with this particular day. And so I add I am thankful for green chili's...and time spent with the shepherd...because you see...I had seen on facebook that Emily over at http://trailerhoodaristocrats.blogspot.com/ was making green chili. Emily is the daughter of one of my good friends Brenda over at http://tonyandbrenda.blogspot.com/ . Anyway Emily is talking about how good the house smells in making green chili...so the shepherd and I decide to make some and so while I had asked for recipes which Emily sent a link to hers...we also called Harry. At work we have chili days when the weather gets "chilly" and so Tim had tasted some of Harry's and so he said I should get his recipe...well a quick call and we now have Harry and Emily's recipes...so we co-cooked on this project...kind of unusual for the shepherd and I as we have what you may say different "styles" THAT's IT! Different styles! I'll leave it at that...not sure what is wrong with mushing the tomatoes with your bare hands...this one had the shepherd laughing at me as it must have resembled my "spooning" the tomatoes...My family gives me a hard time about my cutting skills. I don't think that each thing has to be uniformally cut. I like my veggies UNIQUE...so in order to leave this and stay with my theme...I am thankful for friends and green chili...And you are thinking hands??? aren't you...get tot he point Penny!Anyway I thought our cooperative venture was mighty tasty...much like our combination of such different personalities but can still make a unique "dish"! And we had decided to make up some chicken fajitas as well using some of these fresh peppers (and I think how this is out of date as the only green chili's now are those in the freezer). Anyway--part of our motivation was...yes we had COMPANY coming! Okay I wouldn't exactly call them company...I would say family! MY KIDS! First one here was my nephew Ethan...he is a freshman in college...I don't know where the time has gone because I had just got some pictures developed and here he was...Yep I am thankful for my family and love this Ethan!
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| Perhaps Ethan has changed a little...from this guy to now blowing bubbles with a Firecracker now about this age... |
Later on in pulled Heather, Izzy, Lance and Tyler...and my house was full. I am sure I have mentioned this before...I love the feeling when my house is full...it seems I can just feel it....By this time it was getting close to bed time...one might think so...of course the "boys" think it must be time to run to the Wal-mart...with Ethan taking them on an adventure in the "Honda"...perhaps it had a little gliche that required some special driving skills...that I was told more than once that I would probably be having flashbacks to Ethan's dad...my favorite brother Shaner! He does remind me of his dad...to which I think that is a good thing...granted it might be a little too "entertaining" at times for his mom...but I know she wouldn't trade him either...I loved having him come "home" to visit me...we have shared some special times with "Eshun" as lovingly named by the Firecracker...
I snapped a pic with my camera phone where Heather was out talking to Ethan while he was "fixing" his car and I sent it and a text to my brother..."My daughter watching your son fix his car...De-Ja-Luv-U...not sure I spelled it that way for him...I never am sure how I spell things when texting. But I am thankful for this family tie...
But the time does not stop there...the hands theme continues...from those who worked on the barn (Lance, Tyler, Tim, Great Grandpa Pfeiff, Heather and Ethan) using their hands to work on the barn for the upcoming lambing season...to Izzy and Great Grandma Pfeiff using hands to blow bubbles and then to pop them...to just family time together...hands though dirty offering a drink...
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| Uncle Lance using his "hands" to give a little Firecracker a drink... |
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| Ethan, Tyler, and Lance... want a drink Izzy? |
As I began to make the bread. Yes me there in my pajamas...and I realize in doing this I HAVE ARRIVED! I am a Grandma...that was one of the perks I was sure was one that was one that made me want to be a Grandma...that if you wanted to wear your jammies all day...you could. And so with that I was mixing bread in my jammies! But I was being watched by one little Firecracker who once she saw my hands go in the bowl...she "kneeded" to join me...and there in that bowl of bread our hands were together and I could feel the love from my mother who taught me how to make bread and her mother who I am sure taught her. My daughter watched on and snapped some pictures...but this moment was more than making bread...it was something that went back farther and would continue on. Of course I am more than thankful for being an Ahma AND for my daily bread!
And so I start coming upon some conclusion and I think of Grandma's...what a gift they are...and what a gift they are to be...I think of Izzy and Great Grandma Pfeiff blowing bubbles and how I will treasure this memory...
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| Izzy and Great Grandma Pfeiff...hands playing...gotta love bubbles! |
In looking in my mirror this morning I could not get the picture of Kristy and her Grandma Stella out of my mind. Kristy celebrated a birthday and so HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MISS KRISTY! For those who don't know...you may hear me talk time to time of Mary...that would be my friend...my "angel" Mary...anyway turns out she has some family I am fond of as well...one of which Miss Kristy! I guess this picture just hit me...in thinking of hands of love because it seems to go with this theme of hands of love...these precious times that we can only take and keep in our hearts...a faded photograph...but will make us smile always.Yes I am thankful for Grandma's that have fun and I want to be one of those Grandma's...I love how this picture seems to combine these two into one...how the hands...pass on the love...thanks for sharing with me.
There is also one special picture that just portrays a bond between a Grandma and a little one...this is my cousins in Kansas...a Great Grandmother and a little one...look at that look...
There is also one special picture that just portrays a bond between a Grandma and a little one...this is my cousins in Kansas...a Great Grandmother and a little one...look at that look...
I think of the laying on of hands...how the Bible talks of this...but I do not know about being able to heal whatever but I have many times seen the laying on of hands of love...and this can work miracles...just letting someone know that you love them that they are in fact important...can heal some very deep pains...so today may you share your hands...your bread...Thankfulness...like I said this was quite the recipe...but like the bread...So I leave with this video of a special song...
So....I am not reading over this anymore...I am just sending it off out there...SO HAPPY BELATED THANKSGIVING and I am thankful for your hands...lyp
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sometimes you never know...
Today was one of those days...one of those days that you just didn't think it would be like it was...but it was. At my kitchen table I thought about the day ahead...jury duty. I admit I do not have a lot of jury duties under my belt. In fact this would be my actual second time to even go and when I went the first time I was not even picked.
I confess I had some apprehension...and I had prayed for strength that my emotions would stay intact. For those who know me--you know that I cry at Kleenex commercials. But I thought I would be okay. I must admit I was thankful when I seen Loretta...a neighbor...a friend...though we do not do a lot together...she is one of those you know is there. Our kids grew up together and she is just one of those special women. I filled out the questionnaire and must admit I had a lump in my throat when asked if I had family that now I can't remember...perhaps peace officers was the word...but they asked if any of my family was peace officers. I wrote down that my son-in-law was killed in the line of duty. I wrote it down...there they would know. They also asked if I had good or bad experience with police officers. Given the support that I have experienced with Jay...I have a deeper respect for those men and women in "blue".
But I had written it down...perhaps that would be all I had to do. As I went into the courtroom I spotted Loretta and next to her--Connie. Yes another one of those women that though we do not spend a lot of time together...she taught my children. And she is just a special woman as well. So I sat next to these women and we talked and laughed and I was thankful that they were there...
Then in came Lisa...another special one. She was my kids teacher, my daughter's coach, but she is also someone I consider friend and no not just Facebook friends...and so I was thankful that these very women were there with me. I thought I am sure I can do this.
We went through the introduction and even when the defendant came in...I was still okay. Of course, I was still surrounded by these friends. Then there it came...they called my name third. I walked up and took my seat and then I don't know if it was the larger guard that was across from me for some reason his pants had made me think of Jay--or perhaps just the whole "world" that this represented--perhaps it was the allegations and the energy from the defendant...but I could feel the tears coming. No I had not brought a hanky. I was overcome with emotion it seemed and I tried to swallow it and keep it stuck inside but the tears kept coming.
Loretta who had also been called was seated right down in front of me and quietly asked if I was alright. I asked her for a Kleenex...to which she didn't have...but Dennis--another I would call friend--in fact a pall bearer for my mother. And he pulled out a hanky for me with a D on it. And I thought how I was thankful for these people that though I do not spend a lot of time with--there is a connection...
When it came my time to say who I was and talk about myself...the judge thought that I was nervous about public speaking...that the quiver and emotion in my voice was nerves. I told him that was not the case...and I still thought I could get through this. While I did answer all of the questions that were on the board before me. I had already choked up because there was the question again if I had any family that was police officers. And so I had to say it out loud in a room full of some friends, some neighbors and yes some strangers that my son-in-law had been killed in the line of duty. I finished the questioning and then the defendants attorney asked to approach the bench...as the lawyers went up to the judge. As they talked, I did not make eye contact with many. However, there was one man that was at the "people's" table. He had a very no-nonsense to his demeanor that I had noticed earlier...but after my words...I will not forget the look that seemed to be one of sincerity and respect for my loss.
I had thought earlier how this experience had gave me more sensitivity than what I had even had before for those that on a day in and day out basis are met with deep reminders. And the looks that those around you give--some give a look of just pity, some a look of helplessness, others with true concern and respect, but then there are others that just their eyes seem to say I am here for you. I think about my daughter, about Jay's family, Jay's friends, and how they experience this much more than I. Living and spending time in the very town that this happened.
Though I am not sure of the reason--perhaps they thought I would not be fair, perhaps they didn't want someone blubbering through the trial, whatever the reason, I was released in 2 hours. And though I was emotionally drained, I thought I guess maybe that was an early birthday present--as my favorite son-in-law had got me out of jury duty. I would have rather had him here and done my civic duty. But guess that wasn't one of the choices...
As I went to leave--Lisa grabbed my hand and squeezed. Then Linda another special woman was signing me out...and while she handed me my paperwork she also got two Kleenex--one for her and one for me. She has had her own loss but she also shared my pain...so I guess you just never know when you will have special angels there for you. So as I went to leave--another familiar face who was guard said something about did I get kicked out...and I said I guess it was because of who I knew...
I am not sure why I feel the need to share this experience...but there seems to be a reason. And this writing seems to help me and I hope that it makes you stop and think and remember someone special. So I include a picture of happier days...because there is a reason that I miss this guy...and you just never know when you are going to have one of those days that it hits you hard--but thankful for those that are there for you even when they don't know it. I stop and think there is a reason that I got to know him...and there is a reason that he is remembered with such emotion...so I share this pain but I also share a picture that I came across the other night that just made me smile and so I put it up to hopefully leave you with a smile as well--and to say thank you and I love ya Jay Bird!!
lyp
I confess I had some apprehension...and I had prayed for strength that my emotions would stay intact. For those who know me--you know that I cry at Kleenex commercials. But I thought I would be okay. I must admit I was thankful when I seen Loretta...a neighbor...a friend...though we do not do a lot together...she is one of those you know is there. Our kids grew up together and she is just one of those special women. I filled out the questionnaire and must admit I had a lump in my throat when asked if I had family that now I can't remember...perhaps peace officers was the word...but they asked if any of my family was peace officers. I wrote down that my son-in-law was killed in the line of duty. I wrote it down...there they would know. They also asked if I had good or bad experience with police officers. Given the support that I have experienced with Jay...I have a deeper respect for those men and women in "blue".
But I had written it down...perhaps that would be all I had to do. As I went into the courtroom I spotted Loretta and next to her--Connie. Yes another one of those women that though we do not spend a lot of time together...she taught my children. And she is just a special woman as well. So I sat next to these women and we talked and laughed and I was thankful that they were there...
Then in came Lisa...another special one. She was my kids teacher, my daughter's coach, but she is also someone I consider friend and no not just Facebook friends...and so I was thankful that these very women were there with me. I thought I am sure I can do this.
We went through the introduction and even when the defendant came in...I was still okay. Of course, I was still surrounded by these friends. Then there it came...they called my name third. I walked up and took my seat and then I don't know if it was the larger guard that was across from me for some reason his pants had made me think of Jay--or perhaps just the whole "world" that this represented--perhaps it was the allegations and the energy from the defendant...but I could feel the tears coming. No I had not brought a hanky. I was overcome with emotion it seemed and I tried to swallow it and keep it stuck inside but the tears kept coming.
Loretta who had also been called was seated right down in front of me and quietly asked if I was alright. I asked her for a Kleenex...to which she didn't have...but Dennis--another I would call friend--in fact a pall bearer for my mother. And he pulled out a hanky for me with a D on it. And I thought how I was thankful for these people that though I do not spend a lot of time with--there is a connection...
When it came my time to say who I was and talk about myself...the judge thought that I was nervous about public speaking...that the quiver and emotion in my voice was nerves. I told him that was not the case...and I still thought I could get through this. While I did answer all of the questions that were on the board before me. I had already choked up because there was the question again if I had any family that was police officers. And so I had to say it out loud in a room full of some friends, some neighbors and yes some strangers that my son-in-law had been killed in the line of duty. I finished the questioning and then the defendants attorney asked to approach the bench...as the lawyers went up to the judge. As they talked, I did not make eye contact with many. However, there was one man that was at the "people's" table. He had a very no-nonsense to his demeanor that I had noticed earlier...but after my words...I will not forget the look that seemed to be one of sincerity and respect for my loss.
I had thought earlier how this experience had gave me more sensitivity than what I had even had before for those that on a day in and day out basis are met with deep reminders. And the looks that those around you give--some give a look of just pity, some a look of helplessness, others with true concern and respect, but then there are others that just their eyes seem to say I am here for you. I think about my daughter, about Jay's family, Jay's friends, and how they experience this much more than I. Living and spending time in the very town that this happened.
Though I am not sure of the reason--perhaps they thought I would not be fair, perhaps they didn't want someone blubbering through the trial, whatever the reason, I was released in 2 hours. And though I was emotionally drained, I thought I guess maybe that was an early birthday present--as my favorite son-in-law had got me out of jury duty. I would have rather had him here and done my civic duty. But guess that wasn't one of the choices...
As I went to leave--Lisa grabbed my hand and squeezed. Then Linda another special woman was signing me out...and while she handed me my paperwork she also got two Kleenex--one for her and one for me. She has had her own loss but she also shared my pain...so I guess you just never know when you will have special angels there for you. So as I went to leave--another familiar face who was guard said something about did I get kicked out...and I said I guess it was because of who I knew...
I am not sure why I feel the need to share this experience...but there seems to be a reason. And this writing seems to help me and I hope that it makes you stop and think and remember someone special. So I include a picture of happier days...because there is a reason that I miss this guy...and you just never know when you are going to have one of those days that it hits you hard--but thankful for those that are there for you even when they don't know it. I stop and think there is a reason that I got to know him...and there is a reason that he is remembered with such emotion...so I share this pain but I also share a picture that I came across the other night that just made me smile and so I put it up to hopefully leave you with a smile as well--and to say thank you and I love ya Jay Bird!!
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| Jay Sheridan and Amy's puppy...one of my favorite sides of this man in blue... |
lyp
Friday, November 18, 2011
When I grow up...
FLEX FRIDAY! I so love these every other Friday's off (well worth the extra time put in). I am not sure if it will be a Firecracker Flex Friday or not but I did get to see the famous Firecracker already this week. Which is why I have decided perhaps I want to be a Firecracker when I grow up...
She came strolling in the office with her mama (I had got an appointment for mom with the chiropractor with free babysitting included). Anyway in comes one little Firecracker in some cute little jammies. Yes jammies to work...when she got there we talked of she had ate a little breakfast. I offered up apples or cheese sticks (my choice of snacks that day). Well she told me, "apples Ahma--no cheese!" So off to the kitchen we headed to get the apple. I put her up on the counter and as we peeled the apple her mom came in. Heather tells her that she will be going can she have a kiss. To which one little Firecracker grabs her mom's face kisses her and says, "Hi". Then she tells her mom, "have fun!" To which her mom starts laughing and says you too!
Well after we got our apple put in the cup we headed back to "Ahma's ossiss!" She told me toys and there she had packed her Elmo bag that her and I had picked out many a shopping trips ago...full of toys. I was at my desk...she around in front...to which I hear a little voice say, "Ahma...toys...come play." An Ahma can't turn that down...so I went around to check out just what treasures she had. I asked if she wanted to get dressed yet...no play! So we went through her treasurers and came across a little zip up bag that the flapper part was broke off. Being the talented Ahma that I am...oh sure there are those that can sew up things, create beautiful projects....but just how many have paperclips that by the way are on one of Ahma's cool toys on her desk....my little green man sitting on a toiled holding tape. The cool thing is the paperclips stick to his butt. One of my Mary gifts that you just have to smile when you look at it. So in all my talents I put the paperclip on the bag. One little Firecracker begins easily opening and closing it and looks at me and said, "You fis it Ahma!" Just wait until she learns of my mad duct tape skills.
So she decides she needs to sit in my chair and eat her apples and drink her water she had got for herself out of the Deep Rock dispenser....to which I have a blurry picture but as with memories that fade...I will keep it as a reminder of that fun day...
She soon was back to playing with toys and before I know it she is dancing around and singing, "1-2-3-4 monsters cross the floor." This is one of our new songs that was on the Elmo video at Ahma's house but with the world of YouTube she can watch it on the computer along with many other songs...Let me warn you before you listen...it will catch you and next thing you know you will be dancing around singing 1-2-3-4 monsters cross the floor" but I love the chickens back from the shore...
So we watched the video and of course showed it to Mary. She loves Mary...what's not to love! Anyway I get a call from one of the attorney's. I think I can take it with one little Firecracker on my lap. So I give her the finger to my lips signal. To which she looks at me and says, "Ahma blue eyes!" She likes to point out the fact we both have blue eyes. Then she starts, "1-2-3-4". I have another call coming in and so put the one on hold...Firecracker then heads out with Mary and they watch a video...and then next thing I know there is her mom back already!
We had got dressed sometime in there and so it was time to head to lunch. Off to Fiesta so Izzy could have her some vermicelli....she loves that Mexican spaghetti. While I am sorry that my daughter needed a chiropractor...I loved the visit! We really did get a lot packed in our day...Izzy even got a dollar from me for her purse and then some change from Brian...Mary told her see it pays to go to work...lessons learned! Before she left her and Mary played a bit...Mary would say oh no I'm not going to get you to which Izzy would take steps closer and look at Mary, "No git" and then Mary would say Oh Yes I am and she would go after her...and she would run and just in my arms. I think Izzy could have played all day. Mary and I were wearing out...
Then as soon as they came they were on their way...well I did go to walk out to the truck and Izzy told me get to work...she is boss material! They headed north and rumor is stopped in for some "fun" with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Pfeiff. I heard there were M & M's involved...well...
Here's to Flex Friday and guess I should get after it...but just thought I would share...a special Firecracker day....
lyp
She came strolling in the office with her mama (I had got an appointment for mom with the chiropractor with free babysitting included). Anyway in comes one little Firecracker in some cute little jammies. Yes jammies to work...when she got there we talked of she had ate a little breakfast. I offered up apples or cheese sticks (my choice of snacks that day). Well she told me, "apples Ahma--no cheese!" So off to the kitchen we headed to get the apple. I put her up on the counter and as we peeled the apple her mom came in. Heather tells her that she will be going can she have a kiss. To which one little Firecracker grabs her mom's face kisses her and says, "Hi". Then she tells her mom, "have fun!" To which her mom starts laughing and says you too!
Well after we got our apple put in the cup we headed back to "Ahma's ossiss!" She told me toys and there she had packed her Elmo bag that her and I had picked out many a shopping trips ago...full of toys. I was at my desk...she around in front...to which I hear a little voice say, "Ahma...toys...come play." An Ahma can't turn that down...so I went around to check out just what treasures she had. I asked if she wanted to get dressed yet...no play! So we went through her treasurers and came across a little zip up bag that the flapper part was broke off. Being the talented Ahma that I am...oh sure there are those that can sew up things, create beautiful projects....but just how many have paperclips that by the way are on one of Ahma's cool toys on her desk....my little green man sitting on a toiled holding tape. The cool thing is the paperclips stick to his butt. One of my Mary gifts that you just have to smile when you look at it. So in all my talents I put the paperclip on the bag. One little Firecracker begins easily opening and closing it and looks at me and said, "You fis it Ahma!" Just wait until she learns of my mad duct tape skills.
So she decides she needs to sit in my chair and eat her apples and drink her water she had got for herself out of the Deep Rock dispenser....to which I have a blurry picture but as with memories that fade...I will keep it as a reminder of that fun day...
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| A little blurry...but Izzy at work...the boss has arrived! |
She soon was back to playing with toys and before I know it she is dancing around and singing, "1-2-3-4 monsters cross the floor." This is one of our new songs that was on the Elmo video at Ahma's house but with the world of YouTube she can watch it on the computer along with many other songs...Let me warn you before you listen...it will catch you and next thing you know you will be dancing around singing 1-2-3-4 monsters cross the floor" but I love the chickens back from the shore...
So we watched the video and of course showed it to Mary. She loves Mary...what's not to love! Anyway I get a call from one of the attorney's. I think I can take it with one little Firecracker on my lap. So I give her the finger to my lips signal. To which she looks at me and says, "Ahma blue eyes!" She likes to point out the fact we both have blue eyes. Then she starts, "1-2-3-4". I have another call coming in and so put the one on hold...Firecracker then heads out with Mary and they watch a video...and then next thing I know there is her mom back already!
We had got dressed sometime in there and so it was time to head to lunch. Off to Fiesta so Izzy could have her some vermicelli....she loves that Mexican spaghetti. While I am sorry that my daughter needed a chiropractor...I loved the visit! We really did get a lot packed in our day...Izzy even got a dollar from me for her purse and then some change from Brian...Mary told her see it pays to go to work...lessons learned! Before she left her and Mary played a bit...Mary would say oh no I'm not going to get you to which Izzy would take steps closer and look at Mary, "No git" and then Mary would say Oh Yes I am and she would go after her...and she would run and just in my arms. I think Izzy could have played all day. Mary and I were wearing out...
Then as soon as they came they were on their way...well I did go to walk out to the truck and Izzy told me get to work...she is boss material! They headed north and rumor is stopped in for some "fun" with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Pfeiff. I heard there were M & M's involved...well...
Here's to Flex Friday and guess I should get after it...but just thought I would share...a special Firecracker day....
lyp
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Feed my sheep...
I came across this song...I used to listen to Dallas Holm a lot...but haven't for a long time. However, I thought I would stick it in...so glad Emily told me about sticking the YouTube's in my blog...but this version made me think of one my mom would have been slapping her leg...you can start it up before you being reading if you want...
So the shepherd has been gone...seems like a long time...but okay ONE NIGHT! He should be coming around the mountain any time now. I tell myself "suck it up" as I think of others that are separated from those they love...and so...I quit my dang whining and finish my story...
I have been the shepherd in charge! The head chore boy! The...oh okay I am getting sidetracked trying to come up with creative titles to humor myself as I have the house to myself...I caught myself tonight--yes running a little later and so darkness was gaining on me and Old Bo! I told him hurry up...as he has to go and play with Sweetie while that group gets fed and then you have to wait on him to shut the gate (oh guess he doesn't shut the gate...perhaps I should work on that one)...Anyway I said it out loud...(of course I talk to Bo I think that sounds better than just talking to myself) As I talked to the dredlock shepherd dog I laughed after I said it, "Hurry up we're burning daylight!" Yes I was even quoting John Wayne...the shepherd better get back soon!
I would not really consider myself a fan of chores...not like the shepherd that's for sure. It's not like it is too hard, or too cold, (for the mostpart) I think part of it is that it is so routine. I know something I need to work on...to be more of a routine structured person! So I was thinking yesterday morning about here I was out doing these chores...and thinking just why is it that I am doing chores...and out of nowhere the scripture came to me, "If you love me--feed my sheep." Well I have to say I busted out laughing. It was as though the Good Lord was sharing a laugh with me! And I thought you know I do love those guys I am feeding the sheep for...and so there was my answer right there.
But I thought a little more and sure I was looking at the literal...but I thought about John 21. How many times am I asked to "feed the sheep". I think sometimes it is the little things...the daily chores in which we are asked to feed the sheep. To be there for others...as the Good Shepherd would have us do.
So I stop and give thanks for my shepherds...my country bumpkins. It was pretty uneventful but I think I am done for this bout. Although, I did have one stick its head in the fence...but never fear I dialed 1-800-callashepherd and got the inside scoop on what to do...and then used my own creative take on it. But as I sign off, I note at least these sheep are all fed...but so it is with sheep...tomorrow they will need fed again! Isn't that how it goes...
lyp
So the shepherd has been gone...seems like a long time...but okay ONE NIGHT! He should be coming around the mountain any time now. I tell myself "suck it up" as I think of others that are separated from those they love...and so...I quit my dang whining and finish my story...
I have been the shepherd in charge! The head chore boy! The...oh okay I am getting sidetracked trying to come up with creative titles to humor myself as I have the house to myself...I caught myself tonight--yes running a little later and so darkness was gaining on me and Old Bo! I told him hurry up...as he has to go and play with Sweetie while that group gets fed and then you have to wait on him to shut the gate (oh guess he doesn't shut the gate...perhaps I should work on that one)...Anyway I said it out loud...(of course I talk to Bo I think that sounds better than just talking to myself) As I talked to the dredlock shepherd dog I laughed after I said it, "Hurry up we're burning daylight!" Yes I was even quoting John Wayne...the shepherd better get back soon!
I would not really consider myself a fan of chores...not like the shepherd that's for sure. It's not like it is too hard, or too cold, (for the mostpart) I think part of it is that it is so routine. I know something I need to work on...to be more of a routine structured person! So I was thinking yesterday morning about here I was out doing these chores...and thinking just why is it that I am doing chores...and out of nowhere the scripture came to me, "If you love me--feed my sheep." Well I have to say I busted out laughing. It was as though the Good Lord was sharing a laugh with me! And I thought you know I do love those guys I am feeding the sheep for...and so there was my answer right there.
But I thought a little more and sure I was looking at the literal...but I thought about John 21. How many times am I asked to "feed the sheep". I think sometimes it is the little things...the daily chores in which we are asked to feed the sheep. To be there for others...as the Good Shepherd would have us do.
So I stop and give thanks for my shepherds...my country bumpkins. It was pretty uneventful but I think I am done for this bout. Although, I did have one stick its head in the fence...but never fear I dialed 1-800-callashepherd and got the inside scoop on what to do...and then used my own creative take on it. But as I sign off, I note at least these sheep are all fed...but so it is with sheep...tomorrow they will need fed again! Isn't that how it goes...
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| FEED MY SHEEP |
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Look for the doves...
The other morning at my kitchen table was an unusual site...there was 12 doves right out front...yes I counted them. I don't remember ever seeing that many doves together...and I just thought of the dove as being a bird of LOVE! I walked away and when I returned there were three doves. Then this morning out there was one lone dove where there had been many.
The other day while there were that group of doves, there were also those dang black birds...They just seem to glare at you...and just "get in my space" if you know what I mean...Anyway back to the doves...when I first seen them and I seen the 12, I thought of the twelve apostles...on the three I thought hmmm three maybe the Trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...but then today I went on my walk...and the birds came to mind. I thought of how I love reading the parables in the Bible. For a visual like myself...I like stories to understand points...I NEED PICTURES!! I think that is why God teaches me with things such as birds, rocks, and the like...
But it hit me so clear today...I thought of the twelve and I thought of twelve months...the seasons...time...but then I thought of the three doves my favorite chapter came to mind--1 Corinthians 13--Faith, Hope, and Love! And then this morning...and the greatest of these is LOVE! The one lone dove!
And I had thought of those around me that are going through hard times. Those who are fighting cancer, Alzheimer's, loss of loved ones, fear of losing loved ones, loss of jobs or just looking for jobs, looking for that someone, problems with children, problems with parents...you know the BLACK BIRDS!! And I prayed that those who are being overwhelmed with these "black birds" might actually see some doves.
lyp
The other day while there were that group of doves, there were also those dang black birds...They just seem to glare at you...and just "get in my space" if you know what I mean...Anyway back to the doves...when I first seen them and I seen the 12, I thought of the twelve apostles...on the three I thought hmmm three maybe the Trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...but then today I went on my walk...and the birds came to mind. I thought of how I love reading the parables in the Bible. For a visual like myself...I like stories to understand points...I NEED PICTURES!! I think that is why God teaches me with things such as birds, rocks, and the like...
But it hit me so clear today...I thought of the twelve and I thought of twelve months...the seasons...time...but then I thought of the three doves my favorite chapter came to mind--1 Corinthians 13--Faith, Hope, and Love! And then this morning...and the greatest of these is LOVE! The one lone dove!
And I had thought of those around me that are going through hard times. Those who are fighting cancer, Alzheimer's, loss of loved ones, fear of losing loved ones, loss of jobs or just looking for jobs, looking for that someone, problems with children, problems with parents...you know the BLACK BIRDS!! And I prayed that those who are being overwhelmed with these "black birds" might actually see some doves.
Along my walk are many trees...some I notice...some I pass by without much thought. However, the other day this tree had two doves in it...and the doves made me think of my marriage...but the tree for some reason it made me think Joshua tree...I thought of a couple of Josh's and I prayed for them. But I decided to Google Joshua tree...and the one of course that caught my attention was U2 Joshua Tree...well the first song that came up which was on the Joshua Tree album was "I still haven't found what I'm looking for"...and I know there are many who are searching...we all search...but this song reminded me of the version from Rattle and Hum...the one my kids still know by heart who sings which part...this was one of the flying to I mean driving to school songs...but I still love this song and this version...May you find the One we are all looking for...
And so today I wish that you find LOVE that you see the doves instead of the black birds...I leave you with my favorite...
1 Corinthians 13
The Greatest Gift
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
lyp
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
So late she thinks she's first...
So Firecracker is a grama...that is Firecracker's heifer is a grama eating mama...But the Shepherd sent me this picture from his phone with the caption..."Izzy's heifer had a bull she's so late she thinks she's first!" So funny and told him that I can relate!!! Okay for some reason this picture seems to have changed proportion...but you get the jist...
This morning at my kitchen counter...because NO I was not eating breakfast at the kitchen table...who would do that! But as I was eating my corn flakes...I don't usually eat corn flakes...but that was what was left in the old pantry....as I ate the cereal I was thinking of corn flakes and the farmers who had harvested corn and I thought of my Grandpa Mick. I could hear him say I eat Wheaties...I'm a wheat farmer! Was so funny that I could remember that...and so I told the shepherd who was in the other room. He tells me he never really liked cereal. I told him he used to eat it every morning when we first were married. He worked at a dairy and before we got married his mom would make him eggs, toast, and then he would eat cereal to fill him up...so me being a new bride...I did the same! He said he didn't remember that...and then he made some comment about not having a steel trapped mind or some such remark...To which I replied, "oh I can't remember what I had yesterday for breakfast but I remember important things like what he had 30 years ago"...
Tonight I hurried home to see how to do chores and got to view the shepherd and his cuz getting ready for their project...Does this look like a garage...just wait and see...I can't wait to hear the adventures of Tim and Ed....I smile just thinking about it...I hope Justin gets some pics!!
This morning at my kitchen counter...because NO I was not eating breakfast at the kitchen table...who would do that! But as I was eating my corn flakes...I don't usually eat corn flakes...but that was what was left in the old pantry....as I ate the cereal I was thinking of corn flakes and the farmers who had harvested corn and I thought of my Grandpa Mick. I could hear him say I eat Wheaties...I'm a wheat farmer! Was so funny that I could remember that...and so I told the shepherd who was in the other room. He tells me he never really liked cereal. I told him he used to eat it every morning when we first were married. He worked at a dairy and before we got married his mom would make him eggs, toast, and then he would eat cereal to fill him up...so me being a new bride...I did the same! He said he didn't remember that...and then he made some comment about not having a steel trapped mind or some such remark...To which I replied, "oh I can't remember what I had yesterday for breakfast but I remember important things like what he had 30 years ago"...
Tonight I hurried home to see how to do chores and got to view the shepherd and his cuz getting ready for their project...Does this look like a garage...just wait and see...I can't wait to hear the adventures of Tim and Ed....I smile just thinking about it...I hope Justin gets some pics!!
And to finish this day off...turns out that I got an appointment for one little Firecracker's mama at the chiropractor with "complimentary babysitting" included for tomorrow. However, Great Grandpa Pfeiff said if I didn't want to watch her...drop her off at his house...I think those two could be trouble!
Well sweet dreams!! And maybe if you think you're late...maybe you really just are first!!
lyp
Sunday, November 13, 2011
SHOOOt Birds
And another weekend has flown by...and so I sit here in my easy chair and while I wrote part of this I have more to add...because any time with the Firecracker...is memories in the making for an old Auma, Auma, Auma!! Oh maybe I should spell it Ahma Ahma Ahma or Awma Awma Awma...or I guess to go with Oppee I could be Omma Omma Omma...I will ignore my daughter's spelling of Alma (Those familiar with Sister Act and the comment of Alma check your battery ;) I will have to figure out a spelling because the other day I sent Izzy a card and I got the greatest phone call...THANK YOU AHMA! THANK YOU AHMA! Talk about touching your heart. I seen the card later and she had wrote Ahma and Izzy on it! And I think several other things...so I need to figure out for sure how to spell my name!!!
Writing more on this Saturday morning at my kitchen table...I am holding the fort down and thinking I will make lunch as well...okay I have the roast in the oven...but I did actually make breakfast. I get ahead of myself...but Friday on my Firecracker Flex Friday...Heather, Izzy, and Lance all came down Friday morning! We loaded up in the truck to haul some sheep but mostly us girls hopped in for some Mexican food...the kids always enjoy getting some of that when they come home...so Mission Deli it was...We also snuck up to Pueblo for a little quick shopping for Heather and took in the "romantic place" OLIVE GARDEN...
However, on this particular day she had to go to chores with La-La and Op in her jammies because they were leaving and she needed to go...but she had her boots on...because P-Pa thinks that she can walk better and not get stickers and the like with her boots on. She even helped feed a little bottle baby...thanks P-pa for the pics!
So anyway she had to go to the cows with the boys...that girl loves her animals...and after all she has to check on her heifer who will be calving someday!
I get back to my table and yes what I originally started writing this blog about...my yard is full of black birds...they were here yesterday but when Izzy showed up in her cammo jammies and vest...this is definitely a "daddy outfit". I always try to find cammo in keeping with the tradition of always finding it for Jay...I had got Izzy a cammo jacket I think it was when she was a lot younger...Jay told her we can put this on you and you and dad lay on the couch real still and mom won't even see us! So that was always the joke about cammo...couldn't even see you...
Back to my story...I had said something about the birds being bad and wishing Jay was there to shoot the birds...I love most birds...but these dang black birds...just come in and take over...eat all of the dog food...crap all over everything...so when I took Izzy in my arms, I think all Jay's little Peanut heard was "shoot birds". And she was in...She wanted us to start right then...not sure if she really knew what shoot birds meant...but for some reason she just kept repeating it. Who says that genetics isn't involved here...as her dad would always thin out the pesky bird population when visiting...he loved shooting. I prefer to shoot birds with a digital camera...(even though it really doesn't do much for clearing them off my porch) but I have family that are hunting some of those Kansas birds as we speak...I add in one of my favorite pics of Jay and his gun...
So the pictures got me off track...but back to my story...I am no hunter but it was just so funny and so I told her we could chase them later because as I had talked of it there were no birds right then...but she did not forget...later she wanted to go shoot birds...this hits me so funny because that was always Jay's job when he came to my house...he loved to shoot...and so it seems as though his Peanut wants to carry on the Family Tradition... I told her she was too little to shoot to which she replied Ahma Shoot...yes that would be a site...so anyway on this day, the blackbirds are back...and I see Izzy pulling in...I think we may chase us some birds...
So when everyone got here...Heather didn't seem to excited about the roast and it would take longer (turns out they had that at the wedding so glad they didn't have it twice anyway)...so whipped up some chicken fajitas...and then sent Heather and Lance on their way...leaving P-pa (Oppeee) and Ahma with the Firecracker. As I had promised bird chasing...that is what we did...not good weather conditions but when the kids left...Izzy and I headed out hollering at the birds and clapping...However, part way out across the yard she stops me in our tracks and says, "Ahma Bear!" She of course had remembered that we could take the Christmas bear with us so that is what we did...we ran back to the house and got one of the Christmas bears...then we chased birds...
Like I said the wind was blowing pretty hard and so on the way back to the house after the yard was free of birds...someone thinks we should hop in the truck and drive. Well no keys are required for Firecracker driving but we drove quite a while...I am not sure what my deal was....hormones...fighting off being sick...not sure what but was definitely emotional...okay I am always emotional but seemed extra. As I watched Izzy driving I had tears...she looked at me and maybe not being something a two year old should have to know--but she does said, "Sad Ahma? Tears." And the face she made back at me...the cheesiest grin from ear to ear...how can you not smile! I have watched her with her mom and a gift I know she got from her dad will do "Squishy cheeks" that she learned from her dad or just kiss her mama...she is very intuitive it seems to me. Anyway by the time she was done...Ahma was indeed smiling and we headed in to rocky bye and she fell asleep her heart on mine and there was no way I could put her down...there is something amazing with feeling this unconditional love...a gift indeed.
Well evening came and we had the roast beef with mashed potatoes...Izzy and I "drove" our pretend car to the basement "store" and bought us some frozen Olathe sweet corn! While there we seen the Uno Attack game I think it is called...this was our credit card machine and so of course...with this find...it had to go upstairs. Once up there, Firecracker continued driving me...of course we were riding on the couch...stopped and did some shopping at the coffee table and scanned our purchases there on the coffee table as well. We bought a football that she had qb'd (quarterbacked) for Ahma part of the weekend. (She would get behind me and I would hike it to her but we would down--set--hike--hike...so funny watching her trying to get the football between her legs). After buying her items, she would sack up everything...she loves to get the shopping bags out of the kitchen cow where they are stored (a gift from my mom)...anyway a big night for the three of us...and then finally time to rocky bye...we watched videos on the computer and before long were out...oh to have a sleeping baby in your arms...but this baby is growing and extending across my lap...
She slept quite a while and then 4:00 a.m. I guess the old time...she wakes up and says, "Ahma--Hold Mama!" I love how when she wants to be held she will say whoever's name as though she will hold them. It took some convincing that we shouldn't just load up "Now!" But finally I appealed to her senses of the sheep are asleep and so we have to wait for them to wake up so P-pa can feed them! She saw the pumpkin with candy on the counter and said, "puntin Ahma" and so in looking in it she found her favorite candy...M & M's. And I convinced her Ahma's chair...to which she was asleep (I thought) holding tightly to the unopened M & M's when I started to move there in her sleep comes an, "Ahma chair!" Finally back to sleep and back to bed...
The next morning came and she was pretty good and ready to go see Mama...but was having fun...Oppee made her some cereal...they went after the flies with the fly swatters (Izzy has her own that is not really used) and the next thing I know they are both riding them like horses...oh I love watching them...nothing melts your heart more than a man who is not afraid to be silly with his grandchildren! They played more...eating M & M's (Ole P-Pa seems to be her partner in junk!)
They played on the floor in my room while I was getting ready...then next thing I knew I was involved in their playing and seemed to be base. I then would pick her up and rescue her from that crazy P-Pa...and while she was playing, "ashes ashes we all fall down"--in all my wisdom decided to show her how to play motor boat motor boat...well after the second step on the gas...we were both dizzy...but she kept saying again! And then it was time to take her home...we had lunch in the big city of Limon and then watched Izzy on the trampoline and played with Heather, Lance and Tyler and Izzy and her balls in the front yard...then caught a little of the Bronco/Raider game! YAY Broncos...
So now I sit here reflecting on this time as P-Pa and I are watching a Hallmark movie...we like to pick who will end up with who...I think the whole happily ever after is the appeal...and so while I still have another blog...I decide to add these before I forget...like I told someone the other day...of all the things I have lost...I miss my mind the most! I know this one spins in circles...but thanks for bearing with me...
lyp
I did get the pics I wanted to include so I am in this mode that I am trying to finish up some of the writings I have sitting there on the shelf...so that I can do new ones...for probably my own entertainment value...but I love writing the stories and hopefully some day (like tomorrow) I can look back and remember! Oh I'm not saying the memory is bad...but that old gray ma...tter ain't what it used to be. However, I am taking some vitamins that says it will take care of that...so if I remember the vitamins--I should be GOOD TO GO! Okay I will finish up...like I said I had started this other part a few weeks back...and so this will probably be one of my classic "bike rides!"
Writing more on this Saturday morning at my kitchen table...I am holding the fort down and thinking I will make lunch as well...okay I have the roast in the oven...but I did actually make breakfast. I get ahead of myself...but Friday on my Firecracker Flex Friday...Heather, Izzy, and Lance all came down Friday morning! We loaded up in the truck to haul some sheep but mostly us girls hopped in for some Mexican food...the kids always enjoy getting some of that when they come home...so Mission Deli it was...We also snuck up to Pueblo for a little quick shopping for Heather and took in the "romantic place" OLIVE GARDEN...
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| Izzy and Uncle Lance (notice the mustache...really it's there:) |
Anyway this morning (it was this morning when I first wrote this a week ago) Heather needed to make a Wal-mart run and so Izzy was helping "Opppeee" the way she says Tim's name in this sweet voice and then yesterday when out by the rams we told her "Lancey Pants" and she just kept repeating it...so funny she was like a parrot repeating, "Lance Pants Lance Pants"...Maybe you had to be there but we laughed so hard that she would pick it up...made me think of her dad who would make some reference as to Lance and his pants...okay so it really doesn't take a lot to entertain me...so one little Firecracker definitely does.
But I stick in a picture of her and her Uncle Lance in their vests! My Mom was a fan of vests...it would seem rather chilly and she would say all I need is my vest...turns out Lance has the same temperature control and so it can be cool out and all he will need is a vest. Jay was also a vest person...and now I think that Firecracker thinks a vest is plenty if not too much jacket!
However, on this particular day she had to go to chores with La-La and Op in her jammies because they were leaving and she needed to go...but she had her boots on...because P-Pa thinks that she can walk better and not get stickers and the like with her boots on. She even helped feed a little bottle baby...thanks P-pa for the pics!I get back to my table and yes what I originally started writing this blog about...my yard is full of black birds...they were here yesterday but when Izzy showed up in her cammo jammies and vest...this is definitely a "daddy outfit". I always try to find cammo in keeping with the tradition of always finding it for Jay...I had got Izzy a cammo jacket I think it was when she was a lot younger...Jay told her we can put this on you and you and dad lay on the couch real still and mom won't even see us! So that was always the joke about cammo...couldn't even see you...
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| Izzy in her "daddy outfit" cammo...with her baby bear--her Odie dog--and her beautiful eyes and smile... |
Back to my story...I had said something about the birds being bad and wishing Jay was there to shoot the birds...I love most birds...but these dang black birds...just come in and take over...eat all of the dog food...crap all over everything...so when I took Izzy in my arms, I think all Jay's little Peanut heard was "shoot birds". And she was in...She wanted us to start right then...not sure if she really knew what shoot birds meant...but for some reason she just kept repeating it. Who says that genetics isn't involved here...as her dad would always thin out the pesky bird population when visiting...he loved shooting. I prefer to shoot birds with a digital camera...(even though it really doesn't do much for clearing them off my porch) but I have family that are hunting some of those Kansas birds as we speak...I add in one of my favorite pics of Jay and his gun...In looking for that picture...I come across a classic Jay in his Christmas vest and hat I found him. I think the part I love the most is Heather's expression...this was when she was pregnant with Firecracker...and then the other was another Christmas present...but that is why we call Izzy's her daddy outfit...I couldn't resist adding them in here...and I smile just thinking about it...I bum that it is blurry...and usually when we were opening gifts...Jay was coming off of no sleep...
So when everyone got here...Heather didn't seem to excited about the roast and it would take longer (turns out they had that at the wedding so glad they didn't have it twice anyway)...so whipped up some chicken fajitas...and then sent Heather and Lance on their way...leaving P-pa (Oppeee) and Ahma with the Firecracker. As I had promised bird chasing...that is what we did...not good weather conditions but when the kids left...Izzy and I headed out hollering at the birds and clapping...However, part way out across the yard she stops me in our tracks and says, "Ahma Bear!" She of course had remembered that we could take the Christmas bear with us so that is what we did...we ran back to the house and got one of the Christmas bears...then we chased birds...
Like I said the wind was blowing pretty hard and so on the way back to the house after the yard was free of birds...someone thinks we should hop in the truck and drive. Well no keys are required for Firecracker driving but we drove quite a while...I am not sure what my deal was....hormones...fighting off being sick...not sure what but was definitely emotional...okay I am always emotional but seemed extra. As I watched Izzy driving I had tears...she looked at me and maybe not being something a two year old should have to know--but she does said, "Sad Ahma? Tears." And the face she made back at me...the cheesiest grin from ear to ear...how can you not smile! I have watched her with her mom and a gift I know she got from her dad will do "Squishy cheeks" that she learned from her dad or just kiss her mama...she is very intuitive it seems to me. Anyway by the time she was done...Ahma was indeed smiling and we headed in to rocky bye and she fell asleep her heart on mine and there was no way I could put her down...there is something amazing with feeling this unconditional love...a gift indeed.
Well evening came and we had the roast beef with mashed potatoes...Izzy and I "drove" our pretend car to the basement "store" and bought us some frozen Olathe sweet corn! While there we seen the Uno Attack game I think it is called...this was our credit card machine and so of course...with this find...it had to go upstairs. Once up there, Firecracker continued driving me...of course we were riding on the couch...stopped and did some shopping at the coffee table and scanned our purchases there on the coffee table as well. We bought a football that she had qb'd (quarterbacked) for Ahma part of the weekend. (She would get behind me and I would hike it to her but we would down--set--hike--hike...so funny watching her trying to get the football between her legs). After buying her items, she would sack up everything...she loves to get the shopping bags out of the kitchen cow where they are stored (a gift from my mom)...anyway a big night for the three of us...and then finally time to rocky bye...we watched videos on the computer and before long were out...oh to have a sleeping baby in your arms...but this baby is growing and extending across my lap...
She slept quite a while and then 4:00 a.m. I guess the old time...she wakes up and says, "Ahma--Hold Mama!" I love how when she wants to be held she will say whoever's name as though she will hold them. It took some convincing that we shouldn't just load up "Now!" But finally I appealed to her senses of the sheep are asleep and so we have to wait for them to wake up so P-pa can feed them! She saw the pumpkin with candy on the counter and said, "puntin Ahma" and so in looking in it she found her favorite candy...M & M's. And I convinced her Ahma's chair...to which she was asleep (I thought) holding tightly to the unopened M & M's when I started to move there in her sleep comes an, "Ahma chair!" Finally back to sleep and back to bed...
The next morning came and she was pretty good and ready to go see Mama...but was having fun...Oppee made her some cereal...they went after the flies with the fly swatters (Izzy has her own that is not really used) and the next thing I know they are both riding them like horses...oh I love watching them...nothing melts your heart more than a man who is not afraid to be silly with his grandchildren! They played more...eating M & M's (Ole P-Pa seems to be her partner in junk!)
They played on the floor in my room while I was getting ready...then next thing I knew I was involved in their playing and seemed to be base. I then would pick her up and rescue her from that crazy P-Pa...and while she was playing, "ashes ashes we all fall down"--in all my wisdom decided to show her how to play motor boat motor boat...well after the second step on the gas...we were both dizzy...but she kept saying again! And then it was time to take her home...we had lunch in the big city of Limon and then watched Izzy on the trampoline and played with Heather, Lance and Tyler and Izzy and her balls in the front yard...then caught a little of the Bronco/Raider game! YAY Broncos...
So now I sit here reflecting on this time as P-Pa and I are watching a Hallmark movie...we like to pick who will end up with who...I think the whole happily ever after is the appeal...and so while I still have another blog...I decide to add these before I forget...like I told someone the other day...of all the things I have lost...I miss my mind the most! I know this one spins in circles...but thanks for bearing with me...
lyp
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Princess Club
This morning I opened up my computer while at my kitchen table and was greeted by this picture!
If that doesn't make you smile...I am not sure what will. For those of you that don't know of course the princess on the left is Firecracker...but the other is Madison Lengel...these two are part of an elite group...I lovingly call the "Limon Police Princesses"! Their daddy's are a part of the Limon Police Department! There of course are a few others in this group...not forgetting the Chief Princess Yowell!!
I thought of the connection with Maddy (or perhaps she spells Maddie)...but I think of the connection of these two...I remember Izzy's baby shower and it seems that it was Maddy that wrote Izzy a letter of not repeating what you hear when you get to go to "coffee"...and I have a feeling that Izzy will still get to go to "coffee"! Maddy also offered future babysitting. While the cops themselves are a "family" the wives and children are "family" as well. Even before I really knew Maddy...I have memories of Heather laughing about some fundraiser or another that Miss Madison had caught Jay...And how these "dads" are always looking out for the princesses...In fact Maddy's dad actually pulled over a vehicle that ended up stopping in from the Firecracker's house...she loves to watch those "red and blues"...while he was just doing his job...I am sure Firecracker thought it was her own personal light show...
On Halloween Izzy chose going to "Russel's" house first...but he does have a Maddy!! I loved how both their faces lit up when the door opened up...
As I drove to work this morning...I couldn't help but think of the picture of the girls and how it made me think of Jay. And the bond he had built with Maddy is now being passed on to his little girl...and so I showed the picture to my friend Mary...to which it triggered for her in looking at this pic...a reading she had that very morning...that she had wanted to share.
Mary shared from Wisdom...I am not familiar with this but it was from her Catholic Bible...but it was so touching that I had to share...It is from Wisdom. It is from chapter 4.
"The upright, though he die before his time, will find rest.Length of days is not what makes age honourable, nor number of years the true measure of life;Understanding, this is grey hairs, untarnished life, this is ripe old age.Having won God’s favour, he has been loved and, as he was living among sinners, has been taken away.He has been carried off so that evil may not warp his understanding or deceitfulness seduce his soul;For the fascination of evil throws good things into the shade, and the whirlwind of desire corrupts a simple heart.Having come to perfection so soon, he has lived long;his soul being pleasing to the Lord, he has hurried away from the wickedness around him. Yet people look on, uncomprehending; and it does not enter their heads."
I am not sure of the complete reason of why this was added to the princesses... perhaps because both share in feeling the love of Jay and of all the other police daddy's. Perhaps it will offer comfort to others besides myself...perhaps joy in looking at these smiles while being saddened at the same time.
While we all miss Jay...it is though parts of him just keeps giving...And through the tears...I smile...at the picture that started my day and agree with Maddy..."This bundle of joy makes every day of mine just a little brighter" and this could be said by so many of us about this little Princess Isabel and yes Princess Madison as well!
Thank you Maddy! (And p.s. I am sorry if I spelled your name wrong)
lyp
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