My how times have changed...

In keeping with my promise to be a little lighter this post, I share with you part of one of those emails that people send.  You know - the ones where they forget to blind carbon copy everyone's email addresses and then proceed to send it to every person in the universe...resulting in a whole new onslaught of  "male enhancement aid" products sent to your inbox.

Anyways, I got these from such email and thought they were worth a grin or giggle...

a letter to Julia

On this day, 26 years ago, I said goodbye to a woman that I really didn't know very well, but her very existence has been extremely important to my life today.  She was Julia Ruth Adkins - my mother-in-law.  I knew her for 9 months.  She was my mother-in-law for only 12 days of those 9 months.  In that short time I discovered how remarkable she was.  This is my letter to her...


Dear Julia - Mom,

It kind of seems weird calling you "Mom".  The time that you were technically my mom was so very short and I think we only saw each other for 2 of those days.  It seems like so long ago that we stood beside your bed and released you into God's presence.  Those days were a surreal time for me - being a new bride of 12 days, it isn't the usual way to spend your first days in a new family.

Twenty six years have now passed, and your fingerprints are still all over this family.  I remember spending time with you when I worked at the hospital the summer before our wedding.  I would take my coffee breaks and lunch hours and find you in your hospital bed, huge smile on your face, even though I knew you  were in so much pain.  I remember talking about wedding plans - showing you pictures of the dresses I was making for the bridesmaids, working on the thousands of crepe paper flowers for the trellace, discussing the details of my wedding day.  I don't think I realized then how little time you had left.  I honestly believed that you would get better.  But now, those minutes are so treasured.

I remember you telling me during one of those visits, that you were so happy that Daniel had someone to look after him.  You told me that you believed that God had chosen me especially for him.  What an incredible gift you gave me in your affirmation of that.  Now that I am a mother of a son, I fully understand the depth of that confidence.  Thank you, first of all for believing it and secondly - for telling me.

I want to thank you for Daniel.  The results of your loving care are evident in him every day.  He is just like you.  He loves very deeply.  He shows affection without hesitation.  He is an amazing father to Alyssa and Riley.  He prays without ceasing.  He's a man of integrity.  He has hundreds of friends all over the world.  He is funny and goofy and people love to be around him.  He lives everyday to the fullest.  He is more concerned about what God thinks than what people do.  He is the greatest gift I have ever received.

I wish you could meet Alyssa and Riley.  Alyssa carries your name.  I know that you would have spent countless hours with them if God had chosen to let you stay with us.  They have been told many stories of  "Grandma Julia".    They have often said that they wished that they knew you in person.  One day they will.

Our family has changed so much in the past few years.  Both Alyssa and Riley are now married to two wonderful spouses that I too believe are God's chosen for them.  I had my 50th birthday a couple of months ago - the same age that you were when your cancer was found.  This has given me a small glimpse into how you might have felt in those last days.  All I can think of is that you were just too young.  I know that I am still very young and have many more adventures that I would like to experience...grandbabies, retirement, growing old gracefully...  I'm sure those things came into your mind when you were faced with the end of your life here on earth.  I'm sorry that you had to die.  I miss you.  I would have liked to have you live down the street and spend Christmases with you and Dad.

You live on in my family...the family that you gave to me.  For that I will be always grateful.

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.  Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."  PROVERBS 31:29-31


Love,
Sheila

treasures

In my blog-hopping tonight I have come across some great thoughts from mommies of little ones.  There have been a few words of frustration and fatigue, some of wonder and delight.  Sometimes I have a hard time not giving advise.  I remember getting advise not asked for or appreciated, so I just remain silent and say a little prayer for that dear mommy for patience and love when both seem hard to find.  I pray that they will not only survive, but relish the good and the bad because it really does come to a fast end.

I have been asked by friends with little ones how to raise good kids.  

I have no answer...except this...

Understand that YOU can't.  They have been given the ultimate gift from God - free will - and they will use that freedom to make choices, both good and bad. 

I made a million mistakes in motherhood - I yelled too much, forgave too slowly, used guilt on a regular basis, I even sent my 6 year old to school with chicken pox because she told me she had pimples on her back.  I told her to "get used to it"...

However, in spite of my mistakes, I hope I showed my kids that I was human.  That I could fail and needed forgiveness on a very regular basis.  I guess that's what they learned from me...how to fall flat on your face and then get up and by the grace of God move on.

I wanted to share something at Riley's wedding reception, but in the complete be-fuddled state of my brain that day, I just completely forgot, so here I will share it.  

When Riley was about 6 or 7 he did some "catastrophic" thing that warranted a little reinforcement on his back side.  He was left in his bedroom to think about what he did and about 10 minutes into that part of the process I heard him whisper under the crack of the door..."mommy!....mom!"

"Riley, you were told to sit in your room.  Be quiet"

"Mom, come here for a minute"

I then heard a noise of something being shoved under his door.  I went over and found this piece of paper all folded up sticking out....

The other side...

priceless...

This little piece of faded note paper has a special place in my treasure box - a small basket filled with the most important things in my life. They are symbols and keepsakes from the lives that God has entrusted me with.  There's no money, diamonds, or jewels in there.  Only letters like this, a rose from my mom's funeral, a copy of the cross-stitch that I made for my daughter that I gave to other parents, and many more treasures. These are the things that I will grab in case of a fire, flood or tornado.  Reminders of a time, not so long ago, but so very very precious...

What are your treasures?

I remember when...

(The last few weeks' activities have put me in a place of reminiscing.  With the wedding of my youngest son just a few short days away, I have been going through photo albums and boxes of stuff.  These are the things that have been going through my head as I process the transition of Riley's start of his new family)


I remember... the day you were born - the crazy ride to Red Deer in the ambulance - hearing the words "it's a boy"- the terror when you didn't cry right away - the silence of the nurses and doctors as they tried to get you to take your first breath  - the euphoric relief when you did - the way your big sister touched your fingers and kissed your forehead - the feeling that we were a complete family...

I remember... your amazing dimples - your dark brown eyes, always sparkling, like something amazing was going to happen - your bald head and cauliflower ears - your calm  and laid back attitude - being able to make you laugh so easily - your Grandma and Grandpa calling you Boustos - your love of "ronies" and "trees" with personality (Kraft Dinner and broccoli with Cheez Whiz) - reading Robert Munsch's "I'll Love you Forever" and singing that song to you over and over and over - your sweetness...

I remember...your love for the outdoors - your desire to do everything just like your Dad, hunting, fishing, hockey, shooting - your lack of fear of heights, loud noises, spiders, snakes, dead animals, live animals - the baby chicks, puppies, kittens, frogs, etc that you wanted to bring home - your love of animals and the gentle way that you treated all of God's creatures - your living every moment full throttle...

I remember...Elvis Presley and Austin Powers - your ability to make everyone laugh until they cried - your unabandoned freedom to be totally ridiculous - your willingness (well, sometimes it took a bribe) to perform in front of crowds of people to make them smile - your goofy goofy self - loving to dress up for dress up days, even when your friends were "too cool" to do it themselves - your sense of fun...

I remember... your love for people around you - the way that you treated your little cousins - how you played their games, even when you got too old for those games - how you genuinely love to spend time with them, valuing them no matter how old they or you were...the way you love your sister, protected her from those that tried to hurt her - how you two told each other your deepest secrets and knew that they were safe from exposure - the tight hugs and kisses freely given to your silly aunties that expected it every time you came in - your ability to say " I love you" without hearing someone else say it first - your sweet and tender heart.... 

I remember... when you first told me that you really really liked "this girl"  - the games nights at our house with your friends, including this special girl - seeing you get the courage to ask her to be your girlfriend and doing it in a creative way - watching you fall in love with her and being happy because I loved her too - growing up to be a man, a husband, and hopefully one day a Dad - one that I am so very very proud of... 






and now, just a few hours away from your wedding day I can't help but think of those very familiar words...

"I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always, 

As long as you're living

My baby you'll be"  

Forever and always, my Ri-Guy...

Love Mommy
xo

July 31...bliss

The last day of July.

This has been an amazing project for me to do.  At first I thought, "hmmm, a picture a day.  That could be fun".  What I didn't know is how much it would impact me.  Looking back over the last 30 days I am impressed with one word that comes back again and again...

blessed

I am truly blessed.   In my Bible I have written these words...

 "the best things in life aren't things"

This is absolute truth.  I have had an incredible month, taking time to focus on these "things" and here at the end of it I am overwhelmed.

So, for my final picture...

this was my birthday supper.

No fancy 5 star restaurant...no wait staff singing a goofy song...no blazing candle filled cake...

Just a weed-infested backyard, hotdogs roasted on a stick over a broken down firepit..
with my family...bliss

The greatest thing you`ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return.

thank you for celebrating with me!

July 30...comfort food

ok, ok... I know that this isn't technically food - but this is truly my "go-to" choice if I am really stressed.  Nothing chills me out like a "venti tazo chai latte with skim milk no water extra hot with one pump of sugarfree vanilla syrup".  Yes - I am one of those Starbucks long order people.  Don't blame me - blame my Starbucks barista daughter that taught me how to customize my perfect drink...she created me.

Today my drink was on the house, as I was sent a Birthday present from Starbucks in the mail.  Yes, another little tip from my barista daughter about registering your Starbucks card.  You get all kinds of free stuff if you do.  Pretty sweet!

(the drink on the left belongs to my beloved...his beverage of choice is a caramel caramel macciato - iced for the summer)

July 29...leisure

This whole month has been one of leisure.  I have really taken it easy - to the point of often feeling lazy.  Bruno Mars and I have a lot in common I'm afraid...

Tonight we came into Red Deer to help Riley move into their new apartment, so we went to see a movie.  Finally Lys and I got to see the new HP movie in 3D (note the glasses at the bottom of the picture).  Pretty cool...so that is my leisure today - sitting in an over-airconditioned theatre.

July 28...goodbyes

When I first put together this calender of photos, I thought that the topic "goodbyes" was kind of strange to have in celebrations.  It isn't the most happy of times to say farewell to loved ones, whether they are moving away or leaving this earth but it is a fact of life.

This past month I said good bye to Uncle Harry as he was released from this earth's pain to the glories of heaven.  We said farewell to friends that are moving away - one to the next province over, and the other way across the ocean.  Our school community said goodbye to a classmate that in our hearts was taken much to early.  I also said goodbye yesterday to Lucy's puppy, Nika - who went to live with her new family.

These times are so hard for us.  When you love, you run the risk of loss and the deeper the love, the greater the loss when there is change.  One of my favorite quotes is by Dr. Seuss - although I don't remember ever reading it in Cat in the Hat or Red Fish Blue Fish... but I guess he wrote other stuff too...
Anyways, he said..."Don't cry because it's over...smile because it happened".  That is hard when you are in the midst of the fresh ache in your heart, but once the tears have slowed, it is great to remember the amazing-ness of the relationship.

Like...
   - sitting on the beach in Choroni, Venezuela with Uncle Harry


  - singing in the Community choir at Christmas time

  - transforming Ben into the Beast night after night - while talking about life

 - witnessing life appear right before your eyes

Goodbyes...

On another note, my family has a tradition that we carry out every year as family members leave our reunion.  We line up on the street as the departing one drives away.  We sing "Happy Trails to you" as the car disappears up the road.  I'm sure the neighbors think we are nuts, but I love it.  It make the Goodbyes a little less bitter.  So...

Happy Trails to you, until we meet again
Happy Trails to you, although we don't know when
Who cares about the clouds when we're together
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather
Happy Trails to you, til we meet again...

July 27...words

this needs no words from me

perfect promise

July 26...trees

We got home last night from our yearly trip to BC for my family reunion.  The route that we took home took us through some amazing scenery.  The snowcovered mountains, gorgeous waterfalls, lush forests...it was so beautiful.

Part way through I realized something though.  As much as I really appreciated the beauty of that rugged landscape, I had to admit that I really like the simplicity of the Prairies better.  The mountains and trees have a way of making me feel a little bit claustrophobic and closed in.  I actually felt better once I saw the first yellow canola field.

However, being that today is trees, I include a picture of my view from the top of my convertible.  What a treat to be able to road trip Eleanor with the top down, being able to look up at the sky, mountains and trees...

Loved it!
but nice to be home

July 25...bling

There is not much bling in the car - driving 12 hours straight down a BC/Alberta highway, but I was blessed with a sweet treat last night from my niece in some sparkly gel nail tips.  I had them done a few years ago, but gave them up because I was just sick of keeping up with them.  Now, I decided to get them back - especially before Ri-guy's wedding in September.

Tanya does some pretty cool gel art, so I will have something pretty cool done before the wedding, but this one was so awesome, especially considering that she did them sitting on a picnic table with many eyes watching intently on her work.

Thank you dearest Tanya!  I love them!!

July 24...water

This was the last day of our Family Reunion here on the lake.  Thankfully it was another beautifully warm day so we were able to spend the remaining moments out on the water.

I'm not much of a water person.  I like lakes and oceans but I dislike being cold, so the idea of spending a whole lot of time submerged in icy water until my lips turn blue, is not an appealing idea to me.  However... get me a floating vessel and a hot sunny day with a good book or great company - I can spend hours there.   Today was spent with my nieces and one sister, just catching up on things.  It was awesome!

This is Mason's boat.

He and his uncles and papa found it in the "Sharing Shed"  (aka..the dump) and brought it home.  Amazingly it was sea-worthy and he spent many hours bobbing along on the lake "fishing".  It was pretty ghetto but made for a cool picture with the help of my friends at Picnik.

July 23...little one

Fresh face covered in blueberry pancakes...bare little pink toes...big brown eyes rimmed with long lashes...chubby fingers reaching up to touch your face...babies are wonderful!

Our family reunion always has at least one or two of these precious little ones around.  This year we have 3...Oliver, Eve and Jaiden - my grand nephew and nieces.  It is fun to watch them discover life in everything they come across - the way they communicate - the simple things that bring them joy.

little ones...

July 22...on the road

Summertime + holidays + TransCanada Highway = Construction

It seems that no matter where you try to go, you will eventually run into the dreaded orange signs indicating that nasty slow down - or sometimes STOP to your cruisin' mode.

This year was no exception.  However, with the right company, even the delays can be nice.  This has been a great time away for me and my beloved.  It's kind of nice being by ourselves again.  I know some couples have nothing to say to each other after the kids are gone.  That really isn't a problem for us.

He's a pretty good travelling buddy...

July 21...summertime

Summer is just the BEST!

When summer hits in this cold white north - I feel a little sorry for people that live in places that have no real season changes.  It just feels like life and I love it!!

Hanson Family Reunion is a BIG part of summertime.  We have done this for more years than I can remember and I think I have only missed one or two.  I love my family and getting together with them.  We laugh and cry and talk and play for 3 solid days...melting us together again for another year of separation.

I'm so thankful that my parents didn't believe in birth control!  Six kids, their spouses, kids, grandkids, etc- makes for some great times and happy happy memories!

We are taking the Mustang this year.  It will be a little tight for space...however, my beloved managed to fit in HIS golf clubs and bag...

I shall be repacking.