My Memories

Friday Photo Flashback: 1989

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:30:00 +0000

From left to right is my mother, myself and my late grandmother.

After church one Sunday in 1989, we stopped to take this photo outside of a Tampa, Florida restaurant we had eaten at.

It was only twenty years ago, but I barely remember even taking this photo, let alone what else we did that day.

Time has a way of marching on and as it does, it tramples over past memories blurring them from our memories.

What I wouldn't give to hear my grandmother's voice or feel her arms wrap around me once again!

{See more Friday Photo Flashbacks at More than Words!}

Warm Hands, Warm Heart

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Saturday, we spent the day at my sister's house where she, I and our mother created paper craft items. My digital camera finally gave out on me, so you can see the lovely gifts my sister made for us over at her blog.

Also, a few weeks ago, on behalf of myself and my daughter, I put in a request to my mother. We wanted some fingerless gloves like I keep seeing all over web stores. I emailed her the instructions and she did all the rest. See how nice!

Yes, we live in Florida, but the minute the weather turns cooler, the backs of our hands get extremely dry - even cracking and bleeding in places, so a way to keep them warm is greatly appreciated. Thanks Mom!

Friday Photo Flashback: Halloween 2004

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Not too scary, just a wizard and a doctor. It's funny looking back over Halloween photos, remembering all the different costumes and characters that they have been.

Look how little they both were just five years ago!

{See more Friday Photo Flashbacks at More than Words!}

[Halloween Treats Quickpage by Kris Mazy Fullmer of Scrapwarrior]

Being Thankful in the Midst of Change

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

We held Joyce's memorial service last Saturday, at the home of her brother who passed earlier this year. My husband officiated the service - a task made easier by his mother's clear instructions along with a multitude of information found on the internet. We had programs printed at a local office supply store that included the Scripture verses she wanted read (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a, 1 Peter 1:24-25, John 14:1-3) and downloaded the hymns she wanted played or sung from an online music store (In the Garden, He Touched Me, The Old Rugged Cross, How Great Thou Art). Before my husband gave the closing prayer, my brother sang the first verse and chorus of Amazing Grace. It was all very beautiful.

There are so many changes we as a family are going through and so many changes yet to come. In the midst of all of these changes, I am reminded that in all things we are to give thanks.

I hate the fact that she will no longer be a physical part of my children's lives, but I am thankful that my children had the opportunity to know and love their grandmother.

I am thankful that she didn't need her cane when she ran into the arms of Jesus, that all of her sorrows and pains were eased in His embrace.

"When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Now she is home and one day we shall see her again. For this, I am eternally thankful.

In Loving Memory

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Dorothy Joyce Stewart
July 7, 1941 to October 20, 2009

We are deeply heartbroken as my husband's mother passed away yesterday morning. Although she had some life-long illnesses, her sudden departure took us by surprise.

She was the mother of three children and the grandmother of four. She loved music, dancing and spending time with her family.

We will all miss her dearly.

Fall Has Finally Arrived

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

This past weekend, fall finally arrived here in Florida. After record breaking heat, we were blessed with some cooler temperatures. This weekend was also the first weekend out of the last five that one or both of the children were not sick. Although I had some sort of stomach issue/bug during the week, I was better by Saturday, so we loaded up the car and headed to my sister's house.

The leaves were scattered all over the yard and along with the cooler temperature and winds, it finally felt like fall to me!

The cooler temperatures also meant we could have our first bonfire of the season.

I'm am relishing these few days of comfort while they last!

{Scrap Pages Created Using: Fall Foliage Paper and Stitching by Amagination; Fall Vellum Leaves by Lori Musser of Page Frocks; Messy Edge Border by Donna Brown of Tootlebugz Designs.}

Friday Photo Flashback: 1974

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:30:00 +0000

[click on image to enlarge]

This photo, taken at my Paternal grandparent's home includes (from left to right) my cousin, my brother, my sister and myself.

Two things stand out to me - One is the look on my face that I had been crying or was about to cry. The second is the painting of Paris above the couch. I always thought the painting was so cool because the street lights had real light bulbs! (you can see the cord discreetly ducking behind the curtains.)

Now that painting resides in my brother's den, a wonderful reminder of days gone by!

{See more Friday Photo Flashbacks at More than Words!}

Yoplait Yogurt Giveaway

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:09:00 +0000

I am hosting a Yoplait Yogurt Giveaway over at My Personal Reviews, so please be sure to stop by check it out!

Happy Moments

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Wishing my sister and her husband a Very Happy 24th Wedding Anniversary!!

It seems like only yesterday you were getting married - my how time flies!

{page layout created using the Momitude Kit by Miss Mint from PeppermintCreative}

Friday Photo Flashback: 1963

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

This is one of the very few photos I have of my paternal grandparents together - and it's from before I was even born.

My grandfather died in 1979 while my grandmother celebrated her 97th birthday in January of this year.

But now, she is slipping away from us. My sister spoke to her and my aunt the other day on the phone. My aunt said that grandma has dementia...the doctor isn't calling it Alzheimer's yet. That she's gotten mean, thinks everyone is stealing from her (she misplaces things), etc. That morning she even accused my aunt of stealing her black dress pants, then my aunt went and found them in my grandmother's closet for her.

This is a woman whom I have never heard yell at anyone, let alone raise her voice. She is stoic and mild tempered and the only time she was truly free with her emotions was when she laughed. We visited her in January and although she was a little forgetful, she was still her soft-spoken self. I am having a hard time reconciling the way she was to the way she now is.

She's lived a long and healthy life - it breaks my heart that now, so near the end, she does not remember it and that she is so altered.

{See more Friday Photo Flashbacks at More than Words!}

Friday Photo Flashback: 1977

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:30:00 +0000

My father reading me a story during Christmas 1977 while at parent's home. It seems so long ago, but I still remember the moment well!

See more Friday Photo Flashbacks at More than Words!

A Month of Pink October 2009

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:45:00 +0000

For the month of October, my blog will be going pink once again.

Here is a re-post from last year:

There are those who would tell you to not "buy into" the retail side of Breast Cancer awareness products - and I would have to agree UNLESS it is something you had planned on purchasing and are going with the awareness version of the same item OR If the majority of the proceeds go to funding/research. There are companies out there who contribute only the smallest fraction of the purchase price to research/funding, so try to avoid those - they are playing on your sympathies while trying to make a profit.

Other Ways to Help:
* Visit The Breast Cancer Site and click daily to help fund mammograms:
"With a simple, daily click of the pink button at The Breast Cancer Site, visitors help provide mammograms to those in need. Visitors pay nothing. Mammograms are paid for by the site's sponsors and distributed by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc."

* Become a National Breast Cancer Foundation Volunteer.

* Join in a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in your area.

* Spread the word - One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. We need to do all we can to help end breast cancer forever.

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Fun

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

[Me, Sam, Cheryl]

I, along with my sister, brother-in-law and niece, went to my best friend Samantha's house on Saturday. We first met when I was 10 years old and she is the person I have known the longest who is not related to me. Even when we have not seen or spoken to each other for a long time, when we do, it's as if little time has passed.

Her husband Steve made an aewsome Boston butt! I admit, when she first told me what he was going to make, I didn't know what that was. Now I know that's where pulled pork comes from.

We all had a really good time! The only downside for me was that my husband and children could not join me as originally planned. Both children woke up with fevers, so my husband sent me on my way with the hopes that I would bring him home some yummy left-overs... which I did!

{Dream A Little Dream Kit by Doro of Digital Scrapbook Art}

Flash-Back Friday Photo: 1978

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

[click on image to enlarge]

I suppose when you live on a farm, in a rural area of Michigan, riding a bicycle while wearing a bathing suit and no shoes is considered the norm... at least that's what I keep telling myself!

Flash-Back Friday Photo: 1970

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Wow, would some one please quiet that screaming baby?

You know, I bet I was quiet up until then - I still hate having my picture taken!

Wordful Wednesday: Lovely Loot

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I won these 2 books by Sharon Lathan from a recent giveaway at PopSyndicate. I had read a library copy of Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One back in July and have waited in anticipation for the second book, Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley, to be released. Both books had been added to my wishlist and I am so happy to have won them!

Woohoo!!

{You can read my review of Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy here.}

Sunday Reflection: Heaven is the Face

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:45:00 +0000

For a powerful, heartfelt moment, I encourage you to read Mary Beth's post "The Whole Picture", and listen to Steven's new song "Heaven is the Face".

Flash-Back Friday Photo: 1972

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

[my mother, sister, myself, my brother]

I love my sister's expression!

The Moments That Will Never Be...

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:02:00 +0000

A letter to my father on what would have been his 64th birthday...

Although it has been nearly 11 years since you died, there are still so many moments that I long to share with you. I am keenly aware of all the moments that you have missed, not only in my life, but in the lives of my children, your grandchildren.

Growing up, there were both good and bad memories. Sometimes the bad, were so bad, that they seemed to outweigh the good.

But as I got older, we got closer. I learned to forgive you, learned to love you as a person and not just because you were my father. It's what made your death so hard to take - I finally had my father, just to lose him.

But I am glad that when you died, it was when I loved and not hated you. I am thankful, so very thankful for that.

Dad, I love and miss you!

Blog Hop: A Tribute

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:31:00 +0000

My sister created a lovely tribute to our father on her blog CherCroppin's Stamp Pad. Hop on over and take a look!

Flash-Back Friday Photo: 1967

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:03:00 +0000

[my mother, brother and sister]

Check out those cool black rimmed glasses!

Birthday Goodies

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Much to our daughter's delight, on Friday afternoon we went to see the newest Harry Potter film followed by dinner at Steak & Shake.

Saturday we had her party with just family members and no friends in attendance (her choice). We played rock band, ate pizza and my homemade chocolate chip cookie cups - yum!

After everyone had one or two cookie cups, gifts were opened. Among them were, of course, Lego items. Here we have two worlds melding - Bionicle Glatorian Legends and Hoth from Star Wars.

We all had such a good time!

{scrapbook pages created using Gentle Summer Circles Paper by Digital Design by Liz and Precious Memories Frames by Scrapz by Christon, both from Haven Designz}

Friday Photo: 12 Years

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Then & Now

Happy 12th Birthday to our darling daughter!
May your every wish come true!

{Happy Go Lucky kit from Shabby Princess}

Information is Knowledge

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Once in a while, I break from my usual type of family memory and scrapbook posts to vent or inform on subjects. This is such a post.

Were you aware that there was an International Swine Flu Conference that took place in Washington, DC, last week?

Have you seen the pdf brochure and read about the 15 different sessions that they had?

How did I miss the news stations, both on line and over the air waves discussing this?

If you were as unaware as I was, take a look at the information. Among the things that jumped out at me were Breakout Session #12, School/University Pandemic Planning: "Train teachers to screen for symptoms and know what to do when students / teachers fall ill", "Transport ill students" and Breakout Session #2, Psychological Issues: "Unwillingness to follow government orders". Hmm, I do not like the way those items sound.

One item that was brought up was the stockpiling of goods. Since hurricanes are a part of life in Florida, we usually have some supplies on hand in case of power outages, etc. Perhaps I will buy a little more, just in case there is a "disruption to the infrastructure" due to mass numbers of infected people.

What about you?

The Castle Fort

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:14:00 +0000

On Sunday, we visited downtown St Augustine and with it, the Castillo de San Marcos. St. Augustine was established in 1565 and is the oldest permanent European settlement in the continental United States. Ground for the Castillo was broken in October of 1672 and was finished in August of 1695. It is the oldest masonry fort and was for many years, the northernmost outpost of Spain's New World empire.

A bird's eye view of the Castillo (photo from NPS.gov):

The last time I visited the fort was with my father, over 25 years ago. It was great to share this experience and all the history with my own children.

{scrapbook layouts created using: The Good Life Kit from DSE}