My Memories

Another First

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Now that we are down to only one working automobile, we knew the day might come when my husband's work schedule would put a kink in our plans.

Even though our son is now a Freshman in High School, this morning was the first time he's rode the bus to school. Since he entered kindergarten, both mine and my husband's schedules have permitted one of us to drive the kids to and from school. The children also prefer it because they have just a five minute ride either direction and therefore can leave home later in the morning and get home earlier in the afternoon.

Since our son is on special assignment to his high school (and not zoned for it), the closest bus stop is across a busy, four-lane street, then down the road and around the corner of the next street.

I walked with him, then watched him cross the busy road safely, and continued to watch as he disappeared from view. It was only 6:40 am and it was very foggy out. It was hard for me to turn and go back home. I waited until I saw a bus leave the street where the stop was, still anxious. I don't care that he's almost 15, he's still my little boy and I worry for his safety. * Sigh *

Sunday Reflection: A Fall Walk

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

While at my sister's house yesterday, my brother-in-law, my husband and myself took a little walk around the neighborhood. The temperatures were in the high 70's/ low 80's, the sun was out and a gentle breeze could be felt. All-in-all, nice weather to walk in.

Along the way we spotted two Gopher Tortoises, right across the street from one another:

[click on picture to enlarge]

A tree still holding onto it's changing leaves:

[click on picture to enlarge]

Some Mourning Doves in a bare tree and a pile of dry leaves near the fence:

[click on picture to enlarge]

A windmill, aged by weather and time:

[click on picture to enlarge]

It was a really nice walk!

{pages made with the About A Boy kit by Karen Lewis}

Friday Photo Flashback: Thanksgiving 2005

4mymemories2@gmail.com (Sheila) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

[my daughter and my son]

In 2005, we celebrated Thanksgiving at my brother's house. While the adults and older children sat outside and talked, my two went upstairs to play a game of Clue.

My brother is a master board game player, so I learned all I know about Clue, Monopoly, etc., from him. Every now and then, my children challenge me to a game of Clue - even though they have yet to beat me!

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

Friday Photo Flashback: Thanksgiving 2004

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

[left to right: my daughter, my niece, my son]

In 2004, we celebrated Thanksgiving at my sister's house. Although the temperature outside was still "shorts weather" here in Florida, the kids chose to play a game of Survive! indoors. This is the same board game, my brother, sister and I used to play when we were younger!

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

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!