Monday, October 30, 2006

All Because Two People Fell in Love



I’m finding it difficult to put into words how I feel right now.


Oct 31, 2006 is my parents 42nd anniversary. They were married in the LDS Los Angeles temple, all those years ago, after Nancy followed Michael across the country. They met in Chicago, got engaged in New York, married in Los Angeles, and had their first child in Salt Lake City. Four more children followed to complete the family. After moving around Utah, and into Wyoming, with a brief stop in New Mexico, they finally settled in Arizona. Dad was glad to not have any more snow to shovel, and Mom found a new career as a dental assistant. Life was not always easy for them, in fact, sometimes it was downright depressing. But through it all, they loved each other, and their children. Nancy’s faith carried them through.

In September 2006, after suffering various pains and other health problems, Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of cancer. We were told that it was treatable, so our expectations were high for recovery. However, it was not to be. After a short hospitalization in Jan/Feb 2006, her body gave out and she passed from this life February 13…. 6 days after her 63rd birthday. All of us kids were there with Dad, and our spouses, and we sang to her many of the songs she had taught us as children.

Mom was always singing – she loved music. I remember listening to records of the Sound of Music, and West Side Story while we cleaned house on Saturdays. Mom also recorded cassette tapes of her singing old songs that her Grandmother had taught her.. to send to my brother’s children – who lived far away. As a teen, I got involved in the school choirs – and although I loved to sing alto, I resisted singing it because I didn’t want to do the same thing as my mom – she was an alto. So I sang soprano in the choirs, and now, I sing the hymns in church as an alto – and they remind me of Mom.

I could go on forever about my mother- she was a wonderful person. I wish my day tomorrow was less busy so I could spend time listening to music, and thinking of her.
Halloweens past – when we were in elementary school, we would often be dropped off at the school for the carnival, while Mom and Dad went out to dinner to celebrate their anniversary. This year we will take our kids to the Trunk or Treat at the church – Dad is with my older brother and his family – they will have a happy celebration- grateful for the lives we have..
All because two people fell in love.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

One down.. One to go...

Poodle skirts that is.. except they're really not poodle skirts. They are actually called circle skirts on the pattern.. Sure, there is a template for a poodle, but I am doing a cute little purse on each of them. M (age 5) has been telling her friends she is going to be a 50's girl for Halloween - which is correct I suppose. This afternoon while I was sewing, J (age 9)was doing some sort of dance - I tried to explain The Swing to her, but without actually getting up to show her (like "I" can dance!) Then, this evening while at our neighbors sharing dessert, she told her friend " I can do The Swing!" ... O Brother.. (I didn't do such a great job of explaining it.)

Just want to also say thanks to Nutz for welcoming me to Blogland! And to everyone who has said hello! I read lots of blogs, just never had the opportunity to post! So I'll try to comment a little more!

Monday, October 23, 2006

Halloween!!


It's not necessarily my "favorite" holiday, but it has some special memories!

First of all, my parents were married on Halloween- 1964! Dad used to always say that Mom got the Trick and he got the Treat! (Oh, why do I sit here and make myself cry??) This year my parents would have celebrated 42 years of marriage. However, my mom passed away in February - 6 days after she turned 63. I don't know how Dad is going to handle the 31st.. I wish I could be with him to support him! Thankfully he is with my brother and his family- I hope they help make the day bearable for him. (I miss her so much, too!)

I'm trying to upload one of my favorite Halloween photos.. I believe I was 4 or 5.. there is not a date on the photo. My mom made a Dutch girl costume for me.. Her mom was born in Holland, so there is a connection there. It's a cute photo, if I say so myself! But I also dig the bookshelves made of bricks and 2x4's(or something)- and the speaker that is on the shelf, is in my GARAGE!! (that's a whole 'nother story..)

(well, I'll need more help in the photo posting dept.. ) eta - I did it!!

Yipppeeee ! He's gone!

That Amazing Race!
I have been a fan of it since the beginning...
I couldn't tell ya who was on what season and all that.. but I love it.

However... I am THRILLED that that nerd Peter is gone!
Sarah I was okay with.. but Peter was an insensitive idiot!
Glad that Sarah realized it all early on!
Go Sarah! I would have liked her to stay, but Peter just had to go!

Friday, October 20, 2006

Okay, I'm blogging

Okay, I'm really just doing this so I can comment on other blogs, but maybe, just maybe, I'll occasionally post something.

I don't consider myself a writer, but I'll try. I used to keep a journal, but haven't done well at that the last few years. So, maybe this will inspire me a bit!

Always,
Amy