Beater Memories

I was making my caramel cake today and had to get the mixer out.  I mixed up the batter and went to take the beaters off and thought, "One lick won't hurt!"  And suddenly, I was a little girl, back in my Granny's kitchen, licking mashed potatoes off the mixer beaters.  WOW!!!

My Granny always made me hamburgers and mashed potatoes.  I can remember, plainly, ONLY wanting hamburgers and mashed potatoes to eat.  I was as picky back then as I still am today.  My Granny also had this old fashioned high chair that I would sit in.  By today's standards, it would be more like a tall chair, as it had no tray or anything like that on it.  What an amazing woman to constantly peel, cut, boil, and mash potatoes for me.  One of the biggest treats was that she'd always hand me the beater, coated in mashed potatoes, to lick.  Precious memories.

This memory got me to thinking of some of my other treasured childhood memories.  Sitting out back, eating a can of applesauce with my Grandad was one that immediately come to mind.  Back when I was a kid (I sound like I'm older than the hills saying that), applesauce didn't come in fancy snack pack containers, and I really don't remember it in a jar.  I only remember a "can" of applesauce. Grandad and I would open up a can, grab a spoon, and head out back to the lawn chair to look at the stars.  He would always have me look for the Big Dipper.  Sitting there in his lap, eating my applesauce, and looking at the stars - another fantastic and treasured memory.

I also got to thinking about my Great-Grandma's house (this would be my Granny's mom - or Grandma Douglas as a lot of folks know her by).  We had some great times there...every Thursday, we'd all head to Grandma Douglas' house.  Aunt Rose and Aunt Nellie would go get groceries at IGA.  Sometimes a couple of us kids would tag along to the grocery store, sometimes, we'd stay at the house.  There was always so much to do there.  From the hay bales (that I ALWAYS got in trouble for jumping on), to the mud puddles and the gravel driveway.  It was always an adventure.  Aunt Nellie would sometimes take us kids on a walk to this huge old tree which had grapevines on it.  We would hang on them, or sit on them, and swing.  So much fun!

I really hope that my kids have fond memories when they get older.  It's a shame that we don't realize what an impact things have on us and how we'll remember them AS they are happening.  It seems that we only grow to appreciate the "little things" as time passes.

I leave you with this verse from the song, "Precious Memories."

PRECIOUS MEMORIES, UNSEEN ANGELS

SENT FROM SOMEWHERE TO MY SOUL

HOW THEY LINGER, EVER NEAR ME

AND THE SACRED PAST UNFOLD.

I might be a Robin

You'd have to be pretty inactive on Facebook to not know that I have a bird nest of Robin's on my front porch. From the minute I discovered there was a nest, and a Mama bird, I have been smitten!  Everyday, I climb up the step ladder and onto the porch railing (and NO, I haven't broke it down, yet!) to peek into the nest.  At first, it was just a nest, but Mama Bird would come and go and sit proudly in her nest.  

Finally, one day, there were four little blue eggs in the nest when I looked in.  Ohhh I was so excited!  Mother's Day come and passed and there she sat.  On Mother's Day, I watched her sit in her nest while all the other birds were flying around and wondered if she wished she had the freedom to fly around too, or if she was content, just sitting there, keeping her eggs warm.  

Mama Bird is a pretty calm bird.  On Leah's birthday, the kids (all 6 of them) were out on the porch, digging in the sand, and there she sat, like she could care less what was going on.  Her only goal - to keep those eggs warm and safe!

I began to wonder if the eggs were ever going to hatch, and then, I saw her standing on the edge of the nest, dropping a worm down and I knew!  It was also amazing because all of a sudden - Daddy Bird appeared!  He had been MIA the whole time she sat on the nest, but once the babies were here, he was here too.  Around the clock, he and Mama feed the babies.  Leah was quite disturbed by his sudden appearance and said that it wasn't really fair that he didn't do any of the "work" before they were born!  I love her!

I climbed back onto the porch railing to peek into the nest at the babies...there they were so tiny, so fragile, and so helpless!

And still, Mama took great care of them...feeding them, sitting on them, keeping them safe and warm.  Now that the birds are about a week old, Mama is having a harder time with them.  Today, I saw her in her nest, trying to move them.  It was quite comical! By the time she got on them, she was almost touching the top of the porch. She doesn't seem to notice that they are bigger, she's just there to do her job!

Although her nest is getting crowded, and her babies are "growing up," she still seems 100% devoted to them!  It amazes me and how much I can relate to Mama Bird.  Giving up my freedom of  "flying" to devote myself to my kids.  Always wanting to keep them warm and safe.  Hovering over them to make sure they are where they need to be and OK.  Watching them grow up and feeling like I am not needed "in the nest" as much as I once was.  And, in the end, knowing that the babies are going to grow up and be ready to "fly" on their own someday.  I just hope I can handle it as gracefully as Mama Robin Bird seems to be!

Before Bed Birthday Blog - that's a lotta B's!

It is nearing my bedtime, and oh boy, do I love me some bedtime.  I wonder why kids don't like to go to bed?  We have the same drama every night of Logan telling me that he HATES bedtime and it is no fun and he doesn't know why God even wants us to rest our bodies.  Love his little heart.  I guess sleep is something that you have to learn to appreciate.  And I sure do appreciate it, no doubt.

For somebody that HATES sleeping, he sure does look cute doing it!!!

Leah's birthday was on Sunday but we began the celebrating on Friday the 13th.  Erin Grey spent the night and we went to Fazoli's to eat - one of our fave places.  The only thing that bothers me about that place is that they are now using real plates and silverware.  They also bring the food to you and take the trays away.  When it is time to leave, it is hard to get everybody's plates, silverware, and napkins to the trash place.  Once you get there, there is this tiny little hole that you are supposed to stuff the trash in.  I tried to put my leftover spaghetti in the hole but dumped it all on top of the trash can and then had to proceed to scrape it into the hole with my fork.  It was a big production and it annoys me.  

When we went to take this picture, some strange woman smoking her cigarette next to our car
said, "I can make 'em smile," and then proceeded to make faces at them.  I think the
kids were pretty mortified

Saturday was P.A.R.T.Y day which was fun.  This year, we just did a small, family party here at the house.  It was less stressful than planning and buying stuff for a multitude of folks.  The "cousins" got to come which is always fun for Leah & Logan.  And, of course, Erin was here too...she's like my 3rd child :)  

Aunt Amy was manning the kid table during the party - LOL

Leah wanted to do a Justin Bieber party but the places I checked did not offer a Bieber cake.  So she switched her party to dinosaurs.  I felt a little "odd" ordering a dinosaur cake for my 10 year old daughter until the bakery woman told me that her daughter - who just turned 11 - had a monster truck party. 

Sunday was Mommy and Me Zumba day, and also Leah's birthday!!!  The Zumba was a BLAST but my feet and calves are still achy from that!  What a work out!!!  

The Zumba chicks with our troop!!!

I can't believe that my baby girl is TEN now. WOW.  Double digits.  Where's the time go?   It is crazy that she's getting so old...and TALL!  She will be taller than me next year I bet.  Why am I so short...???  Ahhh, nevermind, if you saw my Mama, you'd know why!  My little Leah is growing up...ready or not, here it comes!  It seems like she was just a little thing...

I guess the old saying is true - time flies when you are having fun!!!

And with Leah, and her brother, things are usually pretty fun :)

Happy 10th Birthday Leah...in 10 more years, you'll be 20 and I will be an old wrinkly woman, but with my luck, I'll probably STILL be sporting the zits!!!

Frizzy hair from the rain & zits...doesn't matter, I'm just happy to be here!  

Goodbye TaTa, my GPS

Hello.  I am Erin.  I have a horrible sense of direction.  I am afraid to drive new places by myself because I am fearful of getting lost.  I just recently, within the past few years, learned which way was North and which way was South.  Uh huh, wanna test me...North is up and up is Ohio and all those places.  South is down and down is Tennessee and the such.  See, I told you I learned!

Two Christmases ago, my hubby got me the greatest invention, EVER - the trusty GPS!  I felt like such a big girl, and important too, with such a device.  A Tom Tom the box said.  We changed our voice to a woman's voice and renamed her "TaTa."  We loved TaTa.  She took us to the beach and back with no troubles.  When we went to Harlan this past summer to visit, Logan asked me if I had TaTa.  I assured him that I could get us to Harlan without her, but he was always concerned about having her with us, just in case.

We made it to Harlan!  Swim time with the cousins!

This past Fall, my friend, Victoria and I wanted to take our kids to the pumpkin patch in Georgetown.  We took TaTa along and she got us there, despite the road being blocked off for some sort of festival.  We were so super proud that we got to BiWater Farms...without the help of a man!  We were women...and that day, we roared, thanks to the trusty TaTa.  She did not fail us.

Good job for us - getting to the pumpkin patch!  Thank you TATA!!!

Today, however, I discovered that my beloved TaTa had been stolen out of my car.  Right out of the console where I kept her safe.  My poor TaTa.  She was a good girl, she helped us to many a places.  I will never forget the way she'd say, "Go one hundred yards, and then take the free-way."  She had a way with words, and directions...

Tonight, I salute you, TaTa, for the comfort and security you provided this directionless woman...I wish I had more time with you, but alas you are gone.  May you continue to have a good life, and know that a little piece of my heart has gone with you...Goodbye, TaTa...my GPS

TaTa got us to the beach

TaTa got us to the pumpkin patch

TaTa got us to Tennessee for Fall Break

TaTa got us to the Children's Museum in Ohio

One last farewell for a hard working GPS!  Goodbye TaTa!!!
I loved you...and always will...

I'm a Mama!!!

It is Mother's Day weekend!  Yahoo!   I love being a Mommy, more than anything in the world.  I love my kids, although I am the first to admit that they can absolutely drain the life out of me some days.  They are the best little things that have ever happened to me.  Sometimes, I am amazed that God thought I was worthy to be a Mama...and to be a Mama of such awesome, strong-willed, and adorable kids!  I just thank him so much for all the blessings he has given me!

Being a Mama is wonderful.  Being a Mama is trying.  Being a Mama is stressful.  Being a Mama is worrisome.  Being a Mama is rewarding.  Being a Mama is the most significant thing in my life.   Sometimes, I think about growing old, my kids growing older, and I wonder what is in store for their lives.  I also wonder what they'll think about me, as a mom, when they reflect back.  I wonder what they will remember about me when I'm gone.  I want to be remembered as a fun mom, a mom who tried to take the kids places and let them do fun stuff.   I know I won't be remembered as the mom who rolled around in the floor and played...I wish I was, but I'm not.  I don't want to be remembered as "the perfect mom," because I know I have many failures.  I yell.  I fuss.  I complain.   I really need to do better but sometimes it is hard.  The chores of everyday home life can wear you down.  Dishes.  Laundry.  Dusting.  Toys.  Dogs.  Eating.  Vacuuming.  Bathing.  Homework.  After school activities.  Grocery Shopping.  Bill paying.  There is only so much time in the day I am constantly struggling with trying to divide my time between the kids and the every day tasks.  

I love watching my kids learn new things.  I love watching them play.  I love watching them sleep.  They are always so sweet when they are sleeping, right Mama's???  I love it when they tell me they love me.  Logan does this a lot.  He's still at the sweet age.  Leah is getting older and I don't hear the cute little "loves" and things like I used to from her.   It is bittersweet I guess...I am happy that she's growing into a beautiful young lady, but sad that my one and only girl isn't so "little" anymore.   I love watching Logan be a "boy" and I do mean "ALL BOY!"

On this Mother's Day weekend, I am just thankful that God has given me the chance to be a Mama...I just hope that I am doing a good job, in his eyes, and in my kids eyes.  I know that, at the time, you don't realize it, but when you get older and look back on things, sometimes you have a greater appreciation.  I hope that one day my kids can appreciate all that we have tried to do for them.  I might not be the perfect mom, but I do the best I can...

So, Leah and Logan, I want to thank you both for making me one of the most happiest, most frazzled, most blessed Mama's there is!!!   You made me the one thing that I always wanted to be:  A MAMA!!!  I love you both!!!

Here I sit...

The time is 9:50.  The elder dog is crying because he wants to eat.  The Pug is sleeping.  As are the kids.  Here I sit.  The day has been tiring, the rain drags me down.  Not to mention the never-ending sinus issues...I just feel like I am in a constant fog these past couple of days.   Yawn.  I need to go to bed soon.

The hubby is away in Iowa of all random places...business trip...while the hubby is away, the wife does NOT play...but I tell you what the wife DOES do:  sleeps cross-ways in the bed...oh my gosh...I love to sleep that way.  I don't know why.  Maybe because my feet hang off the edge of the bed???  Not sure.  Sometimes, even though I'm 34, I wonder if something is going to reach up and grab my feet when they hang off the bed in the dark.  When the hubby is away, I also leave the laundry room light on.  I don't know why.  It isn't like it would protect us if we needed something, but it makes me feel better.

The yard sale went well...we made a tad over $500 between all of us, which goes towards Jason and Ricky's mission trip.  I was excited to get rid of some junk, but am already seeing things that I need to drag out for "the next yard sale."  I don't think it ever ends.  I got to wear my Erikson chiropractor nail apron during the yard sale.  I put some quarters and dollars in it and I felt mighty fancy!

I have more irises that are bloomed - one of the "different color" ones bloomed but I'm not exactly sure what color it is.  I took a picture but haven't put it on the computer yet.  Rest assured, I will put it on FB as soon as I can!  Ya'll know I love me some FB!!!

I also find myself wondering, on this dreary day, if folks realize how lucky they are to have family nearby to help out with the kids.  I think that sometimes the folks that always have this luxury/blessing/option take it for granted.  We don't have any family here in Richmond and I stay home with the kids which means I have no babysitter either.  I love being home with my kids, but I do sometimes feel run down, tired, or feel like I just need a break.  Some days I feel like a mean ole' bear and that I just fuss non-stop all day.  I don't like those days. 

I swear, if it doesn't stop raining, I'm gonna freakin' go crazy (crazier...)  ENOUGH already!   I want to mulch and do some out door type stuff.  Sigh.   Rain...rain...rain...that's all it ever is.

Well, I reckon I have rambled enough - hopefully enough that my mind is clearer and I can go to bed and sleep peacefully!!!