In honor and remembrance of Jennifer Horns- November 16th 1981-February 5th 2014
It was a spring day in Rocky Mount and my friend Jennifer had invited me over to play. I was somewhere around 10 or 12 years old; old enough to go by myself to a friend's house but not old enough to go anywhere but her back yard. This particular friend was one of the lucky ones- she had a trampoline. Now this was in the early 90's so when you picture this trampoline, please do not add nets, cushions, or spring protectors to the image…just a plain old black tramp with silver springs and silver metal legs, about 6 feet off the ground. Jennifer and I were in gymnastics together and in the past, we had been known to practice our "flips" on her trampoline. When I casually mentioned this to my parents they immediately forbade me to flip on her trampoline again. So in the truck on the way to her house my daddy said to me, "Becca, I don't want you doing any flips on that trampoline, you hear me? I mean it, NO FLIPS. You can jump on it, and I really don't think that is a good idea, but I will allow you to jump if you promise not to do flips". I promised him that I would not do a single flip and honestly had every intention to keep that promise. Well, after an hour or so of obedience to this one rule, I began to get antsy. Jennifer had flipped, her brothers had flipped and I just wanted to show them what I could do. I thought to myself, "I will do one flip- just to get it out of my system- and then no more". Well, what 12 year old wanna-be gymnast really has that much will power? I continued to flip and flip and flip and flip and flip. Backflip, front flip, side flip, twist flip, you name it-I flipped it. We had the best time!
BUT THEN….
Daddy came to pick me up. I got into the truck and felt slightly guilty but I surely did not intend to confess. Maybe he just wont ask me what I did at Jennifer's, I thought. Well, sure enough the first thing out of Mark Bruton's mouth was, "Did you flip on that trampoline?". Now- I may have done many things wrong as a child, but I learned early on NOT to lie to daddy. It was his main thing. Don't lie to Mark. So I told him straight up, "Yes, I did". Silence.
I knew there would be consequences and I was ready as ever to take them. To make myself feel better about my disobedience. To ease my guilt. He made a turn away from the direction of our house.
We drove out of the neighborhood. Where are we GOING? Say SOMETHING Daddy. Do you plan to take me to a field to drop me off so I can think about what I did? Do you plan to spank me-I know I deserve it but I think I am too old for that…
As we approached the gas station on Sunset Avenue my thoughts changed. After he fills up his tank, he's gonna take me home and ground me forever, maybe he will never talk to me again, surely I will never see Jennifer and her trampoline again…But thats fine, its what I deserve anyway.
He parked the truck and I noticed he had a full tank. He didn't need gas at all. WHAT are we DOING here!?
Then he said these words to me, "Becca, I want you to go in that gas station and I want you to pick out whatever candy bar you want. No- pick two candy bars, just for yourself"
What? I gave him a blank stare that showed my utter confusion. You want me to do what?! I don't WANT a candy bar right now. I WANT to be punished. I feel horrible that I disobeyed. It was wrong. I feel ugly and dark and black inside. I do NOT want something special for myself. I thought for a moment more and then said to him, "No- I don't want one".
He replied with an unreadable expression, "No- go on and pick one out. I will be waiting in the truck. We are not leaving until you go get two candy bars, here's the money".
I opened the door slowly and trudged into the gas station. I picked out my two favorites, probably Butterfinger and Score Bar, and climbed back into the truck. I put the candy bars down on the dash and buckled my seat belt.
"You are not gonna eat 'em?" said Daddy. I shook my head no and he began to drive back home. On the way he gave me one of the best lessons anyone has ever given me. He said something about like this:
"Honey, I want to tell you about Grace. Grace is when we get something we do NOT at all deserve. It's that simple. And I love you like God loves you, always and forever no matter what decisions you make or how many times you disobey me. God gives us the wonderfully good and sweet gift of grace, like those candy bars sitting up there on the dash. We do nothing for that gift, in fact we do quite the opposite, we are sinners, we disobey his word. Just like you did today. I'm disappointed in you, but it doesn't mean I could stop loving you if I tried. Same with God, he loves you infinitely and gives you grace when you don't deserve it.
So Becca, just remember, Grace is simple. Grace is a gift we don't deserve. All we have to do is accept it, so eat up".
And after that, how could I not. That might have been the sweetest candy bar I ever ate.
*********************************************************************************Jennifer passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 5th 2014. We had lost touch through the years but I will never forget her. She was a bold presence, scared of nothing and had an easy laugh. We shared so many memories in our younger years from church, school, gymnastics, and girl scouts. Since I got the news I can't help but remember all the little things about her. Memories sustain us in these hard times. I know that wherever she was in her spiritual journey, God's grace was sufficient. May she rest in eternal peace and may her family feel God's presence.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Last Wednesday morning I received a text from our old neighbor in Durham. Usually we exchange simple "how are you?/how is Dean?" texts but today was quite different. She informed me that our old house on Walnut Cove was on fire. First I should say that no one was injured. Sadly, there were three pets that did not make it. I am so thankful that the family was not hurt and that the firemen were able to contain the fire so that no one else's homes were damaged. But this news so saddened me that I really had to step back and ask myself why. My first thought was that this was the first home we owned as a couple, the home where we brought our new born baby boy, the kitchen where we prepared meals for others and ourselves, the living room where we prayed with dear friends, the office where George spent hours upon hours as he traced the brachial plexus, our room where we woke up doubled over in laughter in the middle of the night and where we cried in the deepest darkest despair as dear George experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment, the whole house- gone- just like that.
So incredibly sad…and those are just my memories of my house. The poor family who lived there lost so much more, everything. The important part of that word "everything" is THING. Its only things, only stuff. Praise God no one was hurt.
We have just started our search for a permanent home in Raleigh. I think God really used this sad sad circumstance to help me learn a couple of lessons.
First of all, no one thing is permanent in this world. I should not obsess about a perfect house with every kind of amenity. I should not worry if it is not as handsome as I always pictured my permanent home to be. I should not worry that it has a certain type of stove or a big enough closet or a bathtub in the master bathroom, or that we have enough space to grow or anything at all. All those amenities could be gone in an instant.
Secondly my reaction to the news taught me how dear a house can really be. I feel a little more justified in my pursuit of the right house for us. On this note comes the third and final point; a point I must attribute to my husband. As we talked about these very lessons he reminded me of something. Although our house on Walnut Cove was all we needed, completely comfortable, and plenty big enough we always found plenty wrong with it, complained about the kitchen being too small and countless other things. The house is not what makes the memories. The fixtures, the window treatments, the hardwood floors…none of these things are what drew out the sad emotional response to our house having been burned. No, it was none of these things. The memories we made as a family are what made this house a home to us, the four hearts beating inside it are what made it special. This is my lesson: as I look for a permanent home, I should not look for what the house has or does not have. I should look for something about the right size, in about the right area, and within a comfortable price range. The other stuff is really not that important. We will make whatever house we live in special. We will laugh, cry, pray, teach, and experience as a family no matter how many square feet, no matter what the kitchen looks like, no matter what kind of bathtub is in the master bathroom. George, George, Dean and I will make it home. Because home is truly where the hearts are.
So incredibly sad…and those are just my memories of my house. The poor family who lived there lost so much more, everything. The important part of that word "everything" is THING. Its only things, only stuff. Praise God no one was hurt.
We have just started our search for a permanent home in Raleigh. I think God really used this sad sad circumstance to help me learn a couple of lessons.
First of all, no one thing is permanent in this world. I should not obsess about a perfect house with every kind of amenity. I should not worry if it is not as handsome as I always pictured my permanent home to be. I should not worry that it has a certain type of stove or a big enough closet or a bathtub in the master bathroom, or that we have enough space to grow or anything at all. All those amenities could be gone in an instant.
Secondly my reaction to the news taught me how dear a house can really be. I feel a little more justified in my pursuit of the right house for us. On this note comes the third and final point; a point I must attribute to my husband. As we talked about these very lessons he reminded me of something. Although our house on Walnut Cove was all we needed, completely comfortable, and plenty big enough we always found plenty wrong with it, complained about the kitchen being too small and countless other things. The house is not what makes the memories. The fixtures, the window treatments, the hardwood floors…none of these things are what drew out the sad emotional response to our house having been burned. No, it was none of these things. The memories we made as a family are what made this house a home to us, the four hearts beating inside it are what made it special. This is my lesson: as I look for a permanent home, I should not look for what the house has or does not have. I should look for something about the right size, in about the right area, and within a comfortable price range. The other stuff is really not that important. We will make whatever house we live in special. We will laugh, cry, pray, teach, and experience as a family no matter how many square feet, no matter what the kitchen looks like, no matter what kind of bathtub is in the master bathroom. George, George, Dean and I will make it home. Because home is truly where the hearts are.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Happy Year of the Horse!
We, the Edwards family had another first here in California. Three stops down from us on the Metro is Chinatown. Now, I am not a huge fan of Chinese food and I am pretty ignorant of all things Chinese so we have not ventured to this much talked about area. Well, Saturday Feb. 1st, we decided to take a friend's advice and go to the Chinese New Year Celebration Parade. I was so proud of us for A. having the courage to take the Metro- its the first time we've been on since our Long Beach fiasco B. filing into the streets of Chinatown with hordes of other people (don't forget our introvert-ness) and C. enjoy ourselves despite the very "city feel" of it all- we are country mice, all three.
We saw dragons and drums, masks and bands, and countless TV personalities, news anchors and politicians, of which I knew zero. Our ignorance of Chinese culture and lack of cable television (even the main channels) was very evident. We enjoyed ourselves so much though and I can honestly say that now that introductions have been made, I am genuinely interested in the chance to learn more about Chinese culture. Maybe I will go to a museum next. Thats how learning is, you think you are not interested in something because you know nothing about it, then you learn one or two things on the subject and you can't stop learning about it. We even ordered Chinese food that night to celebrate! The next day was Super Bowl Sunday. We did not even watch the game. Terrible Americans. Anyway, we enjoyed the heck out of the day despite (and probably because of) the fact that we missed out on all the great, or not so great, football and commercials.
I had a rough few days at the beginning of the next week. Son George tested me at every turn and said some pretty nasty things to me. I disciplined appropriately (I hope and pray) and we moved on. After I talked with my new neighbor friend about it, she must have sensed that I had neared the end of my rope because she offered to watch George for a few hours on Thursday. Since I worked in the classroom Tuesday and there was to be no school Thursday, I was SO GRATEFUL! I took her up on the offer and was so touched (and really helped) by the gesture. Can you guess what I did with my free hour? Yep, you guessed it, I went for a run.
***Looking back on the calendar, this actually happened the week before the Chinese New Year and Non-Super Bowl Sunday- That tells me I need to be more attentive to my poor neglected blog***
After Non-Super Bowl Sunday we had a visitor! Pam was two years behind George in UNC's Orthopaedics Residency Program. She's such a sweet girl and needed a place to stay while she interviewed here in sunny LA. We were of course, so glad to have her. It was nice to have an old friend here at our place. We enjoyed sushi the night she got here and I made some gluten free curry and gluten free cookies the next night (she's one of those gluten free peeps). We stayed up late to catch up on all the UNC gossip. I really miss being a part of that community. I know I did not actually do the residency, but I became close with all George's friends and their significant others. Seasons of life...
Wednesday night I was invited to an impromptu wine/pizza/playdate down the street. It was at my friend "Berkeley's" house. There were 8 kiddos and four moms. We had a crazy fun time, with all kinds of stories left unfinished and only a couple bumps and bruises. George has really started to open up to these kids and I think he would call them his good buddies. Its so nice to see that. And so easy that they are right down the street!
Thursday it RAINED. Only the second time it has rained since we've been here. And if you thick North Carolinians are weird because they freak out about a quarter of an inch of snow, you should see Californians in an eighth of an inch of rain. Its pretty comical. Also, its been cold here. I mean, I'm talkin' in the 50s cold y'all…. OK enough with the evil.
Thursday I had the misfortune of experiencing another first, a pinched nerve and muscle spasm to follow. Wow, I have never felt anything quite like that. I couldn't move Thursday night. After a good night's rest, I was able to move Friday but I did not do much other than barely move, I can assure you. I was so wiped out on Friday - I guess from this muscle spasm- that we did not do a thing. Well, I lied we had to go to the grocery store. We didn't even have Peanut Butter, thats how bare the cupboard was. It was really a necessity or I would not have bothered. So that brings us to yesterday. Big George had to be at work and so did Tyler, so George and I walked to Amara and met Lauren and Tac there to enjoy hot chocolate and churros. The churros and chocolate were good, but the thing that really made it worth the trip was the lemonade. I got a ginger-papalones lemonade and it really hit the spot! I could have skipped all the chocolate and churros and fruit and marshmallows and just gotten the lemonade. So weird to hear from me, I realize, but it is the truth. Then we played at Central Park- Pasadena for a nice long while before heading back on our trek home. It was 3.3 miles there and 3.3 back. Adventure!!
Then last night George was home so we went on a search for some good Mexican food and found a great little restaurant called El Portal. Everyone loved what they ordered and the atmosphere was perfect for a family with a rambunctious 3 year old.
Today has been another story altogether. Somewhere in between the time we got back from church and 3:00 the stomach bug monster has been rampant. I felt queasy during church and Georgie kept complaining of tummy aches. I felt weak and awful when we got home so I put George to bed and got into bed myself, only to be awakened by his poor little self covered in--well, I will spare you the details but it wasn't pretty. His sweet daddy took care of everything since I could not. This whole afternoon little George has said the cutest (and saddest) things in between trips to the trash can or bathroom.
"I don't like this"
"This is not very fun"
"I am not having a good day"
"I am so sad"
"This is horrible"
"This is the worst"
We are so ready to be back in North Carolina where we know the germs and they know us. We've all been so sick constantly it seems. Keep us in your prayers 'till we can kick this bug. Whew!
We saw dragons and drums, masks and bands, and countless TV personalities, news anchors and politicians, of which I knew zero. Our ignorance of Chinese culture and lack of cable television (even the main channels) was very evident. We enjoyed ourselves so much though and I can honestly say that now that introductions have been made, I am genuinely interested in the chance to learn more about Chinese culture. Maybe I will go to a museum next. Thats how learning is, you think you are not interested in something because you know nothing about it, then you learn one or two things on the subject and you can't stop learning about it. We even ordered Chinese food that night to celebrate! The next day was Super Bowl Sunday. We did not even watch the game. Terrible Americans. Anyway, we enjoyed the heck out of the day despite (and probably because of) the fact that we missed out on all the great, or not so great, football and commercials.
I had a rough few days at the beginning of the next week. Son George tested me at every turn and said some pretty nasty things to me. I disciplined appropriately (I hope and pray) and we moved on. After I talked with my new neighbor friend about it, she must have sensed that I had neared the end of my rope because she offered to watch George for a few hours on Thursday. Since I worked in the classroom Tuesday and there was to be no school Thursday, I was SO GRATEFUL! I took her up on the offer and was so touched (and really helped) by the gesture. Can you guess what I did with my free hour? Yep, you guessed it, I went for a run.
***Looking back on the calendar, this actually happened the week before the Chinese New Year and Non-Super Bowl Sunday- That tells me I need to be more attentive to my poor neglected blog***
After Non-Super Bowl Sunday we had a visitor! Pam was two years behind George in UNC's Orthopaedics Residency Program. She's such a sweet girl and needed a place to stay while she interviewed here in sunny LA. We were of course, so glad to have her. It was nice to have an old friend here at our place. We enjoyed sushi the night she got here and I made some gluten free curry and gluten free cookies the next night (she's one of those gluten free peeps). We stayed up late to catch up on all the UNC gossip. I really miss being a part of that community. I know I did not actually do the residency, but I became close with all George's friends and their significant others. Seasons of life...
Wednesday night I was invited to an impromptu wine/pizza/playdate down the street. It was at my friend "Berkeley's" house. There were 8 kiddos and four moms. We had a crazy fun time, with all kinds of stories left unfinished and only a couple bumps and bruises. George has really started to open up to these kids and I think he would call them his good buddies. Its so nice to see that. And so easy that they are right down the street!
Thursday it RAINED. Only the second time it has rained since we've been here. And if you thick North Carolinians are weird because they freak out about a quarter of an inch of snow, you should see Californians in an eighth of an inch of rain. Its pretty comical. Also, its been cold here. I mean, I'm talkin' in the 50s cold y'all…. OK enough with the evil.
Thursday I had the misfortune of experiencing another first, a pinched nerve and muscle spasm to follow. Wow, I have never felt anything quite like that. I couldn't move Thursday night. After a good night's rest, I was able to move Friday but I did not do much other than barely move, I can assure you. I was so wiped out on Friday - I guess from this muscle spasm- that we did not do a thing. Well, I lied we had to go to the grocery store. We didn't even have Peanut Butter, thats how bare the cupboard was. It was really a necessity or I would not have bothered. So that brings us to yesterday. Big George had to be at work and so did Tyler, so George and I walked to Amara and met Lauren and Tac there to enjoy hot chocolate and churros. The churros and chocolate were good, but the thing that really made it worth the trip was the lemonade. I got a ginger-papalones lemonade and it really hit the spot! I could have skipped all the chocolate and churros and fruit and marshmallows and just gotten the lemonade. So weird to hear from me, I realize, but it is the truth. Then we played at Central Park- Pasadena for a nice long while before heading back on our trek home. It was 3.3 miles there and 3.3 back. Adventure!!
Then last night George was home so we went on a search for some good Mexican food and found a great little restaurant called El Portal. Everyone loved what they ordered and the atmosphere was perfect for a family with a rambunctious 3 year old.
Today has been another story altogether. Somewhere in between the time we got back from church and 3:00 the stomach bug monster has been rampant. I felt queasy during church and Georgie kept complaining of tummy aches. I felt weak and awful when we got home so I put George to bed and got into bed myself, only to be awakened by his poor little self covered in--well, I will spare you the details but it wasn't pretty. His sweet daddy took care of everything since I could not. This whole afternoon little George has said the cutest (and saddest) things in between trips to the trash can or bathroom.
"I don't like this"
"This is not very fun"
"I am not having a good day"
"I am so sad"
"This is horrible"
"This is the worst"
We are so ready to be back in North Carolina where we know the germs and they know us. We've all been so sick constantly it seems. Keep us in your prayers 'till we can kick this bug. Whew!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Raleigh had a snow day, and we got jealous.
The past two days, I have seen countless "snow day" pictures of my friends back in NC. Well, we had a snow day too…..here's the skinny on our BIG BEAR SKI TRIP!!
We arrived around 12, got a drink and watched skiers and snowboarders for a while and then checked into the hotel. We left the hotel to try to find a place to sled, but to no avail. They were to close in half an hour and we would be charged full admission. Then we stopped at a big "Fun plex" that promised iceskating, laser tag, etc. It was such a gimmick. The "ice" was just a 20X20 foot fenced in plastic area you could take your socks off and slide around. But of course once we got George in there, he wanted to "ride" every single video game. I let him sit on a couple of the video game motorcycle seats and then dragged him out of there. Poor kid, parents promised skiing, and all he got to do was watch, then we promised a sled ride and that didn't happen, then promised iceskating and of course we did not get to do that either. We finally gave up and went back to hotel and played on playground there. He was just as happy to do that and we were glad we didn't pay the 75$ it would have cost to sled for 30 minutes. For dinner we found a really cute pizza place in Big Bear Village. George and I split a pizza and Georgie got mozzarella sticks. That was a blast from the past. One bite and I was back at the Applebee's in Rocky Mount after a softball game. Yes, I had a mozzarella stix phase, who didn't?! Food brings back the best memories!! Right behind the pizza place was heaven…err, I mean, an icecream/ fudge/ caramel covered apple place. We all got a special treat. George got a dark chocolate caramel apple, I got a 1/4 pound of fudge (which I proudly finished the next day) and little George got a bubble gum ice cream cone with sprinkles. Another one of my stages- bubblegum ice cream- one taste and I was 5 again. I wish I would have taken a picture because it was the quintessential child's cone. So perfect and blue and bubblegumm-y. We found an outdoor gas fire place and enjoyed our treats. Our day did not start very well, but it sure ended on a high note! We made a fire that night in our little cabin. Our plan was to watch a movie by firelight on the portable DVD player. We planned to watch Peter Pan all together in the bed. Well, somehow the DVD player was broken. We decided the iPad would have to suffice. We couldn't get the WIFI password to work. This was God's way of helping us put the screens down and enjoy the fire a little. We made a pallet out of pillows in front of the fire and took turns telling made up stories to each other. A night none of us will forget. Partly because of the beauty of the fire and the togetherness we all felt but partly because George and I got possibly the WORST night's sleep either of us had ever had that night. We think we might have given ourselves a little bit of Carbon Monoxide poisoning from the fire. So I opened windows but that made us cold. Then Georgie had a nightmare and I put him in bed with us. He gets his sleep habits from his Aunt Lauren and cousin Hannah because he slept horizontally the whole night. Tossed and turned and wiggled and kicked. Big George came down with a stomach bug at some point in the night and had terrible nausea and tummy aches. Its almost funny now that I am removed from it a few days but boy was it awful then. We woke up early despite having little sleep and got dressed for the slopes. A great first trip for little George. We spent most of our time on the bunny slope with Georgie but each went down a few runs by ourselves. I have forgotten how much I adore a snowboard. I had the best time. We both took it easy because I - for one- did not want to discover the inside of the ER in Big Bear.
We had snacks for lunch and then called it a day around 1pm. We drove down the mountain and got home by 3:30. I unpacked while Georgie played in his room and big George went to bed. By this time he was really sick. I made dinner for little George and had him in bed by 6pm. My little man was worn out from the trip. I think we all were!
We arrived around 12, got a drink and watched skiers and snowboarders for a while and then checked into the hotel. We left the hotel to try to find a place to sled, but to no avail. They were to close in half an hour and we would be charged full admission. Then we stopped at a big "Fun plex" that promised iceskating, laser tag, etc. It was such a gimmick. The "ice" was just a 20X20 foot fenced in plastic area you could take your socks off and slide around. But of course once we got George in there, he wanted to "ride" every single video game. I let him sit on a couple of the video game motorcycle seats and then dragged him out of there. Poor kid, parents promised skiing, and all he got to do was watch, then we promised a sled ride and that didn't happen, then promised iceskating and of course we did not get to do that either. We finally gave up and went back to hotel and played on playground there. He was just as happy to do that and we were glad we didn't pay the 75$ it would have cost to sled for 30 minutes. For dinner we found a really cute pizza place in Big Bear Village. George and I split a pizza and Georgie got mozzarella sticks. That was a blast from the past. One bite and I was back at the Applebee's in Rocky Mount after a softball game. Yes, I had a mozzarella stix phase, who didn't?! Food brings back the best memories!! Right behind the pizza place was heaven…err, I mean, an icecream/ fudge/ caramel covered apple place. We all got a special treat. George got a dark chocolate caramel apple, I got a 1/4 pound of fudge (which I proudly finished the next day) and little George got a bubble gum ice cream cone with sprinkles. Another one of my stages- bubblegum ice cream- one taste and I was 5 again. I wish I would have taken a picture because it was the quintessential child's cone. So perfect and blue and bubblegumm-y. We found an outdoor gas fire place and enjoyed our treats. Our day did not start very well, but it sure ended on a high note! We made a fire that night in our little cabin. Our plan was to watch a movie by firelight on the portable DVD player. We planned to watch Peter Pan all together in the bed. Well, somehow the DVD player was broken. We decided the iPad would have to suffice. We couldn't get the WIFI password to work. This was God's way of helping us put the screens down and enjoy the fire a little. We made a pallet out of pillows in front of the fire and took turns telling made up stories to each other. A night none of us will forget. Partly because of the beauty of the fire and the togetherness we all felt but partly because George and I got possibly the WORST night's sleep either of us had ever had that night. We think we might have given ourselves a little bit of Carbon Monoxide poisoning from the fire. So I opened windows but that made us cold. Then Georgie had a nightmare and I put him in bed with us. He gets his sleep habits from his Aunt Lauren and cousin Hannah because he slept horizontally the whole night. Tossed and turned and wiggled and kicked. Big George came down with a stomach bug at some point in the night and had terrible nausea and tummy aches. Its almost funny now that I am removed from it a few days but boy was it awful then. We woke up early despite having little sleep and got dressed for the slopes. A great first trip for little George. We spent most of our time on the bunny slope with Georgie but each went down a few runs by ourselves. I have forgotten how much I adore a snowboard. I had the best time. We both took it easy because I - for one- did not want to discover the inside of the ER in Big Bear.
We had snacks for lunch and then called it a day around 1pm. We drove down the mountain and got home by 3:30. I unpacked while Georgie played in his room and big George went to bed. By this time he was really sick. I made dinner for little George and had him in bed by 6pm. My little man was worn out from the trip. I think we all were!
Social Butterfly Me.
Well, hello blogosphere! Its me, Becca, did you forget about me?
This has been a week full of excitement plus sickness which makes for little time for blog posts.
Last Monday, MLK day, George and I were treated to a lunch date because Zoe's mom invited Georgie to play at their house. We had a lovely lunch together but I must confess, we have almost forgotten how to have an adult conversation. We are out of practice because of the usual interruptions provided by the three year old whirlwind that is our son. After lunch, we stepped inside a men's clothing store and George picked out some really stylish pants. They fit him perfectly, were on sale, and its close enough to Valentines day to call them a Valentines Day gift! Score!
We met Zoe and her mom at Buster's for ice-cream and then took the boys home to nap.
Something else happened today but I want to save it as a surprise for another post.
Tuesday night we had a very nice catered dinner at George's boss' house. I got to dress up and Lauren and I got really excited over the prospects of new homes as we shared with each other some of our favorites. We squealed once and people stared. yep. sure did.
Wednesday, Zoe came over to play at our house and her mommy got a free couple of hours because it was her birthday. It was only fair.
Friday I had some ladies over for appetizers and wine. It was a great time but our "ladies night" turned into a guys night out. We ended up with six kids and four moms. George went out to get Chinese with Tyler because it wasn't fair to make him drink wine with the ladies nor was it fair to put him in charge of six kids while we kicked our feet up. So thats how that happened.
Saturday morning I went for a run and then met Lauren at one of my favorite stores here to use my Christmas gift card. We had a wonderful time and got a couple great deals since it was 70% at several stores this weekend. I got a lovely black and gold dinner jacket that I cant wait to take out to dinner. Lauren got a great one shoulder tank from the Lilly Store. Yes, there's a Lilly store here in Pasadena. They play country music in there and the clerk is from WILSON NC and her husband is from CARTHAGE NC. Let me tell y'all something, I was born in Carthage and lived there until I was in second grade and then moved to Rocky Mount, NC where I grew up. Wilson is the neighboring town. You just can't make this stuff up!! Its a small world, after all, its a small world after all, its a small world after all its a small world after all!! So needless to say I feel right at home when I shop there.
Then I met my boys at Evie's Repunzel Birthday Party. It was the cutest party I have been to in a very long time. Everything was princess/knight themed with Repunzel being the star of the princess regime.
George left early to play tennis with a friend from work and then had tacos afterwards. I was so glad he was able to do something fun with a friend. He never gets to do stuff like that! I came home to watch Zoe while her mom had a birthday massage. George got lots of Zoe time this week. He just can't get enough of that girl! They tell each other, "I love you…I love you too" and even have shared a couple of kisses. So precious.
This one was at Zoe's house.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Great Day and Lots to Look Forward To
Great day! George had to go in Saturday night again- and then got two calls during the night and ended up at the hospital this morning too. So how is this a good day you ask?? Because before he went in he spent a few minutes with me, his wife, on the back patio. He said the infected finger could wait while he shared just one cup of coffee with me. I felt special. Then I took Georgie on a run in the stroller and big George made it back in time for church. Great sermon, great fellowship, and lots of doughnuts were devoured. When we got back home, we shared lunch on the patio and then I got both boys down for a nap. I made cookies for a girl who was in an accident on the freeway (yikes) and started dinner prep. We had friends from down the street over for dinner. If you know me, you know that being a hostess is something I really enjoy. I mean, I really really really enjoy it!! It may also surprise you folks who know me that we have only had one other couple over for dinner one other time since we moved here. I have a lot of catching up to do! I cleaned and straightened up just a little bit and prepared a fajita feast and brownies for dessert. George went for a run and then was off to a small group discussion for church. Our guests brought a good bottle of wine and blackberries. Their two little ones were excited to play with Georgie. The kids watched a movie while we appetized and eventually had dinner on the back patio. It was a mild night so we were all fine in a light jacket. I lit a couple candles and we have our patio lights and a few extra strings of lights that I put up when we moved in because I figured we'd entertain more than we actually have. It made for quite an atmosphere. Wonderful conversation, lots of laughs, good food, a full moon and great weather made for a pretty spectacular night. After they left to put their kiddos in bed, I cleaned up while George put the little guy down. He cried a little while for mommy but it was a small price to pay for a little bit of respite from the normal routine. And to top it all off, Zoe's mom texted me and asked if George and I wanted some time alone tomorrow. She agreed to take George for a few hours while we have a lunch date. Tomorrow sounds like a good day too, right?!?
Actually this whole week will be fun. Monday is a holiday and like I said, I have a date for lunch. Tuesday night we have a babysitter and a dinner at George's boss' home. Friday night I get to play hostess again for four fun ladies and Saturday is Evie's birthday party. Then Sunday, one week from today, we get to take Georgie to the ski slopes for his first ever experience. He's as excited as ever, but big George and I have this sort-of play argument about whether our son should ski or snowboard. I guess we will just have to see what he picks. Then when we return we have a four day week before its February y'all! Where is the time going? Seriously, where??
Actually this whole week will be fun. Monday is a holiday and like I said, I have a date for lunch. Tuesday night we have a babysitter and a dinner at George's boss' home. Friday night I get to play hostess again for four fun ladies and Saturday is Evie's birthday party. Then Sunday, one week from today, we get to take Georgie to the ski slopes for his first ever experience. He's as excited as ever, but big George and I have this sort-of play argument about whether our son should ski or snowboard. I guess we will just have to see what he picks. Then when we return we have a four day week before its February y'all! Where is the time going? Seriously, where??
Saturday, January 18, 2014
A Man, a Meat Grinder and a Moment.
We had a great week! A few highlights: I was snack parent at school and made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins and bananas, Disney with Zoe and Monica, and bookend playdates - Monday with Cole and Lena (friends down the street) and Friday with Evie. It also hit 85 degrees every day this week. So when we have weeks like these, its really difficult to imagine leaving California in six months. When I see George light up to see his friends, when I am able to drive a very short 30 minutes to "the happiest place on earth", when we have zero lunches at the table inside because its too pretty outdoors….these are the weeks that make me sad to think about another big move away from this place. On the other hand, we started our search for a home in Raleigh NC- and this is great fun! It is so wonderful to imagine our family settled into a home where we will begin our next chapter. Some days I want to get on with it and I wish the next six months would fly by. But then the sun warms my skin and I think, I am happy as ever here in our little tiny house and our simple life. On that note, little George interrupted my lovely hot shower today because he "had to poopie". That my friends, I must confess, leaves me wishing for more square footage- no doubt about it.
Friday was a little hard because I knew George would have to go into work on Saturday (today). I love the weekends because its a little bit of a break for me. But a surgery was scheduled so there went my break. Thats ok. Then I got a phone call from George, "the surgery is cancelled!" Wonderful- but I did not get too excited because I have learned not to. When he got home a little after 6:00 I decided I needed to leave the house. It had been a long week with Georgie and my little love had tested my patience all day long. The whines and cries, screams, and constant questions were about to get the better of me, so I took Dean for a long walk and when I returned they had started dinner. We ate for a while and then George went to play in his room. Big George and I had a great 7 minute conversation before his pager went off. Just a question that he was able to answer quickly so we continued our conversation for another 5 minutes or so. Then his phone rang. He picked up and said, "I sure am, whatcha got?…four digits? wow. I will be right in". I brewed the coffee and George prepared himself for his first "all-nighter" in quite a while. He didn't get back until 8 AM this morning. Over 12 hours of surgery. When he returned I made Georgie and I a picnic lunch and got everything I would need for the day out of our room. I made him a huge bagel-egg sandwich and put him to bed. It was funny to fall right into the old habits that used to be our "norm". We both knew exactly how to handle this situation and I think we both kind of felt proud of the way we are able to just jump back into that lifestyle. Last night, I must confess, I was a little upset because I had already been promised a few hours "off". Instead, I still had to get Georgie in bed and then watch TV by myself on a Friday night. Georgie was upset too, "Daddy, don't go to work, you just went to work. you said you could play wif me and goot (scoot- meaning ride a scooter) tomorrow. Poor guy. But then there's George who actually has to perform his skill for 12 hours, sit on a stool for 12 hours with NO break what so ever, and then gets to sleep it off the entire next day, the day that he was supposed to spend with his son. But then if I get too concerned about our family, I can't help but thing of the poor man who was up against a meat grinder and almost lost four fingers. Talk about a change in your weekend plans!! And his family, up all night worried about their dad/son/brother. In case you are concerned, they were able to save three out of four fingers. Thats pretty amazing I think! At first I was a little upset about the new weekend plan, but I can honestly say that I feel really good about it now that its over. Today was great- I "gooted" with George to the park and when when it was time to go, he listened instead of the usual argument, tears, screams, a general fit pitching. Then we went for a run together and then drove to another park for our picnic. Again, we had no arguments when it was time to go. When we got home, Georgie whispered in order to not wake daddy and listened when I told him not to play cars on the hard wood floor- only the carpet. I was amazed at his behavior all day and then came the "moment". The moment that I remembered a little something George said before he got called in. In the 30 minutes that I was on a walk with Dean, George and his son had a talk. They talked about who was in charge and who was the boss. Thats all I really know but it sure had the desired effect. He may not be able to be around a ton of the time, but he sure knows how to make that time count. So in a way, he still gave me that break I was promised. He still gave George the daddy direction that was needed. He changed George's behavior to make the day easier on mommy. I am so proud to call him the father of my child. I am so proud to call him a devoted surgeon. I am so proud to call him a good guy and the best husband anyone could ever ask for. The "man" of the "moment" George. You are awesome.
Friday was a little hard because I knew George would have to go into work on Saturday (today). I love the weekends because its a little bit of a break for me. But a surgery was scheduled so there went my break. Thats ok. Then I got a phone call from George, "the surgery is cancelled!" Wonderful- but I did not get too excited because I have learned not to. When he got home a little after 6:00 I decided I needed to leave the house. It had been a long week with Georgie and my little love had tested my patience all day long. The whines and cries, screams, and constant questions were about to get the better of me, so I took Dean for a long walk and when I returned they had started dinner. We ate for a while and then George went to play in his room. Big George and I had a great 7 minute conversation before his pager went off. Just a question that he was able to answer quickly so we continued our conversation for another 5 minutes or so. Then his phone rang. He picked up and said, "I sure am, whatcha got?…four digits? wow. I will be right in". I brewed the coffee and George prepared himself for his first "all-nighter" in quite a while. He didn't get back until 8 AM this morning. Over 12 hours of surgery. When he returned I made Georgie and I a picnic lunch and got everything I would need for the day out of our room. I made him a huge bagel-egg sandwich and put him to bed. It was funny to fall right into the old habits that used to be our "norm". We both knew exactly how to handle this situation and I think we both kind of felt proud of the way we are able to just jump back into that lifestyle. Last night, I must confess, I was a little upset because I had already been promised a few hours "off". Instead, I still had to get Georgie in bed and then watch TV by myself on a Friday night. Georgie was upset too, "Daddy, don't go to work, you just went to work. you said you could play wif me and goot (scoot- meaning ride a scooter) tomorrow. Poor guy. But then there's George who actually has to perform his skill for 12 hours, sit on a stool for 12 hours with NO break what so ever, and then gets to sleep it off the entire next day, the day that he was supposed to spend with his son. But then if I get too concerned about our family, I can't help but thing of the poor man who was up against a meat grinder and almost lost four fingers. Talk about a change in your weekend plans!! And his family, up all night worried about their dad/son/brother. In case you are concerned, they were able to save three out of four fingers. Thats pretty amazing I think! At first I was a little upset about the new weekend plan, but I can honestly say that I feel really good about it now that its over. Today was great- I "gooted" with George to the park and when when it was time to go, he listened instead of the usual argument, tears, screams, a general fit pitching. Then we went for a run together and then drove to another park for our picnic. Again, we had no arguments when it was time to go. When we got home, Georgie whispered in order to not wake daddy and listened when I told him not to play cars on the hard wood floor- only the carpet. I was amazed at his behavior all day and then came the "moment". The moment that I remembered a little something George said before he got called in. In the 30 minutes that I was on a walk with Dean, George and his son had a talk. They talked about who was in charge and who was the boss. Thats all I really know but it sure had the desired effect. He may not be able to be around a ton of the time, but he sure knows how to make that time count. So in a way, he still gave me that break I was promised. He still gave George the daddy direction that was needed. He changed George's behavior to make the day easier on mommy. I am so proud to call him the father of my child. I am so proud to call him a devoted surgeon. I am so proud to call him a good guy and the best husband anyone could ever ask for. The "man" of the "moment" George. You are awesome.
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