I'm hopping down a little bunny trail from my crafty blog today, but will be back in the next little bit with some completed pictures of Craft Cottage projects.
Bob's Marine training kicked in as we prepared for our 4th of July annual pilgrimage to visit my family. Operation Arkansas went into full steam ahead as the truck was cleaned and shined, gassed and oiled, and strategically pre-packed with suitcases the night before. I received a special Husband Waiver to do a last minute loading of my makeup and hot rollers. Departure time: zero dark thirty.
We arrived at our destination successfully (and without a lot of "unnecessary" stopping) and I got to meet and kiss on one of my brand new kinfolks! Are babies just not absolutely heavenly?
I laughed as I watched my daughter, Daisy, being so dramatic with her cousin as they watched the family firework extravaganza. Where do they get their flair for the theatrical?
Tears were shed too, as my sisters and I watch my Mother struggle with Alzheimers. She didn't know me much of the time and how I miss her! What a cruel disease and what a heartbreak for those, like my Daddy, (and my two sisters who live nearby), who live with its horrible affects on a daily basis. Yet...God was good to give us happy moments amongst the sad.
There were new adventures to be lived out as my husband enjoyed "playing" with a Big Boy toy! He had so much fun digging a hole! (and to think I was always happy with a little shovel and pail!)
No summer vacation is complete without a little swim time! I heard on the radio today that blended families, such as mine, can take up to seven years to truly gel. This picture allows me see how far we've come in a year and a half. Bob married me, a widow, and stepped in to be the father of my two youngest children. I am so thankful families can come together and love each other even when there is not a gene shared amongst any of us...we are a family!
Here is a goofy picture of me. Why? So much of the time my Mother was behind the camera taking pictures of us. I wish we had more pictures of her! So, on a whim, I took this silly picture of me while the kids were swimming. I want them to someday look at this picture and laugh, and know they had a silly momma who loved them!
Life is full of fun and fireworks, laughter and tears, fresh sweet babies to kiss, and dear old ones to hold close while you can. Cherish the moments and snap a few goofball pictures of yourself along the way. Your children will be glad you did!
what a great gift you are giving to your kids...the gift of silliness! They will treasure these pictures one day!
I'm sorry you had to look alzheimers straight in the face Melony, it is truly heart wrenching......I know you are "there" for your family through this awful time. Treasure your memories sweet friend!
Posted by: Robin | July 13, 2009 at 07:10 PM
What a wonderful trip with bittersweet moments too. I love your goofy pic. I took one like that this weekend and then deleted it. Now you make me wish I would have saved it.
Have a wonderful week Melony!
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | July 13, 2009 at 11:47 AM
What a beautiful family you have. I love it when we prove the statistics wrong. I have a blended family, 2 sons, and 3 step children, who all get along fabulously. They are all adults now, and are friends. I am glad that you found someone who loves you and your children. I hope your time with your Mom is good. Have a lovely Pink Saturday. Valarie
Posted by: Valarie Kraft | July 11, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Happy Pink Saturday, Melony! Fabulous post! Love the photo of Daisy and her cousin watching the fireworks! too cute. I'm sorry about your Mom. It's great that you have so many loved ones to share the sadness and the joy! BTW you look adorable in your funny photo. I know your children will cherish it!
Enjoy your visit!
Tina
Posted by: Tina @ Enchanted Rose Studio | July 11, 2009 at 08:05 PM
What a nice time it seems you had. Bless your mom!
Posted by: caren | July 11, 2009 at 07:27 PM
what a wonderful post...family is everything!
Posted by: karin@creativechaos | July 11, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Such a sweet sweet post. You are blessed to realize how much you have here. And, oh, yes, a family doesn't have to come from another family member...it can come from God thru another direction. I know this because there was no one in the world I loved more than my step father.
Happy vacation..happy summer.
xo bj
Posted by: bj | July 11, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Such a sweet post. My father just passed 2 years ago on my birthday from Alheimerz-- Such a challenging disease.
Great pictures to reflect and cherish.
TTFN~~Claudia
Posted by: Claudia@DipityRoad | July 11, 2009 at 06:49 AM
You have a point. I always avoid the camera because I look like a saggy old lady, but how will my grandchildren remember what I looked like?
That baby is just so sweet!
Posted by: mary | July 09, 2009 at 09:15 PM
Love you and your post Melony!
Posted by: Debbie | July 09, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Yeah! family!! You guys look like you had fun!
Hugs, Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | July 09, 2009 at 07:42 PM
I'm glad you had this lovely time, and your right, a few goofy pics can help.
Posted by: Dawn | July 09, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Great post!
Bittersweet, but more sweet than bitter.
I know, I've been there with my Mom and the same dreaded disease. Not that any disease is a good one to have, but we saw my Dad deteriorate physically, and my Mom deteriorate mentally, and it was much harder losing her, because even though my Dad's body betrayed him, he was still my Dad.
I'll keep your Mom in my prayers.
You have a beautiful family!
Posted by: Eileen | July 09, 2009 at 03:10 PM