Thursday, June 18, 2009
MY SWEETHEART
I have been lucky enough to have been blessed with 2 wonderful men in my life.
And as Father’s Day approaches I want to honor both of them.
The first is Craig - my husband and the father of my children.
I love him so much…How blessed I am to have him in my life.
I met Craig on a blind date…
Dawn was dating his Uncle Darrell and Craig had just returned from a mission in Australia…no one like the girl he was dating…so they lined us up on a blind date.
I did not want to go as Dawn had lined me up with a few guys and they could all be classified as “worst dates ever”…but because of the situation I agreed to go.
I was told his name was Craig Winthrop, he was blind in one eye and going to dental school…I was not excited. However that description was not accurate.
He came to the door and all changed. I thought he looked like Ryan O’neal.
(If you watch his slide you will see one picture that slightly resembles Ryan O’neal)
It was love at first sight…at least for me. It took a 2 or 3 months to convince him…but finally he was caught. Life has not been without squabbles and struggles…but I can honestly say I have never regretted that catch in my life.
Craig is a great Dad. He has never been afraid to have fun…I was always the party poop in our house. His children are so important in his life. As they were growing up, he loved taking them fishing, hunting, to their ball games. Sometimes I think they would have rather had him stay home from their ball games. But there was no keeping him away…There was nothing he loved more than to watch them play ball…Soccer, baseball, basketball…or whatever. He loved anything a kid loved…I think that is why they got along with him so well.
He was always willing to sit through the girls dance recitals…they were not quite as exciting as a ball game to him…as a matter of fact he suffered during any dance that his daughter was not in.
He was not just their dad…he was their friend.
Craig is an awesome Grandpa…He worries more about his grandchildren than he ever worried about his own…I think that is caused by finally growing up.
Craig always has a funny story and everyone loves to hear them…from jumping off the house onto the tramp and breaking his tail bone to his jeep driving down the street without him…and about a thousand in between.
Craig is sensitive…he cries at a movie long before I do.
Shopping is hard, actually it is tortuous for him, but I love it when he does it for me.
A while ago when trying to figure out what to get me for Christmas he told one of the kids that he just wanted to get me something that would make me feel like a million bucks. I loved that…He is so cute.
He however did love shopping for me for Mother’s Day…He gave me my very own gun…it is kind of a cute one too.
Craig is a hard worker. Most of our married life he has worked more than one job to make ends meet. I don’t know if he realizes how much that means to me…It makes me sad sometimes that he always had to work so hard
Craig is spiritual…I love to see him study the scriptures…and he loves doing that. Church history is among his favorite things...I marvel at how much he knows and how well he understands.
I could go on forever…He is the best…
I Love you Craig…HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!
And as Father’s Day approaches I want to honor both of them.
The first is Craig - my husband and the father of my children.
I love him so much…How blessed I am to have him in my life.
I met Craig on a blind date…
Dawn was dating his Uncle Darrell and Craig had just returned from a mission in Australia…no one like the girl he was dating…so they lined us up on a blind date.
I did not want to go as Dawn had lined me up with a few guys and they could all be classified as “worst dates ever”…but because of the situation I agreed to go.
I was told his name was Craig Winthrop, he was blind in one eye and going to dental school…I was not excited. However that description was not accurate.
He came to the door and all changed. I thought he looked like Ryan O’neal.
(If you watch his slide you will see one picture that slightly resembles Ryan O’neal)
It was love at first sight…at least for me. It took a 2 or 3 months to convince him…but finally he was caught. Life has not been without squabbles and struggles…but I can honestly say I have never regretted that catch in my life.
Craig is a great Dad. He has never been afraid to have fun…I was always the party poop in our house. His children are so important in his life. As they were growing up, he loved taking them fishing, hunting, to their ball games. Sometimes I think they would have rather had him stay home from their ball games. But there was no keeping him away…There was nothing he loved more than to watch them play ball…Soccer, baseball, basketball…or whatever. He loved anything a kid loved…I think that is why they got along with him so well.
He was always willing to sit through the girls dance recitals…they were not quite as exciting as a ball game to him…as a matter of fact he suffered during any dance that his daughter was not in.
He was not just their dad…he was their friend.
Craig is an awesome Grandpa…He worries more about his grandchildren than he ever worried about his own…I think that is caused by finally growing up.
Craig always has a funny story and everyone loves to hear them…from jumping off the house onto the tramp and breaking his tail bone to his jeep driving down the street without him…and about a thousand in between.
Craig is sensitive…he cries at a movie long before I do.
Shopping is hard, actually it is tortuous for him, but I love it when he does it for me.
A while ago when trying to figure out what to get me for Christmas he told one of the kids that he just wanted to get me something that would make me feel like a million bucks. I loved that…He is so cute.
He however did love shopping for me for Mother’s Day…He gave me my very own gun…it is kind of a cute one too.
Craig is a hard worker. Most of our married life he has worked more than one job to make ends meet. I don’t know if he realizes how much that means to me…It makes me sad sometimes that he always had to work so hard
Craig is spiritual…I love to see him study the scriptures…and he loves doing that. Church history is among his favorite things...I marvel at how much he knows and how well he understands.
I could go on forever…He is the best…
I Love you Craig…HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!
MY DAD
My Dad…How can I possibly describe him…Handsome, Generous, Loving, Spiritual, Strong, Sensible, Supportive, Gentle, Considerate, Mender, Protective, Respected by all and so much more.
I have so many great memories of my dad.
Dad never told me what to do, but he had this way of making you want to do what he felt was right without actually telling you to do it. I think part of it was that great respect he gained from everyone who knew him.….having been a Bishop in Murray for many years, it seemed he knew everyone. I remember when I was in High School, every time some one would call and ask me out, I would of course ask him if I could go…he in turn would call their Bishop. Then he would come to me and say: "Sis" If you knew what just found out about this young man you would not want to go with him." My verbal response would be…"Okay" but my mind was thinking: "I wouldn't???????" I think I probably
He loved nature. Among the treasures of his that I have in my possession is a tape of birds singing. We had gone to Big River on our way to the Grand Canyon and then had stopped in Bryce National Park on the way home. All along the way he carried his little hand held tape recorder and every time he would hear a bird chirping or singing out came the recorder. I loved watching Jared wonder around the field when he had his horse…checking the fence and the gate and just puttering around the pasture…It was just like watching Dad.
Dad could fix anything. Nothing ever lost it’s value until it absolutely could not be repaired.
If you were to ask Craig what memory he had of Dad…he would probably recite the story of being at Moon Lake and the annual Steak Fry. Craig bumped into dad’s arm somehow and caused him to drop his steak on the ground. Dad just looked at Craig and said: “Ah Hell” and went into the camper…He did not come out the rest of the night.
Although a very serious man…he could be kind of silly.
He cut his own hair for as long as I can remember. It was gray…closer to white…also as long as I could remember. He wore the top quite long and combed it back. He used to pull it forward and it would fall down past his nose. I thought that was the funniest thing ever. That was one thing he continued on with the grandkids and they loved it. I can remember them begging him to pull his hair down.
I miss him…He could always make things better…He may not have been able to change things…but he could always make it better. He had just the right words to say…just the right approach…just the right spirit.
I remember being in Yellowstone and feeling sick. I was laying on the bed in the cabin and Dad started to laugh this silly laugh and he just kept laughing until he made me forget that I thought I was sick and started laughing with him.
One time while Craig and I were dating I had invited him to go to the Ponderosa fishing on Labor Day. Sunday night he called and said that he could not go…his own father wanted him to go fishing with him. I was crushed. I had a car stereo that another guy had given me and because I was dating Craig I had chosen not to put it in my car.
As I stood there with my broken heart and cried…Dad looked at me and said: “Hey let’s go put that stereo that that nice young man gave you in your car. We were out there until I think 2:00 in the morning putting that stereo in my car.
I remember one winter when I did not have a coat that looked very good. One day Dad walked into my house and held up a hundred dollar bill and said: “Hey sis, look what I found out in the drive way…it had a note on it that said a new coat for Pam.”
Another time we had been out to get firewood, the lug nuts on the wheel of our truck came off as we were driving around Deer Creek Reservoir. The damage was such that we needed a whole new wheel. Dad showed up at our door with a bottle full of 50 cent pieces that he had been saving…just enough for a new wheel.
He was so unselfish…Had he been a millionaire none of us would have wanted for a thing.
Dad made everyone feel like he was their best friend. Craig always said that he felt like he was his favorite son in law…but as Dad’s funeral one of the men who spoke said:
“Don Bagley made everyone feel like he was their best friend.” Craig just looked at me and smiled…then whispered…”That is what I thought…guess I was wrong.”
If there was one thing I was raised with it was the knowledge that I was loved.
I never left the house without being told: “I love you sis.” I treasure that memory.
I knew without even the slightest doubt that my father loved me…that he loved me enough…that if necessary…he would give his life for me.
Oh how I miss you Dad. We will all remember you on this Father’s Day…The great man that you are…The great legacy that you left for us. I Love you Dad…HAPPY FATHER’S DAY♥
I have so many great memories of my dad.
Dad never told me what to do, but he had this way of making you want to do what he felt was right without actually telling you to do it. I think part of it was that great respect he gained from everyone who knew him.….having been a Bishop in Murray for many years, it seemed he knew everyone. I remember when I was in High School, every time some one would call and ask me out, I would of course ask him if I could go…he in turn would call their Bishop. Then he would come to me and say: "Sis" If you knew what just found out about this young man you would not want to go with him." My verbal response would be…"Okay" but my mind was thinking: "I wouldn't???????" I think I probably
He loved nature. Among the treasures of his that I have in my possession is a tape of birds singing. We had gone to Big River on our way to the Grand Canyon and then had stopped in Bryce National Park on the way home. All along the way he carried his little hand held tape recorder and every time he would hear a bird chirping or singing out came the recorder. I loved watching Jared wonder around the field when he had his horse…checking the fence and the gate and just puttering around the pasture…It was just like watching Dad.
Dad could fix anything. Nothing ever lost it’s value until it absolutely could not be repaired.
If you were to ask Craig what memory he had of Dad…he would probably recite the story of being at Moon Lake and the annual Steak Fry. Craig bumped into dad’s arm somehow and caused him to drop his steak on the ground. Dad just looked at Craig and said: “Ah Hell” and went into the camper…He did not come out the rest of the night.
Although a very serious man…he could be kind of silly.
He cut his own hair for as long as I can remember. It was gray…closer to white…also as long as I could remember. He wore the top quite long and combed it back. He used to pull it forward and it would fall down past his nose. I thought that was the funniest thing ever. That was one thing he continued on with the grandkids and they loved it. I can remember them begging him to pull his hair down.
I miss him…He could always make things better…He may not have been able to change things…but he could always make it better. He had just the right words to say…just the right approach…just the right spirit.
I remember being in Yellowstone and feeling sick. I was laying on the bed in the cabin and Dad started to laugh this silly laugh and he just kept laughing until he made me forget that I thought I was sick and started laughing with him.
One time while Craig and I were dating I had invited him to go to the Ponderosa fishing on Labor Day. Sunday night he called and said that he could not go…his own father wanted him to go fishing with him. I was crushed. I had a car stereo that another guy had given me and because I was dating Craig I had chosen not to put it in my car.
As I stood there with my broken heart and cried…Dad looked at me and said: “Hey let’s go put that stereo that that nice young man gave you in your car. We were out there until I think 2:00 in the morning putting that stereo in my car.
I remember one winter when I did not have a coat that looked very good. One day Dad walked into my house and held up a hundred dollar bill and said: “Hey sis, look what I found out in the drive way…it had a note on it that said a new coat for Pam.”
Another time we had been out to get firewood, the lug nuts on the wheel of our truck came off as we were driving around Deer Creek Reservoir. The damage was such that we needed a whole new wheel. Dad showed up at our door with a bottle full of 50 cent pieces that he had been saving…just enough for a new wheel.
He was so unselfish…Had he been a millionaire none of us would have wanted for a thing.
Dad made everyone feel like he was their best friend. Craig always said that he felt like he was his favorite son in law…but as Dad’s funeral one of the men who spoke said:
“Don Bagley made everyone feel like he was their best friend.” Craig just looked at me and smiled…then whispered…”That is what I thought…guess I was wrong.”
If there was one thing I was raised with it was the knowledge that I was loved.
I never left the house without being told: “I love you sis.” I treasure that memory.
I knew without even the slightest doubt that my father loved me…that he loved me enough…that if necessary…he would give his life for me.
Oh how I miss you Dad. We will all remember you on this Father’s Day…The great man that you are…The great legacy that you left for us. I Love you Dad…HAPPY FATHER’S DAY♥
Monday, June 15, 2009
.....................HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY
Becky is our fourth child. She was born June 15, 1980. The 15th was Father's Day that year…so I should have known she would be a Daddy's girl and that she is. There is a very special something between the two of them…
Becky was supposed to be a boy. From the very beginning…everyone said she was a boy.
But one night, when I was about 6 months pregnant, Mindie and I were home alone and she said to me: "Momma, Heavenly Father did not come down and tell me, but I know our baby is a sister." I spent the next 3 months trying to convince Mindie that her sister was not a sister, but was indeed a brother. I cannot tell you how excited I was on that Father's Day when I delivered a little girl. We did not have a name picked out for a girl and someone asked Mindie what we were naming her new sister and she said Rebecca Marie…and so we did.
Although we had our sister…she was a little bit of a Tom Boy, which her father loved.
He loved to take her to her ball games…I am not sure if she like him taking her…he seemed to cause a little commotion… when she was playing on the high school team she finally had to ask him not sit by the team…it bothered her coach. Still they have a very special relationship…every girl should be so lucky. He loved to take her and her girlfriends camping and fishing and just about anywhere they would go with him…That is still one of the things he loves. He lights up when she enters the room.
I tried the dancing thing with her for a while…and it went well…but still she loved the sports. To this day her favorite things to do are to go golfing with her husband and watch the fights. Not many husbands are fortunate enough to have a wife that loves those things…Rob, you are one lucky guy. Not only does she love the things you love, she has a love for you that is undeniable to any one watching the two of you.
Becky is truly an amazing person.
No matter what her situation in life was, or what standards her friends were keeping…she always held to hers. Her testimony radiates from her very being and she is an example to anyone who gets to know her.
Becky is the most loving, giving, generous person I know. No matter what she may be going through…her concern is you and whatever your needs are.
And her talent…it is extraordinaire!!! One day I just know she will be a famous writer. That is her dream…to write…and I know one day she will accomplish that dream.
Becs has a great relationship with her brothers and sisters…I think she has a little of each one tied to her heart…and how could you help it. If you ask anyone of her 12 nieces and nephews who their favorite aunt was, they would tell you Becky. And there is reason for that. She is so loving, so supportive and so genuine with each one of them…they know, without question that she loves them.
We, her mom and dad, could not be more proud of her. You are Beautiful in absolutely every way. How blessed we are to have her be a part of our lives.
Becky, we love you…Happy Birthday.
Becky was supposed to be a boy. From the very beginning…everyone said she was a boy.
But one night, when I was about 6 months pregnant, Mindie and I were home alone and she said to me: "Momma, Heavenly Father did not come down and tell me, but I know our baby is a sister." I spent the next 3 months trying to convince Mindie that her sister was not a sister, but was indeed a brother. I cannot tell you how excited I was on that Father's Day when I delivered a little girl. We did not have a name picked out for a girl and someone asked Mindie what we were naming her new sister and she said Rebecca Marie…and so we did.
Although we had our sister…she was a little bit of a Tom Boy, which her father loved.
He loved to take her to her ball games…I am not sure if she like him taking her…he seemed to cause a little commotion… when she was playing on the high school team she finally had to ask him not sit by the team…it bothered her coach. Still they have a very special relationship…every girl should be so lucky. He loved to take her and her girlfriends camping and fishing and just about anywhere they would go with him…That is still one of the things he loves. He lights up when she enters the room.
I tried the dancing thing with her for a while…and it went well…but still she loved the sports. To this day her favorite things to do are to go golfing with her husband and watch the fights. Not many husbands are fortunate enough to have a wife that loves those things…Rob, you are one lucky guy. Not only does she love the things you love, she has a love for you that is undeniable to any one watching the two of you.
Becky is truly an amazing person.
No matter what her situation in life was, or what standards her friends were keeping…she always held to hers. Her testimony radiates from her very being and she is an example to anyone who gets to know her.
Becky is the most loving, giving, generous person I know. No matter what she may be going through…her concern is you and whatever your needs are.
And her talent…it is extraordinaire!!! One day I just know she will be a famous writer. That is her dream…to write…and I know one day she will accomplish that dream.
Becs has a great relationship with her brothers and sisters…I think she has a little of each one tied to her heart…and how could you help it. If you ask anyone of her 12 nieces and nephews who their favorite aunt was, they would tell you Becky. And there is reason for that. She is so loving, so supportive and so genuine with each one of them…they know, without question that she loves them.
We, her mom and dad, could not be more proud of her. You are Beautiful in absolutely every way. How blessed we are to have her be a part of our lives.
Becky, we love you…Happy Birthday.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
.......................Mom
I find myself thinking a lot about my Mom this time of year.
She was an incredible woman…My only hope is that I can be just a fraction of the what she was.
My Mom, Rhea Afton Coon Bagley, was born on November 4, 1921 in Pleasant Green Utah, now known as Magna, to John Bert and Hannah Charlotte Ek Coon.
She grew up in Magna on the corner of 3500 South and 8400 West and went to Cyprus High School.
She married my Father, Donald Franklin Bagley, on June 3, 1940 and after 8 years of marriage on June 2, 1948 they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. The 3 daughters they had at that time were sealed to them the following day, June 3, 1948.
She left this life on January 18, 1998. Oh how I miss her. There are still days that I almost pick up the phone and dial her number. I long to talk to her…to ask her advice…to hear the comfort of her voice…to tell her that I love her.
As I think of how to describe her, the words that come to my mind are:
Beautiful, Loving, Selfless, Compassionate, Concerned, Giving, Spiritual, Faithful, Supportive, Caring, Nurturing, Thoughtful, Patient, Kind, Generous, Forgiving,Understanding, Sensitive, Affectionate, Hard Working, Compassionate, Graceful, Proper, Well Mannered, Dignifid, Gentle and Practical. She was all these things and more… and she was Always…Always a Lady.
That is one of the lessons she taught…to always be a lady. I remember when I would question what I should wear when I was going somewhere, she would always tell me that a lady is never out of place in a dress…she maybe out of place wearing pants…but never in a dress.
Mom was the most unselfish person I have ever known. Her life was truly devoted to her family.
She made life special…There are so many fun memories.
One of my fondest memories is the clothing she would sew for me. It was important to her for us to have the same stylish clothing that all the other kids were wearing. And where money was not available to buy them…she sewed them for us.
There are 4 outfits that I remember very well. One of my favorite was a soft orange blouse and a floral patterned skirt. The blouse had a very specific name, but I can not recall what it was. But it had short sleeves with ruffles around the band that edged them; it buttoned down the front with the same tiny ruffles on both sides of the panel. I was probably 10 or 11 and I was so proud of that outfit…I remember it like it was yesterday.
When I was in 9th grade I was invited to the 9th grade dance…she made me a beautiful dress of pink taffeta with a tiny black pattern on it. It had long sleeves and tiny ruffles down the front that were edged in black…I felt like the best dressed girl at the ball.
A few years later for the Jr. Prom she made me the most beautiful dress ever.
It was white chiffon that gathered and flowed from a high neckband of white sequins.
No ruffles on the sleeves this time…matter of fact…there were no sleeves on this dress…actually there were no shoulders either. (I can't believe she let me wear that) She created a masterpiece that made me feel like Cinderella herself.
The last of my four favorites was the Wedding Gown she made for me. (This gown can be seen in my Wedding Picture below). I recall her sitting up late into the night cutting out and sewing on the lace appliqués on the dress and veil. What a precious gift it was to me.
Growing up going to the Drive In was a very special occasion. Mom took us to every Doris Day movie that ever came out. Mom and all us kids would pile in the car (Dad always passed on this one) and head for the Motor View Drive In. Now this was not an impromptu thing. It was very planned out…we spent the day preparing. We baked cookies, popped popcorn, boiled hot dogs and put them in a thermos to keep them hot, we made kool aide and bought green licorice…yes green licorice…it truly was the best. Then we piled in the car with our pajamas and blankets and pillows…I am not sure how we all fit.
I remember a birthday party that she threw for me. It was probably my 12th.
All my friends sit around a long table in the living room and she served us homemade pizza…but it was not your traditional round pizza. This one was baked in a square pan and cut into square pieces. Why that is so distinct in my memory I am not sure…I only know it is embedded as a special time in my life.
Mom was patient…or at least she did not let you see otherwise. In the 46 years that I spent on this earth with her I only remember her getting upset with me one time. I have been told there were a couple of times that she spanked me…but I don't remember them…she truly was serene.
As years rendered her older…we then had opportunities to take her on outings and vacations.
Today we laugh as we share the experiences and tell the stories, but we find that each one is a beautifully treasured nugget.
I never questioned whether my mother loved me…I knew she did. It was evident in her every action. And there was never a day I did not feel the love I had for her. I regret the days I felt impatient with her and wish I had more deeply cherished her every moment while she was still here.
I will always remember the day she left this life. She lay quietly in a hospital bed surrounded by her children and her grandchildren. I do not question that Daddy was also at her side, waiting…maybe just a bit impatient, to take her home with him. Love flowed deeply from all sides.
I believe that she was sad to leave us...for as her spirit lifted from her body, leaving it still, a tear fell from each eye…
The day we dressed her for her burial…as I looked at her I realized more deeply, how truly beautiful she was…Her skin was so soft and flawless, the smile that still existed on her sweet face was so warm and her lifeless body still radiated the love she had always shown us.
How I miss you Mom…How blessed I am to have been a part of your life and to have had you be a part of mine.
She was an incredible woman…My only hope is that I can be just a fraction of the what she was.
My Mom, Rhea Afton Coon Bagley, was born on November 4, 1921 in Pleasant Green Utah, now known as Magna, to John Bert and Hannah Charlotte Ek Coon.
She grew up in Magna on the corner of 3500 South and 8400 West and went to Cyprus High School.
She married my Father, Donald Franklin Bagley, on June 3, 1940 and after 8 years of marriage on June 2, 1948 they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. The 3 daughters they had at that time were sealed to them the following day, June 3, 1948.
She left this life on January 18, 1998. Oh how I miss her. There are still days that I almost pick up the phone and dial her number. I long to talk to her…to ask her advice…to hear the comfort of her voice…to tell her that I love her.
As I think of how to describe her, the words that come to my mind are:
Beautiful, Loving, Selfless, Compassionate, Concerned, Giving, Spiritual, Faithful, Supportive, Caring, Nurturing, Thoughtful, Patient, Kind, Generous, Forgiving,Understanding, Sensitive, Affectionate, Hard Working, Compassionate, Graceful, Proper, Well Mannered, Dignifid, Gentle and Practical. She was all these things and more… and she was Always…Always a Lady.
That is one of the lessons she taught…to always be a lady. I remember when I would question what I should wear when I was going somewhere, she would always tell me that a lady is never out of place in a dress…she maybe out of place wearing pants…but never in a dress.
Mom was the most unselfish person I have ever known. Her life was truly devoted to her family.
She made life special…There are so many fun memories.
One of my fondest memories is the clothing she would sew for me. It was important to her for us to have the same stylish clothing that all the other kids were wearing. And where money was not available to buy them…she sewed them for us.
There are 4 outfits that I remember very well. One of my favorite was a soft orange blouse and a floral patterned skirt. The blouse had a very specific name, but I can not recall what it was. But it had short sleeves with ruffles around the band that edged them; it buttoned down the front with the same tiny ruffles on both sides of the panel. I was probably 10 or 11 and I was so proud of that outfit…I remember it like it was yesterday.
When I was in 9th grade I was invited to the 9th grade dance…she made me a beautiful dress of pink taffeta with a tiny black pattern on it. It had long sleeves and tiny ruffles down the front that were edged in black…I felt like the best dressed girl at the ball.
A few years later for the Jr. Prom she made me the most beautiful dress ever.
It was white chiffon that gathered and flowed from a high neckband of white sequins.
No ruffles on the sleeves this time…matter of fact…there were no sleeves on this dress…actually there were no shoulders either. (I can't believe she let me wear that) She created a masterpiece that made me feel like Cinderella herself.
The last of my four favorites was the Wedding Gown she made for me. (This gown can be seen in my Wedding Picture below). I recall her sitting up late into the night cutting out and sewing on the lace appliqués on the dress and veil. What a precious gift it was to me.
Growing up going to the Drive In was a very special occasion. Mom took us to every Doris Day movie that ever came out. Mom and all us kids would pile in the car (Dad always passed on this one) and head for the Motor View Drive In. Now this was not an impromptu thing. It was very planned out…we spent the day preparing. We baked cookies, popped popcorn, boiled hot dogs and put them in a thermos to keep them hot, we made kool aide and bought green licorice…yes green licorice…it truly was the best. Then we piled in the car with our pajamas and blankets and pillows…I am not sure how we all fit.
I remember a birthday party that she threw for me. It was probably my 12th.
All my friends sit around a long table in the living room and she served us homemade pizza…but it was not your traditional round pizza. This one was baked in a square pan and cut into square pieces. Why that is so distinct in my memory I am not sure…I only know it is embedded as a special time in my life.
Mom was patient…or at least she did not let you see otherwise. In the 46 years that I spent on this earth with her I only remember her getting upset with me one time. I have been told there were a couple of times that she spanked me…but I don't remember them…she truly was serene.
As years rendered her older…we then had opportunities to take her on outings and vacations.
Today we laugh as we share the experiences and tell the stories, but we find that each one is a beautifully treasured nugget.
I never questioned whether my mother loved me…I knew she did. It was evident in her every action. And there was never a day I did not feel the love I had for her. I regret the days I felt impatient with her and wish I had more deeply cherished her every moment while she was still here.
I will always remember the day she left this life. She lay quietly in a hospital bed surrounded by her children and her grandchildren. I do not question that Daddy was also at her side, waiting…maybe just a bit impatient, to take her home with him. Love flowed deeply from all sides.
I believe that she was sad to leave us...for as her spirit lifted from her body, leaving it still, a tear fell from each eye…
The day we dressed her for her burial…as I looked at her I realized more deeply, how truly beautiful she was…Her skin was so soft and flawless, the smile that still existed on her sweet face was so warm and her lifeless body still radiated the love she had always shown us.
How I miss you Mom…How blessed I am to have been a part of your life and to have had you be a part of mine.
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......................Through the Years
Top Quality Wedding Flick...Don't ya think?
Our first pictures after we were married. Craig left for Boot Camp two days after this picture.
Pam, Craig, Mindie, Jared
Jared, Pam, Chris, Craig, Mindie
Mindie, Jared, Craig, Chris Becky, Pam
Mindie, Pam, Sarah, Craig, Jared, Becky, Chris
Jared, Craig, Mindie, Chris, Pam, Sarah, Becky
Chris, Craig, Jared, Pam, Bridget, Becky, Jeremy, Sarah, Mindie, Maddie
What can I say.....
Mindie, Jared, Pam, Craig, Sarah, Chris, Becky
So here we are today...okay 3 1/2 years ago and...and yes we are missing a few Grandkkids in this picture and Trevor, but we are working on an update...
