to the last of the greats

This is my Grandma Mickie. 

Her real name is Agatha. 

She turned 90 on December 9th, 2012.

Can you imagine... living on this earth for 90 years, especially the past 90 years. She lived through the Depression Era, she grew up in a time where girls didn't go to school after 8th grade, she worked on her parents farm, left home at 17 and was married and with child by 20. She has lived through her husband's passing, her only daughter's passing, and her only son's passing. She's been through seven wars including World Wars One and Two, Vietnam and the Gulf. She knew life before microwaves and computers and when they called cars "automobiles". She's seen the world change.

Yesterday, December 27, 2012 

at 10:19am

She passed away.

This was her wish. She was ready to go, and we were ready to let her go. On angels wings she flew up to be with her family. We will miss you Grandma, but we are at peace because you are finally at peace.

Dear Courtney

Dear Courtney,

This Halloween is a big one for you. You want to trick or treat with your high school friends instead of with your cousins. I get it. I understand. It was a hard decision to make (more difficult for me that your father), but we are allowing you to walk around, hand in hand with your boyfriend, surrounded by your very best friends, and solicit candy in an unfamiliar area without your mother and father looking over your shoulder.

Sigh, it is so hard to let go.

I know you are smart enough to follow the rules. I know you are smart enough to Not test your father's and my decision to let you go with your friends. I know you will not abuse the priviledge of staying out into the dark hours of night.

Last night while going over the details with you about tonight's rules and events, you informed me that you did not want to use your trick-or-treat bag.

Gasp!

You were careful to choose your wording, as to not hurt my feelings, but you wanted to try out using a bag like the other kids. You gave good reason. You're 14. You're in high school. You'll be trick-or-treating with your friends. I tried to remind you that you have never cared what others think, and that you have carried this bag around every single Halloween of your entire life. You kindly, very sweetly declined. I tried.

I try to keep you and young at heart as I can. Truly I have succeed in so many way. You enjoy crooner music, you dress modestly, compared to so many young girls at your school who find it necessary to flaunt their newly developed breasts and as much midsection as possible without getting dress-coded. You still watch cartoons and Disney movies.

I know you are growing into a very smart, and respectful young lady. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. I know that I will continue to have to let out the leash, and give you more space to explore the world. But never forget that you will always be my first born, my baby girl, and most of all, the very wise words from Grandpa... Be A Kid As Long As You Can, You Have The Rest Of Your Life To Be An Adult.

I Love You Sissy,

Momma

consider me reminded, again...

This is my father in law. Ted Coen. 

He died 12 days ago. Twice. 

And God brought him back to us. Twice. 

This man has been a second father to me since I first met him, 17 years ago. To lose him would be like losing my own father... again. I can not explain the emotional roller coaster that our family have been on the past two weeks. I am deeply grateful for the love and support of our friends and family. And I am even more grateful for the hundreds of people who had prayed for Ted, and for our family. People who don't even know us, praying for God to be with us. And he was. He touched each and every one of us, and he gave Ted back to us here on earth. 

This reminder that life is so precious. Life is so short. By the miracle of God are we granted another day. This has been another life changing event for us all. I believe that God has given us this miracle to show how truly great he is, and that in times of sorrow and sadness he is still there for us, loving us and blessing us even though we are sinners and even though we don't feel worthy. God is So Incredibly Good!

Consider me reminded, again...

spring break looks more like winter

Saturday. 3:40am. We began the 12+ hour journey to Mountain Retreat in Northern California. I absolutely LOVE road trips and this one was by far one of the absolute best I've ever had! The kids had no idea where we were going or how long it would take to get there. We saw So.Much.Country that we were all in such a great mood! None of that "Are We There Yet" or "She's Poking Me" or "He's Bugging Me". It truly was great. 

When we arrived, it was snowing. We checked in, and then hurried back down the hill two miles to the cute little grocery store in the cute little town of Arnold, CA. We got back, had a little meal, and relaxed in front of the wood burning fire until our eyes became sleepy and we went downstairs to our bedrooms.

When we woke up... it had snowed. Alot. And it was magical.

By far, one of my most favorite things in the world is to wake up to a world covered in white. Seems so peaceful and full of new life, new beginnings. Where anything is possible.

Today we are headed back into town for some snow shoes and bibs for the kids, and some sleds. The kids are so excited about all this snow, the first thing they did was go out and have a snowball fight and make a mini snowman on our main floor back patio. My plans are to stay as dry and as warm as possible, but also get some really great photos and do a lot of reading by the fire.

I'll be updating more frequently on Twitter and Facebook (if you wanna follow me there).

When I get back I'll post a bunch of photos and give you all the deets of our winter-like spring break!

13 years

Cam to gif

Happy 13th Anniversary, Hubs! 

riding dirty

So, this weekend the hubs and I took the Rhino out and went on a ride that we've wanted to do since we bought our Rhino (nearly three years ago). 

View Larger Map

We went out with a group... the hub's Grandpa and our neighbor rode in one Razr, the hub's best friend Ry and his friend were in another Razr, and the hub's other friend Tommy rode his Quad. 

The weather was absolutely beautiful, but it was chilly. There was still snow on the ground!

It was a really fun ride, and I enjoyed watching the scenery change from saguaro cactus to pine trees. Once we arrive at our destination, the Crown King Saloon, we all sat and had a few well deserved (and desired) beers with some yummy lunch.

 

(I need this sign)

It was such a great day, such a great ride. I can't wait to go again... we'll take the kids next time. 

What did you do this weekend? Did you get outside and enjoy the weather?

On the Eve of Christmas...

Christmas Eve is always a big event around Mom's house. Friends and Family come and gather for good food and to celebrate Jesus' birthday!

After eating glazed ham, homemade tamales, beans and rice, and other yummy foods we get together to read the story of the birth of Christ, and sing Christmas carols... when suddenly, we hear bells ringing...

It's Santa! Come to bring each kid a gift before he goes out and gets started on his busy night! (We have had this tradition as long as I've been alive!)

Once Santa leaves the party, most of the guests follow... the kids gotta get home and in bed so that Santa can come visit their home and leave gifts for them.

Which brings us to Christmas Morning... 

up next!

to the hubs

photo play

Have you notice... le' blog got herself a facelift. hehe

thanks to the genius known as Pugly Pixel I have (yet again) played with this here blog ... And... that's not all...

I did this too! Okay, I can't take credit for the photo (I gotta give it up to the sweet girl), but I did manage to lay a patterned background and flip some cool text down on it. Yeeeah buddy! So, I'm just a wee bit excited. I like learning new things. Who doesn't! hehe 

Go ahead and browse around on Pugly Pixel's website... and just let the creative mind play!

All right, all right, I'll let you get on with your day. 

Happy Friday!