Monday, February 23, 2009
~Put the Kettle On~
I love my new red KitchenAid tea pot. Matt surprised me and got it for me as a little something for happy heart day.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
~Call Me Sentimental~
The other day I came upon a couple shoe boxes in the back of my closet.
However rather than shoes, the contents of the boxes were old letters, notes, cards, pictures and so forth. Some were drawings Spencer and Chandler had made for me when they were very tiny. Also amongst the treasure trove, were several Valentine cards Matt and I had exchanged~some dating 13 years ago!
As I sat on the edge of the bed and read them, for a few minutes, time seemed to stand still. I was taken back in time. It is difficult to even put into words how I felt. Some of the cards made me laugh out loud, others made me sigh and smile.
It was on Valentines Day 1996, that Matt first said those "3 little words" to me for the very first time. I know, I know Valentines' Day is such a Hallmark holiday and it is so cliche' to say "I love you" to a girlfriend for the first time on that day.
'Twas on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building in Chicago, with a jazz band playing in the background, that we had that first Valentine's day together.
I think back and laugh, because when Matt told me he loved me, I couldn't hear him over the music. I proceeded to LOUDLY say, "huh?!?"
Poor guy, he probably wanted to crawl quietly away from me.
But he didn't, he stayed, I stayed and we have been together for 13 amazing years. God is so goodto me! I have been blessed with love. And as Valentines Day approaches, and as those cards go back in the boxes, and as I store those past memories, I grab on to the present and the future and the promise of many more sweet memories.
I know this may be silly, and sentimental to write about, but to me it is how I am feeling tonight, and isn't that what blogging is all about anyway?
However rather than shoes, the contents of the boxes were old letters, notes, cards, pictures and so forth. Some were drawings Spencer and Chandler had made for me when they were very tiny. Also amongst the treasure trove, were several Valentine cards Matt and I had exchanged~some dating 13 years ago!
As I sat on the edge of the bed and read them, for a few minutes, time seemed to stand still. I was taken back in time. It is difficult to even put into words how I felt. Some of the cards made me laugh out loud, others made me sigh and smile.
It was on Valentines Day 1996, that Matt first said those "3 little words" to me for the very first time. I know, I know Valentines' Day is such a Hallmark holiday and it is so cliche' to say "I love you" to a girlfriend for the first time on that day.
'Twas on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building in Chicago, with a jazz band playing in the background, that we had that first Valentine's day together.
I think back and laugh, because when Matt told me he loved me, I couldn't hear him over the music. I proceeded to LOUDLY say, "huh?!?"
Poor guy, he probably wanted to crawl quietly away from me.
But he didn't, he stayed, I stayed and we have been together for 13 amazing years. God is so goodto me! I have been blessed with love. And as Valentines Day approaches, and as those cards go back in the boxes, and as I store those past memories, I grab on to the present and the future and the promise of many more sweet memories.
I know this may be silly, and sentimental to write about, but to me it is how I am feeling tonight, and isn't that what blogging is all about anyway?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
~Just Words~
On the way home from Washington, we stopped to visit Steve and Sarah Nebel. They are always so gracious to have us in their home, even though the time there is usually limited.
Sarah gave me a beautiful 2009 calendar that she had made for me, each month is graced with a great photo she took over the year. The French toast pie was delicious and the perfect thing for the brisk morning that we left Nebel's.
From there we drove to Wellman to visit my mom at the care center.
She was sitting in the dining area waiting for lunch. She was thrilled to see Spencer and Chandler and couldn't sop hugging and kissing them. Mom enjoyed hearing the boys sing several Christmas carols for her and we read some verses from Psalms together. She loved her Christmas gift of slippers and lotion. She was in a nice mood and wanted to talk. This always makes for a nice visit. It was hard for me to leave this time.
After seeing mom, we drove to West DesMoines and stopped for lunch at Matt's Aunt Carol and Uncle Ron's. We had a nice visit with them, catching up on family news and reminiscing of years ago. I love those great stories about when Matt was little and oh so naughty! Thank you for such a wonderful time, Ron and Carol.
Christmas this year was special. We never regret the busy time, because it always involves being with the ones you love. Nothing is more important than family. That is why making memories is a big focus of my life. I am thankful for each and every member of my family, Jaquis', Schaefer's, Frier's..... I know how much God has blessed me for allowing them to be part of my life.
Now a new year has begun. I have goals this year. I want to learn more. I pray God helps me to be used for Him, daily...on good days and bad... even in small ways. Happy New Year!!
Sarah gave me a beautiful 2009 calendar that she had made for me, each month is graced with a great photo she took over the year. The French toast pie was delicious and the perfect thing for the brisk morning that we left Nebel's.
From there we drove to Wellman to visit my mom at the care center.
She was sitting in the dining area waiting for lunch. She was thrilled to see Spencer and Chandler and couldn't sop hugging and kissing them. Mom enjoyed hearing the boys sing several Christmas carols for her and we read some verses from Psalms together. She loved her Christmas gift of slippers and lotion. She was in a nice mood and wanted to talk. This always makes for a nice visit. It was hard for me to leave this time.
After seeing mom, we drove to West DesMoines and stopped for lunch at Matt's Aunt Carol and Uncle Ron's. We had a nice visit with them, catching up on family news and reminiscing of years ago. I love those great stories about when Matt was little and oh so naughty! Thank you for such a wonderful time, Ron and Carol.
Christmas this year was special. We never regret the busy time, because it always involves being with the ones you love. Nothing is more important than family. That is why making memories is a big focus of my life. I am thankful for each and every member of my family, Jaquis', Schaefer's, Frier's..... I know how much God has blessed me for allowing them to be part of my life.
Now a new year has begun. I have goals this year. I want to learn more. I pray God helps me to be used for Him, daily...on good days and bad... even in small ways. Happy New Year!!
~Christmas in Iowa~
We always look forward to our annual Frier Christmas. Aunt Pris always has the house decorated so beautifully. And all the kids, big and small, can hardly wait for the Hunt of the Nativity. I think there ended up being 39 total nativities all over the house.
Part of the excitment is when we are sitting around talking and we hear the back door open. It is so fun to get up and greet the next family who has arrived. I call the area between the kitchen and dining room the "hugging zone" as every one takes their turn greeting and hugging the new arrivals with their luggage in hand.
Once everyone gets settled in, we all catch up on each others goings on over the past year. Sometimes I just sit back and take it all in. I can hardly believe where time goes when I see and hear of all the travels and schooling and lives in general of my cousins. (sniff) I am so proud of them all!
For Christmas dinner, we traditionally have had chili and oyster stew. This is completed with relish trays, tortilla wraps, cookies, candies and crackers and cheese. All the beauty comes together as it is all served on the blue Starry Night Wachtersbach dishes. This year, however, much of the hard work and dish washing was eliminated as we all 27 of us went out to dinner. Thank you so much Aunt Pris and Uncle Jim! What a nice surprise that was!
Our annual "program" is after dinner and clean up are over. Many moons ago, I was one of the ones who was displayed to sing or play a Tannenbaum song on the piano. Those years are happily long past. Now, it is my children who I encourage to get up and use their talents for the Lord. This year, Chandler played a piano solo and Spencer did a violin solo. They also sang "Love Reached Down" as a duet. Trilby and Angelique played and sang as well. And what an accompianest Trilby is! Keep up the great work!
Following the program, we read the Christmas story and pray. Then come the dozens and dozens of presents. What a wonderful time we had together.
Grandpa and Chandler
Part of the excitment is when we are sitting around talking and we hear the back door open. It is so fun to get up and greet the next family who has arrived. I call the area between the kitchen and dining room the "hugging zone" as every one takes their turn greeting and hugging the new arrivals with their luggage in hand.
Once everyone gets settled in, we all catch up on each others goings on over the past year. Sometimes I just sit back and take it all in. I can hardly believe where time goes when I see and hear of all the travels and schooling and lives in general of my cousins. (sniff) I am so proud of them all!
For Christmas dinner, we traditionally have had chili and oyster stew. This is completed with relish trays, tortilla wraps, cookies, candies and crackers and cheese. All the beauty comes together as it is all served on the blue Starry Night Wachtersbach dishes. This year, however, much of the hard work and dish washing was eliminated as we all 27 of us went out to dinner. Thank you so much Aunt Pris and Uncle Jim! What a nice surprise that was!
Our annual "program" is after dinner and clean up are over. Many moons ago, I was one of the ones who was displayed to sing or play a Tannenbaum song on the piano. Those years are happily long past. Now, it is my children who I encourage to get up and use their talents for the Lord. This year, Chandler played a piano solo and Spencer did a violin solo. They also sang "Love Reached Down" as a duet. Trilby and Angelique played and sang as well. And what an accompianest Trilby is! Keep up the great work!
Following the program, we read the Christmas story and pray. Then come the dozens and dozens of presents. What a wonderful time we had together.
Grandpa and Chandler
Chandler always loves the decorations of Grammie Frier's house. He took a few of these pictures.
Aunt Pris, Sandy and Marcia
Uncle Jim, Tom, and Nate
My favorite are the antique decorations on this tree . The red hots were gone again from the drum.
~Games and more~
Chandler was eagerly anticipating his turn in the white elephant. This look was too great to pass up with out a few clicks from my camera.
Some of these moments were hilarious. We were all cracking up at the affects that Wii boxing has on these two guy's hips. I am not sure if they were boxing or dancing. 
Tom had to hand over the sweet basketball he scored in the gift exchange. I think the basketball was a great idea. The best gifts are the ones that everyone has their eye on and that was the case here. Tyler ended up being the lucky winner!
From the left, Wilson, Jeff, Beth, Tyler, Alex and Bryn.
The Leppert family.
From the left, Wilson, Jeff, Beth, Tyler, Alex and Bryn. Thanks for coming out here guys!
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