Wings As Eagles: Family
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Dustful of memories

Dusting. It's a chore in any house that needs to be done. It's the one cleaning job I like and dislike at the same time.

I like it because it's quiet. It lets me think, make mental to-do lists or organize my day while I'm doing something else. I can carry my ipod in my pocket, turn on music, a book or program and make my way from room to room with a dust cloth and dust brush. Why do I dislike it? Come on, you know how I stay away from dirt and dust as much as possible!! ;)

Nothing was different this week as I put on gloves, grabbed my dusting tools and started in the kitchen with the ceiling fan and skylight. I really, really love the dusting brush I have because it has a handle about 18" long that allows me to reach the the ceiling fan and high places (ok, I admit--I STILL end up standing on a chair in addition to that, but still...it helps!) and yet the handle isn't long enough that I hit everything behind me as I'm working.

As I'm working, one thing that crosses my mind is that I really should add this wonderful little cleaning tool to my wedding registry list. It's something I'll put to good use. I've already made note of it on my "Will Need" list when I move, but it would be a good registry item. Hmmmm...I'll have to take another look at Bed, Bath and Beyond. :)

This particular dusting brush we've had for years and it has memories all of it's own. It was one that Grandma had given to Mom for Christmas one year at my uncle's in Denver. The funny thing is that that particular brush didn't make it home with us; it ended up staying there accidentally and Grandma ended up buying Mom another one.

It was that same brush that us girls loved being able to dust with. Perhaps because of the pink and purple colors in it?? Mom never totally loved it like us girls did. She claimed that it was only "brushing" the dirt from one place to the next. Not dusting it up and getting rid of it. She preferred to use a dust cloth. Our dusting habits slightly differed from hers. But ultimately, the house still got dusted efficiently every week.

The handle has been bent in half and straightened many times. It's gone behind the fridge and under the stove to collect items out of reach. It's dusted the clock high on the wall every week. And it's the very same one that dusts off the entry way hanging light that Luke constantly hits his head on every month.

It's just a dusting brush. It's old. It's well used. It's been washed, hit against the side of the house to rid it of the dust it's gathered and had Endust sprayed on it too many times. But it holds memories in addition to the dust. Every time I pick up that brush, the thought runs through my head, "Mom didn't like this as much as a dust cloth."

And every time that I dust something with it instead of a dust cloth, I can't help but think, "Mom wouldn't have dusted this with this."

It still collects dust. That filthy, fluttery stuff. But it's also collected memories all of its own through the years. Maybe I'll replace this one with a new one for Dad to keep and pack this old pink and purple one to take with me to Colorado. Wonderful memories that it holds!

Hmmmm.....:)

Monday, November 29, 2010

November whirlwind weeks!

November has seemed like a flurry of activities! Not only was I in three states (in addition to Kansas!) this month, but there just seemed to be plenty going on!

Week 1 - I made a quick trip to Oklahoma City over two days. My main reason for going was to do some specific wedding shopping, but it also was a fun opportunity to spend a little bit of time with Jena. I have to make those times count--her schedule keeps booked up enough that it's tough to find a couple days that she has free! Jena is training to run the Dallas marathon in December. That Saturday I was there, she was up and running by 5:30 am til about 8:30--16 miles! Glad it's her and not me! I'd never make it!

Week 2 - Kansas City, Missouri! Yep, you guessed it--wedding shopping! Erinn and I spent some time in Kansas City specifically shopping for wedding gowns, which I am soooo, sooooo happy to say I finally found! Yay!! Yay!! Cross that 2000+ mileage search off my list! Believe it or not, I actually was able to find just what I wanted! Hooray! Plus the days spent with Erinn, Noah and some of her family were a treat!

Week 3 - At church we had a Fall Festival meal instead of our annual traditional fellowship meal the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I always love being able to help with that. Saturday and Sunday were busy days getting everything prepared, then serving the meal and then cleanup. But definitely good times!

at Joe & Karen's wedding!

Some friends at church, Joe & Karen--their wedding was the 20th! That is the first of three weddings coming up in the next year in our church (mine being the third!). For some strange reason I look at weddings a little bit differently now than a year ago--can't imagine why! ;) It's fun to see the different ideas in decorations, flowers, tables, programs, etc--anticipating what I'll do in May!

Luke was here the third weekend this month! He was here just as long as he usually is--Saturday night through Monday, but it seemed like a short trip for some reason. Of course, I had lots on my list to discuss and do. That always seems to be the way it is.

We found these invitations that fit Dodge City perfectly
but not quite the theme of my wedding!

Week 4 - Thanksgiving week! This was the first Thanksgiving in two years that we've been home! And a first that just Dad and myself were here. Last year we went to Kentucky to visit Ryan and Krissa and the year before we went to Alabama to visit Krissa who was working there. This year Jena had to work all weekend and since Ryan and Krissa were just home in August, they stayed in Kentucky. So Dad and I spent a nice, quiet day at home and then went to Tim & Erinn's house for dinner. Perfect day!

And then this last weekend in November I'm in Colorado spending several days with Luke and doing more wedding planning/shopping!

What a fun, exciting and busy month!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Family Pics!!!

When Luke, Ryan, Krissa and Jena were home at the end of August, we managed to squeeze in a set of family pics! I've been waiting for years to get a set of family photos on the wall in the hallway and finally now have it! Yay!!!!!!! I'm so thrilled!!!







Friday, October 8, 2010

Perhaps a bit neglected?!

I think that I've neglected my blog just the littlest bit over the past few weeks. :)

--Perhaps a lack of exciting things to share? Hmmm, maybe.
--Could it be that there are just not enough hours in the day to do everything? Well yes, but I think that all year long!
--Slightly side-tacked with wedding planning and organizing? Yes, that's it!!

The last month I have to admit, that's where much of my time and focus has been. Even though my wedding is not until next May, there's some things that need to be decided and booked now. And I can't complain at all, because I'm loving every bit of it! Last month I was in both Oklahoma City and Colorado Springs for a while and the reason? Wedding related, of course! Ahhhh, but it's nice to have two larger cities to visit easily. Not only do I enjoy the greater shopping opportunities, but also seeing the people that live there. ;)

Dad's been hectically busy the last month. First with planting wheat and then harvesting milo. It seemed strange to be cutting milo in September/October as last year Dad was still cutting in December! After a couple of weeks with long days spent out in the field, he finally finished!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Marvelous weekend!

This coming weekend just might seem a little dull compared to last weekend! Luke, Jena, Ryan and Krissa were all home last week and it was splendid! Ok, I admit, it was a little busy and crazy, but still wonderful!

Ryan and Krissa brought home pics and the video from their wedding, which was so fun to see! It's amazing to see how much you miss when you are in the wedding. Plus us girls could easily go back and say, "This is why that happened" and "Do you remember that?" and "That was crazy!" Ahhh---good times!

Plus we spent time at church, time with other family members and even managed to take family pics while everyone was together! Perfect! It worked out great!

Hopefully we got in all our laughter and chatting sessions for the year since it will be a while before Ryan and Krissa are back in Kansas. Thank goodness for facebook, email, and cell phones!

Monday, August 16, 2010

August? Wasn't this month supposed to slow down?

Yeah, that's what I thought too! July--craziness! August--nothingness! What was I thinking?!?!? lol!!! Yes, perhaps not as busy as July, but plenty of things to continue to occupy my time.

It seems as though I've spent weeks catching up on email, business, orders, blogging, photos, sisters, cleaning, cooking and just plain life!! But I have to admit--I wouldn't change one thing I did in July!

Ok, so let's see.....I spent the first two weeks this month recovering from the previous events. You know, when you're physically gone for just about 4 weeks, dust tends to build up, cats tend to get lonely, and mail piles really high! ;)

Luke was here for a few days this month and we spent some time discussing wedding plans, talking, going to the rodeo, laughing, scouting out photo spots all over Dodge and just spending time together! Fun times!!! :)

This week? I'm headed to Iowa to spend a week with Joanna! I'm soooo excited! It's been a whole entire year since we've seen each other! Of course, that can't be too horrible considering the fact that we didn't even know each other the first 19 and 24 years of our lives! :)

The end of the month? Luke, Jena, Ryan and Krissa are all coming home for the weekend! All of us home at the same time--yep, it's been about a year since everyone's been home at the same time! I'm looking forward to it!

Maybe September will be normal? You think?! I'm not sure if I should plan on that or not....;)

Saturday, July 17, 2010

What a difference a year makes!

This past month I've been reflecting over the past year and I'm still amazed at all God has brought about! Huge changes to our family! Good changes! Happy changes! Unexpected changes! Fun changes! It's unbelievable to look back over the last twelve months and see God's amazing hand in our lives day after day.

A little over a year ago, Krissa moved to Lexington and met Ryan. At that time and even a year ago this July, none of us would have guessed she would be married a year later.

A year ago, I had met Luke, but at that time he was nothing more than just my best friend's brother. If you would have told me I would have been engaged in a year; I'm not sure I would have believed it!

Someone at camp asked me what I had been doing over the past twelve months since last year. My response? Lots! Yes, what a difference a year makes! It's been an exciting year and I'm so looking forward to the next twelve months!!!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Ryan & Krissa - THE wedding of the year!!!

We had a blast being in Kentucky for the week of Ryan and Krissa's wedding! Lots to do! Lots of work! But ohhh, soooo much fun!!! And such a beautiful wedding!!! All six of us bridesmaids plus Krissa spent a week full of laughs, fun times and memories that we'll never forget! And that was all before the wedding day!

I came home with over 1600 photos on my camera and it's been sooooo much fun to remember the memories from that week!

Here's a few pics from rehearsal with more here.....

Krissa & Dad!!

Claire (Krissa's friend from BJU) & Jena!!


How neat is that????

Three sisters & three brothers!!!

Our family!!!

Us!!!!

Wonderful!!!

And the most hilarious table of the night?? Ours, of course!!! :)


And here's a few pics from the wedding with more here.....


Krissa's PINK shoes!!!

6 bridesmaids plus the bride!!

sisters!!!!

We had a blast together all week!!!

Ahhhh.....yes!!! The shoes!!!

Ok, so by Friday night, we were a little crazy!!! :)

Caroline, Jena and I!!!!
Two of the sisters!!!!

Ryan & Krissa!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Finch!!!! :)

Wonderful Dad!!!!

More bridesmaid fun!!!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Dad -- there's just no one like him!

My Dad. Marvelous and wonderful Dad. God has blessed me beyond measure in allowing such a wonderful, Godly man in my life all these years!

Several months ago Erinn and I were talking about our Dads and one thing she said struck me as being so very true! "There's just something about Dads and as daughters, being loved and cared for by them. Who else cares for you unconditionally and has no other interest than desiring the VERY best for you?" She's right; no one at all, no one....other than our Heavenly Father.


I was reminded of that so clearly last week as we spent time in Kentucky for Krissa's wedding.

As Dad willingly washed and cleaned vase after vase after vase...

As Dad willingly drove all over Lexington to find cleaning supplies, clothespins and hangers just for us....going out on a separate trip for each item because we neglected to tell him all we needed at one time...

As Dad willingly drove us girls home, to the church, home, to the church, etc. arriving just at the time we asked...

As Dad willingly helped press bridesmaid dresses and Krissa's gown, even though that's not the typical thing he does...

As Dad willingly draped fabric from pew to pew, hung up silver bows all over the church, set out glass vases and stripped leaves and thorns off fresh roses...


As Dad willingly shopped all over Lexington for a pink dress shirt to wear just because Krissa asked him to...

Why did he do all that without complaint? Because he loves us; he cares for us--his daughters! As I was standing at the front of the church watching Dad and Krissa walk down the aisle a week ago Friday, I was reminded of that very fact. And as I looked at Dad, tears started forming and I had to look away to keep them from streaming down my face in front of a crowd of people.

The look of love, joy and pure content was on his face! I know without a doubt how much he loves us! And how thankful I am to God in providing a father who seeks the Father's will, has taught us to follow Christ and who loves us unconditionally!!



Saturday, June 5, 2010

A few days in Kentucky...and more coming!

A couple weeks ago I flew out to Kentucky to spend some time with Krissa and Ryan, get some sewing accomplished and help Krissa with more wedding details! It was a great trip and we were able to get quit a bit done. And I was thrilled to have the majority of sewing for her wedding out of the way. A few more things to finish right before the wedding, but that shouldn't be too bad.

What did we do the few days I was there in addition to sewing???? Hmmmmm.....let's see....watch Ryan play softball, getting together with Ryan's mom and brothers, running around and shopping all over Lexington, talking, laughing, facebooking, emailing, chatting and totally enjoying being together! And on top of all that it was the perfect weekend to be there as I was able to attend one of Krissa's showers as well!




And in another couple of days, we're are headed back east to that state of Kentucky for the actual wedding! What a busy, crazy and fun week that will be!!! :)

Saturday, May 22, 2010

The best birthday gift EVER!! :)

In and amongst daily life, there's another important part of my life that I haven't shared on my blog as of yet. That "important part" is a special someone who came into my life last November...well, maybe I should say August....hmmm...I guess technically it started 2 1/2 years ago in Chicago at a Bernina National Teacher's Retreat......

But that's another story for another time....

That special someone is Luke Nabeta. And he gave me the best birthday gift I could ever ask for - asking me to marry him! :) I could write a huge long blog post about him and the last few months, because I'm very excited about it and cannot believe how God has blessed in so many ways!! But for now....here's a few quick pics! :)

my beautiful ring!! :)

Friday, March 12, 2010

Kentucky Trip Part 4: A few last highlights and the "relaxing moments" trip home.

Throughout the entire time Jena and I spent in Lexington, we had so much fun and just enjoyed being together with Krissa and Ryan. There are so many moments that we'll remember for years to come! Here's just a few more highlights from our week!

You can see the remaining pics from our trip here.

Jena couldn't endure an entire week without running!! But considering the fact that she's planning on running a full marathon in April, I guess she has to be prepared for that!

Krissa and I! We were still smiling after a few slightly hazardous driving episodes. :)

Emily and Jena choose to stay in the backseat. Good idea - probably safer. Ryan would agree! :)

Love those expressions!! Can't wait to see the people behind them again!!

Us three!!!

Of course, eating pickles was all part of the plan! And popcorn! And ice cream! So much for well-balanced meals!

Yes, we started on the third, last and large jar of pickles, thanks to Miss Muscles! ;)

We, again, filled Krissa's car up with gas - it didn't take her quite as long to guess what we did this time. :)

And then my dear sister opens up the car door and looks like this! Yeah, I was scared to death! Wouldn't you be the same?! :)

And then the journey home! Our first flight out of Louisville was delayed, which of course delayed everything else. So we...er...had some relaxing (i.e. waiting in an airport) moments. Quite a few of them, actually. And of all things - did you know that Atlanta does NOT have free wireless internet?? What's this world coming to?? Sitting in that airport happened to be our longest relaxing moment. Of course! :)

We did get back to Oklahoma City with all our luggage intact. Glad to be home. Thrilled with the week we had with Ryan and Krissa. Thankful for a safe trip and fun family times. And then the feeling of....I really have to get back to work now after a week-long vacation, but I just don't want to.....