Monday, May 9, 2011

Sisterhood of the "Pee Your Pants"...the laughter continues

A while back (Feb. 10, 2010) I blogged about my sisters and how we try to take trips together...always paired with tons of "pee your pants" laughter. Our latest trip, of course, was no exception to this practice. My sister, Carol(Sissy), shows how it all begins...and from this point forward it's nonstop!



Over the next few days I will be describing some of the things that made us "pee our pants" as we traveled together on a cruise to the Bahamas.



Bon Voyage!! Stay tuned!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

P's and B's

Lately I have been thinking a lot about Alzheimer's. I am hoping that my temporary loss of memory for simple words when I am making a statement is due more because of menopause than the other more frightening and sad disease. Sometimes I just get so mad and frustrated when I can't think of what it is I am trying to say. And even more upset when I forget to do something that should be second nature to me.

Hopefully I can also contribute this to an overloaded brain. I am told that our brains are much like a computer so it stands to reason that they can crash on a moment's notice.

This past week has caused major short circuiting with my brain. I had 25 people for dinner on Easter Sunday, then went to work Monday morning with two church bulletins to prepare because I am on vacation next week. I also had to pack up and relocate to another office in the church while my office is being renovated. Needless to say I don't know where anything is and feel quite disconnected at work. This is not good for someone known to be such a stickler for details and order!

So...today I began packing for my vacation, a cruise to the Bahamas with my sisters. I had most everything laid out and ready to go, but had to pack it in the suitcase. I had finished the laundry this morning, so after putting all of that away, I was good to go.

After about an hour and a half I had completed the task. I could not fit another thing in my bag...or my carry on. Both were stuffed full!

My honey and I had plans to go to dinner with some friends so I went to take a shower. I opened my drawer to get out some fresh undies. Even though I am forgetful, I do remember my mother telling me that you should never leave the house without wearing clean underwear. After all, you never know if you will be in an accident. Thanks for the advice, Mom!

Well, I stood there looking in my drawer and burst into laughter. There neatly folded and freshly laundered was every pair of Panties and every Bra I own. I had not packed even one in my suitcase!

So.....I unpacked the fully loaded suitcase a bit, refolded a few things, and squeezed in my precious Vic's attire. Now, for certain, my suticase is stuffed, even padded! ;)

Now let's just hope I remember to set my alarm to get up in the morning...and especiallly to put the suitcase in the car.

I'll fill you in with the details of the trip when I get back.

Where am I going again?

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Flower Guy

There are all types of guys out there. Ladies, you know that it's true!

Valentine's Day is one of those times that a guy's true self shows up. Here are a few kinds of guys that I am certain you can relate to...

The "candy guy" who goes straight for the sweet tooth...hoping you will at least share your treat with him.

The "perfume guy" who apparently likes you to smell a certain way that he finds pleasing.

Then there's the...

"sexy lingerie guy" who we know is telling you how he likes you to look!

Finally... there is the "flower guy" who really just enjoys seeing the smile on your face.

I am so glad that I married a "flower guy"!

Monday, January 31, 2011

An Empty Nest Keeps Happening Over and Over and Over and Over...

Sometimes I think I am living the movie "Groundhog Day". You know that movie...where he lives the same day over and over...every time he wakes up it is the same day...Groundhog Day...again and again and again.

Mine is more about kids leaving and returning and leaving and returning and leaving...the hinges on the door are worn out!

Honestly I am very happy that...#1...they even want to come back home while they are figuring out their lives...and #2...they really do want to be on their own so each stop is never "forever".

I love my nest to be full. It warms my heart. But I get even more excited when one of my littlebirds takes flight...even if it is for the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th time!

Each time has been a growth experience for them...and for me. Each time it is easier to let go and watch them set up their own nest. Each time my honey and I breathe a sigh of relief and "go a little crazy" with our new found freedom!

I look forward to waking up each morning with my honey by my side in a house that may be a tad empty, but full of love none the less.

I could do that every day for the rest of my life...over and over and over and over!

Monday, December 27, 2010

A Year of "Firsts" and Much "Change"

This year has been filled with "firsts" and "changes" galore!!

We spent the "first" few months trying to make sense of the sudden loss of sweet grandlittle bird, Carter. I am not sure I will ever be able to understand the loss of a child so innocent.

We somehow got through our "first" Easter without him. Last year Carrie was here at the BlessInn celebrating that holiday as an expectant mom of baby #2.

May brought about Will's College graduation. The door for him has opened to lots of "firsts" and "changes". The "change" for us was obviously more "change" in our pockets!!!

Then in June our hearts ached as the calendar rolled around to what would have been Carter's "first" birthday.

I held the "first" Grandy Camp for 3 weeks in June with grandlittle bird, Cailyn. We had a lot of fun, and I look forward to continuing that tradition every summer...but with one "change"...it will only be for one week in future years! Whew!

July brought life "changes" as my honey's parents...Namby and D'dad...moved in with us, followed quickly by littlebird Carrie and Chris and of course grandlittle bird, Cailyn. And...my honey left his job. Now that's some "change". Ditto on the Whew!

In August my honey had his "first" day with a new job. More travel, but he works out of the house...which is a nice "change". :)

October was spent preparing for grandlittle's birthday...the "first" she would celebrate here. It was a fun day for our little "Boo", the Halloween baby!

November brought about another difficult "first" as we had now spent a full year without grandlittle bird, Carter. Another day spent with much heartache.

The anticipation of Christmas, however, helped to "change" the mood a bit. This year was the "first" we would spend Christmas at the BlessInn as last year we traveled to Illinois for the holiday. This Christmas was also the "first" time Namby and D'dad did not play Santa for all the Wilkinsons...a "change" that has been difficult for everyone in the family.

One last "change" for us this year at Christmas was the retiring of the littlebird's Santa Sacks. After about 20 years of waking up to a sack FILLED with gifts from Santa, this year was the last. We did go out with a bang though!

"Change" is hard...and so are "firsts".

I am looking forward to a more uneventful 2011. Bring it on!

Hopefully the only "change" will be my hair color!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Happy 10 Year Anniversary

Just 10 years ago tomorrow, my honey and I renewed our vows at a beautiful ceremony at Hope Church in Illinois. All of our kids were there to share in the special day. We were just 6 months shy of our 25th wedding anniversary. It was a joyous moment, and it truly signified a new beginning. These last 10 years have been the best so far, and I wanted to say Thank You to my honey!!

In honor of that day, I have included below the vows that I wrote and said to my honey on December 23, 2000.

"I believe we were meant to be together. I believe that it's God's plan, so it has to be right. He has blessed us with four beautiful children, and they're the best gifts you could have ever given me...well...and the Barbra Streisand concert tickets!

I believe that we were meant to grow old together and share our grandchildren...and some day sit in our rocking chairs...on our porch at our house by the beach...holding hands...and knowing that we've found heaven.

I know this is right because God has answered my prayers and shown me the way back to you...and my heart is full again. I love you."


I love you, Lex and am so happy to have been blessed to marry you twice!!! XXOO

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Gotta love craft shows....

A while back I blogged about an "awesome" piece of "art" that I saw at a local flea market. I really am drawn to those types of things...you know...flea markets...craft shows...etc. I am always amazed at what I see.

It never fails...tucked between the fabulous deals and creativity...you can always find something that just catches your eye...something that just does not allow you to walk past without noticing.

Once again...I am speechless.