More wedding prep.

Part of the fun in preparing for the wedding day is the showers.

We had a great day lots of food, and cake.  Getting gifts is part of the fun of weddings.   Mandy got stuff for the kitchen.  Stuff for the bathroom.  and Stuff that made her blush. 

I love this picture.  My baby, ever the lady.  I am so happy for her. 

I couldn't help it, these are just too cute.  I am so glad my family has a sense of humor.  Noah actually smiles like this a lot.  I of course gave them the green cupcake.  I also incouraged them to make a big mess with them.  What are Nanny's for.  I love these boys soso much.

I have decided to share the process of Mandy's preparations for her wedding.  Somehow Buttons have become the Theme of the day.  It started with the button on the box, and then we thought it might be fun to have the buttons around the base of the cake.  You can see that under the basket.  Mandy has had a heck of a time finding shoes she likes.  She is really not a heels kind of girl.  She wanted something comfortable, and simple.  So we went to a dance shop, and found her the perfect pair.  I offered broaches, and feathers, or lace to dress it up.  I was able to convince her to add a little vintage lace to the front.  But it needed a little something.  I happen to have more buttons.  So, we added those.  It ties her feet into all the cake. And we all know those need to match.  The nest, with birds will go on the third tier, second from the top,  of the cake.  I also made the garder making it look very vintage. 

We were talking about the flowers she was going to toss. and while strolling through Hobby Lobby, filling our basket with lots of unnecessary, but quite fun things, we came upon the orchids.  I said." You should throw those, at least then someone can use them for decorating."  Mandy actually thought that was a good idea.  See I do have some.  So I Tied the bottom, with ribbon, and added, you guessed it, buttons.  It is definately unique.  That is what she is going for.  I would say that this wedding will be Traditional, with an earthy feel.  Is that possible.  I don't know what makes buttons earthy, Maybe the birds make it earthy, and there will be curly willow on the cake and her bouquet, and in the arrangements at the reception.  We are almost there, we have 5 days. 

Help

Tori helped me set up my blogs, and I accidentally changed my background, and don't know how to fix it. 

Birthdays, and events

Today, my little boy turned 15.  I really can't believe how fast it goes by.  He is becoming a wonderful young man, Kind, talented. and most of all He loves the Lord, and seeks to please Him.  I am so proud of him.  HOWEVER.   He wants to drive.  No way It can't be time to drive.  I think I need to turn back the hands  of time.  I am not ready for my boy to take to the streets of Albuquerque.  He will be a good driver.  He is conceincious, and careful. Might I just add that he is a great back seat driver.  So it is that time continues to go by.  My children keep ageing.  And I don't.  Life is good.  It was also Broom Ball night with the youth group at church.  You have to dress up.  Tonight the theme was kids movies.  Austine gave his best rendition of Woody, From Toy Story.  The match is a dowel, with fondant on the end.  Shane.  is Russell.  When the movie came out.  I got calls from all my friends, and family saying The little boy on UP looked just like Shane.  So We made him a costume.  out of odds and ends. and I think they are right.  Shand is Russell.  He sounds like him, He looks like him, and he whines like him.  I especially love his heart, and his smile. 

Computer wars.

I find it increadably funny that my wonderful husband and I spend time together side by side.  Talking to each other on the facebook chat, so the kids can't hear what we're saying.  I guess as sad as this is, this is our new way of flirting.  Maybe it even qualifies as a date.  So we are watching Wild Hogs, over the top of our competers.  I am blogging, and Karl is writing his devo for his friends.  We have become so romantic.  I might add that Shane is complaining about how we are always on the computer.  What he doesn't know about Mommy's and Daddy's is that we have become quite proficient at multitasking.  I am not saying this behavior is right, and I don't intend to make it a habit.  So I must say so long for now, and attend to my son. 

Introvert???

I have been struggling with the fact that I don't feel like I fit in at church.  In fact, I somettimes wonder if I really fit anywhere (outside my husband, kids, and best friend).  I know it comes from my own insecurities.  I realize that everyone feels like this at times.  My head understands.  But I can't seem to get past it.  I have never felt like I belong with the family of my birth.  In fact, as a child I remember telling my mom I must be adopted.  She just laughed at me.  But I was so different.  So this goes way way back.  There have been times when as an adult, I have really felt like I belong.  I can play and laugh, and really relax.  This is usually with people that are smaller than me, and in grade school.  I have always said I am just a kid at heart. It's because I get along better with children.  But in the last couple years, I have changed.  I think I am growing up, and I think I should be with adults.  I joined the womans ministry.  Fear pouring from every pore of my body.  I realized I need help.  I went and had a visit with one of the pastors this week.  I explained my situation to him, and he smiled.  He told me something I will never forget.  He told me I am a round peg, in a square hole.  With questioning eyes.  I looked at him with total confussion.  I remember my mom telling me I was just DIFFERENT, than the others.  This sounded very much like the same answer.  Then he proceded to tell me I am an introvert.  WWWHHHHAAATTT?????  Wait a minute, I am the class clown, the talker in a group.  I am most likely to do a cartwheel in front of a crowd. and race the kids to the top of the tree.  NO, now it is my turn to smile politely, and tell him no.  He must be mistaken.  Then he askes me some questions, questions about personal prefferances while stressed, or to deal with being overwelmed.  I answered as honestly as I could.  I would rather go hiking with a friend, or drive around in a quiet car when I am stressed, than get together with friends to unwind.  I am uncomfortable while in a group, But I do well if I organize and run the group.  He said that is why I do so well with kids.  I am in charge.  Does this make me an introvert.  I am told to take a test, and bring the results back to him.  I am told that when I accept that I am by nature an introvert, and focus on my strengths, I will do better.  But I am also told that I will never feel like I fit.  I can observe, and counsel, and listen, and give comfort to others, I can even organize and run things, but I won't feel like I fit.  This is not the answer I want to hear.  He also told me I have done real well adjusting, and masking my insecurities.  In fact, I don't think there are many people that would discribe me as an introvert.  Karl, my husband says I even walk loud.  I really need to mull this over.  I think he might be right.  But I still want to feel like I fit.  I don't want to feel so insecure while in organized functions.  I think it is possible with help from my Lord, and spending more time in public.  We shall see how it goes.  For those who know me.  What do you think?

Things I really had to think about. ME

I read a blog with my daughter Abby today that had over fifty things about it's owner.  Abby thinks we should try this.  OK for anyone who knows me, you would know that I don't sit still long enough to do this.  This is a real challenge.  Plus, I am not sure I know fifty things about me.  So here goes.  OH, Abby is going to do it too, so hang on to your seats. 
1.  I was born in Marquette Michigan
2.  Both of my parents were Canadians
3.  My mom told me they were on a picnic in Michigan when I came out for lunch.
4.  It was January
5.  I am a Military Brat
6.  I love to move every four years.
7.  I have three sisters and 2 brothers
8.  I love the out doors
9.  I love to play sports
10.  But I don't like watching them too much.
11. I became a Christian when I was 18
12.  I had just become a parent.
13.  My husband and I hung out at some of the same places, probibly even met each other when we were young
14.  I have been a parent for 31 years
15.  My youngest child is now 10
16.  I would have more if I could
17.  I am now the grandmother to 4 beautiful boys
18.  I love my husband.  Good thing too.  We have quite a few years left on us.
19.  I want to bungie jump
20.  I want to sky dive too
21.  I am accident prone. Not a good thing.
22.  I love a good book
23.  Last one I finished was Crazy Love.
24.  Crazy Love was the first name for my Cake business.
25.  I have a cake business
27.  I decided to name it PS I Love You Cakes
28.  It's Because I ask too many people what they think I should do.
29.  My husband is a Christian Cowboy
30.  I am always on a diet
31.  I have tried all of them I think
32.  I am a size twelve now
33.  I love family dinners
34.  If I could disconnect my TV.  I would
35.  There are some shows I would miss
36.  I am learning to blog, and read others blogs
37.  I have a natural afro.  OK my hair is very curly
38.  I have gotten along with children better than grown people
39.  I am doing my first womans bible study. 
40.  Not including BSF
41.  My best friend lives in Texas
42.  I would love to be her neighbor
43.  I love to bicycle ride (fast) and slow
44.  I enjoy hiking.
45.  I use I too much
46.  Creamed spinich is yummy
47.  I am a bit obsessive about some things
48.  I like Christian Rap
49.  OK I like all music except screamo
50.  I did it, I sat long enough to do this.

OK It is Abby's turn
1. I like mustard
2. I play the piano
3.  I want to play tennis
4.  I have been in dance for 5 years
5.  I like to design things
6.  I want to be a DR.
7.  My favorite color is turquoise
8.  I like creamed spinich
9.  I am 10 years old
10.  I have brown hair with blond highlights
11.  I don't have a lot of jewelry
12.  I have three brothers and two sisters
13.  I am an auntie
14.  To an older nephew, and 3 younger
15.  I like hiking and biking
16.  I like to earn money
17.  I like it when I get to help mom make cakes
18.  I can make fondant figurines
19.  manicures, and pedicures are fun
20.  My sister is getting married next week and I am a brides maid
21.  I have lost 6 teeth
22.  I like to garden with my mom
23.  I have brown eyes and freckles
24.  I love to play American Girls
25.  I have read all the AG books.
26.  I love to read
27.  I sometimes fight with my brothers
28.  I can cook
29.  I need to learn to read music better
30.  I play by ear, and can create songs
31.  I am in the forth grade
32.  I am homeschooled
33.  My best friend is my cousin
34.  OK that doesn't count she is my cousin.  My best friend is Michaela
35.  I like to rock climb
36.  My dog is a schnouser
37.  His name is D.O.G.
38.  My ears are pierced
39.  I want 10 kids
40.  I like being in a big family
41.  We adopted the elderly couple across the street
42  OOps this is number one.   I LOVE JESUS
43.  I want to be baptized so bad
44.  I love to swim in the lake
45.  my favorite movie is Princess Diaries
46.  My favorite book is Amelia Earhart
47.  My favorite music is Classical
48.  I like Elise by Beethoven
49.  My favorite group is Barlow girl
50.  I love my daddy
We did it.  I just trashed my computer so my sweet husband had to go through and clean it up for me.  So I have no pictures to share.  I will post some later When we are all fixed.

Mandy is getting married.  I can hardly believe how much time has flown. It seems like just yesterday I brought her home from the hospital.  Patched her knees, Had the body cast removed, and watched her dance down the hallway in her tootoo, cowboy boots and  nothing else.  I have been praying for Eric since Mandy was born.  He doesn't know that, but I have.  I prayed God would protect him, and that he would Grow to know our Lord.  He would have to be special, because Mandy is special.  Now he is here.  I wasn't sure, But God was.  In His timing.  They will be good for each other.  They will continue to be on Mission together.  Growing and sharing.  In hard times, and in good times.  During sickness, and babies.  How exciting.  But I still can't believe how the time has flown.  We had her shower a couple weeks ago.  It is sometimes hard for me to not be in charge.  But I set back and let go.  It was nice.  We made dressed out of toilet paper.  I was impressed at the creativity.  There was lots of food. and friends.  Mandy got some real nice things.   And guess who made the cakes.. Usually One would have a cake for a shower.  But when your mom is a cake decorator.  Why not have five.  Carrot cake, Dreamsickle, Chocolate Kaluah chip, White raspberry and Apple spice cake.  All decorated differently, and tied together with Almond lace cookies, with indearing comments.  I think it went well.  I am happy for Mandy.  But let me say it one more time.  I can't believe my baby is all grown up and getting married.  Thank you God for answered prayers.  Eric is just what I prayed he would be.

Unwarrented Fear

I remember when I heard my dad died telling my friends I was afraid to go to his funeral.  My fathers family are Thai. and Buddhest.  I wasn't sure what a funeral would look like for my dad.  I am a Christian.  Not just in word, It is my life.   The day before my dad died I asked a pastor from his community to go visit and tell my dad I love him.  I wanted him to share the Gospel of salvation with my dad, because I knew I was not going to be there to see him before he died.(Even though I was really sure he would pull through.)   George, the Pastor, called me later to tell me that my dad responded to his message of love and forgiveness, even though he was in a coma.  I have hope for his future.  I arrived in California and my niece met me at the airport with my little sister/greatniece.  She told me the budda's were at the house, and had been there for three days.  A large community of Thai and American's were at the house, and this is the way they celebrate dad's life and death.  I arrived at the house, The street was packed with cars, and the house with people.  all seated on the floor or cooking in the kitchen.  I was told to remove my shoes, and walk on my knees to the Budda's so they can bless dad's children. (The ones that were there anyways).  I have a bad knee, and really felt strange about kneeling down before these men.  However I know my heart, this is not a problem.  I show my stepmom respect by conforming to her customes.  I am told to place an orange package on a white line.  I have no idea what this means.  Then the Buddha's begin singing and chanting.  I quietly retreat back to the couch, while all the woman pray to them.  It is all so interesting.  I catch the eye of my stepmom.  and the tears begin to flow.  A shrine is set up for my dad, lots of pictures, candles, insense, and food.  The Buddha's leave and the eating begins.  There are about 50 people at the house, and more Thai food than I have ever seen.  I love Thai food, I love the people and I love the culture.  I understand now why my dad loved it so much.  There are definately some things that took place that I don't understand, but the family made me feel like I was a very important part of the arrangements.  I was able to choose music, scripture, and pictures to be used at the funeral.  I gave my niece a Bible, and She chose Psalm 23 to be shared at the funeral.  She doesn't know the bible, but when she opened it the first time that is where it fell open to it.  I always thought we were outsiders in my dad's world, but I realize we were just a part of it.  The Funeral was interesting(heart wrenching really).  The viewing tore my heart out.  My dad was lying there, not looking like himself.  His crazy bushy eyebrows had been trimmed way back, and the nosehairs were gone.  But he had his fishing liscense, baseball cap, fishing cap, and some money for a taxi when he got to where he was going.  They even put his asthma meds in in case he needed it.  How funny.  I put a token in with him.  A gift I recieved from a friend before leaving to go out there.  It was a heart, with a tear taken out and a," In rememberance of ",on it.  Another piece to it was the tear itself.  But The tear was covered with a cross.  He covers my pain, He completes my heart, and fills the hole.  I Put it with my dad.  I am already complete, even though my dad is gone, I have my Father in heaven.  Dad's funeral started with a Thai,Buddhest, ceremony.  Music he loved, and all that goes with it.  We played a small part of it.  But We Are Not Buddhest.  We are Christian.  The second half was a Christian ceremony with a video of his life, and country music.  He got full military honors.  The Flag, the 21 gun salute, and taps.  It was beautiful.  He would have loved it.  I have never cried so much in my life.  But I am home now.  No worse for the wear.  I have gained a whole new understanding of family, and love.  I won't wait to share that love and forgiveness with family and friends.  We never know wheather there will even be a tomorrow.  I will live every day to the fullest.  My father in heaven gave me peace and comfort in California.  He gave me a Brother and Sister and Sister in Law to share my pain with.  Extended family to meet and have some laughs with.  Memories to cherish, and relationships to grow.  What a blessing my Father gave me.  I am so blessed. 

I had fun checking out the Jelly Bellies, and the Belly flops with my Brother and sister.  A special Field trip without the kids.  Between us we have 13 kids, and 7 grand kids.  But we went without them.  and took them the booty.