It seems time is slipping by ever so fast these days. One week ago today a dear friend, Linda unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord at the young age of 55. She was such a unique person, always wearing a smile and could make you laugh at the simplest of things. She was a carefree spirit. I met her in December of 1996 (when we lived in Owasso, Ok.) at McDonald's during their 101 Dalmation Toy Campaign. The girls and I were determined to get all 101,(without eating that many Happy Meals) and we did, with Linda's help! We got a rough start because she wouldn't trade a dog with me, little did I know this trading thing was a big deal! You made sure you got the better end of the trade, boy did I learn fast. She was my partner in crime when it came to collecting Happy Meal Toys. Just ask my girls. That was the beginning of my nearly 8 years of toy collecting. At one time I had over 2500 toys. We even did toy shows together, some of the funnest times in my life. I still have most of my toys, they are in bins in the garage (along with beanie babies, yes I know). I hope someday to be able to display them. I didn't collect from just McDonald's, no, I got them from everywhere, I even have all the Taco Bell talking chiwhaha dogs. I am still just a big kid at heart and I aint never gonna grow up!
Linda was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back, and never ask for anything in return. She loved animals and fishing. Loved being outdoors and could do trim work on building a house as good as her husband, Larry. You hand her a nail gun and she was ready to go. I am ashamed to admit it has been years since I've seen her. Many times when I would go to Tulsa, I would think of calling her, but she had moved and lived an hour away and seldom did I have enough time to go visit, maybe I should say (sadly) that I didn't make time. I talked to her some, but one of those friendships, too long taken for granted.
Even though I didn't keep in touch very well over recent years, I am blessed to be able to say that I was able to lead her to the Lord about 11 years ago when we lived in Owasso, OK. She started coming to Rejoice FWB and Larry would come with her sometimes. I was there for her when her brother was murdered. She wasn't the smartest cookie in the jar, but I will tell you this, she never stopped investigating his murder until SHE found the weapon and who did it! Sad thing was, the town where it happened had a big drug ring and the local authories were involved, so they shut her down real quick. It was hard trying to get her to trust God and wait for Him to pass judgement. Her life had been threatened and yet she never wavered. So strong, and yet some stupid infection got the best of her. Life just doesn't seem fair sometimes. I drove to Oklahoma Monday, then on to the funeral home to see her. As I stood there, regret flooded over me for not calling her two weeks ago while I was dogsitting for Libby and Wyatt. I had time then, before the wedding I had thought about trying to connect with her, but for some reason she never came to mind. Jim said I probably wouldn't have been able to go see her anyway, since my immune system is so low. But right now, in my heart that doesn't help any! This has been such a year of grief and loss, but I keep telling myself I WILL see them all heaven again one day. That's the hope I have for now, and I can only imagine what close family members are going through. My prayers have been going up for 11 families so far this year. That's just the people I know, and Praise God everyone of them were Christians!!!
I'm sorry to end so gloomy, but I guess the one thing that I have been reminded of too many times lately is never take things-time and people for granted. You may never see them alive again. Love like you never have loved and don't be too stubborn to say you are sorry. Grudges and anger have no time or place here, or at least they shouldn't. Take care my precious friends, and know that even if you don't hear from me often you are in my thought and prayers.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Explanation of pictures below...I'm still learnin'
Please be patient with me, I'm still trying to figure this whole blogging thing out.
Below are a few pictures from the wedding. I am having a hard time controlling myself because I have so many I want to post, but I am trying to be a good momma and let the bride display them. Although she doesn't have a blog, she may have to get with the program.
List of pictures: All the granddaughters and great granddaughters on my side-Sophia, Brianna, Libby, Lauren (Brianna's little sister), Calloway, and Cari. My side of the family. The three of us. Poppy and Calloway (you see who has her!). Me and my lovely girls. Cari and Libby, what a blessing they are. And last but not least (even if she is sideways)-our precious Calloway, isn't she cute...(I made her dress).
Below are a few pictures from the wedding. I am having a hard time controlling myself because I have so many I want to post, but I am trying to be a good momma and let the bride display them. Although she doesn't have a blog, she may have to get with the program.
List of pictures: All the granddaughters and great granddaughters on my side-Sophia, Brianna, Libby, Lauren (Brianna's little sister), Calloway, and Cari. My side of the family. The three of us. Poppy and Calloway (you see who has her!). Me and my lovely girls. Cari and Libby, what a blessing they are. And last but not least (even if she is sideways)-our precious Calloway, isn't she cute...(I made her dress).
Memories-from salon to studio...
These pictures are from when Libby and I were rearended two weeks before the wedding. The first one is the nice gentleman who couldn't stop and the second one is the police officer who came. My pastor is always telling us to find something positive about whatever happens. So we got proof for this memory! lol!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Finally, time for a break, the wedding is over!
I know most of you connected to my blog know that I have been very busy with getting things ready for the wedding. Life has really been a roller coaster lately. Today has been the first day I've had a blank spot on my calendar in months! The wedding turned out great and the bride was beautiful, if I do say so myself. Of course many folks say she gets her good looks from her mother! lol! The bridesmaids looked very stunning in their dresses and the groomsmen looked very sharp in their tuxes with hot pink vests and ties-I know they all loved that color! And Julie and Austin the flower girl and ring bearer were adorable. The wedding was very nice and formal, then the reception was fun and different. As far as I know it was all Libby wanted it to be, except some people weren't able to make the drive, or schedule conflicts, and she missed them not being there. There should be some more wedding pictures available after I get home on Saturday. I will try to upload some to facebook on Sunday. Hopefully the official photographer will have his online by the end of next week.
Even with all the pain caused from the accident 2 weeks before the wedding, I had so much fun sewing on Julie and Calloway's dresses and making all the airplane stuff for the wedding. This is like me in my element. Who knows what I would have come up with if I would have had a little more time and felt better. With getting to stay in the area this week I have gotten to see people at church and then with some visiting, that came to the wedding and it is fun to hear their thoughts on all the fun extras we did. Like the ice airplane floating in the punch. My mom and I made the mints in shapes of shoes, airplanes and polka dots, and the "Thank you" favors of chocolate and peanut butter airplanes for everyone to enjoy. Then as Libby and Wyatt were leaving they were bombarded with an array of small foam jet airplanes flying from all directions and altitudes!!! One even landed in her hair, thanks to pilot-Cari Burnett. Even the adults were getting into the airplane throwing... It was so much fun seeing everyone enjoy themselves and being kids again. Truly a time to remember. I will try to get some pictures of these things uploaded when I get home.
Libby and I have some great friends (and family) who helped with decorating and stayed to help clean up. We were out of the church by 9:30. Weddings are a lot of work (and money$$$), but when I get all done, I'm really a little sad because its over! Sounds crazy doesn't it? No more weddings for me, but that's okay. I am very happy for both my girls, I believe they have found their soul-mates and I trust God to richly bless their lives. I pray their love grows deeper and stronger with each passing day and that God is always the center of all they plan to do.
Oh, Oh, detail, can't forget this one-I ALWAYS cry at weddings, well normally-----anyway, don't ask me why, I have no clue. I made it through Cari's without crying, but honestly didn't know if I would with Libby's, cause she's my baby, the last one you know, some of you know, well no you probably don't because most all you bloggers out there have small children and the only thing you cry over is spilt milk....not really, oh, where was I, sorry, sidetracked, anyway, I almost teared up when she started down the aisle, then I said self, you can't do that and I made it without crying!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of myself. Now that doesn't mean that at the next one I won't shed a tear, because I probably will. But my goal was to not cry and I made it.
If you are reading this, thanks for sharing your hearts with us and for all the encouragement you bring to me. I may not have time to always make a post, but sometimes I do take a few minutes to read yours to lift my spirits or brighten my day, so for that I say thank you blogging friends.
Even with all the pain caused from the accident 2 weeks before the wedding, I had so much fun sewing on Julie and Calloway's dresses and making all the airplane stuff for the wedding. This is like me in my element. Who knows what I would have come up with if I would have had a little more time and felt better. With getting to stay in the area this week I have gotten to see people at church and then with some visiting, that came to the wedding and it is fun to hear their thoughts on all the fun extras we did. Like the ice airplane floating in the punch. My mom and I made the mints in shapes of shoes, airplanes and polka dots, and the "Thank you" favors of chocolate and peanut butter airplanes for everyone to enjoy. Then as Libby and Wyatt were leaving they were bombarded with an array of small foam jet airplanes flying from all directions and altitudes!!! One even landed in her hair, thanks to pilot-Cari Burnett. Even the adults were getting into the airplane throwing... It was so much fun seeing everyone enjoy themselves and being kids again. Truly a time to remember. I will try to get some pictures of these things uploaded when I get home.
Libby and I have some great friends (and family) who helped with decorating and stayed to help clean up. We were out of the church by 9:30. Weddings are a lot of work (and money$$$), but when I get all done, I'm really a little sad because its over! Sounds crazy doesn't it? No more weddings for me, but that's okay. I am very happy for both my girls, I believe they have found their soul-mates and I trust God to richly bless their lives. I pray their love grows deeper and stronger with each passing day and that God is always the center of all they plan to do.
Oh, Oh, detail, can't forget this one-I ALWAYS cry at weddings, well normally-----anyway, don't ask me why, I have no clue. I made it through Cari's without crying, but honestly didn't know if I would with Libby's, cause she's my baby, the last one you know, some of you know, well no you probably don't because most all you bloggers out there have small children and the only thing you cry over is spilt milk....not really, oh, where was I, sorry, sidetracked, anyway, I almost teared up when she started down the aisle, then I said self, you can't do that and I made it without crying!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of myself. Now that doesn't mean that at the next one I won't shed a tear, because I probably will. But my goal was to not cry and I made it.
If you are reading this, thanks for sharing your hearts with us and for all the encouragement you bring to me. I may not have time to always make a post, but sometimes I do take a few minutes to read yours to lift my spirits or brighten my day, so for that I say thank you blogging friends.
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