A Review of 2012 -- Part II

APRIL

Lyle went on a Missions Trip to the Dominican Republic with the high school group from Redding Neighborhood Church.

They were involved in a work project:

Spent time with people and played with the kids (sorry, I could NOT get this picture to be right):

And ended the trip with some sightseeing and a trip to the beach:

Attended the wedding of my special friend, Alyssa Gorman:

Got to hang out with some dear, dear friends, Gene and Rita Colbert.  I worked at NVBC for years with Gene, and he was one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PEOPLE!!!

Lyle turned 18!!!  Gramz gave him Papa's shotgun for his 18th birthday:

My Uncle Les passed away.  The Hencratt Family celebrated his life in Cottonwood with a nice service and time of fellowship afterwards:

Lyle took Donnel to U Prep's prom.  They went with a group of friends and had a great time:

MAY

Bob and I took a trip to the coast to visit Hilary and Ethan.  We helped Hilary move into a restored Victorian house in Eureka.

A visit to the coast MUST include a trip to Samoa Cookhouse for breakfast:

And a hike through the forest to see all the fascinating things the Forestry majors have checked out on field trips.  It's soooo great to go with Ethan because he points out all kinds of interesting things and explains them.  LOVE THAT!

And a trip to the Eureka Zoo: 

 

Hilary and I attended a bridal shower for her childhood friend, Jordan:

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Lyle traveled with the RCHS Choir to compete at the Association of Christian Schools International Music Competition:

To be continued...

Friday Night Treat

"Mom, you can lay on the couch and read while I cook dinner."  WOW!!!!

Lyle made a recipe he found on Pinterest for mini deep dish pizzas.  They were made in a muffin tin and were sooooo delicious!!

What a fantastic Friday night treat for me!!!  Love my son!!!!

Mother-In-Laws

With Hilary’s wedding fast approaching, I have been thinking a lot about my new role and title I will have - “mother in law”.  The mother in law has long been a common topic for stand-up comedians.  And who hasn’t heard plenty of the mother in law jokes?  Stepping into a new role with negative models to guide you is difficult.  I know what I don’t want to be.  I’ve seen some cold, critical mothers in law and heard some horror stories.

But, on the other hand, I also know what I want to be  --  a loving, kind mother-in-law.  I know I want to build a lasting relationship with my new son-in-law, Ethan.  I know I want him to enjoy being in my company and feel like a truly welcome member of our family.  I know that if I make the effort to build a strong relationship with Ethan it will also have a positive effect on his and Hilary’s marriage.

For the past several months, I have been asking for advice and reading articles on being a mother-in-law.  My findings?  Relationships do not happen overnight; they take time to create a bond. ( I have an advantage in this area since Hilary and Ethan have been dating for three and a half years.)  One article I read shared that you should approach your son-in-law with an open heart, loving and welcoming.  And, I couldn’t agree more.  There is always room in my heart for one more person to love (and worry about lol).

Some advice I’ve received or read and want to put into practice:

Rarely give advice but listen and compliment often

Treat your son-in-law as a friend, not like you are his mother.

Remember that your son-in-law is a person with his own interests, feelings, needs, beliefs, opinions, history and traditions. Don’t look for faults or criticize.

Don’t  make negative comments to your daughter about her husband.  This causes hurt feelings and can drive a wedge between you and your daughter.

Always remember that you are a guest in their marriage and home!

Love UNCONDITIONALLY!

Be willing to let your son-in-law make mistakes.

Be patient and forgiving!  And…ask for forgiveness when you are
  wrong or have overstepped your boundaries as a mother-in-law.

Don’t gossip about your son-in-law to other family members.

Maybe the best piece of advice I received was from an older lady.  When I asked her how to be a good mother-in-law to Ethan, she said, “Love him to pieces and KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!”  (Probably good advice for many of my relationships!!!)

My Third Child

In June of 2009, God blessed me with a third child!  Although not a child by birth, Ethan was placed in my heart that day.  And...I have grown to love this young man like he was my own.  I am so thankful that Hilary and Ethan have been dating for three and a half years, and we have had that time to build a relationship with E.  I'm excited that in six short months, he will officially become my son by marriage.

 

Ethan treats my daughter like a queen, takes such good care of her, encourages her, and loves her in spite of her faults.  We are blessed!  Yes, my daughter is marrying a wonderful guy who we love dearly.  

Lyle is excited (and I quote him) to "finally have a brother!  YES!"

I love you, Ethan!  Glad you will be a part of our family FOREVER!!

A Review of 2012 (In Pictures) -- Part I

Since I wasn't very good at blogging last year, I decided to do a Review of 2012 with pictures (at least of the events/happenings that I took pictures of; wasn't every good with picture taking either).

JANUARY

Our year started with the passing of our dear friend and Lyle's "adopted grandpa", Ken Kinnier:

Always, a silver lining  --  Mr. Kinnier's passing brought a visit from our precious best friends, Scott, Jill and Carmella Caver:

FEBRUARY

Spirit Week and Dress Up Days.  Lyle was chosen to be on the 2012 Homecoming Court at Redding Christian High School: 

2012 Senior Class Float
Theme:  Dr. Suess' Oh The Places You'll Go

2012 Senior Homecoming Court

Bob's sister and brother-in-law came home on furlough from the mission field and stayed with us for awhile:

Bob's Aunt Julia turned 100!!!  She is blind, but has no other health problems and is sharp as a tack.  She is, by far, the most upbeat, positive person I have ever been around in my life.

MARCH

Our nephew and his family came to visit us.  We had soooooo much fun with Enoch, Janel, and the four kiddos.  It was so fun to have George and Judy and Enoch and his family here all at the same time.  Crazy busy but so nice.

We had a Jones Family Get-Together at Bob's cousin's house.  What a wonderful time seeing all the family and "catching up" on everyone's lives:

Me and my sister-in-law!  No, I consider this woman my sister!!!!

Bob's Cousins, Dennis and Fred Haley 

Auntie Yvonne and me (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this lady!)

Lots of eating and lots of talking (the women in one place and men in another  lol)

Judy and Cousin Natalie (the extremely fun one!!!!)

All the Jones/Richardsons Children that were at the Reunion

Lyle went to the Association of Christians School International Choir Competition: 

Ethan and Hilary got engaged!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for Part II...

Reunited and It Feels So Good

My friends, Bill and Charlotte Johnson

As we go through life, we meet many people in elementary school, high school, at college, at church or at a place of employment. It can be a challenge to keep in touch with everyone, and I must admit that I have not put forth the effort to do it. 

On Tuesday night, I got together with two people who are very, very special to me.  I have not seen Bill and Charlotte Johnson in 15 years, but I think about them often.  We spent from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. (yes, seven glorious hours) reminiscing about the good times, laughing over shared stories and memories, and updating one another on our lives.  I left feeling content and joyful.  There was something very fulfilling about reconnecting after all those years. 

I'm not sure what it is.  Maybe it's the renewed feeling of "being connected" again, the joy of being around people that know where you've come from, and also probably a little bit of letting go of the "I wish I had" guilt about staying in touch. 

I think I'm on a mission in 2013 to reunite with old friends!

Baby, It's Cold...

Baby, It's Cold Outside Inside!!  We have been without heat for two days now, and it is COOOOOLD in here!!  A repairman is suppose to come tomorrow (we hope) and repair our 19 year old furnace for very little money (I know I'm dreaming!).  Fortunately, we have a fireplace!

Needless to say, we are having a slumber party in the family room tonight!!  We made sure Kitty is all cozy and snug and has his stuffed kitty: