California Road Trip...Part...um... 95. (Or is it 8?)

First of all, thank you for the sweet comments on my last post, where I took a moment to remember my dad on the exact 20th anniversary of his passing...so hard to believe it's truly been that long!
So warm thoughts were so appreciated!


Now...do you remember more recently...like this past April, to be precise...my California Road Trip?

I know what you're thinking. You thought that whole saga was finished, didn't you?
(Or perhaps you were just hoping really hard.)

But actually, if you'll really recall...we had just posed in front of the Golden Gate Bridge on our way back up the state, and then stayed the night at cozy little place in the forest before we began our very last leg of the journey...and our last main stop- The Redwood Forest.

It took us awhile, but we finally made our way to the famed forest and pulled into- literally- one of the famous drive-through trees, Chandelier Tree.

The girls were nervous that we could actually make the car fit!

It was funny that they were so worried...our vehicle isn't even all that big...but I guess it was a new concept for them!


Then it was on to another section of the forest, where we stopped to look through the small, rustic tour center and then go for a long walk through the tall, majestic giants...

I think all four of us really enjoyed taking the time to explore these wonders of nature. Not only are they giant trees, but they are old...some being alive for over a thousand years or more. And a few even having here since the time of Christ!

Our family, being from Oregon, has taken many walks in the woods before...but never in one with such history and such giant beauty all around.


My girls love taking turns with the camera...our youngest hasn't quite yet mastered the skill yet...but our oldest does pretty well most of the time. She took this of the rest of us...


(Not bad for eight years old!)


Of course, having been strapped to their car seats for hours on this trip, it's always nice to

just run...


It truly was amazing seeing this part of God's creation...
There were very few others there, and we felt such a wonderful freedom.
As if it was there just for us, for that time.

And I kind of think it was.

20 years...

Today marks the 20th anniversary of my dad's passing...so hard to believe that it has been this long.
I so wish my husband could have met him- in a few ways, they are so much alike.
And I wish my little girls could have known him, too...I know my dad would have been simply in love with them.

I wrote a little more detail on his life- and especially his life with my mom- last August during what would have been my parent's golden anniversary, had he lived. My dad, like David in the Bible, was a man who made some mistakes in his life, yet was "a man after God's own heart".

Here are a few pictures of him though the years...just tiny glimpses of the man who was my daddy and slipped out of my life all too soon...






I miss you, Dad...

Show and Tell #17

I am SO late getting in on Show and Tell Friday!

But something just arrived an hour ago and I'm so excited!

You see, lately, I began looking at vintage H*lly Hobbie items ...I have always loved her since I was a young girl, but don't have any items...I started thinking it would be fun, especially since I have two little girls, to collect just a few things.

So...I ordered a collector's plate for myself (which has yet to arrive) and then saw this adorable pink girl's twin bedspread...(the tiny inset picture to the right was what I saw on e*bay).

The eb*y listing had expired but I was able to make my own offer when it went to the "e*bay store"...and it was accepted!
Let's just say that it was a very good deal!

It arrived in just five days and I'm happy to say that it is perfect condition!

I told the girls that it is a sharing bedspread...they'll have to take turns with it every three days or so. But they absolutely love it as much as I do!
I don't have a picture yet of it on one of their beds since it just arrived...and we've yet to pick a number between one and ten to see who gets to have it first! ;)

This was one of my first experiences buying something this way, though my husband is an old pro. But I have to say, I was thrilled with this purchase!

So much so, I just had to sneak it in on Show and Tell Friday before the morning was over! ;)

What about you...have any of you found any treasures through the internet? (Besides good blogging friends, that is!) ;)

For more Show and Tells, please visit our wonderful host, Kelli at There is No Place Like Home!

Sunday in the Park

I'm so sorry I've been so behind in blogland lately...I hope to catch up with most of you very soon! But it's been a full weekend...I spent the half of it with my mom helping her sort and just enjoying being with her...then spent a truly nice Father's Day with my family...and today? Today I just was lazy! ;)
*Edited to correct some really bad grammar typed very late last night. And to say, I suspected the same thing about the goose that some of you mentioned!

I hope all of the dads in your life had a wonderful Father's Day!

We did...in almost every way.

Nothing dramatic made it so, but it was still just so nice.

After church, my husband put the girls in the bike trailer and headed to one of our very favorite parks (though we hadn't been there altogether as a family in so long...)
It's tucked into a residential neighborhood, complete with playground, field, and a bike trail that encircles a very large, beautiful duck pond.

It's actually quite a jaunt from our house, though, so I opted to take the wimpy normal way out and hop in the car, stopping for some picnic food at the store along the way.

I met them there...and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.
We have had such a chilly, damp spring, so I guess this day was appreciated even that much more.
Sunshine, gentle breezes...it was wonderful.

There were a few geese...and one in particular, with attitude. It stood guard by a section and when passers by got too close, or someone was walking their dog...it would stick it's nose (or bill!) in the air and throw it's weight around...I missed getting a picture of that, but here is it is at a more relaxed pose...


And here you can see just how big it is if you look closely...
That's my family riding their bikes past it as it begins to stick it's head up in the air so that they remember who's boss...


It was nice to simply gaze out over the pond...so very peaceful there.


And even though there were a good share of other people enjoying the park that day, too, they were either nice families or older folks. No one was rowdy...yet everyone smiled as you passed them, since we were all so relishing this gorgeous day!

But most of all, we as a family were relaxed and enjoying our time together.
The girls were so excited to give their daddy his home made cards and his two main gifts that we picked out.
We had him sit down in his new outdoor folding chair...gave him his DVD set of Pearl Harbor...and he was now a happy dad.

Wait...not yet.....

A hug, and then a kiss blown from his littlest...


And another bear hug from his oldest...


There!
Perfect Father's Day.

Show and Tell #16

I'm back for another Show and Tell Friday hosted by Kelli at There is no place like Home.

This week, I'd like to show one of the dolls I played with as a child. This one isn't a cuddly soft baby doll (shown in the post below) but another popular doll of my era...

How many of you over 40 remember Velvet?

Yes...here she is! Part of the newest fashion doll collection of the era. She has been in my possession since somewhere around 1970.

If you're close to my age but still don't remember her, perhaps you remember her sister, Crissy...? (Edited: I mean cousin! I knew this, actually, but just accidentally typed the wrong word. Mia was actually suppose to be Velvet's little sister...have to get the facts straight!)



I never had Crissy, but I had friends that did!
I also had a less popular, brunette cousin of Velvet as well. I couldn't remember her name, but when finding this picture of Crissy I discovered the whole line of dolls on the internet.
Her name was Mia, so now I can rest easy.

What was so cool about Velvet and her cousins for the time was the fact that you could actually make her hair short or long! Just push her belly button and give a tug to that pony tail...and...

Tada! A whole new look!

When you wanted it short again, just turn the knob on her back.
A little strange...but it all worked!

OK...her once lustrous growing locks are a bit frizzy now, despite a hasty brushing before today's photo session. Her cute little ringlets are a thing of the past.
But that only proves just how much my friends and I played with her back in the day!

Plus, let's face it. Hard to believe, but when I do the math, she is about 38 years old!

As I was mentioning, I was just now researching my doll online, and I was amazed at how many websites are out there devoted to Velvet and all of her fashionable relatives!
Who knew???

I haven't even really shown or demonstrated her to my girls yet. She had just sat in a box of my other childhood relics which I retrieved from my mom in the last year.

But I guess it's time she gets the recognition due!

I think it must have been this very commercial that had me, at seven, begging my parents for a Velvet doll for Christmas back in 1970...

Thanks again, Mom!

Half a Meme!

It's already Monday afternoon, and the girls and I have been having a lazy day. I guess because last Friday was our last day of home school for awhile...we're taking all of the rest of June off! And because we had a full weekend, my head is a bit foggy today... So I thought what better time than to borrow this meme that has been floating around lately! Only...since this is a long one, I'll only start with HALF of it... I did this once before. Because after all, Half a meme is better than none! ;)

The No-Name Meme (Actually, it should be called "Have you Ever"!)

In your entire life, have you ever...

Gone on a blind date? Well, since I met my husband on a blind date, then I guess I'm going to have to answer a resounding YES!

(Hubby and I during our engagement period...)

Skipped school? Well, not actually went and then skipped off somewhere else...but I talked myself into being sick more times than I can count, during a particularly hard year.

Watched someone die? Sadly, I was at home when my dad passed away and was I the one to call 911...he had complications due to kidney disease and following surgery. I was 25 and living back at home....a very, very traumatic time.

Been to Canada? Yes, one time at age 16 with my youth group. Had a crush on one of the boys but, alas, he ignored me on this trip...

(Yep, that was him on the end, right side. He did like me sometimes, just not in Canada...)

Been to Mexico? Yes, one time again!
With my family when I was 22, on our second California trip, we crossed over with my parents' friends to Tijuana...
Now, most people can't stand this city, but I thought it was it was magical being there in the evening and hearing the melodies of Spanish singers with their guitars drift through the night air and watching my mom try her hand at haggling a price for a leather purse...OK, I had led a sheltered life, but it was all very exciting!

Been to Florida? Never...but it's on my list of places I hope to visit!

Been on a plane? Yep...but I only fly when I have to. Not my favorite thing!

Been lost? I've been lost several times just driving in the city...and it's not very fun! But this year we now have one of those magical GPA's ...ours has a British accent. Sometimes her voice seems a bit testy if we don't follow her exact directions to a tee.

Been on the opposite side of the country? I was for the very first time, when ten days after my wedding, I was on a long plane trip from the west coast to the east...all by myself!
You see, my very new hubby had to fly back after we had only spent one night together in order to check in (he was in the Navy) and to find us an apartment in Virginia where we'd now be living. I had never, ever been out of the west so it was very much a new adventure in more ways than one!

Gone to Washington? As in D.C.? Yes, during our three years living in Virginia, we visited a lot of places on the east, and were in D.C. I think three times. But at each time, however, were we able to tour the White House, something I really had hoped to do!
But the highlight was spending the a 4th of July there, and sitting on a blanket on a hill, watching the fireworks show over the nation's capital!

Swam in the ocean? The first time I actually ever "swam" rather than just "waded" in the ocean was on our 10th anniversary trip to Hawaii. It was our first time there, and being use to the chilly waters of the Northwest, I just relished the feel of the warm, tropical ocean!



Had your booze taken away by the cops? Um, no!

Lettered in a high school sport? I went to a small private school...no lettering there even for the jocks (which I was not one of!)

Cried yourself to sleep? Many times...

Played cops and robbers? Possibly...but not usually!

I did, however, end up playing "Army" with my nephew, R. who was three years younger than me. (He and his family are the ones I posted about visited in San Diego this year.) I remember being talked into hiding in a grassy field by our house while he tried to ambush me and my invisible troops. Sigh...what indignities for a 13 yr old girl to endure...

Played dolls? Always!
I had so many dolls, but here is a picture of my very favorite, Puddin', a life size Madame Alexander baby doll which I featured one time on Show and Tell...


So, I'll think I'll stop right there for now! Whew!

Blessings!

Show and Tell #15

First of all, thank you so much to all of you who replied on my wedding post. I was overwhelmed with all of the sweet replies- I read each and every one and they honestly completely blessed me!


It seems like it's been ages since my last Friday Show and Tell! But I think I can blend a recent event with sharing something special...

Tuesday night, I watched as my littlest graduated from Kindergarten.


Although we do home school, our church presented a large Sunday School graduation night for all of their Kindergarteners...a wonderful chance for us to celebrate this time in her life.

Which brings me to my Show and Tell...

As we've been going through more and more of my mom's things so that she can sell her home, she recently gave me the little pinafore I had as a child. A simple little wisp of a cotton jumper-type dress that she always used to say reminded her of Alice in Wonderland.

Last week, I suddenly remembered it hanging in our extra closet...and decided that maybe my own little girl could wear it for her special night.

So Tuesday evening, as I took it off the hanger, I realized I hadn't even tried it on her to make sure it would actually fit!
But thankfully, it did...and perfectly!

As I tied her sash, she told me how beautiful it was, and my heart just swelled...
and truth be told, it was a little like looking at myself in the mirror of my past. Only she was even more adorable!



This would be the first time someone other than myself wore this little pinafore...a full... (gulp!) 40 years ago. (And no, I don't have a photo of myself wearing it- I wish I did!)

As we watched her sing with the rest of the graduates...and come forth when her name was called to receive her diploma,...
well, this alone was enough to tug at the heartstrings.
And then add to this that she was wearing her mommy's dress...oh, well, it's amazing I held it all together.
My own mom wasn't in town to see her cross the stage in person, or I think there would have indeed been tears going on! (But how she loved seeing the photos the next morning!)

I have to say, our church was so generous...presenting each graduate with their own children's study Bible, a diploma, and a little teddy bear...

The parents had gotten a chance to write a heart-felt letter to their child the previous Sunday and then parents lined up to meet them on the stage to help present the Bible.
I think this is such a tremendous way to not only make each child feel special, but help plant the seed for the Word of God!
I feel so thankful to be a part of a church that puts such emphasis on our children and holds them in high esteem.

And much more than the fact that she wore my childhood dress, this was truly a special evening...
I know I'll always treasure it.

And I hope she will also remember this special time as a milestone of sorts...and that it will hold a special place in her memory and heart as she continues her life walk with Jesus.



For more Show and Tell participants, stop by at our gracious host, Kelli's at There is No Place Like Home!

From This Day Forward... (Our Wedding Story)

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Welcome to Marriage Monday, hosted by Chrysalis!
In honor of June, the theme this month is

"Our Wedding Day"...


When I think back to my wedding, and all the days leading up to it, it seems like a whirlwind of happiness, excitement, a few snags, a tiny bit of stress...and with just a little bit of loneliness thrown in.

Loneliness, you ask?
You see, my fiance', who had joined the Navy the previous summer, was half way across the country during most of this frantic and exciting time.
Therefore, I was left to make all the decisions (and to make them all on a tiny shoestring budget!)

With my minuscule savings, though, I somehow managed to pick out my dream dress...
I picked out our cake, the topper, the flowers, the photographer...and all the millions of other details that I'm sure my fiance' was just as glad to stay out of and leave all to me!

My mom did go with me for dress fittings, meetings with florists, ect. But mainly she was just there for moral support- the decisions were all up to me. Which was both good and bad.

And did I mention I had to do it all in four short months?

Actually, this wasn't as stressful as you might think.
Some couples differ or even argue over everything from invitations to fruit punch...
Not the case with us. I got to make all the choices.
His job was to fly in and show up on the appointed day with the ring and wearing his tux.
(OK, I exaggerate just a tad...)

But truth be told, there was a bit of an interesting challenge trying to find things for my wedding in time...at the right price...and that I actually liked.

Oh, there were a few times that I secretly wished we weren't counting the pennies.
For example, after the most important things to me were picked out, I was forced to cut corners...one of them being the decorating of the church. I could only afford real flowers for my bouquet and our wedding party...but the church had to be donned with artificial flowers. Deep inside, I was a little disappointed at the outcome...but I reminded myself that what happened on this day was more important than any superficial surroundings.

I had hired a photographer, but the camcorders were covered...we had both the best man's wife and one of his brothers each bringing one for our big event.
Or so I thought.

Finally, our day arrived.
Right before my two dear bridal attendants were about to make their entrance, we found out that both- both- of these camcorders were forgotten.
One of my attendants and dear friend that she is caught my falling expression before it hit the floor and quickly said anything and everything she could think of to not let it spoil the moment for me. (It worked, bless her heart!)

(Minutes before the ceremony...my quick thinking friend, D. is on the left as they practice "their walk".)

I should add that my husband-to-be and I saw one another only once during our engagement period due to the miles of distance between us.
So when my moment arrived, and I began my slow walk in my dreamed-of flowing gown, it was the first time he had seen me in an entire two months.

Now, some brides relish their walk, regally smiling at everyone as they slowly walk on their father's arm.
My mom had offered to walk me down the isle, but as much as I loved her, I was more of a traditionalist, so I was to go it alone. (Yes, Mom...if I had to do it over...)

As I walked those first couple steps all alone in my flowing white gown, I remember feeling more than a bit of stage fright...
I wasn't thinking of the flowers (or lack thereof) nor the fact that our ceremony wouldn't be captured on film. And I was especially not I jittery about marriage itself.

But nevertheless, my bouquet probably trembled as I walked in step to The Wedding March.
The blur of faces seemed to not even be smiling at me, but looking back I know it was more due to my nervousness that made it appear so.

But then I dared to look up into the face of my beloved, whom I hadn't seen in months and who I was now about to pledge my undying love.
When I saw him beaming down at me as he stood on the platform, I couldn't help but beam in return.
I knew I could make it the rest of the way if I kept my eyes on him and the way he was looking at me...
And as he stepped down to take my arm, the rest of the room faded completely from view...


I can't help now but think of the hidden meaning that took place in this ceremony. No wonder God designed marriage as a symbol of Christ and the Church!
If we just keep our eyes on Him in the midst of life's trials or fears- and even see a glimpse of the way He lovingly sees us- all us will begin to fade a bit from our view.


My earthly groom can still make my heart beat faster.
But unlike Christ, he is only human- complete with human failings. And so am I.
So it's a day-to-day process of accepting and forgiving...


And occasionally stepping away from the hectic pace of life and going back in time together...back to that incredible day when we looked into one another eyes after time and distance had kept us apart, and took our vows to always love, honor and cherish...

When all we could see was each other.