Wednesday Weekly Gratitude Post #4

This is a bit of a tough one.  The prompt this week was to write about "a family member".  So, I've already written a bit about hubby, and covered a lot of others in my post about family, but to single out a single family member was proving to be a little hard.

After much thoughtful deliberation, I finally decided on my grandfather.  Granny has gotten a few posts on here over the years, so I figured, gramps was the next best thing.

My grandpa, Max McEvitt Court, was born on August 5, 1928 in Raymond, Alberta, Canada.  Except for a year spent in B.C., my grandpa lived his entire life in that town.  He was one of 21 children.  He married my grandma, Jeanette Robinson shortly after his 20th birthday.

They went on to have 6 children together, and also adopted my uncle, Randy, bringing the total to 5 sons and 2 daughters.

There is a lot of things I know about my grandfather, but I want to specifically write this post about what he meant to me.

My grandpa was my first real "father figure".  I adored him my entire life.  Without a doubt, he is the single most influential person in my life. He taught me many things from how to weed a garden and shuck peas, he gave me my love of crossword and jigsaw puzzles, he had an amazing mind for numbers,  and he showed me what it truly means to have a deep and abiding love of the Lord.  His faith always amazed me.  

He taught me about some refined cuisine such as syrup and sugar on bread (hey, don't knock it until you try it).  He taught me some great old songs, like "Ol' Shep" , "Ten Knots in the Devil's Tail" and loved it when I sang "Danny Boy" for him.  He instilled in me a love of learning, patience, and what family truly means. He was a warm, loving, firm, and straightforward man.  He was a man who was still riding his bike and pitching in softball well into his 60s.  He was a hero.....he was my hero.

Near the end of his life, my grandfather slowly started to fade away.  He was no longer the man I remembered, and often times he didn't remember me, or anyone else for that matter.  But I went and visited him the summer before he passed away, and before I left to return home, knowing that it was likely the last time I would see him, I kissed him on the cheek and told him I loved him.  He grabbed me by the hand, and patted it softly.  His last words to me were, "You're a good girl sweetheart.  I'm proud of you".

It doesn't get much better than that.

  

A Tired Mom's Goodbye to the End of the School Year

I'm tired.

So very tired.

I'm tired of this school year.

I want it over.

I'm tired of attempting to wake boys from their deep sleeps with that frantic fury of mobilizing their weary body's out the door.

I'm tired of checking the forecast and reminding them that it is not a shorts day, and yes, they do need to take a jacket.

I'm tired of making breakfast and fixing lunches, all before I have sufficiently caffeinated myself.

I'm tired of fighting with them to go to bed because they have school tomorrow.

I'm tired of the Friday highs and the Sunday sighs.

I'm tired of getting emails from the school, updates from the school, and reminders from the school.

I'm tired of take home papers to read and sign.

I"m tired of schools trying to cram a ton of end of the year activities into already overcrowded schedules.

I'm tired of saying, "Did you get your homework done".

I'm tired of papers, notebooks, shoes, and gym bags being strewn all over my house.

I'm tired of looking for sharpened pencils, highlighters, and lost books.

I'm tired of coming up with lunch ideas

I'm tired of feeling like I'm failing at lunch ideas.....and dinner ideas.

I'm tired of processed food, fast food, and rushing in general.

BUT -- the ONE thing I'm NOT tired of --

Being grateful for my kids' school and teachers, who work hard every day to give my kids the education they deserve.

Things I Want Thursday

OK, lets get started with my weekly wishlist.

#1.  Side Slit Tank --  with the weather getting warmer, I have a feeling  that I'll be wanting a few shirts like this in my rotation.....and this particular one comes in several colors.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lush-side-slit-tank/4253100?fashioncolor=BLACK&origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-15-_-1&siteId=QFGLnEolOWg-626IihItTGKfup_UuqTK.Q


#2.  Cable Knit Drape Front Cardigan -- It is so cute and just looks cozy for those cooler evenings.  (I actually really like this in the Mulburry Color)

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cable-wrap/4131324?fashioncolor=PEWTER&origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-15-_-1&siteId=QFGLnEolOWg-JXYTtO2ca2wRtELfVH_2oA

#3.  Striped Capri Pants -- fun for working out or hanging out.

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=46804&vid=1&pid=243139062&tid=ataff4441350&ap=2&siteID=atafcid10696047#


#4.  Sleeveless pleat top -- pretty enough for work, and nice enough to wear out on a hot day

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=201056022&tid=goaff2178999&ap=2&siteID=goafcid10433992&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.2178999


5.  Nike Zoom Pegasus running shoes.  I need new shoes for running, and these look super comfortable.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nike-zoom-pegasus-32-running-shoe-women/3949887?cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-10-_-1&mr%3AreferralID=9748c40c-2d0f-11e6-8cb4-005056941669

Wednesday Weekly Gratitude Post #3

So, this weeks post is all about about family.  I've decided specifically to post about my mom's family.  My mother was the youngest child of 6 +1 adopted nephew.  It was all started back in 1948 by this amazing couple right here.

Growing up in this family was nothing short of amazing.  I was the 6th oldest of 38+ immediate cousins.  There was never a shortage of friends and someone to play with.  We would get together every Christmas and 4th of July, and it was always so much fun.

In 1999, we lost granny.  She embodied the spirit of the family matriarch and was the glue that held us all together.  You can read more about my feelings on losing her here.  The family hasn't ever been quite the same since that day.  But I'm grateful for the wonderful childhood I got to have thanks, in no small part, to this big, loud, crazy, wonderful family.

I'm also grateful for my own family of origin.  Having parents who tried their best to teach us to be strong, moral, and wonderful people.  I will forever be grateful to God for blessing me with my wonderful family.

And finally, the family that my wonderful husband and I have created.  These fantastic men are my entire world, and I have embraced being the only queen in our little castle.  I love them all beyond measure, and am filled with overflowing gratitude for them every single day.

Six Words: Reflection

Mirrors show what some don't see

Or what some don't want to

Your reflection looking back at you

It can be hard to accept

But embrace yourself in the mirror

The person staring back at you

Be proud of what you see

Be proud of who you are

Meet My Kids: McCheese, Salty, and Pepper

Mine would be:

McCheeseburger - extra pickles please - Morrell

I really just want some Salt & Vinegar Chips Morrell

For the love of all that's holy, get me a Dr. Pepper Morrell

*What would yours be?

Things I Want Thursday

It's time for our weekly "Things I want" post.  Here are a few of the new items on my wishlist:

1.  Woman's Drapey Tee -- I am always on the look out for longer shirts to cover my belly and bum.  This one is simple and cute, and I LOVE the color.

http://intl.target.com/p/women-s-drapey-tee-mossimo-supply-co-junior-s/-/A-50220563#prodSlot=large_1_3&term=mossimo+drapey+tee

2.  Evel Leather Sandal -- I'm not a flip flop kind of girl, but I love me some sandals.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-evel-leather-sandal-women-nordstrom-exclusive/3882046?fashioncolor=DARK%20BEIGE&origin=category-personalizedsort&cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-15-_-1&siteId=QFGLnEolOWg-kQ.pVQWtj8Mh_Br1e2bVJw

3.  Sleeveless pleat front blouse --  I love everything about this simple, but adorable top.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-sleeveless-pleat-front-blouse-regular-petite/4260259?fashioncolor=TONIC%20WATER&origin=category-personalizedsort&cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-15-_-1&siteId=QFGLnEolOWg-NhPPXA.lcuwaJ3fUnXTrKw

4.  Naked Palette by Urban Decay --  My makeup colors are definitely more earth tone, and I really like the blends you can make with this color palate.

5.  Fun tee for working out  --  I really am trying to get back into fitness mode.

https://keep.com/sparkle-flowy-tank/p/lSnEtJgAjb/

That's the tops of my wishlist for the week.  I'd love to see what you all have on your lists.

Wednesday Weekly Gratitude Post #2

This weeks prompt was to post about our spouse/significant other.

12 Reasons Why I Love My Husband

1.  My husband is truly my best friend.  We tell each other everything, and we quite literally never get tired of each other's company.

2.  I enjoy spending time with him.  Being together is important to us.  Even if we are both on our own computers doing our own things, at least we are still in the same room, occupying each other's space.  And we will continuously talk to each other, dipsite doing our own thing.

3.  We have a lot of the same interests.  Whether its TV shows, games, travelling.....we like a lot of  the same things, and we like doing those things together.  I'm not an opposites attract kind of girl.  I believe that common interests are very important.  (The fact that he's not into sports as much as I am, is something I can overlook.  LOL)

4.  We are on the same page about finances.  For the most part I leave this up to him, but he's careful to not squander or overextend us, and when I want or need anything, I am secure in knowing I can have it.  Considering the #1 cause of divorce is financial issues, I'm glad we don't have that black cloud hanging over us.

5.  We don't need to constantly be "entertained" to enjoy time together.  Quality time doesn't have to be filled with expensive nights out every weekend.  Sometimes the funnest times we have are just cuddled up in bed watching our favorite shows or movies.

6.  He makes me laugh daily.  I enjoy is offbeat sense of humor.

7.  We don't try to "one up" each other.  I am proud of his accomplishments and encourage him in his pursuits.  And he does the same for me.  No one is a bigger supporter of me and the things that I do than my husband.  It's not a competition between us.  You should be your spouses biggest fan, not a rival. 

8.  He loves me when  I don't love myself.  I can often get down on myself when it comes to my looks and my weight.  But he is always quick to let me know how beautiful he thinks I am.  It makes me feel better knowing that someone loves me just the way I am.  

9.  He's disciplined and hard working.  I'll admit that sometimes his workaholic attitude drives me a little batty, but in the end it speaks to his strong character and his belief in himself.

10.  He is wise and rational.  I often defer to his decision making, because where I am emotional he is calm.  I appreciate his ability to balance things out and make well thought decision.

11.  He's a great father to his 4 sons, and is always working hard to show them what it means to be a good man.

12.  We are excited about our future together.  I always feel bad for people who say things like "I can't retire....I'd drive my wife crazy" or "I wish my husbands job would make him travel more so I could have time for myself".  After 20 years together, we still aren't sick of each other and are always ready to see what roller coaster the future holds for us.