I’ll start with one of my new favorite pictures. Are these kids not the sweetest?
Friday night we had a Mother’s Day meal at the house; it was my first Mother’s Day since the kids were grown to be together with all of them.
Nathan made his special hamburgers while Sarah cheered him on. It’s hard to believe Vernie used to give Nathan baths in his little baby tub in this very kitchen.
The Chef Meister.
A few more photos from the evening.
Madi’s already comparing her height to Sarah’s to see when she might catch up.
When told to make crazy faces, the kids were only too happy to comply.
The Formerly Floridian dad and mom. They have done so well shepherding their little family through the myriad adjustments of the past few weeks.
Some of my favorite people ever.
Madison and I sharing a laugh.
Steve is loving this grandpa gig.
Gage frequently makes his own cards and each one is a treasure.
On the opposite side of the card, he and Sarah wrote such beautiful words. I got additional precious words in the card Nathan and Meagan gave me. I love reading what’s written on their hearts.
Steve made dinner.
He also left a note on my steering wheel that made me smile. It said, “Thanks for bringing home the bacon. I’ll fry it up in a pan.” (For the youngsters amongst us, that line is from a famous 70’s commercial.)
I got my name tag so now I am official!
My first solo week went well. There were a few days that were basically non-stop with learning and doing and adjusting and juggling and then other days were a little quieter.
The interesting thing about this job is that I can go from complete peace and quiet to the whole thing erupting into chaos in the space of a minute. When everything happens at once, you just have to prioritize, stay calm, and keep smiling. Being a minister’s wife for a few decades has definitely prepped me for this role.
I mentioned before that I really enjoy the people-watching aspects of this job. Of course, I don’t just watch people, my job is also to interact with them. And there is such a variety of folks that come to my desk–vendors, new hires, custodians, workers attending forklift training, people flying in from other countries with leather briefcases and expensive suits, the president of the whole company (which has many branches in many states), salesmen, job applicants, people attending meetings in the building, executives from other branches, trainers, caterers, building employees, managers, delivery people–and the list goes on.
Each person without a badge has to be buzzed in (the door opener is needlessly complicated needing to have THREE buttons pushed) and with the phone ringing frequently and my ongoing administrative tasks, it makes for some busy moments.
I am making loads of notes as I learn each new thing and especially when I learn a new person’s name. I know about twenty-five people’s names so far and will add more each week until I can greet everyone by name. So far, I’m really loving the job although it’s going to take me a few weeks to get adjusted to such a radically different schedule. I’m very thankful for all of Steve’s help at home.
Saturday was Steve’s 66th birthday; tonight, we are having a party for him with his brothers and our kids and grands.
One of the things he did on his birthday was to go over to Nathan and Meagan’s to help install a new dishwasher. The little guys had to have a ride in his car so he took them up and down their quiet neighborhood street.
Grayson wasn’t happy with just riding; he had to drive, too.
Meagan was taking pictures of everything and Steve said, “Hey, Meagan. Take a picture through the windshield.” She moved in for the shot.
He said, “Now get a little closer. A little closer yet.”
He waited until Meagan had leaned in super close and then squirted her with windshield fluid. Much merriment ensued.
She’s such a good sport–and she got the shot.
There’s been a lot of celebrating around here with Steve’s birthday and Mother’s Day. When I got up yesterday, Steve presented me with a card and corsage.
Looking into the depths of a rose is almost like looking into the face of God; the beauty, intricacy, and design of His creation reflect on Him so amazingly. I will always be thankful that God created flowers and I will also always be thankful for my husband who gets flowers for me as a way of honoring me and the children we (and God) created.
Yesterday was my first Mother’s Day without my sweet mom, Jo Ann Campbell.
I thought about her throughout the day yesterday but especially last night when I was making German Chocolate Cake for Steve’s birthday. Whenever she would bake something, I would always ask to smell the vanilla because I thought it was such a marvelous aroma. She was so patient each time I asked, stopping what she was doing, and bending over with the vanilla bottle so that her little daughter could take a sniff.
Last night as I was mixing up the batter, I saw that the recipe called for vanilla. Opening the bottle and closing my eyes, I inhaled the familiar aroma of my childhood. In the middle of that vanilla-scented silence, I stood still and remembered the mom who made me the mom I am.
What about you?
If your mom is no longer living, what is is a smell or a sight or a sound that brings back memories of her?
For my readers who are moms, did you do anything special for Mother’s Day?
Looking back at your life, what was your favorite job? Why? How about least favorite?
I remember asking my mom if I could taste the vanilla extract, because it smelled so delicious. She said, “well, if you really want to…” That was the last time I did that! I learned the same hard lesson about the delicious smelling Baker’s Chocolate she used (does anyone still use that stuff? My mom ALWAYS had it in her baking cupboard!).
Ellen,
Yes, the vanilla taste and smell are two different things, aren’t they? And I just used the powdered Hershey’s chocolate last week for Steve’s cake. Since it’s unsweetened, it does taste awful. These are the things kids learn from tasting experience–and never forget. 🙂
I was thinking on Mother’s Day that it seemed to be the thing to do – get mom a corsage but now it is rarely seen. Thanks Steve for keeping that tradition alive and well. What a beautiful rose. The pictures of your grandkids/family are precious. Gage – love your card. He is so talented! And Nathan cooking for Mother’s Day and Steve. Wow – you are truly blessed. My mother is no longer living – died in 2011, made the best cinnamon rolls and caramel rolls, and when we would get together at Christmas time, that was a given that she would bring cinnamon rolls or make them wherever she was at.
Sharon,
Oh, Steve’s grandma used to make cinnamon rolls that he still raves about. It’s interesting to hear about someone else have cinnamon-y memories! So much love in those rolls.
Yes, I feel very special when Steve gives me a corsage although in the past we’ve always had a lady at church pin it on for me. This time Steve had to do it so that was interesting! 🙂
Gage’s card was excellent! More output please from the card professional! Ruth
Ruth,
Yes, he’s an amazing artist. Could see hi having own card line sometime.
What a beautiful corsage Steve got you for Mother’s Day.
I had a feeling before I even read that Steve had squirted Meagan with the windshield washer fluid that’s what you were going to say. It just seemed like something he would do. 🙂
Favorite job, hmmm. I’ll have to think about that. Probably my favorite was when I lived in Tampa and worked from home for about five years. I was traveling to Jacksonville then Atlanta 1-2 times a month and liked my boss at the time plus the people I worked with in those offices. Working from home meant I could wear casual clothes which helped on the clothing budget. My least favorite was probably when I worked at a garment factory the summer after my high school graduation. I was not cut out to be a seamstress. My mom worked there from 1969-1993. Fortunately, I was already headed to college that fall.
Phyllis,
You know Steve well to guess he was going to squirt her. Such sounds like such a Steve thing, doesn’t it?
Working in a garment factory sounds like it would be tough work. Your mom did well to stay there that long!
Mmmm. Vanilla! I love that aroma – it’s so expensive now, though! I am making my own – which is a labor of love (and time). Hope it works!
My mother died nine years ago. I did see a cardinal at my bird feeder yesterday, so I’m pretty sure that was her, stopping by.
My daugher and son-in-law came over for dinner last night, and they brought me a beautiful fern for the patio and a basket of succulents for my kitchen windowsill. 🙂 Mike made burgers and we sat around chatting for a while.
The least-favorite job I had was working in a factory, making ballasts for fluorescent lights. I lasted three days! Haha! My favorite job is probably the one I have right now – marketing for the Architecture/Engineering/Construction industry. Always something new, always something familiar, always a roller coaster workload. 🙂
Your grandkids are just so adorable!
Stefanie,
Making ballasts for lights. Now there’s a job you don’t hear about everyday! But you made it three days. Hooray!
Glad to hear you like your current job. Liking one’s job is a true blessing; I can’t imagine going to work and hating it.
Sounds like a lovely mother’s day gathering. Just sitting and chatting is such a joy.
Love seeing you guys enjoy your kids and grandkids. What a gift to finally have them living close to you!
Gage’s card was so funny! He could really do his own card line. I’d sure get in line. Finding a good card is always a challenge.
Loved Steve’s note to you and the way he’s doing so much to keep the home fires burning. You two have always made a great team! So thankful too that his hip is healing and he can walk without the cane. And kudos to you for all you’ve tackled with your new job. They are blessed to have you.
Such a sweet story of you and mom and the vanilla. Missing her with you.
Love to you all.
Deb
Deb,
Yes, it’s wonderful to come home from work and have the laundry and dishes done. He’s definitely a helpful fellow!
We had such fun with the kids on Monday night. NONE of can still quite believe we live this close together. It’s just beyond incredible. Glad you got to be with them a little.
Happy birthday Steve!! And Happy Mother’s Day Becky!!
We were going to golf yesterday afternoon which was my request but the weather did NOT cooperate. Instead, we gathered with friends. Good time! (We spent Saturday with our kids and grands celebrating the occasion.)
My mom has been gone for 27 years. I have a fabric coin purse of hers in my jewelry armoire that still has the tiniest bit of her scent. I take it out every once in a great while and give it a big sniff. Ahhhhhh. Yesterday at church was a bit difficult. I am in the choir and our anthem was ‘How Great Thou Art’. That was my mom’s favorite hymn of all time. During rehearsal I got teary-eyed but managed to get through it in the service. I’m glad because I sing alto and just love making those awesome harmonies. I think she would have loved it.
Your new job sounds like a lot of fun and very interesting! Glad you are settling in so well!
LeeAnne,
There’s just something about music that stirs up memories of loved ones. I remember the day after my grandpa died was Easter. I was singing in a choir and one of the lines was, “Death in vain forbids him rise” and I just lost it.
Your mom had good taste in hymns; How Great Thou Art is one of my favorites, as well.
Well, Becky, it was great in that my West Coast son flew in. Unfortunately, he flew in to be with me since I broke my hip on Wednesday. I’m doing OK for somebody who has a broken hip. I’ve got a nail and a screw in there, so it should be fun going through airport security from now on.
I’m so glad you had all your family with you at Mother’s Day. Can’t wait to see the pictures of Steve’s birthday.
Oh, Jan! I’m so sorry to hear this. 🙁 I know we don’t know each other, but airport security should be just fine. I have a plate & screws in my arm, and it’s never been a problem during travel! Hope you heal quickly and painlessly!
Thank you for your reassurance!
Jan,
Oh dear! A broken hip, a nail, and a screw? Not a happy combination. But how wonderful to have your son on the scene to help you through that difficult time.
Hugs to you as you recover.
Glad your job is going well. My mom has been gone 13 years. My smell memory is molasses cookies. Even just seeing the pan in the fridge cooling brings back memories. She always gave me the job of rolling the dough balls in sugar. Rarely make them but such good memories. I have enjoyed all my jobs of teaching, resort work, and deli work. My least favorite aspect was cleaning the shower houses at the resort.
Patti,
That’s funny. My mom used to make molasses cookies too, and I’ve never had any since she made them. I’m glad to share a Mom’s Molasses Cookies Memory with you.
Thanks for being a teacher; one of the most important, least-thanked jobs ever.
Wow! Just thinking of all the changes you guys have been through wears me out! Losing your moms, moving, renovating, have the kids and grandkids move closer, and starting a new job!
I don’t remember how it started but when unexpected things happen my sister and I always say “thanks mom!” Like when we find that prime parking spot open right in front of a store or when we find an article of clothing we like but not in our size and then presto we find it misplaced in another section. It always makes us chuckle and remember her. Ken even does it now. She has been gone for 19 years and I still miss her every day.
Almost 29 years of serving our nation’s heroes at the VA was truly an honor, even on the bad days. Challenging at times when policies came down from folks that had never worked in healthcare. Worth every minute when I could sit and listen to their stories and help improve their patient experience.
Love seeing those great pictures and smiling faces!
Ginny
Ginny,
Yes, the last year has presented us with the most change and the most stress (both good and bed) we’ve ever experienced. But we’re coming out on the other side of it.
I love your “thanks, mom” tradition. A fun way of keeping her memory close.
Isn’t it amazing how people who have never worked a particular job are responsible for making policies for that job? That must have been so enormously frustrating. I can just picture you sitting with vets and listening so compassionately and making them feel heard, seen, and understood. It is wonderful thinking of the thousands of people whose lives you impacted. Thank you for YOUR service!