A Bunch Of Really Random Photos Friday

Ok. This post is filled with random photos from the past few weeks I found on my camera and on my phone. Like my mind sometimes, this post has really no rhyme nor reason!  Before we begin, however, I want to thank you all once again for all the love, kind words, cards, and prayers you offered on the passing of Steve's mother, Mum. It was a very difficult week, but one thing I can say for certain...Mum's legacy was clearly evident during the days following her death. Her children are seven of the most amazing people I have ever known. They all worked together, without one disagreement, to plan and implement the most beautiful celebration of Mum's life. It is an honor to be part of that family that Mum began. Mum is now at rest next to Steve's Dad, and after twenty- five years, they are together once more.

Now...a few random photos of our life the past few weeks...

October became November!!!!

We said goodbye the jack-o-lantern dresses, and hello to the pumpkin dresses.

Our backyard looks like this now.

As much as I love October and Halloween, I have a special spot for the bare trees, crisp wind, and early evenings that November brings. It is almost like an intermission between the Halloween fun and the Christmas joy. We snuggle in earlier in the evenings. We slow down and do less. We plan for a turkey dinner to come, and we begin to organize ideas in our heads for surprises for our loved ones.

November is cozy in the schoolroom...

And full of fun science activities with pumpkins and cranberries!

Just a random photo of my precious little shadow

Because. Cuteness.

One of my very favorite things to do in November is switch out Flynn's pajamas from Halloween to Christmas. I do this early because they are just too darn cute and cozy to wear only one month!

During the colder months when we don't go out as much, Flynn basically lives in pajamas. I love the jammies from Gymboree. They are very soft and cozy and fit true to size. They also wash up well.

Another place I like to order from is Carters. I know I am almost done with these precious stores that have been a part of my life for over 20 years, so I am soaking it all in.

Look who is home!!!!!!!

My Madison was planning on coming with Nicolas in a few weeks, but when she heard about Mum, she wanted to come home. And Nicolas made it happen. We are blessed. 

And lastly, I came across this beautiful photo of Steve's Mum when she was young.

If you closely at her beautiful face, you might see a resemblance to someone else you know.

Any guesses?

I will give you a hint...Mum is holding a plate of cupcakes. ; )

Have a cozy weekend, my friends.

Thank you for visiting!!!

Checking In

Hello, my friends. Just checking in this overcast November morning. Thank you for all your kind words, thoughts, and prayers for our family and for Mum since her passing. Today and tomorrow we will spend with Steve's family saying goodbye...for now...to this amazing woman.

Please forgive me for my absence here, and know I will return this week. Have a cozy and blessed Sunday with your people, my friends. Thanks for visiting. : )

Last Friday, I was able to spend some time with my dear mother-in-law, talking and smiling and holding her hand. I will cherish those moments forever.

Mum

My friends, I am reposting this post from last year when I asked your prayers for my dear Mother-in-Law, Mum. Today, Mum passed peacefully to her Heavenly Reward. I ask your prayers for her, and for all those loved ones she will leave behind. I also want to tell you about this wonderful woman who raised the man I love...the woman who I am thankful to have known and loved for almost thirty years. Her name is Flo. We call her Mum.

This is Mum.

With the love of her life, Steve's father Ron.

And again. Years later, still so much in love.

Mum is a wonderful example of womanhood. She is humble, devout, generous, faithful, and kind.

These are some of the things I will remember about her for as long as I live...

Mum loves her family.

She raised seven of the most amazing children ever.

( I am partial to the youngest, of course.)

 They never fight. Ever. Many of them work together, and are each other's best friends.

They all have the most caring hearts and amazing manners.

I am thankful to be a part of this family that Mum began.

Mum made the best mashed potatoes ever. I have never been able to replicate them. So I quit trying. Enter Hungry Jack. But her mashed potatoes were always so white, and light, and fluffy.

With just a sprinkle of pepper for color.

Mum also made the most amazing meatloaf. In a little aluminum pan. The same pan every time.

Again. Not able to replicate. So Steve tries. His best.

Mum was the best ironer in the world. She made clothes look better than a dry cleaner. She taught me how to shake my clothes before putting them into the dryer so they wouldn't wrinkle as much. And when I was young and working, she came to my house and happily did my ironing for me.

Mum was happiest when she was caring for others. She took pride in preparing a good meal every night for her husband and family. She shared her lasagna recipe with me, and it remains one of our favorite meals. She also taught me that cantaloupe can be served at every meal in the summer, and leftovers go great into old Cool Whip bowls.

Mum liked pink lipstick and liked to have her nails painted. Again...mostly pink. She was always cold riding in the front seat when Steve's Dad drove, and always pulled a sweater over herself. Just like I do. She brought Wheat Thin crackers and bananas on road trips, and loved to take drives to look at the leaves in the fall. Just like I do.

Mum taught me the beauty of being content. And of being humble. Despite the fact that she had the means to live a very extravagant life, she didn't. Rather, she lived a life of beautiful simplicity. She thought of others long before she thought of herself.

Mum loves to pray the rosary. She loves her faith. She loves her Bible. She is ready to go. Her body is tired. But her spirit is strong. We went to visit with her Thanksgiving afternoon. We knew it may be the last time we would be with her. She smiled. She talked. She told us she loved us. Despite our efforts, we started to cry. And Mum told us no tears. She looked beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. As if her body knew her soul had someplace very special to be.

Madison and Nicolas with Mum last Christmas.

She is wearing a sparkly blue sweater we got for her. : )

Visiting with Mum last spring...

Thank you my friends, for remembering this special woman in your prayers. I admire her so much. And I am forever grateful to her for raising the man I love. The man who is the most amazing father to our children. Steve is the baby of her seven. There are five years between him and his older brother Todd. Every year on Steve's birthday, I call her and tell her thank you. Thank you for having that one more!  And every year she laughs.

I love you Mum. Always.

Look At Her Now

A few months ago, I asked you all for prayers for my dear mother-in-law, Mum. It seemed her time here was ending, and although she said she was ready, we felt the profound sadness that comes with saying goodbye.

My friends, so often I pray the words, "Thy will be done..." without really even stopping to think what they mean. I realize now. Mum will receive her Heavenly reward in God's time. And not a minute sooner. She has more love to give. And much more to receive. She has more spring days to experience, sitting outside with the sun on her face, and more time spent enjoying children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mum has more McDonald's cheeseburgers to enjoy, and many more stories to share.

I asked for prayers for Mum last November, my friends. You prayed. And look at her now...

Steve's sister Sally sent this beautiful picture of Mum and her friend Sam.

Thank you for your prayers, my friends.

I wanted to share with you exactly how God answered them. : )

Not Just Yet

Thanksgiving night we stood beside her bed, and told Steve's mother goodbye. The Hospice nurse had advised us to come. Mum was ready to go. She told us so. She was weak. She was tired. She was ready. But God had something else in mind. And look at her now...

Steve's sister Sally sent us this picture of Mum just the other day. : )

 

Mum didn't go that night. Or the next. She started to feel a bit better. And she started to eat a bit too. She has good days and not so good days.

But she is still with us, and we are happy.

And judging by her smile here, I think she is happy too.

 

We are treasuring the time we have left with her, however long it may be.

Although Mum prayed to go,

God whispered,  "Not just yet."

And as we always pray...

 

Thank you all so very much for your prayers and words of love.

They mean so very much to us all.