Collective Memories

Sometimes I'm not sure if what I see in my children is a result of nature or nurture, but either way, I'm pretty proud of the result. This afternoon on the way to school Natalie discovered an unopened Valentine from her classmate, Ian.  Inside the envelope was a single heart made from clay that he had painted himself and signed with his name on the back.  "Aww...Mom, I'm taking this with me when I go away to college because when I'm far from home I want to have my memories with me.  This heart is a gift of love,” shared Natalie.

I know the feeling.

All my life I've been a collector. Not a traditional one in the sense that I gather items of value like antique porcelain dolls, Coca Cola memorabilia or rare coins.  Maybe some would call me a pack rat, but I disagree…I’m just a sentimental one.  It’s true most of the items I've amassed over the years and deemed as precious wouldn't bring a dime at auction.  

When I was about nine years old and on a family vacation, I decided to start collecting thimbles.  I made sure to pick them up in every state we visited.  Over the course of several years, my collection grew quite large.  I’m not sure why I chose thimbles. Maybe it's because many of the women in my life used their hands to create.  My dad's mother was a master at crochet.  She made all kinds of useful goods.  I still have an afghan blanket she made for me more than 35 years ago, that not only keeps me warm, but makes me feel somehow closer to her even though she passed away a very long time ago. My mom's mother was an avid quilter and during her 40 plus years as a grandmother, she tried to create a quilt for each and every one of her 36 grandchildren.  I was the 5th grandchild born and feel lucky to own a piece of her handiwork. 

Probably my favorite treasures come in the form of mail.  I have a large Rubbermaid full of letters, cards, and even a few faxes received while working aboard Carnival's M.S. Fascination.   In fact, chances are good that if you ever wrote to me, I saved your letter --some from friends and family and even a few boyfriends that date back to 1984.  Each one is like a little time capsule that reminds me how much I am loved and have been throughout my life.  Like the note I received from my dad the first year I went off to college.  It was the first and only time he has ever written to me.  Growing up, he was the breadwinner and worked seven days a week to give my siblings and I a good life.  My mom was the one who handled everything else from doctor appointments, school projects and carpools to grocery shopping and gift-giving.  His note came at a time when my mom had been sending me care packages to my dorm filled with banana bread and cookies.  My dad wrote, “I wanted to send a care package, but since I can’t cook, here’s $5.  Go to Mrs. Fields on me.”  And, although I’m pretty sure I used the cookie dough to fund a 6-pack of Milwaukee’s Best…I never forgot his loving note.

I use an old printer’s box to house some of my favorite memories.  The tiny painting was done by my artist cousin, Sarah and the first ebay auction I ever won.  The bracelet of tiny wooden houses was purchased while bumming around the mountains of Venezuela with my friend, Jacqui.  It was a fun trip, but we nearly missed the boat! They were pulling the gangway and we had to jump across.  We laughed after we made it safely aboard, but also breathed a sigh that we didn't have to spend the night in Venezuela with only a few bolivars between us.

When I was young, it was popular for photo studios to offer locket-size photos.  On the right side of the box, is a locket containing a photo of me with my cousin Molly. On the bottom right side of the box, is a buckeye.  When I met Steve he told me he was originally from the Buckeye state.  I told him I had never seen a buckeye.  On our second date, he presented me with one.  I carried it in my coat pocket for years.

Recently my kids each brought in collections of their own to school to be put on display in their school library.  Both enjoyed the attention and questions they received from friends and teachers about their caboodle of prized possessions.  Later, Natalie’s teacher asked me if I collected anything.  I told him no.  Maybe because my collection is personal and probably most people wouldn’t understand.  But, now I see…through the eyes of my own children that my compilation of stuff is important because I am a collector…of memories.

Natalie with her fairy collection.

Noah with some of his favorite Star Wars collectibles.

Christmas 2012 Wrap-up

In our family we try to keep the reason for the season at the forefront, but I'd be lying if I said all of our holiday activities involve Christ.  We include Santa and gift exchanges, too. Though, as the kids get older, we have been able to do more things together to help teach the importance of compassion.  For instance, this year we collected and sorted canned goods for Kingdom House.  And, Natalie's Daisy troop made and delivered holiday centerpieces and then sang to the residents of a skilled nursing center; while Noah's Cub Scout Den sold Christmas trees to support the Knights of Columbus.

Christmas Pre-party 

Noah's choir group practiced once a week for almost three months in preparation for our
church's Christmas program.   

Natalie and her friend, George enjoy the music together.

The kiddie crowd showed their appreciation for the singing by raising their glowsticks high.

After the service....all hyped up and nowhere to go!

Christmas morning

No words needed. 

I'm not sure what she was expecting, but she has yet to bounce on it.
"You mean you expect me to jump on that without my feet touching the ground?!" she asked

This year the kids bought gifts with their own money.  I took them to  Five Below to do their shopping.  They were so proud of their purchases and wrapped them immediately.  Steve Claus with his new ceramic coffee mug.

Noah bought Steve a $5 gift card to Starbucks.
"Don't tell my Dad I was here," he told the barista waiting on him.

Every year Steve takes the kids shopping for me, I usually get a new pair of p.j's and slippers.
This year Natalie picked out my slippers

Noah selected chihauhua sleep pants for me.

Christmas Day
After we opened presents, we headed to my parent's house for brunch, a gift
exchange and our annual game of BINGO.

Mom tried to get Noah and Natalie to try her

"surprise rolls"...inside a meatball and cheese stick.

Christmas brunch included cinnamon rolls, meatballs, bacon and cheese omelettes, rolls, ham, scalloped potatoes, fresh fruit, cookies and Steve's famous homemade blackberry cobbler...made using the berries he bled and sweat over picking back in July.  He makes it every year.

The gang was a little smaller this year.  My sister and her family remained in CO. to
celebrate with her in-laws.

Ready, Set, Rip!

Jack squealed with delight.

A jewelry box for the girl who likes sparkly things.

Natalie bought Gma "something shiny" for her to hang in her garden.

Noah was a bit shy when he presented Gma with his gift of coffee flavorings.

"What are you going to get Gpa for Christmas?" I asked.
"A piece of steak...cause Gpa is a food person," explained Natalie.
Ultimately she changed her mind and opted for a travel coffee mug instead. 

Every year Steve and I try to out do ourselves for my brother's 12/29 birthday.  One year we gave him a
White Castles-smelling candle, another year a Redneck wine glass.  This time we found a place that sells
bacon in a can called "Tactical Bacon" 

In preparation for BINGO, we decided we needed some snacks.
Mom whipped up a batch of  spicy Velveeta cheese dip.
"Should I add a little wing sauce? asked Gma.
"Gma, wing sauce is like duct tape, it fixes everything," assured Ethan.

Bacon!

Our lovely Vanna/Gma shows off the BINGO prize loot.

More loot. 

This year my brother dug up items from his garage for prizes -- like this
ceramic piece he made in high school.

Natalie and Jack get their game on.

"Jack!  You got BINGO!  What do you say?!" we asked.
"Thank you" he answered quietly.

We didn't see him again after his win.  

BINGO Beauties

Perfect for family movie night!

Alicia doing a happy dance to the prize table.

Toe socks! 

Natalie doing her happy dance with Gma.

Sand art....argh

"Yes!" Ethan knew exactly what he wanted.

Mr. Moose Candy Dispenser - "A flick of the tail brings a treat"

We've decided to make Mr. Moose a new family tradition.
Steve is having a brass plate engraved with Ethan'sname and the year.
We'll bring him out for BINGO every Christmas and one lucky person will earn the right to
enjoy his treats and then have their name engraved on him.

Brian rides the pony to the winner's circle

Nice choice

BINGO!

Alicia and Ella show off their prizes

Nice grill, Nat

My Christmas tree is now complete...with Snooki and DJ Pauly D ornaments.

Noah shows off his moves before collecting his prize.

"I'm done playing now," he said.

Gpa shows off his loot -- a bubble gun and a reindeer candy dispenser.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!