sunrise sunset

Making Memories on a Saturday in May

Posted on June 2, 2015 by crystal

My youngest daughter is getting married in the Fall . . .

so she and I visited bridal shops on Saturday.

If you had been along for the ride – you’d have seen me get all teary as my girl tried-on wedding dresses. (Maybe you would have laughed!)

In any case, you’d have to admit she looked like a princess once she put on a veil . . .

If you knew her, you might have looked at her on Saturday and wondered how the bubbly little blonde girl you remember – so clearly – could have turned overnight into the radiant young woman standing at the mirror.

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If you had been there with us, you would have smiled in amusement and then laughed out loud as you watched her antics “testing” how the dress would feel on her big day . . .

* She took a stroll around the room to check how easily she could maneuver and negotiate curves in a full skirt and train.

* Next, she gracefully sat on a chair to get a sense of how comfortable it would be.

* Then, while shooting me a great big grin, she broke into a little jig. After all, a bride wants to be sure she’s able to dance the night away!

makeupcompact1 If you had been there on Saturday, you might have taken advantage of the complimentary services of a make-up artist who was set up at the bridal salon for the afternoon. My daughter and I did and it was great fun! We had a choice to go “natural” or “dramatic”. We chose dramatic just to see the results!

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If you had come along with us, you would already know what I’m going to say next.

We were carrying parcels when we left the bridal shop – she had chosen her wedding gown.

Or as they say on the TV show . . . she said “yes” to the dress!

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

She’s Leaving on a Jet Plane

Posted on December 3, 2012 by crystal

Crystal and Sir Beads are feeling a little blue….

For the past two weeks, their eldest daughter has been stateside for an extended Thanksgiving holiday. Oh, what marvelous escapades she and her younger sister (and those above-mentioned parents!) shared during that time.

However, as we all know, a vacation day has fewer than 24 hours, and a vacation week has no where near 7 days.

Or so it seems.

All too quickly, the visit was over. Suddenly, fully-packed suitcases were waiting by door.

Crystal: “I wish I had squeezed in a couple of extra hugs before we left to take her to the airport. It was so hectic when we got there that I only managed to give one last big hug…”

Sir Beads: “I know.”

Crystal: “I miss her already.” (with tears beginning to fall)

Sir Beads: “Me, too.”

Crystal: “We sure had lots of fun though, didn’t we?” (smiling now)

Sir Beads: “Oh yes!”

Crystal: “I’ll focus on that.”

Sir Beads: “Good idea . . . Give me a hug.”

Weekend Report

Posted on July 30, 2012 by crystal

On Saturday, it was our extended family’s annual summer gathering . . .

* We were so lucky to have nice weather – not too hot and no rain (even though the sun played peek-a-boo all day long).

* We enjoyed the most delicious food (including the delightful fruit salad you see above, which was made by one of my daughters).

* We talked a lot and laughed ’til we cried. (This is quite a witty bunch that includes several “should-have-been” comedians!)

* We celebrated a birthday (for Sir Beads)! He got all the candles out with one breath, so hopefully his wish will come true!

* We sorely missed the ones who could not make it that day. (As the kids grow into adults – jobs and marriages take them to other corners of the world and it gets harder and harder to have the entire clan in one place on the same day.)

* We cherished the chance to smooch and play with the newest member of our family, who is now 15 months old and absolutely thriving after a very rocky start in this life. (Did I mention he is the smartest most handsome baby – ever!?!) Lol

* We all agreed it was the best party! (Of course, we say that every year. 😉 )

The long ride home seemed very short. After such a wonderful day, there was lots to remember and chat about . . .

We’re already looking forward to next time.

Hope you have a chance to spend a fun summer day with people you love! 😀

Hugs,

Posted on March 19, 2010 by crystal

Please forgive me if my recent posts have been heavy on the family stuff. I have just one more to finish the week. I’m guessing you’ll let me off the hook because today is my daughter’s birthday! 🙂

The song, “Sunrise Sunset”, from “Fiddler on the Roof” has the kind of lyrics that tug at the ole heartstrings of a parent. That tune was playing in my head as I looked at photos of her earliest celebrations. I don’t think she’ll mind if I mention she’s “thirty-something” today. 😉

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don’t remember growing older
When did they?

2nd birthday

When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn’t it yesterday
When they were small?

3rd birthday

(Gosh, do those lyrics ever ring true!!!)

5th birthday

And all grown up

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

We love you a million trillion!

Mom & Dad
xoxoxoxoxo

Sons and Daughters

Posted on January 7, 2010 by crystal

Recently, I had the chance to experience just how heart-warming it can be when the younger generation reaches maturity and begins to take on some of the responsibilities of their parents.

At our holiday get-together this year, several of the “kids” brought special recipes they had made for the family meal. And what impressive dishes they were!

For example, my sweet niece, Lisa, made this mouth-watering treat . . .

“Onion Tart”

If I close my eyes . . . I can still clearly see Lisa, when she was just a little girl, standing in the middle of a room full of relatives. She’s smiling a smile that would win over the grumpiest of curmudgeons, as she recites her own adorable version of “Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”. Her voice is clear and lilting and her incredibly animated expressions are cuter than cute. Today, she is studying medicine. Where did the time go?

Lisa’s dish was a big hit at the party last week. It’s a good thing she made two of them because the first one disappeared within minutes. I asked for the recipe and she kindly provided this link (Scroll down the page for the “Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette”.)

‘Til next time,