M is for...My Mom

Me and Mom with my younger brother Les

My mom is amazing. She's 87 years old and still living on her own, about a 45-minute drive from me. At some point she may decide it's time to come live with me and my husband, but we want her to make that decision. She has a beautiful yard with lots of flowers, and we've FINALLY convinced her to get some help with the heavy work. I also just recently convinced her to try the motorized carts at the grocery store - it was a real hoot helping her learn to drive one the first time

Mom and I (and Dad!) went to college together. Mom went to normal training after high school, then taught, but had to quit when I and my brother were born. She wanted to teach, and she made it happen. She taught 3rd grade for many years, and it was wonderful being able to talk to her and ask for advice in my own teaching. A few years ago she told me she wanted to join the Peace Corps, but married young and never had the chance.

She was a fierce advocate for my special needs brother, always looking into educational opportunities for him. Even though he's in 24-7 care and she has transferred his guardianship to me and my younger brother, she remains actively involved in his welfare.

Unfortunately, lately she's been feeling weak and short of breath, and having problems with her feet and legs swelling. The last time we went to get her groceries, she chose to sit and wait while I did the shopping. I feel so lucky to still have her, and I worry about her. I guess that's part of life, but she's always been so strong and smart. She is my role model and I love her very much.

Mom and her younger sister Viola

First time in motorized cart

 

Just a few meandering thoughts...

Oh my - I just realized how the last couple of weeks have flown past, and here it is, AUGUST!  I have so many items on my "To Do" list, and I don't seem to be getting any of them done!  Summer is a time for relaxation and friends, so much of that list will have to take a back seat for now, but I really need to think about my August class.  I found some time yesterday to do a little stamping, and came up with this.  Not sure it will make the cut for the class (might be too time-consuming), but I like it anyway.  I used PanPastels on the background, and colored the back of vellum for the butterfly wings. (The butterfly die is not FSJ - not sure what company makes it.)

We were blessed to have a quick visit from my cousin and her daughter from Wisconsin this past weekend.  My mom came out also, so our time was spent eating and visiting, of course.


The weeds continue to grow no matter what I do to discourage them, so I need to get out and spend some time on my knees in the dirt...an enjoyable activity early in the morning before it gets too hot.  Still no tomatoes or peppers, but we planted late this year. The plants themselves are looking good.

We have a new fawn.  Five or six deer visit our "pond" (just a garbage can lid I keep filled with water) a few times a day.  Last night we sat on the deck watching the baby tentatively exploring the back yard.

Speaking of the deck, we finished the last railing on the new extension.  The only thing left to do on that project is to install the step.

And...I'm really excited to have my FIRST Fun Stampers Journey recruit!  Deb Muniz joined FSJ in July.  I'll be sending this card her way later today.  Welcome to the journey, Deb!

Easter's on its way...

This is what my worktable looks like right now - I'm trying to finish up an Easter box for granddaughter Addison and her adults.  But I ate all the little chocolate eggs, so I'd better go shopping, preferably for something I don't like!