I Have Been Given Much

My dad's favorite hymn was, "Because I Have Been Given Much" by Grace Noll Crowell.  The words in this song touched his heart deeply.  

None of us are perfect, boy did my dad try hard to be.  He was the perfect dad for me.

He was the one that let me push my popcorn popper along side him while he mowed the lawn.

One spring day he helped me fly my kite so high that the kite became a dark dot agains the blue sky.  After holding tightly onto my string for most of the afternoon he brought me a folding chair so I could sit in the middle of the street.  I wasn't ready to roll in my kite.  I loved staring at it so far up.

In the middle of the night he was the guy that would wake you up to jump in the pool because it was still 90º outside.

When a nasty storm blew through town he grabbed his oldest kid (me), hung her from the edge of the garage door so he could pull on her legs to help him bring the door down in hurricane force winds.

Our first summer in Oregon was miserable.  We didn't have a pool, friends to play with and it rained ALL summer.  I'm not sure who was more miserable us or my mom.  Dad was the one to encourage us to play in the mud.  We built hydro-slides for our little people to enjoy.  

We sat in the mud for days.  The mud covered our hands, caked our hair, splattered our faces and soaked into our clothes.  We only came in once our teeth began to chatter, yes it was summer.  Mom wouldn't let us in the house and dad barely let us in his clean garage.    Standing on a beach towel in the middle of the garage we pealed off those muddy clothes to discover even our undies were stained muddy brown.

When the popular kids picked on me in 8th grade Dad stood in the kitchen in his white shirt and tie and held me as I cried.  He didn't care that my mascara was all over his shirt.

His OCD got the best of him many times.  No problem.  Leslie and I took care of that.  We wrote our names in his "no lines in the carpet" living room, drew pictures on his windshield, rearranged  the color order of his shirts and smashed shirts together that were one finger width apart.

On cold Oregon nights we all looked forward to a hot shower.  Many times dad would get a cold water or ice bucket dump on the head.  I can still hear him shouting, "Shannon, Leslie!"

While traveling he would often flush the toilet in our.  To show he was thinking of us he'd send a post card or bring a new stuffy friend home from his far away trips.

He gave tear filled blessings. Encouraged us to attend the temple.  Volunteered to be the DAD at girls camp. He always supported our spiritual progression.

Among some of dads best talents were giant spider killer, iron extraordinaire (pleats and creases could be found in plants, socks and pillow cases). He could give each character a different voice in a story.  His best voice was that of Cruella de Vil.  We learned how to color, shade and add definition to ordinary color books, camping, s'more builder, lawn groomer, shopper and snazzy dresser.

At the age of 50 he became a grandpa.  He wasn't sure about his new role, but as each of the 5 grands were born we watched his heart grow.  The love he had for them was evident.

Dad taught each of the grandkiddo's to swim, dive and trust that he would catch them when they jumped in.  He played MARCO POLO more times than we could count.  The hot tub had a special name, "Spa Pooool". Every day things were given his special spin.

Everyone knew when Dad was at one of the kids games.  He cheered louder than any group of parents.  His voice was recognizable, but his cheer of "That's my GRANDDAUGHTER", or "That's my GRANDSON" became his signature.  Oh how the kids loved hearing it, even when it was embarrassing.

He hated when my sister and her family moved to Tennessee and hated it even more when I moved to DC.  Dad didn't like having miles between us.  In our second year married he told me that living 2.2 miles away from him was too far.  

It was too far, but last November we spent the month touring Washington DC.  Our time together was hard for many reasons.  I think because of this Heavenly Father gave us a day, September 25 to do some of our favorite father daughter things.

My Dad wasn't perfect.  He tried to show perfect love for his family and friends.  I was blessed to be his daughter.  He gave and taught me much.  

Love you whole bunches Dweeb (Dad).

Halloween CARS Style

 Our little Cuties love, love, love the movie "CARS".

Every car, truck or bus in this house is accompanied by a pretty accurate car sound.  Cutie O is quite the expert.  He practices his sounds as he drives his food or spoon at the table.

Holly knew that they needed to  dress up as Lightening and Mater for Halloween.  Luckily she purchased their outfits in August.  This gave the family time to jump on board.

As proud grandparents, uncles and aunties we all followed the parents and bought t-shirts for each of the different characters in the movie.  It was so fun to do this together.

Carving pumpkins was a lot more fun this year.  Even though it wasn't Cutie E's first experience you would have thought we were introducing him to it for the very fist time.  He did no like the feel of the slimy guts or the smell.  He actually gaged.  

Cutie O was a bit more adventurous. No gaging, he touched the slime and even put his hand inside auntie Riss's pumpkin.  He giggled.

The boys were so proud of the their pumpkins.  They picked them out at the pumpkin patch and sat with mommy as she carved them.  Halloween night these cuties had their pumpkins front and center.

We live in a neighborhood that still has original owners after 28 yers.  Our two Cuties are just a few of the  kiddo's that live here.  After a disappointing Halloween our first year we started a little neighborhood party on Halloween night.  This was our second year hosting and it was a success.

The boys holiday greeting grew to include "Trick or Treat" and "Happy Halloween".  They got to put them to use at a few neighbors who welcomed Mater & McQueen.  So darn cute to hear them say Trick-or-Treat and Happy Halloween.  

We had a great time with neighbors, sweet treats and a bonfire.  The boys loved playing in the leaves, chasing after friends, waving glow sticks, carrying their pumpkins around and dancing to K Pop music with all the other kids.

I missed my dad today.  This was his favorite holiday and he made it so much fun.  He would have loved that we have kept some family traditions and all dressed up together.

A Day With Dad

 If you had an entire day to spend with your dad what would the two of you do?

For my dad and I it was easy to plan, let do all of our favorites.

Our early morning start included my dad's famous microwave scrambled eggs and english muffins.  I make these eggs for the boys often, but my dad's taste so much better.  Its probably the butter.

The rest of the morning we played the back 9 at his favorite golf course.  To set the record straight I do not play golf to win, I play to just have fun.  I poke fun at my companions, brag when I have the best ball, drive the cart too fast and bring a few silly laughs.

He takes the game seriously

Since my dad had not played golf in a couple of years I had bragging rights of "BEST BALL" on multiple holes.  My dad could not believe how straight I hit the ball or the skills I have picked up over the last couple of years.  He did give me a few good pointers.  I hit the ball even better.  He's always the teacher.

One of many best balls

The morning was warm with beautiful California blue skies and light breeze.  It did get a little warm, so to cool off I took the turns in the cart a little faster.  You should have seen the look on my dad's face.  I just laughed.  We admired a hawk  on hole 12 as he searched for his breakfast and enjoyed being together.

Hole 17 was the best of the morning.  I actually hit my ball over a creek and made PAR.  I did a huge happy dance.  My dad was so impressed that he sent me home with my ball.

This is hole 17

My dad lives in the neighboring town to where I spent my childhood.  One of our favorite places to eat lunch on a Saturday was Caspers.  They have the BEST hot dogs.  This fun day with my dad took us to Caspers and lots of memories of sitting on that pink twisty stool.  That hot dog tasted amazing.

We quickly changed clothes and headed into the city.  My dad loves taking family and friends into San Francisco to show them all the sights.  He's a pretty good tour guide.  Hmm, I wonder where I get it?

Sean met us in Sausalito after he finished his photo shoot.  We enjoyed walking through town, the views of the Bay Bridge, the city and Bay. 

A beautiful windy day

Eventually the three of us walked around Pier 39, Fishermans Wharf and enjoyed every bit of our dinner at Boudin Sourdough.  No one makes sourdough bread and clam chowder like they do.  I could not wait to have both.  Dad has taken each of the grandkids to Boudins when they visited him in California.  It is definitely a family favorite.  

Our final experience was to go to  Ghiridelli Square for ice cream.  A great plan, its not to far from the wharf, but we got stuck in a dead locked traffic jam because ISHOWSPEED YouTuber was eating at an "In & Out".  I had no idea who this guy was and could not believe all the people crowded outside the restaurant.  

ISHOWSPEED is inside that In N Out

My dad and I just kept laughing and pointing at all the crazy things people were doing to try and get a glimpse of this guy.  Mom's were sharing with other mom's that they were mom of the year for pulling their kids from school to chase this guy through the Bay Area.  

It only took 40 minutes for this YouTuber to eat his burger.  No problem.  We sat in the car laughing at the dead locked traffic.  It magically cleared after he left and we made it to our ice cream.  But the old guy needed hot chocolate to warm up. 

Our day was spent together.  I loved every moment.  It was just me and my dad with Sean joining us.  

He knew my favorites and made sure we made it to all of them.

We walked, talked and ate our way through the day.

We laughed. We hugged.  At our good bye hug we said, "See you at Thanksgiving."

Little did either of us know these pictures or our day together would become priceless.

 

Everyday is a Good Day

 When Sean and I were raising our kids we were in the midst of building careers, purchasing our fist and second home, creating friendships and participating in all of their activities.  There were school projects, science fair, reports, soccer, basketball, football, softball, baseball, lacrosse and church activities.  Some weekends the only time we saw one another was sitting int he pews at church.

We were in the thick of life and it was cruising.

Being a Gammy helping our kids with their littles I have the luxury of slowing down, sitting and just being with the boys.  I don't have anywhere to rush off to.  I'm not building my career or purchasing homes.  I get to enjoy all the little moments.

If I had one piece of advice to give those in the midst of raising families and building careers it is to put away your phones and talk to your kids.  All they really want is time with you.  Play two-square or wall ball, go for a bike ride, have a tea party or build a fort.

It really doesn't matter what you do as long as it is together.

Together at home.

Together outside.

Together doing what they ask you to do with them.  Even when the slide is a little short.

Together making special days extra special.

Reading books together, even when Pops is "asleep".

Making rainy days a dance in the rain under an umbrella.

Dancing in the rain.

Staying on the phone when your toddler grabs the phone and you get to see life at their level.

Together in chores, cooking and crafting.

Together running in the rain.

Together in "dinking" your food.

Its all about doing it together, no matter what it is.  I surely don't want to miss a moment as these two Cuties explore the world around them.

Floating Gardens

 One of the many perks of living in the DC area is getting to explore more than the mall or the Top 10 tourist sites in the city.  Recently we visited one of those places that is off the beaten path.

Nestled in the Kenilworth neighborhood off of the 295 highway are the  Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens.  

I was blown away that this beautiful garden was just blocks from the freeway and yet it was peaceful.  You could hear the birds, frogs and even watch the turtles.  This is truly a hidden gem.

Due to construction in the parking lot we had to park on side streets and enter through a temporary entrance.   We immediately were greeted with ponds filled with lily pads and floating water lilies.  These beautiful flowers have been beloved flowers hundreds of years.

Buddhists and Hindus waterlilies are symbolic of rebirth and enlightenment.  Their beauty rival many flowers but their ability to close at night and reopen the next day makes them extra special.

Our walk took us along many ponds of waterlilies and then we saw incredible pink beauty.  From the muck of muddy waters standing tall are the bright pink lotus flowers. Their leaves are gigantic, their flowers vibrant, but what is even more amazing is what happens after the flower blooms.

The seed pod is located in the center of the flower.  After it blooms and shares its beauty for 5(ish) days the petals begin to fall.  With the movement of the murky water the seeds fall out of the pod into the  water where they will nestle into the mud till the conditions are right to grow and bloom.  The pod will begin to dry out.  I had no idea that these dried pods are what I have in many of my fall and winter flower arrangements.

While I was enchanted by these pods the boys were thrilled to be in a park that had lots of sticks and rocks.  That little rock is about to become wet.

It is great fun to watch them discover nature for themselves.  Sticks and rocks are at the top of their list to find.  Running on the trails, walking like a bear on the bridge and watching the birds were also fun.

As the adults in their life we loved watching the brotherly love come out in sharing hugs, kisses and holding hands.  They really are the sweetest.

Cutie E kept asking where the turtles were.  We were looking, but they were hiding in their secret places.  Just before leaving I spotted a little dude resting on the banks of one of the ponds in the sun.  The boys loved watching him stretch his neck.

The best part of the day was sharing this new hidden gem with the boys, Holly and Dreyton.  I do love our field trips together.

Apples

 It is no big secret, FALL is my favorite time of year.  

Football returns,  the breezes kick in, temperatures cool, the days get shorter (not my favorite part), evenings are cool enough for snuggling, sweatshirts return and the fall colors are vibrant.

Fall in Oregon is a bit short for my liking, but not here.  In the DC area we can enjoy the fall colors and weather for almost 2 months.  That is two whole months of soaking up everything fall has to offer.

One of my favorite activities is to go apple picking. It has been a few years since I've picked apples and now that the boys are a bit older it was the perfect time to pick a Maryland farm. 

The little farm Holly and I took the boys to was not so small and perfectly fall.  Larriland Farms is surrounded by rolling hills,  a small lake, lots of trees and beautiful farm land.  They started in 1973 and their primary focus was to produce yummy fruits and veggies for you to pick.  

Ariel view of Larriland, from their website

Larriland has 25.5 acres with 27 different varieties of apples, each with its own peak season.

On our visit we strolled up and down a couple of isles picking Crimson Crisp and Autumn Crisp apples. It didn't take long before we had filled two giant bags with yummy apples.

The boys loved picking apples that were low to the ground and easy to pluck.  Cutie E enjoyed showing off his prizes and filling the bag.  Cutie O wasn't sure at first as his little hands didn't always fit around the apple.

Some of the apples were so big that I couldn't use my apple slicer.

Both varities were sweet and juicy and if stored properly can last up to 6-8 weeks.  WOW!

We have eaten quite a few, but the majority are apple sauce.  I did have a little help, but Cutie O didn't see why he had to cut the apple if he could just eat it.

My mom taught me to just chop up the apple and throw everything in.  In the process of sending the cooked apples through the sieve the skin and seeds will be left behind.  She said that you wasted less apple this way.  I have followed mom's process for years.

The pleasant surprise this year was that the Crimson Crisp apples deep red skin color turned the cooked apples pink.  I have pink apple sauce without using red hots or food color.  To top it off it is so sweet that I didn't need to add brown sugar, cinnamon or ginger.  These apples are amazing.  My little helper thought so too.

We have enjoyed these apples so much that I will be making more trips to Larriland Farms in the future.

I hope everyone is enjoying their fall favorites no matter where they live.