A Day in Pictures

I was awakened by the doorbell. It's "cold season" at our house and last night I needed some relief from headache, nose sniffles, and sore throat. I took some NyQuil and it knocked me out! The sound of the doorbell was not what I wanted to hear first thing in the morning, but... I was glad to greet my visitors.

...Visiting teachers from church. They came by and brought me a birthday gift (it was on Sep 21). These ladies are so sweet and thoughtful and have become some of my best friends. I love the glass leaves and tea lights. Perfect for Autumn time!

10:00 a.m. - Breakfast. Raisin Bran is a favorite and is full of fiber. 

Dishes from last night and this morning.

The day's are not complete without a call from my daughters. I like that!

Hot shower. Ohhhh... felt so good!

Afternoon - Watered flowers. My Zinnia's have been so beautiful. They are State Fair quality for sure!

I picked up some dried purple leaves to put in my "Magic Spells" potion bottle for Halloween. I'm keeping my eye out for natural remedies.

As you can guess, I've been on Pinterest! Looking for Halloween party and decor ideas. I've found some real good ones.

Beware the ghasty green witch! I can't wait to make her.

4:00 p.m. - The Mr. and I went to a movie. Even though we have an amazing theater room, we still like to support our local theater. Once a week, on cheap nights, we choose a movie to see. Tonight we went to The Magnificent Seven. If you are in the mood to see a wild west show, this is the one for you!

Evening - Dinner at home and Survivor (love DVR!)

Life is good!

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Son...

Seems like yesterday you were playing at one of your favorite parks with your sisters, rappelling out trees, fishing in the river with your stick and string, riding bikes with your friends, catching frogs, playing in the mud with your trucks, and incubating chicken eggs. 

I loved being your cub scout leader... making birdhouses and derby cars and cooking with tuna cans in the back yard. Oh... you were such a delight!

It was not uncommon to come home from school to find you in the kitchen with my apron on cooking up a batch of brownies. You loved to cook!

You had the ability to entertain yourself for hours... whether it was building extraordinary things out of legos, playing with matchbox cars, swimming in the river, or riding the LTD bus. 

The innocent years of your youth went by way too fast. You grew into a young man before I knew it. 

I watched you enter adulthood when you got your first job and bought a jeep with your own money. I watched, with pride, the way you took care of things and people. 

Making a family of your own brought a newfound joy all its own. I loved watching you be a father and see the love and concern you had for your children.

You always had an adventure going on in your head it seemed. I loved all our family trips together. You were just one of the kids when it came to snowball fights, sledding, exploring gardens and other places of nature. You never outgrew the "fun" of doing. All the kids... nieces and nephews, often thought of you as their favorite uncle. 

Thirty two short years on earth wasn't long enough, but I don't think about how or why you left us. There was too much good about you. Labor Day will be forever changed. Today we will celebrate your life... forever.

I will always think about your soft, calming voice. Your laughter. Your funny personality and the hilarious way you had with words. Your phone calls that could last for hours, but only seemed like minutes. The unique droop of your lip when you smiled or cried. Your love of nature, gardening, and animals. Your kindness. Your gentleness. Just you... you as a glorious and worthy son. 

Steven Greg Oliver - January 29, 1983 - September 7, 2015

I especially loved that you always addressed me as "mother".  

From your mother... I love you son!

Profile Picture

This has been my facebook profile picture for the past year. It is a picture of two of my children. Shaniel and Steven. Shaniel was my third child. Steven, my fourth. They were just about three years apart in age... but close enough to be the best of friends.

Shaniel and Steven have both passed away. I keep a picture of them as my profile picture to keep them constantly visual... just as if they were here.

Shaniel was murdered by her husband on February 10, 2013. She was 32 years old and left behind four children. Her husband killed himself as well. Steven died by suicide on Labor Day last year. September 7, 2015. He was also 32 years old and left behind a wife and two natural and two step children. Both have been very hard deaths on our family. Never would I expected this to happen to them, to me, to their siblings, and children.

Shaniel's death was extremely difficult on all of us. Steven shut down and never talked about it. I believe if Shaniel were here today that Steven would be here too. I can't believe what one person's choices and actions can do to change the life of so many people. Our's is forever changed. 

The picture of Shaniel and Steven were taken at Thanksgiving Point during the Tulip Festival in 2010. We have always gotten together as often as we could to do things as a family. To make memories and strengthen family ties and for cousins to become good friends. 

All but one of my girls were there for the picture. I am thankful for so many good and wonderful memories of my children. For those left behind, I consider each day I am with my children and grandchildren a cherished gift. A gift I never take for granted. To see them, hear them, hug them and love them is more precious than anything. 

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop