Monday, October 6, 2008
My mother.......
Today my mother has been dead for 17 years. It is hard to believe that I have not heard her voice or her laugh in so long. Sometimes I am reduced to tears by how much I miss her. Most of the time her memory makes me smile because I have so many good things to recall. She loved God and her family, and there were so many people that loved her. She had an amazing sense of humor and the most amazing laugh. I miss the sound of that laugh so much..............
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Weekend Visit With The Carusos
Tommy and I just got back from our visit with Laura and Michael in West Lafayette. On Saturday evening she and Michael cooked for us. My daughter can cook!!! Michael is from a cooking family so it didn't surprise me that he would be a good cook! We were treated to delicious homemade bread, wonderful homemade authentic Italian tomato sauce with pasta, delicious brajoli (don't know if that is spelled right, but it is fabulous thin layers of pork rolled with bread crumbs and other ingredients and broiled in the oven on skewers), and salad with great homemade dressing. After dinner we were treated to Boston Creme Pie, a perfect end to a fabulous meal. They both worked together on the entire meal. The Hammond parents are IMPRESSED!!!
After dinner, I got my butt kicked playing Wii tennis and bowling with Michael and Laura. You would think that they would let the "old gal" win, but NOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Here's something I discovered this weekend.........Laura is a good housekeeper. This is the same Laura who grew up in my house, the one who I would suggest getting a tetanus shot before riding in her car or spending much time in her room.
Another thing I discovered......Michael has grown some facial hair. It is absolutely too cute!!! He looks quite handsome.
Both Laura and Michael looked happy and well. It was so good to see them both.
I loved their apartment. I also loved spending time with them, and watching them grow together as a married couple.
This morning (Sunday) we ate breakfast at I-Hop and spent a little time shopping in West Lafayette. It's funny that Laura and I sometimes purchase or look at/like the exact same things in a store. Today Laura & I were both in the jewelry section of a store, and I found a pair of earrings that I liked. At about the same time she also found a pair she liked. We were both talking about them, and turned to discover that we are both holding the same exact ones. Things like this happen to us all the time.
It is so awesome when your daughter makes the transition from your treasured child to your treasured friend. Though she remains my child, she now has attained the "most amazing friend" status, something that I wish for all my friends who are blessed with daughters. She really understands me like no one else.....probably because she is so like me. How did this happen? Thank you God for my daughter!!!
Please remember Laura in your prayers this week. Her temporary employment has ended and she is deligently searching for a job. I hope that she will find one that will allow her to come home some on the weekends.
On the way home we made a little stop in Edinburg (Outlet Mall). I was able to purchase two Christmas gifts; one for Christy, and one for Mom Hammond!
Before we left yesterday, our BRAND NEW television started acting up. I was afraid that I had broken it, so I was stressed out. Nick came over while we were gone, and got it up and running. By the way....Nick can fix almost anything, especially if it is computer or electronic-related. It turned out that there is a problem with our cable box. The cable company is supposed to bring us a new one I think.
After a week off from work due to last week's hurricane, I have to go back to work tomorrow. It's going to HURT! I did have a great week off. Christy and I took Luke to have his picture made on Thursday. The pictures turned out fabulous, of course. That baby is absolutely precious. Christy brought him over a little while yesterday before we left, so I did get a little "baby fix" before I went to West Lafayette. I did miss seeing Nick, Christy, and Luke today because we usually spend time with them every Sunday. It is amazing to me that both of my children and their spouses have become amazing friends and people that we LOVE spending time with. Tommy and I are so blessed!
After dinner, I got my butt kicked playing Wii tennis and bowling with Michael and Laura. You would think that they would let the "old gal" win, but NOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Here's something I discovered this weekend.........Laura is a good housekeeper. This is the same Laura who grew up in my house, the one who I would suggest getting a tetanus shot before riding in her car or spending much time in her room.
Another thing I discovered......Michael has grown some facial hair. It is absolutely too cute!!! He looks quite handsome.
Both Laura and Michael looked happy and well. It was so good to see them both.
I loved their apartment. I also loved spending time with them, and watching them grow together as a married couple.
This morning (Sunday) we ate breakfast at I-Hop and spent a little time shopping in West Lafayette. It's funny that Laura and I sometimes purchase or look at/like the exact same things in a store. Today Laura & I were both in the jewelry section of a store, and I found a pair of earrings that I liked. At about the same time she also found a pair she liked. We were both talking about them, and turned to discover that we are both holding the same exact ones. Things like this happen to us all the time.
It is so awesome when your daughter makes the transition from your treasured child to your treasured friend. Though she remains my child, she now has attained the "most amazing friend" status, something that I wish for all my friends who are blessed with daughters. She really understands me like no one else.....probably because she is so like me. How did this happen? Thank you God for my daughter!!!
Please remember Laura in your prayers this week. Her temporary employment has ended and she is deligently searching for a job. I hope that she will find one that will allow her to come home some on the weekends.
On the way home we made a little stop in Edinburg (Outlet Mall). I was able to purchase two Christmas gifts; one for Christy, and one for Mom Hammond!
Before we left yesterday, our BRAND NEW television started acting up. I was afraid that I had broken it, so I was stressed out. Nick came over while we were gone, and got it up and running. By the way....Nick can fix almost anything, especially if it is computer or electronic-related. It turned out that there is a problem with our cable box. The cable company is supposed to bring us a new one I think.
After a week off from work due to last week's hurricane, I have to go back to work tomorrow. It's going to HURT! I did have a great week off. Christy and I took Luke to have his picture made on Thursday. The pictures turned out fabulous, of course. That baby is absolutely precious. Christy brought him over a little while yesterday before we left, so I did get a little "baby fix" before I went to West Lafayette. I did miss seeing Nick, Christy, and Luke today because we usually spend time with them every Sunday. It is amazing to me that both of my children and their spouses have become amazing friends and people that we LOVE spending time with. Tommy and I are so blessed!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Happy Birthday, Beautiful Laura
Today is Laura's birthday. She was born on a Thursday at 10:16 (DST) in the evening at Clark Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 1/2 ounces, and was absolutely beautiful! I did not have an ultrasound, but I predicted that she was a girl AND that she would weigh 7 lbs, 2 1/2 ounces. How cool is that! Her birth was fairly easy and quick, considering the epidural they gave me did NOT work. I was ecstatic to have a little girl. She has given me so much joy!
My life has never been the same since that day 22 years ago. Little did I know then that I was going to raise her to be the most wonderful friend I could ever have imagined!
She visited this weekend, and we had a great time. I miss her a lot, but am so happy that she has found someone so perfect for her to share her life with in Michael.
Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!
My life has never been the same since that day 22 years ago. Little did I know then that I was going to raise her to be the most wonderful friend I could ever have imagined!
She visited this weekend, and we had a great time. I miss her a lot, but am so happy that she has found someone so perfect for her to share her life with in Michael.
Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A busy week
It's Saturday morning and I'm up early. Tommy & I are going to Chicago today to see a Cubs ballgame. A company that does business with his company is flying is up there. We're planning to see the game & eat lots of good food!
It has been a VERY busy week.........School registration is one of the craziest times with my job. I worked until 10:00 PM on Thursday night.
Yesterday I was at the mall for a little "retail therapy" and I was in the shoe department (how surprising!). I heard a little girl asking her mother about a pair of shoes that she wanted to buy or try on. Her mother told her no and that she was NOT going to wait in line because the store was busy. I thought to myself, "You should wait......One day your little girl will be all grown up and you won't be able to do this." So I guess you can see where my mind is......I'm missing my little girl. Yes, I'm happy that she is married to Michael. I even think that it is good for her & Michael to live away from this area for a little while. I think it will be good for their marriage. I just miss her.
Last night, Luke, Christy, & Nick ate supper with us. I was busy when they first came in and I didn't grab Luke like I usually do. He got so mad because I was not giving him all my attention. He is so precious. We had a great time, as usual.
I am truly blessed with wonderful children & they both have wonderful spouses. I'm thankful to God for them!
It has been a VERY busy week.........School registration is one of the craziest times with my job. I worked until 10:00 PM on Thursday night.
Yesterday I was at the mall for a little "retail therapy" and I was in the shoe department (how surprising!). I heard a little girl asking her mother about a pair of shoes that she wanted to buy or try on. Her mother told her no and that she was NOT going to wait in line because the store was busy. I thought to myself, "You should wait......One day your little girl will be all grown up and you won't be able to do this." So I guess you can see where my mind is......I'm missing my little girl. Yes, I'm happy that she is married to Michael. I even think that it is good for her & Michael to live away from this area for a little while. I think it will be good for their marriage. I just miss her.
Last night, Luke, Christy, & Nick ate supper with us. I was busy when they first came in and I didn't grab Luke like I usually do. He got so mad because I was not giving him all my attention. He is so precious. We had a great time, as usual.
I am truly blessed with wonderful children & they both have wonderful spouses. I'm thankful to God for them!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Wedding is over.........
The wedding is over. Laura is on her honeymoon. I saw her briefly before she left today, and she & Michael both seemed very happy. I am so happy that she has found someone to share her life with.
When you have a daughter, you always dream of her wedding day. I have to say that the wedding turned out absolutely beautiful, and it is a day that I will always treasure. Laura looked beautiful, and the ceremony was gorgeous......beautiful music, wonderful friends & family surrounding us.
I have so many people to thank for making the wedding so beautiful:
Deb - for the beautiful flower design, and the help with decorating the church, and all of her great advice.
Deina & Marlena - the most wonderful reception hall decorators in the world.
Deina - for making all the tea at the reception.
Christopher (Deina's Grandson) - for helping decorate the reception hall all day on Friday.
Tawana - for helping with my wedding hairdo and helping with the church decor.
Leigh Ann - for great advice, and all of the nifty things you let us borrow.
Maria - for being a great coordinator and making the church look so beautiful. The things you can do in a few minutes would have taken us hours & hours to do.
Nancy - for helping with the programs and all of the advice & support
Brian - as always a beautiful wedding message.
The Caruso Family - for providing the beautiful music. It was gorgeous!
The Caruso Family - for the great rehearsal dinner. YUM!!!
My wonderful friends - for listening to me talk and talk and talk about the wedding.
Our wonderful families - for love and support
Megan - for being a great friend to Laura, and listening to her "wedding problems".
Christy & Nick - for helping decorate and clean up the reception hall.
Alicia - for helping decorate the reception hall.
Julie - for helping clean the reception hall.
Matt - for helping clean the reception hall.
Luke - my precious grandson. I'm so glad I had you to hold when Laura walked out of the reception hall.
Donna, Harold and the entire catering crew - for making the food absolutely delicious AND beautiful at the wedding.
Donna B - the wedding cake was EXQUISITE!
Liz - for the beautiful vintage purse that Laura carried her flowers in. Laura HAD to have a purse for her flowers, and we could not find one anywhere. The fact that the purse once belonged to Liz made it that much better.
You realize that your children will one day grow up to be on their own one day. I knew that I was going to have a hard time when Laura walked out of the reception, but I really thought I would be able to handle it. When it was time for her to go, I was holding Luke who had just fallen asleep. I hugged Laura and cried and told her that she was the best little girl that I could have hoped for. They were happy tears; happy that she had found the love of her live, but bittersweet because my little girl was going to be moving 3 1/2 hours away. I don't think it was an accident that I was holding my grandson at that time.
I feel like Laura made an excellent choice in marrying Michael. I feel like he will cherish her always, and treat her like a queen. He was raised in a Christian home, and is a hard-working and caring guy. We are blessed to have him as a member of our family!
Please pray for Laura & Michael as they return from their honeymoon & move to West Lafayette in a few days. I miss her, but know that she is happy and in love. What more could a mother ask for?!
When you have a daughter, you always dream of her wedding day. I have to say that the wedding turned out absolutely beautiful, and it is a day that I will always treasure. Laura looked beautiful, and the ceremony was gorgeous......beautiful music, wonderful friends & family surrounding us.
I have so many people to thank for making the wedding so beautiful:
Deb - for the beautiful flower design, and the help with decorating the church, and all of her great advice.
Deina & Marlena - the most wonderful reception hall decorators in the world.
Deina - for making all the tea at the reception.
Christopher (Deina's Grandson) - for helping decorate the reception hall all day on Friday.
Tawana - for helping with my wedding hairdo and helping with the church decor.
Leigh Ann - for great advice, and all of the nifty things you let us borrow.
Maria - for being a great coordinator and making the church look so beautiful. The things you can do in a few minutes would have taken us hours & hours to do.
Nancy - for helping with the programs and all of the advice & support
Brian - as always a beautiful wedding message.
The Caruso Family - for providing the beautiful music. It was gorgeous!
The Caruso Family - for the great rehearsal dinner. YUM!!!
My wonderful friends - for listening to me talk and talk and talk about the wedding.
Our wonderful families - for love and support
Megan - for being a great friend to Laura, and listening to her "wedding problems".
Christy & Nick - for helping decorate and clean up the reception hall.
Alicia - for helping decorate the reception hall.
Julie - for helping clean the reception hall.
Matt - for helping clean the reception hall.
Luke - my precious grandson. I'm so glad I had you to hold when Laura walked out of the reception hall.
Donna, Harold and the entire catering crew - for making the food absolutely delicious AND beautiful at the wedding.
Donna B - the wedding cake was EXQUISITE!
Liz - for the beautiful vintage purse that Laura carried her flowers in. Laura HAD to have a purse for her flowers, and we could not find one anywhere. The fact that the purse once belonged to Liz made it that much better.
You realize that your children will one day grow up to be on their own one day. I knew that I was going to have a hard time when Laura walked out of the reception, but I really thought I would be able to handle it. When it was time for her to go, I was holding Luke who had just fallen asleep. I hugged Laura and cried and told her that she was the best little girl that I could have hoped for. They were happy tears; happy that she had found the love of her live, but bittersweet because my little girl was going to be moving 3 1/2 hours away. I don't think it was an accident that I was holding my grandson at that time.
I feel like Laura made an excellent choice in marrying Michael. I feel like he will cherish her always, and treat her like a queen. He was raised in a Christian home, and is a hard-working and caring guy. We are blessed to have him as a member of our family!
Please pray for Laura & Michael as they return from their honeymoon & move to West Lafayette in a few days. I miss her, but know that she is happy and in love. What more could a mother ask for?!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Summer is OVER!
Today is my last day off for the summer. I start back to work tomorrow. Where has the time gone? This will be known as the "Summer of the Wedding" or "The Summer I could NOT sleep". I've been a nervous wreck about the wedding all summer. I cannot believe that it is 4 days away.
I'd like to give a message to all of you with younger kids.......... They will grow up much faster than you could ever imagine! "Older" people used to tell me this all the time when Nick & Laura were little, and it is something that I could never fully comprehend until the last few years.
Please remember us in your prayers this weekend! I want this wedding to be beautiful!
I'd like to give a message to all of you with younger kids.......... They will grow up much faster than you could ever imagine! "Older" people used to tell me this all the time when Nick & Laura were little, and it is something that I could never fully comprehend until the last few years.
Please remember us in your prayers this weekend! I want this wedding to be beautiful!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Laura is making me do this!
Laura said that I had to have a blog. Since she will be moving out in 11 days, I can't refuse her last wish.
I'm KNEE-DEEP in wedding plans. On one hand I'll be glad when it's over. On the other hand, my little girl is leaving home. The fact that she is getting married to someone she loves makes me happy, but I have to admit that I'm a little sad that she will be moving 3 1/2 hours away. She has been my constant companion/friend/sparring partner for almost 22 years. Today I started thinking about her moving away and I kind of lost it.
The thing about the wedding that I am most excited about is seeing her walk down the aisle in her beautiful wedding dress. I know that she will be radiant. The thing about this wedding that will be the hardest for me is when she walks out of her reception. It is then that I will know that she is really moving out.
Every mother dreams about her daughter's wedding, and wants to make it as special as possible. I have had a wonderful time planning the whole thing. I can't believe it's almost here.
I'm KNEE-DEEP in wedding plans. On one hand I'll be glad when it's over. On the other hand, my little girl is leaving home. The fact that she is getting married to someone she loves makes me happy, but I have to admit that I'm a little sad that she will be moving 3 1/2 hours away. She has been my constant companion/friend/sparring partner for almost 22 years. Today I started thinking about her moving away and I kind of lost it.
The thing about the wedding that I am most excited about is seeing her walk down the aisle in her beautiful wedding dress. I know that she will be radiant. The thing about this wedding that will be the hardest for me is when she walks out of her reception. It is then that I will know that she is really moving out.
Every mother dreams about her daughter's wedding, and wants to make it as special as possible. I have had a wonderful time planning the whole thing. I can't believe it's almost here.
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