Exactly 7 years ago this past Sunday, Mike & I met and went out together. On that very day, my niece Paige was turning 1 year old. I remember distinctly chatting with Mike at the bar and saying, "Today is my niece's first birthday!" He probably could have cared less (just kidding!) but I didn't know what else to talk to him about. Then I mentioned hockey and we had plenty to say then.
On Tuesday of next week, we will have been married 3 years. Seems like yesterday. I sure miss the days of college and all the fun we had together. I was just reminiscing with my old roommate Jill about the day Paige was born. She and our friends were just as excited as I was! The week prior we all jumped up when the phone rang thinking it would be Pat. Of course when he actually did call, we didn't think it was him. I remember I posted on my dry erase board hanging on our dorm room door : "I'm an aunt today!" Then, we drove to Shopko and bought her an outfit. :) Can you tell how exciting it was ?
I'm very lucky to say that I met my husband on the night of niece's birthday. Makes it all the more special.
1 year ago Monday, the 29th, my grandmother passed away. It's hard to believe she's been gone that long. We all miss her so much and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. She was an amazing person and I sure wish I could be more like her! It's difficult losing grandparents. I have to say that it's going to be a really hard day when the time comes for my other 2 grandparents.
Pat and I were emailing about how we can remember the sounds and smells of our grandparents house so clearly. The back door had a sound to it when it closed, very distinct. The front door had another type of sound to it. The house was always so inviting and comforting. The kitchen was always ready for anything: a visit, something to eat, play a game at the table, have the whole family together. I can close my eyes and still see myself sitting at the table, wet hair and fresh smelling from taking a bath. I'd have my jammies on and I would be eating Velveeta cheese on saltine crackers, with a glass of Tang. MMM. Can still taste it. I'd look at old pictures, or play Uncle Wiggly with Grandma. Sometimes I'd color, or draw. Other times Grandma would get out the letters from when her sons were away in the army.
In the summertime, the windows would be open. Pat would be outback letting off fireworks. Sometimes the old Tom cat would come into the yard and cause a ruckus. I remember Grandpa and Pat with a beebee gun shooting at it up in the tree. The music from 'over town' (as we called the Supper Club across the street) would be getting louder. Dad would already be over there playing in the band or hanging out. Mom, Uncle Mike & Sue were getting dressed to head over there. Then Pat & I could gleefully have Grandpa and Grandma to ourselves as we watched Lawrence Welk, Three's Company or The Love Boat. (Barney Miller was a favorite too). If it was a Friday night, Grandpa would head to bed at 10:30, after the news, but Grandma would stay up to watch Johnny Carson. However, if Joan Rivers was subbing for him, she turned it off and went to bed. She always let us stay up and watch with her. Popcorn or Ice Cream were a great evening treat.
Pat mentioned that he can remember their place almost more then our own house. I agree. Perhaps it's because we felt the safest and most loved while spending time there. It was really my most favorite place in the world to be. Burr Oak, Iowa. A very lovely little town.