11.30.2009
Thanksgiving
Not a clever title, I know, and unfortunately, I have no time for anything clever to say either. Like the rest of you, it seems that I have something on my calendar every night between now and, say, January 1st. 'Tis the season, hey? But it's all fun, festive stuff, and this is the only time of year that I don't mind being super busy. I think it's fitting, however, that the holiday season begins with a holiday devoted entirely to giving thanks. It's a chance for us to orient ourselves most importantly around the One to whom we give thanks and also to just take some time to focus on all that we do have before embarking on a holiday that has tragically morphed into primarily want's and gimmie's. This year's Thanksgiving was just great for us. We spent the day with Kurt's family at his parents' house and then drove to Sun River, Oregon to join my family (including my Aunt Sue and Uncle John!) for the rest of the weekend. We are so grateful to have a big family that loves us and supports us and spoils us and makes us laugh. And, of course, our cups runneth over for our dear Maddiecakes :) Here are a few of the highlights:
11.14.2009
Over the Rhine
Kurt and I had the absolute listening delight of attending an Over the Rhine concert Friday night at the Doug Fir here in Portland. I was introduced to Over the Rhine my freshman year of college by the cool sophomores on my dorm floor. At that time, they were a relatively unknown husband-and-wife duo who toured midwest liberal arts colleges and small venues in their homestate of Ohio. While they've remained small and have more of a "cult" following than throngs of international fans, they now tour all over the country (thank goodness!) and have continued to write and produce music. In fact, they're celebrating their 20th year this year. I love all types of music and have incorporated scores of songs (ha ha..."scores" :) into my emotional psyche over the years. Most musicians, however, were profoundly important to me during a certain era in my life, and while I have loads of nostalgia and affection for their music during that time, I can't quite get behind their new stuff (Dave Matthews is like that for me...dare I speak it out loud). Not so with Over the Rhine. Not only does their older stuff continue to evolve emotionally for me, but I truly love their newer songs. In fact, I think they just get better and better. Or rather, more fine-tuned and more confident in their musical style. At any rate, they are extremely talented musicians, and if you've never heard them or never given them a true listen, here are a few clips for you. The sound quality is poor 'cause most of them are concert clips, but I'll gladly lend you their albums if you'd like a thorough listen. Or just go buy an album for yourself and support Karin and Lynford!
11.09.2009
How We Fill Our Days
No theme for the following photos. Just some fun ones we've taken in the last week or so and wanted to share with you.
Kurt says this could be Maddie's Abercrombie and Fitch add. You know...jaded PO'd stare with an awkwardly off-balance stance. And the obvious lack of clothing even though A&F is, in fact, a clothing retailer. Go figure. In reality, we just caught her between smiles in the bath while it was raining bubbles. She begged me for these bubbles in an ice-cream cone shaped bottle at the Dollar Store the other day and I caved. And I'm so glad I did! They're the best bubbles ever! They smell like sugar cookies (Kurt says Smarties) and they consistently produce tons of bubbles that make this fantastic little popping sound every time they hit the floor. Awesome. I may actually buy them out the next time I go.
Maddie the Mummy wrapped up in her TWO BeeBee's, which is always just thrilling for her.
Not too sure about the size of this "Ants on a Log" specimen. Daddy was in charge of dinner, and doesn't "bigger faster louder MORE FUN!" always mean Daddy's in charge? :) He assures me she ended up eating nearly all of it, once it was cut up in smaller pieces, so my hat is off to him. Whatever works!
Madelyn's first lollipop after getting her H1N1 vaccine today. Perhaps needles aren't so bad after all.
A little experimentation with the fly's eye toy that we found in the bottom of Maddie's toy box. Kind of fun, I think!
Kurt says this could be Maddie's Abercrombie and Fitch add. You know...jaded PO'd stare with an awkwardly off-balance stance. And the obvious lack of clothing even though A&F is, in fact, a clothing retailer. Go figure. In reality, we just caught her between smiles in the bath while it was raining bubbles. She begged me for these bubbles in an ice-cream cone shaped bottle at the Dollar Store the other day and I caved. And I'm so glad I did! They're the best bubbles ever! They smell like sugar cookies (Kurt says Smarties) and they consistently produce tons of bubbles that make this fantastic little popping sound every time they hit the floor. Awesome. I may actually buy them out the next time I go.
Maddie the Mummy wrapped up in her TWO BeeBee's, which is always just thrilling for her.
Not too sure about the size of this "Ants on a Log" specimen. Daddy was in charge of dinner, and doesn't "bigger faster louder MORE FUN!" always mean Daddy's in charge? :) He assures me she ended up eating nearly all of it, once it was cut up in smaller pieces, so my hat is off to him. Whatever works!
Madelyn's first lollipop after getting her H1N1 vaccine today. Perhaps needles aren't so bad after all.
A little experimentation with the fly's eye toy that we found in the bottom of Maddie's toy box. Kind of fun, I think!11.01.2009
Halloween and Oceanside
Halloween this year brought an adorable, sprightly little "Maddie Cadaby" to our house. For those of you who don't get to watch Sesame Street on a regular basis (LOVE Sesame Street!), Abby Cadaby is a regular fixture, and Maddie loves her (purple, pink, wings, a wand...what's not to love?). We trick-or-treated at adidas' annual Halloween party and then left for a weekend at the coast. This was our first little vacation just the three of us. We've vacationed with family and friends but never just the three of us, so that was fun! We stayed at a house in Oceanside which is a tiny little town near Tillamook (aside: What constitutes a "town" as opposed to a "village?" Oceanside kind of felt more like a village, but we weren't in the country in France...). The house was adorable, and the beach was absolutely gorgeous. We had to keep reminding ourselves that it was, in fact, November rather than July; the sky was bright blue with hardly any clouds and it was so warm we could be outside without any jackets by the afternoon. All in all a fantastic Halloween weekend!
10.19.2009
10.18.2009
Thoughts, Post Funeral
So, I traveled to Pocatello, ID this past weekend with Madelyn for my Grandma's funeral. Pocatello is not an easy place to get in and out of, and traveling with a toddler through a whirlwind weekend is never "fun," per se, but I am SO thankful that we went. I wrote in my last post that I didn't know my grandma very well. Growing up, we lived pretty far away from my dad's extended family, so we didn't really get a chance to know any of them well either. The few times I have gotten a chance to spend with them, however, I am reminded of what good, fun, warm people they are, and this past weekend was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these relatives, but we all commented on how sad it was that Grandma wasn't with us given that she loved nothing more than seeing all of her loved ones in the same room, genuinely enjoying each other's company.
It was also bittersweet for me because hearing everyone's favorite stories about Grandma and all of the endearing (or sometimes idiosyncratic!) things they will miss about her opened my eyes to sides of her I never knew existed, or at the very least, sides of her that I had never given fair analysis. No one is perfect, and my grandma was no exception. But she was honest, committed, optimistic, loyal, fun!, feminine, and forgiving beyond measure. I was touched to hear people's comments about how she has impacted their lives, and I came away feeling like I could've related to her and understood her so much more if I had just known those things. Major life lesson: don't wait for a funeral to say--publicly--what you love and admire about someone. They need and deserve to hear it from you, but it might also impact the way someone else views them or relates to them.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this weekend was interacting with my grandpa and feeling hopeful about a renewed relationship with him. All I saw this weekend was a broken, hurting man who needs forgiveness and love just like the rest of us. He said "I love you" as we all walked out the door for the last time, and if I never hear it again from him, that will always stick with me. My dad invited him for Christmas this year, and I sincerely hope he comes. I can't help but wonder if Grandma's death will end up answering her own prayers to bring Grandpa closer to his children and grandchildren...
Anyway, it was a great weekend despite the sorrowful catalyst. Madelyn was so patient and flexible with the go-go-go on very little sleep, and her presence provided wonderful levity and a visual reminder that life always goes on. She really cozied up to her Great Aunt Sue, too, which was super cute. "Sue! Sit by Maddie!" "Where's Auntie Sue?" "Sue come to Maddie's house?" Nothing like the affection and laughter of a child to help you through a sad time.
I love you, Grandma. Thank you for quietly and faithfully loving me. I loved getting to know you better this weekend and sincerely wish we could've talked about a few more things. As my sister so beautifully said, "I would be honored to someday have someone tell me, 'You remind me so much of your Grandma...'" Shoe shopping will forever make me smile and think of you :)
It was also bittersweet for me because hearing everyone's favorite stories about Grandma and all of the endearing (or sometimes idiosyncratic!) things they will miss about her opened my eyes to sides of her I never knew existed, or at the very least, sides of her that I had never given fair analysis. No one is perfect, and my grandma was no exception. But she was honest, committed, optimistic, loyal, fun!, feminine, and forgiving beyond measure. I was touched to hear people's comments about how she has impacted their lives, and I came away feeling like I could've related to her and understood her so much more if I had just known those things. Major life lesson: don't wait for a funeral to say--publicly--what you love and admire about someone. They need and deserve to hear it from you, but it might also impact the way someone else views them or relates to them.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this weekend was interacting with my grandpa and feeling hopeful about a renewed relationship with him. All I saw this weekend was a broken, hurting man who needs forgiveness and love just like the rest of us. He said "I love you" as we all walked out the door for the last time, and if I never hear it again from him, that will always stick with me. My dad invited him for Christmas this year, and I sincerely hope he comes. I can't help but wonder if Grandma's death will end up answering her own prayers to bring Grandpa closer to his children and grandchildren...
Anyway, it was a great weekend despite the sorrowful catalyst. Madelyn was so patient and flexible with the go-go-go on very little sleep, and her presence provided wonderful levity and a visual reminder that life always goes on. She really cozied up to her Great Aunt Sue, too, which was super cute. "Sue! Sit by Maddie!" "Where's Auntie Sue?" "Sue come to Maddie's house?" Nothing like the affection and laughter of a child to help you through a sad time.
I love you, Grandma. Thank you for quietly and faithfully loving me. I loved getting to know you better this weekend and sincerely wish we could've talked about a few more things. As my sister so beautifully said, "I would be honored to someday have someone tell me, 'You remind me so much of your Grandma...'" Shoe shopping will forever make me smile and think of you :)
10.15.2009
Theresa Dyke Bickley
This past Tuesday, only 19 days after losing my Grandma Johnson, my Grandma Bickley also went home to be with Jesus. While my Grandma Johnson's death was expected and a relief given her long-suffering, my Grandma Bickley's death was so sudden and unexpected, it has genuinely shocked our family. She was sitting in her chair talking to her oldest daughter on the phone when she had a massive heart attack and died before my grandpa made it to her side, minutes later. She was only 79 years old and while she had some health complications, she was by all accounts nowhere near death. I'm not sure which is worse: to see a loved one suffer physically for an extended period of time or to have a loved one die so suddenly that you don't get to say a proper good-bye. Neither is easy.
For me, my Grandma Bickley's death has been a very different experience than my Grandma Johnson's. I emphasize that these are my feelings, and not everyone in my family likely feels the same. My Grandma B's life was filled with complicated relationships and circumstances. Regardless of how they occurred or were perpetuated, she was often in the position of having to choose the "lesser of two evils," so to speak. I can't imagine having to make some of the choices she had to make in her life, and while I've never felt that I really understood my grandma, I also genuinely empathize with how difficult it must've been to navigate her life. My grandma loved Jesus and sought His will in every minute detail of her life. She had stated repeatedly to numerous people that she just couldn't wait to get to heaven and meet her Lord, and as with my Grandma J, I am thrilled that she is Home, basking in the affection and affirmation of Christ. Her entrance into heaven was also greeted by her mother, daddy (who just adored her), a particularly special aunt (Tada), and her infant child, Timothy, whom she only had the pleasure of knowing for six hours before he died. Can you imagine how whole she must feel right now?
Sadly, I did not know my grandma well. Here are a few things, however, that I have always admired and loved about her:
1. As I stated earlier, Grandma always had one of the most dedicated and intimate relationships with Jesus. He was as real to her as any other breathing human being, and I have always wished I could experience the same kind of spiritual relationship. She was also a prayer warrior with a genuine God-given gift for intercession. I have known every day of my life that she was always praying specifically for me.
2. She was a lover of words and gifted with the English language. She loved to experience new things and write about them, but she could find beauty and something worth noting in even the most mundane, normal things of life. I, too, love words and love writing, and given that she loved to see her traits in her children and grandchildren, I think that made her happy.
3. Grandma was a master crocheter. She has been crocheting as long as I can remember, and the detail and complexity in her pieces has always genuinely impressed me. I have a stuffed turtle that she made for me decades ago as well as a beautiful afghan. She also crocheted a gorgeous baby blanket for Madelyn before she was even born that is even more precious now.
4. Grandma had a contagious laugh! It was definitely not a loud or boisterous laugh, but I think that's what made it so hilarious. When she really thought something was funny, it just kind of squeaked out of her, as though it was against her will. Her whole body would shake and sometimes she would start to tip over. One time, while watching Planes, Trains, and Automobiles at our house, she nearly fell off her chair one tiny giggle at a time. I especially love that my dad has this same laugh :)
5. She and Grandpa have always had some type of RV or camper. I always thought that was super cool as a kid. Beds and potties on wheels. What could be better than that?
6. She never forgot a birthday or any other special occasion. That takes organization and commitment.
For me, my Grandma Bickley's death has been a very different experience than my Grandma Johnson's. I emphasize that these are my feelings, and not everyone in my family likely feels the same. My Grandma B's life was filled with complicated relationships and circumstances. Regardless of how they occurred or were perpetuated, she was often in the position of having to choose the "lesser of two evils," so to speak. I can't imagine having to make some of the choices she had to make in her life, and while I've never felt that I really understood my grandma, I also genuinely empathize with how difficult it must've been to navigate her life. My grandma loved Jesus and sought His will in every minute detail of her life. She had stated repeatedly to numerous people that she just couldn't wait to get to heaven and meet her Lord, and as with my Grandma J, I am thrilled that she is Home, basking in the affection and affirmation of Christ. Her entrance into heaven was also greeted by her mother, daddy (who just adored her), a particularly special aunt (Tada), and her infant child, Timothy, whom she only had the pleasure of knowing for six hours before he died. Can you imagine how whole she must feel right now?
Sadly, I did not know my grandma well. Here are a few things, however, that I have always admired and loved about her:
1. As I stated earlier, Grandma always had one of the most dedicated and intimate relationships with Jesus. He was as real to her as any other breathing human being, and I have always wished I could experience the same kind of spiritual relationship. She was also a prayer warrior with a genuine God-given gift for intercession. I have known every day of my life that she was always praying specifically for me.
2. She was a lover of words and gifted with the English language. She loved to experience new things and write about them, but she could find beauty and something worth noting in even the most mundane, normal things of life. I, too, love words and love writing, and given that she loved to see her traits in her children and grandchildren, I think that made her happy.
3. Grandma was a master crocheter. She has been crocheting as long as I can remember, and the detail and complexity in her pieces has always genuinely impressed me. I have a stuffed turtle that she made for me decades ago as well as a beautiful afghan. She also crocheted a gorgeous baby blanket for Madelyn before she was even born that is even more precious now.
4. Grandma had a contagious laugh! It was definitely not a loud or boisterous laugh, but I think that's what made it so hilarious. When she really thought something was funny, it just kind of squeaked out of her, as though it was against her will. Her whole body would shake and sometimes she would start to tip over. One time, while watching Planes, Trains, and Automobiles at our house, she nearly fell off her chair one tiny giggle at a time. I especially love that my dad has this same laugh :)
5. She and Grandpa have always had some type of RV or camper. I always thought that was super cool as a kid. Beds and potties on wheels. What could be better than that?
6. She never forgot a birthday or any other special occasion. That takes organization and commitment.
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