November 16, 2009
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100 Years & Patience
I feel like I’ve been meeting myself coming and going these last two weeks. Things have been so very busy of late but after Friday my calendar is not quite as full and frankly, I’m looking forward to it. I’m a girl who likes to stay in bedroom shoes ALL day at least once a week! One of the things I love most about having a new baby is that it forces me to slow down. It gives me a really good reason to say no to just about anything. It gives me the freedom to stay home and just be Mom. Of course it also means a few sleepless nights and adjustments to a new lifestyle and schedule. Now that I think about it, I believe I’m still in shock. LOL!
Anyhoo. Busy schedules make me stop and take little moments to appreciate the simple things. The stuff that really matters.
The laughter and smiles of my kiddos.
Well! Here I am…WEEKS later, coming back to finish this post! I survived my busy spell and the pace around here is a little more doable. *happy sigh*
My sweet grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday recently. I wish everyone knew her and I wish I had a video of all the things she’s seen in her lifetime. Can you imagine being born in 1909 and still being alive, well, and mentally VERY competent in 2009?!
She is a lady, who despite hardships, maintains a grateful posture and has this amazing ability to “move on” with grace and acceptance. As a child, her family lost their farm because a trusted friend misused funds that were entrusted to him. She lived through the Great Depression and World Wars I and II. June, her second born daughter died at the age of 18 months. She has outlived two husbands and all her immediate family. Despite the difficulties life brings, she is a happy, contented woman. My own personal hero. Someone I would love to be like.
~The morning of her party. It was a beautiful day.~
Brad just called from the den, “Hey Babe, come hang out with me in here!” So. This will have to wait…yet again.It’s now Monday morning. I’ve got errands to run but before I go…we recently had a birthday boy around here. He is such a sweet thing. I see so much of me in him that it makes me laugh. Don’t mess with our routines and why can’t we be perfect?!
What a Daddy he is. Plays with the kids and loves it as much as they do.
I have lots more to say but no time to say it. Just one thought I’ll leave you with.
We aren’t a family with crazy anger but we do have little flare ups of impatience.
You know. Irritated tones here and there, knee jerk reactions. I’ve been amazed at the peace that has come from Brad and I making a concerted effort to simply watch the tone in our voice when buttons get pushed. The results are amazing.
So, this is my banner at the moment:Patience from the gut. Not forced through gritted teeth. REAL.
Impatience doesn’t bring a better result. It merely teaches itself to those around me.Very Thankful~
Stacey
Comments (10)
Wow! 100 years, that is fantastic!
I’m always really busy too, sometimes I wish I could wear my slippers all of the time!
Your Grandmother sounds like such a special lady! Yay for reaching 100!
Really liked what you said about watching your tone was helping everyone else. Isn’t it interesting how our attitudes spill out into everyone else mood?
Such a blessing to read about your Grandmother. A true legacy to see and learn from her good outlook, grace, and contentment!
It is so good to enjoy the small joys in family, and great reminder on tone of voice and irritation. We try to work on that…as well as not taking offense.
What a sweet grandmother you have.It’s so awesome that she made it to 100.I see she was born the same year as my grandfather.He passed away a few years ago.I grew up right beside him and he was considered one of my best friends.He had a heart of gold.He was so forgiving and had such a giving heart.There are days I wish I could still go visit him.He talked about the Great Depression a lot.I think it affected him throughout his whole life a he was never wasteful with what he had.Hoping patience comes easily as you wait for your new little bundle of joy to arrive.carol
Ahhh.. patience! I still have a lot to learn in that department! How wonderful to have your grandmother still with you. I hope you have made some recordings of her memories. She is a precious treasure. Blessings to you and your family. Yes! You have a good reason to rest!
I am in awe seeing the beauty of your grandmother…beautiful.
your grandma looks like such a sweet lady~ oh, i’d love to sit and hear all the stories she could tell! what a special blessing to live such a long life.. to not only get to see your children grown, but your grandchildren, and meet your great grandchildren!!
wonder-FULL!!
the leaf pictures are so fun! that’s such a great pastime isn’t it – jumping in leaves. and a great way to get the kids to rack them into a pile!!
i love too how when your hubby called from the den you left blogging and went to him – i said, “aw..” when i read that. then felt it followed by a pang of conviction! God’s been reminding me lately what’s TRULY important ~ some of the things i give my time to aren’t where i should be giving my time!! :/
glad to hear from you~ love ya.
I was so excited to see you in my subscriptions! It has been while…missed you.
What an amazing lady you have to call Grandma. I would love to hear her stories too.
My belated Happy Birthday wishes both to your Grandmother and that grown up looking son of yours!
You can keep those slippers on when you stop by my house.
I will probably be wearing flip flops with socks, you know.
How ARE you and your littlest person doing???!!!
love ya.
How special to still have your grandmother! She looks like such a precious lady. I LOVE to talk to hear stories that older adults can tell-such wisdom comes through all of the life experiences they have had.
What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother! I loved my first visit here…enjoyed your photos too…I will be back to visit again.