The End

Hi, I'm Mary. My blog is over there on the sidebar. I'm Liz's youngest daughter. If you're reading this blog, it's likely you know who I am already.



My mom shared everything with me. I checked her e-mail for her sometimes, I ordered books for her from the library when she was too busy to sit down and take care of those things herself, and so this explains why I am here, now, and able to speak with you all.



My mother was a wonderful woman. Fortunately and unfortunately, our Father in Heaven thought so as well. He brought her home with him yesterday afternoon. And she is no longer with us.



This all happened very quickly, and was very unexpected. I apologize to those of you who haven't heard yet and are reading it here for the first time.



My family and I appreciate all of the calls that have been made and all of the people who have visited so far.



This will be the only blog I will ever put here on this site. I think the only person who would ever be able to contribute anything of worth here would be my mother. I will continue blogging on my site, and my e-mail is there in case anyone has any questions.



I'm sure my mother would have wanted me to say goodbye to all of you for her. I'll be moderating comments and things on this blog, but other than that, this will be the last post ever put here unless I find it appropriate to post any un-completed drafts.



I'm keeping this blog here so that others may enjoy the insight she has given, and the wonderful thoughts that she has shared with so many since it's creation.



If you'd like to know more about what happened, I hope this will help.


http://medi-medi-mary.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-last-day.html

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom......

To be home alone is a haven.

But of what use is a haven

without someone to share it?

--Liz Armbruster

A Flood of Tears............

There has been flooding in Georgia this week. Torrential rain fell over the weekend and on in to Monday. The first picture here is of kids being evacuated from Clarkdale Elementary School on Monday afternoon.......the second picture is the same school on Tuesday morning......

I don't know any of these children, but I know the school.

I spent 13 years living across the street from this small, neighborhood school. When I moved into the house I was a young mom with 3 children, ages 4, 2 1/2 and 1. When we left Georgia 13 years later, I was a much more seasoned and experienced mother of 6 children, and every one of them had attended this school.

Though it's been 9 years since we lived there, we still have many, many fond memories of Clarkdale. I would venture to say that at least one of my grown children still has their 5th grade, graduating class t-shirt from Clarkdale. It was a great school to grow up with. An anomaly in today's world of education, the school had only about 400 students from Kindergarten to 5th grade. The class sizes were kept small and they would work together on many projects to help and encourage one another. It was a family as well as a school. After all these years, they still have the same Principal and many of the same teachers.

News reports say the the school will most likely not re-open. The damage was too severe, and the fear of future flooding dictates that they re-build elsewhere.

This video shows the damage more extensively than the pictures. Around the 1 minute mark the camera pans past a yellow house. That's the house my family called home for so many years.

http://www.wsbtv.com/video/21068665/index.html

They say that home is where the heart is.....I found out this week that at least part of my heart is still in Georgia.

I'm Thinking RB's..............

I have a blog friend named Robert Brault. He goes by 'rb' when he comments on my blog, or on his own blog, for that matter. You should check him out if you ever need a good quote on.....well, just about anything!

Need a good quote about parents?

I'm thinking RB's:

"If you have a dad, you have a hope,

and if you have a mom, you have a prayer."

On marriage?

I'm thinking RB's:

"Marriage is nature's way of ensuring

that a woman picks up

some mothering experience

before she has her first child."

On friendship?

I'm thinking RB's:

"Friends never ask
favors of their friendship.
They ask favors of each other,
making it clear that their
friendship is not at stake."

So, the next time you need a good quote. Remember to think RB's!! Just be sure to tell him that I sent you!

Thoughts on Mortality.......

Written By Lizabeth Armbruster on September 19th, 2009

_____________________________________

At what point in your life do you start wondering if you'll still be around for your next birthday?



Is it when you hear the doctor say the word 'cancer'?



Is it when you start 'getting up there' in age?



Is it when a guy in your office dies unexpectedly of a heart attack at 50?



I don't mean to spread gloom and doom. I'm not trying to be morbid. It's just something that's been on my mind. At what point in your life do you realize that any upcoming birthdays may be limited in number?



I have an aunt that I visited with recently. She told me that she'll be 91 on her next birthday. Obviously, she plans to be around for it. But is she planning on being here in 5 years? 10? She must certainly know that her time is limited.



I have a friend who recieved a diagnosis of cancer last year. At the time, she was 54. It was pronounced 'very aggressive' and needed immediate treatment. Did she wonder if she'd be here for her 55th? (By the way, she underwent the aggressive treatment and is doing great!)



A man I know at church just underwent a quadruple by-pass. He is probably in his late 50's early 60's. Did he wonder if he'd make it through the surgery?



I turned 51 this year. I realize that to some of you that's fairly young. (Though some of you probably think it's pretty old, too!) I, myself, think that 51 is young. Then I remember that my mother was only 2 years older than I am now when she died of cancer. And that makes me feel old. I consider how quickly the years have flown. And wonder what I've done with them. I remember some of them quite clearly....others not so much. And I realize that my time is limited. I'm pretty sure that I have at least another good 30 years or so. Maybe even 40. But I know I'm on the downhill side of the slope.

_____________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

(This post was written by my mother exactly 10 days before she passed away. I found it as a draft, and decided to post it for her, for all of you. I think the Lord prepares us for things we don't see coming, in ways that we never realize until we look back upon them. I'm greatful that she had written this, and hope that it provides as much comfort for you as it has for me.
Much love, Mary)

The 5 Senses of Memory........

I spent almost a week visiting family in Minnesota. While there I was bombarded on every side by memories. It was almost overwhelming. I was on memory overload. Here's what I came up with:

Minnesota Memories

What does a memory taste like?
Like Tom Thumb donuts,
and Swedish Rye Bread,
and cousin Wendy's chocolate chip cookies.

What does a memory sound like?
Like my brother's laugh,

and the call of the loon,
and the train whistle on an early summer morning,

What does a memory smell like?
Like cardamom seeds,
and lilac bushes,
and my dad's aftershave.

What does a memory look like?
Like old family photos,
and Bert, the Buffalo,
and a sailboat on the lake.

What does a memory feel like?
Like my dad's whiskers,
and a hug from my sister,
and the warm summer breeze.

How about you? What do your memories taste like? Smell like. Look like. Feel like. And sound like. Share a memory with me. And let me know you remember any of the same things I do.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom, My Own.........

Privacy is an illusion.

We only think it exists,
the same way we think that
the puppy in the shop window
will remain a puppy forever.

Or that someday, the children
will actually remember
when it's their turn to do the dishes.

Privacy is a wish, a hope, a dream.
But, in the end
It's only an illusion.

--Liz Armbruster

Are those Christmas Bells I hear.....?

The kids are back in school. There is a slight (very welcome) chill in the air. I've flipped my calendar to September. And panic is setting in.

Because these things are all signs that Christmas is just around the corner. We have entered "The Season".

Never mind that I still have 4 birthdays to celebrate between now and Christmas. Never mind that we still have Halloween and Thanksgiving yet to come. Nevermind that I am ahead of even the most ardent retailer in my Christmas quest. I'm still worried about Christmas.

My worries? Will Jacob be able to come home for Christmas? If he can come, how much will I have to pay for a ticket to get him here? What do you get for the man who has everything and needs nothing? (my dad) Or for the kid who has everything, wants for nothing, but still needs something to open on Christmas morning?

I'm done shopping for Mary. I've actually been done with her for months (shopping, I mean!). And I have gotten a few little things here and there for the boys in my life.

But what if I get inspired and want to make something for someone for Christmas? If that's the case, then the ispiration had better come soon! It takes time to put these things together, you know. And what if I buy the wrong size? Or the wrong color? Or the wrong game?

You can see where this might be an issue. Maybe I'll just go on strike this Christmas. Maybe we'll just relax, enjoy each other's company, watch a movie and eat take out. Nah.....It'll never happen.

Now if you'll excuse me....I think I have to go call Travelocity.

Obama's School Speech.....

Obama spoke on Tuesday to school children all across the nation.

Parents were nervous before the speech. What would he talk about? Would he indoctrinate our children? Would there be brain-washing involved?

In Minnesota, where I was visiting over the weekend, people were upset because the speech was due to take place on the first day of school. Teachers are trying to organize their classes, get to know their students, establish routines.

As a result of all these things, many schools chose to 'opt out'. I don't know yet if my grandson watched the speech, but I know that my two high school boys did not. One of the schools did tape the speech and is planning on showing it today. Only students with parental permission may watch it. My other son wasn't even given the choice.

I am bothered by this. I know that I've complained once or twice about Obama. And I will be the first to say that I don't agree with a lot of the things that he's doing. BUT....he is the President of the United States!! The Commander in Chief. The Top Dog.

I don't see where individual school administrators get away with NOT showing his speech. It makes me angry that they made the decision for all parents that this speech would not be appropriate for our children to watch. It is my opinion (and that's usually what you get here) that ALL schools should have shown the speech. I think they had an obligation to show the speech. As I said before, by NOT showing it, they took away my children's right to hear their president address them in a school setting. If parent's don't want their kids to see it, they can send a note to the school or keep them home. But that is the PARENT'S decision, not the school's.

I think that if parents are that concerned about a President's speech, then they should watch it, too. Talk to their children about it. Maybe even watch it with their children, then have a back and forth discussion about it. Not just his school address, but all his speeches. We need to be raising children who are aware, not hidden away. Who can see through rhetoric and politics and pick out the important information. Who can respect the office of president even when they may not agree with some of his policies.

I watched the speech on the internet. We will probably watch it again over the weekend...as a family. And talk about it together. I think Obama did a great job. I think he was right on track with the message he gave the kids. I may even pull a couple of quotes from his speech and post them on my kitchen cabinets (that's where I post things I want my kids to see day-after-day).

And how about we let the schools be schools and the parents be parents.

I'm B-a-a-a-a-ck..........

I realize that it's been quite a while since I've posted. There are a number of reasons for this.

1. I really haven't had much to say lately.....lucky you!

2. I've been busy getting the kids back into the school routine. Sam started August 10th, Peter on August 19th, and Mary on the 24th. Can we not coordinate this people??!!

3. I was out of town. I went to the lovely, air-conditioned, state of Minnesota, where I ate state fair mini-donuts, went to the Mall of America, spent a wonderful afternoon on a lake, and visited with family. Most importantly, my 85 year old father. He is doing remarkably well, thanks for asking. He has Parkinson's, so is a little shaky and moves a little slower than he used to, but all in all, I think he's doing great!! (I also spent time with two brothers, one sister, a BIL, a SIL, and and various nieces, nephews, a couple of cousins and an aunt.)

But now.....I'm back. The kids are going strong in school, vacation is over, and I may just have a thing or two to say about a variety of subjects.

So, if you're up for it.......I'll keep on writing, you keep on reading. And let's have some fun!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own.....

Time you enjoyed wasting,

was not wasted.

--John Lennon

Hostage Situation......

I am currently involved in a hostage situation. I have been sent the ransom note. The demands have been made. But I don't do well with hostage type demands. So I don't think I'll be playing their game. There will be no pay-off. Here is what is being held hostage:

These are Peter and Sam's senior pictures. There are several other poses as well, and in all of them my boys are handsome, adorable, cute and charming. I would love to have them all!!

The hostage demands are as follows:

The 'If-you-really-love-your-child-and-want-enough-pictures-to-share-with-everyone-they've-ever-met-including-the-mailman' package is $575.00.

The Senior Special: 'yes-your-kid-is-cute-but-we'll-only-give-you-enough-decent-sized-pics-for-close-family-members-and-enough-wallet-pics-to-choke-a-horse' is only $395. It includes 80 wallet sized pics and a 'wallet box' to keep the 70 or so that will never be given out.

The 'you-must-not-like-your-child-very-much-we-have-people-spend-more-money-than-this-on-pictures-of-their-dogs' is a mere $150. This includes 2-5x7's, 4-4x5's and 24 wallets, all of one pose.

If you choose not to buy a package, you can always choose to buy the pictures 'ala carte' where you pay $38 for 8 wallets or $54 for an 8x10.

There are several other packages to choose from, but the cheapest one is $150. Do you know how many groceries I can buy for $150???!!

So......I will not be buying senior pictures. Sorry, boys, but I love you SO MUCH that I'd rather feed you than bend to the mafia-like demands of Lifetouch Photography. (And who did THEY pay off for this monopoly they have on school pictures?? We really need another player in this game!)

And for those who were hoping to get senior pictures of my boys.....take a good look at the pics I've posted, because that's as close as you're gonna get!

Sorry, Mr. Postman, I hope you'll still bring me my mail!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom....My Own!!

"The first day of school......

where children breathe a sigh of regret

and parents breathe a sigh of relief."
--Liz Armbruster

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own....

Grown-ups never

understand anything

by themselves,

and it is exhausting

for children

to have to

provide explanations

over and over again.

--The Little Prince

Call Your Mother!!!

Stop whatever you're doing right now and call your mother!

Early morning. Blog surfing.

I was catching up on some blogs that I'd missed while on vacation. In one of them, this young mom was talking about friendship. Specifically, women and the bond of friendship. It was when she said that she chatted with her mom about the topic that I unexpectedly lost it.

My mother died when I was 19. That means she's been gone more than 30 years. You'd think that I'd be over it by now, but no, when I read that line about my friend chatting with her mom about something I started bawling. Sitting at the computer, early Sunday morning, crying my eyes out because of all the missed 'mom' conversations.

I hate that I don't have a mom to talk to about things.

I hate that I can't call my mother when something important.......exciting.........tragic.........scary........mundane
happens in my life.

I hate it when other people take their mothers for granted. Mothers should NEVER be taken for granted. They are a privilege, a blessing, a gift. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but your mother WILL NOT always be there.

Your mom may not be perfect (guess what....you're not either!) But she is your mom. And she did the best she could. So, take a minute. Call your mom. Tell her your sorry for any heartache you've caused over the years. For all the gray hairs you put on her head. And tell her you love her. She deserves that much.

Vacation!!

Since everyone is so interested in what we did and where we went on vacation, I thought I'd share some pictures..... (click to enlarge them!)

Day 1 was travel...........

Day two was BUSY!!

Zion's Overlook:

Navajo Lake:

Cedar Breaks:

Brian Head Peak:

Parawan Gap Petroglyphs:

And then...............

We went to the Harry Potter movie.

More to come!! (I'll bet you can't wait!)

When Boys Get Bored......

Peter was feeling restless yesterday.

Jacob was gone.

Sam was working on some school stuff (he starts school on Monday).

His friends were all either busy or out of town.

How did he solve this dilemma?

Let's just say I can't wait for school to start!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own.....

"The chief cause of failure and unhappiness

is trading what we want most

for what we want at the moment."

--Zig Ziglar

A Captive Audience........

Even though we flew out to Utah for our trip, we spent innumerable hours in a car together. On our first day, after a 2 hour flight to Houston and a 3 hour flight to Salt Lake, we rented a car, stuffed in 14 bags and 7 people and drove 4 hours to Cedar City. Beyond that, we had to drive almost everywhere we went. Up Cedar Canyon, down to Zion's National Park, over to Parawon Gap. We put 1400 miles on the rental car in a week's time.

All that time in the car makes for some interesting conversations. Here are some of the topics that were batted around as we racked up the miles:

Freckles. Mesa vs. Plateau. Hairy legs. Spiderman vs. Batman. Tumbleweeds. Mountains. President Obama. Smelly feet. Harry Potter. Dust devils. Climbing ability. Cloud shapes (elephants, sharks, etc.) Wild horses. Music. Personal taste in music (or the lack thereof.) Cemetaries. Motorcycles. Smelly feet. Miley Cyrus. Crypt burial vs. in-ground burial. Rock slides. Ironman. And my personal favorite: What is succotash? And why is it 'sufferin'?

There were also the inevitable 'sing-alongs'. Joe and I were serenaded by everything from the 'Full House' theme song, to Whitney Houston, Enrique Iglesias, Michael Jackson (and the Jackson 5), Goo Goo Dolls, Train, James Taylor, Beach Boys, and Toni Braxton. I have video, but am under oath not to post it. (You can thank me later.)

All things considered, I think I came out of this experience fairly sane. Truth be told, we had a blast. I think the kids will remember this trip for a long time.

Now if only I could get that song out of my head.

Eagle Scout Court of Honor.....

I know that I've already posted about Sam and Peter becoming Eagle Scouts, but they just had their Eagle Court of Honor on July 18th (right before our vacation) so I thought I'd better write about that, too.

It was an awesome program. Our new scoutmaster, Russ Jones, conducted. The 11 year old Scouts did the flag ceremony. Reuben Aiton and Bishop Terry both spoke. We had an Eagle's nest that had about a dozen men/young men in it. Scott Smith gave the Eagle Charge, and Tapie Rohm shared a story. It was a night full of memories for Sam and Peter. Memories of campouts past, adventures shared, and friendships formed. I am so proud of my boys and know that this accomplishment will stay with them throughout their lives.

Congratulations, boys!! I love you!

Note to Self.......

Because I seem to be the only one reading my blog, I am writing myself a note.

Dear Self,

Please forgive the absence of new blogs over the next week. I will be out of town. I am going to Utah to visit family and friends. The majority of my time will be spent in southern Utah, in the small, charming town of Cedar City. My time in CC will include side trips to Zion's National Park, Bryce Canyon, and wherever else I choose to go. I will be spending a day or two in the Provo/Orem/SLC area near the end of next week. After which I will return home filled with peace and a renewed energy with which to face a new school year and a house that STILL needs to be perfected and placed on the market. I will also return with stories to tell, pictures to share, and videos of my boys climbing mountains and being amazing.
Thank you, self, for your patience while I am gone.

Love,
Me

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own.....

"After all, what are parents for if not for storing stuff you don't need."

--Mary Armbruster

Just for a Moment.......

It was Friday. But it could have been any one of a hundred Saturdays from my childhood.

The clink of the coins in the change machine.

The swish of the water as it filled the washers.

The hum of the dryers.

The warm summer breeze flowing through the doors flung wide, front and back.

The stained, worn linoleum.

The tired vending machine.

The easy conversation of strangers.

Folding clothes.

Matching socks.

Feeding quarters into machines hungry for more.

Watching the wash spin....first in the washer, with suds so thick I can hardly see anything else. Then in the dryer, fresh and clean.

The dryer beeps, signaling the end of the cycle. My load is done. Still damp, but dry enough to fold and take home. Yet, the air is thick with the memories of those childhood Saturdays. I'm not ready to leave yet. So I feed another quarter into the dryer, and settle back......while the world goes on without me........just for a moment.

Double Standard???

So, maybe I'm a little more accomodating when it comes to my grandkids......

Sirius and Sabian were over for a couple of days. When I was preparing dinner, Sirius asked if he could have chicken noodle soup instead because he didn't like what we were having. Then Sabian asked if he could have a sandwich instead...

My son, Jacob: "No way, this is what's for dinner, you eat this or you eat nothing!"

Me: "Of course you can!"

Not only did they get what they wanted for dinner, but I stood at the kitchen counter picking the celery bits out of Sirius's soup.....

What can I say? It's a grandmother's job to make sure those kids are happy!! And how could I say no to those two!

Sabian (left) is 4 years old. Sirius (right) is almost 6 years old.

Cookies? Or Paint?

So, here's my question.............

If I make chocolate chip cookies while my house is being painted.....

Will the paint absorb the smell of the cookies so my house always smells like freshly baked cookies?

Or.........

Will my cookies taste like paint?