Wednesday, January 19, 2011
A Mother's Pride
I will never ever forget the first time I laid eyes on my son, Evan. I knew in that very instant that this was a love like no other. He was a tiny thing, beautiful, and I never dreamed for a second that he would become a soldier one day. My life has been full because of my Evan. From the very start he had mischief in his eyes. He was our Prince Charles, and I say "our" because it definitely took a whole village. He was only three months old his first Halloween and five adults carried him around the neighborhood in his little tiger suit to show him off. I don't believe that for the first two years that he was ever put down. He brought so much joy and laughter to all of us. Entertainment is putting it mildly, and adventure like no other. He was called Fred by my Dad, and to this day he can get his way with my Mom with just a look. My Brother and Sister have loved him like he was their own. His younger sister thinks he hung the moon, at least when he was not trying to hang her from some zip line device. I thought I was proud of him the day he graduated College, especially since Evan REALLY enjoyed college. I have been a happy spectator watching him fall in love and I was beaming with pride as he watched his Bride walk down the aisle. I never saw this coming... when he first told me he was joining the Army I was horrified, doesn't he realize we are at war? I would spend nights laying awake trying to think of ways to convince him not to do this, but anyone that knows my Evan, knows that you don't tell him what to do. The day he left for basic was very hard for me; I wanted, as all Mothers do, to protect and to make life easy. I finally realized that this precious young man is not mine, he is not ours. He is God's. I know God has a plan and I know Evan will do great things. I know the Army will also never be the same..... he is my son, he is my Hero. God's Speed my precious boy.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Girls Day Out
The snow and ice are finally melting away here in Sugarville. It was beautiful and nice for the first day but by day five it was wearing a little thin on this GRIT girl's nerves. Granted, GT boy likes an adventure so we did have to get out on the roads a time or two. I could see the excitement and grin come across his eyes each and every time the tires started to spin a little. Of course I had a death grip on my seat and a look of holy terror in my eyes, wondering why on earth I felt the need to even be in the car, and wondering if the paramedics had to come would I have on the right shade of lipstick.....
I must say though, he is a good sport. The day we finally decided to spend the day out, I convinced him to get a pedicure with me. He has felt my pain long enough over not having a girlfriend up here so he decided that he would be my girlfriend for the day. My GT guy went in there like he has been doing it all his life, he didn't even blink an eye when they asked him if he wanted to pick a color.... pulled off his big old boots, his hiking socks, and dipped those huge feet into the water. I have never laughed so hard watching them scrub the bottom of his feet and him jumping in the chair like a six foot 2 Mexican jumping bean. I am sure at that point he was having second thoughts but I was just getting our day started....... all true GRIT girls know that you just don't go get a pedicure and go home... you must go shopping, and stop somewhere to talk about everything... so we went to a great little furniture/consignment shop and he did well pretending to show some interest in some items, but I must say this, we do not have the same taste. The shopping experience was cut short by a "LOUD TALKER", you know the type, walks into a store talking non stop on their cell phone and not even in a courteous discreet voice but in one of those, I want everyone in Georgia to hear my conversation voices. I tried to get close enough to say, "Bless your Heart" but she was in her own little cell phone world, and my temper was about to come through so GT guy ushered me right out the door. Then we had to go to Starbucks and get a salted caramel hot chocolate, yummy. There we sat and talked about the future, the past and the Lady sitting across from us that had on way too much lipstick, and way too dark. We went for a nice freezing walk in the park, I of course could not ruin my pedi so I had to walk in my flip flops, which confused GT guy because he said what good is the pedicure if you have frost bite... men. We ended up at Ippolito's for a wonderful dinner, where I convinced him that we should go home and watch Beauty and The Beast, and give me a foot massage. Gotta love a man that will do all that for his Lady. I am sure there is some boy movie I will have to go see in my near future, maybe several, throw in a trip to FRY's and REI and a conversation on the types of camera lenses and how they work. Love is an amazing thing when done right. I thank God every single day for the love of my GT guy. He can be my girlfriend any day of the week!!
I must say though, he is a good sport. The day we finally decided to spend the day out, I convinced him to get a pedicure with me. He has felt my pain long enough over not having a girlfriend up here so he decided that he would be my girlfriend for the day. My GT guy went in there like he has been doing it all his life, he didn't even blink an eye when they asked him if he wanted to pick a color.... pulled off his big old boots, his hiking socks, and dipped those huge feet into the water. I have never laughed so hard watching them scrub the bottom of his feet and him jumping in the chair like a six foot 2 Mexican jumping bean. I am sure at that point he was having second thoughts but I was just getting our day started....... all true GRIT girls know that you just don't go get a pedicure and go home... you must go shopping, and stop somewhere to talk about everything... so we went to a great little furniture/consignment shop and he did well pretending to show some interest in some items, but I must say this, we do not have the same taste. The shopping experience was cut short by a "LOUD TALKER", you know the type, walks into a store talking non stop on their cell phone and not even in a courteous discreet voice but in one of those, I want everyone in Georgia to hear my conversation voices. I tried to get close enough to say, "Bless your Heart" but she was in her own little cell phone world, and my temper was about to come through so GT guy ushered me right out the door. Then we had to go to Starbucks and get a salted caramel hot chocolate, yummy. There we sat and talked about the future, the past and the Lady sitting across from us that had on way too much lipstick, and way too dark. We went for a nice freezing walk in the park, I of course could not ruin my pedi so I had to walk in my flip flops, which confused GT guy because he said what good is the pedicure if you have frost bite... men. We ended up at Ippolito's for a wonderful dinner, where I convinced him that we should go home and watch Beauty and The Beast, and give me a foot massage. Gotta love a man that will do all that for his Lady. I am sure there is some boy movie I will have to go see in my near future, maybe several, throw in a trip to FRY's and REI and a conversation on the types of camera lenses and how they work. Love is an amazing thing when done right. I thank God every single day for the love of my GT guy. He can be my girlfriend any day of the week!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Letter to Louise
Dear Louise,
I am sitting here in my fuzzy pants looking out at the mounds of snow that have me sequestered here in Sugarland. I am dying to get some retail therapy. I would even gladly spend an hour or two at Wallyworld. I guess that says something..... Even though I am rocking the fuzzy pants with my heels and my lipstick , I am starting to feel like I am in an institution for the fashion challenged. It hasn't helped that Michael has also been in his GT pants for three days. I scared myself when I went into the bathroom this morning and saw the reflection staring back at me....scary puts it mildly, I looked a little like Bette Davis on crack. Remember how fantastic we looked the night of the Garth concert; you in your mink and glimmering head to toe, me in my faux fur and feeling tall. Then we stood in the bone chilling air, surrounded by thousands, packed like little sardines in the Nashville streets. I remember when we got inside, you still looked like a glamor Queen and I looked like I had been run over by a salt truck. Oh well, it was a night to remember for sure. Tommy and Michael standing on their feet singing Garth songs..... well... ok,standing on their feet.
I need a pedicure day with my Louise. It is always fun when we go together and I am sure it is fun for the manicurists as well. Don't you know that they talk about us for hours after we leave!! Actually , I think they talk about us right in front of us. Next time we go I am going to pretend that I understand and call them out on it. Anyhoo, we can go for a pedi and you will take in your color and I will once again pick something outrageous, we will laugh hysterically as they ask us once again if we are sisters. Then we will go have a glorious lunch where we will be sure to tell the waiter that no tomato guts are to touch your plate. We will sit and talk about our precious young Drama Queens and their fascination with pigs. We will catch up on all the news of our families and share our fears and concerns over life's ever changing road. We will laugh out loud and people will stare, we will cry and quietly wipe the tears. We will say our goodbyes over a big hug and I will make the long drive back to Sugarville rocking out to Miranda Lambert 's "Time to get a Gun" reminiscing.....
Everyone should have a Louise. I have spent too much time focusing on not having a girl friend up here in Sugarville and not realizing the treasure I have. No matter where life takes us, no matter what life throws our way, we will always have this friendship. Our adventures have been priceless, from Spring Hill to Bocca and Nashville, to our Fayetteville days. The bond, unbreakable as we have been through the loss of our fathers, the trials of health, the depths of sadness and despair, but oh the laughter..... that is what I will remember when I am 90. You do make me laugh, Louise. In fact, you should be the one with the BLOG. So, as I sit here sequestered and not able to go out and beg for friendship, I have realized miles are nothing between two friends. No matter where we both end up, no road is too long. Augusta will never be the same after I come for a visit!!
I think I will try and shower and see if I can't convince GT boy to play dress up with me. Yeah.....maybe I will just change into different fuzzy pants.
Love,
Thelma
I am sitting here in my fuzzy pants looking out at the mounds of snow that have me sequestered here in Sugarland. I am dying to get some retail therapy. I would even gladly spend an hour or two at Wallyworld. I guess that says something..... Even though I am rocking the fuzzy pants with my heels and my lipstick , I am starting to feel like I am in an institution for the fashion challenged. It hasn't helped that Michael has also been in his GT pants for three days. I scared myself when I went into the bathroom this morning and saw the reflection staring back at me....scary puts it mildly, I looked a little like Bette Davis on crack. Remember how fantastic we looked the night of the Garth concert; you in your mink and glimmering head to toe, me in my faux fur and feeling tall. Then we stood in the bone chilling air, surrounded by thousands, packed like little sardines in the Nashville streets. I remember when we got inside, you still looked like a glamor Queen and I looked like I had been run over by a salt truck. Oh well, it was a night to remember for sure. Tommy and Michael standing on their feet singing Garth songs..... well... ok,standing on their feet.
I need a pedicure day with my Louise. It is always fun when we go together and I am sure it is fun for the manicurists as well. Don't you know that they talk about us for hours after we leave!! Actually , I think they talk about us right in front of us. Next time we go I am going to pretend that I understand and call them out on it. Anyhoo, we can go for a pedi and you will take in your color and I will once again pick something outrageous, we will laugh hysterically as they ask us once again if we are sisters. Then we will go have a glorious lunch where we will be sure to tell the waiter that no tomato guts are to touch your plate. We will sit and talk about our precious young Drama Queens and their fascination with pigs. We will catch up on all the news of our families and share our fears and concerns over life's ever changing road. We will laugh out loud and people will stare, we will cry and quietly wipe the tears. We will say our goodbyes over a big hug and I will make the long drive back to Sugarville rocking out to Miranda Lambert 's "Time to get a Gun" reminiscing.....
Everyone should have a Louise. I have spent too much time focusing on not having a girl friend up here in Sugarville and not realizing the treasure I have. No matter where life takes us, no matter what life throws our way, we will always have this friendship. Our adventures have been priceless, from Spring Hill to Bocca and Nashville, to our Fayetteville days. The bond, unbreakable as we have been through the loss of our fathers, the trials of health, the depths of sadness and despair, but oh the laughter..... that is what I will remember when I am 90. You do make me laugh, Louise. In fact, you should be the one with the BLOG. So, as I sit here sequestered and not able to go out and beg for friendship, I have realized miles are nothing between two friends. No matter where we both end up, no road is too long. Augusta will never be the same after I come for a visit!!
I think I will try and shower and see if I can't convince GT boy to play dress up with me. Yeah.....maybe I will just change into different fuzzy pants.
Love,
Thelma
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A little spice with your sugar...
A New Year...... Two Thousand and Eleven. I think I will start the New Year with a bit of a rant. What the heck ever happened to MANNERS???? Even here in the South where by golly if you didn't know or use your manners your momma would take a switch to your behind, they seem to have disappeared. We have a whole new generation of young people who seem to think they are just ENTITLED. What ever happen to setting goals, having responsibilities and demanding respect??? There is no such thing as thank you anymore, or please or I enjoyed it, or even just the courtesy of a smile, after all who do you think paid for those perfectly straight white teeth??? Parents, I hold a challenge to you for the New Year, be bold, be brave, start teaching your children , your teens, your young adults before it is too late. Hold them accountable, teach them that the real gift is in GIVING and not receiving. Teach them that older people are the lifeline to our past and can help us to have a better future. Teach them that helping others is not a chore but a remarkable blessing. Take away the cell phones at the dinner table and at restaurants, teach them that a conversation may enlighten their world. Go into their room at night and take the ear plugs from their ears and whisper , "I love You."
Hold hands when you give thanks to the Lord up above for that nightly dinner and squeeze the persons hand to show you love them. When they roll their eyes at you because number one they don't believe in prayer and number two they don't want to touch you, pray a little harder and squeeze a little tighter.
Don't waste your time on criticizing their wardrobe, if they want to look like an idiot in torn to pieces jeans or clothing that needs to be on a makeover show, just smile and nod; focus on what they are putting out there as human beings.
My two children are not perfect, they have their faults and moments just like everyone else, but I will say this, they have excellent manners and they use them. They can carry a conversation. They treat people with respect and they are both very caring young adults who would help a stranger..... and if they didn't...... this Sugarville girl would stomp outside with her finest heels and pick the cutest switch she could find...... take the challenge!
Hold hands when you give thanks to the Lord up above for that nightly dinner and squeeze the persons hand to show you love them. When they roll their eyes at you because number one they don't believe in prayer and number two they don't want to touch you, pray a little harder and squeeze a little tighter.
Don't waste your time on criticizing their wardrobe, if they want to look like an idiot in torn to pieces jeans or clothing that needs to be on a makeover show, just smile and nod; focus on what they are putting out there as human beings.
My two children are not perfect, they have their faults and moments just like everyone else, but I will say this, they have excellent manners and they use them. They can carry a conversation. They treat people with respect and they are both very caring young adults who would help a stranger..... and if they didn't...... this Sugarville girl would stomp outside with her finest heels and pick the cutest switch she could find...... take the challenge!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Snow for Christmas?
Every year I get a "Christmas Letter" from at least one or two people. You know the type, everything in their world is so perfect that it makes me want to run to the bathroom and pluck my eyebrows so that I can hear myself scream out loud. They always name every person and all their accomplishments for the year and their grand adventures and if that was not enough they even write their upcoming plans for the new year. Well, I thought I would take the time to just BLOG my Christmas letter, so here goes...
Merry Christmas Everyone,
This year has had it's ups and downs but thankfully more ups than downs. It is funny that I used to be a person that could name the downs faster than the ups, but now I see how those downs are always a path to the ups. My life has changed quiet a bit since last Christmas. I have married my prince charming, gained step-children, turned fifty, have had some come to Jesus moments with learning to let go of the past. I have held my breath as my first born joined the military, and watched with pride as he became an amazing soldier. I have cried buckets of tears watching my daughter face heart ache and counted to ten knowing that at ten things would be better. I have rejoiced in the new feeling of being completely in love and having someone completely love and adore me. I have prayed many a prayer for a Brother struggling with health issues. I have watched with envy and glee as friends become Grandparents for the first time. I went to three funerals in the past year and thought how Heaven is blessed with new angels. I have stood on a mountain top and literally felt the presence of God and been in total awe of his art work. I have had moments when I did not know how to pray, and times of anger when I did not want to pray. I have laughed and smiled more than any other time in my life. I have accidentally tasted Wasabi and realized that it was not for me as I was wiping the tears from my eyes and screaming at the same time. I have stood on my feet (in cute Cowboy boots) for two and a half hours straight with 30,000 others screaming my head off at a Garth Brooks concert, only to be at the fox theater two nights later dressed to kill and acting like a Lady seeing Amy and Vince. I have learned that not everyone is going to love you or even like you, just realize it is their loss!! You still have to live loud and live large because you only get one shot at this thing.
I have made a new home, lost an old home. I have realized that you don't need twenty "sometimes" friends, but those that would come running may be few but priceless. I have held hands more than I did even as a teenager. I have learned to use a GPS system and not scream at it ever five seconds as it tells me to re-calculate. I have become a little wiser and realized patience really is a virtue. As for the New Year, who knows what could be ahead. I already know that we have some tough challenges ahead, but as Garth sings, "our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I would have missed the DANCE"...
God Bless Each and Everyone of you and Merry Christmas!!!
Love,
S. Sugarbaker
PS. I'm not sure if I should tell you this but I did kidnap a pig wearing a pearl necklace and pearl earrings, the pig was wearing the pearls, I only commit crimes wearing diamonds!
Merry Christmas Everyone,
This year has had it's ups and downs but thankfully more ups than downs. It is funny that I used to be a person that could name the downs faster than the ups, but now I see how those downs are always a path to the ups. My life has changed quiet a bit since last Christmas. I have married my prince charming, gained step-children, turned fifty, have had some come to Jesus moments with learning to let go of the past. I have held my breath as my first born joined the military, and watched with pride as he became an amazing soldier. I have cried buckets of tears watching my daughter face heart ache and counted to ten knowing that at ten things would be better. I have rejoiced in the new feeling of being completely in love and having someone completely love and adore me. I have prayed many a prayer for a Brother struggling with health issues. I have watched with envy and glee as friends become Grandparents for the first time. I went to three funerals in the past year and thought how Heaven is blessed with new angels. I have stood on a mountain top and literally felt the presence of God and been in total awe of his art work. I have had moments when I did not know how to pray, and times of anger when I did not want to pray. I have laughed and smiled more than any other time in my life. I have accidentally tasted Wasabi and realized that it was not for me as I was wiping the tears from my eyes and screaming at the same time. I have stood on my feet (in cute Cowboy boots) for two and a half hours straight with 30,000 others screaming my head off at a Garth Brooks concert, only to be at the fox theater two nights later dressed to kill and acting like a Lady seeing Amy and Vince. I have learned that not everyone is going to love you or even like you, just realize it is their loss!! You still have to live loud and live large because you only get one shot at this thing.
I have made a new home, lost an old home. I have realized that you don't need twenty "sometimes" friends, but those that would come running may be few but priceless. I have held hands more than I did even as a teenager. I have learned to use a GPS system and not scream at it ever five seconds as it tells me to re-calculate. I have become a little wiser and realized patience really is a virtue. As for the New Year, who knows what could be ahead. I already know that we have some tough challenges ahead, but as Garth sings, "our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I would have missed the DANCE"...
God Bless Each and Everyone of you and Merry Christmas!!!
Love,
S. Sugarbaker
PS. I'm not sure if I should tell you this but I did kidnap a pig wearing a pearl necklace and pearl earrings, the pig was wearing the pearls, I only commit crimes wearing diamonds!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Where did Sixteen Go??
Oh to be 16 again but know what I know now:
- First of all I would realize that ninety eight pounds is certainly not fat, and to treasure every second that you weigh that amount.
- I would go back and become a nerd, study hard, chase boys less and pay attention to that really smart shy boy on the annual staff, not only because he would one day be my future but I might just end up in the yearbook a little more.
- I would not be so jealous of that beauty queen and realize that she is just as beautiful on the inside and would later in life become someone you admire with all your heart.
- I would know that the boy that was so popular, that did not give you the time of day, would become a lifesaver and a treasured friend.
- I would realize that my Mother is not my enemy but in reality my biggest fan.
- I would spend a few more Saturdays watching college football with my Dad and not be in such a hurry to leave the house.
- I would not be so afraid of my own shadow.
- I would say Thank You a lot more and I would pray not just when I had a crisis.
- I would realize that I looked darn good in that bikini and I certainly would not cover myself in baby oil and fry in the sun.
- I would be in the school chorus and I would try out for the school play.
- I would listen to my Mom and not put so much in writing....well maybe.
- I would treasure every time my Dad kissed my sleepy forehead as he left for work and not think it was corny.
- I would spend more time playing with my baby brother and less time fighting with my sister.
- I would start wearing high heels and never take them off.
- I would be a giver and not so much of a taker.
- I would not be embarrassed that I was madly in love with Donny Osmond.
- I would not lie and say that I was already 17 just because everyone else already was.
- I would go to the Prom with that goofy, nerdy boy.
- I would spend some time with my Grandparents and learn my history.
- I would not worry so much about being short and instead be proud to be petite.
- I would ride that roller coaster and throw my hands up in the air screaming with delight as I did it.....NOT.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thankfulness from Sugarville
Gratitude.... my heart overflows with so much to be Thankful for:
First and above all, my salvation and knowing that God loves me so much in spite of my crazy self. I know I must make him shake his head in confusion at least once a day, but how crazy great is his love??
My handsome, wonderful, extremely patient husband. It took us awhile to find each other but boy isn't the time together precious!! I know I have turned your world upside down, and you are still at times trying to figure out my language, but honey the adventure is just beginning, so hold on.....
I am thankful for my crazy, wonderful family. When my Dad died, we could have imploded, but we are stronger than ever. My Mother, Brother and Sister have always had my back and I am so thankful for every second they have shared with me through this journey. My precious sister in law, what a heart of gold, on days when I was so weak, there you would be with words of strength and encouragement. My precious nieces and nephews, what joy you bring into the world, you are all amazing creatures and I am smiling just thinking of each of you.
My children; My brave, sweet son, so much like his Pop Pop, how I miss you each and every day but I am so thankful for God trusting me enough to be your Mother. I must say you taught me much along the way, especially patience and humor.
My Daughter, how thankful I am for your sweet, spirit. Your heart as big as the ocean, so thankful that hardly a day passes that we do not talk. You are and will always be my sunshine.
My Daughter in Law, what a match for my Evan you are. I am so thankful that he found the love of his life and that we get to love you just as much!!
My three bonus children, I know you have no idea what to think of me, and we are still learning our way, but I am thankful for you being so gracious to the "little person". I pray that I will always bring laughter and joy in your world .
My amazing friends, weather it was for a 'season' or for a lifetime, how blessed and thankful I am for each and everyone of you. Time passes quickly, so I hope that with age I have learned to be a better friend. If I have hurt any of you along the way, and I am sure I have, please know that I ask for forgiveness.
So, many, many things to be thankful for, not just this time of year but always. There may be a storm brewing in your life at some point, but storms ALWAYS end and everything is washed clean . New beginnings, oh how thankful I am for new beginnings.
May it be a "sweet" Thanksgiving!!
P.S. The beautiful photography is furnished by my wonderful husband, Michael. (http://www.mrhatch.com/)
First and above all, my salvation and knowing that God loves me so much in spite of my crazy self. I know I must make him shake his head in confusion at least once a day, but how crazy great is his love??
My handsome, wonderful, extremely patient husband. It took us awhile to find each other but boy isn't the time together precious!! I know I have turned your world upside down, and you are still at times trying to figure out my language, but honey the adventure is just beginning, so hold on.....
I am thankful for my crazy, wonderful family. When my Dad died, we could have imploded, but we are stronger than ever. My Mother, Brother and Sister have always had my back and I am so thankful for every second they have shared with me through this journey. My precious sister in law, what a heart of gold, on days when I was so weak, there you would be with words of strength and encouragement. My precious nieces and nephews, what joy you bring into the world, you are all amazing creatures and I am smiling just thinking of each of you.
My children; My brave, sweet son, so much like his Pop Pop, how I miss you each and every day but I am so thankful for God trusting me enough to be your Mother. I must say you taught me much along the way, especially patience and humor.
My Daughter, how thankful I am for your sweet, spirit. Your heart as big as the ocean, so thankful that hardly a day passes that we do not talk. You are and will always be my sunshine.
My Daughter in Law, what a match for my Evan you are. I am so thankful that he found the love of his life and that we get to love you just as much!!
My three bonus children, I know you have no idea what to think of me, and we are still learning our way, but I am thankful for you being so gracious to the "little person". I pray that I will always bring laughter and joy in your world .
My amazing friends, weather it was for a 'season' or for a lifetime, how blessed and thankful I am for each and everyone of you. Time passes quickly, so I hope that with age I have learned to be a better friend. If I have hurt any of you along the way, and I am sure I have, please know that I ask for forgiveness.
So, many, many things to be thankful for, not just this time of year but always. There may be a storm brewing in your life at some point, but storms ALWAYS end and everything is washed clean . New beginnings, oh how thankful I am for new beginnings.
May it be a "sweet" Thanksgiving!!
P.S. The beautiful photography is furnished by my wonderful husband, Michael. (http://www.mrhatch.com/)
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