6 in the Sticks

A Smile For The Day

2009-09-24T15:22:08Z

I wanted to share my mom's one and only email she sent to me. We had a copy of it in a binder of poems she wrote sitting on a table at her funeral. What is so funny is that my mom was "technically challenged" if you will. Meaning she would have Brian and I hook up her VCR, work the remote to her DVD player, add numbers into her cell phone, etc. Which is kind of funny because she had power tools she could work and had no problem fixing or building things. I have a feeling she started this in the morning and sent it by lunch time with some interruptions as she still had dial-up. This makes me smile every time I read this, hope you enjoy! Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 11:01:15 AM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central Subject: look what mom can do Hello Sunshine, Wake-up Sleepy Head. Your Mom is on the internet, so you know she's not in bed. Take time to play, take time for fun, take time to just enjoy the sun. With work and school time flies by fast, before you know it so much time has passed. Everyone needs time for kisses and hugs and time to go outside and play with bugs. Now that I have given you a thought for the day, I have to go, it's my time to play! Sent with kisses, hugs and love, and a couple giggles! Mom

Missing Mom

2009-09-23T14:24:59Z

It's been a while since I've been on here I see. Still have not had a chance to get out computer going so it's a little more tedious for me than on a usual basis. My mom lost her battle with Pancreatic Cancer one month ago today. My brother and I spent most of our days at the hospital and got to spend the last three nights with her which allowed us both to be by her side and each of us hold a hand while she took her last breath. It has been a very hard journey the last year and a half of going through this with mom, and even the last month of finding our own time to grieve even though life goes on. Some people get it, and some people don't but it is hard to imagine that the one person who has your back like no other is no longer here on earth. Which in mom's case, it was. She is so much more socialable and outspoken than I have ever been. We laugh now thinking about all of the stuff my mom made me do, and that I did to make her happy. She always wanted company and friends and family around, which we did, where I was wishing to just have a few people around with less noise and less chaos. Brian and I laugh about how mom signed me up in a beauty pageant without even asking me (the shy girl), oh how I wanted to die, and really, doesn't every mother think that their kid is the most beautiful? She never dressed us up dorky, she let us do that all on our own, and we did, Brian will probably contest to that, the boy who wore the same cammo t-shirt for a month straight. The only time she dressed us dorky was when she was in her stupid twinner phase. Really mom, siblings DO NOT want to be dressed alike. We are NOT twins. It is NOT cute. She talked me into being a beer bunny at a few golf tournaments, my friend Kelle got coaxed into that as well, fortunate for mom it didn't end up being so bad. Cheerleading initiation, most mom's warned their daughters so they could get cleaned up before the squad showed up at your door at 4am to wake you up with squirt-guns and make you go to school without hair and makeup! Yes, I really died that day. Especially when a classmate took one look at me and said, "Don't marry Kim because that's what she looks like when she wakes up in the morning." Mom still says it's no big deal. I have lost quite a few people that I have been close with, that were also very near and dear to my heart but it is true what people have said, "There is no pain like the loss of your mother and you won't know until it happens to you." Although life seems to have a little fog over everything at the moment, I wouldn't have it any other way. We were able to have time that a lot of other children don't have with their mom, we were able to plan so mom's wishes were met, as well as ours. The most important quality of life, gift, or what have you is the sick humor we've always had. Intensified in a horrible situation made everything so much easier. Life is too short to sweat the small "stuff" by being so serious and technical all the time. With that said, thank you to all of you that reached out to me and my family, who comforted us without judgement, who continue to walk the journey by our side. It means more than you know. Now for an update from our home. Jeromy is covering from a chainsaw accident a couple of weeks ago as most of you know. He's going to be fine, and he's very lucky. I've put my foot down about chopping wood home alone with the kids so hopfully he'll resect my wishes as my foot's never been too heavy to stop him from what he wants to do. Jessica has changed her moving plans from Seattle to our home state and continues her job and apartment search. She wasn't able to make it to mom's funeral, but mom knew that and was fine with it. Jess made it out to see mom and get her quality granddaughter time in days before mom left for Heaven. This has been difficult for her. Ashley keeps herself busy, as usual with many activities when she's not working or going to school. Ashley was able to head out to mom's and spend a few days with her alone one week before she went into the hospital. I'm glad she got some more "Granny time". Ashley has made it out to mom's every year for some fun time together, last year's visit topped the charts when they went go-cart racing together, they had a lot in common and a lot of fun together. As you can imagine, she has been devestated but she knows time will ease the pain. Jackson and Charly are in school, doing good, having fun and feel just matter of fact over the loss of their special Granny. I'm sure it helped that we've always discussed what was happening and what could happen so there was no shock there. They did express how they would miss their visits to her house and miss "Granny's woods". Mom had set up a trail through some brush and trees that had signs, birdhouses, and other fun things leading to a wishing well at the end. There was a sign at the beginning of the trail that said "Welcome to Granny's Woods" All the kids thought that was so cool. I am hanging in there. Good days and bad. Kind of feel like I have the world on my shoulders at the moment but know everything happens for a reason and feel somewhat stronger that I've made it over the bumps I've had. Have a lot of decisions to make still but know everything will be fine.

Still kick'n it

2009-07-24T16:13:44Z

Were still here. Our computer blew and life has had us busy in general so it's been hard to think about the blog. My mom is doing okay. She has decided that chemo isn't for her anymore. The side effects are miserable and she plans to enjoy what ever time may be left. Brian and I completely understand and support whatever she wants. It's hard sometimes though. Jessica is preparing to move to Seattle. I worry about her but understand how important this is for her. I still can't believe she's almost twenty years old. Jack is excited to be a first grader this fall but I still think if they added hunting and fishing into the curriculum they'd have his full cooperation. Miss Charly. Still loves being fancy and Loves to read, Loves to practice writing, Lives to practice with flash cards. SO much, she'll dance about it. Not to be replaced over hunting and fishing as well. Life is so grand in the eyes of a five, almost six year old girl. With fancy clothes and sparkle shoes of course. Ashley Maria. She is sixteen going on seventeen, mothers of fellas beware...... Ashley's spending the majority of her summer working. Two jobs this year. She's handling all the hours pretty well, which is great because there's nothing more annoying than hearing a teenager who works less than thirty hours a week say," I work like all of the time, it sucks, I like never see my friends anymore, I don't even have time to text!" and the damn cell phone will be on 24/7 and there will be no text msgs missed. Wouldn't it be fun to do a Freaky Friday kind of deal and have your teenager not only turn into you but go back in time when you were a teenager and deal with the old school technology? Hilarious. Maybe it's a good thing that can't happen, there would probably be more telephone cord strangulation cases. I think as kids, we found a way to make that nine foot cord on that telephone stretch to every room on the main floor. Our mustard gold dial phone. Awe..comforts of home I miss. I told Ashley the other day to mark my words that her generation will grow old with a Quasimodo effect, stiff hands, hunch back bump, and lack of socialization without a phone to look down at. Yeah, whatever mom. Jeromy and I still juggling work, school, and family between us. Making some changes and hopefully for the better. My dad told me last night he's off to the Middle East as the firm is building a large hospital there. I'm worried but have faith in him. Good luck dad! So, there's my large nut shell for today, and all on my little phone so now my hands are numb. I miss our computer! I'll get that taken care of soon. Until then.

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-19T17:27:38Z

This "little guy" was hanging around. Ashley kind of freaked out about it. The night before she was talking to me in the living room and spazzed when she saw it clinging on our screen door. It stayed there until late afternoon the next day. Ashley was glad it was gone but took this picture before it disappeared. If you really want to know what happened to it, ask Jackson. He didn't do anything.

Meanwhile...Charly had stuffed Bear into a toy shopping cart and was pushing him throughout the house. He didn't even blink, it was as if he was enjoying it. It always surprises me what that cat allows those two to do.

We went outside and lit a few sparklers and came across this little guy hopping across the lawn.

As the sun went down, Jackson and Jeromy headed out to fish from shore, while Charly had a bath and then snuggled in to watch Snow White.

Silly girl.

Fish were biting again!

Congratulations boys!

No More Training Wheels for Charly!

2009-06-19T16:44:37Z

It's official, as of last week, Charly is retired from training wheels! Great job Charly!

Tons of Pictures and Happenings

2009-06-19T16:25:09Z

A few trips to my mom's.

An old homestead along the way.

An old school burned down. I saw it shooting smoke on my way there, to smoldering on the way back. It wasn't used anymore luckily. The fire was caused by arson.

Jackson got his alone time with his Granny Jannie last weekend. They got to get out and do what they both love. Fish. Mom's friend Sharon came along as well. Jack and I were able to find all kinds of treasures from the beach.

A land mine of pelican poop on the pier.

Dead 3ft carp

Jackson found a full body shed from a gardener snake in the back yard. It was a fresh shed. He had a blast playing with it and pretending it was eating an egg, which was really a rock, and watched as he passed it through the body. The gardener snakes are the one thing I care less for when visiting my mom. Urgh, heebie jeebies.

Jackson made a nest out of grass as well. He had baby birds on the brain this trip because he found that another family of birds laid eggs in an old robin's nest from last year under the deck. Jack ended up with a red blotch on his head from checking on the babies that were hatching through the weekend by laying on the deck and peeking through the floor boards. It was pretty cool.

From below shot of the bird nest

Hercules! Hercules!

2009-06-04T21:48:31Z

On the way out the door for the last day.

Oh my baby! Ah..., my baby boy no more. Jackson graduated from kindergarten today. He and his classmates greeted their families in the auditorium and sang two songs to us. Each student was called on and presented with a certificate. They all wore graduation caps that had the autograph of their fellow classmates and teachers on the top.

Congratulations Jackson, we're so proud of you!

Fish Pics

2009-06-03T14:15:55Z

By popular demand.

One fish.....Two fish......

Early morning crappie, Jack was up and out at 5am!

I think Jeromy has broken a fishing record so far this year since we've lived in this house. Thanks to Jackson. I don't think Jack has to worry about never being able to fish when he wants. Charly's trying to get her turns in too, don't think we'll be able to get her up early though, I think she is an evening fisherman. Ashley's 16. She'll come around again in time. She surprises us every now and then.

Life Goes On

2009-05-28T15:00:45Z

New pets. Old pets. But never no pets.

In the last year, give or take a month or two, our pets have gone from one to few.

It started from..........

Two cats, one dog.

Scratch cat, new dog.

One cat, two dogs.

Scratch dog, new cat.

Two cats, one dog.

One lizard, one hamster.

Healthy hamster, iffy lizard.

Healthy lizard, dead hamster.

Two cats, one dog.

Bearded dragon, one lizard.

Hatchling turtle, one minnow.

Free turtle, dead minnow.

Two lizards, two cats, one dog.

On a serious note, we have loved every one of our lovely pets that have brought joy in our lives.

Animal funeral. Fishing anyone?

This Little Light of Mine

2009-05-28T14:40:17Z

Warm-ups before the final show, the girls would end the warm-up with a dance to "This Little Light of Mine"

Charly played a cloud in the ballet and she did a wonderful job.

Above she is center with her back towards us. Below she is second from the left.

Below, she is just to the right.

This was such a fantastic experience, and to sit back and watch Charly shine was even a greater bonus. All of the girls did very well. Charly really enjoys her ballet class and has a natural gift of dance. She's excited for next year. Bravo Charly!

New Pets

2009-05-22T15:08:31Z

Hanging on a branch is Jackson's new pet, a leopard Gecko named, Dot. The lizard will grow to be six inches maximum, which is great for Mom as she's not a reptile fan, except for turtles, painted turtles. Jackson always wanted a lizard or a snake. The snake will never happen. BlAh! This little guy moves slow and is easy for Jackson to handle. Why yes, that is an old deer horn in his cage. Nothing but the best for little Jack's pet!

This little fuzz ball is Charly's new hamster, named Whitely.

It's Show Time!

2009-05-22T14:33:29Z

Ashley Marie. Isn't she cute? Last night was the final band and choir concert for the school year. Ashley got to sing her solo that got her to state competition for choir. I think she was more nervous for that than singing for the judges at state. Her high school band went to state as well and ranked the best on the range. Ash has been playing the alto sax since the fourth grade. Excellent job Ashley, we're so proud of you!

Charly Grace. Isn't she cute? Tonight is Charly's debut for her first ballet performance. She has been working hard every night this week getting ready for the two shows this weekend. It has been kind of long and tiresome for her but she has been doing very well and I can tell she REALLY loves this. You are doing a wonderful job Charly, we are so proud of you!

Jackson The Fishing Guide

2009-05-19T14:32:09Z

It was a crazy Monday and Jackson was stir crazy, so I asked Jeromy if he'd take him out fishing when he got home from work. I knew there would be no leg pulling. Jackson ended up catching most of the fish and was very proud about it.

Jeromy caught the first one, threw his line back in and told Jackson, "Okay, it's your turn now Jackson." Sure enough, he did catch the next fish! After Jackson threw his line back in, he said, "Okay Dad, now it's your turn." But Jackson caught another one and threw his line back in again, and said, "Okay Dad, NOW it's your turn." Then he caught another one.

He was so happy and proud and said to Jeromy, "I can't believe that I'm the one catching all of the fish!" Jackson had a permanent grin all night long. First thing he had to do was show our next door neighbor the bucket of fish he brought home. A ritual we have with our neighbors, you show me yours, I'll show you mine. FISH that is.

You guessed it, Jack caught the biggest one but he wanted to hold the smaller one for pictures as he doesn't have a hang up on size yet. Dad decided to step in and hold the biggest one for him as he felt it must be in the picture.

The shots below are the ones Jeromy took over a week ago when they were fishing by the river. They caught some suckers. It was a blast for Jackson as he had to run up the shore to pull it in. Great fun.

When they're not fishing, they're dreaming about it....

Fire pit, puddles, the fish are everywhere! Yes, yes, yes, they wouldn't be playing here if the there were hot coals, don't worry.

Good Luck Fishing!

2009-05-07T15:31:13Z

Another fishing opener. Good luck honey! Hope you keep your tradition of "nailing those lunkers" so we can hear more of your fishing tales of the monsters you've caught. ;)

How's Mom?

2009-05-07T14:40:52Z

I'm asked this often and appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. Mom is doing good, or "In good shape for the shape I'm in", as my Grandpa used to say. My mom has adopted that quote. As hard as this can be at times, the three of us, (My mom, Brian, and I), haven't stopped screwing around and joking which really helps. Life's too short to be so serious and intense all of the time. We have our moments of sadness, which we are entitled, but have a lot of moments of happiness as well.

The picture above is one I took the end of March from Mom's living room which has a great view onto her deck and overlooks the lake. This wonderful view has saved her sanity she says. And now the snow has gone and we've filled a few feeders with seed and she is being visited daily by birds of all kinds which she enjoys watching and looking them up in her pocket bird book. I was taken by surprise while making the bed in one of the guest rooms to see a female mallard duck, eye level with me, watching me make the bed through the window. She was sitting on the roof over the garage and was able to peep through the window no problem. It's like being in a Walt Disney movie where all the animals of the forest gather around mom. So surreal.

Mom has been having troubles with severe swelling, especially in her arms and legs. Sleeping, sitting, and just walking around the house has become a chore. Very uncomfortable. She was given some meds for that earlier this week so we're hoping the swelling will go down so it won't be painful for her to get out in the yard to sit on the patio, or to just go out onto the deck. Really hoping for her to get strength back to head out on the lake fishing again as well as she LOVES to fish. If not, I'm sure between my brother and I, we can come up with a clever idea for mom to have fun. Don't be afraid Mom!