Thursday, May 26, 2011

Many Thanks


I'm the last to weigh in win a huge THANK YOU to our extended family for making Mom's birthday surprise happen. Thanks to Julie, Elli, and Rico for being here and thanks to all the other family members for supporting the plans. They could not have worked out better from my perspective.

The photos reflect a very handsome family and many different events - I got a particular laugh out of the photo of Mom and me taking center stage in Boden's classroom. A photo book of the time will be forthcoming. And thanks Rico for the videos - next time we see Emily maybe she can give us some hints.

Mom has done some painting this week but days slip away faster than she wants so there are some final bits to do on them. She has a stream really flowing but needs to finish a bit of the bank! We had an interesting discussion today on Libya and Elli and Kate can relate to the format having each attended one. We have the big Memorial Day events this weekend - Bolder Boulder and duck race in the creek!

I have another book to suggest. Citizens of London by Lynne Olson. It is the story of World War II in London and focuses on three Americans - Ed Murrow of CBS news, Averill Harriman, diplomat and US head of lend-lease, and Gil Winant, US ambassador, SPS grad and faculty member and namesake of the Winant volunteers of which Mom was one. I was 11 when the war began and remember much of what is in the book but she goes into detail and behind the scenes plotting and escapades. Because of my having lived through it, it may have more appeal than it would to others, but the book has had good reviews and several people we know have commented on it. If anyone is interested in World War II or recent history in general, I think you'd enjoy the book (summer reading?) and you'd get a realistic picture of what it was like to be in England. My first trip was in 1948 and I have a photo of me standing in bomb wreckage near St. Paul's. Matt and I stood in almost the same spot in 2000 for a photo - what changes there have been.

Thanks again and thanks for all your love and support.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Love From Australia

First of all, a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BODEN!! Hope you had a great day, and got all the presents you wanted!



What a wonderful adventure we had for Mom's surprise birthday weekend, beginning way back in November last year when Dad first brought up the possibility. Talk about a good secret-keeper! We all had such a special time, and I'm so grateful to have you all as my family - what a loving, caring group we are!! I often feel isolated living so far away, but it's times shared together like the past 2 weeks that reaffirm our special bond.

I'll post a few of my pics here, and the rest I'll attempt to put on Snapfish, although I've never used it before. If I have trouble, I may get Dad to do it for me as he has a copy of all my photos from my visit. It may take me a few days, as things are hectic here now! The jet lag is still hanging around, although it's nowhere near as troublesome as it is flying the other way. I'm back at work already, and we're having birthday celebrations today for Emily, who is now 15 (YIKES!!)














Sunday, May 22, 2011

Well,.. you get the picture(s)! The familyness on Mother's Day and the birthday surprise on the previous day,...do you see me in the window snapping the shot? Hey! I'm there, too! Elli, hope your trip home was smooth, that you got to see Emily play, and thank God you missed the end of the world when you crossed the dateline! :) Okay, Aussie, cough up the photos. We need to complete the circle! Man, I miss that time together! It was so wonderful to get back together and, yes, Rico - It gave me perspective and patience, too.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Birthday Memories

Now that Elli is officially back home down under and Julie is back in the trenches for a while, it's nice to reflect on what a fantastic birthday weekend it was for mom. From her last post, it sounds like she had as great a time as we did. I have some video from the weekend for those who weren't there for the big moments, so I'll try to put them up here. It was a truly special time, and it gave me some energy and love to give back to my family during this hectic time of year.
Today was Boden's birthday celebration- we had a little biking and geocaching outing followed by gluten-free cupcakes and presents in the yard back home. A lovely day after seemingly endless rain- Ah, spring in Colorado!

Love to all!

Rico

My Big Fat Eightyth Birthday














































Elli went home yesterday, and my birthday celebration seems like it has now come to an end. What a wonderful and magical two weeks! Magical to have had all three children here together with us, and wonderful to have had so many adventures, both on foot and in conversation. I hope the photos remind you of some of these adventures. I intend to make an album from the combined pool of photos---meanwhile enjoy them all (from all three kids) on line.

My biggest thank you goes to my amazing husband, who secretly planned planned and arranged and executed everything down to the last detail, although even he could not arrange the weather (cold rainy days for Elli's last week). You guys are all super secret-keepers---have you thought of jobs with the CIA?? I appreciate the time and work you took to come, and I also bless all spouses and children for letting you go. You have earned big brownie points with Yia-Yia!

Now that life is settling down again, one thing is really different. Every day at breakfast I read a sweet wish from someone in my family. Sometimes I can guess the wisher, sometimes not. But every time my heart says thank you to one and all for keeping me so close to you. I love you all, you birthday co-conspiritors! Mom, Mum, Ann,Yia-Yia