Mother's Day Memories

Mother's Day 1991...

Amy was in the first grade. Emily was a toddler.

When we lived on North High Street, there was this tree in the backyard that had the most beautiful  pink blossoms. We always posed in front of that tree on Mother's Day.

My folks had driven down for the weekend. I'm sure we were rushing around to get ready for church.

My mom and I are wearing the fashionable floral dresses of the 90's...that I had sewn by hand, of course. 

Amy's outfit was also sewn at home. It is actually fashionable polka dot shorts and a coordinating top. 

I know none of you will believe this now, but Amy went through a phase when she refused to wear a dress!!

Emily is the only one wearing a "store-bought" outfit. It was a baby gift. 

Flash forward 21 years to Mother's Day 2012.

Amy made the long drive from Rochester, MN, and I made the quick trip from Aberdeen, SD to meet at Emily's in Fargo, ND. Saturday we got up early, so we could be in Devils Lake to join Grammy for lunch. 

We enjoyed two days of good conversation and warm sunshine, 

while relaxing in the courtyard at mom's Assisted Living Facility.

Best Mother's Day...ever.

I cherish the memories.

This year is very different for all of us...

...so far away from each other, 

but both of you will always be right here...

in my heart.

Love you.

Happy Mother's Day to all women 

who make a difference in someone's life.

Take care,

~Natalie

'Grease' is the Word...Opening Night...Break a Leg!

Paige and Nellie...

Singing and Dancing...

so much energy!

Here's the whole cast for our Spring Musical at Central.

I can't wait to see the show!

Break a Leg!!

Take care,

~Natalie

photo credits to to Brent Brant, proud parent, 

as both his son and his daughter are "stars" in the play;

and to the Aberdeen American News for the full cast photo.

Prom ~ A Night to Remember

The girls decided to get ready for Prom

 all together at a friend's house,

so I don't have any of the pre-prom preparation pictures...

however, Nellie did one last try-on of her dress, 

shoes and jewelry before leaving for Elly's.

She looks like a princess, doesn't she?!

Katie picked up Nellie early for their hair appointments...

Here are the before and after photos.

The guys met up with the girls at Elly's, 

where they had their photo shoot 

(I'm looking forward to seeing those pictures, too!)

and enjoyed a home cooked dinner together.

And last but not least,

here's Nellie and Jacob after the Grand March.

(Thanks for sharing this, Polly)

Good times...Great Memories!

Take care,

~Natalie

Our Birthday Girl...

It's Nellie's Birthday Weekend...

so we wanted to celebrate with 

some of our family birthday traditions.

Most of Nellie's friends were scheduled to take the ACT,

so we had a quiet little family celebration at home.

Nellie's favorite dinner was served...

Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Toast.

Plus, Birthday Cupcakes!

She opened gifts...

And, then we brought out the board games...

Happy Birthday, Nellie.

I hope you had a wonderful day!

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Mail Call...

Package for Nellie...

A package from home. 

However, we can't know what's inside until tomorrow, 

as she is at a sleep-over with a friend.

In the meantime...

check out the wonderful variety of postage stamps.

Happy April Fools Day!

Take care,

~Natalie

Easter Blessings~Precious Memories and New Traditions

These sweet, sweet little dresses were worn by our daughters...

28 and 24 years ago, on their first Easter.

Easter is a time to wear something fresh and new.

We enjoyed watching the little children in church this morning, 

as they were so proud of their new clothes!

These precious little dresses hang in the wardrobe in my studio,

a reminder of how blessed we are to have two beautiful daughters.

And if you blink twice, 

your children are all grown up...

making their own way in the world.

However, some family traditions continue...

No matter where we happen to be!

Of course, we introduced our family traditions

to our Danish daughter, Nellie.

Somehow, the Easter Bunny gets into our house 

and hides all of our eggs.

But, the Bunny makes up for it 

by leaving a basket of goodies!

After attending our Easter Worship Service at church,

We always enjoy a dinner with family.

I hope you enjoyed the Easter Holiday with family and friends.

Take care,

~Natalie

Happy Birthday, Dear Emily,

You are so very special...

Dad and I are proud of you!

I do wish we could celebrate your birthday all together, 

but I love visiting with you through Face-time.

Best wishes for a great birthday week and a wonderful year.

Love you,

Dad and Mom

Thank You...

...for all your kind words of support and sympathy.

It has already been three weeks since mom's funeral service.

So many times I have reached for my phone to give her a call...

I wonder how long it takes for that feeling to go away?

I'm thinking...perhaps...never?

Take care,

~Natalie

What'cha Working on Wednesday? Does anyone need Prom Attire??

Prom Season is just around the corner.

I have been storing some lovely dresses, shoes, and jewelry 

here in our daughter's closet.

I recently took some photos and have listed them 

on our local on-line Rummage Sale site.

If anyone would like information about sizes and prices,

please send me a message...

By the way,

I'd be willing to ship these items!

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. for Amy and Emily,

Dad and I have such fond memories

of you both wearing these dresses for

your Prom and Homecoming Coronations.

Miss Me...But Let Me Go...

My always organized Mother keep all of her important papers in one place...

...in this vintage metal box.

It was in a small safe, with other important items, on the floor of her closet.

In this special (and always mysterious) box, I found birth certificates,

social security cards, my daddy's death certificate...

...and my mom's obituary that she had written for herself.

Tucked inside her Obituary, in her perfect penmanship,

was this poem. I want to share my find with our daughters,

Amy and Emily,

and with our extended family and my mom's friends.

Miss Me...But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Master's plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me, but let me go.

Anonymous

Take care, 

~Natalie