Happy Birthday Dad

Even after sixteen long years
missing you still brings me to tears

A piece of me died that October day
when angels guided you far far away

I'm sure mom was there to welcome you home
in the place where God and celestial's roam

I know our time on earth is but brief
and seeing you again will bring me relief

Being your daughter was truly the best
our reunion on high will be a love fest

Until then dad, I bid you adieu
and wish a heart felt 'happy birthday' to you

Tribute to Dad and all who Graciously Serve

Tribute to Dad and all who Graciously Serve

Dad on bottom row, far left with his comrades of the 489th Bomber Group

I am a daughter
and a veteran's biggest fan

Dad was only twenty-two
what a brave, courageous man

He fought the good fight
so we could live free

All those in uniform
sacrificed dearly for me

His missions were flown
over Germany and France

So we could enjoy freedom
and have half a chance

Thirteen missions flown
by the eighth Army Air-Force

Halesworth, England
would be their 'said course'

Many close calls
would threaten their day

They kept persevering
and made sure to pray

Remember to thank those
who fought despite fear

Not only on Memorial day
but everyday of the year

This is a re-post of a Poem I wrote in May of 2011

Re-Post for dVerse Poet's OLN #98
Thank You to all Veteran's whose courage entitles us the freedoms we are afforded.

Twin Prank on my Old Boyfriend

This weekend I'm on vacation for the Memorial Holiday. Every year my sister and I and her two kids stay at a resort in Northern Wisconsin. It's a trip we look forward to all year long.

Last night we went to a restaurant that we've been going to for many years here. We bumped into my ex-boyfriend's mom and dad and started chatting.  I instantly had butterflies in my stomach, wondering if my ex would soon walk in.  A few moments later his mom said, "Ryan is on his way here, he should be walking in any minute." I put on a a big smile and said, "great, it will be so nice to see him." Like a school girl I whispered to my sister, "I'm so nervous, even after all these years."

Ryan and I met each other at this very restaurant about fifteen years ago. The Beechmoor was just a block away from my sister and her now~ ex-husband's cabin. The break up between Ryan and I was mutual but not easy. We were very attracted to each other and had a lot of fun, but it wasn't enough to make up for the big differences. Through the years I've never forgotten him~ and knew someday I'd eventually bump into him here where his parents have a cabin.

Be it my nerves mixed with a few beers~ and you have twin sisters hatching a plan for the reunion. We thought it might be fun to pretend Laura was me when he showed up. My heart started beating fast when I saw him walk in the front door. He headed right over to his parents~ just across from sis and I. Once Ryan's parents told him sis and I were there, he came right over. Laura immediately says, "It's been a while~ so just a reminder, I'm Linda and that's Laura," "I know your Linda, I dated you, how could I not remember that." I started feeling guilty right away. "She's just kidding, I'm Linda and that's Laura," I said.  It went back and forth with Laura continuing to say she was me, and me trying to convince him that I was really Linda."

 The plan to trick Ryan ended up snowballing because I wimped out. The minute I saw that handsome face, I just didn't have the heart to play out the rouse, which in turn backfired and became a bigger prank. The poor guy looked so confused by the time we wrapped up the conversation. I plan to make it right next time I bump into him.

Reflections of a Beautiful Mother's Day

What a perfect Mother's Day for my sister and I. This year we decided to 'really do' what we wanted to do. It's easy to fall into doing things the kids want to do, out of habit. For example, cooking a family favorite meal for the kids or going out to eat where they want to go. This year we stuck to our guns and did exactly what we wanted.

Our first stop was at a local grocery store/gas station~ for a coffee or soda pop. Next we headed out to the Farmers Market in Minneapolis. There is something so exciting about walking around the grounds and taking in all the sights, sounds and scores of people. At the Market~ we shopped, ate, people watched, and I even danced to a live musician. The talented singer and guitarist was singing Bob Marley tunes and I just couldn't help myself. Our favorite food stops include:  Deep Fried French Fries, Roasted Corn, Brats and Grilled Tortilla's~ topped with favorite sauces from the taco bar.

Next we drove to the 'West End' area which is a fancy block with upscale stores and restaurants. We did a little shopping and then stopped to have a bite at a Mexican Restaurant.

When we arrived home we all sat outside on lawn chairs. The weather was a perfect mild 68 degree's which is dreamy for us Minnesotan's. The kids pulled out two cards: one for Mom and one for me, Auntie Mom. I read my card out loud first, then sis read hers. Talk about touching cards that got us all choked up. As if the beautiful cards weren't enough, now the kids handed us a pretty pink flowered 'Bath and Body Works' gift bag. It was filled with a peach candle, great smelling body lotions and body sprays.

It was a special Mother's Day for my sister and I because we did what we wanted most: We spent quality time with the kids. What a blessing it has been to help raise my sister's two children these past nine years. They have been some of the best years of my life.

Farmers Market

Hot Caramel @ Cinnamon Rolls

My niece on left w/best friend

My Handsome Nephew~ taken @ Prom

Sis getting Roasted Corn

My Nephew's First Prom

I can't believe the time has already come when one of my twin sister's children is attending their first prom. Jacob is not just my nephew but my Godson as well. I've been a big part of raising Jacob and his younger sister, so you can imagine how emotional it was seeing Jacob off to his first prom. 

The parents and kids started the night out together~ for picture taking. It was held at a Country Club in the area. Between sis and I, we got many incredible photo's. We took group shots as well as couple shots. 

After pictures they all headed out to the Carlson Towers for the prom dinner and dance. Jacob drove the family Kia, Sedona,  for he and Andrea and two other couples. After the dance, Jacob's group headed to a friend's house. Sis and I were happy to hear the parents were there. They ate snacks throughout the night and played various games. Jacob didn't get to bed until 3:00 A.M.~ but that was ok with Mom and Auntie Mom~As long as we knew there was no alcohol or drugs, we didn't care how late he stayed up. 

Jacob/Andrea

Jacob and his Two Mom's

Jacob/Andrea

My Handsome Nephew/Godson

Jacob and Good Friend Rollie

The Group Photo

Time really flies by, so remember to live each day to the fullest. It seems like just yesterday that I was holding baby Jacob in my arms.