The Best Neighbor a Girl Could Have

"Giving connects two people, the giver and the receiver, and this connection gives birth to a new sense of belonging"

Deepak Chopra

Have you ever met one of those people who just seem to fill the empty spaces in your heart?

Fourteen years ago, both of my grandparents passed away within six months of each other. I was a senior in high school. Two years later, my mom, died from a short and intense fight with lung cancer. Over the next couple of years, I had an aunt and an uncle whom I loved also pass away. It was such a painful and sad time for my family and for myself. I was very close to all of my lost relatives and feeling a bit lost myself at that time. My mom had always been my strength, my best friend, someone who was always there for me to talk to.

It was so painful to lose those people from my life. There is something unique about the relationships you have with someone from a different generation. You gain wisdom and comfort from someone who has lived life and watched the world change over the last 50-80 years. I was in desperate need of someone from my mom's and grandparents' generations.

When we moved to Oregon in 2001, we came here with no family, friends, or contacts. We moved into this neighborhood in the fall of 2003, hoping to turn this small fixer into a home and someday profit from our investment. Well, the financial benefit of this purchase has not been rewarding, but the friendships made have been. I mentioned in my very first post that we have great neighbors. We have been fortunate (even our mailman is the nicest guy!).

A few months passed, when I finally met our next door neighbor, Mrs. Sewell. She had recently lost her husband. At first she did not seem incredibly friendly, but thanked me for some baked goods I had made for the holidays. Slowly over time, we began to become closer. I remember the times she would bring me bags of chocolate or brownie mix or other items back from her trip to the local market. She was always so giving in this way, never expecting or accepting help of money from me.

I remember thinking...who is this 80+ year old lady who still rides her bike to the store, spends hours at a time on hand and knee gardening,picking weeds leaves up off of her (and my) lawn, and manages to give all that she has to others. Always looking for an opportunity to help. Mrs. Sewell was someone to look up to and aspire to replicate her generous spirit. She often would send well packed care packages to a friend in Tennessee. Mrs Sewell never asked for anything in return....mostly refusing any payment for babysitting and other help she provided me.

Over the last 5 years since moving into this house, Mrs. Sewell has become more than a neighbor, she has been a dear friend to me. There to listen to all the drama of my life, without judgement. Despite the 50 year age difference, we often found that we had some similarities in our lives. She was a grandmother to my two girls. Mrs. Sewell has filled a void in our lives. Unexpected but needed.

Unfortunately, this posting is not just to celebrate a great neighbor, but as my way to say goodbye to her. Over the holidays this year she became terribly sick from infection. She was strong, fighting it off, almost to the point of being released from the nursing home, but more infection persisted. My once "strong as nails" friend had been weakened by this. It was hard to see her so frail. It was hard to let her go, knowing she did not have much time left with us.

One morning, last week, the news of her death came from her daughter, Donna. I had expected this news, but still was shocked. The days since every time I drive up to her house, passing it, to park in my own driveway it becomes a little more real. That face at my kitchen table with a half cup of coffee and the latest insight on neighborhood goings on. The chat across fences, her listening intently to me offering advice, Audrey asking to go to Gramma's house. I will miss it so so much.

Mrs Sewell...

As I go today, to spend time in your home, with your family and friends, remembering you and witnessing all the life you have touched. I will carry these thoughts and feelings with me. I am happy for you to finally be with your husband and free of pain. I am sad to have lost such a special person in my life. You will be remembered and loved.

xoxo

Roxanne

Lucky lass

A LITTLE LOVE

So I know its been too long since I last posted, but life happens. In the life of a mom, kids get sick, projects pile up, and posting gets put on the back burner. So I apologize to all and hope this extra sweet posting will make up for my absence. Just in time for Valentine's Day...a little history...a little love...a life changing moment.

A LITTLE HISTORY

I had just graduated high school the summer of 1994, when my long time friend Sarah asked if I wanted to double with her and a couple of guys she had known since junior high. I was hesitant, knowing how uncomfortable blind dates can be, but after some convincing decided to go. I would call it the date that almost didn't happen. For a variety of reasons we almost didn't meet at all. After some phone calls made and plans rearranged Sarah and I were downtown meeting the guys.

Mike had just returned from a tour in Cuba as a Marine, on a one month leave before returning to a new post in 29 Palms, California. I met him the last week of his leave(vacation). When we pulled up outside a club our eyes immediately locked. Love at first sight? I don't know, definitely something. Our date consisted of unimportant events but significant moments. A game of pool, sharing some quesadillas and hot chocolate, riding in the back seat of his friends car. Moments. I was so shy, so was he. Somewhere on that fateful night a kiss happened and sparks flew.

Needless to say it was a magical week. Mike and I spent almost every day together. We did nothing. We did everything. It was the most romantic week I can remember. There's just nothing like young love in the summertime! The only problem is that summer eventually ends.

I took him to the airport. I remember feeling sick to my stomach. I gave him my senior portrait and a box of cookies my mom had made. I stayed with him until his flight arrived, we said our goodbyes, promising to write, and then he was gone.

I can still recall how I felt when I walked back to my car. Empty.

Months went by, and as with most promises of keeping touch, the letters were fewer and fewer. I had hoped he would be home for the holidays but I was disappointed when I didn't get a call. Then Valentine's Day came, I decided to send him a card with my feelings of missing him inside. This is the poem I wrote him one tearful night...

Night falls, darkness fills my room,

and I think of you,

I think about the time we spent together,

the way you made me smile,

how your skin felt against my cheek

when I listened to your heart beat.

I think about all the dreams we shared together.

Then I think...of the great distance

we are apart,

the darkness comes inside me

and it fills my heart

A month after that poem a letter came from Mike, then a telephone number, a few calls, overwhelming excitement. It really seemed like things were solid between us. It had been 9 months since we had seen each other, and I missed him desperately. Plans were made to visit him, for and extended weekend. I begged my parents to let me go, and after much discussion of how I was 18 and could go whether or not they approved it, they gave in. Mike would make the plane and hotel reservations for me. I was exuberant and in love and feeling like nothing in the world could go wrong. Then something went wrong. He flaked. I don't mean like he got sent to combat and just had to reschedule...I mean totally flaked. No arrangements and not even a phone call to me were made.

That was it for me. I was done. Heartbroken. I gave up on trying to make a relationship work with a guy who was obviously not that nuts for me. I went out with a few other guys, of course comparing each one to Mike. Pointless dates but it filled the time, distracted from the pain I felt. It was a hard time. I wrote another poem to him, this one not so sweet, so I will not share it.

Well you have to know by now that this love story must have a happy ending, so I'll get on with it...

It was May, about a month later, when I found the letter from Mike. The letter of all letters. The kind of words girls always dream of hearing. I will not repeat it verbatim cause he will kill me. I will give you the highlights...he expressed all he was feeling for me, that he wanted to marry me even though we hardly knew each other, that he hoped I could forgive him. I have to say I was so confused, feeling like this guy was just stringing me along. I wanted to believe all these beautiful words, but couldn't trust his sincerity. So I wrote him my response immediately! I decided, though, to wait a week before mailing it. Make him sweat it out a bit. I was just about to mail the letter when I got the phone call.

A LITTLE LOVE

Mike was home, not more than 5 minutes from me. Oh yeah, I played hard to get for like 10 minutes. Said I was busy, had plans, sorry maybe another time. After some convincing on his part we made plans to see a movie the next night. There we were again, face to face, eyes locked, spark still there. I held out as long as possible...but a girl can only resist a cute boy for so long before she buckles. He had my number, and I let him dial it. It was true love, powerful and resilient.

Our time together only lasted a few days. However, enough to lock us in as a couple. We wrote and spoke all the time. We planned future trips to see each other. Talked about his upcoming training in Okinawa. The idea of marriage was even discussed. We had planned that once he returned from overseas we would get hitched. I was so happy. So so happy. Wishing I could see him everyday and knowing he wished it too. The very best feeling. Only to be dampened by his leaving a few months later. I didn't let that get me down. I still had one or two more chances to see him before then and I had his love.

A LIFE CHANGING MOMENT

I remember leafing through a bridal magazine at work one day. Dreaming of what my wedding would be like the following year. A few coworkers took notice, inquired about my new love. I shared our dreams and plans for me to visit him in a few weeks for 4th of July weekend. Now remember, at that time he was stationed in 29 Palms, California. East of LA, North of Palm Springs, West of Las Vegas. One lady I worked with, after hearing where he was stationed, advised me to not run off to Vegas during my visit. I giggled, said why would I ever think of doing that? Then, I thought, why wouldn't I?

Can you take a guess at what happened next?

One fateful phone call and one convincing conversation. Why not now? Together forever now. Every moment, every day now. He said yes. A modern proposal.

A frenzy of mother/daughter moments. Finding a dress (perfect fit, right off the rack) finding a veil (a mother's tears), making all the necessary travel arrangements. My poor family and best friend driving 14 hours, in the July heat, through California, just to be there for me. Rings bought off a buddy who didn't need them anymore. It was hilarious, looking back now, when you want to be with someone so much. The silly little details you forget about. It was amazing that everything worked out, but it did.

July 1st, 1995 at "The Little White Wedding Chapel" in Las Vegas, Nevada. A quick nontraditional ceremony, an exhausted audience, a kiss that lasted way too long to be appropriate. We were married! We were husband and wife. Young and in love. It was absolutely amazing. A memory I will never forget. A story I wanted to share with all who are in the mood for a romantic tale tonight. Was it fate? Luck? God? Maybe a little bit of all three. But it was something, something amazing.

Thank you for reading the love story of my life...

Live in love..

Lucky lass

Snowballs at Midnight-A Ratty Weekend

It was a busy busy weekend for our family. Lots of fun, too. We played hostess to two very special little ladies, Snowball & Midnight, the 4th grade class pet rats. They brought so much excitement to our little home. Adrienne & Audrey spent lots of time talking to and giggling at all the cute things the rats did.

Adrienne was thrilled when she brought Snowball & Midnight home Friday afternoon. She spent hours in her room just watching them run up and down the metal ramp. She was great at refilling their food and water bowl and even cut up some carrot pieces for them to nibble on. I was alerted to all the rules Adrienne had learned about caring for and playing with Snowball & Midnight. Audrey loved having these two special guests. She had a hard time being quiet near the rats(too excited), but she was great interacting with them.

Soon enough we pulled out the gardening gloves to protect our hands and any fears of being nibbled. I must admit I am a bit of a scaredy-cat about holding creatures like this and probably have passed these fears onto my kids. Eventually, the gloves came off and Midnight was so sweet letting Adrienne and I hold her and Audrey pet her back. She even tried to escape up my shoulder. So funny!

On Sunday, we changed the bedding, cleaned the cage and refilled their food. Snowball and Midnight played in a red storage tote and then Midnight took a turn in the activity ball. It was funny to watch her wobble the ball back and forth, around and around. I'm sure she will love it once she figures out how to make it go somewhere. We are happily donating the ball to the 4th grade classroom for Snowball and Midnight to enjoy.

We want to thank Mrs Cummins and the class for letting Midnight and Snowball stay at our house this weekend. We had such a great time with them and learned so much about their different personalities. They are such a great addition to the 4th grade class!

xoxo

Lucky lass & her lil' lassies

*****THANK YOU ANNE*****

Before I forget.....

Want to give a big thank you to my dear friend Anne for creating this blog page for me. What would we all do with out her. She is our friend in the know!

Anne is always so thoughtful and understanding. The type of friend to help you smile on a rainy day and boost you up when the rest of world is bringing you down. So happy to have you in my life.

xoxo

Luckylass

OH! What a Fright Nite

Hello Friends,

Well, told you I would blog again in continuation of my big Movie weekend.

So I had this idea early in the week while making plans with my sweetie...why not go see a slasher film with a few friends. I knew "Bloody Valentine" in 3D was playing locally. How fun...Blood-Guts-Horrible Acting plus us all caught wearing 3D glasses.

****PERFECT****

It was a blast! Bloody Valentine does not deserve two thumbs up. But still was good silly entertainment and the 3d effects really help you to feel like you're right in the gory moment.

Too good!

Was so happy to share this awwwful movie with some good friends...Leslie, Anne, Jaime, Jody & Darren. Despite the fact that you have to pay a few dollars extra, I can't wait to see the next 3D film with everyone (once Jody has blinged all of our glasses, of course :)

xoxo

Lucky lass

Date Night!

Mike and I were lucky enough to sneak away for a few hours yesterday afternoon and spend some quality time together. The girls were happy at home with our wonderful baby sitter, Maddie, plenty of cartoons and frozen fruit bars.

We first headed downtown for a light dinner and dessert. I had the most delicious raspberry chocolate torte. Anyone who knows me knows I love chocolate. This dessert had a balance of rich dark chocolate and sweet raspberry filling. I could not finish the whole thing, but I tried!

We then headed over to the theater near our house and caught the first showing of the movie "Taken" with Liam Neeson that just opened this weekend. Now to be honest this wasn't my first choice. I'm always happy to see a well thought out action film, but had not researched this movie specifically and was hesitant. I have to say, GREAT MOVIE! Two thumbs up. Very smart, plot is solid, Liam does a brilliant job portraying a retired ex-undercover something or other (sorry I'm still a girl, forgot all the brainy job details). It was realistic and heart-wrenching for a mom of two girls. At the same time it was thrilling to watch all the kick-butt scenes. A must see for all older movie goers.

Overall we had a great time together. Mikey was sick, poor baby, but suffered through and was a warm shoulder to hold onto in the chilly theater (wished I had brought a blanket). He was really a sweetie and I thank him for taking a girl out on the town and showing her a good time.

Tonight, he's even watching the kids so I can go out with the girls tonight to see yet another movie...I won't tell you which one...you'll have to wait until tomorrow...I'm sure one or all of us will blog about it. Should be fun and scarrry! Hint, pics will have us sporting some 3D eye wear!
Check back tomorrow for details.

xoxo

Lucky lass

A Start of Something Beautiful...

Hello and welcome to my very first blog. I want to start by sharing a little about my life...

I was born and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. At the age of 17 1/2 I met my true love, Mike, on a blind date set up by friends. Love at first site? Definitely something. Less than a year later we were married in Las Vegas and have been now for 13 1/2 years. We have two lovely girls, Adrienne & Audrey, who bring laughter, love and life to our home.

We have lived in Oregon for 7 1/2 years. Despite the longer (and colder brrr!) winters we are happy to call Oregon our home. Our family has made many wonderful friends and are lucky to have the best neighbors! Mike currently works for the State of Oregon as a Defensive Tactics Instructor for DPSST in Salem. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to watch him in action, training new students. He was absolutely amazing.

Our oldest daughter Adrienne is in 4th grade. She is an avid lover of animals (tigers are her favorite), she volunteers at the local humane society, and enjoys playing her new Wii. Our littlest, Audrey is almost 2 1/2, is still at home with me full time. Audrey is an exuberant 2 year old, surprising us each day with her curiosity and 2 year old wit. She loves gymnastics, painting pictures (and then herself :) , and baking (or "making sugar" as she calls it) with mommy.

As for me, I'm a full-time stay at home mom. I love love love to bake, explore my creative side with various projects (not all finished), and enjoy my "me" time at the gym. Once a week Audrey and I help out with art class at Adrienne's school, and I've recently started helping at our church in the 3 year olds class. I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with Audrey while she is still little. These years pass by so quickly, I wouldn't want to miss a minute!

Thank you for viewing my first post. I hope that between storytime, bubblebaths and days I don't shower until noon (yeah, it happens) I can keep you filled in on the day to day happenings of my lucky life!

xoxo

Lucky lass