It's Wednesday and today was my final day of school this year. The basketball concession I worked last night till 9:00 p.m., plus the day today, which involved taking a windy, noisy bus ride to McAlester to the movies with all of our elementary school, plus cookie decorating and WAY too much sugar intake for all involved, caused me to hurry home by 3:30, unload my goodies given by the cutest students yet, then head STRAIGHT to the bathtub to begin my vacation.
I lazed around for about an hour before Parker and Vaughn got home. Oh, I think I folded a towel or two. But nothing significant.
After scraping together a meal of sandwiches and chips and some more of my gifted goodies, we gathered upstairs for The Family Stone, one of the Johnson's favorite Christmas movies.
Game on. Christmas is coming.
Showing posts with label Parker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parker. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
A Gathered Collection: Treasured Ornaments and Decorations
Christmas has come down from the attic closet, this year with a tornadic whirlwind of just a few hours time. NEVER in the history of all my Christmas decorating have I finished putting out my collections in three hours, but this year, that has happened. Mostly this decorating frenzy occurred because of my broken arm and the pain and frustration I've been dealing with. Vaughn and Parker pitched in and we conquered, and I mean it exactly like that, People, CONQUERED the Christmas decorating. I have to admit it didn't turn out half-bad, considering I didn't mess with it much, you know, sitting and contemplating and rearranging and CLEANING...(nah, none of that this year).
But now that it's done and my pain is a lot less, I'm thinking about my favorite Christmas doo-dads and thought you might like to hear more about them.
The Willow Tree nativity was collected with great sacrifice through a 3 or 4 year period, each set or piece added being as special as the next. The idea was sparked in Colorado, I think, at a Christmas store. The large collection on the store shelf was so big and powerful, yet quiet and still. I wanted my Christmas home to include the "O Holy Night" feeling this set gave me...the reason for the season. I started with Jesus and Mary and Joseph, then kept collecting at quite a slow pace. Some came from that Christmas store, some from online sales I found once and awhile. Some pieces were gifts from friends. Vaughn made the creche (when he saw the price they were asking). I'm glad he's so talented (and willing to help me).
Of course the grandgirls love this nativity and have moved and rearranged the pieces before, but this vintage plastic set is right on their level on the coffee table, put there on purpose so they can live and relive that special night as they please (and without Gram hovering quite so much).
It totally blows my mind that this tree topper from the 50's (I would think) has made it through to 2012. You know me, you have to know the story. It belonged to Willard and Oleta Turpin, who were neighbors of ours when we bought our first house. Jake was 2 months old when we got to know them. I have the box (that's one reason I suppose it's survived) and I love taking it out each year and admiring it's color and style. I don't think I've ever put it on the top of the tree, strangely enough. It usually ends up in a bowl with other vintage friends like it has this year.
I have a serious love affair going on with Jim Shore snowmen. My gathering of 7 snowmen is totally enough (the class and I have been studying wants and needs this week) but I sure wouldn't hate it if another one or two came to stay at my house. The collection was started with my friends Sue and Judy in Estes Park, Colorado one year. Of course we've contributed to the collections of our friends and that's helped them grow. I decorate with this adorable crew through January. They've been other places, but since I have this many and love them together better than apart, they have lived on the piano for the past few winters, where we'll later-on-in-the-season enjoy lots of Christmas carols with Jake playing. Oh what sweet times these snowmen have seen, watching faces filled with Christmas joy gather around them, singing and loving. That.was.mushy.
Speaking of caroling, sweet, little, vintage carolers are becoming a problem. The junkier-looking, the better. Shabby fits in perfectly at my house. If it looks like it was on Grandma's end table every year for 50 years, I couldn't be happier. Since we were decorating this year at super-speed, it was easy to gather them and plop them in one space in the dining area. They like it here.
Plastic reindeer that were more than likely 29 cents or less at a TG&Y or a Ben Franklin somewhere are another love for me. I have a few hanging on the tree and some gathered here in the kitchen. They're still and quiet, like I need to remember to be sometimes.
As each year goes by, I plus and minus a little Christmas decor; adding the nostalgic, the wabi-sabi, subtracting the trendy.
You're off the hook. Because it's a sunny December, my photos are giving me fits, so I'll stop here. Next year I'll continue my tour of Christmas at the Johnson house, probably with some of the same displays.
(Don't be surprised if we decorate family-style again next year...I sorta liked getting it all accomplished with less time involved.) That way I got to spend good quality time doing what I love to do during the holidays...turning the lights down low and enjoying the lights on the tree and the feeling of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
But now that it's done and my pain is a lot less, I'm thinking about my favorite Christmas doo-dads and thought you might like to hear more about them.
The Willow Tree nativity was collected with great sacrifice through a 3 or 4 year period, each set or piece added being as special as the next. The idea was sparked in Colorado, I think, at a Christmas store. The large collection on the store shelf was so big and powerful, yet quiet and still. I wanted my Christmas home to include the "O Holy Night" feeling this set gave me...the reason for the season. I started with Jesus and Mary and Joseph, then kept collecting at quite a slow pace. Some came from that Christmas store, some from online sales I found once and awhile. Some pieces were gifts from friends. Vaughn made the creche (when he saw the price they were asking). I'm glad he's so talented (and willing to help me).
Of course the grandgirls love this nativity and have moved and rearranged the pieces before, but this vintage plastic set is right on their level on the coffee table, put there on purpose so they can live and relive that special night as they please (and without Gram hovering quite so much).
It totally blows my mind that this tree topper from the 50's (I would think) has made it through to 2012. You know me, you have to know the story. It belonged to Willard and Oleta Turpin, who were neighbors of ours when we bought our first house. Jake was 2 months old when we got to know them. I have the box (that's one reason I suppose it's survived) and I love taking it out each year and admiring it's color and style. I don't think I've ever put it on the top of the tree, strangely enough. It usually ends up in a bowl with other vintage friends like it has this year.
I have a serious love affair going on with Jim Shore snowmen. My gathering of 7 snowmen is totally enough (the class and I have been studying wants and needs this week) but I sure wouldn't hate it if another one or two came to stay at my house. The collection was started with my friends Sue and Judy in Estes Park, Colorado one year. Of course we've contributed to the collections of our friends and that's helped them grow. I decorate with this adorable crew through January. They've been other places, but since I have this many and love them together better than apart, they have lived on the piano for the past few winters, where we'll later-on-in-the-season enjoy lots of Christmas carols with Jake playing. Oh what sweet times these snowmen have seen, watching faces filled with Christmas joy gather around them, singing and loving. That.was.mushy.
Speaking of caroling, sweet, little, vintage carolers are becoming a problem. The junkier-looking, the better. Shabby fits in perfectly at my house. If it looks like it was on Grandma's end table every year for 50 years, I couldn't be happier. Since we were decorating this year at super-speed, it was easy to gather them and plop them in one space in the dining area. They like it here.
Plastic reindeer that were more than likely 29 cents or less at a TG&Y or a Ben Franklin somewhere are another love for me. I have a few hanging on the tree and some gathered here in the kitchen. They're still and quiet, like I need to remember to be sometimes.
As each year goes by, I plus and minus a little Christmas decor; adding the nostalgic, the wabi-sabi, subtracting the trendy.
You're off the hook. Because it's a sunny December, my photos are giving me fits, so I'll stop here. Next year I'll continue my tour of Christmas at the Johnson house, probably with some of the same displays.
(Don't be surprised if we decorate family-style again next year...I sorta liked getting it all accomplished with less time involved.) That way I got to spend good quality time doing what I love to do during the holidays...turning the lights down low and enjoying the lights on the tree and the feeling of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Day 1: Amsterdam to Basel on the SS Antoinette
It was the trip of this girl's lifetime.
Up until the day my bosom buddy, Sue, and I left, it had been only a dream, but beginning on July 12th, it became very real (although I kept pinching myself throughout).
My son Parker took us to the airport in Oklahoma City. He knows a lot about airports, especially Will Rogers World Airport, so when he decided to pull in the parking garage and find a spot, Sue mentioned to him that there was an easier way. She suggested he could have parked up at the top (where we usually park, actually). I was confused by his parking in the garage too, but later we both realized what he was trying to do, or not do.
You see, BrieAnn and the little grandgirls were trying desperately to get to the airport to surprise us as we left and Parker was concerned the surprise would be spoiled if he parked on top and BrieAnn did too.
Two darling little granddaughters came up with their ever-so-thoughtful mama, carrying a glittered over-the-top cute banner that read "Bon Voyage Gram & Sue!" We snapped a couple of pictures and did some kissing and hugging, then went on our way. What a blessed way to begin our trip.
Our flight from OKC took off a little late, so we narrowly made our connection in Detroit (1 minute to board). That was too close! No restroom break even! We were served a big meal (10:00 p.m. by now) and attempted to sleep while flying. So many people around us were totally zonked. We decided they must have been medicated.
I tried not to let the turbulence over the ocean and the fact that it was Friday the 13th by now get to me. We landed around 11:30 a.m. (their time...7 hours ahead of Oklahoma time) and headed through customs. The guy at the desk asked us why we were in Amsterdam...we told him a river cruise...he said to have a good time. That was all of the interrogation Amsterdam could muster, I guess. I had heard Amsterdam was a pretty do-whatever-you-like place and so far it was proving to be just that.
Up until the day my bosom buddy, Sue, and I left, it had been only a dream, but beginning on July 12th, it became very real (although I kept pinching myself throughout).
My son Parker took us to the airport in Oklahoma City. He knows a lot about airports, especially Will Rogers World Airport, so when he decided to pull in the parking garage and find a spot, Sue mentioned to him that there was an easier way. She suggested he could have parked up at the top (where we usually park, actually). I was confused by his parking in the garage too, but later we both realized what he was trying to do, or not do.
You see, BrieAnn and the little grandgirls were trying desperately to get to the airport to surprise us as we left and Parker was concerned the surprise would be spoiled if he parked on top and BrieAnn did too.
Two darling little granddaughters came up with their ever-so-thoughtful mama, carrying a glittered over-the-top cute banner that read "Bon Voyage Gram & Sue!" We snapped a couple of pictures and did some kissing and hugging, then went on our way. What a blessed way to begin our trip.
 | ||
| Is this not the cutest thing? Magnolia was still sleepy from her afternoon nap, but Cora was pumped about the surprise. |
 | ||
| Looking back at my waving family, I couldn't help but think I was the luckiest girl in the world. Such love. |
I tried not to let the turbulence over the ocean and the fact that it was Friday the 13th by now get to me. We landed around 11:30 a.m. (their time...7 hours ahead of Oklahoma time) and headed through customs. The guy at the desk asked us why we were in Amsterdam...we told him a river cruise...he said to have a good time. That was all of the interrogation Amsterdam could muster, I guess. I had heard Amsterdam was a pretty do-whatever-you-like place and so far it was proving to be just that.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Iowa is WOW
We just returned from a fast but super fun weekend in Lamoni, IA with Parker. The weather was perfect, I tell ya...perfect.
Wow, was it awesome. See our WOW with our fingers and mouths? Look closely and you'll see our rings that we bought that were made from nails.
Well, here. Let's just show a close-up.
Turns out Lamoni was hosting Civil War Days while we were there.
And even Abe Lincoln attended.
There was a full-fledged reenactment going on, People. This is where the union army had set up camp.
The confederates were camped out over by the lake.
They were determined to fight it out at 1:00 that afternoon but we didn't stay. We know how it comes out, after all.
My sister, Becky, her husband, Kerry and her son, Kory, all came by Saturday and Sunday to be with us. That was an added bonus, seeing people who live 20 minutes away, in Seminole, all the way up in IA.
Had a great time seeing Parker, hanging out at his comfy apartment, EATING (mostly). Why is it that always happens? We had brisket and fried potatoes/sweet potatoes and homemade apple pie Saturday night. Sunday we ate at the Dinky Diner in Leon, IA for lunch. Yum. That evening we had Ten Can Soup, a family favorite.
It was a long trip (8 hours) in just a couple of days, but it was well worth it, getting to see Parker and relax with our family.
Wow, was it awesome. See our WOW with our fingers and mouths? Look closely and you'll see our rings that we bought that were made from nails.
Well, here. Let's just show a close-up.
Turns out Lamoni was hosting Civil War Days while we were there.
And even Abe Lincoln attended.
There was a full-fledged reenactment going on, People. This is where the union army had set up camp.
The confederates were camped out over by the lake.
They were determined to fight it out at 1:00 that afternoon but we didn't stay. We know how it comes out, after all.
My sister, Becky, her husband, Kerry and her son, Kory, all came by Saturday and Sunday to be with us. That was an added bonus, seeing people who live 20 minutes away, in Seminole, all the way up in IA.
Had a great time seeing Parker, hanging out at his comfy apartment, EATING (mostly). Why is it that always happens? We had brisket and fried potatoes/sweet potatoes and homemade apple pie Saturday night. Sunday we ate at the Dinky Diner in Leon, IA for lunch. Yum. That evening we had Ten Can Soup, a family favorite.
It was a long trip (8 hours) in just a couple of days, but it was well worth it, getting to see Parker and relax with our family.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Iowa: Home for Parker
Last weekend we made a mad dash to Iowa to help our son Parker get adjusted after his move (the day before) from Tulsa to Lamoni, Iowa. We left at 5:30 a.m. Saturday and got back about 9:00 p.m. Sunday. Whew. THAT was a mad dash. But we wouldn't have it any other way. We're handy people to have around when it comes to moving, if we do say so ourselves. Vaughn is quite wonderful with hanging shelves and curtain rods and repairing things that are not right. And I'm good at getting things done. So we're a good team. And Parker and some friends had already taken everything from the moving truck, so a big part of the move was already done.
We followed this into town. They were using a large black umbrella to shield the wind from a small passenger.
118 N. Silver. What a cute place.
I love the leaves. Sure felt like fall that weekend too. It was quite cold, actually.
What a cool front door.
Parker's a junker too. He scavenged this liar from the shop before we left Oklahoma, knowing he wanted it to resemble a mantel when turned upside down. And it turned out to be a great place to display his vintage gas numbers, now representing the house number.
Parker has collected old license plates for years and years. He has lots more than are displayed here.
Believe me, Amelia was NOT in the crate much while we were there, but I snapped this when she went in to get a drink. She's hard to take a photo of, this girl. She's busy. Especially now with a three bedroom, two-story house to wander around in.
Sidenote: Should I tell her the tee shirt is a little too small? (We'd better get her some warmer (and larger) clothes for those early morning jaunts to the potty.)
It wasn't long after we arrived that we decided to go ahead and decorate his house for Christmas while we were unpacking. So we did!
I love the old vintage Santa lights thrown over the windows. Just for looks. And quirky fun.
Parker has a neat bay window with plenty of room to house the 4' white pre-lit tree Parker got at a thrift store for $1. He has neat ornaments collected through the years.
His Hallmark airplane ornaments given to him yearly by his Mammy are displayed on the garland on the staircase. Right in the nook where the travel stuff settled.
Some ornaments begged to be given more attention on the old shutters Parker picked up on the side of the road. Oh. Take a peek at that silly mushroom ornament. Are mushrooms coming back in style? OM Goodness.
Vaughn made the old trumpet lamp for him years ago.
Another view of the travel area. The map we got at a junk sale worked out great here (to hide a patched air conditioner hole). The cute chair was given to us by our junkin' friends, Dub and Rusty Ingram. And don't you love the old propeller?
Though I think it's safe to call the weekend a FRENZY, I especially enjoyed the time with Vaughn and Parker. Knowing he's tucked into his new home and set up for life, I can rest easier in my own.
Thus the life of parents.
We followed this into town. They were using a large black umbrella to shield the wind from a small passenger.
118 N. Silver. What a cute place.
I love the leaves. Sure felt like fall that weekend too. It was quite cold, actually.
What a cool front door.
Parker's a junker too. He scavenged this liar from the shop before we left Oklahoma, knowing he wanted it to resemble a mantel when turned upside down. And it turned out to be a great place to display his vintage gas numbers, now representing the house number.
Parker has collected old license plates for years and years. He has lots more than are displayed here.
Believe me, Amelia was NOT in the crate much while we were there, but I snapped this when she went in to get a drink. She's hard to take a photo of, this girl. She's busy. Especially now with a three bedroom, two-story house to wander around in.
Sidenote: Should I tell her the tee shirt is a little too small? (We'd better get her some warmer (and larger) clothes for those early morning jaunts to the potty.)
It wasn't long after we arrived that we decided to go ahead and decorate his house for Christmas while we were unpacking. So we did!
I love the old vintage Santa lights thrown over the windows. Just for looks. And quirky fun.
Parker has a neat bay window with plenty of room to house the 4' white pre-lit tree Parker got at a thrift store for $1. He has neat ornaments collected through the years.
His Hallmark airplane ornaments given to him yearly by his Mammy are displayed on the garland on the staircase. Right in the nook where the travel stuff settled.
Some ornaments begged to be given more attention on the old shutters Parker picked up on the side of the road. Oh. Take a peek at that silly mushroom ornament. Are mushrooms coming back in style? OM Goodness.
Vaughn made the old trumpet lamp for him years ago.
Another view of the travel area. The map we got at a junk sale worked out great here (to hide a patched air conditioner hole). The cute chair was given to us by our junkin' friends, Dub and Rusty Ingram. And don't you love the old propeller?
Though I think it's safe to call the weekend a FRENZY, I especially enjoyed the time with Vaughn and Parker. Knowing he's tucked into his new home and set up for life, I can rest easier in my own.
Thus the life of parents.
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