Hi everyone. I haven't written in a while and thought I might update you all on life in Indiana. First of all, thanks to everyone who wrote birthday and anniversary blogs. Its nice to hear those stories from other perspectives. I guess I've forgotten how poor a sense of style I had in my younger years. Also, Sean too had a birthday this Tuesday. Unfortunately he was at school for most of the day but I greeted him with one of his favorite dinners, Greek salad, and carrot birthday cake. He got some good presents, including Mary Poppins from mom. He was quite excited when we watched it the other night.
Life out here is busy. Sean has started school and spends incredible amounts of time on homework. He goes to school early in the morning and doesn't usually get home until later in the evening. Its going to be an adjustment going from a summer of relaxing and fun to work work work. He is taking some interesting classes though. When he comes home he likes to tell me about interesting and weird cases that he read or discussed in class. He has met a couple of people in his classes too.
I've started my job and its very interesting, but quite overwhelming. There is a lot of new information that I need to learn and its going to take a long time for me to learn it. I will be orienting for this job until about March of next year! This is because there are a lot of different surgeries that we perform, each with its own equipment, doctor preferences and so on. All of my previous nursing experience really doesn't count in this new job. Everything is different. So although I don't know what I'm doing, I'm excited to learn something new. Today I watched a leg amputation. All I can say is "YUCK"! It was really nasty but cool at the same time. I helped one of the aids carry the leg to the lab. Don't worry, it was doubled bagged.
In addition to my new job, I got a new calling at church. I think mom has told most of you but I am the Young Women's president now. Once again, I have no idea what I am doing. The previous president isn't even in the state currently and she has all the materials that tell me what I am supposed to do. I really don't know any of the girls because Sean and I are still relatively new in the ward. This calling is really intimidating, but I have a great set of counselors and a helpful and encouraging bishop.
So as you can see, we're encountering several new challenges currently. However, we support each other and are just waiting to get settled into our new life. I hope everyone is doing well. Take care.
Love,
Lauren
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
True Love and the Fickle Finger of Fate
What could Lauren be thinking as she poses wearing "Old Faithful" and flannel PJ bottoms, both wardrobe staples in her middle school and high school years. Even though some of her big sisters admit they were worried about Lauren's fashion sense, they also confess they admired her individuality and independence from the clutches of school fashion police wanna be's.Lauren might not have dressed like a princess but she surely could sing like one when she immitated Snow White singing, "I'm Wishing".
The big question was not if there was someone out there for Lauren but if there was someone out there good enough to recognize the treasure beneath "Old Faithful." Through high school and college there was no one who measured up. But the family wasn't worried because Lauren was at the top of her nursing class at Binghamton University, and on her way to great career as a nurse practitioner. She was offered a job and scholarship at Strong Memorial after she graduated. Dad and I planned on her living home and taking care of us while she finished. But Fate had other plans.
During summer of Lauren's senior Sean Giambattista, a young returned missionary, was home from BYU working for Xerox. His mom, Catherine, had told Lauren to call Sean, he was shy. Surprise! Lauren, shy also, took the leap and called. Their first date was at Barnes and Noble and lasted for seven hours. Catherine and I worried something had happened to them. Who goes to Barnes and Noble for seven hours?
The answer, unique people, who discovered they loved being together.
There were a few other dates during the short summer break and unknown to their families Cinderella and her Prince had decided to marry the following summer. Their official announcement was made over Christmas break. And on Aug. 12, 2005 they became Mr. and Mrs. Sean Giambattista.
The real twist of Fate's Fickle Finger in this abbreviated story is that
Sean had probably seen Lauren wearing "Old Faithful" because he visited us many times with his Dad as our home teachers. He didn't live that far away from us and he and Lauren went to church and mutual activities around the same time. He was only a year older. When asked why he thought he and Lauren never dated in high school Sean answered that Heavenly Father probably knew they were both " block heads" and not ready. But when the time came it was as it was meant to be. When I asked Lauren how she knew Sean was the right one, she said. "Because we don't have to say anything to be together. I just love being with him.
It feels right." Happy 2nd Anniversary Lauren and Sean. Love Ya!
Summer Weddings - Later
To Continue with Summer Weddings:
Cara and Aubrey,
In the spring of 2005, Mom and I learned that there would be two weddings in the summer. Cara and Aubrey were to be the first in July. Less than month later, Lauren and Shawn were to be married.
Mom switched the wedding planning machine into high gear, and the preparations began.
Cara's wedding was at a rented farmhouse in Vermont. Our family arrived the day before the wedding to help with the preparations. We helped Cara and Aubrey arrange potted plants and flowers around the house. There were already large trees and a small pond on the property to add to the country setting. Mom helped with cooking, Natalie helped Cara arrange flowers in her hair and Carl helped barbecue the chicken.
Cara's wedding was to be informal (no tuxes or dress suits). Aubrey and I did wear ties with our short sleeve shirts and casual pants. I learned to my great relief that there would be no complicated wedding steps for Dad to remember.
The day of wedding started with an overcast sky and we all worried that rain would ruin the plans. It did sprinkle, but not enough to interfere with the outside activities.
The ceremony took place on the front lawn of the farmhouse with the guests located just beyond a low stone wall, below the bride and groom. My part was ever so simple - I just accompanied Cara to Aubrey and the minister and retreated to the side.
My best memory of the day came after the ceremony when we walked to the side of the house just before dinner was served. Aubrey's dad offered a toast to them and then invited me to do the same. Although there were many things I wanted to say, most of them fled my mind or were more appropriate for a personal conversation with Cara and Aubrey.
Mom took my place. With tears in her eyes and emotion in her voice, she said, "Cara looks like I've always pictured her at her wedding - with flowers in her hair." I think she was sharing a mother's vision of a most important time in her daughter's life.
We all enjoyed good food and good visits with family and friends of Cara and Aubrey. Later Cara and Aubrey cut the cake and the party continued into the night.
Cara was very beautiful in the dress mom made for her and with flowers in her hair. Aubrey was a handsome, beaming young groom. They made a lovely couple.
Cara and Aubrey,
In the spring of 2005, Mom and I learned that there would be two weddings in the summer. Cara and Aubrey were to be the first in July. Less than month later, Lauren and Shawn were to be married.
Mom switched the wedding planning machine into high gear, and the preparations began.
Cara's wedding was at a rented farmhouse in Vermont. Our family arrived the day before the wedding to help with the preparations. We helped Cara and Aubrey arrange potted plants and flowers around the house. There were already large trees and a small pond on the property to add to the country setting. Mom helped with cooking, Natalie helped Cara arrange flowers in her hair and Carl helped barbecue the chicken.
Cara's wedding was to be informal (no tuxes or dress suits). Aubrey and I did wear ties with our short sleeve shirts and casual pants. I learned to my great relief that there would be no complicated wedding steps for Dad to remember.
The day of wedding started with an overcast sky and we all worried that rain would ruin the plans. It did sprinkle, but not enough to interfere with the outside activities.
The ceremony took place on the front lawn of the farmhouse with the guests located just beyond a low stone wall, below the bride and groom. My part was ever so simple - I just accompanied Cara to Aubrey and the minister and retreated to the side.
My best memory of the day came after the ceremony when we walked to the side of the house just before dinner was served. Aubrey's dad offered a toast to them and then invited me to do the same. Although there were many things I wanted to say, most of them fled my mind or were more appropriate for a personal conversation with Cara and Aubrey.
Mom took my place. With tears in her eyes and emotion in her voice, she said, "Cara looks like I've always pictured her at her wedding - with flowers in her hair." I think she was sharing a mother's vision of a most important time in her daughter's life.
We all enjoyed good food and good visits with family and friends of Cara and Aubrey. Later Cara and Aubrey cut the cake and the party continued into the night.
Cara was very beautiful in the dress mom made for her and with flowers in her hair. Aubrey was a handsome, beaming young groom. They made a lovely couple.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Another move
Sorry I wasnt on to share a story about Lauren, I dont have anything yet! She is wonderful though! And Lauren, we did not forget about you (or Sean), we have a card to send, as soon as we get some stamps!
On to the heading - Yes we are moving! I have mixed feelings about it. After helping Amber pack... wasnt too bad, we have plenty of time since were not moving until October, and we have the whole month. But it was Sheryl! The little she had compared to what we'll have to move, exhausts me to think about it. Its the physically draining part of movning Im not looking foreword to.
On to the heading - Yes we are moving! I have mixed feelings about it. After helping Amber pack... wasnt too bad, we have plenty of time since were not moving until October, and we have the whole month. But it was Sheryl! The little she had compared to what we'll have to move, exhausts me to think about it. Its the physically draining part of movning Im not looking foreword to.
The pictures show what our bed looks like at the moment, and Troy and Persia are doing all they can to help (you can see in which ways in the photos)
Over all Im excited! Unfortunaly our living room is a tad smaller, but we have sliding glass doors going out to our larger deck overlooking a nice yard. It is a duplex, so rather than share with many neighbors, its only 1. We also lost the half bathroom, but gained a garage, and the kitchen that is 3 times larger than the one we have now! Ahh, breathing room! We have a basement still, and the 2 bedrooms as we do now. The reason for the move - to save money. Most bills even out, but rent here at Highview is going up to $850! Rent in our new home is $695! Its great.
We will be settle in our new home by the holidays, which is another exciting time coming up faster than ever!!! Any plans on whats going on at Christmas? Will we see anyone back here in NY (although keep in mind we can take turns with the traveling... Amber - I cant wait to have a Sunday dinner at your new house!)
Gotta go clean my bed! Miss you all!
Holly Cain (its official everywhere now)
Summer Weddings 1
Amber and Carl
Amber and Carl's wedding was held in the Church gym in July. Mom and the family spent many hours decorating and setting up potted trees, plants and flowers. If the lights were dimmed just enough, it didn't look like a gym at all.
Friday night before the wedding we held the rehersal and afterward enjoyed a dinner at Chi Chi's provided by Carl's mom and dad. I remember I had trouble mastering the complicated step to be used when I brought Amber down the asile. Of course it didn't help when Amber had the Darth Vader march played during our walk at the rehersal.
Sure enough, at the wedding I got out of step with Amber and had to fake the step by just slowly walking in time with her measured pace. I'm sure no one noticed the unsynchronized movement of our legs.
I believe others have told about some of the big problems with the wedding (missing cameras and heat, etc.). We have a wedding vidio provided by Amber's friend, Mario. Due to the missing cameras, we all returned to church the next day for the formal pictures. That meant getting dressed again in tuxedos, wedding dresses and Carl in the Marine Dress uniform. The day after was every bit as warm as the wedding day.
My best memory is how beautiful Amber looked and how handsome Carl appeared. They made a lovely couple.
Natalie and Mike
Nat and Mike's wedding was a big deal, held at the country club where Mike worked. We had a rehersal the night before the wedding and a nice dinner at the club afterward. The club provided a tent, but Mom and the family supplied the decorations, potted trees and plants and flowers.
According to the rehersal, the wedding was to be on the patio next to the club house. The wedding party practiced entering from the side of the club house (out of site of the congregation). Nat and I practiced the complicated wedding step as I accompanied her to the pastor for the ceremony. The step was different than that used at Amber's wedding, but I was now an experienced wedding marcher. I was confident I wouldn't have problems with the step.
We arrived early for the wedding, and I took my place at the side of the club house. I don't remember what happened, but something got out of order. Before I realized it, Nat and I were told to march to the pastor. Sure enough, I got flustered and forgot the step. I tried in vain to get in step with Nat, but never managed it. We emerged from the side of the club house in front of the guests. I used my slow paced step that I had perfected at Amber's wedding to again fake my way to the pastor.
After the ceremony, all the guests moved to the tent and the fun began. I danced the first dance with Nat to one of my favorite Frank Sinatra songs "The Way You Look Tonight",
Nat certainly looked beautiful that night, and Mike looked distinguished and handsome, too. They made a lovely couple.
Amber and Carl's wedding was held in the Church gym in July. Mom and the family spent many hours decorating and setting up potted trees, plants and flowers. If the lights were dimmed just enough, it didn't look like a gym at all.
Friday night before the wedding we held the rehersal and afterward enjoyed a dinner at Chi Chi's provided by Carl's mom and dad. I remember I had trouble mastering the complicated step to be used when I brought Amber down the asile. Of course it didn't help when Amber had the Darth Vader march played during our walk at the rehersal.
Sure enough, at the wedding I got out of step with Amber and had to fake the step by just slowly walking in time with her measured pace. I'm sure no one noticed the unsynchronized movement of our legs.
I believe others have told about some of the big problems with the wedding (missing cameras and heat, etc.). We have a wedding vidio provided by Amber's friend, Mario. Due to the missing cameras, we all returned to church the next day for the formal pictures. That meant getting dressed again in tuxedos, wedding dresses and Carl in the Marine Dress uniform. The day after was every bit as warm as the wedding day.
My best memory is how beautiful Amber looked and how handsome Carl appeared. They made a lovely couple.
Natalie and Mike
Nat and Mike's wedding was a big deal, held at the country club where Mike worked. We had a rehersal the night before the wedding and a nice dinner at the club afterward. The club provided a tent, but Mom and the family supplied the decorations, potted trees and plants and flowers.
According to the rehersal, the wedding was to be on the patio next to the club house. The wedding party practiced entering from the side of the club house (out of site of the congregation). Nat and I practiced the complicated wedding step as I accompanied her to the pastor for the ceremony. The step was different than that used at Amber's wedding, but I was now an experienced wedding marcher. I was confident I wouldn't have problems with the step.
We arrived early for the wedding, and I took my place at the side of the club house. I don't remember what happened, but something got out of order. Before I realized it, Nat and I were told to march to the pastor. Sure enough, I got flustered and forgot the step. I tried in vain to get in step with Nat, but never managed it. We emerged from the side of the club house in front of the guests. I used my slow paced step that I had perfected at Amber's wedding to again fake my way to the pastor.
After the ceremony, all the guests moved to the tent and the fun began. I danced the first dance with Nat to one of my favorite Frank Sinatra songs "The Way You Look Tonight",
Nat certainly looked beautiful that night, and Mike looked distinguished and handsome, too. They made a lovely couple.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Ronald and Karen Cain have 5 daughters. I think it's safe to say that an inordinate amount of time was spent on "appearance enhancement" at 37 Meadow Glen. I also think it's safe to say that each of the Cain daughters partook in her fair share of vanity. All except for Lauren aka, Keepooter.
Lauren had a style that might be called "comfortably casual". T's ,sneaks, sweats and gray, zip-up "McGreggors" sweatshirt we dubbed Old Faithful. Old Faithful was just like Mr. Rogers sweaters. Every day when Lauren got home from school ,if it wasn't part of that day's ensemble, she would zip into O.F.
Middle School came and went. O.F. accompanied Lauren to her first years of High School (it was an adult sized shirt) as did the t's and sneaks. I never remember Lauren being late for seminary or school due to make-up or hair issues as she didn't wear make-up and wore her hair pretty much the same way every day.
I want to clarify that I did in fact admire Lauren's self confidence and lack of self obsession that tends to dominate many teenage lives. Lauren wasn't out to impress with designer clothes or the selfish, spoiled brat attitude that demands royalty treatment. I was however, wondering if she might ever graduate to a more sophisticated look for the college years. And what was going to happen when O.F.? It was looking, tired, worn and even a bit thread bare.
Then the summer before Lauren started Senior year she surprised me by saying "yes" to some clothes shopping. We went to real Mall stores like Limited, Gap and Learner. She tried on skirts, pants, and tops. She tried different colors and styles. And before my eyes, in almost an instant, Lauren went from "comfortably casual" kid sister to stylish and very pretty girl. And unlike most people, Lauren embraced the change with maturity and moderation. She didn't go hog wild with make up and clothes.
I don't know what ever happened to O.F. I like to think maybe a quiet burial in the yard. I would like to take credit for Lauren's change however I know too well that she would have done it on her own, in her own time and just as well. Happy Birthday! Amber
Lauren had a style that might be called "comfortably casual". T's ,sneaks, sweats and gray, zip-up "McGreggors" sweatshirt we dubbed Old Faithful. Old Faithful was just like Mr. Rogers sweaters. Every day when Lauren got home from school ,if it wasn't part of that day's ensemble, she would zip into O.F.
Middle School came and went. O.F. accompanied Lauren to her first years of High School (it was an adult sized shirt) as did the t's and sneaks. I never remember Lauren being late for seminary or school due to make-up or hair issues as she didn't wear make-up and wore her hair pretty much the same way every day.
I want to clarify that I did in fact admire Lauren's self confidence and lack of self obsession that tends to dominate many teenage lives. Lauren wasn't out to impress with designer clothes or the selfish, spoiled brat attitude that demands royalty treatment. I was however, wondering if she might ever graduate to a more sophisticated look for the college years. And what was going to happen when O.F.? It was looking, tired, worn and even a bit thread bare.
Then the summer before Lauren started Senior year she surprised me by saying "yes" to some clothes shopping. We went to real Mall stores like Limited, Gap and Learner. She tried on skirts, pants, and tops. She tried different colors and styles. And before my eyes, in almost an instant, Lauren went from "comfortably casual" kid sister to stylish and very pretty girl. And unlike most people, Lauren embraced the change with maturity and moderation. She didn't go hog wild with make up and clothes.
I don't know what ever happened to O.F. I like to think maybe a quiet burial in the yard. I would like to take credit for Lauren's change however I know too well that she would have done it on her own, in her own time and just as well. Happy Birthday! Amber
The Mona Lauren Smile
On August 14, 1987 Heavenly Father decided to send into our family a peace maker. He knew that we would need someone to be an emulsifier against the acids that boil up in a family at times. Lauren's good nature and calm spirit became an anchor to each of us and even an irritant when we really wanted something to be irritated about. Some of us may have even attempted to take that smile of her face and then regreted it later because we suffered the pangs of guilt. There is something in Lauren, an ancient non- judgemental wisdom, that people, including her family, feel safe to connect.
Lauren was born an optimist as witnessed by one reporter who caught her coming off the school bus smiling with her new puffy bear lunch box to face the challenges of Kindergarten. For some, like Mrs. Allen, one of Lauren's elementary teachers, the Mona Lauren Smile was unnerving. "She's always smiling like she knows something you don't." But others like Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. B.commented they looked forward to her smiling face. They recognized the gift behind the smile.
Through Lauren's school years, church activity and now into her adulthood all those who have encountered her share the same experience and comments about Lauren's peaceful accepting smile, spirit, and great sense of humor. Nursing and taking care of the seriously ill is no surprise occupation for Lauren. She was born to be a healer, a peace maker, a giver of "blessed assurance." This is Lauren's part in the bedrock of our family foundation. We depend on the Mona Lauren Smile, and pray it will only grow brighter.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall inherit the kingdom of heaven." (Sermon on the Mount)
Happy Birthday Lauren.
With Love,
Mom
Friday, August 17, 2007
The Ressurection
I suppose I should start off with an apology and move on to my excuses from there. Yes, I understand it has probably been at least two months since I have written anything to the family. I am sorry that those of you who cherish these ramblings missed them, but do not fear for I am back.
I don't want you all to think that the family blog did not rank on my things to do during the summer. In fact it always came to mind, but my mental state prevented me from acting on my impulses. Let me take you back to May 14, two days after I came back from a rather bitter semester at Buffstate (they wont let me graduate early). So at the crack of dawn I wake up with the feeling that I've been transported back two years and I still have more seminary to go. Oh wait no seminary, but something just as bad, work. As I meander my way to the front desk of Brookwood Inn, I am sustained because of the agreements I made with Kathy (boss). 1. I am working with Nancy, who besides Zach is my favorite person there. 2. I will be working mostly 7-3 shifts with and occasional night shift. 3. I will be getting a review/ raise that next Friday.
So for the most part I wasn't too upset about having to work the day after I got home, that was until I walked through the office door and saw no Nancy. "Yup," JT said, "just you today." Well fine, but at least I'll work with her sometime this week. I walk over to the schedule in the corner. Oh wait there's me on 3-11 for the rest of the week. I think I already knew the life I was going to lead at Brookwood, but I hoped it wouldn't be as I predicted.
Too bad for me, as the summer wore on, I saw less and less daylight and more of the night scene. For those of you who have worked night shifts you know of this change that occurs. Your day no longer begins at 8 or 9 in morning but closer to 12 in the afternoon and it certainly doesn't end before 1:30 the next morning. I found myself turning inevitably into JW who is notorious for waking up either just before his shift or more likely after it started. I never understood it, until one day when I didn't wake up until 12:20. There hasn't been a day in my life that I ever slept so late. Even when I pulled occasional all-nighter with Hayley or my suite mates, I would just take a nap later in the day. It was about then that I realized another horrible change in me.
An alteration in sleep schedule isn't enough to warrant my truly sad condition. I believe it was my tired and bored mental state. Something happens to you when all you do is work 3-11. You don't do anything before your shift and afterwards nothing is open to do anything anyways. So you see I believe I fell into a work induced "blah" state. It is not depression, but more of a lack of care for anything. The few days I wasn't dressed entirely in black, I chose bum around clothes and didn't blow dry my hair. There is something to worry about when a girl doesn't care about here hair. I'm sure Dad noticed my hair, more often than not, found its way up into a pony tail on my days off. With this "blah" attitude something other than my hair style faltered. My creative juices slowly drained into the nasty oatmeal carpet behind the front desk. Even when I tried to think of something clever, the best I could do was stupid blond jokes. It was truly evident then that I knew my life would not be good if I kept this up. However, for the sake of money, many of us sacrifice what makes us happy.
Moving to Buffalo was more a savior than it has ever been. It wasn't because of my first apartment. On the scale in my mind the apartment barely made a difference in the equilibrium. It was the chance to escape the death trap. I really can't explain the rejuvenated feeling I now have. It seems sunny all the time and I relish my time to just sit outside in daylight, with no one asking me what time I have to work or when are you off your break or do you have lighter. For the first time in months I created a c4 card that was funny. I am writing on the blog, and I know I have a lot to catch up on. But perhaps now you understand the reason, behind my lack of appearance.
So take a deep breath and count your blessings.
<3,
sheryl
I don't want you all to think that the family blog did not rank on my things to do during the summer. In fact it always came to mind, but my mental state prevented me from acting on my impulses. Let me take you back to May 14, two days after I came back from a rather bitter semester at Buffstate (they wont let me graduate early). So at the crack of dawn I wake up with the feeling that I've been transported back two years and I still have more seminary to go. Oh wait no seminary, but something just as bad, work. As I meander my way to the front desk of Brookwood Inn, I am sustained because of the agreements I made with Kathy (boss). 1. I am working with Nancy, who besides Zach is my favorite person there. 2. I will be working mostly 7-3 shifts with and occasional night shift. 3. I will be getting a review/ raise that next Friday.
So for the most part I wasn't too upset about having to work the day after I got home, that was until I walked through the office door and saw no Nancy. "Yup," JT said, "just you today." Well fine, but at least I'll work with her sometime this week. I walk over to the schedule in the corner. Oh wait there's me on 3-11 for the rest of the week. I think I already knew the life I was going to lead at Brookwood, but I hoped it wouldn't be as I predicted.
Too bad for me, as the summer wore on, I saw less and less daylight and more of the night scene. For those of you who have worked night shifts you know of this change that occurs. Your day no longer begins at 8 or 9 in morning but closer to 12 in the afternoon and it certainly doesn't end before 1:30 the next morning. I found myself turning inevitably into JW who is notorious for waking up either just before his shift or more likely after it started. I never understood it, until one day when I didn't wake up until 12:20. There hasn't been a day in my life that I ever slept so late. Even when I pulled occasional all-nighter with Hayley or my suite mates, I would just take a nap later in the day. It was about then that I realized another horrible change in me.
An alteration in sleep schedule isn't enough to warrant my truly sad condition. I believe it was my tired and bored mental state. Something happens to you when all you do is work 3-11. You don't do anything before your shift and afterwards nothing is open to do anything anyways. So you see I believe I fell into a work induced "blah" state. It is not depression, but more of a lack of care for anything. The few days I wasn't dressed entirely in black, I chose bum around clothes and didn't blow dry my hair. There is something to worry about when a girl doesn't care about here hair. I'm sure Dad noticed my hair, more often than not, found its way up into a pony tail on my days off. With this "blah" attitude something other than my hair style faltered. My creative juices slowly drained into the nasty oatmeal carpet behind the front desk. Even when I tried to think of something clever, the best I could do was stupid blond jokes. It was truly evident then that I knew my life would not be good if I kept this up. However, for the sake of money, many of us sacrifice what makes us happy.
Moving to Buffalo was more a savior than it has ever been. It wasn't because of my first apartment. On the scale in my mind the apartment barely made a difference in the equilibrium. It was the chance to escape the death trap. I really can't explain the rejuvenated feeling I now have. It seems sunny all the time and I relish my time to just sit outside in daylight, with no one asking me what time I have to work or when are you off your break or do you have lighter. For the first time in months I created a c4 card that was funny. I am writing on the blog, and I know I have a lot to catch up on. But perhaps now you understand the reason, behind my lack of appearance.
So take a deep breath and count your blessings.
<3,
sheryl
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
What Makes a House a Home
Chatters,
Summer 2007: Many Cains Move Many Places. Indiana, Suffolk St, Fairport, Buffalo (First Apartment), Virginia. And even for those lucky few that didn't move I'm sure you'll be able to relate to the following:
We're down to the last "dregs" of unpacking the dreaded "knick knack" boxes. That's what I labeled them as I was packing. Some of the boxes I packed March 2006 when we first decided to move and kept them in a spare room at Carl's parents house. Some I packed away in December in an effort to "depersonalize" the house. And still others were packed at the urging of a home stager this past June.
Yet here they sat, waiting patiently as we unpacked the "necessary" items. Today I could no longer ignore the small cardboard boxes that clamored for some attention. I have to admit I have been tempted several times just to stash them in the attic or just whisk them off to Goodwill. But Grace was napping and I had some time so I got out the scissors and started ripping tape.
As I poured through the boxes it was like unwrapping old friends or revisiting a life I had almost forgotten. In the book boxes I found Austin, Tolkien, James and the Giant Peach, My "Little House on the Prairie" collection and others that have been faithful companions for years. Another box revealed tea cups from Grandma Kopshina, a tea set from Japan (a gift from an exchange student who stayed with us in CA.), a little handmade wooden church I purchased from an elderly couple on our way home from the Maple Tree Inn, family pictures, a tiny jar of green sand and fluorescent colored shells from Myrtle Beech given to me by Scooby when she was a kid and a painted Jar I bought in Mexico, a small, smooth stone with a beach scene hand painted by Carl. It was my gift for our first Christmas.
I found a sun catcher mom had given me. It says, "Our home is just a little house but God knows where we live." We've had it in every place we've lived. It's hanging on the door in the kitchen that leads to the back porch. The wind chime Nat and Lauren gave us when we moved into Blue Spruce is now hanging on a beautiful oak tree in the front yard. I found my hand mixer, and 9x13 glass pan, my cookbooks and other kitchen helpers that have mixed, baked and served family and friends for over 12 years (some longer like the old, gray wooden spoon from Mom and Dad's.)
As I looked at these items I realized how long it had been since we've lived in "our home". In an effort to "sell" our house we had to take all the "home" out if it. All these things are pieces of family that now fill our home with memories.
It's good to be home.
Summer 2007: Many Cains Move Many Places. Indiana, Suffolk St, Fairport, Buffalo (First Apartment), Virginia. And even for those lucky few that didn't move I'm sure you'll be able to relate to the following:
We're down to the last "dregs" of unpacking the dreaded "knick knack" boxes. That's what I labeled them as I was packing. Some of the boxes I packed March 2006 when we first decided to move and kept them in a spare room at Carl's parents house. Some I packed away in December in an effort to "depersonalize" the house. And still others were packed at the urging of a home stager this past June.
Yet here they sat, waiting patiently as we unpacked the "necessary" items. Today I could no longer ignore the small cardboard boxes that clamored for some attention. I have to admit I have been tempted several times just to stash them in the attic or just whisk them off to Goodwill. But Grace was napping and I had some time so I got out the scissors and started ripping tape.
As I poured through the boxes it was like unwrapping old friends or revisiting a life I had almost forgotten. In the book boxes I found Austin, Tolkien, James and the Giant Peach, My "Little House on the Prairie" collection and others that have been faithful companions for years. Another box revealed tea cups from Grandma Kopshina, a tea set from Japan (a gift from an exchange student who stayed with us in CA.), a little handmade wooden church I purchased from an elderly couple on our way home from the Maple Tree Inn, family pictures, a tiny jar of green sand and fluorescent colored shells from Myrtle Beech given to me by Scooby when she was a kid and a painted Jar I bought in Mexico, a small, smooth stone with a beach scene hand painted by Carl. It was my gift for our first Christmas.
I found a sun catcher mom had given me. It says, "Our home is just a little house but God knows where we live." We've had it in every place we've lived. It's hanging on the door in the kitchen that leads to the back porch. The wind chime Nat and Lauren gave us when we moved into Blue Spruce is now hanging on a beautiful oak tree in the front yard. I found my hand mixer, and 9x13 glass pan, my cookbooks and other kitchen helpers that have mixed, baked and served family and friends for over 12 years (some longer like the old, gray wooden spoon from Mom and Dad's.)
As I looked at these items I realized how long it had been since we've lived in "our home". In an effort to "sell" our house we had to take all the "home" out if it. All these things are pieces of family that now fill our home with memories.
It's good to be home.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Well Hello Family,
Hey every one sorry it's been a long time since I've been on the blog. The past couple of months has been really busy with moving and family visits. Thanks evey one for the anniversary stories. I am surprised that people actually remembered details. Any way the Walker family is surely missed. I hope things are getting settled. Zac and Holly cars are frustrating and I wish we did not have to have them. Zac is totally on the money when he said you jst can't have a nice car. I remeber when I first got my brand new civic and I got stuck in a car wash and the door came down on the hood of my car. I had only had my car a few days. Any way I hope everyone is enjoying their summer it's gone by sooo fast. Why does it seek like times just flys by when you're old? Lauren and Sean I hope you guys have good b-days and a nice anniversary. I almost forgot about Cara and Aubreys wedding. It was so hot and poor Sheyl had gotten the shingles right before we left. It was a long ride to Vermont for poor Sheryl. What timing her body has. That wedding too was a good time and I was so glad that we could all be there. Well Ihope we all have a pleasant rest of the summer and i hope we cah all get back on the writting schedule so we don't miss anything. C yall later, Nat
Hey every one sorry it's been a long time since I've been on the blog. The past couple of months has been really busy with moving and family visits. Thanks evey one for the anniversary stories. I am surprised that people actually remembered details. Any way the Walker family is surely missed. I hope things are getting settled. Zac and Holly cars are frustrating and I wish we did not have to have them. Zac is totally on the money when he said you jst can't have a nice car. I remeber when I first got my brand new civic and I got stuck in a car wash and the door came down on the hood of my car. I had only had my car a few days. Any way I hope everyone is enjoying their summer it's gone by sooo fast. Why does it seek like times just flys by when you're old? Lauren and Sean I hope you guys have good b-days and a nice anniversary. I almost forgot about Cara and Aubreys wedding. It was so hot and poor Sheyl had gotten the shingles right before we left. It was a long ride to Vermont for poor Sheryl. What timing her body has. That wedding too was a good time and I was so glad that we could all be there. Well Ihope we all have a pleasant rest of the summer and i hope we cah all get back on the writting schedule so we don't miss anything. C yall later, Nat
Friday, August 10, 2007
Happy Belated Anniversary
Nat and Mike's wedding certainly was a day to remember. Despite the August heat we all had a fantastic time. I can remember getting teary-eyed during the ceremony while they made their vows. I tried desperately to hide my emotion but relinquished after I noticed the other Cain sisters doing to the same. I will always remember the "man swarm" that surrounded me on the dance floor towards the end of the reception. Mike's groom party encircled me and swayed back and forth to the Outkast song "So Fresh and So Clean". I think they may have been a bit drunk. I prayed that mom and dad would not see me as I was only 16 (turning 17) at the time. Overall it was a momentous Cain/Christman event. I dug through photo albums and found some really great pictures. I'm posting a few to help jog peoples' memories. Happy Anniversary Nat and Mike.
Love,
Lauren
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The party of the year, 2001
This might look like a rather normal wedding cake cutting picture. But for those of us who were there on that hot August 4, 2001 Saturday we know what followed. The next photos, if I had one, captured Nat and Mike smashing cake and frosting into each other's face just as the cake should have gone into their mouths. Who started it? Who knows? But it triggered the party mood that followed the beautiful wedding ceremony which made Mike's hands sweat and brought tears to his eyes when he held Nat's hand to say "I do" and put the ring on her finger. This triggered Natalie's nerves into a tickling giggle she had to force under control to answer "I do" and allow Mike to kiss the bride as directed by Pastor David who conducted the ceremony in his wool Scottish kilt and jacket.
After all the family wedding pictures Nat and Mike joined their waiting guests under the big party tent to greet them and make sure everyone was enjoying the great food. When Mike disappeared from Nat's side people asked "Where's Mike?" But,we didn't have to look too hard. Mike, took his host role seriously and had decided his guests weren't being served fast enough by some overloaded staff. He took a position at the roast beef table and was carving and serving the meat to guests. With his suit coat off he looked like one of the vested servers.
Towards the end of the meal and to kick off the dancing part of the festivities Natalie led a congo line out around the tent and back. She and Mike danced as bride an groom while we guests provided the bubbles that surrounded them. Natalie danced with her Dad, the only time in her life, to Frank Sinatra singing, "The Way You Look Tonight". Watching them together left no doubt as from where Natalie gets her good looks.
The dancing went into the night and even some of us older folks surprised the younger crowd by our funky moves and endurance.
Nat and Mike had to have been surprised when they saw their mothers dancing the twist together to the very end of the song.
Lauren and Sheryl and friends, Megan and Dan, proved to be on the wild side in their dancing form. They danced until they, especially Sheryl , literally dropped. Another photo out there shows Sheryl "conked out" with her head laying on a table and a glass of drink at the tip of her open hand. For most of us at the Nat's and Mike's wedding it was the party of the year and we all felt it in our tired bodies the next morning.
Happy Anniversary Nat and Mike! Keeping the party alive in your love is now the challenge for you and the rest of us marrieds until our next big wedding party. Sheryl, will there be dancing?
Love,
Mom
Monday, August 6, 2007
There ain't no bugs on me
Tally-ho Cain clan! No excuses for my lack of contribution to our blog. I thought I would simulate the laziness us older kids displayed while mom and dad prodded us to get up for papers. Many of you know that the automobile curse has showed its ugly head. First towards Holly when a lady pulled out in front of her at the intersection of turkhill and macedon center road (luckily she was not injured). Then again when her Ford contour died at her work. We went from two cars to none in 24 hours a new Cain record. Not to mention that again my car (not even a year old) has been dinged, cracked in the rear bumper, and now smashed in the front All WHEN I HAVE NOT BEEN IN THE CAR! Maybe I should sleep in the car that way it will not be hit. Well after the curse left us in agony it moved over to innocent Lauren and Sean to wreck their transmition. I have taken this as a sign to ride my bike again. So now onto mom's request. A very happy anniversary to Nat and Mike. I remember Mike and Nat were introduced with the theme music to the ROCK (wrestler). I could only imagine what Nat was thinking. Sean and Lauren a happy anniversary too. I remember the air conditioning stopped working at the Casa Italino house were we had the reception. Sweating was something we had to get use to. Cara and Aubrey's wedding was nice. Those Deerflies allowed us to exercise while we ate. Our wedding. Well I remember looking at the audience and not seeing Greg Crystal's parents. Right after the reception I went to Greg and said "Where are your parents." He said, "they did not get an invitation." I said, "Holly said she sent one." Well when no one sent the invitations back with their names on it (except Cara and Aubrey) we had to guess who responded. Turns out that we had sent it to their old address and it never got to them. So when I tried calling they were gone. To this day I feel so terrible that this happened. So sheryl when you get married make sure that you have all the current address and a place on the RSVP cards for the guest to put their name on. So until next time stay frosty and accept that Cains just can't have nice things.
P.S. One good thing from Holly's accident is that she found her lost keys in (as Jordan called it)"the glove department."
P.S. One good thing from Holly's accident is that she found her lost keys in (as Jordan called it)"the glove department."
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