Weekends

What do you do on the weekends?  Do you sleep in or get up early to hit the best bargains at your local garage sales? Do you go out to a mid morning breakfast or pack up the family for a fun day out?  Are you out the door looking for the nearest coffee shop or getting dressed up for Sunday worship services?

When I was growing up, we would sleep in a little, get our chores done and then I loved to watch the sports shows on TV while my dad read the paper and drank his morning cup of coffee.  My mom would always make us a hot breakfast to start our day.  We were not tied to the house doing chores or projects for too long, as my parents allowed us to go and play with friends or go to a  movie or swimming or just hang out around the house,  It was a fun and relaxing time in my childhood, with not much stress at all.  Sundays at my house were for real relaxation and reading the Sunday paper and especially the funnies was always something we looked forward to or as we called it, our lazy day.  

My husband on the other hand, was required to get up early and start his daily chores right after breakfast.  His family worked around the house all day Saturday until late afternoon and sometimes into the evening.  Friends were rarely part of the equation on Saturdays.  When Sunday mornings came around, his family would get all cleaned up and go off to church.  After church, a big family dinner was prepared and served.  Saturdays were work days and Sundays were the Sabbath and no work was ever performed on Sundays. My husband dreaded Saturdays as they rarely were able to hang out with friends and play.

After marrying, we decided to split the difference in how we would spend our weekends.  We would sleep in a little bit past our normal weekday time and then would get the house cleaned up by around noon and then everyone was allowed to spend time doing their favorite activities.  Sometimes these activities would be within the family and some outside of the family, but we let the children have some freedom.  After all, they worked hard all week at school and deserved a break too..  On Sundays we would also take our children to church and have a nice family dinner afterward.  Then off to visit relatives or friends after dinner was the norm at our home.  We loved going to see cousins so the children could play and have a good time and the adults could enjoy the day visiting and catching up.

Since the children are grown, my husband and I typically go out to breakfast on Saturday morning and then head back home for just a few chores (we have a part time housekeeper) and I head off to go shopping and run errands and I might get a pedicure and such, with my husband at home watching his favorite sports programs.  We usually like to catch a movie or two each week if we have time.  We love to go to movies to unwind and get away from it all.  On Sundays, we visit our elderly parents and grandparents and take care of their needs, and we try to get to church when we can.  Sunday's are kind of a low key day for us, filled with relaxation and laziness trying to take away some of the stresses of the work week.  It usually works well for us.

What ever way you choose to spend your weekends, remember to enjoy your time with your family and friends.  Don't let the time pass you by without adding a few pleasant lazy days in the mix.

Visitors

Visitors

When visitors come to your home to visit, are you excited or do you want them to just go away?  Many people do not like the out of town guests and all that comes with entertaining.  I for one, love to have people stay at my home catching up on old times or new, playing games or just watching an old movie together.  

My grandma

I recently lost the most incredible woman in my life.  My grandmother passed away last month at the young age of 94.  She was the ultimate hostess whenever anyone came to her home, cooking, cleaning, preparing for the guests for days in advance. And did I mention, she worked full time too!  My grandmother would bake cookies, pies, cakes and make homemade ice cream, as well as making fresh salads and slaw at every meal.  Her cooking was to die for.  She made homemade pickles that were the most delicious pickles I have ever eaten.  She choose her cucumbers in the summer and packed and soaked them in a crock and special brine for weeks, then canned the pickles and stored them for aging.  

The little black book 

My grandmother had a little black book filled with information about her guests that she kept from the time she was first married until about three years ago.  She would list who came to visit her home, when they visited, their birthdays and listed each persons favorite main dishes and desserts.  She would also keep track of her visitors dislikes and would never think of serving them to you when you were at her home.  If she knew that you were going to visit, she would have all your favorites ready and waiting.  Even if you were stuffed after dinner, you had to have one of her homemade desserts of chocolate cake, apple pie or cookies and ice cream.  

Following her example

I have tried to emulate her qualities when I have out of town guests or any company visiting my home.  If someone took the time out of their busy schedule to come and visit me, then the least I could do is make them feel at home.  

Humor

The men in my life are very interesting people to say the least.  Each one is unique in his own right.

Each one of my boys have a great sense of humor which has been passed down from their father.  The ability to deal with serious issues and still keep your sense of humor is such a fantastic trait.  I know that is what attracted me to my husband in the beginning.  During times of stress or sadness, there were my boys and husband pulling the funny out of nowhere. 

My oldest grandson passed away at a tender age of 6 months old, which was a great tragedy in our lives.  Although the time was tragic, and we all still carry the loss, my boys used humor to relieve their own pain and to help those who were grieving to get through the minutes, hours and days.  Many looked at this humor as a sign of disrespect of the passing, but to our family, it was the way we dealt with loss. 

Some days when the house is so quiet, I long for the laughter that was once there.  Listening to them recite the memorized lines of old TV sitcoms and movies, or old family mishaps are treasures for sure.  I look forward to the family get togethers so my home can come alive with the laughter

We have gotten through a whole lot of tough times thanks to the men in my life and their sense of humor.

It's all good!

Ok, today is the beginning of my new blog.   I'm not an expert at writing or an expert on marriage or family, but feel that I can share my thoughts with you on what has been successful for us over the years. 

I have been married to a teriffic man for over 32 years and have 3 wonderful sons and 4 grandsons and two daughter in laws who are just the greatest.  My first married daughter in law and I have been sucked into this world of testosterone for way to many years and I now have another one to help even us out!  Well almost!  I am sure there will still be the male domination that there has always been in our homes.   Don't get me wrong, they (the males) are not at all in control. 

Everything revolves around the guy stuff and sports and sports and sports.    I've attended one gymnastic tournament in 20 years but hundreds of basketball and soccer and football events, not to mention the car shows.   I do have to admit, I get my nails and pedi's done regularly.

My home is decorated in destruction proof furniture and lamps.  I wish I had a nickle for every lamp my boys have broken over the years.  I just learned to buy less expensive lamps when decorating, knowing that the end would be near.  My grandsons are no exception, they are as loud and rough as any.  They are all boy! 

Although they can rumble with the best of em, my boys have heart.  My sons are good men with great souls, they are honorable and ethical.  Something that is rare in this world today.  All because of their father and his example.  It's all good...