To The Moon and Back!

It was the Easter Sunday after we lost Gran. The six of us were having breakfast at Grandpa's house. We were all a little teary and needed some good news. Little did we know our lives would soon change forever. Matt and Anne gave Mom and Dad a frame that said, "save this for baby Clouse, Due November 2007." Mom looked at it casually and handed it to Dad...we all knew she didn't read it. (I had a hunch something was up because Anne had turned a glass of wine down the night before...and that was a first!) All at once, we began to cry, laugh, clap and wonder. What would she look like? Sound like? What would her favorite color be? At that moment I was thrilled to be an Aunt. Although I knew I would love her, I didn't know how much until I saw her for the first time.  Her hands got me...they looked just like my Mom's. (Sorry Mack...you got the Clouse ears too) I realized that she was our baby. We were responsible for her. Now I realize the role of an Aunt is the BEST job...we introduce them to stickers, ketchup and M&M's and then give them back!!! I love it! Matt and Anne have to do the hard stuff and I'm there for the fun stuff.

Mackenzie Anne came at the exact moment our family neeeded her. God knew we needed happiness and that is exactly what she is. Even when she calls her mom an "Old Crazy Head" and blames it on me, I love her to pieces. She continues to be a blessing daily and I love watching her experince things for the first time.

I guess Matt and Anne thought I was doing a pretty good job at being an Aunt because they are giving me another one!!!! I can't wait!  They better watch out-this Aunt is ready to spoil!!!

Here is to Mackenzie Anne and Baby #2...I love you to the Moon and Back!!!

Super Bowl Sunday

    Growing up we  had several watch parties and it became a tradition to have friends and family over to watch the game, play air hockey, pool and eat! It was such a fun way to watch the game...even if we were just watching for the commericals. I can remember the first 3-D commerical. Lucas, Matt and I sat frozen in our glasses as the commerical aired. I'm sure we were quite impressed by the special effects. Today we would probably think, "Wow, that's all?!!" Either way Super Bowl Sunday has special memories.  

In January of 1993, my Grandfather called to let my parents know that he had four tickets to the Super Bowl that was being played in Pasadena. He was a long time Dallas Cowboy season ticket holder and they had offered him tickets! The "B Team" aka Mom and Dad weren't asked to go. Grandpa wanted to take Matt because the game was being played on his 14th birthday. Then he felt it was fair to take Sarah because they were the two oldest grandchildren. For those of you who know me well, know that this didn't go over very well. I may have pouted a little and Grandpa said he would try to get more tickets. It just so happened that the Cowboys were having a lottery for any left over tickets. Grandpa(who was the luckiest man on Earth) put his name in for two and got them! Rachel and I were on our way!!!! (Grandpa would have NEVER heard the end of it if we hadn't gotten to go!!!)  So here we go, Gran, Grandpa, Matt, Sarah, Rachel and  me! I can remember driving to the game and getting lost. We followed a stretch limo along with an entourage and realized later it was Michael Jackson. He was the half time performance! Garth Brooks sang the national anthem and we were having a blast. Matt and Grandpa sat in the end zone and high-fived Emmitt Smith after a Cowboy touchdown. Gran and the girls sat in the last row of the stadium, but we didn't care! After the Cowboy victory, Troy Aikman said he was going to Disney Land. Matt made us go to Disney Land the next day to look for Troy Aikman, but never spotted him! 

We had such a great trip and it wasn't until several years later that I appreciated what a great experience it was. Watching a Super Bowl in person is a once in a life time trip (to most!) but going with Gran and Grandpa was pretty cool too! That was the only time, we went somewhere with them and two of our cousins! It will forever be a fond memory!    (Don't worry, Scott and Molly went the very next year when it was played in Arizona. Gran wouldn't let them be left out!) 

So as you enjoy the game, food and family, remember it isn't who wins that counts(unless your team loses), but the people you are with! 

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!          

                      1993 Super Bowl XXVII

Date Played: January 31, 1993
Teams: Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills
Winner: COWBOYS
Final Score: 52-17
Location: Pasadena, California

Remember Who You Are...

After being snowed inside my house all week I decided to finally start a blog. I have been wanting to start one for a while and here I go!

I was fortunate enough to grow up on Grand Lake AND I met my husband there! What a lucky girl I am. Grand Lake is and always will be a special place to me, so it was fitting to name my blog GrandLakeGirl. My dad always says, "You can take the girl out of Delaware County, but you can't take the Delaware County out of the girl!" I hope to never lose my small town values. Although I haven't lived there in several years, there is still a sense of "ahh" as you come down the hill near Tom Kat Corner and see a small glimpse of Sailboat Bridge-that is the exact moment I know I am home. Honey Creek is the place I learned to ski, tube, ride wave runners and learn to drive a boat. Summers were spent sunburned and watching the clock to make sure Matt didn't get any second longer than I did on the wave runner! (I'm such a nice sister) Holidays and birthdays were all spent at the lake. The older I get the more I appreciate my home town. In the not so near future, I hope my kids will get to make the many happy memories on Grand Lake that I got to!

So here is to remembering who I am and may you always....REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!