My Favorite Time Of Year

Fall.....my favorite time of year. Things slow down a bit. The air starts to change, the smells start to change, a feeling of excitement for the kids as they look forward to Halloween. A feeling of excitement for others as they look forward to big pots of soup bubbling on the stove, colorful leaves falling and blowing in the wind. Thanksgiving and all the wonderful memories we make, food we eat and family and friends we get to connect with. I know I already mentioned the colorful leaves, but anything this beautiful deserves to be mentioned again.

I am not big on Halloween so for me the holidays begin with Thanksgiving, but the holiday season begins when I see the pumpkin patches  overflowing with big fat pumpkins just waiting for all those little sweeties to run through in search of that perfect one!

Everyone starts to dress a little different, got to have those layers. We try to get in a few more nights around the fire pits before the snow comes. And of course there is pumpkin pie, pumpkin, lattes, pumpkin, cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin fudge, PUMPKIN EVERYTHING.

Men let their beards grow, ditch the shorts for tight jeans and flannel shirts. Can't say I mind that one bit!! The ladies start digging out their leggings, boots and big fluffy sweaters. And we can't forget the soft warm jammies that have been tucked away just waiting to be pulled out on that first chilly night!

The A/C is turned off and the fireplace is lit. I love walking outside and smelling the wonderful aroma of the first fall fires, and seeing the smoke coming out of the chimneys. It gets darker earlier and as you walk down the street you can see through the windows how families are gathered around the table, kids finishing up homework and waiting for dad to get home. No....I am no peeping Tom.....but I do love to look at all the houses as I walk by and see families gathered around the table enjoying a warm dinner and sharing their day. I miss that part of life.

This fall as I anticipate the new life I am about to embark on, the new memories I will make, the wonderful foods I will cook, the warm jammies I will wear, and the fires I hope to sit around I send out love to all those who have each year been a part of my favorite season. And to those new friends who will be a part of all my future "Fall's" to come. I can't wait for all the new memories that are just waiting to be made!

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL

Men....

Recently I went through a divorce that has left me doing a lot of thinking about the dynamics between men and women. Don't worry....not going to get personal. Just my opinions and how I have come to view men as a whole. You don't have to agree...it's just MY opinion.

For so long men have said women are complicated.....they are right. Women say we are  the better communicator. Hmmmm...that may not be so. I will get back to that later.

Men....not so complicated! Now I am talking about the average Joe. The one who is working his job, loving his family and doing the best he can to live a decent life. I am not talking about those who lie, cheat, abuse, or have addiction problems. Those are complicated and serious character flaws that need to be dealt with in a manner in which you see fit. As I said I am talking about Joe Schmoe!

He doesn't ask for much. He works hard to support his family. He wants to watch or participate in a few selected sport options in his free time and you can usually make him smile from ear to ear and have his undying love with a medium rare steak or a fat sub sandwich and a cold drink.

He will usually do anything you ask...IF YOU ASK!!!! This is where I want to talk about women being the better communicator....NOT! Ladies.....they really do want to make us happy. But they are not mind readers. They are factual, we are emotional. We need to stop making them guess and then get pissed when they get it wrong. And turning on the water works is cheating!! I know we girls sometimes just can't help it.....it is a part of our make up. But when you do it to take advantage it is playing dirty. To make someone feel guilty to get what you want is not nice.

Now....that being said.....will he over night start picking up his socks or throw his coke can in the trash when he is done...maybe...maybe not. BUT...if you communicate...YES...TALK to him and let him know that there are some things that are very important to you. I bet he will listen. So...you throw away his coke can and pick up his socks. He fills up your tank on a cold winters night so you don't have to do it the next morning, he eats his toast dry because he knows you love yours dripping in butter and you are almost out of butter. It all evens out. Isn't it supposed to be give and take and helping each other. Sharing the good times, the bad times, the burdens etc....

Will you get frustrated with him at times and want more from him than you feel you are getting? Yep...and he will feel the same at times. Someone told me one time that each day they get up and  put their spouse first. They take time each day to do something to make her smile, to make her laugh and feel loved. And because their heart is in service mode all day long they are never left feeling unloved or cheated. Because he said when she is happy and smiling so is he!

So men....speak softly, and do the little things.....
And Ladies.....speak up, and that doesn't mean yell. Just telling him what you need so he doesn't have to guess.

THEN...and ONLY THEN....can you hit him with a frying pan if he doesn't listen ;)

Roller Coasters and Empty Seats

I don't like roller coasters of any kind. The ones that you find at amusement parks and especially the emotional ones.

This month I am for sure riding the emotional one.

Watching my youngest daughter (my middle child)  graduate from the police academy as a corrections officer. Wow...Sooooooooo proud of her. She is not a little girl anymore.  She worked so hard to accomplish her goal and she did it. What a high....but the low was the empty seat her daddy should have been sitting in. Though I am sure if there was a way for our angel to stop what he was doing and watch from above....he did. First and foremost he loved his kids and was an incredible father. But her 6'4 baby brother was there with me and that sure helped.

 

Speaking of my baby boy, he just got a promotion to manager at the Pizza place where he works. And will soon be working 2 jobs to save up for a car and is looking forward to the changes ahead in his life. I am very proud of him, and know his daddy is too. The low was again....no one to share that with.....the seat was empty.


Cody and I have been living with my oldest daughter Nicole and her family for the last 6 months. It has been such a joy to see her grow as a mom and wife. And to get to spend so much fun quality time with my granddaughter Paige. Her laughter can chase away all my blues. Sure wish her grandpa was here to see just how much she is like him. She definitely has his sense of humor.

 

Cody and I are making arrangements to move. It is a high to move forward, but the low is the reality I had to face about my marriage. It just couldn't be saved and so many hearts were hurt by it.

As my heart grieves for two different men and two different kinds of love and relationships, I know that even though the ride has been sooooo bumpy at times. And I wanted to (and probably did) scream to LET ME OFF....I am still here. Still putting one foot in front of the other. Still doing my best to carry on and move forward with some kind of life that brings me joy. Still making mistakes....but learning from them a little faster these days. Not taking love, family or friendship for granted in any way. Still thankful for my blessing even the ones that I don't always see and others have to point out to me. Still plugging along. I might not always have a song in my heart....heck we all have bad days. But I do try to at least hum once a day...LOL

I am human...I struggle, I have bad days, and mad days and some really sad days. But I also have good days and even some great days. I have the best kids, the best family, the best friends, and a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. The rest is just stuff!

 So as I get ready to take the next step in this journey I will pray for the strength to get through the gray days and to be humble enough to thank my Heavenly Father for ALL of my days. Eternally grateful for my children and grandchildren. For the many true, loving and lasting relationships/friendships I have in my life. For the lessons I have learned riding that oh so scary roller coaster of life. So for now the seat beside me remains empty. And I am pretty sure it will remain that way. Life is a bit easier with a co-polite but I have hit the runway alone before and I can do it again.

Got to go now and buckle in for the next ride.....bumpy or not I will hang on and see where the tracks take me.

My Life Lessons

Life is just one big learning experience. Some lessons we learn in a flash. It only takes once and we know we will NEVER do that again. Others....hmmm...we may have to experience over and over before we FINALLY get it. Some lessons are so painful you can actually feel as if you will never get through it and the pain will NEVER stop......those that we don't learn quickly can leave you literally gasping for breath and begging for comfort and relief. Life lessons should ultimately leave you with new tools,  and understanding and a better outlook on your path.

Some of the lessons I have learned......

1. Never turn down friendship. When someone is reaching out to you and letting you know they value you and care don't turn your back. It may not be a friendship where you will see each other and talk to each other every day but who can afford to turn away kindness????...Not I!

2. When you have hurt someone you need to do all you can to make it right. And don't expect anything in return. Sometimes you can do and say everything in your power to make things right only for it to fall on deaf ears and cold hearts. As long as you were completely sincere and know you left no stone unturned then you have to let it go....as hard as that is. We are human...we want to know we have been forgiven. But that may not always happen. I recently reached out and was met with silence.....cold unfeeling silence. It hurt but I know I did all I could do......if they chose not to forgive then there is nothing I can do.

3. On the flip side to number 2 is being able to forgive. I realize that some hurts go deeper than others and some take more time to get through. But moving forward in my life I want to be that person that forgives and really lets things go. A challenge...of course. I am human and I have always had tender feelings. But it is really something I want in my life moving forward. I will work on it daily with real purpose!

4. Not everyone wants to hear my opinion....LOL. I get to have one, that is my right. But I don't always have to share it. Not everyone wants to hear life according to Cricket!

5. I believe people are good. We make mistakes, we mess up, we are not always accountable for our actions. But that doesn't make us BAD...it makes us human. We all have things we need to work on. Isn't that why we are here in the first place?

6. Acceptance of others doesn't mean you have to always agree with the choices of others. It means treating them and their choices with respect. Each of us has the right to make choices for ourselves. We have the right to change our minds, seek out different ways of life, educate ourselves in the choices we are making and move forward with those choices. I am not talking about hurtful choices like driving while drunk etc..... I am talking about choices of lifestyle, religion, education, sexuality....etc. I don't think I am better than ANYONE out there because our life choices are not the same. Nor am I less than anyone out there for the same reasons.

7. I have learned that people show love in different ways. Some are the shy quiet types that will listen whenever you need an ear. Some are loud and will shout to the world that they are your defender and no one better mess with you. Some will send a card, bake you some cookies, help you with your resume, buy you lunch, pray for you, and not let you get away with being hurtful to yourself or others. Some will just always be there no matter when you need them. No matter how far away you may be you know they will be there no matter what!!!

8. Love doesn't always come wrapped in the same wrapping paper, with a bow....but love is a gift no matter how it comes and what it looks like. When someone offers love, accept it, and give thanks that someone saw through all your layers...good and bad and still thought you were fantastic enough to share their heart and be a part of their lives.

9. You can't change people. You have no control over another person's choices. You are only in control of your own. Wonder why we are so bent on changing others and so reluctant to work on ourselves? I know for me, it is always easier to see another's faults than my own!! I have been very guilty of this. Something I am really, really working on. I get to take care of me and my business and let others do the same.

10. I am a loving friend....I really know this about myself. I have many faults and I am far from perfect but when I love you, I love you. I will do my best to give you my best. I will be there for you, support you and assist you in any way I can.

11. Though we all have stains and cracks, and none of us are perfect we all deserve love.

Life changes, so do people. With each step we take the sand beneath our feet shifts and what once was may never be again. But change doesn't have to be a bad thing even though it can be very scary. One step of courage at a time.....one foot in front of the other. I am really working hard on being true to me, not judging others and being kind to all that I come in contact with. Some days I do great...some days I fail big time. But I won't give up!!

We miss you so much!!

Twelve years ago today the heart of our family went home to Heavenly Father. Keith was such a loving man. The kids and I were his whole world.

Keith loved life. He loved to laugh and to see others laugh as well. He was kind, and friendly. We could not go ANYWHERE that he didn't run into someone he knew. I finally had to make him stop going with me to the grocery store. A quick trip turned into an hour every time, as he would always see someone he had to say hi to...which of course turned into talking about old times. Everyone loved to just be around him. He was one of those guys that when I said I wanted to throw a party he was all for it and would help. I never had to worry about the house when I was sick or recovering from surgery. He would work all day and then come home and clean, vacuum, cook, do dishes and laundry and do it all really well.....Yep...I was a lucky girl.

His smile would light up a room. His eyes were incredible and the color of blue depended on what he had on.

He loved animals and we always had at least one horse and usually a variety of other animals. He was one sexy man sitting on a horse in his tight Levis and boots. (Sorry if that was TMI...but it's the
truth).

I miss him so much, I miss the laughter and how his eyes crinkled when he smiled. I miss how he always called our girls "Punk".  When he got home from work at night Cody and I would walk out to meet him. No matter how tired or how bad of a day he had he always smiled, picked Cody up and reached for me to give me a kiss. He was always glad to be home and with his family was his favorite place on earth.

His brother Jerry (Bubba) was his best friend and they spent many hours talking and laughing.

His family will always feel the void his passing left behind. But we know we will be together again some day.

Happy Father's Day

I have had the privilege to have so many wonderful Father's in my life.

My own wonderful Father who I love and miss so much!! I am the baby of the family and he spoiled me. I was his "Pinky" and he was the best daddy!!

My husband and father of my children Keith Hansen. He was taken much too soon. He was an amazing father. He loved his children more than anything. He was so funny, and kind and good. We love him and miss him more than words can say. We feel his love and his spirit watching over us. And we see the signs he sends to us.

My Brother-in-law John. He married my sister when I was only 6 months old so he has always been like a second Father to me. He is an amazing man and I can't imagine my life without him in it. The love he has shown to my sister, his children and our family could never be replaced. He loves with all his heart and his hugs are the best in the world.

Bruce Carter, whom I call my adopted dad. He is so kind and loving. Such a wonderful example of what a true husband and father should be. He has always been there for me and my family.

My son-in-law T-bone. I watch him with my daughter and granddaughter and just smile. He is a great dad and a man with a heart of gold. So happy that my daughter is spending her life with her true love. He adores her and all of his children.

Kevin Bench, a dad who shows his love to his children in every way a dad can. He is a kind man with a great smile and a big heart. He is happiest when he can be with his sweet wife, kids and grandkids and of course his dogs at his property and just hanging out sharing a meal and some laughs.

Each of these men have been a blessing in my life, and the lives of my children. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for the love and strength you share and for the examples you are. I love each of you with all my heart. Happy Father's Day.

 
 
 
 

Happy Birthday Cody

WOW......20 years has flown by so fast!! How did this happen...seems like only yesterday we were on the way to the hospital to meet our little surprise...yes we chose to NOT know the sex of our baby. But I knew......it was a mommy thing....I just knew the sweet life inside me was a baby boy....a 10 1/2 pound baby boy and he was 22 inches long!

Now 20 years later he is 6'4 and.......well he may not like me talking about his weight...I know I don't like it when anyone asks about mine...LOL

He is a very talented artist. Each time he draws something new and shows it to me my heart swells.
He is kind, and has a big heart. He will defend his family and friends and has a soft spot for animals.
He can make me laugh like no one else can.

Though time will not stand still no matter how much I want it to, and he is a grown man....he will always be my baby boy!

Happy Birthday Cody. Your sister's, you dad and I were over the moon happy the day you were born. I love you, and wouldn't trade you for anything in the world.
Have an amazing birthday.

~Mom~

Happy Anniversary

It was a beautiful day. Florida April 25, 1992.  It was warm with a wonderful breeze. I can still smell the flowers. We were surrounded by those that were the most precious to us.There was never a moment you did not make us smile. You were taken much too soon.
Happy 21st Anniversary. We love you and miss you.

Fate -vs- Accountability

So......I have had a question running around in my head for awhile now. Thought I would put it out there and get some input from some of you.

I believe Fate is something that is going to happen, kind of pre-planned by the universe or God...etc...etc.... and then there is accountability......being accountable for whatever role you play in any given situation.

I believe in both. I know there are things that are going to happen and there is nothing I can do about it happening.....but I can do my best to take all the measure I can to have the best possible outcome.

Example:

You wear a seat belt in hopes that if you are in an accident that your injuries will be minor, you won't go through the windshield...etc... The seat belt will not stop fate. The guy who is going to run the stop sign is still going to run the stop sign. But by putting on the seat belt you are being accountable for part of your outcome. Could you still get badly injured, of course. But you took all the proper steps to do your best to lessen that outcome.....accountability.

I don't think accountability always comes AFTER the fact. As in to apologize AFTER you have made a mistake. Yes, an apology is the right thing to do AFTER the fact. But what about BEFORE?
Is it OK do just sail along in life leaving EVERYTHING to fate? Seems to me that is a lazy way not to really participate in life. There is never any accountability that way. You can always just say....oh well...it was fate. It was going to happen no matter what I did or didn't do. And as I stated above, I too believe in fate. But I think we all play a part in it.

Jump in and let me know your thoughts. Maybe I am looking at this all wrong.

Hugs,
Cricket

Happy Birthday Nicole (CoCo)

Happy Birthday to my amazing, beautiful, talented, sweet, crazy, nap taking, nacho eating daughter.
You are such a joy to our family. Love you so much and so very proud of you!!

We Miss You John-John

Two years ago today we lost a very important piece of our crazy family puzzle. My nephew John Jr. who I have always called John-John. Cancer has not be kind to our family. John-John fought hard, and we all thought he had beaten it but.... we were wrong.

He didn't complain, he didn't ask "Why Me" he only asked his dad once "Are they sure they have done everything dad, there is nothing else they can do"? And with the answer....he then accepted his fate with dignity.

I was able to spend the day with him before he died. He in his hospital bed, me sitting in a chair beside him holding his hand. We laughed, we watched old shows  from our childhood on TV.
You see my nephew and I are only about 4 years apart in age. We grew up together, and were very close. We had inside jokes that no one else understood. He always knew how to make me smile and did it often. We had many long talks over big bowls of ice-cream, or sitting in the lobby of Burger King. We solved a lot of the worlds problems  with a whopper and a coke...LOL.

He made world  famous sandwiches. The kitchen would look like a tornado went through when he was done. The deal was, he would make them but I had to clean up afterwards.....it was so worth it. His sandwiches, just like him....were amazing.

He had such a big heart, He loved all things space and lived right around the corner from the Kennedy Space Center. He was an amateur photographer and his photos were beautiful. He was the number one fan of the Miami Dolphin's and wore his official jerseys with much pride!

He loved his family more than anything. He left us much too early. We miss so much about him. But he will always live in our hearts. He had many friends but only one true love....her name was Aurie.

We love you John John!! Take care of your grandparents, your Uncle Mickey, Uncle Danny and Uncle Keith until we can all be together again.

13 Things About Me.....

I saw this on another blog and thought it looked fun. Since it is 2013 she shared 13 things about herself. Some of these you may already know.....some may surprise you.

1. I looooove Diet Dr. Pepper. I try not to drink a lot of it anymore and really try to stick to Crystal Light. Some days I do great...some not so great.

2. I believe that chocolate is 2 of the 4 food groups and should take up at least half of the food pyramid.

3. I love to hike. I know maybe you wouldn't guess that by looking at me. But I really love to hike and enjoy nature. I also love to camp.

4. I think laziness is a hanging offence...LOL

5. My favorite actor is Powers Booth.....you thought I was going to say Shemar....no...he is the SEXIEST actor. But my favorite is Powers Booth. Most of you probably don't even know who he is.

6. I am a really shy person.....I know you don't believe it but it is true. I have to force myself to reach out. Being in retail for so many years really helped with that one. Plus I have met soooo many wonderful people because I was force to smile and say hi. Now I do it because I want to.

7. I think naps are a big waste of precious time. I only nap when I have a cold and the medicine makes me sleepy. Many of my family and friends think I am crazy over this one.

8. I once ran over an alligator in my low riding sports car. He lived...didn't even really bother him. I on the other hand almost had a heart attack.

9. My favorite color is Pink.

10. When I love....I love 100%.  I will do anything in the world for you. When I don't like you (and there are very few) I feel the same way....as in 100%. But I know how to smile and be kind. Everyone deserves kindness no matter who they are.

11. I want more than anything in the world to go on a cruise to Alaska!! I seriously would eat crackers for a year if I could save enough to go to Alaska!

12. I love my family more than anything. They are my heart and soul.

13. I saw Ike and Tina turner at Prom. Yes....I am old...they were still together back then.....LOL

Well, I hope I didn't bore you too much. Did you learn anything about me you didn't already know?

Happy Birthday Keith

 67 years ago today a wonderful, amazing, loving, giving, generous, kind and oh so HILARIOUS man was born. He lived his life always thinking of others. He loved his family, especially his wife Cricket and his children Nicole her husband T-bone, Natalie and Cody more than anything. If he was not doing something with them he was on his horse. His brother Jerry (Bubba) was his best friend.

His love of silly dry humor was passed down to his children. He could watch movies like "The Court Jester, Monty Python, and of course his favorite Blazing Saddles" over and over again. His beautiful granddaughter Paige also inherited the love of the silly comedies as well. He was so funny. I started laughing the moment I met him and it never stopped. I miss the laughing.....

He is missed, but I look at our children and see him. In a mannerism, or hear him in their laughter. Though we can't see him, or touch him, he is always with us. He left us with so many funny stories to tell, so many moments to remember. And each time a morning dove pays us a visit we know he sent it.

 

We Love you, We miss you.

Happy Birthday Keith

Happy Birrthday Paige

 My amazing granddaughter Paige turns 10 years old today. I was there the moment she entered this world and saw her take her first breath, cry her first cry and take her first look at the two most wonderful people she would forever call mom and dad.

She has always been so bright and funny. She has a heart as big as Texas. She has such a soft spot for all animals and anyone who may be struggling in any way. Her smile lights up my world!

Thank you Paige for picking us as your family. I love you more than you will ever know.
Forever and Always!!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Natalie

Happy Birthday To My Beautiful Daughter Natalie.
I am so proud of you. I know Daddy is watching over us and is so proud of you too.
You are growing and changing everyday into an amazing woman.
Hope your day is as special as you are!!
Love you bunches and truck loads!!