Farewell, Bestemor...

Signe Elise Voreland, 91, died Oct. 27, 2009, at Golden Living in Riverchase, Ala., with family by her side.

She was born June 10, 1918, in Årendal, Norway, a small village in the Southern part of the country, where she grew up, attended school and lived most of her early life. Mrs. Voreland was a spry, clever child who forged notes to avoid dentist visits and paid for candy on “credit,” long before credit was established. She was also a gymnast, a providential activity that eventually brought her together with her husband, Loralf Voreland.

In 1953, the adventurous couple followed the American Dream and immigrated to the United States with their three children. They lived in Elizabeth and West Milford, N.J. , where Mrs. Voreland was a homemaker and her husband a carpenter, and eventually moved to Clarks Summit, Pa.

Mrs. Voreland was a follower of Christ and member of Gulfview Grace Brethren Church in Port Richey, Fla. For many years she was also active in Prime Timers and Widow’s Might at Shades Mountain Independent Church in Hoover, Ala.

Her interests included family, music, cooking and reading. And while her recipes will be cherished and passed down to future generations, her collection of Dixie Gospel music may be retired, as her family didn’t appreciate it as much as she! Mrs. Voreland also voraciously followed politics and was more “in the know” about the goings-on in Washington than most. She was also known for her sensitive heart, her love for animals and her quick wit that remained sharp, even into her 90’s. She will most certainly be remembered for her great sense of humor… and for a strong, determined spirit that kept her active and independent for many unforgettable years.

Mrs. Voreland was preceded in death by her husband, Loralf Voreland, and her son, Roy Voreland. She is survived by her eldest son, Egil (Buddy) Voreland, and daughter-in-law, Lucille (Cookie) Voreland, of Port Richey, Fla.; and daughter, Britt Reoch, and son-in-law, Peter Reoch, of Hoover, Ala.; along with one grandson, two granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Mrs. Voreland had hoped to meet the newest member of the family, but, instead, she has met our heavenly Father face to face. For that, the family is eternally grateful.

A memorial service will be held at Gulfview Grace Brethren Church in Port Richey, Fla., at 3 PM on Sat., Oct. 31.

Return of the random flowers!!!

I haven't said anything on my blog about being sick (for over 10 days now), but... I've been sick (for over 10 days now). Fun, eh? Especially being sick AND pregnant (or is that sick of being pregnant.... AND sick.. and pregnant?!?).
ANYWAY, I didn't say anything because being sick is not all that thrilling. And the details aren't all that fun, either. Although, I must say, I have become best friends with Puffs Plus tissues with the scent of Vicks!

Well, it seems that I, unfortunately, passed along my joyous illness to my sweet hubby, who has been working extra hard to help with things around the house (without being asked!!!!).
So, yesterday he went to the doctor to get a shot and some medication.... both of which I CANNOT do, being pregnant and all. (Ah, yes, the old grin and bear it method!)
It was at this point of relief from the symptoms (ha-ha... "point" of relief... he had a shot, ok; never mind!) that Sean realized just how terrible it has been for me over these last TEN days to be feeling THAT sick.... while being "great with child." ;) And in his wonderful, kind understanding, he called me to tell me how much he appreciated me and all I do. And to say thanks for "growing our child."
Now.... if all THAT wasn't good enough.... I got a surprise knock on my office door yesterday afternoon, with a delivery of a GORGEOUS bouquet of flowers! (I could even smell them... despite the stuffiness! Thanks, Puffs with Vicks!)



And I just had to share a few photos of the flowers, along with the kind-of funny note that was attached.
If you can't read the card on this iPhone picture, it says: "Thanks for growing our baby even while being sick. You are a trooper. I love you very much! Sean"
(I wonder what the florist thought of the somewhat odd occasion and the even more odd message!?!?!)


I'd say that's WAY different from the average, "Happy Anniversary, honey!"
Wouldn't you?!?

Gone to the dogs...

Maybe they felt left out....
Maybe they were bored....
Maybe they have way too much time on their hands....

While I can't pawsitively verify the reasoning behind it, I can tell you with certainty that my dogs, Rowdy and Teddy, have now ventured out on their own -- without leashes -- to start their very own blog... and their very own company! (And, yes, you can actually have your very own pet party.... just think of it as a "pupperware party!" Ha-ha!)
The details have not been ironed out completely just yet, but, apparently, they are just too anxious to wait for that. What I do know is they've got their paws on a deal to be "pet consultants" with Shure Pets and will soon offer grrrrrreat pet products through their very own Shure Pets website.
For now, Rowdy and Teddy ask that you please sniff out their Shure Pets cat-a-log and see for yourself! (And I suppose I can be of service once you find any special gifts and treats for your 4-legged pals!)

Toothless Thursday... YES, AGAIN!!!!

Well, there you have it! Jaiden lost her other "big" front tooth this week, and now she has that cute little gap smile that kids have around this age!
It's funny how different she looks without those pearly whites! How long does it take for the permanent ones to come in, anyway? Will we still be singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" by springtime?!?!?! ;)

A temporary loss of sanity

We're having a baby in a few months, and I was wondering if it was time to panic yet.
I mean, the whole entire pregnancy (which lasts about 10 months, not 9, thank you very much), you wait and wait.... and wonder and hope.... and think and ponder.... and moan and whine... oops! Ok, so there IS some moaning and whining that goes along with the amazing amount of pain and discomfort -- emotionally and physically -- that goes hand in hand with being pregnant.

But now, since we're counting down fewer than 70 days or so, is it ok for me to go into panic mode? I mean, I haven't done this in over 7 years. And, frankly, I don't remember much about it. AND... with Jaiden, I had an appointment to go to the hospital to be induced, so that took a lot of the worry and surprise out of it.... thank God! I'm not big on surprises like, ummmmm, let's see, my water breaking while I'm at work, writing a media release! As well, since I'm such a planner, I'm now wondering if I need to begin the "oh-no-do-I-have-everything-we-need-for-the-new-baby" worrying. With that said, I just realized that I still don't have one of those doo-dads that strap into to the car so the little baby seat thing can click into it. Ooh. And should I pack my "on-the-way-to-the-hospital-to-pop-out-a-watermelon" bag yet? What goes in there, anyway? I forget. Snacks? Cozy robes, socks and slippers? That's all I can think about right now!
So let me know if I should go ahead and throw sanity out the window now... or hang on a little longer. And if I am supposed to wait a little bit more, can we at least estimate when it will be ok to panic?
I'd like to plan ahead for that.

Wordless Wednesday

This is what I feel like I'm looking at when I look down....

Toothless Thursday!

Ok; I missed posting this grand event on the actual day that Jaiden lost the tooth (Tuesday).... then I missed Wordless Wednesday, so you'll just have to excuse me for throwing in a random "Toothless Thursday" today! ;)

BTW -- Jaiden has lost two teeth already, but this is the first one to go on the top... so she is now sporting quite a nice gap! The one next to it is threatening to make its escape soon as well! (She may be singing "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" this year!)