I woke this morning and checked Facebook. Who should be sitting there staring back at me but my. Great grandmother. I didn't post her picture last night.
It was the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum--one of the reasons for last year's trip. Here's what they had to say about her:
"Who is this woman?
She is Matilda Greenfield Johnson Stegner Narup.
Born in 1861, Matilda ran the only store on Trent, between Spokane Bridge and Spokane Falls. After her first husband J.A. Stegner died, she recieved insurance money which she used to buy 160 acres of land, which is now Pinecroft (on the East side of Pines, across from Trent Elementary). She married J.A. Narup in 1897. Matilda ran the Post Office. She owned land from Trent River Bridge to the Paper Mill.
She is featured in the Museum's new exhibit 'Electrifying the Modern Woman'.
So next time you're driving on Trent by Pines and pass Stegner Rd., you'll know why it's named so!"
I'm thinking that Spokane may just be calling my name again.
I was sitting in the doctor's office waiting room early the other morning. I found "O" magazine on the table next to me. I didn't even get the chance to open it because the cover gave me a post idea. Oprah had favorite things, so I thought I must too. I got busy jotting down my faves.
Like my "People of the Year," I came up with twelve. Here they are (minus the cleavage):
Kitchen Aid mixer - LOVE it! Got it in April. Now can't figure out how I ever baked without it.
Pink Old Navy overcoat/trench-type thingy (I just found out it's called a "car coat") - My favorite thing in my wardrobe. Can't tell you why. I just like how it looks. During the Spokane trip, this bright pink color was kind of a theme. I bought Gerber daisies for the graves I went and visited.
Ikea pillow - I bought one for the Warden originally, and he LOVES it, so I went back and bought me one. I can't even tell you what I love about it. I just do. Super pliable and comfy.
Oregon water (I'm a water snob) - LOVE Oregon's water. Maybe not all of Oregon, but the water that comes into my house is delish.
Bruttles soft peanut brittle - the shop was next to our hotel in Spokane. Everyday, the maid would leave some on the pillow on the bed. The thing I don't like about hard peanut brittle is that it's hard and well, brittle. This stuff practically melts in your mouth.
Our old piano - I love it for what #1 can do with it. It was my great-grandparents piano that came west with them. Built in 1879. The Warden offered to refinish it for me way back, but I just can't do it. Maybe after I'm dead and gone someone'll get their hands on it, but for now, I'm happy with it just the way it is.
Squeaky shoes - LOVE these. Some people don't want their kids to make any more noise than is absolutely necessary. Yes, if my 12-year-old was wearing these, then I'd feel the same, but I love knowing where my 2-year-old is when she's not in my sight.
Sprinter van - What can I say? My home away from home. It's a great ride, and my friends all know when I'm around. I have to be a really careful driver because I'm so darned conspicuous.
Zaycon Foods (not so much a thing, but where I get things) - I am so stocked up on chicken and beef right now because of Zaycon. Wonderful!
Dry pack cannery(again...not necessarily a thing) - I now go once a month and spend about $100 on food that will last us for 30 years if needed. Actually, that's kind of a joke. With teenagers in the house, 30 days'd be a feat.
Envelope system (can this one be a thing?) - This is working miracles on our finances. I can't recommend this one enough. Absolutely love it! I'll give you another update here in a few days.
Ikea Swedish meatballs with lingon berries - Ikea is #6's favorite place in the world. When asked if he'd rather go to Disneyland or Ikea, he chooses Ikea (mind you, he's never been to Disneyland, but for now, he's saving me oodles of money). The reasons he loves Ikea--the playland and the meatballs. What more could a 5-year-old boy want from life?
Time Magazine revealed its person of the year today, so I thought it might be fun to announce mine as well. Here are the rules. A person of the year cannot live in the Madhouse and he/she cannot be a person I work with directly through church. He/she has to be someone I've met face-to-face.
There have been so many that have influenced my life in 2011. Here are a few:
My cousin C.J.
I hadn't met C.J. until this year. I had seen pictures of her when she was a child and heard stories about her from my mom, but we'd never met until 2011. She came from Idaho and helped organize the Stegner family reunion. She came and lived under our roof for a few days and bonded with #6 almost immediately. It was a JOY to meet her and spend time with her on two different occasions. So happy to have her in my life now!
The Asanos
The Asanos lost everything during the tsunami in March. They are the representatives for Mormon Helping Hands in Furukawa, Japan. After losing all that they owned, they didn't sit around feeling sorry for themselves but immediately jumped in to serve those around them.
Stegner cousins
C.J. is in the photo as well, but these people came from far away just to meet up with family. I was impressed with the bond that forged immediately when I met them. LOVED being with them and hope this won't be the only reunion we have.
The Holz cousins--my mom's mom's side of the family. These people had no clue who I was, I'm sure, but they made the effort to get together for dinner. I descend from most of the Holz' great aunt, who had only one child, my mother. These Holz's descend from my grandmother's brothers. Funny how family just feels like...well...family from the moment you meet them. Special thank you to Jeff for taking the time to play tour guide as well. So great to get to spend time with him and all of the Holz's and Stegner's. Love you all!
Sister-in-law Janelle
Oh my goodness! Not enough can be said about this WONDERFUL woman! I LOVE her!!! She jumped in when I said I was going to Spokane. She was the driver of the rental car--thank goodness (I can get lost in my own backyard). She had a brand new calling as Relief Society president in her ward but left and came with me. She was more than patient while we sat and chatted about family and was just sweet and kind the entire time.
Dear friend Tonya
I look at her photo, and I just want to cry. Tonya was my salvation more than once during 2011. It's been an intense year. Tonya went back to school, yet she took the time for a friend. On more than one occasion, the phone would ring and there would be Tonya on the other end of the phone asking if I wanted to have a spontaneous girls' night out. Thank you, Tonya, for taking the time out of your busy life to prevent me going any further insane. I LOVE spending time with you! You are an angel!!!
Taffrin
How could I leave out Taffrin? I have loved Tuesdays. They have been an opportunity to look a little closer at that light at the end of the tunnel that has been school. It has given me a glimpse of what life will be like--spending time with my children and doing things we like to do--not always sacrificing for the things their mom has to do.
Cub Master Steve
This man puts his ALL into his calling. He goes above and beyond for the kids in our ward. You'll notice the boy in the photo has a red mark on his face. Steve makes scout rituals memorable. I appreciate the friendship our family has with his. Thank you for the example of service, Steve!
Tom
Tom should probably have been on my list a couple years ago, but I didn't have a list back then. I was happy to run across this photo of 2011. Here, #2 is getting his Life Scout award. His next step is Eagle. I include Tom here because I give Tom 95% of the credit for #2 getting to this point. Tom, who wasn't much of a scouter in his youth, fully embraced that fact and makes it possible and easier for this younger generation to achieve more. I appreciate those who make time and the effort to help my kids out.
Jayne
I was so impressed with Jayne! She and Chuck with the museum were wonderful to meet and spend time with while we were up in Spokane. I had been in touch with Chuck for months before we took the trip, but I hadn't had much contact with Jayne. She was fabulous! Her outgoing, warm personality made her a friend immediately. She's doing a wonderful work for the Spokane Valley and preserving its history.
Julia
Julia is WONDERFUL! Most of the photos you see on this blog--on the header and on the sidebars, were taken by Julia. She also did #1's senior photos this year and made the special trip up here to Portland to take some photos of #7. She's got some AMAZING talent. I wish I had a photo of her taking pictures. She's down laying on the ground, climbing on things....It's fun to watch. She's always thinking and just views life in such an artistic way.
Vic - Morgan's grandmother
Oh how I love this woman! I have also been impressed by Morgan's mom, but I've never met her face-to-face, or she would have definitely been on my list. I have known Vic for more than twenty years. During 2011, as they faced the ups and downs and ultimate passing of Morgan, Vic commented about how she never thought she'd ever be strong enough to handle something such as that. I just want to assure you, Vic, that the rest of us knew you could. You are a wonderful example of Christ-like love and service. Thank you for the example you've set for so many of us!
So many others should be on this list, but I have limited the list to 12--one for each month of the year.
It has been a wonderful year! A HUGE and special thank you to those who supported #1 and me and our trip to Japan--through donations, cookbook purchases, kind thoughts and words and especially prayers on our behalf. Thank you to those of you who've helped get kids to and from school. Thank you to those who've taught my children at school and church. Thank you to those who've watched my kids so I could study or take a break. Thank you to fellow bloggers who've shared your wisdom and experience and thus made my life just a bit easier. Thank you MOST OF ALL to my family--fellow residents of the Madhouse-- for your patience and support as I've attempted to keep a grasp on just who I am supposed to be and have attempted to see some personal goals through to fruition this past year. Thank you for loving me through it all. I look forward to 2012 with you!
Let's just think back into this past summer alone. I ran off to Spokane AND Japan (yep. That's a poem in the making) and he didn't even bat an eye. He was at a retreat during part of the Spokane trip, but not only did he watch all the kids during the time we were in Japan, he supported me in the cookbook endeavor and even sold a few himself, he drove us to the airport, and now helps us out as we share the story with others--I call him the A.V. guy; though I have yet to see the A.V. card he says he carries around with him--Does anyone else remember that kind of thing from elementary school? Man, I thought I was big stuff when I earned my A.V. card.
The Warden is not a complainer. He's amazing! I really don't know if I've ever met a man like him. I feel TOTALLY blessed to have him. He is a HUGE reason as to why life goes as smoothly as it does.
I scanned a bunch of photos of #1 today. That's where two of these photos originate from. There were so many evidences of what a great dad he is. There's one photo that I have yet to scan that shows him showing her (she was super tiny) how to do something. The photo right after it was #1 doing it herself. He's the kind of guy who expects a lot, but teaches so that we're all successful at whatever is expected.
Once I get that photo scanned, I'll share it here, so you can see what a sweet thing it was.
***
Out of curiosity, I just went back to read over last year's post on this same topic. I thought for sure I'd written about my mom. If you're curious, go here.
This year, instead of a picture, I'm giving you a moving picture. There really wasn't one photo that could sum of the experience, so here you go....
I'm sure that, to anyone who's been following the Madhouse for any length of time, this is no surprise.
For anyone who hasn't, this has been one of the most amazing things about this past year....This, and my trip to Spokane (There are a number of Spokane related posts on the page I've linked to).
