Grandpa's Family

This picture is 4 years old, but it's our most recent family picture with my mom's whole side of the family. Actually, this family wouldn't be possible without the love and commitment from one family member not pictured here.

Grandpa Lyttle passed away 11 years ago today. I was 12 years old. It was July, and my family had just been down to visit around the 4th of July.

Within weeks after returning home after a great week at Grandma and Grandpa's house, I remember my mom listening to a message on our answering machine that explained Grandpa was in the hospital. I wasn't sure what a brain aneurysm was, but noticing my mom's tears, I knew it wasn't good. He passed away in the hospital, and our family traveled back down to Maryland to celebrate the life God gave my grandpa.

I don't remember much about the funeral, but I do remember my aunt trying to put her eye contact back in after it fell out from her crying! I also remember a woman singing "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and I remember some men carrying the casket down the aisle of the church past our family.

I also remember being told that each of us grandkids could pick one flower from the many arrangements to take with us. I chose an orange gerber daisy - it seemed so cheerful, and now I always think of Grandpa when I see orange gerber daisies.

I'm planning to pick up an orange gerber daisy on my way to work today. As a simple reminder of Grandpa Lyttle and the wonderful part he had in my family.

• I remember making homemade ice cream at his house and having ice cream eating contests with my cousins, aunts, and uncles - no hands allowed!
• I remember playing house in his camper with my cousins and sisters.
• I remember him teaching me to water ski behind his boat and going to Blue Knob to downhill ski in the winter.
• I remember him coming to visit at our house - and always bringing donuts..or maybe that was more Grandma's idea!
• I can remember his deep laugh and his gentle, loving voice.
• I remember how he used the words "Thee" and "Thy" in his prayers before meals, and it always made me realize the importance God had in his life.
• I remember his sense of adventure and all his cool cars.
• I remember being at his house for his birthday one year when he got a music CD as a gift. He took me out to his car in the garage, and he opened the car sunroof as we sat and listened to the songs together.
• I remember his generosity and love for people.
• I remember his nicknames for me and my sisters - Cuter than Me, Prettier than Me, and Sweeter than Me. I'm pretty sure I was "Sweeter than Me" and can remember him using those from time to time.
• I can remember the last words he said to me as my family headed home after a week at his house, "Laura, there's so much we didn't get to do this time, but there's always next time!"

There never was a "next time" with Grandpa, but that's okay. He made the most of his time here, so we made plenty of memories in those 12 years together. And because of his love and commitment to God and his family, his 12 grandkids and their families continue to love and support each other, and I will thank God for that as I glance at my cheerful orange gerber daisy!

A Tricky Oil Change!

You're looking at a future Mr. & Mrs. right there! That's right! Nate proposed, and we're engaged!! 

It has been a whirlwind since last Friday, but I do want to share our story here so I can look back and remember what a special day it truly was!

Nate and I had been talking "wedding" for a while, and I was anticipating a ring sometime this summer. However, after some false alarms, I was beginning to wonder if he'd even bought the ring yet...

We both have Fridays off right now, and Nate had plans to take my car to his house Thursday night, change my oil Friday morning, and come back to pick me up in the afternoon to do something fun he had planned. (I liked the sounds of this!) The thing was, I didn't need an oil change for another 400 miles, but Nate convinced me he would be busy the next few weekends, so Friday morning really was the best time.

Stuck at home without a car, I slept in on Friday and eventually got ready for Nate to pick me up around 1:30 for our fun day together. Around 12:30, Nate calls to say there is something wrong with my oil cap and other things - this oil change had quickly become more complicated and he needed to go to the auto store for some parts. Apparently my car was in pieces on his driveway, and it would take all day to fix it all. Great. So much for our special afternoon! He said he could probably be at my house around 8:00 that evening.

Well, what was I supposed to do? My parents were working, and all I had was Nate's motorcycle! Nate suggested I call my friend, Hannah, who was in town from Texas. I told Nate he should drive his truck down here to get me and figure out my car later! Or I could at least hang out with him at his house while he tinkered around with my car. He claimed he needed some "man time" and really just had to take care of this today. Great. Nate's little project was more important than me. He asked me to stay positive and that he would make it up to me. Trying to show him I was being positive, I sent him a text later to thank him for taking care of my car. But really I was bummed because I had thought our special afternoon would involve a diamond ring, but yet again, it was a false alarm since he so easily canceled these plans!

I eventually got in touch with Hannah who said she was going to a craft store her grandma suggested for some wedding decorations (since Hannah just got engaged!). I had all the time in the world now, so Hannah picked me up, and we headed out to Kathy's Country Crafts. Hannah warned me the place was a bit of a drive, but she was told it had really nice stuff. I was up for whatever, and we talked in the car about how I've really been trying to trust Nate and the plan he says he has for proposing. Gosh I was beginning to hate the words patient and hang in there!

As we're driving, we came to Berean Bible Church in Greene. There was a red truck in the parking lot with a tool box just like Nate's - and Nate was standing in the back waving his hands! In my head I was thinking we should stop and say hi before we go to the craft store; Nate must be running some errands in between working on my car. I don't even get these words out of my mouth, and Hannah pulls into the parking lot next to Nate with just a huge smile on her face!

Nate has a yellow gerber daisy, opens my door, and says, "Laura! You're coming with me for the rest of the day!" Oh man!! I told Hannah we'd had to go shopping another day, and I hop in Nate's truck.

I asked about my car and the oil change, but Nate just told me to relax and we headed to dinner. He had made reservations at the Silo for 4:00 when they opened. We were a bit early and enjoyed the gardens outside before sitting down for our meal. (I wasn't even all that hungry because I thought we could do a later dinner when Nate came back with my car at 8pm - I had just eaten lunch at 2:30!) We helped ourselves to the salad bar and enjoyed our meals - Nate got a chicken dish, and I had pasta...with lots leftover!

After dinner we got back in Nate's truck and started driving again. I hardly ever go out to Greene so didn't recognize a thing! I had no clue what was next. Miles later, we turn down a path in the woods and right through someone's campsite! We park, surrounded by tall grass and woods. I informed Nate that I was not prepared to go hiking in just my flip flops! He assured me that we just had to walk a little ways - and we came across a lake with a canoe so conveniently sitting there! (Funny because we had just talked the night before about how we should go canoeing some time! Little did I know what Nate already had planned...)

We hop in the canoe and paddle against the current out on the lake. (Actually, Long Pond as Nate clarified.) We floated for a bit and eventually drifted back toward where we started since the wind was so strong. Thinking I'd had enough canoeing for the day, I asked Nate where on shore we had started. He said we'd already past it, and convinced me to keep going a little father! We eventually turn around again to head back, and Nate points out a stump with a flower on it. I didn't see a flower, but we paddled closer. Sure enough, there was a flower on the stump - another yellow gerber daisy!

I picked up the flower and there was fishing line attached to it. I kept pulling, but it kept going! Nate paddled us closer to shore as I collected fishing line. As we reached more plants near the shore, I gave a tug on the fishing line and a ring box pops up!

I turn around to see Nate kneeling down on one knee in the middle of the canoe! He was holding open the real ring box with a beautiful ring inside - beautiful because of what it signifies in our relationship. Nate confirmed his love for me and his desire for a future together. He said something about spending the rest of our lives together, and I asked if he was sure he was up for that! Even after how frustrated I was with his that morning over the oil change and my other not-so-great sides, he said he is definitely up for a lifetime with me!

We were so happy and carefully hugged as we balanced on the canoe in the water! Realizing that I'd said, "Yes!" Nate put the ring on my finger, and it fit perfect!

I was so impressed with the plan he'd come up with and the effort he put into making our engagement such a special day! He'd talked to the people at the campsite early when he brought the canoe, so they celebrated with us and were the first to offer congratulations! 

Nate was proud of the successful day he had conquered, and we went back to my house to celebrate with some family and friends! We called family and texted friends - everyone was thrilled for us, but not the least bit surprised that Nate proposed - I wasn't the only one waiting for it!

When Nate and I had talked about rings, I'd asked him for one with etching on the sides and a princess cut main diamond. He also had two smaller diamonds embedded on either side - one to represent each of us with God as the center and focus of our relationship like the main diamond. It's perfect, and I love that it means Nate has chosen to merge our two lives and continue to build a future together!

Side Details:

• My oil never got changed. In fact, my car never even made it to Nate's house! He met a friend late Thursday night and took the car up to Hannah's house!
• Kathy's Country Crafts does not exist in Greene, NY. Hannah totally made it up to made it believable that she had to drive way out there!
• Nate bought a brand new outfit for this special occasion. Only, he didn't bring a belt, so had to zip-tie his new shorts to hold them up!
• My mom knew about all this two days before and didn't spill the beans to me!
• Nate barely slept the night before all this; I barely slept the night after!
• There are actually 11 diamonds in my ring, and Nate and I met in 2011.
• Nate has been fishing up at Long Pond before, but I think I just got the greatest catch!!

The Big Brown Mountain Mudder

Nate's brother, Evan, and a friend, Jon, recently organized a race through the woods at Nate's house - Brown Mountain. The course led runners through the woods, obstacles, and plenty of mud! The day before the race, Nate and I spent time in the woods making mud pits and securing a wall that Nate built to some trees. Racers had to climb over Nate's 9 foot wall, climb up a rock scramble, race along the top of a wobbly stone wall, maneuver various other obstacles, and finally run to the finish carrying a log!

We did all this as a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A friend from church has muscular dystrophy, and we were glad to have an event to help out this organization. Each runner paid the entrance fee and received a shirt that another friend design. We also had businesses in the area donate food for after the race. With just over 30 mudders in the race and many others helping out that day, we raised $430!

I'd say the first Big Brown Mountain Mudder was a success!

An Entire Day Off Together!

 

Nate's schedule recently changed, and now he has 3 day weekends - just like me! We took advantage of our Friday off last week and took a day trip to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. We hiked down the Canyon when we first arrived - enjoyed a few waterfalls along the way and met a couple who was celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary! Wonder if we'll still be active and hiking by then!

After our picnic lunch, we started biking along the large creek at the bottom of the Canyon. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and the sound of the water next to us. We eventually spotted two deer cooling off in the creek. We stopped and watched them for a bit - see them near the middle of the picture below?

We decided we need to bike more often if we're ever going to be able to enjoy biking. We probably rode about 9-10 miles, but we barely even talked with each other the whole half riding back! All we could focus on were how much our butts hurt and that we wanted to get back to the car!!

We did, however, end our day the most relaxing way possible! We floated in tubes down that same creek for two hours! It was so nice just to sit back and let the water carry us down. Definitely a good way to end our active day!

We stopped for a late dinner on the way home, and we were glad to be able to spend an entire day together - looking forward to more adventures this summer!

A Trip to the Hospital

I've been traveling to Rochester every other weekend for the past two months. I thought my next trip wouldn't be until September, but when my parents said they were traveling to Rochester to visit my grandpa in the hospital last weekend, I decided to join them.

Grandpa is a retired teacher, but he is still very active. He can often be found painting houses. Last Thursday he was outside painting on a ladder. The ladder slipped, and he fell 12 feet to the concrete ground! He was taken to a hospital in Rochester where they did surgery on his wrist. The x-rays pictured above show some screws, pins, and a plate that now hold his wrist together. We're thankful that his wrist was the only major injury!

My parents and I drove up to my grandparents' house Friday night to see how Grandma was doing. The next morning we took her to the hospital to visit Grandpa. He was sitting up and eating breakfast when we arrived - his first solid food since Thursday morning! We was in good spirits, and his pain had gone down to a 5 (it had been at a 15 out of 10!). Grandpa rested most of the day, and we were able to talk with him and make him more comfortable.

Grandpa kept making comments about how he had such a great family, and I know we all appreciate being part of his family! When Grandma was out of the room, he was asking how she was doing. He was the one dealing with a broken wrist, but he was still concerned for Grandma! We assured him that even though she was tired, she understood that everything happens for a reason, and she was ready to take it one day at a time as Grandpa heals.

I loved watching the interaction between my grandparents during this time. There was so much love and care shown on both ends, and they were both concerned for the other's needs. Other relatives took shifts at the hospital too, and we received word on Monday that Grandpa was home from the hospital!

It will take some time for his wrist to heal and the cast to be removed, but I'm glad we were able to visit Grandpa in the hospital and provide some encouragement - I know he would do the same for me!

Campfire Grilled Cheese

The other night, Nate and I were figuring out what we should do for dinner, and then I remembered our Spring List. Before each new season, we try to make a list of things we want to do over the next few months. We list people we want to visit, how many times we'll aim to run or rollerblade, new activities to try, places to explore, or birthdays and holidays to celebrate. One of the last things left to do on our Spring List was to try and make grilled cheese over a fire.

Back in February, we made breakfast on the campfire, and the pancakes turned out really good! We figured we should give grilled cheese a try. We got a fire going and prepared our sandwiches. We placed them on a baking sheet over the fire, and they were done in no time! We enjoyed our sandwiches while we warmed up a can of soup over the fire too.

It was a fun way to make our dinner, and we completed our Spring List just in time to think about what our Summer List will look like!

Venus Transit

Nate and I went to Kopernik Observatory tonight for an event that will not happen again until 2117! The planet Venus passed by the sun, and the orbits of Venus and Earth lined up so we could see it.

It was a pretty cloudy evening, but people eagerly gathered inside to watch Venus via live internet feed from NASA's clear view of the sun. Everyone anxious wondered if the clouds would clear enough for us to view it from Kopernik's telescopes.

Then..we got the call! The sun had been spotted on Murry Hill Road, and blue sky was on its way! After a rush of excitement, the telescopes were set and ready to display the sun.

Nate and I went into a large room that had a giant telescope coming down through the roof. The view from the telescope was projected on the wall, and when the clouds cleared, we saw the picture above. The giant white circle is the sun, and the small black dot toward the bottom is Venus making its way to the right side of the sun. And those blacks spots in the center are sun spots.

After a view minutes of watching the sun on the wall, we made out way to the smaller telescopes. The one Nate is looking at here displayed the sun as green. This was to lessen the intense impact of the light the sun gives off. They connected a special eyepiece to the telescope to make it safe to view the sun with the naked eye. Sure enough, we could see Venus in front of the sun!

We headed outside to find sunglasses you could use to safely look directly at the sun. There were more telescopes set up outside as well, and it was interesting that it was cloudy because you could see the clouds moving past the sun too. The final telescope we looked at magnified the sun even more - you could even see the solar flares moving on the surface of the sun!

It was fun to be part of all the hype at Kopernik tonight. God creatively placed so many different things in the sky, and we gained a greater appreciation for His creation by viewing this rare occurrence. I would highly recommend a trip to Kopernik! They typically have events on Friday nights if you're ever interested: www.kopernik.org