Monday, September 5, 2011

Family Times

Romey, Me, Jules and Grandma Coral
We had many family gatherings, but somehow I forgot to take a picture the one time that everyone was together. This picture was taken when Ryan and Grandma joined us for dinner.  Ryan is very busy working extra hours at Charles Schwab and working at the theater downtown whenever they have a show.         
Traditional Monday Night at Sun Up
I'm having issues with formatting this blog.  1st it wouldn't upload additional pictures and then I cannot get it to allow me to type where I want to.  Oh well, it is no matter, pay no attention to it.  That is a quote from a book that Mom read to us or rather we read together because we would always take turns reading.  The quote has gone down in our family history, always there to remind us not to take things so seriously.

Faye and Kelsea, cousins

Archer and Romey

Romey the dancer
 Romey really loves the Disney movie Tangled about Rapunzel.  She states that the day she came to Phoenix was, "The best day ever!" and we made Hazelnut soup more times than I can count.  I saw it after they left and it is a really fun movie. 
Grandpa Larry with Romey and Archer

We had a great time when Kelsea, Philip, Romey, Archer and Larry came to visit!  The only people missing were Jacki and Julian.  Jacki was just here in May and again in June, so I can't really complain about her absence.  Julian is another matter.  We missed him and I miss him every day.  We had many family gatherings, but somehow I forgot to take a picture the one time that everyone was together.  Larry was here mainly to go up to Strawberry to help his Mom.  Kelsea et.al. went to Strawberry too, but didn't stay as long as Larry.  They also went to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon and spent 2 weekends in Phx.  I really had a fun playing with the kids.  Romey had my undivided attention for imaginative play. She was sad when they left.  I was amazed at how much Archer matured since he was here in May.  He is talking and not as shy as he was last visit.  I will try to post more pictures from their visit now.
Romey and Grandma Dorothy

Four generations of Romeys





Walkley family go to the Grand Canyon
Mom and I

All the kids like to play the piano with me.  I have been  playing piano a lot lately, using it as part of my grieving to express my feelings.  Their are many songs that seems right now.  Sad songs, love songs, uplifting songs and hymns.  For example I play "Piano Man" by Billy Joel.  These phrases hit a key with me, "Son, can you play me a memory". (my music is playing memories) "I believe this is killing me, as a smile ran away from his face" (sometimes just like that the smile runs away from my face) "We're in the mood for a melody and you've got us feelin all right".  (playing music gets me feeling alright). I like, "let it be" by the Beatles for obvious reasons.  I like "Stormy Weather".  I like the score.  It's fun to play.  The words are sad, however there is a line that gives me endless hope, "All I do is pray the Lord above will let me walk in the sun once more".  It reminds me that after and around grief comes sunshine and happiness.

Larry's Mom's yard in Strawberry


Till the next visit, dance on Romey!