Tribute to a Wonderful Woman

This past Friday, February 27th, marked the anniversary of my grandmother's death.

My grandmother was a wonderful woman, kind, funny, generous, beautiful, proud, and strong after raising 7 children on a single income. But my mom and her brothers and sisters were never without because the love her and my grandfather gave them was worth more than all the riches in the world.

Her death was sudden and unexpected so the wound is still fresh for me 4 years later. And, unfortunately, she was not able to be a part of my wedding or the birth of my son. Getting through those times, the two biggest days of my life, without her was quite a challenge. I miss her like crazy and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her.

So, in honor of her admirable life, a tribute to Jean (Smith) Heiden. I love you!

Jean Smith as a wild, young woman of the world - LOVE the shoes!

My grandma and grandpa on their wedding day

Jean (Smith) and Ervin "Jim" Heiden

With their 7 children - check out the clothes!

Busting up the dance floor at a family wedding

Wedding Anniversary Party

Grandma with half of her grandchildren; there would be 12 total
There I am, on Grandma's lap in the snazzy pink jump-suit - SWEET!

It's always so entertaining when old people kiss
My cousins and I (right in purple) look on in awe-struck humor

Just as I remember them

My mouth is watering...

I am in love...no, wait...obsessed, with everything and anything crafty. Scrapbooking, photography, graphic design...if I could, I would live at Michaels.

And some day, some glorious day, this WILL be mine. If you want to donate to the "Get Stacy a Kick-Ass Craft Room Fund", please email me. All monetary donations are accepted...except for anything under $100.

In the words of my oh-so-wise co-worker: I want to go to there.

The Ultimate Scrapbooking Room

And the winner BETTER BE...

One of my favorite parts of the evening comes after my hub and I put my son to bed and we get to relax together and watch the prime-time TV we've recorded throughout the night.

::Side bar - GOD BLESS the DVR. It's a parent's dream come true::

One of our favorite shows is American Idol and although we usually lose interest after the bad auditions and Hollywood Week portions of the show, this year we have a vested interest in the form of Danny Gokey.

Danny, seen here in all his Idol splendor, is not only a Milwaukee native, he is also the best male vocalist, bar-none, that American Idol has ever seen. After making it to the top 36, last night was his break-out moment and on live TV he did nothing short of showing America why he deserves to be in the spotlight. His rendition of "Hero" (Mariah Carey) was AMAZING. You could feel his connection and passion for the song and that is what makes an artist.

But, despite the insane level of natural raw talent, he has his haters: "He's not worth the hype", "The only reason he's popular is because people feel sorry for him" "He's using his 'story' to get attention", blah.

How can people be so heartless? This man just lost his wife. Not his dog, not his neighbor's bestfriend's mom, his WIFE. I couldn't imagine losing my husband at such a young age - it would crush my life to pieces. If he wants to get on national television, tell his story, sing his heart out and inspire others in the process, why do people begrude him fame? The votes he will receive for his talent will more than outweigh any "sympathy votes" he may receive.

Besides, if "bikini-girl" can get her 15 minutes using her rockin' body to hide her lack of vocal talent, anything should be possible. WTF?!

Cross your fingers for the voting results tonight! Go Danny!