Category Archives: Family

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

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The Lost Art of Letter Writing

One thing I love more than anything in the world is giving and receiving letters. My beloved grandmother (RIP <3) instilled in me at a very young age the power of hand written letters. Growing up, I remember getting so excited to see letters from my grandma in the mail. It wasn’t long before I began to write to her individually and eagerly anticipate a reply back. I loved reading my grandmas beautiful flowing cursive in rich black ink, because she always used brand new ball point pens. I’m actually getting insanely emotional as I type this, because now that my grandma has passed, the letters that I saved from her are even more dear to me. I began thinking about how no one really writes letters anymore while I was writing today to my sweet friend Neva, who you can read all about in my post Thankful. Neva was one of my grandma’s friends, and she’s sort of like my pen pal in between when I visit her. There’s something so beautiful to me about a handwritten note. A note just for you. A note that someone took the time out of their day to sit down and write, because they were thinking about you. That’s just so amazing to me. Whenever I would receive a letter from my grandma or Neva, thoughts like that would fill my head, and make the gift of the letter that much more special to me. The personal touch of a letter is far beyond anything a quick text message, email, or phone call can give you. Whenever I read old notes from my grandma from over a year ago, I can still hear her saying her written words in my head. It’s like an extra special hug from her to reread her telling me that she loves me. What could be better than that? Letters make me happy. It makes me feel good every time I send a letter to Neva, because I know she’s going to open it up and smile at my words. Brightening someones day like that is what I live for. The power of words never ceases to amaze me. Honestly, I’m not sure why people don’t write anymore, especially knowing that writing a quick ten minute note could make someones day. Who wouldn’t take the time to do that? Maybe I’m an old soul at heart, but I’d rather get something handwritten than all this virtual mumbo jumbo any day.

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The picture above are just a few of the notes and cards I have saved from my grandma and Neva. I have them tucked safely away in my desk drawer, where I can look at them any time I want. I can’t encourage you guys enough to sit down and write a letter today to someone who means something to you. They’re going to appreciate it more than you know, I can promise you that. Have a lovely Tuesday evening! -Sarah

Parks and Rec! My favorite:)

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Parks and Rec! My favorite:)

My mom and I are absolutely in love with the show Parks and Recreation. We binge watched up to season five and were SO disappointed to have to wait for such a long time to see season six, as it only came out on Netflix and DVD a few days ago. Lucky for us, we finally snagged the DVD set from the library, and have been watching our usual two episodes per night, just like before! My P&R time with my mom is very similar to my Dancing With the Stars time with my dad (see previous posts!). It’s our special time with each other, where we don’t have to think or do anything other than laugh. We love the cast of the show so very much. I’ll be honest, I used to despise Amy Poehler before I started watching Parks. I found her quite annoying. But after spending six seasons with her on this show, I adore her. She’s the cutest little thing ever! I love how passionate her character, Leslie Knope is about her job and her coworkers. I find it so adorable just how much she goes above and beyond for all of the members of the Parks team. Leslie Knope is thoughtful and goofy! Poehler is just fantastic at portraying this. Another fan favorite of ours is Rob Lowe as Chris Traeger. (Anne Perkins!) This guy cracks me up! Everything said by Traeger is either funny or indirectly funny because of his delivery. Seriously every time he opens his mouth it puts my mom and I in stitches. The chemistry between the cast is really something special. They also have a great script to work with as well. The writing on Parks is sharp and quick. I love the different types of humor it touches on, everything from sarcasm, satire, to complete silliness. Even the smallest backhanded comments on each episode pack a humorous punch. I’m looking forward to watching more of season six. My partner in crime and I are on episode five and so far so good!

If you haven’t watched Parks and Recreation, I can’t recommend it enough. Fantastic writing, a solid story line, and an all star cast including Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, and Adam Scott to name a few. Did I forget to mention Guardians of the Galaxy super star Chris Pratt is on the show too?! He’s a trip. Here’s a few snippets of some funny moments from the show:

Where are all of my Parks and Rec fans on here? What’s your favorite episode? (Mine is the Sexual Education epi on season 5!) Who’s your favorite character? Leave me a comment and let’s chat! Goodnight! -Sarah

A Special Night

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A Special Night

Family is so important to me. Monday nights always hold a special place in my heart because it’s when I get my cherished one on one time with my dad. And it’s no secret that I’m the ultimate daddy’s girl. Monday nights (AKA Middle Aged Monday – AKA MAM) is when I get a full two hours just for me and my dad when we watch Dancing With the Stars together. It’s been a tradition of ours for years now, and it’s time that I wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world. Every Monday night like clockwork at eight o’clock we settle into the living room with our snacks and soda and indulge in our television guilty pleasure of DWTS. Every season we tell each other we’re not gonna get sucked into watching…and every season we find ourselves glued to the tv set every Monday night. It’s always so fun to be daddy’s little girl and cuddle up next to him, laugh at all the commentary, and tell each other “I could do that” to all the moves in the routines. During commercial breaks we dance around the living room and recap the just performed dances. We comment on all the racy costumes and snicker at all the dances that we declare “I could have done better than that!” I love it when my dad is goofy with me, and I love seeing him laugh and enjoy himself. One on one time with each of my parents is so special to me, and it’s memories like Monday night tv time that I’m going to cherish for forever. Simple things like watching a television program with my dad or going on a quick shopping trip with my mom hold very dear to my heart, and I’m so lucky that I can indulge in time with one or both of my parents whenever I want. I’m so thankful that for my entire twenty years of life, I’ve truly been a mama and daddy’s girl. I’m feeling incredibly grateful right now. It’s so nice to be able to look forward to Monday night tv every week and to have the two hour daddy daughter hang out exceed expectations. My DWTS time with my dad is the equivalent of a daddy daughter dance to me, and how lucky am I that I get to attend a daddy daughter dance every week. I am content. I am thankful. Have an amazing night guys. Be well. -Sarah

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Movie Night!!!

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Movie Night!!!

It’s family movie night tonight and let me just say, I am thrilled! There’s seriously nothing better than putting on a pair of sweats, making love to a big bowl of popcorn, and enjoying a stupid funny movie with the fam. Tonight our movie of choice is Super Troopers. We’ve never seen it before, but have seen it multiple times on top funny movie lists, so we figured we’d give it a go. My family bonds over stupid funny movies. Our fan favorites include: Old School, Zoolander, The Internship, Step Brothers, Office Space, and Anchorman just to name a few. Honestly, family movie night is the one time I’m not slightly annoyed by anyone, because no one is talking! Ha. It’s always so fun to hear huge belly laughs and a symphony of “ohmygods” and “did he just say that?!” fill up our living room. One of my favorite things about movie night is that we have something to talk and joke about for the next few days. The playful back and forth quote banter between everyone is the best! It may seem lame, and I guess it kind of is….but, I think I’d rather be at home with my crazy sibs and parents watching a dumb comedy than going out on a Saturday night. No matter how much my family drives me crazy, (and believe me, they drive me freaking nuts) I still cherish my time with them. I’m such a hot head (and that’s not a redhead pun!!!) that sometimes all I can handle is something simple and small like movie night. These are memories I’m going to keep for forever, and smile every time I think about them. There’s something really special about these nights, and I’m really excited to get some quality time with the crew. MUSHENHEIM FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 2014: COMMENCE!

What are some stupid funny movies that we should watch next movie night? What’s your ultimate favorite comedy? Leave me a comment and let me know so my fam can add it to our “to watch” list! Have a great Saturday night! -Sarah

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Dancing With the Stars

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Dancing With the Stars

Middle Aged Monday is upon us again, with another solid episode of Dancing With the Stars tonight. Season 19 is starting out strong with a cast full of fun contestants. Not only do we have a great new cast, but we also have a new judge, Miss Julianne Hough. I absolutely adore her, as does my dad 😉 she’s just so talented and sweet, and she’s not hard on the eyes either! My personal fan favorite so far is Mr. Alfonso Ribeiro, best known as Carlton from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. That man has swag. He has great musicality and he can really move! His partner, Witney is just fabulous as well. Her choreography is outstanding. Who knew that Alfonso could bust a move other than “the Carlton”?! My dad and I are also having a blast watching Tommy Chung, “the original stoner” perform. His partner in crime, Cheech makes guest appearances through out the show as well, so it’s always a riot watching both of them together. Tommy Chung is 76 years old, but he’s so young at heart! He doesn’t move like a senior citizen, that’s for sure. The fact that he can keep up with his partner, Peta Murgatroyd’s choreography is mind boggling…the fact that he somehow manages to look great performing the choreography is a natural phenomenon all on its own. I seriously live for Monday nights. I enjoy and value the time with my dad so very much. I really lucked out today because I was originally supposed to close at work, but my coworker asked me to switch with her, so I got to open the store and be home this evening to indulge in my Middle Aged Monday treat. Who are your favorites so far on the show? Who do you dislike? Any early predictions on who’s going to take home the Mirror Ball Trophy this season? Leave me a comment and let’s chat! -Sarah

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Beckwith Orchards

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Beckwith Orchards

I had a lovely afternoon outing in Kent today with my parents at Beckwith Orchards. It was the perfect fall day in Ohio to go to the apple farm! The property is just gorgeous, filled with flowers, honey bees, and apple trees as far as the eye can see. They have a biking and hiking trail and a super quaint little gift shop filled with bakery, decor, and a million different types of apples to taste test. The orchard has been family owned and operated for over 125 years, and you could definitely tell. There was a home like atmosphere throughout the property, and all the workers were extremely knowledgeable about the apples and the products they sell. They were so friendly too! They all seemed to really be enjoying themselves, which added to the family like touch of Beckwith. I could have spent hours just roaming their acres of land and filling my bag with the luscious apples adorning each tree. If you live in Ohio and are looking for a fun afternoon trip for your family, I definitely recommend giving Beckwith Orchards a try. Make sure you get some of their apple cider while you’re there, it’s so ridiculously delicious!!! Here’s their website with their hours, directions, and event calendar: http://www.beckwithorchards.com/index.html

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Above is a Pic Stitch I made of just a few of the batrillion pictures that I took today. My featured image is of my parents being all cute and walking the property:) Happy Sunday! -Sarah

Thankful.

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Today I got to spend time with one of my favorite people in the world. My sweet southern belle, Neva. And for that, I am SO grateful. I met Miss Neva about ten years ago. She was living in the same Christian retirement center that my beloved grandma was living in. Whenever I would visit my grandma who is now passed (I love you!!!!), she would introduce me to all of her friends, so it was just a matter of time before I met Neva. I instantly took a liking to her, with her sweet southern drawl, her gaudy jewelry, and her blonde bouffant wig. Over the years, we developed a very special friendship with each other. My grandma passing was extremely hard on me, and being able to mourn with her when I came to visit her was always very comforting to me, because she too lost a dear friend in my grandma. I try to visit Neva as often as I can, because her friendship is very important to me. It makes me happy to know that I make her happy. And the joy she brings me is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Whenever I visit, it’s seriously just two girls hanging out. We gossip and gab about our families,the retirement home residents, our beauty and fashion secrets, and anything else that comes to mind. Neva used to be an extremely talented painter, and bless her heart she still continues to paint her days away, so whenever I come to see her, she always has plenty of new art pieces to show me. I cherish our time together, and seeing her today made my day off perfect. Have a great Friday guys. Spend time with someone you love. -Sarah

Dr. Evermor’s (The greatest place on earth)

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Dr. Evermor’s (The greatest place on earth)

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I thought it would be fun to share some pictures from the coolest place I’ve ever been in my life: Dr. Evermor’s sculpture junkyard. My family visited this wonderland when we were vacationing in Wisconsin this past summer. Dr. Evermor is a former demolition expert who spent years collecting machinery and scrap metal for all of his amazing sculpture projects. He is best known for his 300 ton sculpture called the Forevertron (you can see bits and pieces of it in my pictures, it was way too big to be photographed completely by my iPod. I’d highly recommend googling it so you can see it in all of it’s 50 foot high glory!) Dr. Evermor apparently made this sculpture to “launch himself into the heavens” after he passes away. The sculpture park is open free to the public and closes every night at sun down. If I could, I would spend every day there. There were so many incredible sculptures and projects to look at, and everywhere you turned, a new discovery was made. I would give anything to be able to sit in the tea house gazebo located in the Forevertron and write all day, or just sit there and think, and take in the amazing surroundings. If you’re ever in Wisconsin do not, I repeat DO NOT pass up the opportunity to visit Dr. Evermor’s. And if you do go there, I’m sure you will join me in saying that it’s one of the best places in the world. -Sarah

MIDDLE AGED MONDAY

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It’s that time of the year ladies and gentlemen. The premiere of the new season of Dancing With the Stars is on tonight and I am THRILLED! I’ve been a faithful follower of this show for years with my parents, and I creatively coined the occasion “Middle Aged Monday” due to the middle aged nature of the show. I mean seriously….how many twenty year olds say that watching DWTS on a Monday night is one of the things they look forward to? Not a whole lot. The only people who I know who like this show are old people and middle aged people. So if my deep love for it makes me an old lady at heart, then so be it. I’m ready for the new season. I’m ready for quality time with the parents, sipping on some Two Buck Chuck wine, and eating hella popcorn. I’m also ready for Bruno’s hilarious wit and flamboyant personality. He’s my spirit animal, I adore him! Have a great Monday night guys! And if you happen to indulge in Middle Aged Monday (aka MAM) shoot me a comment and let me know what you think of this seasons competition! -Sarah

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Saturday bloody Saturday;)

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If there’s one thing I love, it’s a day off with my mom. I’m 20 years old but I’m still such a baby when it comes to my parents. I treasure my time with them like no other. My mom is amazing. She’s a developmental pediatrician and the work she does for the families and her special needs patients is really something to be commended for. Some of the stories she comes home with are truly heartbreaking. I remember one time she told me about a little boy she saw with developmental problems who got taunted by his classmates because his mom passed away. How can children be so cruel? Jesus Christ. But I digress, my mom and I are best friends. Which is awesome because I used to despise her. We can delve into that later. We spent the entire afternoon together cooking and baking and it was a fantastic time. It’s a memory I’m gonna cherish for forever. My dad is a cool guy too. I’m a total daddy’s girl. He’s way more quiet than my mom, but that just makes everything he says more affective. It makes his praise more significant, his jokes more funny, and his occasional angry comments more devastating. Because my dad can be a tough critic, I do everything I can to make him proud of me. God knows I try. It can get frustrating not feeling good enough though. It really makes you question your self worth, that’s for sure. I’m excited because we’re gonna watch The Shawshank Redemption tonight. He’s been insisting that I watch it since I never have, so it should be fun! Such a solid day off! My parents bring me infinite joy, and I’m so thankful to have them.

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