Hello Friends!

 

I’d like to thank Corey for reaching out

to us all and inviting us to share

a bit about our lives. 

I’m Penni, and I found Corey about a year after

she began her blog, ‘Tongue in Cheek’.

I will rewrite a message I sent her a bit ago,

changing the pronouns  

"I’m not really into antiques, France is fine-

but I’ve never been there, and probably never will—

I stumbled on Corey’s blog about a year after she started and I stay because of her literal Spirit.

She’s genuine. She’s real. She’s poetic,  intelligent, and constantly positive.

This blog is a soft place to land.

I have found much peace in her conversations and observations.

I am inspired to be more because of the familial connection she has with her readers.

I don’t always have something to add,

but I always read. I admire her dedication to God and family,

and the way those things are reflected in her posts, photos,

and yes, antiques. I love that she shares her prayers and hope.

I thoroughly enjoy her relationship with Yann;

and have gushed over all the renovations. She is a constant light. "

 

 

I met my husband when I was 15, married him at 18,

and had the first of our five children when I was 20.

Our life was simple and sweet with plenty of ups and downs,

but we had so much fun and have the best kids ever! 

 

 

 

Our #1 child was a FireFighter until just recently, he was headed to be a Captain,

however, a life long illness required him to make a career shift,

so he is now an Arson Investigator married with 3 boys,

 his fun wife works as a Preschool Teacher for the severely handicapped.

#2 is a store manager at a tile company, where he shines because he loves sales and design, he is married with 5 kids! Which keeps his clever wife plenty busy.

Our #3 is a “Dental Hygenius” (hygienist, lol)  who loves science, her patients, travel, fashion, the fine arts, and being an activist for good social change.

#4 was a Journeyman Wireman but injured his back, so now he uses his artistic skills to redesign cars, trucks, and other vehicles. He’s the SAHDad of 3, and manages the house while his sweet wife works as a Pediatric Oncology RN.

6 years ago we lost our youngest daughter, she was 27 and was 6 months from earning her PhD from Duke University.

A year ago in August, my husband died unexpectedly

-dealing with both of those losses has been a challenge,

but our faith tells us that families are forever,

so I look forward to being reunited with them both for the eternities.

However, after a year alone, I need a change, so I am following the advice of my kids

and making a move.

My husband traveled (U.S. and Canada) for work,

and after the kids were old enough to tend to themselves for a week

I went with him when I could.

It was an incredible gift, we loved being with each other.

We agreed on about 98% of everything

-so our life was great, we were just the best of friends, always together.

We have 11 grandkids who are hilarious and smart and are just the best medicine for a bad day

-so after the move, once I am settled,

I plan on just going from one house to the other to receive as much joy as possible! 

In the times I am at home I will continue to work on my hobbies,

volunteering, and many visits to the beach.   

I currently live in a small town in the Mojave Desert of SoCal, in the U.S.

however, I am literally in the middle of a life changing move!

My garage is stacked and packed with a zillion boxes

my house will go up for sale this week…

I have no idea where I am moving to!

“Sell high, buy low!” so here I am. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am an artist and creator at heart and have worked on and off

all my life doing the most enjoyable things.

I began selling home-baked and decorated gingerbread houses

when I was in 4th grade and decorated my first “official” wedding cake

as a freshman in high school. 

 

 

 

 

I have always done some form of art, from logos to billboards,

custom Christmas cards, and had a few decades of painting murals

and faux finishes in model homes, businesses, and for personal home clients.

I was an ASL interpreter and instructional aide

for sign dependent deaf students k-12 for about 15 years.

I decorated cakes and reception

centers for weddings, quinceaneras, and have taught many of those skills to others.

I have taught art to school children and adults.

I made patterns for custom-tailored furniture covers to clothing.

I love making costumes and use the ideas of clients and my grandkids for inspiration.

I have volunteered for the Red Cross, LDS Charities, Domestic Violence Shelters, Homeless Shelters, Community Warming Centers, Deseret Industries,

helped build a community park in one day, and other places where I could.

I am a true “Jane of All Trades, Master of None!” 

I fear I have written a very long rambling book –

I will blame it on lack of sleep and leave it at that! Haha!

Again, I have enjoyed reading everyone’s incredible stories,

I feel like I have added a lot more “Imaginary Friends” to my life!