THOUGHTS & PONDERINGS AT THE BEGINNING OF 2009

This has been a month of change and it all has to do with Granny Pat. Lots and lots of changes going on in her life. She started out in 2008 going to the hospital and has wound up in 2009 at Asbury Gardens. No more home, no more car, no more bills, no more lonliness or anxiety. At least that's the way it would seem. She still carries the lonliness and anxiety because she's lived with that all her life. Not a very happy life, but now at 83 years of age she could be happy if she'd let herself. There are so many lessons to learn about old age. So many things I've learned about how NOT to grow old! My life is far different than my mother's life was however. I'm thankful everyday that I found the Lord and He has made my life whole. He has given me more than I could have ever asked or thought about. I may not be rich monitarily but I have more than most people in this world and I will rejoice for He has made me glad!!!!

CHRISTMAS 2008

What a wonderful Christmas it was! All snowy outside and cuddly inside. All of our 8 great kids and 14 of the best grandchildren in the world :-) We had several celebrations actually starting with our "family" Christmas on Sat. Dec. 20. That's when we opened all our presents and had our traditional Taco dinner. Then on Christmas Eve afternoon most of us went to Kevin and Lori's for another present opening ceremony! On Christmas day we were all at our house with many other family & extended family members. Some of the kids and adults went outside sled riding!! Gramma handed out ornaments and we had our pinata fun too! That was another story!! All in all it was a fabulous day and a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus' birthday! Grampa & Gramma were worn out!!!!

SIXTY YEARS YOUNG!

Okay, I don't know how I got here. I remember being 3 years old sitting in a pumpkin patch with Michael and now I'm 60!!! How often do I have to say, "where did all the years go?" I don't feel 60, so they say you're only as old as you feel :-) Happy Birthday to me, the sextaganarian!! Isn't that a funny word!!!!

GRAMMA'S FAVORITE HOLIDAY!

You all know that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, right? We usually spend the holiday together but this year Eric, Tonia, Cameron, Clarice, Chandler, Cailee, & Caden are celebrating the holiday at their other grandparents house in Toledo. That's okay, but we will miss them!! We know they love being there too! We will celebrate with a great dinner and all the trimmings, including our traditional shrub! And we won't play any games this year family, honest :-) I thank God for the tremendous privilege of mothering and grandmothering my wonderful family!!

LIFE IN FLORIDA!

We had a great vacation. It was great to be with family. Family is so important. We have an outstanding heritage. It's sad to see parents hurting and life declining, but we are so grateful to have spent this time with them. It makes life so much more precious! We love you children and grandchildren and treasure the memories that we make together!!! You're the best!

FRANK FINALLY HAS A HARLEY!!

Well, it finally happened. Grampa Frank has had his dream come true!! For over 40 years he's wanted a Harley Davidson, and now he has it!! It's a week old in fact!!! He's got a constant smile on his face too! The grandchildren are in awe of it. They love it's loud noise and rumble and some of them have even sat on it! Gramma says she isn't ready to ride it yet, but will when Grampa has had some road practice! Can you just see it now?? Gramma says she's worried about the "little" seat on the back. She's thinking she needs the more mature seat :-)

SCHOOL DAZE!

This is all about our three 5 yr. old grandchildren who are starting/have started kindergarten! Wow, it's hard to believe the Ryland, Cailee and Malia are in school already. I know they will do so well and be very good students :-) Hope all the younger siblings take note!! And of course they have the perfect teachers!!! Grampa & I pray for you everyday!! Also, I must take note of all the other grandchildren in school!!! You're all the best in the world!!!