Just Simply The Best!!

I would like you to meet one of my favorite people. This is my cousin Diane. We grew up the only girls in the Ashlock clan of boys. I think I was 14 before another girl came along. That would have made Diane about 10 or 11. Diane was raised mostly in Waynoka Oklahoma. In 1962 she and her family moved to New Mexico for my uncle's job. That would have made her about 14 if my math is right. All most every summer, Diane and her mother; My Aunt Celinda would ride the train from Waynoka to Wichita to spend a week or two with our grandparents. I know that I always looked forward to those visits. She would either come to my house and spend the night, or I would go to Grandma & Grandpa's. We always had a good time. Growing up, we didn't spend as much time as maybe we could have together, but one thing is certain, we have always remained close. I was remembering a time that we were at Grandma & Grandpa's over night. We stole a package of Grandpa's cigarettes and decided we would try them, just to see what it was all about. Our Grandma & Grandpa lived in an older house, so the windows were really big. We opened the window, and sat there puffing away, blowing the smoke out of the window. I am sure we didn't inhale, or we would have been green. I remember being scared that we would get caught, but alas, we didn't. One thing we always looked forward to was eating cherries out of Grandma's freezer. Our Grandma always put up fruits and veggies, it was their way of life. She would take fresh cherries and mix them up as though they were going into a cherry pie. She would then put them in paper cartons and freeze them. And when she wanted to make a cherry pie, she would pull out one of the cartons, pour them into the pie shell and presto, a cherry pie. She ALWAYS had extra for Diane and I to eat. As I remember they were pretty darn good. I also remember sitting on the ice cream freezer when they would churn ice cream. No electric mixers in the olden days. They packed the freezer with ice covered it with blankets and then we would sit on it while they turned the handle. OH the good old days!!

There are lots of good memories of Diane and I. She "gave" her approval when I married Gary, actually, I think she was in love with him too. Diane is one of the most caring people I know. She has a big heart, I think she got that from her Mom. There are so many times I wish we lived closer to each other, I miss seeing her and a visit once every now and then is just not enough; especially when you get to be our age. (whatever that means) If I had been blessed with a sister, I would have wanted her to be just like Diane. But, I only got brothers, so she is the next best thing to a sister a girl could have. I love you D!!

AWE Grandma!!! (My Favorite #4)

Have you ever noticed, boys reach an age where they don't want to be hugged by "girls", and most especially not by their Grandma's. But, when I can get close enough, I hug him inspite of his protests.

My little Prince is growing up, maybe when he gets a bit older, he will welcome my hugs again!! He used to be a snuggle bunny. Notice the grip I have on him. I Love you Buddy!!

Down to the last inning!!

I love to watch softball! It is especially exciting when one of my grandkids plays. Tonight was Shelbie's night and she did a great job. She plays 2nd base. She fielded the ball, put a runner out on 1st; she hit the ball every time she was up to bat, and that was three times. Got on 1st twice and moved a runner to third base, but was thrown out at first. She scored two runs. And she is always smiling and cheering her team-mates on. It was a thrilling game. This is the first year for "girls" Babe Ruth baseball in Newton. They play teams from the surrounding towns, and tonight was their first win. It was a close game, but they eeked it out in the last inning by one point. They were giving up runs left and right, but when they took the field in the top of the last inning, it was 1,2,3 and they were back at bat. The rest is history.

Just incase your wondering. The picture of Shelbie and I up top. We are standing. Guess that means in a few "weeks" she is going to be taller than me. Good grief!!!

I had a blast and looking forward to the next time. Shelbie you're the bomb!!

Something About Me

Tomorrow is an exciting day for me. It will be my first day of my 'new' job called volunteering.

The little ditty below just about sums it up.

I will let you know how it goes, but it should be exciting and a brand new adventure for me. It is something I have always wanted to do, and excited to do. Wish me luck It's been a long time since I was told what to wear, colors I mean. Should be interesting. I will just be a carbon copy of all the CSR's that volunteer. Black pants, white shirt, gold (yes gold) vest. Oh yeah, no open toed shoes.

Meeting and greeting should be a piece of cake, looking up room numbers might be challenging until I learn the computer system. So until next time, I have only one thing left to say:

I REALLY HAVE JOINED THE RANKS OF THE RETIRED.

Memorial Day Tradition

For the past 9 years; my family and I have a Memorial Day tradition. We visit the graves of our loved ones, decorate the sites and then it's off to Walt's Hamburger Hut. We enjoy "greasy" hamburgers, fries and ice cream malts.

It is a time that I look forward to every year. In years passed we have attended the Memorial Day services that are held, that ceremony consists of speeches, and wonderful music. I think my favorite is the bag pipers playing Amazing Grace.

The last couple of years we have not attended the service, and waited until the crowd cleared, visited the sites and then off to Walt's. I think in the 9 years we have done this, this is the first time that Kansas' spring storms have caused a problem. Mark's family made decorations this year, and they wanted to place them, so we slopped through the flooded grounds to do that. It was a watery mess. In spite of that, the area was beautiful with all the giant flags flying and of course the lovely flowers.

The time together was too short. And the saying it's not about the quantity of time you spend together, it's the quality; is true. I treasure those times.

My Favorite #1

I had to add these to the post. Too good to pass up.

What an absolutely wonderful evening it was for "our" whole family. St. Margaret Mary Catholic school did an amazing job in recognizing the 2008 eighth grade class, and giving their families the opportunity to cheer them on to high school. The graduation service was inspiring, and Fr. Richard's message to the graduates gave them many points that will help them on to a successful life. I think the thing that stuck with me was when he said, "they didn't have to follow the crowd", they just need to always be themselves and live in their faith. This school produced three outstanding seniors at the parochial high schools this year. That is an outstanding record for a small school.

My hat is off to the staff. I know Valleri has a jump start to her new adventures.

I don't have the appropriate words to express how it was to watch my eldest grandchild meet this milestone in her life. After watching this group of 16 young people grow up together, and then to see them all dressed up standing so proud, it was a treat!

I know there are a lot of pictures to look at, and I had more, but these are the ones that say so much.

Congratulations to my sweet Valleri!!

I love this picture of Mark, Michelle and Valleri. They don't appear to be proud at all do they? WRONG!!

And, of course we end this with the picture that gives me the most pleasure. These are the times that give the most to this Grandmother. I have had the greatest joy watching this young girl grow into the most amazing young woman. I was remembering her today, when she was the tiniest blond blue eyed little girl. Her hair was very light, and those blue eyes flashed when she smiled. And what a smile she had. My only regret is that her "papa" wasn't here to witness this night. I know he was watching from his place on high and I am sure he was smiling with all of us. I love you Valleri Anne.

My Favorite #2

Because Emily was a sister of one of the graduates, she was asked to serve the graduation mass. It was wonderful to watch her perform her duties and she does it with such precision. It is awesome that she got to participate in this event. It won't be long until we will be attending Emi's special night. (where does the time go?) Congratulations Emily, I hope you know how special your part was in the graduation, and how special you are to me. I love you!!

WHISKEY DOES IT EVERYTIME.......

I would like to introduce you to Faye! Well, I mean Faye's flowers. She was camera shy today. Enjoy the pictures of her glorious roses, they are absolutely beautiful

Faye is what I like to call my "back door" neighbor. If you don't know what a back door neighbor is, then....you don't have one, and I am sorry if you are missing out on that, it's the best thing you can have.

I met Faye the very first time I came to survey the lot where I was going to live. One of the reasons I chose this spot, was because #1, the trees; and #2, because her house was so appealing, lush with florals and green. I knew I had hit the jackpot, I was going to live next door to someone who cared about where they live and how they live. That's why I call it "hitting the jackpot"!

I have told everyone, that she is the guru of plants and all things that live. I received a beautiful plant from Mark and his family for Mother's Day. I asked them if they knew what it was, where I should put it, shade or sun. No one knew, I said, don't worry, Faye will know. And she did! I have that beautiful little plant in new dirt, new pot and in just the right spot, only thing I need to do is to remember to give it a drink now and then. Faye will attest I am not good about that. Shame on me.

Faye has one of the most beautiful yards you will ever see. It has roses, and roses, and still more roses; not to mention the million zillion other flowers that grow. It is an oasis of color and beauty. She has said these are her kids, and she feeds and waters them faithfully, AND as you might expect they flourish. She is a believer of using household concoctions to achieve the beauty she has. Her roses are fed a mixture of honey, baby shampoo, fish something, epsom salts and WHISKEY. Yes I said whiskey. I may not have all the ingredients right, but you get my point. She has been known to use beer too. She said if you feed them this mixture every two weeks or so, you will have new roses every two weeks. She is one of the protectors of the environment, her weed killer and everything else you would use on a yard, comes from a book she uses. AND it works. She has a shed in her yard that is her lab, with everything you can imagine to achieve her goal.

Last week I put a nail in one of my trees to hang a yard ornament. I asked her if she thought it would hurt the tree, her answer....."well, I guess it would be like hammering a nail into one of my arms".....gives you a whole new perspective on the tree. I was so bothered by her remarks, that I felt I needed to get some anitibiotic and a bandaid for that tree.

I have this empty spot in my yard, it's an eye sore actually. We talked about what I could do to make it more appealing. She said, she had an extra yellow rose that I could put there with some mulch. That's the way she is. So giving. This evening when it cools off, she is going to help me plant that rose, and I am so excited. The yellow rose is my favorite of all roses, and to think she is going to trust me with that plant makes me shudder. I am going to have to go into overdrive to protect that plant. And, I am going to do everything I can to live up to "her" expectation.

I have learned a lot about the growing of flowers from her. Her suggestions always seem to work out for me, I just need to listen more and take notes!

Faye has a very deep abiding faith, it is one of the things I admire the most about her. She believes if you walk in the Word of the Lord, he will provide, and he has proven that over and over to her. I love pure unabated trust and faith. Faye has been a blessing in my life, and if she ever decided to move I would chain her to the fence, that is, unless she took me with her. I love you Faye, thanks for all the lessons, both in life and with flowers. You are a treasure as a "back door" neighbor.

Whiskey does it everytime continued........

Here are a few more pictures of Faye's Garden of Roses....

This garden was created by Faye, in honor of her children. They gave her rose bushes, (four) and she made this garden for them.

It is a spectacular sight, THE WHOLE YARD!!

My New Garden

Here is my new garden! It has one beautiful yellow rose in it currently. I also want you to notice the planter of the grandma with purple flowers. A Mother's Day gift from M, M, V & E. I am sure there will be another plant or two to add to it. My beautiful rose is compliments of my precious friend and neighbor Faye. I have a story about Faye currently in draft, I am waiting to take pictures of her lovely gorgeous yard. Faye helped me with this garden today, actually she did the digging, she's very good with a shovel. Thank you Faye, you're the best!!! Also, notice I finially have grass growing, praise the Lord.

My Favorite #3

This is my favorite #3 Grand-daughter on the night of her 5th grade recognition. Isn't she pretty? I know, I say that about all of them. Her Grandpa Metcalf used to say she looked like me, BUT, as she has grown up, she is the spitting image of her Mother. And I might add her mother is a beautiful person too.

Shelbie will be moving on to middle school next year, and in three years she will be recognized again before she moves on to high school. OMG, where does that time go (she says again).

The recognition program was wonderful and so entertaining. Maybe that's because little Missy stole the show. She had a good time and it showed. The program was whimsical songs and the script was written by the two fifth grade classes. It was great.

Congratulations MY sweet Shelbie on all of your accomplishments while in grade school. Now you move on to bigger, better, and more exciting challenges. Have a wonderful time. Always remember I love you with all my heart and wish continued success at every turn of your life.

2008 Milestones

A Graduation Surprise

My oldest granddaughter is graduating from Middle School on the 20th of May. I thought long and hard about what could I give her to commemorate this occasion. It's not like graduating from high school or college, but it is a very big deal at the private school she attends, and I might add, it's a big deal with me. It is a momentous time for this young lady, because she is going to high school in the fall. WOW, I say again...where does the time go. Her Mom has been posting pictures of her when she was a wee one. She always had the biggest smile and the brightest blue eyes.

She has been playing around with blush, and eye make-up, and so I thought this might be a good time to take her to someone who could show her how it's done. I made an appointment at a salon called Beau Monde. Beau Monde is a spa and boutique. Today, we spent and hour or so learning how to apply make up, choosing all the "right" colors and the proper application. Jasmine was her make up artist, and she was so special. She took one look at her and that beautiful skin she has, and said, you don't need very much, maybe some blush and eye color. She took her through the routine and was very careful to explain, that even though the girls in high school were making up their eyes with black liner, she didn't need to do that. She gave her tips on how to line her eyes, using the shadow instead of drawing the black line. It was so pretty, and when she was finished, what she had done was just enhance the beauty that was already there. Val is one of those lucky girls, that has the clearest prettiest skin we all dreamed of having when we were her age. I shudder to think about some of the drug store goo that girls use on their faces. She was introduced to mineral makeup, which I believe is the best you can use on any type of skin or any age. It is natural, and like I said before, it enhances what is already there. No chemicals, nothing that would create a problem for her down the road. Mineral makeup is one you can sleep in, if you forget to remove it.

So my gift to Val was the spa treatment, and a purchase of the items they used on her today. It was so much fun, and I hope that she had fun too. Congratulations my sweet Valleri, you will be a dynamite freshman next year. Not to mention, the prettiest girl there. I love you sweets.

Better Days

A blog is a diary of thoughts and feelings. It seems that mine has been full of sadness lately. I am hoping for better days and happier posts. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.......

SHE'S GOD'S AUNT CELINDA NOW

Celinda Josephine Kelsey, daughter of the late J. Harley and Sarah Elizabeth (Minnick) Ashlock, was born May 27, 1919, at Doby Springs, Oklahoma, and passed away May 1, 2008, at Tomball, Texas, at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 4 days. Celinda lived in Waynoka during her high school years and graduated from Waynoka High School. On April 17, 1938, she was united in marriage to Roscoe Kelsey. To this union two children, Bill Dean and Linda Diane were born. They lived in Waynoka until the Santa Fe Railroad closed the roundhouse, at which time they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She worked in the school cafeteria in Albuquerque and was promoted to manager before she retired. Roscoe passed away June 22, 2002, and after a short time, she moved to Tomball, Texas to be near her daughter, Diane. Celinda was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, but always considered the Waynoka First United Methodist Church her home. She was a member of Eastern Star. Her grandson, granddaughter and great grand daughter were very important in her life. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting. She always enjoyed visiting with people wherever she was. Besides her parents and her husband, Roscoe, she was preceded in death by her son, Bill Dean, when he was a senior in high school; and two brothers, Bill Ashlock and A. L. "Roy" Ashlock. Celinda is survived by her daughter, Diane Snodgrass and her husband, John, of Tomball, Texas; one grandson, Michael Snodgrass and his wife, Jennifer, of Houston, Texas; one great granddaughter, Megan Snodgrass, of Houston, Texas; one brother, W. D. "Tubby" Ashlock of Happy Jack, Arizona; one sister, Nina Faye Ogden of Indiana; other relatives and many friends.

REST IN PEACE "MY AUNT CELINDA"

Say It Isn't So........

Just so you know, I stole the first two pictures from Michelle. I don't think she will mind, these are history making pictures. The third picture I posted because I like it, and it shows how gorgeous this little munchkin is. It was taken the day she turned 14.

She's going to learn to drive.....a car.......a two ton weapon.......OMG!! I guess that's what happens when they grow up. I knew this day would come, but why did it happen so fast?

I can't see Mark's face, and maybe I don't want to, was there terror in his eyes? Was he holding his head in anguish? Was he asking the question, why me Lord? OR, will he have the patience of JOB? This is what you do when you are the Dad of a teenager

You know, when I get "old", this may be my ride to the grocery store. All kidding aside, I just want to wish Valleri good luck, knowing the wonderful young lady she has turned into, she will be just fine, just not so sure about her Dad. LOL

MORE PICTURES

Waiting to go in for hooding ceremony. It was a comfy sofa, really bouncy, ask the kids.
Tim and "mom". I can't wait until I get to do this again in 4 years....hint, hint!! Tim with M, M, V & E, as we lovingly call them. Mark, Michelle, Valleri & Emily

It's all done, they moved their tassles to the other side, and applauded their families and friends. Very cool. See Tim in first row, second seat.
I warned you that I took 31 pictures, but so many friends and family visit my blog and I wanted to share with you all. So thanks for the patience. I am sure there will be more pictures awaiting you on the the girls blogs. I haven't figured out the spacing on this thing yet, but I will.