Learning experience for Gramcracker

Several weeks ago, I was interviewed by my oldest granddaughter for a heritage project in her English class. The interview was only one part of the total project. Today was the culmination of the project and I was invited to see it. It was really nice to see each student's project. I was very much impressed by what the teacher had to say. She wanted the students to know where their ancestors came from and to have pride in their struggles. She feels that her generation and those younger are not learning about their families as they should. Each student made a poster of their families. The poster had pictures, maps, customs, types of foods; just a lot of good information on them. They had to stand tell their name and two things that they learned from the project. Of course Val's was absolutely the best as far as I was concerned. She did a fabulous job. When they finished with the poster's, some brought a food that was indicative of the country of origin, introduced their guest and then we all got to enjoy the food. It was a very interesting combination of flavors. I was impressed by all of the kids, but besides Val, there was a girl that was from Russia, who was adopted from there, I enjoyed her story. The second person was a boy who's grandfather was from Vietnam. His grandfather was in the Vietnam military and was a prisoner of the Vietcong before he made his way to the USA. I was amazed and very impressed by all the stories. You just never know.....do you? OH BY THE WAY, Missy got 38 out of 40 possible points. YOU DONE GOOD VAL!! I hope you enjoyed what you discovered and learned as much as I enjoyed helping you, and thank you for inviting me.

Simply Amazing

The weather man says that the polar express is coming to our neck of the woods tomorrow. I can't say that I am totally sorry, because I am tired of the mowing and trimming. As I was mowing today, I hopefully thought, maybe this is the last time for this season. The sad part is that all of the beautiful, colorful flowers will sadly go away also. In April I received the mum plant you see above. After a few weeks, I planted it in my front flower garden. As you can see in the next picture, it took off and is a big plant. I haven't measured it, but it has to be at least 3 to 4 feet in diameter. The picture does not do justice to it. It is not in full bloom, the flowers are just starting to open up. I took this picture today because of the impending cold that is coming. It may not have the chance to bloom fully this year.

I take no credit for the plant, it's all Miracle Grow. I have used the stuff on the plant every 10 days since I planted it. I guess you could say it works.

I hope that you enjoy the pictures of my one success of the summer.

A Saturday of Sports

I just love spending my Saturday's watching the kids at their sports. Sorry to say that fall sports is starting to wind down. Emily played volleyball, and that is really exciting to watch. She is my hero when it comes to that game. She plays all over the court, I guess you could say she is a one person team. She just has that knack of knowing where that ball is going to come down. Not to mention that she can serve the ball better than anyone else. I guess that's why she was very seldom substituted out. She played all games, and like I say about her....always smiling. Shelbie is the soccer queen. She does love that game. I went to see her play this morning. It was a bit chilly out there She is very good at defense and when she gets a good kick, it sails. She and her team won BIG today. It was like 10 or so to zip. Landon is a football player!!! He was the QB today, and did a mighty fine job. He ran for a touchdown and it was thrilling. The announcer said when he turned the corner he poured on the afterburners. Unfortunately, it was called back because someone somewhere did a no no, and the TD didn't count. They didn't win, but it was a good game and lots of fun to watch. They play in the Railers football stadium. I understand that BC has it's own field now, so IT IS HOME TURF for the Railers!! It is a beautiful stadium, one the town should be proud of. Tim said he thought Derby's was nice, but in my opinion, it doesn't hold a candle to this one. I am pooped out now, but it was time well spent. JUST LOVE TO WATCH "MY" KIDDO'S play!!! Sorry, I have no pictures, my camera just isn't performing as it should anymore.

Something Special........

I received this today. I read it a long time ago, and I loved it then, and I love it today. Erma Bombeck wrote this after she found out she had cancer. I guess we don't think about what we should've, could've or would've done until something earth shattering happens. So, apply it to today, and don't miss your chance..........................

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.I would have talked less and listened more.I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have sat on the lawn! With my grass stains.I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's'; more 'I'm sorry's.' But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it. live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what Instead; let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day

Who Let the Dogs OUT!!!

Okay, don't get too excited about the title of this post. No disrespect intended. I just love that song, and it seemed appropriate for this bunch of girls, gals, ladies, whatever you call us.

It was time to have the monthly meeting of the minds. We missed Sherry and Wanda, but it was a good time. In the pictures are: Top; Marsha, Connie, Mary and Marie. Bottom; Marie, Nancy, Marsha and Connie. Guess who's missing. The picture taker.

We enjoyed hamburgers, fries, drinks and ICE CREAM!!! at Freddies. Just so you know who's who, Marsha is a cousin, Connie is Mary's step sister, and the rest of us you know. The faces change each time, but that's the beauty of the whole thing. It was so nice to catch up with Marsha, and see Connie. I had not seen her in a long time. Next month we are moving up scale and going to Olive Garden, so maybe we will dress it up a bit. If you are family, come and join us I am sure you have something to offer to the conversation.

EMI-Bear!!!

Emi-bear! Isn't that a cute nickname? It was given to her by her sister a long time ago. But it seems to fit her. She's a cuddly sort of girl. The first to give you a hug when you walk into the room, doesn't matter what type of room you walk into, if she is there, you get a hug! One of those in front of GOD and everyone. She is a loving young lady. I was going to say "girl", but she is going to be 13 in a few months, so I have to refrain from the girl thing. She busts out with personality plus. She is a master of one liners, and quite frankly, I wouldn't want to get in her face about anything. She is like her Dad in that respect. She's a take no prisoners type of gal.

One of the things I so enjoy about her, is the smile. It's always there, no matter what. Win loose or draw she is always smiling. I know with out a doubt that the smile comes from her Mom. WHAT A COMBO!!

My FIRST "2" Angels

I could not resist posting this wonderful picture of the girls. Okay, I am prejudice when it comes to my grandchildren, but personally, have you ever seen such pretty pretty girls? I only wish that I had a picture of the three girls together, and of course my prince, who is the handsomest of any guy walking, well......next to my boys that is!!

It's finally here.......BC HOMECOMING

Hunter & Valleri

First Homecoming Dance

Here she is all dressed up for Homecoming. She looked absolutely stunning. Her dress was a navy blue with silver sparkles on the bodice, and the skirt had an overlay of crinoline with a silver design on it. Her shoes were silver, her nails were a soft silver sparkle and her hair was so pretty pulled back held by rhinestone barrettes. The back of her hair was in soft curls and it was so pretty. Sara, you did a lovely job. Her jewelry was silver sparkles and very appropriate for the occasion.
Okay now here is where I get sappy. Sherry bet I would cry, and I said no I won't, but I did. Only after she was out of sight. Of course I am predjudice, but I KNOW there is not another girl at that dance as pretty as she is. That Hunter is a lucky guy, to be seen with this beauty. She is and always will be the FIRST of my four angels, and I hope this very first dance is one she will remember for the rest of her life. I cannot help but think of her Papa watching over her and smiling about how wonderful a young woman she has become.

Valleri
Valleri & Gram


Valleri & her "great" Aunt Sherry.







There will be lots more pictures to see on Michelle's blog. I am confident that there will be pictures of her with her friends and of course Hunter. I will attach a link as soon as Michelle posts it.
First link

Second Link

Alyssa Visiting

Alyssa's Mom brought her visiting today. AND of course she just happened to come on a day when Michelle and Valleri were here. She seemed to enjoy being held my Michelle and Valleri. THAT Michelle is a natural when it comes to babies. Alyssa is a cutie we all agree. Thanks Andra for the visit.