HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY.....SHELBIE!!

When I look at pictures past and present, I get nostalgic and weepy.

Today we remember September 11th for different reasons. 14 years ago today, this beautiful young lady was born. That's what I remember most about that date.

Happy birthday to my sweet sweet Shelbie. Thank you for all the joy you have brought into my life. You do know that you are my "favorite #3"!!! Shelbie is a great fastpitch softball player; she loves music and she has a very heartwarming smile. When she was a wee one, she had the cutest little chubby cheeks, the kind you always wanted to smooch on. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, and she said $$$. She wanted to go shopping. When they get to her age, I just figured she would want to go with a friend, but she said noooo Grama, I want to go with you. Now that makes it all just about perfect, doesn't it? I love you Shelbie Lou, and I love who you are!!!

Today

There are certain days that bring back joyful and sometimes painful memories. I always think I will get past those days with no thoughts, unfortunately that just doesn't happen. No matter how many days, months or years pass by, something stirs the heart and soul; you don't know what it is, then you check the calendar and then you know. Today was a joyful day, 46 years ago, I married my best friend. Our life together was many ups and downs. There were good times and then the bad ones seemed to creep in. But, no matter how bad they might have been, we weathered them, because we shared everything. I believe that there is one person you are destined to be with, to share everything with and no matter what, the love is unconditional. I was lucky; I found the love of my life when I was young and God gave us 34 years, 3 months and 28 days together. We were given two wonderful Sons to love, and those Sons gave us four beautiful grandchildren. The legacy lives on in those six individuals. I see his smile in our Sons, and his loving heart in our grandchildren. There is a big hole in my heart that will never close, and everyday I see something that reminds me of what has been lost. So, today being the anniversary of beautiful start together, it seems fitting that I can say: I loved you more than life, and I miss you more with every passing day. Thank you for making my life important, for loving me, and the guidance to become who I am today.

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY......LANDON!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO

MY LITTLE PRINCE!!

Today is my favorite and only Grandson's 12th birthday!! Such a precious young man. He is just one of the sweetest little guys I know. He is a "grandma" hugger, and that is so special. When he smiles, he shows off dimples you cannot believe. Big brown eyes that speak to you, and let you know that he is full of boyish mischief. I don't think he is afraid of anything, or if he is, he never shows it. He plays football, baseball, and ice hockey. And good at all of them. He is very special to me, but if you know me, you already know that.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet cheeks, I love you very much!!

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2010

Artist: Lee Greenwood

Song: Proud To Be An American

If tomorrow all the things were gone,

I’d worked for all my life.

And I had to start again,

with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,

to be livin here today.

‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,

and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,

where at least I know I’m free.

And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,

to the hills of Tennessee.

Across the plains of Texas,

From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,

and New York to L.A.

Well there's pride in every American heart,

and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,

where at least I know I’m free.

And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be and American,

where at least I know I’m free.

And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

I was sitting in the car at a stop light, and this song came on. It stirs up a lot for me. It was a year ago the 4th of July, that my husband, along with others, were presented to our city as "Hometown Hero's". A year has passed since that honor was given to him. I always knew he was a hero, for many reasons. A lot has transpired since that evening, but for me the declaration that he was an Atomic Veteran of the United States of America, by the United States Department of Justice brought tears and joy, not only for me but for my Son's and their families. It was a tireless, gut wrenching road to glory for him. His death was not in vain, he was a victim of circumstance. He was a young patriot doing his duty to God and his country. Because of him and countless others, knowledge was gained to help make it a safer place in many facets of life and living. When answers are given, it lessens the pain of loss. There maybe problems to solve, and lessons to learn, but where better to deal with them than in the greatest country on earth...... " I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me." HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA 2010!!

Memorial Day Tradition #11

The Gramcracker 4

My Boys

My "Girls"

If you look really close through the window's of Walt's, you can see it's raining.

Yep, once again we got caught in the proverbial Kansas rain. We were driving to the

cemetery, and large drops of rain started to fall. By the time we got there, the wind was

up and blowing out of the north. Hey Gary are you trying to tell us something? It was a cold

damp wind.....brrrrr.

We finished our chores there, and off we went to have our traditional Memorial Day hamburger

fest. Well the kids had chicken fingers and nuggets, but all in all it was a fun time for me and from the look on the kid's faces they had fun too. It's a fun thing to look forward to every year, sorta takes the sting out of the mission we go on. Hugs and love to my kids for making it happen

every year. I love you all.

Getting Older does have it's rewards......

Wow, another milestone in the life of this grandma. My second granddaughter finished her years at grade school, middle school and now is moving on to high school. I don't know where all of these years go, they just seem to fly by. A long time ago, my mother told me, "don't wish for your children to grow up too fast", once they start kindergarten the years fly by. I knew it was true with my own children, but I didn't know how fast time would pass with my grandchildren too. It was wonderful to sit and watch Emily be promoted to her next stepping stone in life. High School. She looked absolutely beautiful (of course she did). I am not prejudiced in the least. Emily is a very gracious young lady. She has a ready smile and always a hug for her grandma. Never shy about showing how she feels about those she loves. She never has cared who was watching her, if she wanted to give her gram a hug she did. I am here to say, that those are the best gifts a child can give to you. She was a happy happy baby, and a very happy young lady now!! Emily Anne congratulations, I love you so much!!

More pics of St Margaret Mary Graduation

What A Catcher!!

Just a short video of my favorite Grandson!! His baseball season has started and he is an awesome catcher.

Poultry In Motion, a melodrama

Emily's 8th grade class performed a melodrama this evening. It was a bit sad, since this is the last performance for this class before they graduate and move on to high school. The melodrama was written by the music teacher and it was wonderful. It showcased each one of the kids in the class. Two of the kids could not be present so two of the teachers played the respective parts. They were hilarious, and the 8th graders loved it. Here is a video, some of Emily in her part. Put a star on her door. She was great and showed her personality in the part. FUNNY STUFF!!!

Look who is 14

Isn't she cute? I think she was about 18 months old in the first picture, she is there with her big sister. Now look at her 14 years old, and almost ready to graduate from the 8th grade. Next year, look out!! BC here she comes. I am really late in posting this, I hope she forgives me. Just wanted to say one more time, Happy Birthday Emi, may all your dreams come true. I love you lots and lots.

All that JAZZ

I was trying to remember how many years my favorite #2 has been dancing. I can still remember the very first time she was on stage. So tiny, and the group she was in did a pom pom dance. It was so adorable. Now here she is dancing jazz. She is so graceful and fun to watch. I don't think she has ever gotten tired of dancing. I got to take her to a lesson one time, and it was fun to see them put their routines together. It takes lots of practice and hard work to get to recital time. So far, she did a dance when she was in the second grade that has been my favorite....they danced to Hunk a hunk of burning love. Wonder why that is, anyone know...

Throwing The Little Round Thing..y

Here is my favorite #3 participating in the discus throwing for her school. She did a great job, and her form was really something to see. I have watch a lot of sports in my day. Baseball, basketball, volleyball, track and field, wrestling, lets see....I think that's all. This field sport is very interesting, and it's all on you if you are a participant. Shelbie did a great job for her first year at this, I can't wait to see what next school year will bring.

Ice Hockey & Landon

Ice hockey, the sport of a champion. What a guy, he is just a natural at everything he does. He has taken to this sport like he has done it all of his life. His dad took these pictures, and they are fabulous. These are my favorites of all that were taken. He has taken skating lessons, and hockey lessons, and now he is ready to play. Of course that doesn't happen until the fall, so we will have to wait until then. He has decided to play this instead of football. I will miss the football, but I have a feeling this will be just as exciting to watch.

Where am I???

Hi blog readers, I have been really bad about blogging. You would think I would be better at this since I retired. But, I am busier than ever. But I am going to try and do better. So here I go, hopefully catch you up to date.

Look Who's on their way to Middle School!!

My one and only grandson is on his way to middle school in the fall. Jeepers am I getting old or what? It seems like only yesterday he was just crawling around giving the girls grief. Well, he sometimes still does that, but that's being a boy......right?? He didn't much want to be in this program. I'm not sure if he was embarrassed or just plain bored with it all. He will be going to middle school, he just isn't my baby boy anymore..Sniff sniff. I love you my little Prince, you are on your way to new adventures and you will certainly shine.

JUST SIMPLY THE BEST

The "Lady" Tigers 2009-2010

of St. Margaret Mary Catholic School

2nd Place Basketball Tournament.

I was trying to think of something to say here. But words have escaped me on this one.

This has to be one of the finest hours for these very special young ladies. Their school is a

small school, with small classes, so there is slim pickings for basketball, volleyball or any other sport. Luckily they can join with other schools in the same situation and come together to

make an absolutely awesome basketball team. This team was made up of St Mary's and St Joseph's schools. They didn't know each other to start with, but they came together as a team, and to watch their teamwork was an incredible sight. There was no one person that carried the team, they worked together and made it happen. They played in the championship game today, and they came farther than any other 8th grade girls team has come in a very very long time. They played on Thursday evening and lost their first game. They had a 20 minute break and they took on another team, and beat them big time. They were tired and sweaty, but they finished in the top two in spite of the odds. I guess it all comes down to playing with heart and soul, and it didn't hurt that they had an awesome coaching staff. God bless those girls and all the fans that supported them. St. Margret Mary Tigers were just SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!!

SWEET 16, Happy Birthday Valleri!!

My favorite #1 is 16 today. Man o man is that hard to believe or what?
The pictures I have chosen to post are first, her baptism picture, and then the most recent I have of her.


I was trying to remember my 16th birthday, and I can't. Must not have been a momentous occasion back in the olden days.

Valleri, I wish you everything wonderful. You have grown into a beautiful young lady. Everyone who knows and loves you knows what a kind, caring person you have become. You are just taking another step into adulthood, and the whole wide world is ahead of you. I know you will make the most of it. Have a spectacular day, enjoy it. Always remember I love you and I am a very proud Gram.

Oh what fun it is.............

This, ladies and gentlemen is my new Netbook. Isn't is just the neatest thing you have ever seen. This was the gift from my very generous kids for Christmas. I absolutely love love love it.

I got a purple one, my favorite color..........and it matches my car. Not that I would use it in the car. Naturally, I got a wireless mouse to use, and the whole thing together is just wonderful. Did I tell you I love love love it?

I can sit in my comfy chair and use it when ever I want. My heart filled thanks to T, D, S, L, M, M, V & E. You know who you are. This is the greatest and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!!!!!!! and,

I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL!