... and wishing Princess Autumn a Happy Birthday

Oh my ... six years ago today, a bright star appeared in my life. Her name is Autumn, although for a while, before we knew if she was a Prince or a Princess, we simply called her Peanut.

I had fallen in love with her long before she was born, and can't imagine what my life would be like without her. She was the perfect addition to our family.







The tiara sat atop her first birthday cake, and she "almost" wore it for her birthday portraits. But ever the independent Princess, she was taking it off almost as fast as I could put it on. At any rate, the photographer wasn't fast enough to snap the shot with the tiara perched perfectly on her head. Actually think I like it better this way.









Autumn has always loved the park. She loves to run, slide, and seems to have an extra battery pack of energy. One of my favorite things about her is that she always has the energy to run and give the big hugs.

















Here she is at the Dallas Arboretum with me. In the shot above, she is posing with a "snake". We thought this was so funny because at that age, she called them "snicks".

Could you ever resist that smile? This pic was taken at her cousin, Lauren's birthday party where we all dressed in costume. Doesn't she make a beautiful Princess?








Getting her all dressed up is so much fun. She truly is a Princess of the highest caliber.










Autumn can be such a fashion icon. She knew she was "rocking" the look even in this photo taken in July of 2008.







And still a glam girl with the awesome shades.















Another "dressed up" picture. Nana loves these so much!!!










Autumn is so tender and gentle. When her baby sister was born, she was so thrilled when she finally got to go in the NICU and visit with Libby. Isn't this the most tender picture!!!









Autumn is a child you could not help but love. Autumn has just finished kindergarten, and it's so hard for her Nana to believe that she is going to first grade this fall.









 This Princess is one of those girls who has it all. She is smart, funny, beautiful, athletic and will probably excel in anything and everything she wants to do.








Happy birthday Princess Peanut Autumn. You, my dear, are my favorite Autumn in the whole wide world!

Love you BUNCHES

... and celebrating Andrew

The June birthdays are plentiful; 

therefore the June blogs shall be plentiful as well.

LOOK AT THAT FACE!  ISN'T HE THE CUTEST???

That, my dear friends, is Andrew, and today is his 4th birthday. He is so adorable, full of energy, smart as can be, and such a delight to be with. This past year, Andrew has simply blossomed. Just when I really don't think he can get any cuter, somehow he does. As you can see in the picture below, he started out pretty darn cute! 

Andrew has gone to school (Grace Place, a ministry of the church we attend) this year and it has been such an incredible experience for him. So many adventures, I couldn't possibly list them all. But a favorite was when they were visited by the Fort Worth Fire Department ... which probably wasn't as exciting for Andrew as it was for the other boys and girls. After all, Andrew has his very own fireman and goes to visit his daddy at the fire station. However, all little boys love the fire engine and as you can see, Andrew is no exception. 

Andrew seems to really enjoy music at his school.  Of course, that makes his Nana extremely happy!
Music + children = happiness!!!

He certainly seems to be popular with the girls. I'm sure that trend will continue and grow in the years to come. He is quite a charmer.

At Christmas, Andrew's wonderful mom, Jessica, hosts a Christmas cookie decorating party at their house. Andrew is a lot like his Nana. He loves the icing. Notice the giant glop that is going on the cookie he is working with. Good job, Andrew!!!











I love this shot at the Easter egg hunt this year. I took a picture of my son taking a picture of his son. Guess being proud of our kiddos runs in the family.

And oh ... this little guy loves being out of doors. Playing in the water, or sliding down a slide, Andrew is all boy and all about the fun.

Is that a million dollar smile or what???

Andrew Wayne McDonald,

I love you and am thoroughly delighted to be your Nana. 

Loving you BUNCHES more each and every day ...

... and I'm celebrating Joe

Every one of my grandchildren are my favorite. No, seriously! I love them all individually and in their own way. But each one is my favorite. I have a Joe ... and he is my very favorite Joe in the whole world. He is a loving, warm, funny guy who turned 11 years old on June 1st.




Joe is one of those adorable little guys who always has a hug. He intuitively knows when you need one and is instantly there providing it. He's not a loud, boisterous boy - instead he is a reader, a thinker and a video game player. When I think of Joe, one of my favorite mental pictures is him sitting on the sofa at their house reading a book.  Just gotta love a kid who reads!

Joe loves to help. Every year he helps (as do the other grandchildren) decorate my Christmas tree. Thoughtfully, he seems to find the perfect place to hang the ornament that he is working with. He's a thoughtful guy who seems to be always full of thought.











He was so cute at Halloween dressed as Luigi. There is something extremely adorable about this guy!









But just to show that he is truly MY grandson, check out these matching family shots. Joe got slammed in the pillory while at Scarborough Faire.






I got thrown in the pillory just a couple of months earlier in Ireland. Now how's that for a family bond.






Loving my Joe bunches ....

... and still falling in love

To Dennis ... Happy Anniversary

On June 6, 1970, we were two very young kids getting married. That was 41 years ago today. The truth is, we were too young to know much, but we knew that we were in love and should be together. It wasn't always easy, but we stuck together, worked together and we have thrived and grown through the trials.

 A long and successful marriage doesn't come easy ... it requires work. A good marriage requires a commitment that is to be renewed each and every day. That is exactly what we've done.

Even then, we realized what the marriage license is ... we considered it a contract. Together, we made a contract between ourselves and God that we would always love each other. There were many witnesses, but the contract was between the three of us, and the three of us alone. By failing to love each other, we would have failed to uphold our part of our contract with God.

I still proudly wear the ring that you placed on my finger that day. Other rings may be fancier, other diamonds bigger, but this ring signifies a love that will never waiver. It is the only ring that will ever be a true wedding ring to me.

Just look at us ... don't we look like a bunch of kids playing "dress up"? With only one exception, we are in contact with all of the people who stood up with us that day. Sure wish I knew where Martha is (far left side of both pictures).

I'm so blessed to have been able to marry the young man you were on that date. I know that you love me beyond measure and you treat me like a queen. Together, we have raised three wonderful children and we grandparent eight precious grandchildren. It was a team effort and I can't imagine anyone else being my husband, the father of my children, nor the grandfather to my grandchildren.

Every day, I fall in love with you all over again.
Every day, I make the decision to renew my commitment to you.
Every day, I am blessed to share my life with you.
Every day, I count you as my very best friend.
Every day, I'm thankful that God has allowed me to be your wife

And today, I send bunches of love to the best man ever ... my wonderful husband, Dennis.

Bunches to you babe!