Drama ....

Don't we all deal with a lot of that? I'm not talking about the "cute" drama here.  What, you didn't know "drama" could be cute? You've obviously never met any of my granddaughters.  

I'm talking about the adults out there who love attention and drama is their way of getting it. You know the type. Conversations (or heaven forbid, FaceBook posts) begin with something like, "I can't believe how horrible this day has been", and leave that hanging. Their hope, of course, is that you'll take the bait and ask what is wrong. Generally, it'll be something along the lines of they've lost their car keys, they burned the dinner, etc. Maybe not the best part of their day, but hardly life altering.

I work with some of the world's greatest Drama Queens. I'm not naming names because some of them are really nice people. BUT, what if I had this made into a poster and hung it over my desk ... do you think anyone would realize that it was meant for them?

Now for the rest of you ... you know ... 

I Love You Bunches!

... JOE IS TWELVE !!!

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   J O E --- Today, our wonderful Joe turns 12 -- but we celebrated his birthday this past Monday at Burger's Lake. It was a perfect day for the get-together since we were off work for the holiday.

Burger's Lake was just like I remembered it from my teen years and in honor of the place, Joe's birthday cupcakes looked just like mini-Burgers. Too cute!

With his cousins and a few friends, we had a HUGE group. All the kids had such a good time, and enough sunscreen was used that, to my knowledge, there were no sunburns.

Enough about the day, let me tell you about this super great kid. He is so loving and never fails to give his Nana a hug. You just don't know how special that makes me feel. I'm so honored to be his Nana.

Joe has one of the best smiles I've ever seen. He truly brightens the world when he flashes one of those smiles.

Joe is a reader. It does my heart so much good when I walk in their house and see him reading.

There's so much that he is ... but basically he's the very best Joe in the whole wide world.

Joe, I love you bunches!!!

Nana

and enjoying diversity

Diversity

Variety

Different

Assorted

Unique

Contrasting

I love people (well, not all, but most). 

Isn't it wonderful how people come in all shapes, sizes, hair color, skin color, vocal accents, job abilities and talents? What a boring world it would be if we were all exactly the same. 

That's it ... really ... just hoping to encourage others to appreciate people no matter their station in life or their ethnic background. The size of a bank account is of no importance to anyone other than the person who can sign the checks. The diploma on the wall doesn't make one person superior to another.

Do more than tolerate differences --- Embrace them!

Maybe not ALL people, but you know I love you .......

BUNCHES

Nona

and remembering Mrs. Eppler

Okay, there is no reason any of you should know who Mrs. Eppler is was. She was the wonderful, loving lady who taught my Grammar class when I was in the 4th grade. She instilled a love of the English language that extends to this day. Unfortunately, I don't always remember everything she tried to teach the class, but I do remember that everything ... and I do mean EVERTHING ... she taught us was important and I respected her then as I have every Grammar / English / Literature / Composition teacher I have had since those days at Sam Rosen Elementary.

Perhaps some of you didn't have a wonderful teacher who could change your life. So sad for you! The following won't help with punctuation, but hopefully it will help with word usage. I only do this for you because I care. AWWWW, we know that isn't true. I provide this for you so when I read things from you, it won't drive me crazy that you used the wrong their / they're / there.

Love you all ...
How much?
BUNCHES!!!

Nona

... while Emily is ALMOST a teen

Yes, here we are ... celebrating the first grandchild birthday of 2012. Emily is the birthday girl today and she is 12 years old. Oh my!!! Next year, ALL of my children will be the parent of a teen. How in the world did that happen?

So how do you describe Emily? Using the letters of her name, I say she is ...

Energetic ... and an awesome fast-pitch softball pitcher

Magnificent ... hunting Easter Eggs

Incredible ... just to hang out (or sit on a fence) with

Laughing a lot (especially with best friend Nattalee)

Young lady - and a beautiful, intelligent, kind and caring one

And in addition to all of that, she is thoughtful and caring. Below is the poster board she and Lauren worked together on for my birthday. That's rather awesome that they did the board, but even better that they thought of it all on their own.

Emily, my precious, I love you MORE THAN THE WORLD!!! I am honored and awed by God's goodness when He gave you to us.

Bunches, my sweet, bunches,
Nana

... I love Texas

This photo really doesn't need many words ... just know this, I love Texas.

Thanks to Amber Penn for sharing her photo with me.

Until next time ...

Bunches!!!

... WHEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

I've been on roller coasters that didn't go this fast! 

Where did the year go?

60 Lessons I have learned:

1. Love is important - make it a goal in your life.
2. Fall in love with your best friend - or become best friends with the one you love.
3. Staying in love is a choice. Choose love EVERY day.
4. Parents are to be cherished, honored, and eventually, taken care of. Don't miss your chance.
5. Sometimes family WILL let you down. Don't let it make you bitter.
6. If you love someone, tell them often. Don't miss the chance to let them know how you feel.
7. Good friends are hard to come by, so cherish them.
8. Don't be ashamed to mourn the loss of someone/something cherished.
9. Fake friends are a dime a dozen - treat them kindly but don't give them your trust.
10. Smiles are the least expensive face lift you can get.
11. Giving smiles away brings great rewards.
12. Laugh - laugh often - laugh with gusto. 
13. Holding a baby (especially if it's your grandchild) is better than any tranquilizer in any pharmacy.
14. Mistakes teach valuable lessons. Learn and move on.
15. Bloom where you are planted!
16. Don't fill your life with "stuff". Instead, fill your life with people you love.
17. There will always be time for the things that are important to you. You need to decide what that is.
18. Reading the Bible is important. Praying is more important. Make time to do both.
19. Take time to have fun.
20. Be kind to the downtrodden. You may be the only friendly face they see.
21. Hugs are medicinal. 
22. A child's giggle is priceless.
23. When you promise a child you'll do it "later" ... really do it later. 
24. Before you can love others, you must love yourself.
25. Don't let others control your happiness/mood/emotions.
26. No matter how little you have, realize that there are others who have less.
27. Wanting more than you can have will destroy your enjoyment of what you already have.
28. Embrace your uniqueness. 
29. Never compare yourself to others. You should be your own measure.
30. Try something new. It's okay to fail if you learn from the trying.
31. Stop wishing your life away. Enjoy Mondays as much as you do Fridays.
32. Take joy in the simple things. There are far more simple things than grand things in life.
33. De-clutter your life. In throwing out the trash, you just might discover a hidden treasure.
34. Set goals.
35. I don't have to be the best person in the world ... I just have to be the best "me".
36. Choose words carefully. Once they leave your mouth, you can never take them back.
37. Never stop dreaming.
38. Kindness is free. 
39. If others hurt you, don't try to get even. Let God deal with them.
40. Take care of your health - physically - emotionally - spiritually.
41. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. The world is an amazing place full of wonderful things.
42. Be confident. Trust yourself more than you trust anyone else.
43. Think good thoughts. They'll crowd out the bad ones.
44. Be thankful. 
45. Expect good things to happen and recognize them when they do.
46. Procrastination does not necessarily equal planning.  Recognize the difference.
47. Sometimes you need the shortcut, but when you can, take the scenic route.
48. Use your power for good ~ not evil.
49. When possible, refuse to live by the clock.
50. Compliments should be free, but not cheap.
51. Enjoy being creative ... in whatever way you enjoy. 
52. Engage in conversation - listening - talking - sharing!
53. Never say "never". 
54. Stand up for what you believe in. 
55. Speak the truth.
56. Never expect more from someone than you know they are capable of giving.
57. Embrace calm. It gets you through a lot of rough times.
58. Let your actions speak louder than your words.
59. Live your life so you'll have no regrets. There is no rewind button on life.
60. Don't lie about your age - don't regret birthdays - they are a privilege that many were denied.

I hope I've learned more than this. 

I hope I continue learning. 

I hope I have many, many more years to utilize all of this knowledge.

Happy 60th Birthday to me ... 

and thanks to my Mom.  She's the one who did the hard work!

Bunches!

Nona

and Lauren is 15...(WHAT???)

Seriously, how is that possible. I'm too young to be the grandmother of a 15 year old. Oh yeah, I forgot y'all know how old I'm about to be.

So it seems that our lovely Princess Lauren is 15 years old today. The day she officially became a part of our family was such a special day. Our numbers grew by leaps and bounds that day. It was a happy day for so many reasons.

Family gatherings are so much fun ... and here are 4 great kids who get along so well. Lauren is so much fun ... the cousins love hanging out with her.







Here is Lauren with her younger brother, Andrew, when the entire family went to Turner Falls. He adored her then and he adores her now.

Among Lauren's many talents, is the ability to play the flute. 

Although she isn't actively playing now, 

it is a knowledge that she will carry with her throughout her life.

Lauren has a great relationship with her Mom ... they share so many interests. 

It really does make me smile to see their closeness.

Ever the supporting cousin, Lauren took great delight in cheering Emily along at Emily's birthday dinner at Babe's. Frankly, Lauren is probably just delighted that she's not the one with the chicken on her head.

 Lauren is such a good caregiver and helper. 

Here she is playing with her little cousin, Libby, 

at the Saginaw Aquatic Center during this past summer.

 And here she is at Thanksgiving ... growing into a lovely young lady.

Happy 15th birthday, Princess Lauren.  

I love you "more than the world".

Bunches

xoxoxo

... and Tori is now 4 years old

Happy Birthday Princess Tori!

Where did the time go? It simply flew by. In some ways, it seems like Tori was born just yesterday, but then with all the joy she has given us, it seems like she has always been a part of us. So in honor of her 4th birthday, I thought we'd look at some of her "firsts" ...

like ... FIRST fancy dress ...

FIRST pigtails

OK, neither of the 2 above are firsts, but they're just so stinkin' cute I had to include them.

 FIRST little black dress (doesn't every Princess need one!)

FIRST slide down the slide unassisted

 FIRST show (at least the first where there was enough to play in)

FIRST walking of her many odd babies down the street

(notice the octopus in the stroller)

Not a first for anything, but she is adorable ...

OK, so NOT the first bubble blowing, but she had so much fun!!! 

Epic fail on making this a list of firsts ... 

but she has been a fairy princess a bazillion times.

 And because I love this so much, here is a picture of her and Andrew (he's 6 months older) when they were decorating Nana's Christmas tree last month.  


Seriously! I love Tori and look forward to watching her celebrate many, many more birthdays and many, many more FIRSTS!








BUNCHES!
Nana


P.S.
And I believe this is my first blog in purple print ... but it is Princess Tori's favorite color.  




xoxoxo

. . . and I'm thankful for my job???

Seriously, you weren't expecting that, were you???

Yes, I am thankful for my job. In this day when so many are searching for jobs, it is a blessing to know that every other Friday, money is simply going to appear in my checking account.

My job has tons of problems ... numerous things I could complain about. But in honor of the spirit of thankfulness that encompasses this month (and really should surround us always), I'll only focus on the wonderful parts.

The folks I work with are dedicated people who believe in what they are doing. When a case is discovered to be flawed (as in, uhhh, we got the wrong person), most won't hesitate to dismiss the case. That makes me feel good. The system isn't perfect. Most of the people I work with are trying to make it better.

The people I work directly with value and appreciate me. That hasn't been the case with every place I have worked. I know that what I do and they way I do my job can change a person's outlook on the legal system. Treating the victims of crime in a compassionate way and realizing that you (hopefully) will never see the system from their view is what makes the situation a little better for them.

Short of winning the Lotto and never having to work another day, I think I'll stay with the job I have. I'm thankful to God for a job that allows me to touch people in a positive way.

Bunches!

. . . and I'm thankful for those that raised me

I don't know that I was a difficult child. But I know this for sure, I wasn't an easy child. 

Really, aren't these photos enough to prove that? They were so young and then they had me and --- 

wait, they still look pretty good, don't they?

This one cracks me up. I'm guessing it's Christmas time (judging by the cards so artfully taped on the wall behind all of us). If that's so, then this would be December of 1952. Wow, my parents look pretty good for having four kids. I can imagine how we were all acting 5 minutes before the picture was taken. Yet, Momma and Daddy aren't pulling their hair out. In fact, they both look pretty relaxed.

Here they are with me --- hey, they still don't look crazy. 

And seriously, if you knew the back-story on this one, you would realize that their smiles and pleasant attitudes have nothing to do with us. The truth is, they were an incredible pair that worked together to raise four semi-normal children (well, except for the 3 boys who are absolutely NOT normal).

And although Daddy has left us to go be with Jesus, Momma is still here doing what she always has done ... she prays for us daily, she loves us unconditionally, and she is infinitely proud of each of us. 

Today (and every day), I am extremely thankful to God for the parents He gave me.

Bunches!!!!

* * * and I'm thankful for the love of my life

Lucky lady ... why, yes, yes I am.

I met the man boy of my dreams when I was WAY too young to be thinking about forever.  He truly had stalked me in the halls of our high school and I was clueless that it was happening.

Rewind about 5-6 years to my elementary school years. At that time, Dennis and my brother had become friends and occasionally hung out together. That was the first glimpse Dennis and I had of each other. Trust me, neither of us was very impressed!

Now back to the halls of North Side High School, and things had changed. But as I said, I didn't have the slightest idea that I was being "watched" by Dennis. Mind you, he was cute enough ... popular enough (you see, North Side had male and female cheerleaders and Dennis was a senior AND a cheerleader). But as a rule, I didn't date guys that I went to school with.

Fortunately it took Dennis a couple of years to decide to actually ask me on a date. By this time, he had graduated and I was a junior so I decided it would be "OK" to date him since I wouldn't be seeing him in the school halls if it didn't work out.

One date ... and I was hooked. I'd never dated anyone quite like him and we became quite an item. Then summer came and I went to California for a few weeks and we missed each other like CRAZY. By September, we decided that we would never be apart again, he put a ring on my finger and in June (the day after I graduated), we were married.

So you see, I am lucky and blessed to be married to my high school sweetheart ... but more than those things, I am THANKFUL that God put such a wonderful boy man into my life.

Bunches .......

~ ~ ~ and thankful for those who came before

I'm thankful for my grandparents. While I never met some of them, they are all very special to me none the less. I have pictures of my grandmothers on my dresser, and they both passed away before I was born.

My daddy's mom was only 26 when she caught pneumonia and passed away (Daddy was just a tiny little guy and had no memories of his mother). Still, I'm thankful for her. She was a strong, beautiful woman. In the picture below, my daddy hadn't yet been born, but based on the ages of my uncles, it is likely that she was in the early stages of her pregnancy with him.

Times were hard in the early 1900s and so my grandfather had his mother come live with him to help him with the four boys he was left to raise without their mother. Never met this lady either, but my Daddy loved her and she helped shape him into who he was, so I'm thankful for my great grandmother Roland.

But then, whether through love or necessity, my grandfather married the lady that I loved and knew as my grandmother. I know that by the time I came along, they were deeply in love with each other. She came complete with three children of her own. It wasn't until I was in my late elementary years that I realized that this wonderful grandmother was actually my step-grandmother. Made absolutely no difference to me as she loved me and I loved her. Perhaps that is why I don't make any differentiation between my step-grandchildren and my grandchildren. To me, they are all mine. That is a lesson I learned from my Grandmother Ballew, a lady that I am also thankful for. She is shown here with my Grandfather Ballew at a birthday celebration for him.

Grandfather Ballew was a man of God and always dressed so nicely to go to church on Sunday. I have so many fond memories of sitting with him in church, trying not to squirm or wiggle, because he was so attentive and I never wanted to disappoint him. I'm thankful for his example and his patience with me - I'm thankful for him!

My momma's mother, Grandmother Spharler, passed away before I was born also. She was only 56 and based on stories that Momma has told me about her, she was a true lady. That's easy to imagine when I look at this picture of her in her young days. She and my grandfather made an extremely attractive couple. 

Here's a picture of her probably not too many years before she passed away. Her hair was long (at one point, it touched the floor) and she always wore it up. I'm thankful for her for so many reasons, but probably the biggest reason is because her first child is my mom.

I'm thankful for my Grandpa Spharler. I hear stories of what a harsh man he was, but by the time I came along, he had mellowed and was a loving and gentle grandfather to me. I'm so thankful for him and the love he gave me. When he would write letters to Momma, he would often tape a piece of chewing gum for her to give to me. I wonder what kids today would think of that. To me, it was a piece of love traveling the miles.

Yes, for each of these beautiful people who came before, I am thankful. 

Thankfulness comes from deep within us ~ ~ ~

Bunches!