What! Gray Hair? No Way!

As I was putting on my make-up this morning, (mostly with my eyes shut), I bent to see my face in the mirror, and lo and behold I noticed that there were a lot of gray hairs brightly shining in the mirror! Surely not! But yes, there they were and I have to admit, it must be getting around to that time of my life that those little gray pieces of age are going to be popping up more and more.

Now, let me see. What would be other reasons for these little gray hairs to suddenly accumulate in my hair. Could it be that my age is now going to start to show? I am a year older than this time last year. And I do have a couple more grandchildren than I did this time last year. And I have put on a pound or two since then.

Did I say two new grandchildren? Ah, since we are talking about grandchildren, I must confess, they are the loves of my life. Let me share them with you.

My little man, Owen; he looks so precious in his suit. He was modeling it for me the day that Kate was baptised. Isn't he just so handsome. Nope, no gray hair from that.

Then there is my little baby-girl Kate. Oh, just when she looks up you with those big sweet eyes, like Paula said, a camera just cannot capture that image. I will remember it always in my mind though. She just coos at you and smiles, and melts your heart. Don't think that is the cause of my gray hair.

Then there is little man Christian. Oh, what sweetness. He gets so excited over things. He runs into the house and up into my arms and gives me big hugs! Then it's down as quickly as possible to go play with the "Trucks"! and anything else with wheels. At times, when he gets so excited, he gives you this little "look". His eyes get big as baseballs, he squinches his forehead, and then his mouth makes a great big "O", and he shakes his head...and then sometimes he just laughs..such a joy! Um, no reason for gray hair there..

Next is my big little man Colton. He is in 1st grade, going on 2nd....and he's starting to like girls just a little bit. He's the Big Brother, and awsome at bowling Wii! In fact, I would say he is the star player...usually bowls well over 200! And he still gives Mimi hugs and kisses, and that is the most important thing! But he likes to sneak cookies. I had a dream that I caught him sneaking a cookie out of the pantry the other night! Very much BOY! Gray hair? Nah..

Then we come to Marissa. That long long red hair would make any girl jealous. She is so petite and sweet, and likes shorts. One day she came over and had at least 5 pairs of shorts on. That was a while back, so we will see if the trend continues over this summer. She also likes to pretend that she is talking on the phone...Yes, uh-huh, ok...etc,etc. She is also an excellent Wii-bowler. She and Colton have been teaming up lately against Aunt Pat, and giving her a run for her money! Can't see this little sweetie causing any gray hairs...

And we can't forget Baby Cooper. He is so cute! He's one of the happiest babies I've known. Wants to be right in the middle of what is going on. He decided Sunday at church that he was going to help the preacher with the sermon! He put in his two cents and was heard! He's adorable. Definately no reason for gray hair there.

Well, I guess I must sum up the reason for gray hair to age and part of life. But that's ok. I'm ready for it. No Miss Clariol for me. I'll take what I can get. After all, the reasons are not important. I think I've kinda earned those gray hairs. I've lived almost 58 years. A wonderful husband; great & talented children, with awesome mates, and beautiful grandchilren; loving sisters and a brother; great in-laws. What else could I ask for? Every day I am showered with so many blessings. I can sum it up with these words:

There's never a day He doesn't give me what I need.

Even when I wake up thru the storm, my soul cries peace,

Sometimes I try to count them (blessings), there's TOO many I confess,

So with arms upraised, I just say still Blessed!

a few updates....

Well, what a few weeks this has been. Summer is gone! Fall slipped right in and the leaves came and went. We had some beautiful foliage this year. Driving to and from work seemed to be the only time I had to see some of it. And we've already had our first snow of the year. Hopefully you can see those little snow flurries in the picture.

Baby Cooper arrived on October 6, weighing in a 9lbs 2 oz...He had his doctor visit yesterday and he's at 13 lbs. Cute little guy too. Colton, Marissa and Christian have taken to him very well, and especially Christian is very protective of him. I was able to snap this pic Saturday afternoon while the Summey's were visiting. Definately a house full there!

Paula is doing well, with her pregnancy, and we are planning her baby shower for December 20. We are all very excited about the new baby girl! She has been very busy doing shows, making pottery and so much more! I do not know how she does everything. She has so much inititive, and drive; with little Owen and working full time. We are so blessed to to have Kevin who is so dedicated to his family. I know he's a great help to her.

You may have noticed in the picture of Mike's family, the Wii Fit box..Boy o boy o boy...I started on it last friday night. I really have to work on this! It's fun and the time flies when you are at it! but I know it's going to be a great tool to help me get into shape! But I'll have to keep the bottle of motrin close at hand for all those sore muscles!

On another Wii note, Colton and Marissa are becoming stars at Wii!. Colton often scores over 200 on bowling and Marissa's high this week is 186! boxing is another favorite, with tennis coming on board as well.

And we have survived yet another Presidential Election. Though my candidates did not win, we must accept the results and pray for our President whoever is in office. Charles Stanley has a great little card that offers things to pray for the president and other officials. You can probably find this on his web site.

But we know that God is in control of it all!

Owens' big finish!

October 18, 2008! Paula and Kevin are the proud parents of their little fellow who has decided recently that he likes to run around the house with no clothes on! It seems that he has found out how to "disrobe" himself....I can just see that look in his little eye as he takes off his diaper and charges out of the room! I bet he thinks its funny to see the look on his parents face when he does that too!...He is a cad!

During dinner, he decides that he wants to try out the potty chair...so mom and dad take him to his potty and he completes his task. Mommy says that she and Daddy were so excited that you would have thought they had won the lottery! and in a way, they did! a big finish for our baby boy O who won't be a baby boy for much longer. He's on his way to being our Little Man!!!! We love you O...

Isn't he a handsome little man!!!! This is his school pic!

WOW!....

WOW!!! shame on me!! it has been way too long since I've blogged. So much to do..But hopefully I can do some catch up soon. I've really been drawn to this crazy election stuff. I think it's driving everyone crazy. Ups and downs in both campaigns. Also, I have a nephew running for District Court Judge and hoping to get with him in a few days to work with him on that. I think it will be interesting to get involved in a little of the political arena and see some "behind the scenes" goings on..

more later...

busy weekend!!!

This was definately a busy weekend for everyone. Paula and Kevin and little "O" were busy moving into their new house which is absolutely gorgeous! and Bruce and I went down for a few hours on Friday to see if we could help. Well, Bruce did the helping..I did the visiting. Paula and O and I went to see Owen's new cousin, Hannah, Susies' new 4month old granddaughter. She is quite the beautiful baby and we enjoyed seeing her for the first time as well as Susie, Jennifer, Jessica and Sydney and Bob. Susie also has a wonderful back yard that is like an oasis. You have to see it to believe it! I should have taken my camera, but I was so rushed because I had to work that morning I forgot to pick up the camera! Shame on me..No pics of Owen either!

More to write, but it's back to work for now...

finally, pics! the babes in action!

finally, I figured out how to add pics to my blog! So here they are, my pride and joys! Christian, taken at Marissa's recital. Owen having birthday pizza! Colton graduating from his kindergarten class (little boy on the left, green shirt), and Marissa performing for me at her recital! This year certainly has flown by with so much going on. I'm sure the rest of the year will be just as interesting. You grandkids will probably never see this...but know that I love you all very much!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

Today we celebrate Memorial Day. A day to thank all of those in the Armed Forces who are now serving and have served in the past our country and the fight for our freedom. Something we take for granted.

I have several in my own family to thank for this freedom. My brother, Ronald, served 22 years. 2 in the Navy at Okinawa, and 20 in the Army. He served 3 terms in Vietnam. He did give his life for our country because all three times he went to Vietnam he flew by helicopter into the enemy area where they dropped agent orange. Agent orange causes liver cancer. Ronald died of liver cancer at the young age of 48. He was only home from the miltary for a few years.

My brother Larry served in the Marine Corp. He did not have the opportunity to serve for very long, but he did serve and was given a medical discharge. My family is very fortunate that he did come home as he was the lifeline of our family for many years and helped to take care of us at home.

My brother Mike, served 20 years in the Navy. He too was overseas and stationed in various parts of the world and the west and east coasts. He worked on helicopters. And I'm sure there were many other areas where he worked, but I'm not sure what they were. Michael passed away recently at the young age of 59. He had a few years longer to enjoy life as a civilian. But not long enough.

I also have a nephew, Eddie and his wife Kim who have served many years in the National Guard and they have spent many weeks and months away from their children to serve our country.

To all these I thank you and appreciate your sacrifices for my freendom. May God Bless you and your families.

**
The weekend was pretty hectic starting with Friday evening and our little Marissa's dance recital. She stole the show with her groups routine as she was the only one who kept dancing and never paused or looked like she didn't know what to do next! she wore a little blue tutu and even makeup. She was a doll! we were so proud of her. Then we went out to eat and her daddy ordered her own order of "pickles" just for the occassion. She loves pickles.

Saturday and Sunday I worked at Carillon. I called bingo for the residents, rewarded all who attended with some goodies. Then Sunday afternoon, Bruce and I invited the residents to an Ice Cream Social which they loved! They visited and talked with each other and it was a lot of fun!

Today Bruce and I spent a few hours working on the house; putting up new doors and then went shopping for plants. We purchased 2 rose bushes which we planted in the front yard, zinnas and a beautiful flower bowl to hang outside. We also planted lettuce, cucumbers, eggplant, squash and peppers. We like to have a few fresh veggies for the summer months.

we also tried our hand at Wii Tennis this weekend. It was a hoot! we had a good time and used a few muscles that we haven't used for a while...OUCH!

so that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I hope all my loved ones had a great long weekend!!!