I have been blessed 4 times with the BESTEST grandkiddos a grandmother could ask for. I have 2 girls and 2 boys and they are the light of my life. Being a mother was great, but being a grandmother tops it a million times over. My g-babies are cute, sweet, loving, cute, smart, funny, creative, cute, mine, grand, imaginative, daring, cute, clever, wonderful, adorable or and did I mention CUTE!!!
My youngest son and family recently moved to Maryland (I know, it is a long way - but we teach our kids to be independent of us,......doesn't really mean to move far away, but I am happy if they are happy...) My youngest grandson - Jaxson - sent me a letter this week. It is hotter that H### here in Texas, work is work and life is life...but that letter made my day and I wanted to share it along with a great poem I found.

The first person (in purple) is me. Everyone knows purple is my color, even my g-babies. The second one is his little sister - Annabelle - then himself, next comes Cody and Jaycee (cousins and my oldest grandaughter/grandson). Jaxson comes from a long line of artist, his dad, his uncle and of course, his grandmother...he is very good! Thanks buddy for making my day - Boo loves you!

Grandchildren

© Earline Brasher

Sometimes I really do wonder,
Why they are called grand?
Then I know A Loving Grandmother,
Can always fully understand.
You get that important phone call,
You have waited for so long,
Excitement really kicks in,
As you arrive and rush down the hall.
You see that precious baby,
Gender really doesn't matter at all,
It brings back many memories,
Of when your children were so small.
You congratulate the parents,
As you see mother and baby are o.k.,
You know without a doubt,
This was done in own God's way.
Many sacrifices made along the way,
Are very much worthwhile,
When you see that sweet little face,
And that bright cheery smile.
Time rocks on as they grow and grow,
Then comes their future, rushing too and fro,
They will always be our babies,
If anyone should ask,
They are all very Special,
From the first one to the last!!!!





 

 

Florida....

Just returned from a vacation to the north east coast of Florida. What I found most interesting about Florida is that nobody is actually from Florida. Everyone is from somewhere else. We met people from France, Spain, Germany, Norway, many of the USA states - but not one true Floridian!

The coast is beautiful. We flew into Jacksonville and drove to Daytona Beach for our first night. We stayed at the BAHAMA HOUSE. What a great little mom/pop business. Accommodations were great and the staff was outstanding. A plus in our book.

While in Daytona, we had dinner at at the INLET HARBOR....YUMMY!! Prior to our picture being snapped, Gary took off his glasses, they hit his leg and PLOP right into the ocean. They sank so fast, you would have thought they had anchor on them. So we went shopping for CHEAP replacements...cute, huh??

The next day we drove down the coast and landed in Kissamanee. Here we stayed at the GRAND BEACH RESORT. This is a beautiful place and very comfortable. Our friends, Chris and Andre from Missouri, joined us later in the day and we enjoyed a great dinner together.

Friday we did Universal Studios. It was crowded, hot and lots of walking. The best part was the Harry Potter Castle and ride. WOW....it was the coolest thing - if you go, don't miss it!

On Saturday we drove to NASA and Cocoa Beach. With the shuttle missions now gone, NASA is basically just a place to walk around and look at PAST launch pads. Pretty boring to me. I guess it is nostalgic in I can say I was there....

Sunday we drove to Tampa. Stopped in St. Petersburg and Brandenton. Along the way we visited some national monuments. Chris and Andre got us started on the PASSPORT thing, where you get STAMPED when you visit national monuments. It has now become an obsession. On this trip, I think we hit 3 or 4 different places. A little history lesson along the way !!

We went to YBOR CITY, Tampa. Cool, Cuban based historic town.

Monday was the day we parted ways and headed back to Jacksonville for a trip home on Tuesday. Chris and Andre were headed (by car) to Michigan for her sorority conference. They are amazing friends and we had a great time being with them. Thanks Chris and Andre for another great vacation!

We stopped in St. Augustine for our last night. This is suppose to be the oldest city in the USA. Quiet the little town. We made our way down to the historic district. Lots of shopping, eating and people watching. A hard rain started and we found a little pub - Scarlett OHara's place. Raining, 73degrees, couple of drinks and some great food and a special time - just the two of us. What a way to finish off the last night.

Tuesday we were Texas bound. I love vacations, but I love going back home. Originally scheduled for a 2:30 flight, AA over booked (really, imagine that) and offered two $300.00 vouchers to two people that could change their plans. HELLLOOOOOOOOOOOOO - I am so there. So we took a later flight, flew to North Carolina, got off the plane, raced to the OTHER end of the terminal and took our last leg home.

Home sweet home.......

I can't help myself......

Well, actually I probably could "help" myself....but I DONT WANT TOO!!!
My husband says I have waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many purses. When in fact, the man has waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many caps!!
Some might say it is an addiction. I looked that word up in Wikipedia....nope, not me. I did find a definition for "soft addiction" and well, maybe, maybe - that is what I have.....

The term soft addiction was coined by Judith Sewell Wright to describe activities, moods or ways of being, avoidances, and things-edible and consumable but which do not pose a grave health disease risk - rather, they have the most effect on personal time and productivity. ^[8][9] These behaviors were profiled in a 2007 ABC News story titled Bad Habits.^[10]

When I go shopping I get a great sense of AWWWWWWWWWWW..makes me feel good. When I'm down, upset, angry, bored, hungry, sleepy, working, playing, driving, talking, breathing........I feel the need, the need for a new purse.
A friend at work said she has been looking for WEEKS (really???) and just hasn't been able to find one. So, me being the kind person I am, decided to share. I brought most, not all of my purses, to work so she could go "shopping". Right off the bat, she discovers just the "one"....POW...problem solved. Told her when she was done, simply return it, no charge.

Happy Shopping !!

All Balls 2011 - Wimberly, Texas

In its 6th year (I think) we have gathered together to celebrate a great love of family.....

Pics speak louder than words...

Can't wait till next year..

Happy Birthday Cody-man !!

Today is my oldest grandson Cody's birthday, or better known to most as CODY-MAN. He turns the BIG 6 ! Anyone that knows Cody, knows Cody is his own little man. He came into this world fighting a battle and tough it made him "tough" he can be the sweetest of sweets – at a moments notice.  Cody LOVES dinosaurs and can tell you just about anything you would like to know. At last count, he had 95 !!

I have always told my son’s that some day all those things that they did, things they tested me with, things they THOUGHT they got away with – would come back to haunt them.

HELLLOOOOOOOOOOOOO CHAD !!

….Cody is definitely his father’s son!

Happy Birthday Cody !!

Boo and Pops love you very much

Happy Father's Day !!



First and foremost let me thank my husband, Gary, for being an AWESOME dad. We have two boys, and they could not have asked for a better dad. He learned it well from his father, who was also an amazing man and father.
Happy Father's Day Pappaw!

Second to my sons, Chad and Corey. What a blessing you have been to your dad and I. We are so proud of you. You guys have become the men we had hoped and more importantly.....DADS!! We wanted you to be independent, strong, caring, loving, kind, thoughtful, providing, - and you are all those things and more!!

Happy Father's Day to all MY BOYS - love, love, love you!!!

Now a little history of Father's Day...

Father's Day, in the United States, is a holiday (third Sunday in June) to honour fathers. Credit for originating the holiday is generally given to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, whose father, a Civil War veteran, raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. She is said to have had the idea in 1909 while listening to a sermon on Mother's Day, which at the time was becoming established as a holiday. Local religious leaders supported the idea, and the first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, the month of the birthday of Dodd's father. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge gave his support to the observance, and in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed it a national holiday. Observance on the third Sunday of June was decreed by law in 1972.
Although it was originally largely a religious holiday, Father's Day has been commercialized with the sending of greeting cards and the giving of gifts. Some observe the custom of wearing a red rose to indicate that one's father is living or a white rose to indicate that he is deceased. Other males—for example, grandfathers or uncles who have assumed parenting roles—are often also honoured on the day. Some Roman Catholics have continued to observe the feast day of Saint Joseph, on March 19, as a tribute to fathers.

Copyright © 1994-2009 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. For more information visit Britannica.com.

My pride and joys !!

Random photos of my g-babies!!

Can you believe it.....

Today, I think, most "young" people don't know the true meaning of love and marriage. I think divorce is too easy and when people in marriage don't like something, aren't happy, it isn't going their way, their toes get stepped on...they opt out and think the grass will be greener on the other side. Trust me, it isn't..it's just as muddy over there as it it over here...
Not only in marriage, but life in general. Who said life was going to be a bowl of cherries anyway?? Life is tough, you have challenges, you don't always get your way and in the famous words of my sweet mom....

You can get happy in the same pair of pants you got mad in !!

Today is my wedding anniversary.....37 AMAZING years!! I was very young, 19 and my husband was 21.

We have been through tough times, good times, great times, hard times, easy times. WE have two of the greatest son's in the whole wide world ! We have been blessed with two great daughter-in-laws and
the pride and joy of our lifes....4 GRANDkids!!
When you make a committment of marrige, know that it should be for life. Just because something doesn't go your way today or tomorrow, or you decide "this is not what you want"...don't give up. Work through it....make it count. If you have doubts, don't get married. Think about it....it is a life changing, life altering committment and should not be taken for granted.

I love my life, I love my husband and I love being married!

Happy Anniversary my love....

The Ultimate Sacrifiice.......

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
I have lost several near and dear police friends and co- workers in the line of duty. They were as close as any family member. Police Officers are a special "breed" and each one of us needs to remember to say "thank you" to them and to their families. Each and every day they could be the next to make the ultimate sacrifice.

What is the meaning of "In The Line Of Duty"
It means that an officer made the Ultimate sacrifice.
It means that someone took an officer's life.
A hero has fallen.

Officers who gave their all
To protect and serve
Have been killed by someone whom they swore
To protect and serve.

It means that their badge will no longer be on their chest
And they will join
"The Best Of The Best"

It means that family and friends are left behind
To deal with the lost of a loved one.
Only having the memories of that loved one
Close to their hearts.
Something no one can ever take away.

It means that family members will stand at the officers grave
And wonder why ...
Why would someone take an officer's life
And leave them there to die?
If we only knew.

Today an officer will place their badge on their chest
To fulfill the dreams of heroes killed
"In The Line Of Duty"

by

Michele

She Made It....

Your college graduation
Fills us with love and pride.
We always knew that you could do
Whatever you really tried.

It's a long and challenging journey
To get a college degree,
But you wouldn't quit it, you just went and did it,
And we're beaming affectionately.

Your achievement is awesome, Robyn;
You've worked hard and you've passed the test.
We love you so, and we want you to know,
We think you're the very best!

My daughter-in-law, Robyn, is graduating from college today. She earned her BA in education. She will make a WONDERFUL teacher, because she is a WONDERFUL daughter - in - law !  She has worked hard being a full time mom, wife and student and made the Dean's List!!

We are so proud of you Robyn ! 

Love and Kisses,

Boo and Pops

Happy Mother's Day !!!

My mom is no longer with me. I miss her terribly. She was a GREAT mom and taught me GREAT things. I know she is in heaven looking down at me and loving me as much as I love her. Happy Mother's Day Mom.

As a tribute to mother's day - I would like to say THANKS to my boys for making me a very proud mom. I was blessed with two of the most amazing son's. I am so proud of them. They have turned out to be the best of the best.  I love you guys very, very much!!

Mother of Boys

 Shoes in the kitchen, jeans on the floor
Basketballs lying at the back door
Living room carpet shows signs of wear
The fridge and the cupboards are constantly bare.

The toilet seat's up, it's stuck that way
The sports on TV blare all day
Racetracks, footballs, all kinds of toys
How did you guess, I'm the mother of boys.

...Author Unknown

 

(sorry about the blurry pic..)

Texas morning....

Sunsrise in the GREAT state of TEXAS and I love it ! 

Just sayin.....

I work in a mostly female office environment. I have been here 20+ years....seen alot of people come and go. There is always that "one" person that creates total havoc on the rest of the workers. Today, was no exception. I try, not always succeeding, to keep my thought and words to myself. I have an amazing friend who teaches me on a daily basis that it is better to just keep things to yourself!!! But today, this "one" co-worker managed to leave two people out of a lunch (today is secretaries day, adminstrative assistant, whatever your chose to call it.)  One of those left out was a fairly new employee and she was devasted. Why are people such A****?? Do they think people are so clueless that they won't notice? Really, people??

I felt really bad for that person and because of it, I chose not to attend the lunch. Simply explained, (because what I really wanted to say was not nice) "I have plans." I won't be a part of something so childish and immature.

 

One of my favorite characters and children's books are those of Dr. Seuss. Every book, quote, character, etc....says something. As I was feverishly working (I was reading other blogs) I ran across this quote:

 

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
— Dr. Seuss   

 

To that "person"........you don't matter and I don't mind!!

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday....

Today is number two son - COREY's- birthday!

You raise your kids in the same manner, give them the same things, teach the same lessons, in the same house, go to the same schools, churches, friends, etc. Then when they grow up and leave the nest, you realize they are so different. Corey and Chad were no exception. One thing that they are alike is, in the love of their sports.

 With Corey's birthday in April, it seems alot of his celebrations were baseball themed.

This year was no exception.

This way to the game......

Wishing you
special happiness,
wonderful memories...
and all the best
on your birthday
and every day.

Happy Birthday CoreBug !!

Much much love,

Mom and Dad 

Stuffed with L O V E !!!

One of the great things about being a grandparent is getting to do really cool things with the g-babies....one of those is BUILDING A BEAR...with love!

The BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOP concept is unique (if not a great money-maker). I have now entered all of my grandbabies into their world. You start by picking out your "bear" (or bunny or dog or longhorn) Then you get a "heart". You have to rub the heart on your forehead for "smarts", your legs for strength and the ability to run fast (all of the grandbabies looked at me like.."run???") and last but of course, not least, your heart for "love". You place the heart in your selection and you and the nice lady "stuff" your bear with the big stuffing machine. You have to do the foot work and she does the arm work. You have to squeeze it tight, to make sure it is just "right" and if it meets your standards, the nice lady sews up the heart and the stuffin' and you move to the next station.

Of course, after all this work, you must "bath" the newest member to your family. Now all clean, you must select clothes and go to the dressing room. After all dressed and ready for show, you have to input the newest member of the family into the computer and name "it". This can be quite a task. A name, gosh, let me think. I can't remember all the names ( I know, what kind of a grandmother am I?) They were unique and by the time we left the store, had changed.

It was great fun, nothing like watching the expression on their sweet faces, as "their" bear (dog and bunny) came to life.

I now have an extra place to spend my money, after all...you can't just have one outfit!!

Let it ride...

This past weekend hubby and I set out on a road trip and traveled 4 hours to Louisana. We docked at one of the local casinos.  We had good intentions of hitting the LA boardwalk, eating some good seafood, relaxing in the room, gambling

....R and R if you will!

We started out on the penny slots. You think, PENNIES, geeeeez - this is cheap entertainment. But if you are not careful, those pennies quickly turn into dollars and before you know, you are betting $1, $2, $3 dollars at a time. All these lines jump up on the screen and you LOSE !!! Great way to get rid of your money, quickly!!

Then we decided we would hit the LET IT RIDE table...we never looked back. In fact, we should have looked back. We had had breakfast at 9:00am that morning (Ol'South Pancakes with the g babies and number 2 son) By the time we sat down at the casino table, it was 4:00pm  Mistake, HUGE mistake!! We never went to eat lunch or dinner, hit the boardwalk, get seafood or any food for that matter and our nourishment consisted of CROWN (royal) and COKE.
But the good times were plentiful!!

The dealers were great, and we had a great table of new friends

(Thanks Brent from Covington,Texas.) 

We did (well, really GARY did) get almost all our monies back. We were exhausted by the time we hit our driveway Sunday afternoon. So much for a relaxing weekend away from home.

We will be returning in a couple of weeks with a group of co-workers, friends and family for an annual day trip!! Wooooooooooooo - let it ride!!

Play Ball.....

Opening Day for BASEBALL !

 

I am pumped! I so wish I was gonna be at the opening game today for the Texas Rangers....what fun. I do plan on making plenty of games this year. I have already looked at the calendar and decided which games I want to attend - and there are plenty of them!! Who's with me ??