Friday, August 27, 2010

It's Still About Baylee

This birthday cake thrilled Baylee since she has a black rabbit that she loves very much. Taco Meat was a hit with the kids, each wanting a turn holding him. Don't ask me where that sweet rabbit got a name like Taco Meat. He looks more like a black fur ball than tortilla fixins'.

Another huge hit was the water slide that was rented for the back yard. The kids had a ball! No messing with party games when you have an entertainment center set up for the kids.

The birthday girl posed for a fun shot. She looks happy, doesn't she? Six must agree with her.

Sophia got her money's worth out of the slide. According to her Mom, she must have gone down it 100 times even after I left the party. What is funny is that she didn't think she'd want to participate because it looked scary. It didn't take but one splash and she was hooked.


A wet Baylee getting ready to blow out her candles. The cake was both chocolate and vanilla. We feasted on pizza, salad, and dips for lunch, then dug into the cake and ice cream.

Baylee made a haul on the gifts. I sat in the floor with her after everyone left and helped open all those hard packages that Daddys usually struggle with. I was armed with scissors and Memaw muscle, which Baylee and Sophia thought was funny.

Kids love to crowd around and watch the gifts being opened. I couldn't resist this shot of Sophia's cute behind. I could just eat her up.

A final shot of Sophia in her yummy watermelon bikini. I've never been a fan of melons, but this one is tempting.
A second party was held in the afternoon after Jude and some of the neighbor kids got out of school. Baylee was then presented with a pink bicycle from her parents, brother and sister. Poor Jude had to leave the party early as he came down with the virus bug that had plagued his Mom and sisters earlier in the week. I hope he feels better soon.
We wrapped up a perfect birthday for a perfect little Baylee!

Happy Birthday, Baylee!

Our pretty Baylee Girl is 6 years old today! Robin and I surprised her at school today and swept her away for lunch and some good birthday shopping at the toy store. You can see from the picture where we ended up for lunch. To her credit, Baylee usually has better taste than this, but choices were few near the store. We made up for it later with ice cream!

This birthday is extra special because Baylee started kindergarten last week. She loves school and getting into the learning mode. When I arrived with my umbrella today she said, "We studied the letter "u" today, like in umbrella." She catches on quickly.

Baylee has always had a big heart for animals so her favorite place to browse is on the stuffed animal aisle. She already has a ton of them at home, but what's a few more when your heart is in it this much? She is "mama" to a real rabbit that adores her. He will sit in her lap while she watches TV and eat fruit from her hands. This sensitive girl has never met an animal she didn't like. I bet she'll be a vegetarian when she grows up. Oh yeah, she's a brunette.

I have her homemade strawberry ice cream made and I was told that her cake will be one she will love. Pictures will be forthcoming. Can't ruin all the birthday surprises.


Have a very happy birthday, Baylee. You made us feel so special today by the excitement on your sweet face when you saw us at your school. You were so much fun and always a joy to be with. I love you, sweet girl!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Happy Birthday, Callan!

My youngest grandchild, Callan, is a big three-year-old today! He's such a sweet boy and certainly not bad on the eyes either. That curly blond hair and those blue eyes have a tendency to melt my heart. This little guy speaks two languages so don't let his young age fool you. He has an edge on some of us, namely his Memaw.

I love this baby picture of Callan with his Dad that appeared on the cover of a parenting magazine in honor of Father's Day. So, I'm posting it again for Callan's special day.

Angela told me that they reminded Callan that the terrible twos are about to end and there should be no more whining and carrying on. Personally, I don't think he's ever been prone to that type of behaviour and I'm convinced that age three will find him as delightful as ever.
Happy birthday, sweet boy! Memaw loves you so much!



Friday, August 20, 2010

In Loving Memory of Sharon

My heart is so heavy right now as I honor my dear friend, Sharon, who passed away today after battling cancer for the second time. I can't find the words to describe what she meant to me. Our friendship was brief - we met for the first time over two years ago - but the impression she made on my life is ever-lasting. Her precious daughter, Rachael, and my precious daughter, Angela, have been good friends for many years, so I was excited to finally meet Sharon. A few days after that first meeting she called to tell me she saw something so special in my eyes, something so sincere, and wanted to get to know me better. To be honest, I was stunned that she could look at me and find something so worthwhile, something worth knowing. I eagerly agreed to meet her for lunch and a friendship developed immediately.

Just as Sharon said she could see someone in me that she wanted to know better, she has shown me the face of Jesus when I look at her. Her faith was so strong, so evident, that she absolutely glowed. She was one of the purest and sweetest women I have ever met. She lived her Christian life to the fullest and shared that joy with those around her. I've attended her Bible studies and gained so much inspiration from her words and how she delivered them. I was in awe of the time she loved spending with the Bible and it showed in her very countenance. Sharon was a beautiful person. She had the most delightful smile, and freckles, and laughter, and peace, that I was drawn to her again and again. I will miss everything about this special friend.

This picture was taken a year ago, the last time I saw Sharon before she moved out of state. I felt honored to be a part of the beautiful mother/daughter bond that was Sharon and Rachael.

I took Sharon to meet my parents and my mother readily adopted her and Sharon was happy to call her Mom. My mother's heart is heavy tonight also.

Both Sharon and my Dad have fallen asleep in Jesus and I look forward to the day when we are reunited with them. When my Dad was struck with cancer, Sharon listened to me cry many times and she offered me such comfort and peace and hope. I will forever be grateful for those gentle, caring words.


Sharon, my cherished friend, thank you for the joy you added to my life by simply being the wonderful person you are. We will meet again, friend, in a place where cancer can't exist. Sleep peacefully and I will see you in the morning. What a glorious day that will be.






Thursday, August 19, 2010

Celebrating Friendship

A miracle happened 17 years ago today when I walked into a grief recovery seminar and met Cheryl. An incredible friendship took root and has blossomed beyond our wildest dreams. We were there for each other during the worst time of our lives and have continued being a rock for each other, sharing all the good and the bad. I can't imagine my life without Cheryl.

This is always my favorite picture of Cheryl because she's arriving at the airport to spend a glorious week with me in the Texas Hill Country. The laughter begins at this moment.

A friend is someone who accepts you as you are, expecting nothing more. A friend is safe with your secrets. A friend listens to your hurts and comforts you, and rejoices in the good that happens in your life. A friend is Cheryl.

Thank you, Lord, for showing us what a genuine friendship is all about, and for bringing these two heart-broken women together and putting a smile on our faces. To learn more about this special friendship, please click on the label "Our Story" to the right of this blog.

Monday, August 16, 2010

August Divas - Celebrating Jan!

Busy, busy weekend with family and equally busy Monday back at work, but highlights of our August Diva outing are now posted.

We celebrated Jan's birthday, complete with a special surprise. Her daughter, Shelley, drove a great distance to spend this time with her mother and our group. It was wonderful having her there and I know her mother was thrilled and excited. We just might have to make Shelley a real Texas Diva! She is welcome any time! The proud mother and birthday girl looks happy in this picture with Shelley, as does cousin Allison.

Our dear Paula P. always brings a homemade goodie to share with us when it's a birthday month. This time it was a delicious soapapilla cheese cake that had us all salivating. She is a master - or is it mistress - baker. And while the rest of us might forget about a birthday dessert, faithful Paula always saves the day. Thank you!

We missed Darlene who was on vacation and unable to attend her friend's birthday celebration. Also missing this time were Deb, Paula F. and Jeanne. We hope the next outing will include everyone.
Happy birthday, Jan, and we enjoyed having Shelley there to celebrate with us. No more birthdays for a few months, but the group will still be having fun. See you all next time!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

My Date with Thomas

I finally uploaded my pictures from my date with Thomas the birthday boy!

Here's the handsome young man before his mane was sheared.

Here's the handsome young man with a fresh haircut. What a cutie!

Thomas took this picture of me at lunch and considering the subject matter, he did a fine job.

Fortifying ourselves with lunch before we invade Toys R Us with 9-year-old energy.

Arriving home with the stash. He wanted a picture with each item we bought, so check it out!






It was such a fun date with such a young and strikingly handsome dude!

Monday, August 09, 2010

Happy Birthday, Thomas

My oldest grandson is 9 today! And what a sweet and handsome boy he is. I took loads of pictures of our outing together but haven't been able to load them due to all my computer problems. But this picture from a past birthday will have to do and it's adorable. I will post our birthday fun when I can.

Our first stop on our birthday date was to get Thomas a haircut. He was even excited about it. As we walked into the salon my stylist said, "what a handsome grandson!". To our amazement and my delight, Thomas went to her, patted her on the back and said, "thanks. You're a pretty grandma." How sweet is that? This boy never meets a stranger.

Next was lunch and then the anticipated trip to Toys R Us. As we neared the store I told Thomas we were almost there, knowing he must be pumped. He surprised me again.

"I can be very patient, Memaw, when I have someone to talk to. Even though I can't wait to get there, I can be patient as we talk."

"That's great, Thomas," I told him. "You're one of those who doesn't just look to the destination, but you also enjoy the ride."

I'm constantly learning from these 9 grandchildren! Each one has a unique perspective and a huge heart. I am blessed.

Happy birthday, Thomas! Enjoy your special day and always remember how much I love you!