Happy Birthday, Angela!

My youngest baby is having a birthday today! How I'd love to be celebrating in person with her! I'd try my hand at a vegan birthday cake. I'd scratch her back for an hour. I'd keep three precious grandchildren while she and hubby went out on the town.

We'd have funny face pancakes for breakfast - totally vegan, of course! Angela, Juliet and I would indulge in manicures and pedicures before heading to lunch at a vegan bistro.

Mostly, I'd just enjoy being with her and rejoicing in the happy occasion that was Angela only a few short years ago (notice I left out numbers). I so wanted that bundle of joy to be a girl and I was thrilled to welcome her. I wanted a little doll to dress up and her Daddy wanted a Daddy's Girl, and we both won big time! What a blessing she has always been.

Alas, I'm a good 14 hours away by car, but my heart is with you today on this special day. I'm so proud of the woman you are, your countless talents, and your unwavering faith in God. You're a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister, and I couldn't have hand-picked a better third child.

Happy birthday, Punkin, and know that I love you with all my heart. Yesterday, today, and all your tomorrows.

A Great Blog Post

No, not here, folks. I haven't had much of interest to write about. But I would like to suggest Angela's blog at www.tphblog.com, where she is doing a series on my parents, their home, and their loving hospitality. Enjoy!

And while you are there, be sure to check out the archives for tips on home decorating and fashion. She carries her love for art in all directions. You can also tour her mountain cottage which will be featured in a fall issue of Cottages & Bungalows.

Yes, I'm proud. Happy reading.

Happy Birthday, Angela

My beautiful baby girl is having a birthday today. If we were in the same place today, I'd scratch her back, bake her favorite cake, and babysit her three precious children while she indulged in a nap or a night out. I'm sure she will happily take me up on this at a later date.

Angela is a devoted daughter, wife, and mother whose artistic abilities can transform junk into treasure. I had an early glimpse of this talent when she drew a girl with long eyelashes on the bathroom wallpaper. It wasn't long before these creations were on canvas, and now can be seen on everything she touches. I've always been amazed at those who can visualize something and make it become real. In my mind's eye, I can see a dog, or a house, or a flower, but wouldn't know how to put that image on a surface. I'm thankful that God was selective with talents and didn't give us all the same one. That Angela's eye for art is unique is one of the things that make it so appealing to me.

Angela has a fun sense of humor that I always enjoy. I especially love it when all three of my kids are together and laughing over antics from the past. She's also a dedicated teacher to these two kids and I wouldn't doubt that the younger one will learn under her as well. He already sits in on the Bible class and can recite the books of the Bible.

Mainly, I love Angela because she's a loving daughter and gives me many reasons for loving her back. Happy birthday, Punkin. You are always, always in my heart.

Bandera with Angela

All my trips to Bandera have been unforgettable. I've always been there to share lazy days with friends and this is the first time I went without them. But it was still wonderful since I got to spend a few days with baby girl, Angela, and three of my sweet grandchildren. No pajama days on this trip. We were on the go!

We spent one morning on the condo's playground and played a little soccer. I was rusty, but managed to get a few good kicks in. Ashton and Juliet were awesome!

Little man, Callan, is my youngest grandchild and just as handsome as the rest of them.

We had fun playing games inside the condo too. Ashton took over the score pad when he saw that I added something incorrectly. He was faster than I was too.

After the playground, we headed to Natural Bridge Caverns. Ashton had studied about cave formations and was excited to see them. We ventured down 180 feet on steep inclines, then back up 180 feet. I thought I'd be sore the next day, but I wasn't. When I told Robin about our day he asked if I remembered that I'd had a heart attack. I told him I was supposed to exercise and he said, "not all in one day." Point taken.

These next two pictures show how natural our Juliet is at posing. She wants to be an artist who designs clothes, and I think she could add model to her future.

I see the same love and knack for art in Juliet that I saw in Angela. She draws beautifully. I asked if she would be taking lessons from an art teacher like her mom did, and Juliet reminded me that her mom is capable of teaching her art. Why didn't I think of that?

Isn't he handsome? He favors his grandpa whom I loved with all my heart.

Memaw is in good company!

We visited a toy store in Austin and I had to get a picture of Juliet being funny.

Our tour of the state capitol in Austin was interesting and educational for all of us.

A view of the dome from inside the capitol building. We climbed a lot of stairs!

Since Angela lives in another state it had been awhile since we had had some quality time together. These few days with her and the children were definitely highlights in my life. They are all very precious to me and I can't wait to see them again soon.

My Birthday - Again

These pictures were taken on my actual birthday and before we met up with my three cousins for dinner. If you're having a major event and need it spiced up a bit, invite our group of fun ladies.Angela put her camera on a timer and was able to capture the five of us together.

The Birthday Girl is getting lots of birthday hugs.

Mama and her two beautiful daughters, affectionately known as Mutt and Jeff. I love these girls!

With best friends Patty and Cheryl on each side of me I'm one of the luckiest people alive.

Our waiter graciously snapped this picture of our lunch in what used to be the stables at the Biltmore.

Here we are in front of the Biltmore Estate, picture compliments of our shuttle driver.

My beautiful, perky Allison.

The tour ended and we were headed off for dinner with cousins Linda, Barbara, and Trisha. I left there very thankful that I don't have a house that large to clean!

New Book!

Did you know I authored a third book? Well, neither did I! Imagine my shock when I unwrapped a gift this Christmas and saw a book with my name as the author. Angela had taken "Our Story" from my blog and made it into a book. I was overwhelmed with joy!

Our Story tells about the grief recovery journey that Cheryl and I traveled together. Our friendship has so many fascinating stories that I decided to do a series on it through the blog. I never expected to see it in book form, complete with pictures, and my name on the cover. I immediately asked Angela if she had sent a copy to Cheryl. She said Cheryl had received hers that very day and was so excited to talk to me about it. Cheryl was as thrilled as I am with the book. We both sat down and read it again. What is really special is that Angela included Cheryl's comments after each chapter.

I wish this picture could capture the real beauty of the book. My camera flash is reflected in the glossy book cover even though I snapped several times and at different angles. This was the best shot.

Thank you, Angela, for a keepsake Christmas gift that will always be cherished by Cheryl and me. You're a special daughter to your Mom and Mom II. We love you!

Happy Birthday, Angela

My beautiful Angela is celebrating a birthday today. How I wish I were celebrating with her. But the distance between us is only measured in miles and my heart is with her today and every day. I know her little family will more than take up the slack. They've been known to make her breakfast, pamper her, and I have a feeling an intimate body massage is on the schedule for tonight. Can't beat that, unless I was there to add a good fingernail touch to her back.
I love and admire this girl for many reasons beyond being my wonderful daughter. Her beauty begins on the inside and just blossoms on the outside. She gives time and care to her relationships and is a doting mother to Ashton, Juliet and Callan. I'm sure Clayton will agree that she is a loving and devoted wife (I know where you work, Clayton). She's talented, creative, loving, fun and has a sterling character. Just ask anyone. You don't have to take her mother's word for it.

Happy birthday, Punkin. I thank God for handing me this special delivery ?? years ago. I love you!

Happy Anniversary, Angela & Clayton!

These lovebirds are celebrating 13 years of wedded bliss. They have exciting plans for this anniversary and I can't wait to hear all about it. They will enjoy some special alone time, sans the three precious children this union produced.

Happy anniversary and continue to enjoy each other, love each other, adore each other.

9 Days, 9 States, Family Fun

Robin and I returned home from a wonderful vacation two days ago. We took a long scenic drive to visit Angela, Clayton, Ashton, Juliet, and Callan. We had a great time touring the newly remodeled cottage in the mountains, and loving on the three grandchildren I don't get to see often enough. We were treated to dinner, both at restaurants and at home with Angela's vegan cooking skills honed to perfection. We were offered the master suite and bath with a vase of fresh beautiful peonies. And Angela kicked us out one evening with a gift certificate for a nice cozy dinner for two, sans precious grandchildren.

I'd complain about all the fighting over who gets to sit by Memaw if it weren't so darned sweet.

Our visit with Clayton was too brief since he had to return to the real world and work. But we enjoyed visiting with him and seeing all the sights as he drove us around.

I was thrilled to finally get to meet Erin, one of Angela's dearest friends. As a bonus, I got to meet Karen, Erin's mother. We thought it'd be fun to plan a mother/daughter retreat at the cottage someday. Beautiful ladies.

Little Callan on the drums. Those golden curls and blue eyes just melt the heart. I could hear the sweet sounds of "Memaw, Memaw" every morning when he awoke. Yes, I felt special.

See? I'm actually standing in that beautiful cottage! How I longed to walk those rooms and it was well worth the wait. Saying goodbye to these three little ones was hard.

I am so stinkin' proud of this handsome foursome! I asked if I could take them home with me. Ashton jumped at the offer, saying he'd get to spend time with cousins Jude and Thomas. Juliet politely declined. She's a Mama's Girl and couldn't imagine leaving her side.

We took our time driving home and ended up putting over 2500 miles on Robin's truck. We both love road trips and prefer back roads to interstate. There's so much to see and enjoy. My senses were filled with mountains, water, and lush green foliage. The last time we tried a trip of this length I ended up in the hospital and we both felt cheated. Fortunately, no emergency rooms on this trip.

The above picture is of a natural bridge in Arkansas. It's in a very remote part of a mountain, complete with scary curves in the road. But it was an interesting sight.

This is an old moonshine stile. As I recall, some of my distant relatives knew a lot about this piece of machinery.

We browsed several wood carving shops, purchased rocks and mining bags to pan for our own gold and gems, and some pottery shops and flea markets. We saw two shops whose names were an interesting play on words:

A dog grooming salon - Doggie Style (hmmm, that does conger up the intended image)

A flea market and antiques mall - Fleas & Tiques (I'm guessing that those fleas and tiques could be handled at Doggie Style)

Thank you, Angela and Clayton, for a wonderful time. We so enjoyed your company, hospitality, and those three sweet kids!

Happy Birthday, Angela!

I can't believe this little girl, my baby, is celebrating her birthday today with her husband and three children. The years zoomed past me. When our children are small, we look at raising them to adulthood as being light years away. Then, one morning we wake up and look into a man or woman's face that used to be our baby. It seems it happened overnight as I look at it from this side of the progression.I start filling in the gaps as I remember isolated events, a certain birthday, a special Christmas when there was something exciting to open, or school programs and boring report cards (all A's people! Absolutely no variety). I think of childish art that over the years perfected itself into masterpieces that I proudly display on my walls. I think of games we played and stories we wrote and the love and pride that a mother feels for her child.

Now, I'm the mother of three adults and that is always hard to grasp. But look at these three! My Birthday Girl is the tall one on the right.

Here's my baby girl with her own daughter, Juliet. How thrilled I am that she will know the excitement, enchantment, and miracle of a daughter.

She's zany, funny, disarming, passionate, strong, beautiful and a treasured gift from God.

How happy I am that my baby is celebrating her special day with this handsome bunch! Of course, I'd like to sneak in and offer a big birthday hug, but I'm content knowing she will get plenty of love and attention. Happy birthday, Punkin. I love you so much.

Angela Renee

Lord, I come to You on bended knees,

My heart is full of praise.

And I thank You for that special girl

You gave to me to raise.

Within my womb I carried her

And my love began to grow,

For that tiny little miracle

Whom I had yet to know.

Through the years she's been a blessing,

So thoughtful and so kind.

I thank You, Lord, for choosing her,

A better one I couldn't find.

She's filled my life with sunshine,

Her faith is strong and true.

I'm a mortal, weak and sinful.

All the credit goes to You.

I thank You, Lord, for stepping in,

For all Your help along the way,

In creating a beautiful woman

Out of that girl of yesterday.

I often feel unworthy

That You placed her in my care.

And when I see what she's become,

I'm so glad You put her there.

My life would be so empty

Without my daughter at my side.

Her life's so full of goodness,

Lord, forgive me for my pride!

I'll always come on bended knees,

My gratitude has no end.

For that lovely, special creation,

My daughter and my friend.

- Peggy Chrusciaki, with all a mother's love.

Brief...But Beautiful

I just received the best medicine for my heart! Angela was here for dinner and she brought Ashton and Juliet, leaving little Callan home with his Daddy. Then, to surprise Angela and add more joy to my heart, my parents and Donna came for dinner, too! We had eight adults and six children and the happy noise level was high.Here I am with my parents, sister, and my three children. Am I blessed or what?
This picture shows some of the laughter that filled our afternoon together. My family has a sense of humor and uses it constantly.
My Dad, Mother, Ron, Donna and me. What a happy day for all of us.
My handsome son, Ron, and my beautiful sister, Donna. This aunt and nephew make a striking couple. Donna's always been the best aunt ever and the nieces and nephews love her dearly.



It was a brief visit but more pictures to follow. I had a happy heart this weekend!