Busy, busy, busy!

I don't seem to have time to complete any task!
Every time I get started on something, something else needs my immediate attention.
I start cleaning and the baby needs to be fed.
I feed the baby and bottles need to be washed.
I get laundry together and it's time to cook dinner.
I gobble down my dinner because it's time to get ready for work.

I guess, I am not really, ready to live that life of leisure.
The sad thing is, that I am always worrying about what has not been done yet.
I need to go buy groceries, I need to clean the house, I need to cook dinner, I need to wash clothes, I need to call my mom, I need to give the dogs a bath, I need to clean the bird cage, I need to put away the clean laundry, I need to clean out the fridge, I need to pay the water bill, I need to clip Alex's wings, I need to put away these boxes that I packed up for the storage building, I need to clear out the carport.

I am off for three days this week. I don't see everything getting done before I go back to work.
Poor Jerry is just as busy, mowing the lawn, fixing the A/C, feeding the dogs, rearranging the storage, and of course fishing in addition to working his regular hours, plus off-duty assignments.

Hey World, we're getting older. Isn't life supposed to slow down? What happened to leisurely sipping a cup of coffee and reading that book that I started the other day. (I got interrupted and now, I can't remember where I sat it down, I have looked all over the house, in my bags, in the car....)

On to happier topics, AARON IS HOME. After 2400 miles and three days, he arrived safely at 4:oo in the morning on May 4th. Poor kid spent his entire 23rd birthday on the road. After a couple of close calls with gas money, he pulled in here and collapsed into his bed. He has unloaded his belongings and settled in to his room. Of course, he won't have much time to relax, he will be looking for a job soon.
It is so good to have him home, I missed his silliness, he goofy jokes and funny faces. I missed his hugs and his voice. I missed having someone eat my cooking as if it is the best food he has ever tasted. It is really good to have him home.

Right now, it is quiet in the house. Tish is working, Christian is sleeping, Aaron is sleeping and Jerry has gone fishing. I am blogging, but there is a load of laundry to get washed and a few dishes to wash, not to mention animals to care for and I really want to figure out where I put that book.........I looked there already......

Yum, Yum!

Hot! Fresh! Deno's Homemade, Fried Fruit Pies!
I love the chocolate, and the lemon, and cherry, oh, and apple!
Jerry's favorite is apricot.
Too bad, Eddy isn't here to share.
Of course, I could go to Deno's and get some more, if he wanted to come and eat them!
They're even better than Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Are ya hungry yet?

I think I'll go have one now!

Chocolate?
Cherry?
Maybe, lemon.......

Time to catch up!

I haven't blogged in a while. I have been a little depressed, I guess. I know you all are tired of hearing me lecture and moan about my problems. The truth is, I have so many things in my life to be grateful for and I know that. The thing is every time I start to feel like I am getting better something comes up to bring me down again. It usually involves one of my four children. I think maybe Jerry and I should fly to Africa and adopt a couple of children who need parents who love them. Most of mine obviously don't.
You know, that is the nice thing about having pets. They always love you. No matter what.
Alex is happy to give me kisses anytime I want one. He doles them out to Jerry freely. All he asks in return is a little attention once in a while. Of course, he gets a lot of attention daily. He is willing and ready to be picked up and put on his play gym. He sits in his cage in the morning and calls, "Hello, Hello, Hello Mama." until Jerry or I will open his door and let him step up. The whole time we are carrying him across the room, he lets us know repeatedly that he is a "Good Boy". We always agree with him. He rarely tries to bite anymore, so he really is a "Good Boy". He waits patiently on his gym for his treat. Jerry always gives him a little something so he is quickly becoming quite fond of Jerry. Jerry will point his finger at him and say, "Bang". Alex thinks that is hilarious, he will actually laugh for several minutes. Then Jerry gets tickled and that makes Alex laugh even more. He is such a funny bird and he loves to make us laugh.
Sami is so sweet. He just wants to be close to you. No matter where Jerry sits, you can bet that Sami will be close by. Of course, he is such an old man and getting supremely spoiled. Jerry doesn't eat anything that he doesn't share with Sami. All of my scolding falls on deaf ears where Sami is concerned. Jerry loves that little dog. Sami doesn't ask for anything else.
Junior and Mocha have turned into the "Terrible Twosome" They really know how to liven up a dull evening. Their antics are hilarious, albeit sometimes a bit destructive. They spend a bit of their time outside nowadays, at least until the puppy stage wears off somewhat.
Saul is just "Old Faithful" always ready for a scratch behind the ears or a pat on the head. He doesn't need anything else to make him happy. He is just thrilled to be around us.

Ya know, maybe I'll just forget about Africa. I'll just stay here with my animals and my animal loving husband. I don't have to be afraid that they will stop loving me.

Normal!

Things are getting back to normal around here. At least as normal as they are going to get in this house.
My vacation ended and I was sure sad about that. It was nice while it lasted.
Chase is off today to fight for his country, he is going to Houston first and then to Iraq.
Tish is pretty upset about it. I know she will be praying for his safety as will her Dad and I.
Christian is growing by leaps and bounds and getting cuter and sweeter every day.
Geri is in Houston right now. She is supposed to come in sometime next week for a doctors' appointment and a sonogram. We may find out at last that she is carrying a little girl (I hope).
Aaron should be contacting us real soon about his expected date and time of arrival. I did get his room finished. It's painted and furnished, just waiting for him to take up residence.
Jerry is working and loving his job. We are seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel. The off-duty jobs are helping to get us healthy again in the financial dept.
Right now, I would say life is pretty fine.
We are being blessed every day.
God is so good in so many ways.
Now, if I could just win the lottery.

Last Day!

Today is the last day of my vacation. I did not get everything done that I had hoped to get done, these past ten days.
I did accomplish a few things.

First, I rested! I did not worry once about what time it is, where I need to be, what I need to do, or what is going on.

Second, I watched TV. Sounds silly, but I don't usually have time to do that. By the time, my day winds down, I am too tired to watch TV.

Third, I spent quality time with Christian. Between my work schedule and home life, I have not had time to just enjoy the little guy! Care for him, yes! But not just sit and enjoy his sweet company!

Fourth, I spent quality time with my husband. Our work schedules are such that we have just seen each other in passing lately. It was so nice to get to spend the whole day with him on Saturday. Just being together, running errands and TALKING.

Fifth, I have read two books! It has been ages since I was able to finish one book. I have actually read two in just a few days.

Sixth, I painted Aaron's room. Three coats of paint on the walls and four coats on the door frames and window sills and I finally got all of the "baby poop tan" covered completely up. Today, I will put the furniture in there and rehang the curtains. After a few finishing touches, hanging pictures and making the bed, Aaron's room will be ready and waiting for him when he comes home!

Last, but the best of all, I spent time with my Lord. I have spent time in prayer, I have spent time healing from all the recent hurts in my life. I have spent time being thankful for the wondrous gifts and blessings. I have spent time praising the One who delivers me. I have spent time accepting that I do not really control anything and that things that happen are not MY FAULT. I have spent time just living in the Spirit and loving my life!

All in all, I think it has been a very productive vacation and I am ready to return to life with a renewed sense of self-worth and a lift in my spirit and a song in my heart.

Sometimes, vacations do not have to be grand and exciting. You don't have to go anywhere, you don't have to take memorable photos of historical monuments and natural wonders. Sometimes on vacation, you just need to slow down and let yourself breath.

I am refreshed!

Big Day Tuesday!

Tish and I took Christian to his pediatrician yesterday for his 2 month check-up and the first of his immunizations.
He now weighs 12.2 pounds and is 22 1/2 inches long. He is eating well and the doctor was pleased with his growth.
Our only concern is he still has his heart murmur. The doctor was not overly concerned about it but he does want Christian to see a specialist. So, they are making an appointment for him with a pediatric heart specialist and will call us with the date and time.
Otherwise he is in perfect health.
We changed his formula to sensitive and it has really helped with the spitting up issues. He sleeps more soundly and for longer periods of time.

He is such a sweet baby. He loves to be cuddled, of course. But he is happy to be put down so he can look around at his world. He is sleeping through the night and rarely cries. Mostly he cries when Mommy is messing with his little nose.

He got two injections yesterday and one oral medication. I gave him some Tylenol when we got home. I expected him to be fussy after his shots. But, no, not Christian. He was just as sweet as always.

What a joy he is to have in my home. Tish and I are closer all the time and Christian has three loving and indulgent adults to dote on him constantly. Tish doesn't seem to mind having us around to help out. She doesn't realize it but just having her and Christian here is a blessing to us.

Chase is leaving in a few weeks to go to Iraq. I pray for God to protect him and bring him home, safe and whole, to Tish and to his precious, little son. Tish is naturally worried about him and talks to me frequently about it. I pray for her also, I know, she will be able to make it through this time of separation with her love for Chase and her love for the child they created together to carry her through.

What a darlin'!

And I am on vacation this week!
I get to spend every day with this little angel.

Today, he sat on my lap, took his bottle (several of them), wet his diaper (numerous times), smiled for me (a lot), watched me wash dishes and cook dinner, while sitting in his bouncy seat, enjoyed the fresh Spring breeze, while sitting on the front porch, listening to the birds sing and napped a little.

We had a very busy day and now a tired little Christian has gone to bed for the night after one last bottle and snuggle with Grandma.

He is really developing quite a personality. He smiles a lot and fusses very little. He watches everything that goes on around him. He recognizes his Mommy's voice, his Grandpa's voice and Grandma's voice. When he hears one of us, he will turn his head toward the sound.

Everyday, he is getting bigger and more alert and sweeter. He will entertain himself for a good little while, watching the lights on his soother or watching the lights and shadows on the ceiling.
He likes Mocha and smiles when she tickles him by licking his toes.

Tomorrow, he goes to the doctor for his 2 month check-up and the first of his immunizations. I will update everyone on his growth progress. I personally think he is an exceptional baby and fully expect the doctor to tell us that he is smarter and cuter than the average baby.

One More Night!

Then, I get to take my vacation.
If everything goes according to plan, I will have 10 glorious days to spend at home!
I can get some things finished up.
Geri will be moving the rest of her belongings out, for her new life with Brian and "baby" who will be arriving sooner than she thinks.
She goes to the doctor tomorrow, so we should have a more definite idea about the due date of her little one.
Jerry is on Spring Break next week, we were going to try to go away for a few days, but the cost of gas and bills kinda put the brakes on that one. That's okay, I am just happy that we will be able to spend some time together.
Tish will be working, although I think they will be closed for Good Friday.
All in all, I will have 1o days to get my bedrooms re-arranged, everything put away and probably re-arranged a few other rooms as well. Spring Break/Spring Cleaning.
Aaron is expected to come home in April, he is going to drive down. He is planning to go through California on his way, to visit with one of his best friends. I am excited for him. He has never really been anywhere, it will be a great trip for him to drive from Washington State to Texas via California. I hope he takes his time and lots of pictures. I know there are so many things to be seen. I will have his room ready by the time he arrives home.

Just one more night. I don't have to go anywhere to enjoy my vacation, I love my home, I love my husband and family and going on a trip is not really relaxing to me. It is so much work to get ready, then there is getting the house ready before you leave, cleaning up when you get back home, and finally getting ready to go back to work. This way, I can lay around all I want to, watch TV, clean as I feel like it, I am soo... ready.

I'm a little sad!

I went to the grocery store this evening, to pick up some trash bags and a couple of things I needed for the house.
As I turned the corner at the back of the store, I spotted my granddaughter, dancing and twirling to the music she was making. Her dark hair flying around her sweet face. I watched her for just a moment and then turned away. I couldn't let her see me. I didn't know if it would cause a scene, so I moved on.
The last time I saw her she clung to me, hugging me and showing me every toy, Santa had brought her.
How could I explain to her that I am no longer welcome in her life? She would not understand, she only knows Grandma as someone who will play with her and listen to her chatter endlessly.
How do you explain to a four year old, why they can't see you anymore?
I am sure that her Daddy saw me there. I am also sure that he will deny it.
Maybe, he thought there would be a scene. I don't know!
It is just really a sad thing to have to pretend that I don't see.

I am not bitter, perhaps hurt, but not bitter.
I still pray for my oldest daughter and her family. Not only because that is what Christ instructed us to do. But because, that is what I truly want for them. I want them to be happy. I want them to prosper. I want them to have a beautiful life.

I have a lot of support and love from family and friends who, like me, do not understand this tradgedy. I certainly do not understand it and perhaps I never will.
In any case, when I arrived back home, I kissed Christian. I truly believe that God sent him to fill my empty arms and heal my broken heart. I melt when he smiles at me.

Tomorrow!

I start my new baby-sitting job!
Tish goes back to work, after 8 weeks of recuperating and learning to be a Mom.
She will be working Monday through Friday, 8 - 5.
That means, I get to babysit the cutest little baby in the world.
I am excited about spending so much quality time with Christian and excited about Tish being able to go back to work.
Luckily, My hours at work changed last week and I will be working nights from now on, I will be getting home in time for Tish to go to work. She will be home in time for me to take a nap before I have to go to work. It will work out perfectly.
Then, of course, there is Grandpa to help out once in a while if we need him.
No Daycare for Christian. No waking him early in the morning and dragging him out into the weather to drop him off with total strangers. No worry about making it off work to pick him up and drive home in rush hour traffic. No concerns about how to pay all the bills plus the sitter.
I think it is going to be great all the way around.
Christian gets to stay home and Tish gets to work worry-free knowing that he is with the one person who will treat him like their own.
Of course, this means no more overtime for me. That's okay, too. Jerry doesn't like me working that much anyway!
Anyway, it is all around a good plan!

Prioritizing!

I have decided to re-prioritize my life. In the "not so distant" past, my priority in life was the well-being and happiness of my four children and my grand-children.
I have learned that making their happpiness a priority has accomplished nothing but making me miserable.
They don't want to listen to the voice of reason or experience. Of course, they are all grown and follow their own dreams as they should. But should I, as sad as it makes me, feel that I should be a part of their reasoning.
One child has already made it perfectly clear to me that I am no longer a part of her life and should not expect to be any time in the future. I suffered dearly for that one. The others are sweet enough with their reponses to my ever increasing worry over their fates. But their reponses are mostly to quiet me and do not do much to ease my anxiety.
They are grown! all of them. They are perfectly capable of making informed adult decisions over the events in their life. I guess it is time for me to retire from being a coach and a confidant.
New Priority!
Me and Jerry! My home that has been neglected for the comfort of others! My hobbies, my passions, my dreams! I know it may sound somewhat selfish, but I think it is time to be selfish.
I have figured out that, no matter how much I want it, respect and love does not come with being a good Mom. At some point it will come when those that I sacrificed the most for, discover for themselves, what it means to sacrifice. When they figure out for themselves, just what their Dad and I have given up for them. When they make those same sacrfices.
Before any one of my four children gets the idea that this blog is directed toward you, it is!
But, it is directed toward all four of you! I love you all dearly with every thing that I have inside me capable of loving. All of you have managed in one way or another to let me know that you no longer require my love!
I am just a doddering old-fashioned woman who prays, a lot.
Someday, you will know what it feels like to be me.
I hope it doesn't hurt you as much as it hurts me and your Dad.

Today, I made a decision! I am cleaning my house. I am re-arranging my life. I am going to do more for myself, and living my life more completely.

I will be here for any of you who feel that you want to talk, but I will no longer offer advice that falls on deaf ears.

I love you all and pray that God keeps His hand on you and keeps you all safe and happy in your lives. I pray for you to prosper in everything that you do. I pray that you find peace and joy in your lives and that you never suffer a moment of regret for things that might have been.
I pray for all of this and more for each and every one of you and for my grandchildren, those I love and those I will never meet. I hold no regrets in my life, I have completed my duties as a Mom, I raised my family right. Now you are all on your own. Just try to remember, your Dad and I love you.

It's been a busy week-end!

Yesterday, I joined the ranks of the human race and opened my very own checking account! It's silly, I know, but it has not been easy without one and now I feel like finances are going to be much easier managed.
I will be able to pay most of my bills on-line. That will cut out the mad, rat race every two weeks on Saturday morning, trying to get every thing done in one morning.

We took Christian this morning for his very first trip to the photographer. Needless to say, he was not very impressed. He has such an adorable personality but he was not in the mood to show off and he didn't like posing for his picture. in spite of him, we managed to get some cute pictures. We pick them up in about three weeks so I will be mailing them out to his extended family.

Jerry is still fighting off "The Crud". He is feeling better, then he feels bad, then better, then bad, then better........ Hopefully, the better will start lasting a little longer than the bad. Tish, me and the baby are all still fine.

Grandma Woodard is still in the hospital. She is doing better, not yet ready to come home.
Mom and Beth are also still fighting off the same "Crud" but they are slowly recovering.
I think, Eddy, like me, has managed to stay healthy, if not truly sane, through it all.
Thet are trying to plan a visit out here around Easter. I will be so happy to have them back.

I am not sure when Aaron will be home, hopefully we will have a date set soon, so we can get ready for him.

Geri has two more weeks before she and Brian leave for their new life.

Well, that is all the news for today. God bless you all!!!

It's been a little while

since I had a moment to sit down and write something so be prepared for a long one.

Jerry is well into his new job. He works pretty much opposite of me so we don't see much of each other during the week. We still have some time together on the weekends. He loves his new job and I am excited for him. I guess, once a cop, always a cop. I think it just gets into your blood and you never really leave it behind. I think Jerry has always been a police officer at heart, even before he really decided to do it. It takes a special kind of person to self-lessly risk his very life every day to protect and assist total strangers. Especially, when so many people don't appreciate you.
Jerry has always been a selfless person for as long as I have known him.
The very first time I met him over 35 years ago, he was gathering items for a benefit for an injured police officer.
Over the course of our life together he has been an inspiration to me.
He was a volunteer firefighter, a member of the park board (raising money for the improvement of our city parks), the driving force behind our youth ministry (where we helped numerous troubled teens), always willing to give a little something extra to help some one in need.
Not to mention his years of community service projects while we lived in Little Elm.
Jerry was a well respected and well loved member of the community. Everybody knew him.
Then he selflessly gave that up for me! We moved far away from everything we knew, uprooted our little family and set up our home in Van Alstyne. Even though our reason for initially doing that no longer exsists, Jerry is still very positive and supportive of me when I am feeling a little blue or depressed. We both miss our friends and our past life, but God has provided us with a new and peaceful life here. We have set down some new roots, a new church, new jobs and new friends. God is good to us ALL the time.

Geri Alice will be staying in Texas, Hallelujah!!!!!!! Although she and Brian are still moving around the first of April, they are going to Austin instead of California! I think I can live with that. Austin is a bit of a drive, but it is not too far away if she needs me. I am quite a bit happier.
She is growing a little bigger all the time. I can't wait to find out an actual due date and if there is more than one baby!

AARON IS COMING HOME!!! Praise the Lord with all my soul! He is being discharged from the Army. We are all ready to see him again. He will be moving back home for at least a while. The Lord only knows how much I have missed him these past two years. I am so thankful that he will not be going to Iraq. Again, God is good to us, ALL THE TIME!!!!

Tish and Christian are doing well. Christian is now starting to outgrow a lot of his newborn clothes. We will soon be doing some more shopping. Tish is filling out applications so she can get a job. She is trying to get a job where she works opposite hours of me and her Dad. We don't want to send Christian to a daycare! Christian's daddy is leaving soon for California, then, I think, Germany and eventually to Iraq. I pray for God to keep this young man safe.

I am doing well, I have managed to stay well through all the Flu's and viruses that are going around at work and at home. That again, is God's doing! I believe that He protects those of us who care for the ill, He needs us to do our work. And His work!

Speaking of work, it's about that time. God bless each of you who take the time to read my thoughts. I will continue to pray for Him to watch over all those whose lives I touch
every day and to keep His hand on all four of my children and their families. Amen!

Every once in a while,

I have a few minutes to actually get on the internet, updatw my blog, and check my e-mails. I guess I should do it more often. I got an e-mail that literally made me physically ill. When I learned of it, I got so sick, I had to leave work.
I am better now.
Prayer and my faith in the Lord is what gets me through times like this and I feel as if I can function today, so I am going to move on.

I do have wonderful things happening in my life.

Christian is growing bigger every day. His little personality is so sweet.
He smiles a lot now. He recognizes his grandparents voices.
When Jerry or I arrive home from work and he hears us speaking, he turns his little head and tries to find us.
I am so in love with this little guy.
I am excited about tomorrow, I get to babysit him while Tish gets a well deserved "Mom's Day Out".
She has not been out with friends for almost a year.
I think she is going to have a blast. I know I will!

Geri found out that Brian's Dad was a triplet! How Cool! Tish and I have been teasing her terribly about having twin boys! What about triplet boys! That is an exciting idea! Hopefully, she and Brian will be back in Texas before the baby is born. She is going to need our help getting into the swing of the "Momma" thing. Taking care of the baby is the easy part. Taking care of yourself is the hard part.

Jerry is loving his new job. It is quite a change for him, only working four days a week. It is so sad that he will have three days a week to go fishing. What a tradgedy!

I am still not so excited about my new hours at work. The sleeping in in the mornings, is not too bad but I miss out on a lot.

Well, Ive got stuff to do and the little man is calling my name.
Catch you all next time!

Finally!

First, my computer has been acting up. I haven't been able to get on the internet.
Then, Jerry gets that fixed, and my keyboard has decided not to work.
It has been a bit discouraging, so tonight I decided to borrow Jerry's computer.
It's catch up time.
Christian is growing and growing. He has started to grow into some of his newborn clothes.
He is developing a personality.
He is such a sweet baby. He rarely cries. Of course that is probably because every time he squeaks, somebody picks him up. New babies are fun to spoil.
He is taking 4 ounces of formula every 3-4 hours.
His little arms and legs are filling out.
Tish is doing very well. She has lost all of her baby belly and is finding that her clothes that fit her prior to her pregnancy are just a little loose now.
She is a great Mom and takes excellent care of her tiny son.

Jerry starts his new job Monday. His first love has always been law enforcement and now he is getting the chance to get back into it. I am excited for him. He has lost a lot of weight and has a real problem keeping his pants up lately. We will have to invest in some new clothes soon.

Geri Alice is also a big news item. She is expecting her first child in August or September. She and Brian are leaving for California in March and are planning to get married in Vegas on their way out there. She is planning on returning to Texas before the baby is born and settling down somewhere near the rest of her family.

Krysta and Cotton are having a bit of a rough time right now. He just had surgery on his shoulder and is recuperating at home.
My heart goes out to them, Jerry and I know well the difficulties of raising small children on a limited income and the worry of trying to make ends meet. We are praying for them nightly. We would like to be able to help financially but we too are struggling to keep our heads above water.

Aaron is doing well, he misses all of us and wants to come home and meet all the new members of the family. Hopefully, he will be able to visit while the babies are still small enough to fit in one of his big ole hands. What a picture that would be, Christian in one hand and Samuel in the other. I remember my Daddy and my Grandpa Allison having those same big hands.

Speaking of grandparents, on my way home fom work last night there was a program on the radio, where people were calling in and telling stories of how their grandparents had influenced them. That really brought up whole lot of sweet memories for me.
I think the most influential person in my childhood was my Mom. She taught me perserverance and patience. She showed an amazing dept of strength throughout all of the trials she experienced during my growing up years. She also taught me that love for your husband is so much more than just saying the words.

Now, about my grandparents. My Grandma Woodard is still with us and lives next door to my Mom. She is an absolute fountain of Faith in the Lord. She lives every day as close to Him as she can get. From her, I have learned that Faith and Prayer are continuous needs in our lives. That the Lord is ever present and hears us.
I was 9 years old when my Grandpa Woodard died. I am sure that my memories of him are clouded somewhat by the imagination and fancy of a child. But they are my memories, and I chose to keep them intact, just as they are. From him, I remember laughter. I learned to be myself with him. He expected nothing more and nothing less. He made me feel special and unconditionally loved. A favorite memory is the little spider monkey that he somehow aquired. The monkey's name was Sam. I remember Mom making a little quilt and embroidering his name on it. Grandpa was pretty fond of his little friend.
My Grandma Allison was a quiet and ever patient presence in our lives. She was not a very attractive woman but I saw her as beautiful. She had hair so long she could sit on it and would let me brush it. She did everything the old fashioned way. She raised her own chickens and fried them up for Sunday dinner. That takes some patience. She canned her own vegetables and made biscuits from scratch. She had a quilting frame and pieced together her own quilts and made doll clothes for me on a treadle sewing machine while I sat at her feet and pumped the foot peddle.
Grandma Allison taught me the beauty inside oneself and the satisfaction of creating wonders, like fig preserves, with your own two hands. Grandma Allison died when I was 6 years old. The lessons she taught remain in my heart always.
My Grandpa Allison, oh my, what can I say about him. I saw him as a giant. He was over 6 feet tall. Not at all obese but definately large. He taught me the miracle of holding a newly hatched baby chick in your hand and let me touch the unbelievable softness of their yellow feathers.
He taught me the wonderful feeling of power, when you feel as if nothing can touch you. That is what it felt like to me as a small girl sitting astride one of his cutting horses, bareback. As a matter of fact, I was so convinced of my own strength and power, I talked him onto letting go of the lead and that old mare took off running down the highway with a terrified 6 year old on her back. I held on to her mane and when she quit running, Grandpa caught up to us and praised me for holding on so tight. He knew how to make me feel powerful (and how to give my poor Mom a heart attack). His death when I was 9 along with the death of my Grandpa Woodard was a very traumatic event in my life.

From all of my grandparents, I learned very important life lessons. I learned how to be myself, how to love unconditionally, how to have Faith in the Lord, patience, and the beauty in the simple.
I have learned that there is satisfaction in completing a task with your own two hands and that the old ways are not so out-dated or useless as we modern people would like to believe.
I choose in my life to slow down just a little bit and enjoy my life. Spend every moment I can with those I love.

Thank you all for your patience, if you made it all the way through this long blog.
Thank you, Mom. For giving me the opportunity to learn from each of my Grandparents.

Two Weeks Ago:

At this very moment, Tish was driving herself home from Mesquite, little realizing that she was in labor.
She was hurting so bad and wanted to hurry up and get home to Mom.
When she arrived, we timed her contractions for a half an hour and I decided we needed to go to the hospital and get her checked out.
Upon our arrival, she was sent to the labor and delivery floor and eight hours later gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.
Needless to say, he has taken over just about every aspect of life in this house. Funny thing is, no one really seems to mind.
Grandpa and I can barely take our eyes off of him. Every little squeak and grunt is a new wonder.
He responds to our voices, when we talk to him and he smiled for his grandpa tonight.
Tish is a wonderful and doting Mother. She is tuned in to what every little noise means.
She takes excellent care of her son. Occasionally she will allow me to feed him or change his diaper if she is eating or taking a shower, but usually, I just get to be Grandma. I get to hold him and play with him any time I want. She and Christian wait up for me at night and when I get home from work at around 10:30 p.m. I get to snuggle him for a little while before I crash for the night.
Christian has definately brought something special into our home.
God is so good.
I love all of my grandchildren. I wish I didn't have to work this hard shift.
I would really like to see more of Jacob and Lucy. I remember when they were little like Christian and all I wanted to do was hold them and gaze in wonder at how perfect they were.
Of course they are still perfect and even more fun, now.
Jacob is so smart and intuitive and Lucy is so loving and sensitive.
Every child that is born is a blessing and every grandchild, a miracle.
I am so blessed to be able to share in the lives of so many miracles.

Update on Christian!

Here's a couple of new pics of our handsome little man.

He is doing well.

We took him to the pediatrician yesterday, he has a slight heart murmur and the doctor wanted to follow up.

The doctor said it is very slight and pronounced Christian healthy. He is eating, sleeping and doing all the other things a 4 day old baby should be doing at 4 days old.

I love watching Tish care for him. She is a wonderful Mommy. I never had any doubts that she would be.

She is feeling okay, although, I think the adrenaline rush is starting to wear off. She is beginning to feel some discomfort. Her milk has come in, she is bottle feeding, so there isn't really a way for her to ease the fullness right now. The doctor gave her some pain medication and it helps.

Besides that, she is still having some back pain. But, I think that is related more to our outing yesterday, than to anything else.

She insisted on carrying Christian in his carseat rather than let me carry it for her and I think she overdid it a little.

His next appointment is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Jerry will be starting a new job next month. He is returning to his number one love. Law Enforcement. I am glad for him. I believe that he is most happy doing that.

I am also starting a new position. I am going to go back to the floor. I will still be working Mon-Fri.

Still have week-ends off. And I will be home in the mornings to help Tish. Geri Alice has been working at her new job for several days now and seems to be enjoying it. It is perfect for her. She is not a morning person and she now works 1p.m. -9p.m. Good hours for her.

Krysta, Cotton and the kids came over to see the new baby. Jacob and Lucy held him. The were so cute. You could see the wonder and awe in their faces. I know they are going to be so sweet when their little brother arrives in a few weeks. Christian and Samuel are going to be so close in age. I have a feeling when those cousins get together there will always be a show going on.

Life is beautiful right now. Everyone is healthy, happy and mostly content.

We are blesssed with an abundance of children, grandchildren, good jobs, comfortable homes, and the love of our Lord. We have our faith and our health. We have a loving and beautiful family. What eelse could we possibly need in this world.

Thank you, Lord for all the MANY BLESSINGS in my life. I give to you all the praise and glory.

I am a happy woman!

Introducing, Christian Andrew!!!!!

Proud Parents, Tish and Chase.

Christian, just minutes old.

Born:
January 14, 2007
6:36 a.m.
Weight:
7 pounds, 1.8 ounces
At 19.5 inches long, he is definately a keeper.
I am exhausted. Tish is ecstatic, Chase is overwhelmed and Grandpa is thrilled.
One big happy family.
Mommy, Tish and baby, Christian are doing wonderfully.

Time for a well deserved nap!!!

It's Been a Week!

And I thought I better write a little something for those who are actually interested in my life.
Tish is getting closer and closer to bringing her new little guy into this world. She gave her notice today. This will be her last week at work until after her maternity leave. She is feeling the effects of the last few weeks of pregnancy. Lots of back pain and really tired.
Krysta is doing well so far. She is having the same Anemia issues that Tish has been having. Along with being tired. I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that she is pregnant, has a household to run and two small, extremely energetic children to care for.
Jerry and I are still doing well, he has now lost 36 pounds, as of his weigh-in today. I am so proud of him. Losing weight and completely changing your eating habits is not really easy to do. He has stuck with the program and added his favorite exercise regime to it. Fishing, of course. But the real exercise is the paddling of the kayak to get to the fishing hole. He has also started "walking" Saul. Or maybe Saul is walking him!
I am looking forward to spending a week of quality time with Tish and Christian when he arrives. I have let my bosses at work know, so when the actual time comes, I will be able to take some time off and stay home with her for the first few days. I also plan to take off a couple of days when Samuel arrives and help Krysta out with Jacob and Lucy so she can rest a little.
That is, if she wants me!
I spoke with Mom this evening and Beth is having some issues with her eye surgery. The drain they put in is not working like it is supposed to. We could certainly use prayer. Beth only has the one eye that she can see anything with and if she loses it she will be completely blind. Prayer is really the only thing that can help her right now. She goes back to the doctor in a few days for a laser procedure that will hopefully clear the drain so it will work like it is supposed to.
She is hoping to recover enough to be able to return to school this semester.
She is studying to be a "special needs" teacher. She definately has the brains and the heart to do it.
Mom is doing well, as is Eddy.
Grandma is still back and forth with her health. She needs our prayers, too.
I haven't spoken to Aaron since he went back to Washington. I tried to call him this evening. I know he will call me when he sees the missed call. I really miss him. I know he is doing well. He has really put on some weight since he joined the Army. Not fat! Not at all. But he looks better and healthier now than he did when he was playing football.
The nurses and CNAs that I work with are all in love with him.
He has to walk the whole building, hugging women, when he comes back! LOL!
Geri is looking for a job and has an interview tomorrow. Pray about that, too, please. She is settled back into her room. She and Brian got her TV and DVD player all hooked up and she has her computer. So she is connected to the world. I hope she is happy. It is hard to leave some things behind you. It can be a real trial. She is handling it in typical Geri style. She is still smiling. Sometimes she really amazes me. Some people claim to have faith. Geri doesn't claim to have it, she lives it!
Now, as to the hairier half of the family, Mocha is getting to be a real little toot. She has discovered how to climb. And she climbs! She has learned how to get on top of the table, and knows not to do it when she is being watched! Typical Chihuahua!
I'm sure Krysta, Geri, Aaron and Tish remember the incident with Hershey and the Strawberry Cake. Not to mention the pound of Bologna! Hershey figured out the best ways to steal food when no one was watching! Mocha is developing the same talent. Oh, and she likes coffee, too!!!
Junior is growing. He is already bigger the his Daddy was. He is now four months old. He has so many of Snickers traits, it is almost spooky. He loves to play with squeaky toys and will play fetch for hours. He is so smart. He uses his front feet like hands to hold things. He will pull your hand to his chest with his front feet for a scratch. His is even funnier looking than Snickers, as if that were possible. His ears don't lay down or stand up. They just, kind of, stick straight out to the sides. His hair isn't sure if it is going to be long or short or straight or wiry. We will definately have to wait and see, I don't have any clue what he is going to end up looking like.
Spike has returned with Geri and has reclaimed his territory. He is not the least bit afraid of the dogs. Although they torment him constantly.
Sami just takes it all in stride. He is too old to really care. He watches for a little while and then nods off. He is getting fat in his old age. He is happy and content with his life and that is what counts.
Alex is still the "King Of The House" as far as he is concerned and is very vocal about it. Especially at dinner time. I have spoiled him terribly and he now expects to be served his dinner along with the rest of the family! I have created a little green monster. No, he was already a little green monster. I have created a SPOILED little green monster. Right Alex!
The baby finches now have orange beaks. They are well on their way to being independent. Mama and Papa do not have to feed them any more although they all still sleep together. Kind like Mama and Papa Cates. LOL!!!!!!!!
On that note, I better stop before I really do get in trouble.
By the way, the new BABY MAGIC smells the same as the original!

Blue!

It's getting late! I'm sitting here at my computer feeling a little blue. Aaron is packing his suitcase. He is leaving very early in the morning. He has to be at DFW airport at 5:00 a.m.
Jerry is taking him. They will leave here around 3:30 a.m. in order to get there for his flight.
It has been so good to have him home. I miss him terribly all the time.
I hate seeing him go.
Jerry and I cooked dinner for the whole family tonight so everyone would be able to see Aaron before he leaves. Krysta, Cotton and the grandbabies came over. Geri and Tish were here. So we had all of us together.
I know he doesn't want to leave yet.
I hope that he has had as much fun here as we have had having him.
I am so proud of you, son.
With all you have been through and all you have now accomplished, you have truly grown into a fine young man!
I am no longer worried about you becoming "fish vomit".
I love you and I am going to miss you.
Come back as soon as you can. You have two little nephews to meet when you come home again.
I know they will love their Uncle Bonk.
Stay safe!