Nostalgia

I am having a weepy day. Handsome asked me to go through the girls old school papers. I thought that sounded like fun. I had a big box full of papers and as I sorted through it I felt so proud of our oldest's grades and awards.

Her awards were many and her stories were full of bicycles, cycling gloves, times with her Daddy and her bike ride with him...the Udder Century. Her drawings were wonderful and neat and precise. Comments from the teachers were complimentary.

And there she is up above with her most favorite teacher, Mrs. Schert. She was my favorite too.

Here is an example of her artwork.

This story made my stomach hurt and I felt sad. Never cared for Ms. Parks for my oldest dear girl who would tighten her pony tail when she was nervous. I finished going through the grade school stuff and started on the high school papers. Woven throughout the papers was her love of SCIENCE...a test she had taken to see what her interests were...SCIENCE...and her declaration of independence telling about our family dynamics which made the buttons burst off of my shrt. Headaches played a major role in her high school years and still they plague her. Wish I could take them away.
My heart was full thinking how blessed we were with this daughter (you too fall fairy, I haven't done yours yet, will have to wait to do that on a nice cheery day, I can't cry anymore today). I started to weep. Handsome came down and told me to stop sorting papers.
I felt sad for many things...that the time went so fast, that I didn't spend enough individual time with each girl, that I didn't appreciate all they did and how they behaved.

Then I found 4 thick, blue folders. What in the world? It was such a treasure, email from college! Email had just started and Wenna Woo is not so good on the phone, but oh she can write. I had a wonderful time reading certain ones...seeing how well she managed what little money we sent her and how she met her wonderful husband and some back and forth with her sister. They love each other...I was so hoping that my girls would have a special bond. There is nothing more precious than a sister.

And this is how I looked after 2-3 hours of sorting and remembering. Good memories yes, but bittersweet because of the speed of time.

I love you so much my oldest, special girl!

Together at Rainbow Bridge

Our girls have so eloquently written about the Chili Dawg which you can read here and here. I would like to share some memories with you.

Together at Rainbow Bridge.

Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat your dog.

To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge...
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing, they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
But the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

My Handsome

I love that you're an excellent business man yet you listen to my insignificant conversation so willingly.

I love that you are generous and kind and don't think the worst of people.

I love that you showed me the beauty of Irises and our Mock Orange Bush.

I love that you always say we can, when I am thinking we can't.

I love that little granddaughters (and sons) can make my big man melt like a Lindt chocolate.

 I love that you love your mother.

I love that no matter how many times I ask "Do you love me?" you never get angry. And you say "Yes, I love you."

Happy Birthday to the man I love.

My Middle Rose, My Heart

So heart of my heart, today is your 6th birthday.

And you make me laugh..."Grandpa your tummy is big and soft like a pillow. My other Grandpa has one too. Papa has one too, but his isn't as big!"

"Why are you so messy?" Mama asked. "That's just how God made me right now!" Me too my Rose, for many years now the food has jumped off the plate or fork and onto my clothes.

And you can make me cry... She was barely two and wanted me to listen to "Colors of the Wind", "because you like it Baba HooHoo." "Why are you crying Baba HooHoo?" "Because you make me so happy." Sniffle, sniffle, slurkle, slurkle.

You are good..."The angels are singing for you my little servant girl. You have been such a big helper to me today!". Sounds of Baba HooHoo singing like the angels. (Not too pretty I might add).

And you are naughty..."Sometimes you just sin, Mama." We all do little one.

You have made my world wonderful. I can't wait to see what every year brings, but then I want to stop it too.

"Where are you going my little one, little one?"
"Where are you going my baby almost my own?"
"Turn around and you're tiny."
"Turn around and you're grown." And we'll stop that song right here!

Happy birthday Rose! I love you with all of my heart!

1,2,3,4,5

But not any more! Its

1,2,4,4,5

Happy Birthday to my WILD BLONDE BOY who is Sor today!

I love you so much.

And here we are doing what we do...watching BATT MAN!



Hearts and prayers for your surgery dear Chili

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones;
and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task,
go to sleep in peace. God is awake. Victor Hugo

Happy Retro Birthday to you tooooooo!

Turn around and you're tiny...

Turn around and you're grown...

Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of her own.

Happy, happy birthday to our beautiful donkey!