It's the Little Things In Life

I'm certain you all know my Aunt Irene died May 12th of this year. The next day Kara called. Her conversation went like this, "I'm sorry about Aunt Irene. And Nana, I really, really, really love you." I, in turn, told her I was sorry about her Aunt Irene. I also told her I really, really, really love her, too.

Ken and I visited with one of my brothers yesterday. We had what I felt was a really great visit. This morning my brother called to tell me how much he enjoyed our visit; what a great time he had with us. He ended the conversation saying, "I love you."

Lots of times we just don't realize how a small gesture can add happiness to a day and lift the spirits of a person. What more can you ask for in one week? Two "I love you's" and a great visit with someone you love.

All it takes is a few minutes to make someone know (s)he is important to you and brighten their day.
Hugs and kisses,

The Grandma Test

Got this in an email from a very good friend and had to share it. Too funny!

I was out walking with my Grandson. He picked up something off of the ground and started to put it in his mouth. I took the item away from him and I asked him not to do that. 'Why' my Grandson asked. "Because it's been on the ground; you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has germs," I replied. At this point, my Grandson looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Grandma, how do you know all this stuff?? You are so smart." I was thinking quickly and said to him, "All Grandmas know stuff. It's on the Grandma Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Grandma." We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but he was evidently pondering this new information. "Oh....I get it! He beamed, So if you don't pass the test you have to be the Grandpa". 'Exactly,' I replied with a big smile on my face.
Hugs and kisses,

The Special Person In My Life

Yesterday some one I love very much was taken from me. My Aunt Irene, my Mom's sister and my Godmother, was called to Heaven. I thank God that He allowed me to be with Aunt Irene the last hours of her life. I held her hand, stroked her face and told her how much I love her. I truly feel God used me as an instrument to help Aunt Irene leave this Earth and enter into Eternity. I thank Him for that honor. Aunt Irene died May 12th. She would have celebrated her 100th birthday June 4th. I guess the party got moved; to a much better place. Rest in peace, Aunt Irene. I will love and miss you always and forever....until we meet again.

An aunt is someone special to remember with warmth,

think of with pride, and cherish with love.

Hugs and kisses,

And The Winner Is . . . .

Miss Kara Michelle Film!! The prize was a crispy five dollar bill. See, grandchildren, it pays to check your blog and be aware.

I believe this piece of artwork belonged to Grandma and was confiscated by Kristen. I don't love it, but I love its uniqueness. Be careful, Kristen, it may disappear from your deck and appear somewhere else:~o
Hugs and kisses,

Easter Day 2011

Finally, our Easter layout. Sorry it has taken me so long. I had a brain freeze. The day was great. We began with brunch at Kristen and Corey's house. The table was set beautifully. It held a tree centerpiece with pastel colored Easter eggs hanging from each branch. Kara and Emily made place cards in the shape of eggs and decorated each one of them with our names and lots of pretty glitter.

Not too long after eating we all ventured out to the yard and hunted for eggs. Kids were running this way, that way and every way. All the eggs were found and the next half hour was spent investigating their contents. We had lots of fun, as we always do when we are together.

Now, look closely at the above layout. Does anything look familar, not counting kids, of course? The first one of my grandchildren to email me the answer gets a cash reward. The amount will not be disclosed until claimed:o)

Parents, please show my grandchildren this picture; no coaching, of course.
Hugs and kisses,

Our Loss of Sierra

Sierra has been a member of The Film Family since before any of our grandchildren were home with their families. Nana worked with a woman whose daughter bred Labrador Retrievers. Kara and Emily's Mom and Dad had moved into their new house and were aching for one of "man's best friends." Well, they went to see the puppies. Of course, they fell in love with not one, but two of them. One was a brown lab; the other a yellow lab. When the time was right, The Film's brought their new additions to the family home. The brown lab was named Jake; the yellow lab Sierra. I still remember how tiny they were. And so cute.

Time passed and they were full grown. Jake was the biggest lab Nana had ever seen. He was beautiful with such a dark, shiney coat of hair. I guess I could describe him as over-aggressive. Sierra was the calmer, typical lab type dog. When she was young, she played right along side her brother. That was were you always found her. Actually, Sierra slowed her pace down shortly after she lost her brother.

When Kara and Emily joined the family, they immediately fell in love with both dogs. Zack would run up the driveway to see the dogs. When Alex joined our family, he fell in love with Sierra (Jake had already gone to Heaven). Both were truly best friends to The Hines Family grandchildren.

I had never had the experience of feeling love for a pet. Not until Jake and Sierra entered my life. Animals brought into a home are not just pets. They become family members. And so, when we lose them, that's what we feel; the pain of losing a family member.

I offer my sincere condolences to first, The Film Family, and secondly, to every member of The Hines Family, for their loss of Sierra, who was not only man's best friend, but a family member. We will feel her loss forever.

Hugs and kisses,