Alex and Pops on Tuesdays

Tuesdays are great fun for Alex and Pops. Once in a while I get to be included; trust me, not often. On this particular Tuesday Alex helped Pops relocate our bird bath. He had a great time helping with the new embellishments. He also helped position the landscaping stone. But I think he enjoyed cleaning the "rocks" the very best. Mind you, these stones were purchased by the bag at Lowes and looked pretty clean to me. Then after all the work was done, Alex got to fill the bird bath with water. A job well done.

I had to include one picture just for Alex. I hope to be a fly on the wall when he is showing the book this picture will be in to his own kids. After all that tiring work, Alex needed to relax in our kiddy pool. Please look closely to see his vest. He said, "Mom always makes me wear one when I am in the water." Just too funny.

Spending Tuesdays with Alex, as we have for the past four years, is coming to an end. Our big boy is starting kindergarten this September. Papa and I will be lonely. I have spent one day a week with each of our grandchildren since they came home. Papa has since he retired. But we will still be here when the girls need us. We're hoping it is often.
Hugs and kisses,

A Celebration of Aunt Irene's Life

June 3rd we had a great "Celebration of Aunt Irene's Life." We celebrated with a yummy cake and ice cream. But most important, we reflected on the way Aunt Irene touched our lives. I asked everyone what (s)he immediately thought of when (s)he heard Aunt Irene's name. The funniest answer was Kristen said whenever I ask the kids if they want fruit I sound just like Aunt Irene. She always said, "Would you like a nice piece of fruit?" I never realized I said that.

Although I'm not surprised that I say and do many things like my special person. I could go on and on recalling all the happy memories I have of times spent with Aunt Irene and Uncle Manuel. They made me feel so special; actually they still make me feel special. I will miss them every day of my life. But I am so lucky the sound of their names brings a smile to my face and love in my heart.

I hope you all have that "special person" in your lives.
Hugs and kisses,

The Promised Pictures

When I was just opening the folder that this collage is in, I noticed folders with Zack's name spelled "Zach." I have to take the time to trace back to see when Zack changed the spelling of his name.

These pictures were taken on Zack's birthday. He also got to have a celebration with his friends from school on Saturday. His Mom and Dad were awesome enough to allow Zack to have a sleepover party with ten of his classmates. I have since been told Mom, Dad, Zack and his friends are extremely tired today. Hope Zack thanked his parents for a great party with his friends.
Hugs and kisses,

Zack is Twelve Today!

The first thing I thought of when I got up today was our Zack is now twelve years old. It doesn't seem possible it was eleven years ago that I stood back from the rest of the family just looking at our first grandchild. I saw many pictures of him when his Mom and Dad were in Karaganda, Kazakhstan bonding with him. But to see him in my daughter's and son-in-law's arms brought feelings to my heart I can not put into words. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Zack, you were a beautiful baby, who has grown to become a beautiful person, inside and out. I thank God every day for bringing you to our family. Happy twelfth birthday!!

We are celebrating tonight with Zack, so there will be pictures to follow.
Hugs and kisses,

A Huge Turtle Where ?

A couple of weeks ago Uncle Tommy and Aunt Sara came for dinner. After dinner we had a nice visit just talking and catching up. When they were leaving we walked them to their car. I could see something out of the corner of my eye. I turned around, and lo and behold, there sat a very large turtle looking at us. I mean really large. Of course, I ran for my camera.

There is a very narrow brook at the edge of our backyard. Obviously, the turtle traveled through our yard, up the hill and decided to rest in our side yard. We stood and discussed how we could get the turtle to water. After our company left, Papa got a large shovel out figuring he would scoop up the turtle and return him where he belonged. The turtle had already begun his trip down the hill toward his home.

You never know what you are going to see in Nana and Papa's private paradise. Another reason we love living here.
Hugs and kisses,

Papa the Princess and More

Here are two more examples of our Miss Kara's artistic ability and very aggressive imagination. I think she did a great job mimicing Papa as the Princess. The hair line is perfect. The glasses fantastic, but that mustache is just the best. Papa, see what happens when you live with three women for so many years?!?!

In the next picture Miss Kara is illustrating Papa and my new names. I wish there was a way I could be Popcorn, as I love it so much more than Papa does. Now the Nanabread (banana bread) is definitely not Papa. He can't even pick up a banana; he hates them that much. How can anyone hate bananas. Go figure.

That's it for Kara's creations for today. But I am looking forward to many more.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara's Fourth Grade Spring Concert

Kara's fourth grade spring concert was very entertaining. It included grades three through five. Of course, Kara was wearing her favorite dress (until she buys her next dress). Two of my favorite songs were sung by her class: America, the Beautiful and As I Walked Through London City.

Band begins in fifth grade at Tamarac. It is amazing how much these children accomplish in less than one year. Their performance was impressive.

We enjoyed the night, as always.
Hugs and kisses,

Zack is Honored!

We got a phone call tonight from Zack telling us he has been chosen as one of Tamarac's Sixth Grade "Students of the Month." Zack, you have been an excellent student from your first day of Kindergarten. Your Mom, Dad, Nana, Pops and your entire family have always been so proud of you. Pops says, "Pick the night for supper at Gus' as a little reward." Congratulations, Zack! We love you.
Hugs and kisses,

The Celebration of a Life

This is a much different topic than I usually post for you. But it is something I would like to share with you.

This morning I went to Aunt Sara's Mom's funeral. Papa was outside talking to someone he used to work with. I used this time to think about Aunt Sara's Mom and the many times I was in her company. Then it was time for the funeral service to begin. I was feeling very sad for Aunt Sara and her family. I feel the loss of a Mom is just about the darkest time in your life, if you let it be.

Father gave a eulogy I will always remember. He spoke of Micky's life because he personally knew her. Then he said a person's funeral is not only about the loss of a life, but a celebration of that person's life. He said to be sure to tell stories about the people we lose. They are part of our heritage. They are the legacy we are left and we want them to live forever. The only way to make that happen is to remind each other and future generations of their life through stories. I think this Saturday on Aunt Irene's 100th birthday I will have a cake and celebrate the 99.9 years of her life; a life that so impacted mine.
Hugs and kisses,