Zack's & Alex's Mom Turns 40!

I can't believe my baby girl is 40 years old! It seems like only yesterday Shelley was eating handfuls of the beautiful teddy bear cake Aunt Angela's Mom made for her party. All our family celebrated with us which is like a small wedding. Papa and I have such great memories of that day.

Don planned a great surprise party for Shelley. It was held at Aunt TT's and Uncle Corey's. You can see in the layout above how many people were there (Do you see and kids? Nope. It was an adult party.). The best part for Papa and me was Zack and Alex had a sleepover at our house. We watched a movie; of course had popcorn. In the morning we heard our buddies asking for pancakes and bacon.

I feel so blessed to have so many memories of celebrations with family and friends. There are also those times a family has to pull together and be there for each other. And we always have. Your great grandparents must be so proud. They taught us what family means. My Dad always said if you have nothing else, you will always have your family. And, as usual, he was right.

Happy birthday to my sweet baby girl.
Hugs and kisses,

Nana's Special Gift from Kara

Now, you have to know how Kara came to give me this. She had just returned from attending Nature's Classroom with the rest of fifth grade. So she came to visit me with her Mom. She walks in the door and says, "I told Mom I should have gotten you a present because you always get me one when you and Papa go away."  But my Mom said, "No, that's not necessary."

Miss Kara sits down, opens her magic bag, takes out this "thing", and gives it to me. I asked her where she got it and out comes this statement, "A friend of mine was going to throw it out, so I said I would take it."

Well, while laughing like a hyena, I began making all kinds of different shapes with it. We had more fun. So the moral of the story is, "If your friend is throwing out a fun toy, take it and give it to Nana. She will LOVE it." When you visit, you can see it in the shape of a vase sitting in our living room!
Hugs and kisses,

Zack Enters His Teen Years

It is hard to believe my first born grandchild is now thirteen. These last twelve years have flown right by. After all, our girls kept us very busy getting ready for the rest of our grandkids to arrive. We have spent many years on the roller coaster ride of a lifetime. We are so blessed.

Zack and Alex are so lucky to have their own room up in the loft of their home. Mom set it up so great. She made them a couch, put a rug on the floor, had electric lights installed. The part I really love the walls are papered with world maps. So unique and appropriate. They have end tables, a book case. And now they have a great flat screen TV in their own quarters, thanks to Mom and Dad's birthday gift to Zack.

It really seems like Zack made out quite well. Nana and Papa gave him a generous gift of money, as he wanted to buy another type of guitar. He put gift money together and easily bought it.

One of Zack's greatest loves is visiting New York City. At first, this is what he wanted from Mom and Dad; a weekend in the city. Well, he and his family are just returning home from the city today.

It is definite; Zack had his cake and ate it, too. That's my boy. Why settle for less when you can have it all:~)
Hugs and kisses,

Kara's Moving Up Day

Kara has enjoyed six years in Tamarac's Elementary School. She has made many great friends; she has developed the ability to lead. She is a great student. Kara is an all-around kid. We are so proud of all she has accomplished in these years.

In September Kara will cross over to the other side of Tamarac's campus and begin middle school. Many new avenues will be opened for her. We feel confident Kara will continue to develop her skills and be one of Tamarac's assets in middle school. We wish her well and will support her every step of the way.

Love you, Kara. Congratulations!
Hugs and kisses,

Alex Moves Up to First Grade

Here he is. Our youngest grandchild, Alex, graduating from kindergarten. And the above pictures reveal the kind of kid our boy is. There he is looking sideways with that "I'm so happy and cool" look on his face. I love the stern look, only because we don't get to see it very often. Then he looks to the left with his wonderful every day smile. Alex doesn't smile. His whole face does.

See that boy in the lower right hand corner? That is the Alex I know and love so much. He loves to dress up when the occasion calls for it. But undoubtedly, his shirt tail is always hanging out. And his hands are always in his pockets. He looks like such a big little man!!

Congratulations Alex. You will love first grade.
Hugs and kisses,