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,

Alex Plays T-Ball For the First Time

Sunday, April 17th, I watched our youngest grandchild walk in his very first Little League Parade. Now remember, it only lasted about three minutes. But none the less, we were very excited to see him walking with that great smile he almost always has on his face. That smile got even bigger when he realized Uncle Corey was driving the Sheriff's car.

Then it was on up the hill to the field. Each of the four T-ball teams played one inning. Fortunately, the Chicago Cubs were up first. All the kids did a great job. They hit the ball and ran like crazy.

I had forgotten how much fun it is to watch these little guys. They can play every game feeling no pressure. We can even route for all the boys. Doesn't really matter what team they are on. Too bad that has to end in the next couple of years.

They call it sports. I guess the competition is supposed to be fun.
Hugs and kisses,

Door Mats With An Attitude

Hey kids, I got these in an email this morning and had to share them with you. Way too funny. My very favorite is below.

Do you have any idea how many times your parents, Papa and I have listened to a message very similar to this one when we made necessary calls to just about anyone in any type of business? Substitute the word "phone" for "mat", "call" for "visit" and a second "call" for "knock."

Doctors offices are the biggest users. Every once and a while someone has the audacity to update you as to where your call falls in the waiting line. What do you think? Should I change the message on my answering machine and use this one? Let's face it, at my age the majority of calls I receive are doctors offices "confirming my appointment." It would really be a fun thing to do! Wonder if they would laugh before they hung up???? What do you think? My opinion: if they didn't laugh, they have no sense of humor.
Hugs and kisses,

Just a "Nana Need to Say"

I just need to say this. God blessed Papa and me with four wonderful "over the moon" grandchildren, who have enriched our lives more than we could ever have imagined. I always tell them I love them "more than love." And it is true.

We also have a fifth grandchild; a beautiful angel; our guardian angel, who we also love "more than love." When I make references to our grandchildren, it is very difficult for me to say four. Amanda is not of this Earth, but I want the world to know she is our grandchild; our fifth grandchild. We have been blessed with five grandchildren.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara's Fourth Grade Special Persons Day

Special Person's Day with Kara was great (and so were the refreshments). We walked in and found our Kara decked out in one of her Kara outfits; frilly skirt, peace sweatshirt, hair extensions and two mismatched flip flops. We were not surprised by her attire. It goes from one extreme to another with Kara. She has those "American Girl beautiful dresses with hair just so" days. But she has lots more of the "let my personality show through" days. We love the surprise element it adds to seeing her.

We saw lots of Kara's creations. Every year the children add their art to a small bag which will eventually hold a teddy bear for a very sick child. Of course, hers was very creative. Her cartoon strip, "The Puppy Diaries," was also displayed. As we walked around the classroom, it was fun to see bits of her work here and there.

Kara is an excellent student full of creativity. Her drawings are awesome. Must be that Russian blood running through her veins. She is the girl other girls want to be like. Really, it's the truth. We love the person Kara is and hope she never changes. She is great. After all, Kara is one of our four "too good to be ours" grandchildren. Our fifth grandchild, Amanda, is guardian angel to all of us.

Oh, I have to add that one of Kara's good friends is granddaughter to a wonderful lady who was a best friend to me throughout all of my school days. How great is that:~)
Hugs and kisses,

Back To Things As Usual

As you can see, it is back to things as usual again. The Easter header has been filed away. The original one is back. I really have to find time to make a new header and background.; one full of sunshine, spring and summer fun. Time, that is the problem. Lets watch to see how long it takes me to find that time:o)
Hugs and kisses,

Brushing Teeth the Lazy Kid's Way!

I was looking back through my pictures so I can digitally cut a few of the kids out for fantasy layouts when I came across this picture. It was taken a night during the winter when the boys were staying overnight. Alex forgot his tooth brush, so I gave him one of the ones I keep on hand for just these times. He just loved the little feet on it. Well, I turned around and he had figured out you could stick the feet to the wall and brush your teeth without using your hand. This kid is just too much.

If you ever need a perk me up, just stop in at our house on a Tuesday. I guarantee you will leave laughing. Oh, yes, we will miss our youngest grandson when he starts school in the fall:o(
Hugs and kisses,