Happy Birthday, Kim! Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Today is my daughter's 29th birthday. Bless her heart- she has been having a rough few days. She is fighting a staph infection, and of course with all of the publicity lately, that makes it even scarier. We are confident that all will be well, but we are also an impatient people that want things to be instant! I have always been the family "fixer", and when it is something that I can't fix, I feel bad. All that aside, I am thankful to God that 29 years ago he blessed me with my daughter. She is my heart. I love her so much, and I am very proud of her. She is no longer my little girl, but a grown woman with 3 children of her own, but in my heart she will forever be my first baby. I don't know how I got so lucky in this life to be so blessed. Thank you, God- You have blessed me more than I could ever deserve.
Today is also my oldest niece, Lisa's birthday. She has also been a very special part of my life. Her birth was one of my first real memories. I was so proud of her (and I still am!!!). Then when Kim was born on Lisa's birthday (Kim waited 3 weeks in order to hit the 28th!) that made October 28th even more special.
So, happy birthday to 2 special girls. May life grant you many, many years of birthdays!
I love you, both.

Cracious, Granna

Cracious, Granna- yes, I know it is Gracious, but Addi doesn’t. She informed me that she “speaks both English and Spanish”. I had the honor of taking care of Levi and Addi while Kim was in the hospital. They were really good, and overall both would have received an “A” in behavior. Levi pretty much entertains himself while he is at home. We cheated and watched some Sponge Bob, but Bob acted pretty good. Addi told me at least 50 times how much she “appreciated” me for keeping them. These accolades came in the form of:
You are the best Granna.
There’s no one else like you, Granna.
Thanks, Granna for helping us.
Thanks, Granna for washing my soccer uniform.
Thanks, Granna for fixing me some chocolate milk.
You're so sweet for doing laundry.
You're so sweet for buying me a milkshake.
The list goes on and on.
Right before Lila arrived home, Addi told me “Cracious”. I had tears in my eyes. That was the sweetest thank-you I ever received.
Lila is so sweet. I am so in love with her already. Addi and Levi have accepted her as if though they truly understand that she belongs to them. Hannah can already say her name (Hannah is an advanced talker for her age. She makes me think of Kim.). Lila will have plenty of folks that love her. How sad to think that any baby would not be wanted. Cracious, Addi, Levi, Hannah, and Lila, for being my sweet grandchildren!
Thanks, Paul, for updating my header photos!

Siblings and Family

I found myself thinking about Addi and Lila today, and wondering about their bond as sisters. Addi loves Levi, and he absolutely adores her, but having a sister is so special. Kim has brothers, and I don’t think for a minute that she would trade one of them in for a sister, but, in reality, it is different. I imagine that growing up she had moments when she would have liked to have had a sister in the mix. She has great sisters-in-law, so that is nice, and perhaps has helped to fill the sister void. I don’t know if boys have the same feelings about siblings as girls do- then again I would not know! I have a sister. She is special. I hope that Lila loves Addi as much as I love my sister. I love my brother, but I need my sister. Addi and Lila will be such great friends, I just know. Life will hold many adventures for them. Please remember Kim and Lila this week. We are on the home stretch, and things are looking great. We are thankful for an uneventful pregnancy, and this time next week we hope to be giddy in love with our newest grandchild!

Childhood Memories

Okay, if you read this, you are tagged to list your 20 favorite childhood memories. Childhood is considered age 12 and under. I had fun thinking back to some of these events. I could have listed many more. I think I had a good childhood. I had people that loved me, and that means the most.

20 Favorite Childhood Memories

1. Snow cones at decoration day at Freewill Cemetery
2. Becoming an aunt at the ripe old age of 8 (almost 9)
3. Watching the Red Mountain Fireworks in the front yard with Daddy
4. Setting mousetraps on the stove (yes, on the stove) and turning the lights out and watching for the mouse to take the cheese (using the pilot light for night vision!), also with my Daddy
5. Mother buying me a bicycle for no reason
6. Barbie Dolls and the shoe box of Barbie and Ken clothes that Patsy made me one Christmas- I especially loved Barbie’s blue corduroy coat with the little buttons
7. Chatty Cathy Doll
8. Going to Kresses in North Birmingham to buy crayons and coloring books
9. The North Birmingham Library
10. The Lewisburg Skating Rink
11. Spend the nights with Cathy or Teresa, or Cathy and Teresa
12. Going to spend the night with Aunt Willie Ross and Norma Jean
13. Fresh Air Farm Summer Camp
14. The Girls Club
15. The Fultondale Swimming Pool
16. Going cave exploring with my brother
17. Fairmont School
18. Mrs. Self reading the class, “No Time for Sergeants”
19. Getting my ears pierced
20. New school clothes and “Merry Moc” Penny Loafers from the Sears Catalog (new clothes were not an every day thing in my childhood. My first day of school dress was beautiful- a plaid dress with a yellow pinafore made by my sister. I will try to post a photo!)