My Mom with Great-Grandson Bryce

I wanted to share a few things about my mom. She is one of the strongest women I know. She raised 7 children and for that I am in awe. I remember the house was always in order; there was always a "homey" feeling and dinner was always served on time. We didn't have a lot when I was real young but when she made do...she made do !

She made time to sew summer outfits for herself and me. I think I always looked pretty spiffy. We went to church every Sunday morning. Can you imagine trying to get 7 kids dressed and ready for church at the same time? Whew! Makes me tired thinking about it.

Did I tell you my mom paints? She paints; yep, my mom is an artist. She's been painting for more years than she wants to think about. I love the style of painting she does and I love her "loose manner" of painting. Other painters are amazed how she relaxes while she paints, is so creative and paints so quickly. Her nickname is Polaroid Vada. Many times she has commented on not being a good artist. She's right...she's not a good artist; she's a GREAT artist !

I like being around her, which is nice to know. When you finally grow up enough to realize that your mom is your friend too, now that's a gift. I once remember whining (as an adult) that I just couldn't get things done. I always had lists; I talked about how much I had to do. Not her. Mom DID her lists quietly and gracefully.

Oh, did I tell you that my mom is 85 years old and a knockout ! She still paints 3 days a week with 3 different art groups, then volunteers at the local library. She occasionally teaches at home. Most of the people that come to her home are her close friends and they all just enjoy painting together. Painting Buddies.

Well, I think I have the best mom in the world. She's beautiful, special, peaceful, active, loving and a teacher. I hope when I grow up I can be just like her !

In fact...I probably will be.

The Apple Don't Fall Far From The Tree ! ! !

Kathy You Have Courage ! ! !

Kathy is 15 years younger than me. DUH that makes her 48 years old. OOOOPPPPPSSSS Sorry Kat, I just let the Kat out of the bag ! ! ! Puny of me huh?

How many people would be willing to take on the task of being a mother to their grandkiddos ...Not me! Kathy yes. She's had more than a year with her three rambunctious grandmunchkins ! She is still sane !

She's kept alive the youthful spirit that all children need from their Grammys! She plays with them on the floor, takes them outside to swing, and even has the courage to know "its okay" to have water balloon fights. She amazes me with her youthful manner. I'm sure the grandmunchkins are tickled that someone loves playing so freely with them.

Kathy also has a handi-capped son, works full-time, is married to a great guy, Ernie and has a son in the Army readying for deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. After doing all she needs to, she's also a left-handed self-taught crocheter. Loves making afghans for the grandmunchkins, nieces and anyone else that she loves. She's a rock and I'm proud of her. I have a hunch she might not be quite the rock she acts like but as long as the kiddos have the stability they need, I guess Kat's ROCKing OK !!!

Patty You Are So Amazing

Late October 2008, my sister Patty was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through her chemo and radiation in November, December, January and February. Mom and I were able to be there with her during her initial surgery and her first 2 rounds of chemo. What a whirlwind and what a warrior she is. She sailed, as she always does, and made it through with her optimisim, her laughter, her gentle spirit but not her hair ! Its now September so she has been finished with her "medical part" for 1/2 a year ! She still has all her great personality and now is getting some hair. She is 18 years younger than I am and she is filled with such an accepting attitude. She once said in advising me of some of my frustrations with life, "Follow directions and just keep moving even if you don't like it." Patty's quote. It is that easy for her I guess. I'm glad she said those words to me. That quote has gotten me through many troubled times. She's a keeper!

LATTE' My Missing Friend

This is a sad post for me to write. It has taken almost a year to write. Last year Latte' started having seizures. She was hospitalized for 3 days to stablize the meds and then she was able to come back home. They had discovered she had a brain tumor. I had missed her so while she was hospitalized; I knew I wanted her here with me and I would give her the best life that was left. Within a week, she started constant seizures. She was in so much pain...her eyes looked like she just didn't know what was happening to her body. She looked frantic. I had to take her to the vet to be put down. She was only 8 years old and it is coming up on her 1 yr anniversary of her death, September 15, 2008. I miss her...I always will.