Celebrating...

...Rich!

Today is Rich's birthday.  He would have been 63 today (and I would have commented - several times - that he was a year older than me). 

I think of him at some point every day, but today especially. 

I know that he is so very proud of our children (yes, you can still be a child in your 30's) - our grandchildren - our daughters-in-law (he did enjoy "the girls").

I try to remember on days like this... that the Bible promises us no more pain or sorrow in heaven.  It keeps me from wondering how he doesn't miss us - why he isn't sad not to be with us. 

I Corinthians 13:12 says...
"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

I know that Rich has no pain... no sorrow... only joy. Because now he knows - even as he has always been known.  He also knows the meaning of "eternity" that we can only imagine.  In the scope of eternity, this life is less than an eye blink - a concept that I understand in my head - and someday will understand completely. 

I am grateful for his life.

Happy birthday, Rich!  

Quotes * March 6 - March 12

This week it's age (which of course, only matters to those of us who are trying to feel better about our age).

"No one is so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm."
~ Henry David Thoreau ~

Websites * March 6 - March 12

Do you like short stories? How about short, short stories?  How about REALLY stories that are 25 words or less?

I thought this website was fun. I could spend all day reading these.  Want to submit some with me?

Tell me what you think?
Espresso Stories

Happy Birthday, Muz!

Born in 1925, my mother would have been 86 today.  I can't imagine her at 86.  I wonder if we would still be speaking?????

Richard said that she would still be a "pisser" at 86.  He is sooooo right! 

She was THE most bull-headed person I've ever known in my life!  And... a troublemaker.  Oh yes!  She was a troublemaker!  I'd like to tell you that it was not intentional, but it was.  I think it must have been a family trait.  My Aunt Ginny had the same gene.  Together they were downright scary!!

Muz loved to watch Rich defend me and so she attacked me as often as possible just to enjoy his reaction.  Rich was not so amused, but it was one of my mother's favorite pasttimes. 

She was a character! Truly.

She traveled to New Jersey every day to work.  On the toll bridge, she loved tossing her token into the basket and then speeding off in her yellow Chrysler convertible (with the top down) to beat the "go" light and set the alarm off. 

In the summer, when it was hot, she would stop at the vending machine at work on her way home and grab a cold can of coke for the toll taker on the bridge.  Penance?  Nah.  She lived her life without apologies.

The top on that convertible was rarely up - even in the rain.  There were always small trees growing out of the carpet in the back seat.  My mother parked under the tree and the seeds fell from the tree into the carpet and were well watered by the rain. 

No one else I ever knew had trees growing in their back seat.  I loved those trees!

Ahhhh!  Memories!

Happy birthday, Muz!!!

Kate the Great!

This was Kate's last Tuesday night, half-hour swimming lesson.  She has been promoted to the class that swims for an hour.  Woooohoooooo!

I love watching Kate swim!  She even swims with a smile.  Some might say it's because she knows she's being watched, but I would not be one of those people.  I think she's just am amazingly pleasant little girl.  (And the queen of the backstrokers!) 

I gave Kate a "Rapunzel" bathing suit for her birthday.  She must like it because she's worn it every week since she got it.  I don't think Richard and Julie beat her to make her wear it.  She must really like it.   I'm so glad!  I think I'm just one more member of a growing group of people who would do almost anything to see Kate smile.  She lights up a room...

... or a pool!

Happy Birthday to Kate - Again!

Today we had a family celebration of Kate's birthday at Julie and Richard's house.  Kate had a wonderful time at her party!  (We all did!)

But then, how can you not have a good time celebrating Kate?  She is so very sweet! 

What fun to watch all of the kids together!  By seeing all of the kids and grandkids together, I feel like I'm the one who has gotten the gift.

The gift of the day was a tent (a Princess tent, of course) and sleeping bag given to Kate by Amy, Greg and crew.  Greg comes up with the best ideas!!!!

I stayed until after the Super Bowl started (yes, this is Super Bowl Sunday) and then went home and smiled for the rest of the evening.  I LOVE birthdays!!

Happy Birthday, Kate!

Kate is 4 today! FOUR! 

Richard and Julie took Kate bowling for the first time and she LOVED it!

 

Julie said that she even bowled a spare on one frame!  My father would tell you that she is genetically marked to be an outstanding bowler (from him, of course)! 

Kate in her 4-year-old birthday shirt!  I mean... really... how cute is SHE?

Julie said on her blog that she loves this picture of Kate.  No wonder!  It's one that has to make you smile. 

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday dear Kate!
Happy birthday to you!