Today...

Today is May Day.

But, more importantly...

Today would have been my grandmother's 86th birthday.

This woman taught me so many things.  Some of which include... baking, cooking, putting family first... but she really taught me how to make the hard choices.  She taught me how to give a task everything you've got and then a little more.  This lady was one of the hardest workers I have ever known.  She taught me how to smile even when faced with what seem like insurrmountable trials.  This woman taught me how important it is to slow down and enjoy what is right in front of you.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

We miss you!

This is a photo of my grandmother holding Miranda... 16 years ago!

Grandma Did Soooooo Good...

12 years ago today...

the worst pregnancy of my life came to an end!

The beginning of such a beautiful and blessed life began...

Sydnee (Debra- after her aunt) entered this world... to the delight of her parents and three older sisters.

She was our tiniest baby.  She weighed only 5 pounds.  Her start was scary. We had many issues facing us... dire warnings about what her future held... but God is so good.  She is perfect and healthy and absolutely normal.

We took Sydnee out to breakfast this morning.  Yummy!  She picked the restaurant and enjoyed the one on one time with Mom and Dad... and when the waitress called her a teenager (not yet, lady!)  she nearly glowed!

We like to say she is our leprechaun, since she came to us on St. Patrick's Day.

I remember the nurse putting those cute little green socks on your tiny feet so you wouldn't get pinched... as if Mommy would have let anyone hurt you!

I love that Sydnee is always full of smiles.

You can totally read her mood by looking at her face.

She hides nothing!

Grandma and Bampa sent her the always anticipated "big bucks".

Her sister Miranda gave her some hot pink heels... a major hit!

Her sister Cheyenne took her out to lunch and icecream yesterday for the occasion.

Cadi and Galen sent her this awesome purse!  She loves it, guys!

Mom and Dad gave her a new mp3 player and a Bible with her name imprinted on the cover.

But...

The biggest hit of the day...

was this "totally cool" shirt from Bampa and Grandma!

Syd put it on and said, "Grandma did soooo good!"

Good job, Grandma!  You get the prize for this birthday!  If you were here right now (instead of on your way to Israel) you would get the biggest hug from a very happy 12 year old girl!

Happy Birthday, Sydnee!

We are so blessed to have been given the gift of...you!

Grandma is SOOOOOO COOL!

I'm sure my kids are no different from yours...

They love getting anything in the mail.  You could hand them your junk mail and they would carry it around for a couple of days... so proud of  "their" mail.

A few days ago, they really did get a package... from Grandma.

Grandma and Bampa had been in Hawaii recently and, like always, they were thinking of the kiddos.

They sent the older (and medium) girls pens that said Hawaii on them.  The two little girls received bracelets.

Look at their proud little faces!

Our son, who had just climbed out of bed from his nap, loved his car!  He has barely been a foot away from it since.  He checked it out for awhile... he was just waking up, after all... and then proceeded to drive it around forever!

Even though he was still tired, he gave a sweet smile.

That is asking a lot for a sleepy boy!

Sleepy or not...

Do not try to take this car away from him!

When I asked the kids what they thought of Grandma thinking of them while they were on vacation...

The little girls said, "That is so sweet."

The little man, however, said...

"Grandma is SOOOOO COOL!"

Just Because...

Grandma sent Ari a package in the mail...

just because.

Now Ari has a Grandma blanket too!!

She was so excited that she carried it around and couldn't wait to see what it looked like on her bed.

She may carry around that smile for days...

Little kids love to get mail... who are we kidding... if it is the right kind of mail, we all love it!  Right?  I mean, who doesn't  love opening something from a far away relative... because you know they thought of you.  You know they love you and wanted you to have a part of themselves.

When that package comes at a time that has nothing to do with a holiday or a birthday... it makes you feel extra special.

They love you...

Just Because.

Strong Foundation...

Grandparents are a family's greatest treasure,

the founders of a loving legacy,

The greatest storytellers,

the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory.

Grandparents are the family's strong foundation.

Their very special love sets them apart.

Through happiness and sorrow,

through their special love and caring,

grandparents keep a family close at heart.

~author unknown

May Day...

Today is May Day.

Today would have been my grandma's 85th birthday.

She was a wonderful woman. She taught me a lot. I learned how to cook and bake and be... well... a little crazy from Grandma. --very important lessons, I assure you.

I miss you Grandma.

***This photo was from 15 years ago when she was holding baby Miranda.

Package...

We received a package today!

Thanks Grandma Carol!

Cadi and Brysen both have birthdays next week.

Cadi will be 19 on Monday...

and our little man will be 3 on Saturday!

A girl after my own heart...

Bampa and Grandma knew the perfect gift... a gift certificate to a bookstore.

The first opportunity she had, we jumped in the car, driving the twenty miles, and spent over an hour gathering her goodies. She is in heaven. We will not see her again for days.