Turning 1.....and 21!

Momentous occasions call for a blog post.

There have been a few between the date of my last post and now, but many things continue to conspire against me and my desires. But I definitely can't let Grant's and Alicia's birthday go unnoticed without calling attention to it!

Happy Birthday Alicia! In our minds you have been all grown up for awhile, but at least now you can prove to the world that you're 21! Life with you as our youngest has been so much fun, not just for your dad and I but for your sisters and brothers-in-law as well. Your perspective of life, since the time you were little even up until now, has kept all of us laughing and enjoying you. We love you and hope you have a memorable celebration with little Grant!

Yep, it's hard to believe he's a year old today, too! You thought it was pretty special that he arrived last year on your day, didn't you?! Whisper in his little ear that Nana and Papi wish him a happy birthday, and give him a hug for us too.

Happy Birthday, Grant! See if you can talk Mommy into letting you sink those ten little teeth into some of that TX barbecue.....but leave some for everyone else! Just a few more weeks, hopefully, until we see you....


Love you both!

What do I title THIS post?

Yes, folks. I actually made it back several weeks ago, back from a blissful world of baby hugs and little-girl kisses, back from being a real hands-on grandma to Ryleigh and Grant. It was so much fun, not only to be with them, but to have three full weeks with our family, including my parents and my sister Ana. It was totally an awesome time, with no time at all to blog or email or even think about anything else outside of PA. I think Philip and I both needed it!

Well now the month of January is almost totally gone. So much has happened and so much lies ahead in this new Year. The most heart-breaking news that we have dealt with has been the tragedy of our dear friends, Roberta and David Miller in the loss of their daughter and two lovely grandchildren. Roberta always is in contact with us, and the day before I heard about the accident I was going through my Christmas photo cards, and there was one of all of the Miller family. It had hung on my refrigerator for most of the year and I anticipated receiving a new one from Roberta....needless to say, I have it where I can see it often and pray for Brent and all of them.

I can't even begin to fathom what losing a daughter must be like, and losing my only two grandchildren as well. All I know to do is to daily and whenever they come to my mind, to pray for another great measure of God's awesome grace to be deposited in their hearts. Roberta, David, Julie, Sylvia, Lydia... and of course dear Brent...why you have been asked to walk this path puzzles me, and yet makes me realize that I too must be willing for whatever He asks of me.

I won't stop praying for you all.

Brenda, here's to you!

Happy Birthday, honey!

It can't possibly be 24 now, can it? No way.

Daddy and I smile at the many cute memories you made through the years. I can still see you and Shari in the back of the pickup, parked in the driveway, singing about Jesus. Remember how excited you were to get a baby sister when you were three years old, and from then on you mothered and took care of her and gave in many times? Remember the "stage" you went through when getting a picture of you was like impossible without you making a silly face?? As a young teenager you always seemed to know when your help was needed and between you and Shari you soon began to take up so many responsibilities. You're a great wife to Brent, and the future is bright for both of you. We couldn't be any prouder....

We can hardly wait till we get to see you in a couple of weeks, Lord willing. Make everyone give you lots of kisses for us today!

Love,
Mom and Dad