Happy Valentine's Day to my children and my grandchildren. I love you very much.
The Kids
MANDY, My first joy. I am forever going to be amazed at what she has, is, and will be accomplishing. Much of it by sheer will and faith. She has always been strong willed and determined, and I can see why she needed to be. She loves music, dancing, art, funny movies, and shoes. Above all, she loves her kids, and lives her life to ensure their happiness. She is an open, friendly, kind, compassionate, loving, and a beautiful woman. She deserves the best life, and love has to offer, and I'm certain that is what she will recieve. Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart.
MAREN, My little "sunshine follows me wherever I go" girl. Her light shines bright still. She always has had the ability to know what the right thing to do was, and to follow it through. Determination, smarts, and a strong intuition. She loves music, dancing, art, literature, writing, theatre, Kenya, and working out her long legs. She loves being a wife and mom, and she's awesome at it. She is lighthearted and fun, creative and resourceful. She is open, friendly, kind, and likes to serve others. A real beauty, inside and out. Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie.
JAKE, Okay I can't take credit for this one being mine, but I sure will claim him. I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law. He's the best husband and dad in the whole world. He has his priorities in the right order like no one I have ever seen before. He manages to juggle law school, work, home, church, and still have time to sleep a bit. He has gifts and abilities that are only given to those who use them, and he does. He is smart, funny, creative, resourceful, open and friendly, loving and kind. He likes music, singing, playing musical instruments, theatre, dancing, and a bunch of other stuff, including being entertaining I hope, because he is. Happy Valentine's Day, Jake, your awesome.
JON, My sun, since the day he was born. My precious boy. The handsomest boy in the world. He still is. The little boy who brought so much joy into my life turned out to be an incredible man. I knew he would. The perfect example of being strong, and gentle. He is physically the strongest person I know. He can pick up another man and chuck him across the room, not that he'd do that, but he could if he wanted to. Jon has always had the magic of making those around him laugh. Not only does he have an amusing sense of humor, quick witted and laced with lots of sarcasm, his laugh is contagious. He is so much fun. He is also very wise, and has strong intuition and the ability to read people. He stands up for what is right and has the courage to take action when he needs to. He likes music, football, UFC, concerts, moshing, playing the guitar, among other things. He's my boy. Happy Valentine's Day, son.
The GRANDbabies
BREANNA, My beautiful Nabs. 10 going on teen. She is growing up so fast I can't keep up with her. I am constanly amazed at how much she knows about everything. She loves to read and has a creative imagination. She likes music, singing, dancing, art, and Webkinz. I see Breanna writing books some day. She likes to tease and has learned to use sarcasm in her humor. She is sensitive, caring , and brave. She doesn't back down when she is standing up for what she thinks is right. Breanna is always trying to "stand in the light", and be her best self. She inspires me. Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart.
DALLEN, Sweet, tenderhearted little man. Everything a boy should be and more. I see greatness in Dallen. He has patience, generosity, and strength of character beyond his age. He loves sports, a natural athlete, and loves his stuffed Webkinz animals just the same. He has a quick witted sense of humor. Favorite Dallen quotes: When asked, where are your flip flops? "I'm not the kind of boy that wears flip flops." When asked, do you want french toast or pancakes? " Is it that cheap pancake mix you get at the dollar store?" YEAH! I want pancakes those are so good!" When told, you just spent all the money you had left on your little sister, "That's okay, it's worth it." Dallen J, all the way, the best boy in the whole world. Happy Valentines Day.
KAELEY, Bonkers. Bop bop boppin' around little social butterfly. Likes everything girlie, a modern day princess. She likes singing and dancing, creating art, and Webkinz. Kaeley likes to tease, she has a wonderful sense of humor. She always stands up for what is right, and will stick up for you no matter what. My beautiful brave Kaeley, Happy Valentine's Day.
TESSA, Sweet little angel. She has more personality at 2 years old than most adults. If you ever want to feel the sun shine on your heart just look at Tessa. She loves to sing and dance, and make faces to make you laugh. She reminds you of all the beauty and joy there is in life. Happy Valentine's Day, my beautiful Tessa.
We had a great Easter. Despite the pained looks of "get over with the pictures already so we can enjoy our Easter basket" looks. Mandy took a lot of really great pictures coloring eggs, and Easter basket smiles, which she will post later on her blog when she gets her computer back from being repaired. I was lucky enough to have these guys at my house for Easter. We had a really good time and had a lot of fun hunting for Easter eggs outside in our big yard. The kids got new spring shirts from myself and Poppa Duke, and were treated quite well by the Easter Bunny. We really missed Tessa, but she had a great Easter weekend with mom and dad. Read all about it on Home on the Range. On April 8th, Mandy, Bre, Dal, Kae, myself, and Duke were invited to Jon's house for his birthday dinner. We had a really good time, with Philly cheese steaks and cherry cheese pies. We were treated to a movie and video game, which is always fun on Jon's big TV. So far, April has been a great month, full of fun events and some nice surprises. We are all looking forward to a happy spring.
