My Friends, My Heroes!

First, I haven't posted for a while due to an even busier schedule than usual... starting at a new school (me), moving Charly into college, finishing Charly's tie quilt (pics to come), getting Jon ready for the 11th grade, and even more... been a crazy few weeks- but that's what makes life fun, right?!

Yesterday was a great day at church!!! Had so many thoughts I need to 'say'- so here are a few of my friends who are also my heroes (and if you are not on this list, it doesn't mean a thing, I promise!)

Sherie: One of the most joyful, giving people I know! Sherie and I have canned together, cleaned together, created sewing projects and helped to decorate for a wedding reception... Throughout everything, Sherie exudes happiness and cheer! She is so fun to be with! Many years ago, Sherie gave one of her kidneys to another neighbor in need. I know that she would have done this for any one of us! What an amazing woman!!! Recently, Sherie has had to battle breast cancer. All through this struggle, Sherie showed concern for others- she is my hero in so many ways!

Colette: I love her wry sense of humor! Colette has had struggles of her own, yet she truly cares about others around her. She is my definition of a true friend!

Charmaine: Such a sensitive and caring woman! Charmaine will always take the time to listen to me, and anything I need, she will be there to help- even mowing my lawn when my lawn mower was broken!

Ann: Has such a giving soul! She truly does help bring our neighborhood together! Ann has not only been there for me, but she has been and will continue to be a strong example for my daughter- an example of being a wife and a mother! For that, Ann will always be my hero!

Tracy and Shauna: best two people ever! They have opened their lives and their hearts first to my children, and now to me... we are so grateful to have more family!!!

Ardis: My favorite sis!!! She is so cheerful and so organized... and Ardis is the 2nd mom to my kids!! So many times when my kids needed someone to talk to (especially as teens), Ardis has been available!!! (and she lets Charly do dates at her home, with her kids there, too.) She may be my little sis, but Ardis is my hero!!!

I am so blessed to have these people and so many more as my friends!

More Than One Day at the Beach (Grandma Camping: Part 2)

Grandma Camping is amazing! (If you don't know what this is, see my last post.)

My girls (Adilynne, Makayla, and Charly) shared the upstairs suite with me... I had one room, they had the other- with a double bed, pull out trundle and a portable crib. We also shared a bathroom and sitting room area- like our own little hide-away!

Who wouldn't love waking up to this face! And the views from the 'cabin' are spectacular!

Then there are all the days at the beach with all the kids! They loved riding in the boat, swimming the tube around the beach front, burying things in the sand, driving the jet ski and, of course, riding the tube behind the boat (Charly and Alison LOVED to go as fast as Grandpa could drive!)! Charly even enjoyed time just reading...

I wish I had a pic, though of the Jon and Eric on the tube when it decided to become a submarine! One second they were riding along. The next second, all I could see was the tops of their heads! I thought they would let go, but no! Alison, Charly and I couldn't stop laughing! It was the best- of course, Jon's quote, 'I REALLY don't like to tube!'

I LOVE Grandma Camping!!!

Grandma Camping! (Part One)

Part One:

I am not fond of most people's definition of camping. I grew up with most 'vacations' meaning tents, bugs, dirt, and fishing- now when I was younger that may have been appealing- I know the memories of time with my family are priceless- that being said: memories, yes! camping, no thanks!

But what has come to be known to my kids as Grandma Camping, well it's just the best of both worlds!!! Grandma Camping means spending the week with Grandma Sue in a - for lack of a better description- a mansion! Extremely large house, this year in Midway, with five bedrooms plus a master suite (one bedroom actually being a bunk room with 4 sets of bunks- others having a king sized bed, queen sized bed, two with double beds and one with a trundle too.), five bathrooms, a large kitchen with all the amenities, plus several large family and or game rooms- and more large screen tv's than we can watch at once! This house, known as Grandma's cabin to the grand kids, is close enough to Jordanelle to play on the water all day and come 'home' for a nice shower, soft seats, home cooked meals, a movie or games, and best of all, no bugs!

Some of my favs of the week:

time with cousins a fabulous date for Charly's 100

watching Jon build sandcastles for the girls

Adilynne 'driving' the jet ski

with Grandma!

The little girls playing princess (on the table,

in the tub, everywhere!),

the little girls 'performing' their

latest dance or song on their 'stage!

or just my girls at a local playground...

Grandma Camping is full of the best blessings and memories!