Flowers, Birds, Songs & Laughter

My "Mother's Day" Double Delight - 1st bloom

Good morning son! How's the weather in heaven today? Or, do you have weather? I mean how could there not be clouds and sunshine right? When God gets angry do you have thunder and lightening? The bigger question is, does God get angry? I would imagine He does. We do some pretty stupid things down here. I would hope that we're getting smarter and are doing better, but somehow I think NOT! I really don't worry too much about God's anger. But I know for sure he has a sense of humor and I love that about Him...or her, whatever your train of thought might be.

Anyway, how ya doin'?  Summer is definitely here in New York. Thursday and Friday this past week we hit 95 degrees. I can heeear you! I know we lived in the San Joaquin Valley and that it was 105-108 degrees most of the time. Believe me, that's totally different than 95 degrees here. Talk about drenched in sweat! Holy Cow! I felt so bad for Jamison. In late afternoon on both days he was having trouble breathing. I finally put him in the tub, drenched and soaked him in tepid water and just left him wet. He finally cooled down. Dad did the same thing for him the next night before we went to bed and he did better. The poor little guy has his tongue out and dragging on the floor. It was much cooler yesterday and it's absolutely beautiful outside this morning. 

I put a bird feeder right outside our living room window and we have birds in the shrubbery in the front yard. Jamison loves laying in the window every morning and watch them as they flutter in the trees and enjoy the feed from the feeder. We have a couple of squirrels that come up on the front porch since we put the feeder there. This morning we had chipmunks. They can't get to the feeder but they love the seeds that fall to the porch.

We're still waiting for our new front porch. They told us it would be about the third week in June...so far, not yet.  I've decided to concentrate on the back patio/deck. My "Double Delight" dad bought me for Mother's Day bloomed for the first time yesterday. It's as beautiful as always isn't it?  Since we don't have our front porch yet I'm going to focus on the deck. It's really nice out there. There's power too so I can sit out there and write. I'm shopping on Craig's List for a couple of old, comfortable chairs so dad and I can relax out there. I'd like to get a fire pit so we can stay out in the evenings. Hopefully the fire and smoke will help keep the mosquitoes away. The back deck is surrounded by trees so it's a very nice place to be in the afternoons. We have plans to build flower beds around the outer edge of the deck. I'd like to plant a couple of trees along the fence. Our deck sits up higher than the yard next door so we overlook their back yard. Smaller trees would help with privacy. If we get the front porch rebuilt this year I have great plans for there as well....and it all entails flowers.

Josie's 1st Dance Recital 2012

Your Uncle Bill has been here in Troy since Friday. It's been really fun to have him here. We're going to Maine in August and that will be a lot of fun too. We're trying to keep a low profile while he's here so he can spend time with Jon and Corey and the kids. They don't get to see him a lot and so it's great for him to be able to go to their events and spend time with them. Yesterday he started at 6:45 am and hit Josh and Dylan's soccer games. I hear that Josh had a day to remember. He's goalie. Dylan is no slouch either. Josie is thinking about soccer next year. Last night we all went to Josie's first dance recital. As you would expect, she was adorable. There were probably about 25 students ranging from adult to Josie. She's the youngest at 4 but she did fantastic. She enjoys it but if someone said, "no dance next year" she'd just be off to something new with not much of a fuss.

Yesterday dad and I had a great day just being at home. He's working on getting the bed put together. He's is having to drill new holes for the bolts in the bed I bought. Someone put them in crooked so he's having to cut them off and drill new ones. I spent the entire day in my studio. I made a couple of cards but I spent most of the day finishing up one of my Rockin’ & Readin’™ Rocking Chairs. I have the listing ready to go in my Etsy store Auntie Jan Creations but need to finish up the library bag with the books. My intent is to get it posted before I finish up for the day today. I also finally got my personalized greeting cards set up this last week on Etsy. Customers can now place their order on line. After answering a few simple questions, to give me an idea of what the person likes/dislikes, I can personalize the card. I get quite a few order by just word of mouth but need more.  Hopefully, now that the opportunity is on Etsy, I'll get more orders. We'll see how it goes. I'm sure it will need some tweaking but I'll get there. Once I get the rocking chair listed I think the next project is going to be one of my Rockin’ & Readin’™ Rocking Horses.  I'm working on building a standard list of words that go on the chair and horse but leave people the option if they have choices of their own. Customers can also add the child's name to the back of the chair at no additional cost. Anyway, you encouraged me along this path and I just want you to know that although it's been a few years since I started and a lot of life happened in between, things are getting back on track. Yesterday was really the first day that I felt like I actually accomplished something in my studio. It felt great. I have many projects sitting in the dining room, but that doesn't mean I'm not constantly searching on Craig's List and along the side of the road for that one great piece of "someone elses junk to transform into someone elses treasure! Never give up! Isn't that what dad's always saying?

You, Auntie Di & Grandma

So, what are you up to lately? When I was talking with grandma last week, who by the way, fell a few days before and landed flat on her face after hitting the door on her way down, that I could hear grandpa chuckle every once in a while. One time would be when he would have looked at grandma's black and blue face, hands and arms and say, "Mother, mother" and give a chuckle. If you heard him chuckle, that's what it was about. Other than falling and knocking herself silly, she says she's doing fine. It's summer and warm and so she's been able to get out and do some visiting and check out the world. It's really difficult in the winter because Auntie Di can't lift the wheel chair anymore and it's too unsafe for grandma to try and walk when it slippery. This is the perfect time of year because it's not too hot yet and she can ride along and stay in the car if need be. That window doesn't last very long though. Before you know it it's too hot and there's no sitting in the car anymore. They seem to manage though. Hopefully, Uncle Ron will be able to retire before long. I know he's tuckered and ready.  After all, he IS older than me!
 

Grandpa and Dad

Dad's finally at peace. I really should have know, since I know he's an analyzer, that it would take him longer than it did me. It's been very difficult for both of us having you gone but I think much more so for dad. Dad must miss you differently. I don't know how to explain it. For crying out loud, why should I try and explain it to you?  You're right there in heaven with God, you ask Him! I know that it was your intent from the day you received the news and diagnosis that you didn't want to leave any of us with debt or regrets. In order to help you with that goal we gave in and tried to do everything you asked. (Stopping here for a minute. Excuse me for just a minute.) Okay, I'm good. Anyway, remember when you were younger and how funny dad was. In fact, at one point years ago I can remember saying to him, "don't be so silly". Well, I won't ever say that again. When you got sick and dad changed, I really missed that "silly man" and I know you did too. I know you wanted dad to be the dad he had always been and you missed it. I know, because I missed it. I missed him. He disappeared and we desperately, so desperately, wanted him back. Poor Kristen, she thinks she knew dad, boy, one of these days she's going to get the surprise of her life! Anyway, he's laughing again son. He's really laughing. It's coming from his heart. He's laughing. I didn't know if he'd ever come back and I guess even though I wanted it and I knew God could do it, I didn't know if God would. (You been talking to someone up there?) When we talk about life and things now, he's really part of the conversation. Believe it or now, we were at Jon and Corey's last night celebrating Father's Day, Josie's recital and Sabra's birthday (Which is entirely another story. Just so you know, Sabra's birthday was in May and this is the first time we've seen her ALL summer. She's been gadding about all summer and didn't leave one single moment for any of us!) That's another story though. So anyway, last night. Dad had fun! I know, remember the parties we use to have at the

Sabra & daughter,  Shivani (The gadabouts!)

house? I know, you could hear dad laughing no matter where you were. I haven't heard that laugh for over five years. It sure is good to hear again. We loved you son. And even though we tried to do everything you wanted so you wouldn't have anything else to worry about I need to tell you, as a mom, I have one regret. I know you wouldn't agree. I know it's what you wanted. You made all of it very clear. I just wish I had been more vocal about what I wanted. I mean after all, you're sitting up there in "cushy" land and I'm down here having to live with what I did! Geez son, thanks a lot!  And it's not anything I will ever have the opportunity for a "do-over". I should never have left Springfield while you were still there. I know you didn't want us at the hospital. I know you wanted us to remember you while you could still move and get around but you know what, I should have been there. I can't speak for dad, but I should have been there. Okay, I've said my peace, enough said.

Julie and her gang are packing up and heading for Kentucky. That's about as much as any of us know right now. Once they get there I think the girls are coming for a visit. It would be nice to see them all but we'll start with the girls. It's about the same distance from here to where they'll be in Kentucky as the trip from Springfield to Groveland. I'll let you know more as I know more.


Chicken update: Now we have chickens in three stages. We have adult chickens, we have teenage chickens and we have baby chickens. We have the regular chicken coop and the adult chickens free range all day. We have a outside daytime pen for the teenage chickens, we have an outside daytime pen for the baby chickens. The adult chickens roost in the chicken coop at night. The teenage chickens are gathered and sleep in a large tub in the bathroom upstairs at night and the baby chickens are gathered and have a warm nest in the upstairs bathtub at night. At tub which they are quickly learning can be easily left behind if they just flap those little wings a couple of extra times. They have yet to learn there is a huge dog downstairs that just happens to LOVE chicken!


Hamster update: So, Josh was at his dad's last week. Josh has a hamster in his bedroom that lives in a house as big as the state of New York!  So last week, while Josh is gone of course, this 3- good-legged, blind hamster is running through his tunnel, three legs at at time, and runs smack dab into a wall of shavings that he has pushed ahead of him in the tunnel, the entire time he has been running. Well, he's pushed so much of it ahead of him that when he runs to make one of the corners in his tunnel, smack, the shavings have become so thick they can't make the corner. They can't make the corner, and neither could he. The poor little guy with three good legs is stuck. He can't go forward, he can't back up, he can't see so he stands there with his head stuck in the shavings. Move ahead a couple of hours. Jon comes in to check the hamster and get him food and water; finds the hamster with his head stuck in the shavings and has almost suffocated. Corey appears from somewhere (she's always doing that), they break the tunnel and get the little guy out. He's about 80 percent gone and just barely breathing. This poor little white hamster (no, that's his natural color), blind, only three good legs, barely breathing, is just laying there. Now, I'm not saying they gave him CPR, I'm just saying, Corey WAS in the room! Anyway, it appears they saved the day. Let me tell you, you NEVER want to let Josh "lose" an animal. Any animal, but especially that hamster!

Well son, dinner tonight with your Uncle Bill. I think we're going to Cracker Barrel (wish you were here). Next week is the Consultant's Meeting most of the week at KJCG, some exciting things going on there. I'll share those with you next week. 

Aaron, you and me, January 1973

Until next week, be Aaron, love you, mom

PS  Oh, by the way, Corey can cook. Just sayin'







 

Father's Day and Memories

Good morning dad! Happy Father's Day! I know this morning the thing you are going to miss the most is that early morning phone call from me. Believe me, I tried, but the service here is horrible. I know, can you believe it. You'd think we'd have super phone service. Guess 'cause the Lord doesn't need it He doesn't think we need it either.Guess He's right. He always is! Here in heaven we learn NOT to argue with God a lot quicker than when we're on earth. On earth believe it not, some people NEVER learn not to argue with God. When you get here, in heaven, it's easy to learn. There's no desire to"do your own thing". I don't really know if we can't do our own thing or that we finally realize what's really, truly important? I'm still learning as you know, but I'm catching on.

Me and you dad. Always me and you.

I don't want you to think I've forgotten you. I could never do that. All those memories we made together, I still remember. And when I got to heaven, all those memories we made together when I was really little and I couldn't remember when I got older. I remember now. Kinda cool huh! Remember when we lived in Castroville and you use to take me to work with you. Mom helped me dress up with my coat and tie. I had a "briefcase" that contained my Legos, books and coloring books and Crayons? I knew most of the receptionist in the plants. I'd stay in the lobby with my briefcase full of "work" and wait until you had met with your customer. I remember sometimes the customer would have a prized baseball, football or jersey in their office and they would invite me in to tell me about it. Sometimes we'd go to lunch after you made your call. Just the two of us. I was so lucky to have you dad. You always told me that two of your goals were to be a good dad and a good husband. You were the best!

Then there were "fun days". That was Saturday. I use to think fun day was an actual day of the week remember: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Funday. Mom gave us that day together because you had to travel so much. She said she and I played all week so you and I should play on Saturdays. Just so you know, I don't think it was always about us going out all day and having fun. I think she wanted us out of the house so she could get the house cleaned for the week! It doesn't really matter what the reason was. It was always a great day. Remember in Fountain Valley when we use to build rockets?  WOW, how great that was. We'd work for weeks on a rocket and then when we were ready mom would pack a picnic lunch and make some of our favorite, Lemon Squares", and we'd head to Fountain Valley Park. I'm glad it was back then 'cause I don't think they're let us set rockets off in the park anymore. That rocket would soar until we could barely see it. I was so excited I could barely stand it. We built it dad, you and I.

Not at our house! You let by example dad.

Then there were Sunday's. Sunday's were always special. I remember how special Sunday's were to all of us. Growing up there was never a question as to what we were going to be doing on Sunday. It was Sunday School and church. In fact, when we had to relocate to a new city because of your job, I remember asking mom what the name of the town was and she'd say, "We don't know yet son. We know the general area, but until the Lord guides dad to the right church we won't know the town". You always found our new church home first. We were always fully involved. If the church doors were open, we were there. I loved those times dad. I learned so much. I grew to be the man you loved because of the example you set. Oh I know you weren't perfect. And believe me, once you get to heaven and you find out what perfect really is, we're so far off when we're on earth it's laughable. But to me, growing up, a better dad had never been born. You taught me the importance of God in my life, of a personal relationship with Him, of being in His service, of sharing His story, of living the example. You taught me how to witness. You taught me by living the example. Yes, I watch you. I can very plainly remember the day you got down on one knee in front of me and said, "I'm sorry son, dad made a mistake". I was devastated. My dad made a mistake? That wasn't possible. I remember crying and you trying to explain how all dads made mistakes. I think it scared you to realize that I had put you on that proverbial pedestal.

That would be us dad!

Remember the time we were in a gift shop, an all glass gift shop? Now why would mom EVER take you and me into a shop that was all glass? What was she thinking? I mean all you and I had to do was walk through the door and all the glass figurines started shaking on their stands! You reminded me as we went through the door to not touch, just look. Sorry dad, I was a very typical four year old and I just couldn't help it. Everything was so shiny! As I reached out to touch I bumped the shelf and down it came. I shattered into, what seemed like to a four year old, a million tiny pieces. I can remember standing there and looking up at you. It was sooooo far up to those eyes. You got down on that proverbial knee, looked me in the eyes and said, "If I had my pick of all the sons in the entire world, I'd pick you". You gave me a hug and paid for the item when we left. I didn't realize until years later when we were talking about it and it dawned on me, you were going to buy mom something in that store that day. You weren't able to because you had to use the money to pay for what I had broken. You never said a word. Mom never said a word. But I felt more love that day that you can ever imagine. That was a lesson and example I used throughout my life Thank you.

My last Christmas and the T-shirt for mom.

Christmas! How do I ever make you understand how much that time of year meant to me. I hope you were able to just see it in me. I have to tell you though. Just to set things straight, I really never believed it when you told me when I was little that there wasn't a Santa Claus. Boy was mom ever mad at you! Whew! I wouldn't, for anything, have wanted to be behind closed doors with her after you did that. Her eyes were blazing! I just thought he was playing a trick on me mom. I mean, get real. No Santa? He didn't fool me for a minute. I mean, for heaven sake, I found the suit, boots, belt and hat his his closet years later. Then I was absolutely sure. No Santa! Give me a break! But, in the midst of all the fun and Santa, you taught me the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Jesus. My favorite part of Christmas was when I could get out my own Manger Scene and put it up in my room. Mom gave that to me when I got older. It got lost in one of my moves. But it's a memory I will never forget.

Her hand in mine.

One of the best examples you ever set for me dad was how you treat my mom. You are an amazing husband. You always think of mom first. You always watch for her well-being. You always want what's best for her, sometimes you really have to put yourself out there like that recent book you bought for her, "Being Fit". I mean geez dad, what were you thinking? You could have lost your scalp over that one. But you took the chance because mom's health and well-being is more important than yours. (And that could have been literal with this one). But, you counted the cost and you did it. You did it because you love her. I've never, ever heard you complain about mom or say anything negative about mom. You love her unconditionally. I can say that because of the example you gave me, that's the husband I wanted to be. In the brief time Kristin and I had together. I hope that if nothing else, she knows that I loved her above myself and I loved her unconditionally.


All of these things you taught me dad and they got me through a time I didn't think I would survive. Oh, sorry. I didn't survive it did I? Oh, but I did dad. Maybe not there on earth with you, but here I'm realizing what all those memories and lessons were about. Here I'm enjoying the perfect life that you taught me about and prepared me for. Here I live in a mansion, walk on streets of gold and pass through pearly gates every day. Here, dad, is what life is all about.


Have a wonderful Father's Day! Don't weep for me or shed tears. I'm content and happy here. Here is where I'm suppose to be, doing what I've always dreamed of, a Jester in the King's Court!


Until next time, be dad, I love you, Aaron





























 

It's Moving Up Day

 

Good morning son! Yoohoo, where are you? Oh, there you are, right where you're suppose to be! Tell me, while I'm actually remembering a thought, what's a Sunday morning like in heaven? I can't imagine it being any prettier than the one I'm enjoying right now. It's gorgeous out. A little overcast but that will soon lift. The birds are in harmony this morning. Jamison is laying on the arm of the couch and watching his friends as they flutter about and chirp their morning message. 

Actually, I know heaven is much brighter and beautiful than from where I sit right now. We talked about it when you were growing up. From the time you were a baby we sang about it, "Heavenly Sunshine". I know you're still singing it there in heaven. How lucky everyone in heaven is to have you there. I've caught myself asking "why" a couple of times this last couple of weeks though. There are some real breakthroughs in cancer treatments and drugs lately and I catch myself wondering why they couldn't have happened just a little bit sooner. Would they have made any difference? Natural questions I guess.

Anyway, enough of that down-hill ride. Dad and Jamison are just heading out to pick up the Sunday paper and here I sit talking with you. Isn't that the way it's suppose to be? I enjoy Sunday mornings. Dad is still searching for a church. He's called some and asked that they give him a call but no one has returned the call. He left a note on a church door not far from us last week and asked to have the pastor call. So far, no response. For now, we're spending a quiet Sunday morning reflecting on our love for the Lord and thanking Him for all that we have and are. And of course I write my blog, and have my "conversation" with you. 

As far as continuing my life-long goal of getting fit, the scale is refusing to budge. But, I feel better than I have in many a year. We're eating better than ever (well, except for last night). We celebrated Hunter's birthday. He's 15. I think he's grown a foot in the last couple of weeks. All of a sudden he's shooting straight up. Corey actually cooked; spaghetti and meatballs! It was super. She is actually an amazing cook but we never miss a chance to razz her about Jon doing all the cooking. Hunter is such a delight. We just love him to death. Actually there's nothing NOT to love about any of them. All the kids have such distinct personalities and they're such a hoot to be around. 

Back to getting fit. So I overindulged last night eating spaghetti and meatballs and ice-cream cake. Today it's nothing unless it's green and a rabbit eats it! I'm trying to walk more but the more I walk the more that silly bunion screams. I'll find a balance, I always do. Something is happening because I'm down a pant size so I guess that's good. Hope it's not just all going around to my backside where I can't see it. Guess I should ask dad! Like I said, I know I'm feeling better, have more energy, my thinking is clearer, (wish my eyesight was) and I'm moving more. It's a lifelong goal so I hope I have a very long life. Evidently it's going to take every day I can get!

Josie and I had a mishap last night. She jumped, I wasn't ready and her head connected with the wood floor! Ouch! Dad(her dad) to the rescue with frozen peas, mom with hugs and this morning, all is well.

Friday, June 15th is scheduled to be a very busy day. It's "moving up day" for Josie, Josh and Trey at Taylor School in the morning, school picnic that afternoon and Jamo's graduation from Middle School at 6 p.m. that evening. No time to work that day!

Moving up. Hum, that's an interesting concept and thought. Isn't that what we hear most of our lives? "I want to move up in the world." What is that anyway? Does that mean we want to move up the hill? Move up the driveway? Move up? I guess if I really stop and think about it, moving up, for me anyway, is the opportunity to attain a goal and move forward, not backward. As babies, our parents, siblings and families worked with us to move up from milk to food, we move up from diapers to potty, we move up from sandbox to real life. Well, most of us do anyway. Many people never move up and get out of the "sandbox" of life. I often use to say to those I supervised, "it's time to get out of the sandbox and be an adult". Not "act" like and adult. Be an adult. Be that person people can count on and trust. Be a person who follows through. Be a person who respects those around them. Be honest. Be truthful. (Sounds as though we're in the Boy Scouts taking an oath!) And maybe we should "take an oath". Maybe that would help us remember that this life is a privilege


Son, am I rambling here? I thought so. I know where I'm headed and I know what I want to say, but for some reason it's bouncing back and forth in my head like a pinball game and I can't seem to get it in the right slot to score. (Don't be a smarty! I can read your mind remember. I'm your mother. I have eyes in the back of my head and I read minds!)


What I want to say is that life is not a sandbox like we played in with our playmates when we were little. I mean think about it. What's in a sandbox? Sand? Well of course, otherwise it would be called a box. But now as an adult what do you think about when you think about a sandbox? Right, litter box! As a kid, we didn't have to think or worry about that. Our parents did. But, as an adult it's your problem. I mean be honest. If you were a cat roaming around the neighborhood and wanted to potty where would you go; to a clump of grass or to a nice clean, dry sandbox. Right! But once you do your thing and you realize it's not somewhere you should have done it what would you do? Right! You'd try to cover it up. Well, I see adults using sandboxes in the same light. If you're an adult and still playing in a sandbox you're usually "dumping" on someone else and trying to cover it up. Do you really want to continue playing in a sandbox! Yuck!  

We could get in a spat with each other in the sandbox and our moms would come over, give us a talking to, tell us we shouldn't be fighting and would mitigate the outcome. We shouldn't need that anymore. At this stage in our lives we should be capable adults who, when they have a problem with someone or need something from someone can go to that person and have an adult conversation. We should not always need a mediator. We should have learned by now how to speak for ourselves. I think sometimes we take a very simple process and make it into this huge thing. I mean, we've been taught from the beginning of our life to talk and have conversations. Sometimes we as parents don't always hear the first word we want to hear. I mean I was trying for "mommy" and you gave me "green bean" but what can I say, we both have minds of our own.

Why is it then that we can work with someone every day and have a relationship that works just fine we find ourselves in a "pinch". Then, all of a sudden we need "coaching" so we know how to have a conversation with them. I guess if I want someone to come to me if they have a problem with me rather than go to someone else to talk about it, then I should be willing to go to them rather than go to someone else and talk about it. You know what I mean? (Yes, I know you do, you can stop shaking your head, it was a rhetorical question.) I know it isn't easy. I had to do it last week at work. There's a person in the office I really enjoy and appreciate but I'm having a terrible time feeling like we connect at all. I've tried several approaches and simply can't seem to get there.So, last Friday I took the direct approach and I ask that person, "Have I offended you or made you angry and I'm not aware of it?" We had a short conversation and decided neither of us had a problem with the other. Will things change? I have no idea. I hope so. But, if they don't, I don't have to wonder any longer if it's something I've said or done. Maybe it's just our personalities. I don't know. I don't have to know. I know enough to be able to continue "moving up" to complete the goals and tasks as assigned.


For anyone still "playing in your sandbox", I encourage to stand up, brush off the sand and move up toward bigger and better things. The experience will free you.....and, those around you. Be a leader!

Until next week, (and don't forget it's Father's Day), be Aaron, love, mom

My Heart Today

Good morning son! It's 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. I wish I could tell you the sun is out, the flowers are glorious and there's not a cloud in the sky. But, I'd have to lie! The sun is not out, the flowers are gone because of the heavy rain the sun is somewhere in the sky but it ain't here! I know, you're lovin' that aren't you?! That's one of the things you loved most about Oregon, the rain. The rain seemed to make the world right for you. So, rain in heaven? No, then how do the flowers grow? How do the streets of gold get cleaned and polished? And don't tell me they have heavenly street-sweepers! I know better than that. Unless of course, it's a team of angels sweeping along with their wings. 

Yesterday was the eighth month anniversary of your heavenly trip. For the first time since we sent your ashes sailing on Christmas day I took a trip up the hill with dad and Jamison. Everything is green and fresh and believe it or not, it really does seem as though we could see forever. I found myself standing and looking out over the hills and trees wondering how life is for you now. All of a sudden I began to giggle and I have to wonder, were you tickling me? You have always been able to make me laugh. I could be madder than heck at you and you just had that way of making your face and looking at me and I would crack up. While standing there and thinking about you flying through the air, all light and fluffy (hey, it's my dream!) I could see you grinning from ear to ear, reach out like you wanted to give me a hug and then tickle me. You continue to bring joy to my heart.

Last week a friend posted this picture on my Facebook page and said it reminded him of me. (Thank you John.) He couldn't have give me a more treasured gift, to know that when he saw it, he thought of me. It's very important to me that in some small way every day I continue to carry the message of JOY. That everything I say or do in some small way will carry this message forward; Joy is a choice, happiness is based on circumstances. You carried that message so well.




Yesterday afternoon we went to Steamer 10 Theatre for the 2 p.m. show of:

Now playing at Steamer 10 Theatre

Our Sierra!

staring none other than our own, you guessed it,  SIERRA CARLEN! (No, I didn't put the picture in upside down.) She's laying across the laps of several of the cast members and someone must have taken it standing up over her. But, I will have to say this, this really IS Sierra. What a beautiful, sweet, funny lady we have here. You and Sierra would have had such a great time "playing off" of each other. That is, after you bumped Corey over into a corner! Dad and I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. 


Wow, look out, is that the sun I see peeking out of those clouds up there? I think it is! I have several cards to make today and it's so much nicer working in the studio when the sun is out. I don't know why. It just works better for me.

Zaleigh & Temperance

Has anyone told you about the newest addition to our family? Temperance Addison Latham. What a sweetheart! Everyone is doing fine and I understand Zaleigh welcomed her with open arms. What an adorable pair they make. Can you believe that you mom is a great-grandmother five times over? Starr, Tristen, Zaleigh, Bella and Temperance. Wow!


Well, as you know, it's June! June here means lots of school ending events. Josie, Josh & Dylan have their "moving up" exercises and end of school picnic at Susan O"Dell Taylor School that begins at 10 a.m. June 15th. That evening 6 p.m. Jamo graduates from Woodland Hills Montessori. Next year Sierra will be a Junior at Emma Willard and Hunter will be a sophomore at Tamarac High School. They're growing up son! I can't believe how much just since we've been here. It will be a year this week. Dad and I are finding it hard to believe it's already been a year.

Oh, yeah, I need to give you an update on my getting fit. I'm still doing between 80-120 stairs each five days a week. I intended to do my band exercises twice a week last week but couldn't seem to remember until I got in bed. Today I'll set it out where I can see it as a reminder. Dad has been waiting for me to join he and Jamison on their daily walks but I just didn't have it in me to be able, for whatever reason, to take the trip up to "your rock". Friday though, I knew I could go. I put on my tennis shoes and took off. Because I've been doing the stairs at work the last couple of weeks taking the slopes and hills wasn't as difficult as I had anticipated. (I don't think there is one piece of flat land here in Troy!) We walked about 35-40 minutes. I did great until beginning the walk back I began having some trouble with my right foot. I still have that bunion and I ended up having to take my shoes off and walking the rest of the way home in my stocking feet. I paid for it until the next morning and it's still tender.Once you make that bunion angry, she's not very forgiving! I won't be wearing those tennis shoes again I can tell you that much. If I'm going to continue to walk, which I am going to do, I need to find a pair of sandals that in no way, shape or form, touch "Miss Fussy". I've had one bunion surgery, I really don't want to have to do another. There's always the chance that it won't go well and then your foot is a mess forever....and as you know, forever is a long, long time!


Anyhow, as is usual with me, the scale fights every step of the "weigh". But, I can tell the difference in my clothes so I know what I'm doing is working. I will begin the band exercises twice (at least) this week and I've also decided I'm going to keep a diary. I don't want it to be just a list of what I eat, but how I was feeling that day, what happened and how I moved, or what I did to keep my body moving. Speaking of keeping the body moving, what are you doing up there? Flying around I suppose! I know you're singing a LOT! I am so happy for you. So how is it to be the jester in the King's court? I know everyone thinks you get your sense of humor and your mischievousness from me, but I've been married to your dad for almost 42 years now. I've known your Uncle Bill for 16 years now (wow, I can hardly believe that), and now Corey, Jon and the kids. I can honestly say, I'm not entirely to blame!

Until next week, be Aaron, I love you, mom