Spider

This was a picture of a spider and it's web that I took last fall.  I kind of forgot about it but when I came across the picture I remember the night I took the photo.  We were out on our deck and in the light I watched the spider working so hard to maintain the web.  It worked quickly and constantly as other things would get caught in the web and tear it up.  The spider is something that I enjoy watching as long as it is outside and not near me.  I don't like them in my house or when I walk into one of their webs; although I have a fear of them, they still intrigue me.

Spiders bring on fear in a lot of people.  Fear, whether it is real or all in a person's mind can be debilitating.  Many people suffer with fear and anxiety on a daily basis and for some it is paralyzing.  We have all felt fear, and most of us know what anxiety feels like.  For many people these are things that affect their everyday life.  Most families have at least one person who suffers with anxiety.  Some people are able to hide it and live somewhat normal lives and many take medications to help them through the day to day things that others don't even think about.

I have talked to few people who can't leave their homes because fear overwhelms them.  In their conscience mind they know that what they are afraid of is not realistic, but their sub-conscience tells them otherwise.  I have chatted with a person who wanted to die because she was afraid every day of her life.  The anxiety had pushed her to a point of wanting to end it all because she was tired of fighting it.  Our conversation lasted for hours as she poured her heart out about the things that terrified her.  Some of these things seem so trivial, but it was keeping her from going to work, from visiting her kids and even from wanting to wake up the next day.

In the bottom left hand corner of the picture, you will see a moth that is stuck in the spider's web.  That moth was struggling to get away from what seemed like it's fate.  The fear that moth was probably experiencing represents what a person suffering with anxiety disorder must feel like.  As I watched the spider make its way to what seemed like the web's victim the moth was able to free itself and escaped with its life.

If you know someone who is suffering from any form of mental illness please do what you can to help them break free from the paralyzing effects of their life.  I know that you can't do a lot, they have to fight for themselves to break free, but sometimes being there for them may be enough to give them the strength they need.  If you are the one suffering from depression or anxiety disorder, know that you aren't alone.  Know that there are people out there that want to help.  If you have tried therapy and it didn't help, don't give up.  Keep looking for the right therapist, you deserve to get the help you need to break free from the webs in your life.

I am so proud to volunteer my 4 hours a week for Crisis Text Line (CTL).  The people I am lucky enough to chat with have shown the strength to take the first step to get better.  Some are suicidal when we begin to chat and, for me, there isn't a better way to end a conversation with a person than having them tell me that they feel better, that they will seek the help they deserve and they will make it through another day.

If you are in a dark place and are feeling like you are in crisis.  You can text 741-741 to chat with a caring volunteer counselor.  We are there because we want to be, and whether you know it or not, we really do care.

Friends and Family

It has been a while since I have posted.  The other day I realized that I miss posting to my blog.  I decided a picture to start the routine back would need to be something that made me happy.  The picture above is of two important people in my life.  The baby is my newest grandson, Drew, and the person holding him is Laura.

Laura is a person I first met in school.  She was in the class behind me.  She was one of a set of twins.  I usually couldn't tell them apart, so I told them both the same thing.... "you are pretty short for your height".  Were they short? Yeah they were, but so was I.  We were the same height.  When Laura began working with me at McDonald's I got to know her better, but after she quit working there we kind of lost touch.  Our paths crossed again when I began dating Todd.  Todd's best friend, Terry, was engaged to Laura.  We began hanging out and became close.  Our kids were close and as we followed our husbands to softball games and basketball tournaments our connection grew.

Our kids grew up and Laura's daughter began playing high school basketball.  I enjoyed following the team.  The coach, Dennis Koester, referred to Laura and I as "gene killers".  You see we are both under 5'5" and my husband is 6'5" and Laura's is 6'10".  Coach said had we not married the guys, they might have married tall girls and had even taller kids.  It was a joke he enjoyed saying over the years.
As time has flown by I have depended on Laura for a lot of things.  We have called one another when things have gone wrong with our kids, our parents and sometimes our husbands.  She is like an aunt to my kids and is even the Godmother of one of my grandsons.

I have been blessed with some wonderful friends and Laura is one of them.  She is always smiling and is always there.  Many times she has known that I needed her there even before I did, she is a very genuine person who is like a sister to me.

The picture above was taken at my grandson's bowling party.  No, it wasn't Drew's party, he is still a little young for bowling, but it was great to see Laura and Terry at the party.  When I count my blessings Laura is one of the ones I always include in the count.  I have also been blessed with four grandsons and when Jill and Kevin marry I will also get a granddaughter in the deal.

Being Grandma is something I treasure, and I also value being a friend.  I have many friends that I hold dear, and I can only hope that they value my friendship even half as much as I value theirs.  I know that without my friends and my family my life would not be what it is.

If you have true friends, value them, and try to be a good friend to others.  A nice gesture or even a smile can go a long way in making another person's life better.

To my friends, thank you so much for making my world brighter, and so much more fun!

Innocence

This is my youngest grandson, at least when this picture was taken he was the youngest.  Shortly after this photo we was bumped from that position.  His world is about to be rocked by a younger cousin.  He will have to share his Aunt Jill with a new little being and I am not 100% sure how much he will like that.

Aunt Jill has always been the one that spoils her three nephews, she spends too much on Christmas, she loves to take them shopping and she loves never saying no to them.  Life as they know it, and as she knows it too will soon change.

As I look at this picture I see the innocence of this little one.  He is such a sweet little boy and full of wonder and excitement.  He loves his Grandpa Todd, and he and his brothers have brought so much to our lives.

When I see this little guy sometimes I am greeted by a big smile, sometimes he just shuts his eyes and pretends I am not there.  He is so much fun and although he is one of three Davis boys he is different than the others.  It is so wonderful to watch as each one of our kids and grand kids develop their own personality.  This little guy is so sweet and so loved.

When you see a young child and their view of the world it is refreshing.  They are inquisitive of things that we take for granted.  They trust everyone, something that over the years we have learned not to do.  They, for the most part love until they are given a reason not to.  A young child can enjoy the simple things, like a box or a small toy.

This little guy doesn't even realize how much he is loved and how much his being a part of this grandma's world means.  Each child is a miracle in their own way, it is up to us to take the time to realize and enjoy those miracles.

Just Jump

Trampolines.  They are responsible for a number of accidents each year, just ask any insurance agent.  But they can also be a source of much fun and laughter.  As a kid growing up we didn't have much exposure to trampolines.  About junior high age I had my first friend that owned one and I was in awe of their flips and their ability to jump way too high.  When I began working for Bahrns Equipment I realized that they sold trampolines.  We don't sell them anymore, but I was able to save up and buy one at a little over cost so my kids were lucky enough to grow up with a trampoline around.

We didn't experience any broken bones.  We had a few bumps and bruises, more than our share of bloody noses, but we also had a lot of fun.  I realize as I watch the grandsons jump on this trampoline that it is hard to not smile when jumping.  It is hard to not smile when watching someone jump because the fun they are having kind of overflows to everyone around them.

This picture is of Kale jumping really high, or at least that was his opinion of this session.  He was almost to the sky and having a great time.  After giving birth to three children, I am much less likely to jump on a trampoline these days, but after seeing this picture again, I am going to make an effort to take a few sessions of jumping with the boys myself next summer.

Laugh often, Love deeply and Live Life like there is no tomorrow, because there very well may not be.

Joy

Another Summer picture.  I love Summer.  I love being Grandma so I decided to post another summer picture of a grandson.  I called this one joy because seeing a kid have fun and being able to be part of why they are having fun is one of life's greatest joys.

I remember swimming being one of my favorite summertime activities.  A group of friends would go to the beach and spend the entire day.  I don't think we ever used sunscreen, but I don't remember ever really getting burnt very often.  My brother would get burnt to a crisp and he would peel and he would go back for more.  We really didn't know much about sunscreen or the terrible affects of too much sun.  Now it is habit to grab the sunscreen before doing anything else.  The grand kids stand in front of me in an assembly line fashion with their eyes and mouths closed and their arms straight out.  No one argues about putting sunscreen on, it is just a way of life.

I remember learning to swim and going off of a diving board for the first time like it was yesterday, even though it was so many yesterdays ago.  Being able to go in the deep end at the public pool where my dad lived was a big deal.  It was like taking a huge step in the growing up process.  My brother and his friends would always hang out in the deep end before I had the skills to join them.  I realize now that it was probably just a way to get away from his annoying little sister without giving me a reason to tattle on him.  I think he was probably as disappointed as I was proud of the day I made my first jump, while holding my nose of course, off of the low diving board.

I remember we would ride our bikes to the pool because we were too young to drive.  Dad and Kathy would spring for a summer pass for us so we could go every day.  The only days in the summer that we didn't go were when we were on the road at a rodeo or when the weather was bad.  I look back and realize that even when my brother was avoiding me he was always still looking out for me.  There were a few times that someone would pick on me at the pool, and if it wasn't one of his buddies he would just seem to show up and hang around until the person would leave me alone.  Getting bullied didn't happen often, but I do realize that he has always had my back.

I remember the joy I felt the first time that I had the guts to climb the high dive ladder and jump off.  It seemed like it took days before I hit the water but when I came up to the surface afterward I felt a sense of accomplishment that I can still remember.  Above is Kaden, I know when he first started going off the diving board he seemed to have that same feeling.  This summer when he finally learned how to dive, I saw an accomplished look on his face, and it was priceless.

I will always love Summer, it is my favorite season, and I will always love the memories I have.  I know I am not a fan of Winter, but without it I don't know that I would realize how much I love Summer.  If there were never bad in our lives we really wouldn't have the ability to appreciate all the good.  We all need to take the time to experience the joy, and appreciate life in general.

With Fall here, and knowing Winter is around the corner, I will reference those Summer memories and try to remember without one the other isn't so sweet.  I challenge everyone else to do the same.

The old bird dog that didn't hunt

This is Lou.  Lou has been in our family for about 15 years now and he an English Setter.  Lou was introduced to us by a friend who had gotten a bird dog that was a "little gun-shy".  I am starting to believe being a "little gun-shy" is like being a "little pregnant"...

Lou is a good dog, although a little skiddish, and he has been since we brought him home.  He likes to hunt, as long as there is no shooting going on he will hunt all day.  When the first gun goes off he likes to find a hole or dig a hole to hide in.

Why would any hunter keep a gun-shy dog around and feed him year round?  Meet our family.  We tend to take in those animals that no one else wanted and give them a home to live out their natural lives.  What did we, as a family, get by taking in this particular porch hound?  He, as most dogs, has always shown unconditional love and loyalty.  He has also fathered one of Todd's favorite hunting dogs.

In our lives many dogs have come and gone.  We have had some that haven't been around long and we have had those that have secured a place in our hearts and will always be remembered.  As for Lou, we are estimating his age to be somewhere around 17 or 18 and although he is starting to show his age most days he is still pretty full of life.

This weekend is the coveted opening day of another quail season.  After Todd and the other dogs leave for their daily adventure I will try to have a special treat ready for Lou to enjoy. I will be able to look out my front window and see Lou, sitting in the front yard looking toward the road waiting for their return.  He always looks so sad, as if he wants to hunt, but knows it just isn't possible.  As we look at another winter, we wonder if this will be Lou's last one, or if he will make it through it at all.

Loyalty is something that is often overlooked and unappreciated.  We can depend on Lou to be there, at least as long as the good Lord allows him to be.  Sometimes we think we have been put on this Earth for one reason because  we have always been told that, when in actuality maybe our purpose in life is something completely different.  This English Setter was born to hunt, or at least that was what they thought would be his main purpose, but this one was destined to be something different and in some ways something more.

Enjoy..... Really Enjoy

I have gotten very lax with my blog posts and am hoping to put it as a priority again.  I really enjoy posting and love getting feedback from those that read what I write, so I am not sure why I have let it slip down on my list of priorities, but I have.  

This picture was taken in a family member's pool.  It was a memory for me of two brothers having fun together.  They are 10 and 4 but they still, for the most part, enjoy one another's company.  This summer I got to take them with me when I went to house sit for my in-laws and had the opportunity to spend some much needed Grandma time.  

As I write this I am waiting for a call from my youngest daughter to let me know that another grandson is ready to make his entrance into the world.  I have three grandsons now and am looking so forward to another one.  Can I honestly say that I would have been disappointed if the sonogram earlier this year had shown that I was going to need to start shopping in the little girls section?  No, I would have been happy with a little girl too but I am also excited to add another boy to our bunch.  

As for this particular picture, the smiles automatically make me smile.  The days that I can sit back and enjoy, I mean really enjoy my grand kids are some of my most treasured days.  To listen to a giggle that you caused by something you said or did can make any day better and bring me out of any negative state of mind immediately.  To hear the word Grandma, or ma ma as my grandsons have called me when they can't pronounce grandma is one of the best sounds in the world.  

The ability to spend time with kids and enjoy them is a treasure that is worth more than any monetary thing could be.  If you have kids or grand kids, or nieces or nephews take the time.... really take the time to enjoy the moments you get because they won't be little long and the days that they have time for us will be only a memory.  Their lives will get busy like our lives are now and when the shoe is on the other foot we will be wishing we had taken the time to enjoy...... really enjoy them when we had the chance.  

Day 56 - Imagination

Day 56 - This is a picture of a lawn ornament my kids bought for me and it "lives" in my landscaping in the front of our house.  It has been a a fixture of my lawn for a number of years and I think it has become even more interesting with time.  If I remember right this was a gift for mother's day and I loved it.  I also got the little girl figure to go with it. She just might be a future post.  I was outside the other evening and this one happened to catch my eye and I decided to snap a shot of it.  I see when I look at it a little boy playing make believe with his faithful companion at his side.

If you know me you know that I have one son and two daughters.  I now have three grandsons and are expecting another grandchild in November.  Each of these six people have distinct personalities.  Two of them come to mind when I really look at the little guy in the garden statue.  Josh's imagination when he was young was incredible.  He had some of the best imaginary friends, they may have had strange names, but they were dedicated.  They were there each day as he played with his toys and they were ever faithful to him.  These friends made for interesting conversation among the rest of us. We all enjoyed the many tales of Josh and his friends that he would describe in detail.  I only wish now that I had recorded him telling those whimsical anecdotes, or at least written down the details.  I look at the man Josh has and is becoming and I see even back then the creativity of his mind was developing at an amazing pace.

Now that Josh's imaginary friends have grown up and moved on (at least as far as I know) I so enjoy watching Kale's imagination go to work.  He is fun to just sit back and watch as he creates his own world that corresponds with the one we live in but seems so much fuller of life.  He can entertain himself for long periods of time just playing with not much other than his own imagination.  When I get the opportunity to watch any child using their mind in this way it makes me smile.  It warms my heart because I hope that the child will grow up, like Josh has, with the ability to continue to use that mind in creative ways.

I think all kids have some imaginary friends, some just develop them more than others.  It is my hope that everyone takes the time to remember one or two of those places in our childhood when times were simple and we were able to just relax. I hope that this week everyone takes the time to reconnect with one or two friends that help you remember those simpler times.  Childhood is so wasted on the youth because when we are young we really don't know how good we have it.

Although in life, sometimes those that should be important to us turn out to be people that we may have been better off never knowing, but they still help form us into the person we eventually become.  As we go through life the people in it change, some of those that were so important to us as kids, like our grandparents, pass and we are almost forced to find new important people.  Be grateful for those that are there for you, lean on them when you need to and be their leaning post when they need you.

Let your imagination run free - maybe check in with a couple of those imaginary friends that helped you get through life, but more importantly keep in contact with those real ones that continue to be the wind beneath your wings and when given the opportunity, be the wind for someone else.  

Day 55 - The Sky is the Limit

Day 55 - As I left the Keller Convention Center after spending a little time at the 2015 CEO National Trade Show I noticed the sky, this cloud in particular.  I was glad I had my camera, which I normally do in order to try and capture it's beauty.  I don't think I quite captured all of it, but you can get some of what I saw.

I thought it was fitting to notice something in the sky after going through the 25 exhibits inside.  I believe the sky is the limit for the kids involved in the CEO National Trade Show.  I was very impressed with their products, but what impressed me even more was the way high school kids presented themselves in such a confident manner.  I felt like they had been in business and dealing with trade shows for years.  I believe that Craig Lindvahl has brought such a wonderful thing to the schools that are offering this class.

I have always been a fan of Craig, he was the reason Josh, a Teutopolis High School Student at the time, was allowed to be a part of the Multimedia class that was held at Effingham High School.  He enjoyed the class, learned a lot and met a lot of very talented media students.  He was so proud to be a part of the AHA film festival and to have been able to act in a number of the different short films.  I remember well when the Teutopolis band was led by Craig, it was fun to watch the camaraderie he had with the band members. T-Town still has a great band, don't get me wrong, but back in the days that Mr. Lindvahl was at the helm it was like a well oiled machine.   Watching the THS Band back then was like viewing a masterpiece.  As a spectator, it appeared that the members of the band worked hard to be good, but always seemed to enjoy it at the same time.

I guess as I left the CEO Trade Show I realized how the lucky students that have been allowed to participate in this class are.  And that because of this class they are leaps and bounds ahead of so many kids as they leave high school.  Will everyone of their businesses thrive, probably not.  But I do believe that they have a much better chance of being a successful part of this country's future due in part to the skills they have learned from this class.  If this group of young adults is any indicator of the ones that will be running our country, there is a pretty good future ahead for all of us.

So many times the troubled youth are the ones getting all the headlines and attention.  I honestly believe if we gave kids like the ones I saw this evening more press and the thugs in the world a lot less of it the world would be a better place.  Too many young kids are looking up to the ones that are causing trouble because that is all they hear about and see on television.  If the media would concentrate more on these success stories and less on the opposite the kids would see that the path these students are taking is much better than the alternative.

I would love to have had the opportunity to take a CEO class when I was in high school.  If Craig decided tomorrow that he was going to start one for adults I would ask where do we sign up because learning is a never ending thing.  No matter what our age we can always better ourselves, we can always better our situation and education is never a bad thing.

To Craig Lindvahl and all the teachers of the CEO Trade classes and to the many students that have been lucky enough to take the class KUDOS TO YOU.  Thanks for making the future brighter and I wish much success to each and every one of you.  

Day 54 - Summertime Baseball Time

Day 54 is a picture I recently took of my grandson playing baseball.  Summertime is all about baseball in the Davis household.  Since that is the current sport the boys eat, sleep and live it.  This is Kaden's first year of regular baseball.  We had about three years of t-ball and then a year or two of coaches pitching to the boys and this year it can be real exciting, or real slow, depending on the abilities of the current pitcher.  I can see how much he enjoys the sport, he looks forward to each game and takes to heart the losses and celebrates the wins.

I enjoy going to the games when I can and it is go great to see so many people watching their kids, grand kids, nieces and nephews take the field.  It is especially great when you watch them encouraging the kids and cheering them on.  At this phase there aren't as many kids out there that really don't want to be, only the occasional outfielder that is just out there praying that the ball doesn't come to them and that the game will hurry up and get over. If I had played, I would have probably been that kid.

The average baseball player is out there hoping to hit that game winning run, strike out the batter to win the game or make the game winning catch.  They have played it over in their heads a million times and dream of being the star on a major league team of their choice in the future.  It is so much fun to watch these kids interact with one another.  Kaden's team is pretty good and when someone gets out they are there to tell them that it is okay and the next at bat will be better.  I always love seeing teams that play well together.

I remember back in the days when Josh played baseball.  He only played a few years. Like me, he didn't enjoy playing the game and after only a few years of it he realized that it was cutting in to his time at his best friend and cousin, Carsen's house where they had an in-ground pool and where he had a lot more fun.  Josh makes jokes about being the kid with his mitt on top of his head and looking more forward to sitting in the dugout than being on the field.  I know that Todd had hoped he would turn into a major league player, but I can honestly say I was more proud of my son, who didn't get many hits and didn't really love the game than I would have been had he been a poor sport or made fun of the others on the team.  Yep, I remember the sighs of disappointment from a few of the kids when it was Josh's bat and there were two outs.  I also remember a few times when he would get on base and as the protective mom I wanted to say something rude to the parent or two that had muttered under their breath, this is an out...  but I didn't.

I guess as I close I only want to ask that you be supportive of the kids in your life in what they choose to pursue.  If they don't like the same things as you do, give what they like to do a try.  I can honestly say that I enjoy watching Josh on stage more than I ever could have enjoyed watching him play baseball, but only because I know that is what he enjoys and where he belongs.  If you have a child that loves a sport that you have never really embraced, suck it up and embrace it.  Encourage them to be their own person, and I believe that most times the person that they become will make you proud.

Have a great day, love those in your life and thank God for another opportunity to touch the lives of others.

Day 53 - The Rexes

Day 53 - The above picture was taken over a year and a half ago, but as I looked through some of my pictures I decided this one was one I wanted to write about.  Above are three important people in my life and they are all named Rex.  The one in the cap and gown is my nephew and Godson.  To the left of him is my brother and to the right is Dad.

This picture was taken before I purchased my latest camera and I wish the quality was better.  I wish my picture could even begin to show how proud my dad was that Rex had graduated and that he was able to be there.  I know he was looking so forward to Josh's college graduation and I know he would have been there if he hadn't passed away.

My parents were divorced when I was only five.  I grew up in a family with two parents that respected one another.  They agreed that they weren't happy as a married couple, but they always cared for the other and wanted what was best for one another.  My parents never talked bad about the other to us, so I didn't feel the negativity from the divorce.  When my mom passed away my dad came and stayed with us for the visitation and the funeral, it was great to have him there with us. I feel Mom would have done the same if the circumstances were the same as well.

The above graduation took place in Kilgore, Texas.  Dad, my brother, his wife and I drove down for the ceremony and stayed two nights in Texas before Dad and I drove my nephew, Rex's, truck home.  Let's just say Dad started the drive and as soon as I could find a reason to pull over for breakfast I took the wheel and didn't give him the opportunity to drive any farther.  You see Dad was a truck driver in his younger years and until the day he died he "was the better driver on the road".  I don't think he understood defensive driving.... it was all about the Offense.

I know that I often count my blessings that I am lucky enough to have and had these three men in my life  I always wanted to be Daddy's girl.  Growing up I always wanted to be the one Dad was proud of.  I think I was usually the one he was shaking his head about, but in a lot of ways I think it was because I was more like him than he cared to acknowledge.  Dad was one that could picture the way a project would turn out in his head one way and then the finished product looked a little similar, but definitely not "Pintrest worthy".  We heard (and I have said) more than once... "Close Enough".  My Dad was the first to offer the wrong comment at the wrong time.... just ask my family.... that is usually me.  When looking at a situation I am the first to get through it with humor, which sometimes isn't probably the preferred method, but I can hear what would have come out of my dad's mouth coming out of mine.  I always knew Dad loved me, but in a lot of ways and a lot of times I know that he would have changed a few things about me if he could have.

Then there is my big brother.  Rex, or JR as I have always and will always know him.  I don't know a more hard working, giving person.  He is always fixing something for someone (many times it is me).  If we are anywhere together he is always the first to see something that needs to be done and just doing it without being asked.  He is kind and giving to a fault.  He will take on projects that he doesn't really have time to take on because he doesn't want to tell anyone no.  I know he always has a project or two he is working on and a bunch of lined up behind those.  I have always believed that if JR can't fix it, there probably isn't a fix for it.  I know over my lifetime he has helped me more than I could ever repay him.  He is a good, honest man that I am so proud to call my brother.

The graduate above is and always will be Little Rex.  No, he isn't little anymore, he has graduated from college and is living the dream in the real world.  He has a great job and is doing quite well for himself.  He is a lot like his father, and if he is in his favorite places they will be outdoors.  He is an avid hunter and fisherman, and he is pretty good at it. I always look forward to seeing pictures of what they have killed during any hunting season.  Rex is a lot of fun to be around, his wit reminds me of my dad and the dimples on that boy are something else.  I am proud to have been asked to be his Godmother and he will always be special to me.  This aunt thinks he is a damn good kid and when he settles down the woman that gets him will have to be pretty special to get my approval.

The three men in the picture above are all known as Rex to others, but to me it is JR, little Rex and Dad.  They are all men that I admire and all men that I have been lucky enough to have in my life.  I hope that you have men like these three in your life because they are all good men that make the world a better place by being a part of it.

Have a great week and if you get the opportunity to be a "Rex" in someone else's life - do it because this world can use more "Rexes".

Day 52 - The Rock

Day 52 - I am behind and have a lot of pictures I have taken - I just need to sit down and catch up on my writing.  Today I decided to post this one.  Above are three amazing boys.  These three bring so much life into my life.  I am lucky enough to have them somewhat nearby and see them "somewhat" often.  I miss some games and don't see them daily, but I am one lucky Grandma because they are an important part of my world.

The three boys are sitting on "the rock" in front of the house that I grew up knowing as Grandma's house and then Dad's house.  I know a house is only a house until someone makes it their home.  I have so many memories associated with the house in the background, some bad but oh so many good ones.  My dad's mom, Frances Hiatt Emberton was a loving and fun grandma.  She was the one that didn't worry about embarrassing herself or anyone else, in fact she loved it.  When we would go to a restaurant that would sing happy birthday to you - it was always her birthday and she would sing louder than anyone else in the group.  She had such a wonderful sense of humor, I believe that it was handed down to my dad who passed it on to me and I believe that she would have absolutely loved the fact that Josh is doing comedy.  My grandma was a classy woman that could fit in anywhere but her hugs were so comforting and she always had time to spend with me.  We would bake cookies and if they didn't turn out - no big deal we would just bake more.  Her potato chip cookies were delicious.
When I walked into the house this weekend for the final goodbye I won't lie, I cried more than a couple of tears.  It's familiarity is hard to turn loose of.  My stepmother didn't like the house, she always said that she would be glad to be out of the house but I know that even she is a little emotional about saying goodbye.  This house is where Grandma was raised as a little girl, then it was sold and she moved to Salem for a job and she and Dad lived there for a number of years.  After she married her husband she moved back to Danville and they purchased the house back.  The woodwork in the home is really neat and knowing that my ancestors actually made it has always made it seem more special.  When you walked into the house the floor would creek in certain spots, they always did.  The basement is a wet, musty, cobwebbed one, it always was.  The windows are 12 foot tall with shutters on the inside, as a kid it seemed like the ceilings were 50 foot tall.

The rock above has been the photo point for so many pictures over the years.  This rock was once in the ground in the yard with only enough of it showing to cause the lawn mower blade to scrape it.  Finally Dad decided to dig the rock out expecting it to be something he could dig out with a shovel.  After much, much digging this was what was beneath the earth.  He decided it belonged in the corner of the yard and it has been there since.  As my kids came along we always used the rock for pictures.  The rock was the place for all the imaginary ventures.  It was a space ship, a boat, a castle, a great place for my daughters to dress in their wedding dresses made of sheets and take pictures.  This rock has provided so many "Kodak" moments, I hope the new tenants appreciate the potential of this rock. I also hope that they won't be offended if they look out their window from time to time, when we are in town, to see members of my family jump out of a car and climb on it for a quick picture.  I think as my kids have kids and their kids have kids they will continue to be drawn to that spot for that picture.  And I believe in my heart, that Dad and Grandma Francie will be there with them, happy that someone is still enjoying the house and the property as much as they once did.

A house is just a house, and a home can be anywhere.  Be happy you have a home, make memories to cherish wherever you are planted.  

Day 51 - Baseball

Day 51 - It is baseball season.  This is my grandson and I am so happy I could make it to his first game of the season.  Hopefully I will be able to make it to most of his games.  He loves sports and he is fun to watch play.  As the first game kicked off last night it was fun to see the excitement in the boys faces.  Each of them were ready for their first opportunity to  bat and take the field.  There were a few in the group that may not have been as excited as the others that the season was beginning, but the guy in the picture above was pumped.

Baseball, or any sport for that matter is something that can be a big part of a kids life.  Some are destined to be athletes and then there are others that just don't enjoy it or have athleticism.  I enjoyed playing volleyball in jr. high and high school.  Was I good at it?  Not really good.  I played and didn't do too bad, but I was by no means an athlete.  I see in Kaden and am beginning to see in his younger brother, Kale, a true love of sports.  These two, and I am sure their youngest brother, Keaton, will be the same, love anything that has to do with a ball.  If they are inside they are shooting a small foam basketball into the hoop on the back of the door.  If it is nice outside they are throwing into the pitch back net.

As I watch these games, I am so thankful for my grandchildren.  I have always loved being a mom.  I feel I have been blessed with the three best kids anyone could ask for and now as my kids are grown I really get the opportunity to enjoy them.  As a grandma, I love when Kaden still gives me a hug without even having to ask for it.  I enjoy watching his sports and just spending time with him.  He has already grown into such a responsible, loving boy that I am so proud of.  I enjoy Kale's wit and enthusiasm for life.  We never know what he is going to say and do, but I love everything about him.  His smile and his comments remind me of my dad and my son, Josh.  He is so full of life and as Mom would have put it a little piss and vinegar too.  Keaton is almost one.  It is so cool when I see him and he gets excited to see me.  He is getting ready to walk and is at the age where he doesn't want to cuddle anymore.  When you are holding him he wants down and when he is down on the floor he wants you to hold him.  He will be out playing with his big brothers before we know it.

Baseball is probably my husband's favorite sport.  He loves watching it, loves coaching it and used to enjoy playing it.  As another baseball season gets underway if you have someone that loves playing it like my grandson does get out and watch them if you get the chance.  If your kid's grandparents aren't nearby send them some video and pictures of the kids playing.  I know I am thankful that my grandkids are nearby so I get to witness those glory moments and be there to comfort them after a bad game.  Being a Grandparent is one of life's most precious gifts, unwrap that gift every chance you get!

Day 50 - Farmers

Day 50 - My picture today was taken on my way home from work.  This field is located on the same road as my house.  I don't know what will be grown in this field this year.  Sometimes corn is there, sometimes it is beans.

I have a lot of friends that are farmers.  Some are beef farmers, some are dairy farmers, some are pig farmers and some don't own livestock, they farm the land, but I respect all of them.  I enjoy my Monday through Friday 8 - 5 job that if I don't feel well I can call in sick.  I also love the fact that, with my job, if I have something that I want to go and do, I can usually go, I don't have to worry about the weather, or being back in time to milk.

If you were to study years of Teutopolis basketball you would notice almost every successful team (and there have been many) included a at least a few farm kids.  I know Coach Dennis Koester always told us that many of his really good players were farm kids.  He said that part of the reason for this was because they were raised knowing what hard work was.  They had no problem busting their behinds to get the job done right.  He also said sometimes that he thought that those same farm kids made sure they worked hard in practice because if they didn't they wouldn't get to play in the games and if they weren't going to play in the games then maybe their parents would feel their time would be better spent on the farm.... and farming is even harder work.

I am grateful that there are people out there willing to put out the effort to farm so we can all eat good foods.  Without farmers we wouldn't have food and the little amount that would be available wouldn't be affordable at all.  One time my dad told me a story about a lady that told him that she was frustrated with the tractors on the road in her way.  My dad told her without those farmers there wouldn't be food - she commented back, "I don't need the farmers because I buy my food from the grocery store, not the farmer."  What is sad about that statement is that there are really those people out there and they are helping us pick our leaders and they are also reproducing.

As I prepare to go to the Effingham Performance Center to watch Josh do what he enjoys, (performing for others) I know that some of my dear friends won't be able to come to the show because they will be in the fields getting their crops planted.  I do understand completely and I appreciate the fact that they are willing to be out there taking care of business.

When you are driving and you get behind a farmer please have patience, trust me the reason they are on the road has nothing to do with trying to make you late or upset you, they are there because they have to be, they would rather be in the field than on the road.  Be careful during this farming season and keep the farmers and their families in your prayers.  Farming accidents happen all too often and when they do all of our prayers can make a difference.

To all you farmers, those that are such an important part of my life and those that I don't know, .... THANK YOU for all you do!

Day 49 - Trust

Day 49 - The last couple of days when I leave work this rabbit has been sitting in the grass close to where I park my van.  Each day I have sat and watched it eat the grass as if it doesn't have a care in the world.  I decided today to snap a couple of pictures of it.

This rabbit seems completely oblivious to the many stray cats that run loose in the area and it wasn't  spooked by me at all, as if it knew that I wasn't an enemy.  I sat there for a few minutes and got my camera out all while the rabbit continued to eat.  

I have a friend that has a pet rabbit.  He has lived in her home for a number of years.  Her husband calls him Bugs, but his name is really Noah.  Noah has aged, but when he was younger he would always follow her around the house.  He has been litter box trained and has been a great pet for her.

This rabbit is like a small child with it's trust.  I could have gotten even closer to it because it seemed to trust me even though it didn't know me.  I remember well when my kids would talk to anyone about anything.  I would warn them of strangers, but they still seemed to trust everyone.  Sometimes I think this is because they were brought up in a small town setting where there weren't many that we considered strangers.  I still warned them of the dangers of those that we didn't know, and even sometimes of those we do.

The world is a wonderful place, filled with many wonderful people and things.  I choose to see the beauty in the world and continue to trust those around me until I have been given a reason not to.  I do, however, realize that there are times when we must heighten our sense of awareness and be more cautious.  I am sure the rabbit above was constantly smelling the air for danger even though he appeared to be calm and unaware.

After Josh graduates from college next week I hope that as he enters the real world that he continues to see the world in the wonderful way he always has, but with a certain sense of awareness so that he remains safe.  I know that he will encounter those that aren't deserving of his trust and I hope that he has the ability to smell trouble before it happens and avoid it like the rabbit above avoids the predators that would do it harm.

If you get the opportunity to enjoy nature in all its glory, do so and embrace the beauty of it.