Advent Ribbon 2019

Lyra, Poppa, and I loved being with you and your sisters this spring.  You are such a good big sister and a good helper to your Mommy and Daddy.  We love you to the Moon and Back Again.  Your Diva and Poppa

 

Lyra, Poppa, and I were so sad to hear about you hurting your leg this year.  Daddy Man told us you were very brave.  We pray for you every day and love you so much.  Diva

 

 

Lyra, your sisters will always be good playmates.  Remember to be kind and sweet to each of them even when they get into your things.   Diva and Poppa

 

  

Lyra Jane, I love this picture of you and baby Lexi.  It makes me smile.  Your Diva and Poppa both had big sisters that we love and talk to frequently even though they live far away now.  There is nothing as sweet as your family.  Diva

 

 

Lyra, I love my “Polka Dotty Girls”.  Your Mommy and Daddy love you so much and take good care of you and your sisters.  Thank you for being a good helper to them.  Diva

 

 

 

Lyra, this is one of my favorite memories from this year.  We love being with your Mommy and Daddy and all of our favorite Texas girls.  Lady misses you and sends you doggie kisses.  Diva and Poppa

 

 

Lyra, I love your purple pony.  I know about all the ponies from watching cartoons with your teenage cousin Emma.  She has been a big fan for many years and can tell you about her favorite ponies.   Love you, Diva

 

 Lyra , your Tennessee cousins are all into Scouting.  Here is a picture of them selling popcorn at the hardware store.  Isn’t Henry funny with the corny hat? Poppa and Uncle Tim help with the troop.  Your Daddy was a Cub Scout too.  Diva

 

 

Do you remember your big Cousin Emma?  She will be 13 in January.  She loved Lady and Lady was crazy about her.  Emma loves animals and has worked at the zoo during the summer.  She also loves art.  I think you will enjoy each other this summer.  Diva and Poppa

 

 

 

 

Lyra, we hope you have a happy Christmas and don’t forget to sing Happy Birthday for baby Jesus.  I love to hear you sing.  Love Diva

 

 

Lyra Jane, you are a special gift from God to our family.  We love you very much and love to see pictures of you and your sisters.  Did you know that your Daddy Man was once my little boy?  Be kind to your parents and thank you for being a good helper.  Diva

 

 

Merry Christmas from your Tennessee grandparents.  We love you so much and pray for you every day.   Love, Diva and Poppa

 

How I met your Poppa

I met your Poppa at church in a Sunday School class for College and Career.  I was new to the church and had seen him singing in the church choir.  I liked him instantly and decided to meet him.

I was working as a night nurse (11 to 7) shift at a hospital in Virginia Beach.  I had every other weekend off but decided I couldn't wait for a weekend that I was off so the following Sunday (after working all night) I went home and prepared "to meet HIM".  Yes, dear children, I stalked your Poppa!  I showered, curled my hair, wore my best dress, sprayed on Shalamar perfume, grabbed my Bible, and headed out the door on my quest to meet my Mr. Wonderful.

I arrived early and eagerly waited for him to show up.  He was late. Class started and after a preliminary welcome, we were encouraged to mingle and meet newcomers.  At last, my moment had come and I started my quest to meet him only to be stopped 4 times by people wanting to meet me.  My momma did not raise me to be rude so I missed my opportunity to meet him.

It was a big class (about 25 people) so we were divided into groups by counting off into groups of four.  I listen to whatever number he said and went directly to his group as soon as we broke up. I sat next to him and marveled at how smart and articulate he was.  (I should add that your Diva is attracted to Nerds.)

After class, I asked him if he was going to go to church so I could sit next to him.  He smiled sweetly and said "Yes, I am, I sing in the choir!  ( Rats!  I forgot about that.)   I gave him my best smile but it didn't persuade him to skip choir and sit with me.  So I sat by myself and dozed off and on through the sermon since I had been up all night long.  Hopefully, it looked like I was in deep meditation or prayer!

After church," I lingered longer" in hopes of accidentally bumping into him.  When that didn't happen I decided to give up and go home to bed defeated in my purpose.  When I got to my car, guess who was parked behind me?  Yes, dear children, it was your future Poppa.  God is good!

We talked, I flirted, and then he asked me to join him for lunch!  I forgot how tired I was and instantly agreed.  We went out for pizza and it felt very comfortable talking with him.  We laughed, and conversation seemed to flow in both directions. 

 When the bill arrived he discovered the restaurant didn't take credit cards and he only had a dollar in his pocket.  So yes dear children, I ended up paying for our first date and as I like to remind him....I've been paying for it ever since! 

 We met in March, got engaged in April, and were married in July. So you can see that even though your Poppa was shy and quiet when we met he definitely was just waiting for me.  We just celebrated our 46th anniversary this year.   

Summer recap

 

Hello, long-forgotten blog... I'm back!

I always have such good intentions!  However, my follow-through has a lot to be desired.

I love the fall.  I love the cooler weather, the fall foliage, apples cider, pumpkin everything, warm sweaters, mums, my birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

This summer was busy with a long-anticipated visit to Texas to meet our newest grandchild Lexi, and love on her big sisters Lyra and Lucy.  We came home with an unexpected blessing...Lady, our granddog, now our dog.  We flew to Texas but drove back in a rental car with Lady and all her belongings.  Our cats were not very receptive to the new family member but gradually realized she was not going anywhere so finally tolerated her.  

We loved having Becky, Emma, and Danny for two weeks in June and July.  It was an action-packed time with lots of activities, games, side trips, Diva Camp, 4th of July fireworks, and yes, the traditional family photo.  We miss them so much so have to get a year's worth of fun in the two weeks we have together.  Emma is 12, she is so tall and a real beauty.  She loves cats, art, girl guides, acting, and animals.

Suzy turned 40 this year.  How can that be?  My children are middle age!  I turn 70 this November!!  Yikes!  Becky starts her work on her  Doctorate this month.  She hopes to finish by the time Emma graduates.  Emma is entering 7th grade. 

The grandboys seem to grow every night.  Oz started 5th grade, Charlie 3rd grade and Henry is in first grade.  I love that they come running to give me hugs whenever we see them at church.  I know to soak it up now because there will come a day when they will be occupied with cars and girlfriends.


We no longer have our two cats JJ and Lucy.  Lucy was having many seizures each day and JJ had some serious intestinal issues and was losing weight.  They were littermates and lifelong companions.  They slept huddled together every night and neither would have done well without the other.  They were almost 18 years old and are missed daily.


My desire is to write more.  I need to get back to water aerobics at the senior center and fill my days with adventures.

Diva's Favorite Things

 

This is one of my favorite pictures of Lexi Anne.  She is growing so quickly.  It is very hard only getting to see her and her sister once a year.  We appreciate Rachel posting new pictures frequently of the girls.

This is another favorite picture of our current household.  Diva, Poppa, and Dog all together.  Lady has filled a big hole in our hearts and is a much loved, comical relief.  She is always ready for a walk or a cuddle.  She knows our habits and loves to nap with Poppa in the afternoon.  Last night she went upstairs to bed without us.  What a dog. 

Some of my Current Favorite Things.....

Dark Chocolate Hershey kisses,
Blue Bunny white chocolate cookies and cream 
weekly visits to the library 
babysitting with the grandboys
popcorn shrimp
grits and cheese
heart-shaped rocks
daisies
dragonflies and fireflies
seeing the scale go down
baby giggles
funny cat videos
pictures of the family
a rock tumbler
adventures
organizing my kitchen storage
using my air fryer
cooking new recipes
double recliner (big enough for Charlie, Lady and me)
spontaneous hugs from the boys
monthly Sunday Sermon with Charlie at the nursing home
pixel art app
video games
birthday cake
Advent calendars
Fall, leaves, sweaters, mums, pumpkin everything, apple everything
Christmas decorations and tree
chicken decorations
taco salad
homemade soup on a cold day
a fire in the fireplace
a warm blanket
hot herbal tea
a good book
flowers on my table
pandora (Christian radio)
turquoise jewelry and also my favorite color
Sunflowers
a new laptop for my birthday (yes, that's a hint)
spending time with friends
learning a new craft
making hearts with melty beads with the grandboys
binge-watching my favorite shows on Netflix
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Hallmark sappy movies
time travel anythings
mysteries
Diva Camp with the grandchildren
prayer partners
checking off lists
hats
haircuts
swing on my porch swing
flowers in the garden
air conditioning in the summer
scented candles
grilled cheese sandwiches
pockets
cool purses

Advent Ribbon 2018

Lyra, your sweet Daddy, sent me this picture on my phone.  He said you like to play doctor and use your medical bag.  It makes me smile when I see this picture because I had a doctor bag at your age and eventually became a nurse.  I am so glad you like to help others, you are thoughtful and kind and we love you so much.  Diva and Poppa

Lyra Jane,  This is one of my favorite pictures of you and your sweet Mommy.  She loves you so much and will be your very best friend.  She knows you better than anyone else and loves to sing to you and your sister.  Take good care of her.  Diva

 

Lyra here is a picture of all your cousins sitting on the Aunt Suzy’s and Uncle Tim’s front swing.  Emma 11, Oz 9, Charlie 7, Henry 5, You 3, and Lucy 1.   Poppa and I love having all our grandchildren together.  We may have to get a bigger swing next year.  Diva

Lyra Jane here is your crazy family bowling together.  It was fun to watch your Daddy try to beat Poppa.  Your Mom was the best bowler...Diva was the worst.  We had a good time together.  You and Henry did very well (better than  Diva).  I always enjoy having my family together.  Diva

Lyra, when you first got to Auntie Suzy’s house you were tired and overwhelmed by all of us.  Your big cousin Oscar, did a very kind thing for you.  He took you into the library and started reading a book to you.  You enjoyed it very much.  I could hear you laughing.  Diva

 Lyra Jane, want to know a secret?  Sometimes being a big sister is even better than being a princess.

Love you to the moon and back again.  Diva

 Lyra Jane, I love your smile and I love to hear you laugh and play.  I think that happy girls are the prettiest girls.  You fill your Diva's heart with rainbows and happiness.   Diva 

Lyra, I may not see you every day or talk to you every day, but I think and pray for you every day. God is watching over you.  I know because I ask Him to.   Diva

 Lyra, any day spent with you is my new favorite day.

  We love you, sweet girl.  Your Diva and Poppa

Lyra Jane,  I love hearing your Mommy sing “You are my sunshine” to you and your sister.  You do make us happy when skies are blue.

I love your smiles and sunny disposition...We even like partially cloudy.   Smile...Happy Looks Good On You.  Diva

 Lyra, do you like Winnie the Pooh?  He is one of my favorite characters and I love that silly old bear.  “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”  Winnie the Pooh.  I feel the same way whenever we have to leave you and your family.  Take good care of your Daddy.  Remember, he is my little boy.  Diva

 Lyra Jane, little girls make the world sweeter.  We are so excited that there will be 3 special girls in Texas for us to see.  We love you so much.  Your Diva and Poppa

Diva loves hearts

 

I am a very sentimental person.  I love watching Hallmark movies, even though I know how it will end.  I love happy endings, treats, thoughtfulness, hearts and flowers, and random acts of kindness.  I am definitely "a happily ever after" kind of girl.  

I was reading a devotion today from a book called "Devotions for the Hungry Heart" and she shared this story with her grandchildren that I would love to share with mine.

God shows us His love by showing us heart shapes in nature.  They are all around us and pop up in unexpected places.  I like to see them so He shows them to me.  It's like a little note from heaven right in the middle of the day.  When I see it, I think about how much God loves us and I have a little party in my heart.

Had to laugh at the heart-shaped bum.













I loved the hearts on the wings of this butterfly.













Heart-shaped rocks.



So my darlings, I am hoping to have some heart adventures with you this summer.  I will start collecting some I can show you and start taking pictures of the ones I find.  Don't be surprised if we go on a heart hunt adventure.   I hope you know you are always in my heart and never far from my thoughts.

Diva remembers roller skating

When I was 8 years old one of my favorite past times was roller skating.  The picture below is the street skates I used, complete with a skate key to tighten up the clamps on my shoes.  The skate key was very important or else the skate fell off every time you picked up your foot.  I lost many skate keys growing up and had to get my dad to use a pair of pliers to adjust the clamps so I could skate.

Not only were the skates heavy and awkward but I learned to skate on the sidewalks outside our home in Abilene, Texas.  Our sidewalks were cracked and if you had any speed at all and hit the rough and uneven pavement a fall was the predictable outcome.  I don't remember how many times I fell but I usually had bruises, skinned knees and elbows and lots of colorful bandaids to show for my skating adventures. ( Remember this was long before knee and elbow pads and helmets.  So if occasionally Diva acts goofy its probably from a childhood skating accident.)  Occasionally my parents would take pity on my injuries and take us skating at the local roller rink.

Ah.....the roller skating rink with a smooth wooden floor with lots of room to skate and shoe skates that they rented out.  Back in my day it was 8 year old heaven.  For my 8th birthday, my parents rented out the roller rink and had my birthday party there.  I was the most popular girl in school for that brief week.  I was able to invite all my classmates, Sunday School class friends, Brownie troop, neighbors, and friends. What could be better than shoe skates, birthday cake, presents, music to skate by as well as skating games and "couples only" skate time.  I skated with Jerry Cleveland my third-grade crush....he had braces, bright red hair cut in a crew cut, thick glasses and was the smartest boy in my class.  (Yes, sweet Lyra....your Diva was attracted to Nerds even back in the day.  Jerry was a math whiz and did my math homework for me. (But don't tell great grandmother--she just thought I got really smart in math in that year!) 

   I broke my arm roller skating.  It was the first of three broken wrists that I experienced in the first, second and third grade.  My cousins used to say that "I was slippery", I think they meant that I was breakable.  It was my left wrist.  I was going too fast down an incline and couldn't stop myself from hitting a parked car.  I used my left hand to try and stop myself but it bent backward and I heard it snap.  I wore a cast on it for 6 weeks.

In high school, I used to watch Roller Derby on TV.  The girls skated on a banked track and it was really a physical contact sport.  My friends always laughed at me that I enjoyed watching it and called me the Roller Derby Queen.  I actually got to go to a game in Norfolk and meet one of my heroes...Joan Westin of the Bay City Bombers.  I laughed when your Auntie Becky told me she was interested in skating with the Roller Derby in Saskatoon.  Who knows maybe she will fulfill one of my long lost dreams and be a roller derby queen.

As I write this for you today I want you to know how excited we are to see you play soccer, skate, dance, write and create.  Poppa and I love you very much and pray for your every single day.  Know that you are always in my heart and in my thoughts.

Your Roller Derby Skating Queen......Diva