Charlie's 10th birthday

 

This boy. Today he turns ten and I celebrate him and the joy he brings to all who know him. Charlie has a tender heart and such a willingness to share, whether that is making sure dad buys a special pink donut for mom for his birthday morning breakfast or letting his brother “help him” build a favorite lego kit. He is the first to show love when everyone else is frustrated. He gives the best cuddles when he sees my hurt. He is a good listener and he LOVES to tell you the plot lines of a story. He is smart and patient and kind. I love who he is and I can’t wait to see what big things he will do in this world. I can’t be more proud of my sweet Charlie Bear. ❤️

Charlie this is a post your Mom wrote about you on Facebook for the whole world to see.  We are so glad you are a part of our family and you have a special place in our hearts.  Happy Birthday.  Diva and Poppa

Christmas 2020

 It snowed Christmas Eve, so Christmas Day started later for Diva and Poppa.  We waited till about 10 0'clock before we started our trek to spend Christmas with you and your brothers.  We kept a count of how many cars and trucks we saw in the ditch on our normal 10-minute drive to your house.  We told you that whoever got the closest would be able to open their gifts first.  Oz guessed 5, Charlie guessed 7 and Henry guessed 12.  Henry was the closest.  

We actuallycounted 16 cars and trucks in the ditch.

It was a fun day because all of you were so excited.  Every gift was better than the last and watching you boys really made Christmas special for us.

We especially liked the gift your Mom made for Poppa.  It was a tic-tac box with coins that had been cut up into quarter pieces.  She labeled it BitCoins.   It really made Poppa laugh.  I liked it because it was clever and homemade.  Poppa keeps it in his desk drawer.

Your Dad got an empty bottle with a label on it that said, Big bottle of Nothing.   He laughed and laughed and said it was the perfect gift.  When your mom asked your dad what he wanted for Christmas he said "Nothing"  so that's what she got him.  Clever Mom.

My favorite gift was from your parents and your Aunts and Uncles.  It is our family tree burned into a real slice of wood.  It has everyone's names and birthdays.  Our family tree is complete for a very long time.

Thank you for letting us spend the day with you.  It was a fun day.  We love you.

Your Diva and Poppa

The power of observation and the right tool.

Oscar, your Dad took this picture of you at the city commission meeting.  You got up and went to the podium to share a grievance about a sign that was crooked and needed to be "fixed".  After the meeting, you had a conversation with the city manager who was quite impressed with you.

Your Poppa was not surprised at all.  He was remembering you as a toddler watching "Handy Manny" .  You have always been very observant of details. 




 When you were 2, we went shopping with you and your Mom at an Old Navy store.  The store display had neon stars and lights.  Several of the lights had burned out and were very high in the ceiling. You looked very troubled and grabbed Poppa's hand and took him to the spot directly below the burned-out bulbs. You pointed at the bulbs and said, "Wick-it Poppa, wick-it."  Translation: Fix it, Poppa, fix it!  Your Poppa, who would do anything for you but had to tell you he didn't bring any tools with him and he would also need a very high ladder.  You did not like that answer at all. You told him, he should always have his tools with him as tools were important. He finally distracted you by buying you a small toy and whispered over to me to hurry up and finish so we could go home!

Just know that your Poppa and I love you very much and marvel at your wonderful mind.  You love to read and always impress me with your knowledge of everything from cars to computers.  Know that we pray for you every day.  Thank you for all your hugs.   Your  Cheerleader ....Diva

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

Oz's Advent Ribbon 2018

 

Oscar, I noticed that when Uncle Andy and Auntie Rachel came from Texas this summer that Lyra Jane was really overwhelmed by all of us.  You noticed too and quickly took her hand and led her to the office.  You grabbed a picture book and started reading to her.  She loved the attention from her big boy cousin and relaxed and was soon laughing and pointing to pictures.  That was thoughtful, loving, and kind of you.  You are an amazing young man.  Diva

 

Oscar, did you know that you have an “Oh Poppa” face?    This is it.  Poppa was telling you and your brothers a totally outrageous story.  Your face said it all.  He was hoping to get this reaction from you.  I still remember the little boy that would point to something that was broken and say, “Wick it Poppa...Oscar speak for“fix it, Poppa.”  Know that your Poppa and I love you very much.   Your Diva and Poppa

 

Oz, we love having you and your brothers come over to our house.  Do you remember counting coins out of Poppa’s change jar and using the money to buy groceries to give to the food pantry at church?  We loved watching you pick out all your favorite food for other boys and girls to enjoy.  You have a kind heart.  Diva

 

 

 

Oz,  I can not believe how flexible and “bendy” you are.  You love to freak me out with being double-jointed.  I also love your love for information and reading.  You are very much like your Poppa.  He loves pursuing knowledge.  Diva

 

 

Oscar,  I am very impressed that you know so much about Geography.  You did very well at the Geography Bee (tying for 3rd place is very impressive especially competing against 8th graders.)  We are so proud of you.  Diva

 

  Oscar, Poppa, and I love spending time with our “cookie monsters”.  We had fun decorating gingerbread with you and always look forward to being with your family for Christmas.  Diva and Poppa

Oscar,  I was so proud of you this summer helping paint at Interyear with your parents.  You are a very good helper and I love your willingness to work hard.  You are very generous with your time and a hard worker.   Diva

 

 

 

Oz, I can’t believe how quickly you are growing.  It seems like every time I see you that you have grown taller.  I am proud of you for journaling this past summer.  You have a very active imagination.  I liked your stories and your illustrations.  Keep writing it is a wonderful gift.  Diva

 

 

Poppa is so proud of his boys.  He is very happy that you are in scouting and he can be part of your pack.  Poppa loves to share his interests with you and likes when you help him sort his many screws, nuts, and bolts.  He is looking forward to teaching you woodworking on his new lathe.  Diva

 

 

 

Oscar, did you know that I can do the same forms you and your brothers do at

Olsens?  Your Diva is a water Ninja at water aerobics.  Diva the amazing.

 

 

 

 

 
Oz I love this picture of you watching the snow and the pure joy on your face.  It is my prayer that you will always be amazed and overjoyed by the beauty of nature and by our amazing Lord and Savior.  Mornings are better when you talk to God first.  Love you….Diva  

 

 

 

 Oz, I may not see you every day or talk to you every day, but I think of you and love you every day.  God is watching over you.  I know because I ask Him to.   Your Diva