It's about time!

Well, I have gotten a number of comments that it's time for me to update my blog! I don't know if this is the right day to do it though because I have been feeling a little sad today. I have been lurking around on the "Stephanie and Christian" blog (the young couple that was badly burned in a plane crash in Arizona) and feeling very badly for everything that they have to go through. And, then today I heard that one of our former councilmen, Chris Copstead, who is just my age, in addition to having to deal with his wife having terminal Lou Gehrig's disease, is now having to deal with the death of his two newborn twin grandsons! My heart just hurts for him! Life is sure tough sometimes, and I guess the secret is to try not to dwell too much on the negative stuff that happens, although it is sure difficult at times because you feel like it is just all around you, and you feel kind of afraid like something bad is going to happen to you or to someone you love and there's just no escaping it! And I guess there really isn't any escaping it - that's the point. So, you try not to dwell on it, and you try to help others deal with the things they are going through, and you appreciate every good thing in your life and try not to take it for granted!

I am grateful for my awesome family - for my mom and dad and the almost 51 years that I have had them in my life! What a blessing to be able to grow old together! I am grateful for the example that they have always set for me, and for their positive outlook - I know things have been difficult for them and I know that they always try to put on a happy face for me - yeah, I'm no dummy, you can't fool me!!! :-D But, there is still much to be thankful for and every day that I have them in my life is precious to me!!

I am so grateful for my beautiful children. Every one, in their own special way, is my favorite! My dear Chelfee, who stomps and screams and stresses, and inside is just a sweet little girl who cares so much about everyone and doesn't know what to do with all of that. I pray that someday her dreams will come true and she will be a mom! My Shanzolie, the little scrapper whose independent streak is serving her very well as a military wife - I am so proud of her and for the great little family she has! My Lasone-poopone, who always loved her mommy, and is still here and sharing her babies with me. And my Bugs, who has given me great joy and great sadness at times, but who has always had such a great and kind heart and is slowly turning into the fine young man that I always knew he could be! And of course I have to mention my wonderful "in-laws" - Jeff, Tommy, Kelby, and Stephanie - I couldn't ask for better spouses for my kids!!

And then, if that weren't enough to be grateful for, to top it off I have four wonderful grandchildren, and a fifth due in two weeks! They are icing on my cake and truly my greatest happiness. I never thought that I could love my little grandchildren like that, but it is such a pure love without all of the worry and responsibility that parents have. Nothing but pure joy!

Here's a few photos of the little nubbins! I have a great school picture of Tabitha, but I'm too lazy to get off my hiney and scan it in! So, I will try to get a good photo of Tabs and post it soon! Anyway, here's my oldest grandson, Jordan:

Here is my
next oldest grandson, Jace:

And last, but not least, here is my littlest grandbaby, Jayden:

As you can see, I do have the most adorable grandchildren!

Hmm, what else. Work is good, another thing to be thankful for. I'm not much of a career person, but I do enjoy my job and feel comfortable with what I do. I love it when you get to the point in your job when there really isn't anything that is a big surprise to you. You almost always know what to do - that is a great feeling. They are still grooming me for the City Clerk's job, maybe in a couple of years. It's not an honor that I really want, but oh well, I guess you do what you have to do, and it will definitely mean a substantial raise and more benefits, so that is good for the old retirement nest egg!!

I am going to start working on Lillie Anne's blessing dress here shortly, maybe when I have my birthday holiday. I would just like an entire day to work on it in the peace and quiet. It has been awhile since I have sewn, but the dress is quite similar to the pillowcase dolls that I made some years back so I'm not too worried about it! I think it will turn out awesome!

Hmm, nope. I have nothing else. There, are you satisfied Chels?