visit with great grandmother

We had a wonderful visit with Mom today.  Yesterday she was a little overwhelmed by all four of us. Today she was all smiles and glad to see us. She had momments where her face would light up as she remebered certain events or people . She cried when we left but then so did I.  We prayed with her let her know how much she is loved  and prayed for every day.  Thirty minute visit are just not enough when it comes to your love ones.  We know that she is being well cared for and our trip to see her has been a bright spot in our year.  We are so thankful for my sister Bobbie and Brother in law Joe who  watch over her and visit frequently.  We are blessed and extremely  thankful for the opportunity to see her twice during our visit.

Bobbie mentioned Charlie Bear talking to her on the phone about the fish he caught in Uncle Joe's lake.  It was the first time he had ever caught a fish and was so excited about it when he talked to her.  She remembered that conversation and really smiled at the thought.

She also remembered Emma as the sweet little girl who likes me and wears princess dresses.  She remembers she came to visit her in Virginia Beach.  She said, that little girls really liked me.  I don't know why but I"m so glad she does!

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.   

Second Full Day with Emma

Emma loves bubbles so naturally her Poppa had to buy her a bubble gun. She likes to pop them and is pretty good at blowing them too. It was fun to watch her chase the bubbles in the wind.

Yesterday was a catch up day for sleep. Jet lag hit mom and dad pretty hard. Emma hasn't adjusted to the time change and new bed yet either so has been very restless and waking frequently. You know if baby doesn't sleep neither do Mom and Dad!

Berry picking is scheduled for this afternoon. I think Becky was a migrant worker in another life. I've never seen any one who can pick berries faster than she can. My mouth is already watering for field ripen berries.


Ever the educator, Poppa had to show Emma all the different trees in the back yard and explain each one to her. She liked the feel of the leaves except for the pine needles. She was attracted to the Maple leaves....do you think it's because she partly Canadian?




Outdoors can be exhausting and even little explorers need a break. Poppa and Diva did our best to wear her out. Why do they call it babysitting.....you never get to sit?

Mom and Dad took a much needed break to go to a movie and dinner while we took charge of the little one. We got lots of smiles, and stole lots of kisses. Bath time was fun, but cuddle time was even better.

Check back with us tomorrow and see our"berry special" girl in the Strawberry Patch.

Meet your Papa!

Dearest Baby Cakes.....(Yes, it's another nick name for you.) Let me introduce you to your Poppa. (Isn't he cute?) Your Diva thinks so....and has thought so for the last 33 years.

Like most grandfathers he may appear to be gruff and grumpy. Actually he is pure marshmallow and an ole softie! Your momma figured that out right away.

He is a really smart man and loves to tinker in his basement with tools and electronics. He does not like to be defeated by a problem so will keep working on a solution for a long time.

Poppa has a "droll" sense of humor. You have to be pretty smart to understand why he thinks the situation is funny. Fortunately your momma will explain why Poppa is laughing as they share that same trait.

Poppa loves to teach and explain. (Warning: Poppa talks in letters and numbers that have meaning only to him. Diva has found that the best way to handle this situation is to smile and nod like you understand. It makes him happy, he will rub your head and tell you how smart you are! Trust me on this!)

Poppa loves to read. He knows a little about a lot. (Note: take all your "Why?" questions to Poppa.) However you need to know that if for some reason he does not know the answer he will make one up. ( no, not really lying, just an interesting story to see if you will believe him.....it's a game he likes to play.)

Your Poppa is strong and you will be always be safe and protected in his arms. He will cry when you are born and the first time he sees your little face he will be instantly in love with you. Don't be surprised if he tells you the story about how your momma slept under his handkerchief when she was a baby. It's one of his favorite stories.

No one will love you like your Poppa Charlie. He has been praying for you ever since we knew you were on the way. He has lots of wisdom and can make anything go. He already has plans in his head about building you a fort or a playhouse. You will be blessed to have him in your life, loving you and cheering you on.