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 Memories

 

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

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

 

2018 Calendar

Anne,  You are going to be a wonderful babysitter.  I love to watch you with your younger cousins.  Lucy and Lyra love your attention.  Oz likes that you have a similar interest in books.  Charlie loves to play games with you and Henry thinks you belong to him.   Thank you for your love and kindness to them.  Diva Anne, your great-grandmother ( grand Jan) still remembers your kindness to her.  When I tell her stories about you she smiles and says, “ She really liked me.  I don’t know why, but I am so glad she does. ”  Thank you for your kindness and love.  I am so proud of you.   Diva Anne, Poppa and I want to come and visit you.  We need to get our cold weather gear on and visit you and Poppy, see your new room and meet your friends.  Poppa calls it the Polar Bear Plunge.  Keep warm.  We miss you so much.  Diva and Poppa Don’t forget your crazy American family.  We love you and miss you.  I love being able to talk to you even though I know you are very busy.  Please be kind to your mom and take care of her for me.     Diva  and Poppa Anne, I need some new artwork for my refrigerator.  I love that you let us peek at your sketchbook on Skype.  You have real talent.  I am glad you have found so many ways to express yourself.  I love that you let me proudly display your work and brag about you to my friends.  Your Diva

Dear Anne, Your momma tells me that you wish to be called Anne.  I fully understand why you want to re-invent yourself and choose another name.  I have several names.  I'm Kate to Poppa, Mom to your momma, Diva to you and your cousins, Daisy to my blogging friends, Kathy to my friends, and Janet on all legal documents.  Please forgive me if I slip and call you Emmalee.  That is the name I called you when I first held you in my arms and fell instantly and hopelessly in love with you.  Diva

Anne, some girls are just born with glitter in their veins.  Remember you were born to shine so don't let anyone dull your sparkle.  Diva

Anne, this is your Auntie Anne, Poppa's big sister, and greatest fan.  She remembers all birthdays and sends cards and encouragement to all who know her.  She is your momma's favorite aunt and my favorite sister. (just don't tell my sisters Bobbie and Bev). I love the name, Anne.  Her official name is Cordelia Anne Bennetch Carpenter.  I hope you get to meet her one day.  Diva

Anne, " Beauty isn't about having a pretty face.  It is about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart and most importantly a beautiful soul."  I loved how you took care of your younger cousins this summer.  You made each of them feel special.

Anne, if you were a flower you would be a wildflower in the most beautiful meadow.  I am so glad you like to camp and be outside.  Diva

Anne, Smile!  Happy looks good on you.  You are sunshine, mixed with a little hurricane!   Diva

Anne, I love your blue hair.  You are an excellent builder.  It was fun watching you play 3 dimensional Jenga and beat both Poppa and Oscar.  Who knows, you might become a great engineer.  Diva 

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 me 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.

Advent Calendar 2017

Emma, when I asked your mom what you were going to dress like for Halloween, she said, “What does she always want to dress like?”  I immediately decided it was a cat costume.  Did Poppy like it?  I think you make a cute kitty.  Miss you.  Diva

Emma, Poppa and I are looking forward to meeting Poppy.  I am very glad you have your own cat to enjoy.  JJ and Lucy love to curl up on our laps by the fireplace or get between the computer screen and us.  We love our fur babies.  Diva

 

Emma, this is my favorite picture of my girls.  Miss you so much.  I love that you leave a little sparkle wherever you go.   Diva

 

Your great-grandmother (my mom) got to meet all her great-grandsons this summer. She will be 91 this January.  She asked about you and tells me how much she likes you.  When Henry first met my mom he was coloring a dinosaur picture.  He asked her, “Did you like Dinosaurs?”  She laughed and said, “I’m not that old!”

 

Emma, I’m glad you have your mom’s spirit of adventure.  I love that you are willing to try new things.  How’s the skateboarding coming along?  Are you still thinking about competing in the Junior Spartan Games?  You are amazing.  Diva

Emma, something I just learned...Be a good listener.  Your ears will never get you in trouble.  Diva

Emma,  Our time together is never Quite Enough.  I miss you and love you to the moon and back again.  Your Diva

 

Emma, Henry keeps asking when you are coming back to see him.  Any time he sees a picture of you he says, “There’s my best friend.”  I hope he always thinks that.  You were very kind to him this summer.   Diva

 

Emma, you will be crazy happy with baby Lucy and bubbly Lyra.  They will enjoy having a big girl cousin to play with them.  Looking forward to having Diva Camp with all my grandkids.   Diva

Emma, love your Rainbow Dash hair color.  I am sure your mom probably told you about dying her hair purple for high school graduation.  I know where you get your fashion sense.  Miss you like crazy.   Diva

  Emma,  I can’t believe that you will be 11 this birthday.  Ask your mom about “now that you are 11 birthday” celebration she started when she turned 11.  If she says she doesn’t remember to ask me.  Diva

Emma, looking forward to some killer Uno family style this summer.  I miss all the laughter and crazy fun.  Diva

Christmas Advent Calendar 2016

Emma...Take good care of your sweet Momma for me.  Remember,  she is my baby girl, I miss you both so much. I love you to the moon and back again.  

Your Diva

Emmalee, this note on your door made me laugh and smile all day.  I am so glad you love Danny and get along so well together.   Diva

Emma...love the hair!  You put color inside my world. I love your artwork, your style,  your silliness, your incredible mind and your outrageous smile.  Miss you so much.  Diva

Emma I love that you leave a little Sparkle wherever you go.  You are my favorite Rainbow Dash!  I have loved being part of your world from Blue’s Clues, Dora, and My Little Pony!   Diva

Emma , I saw this the other day and it reminded me of you.  “ Be a pineapple, Stand tall, Wear a crown and be sweet on the inside.”   Diva

Emma here is some good advice:  “ You don’t need a cape to be hero.  You just need to care.”  I love your sensitive heart and kindness.  Diva

Even Pirates need to clean their room.  I am proud of you for doing your chores and helping around the house.  Diva

 

Emma….had to laugh when I saw this….It’s true my butt is bigger than my heart.  My you are always in my heart and in my thoughts.   Your Diva

Emma, I love that you enjoy reading.  Books can open a whole world of adventures to you.  I have read 50 books this past year and have really enjoyed it.  Diva

 

Emma, Poppa and I are looking forward to meeting Poppy.  We love seeing pictures of you together.  Tell Poppy thanks for the “Happy Birthday” song you sang together.  Diva

Emmalee,  Our time together is never Quite Enough.  We miss our Emma girl.  Poppa will see something when we are shopping and will say…”I bet Emma would really like that!”

 Miss you Darling Girl….your Poppa and Diva

Just think Emma...next time we all get together there will be  another baby girl Cousin.  You will have such a good time playing with Lyra and baby Lucy.  I can hardly wait to have some girl time together.   Your Diva