Cootie Catcher and Innocent Dog

Summer has moved up in karate.  She took an intro course to the next level and she passed, moving her on.  The kids were given a list of 'integrity tasks' they had to accomplish and those who checked all off on their lists were invited to a board-breaking special event at kick masters.  There, our petite little Summer did indeed break some boards.

She had her picture taken then, with Master Rando, and made him a special wall hanging with their picture on one of the board's that she broke, with a message of thanks from Summer, and presented it to him.  He loved it!

We had some real nice days last week and were able to enjoy walks with Gracie.

But then the cold came back.  I'm glad it's not so cold that our trees are not blooming.  They are looking lovely.

I hope everyone is staying well and virus free!!!  Have you ever seen anything like this before!?  Kinda scary.

Summer says,  No worries.  She was successful in creating a very well-made cootie catcher and I think it might work for viruses as well.  Fingers crossed.

Remember the rabbits from earlier this month and the baby bunny that our sweet, innocent dog threw from the nest?  Well, all bunnies from the nest died.  Sadly.  It wasn't Gracie tho,  we had her tied so she could not get to them.  I'm thinking it might have gotten too cold.

"I didn't do it!"

Summer

Thought you might could use a good dose of Summer right about now... 

Hang in there...  spring is next month!  

2019 A GRAND YEAR FILLED WITH GRAND-DOGS AND GRAND KIDS

My grand-dog Ginger is the sweetest!  

No, I really mean it!  

She is the sweetest, most well-behaved, most loving, most kindest dog 

I've ever known in my entire life!!

Gracie understands this and accepts my thoughts about Ginger.

Ellie, my other grand-dog understands this as well.  Her and Gracie have rallied together and professed that as long as I still feed and play with and care for and love them...  it's okay that I place Ginger on a pedestal.  They could never live up to her perfection and they know it!

Enough about the doggies.  Now, lets take a look at some of the grandkids.

To think that thirteen years ago they did not exist in my world - is almost unthinkable.  

What joy they have brought to my life!

Each personality is different.  

Of those pictured below,

One is sweet.  One is competitive.  One is creative.  

Can you match the description to the kid?  

KIDS AND DOGS

Kids...  

And Dogs...

The closest thing to heaven on this side of heaven...

Gracie agrees!

RECAP and WHEELS FOR GRACIE

Summer sped by so quickly, I barely saw it coming or going.  Autumn is in full swing here, though the temps have been very summer-like.  Tomorrow is supposed to cool, thankfully!

Some summer highlights:

Our little Jasper-Pie learned to ride a bike!

Rissi now wears glasses.  Sometimes.  Not always.  But doesn't she look beautiful?

Summer, who has been taking karate classes for the last couple of years, was one of two lucky "Little Dragon's" who had their name chosen to attend a seminar by Bill "Superfoot" Wallace.  Don't know who that is?  I didn't either.  

Here's some "Superfoot" trivia:   GO HERE to read about his life as Elvis Presley's bodyguard and personal trainer!    He had many accomplishments including A Force of One with Chuck Norris.  GO HERE if you are interested in finding out more.  

The opportunity to attend was awesome.  Summer's face says it all.  

 

Jake is killing it on the soccer field!  The boy has the moves and he sure can run!

Meanwhile, in NJ these two cuties (Grey and Si)  bless us through FaceTime video and pictures.  

It's been a good summer for us, and reflecting on it brings a smile.

 Dear Diary,

 Not such a great summer for myself, tho things are looking up now.   I hurt my knee pre-summer.  Yea.  Bummers-ville.  Six weeks later, we worked it through and I was good as new, jumping and running and well... you get the picture.  Dad and Mom went on vacation and I stayed and took care of my aunt Angie.  Yea.  It was great tho.  She spoiled me just a little.  Well. Okay, a lot.  Upon Mom and Dad's return, I was pretty excited,  So - I said to Dad, let's play!  And we did.  And I hurt my knee again.  I've never quite come back from that and I walk with a limp a lot.  I was jumping for a while but now I find it easier to just let Mom and Dad pick me up for bed or to put me on the couch.  Oh, and another thing.  I can't walk like I used to. I get tired.  It's depressing, this getting old thing.  Yea.  I turned 15 last month.  

Mom and Dad surprised me with my own wheels so we will see how that all goes.  So far, so good... but we haven't left the house yet.   

Keep your nose a smellin' the great smells of fall y'all and I'll keep ya informed as to how my new ride pans out.  Bye for now.  Gracie.

How Did I Live Without It?

Hello everyone!  I'm back for my weekly post (I've made Monday my day for bill paying and blog posting)  

It's looking like spring here and I am loving it!

This past week we celebrated 2 birthdays.  Grand-Angel #1 turned 12 and we had movie night and an extended version of Easter with an egg hunt for Grand-Angel #4 who could not be here on Easter.  Oh, and did I mention I turned 64 a day later?  Yah.

There's a lot of drama going on here - business related and other - but I wish to speak life into all and focus strictly on the good stuff.  And speaking of good stuff - look at these beautiful faces.  God's love is just bursting out all over!!!

My birthday gifts included some wonderful scented candles, a heart felt personal journal, getting my car detailed, visits from the above angels AND....

A shirt I don't know how I lived without!!

Checking In

Been busy with life with not much time for blogging.  But let's catch up a bit.

How was your Halloween?  Us old folk just kinda hung out at home and enjoyed the wee ones stopping by for some treats.  

The neighborhood was flooded with kids knocking on doors and begging candy.  So we thought we'd join in the fun.   What do you think?  Am I retirement-worthy yet?  LOL **See video below** 

                                          

Snow has come to our neck of the woods ...  early- much.  Not a fan.  But Gracie and I are here to report that we got 11 inches.  Boo!!

Dance rehearsal time ...  and Rissi was the star...

Gracie decided she wanted to be a rock star for Halloween.  She asked to sing her beloved Samson a song...

Where Are You, My Samson

Samson, I miss you.  Haven't seen your sweet face in so long,
That is why I made up this song.
California fires are raging and I think about you every day,
For you, your mom, and Faith - I continue to pray.

So Samson, be safe... I'll wait for your return,
You've been absent too long but patience I must learn.
I know you're alright...  you're my one and only
Come back to blogland soon - So I won't be so lonely..

Your Gracie

Next topic:  Our Karate kid.  She was happy to get her new belt...

And speaking of new...  the hubby got...  a new car.  Well, almost new.

Halloween lingered...  and a warewolf showed up at our house one night.

I smell Jake

My new neighbor gifted me a gift certificate to have my nails done.  We are so blessed to have such good neighbors.  So during Summer's sleepover with us, I took her along for her first manicure.  She was excited!

Sorry this was such a random post...  I wanted to get something on but didn't have much time to think about it so this is what you get!

I am very anxious to slow down after Thanksgiving and start visiting blogs again...    Missed you all.

Meet The Trio

Meet Jake.  Jake is outgoing, friendly, kind, considerate, compassionate, well-loved, and a great soccer player.  Little things mean a lot to him, like the simple watch I got him when we went school clothes shopping (which he raves about) (though he forgot and left it at his pap's first day of school).  Anyway, you get the picture.

Meet the trio.  Marissa - entering middle school this year.  Jake, 5th grade.  Summer, 1st grade.  Report at days end was good news.  They all loved school this year!

Summer was so excited to wear her new school clothes and carry her new lunch container and she couldn't wait to see all her friends.  Just look at that smile!

Marissa is a beautiful, sensitive and quiet young lady and was super-nervous about going to a new school this year!  The good news - her new school is the school Jake has been attending all along.  He took her under his wing and made the day especially easy for her... even introducing her to his friends.   He is a sweet, sweet boy!!  

And I am a very blessed Grammy!

In The Summertime

In the summertime when the weather is hot

You can stretch right up and touch the sky

When the weather's fine, you got swimming you got swimming on your mind

Have a drink (of water) have a drive
Go out and see what you can find

If you're face is cute find a mirror that's fit

If you're in PopPop's lap take a picture of it

Eat the crabs and the shrimp and the pizza and fries
Don't forget them when you dine

We're all glad people
We're having fun last day
of vaycay before school starts.... tomorrow!!!

Oh When the weather's fine..  we got swimming
We got swimming on our mind...
 
Luck, blessings and especially prayers over all back-to-school kiddies heading out tomorrow!!

In the meantime, Have a drink have a drive
Go out and see what you can find...

Don't blink!  Before you know it the song will be SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!