Pick me...

He announced, "our precious Rose is going to have another child." As soon as the words were out there was a scurry of little feet and a million hands in the air. "Pick me, pick me!" The excitement was palpable.

In spite of all the lovely little children vying for His attention, He looked straight at me and said, "I'm going to send you. She will love you unconditionally and teach you every single thing you will need to know. You have been blessed."

My heart stood still for suddenly every wish I'd ever had was coming true. My Rose, my Mother, my everything. Each thing I learned about her was so facinating. She loved me. she taught me. She put up with most of my nonsense. She set the most beautiful example of all that is good in this world. She smelled good.

Yes, I have been blessed. Blessed a million times over!

Happy 90th Birthday, Mom!

Today my precious Mother turns 90! Can you even imagine? She was born on July 7, 1919 in Byron, WY. She was born in her parent's bed in a small log home. Only a few days before her birth her Father cut an opening in the log wall of the bedroom to insert a window. She was told that it was a very hot summer and her parents thought she might be born on July 4th. Instead it was 7/7/19 - it was on a Monday on the 188th day of that year.

She is a beautiful and classy lady. She still lives in her own lovely home and keeps very, very busy! She has a zest and positive view of life and the world around her. Most folks who know her can't believe that she's beginning her nintieth year because she looks so much younger than that. This is a woman who is always a lady... always! She is a class act in every sense of the word and always gives of herself 100%.

We're having a family party for her on Saturday, and I will post some pix of the shin-dig soon.

Wishing you the happiest and best day ever, Mom. May you always feel the love that surrounds you each and every day. You are the best example of where life can take us. You give your love to us all so unconditionally - you are our everything!

Always there...

Today I needed my Mother. I needed to talk. She was there for me like she always is. She listens to me quietly, asks questions here and there, confirms that she understands what I'm trying to say, and gives her advise when asked. She understands me, how I feel, and why I feel the way I do. She's empathetic, lovingly kind, unconditionally my everything. She has the ability to validate things for me. The things I'm feeling always seem justified after I've talked them over with her. No, I'm not obsessed. No, I'm not crazy. Yes, I am concerned. Yes, I care.
Thanks for always being there for me, Mom. You make me feel loved. Always... ♥

XXXVII - 37 - Thirty-seven

Who'da thunk that Biker Dude and I would be together for all these 37 years? We started out with a couple big hills to climb, but climb them we did. We did it together. It's been a great adventure with so many learning experiences along the way. We've had our share of good and bad, ups and downs, poor and poorer - but we've lived through it and have been rewarded for all that hard work.

I love and respect you for all you are and all you have become over the years. We started out as a couple of kids with so much to learn and so much to gain all at the same time. I think of all that you went through as a 19 year old boy in 1972. You got married, had a baby, graduated from high school, and went into the Army all in a matter of months -- had to grow up fast, huh? In my opinion, you did it in style!

You are my soul mate. My best friend. The best father and grand-father ever. I am so very blessed and it is because of you.

I whine - you listen.
I cry - you listen.
I bitch - you listen.
I ask - you give.
I need - you give.
I'm sad - you listen and give more.

You are my everything. I owe you.

No more payments -- it's MINE!!!

Exciting stuff! Payed off the 'stang! It's mine now, free and clear. You know how it feels to have no more car payments? GREAT! I am so 'cited that I can't even believe it! We did it in three years because Biker Dude was generous enough to add his former truck payment to mine after his truck was paid off. Yes, he loves me that much!

Welcome to Kaylen Rose!

Kaylen Rose was born on Friday, October 17th at 1:43pm weighing in at 7.1 pounds and 18.25 inches long. She's a keeper with tons of dark brown hair and a precious mellow little disposition. I've said she smells like angel wings and is so sweet that we could eat her with a spoon (figuratively). She eats, sleeps, and poops like a pro and we love her dearly! She's our fifth grandchild and second grand-daughter. Oh, life is good.

It's really a strange dynamic to watch your children become parents. To have sons become fathers and see a daughter to become a mother is so wonderful. It's equally interesting to see my baby with his baby - man do I feel old! Trevor the father of a daughter, Trisha the mother of two sons, Trent the father of "one of each" -- my deepest wish is that I did no more harm to any of you other than to scar you for life when it came to meatloaf. These precious grandchildren are the dearest gift of all. Thank you for sharing them with Dad and I - our hearts are full.