It seems to be that Mother's Day is not so much a time to be thanked for being a mother, but rather a time to give thanks for children and grandchildren... and now, GREAT grandchildren. I am so blessed in so many ways for wonderful children, and I am indeed most thankful.
My birth daughters are so wonderful! How could any mother ask for more than these two daughters and mothers have given me? They have been spiritual providers, educators, sports enthusiasts, artistic consultants, gourmet and healthful culinary professionals, musical supporters, thoughtful listeners, guidance counselors, and first aid providers to their children, as well as being thoughtful, talented, and loving daughters! They have nurtured and nursed, lectured and listened, and given and guided far beyond what I had the capacity to give them as they were growing. I only wish I had had such examples when I was helping them grow up! They and their children are such a joy in these, my later, years!
I must say that I also delight in my "sons," whom I have inherited through my sweetie, HW1! I could not have had any sons who were any more considerate, thoughtful, loving, and delightful than the three wonderful men I received when we married, and our special Albuquerque daughter-in-law! In addition, I have the two wonderful sons-in-law our daughters were fortunate enough to marry, and I think of them as sons, as well.
And then there are the grands, all thirteen of them! From Ashley, the oldest, who gave us our first great grandchild Harper last April, to Christian, the youngest, they are absolutely delightful! They are all different from each other, even the ones in the same family, and that only makes them more special and more dear, each in his or her own way!
And so I believe that Mother's Day is a time to count my many blessings! As I count it, we have nine children, thirteen grands, and one great-grand! That is just 23 times more reason to be happy on Mother's Day! BUT WAIT! There is just one more! On top of all of those blessings, I am married to the most wonderful man in the world and the best father ever! How could I not celebrate this day with a smile? Happy Mother's Day to all of you, too!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Multitude of Blessings
Some days I forget to say a huge thank you for all of the blessings we have. So this is just to say an all-inclusive big thanks to everyone and for everything! Throughout this process of detecting problems and deciding what to do, we have been abundantly blessed by support from friends far and wide, as well as nearby, and by members of our family. We are truly grateful for all of you and for your prayers and well wishes. Everyone has been so supportive, which is a big help! Thank you for the emails, cards, and phone calls! All of it helps so much!
We are so blessed to have supportive friends and family across the country, but we are are also doubly blessed to have tremendous support and love right here in Kerrville, particularly here within the "park," as we refer to this resort. Our friends here are people we regularly work with, those who come in to the Saloon on weekends, those who sometimes work here, as well as our friends from church. We cannot say enough about our support group here at GRRVR (Guadalupe River RV Resort). They are willing to help in any way, which also includes just letting us live normal lives, but are also willing to help us if we need time off or assistance. We could not ask for more support or better friends. Plus, we also have a heck of a lot of fun together, and we could not ask for better cooking for the frequent pot lucks and barbecues! We are most thankful to have found this great place to work and live, right here in the Hill Country, which we have so grown to love and enjoy.
And so, I just want to say a huge thank you to all of you who have helped! We appreciate and love you!
We are so blessed to have supportive friends and family across the country, but we are are also doubly blessed to have tremendous support and love right here in Kerrville, particularly here within the "park," as we refer to this resort. Our friends here are people we regularly work with, those who come in to the Saloon on weekends, those who sometimes work here, as well as our friends from church. We cannot say enough about our support group here at GRRVR (Guadalupe River RV Resort). They are willing to help in any way, which also includes just letting us live normal lives, but are also willing to help us if we need time off or assistance. We could not ask for more support or better friends. Plus, we also have a heck of a lot of fun together, and we could not ask for better cooking for the frequent pot lucks and barbecues! We are most thankful to have found this great place to work and live, right here in the Hill Country, which we have so grown to love and enjoy.
And so, I just want to say a huge thank you to all of you who have helped! We appreciate and love you!
The Hill Country in Bloom
Close your eyes and imagine a lush carpeting in brilliant shades of green with an interwoven tapestry of every vivid color imaginable in purples, lavenders, fuchsias, pinks, scarlets, crimsons, corals, indigos, periwinkles, yellow, golds, cream, and whites, with beautiful leafing and blooming trees, all set against the bluest of skies! That kaleidoscope of color would be just close to what we saw today around the Texas Hill Country.
It was some of the most awe-inspiring scenery we have ever seen! Around every bend and over every hill, each new vista was breathtaking, a magnificent natural wonder and feast for the eyes and soul. Anyone who ever doubted God's ability to create such loveliness would have all doubts removed when viewing all of this incredible panorama! Words cannot adequately describe it, and our feeble attempts to capture on camera don't begin to do those colors justice. We can only say that we wish each one of you could have been with us on today's glorious field trip! Surely, this has to be one of the country's most beautiful landscapes!
Then, on top of all of that, the strawberries we bought from a roadside stand in Poteet, just beginning the Strawberry Festival this weekend, were absolutely the largest and among the most delicious we have ever tasted! Yummy! We are taking a huge bowl of them over to the Saloon for a Chicken Spaghetti dinner feast tonight so that everyone who was working today can share them, too. We love spring in the Hill Country!
It was some of the most awe-inspiring scenery we have ever seen! Around every bend and over every hill, each new vista was breathtaking, a magnificent natural wonder and feast for the eyes and soul. Anyone who ever doubted God's ability to create such loveliness would have all doubts removed when viewing all of this incredible panorama! Words cannot adequately describe it, and our feeble attempts to capture on camera don't begin to do those colors justice. We can only say that we wish each one of you could have been with us on today's glorious field trip! Surely, this has to be one of the country's most beautiful landscapes!
Then, on top of all of that, the strawberries we bought from a roadside stand in Poteet, just beginning the Strawberry Festival this weekend, were absolutely the largest and among the most delicious we have ever tasted! Yummy! We are taking a huge bowl of them over to the Saloon for a Chicken Spaghetti dinner feast tonight so that everyone who was working today can share them, too. We love spring in the Hill Country!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Julie and Ron
It is almost impossible to describe how delightful a couple our friends Julie and Ron are. Imagine a perfect birthday party and add your favorite 
meal for the party, then add your favorite ice cream and cake, and then add your favorite entertainment group to delight a whole group of people, with everything all decorated and sparkling ! If you put that combination altogether, you might only come close to describing the combination of Julie and Ron and the fun we have together. It all happened by accident last year when Ron and Julie were guests in the park, and we were not yet working. We just started hanging out together on Friday nights in the Saloon, just talking, laughing, and having fun. Julie and I exchanged emails and kept on being in 
touch all through the summer, and I just couldn't wait until they arrived back in Kerrville this past fall. THEN 1HW and Ron became friends, as well, and we have been having the the most wonderful of times together, and we do include buddy Byron in the mix. It is almost impossible to describe all of the fun we have had this past fall (Ron and Julie went back to Minnesota in December, then arrived back in January, and have now decided to stay until April... YEAH) and now this winter. We have gone all over so many places in the area (as 1HW's blog tells), had so many numerous dinners together, and have shared so many campfires, laughs, and fun.
Tonight Ron and Julie made an extremely wonderful Italian dinner, which would make Tyler Florence dr
uel and eat out his cooking tools and Chianti over! Ron found a fabulous Chicken Marsala recipe from the Olive Garden, which he and Julie served with Tuscan Romano Soup, Italian Salad, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Garlic Breadsticks (just like the Olive Garden menu). They even had a chocolate/mint dessert, for which we had little room! We peons provided only the wines (Chianti, Pino Grigio
, and Muscato) and hungry company, and I must say every bite was thoroughly enjoyed! What a treat! Ron and Julie provided an extraordinary meal, and we ( and Byron) thoroughly enjoyed very bite! And, as usual, we all laughed through through the entire dinner over so many things!
How extraordinary that we have all met, come together, and have formed such fun, valued-related, comfortable, special, and lasting friendships! Thanks, Ron and Julie! We love you you two!
meal for the party, then add your favorite ice cream and cake, and then add your favorite entertainment group to delight a whole group of people, with everything all decorated and sparkling ! If you put that combination altogether, you might only come close to describing the combination of Julie and Ron and the fun we have together. It all happened by accident last year when Ron and Julie were guests in the park, and we were not yet working. We just started hanging out together on Friday nights in the Saloon, just talking, laughing, and having fun. Julie and I exchanged emails and kept on being in 
touch all through the summer, and I just couldn't wait until they arrived back in Kerrville this past fall. THEN 1HW and Ron became friends, as well, and we have been having the the most wonderful of times together, and we do include buddy Byron in the mix. It is almost impossible to describe all of the fun we have had this past fall (Ron and Julie went back to Minnesota in December, then arrived back in January, and have now decided to stay until April... YEAH) and now this winter. We have gone all over so many places in the area (as 1HW's blog tells), had so many numerous dinners together, and have shared so many campfires, laughs, and fun. Tonight Ron and Julie made an extremely wonderful Italian dinner, which would make Tyler Florence dr
uel and eat out his cooking tools and Chianti over! Ron found a fabulous Chicken Marsala recipe from the Olive Garden, which he and Julie served with Tuscan Romano Soup, Italian Salad, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Garlic Breadsticks (just like the Olive Garden menu). They even had a chocolate/mint dessert, for which we had little room! We peons provided only the wines (Chianti, Pino Grigio
, and Muscato) and hungry company, and I must say every bite was thoroughly enjoyed! What a treat! Ron and Julie provided an extraordinary meal, and we ( and Byron) thoroughly enjoyed very bite! And, as usual, we all laughed through through the entire dinner over so many things!How extraordinary that we have all met, come together, and have formed such fun, valued-related, comfortable, special, and lasting friendships! Thanks, Ron and Julie! We love you you two!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Susie and Al
Without question, I have one of the dearest sisters in the world! She is pretty, intelligent, talented, loving, kind, and incredibly funny! For years, as kids, we only did things together when there was a family occasion, as she is six years younger than I. But about the time she was in college, and I was pregnant with daughter #1, Susie traveled to Washington, D.C. over spring break for a visit. That was a beautiful spring with the cherry blossoms in bloom.... behind the armed guards with bayonets and guns, standing arms' lengths apart, positioned all around the city. It was the spring of 1968, when literally all hell broke loose, not only in D.C., but in Detroit and many other cities. I can vividly remember the awful spectacle of the monuments lit up by the glow of flames and fires. It was frightening. And yet, we managed to see the areas and enjoy the visit because of the beautiful flowers of spring, and we laughed so much. If you mention my wearing panty hose when I was pregnant, she will probably break into gales of laughter. That began our real sisterhood of friendship and love.
We have weathered so much together, as do most sisters. We went through divorces, the death of parents and grandparents, and other family difficulties, all of which have brought us closer together. And so, as any time I am able to spend with her is precious, we were so happy to hear that she and her husband Al were planning to visit Kerrville this week. Even though we had to work on the days they were here, we still had a wonderful visit with them and their friends Steve and Jan from California. The only sad parts were that I forgot to take pictures and that they needed to leave too soon!
Even better, we will be able to see more of them this summer in Albuquerque and Durango, as they have homes in both places! That is terrific! More laughs, more shared time together with both of them makes me smile! Thank you Susie, for being a simply wonderful sister and friend! We both love you two (to the moon and back)!
We have weathered so much together, as do most sisters. We went through divorces, the death of parents and grandparents, and other family difficulties, all of which have brought us closer together. And so, as any time I am able to spend with her is precious, we were so happy to hear that she and her husband Al were planning to visit Kerrville this week. Even though we had to work on the days they were here, we still had a wonderful visit with them and their friends Steve and Jan from California. The only sad parts were that I forgot to take pictures and that they needed to leave too soon!
Even better, we will be able to see more of them this summer in Albuquerque and Durango, as they have homes in both places! That is terrific! More laughs, more shared time together with both of them makes me smile! Thank you Susie, for being a simply wonderful sister and friend! We both love you two (to the moon and back)!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Olympics Getting Personal
It used to be every four years, but now it is every two years, on alternating years, to be able to watch the Summer and Winter Olympics. This year, even as before, we have been enjoying watching these sporting events and cheering for each sport, although I tend to cheer more for ice skating and 1HW more for snow boarding, with both of fascinated by the skiing. It has proved to be even more fun this year with so many Americans winning medals and doing well. What fun to cheer these beautiful and talented youngsters on! The best part is that they seem to be thoughtful and humble, as well as talented and successful.
Tonight, while watching, something else caught my attention in a commercial in between the events. It showed so many things happening with parents cheering the kids on, which was absolutely lovely. And then at the end of the commercial, the caption in the middle of the screen read, "Thank you, Mom." This really hit home with me.
Like many other hundreds of thousands of mothers, I car-pooled and drove kids to so many places; took kids to see fun events (Balloon Fiesta, for example); attended meetings, meets, games, and competitions; found clothes for them for special events; worried over how events would turn out; tried to welcome kids over; and tried to make our house a welcome home where they and their friends would feel welcome, even until today! This is nothing unusual or spectacular worth noting. That is what moms and families are expected to do, isn't it, regardless of how old the kids are.
But at the end of the commercial, the big caption read, "Thank you, Mom." Sometimes kids don't realize what parents are doing in the altogether. I know that I didn't! One of my biggest regrets in life is that I never had the chance to tell my mother a big, huge, loving thank you for all she did for me, and I would give anything to have just one little moment to tell her thank you not only for all she did for me, but also for the fun times we shared. I keep hoping that she is feeling what is in my heart and mind, but I so regret that I didn't realize that her time would be cut so short, that I would never have that chance to tell her all of the things I wanted to, and just to give her a big hug to tell her thank you and how much I have always loved and appreciated her. But then, it seems to me that quite often most of us seldom realize that we do not have enough time in our lives to appreciate those who are dear to us while they are close to us. And then, we are not able to tell them that and enjoy their company because they are gone. I guess that is why 1HW and I try to enjoy our families and our lives together as much as we can and as much as they will allow us to. Life is fragile and frequently all too short, so it is so important to live each day to the fullest and to love those around us as much as possible.
And so once again, I say, "Thank you, Mom, I love you!" I hope our children and grands can remember us and feel the same. None of us mothers are perfect. We try hard, we make some good decisions, and we make some huge mistakes. But almost always, we have our children's best interests at heart, and we love them all. And so, in spite of all of the mistakes, for the times when some children have returned the thoughts and have said to me, "Thank you, Mom, I love you!" I cherish the thoughts and the words. Thank you, Dears! I love you, too!
Tonight, while watching, something else caught my attention in a commercial in between the events. It showed so many things happening with parents cheering the kids on, which was absolutely lovely. And then at the end of the commercial, the caption in the middle of the screen read, "Thank you, Mom." This really hit home with me.
Like many other hundreds of thousands of mothers, I car-pooled and drove kids to so many places; took kids to see fun events (Balloon Fiesta, for example); attended meetings, meets, games, and competitions; found clothes for them for special events; worried over how events would turn out; tried to welcome kids over; and tried to make our house a welcome home where they and their friends would feel welcome, even until today! This is nothing unusual or spectacular worth noting. That is what moms and families are expected to do, isn't it, regardless of how old the kids are.
But at the end of the commercial, the big caption read, "Thank you, Mom." Sometimes kids don't realize what parents are doing in the altogether. I know that I didn't! One of my biggest regrets in life is that I never had the chance to tell my mother a big, huge, loving thank you for all she did for me, and I would give anything to have just one little moment to tell her thank you not only for all she did for me, but also for the fun times we shared. I keep hoping that she is feeling what is in my heart and mind, but I so regret that I didn't realize that her time would be cut so short, that I would never have that chance to tell her all of the things I wanted to, and just to give her a big hug to tell her thank you and how much I have always loved and appreciated her. But then, it seems to me that quite often most of us seldom realize that we do not have enough time in our lives to appreciate those who are dear to us while they are close to us. And then, we are not able to tell them that and enjoy their company because they are gone. I guess that is why 1HW and I try to enjoy our families and our lives together as much as we can and as much as they will allow us to. Life is fragile and frequently all too short, so it is so important to live each day to the fullest and to love those around us as much as possible.
And so once again, I say, "Thank you, Mom, I love you!" I hope our children and grands can remember us and feel the same. None of us mothers are perfect. We try hard, we make some good decisions, and we make some huge mistakes. But almost always, we have our children's best interests at heart, and we love them all. And so, in spite of all of the mistakes, for the times when some children have returned the thoughts and have said to me, "Thank you, Mom, I love you!" I cherish the thoughts and the words. Thank you, Dears! I love you, too!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
My Sweetie!
I am married to the absolutely most thoughtful and loving man on the earth! I a
m so sure of it! Not only does he cook, clean up, and do many other thoughtful things, he is my best friend, my constant companion, the person who always listens to me, comforts me, supports me, and makes me laugh (hard, too)! He is loving and cheerful, fun to be around, and we have never had a reason in 20 years to have a fight. There is just too much love for that! And on top of all of that, he spoils me tremendously! Yesterday he took me to one of my favorite places, James Avery's jewelry shop, where it was founded here in Kerrville, and bought me a beautiful silver spring butterfly! It is absolutely lovely! Then today, he came home with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I have ever seen, along with a sweet and lovely glass plaque about love! What a wonderful surprise! How do I love him? I could never even compute the ways! Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetie! Love you to the moon and back, always and forever!
m so sure of it! Not only does he cook, clean up, and do many other thoughtful things, he is my best friend, my constant companion, the person who always listens to me, comforts me, supports me, and makes me laugh (hard, too)! He is loving and cheerful, fun to be around, and we have never had a reason in 20 years to have a fight. There is just too much love for that! And on top of all of that, he spoils me tremendously! Yesterday he took me to one of my favorite places, James Avery's jewelry shop, where it was founded here in Kerrville, and bought me a beautiful silver spring butterfly! It is absolutely lovely! Then today, he came home with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I have ever seen, along with a sweet and lovely glass plaque about love! What a wonderful surprise! How do I love him? I could never even compute the ways! Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetie! Love you to the moon and back, always and forever!
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