Our princess today...so sweet, so smart, so tenderhearted. We do love her so. 

Such a loving big sister  

Riding on the shoulders of my knight and protector. (2 years). 

This was the beginning of grandparenthood and what a precious privilege it has been. She stole our hearts on this visit when she was three weeks old and she's had them ever since! 

Today is a special day

I know not everyone celebrates this day, but today is "We Became Grandparents Day" (better known as Delaney's birthday).

I could not imagine a more precious thing than being a parent, until grandparenthood came along. All the wonder and awe, without the responsibility! All the hugs and kisses, without the doctor bills. All the privileges, without the planning.

We now have three beautiful princesses, the oldest turning five years old today. She is a love!

Looking forward to your birthday party, Miss Delaney!

Love,
Nana and D-Daddy

For the mothers

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. People generally think that Mother's Day is a day to celebrate us - it is but more as well. It is our day to celebrate the privilege of becoming a mother. To do your best (even though it may not be good enough) and then see that effort in the form of your children becoming adults.

On this Mother's Day, I celebrate the son who became the Navy SEAL...I admit, I never thought my "little boy" could do that sort of stuff; how proud we are of him. Even more so, a source of pride is the father and husband he has become. I know he has had much guidance and training from Angie, but he has learned his lessons well. He is a good daddy, and his daughters love him. What is it Angie calls it, he's just a "stand up sort of guy". He jumps in there and does what needs to be done.

I celebrate the daughter who has just now taken that last final of law school. There were times I didn't know if she could do it, either. I know I could not have. She has amazed me with her intelligence and perserverance. She has definitely risen to the occasion when the going got tough.

And then I celebrate the baby who just had a baby. She has awed me with her strength of character and acceptance of these trying times. She and Marcus lean on each other and find strength in each other and their faith, and I am so proud of them. They will be wonderful parents for Hannah.

One thing I did not expect from motherhood was the surprise that I would feel when I saw my children take charge of their lives...not that I didn't expect them to do it, but they have done it with such maturity and grace and perserverance and love for each other and their family. I am really proud of the people they have become, and I know I didn't do that...somewhere along the way, they found the answers themselves. They've done good! I wish my mother and Dean's dad could witness their journey; they would have been very proud as well.

We are getting a wall!

Met with a contractor today at the lake. We are finally in the process of getting the retaining wall built. He promises to be there within two weeks. I am so glad that he will take care of it rather than Dean and Ryan and Marcus having to deal with it. Maybe by Thanksgiving we will really have a place to go to!

Laney Bug, I cannot believe you are about to be FIVE YEARS OLD! This seems like just yesterday. 

Finally, Jennifer and Marcus are able to hold Hannah often. Who knows? ... maybe Nana and D-Daddy might get a chance soon! 

This is our newest princess. Miss Hannah weighs in at 3 lbs. 7 ozs. Keep them in your prayers, food is not agreeing with her. She is so little to have all those tubes. 

Being a grandmother

You know, I looked forward to being a grandmother for a lot of years, and, don't get me wrong, it's great! You love them and play with them and then get to rest for a while. But what I didn't realize about the grandmother thing was that you still get the worrying that you had with your own kids. I worry about all the same things...are they happy, will they do well in school, will they have friends, about sickness and danger and people taking advantage of them. When you get to see those precious children, though, it makes it all worth it...you don't even remember the concerns!

Hannah is not eating again and not digesting her food. I know Jennifer and Marcus are frustrated and concerned. They want their family complete and at home. Those of you out there that love them, keep praying for them and call them when you get the chance. They need our support.

Like Jennifer said, "If I just knew what the future holds..." That's so true for all of us. What lies around the corner ahead? What a price we pay for the joy of loving! Wouldn't want to live without it.

Our Road Trip to Natchez

Time with good friends makes life so nice! We traveled to Natchez by way of Vicksburg and the Natchez Trace. We packed for the rain and 78 degree weather that the weatherman promised. We had clouds, no rain, 50 degrees, and 25 mph winds. We thought the winds would blow us off the road...and may I say, it was cold riding the motorcycles!

But the Briars Inn was beautiful and restful and a good time was had by all! Got home late Sunday afternoon and are already looking forward to the next Harley trip!

This is the traveling crew, Bailey, Diane, Dean, Linda, Peggy and Bill. We did have fun, despite the weather. 

The sunset to the west was just as pretty, but the wind was oh-so-cool for a late April evening! 

The view from Briars Walk was really spectacular. This is the highest point between St. Louis and New Orleans. 

On the road again ... Nana and her Harley Dude!