You left this world 18 years ago today. It was our first snow of the year and it was a decent snow! Corey was in Montana, Jenni lived in Georgia but was out of that state on business. Phone calls were made, plane reservations were made and cars were loaded up. I met my big brother John for the first time – he and his wife flew in to meet us and say good bye to you. Bill and his bride of many years also came to the services. In your death we have found each other – I know you rest in peace knowing this! We miss you often and wish you could share in our wonderful lives. Since you left the family has multiplied! You have birth to 6 children, your eldest, David left us while you were still here. How hard that must’ve been for you! It was hard for us – I can’t imagine losing a child at any age!
You had a tough life and were not able to watch the middle 3 of your children grow into very fine people. I love these siblings dearly and appreciate them every day! Your leaving has brought all of us together – so for that we are all grateful. Jenni and I are able to enjoy our big brothers and our beautiful sister! The 6 kids you gave life to – gave life to a total of 17 grandchildren. I love every one of these nieces and nephews and have met all but one! I am privileged to be invited to and attend their weddings. They include me in the day to day happenings of their families. I love being an aunt! 18 years ago when you left us the internet was just coming on the scene in homes – you would’ve loved it! To be able to watch these young adults and their families grow up is an honor!
Your 17 grandchildren have brought at least 30 great-grandchildren (with another one on the way in August).
Here are a few quick moments in our lives … I have 1000’s of photos and they all make me smile!
Lorna’s Legacy!
Me and Jenni – just a short time ago! Once upon a time in a land far far away!
Christmas 1999 we all got together! A first but not a last!Bill and a new grandson – Penny’s youngest!A couple more of Bill’s beautiful grandchildren. When they were little!Remember the infant you witnessed taking his first breath? He was married almost 10 years ago, he is also a father – which means I am a grandma!
Family time during Andy’s wedding! Aunt Dee and Jenni’s 2nd grandchild.In Houston for Andy’s wedding. Uncle John meets Jenni’s first grandchild!Jenni – we were finishing the wedding quilt for Andy!David’s kiddos – Jason and Betty celebrating Jason graduating. Along with Jason’s daughter. May 2011
The following photos are from Jamaica 2008
2008 Brittney got married in Jamaica – Here are 4 of Lorna’s kids with their fabulous spouses!Jenni is happy and Phil is the guy that keeps her happy!Jenni and Shan!Jenni and Brittney (before selfies – you had to have someone take your picture!)Jenni’s 3 youngest (I am going to pay for posting this!)Jenni and big brother!Me and big brother!Jenni and the brothers. Corey in the front – you remember his sense of humor don’t you?!
Kylene’s Wedding – October 2011
John’s daughter with her niece (one of John’s grandkids!)Bill being a granddad – nothing better than a sleeping grandchild to snuggle with!Bill’s daughter and her son!A close up of those eyes and smile!John’s granddaughter steals the show at Auntie’s wedding!John’s oldest – with his 2 girls (and now he has a son!)Missing Jenni – she was grounded from flying 🙁
Various photos…….
This little guy was born on Christmas day a couple of years ago – doesn’t he look just like his momma!Jenni’s and my grandkiddos go eye to eye!Our little one made it to 10 years old and boy did we celebrate!This one may be the younger sister but she is the bigger sister in all the ways she helps her little-big sister!Jenni’s oldest grandchild is an amazing inspiration to us all. Here she and her younger brother play together.These are a few of your goofy great-grandkids celebrating at Camp DeeDee in 2012One of Jenni’s grandchildren – he was just accepted to Georgia’s Target program for gifted children. This photo he is in a mock shuttle at NASA. Maybe he will be an astronaut!My first niece (that I knew!) and my first grandchild! in 2007I turned 50 this year – I remember your 50th birthday – I was 9 and planned a party for your half century! (too bad this is a horrible photo of Corey – but the rest of us look pretty good!)
My first blog post was a letter written to my son from my mom – to visit click here.
Missing you Mom! But I know you are never far…..
Dee
PS – thanks for queuing the parade at Disney World to start just as we entered the Magic Kingdom! I so wish you had been there (but you were!)
Last year I started a summer camp for my grandkids with their cousins that live in another state. This year the cousins were not able to attend so we invited a friend’s kiddos.
Day 1 we used the afternoon to let the kiddos get to know each other ~
A little bit of sustenance for our campers – notice no red licorice or smores ingredients – I had to make another trip to the store!Watching a Lego Movie!A little bit of girl time bonding!A little bit of girl time bonding!
then we headed out to a Skeeter’s Game. This was our first visit to this ballpark. We chose the “lawn” because it is near the playground. I was extremely impressed with the ballpark and especially the playground. The staff working the playground were very attentive, if children were not obeying the rules, they were not just told to “stop” they were pulled aside and it was explained why the rule was important. The staff also took the time to show the children how to use the equipment properly. Little Toot was so proud of herself after she did the “ropes” course all by herself! Next time we will be bringing the swimsuits, as the splash pad is pretty awesome also. The lawn seats are right above the bullpen so the kids were able to watch the players warm up as well. Players and coaches are encouraged to give out autographs and the kiddos thought that was pretty cool!
Round and Round the saucer goes!A little push from mom!Stretch!Great climbing!Had to ride the alligator!Trying to get an autograph from Skeeter – by the time she would make it all the way down to the field he would’ve moved on!As we were leaving she was able to snag an autograph from Skeeter!
Day 2 involved a little bit of tie dye activities – A big thank you to the older sister of our guests for making all the kids pants to tie-dye! Each kiddo was able to dye a shirt, pants and pillowcase!
The Tie Dye ShirtLook how cute these pants turned out!
Day 3 was just the grands, we headed to “Luling, TX” for the Big Watermelon Thump. Now a smart grandma would’ve checked the weather to know that the heat would be close to unbearable (111). We had fun anyway with lots of cool downs. Little Toot participated in her first watermelon eating contest – I thought I had my record button on, but it wasn’t so I will just have to tell you – it was really fun to watch! Both kids enjoyed the Magic Show and little toot was even chosen as a volunteer! A couple of removable tattoos were added to the children and then we headed to lunch at Blakes! Luling is known far and wide for their BBQ, but we enjoy Blakes!
Oh yeah – when you are Luling at the watermelon thump – you must bring home a watermelon!
Day 4 was spent at home, we worked on a painting project but realized it was going to take a while to paint enough popsicle sticks for our project and headed out to ride bikes and swim instead, then we had BBQ chicken, hotdogs and smores!
Where there is a will there is a way – eating red licorice while painting is a tricky deal!Step 1 – taste itStep 2 – get that extra chocolateStep 3 – stretch the marshmallowStep 4 – pose for the camera!I am not sticky!MmmmmmmStep 1 – Taste it!Step 2 – Stretch it!Giggles!Hey who took a bit out of my Smore?
Days 5 & 6 were enjoyed with the kiddos new friends, we made pizzas, suncatchers, played video games, watched a movie, played “Angry Birds” (not the electronic version) and found a new favorite game for children and adults to play together “Left, Center, Right”. And of course lots and lots of swimming! Oh and we also had some water balloon games and lots of fun with bubbles! Have you ever made bubble snakes with a water bottle and a sock?
Sun Catchers!Another one bites the dust!On a wing and a prayer this one gets caught!Nice Catch!
I will get it!Whoops that one just popped!Great Catch!Daddy is a baseball coach – don’t show him this picture!See that cooler in the background! That is where all the balloons were!Launch!Pencil Jump to keep the splash at a minimum while the camera is out!Splash!Little frog eyesLove this picture!
We also built a fort! Thanks to our Camp Counselor Samantha for the great walls and roof!
The fort!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Cherished quiet times – before bedtime!Could only get one of him – he didn’t like the flash!Getting ready to sleep in the fort!Looks pretty comfy to me!
Day 7 we picked up donuts and then got the car inspected while we munched, then off to the carwash! Once we got home the last of the laundry was finished up and momma was there to pick up her kiddos! They had to show her some of their projects and teach her how to play LCR! Another new game we played was the word game “hangman” momma was pretty impressed with how well little toot could play this game!
Momma was also able to play while the kiddos were away, dinner with dad, then celebrating a friends 30th birthday, she also participated in the “Electric Run” and had a girlfriend day that included lunch in Galveston and other fun without kiddos!
Today Mr. B came to visit while momma helped out a friend. I was working on my “Crackers” (Crackers is a new pattern by Quiltworx.com) quilt and had chosen a quilting design I thought he could help with. After momma left I asked Mr. B if he would like to quilt and he said “sure”. Then he saw that I meant the BIG machine and he was very excited. As I explained the rules he was all “Yes, Ma’am” to every rule – he knew this was a very big deal!
Trying to get the hang of it!Taking extra care guiding the big machineConcentration!
We did a little bit together so he could get the feel of it and I could coach him on speed and then he was able to “quilt” all by himself. I need to remember to add his name to the label!
Look I did that!Yes the needle was actually going up and down while I took pictures!Don’t tell daddy, but I think Mr. B might like thisIn the groove!
He was pretty proud of himself, this lasted about 3 passes and then he was off to play cars, then on to the computer for a little pbskids and some starfall. We also snuck in a game of backgammon, he has only played once before but he remembered part of the setup and he is learning a little bit more each time we play.
For lunch he wanted to make bean and cheese burritos and then have ice cream. After we ate our burritos we headed out to pick some fresh strawberries and blueberries to go with our ice cream.
Now he is coloring and momma is on her way – what a fun diversion for my day.
Tomorrow Little Toot and I will be making gifts for her teachers!
A few years back in a galaxy far far away I took my husband to Disney World for his 50th Birthday. We had so much fun that we called our son and his wife and requested grandchildren so we could bring them with us next time. Well they fulfilled the request and we scheduled the trip!
Now scheduling a trip like this can be tricky, you don’t want to go when it is too crowded, but you also want it to be spring when all the flowers are in bloom etc. You also need to take into consideration various work schedules, school schedules and GRADUATIONS! (see how I am able to sneak this big congratulations in!)
Kat has worked so hard and we are very proud of her!
We all agreed that we wouldn’t tell the kids until we were in route – momma decided while we were waiting for the plane would be the best time. She primed them the night before by telling them they were going to need to help clean the house and cars on Saturday, but they would get up early and go out for breakfast before beginning their day of labor. They assumed the suitcases were full of cleaning supplies. They could not figure out why they were at the airport and why were Grandpa and Grandma there too? Such gullible children at those ages! I don’t think it sunk in until we were on the plane in the air headed to DISNEY WORLD!
When will our plane get here – “We’re going to Disney World!”
So earlier this year dates were chosen and grandpa went to work on the details. We had an amazing experience while dining at Wilderness lodge our first trip we decided then that we would stay there on our next visit. So Grandpa reserved our “villas” at Wilderness Lodge.
totem!Heading to the boat to take us to the Magic Kingdom!
He also decided it would be fun for the kiddos (and especially their mom) to arrive at the lodge in style, so he rented a limo for the ride to/from the airport, including a grocery stop to stock the villas.
Sweet Ride!
We checked in, found our rooms, stocked the fridge, had a snack and headed to the Magic Kingdom. Now if we had tried to plan this entrance it never would’ve happened, BUT the afternoon parade of characters was just starting as we walked in! Yes I got choked up! And I knew then that LIFE IS GOOD! (I know it all the time, but this was so amazing to watch their little eyes light up and see the wonderment of all this world holds for them!)
Let the memories begin – even if the sidewalk is hot hot hot!The parade begins as we walk in! Timing!Overhead view – see the 2 on shoulders – yep it is the beginning of the trip!
After the parade we needed sustenance so we stopped at Casey’s for hotdogs (too big to eat if the truth be told) but we dined in front of the castle and watched the world go by! Then we headed off in search of stuff to do! We walked through Swiss Family Robinson’s tree house – Mr. B wanted to do that again! But we talked him to the magic carpet ride instead.
The castleKeeping Gotham safe?Just a pretty place for pictures!
While waiting for the magic carpet ride I started to get hives, many of my quilting friends know about these spontaneous hives I get – not sure if they are food or environment related. I get them about 6 times a year and benedryl has always cured them. So I popped a benedryl (yes I now always have these with me!), and hoped for the best. After the ride the hives weren’t better, but they didn’t seem to be worse so we headed for Pirates of the Caribbean, while in line (in the shade) for this ride the hives became worse, I took the 2nd benedryl and stated that if I didn’t feel better after this ride, we would hit first aid. Well that lasted about 3 minutes and pulled my husband out of line and we headed for a place to sit down, I was dizzy and nauseas and when I saw a custodian with a Disney badge I asked my husband to “GET HIM!”, I knew there was no way I could walk and I wasn’t improving. The “custodian” calmly asked me a few questions and then got on his radio and requested the paramedics. He then proceeded to ask me questions every now and then, I guess one time I did not respond and he was back on his radio upping the status, at that point the paramedics were just around the corner but we couldn’t see them. They put me on the gurney, wheeled me to some shade, gave me oxygen and took my blood pressure – it was very very very low. I was feeling better but the numbers weren’t lying . (Apparently that is because they had me with my feet up now and out of the direct sun). Needless to say my 2nd ride at Disney World started with an A and ended with an E – if you said AMBULANCE you are correct.
No words needed!
The first evening the our kids and grandkids were able to watch the Electric Parade, which is one of my favorites at Disney. Our day had started very early so they did bypass the fireworks over the castle. As they returned to the lodge, my husband and I were just finishing our meal so they joined us for dessert.
Day 2 we decided to sleep until we woke up and then head back to Magic Kingdom, we rode some rides – Splash Mountain was first up and then Thunder Railroad (which neither child liked one bit!). While we were having lunch it started to rain, we were able to fit in a few more rides in between the rain, Mr. B’s favorite was “Small World” he wanted to ride it 10 times. Many I love that boy! The TeaCups were on little Toot’s list of rides, we found them but they were being upgraded! Guess we will have to come back! Day 2 finished with dinner and fireworks at Epcot – the kids were mesmerized!
They loved getting autographsvroom vroomDaddy getting ready for the bumpy ride!A flying elephant –EpcotEpcotEven the drinks are magical!
Day 3 was an Animal Kingdom day, Mr. B and I were in the sweet spot (the wettest spot) on the rapids and were spent the rest of the day drying out. Seeing the animals on the safari was fun and searching for animals by their footprint and “poop” was another adventure for the kiddos. We lost Mr. B for about 3 minutes, seemed like forever, we were reminded to always look forward for that little man – he doesn’t backtrack! Our afternoon was wet with rain over at Hollywood studios – but Kat got to ride Tower of Terror twice so she was a happy camper. The kids and I went in search of characters! We had hoped to watch the laser show – but the rain was not cooperating.
It’s Russell!An actual termite hill – this is food for many of the animals!RhinoWhat kind of “poop” is that?Mickey and Minnie!Which ones are the characters again?Momma enjoys meeting the characters too!Mr. B loved meeting Goofy and Pluto!McQueen and Mater
Day 4 was our last – we spent this one at Epcot (another rainy day) but we met many characters the highlight of the day was Soaring – we weren’t sure Mr. B would go – but he LOVED it! Then we headed back to the hotel to swim and slide! I guess we didn’t need to leave Houston after all!
My kind of croc!One of the many flower arrangementsChip and Dale – Chip and Dale – Chip and Dale!It’s the Donald – the original angry bird!Daddy and Mr. BAwesome!Little Toot meets her Snow White!The princess chats with the young prince!Mr. B will only meet Snow White if sissy is there too!Precious!Our ponchos made it fun to play in the rain!
The limo picked us up at 6:30 am and we were all exhausted. Mr. B fell asleep in my lap on the plane, little toot had an airsick episode – grandpa said he didn’t know there were that many airsick bags on a plane – as helpful passengers decided they should send them all his way! Unfortunately Mr. B has been ill with tummy issues and ear infection since we returned home.
Asleep on Grandma’s lap on the plane home!
Even with all the drama and weather – I can’t wait to go back to Disney again. The “cast” members are amazing – from the “custodian” to the “maid” to all of the characters and their helpers. Our experience was amazing!
