The warmth of October.......

You know how there are just some times you love so much because there is such a good feeling that accompanies that time of year? You know how there are so many memories of certain times of year that it just rings a little bell and awakens something inside of you that just brings warmth all over your being? October is just that time of year for me!
First - My little Billie Jo was born in October! Earl and I had been married over three years and had talked about "our baby" for so long. We were so excited to bring a little symbol of our love into this world. Of course, she took her sweet time making her grand entrance, but when she did -- WHAM!!!!! our lives were NEVER the same again! For such a tiny one, her impact was huge! She not only demanded our full-time attention, but wherever we went, she was also capable of garnering the attention of everyone in the room. She has never disappointed us. She is bright, beautiful, talented, charming, caring and ambitious! We love her so much and appreciate her impact on our lives. We are proud of her and her accomplishments and will love her forever! Happy Birthday - Billie Jo - and thank you for being our daughter!
Second - is our little Billie Jo's little Ellie Jo. If we thought we were anxious for Billie Jo, imagine how we anticipated the birth of our first grandchild! Tim and Billie Jo had been married for a few years before Ellie finally came. We were more than ready to begin the "grandma/grandpa" trip. We actually had the opportunity of being included in Ellie's life in a big way, as Billie Jo and I coached drill team and Ellie was an extension of us. Every little coo, every little smile, every little anything was met with such excitement and enthusiasm -- by not only Earl and me, but also every other one of Billie Jo's sibbling! SHE WAS DEFINITELY SPOILED by everyone, but my goodness! Little Ellie Jo has turned into such a beautiful young lady. She is the excitement and the planner of the grandkids. She is definitely in charge and she is a wonderful girl! She is bright, beautiful, talented, charming, caring and ambitious. Happy Birthday - Ellie Jo - and than you for being our granddaughter!
And last but not least - Patrice. My first memory of Patrice was on a bus trip from Park City. She was a gigglie, little cheerleader, talking to her friends about some guy she had a crush on and I thought how cute she was. The next thing I know, she is at my house with that same friend, and again I thought how infectious her smile was and what a happy little girl she was. Over the months and years of having her in my home associating with Allen and my other children, I thought the world of her. I think I worked as hard at "courting" her as Allen did. There was a very sad time that I wondered if they would ever get together, but when Allen confided in me that whenever he looked to the future and pictured his family, Patrice was always the mother of his children, I knew they would get together successfully. I do have to say that Patrice is one of the most patient, loving little mothers I've ever seen. I'm so glad she is a part of our family. She is bright, beautiful, talented, capable and a wonderful wife to my son. Happy Birthday - Patrice - and thank you for being our son's wife, our grandson's mother, and a wonderful daughter!
You three girls -- I love and appreciate you all so very much! Happy, happy birthday!

Happy Birthday....Jack and Chelsea!

We made a quick trip to St. George last Friday night, so we could spend a day with our special girl, Chelsea, to celebrate her birthday! What a wonderful day the day she was born, and what a great day Saturday! We were also celebrating Jack's birthday, which was last Wednesday, so it was double the fun! Max had to go to work early, so the rest of us slept in and then went to McDonald's. I know, I know -- you are saying, "Really? McDonald's?" But, that is what Earl wanted and Jack could play in the playground, so it was all okay. We then made a little trip to WalMart and then home. By that time, Max was home and he and Earl went to play golf at Sand Hollow! Chelsea and Jack and myself went shopping and had a ball! Rob stayed home and explored the air conditioning system. Everyone was happy! We then met up with the guys for dinner at Texas Roadhouse and then headed home. It was a quick trip, but fun, fun, fun! We love our girl and our little Jack and loved spending the day with them to celebrate their special days. Spending time with loved ones is always a pleasure!

I loaded these pictures in the exact opposite order I should have, so the story is backwards, but look one picture down and see Chelsea sitting next to a frog! She kisses him, and wal la!!! He turns into a handsome prince charming and there you have it -- Chelsea and Prince Charming!

On a serious note, although Max is definitely handsome and charming and a great father, this is Jack's frog towel that matches his bathroom decor. I thought it was so cute to find a frog that matched everything in his bathroom, he just had to have it for his birthday!

Here are the two girls -- after a day of shopping, looking a little tired, but definitely happy as girls can be after a spree!

Grandpa and Jack both have to have on their hats if they are to play together. Jack loves Grandpa and Grandpa loves Jack!

Jack is definitely one of the smartest little boys ever! He is just so darned cute and coordinated and smart and on, and on, and on....what more can a Grandma say! We do love these two and were so lucky to get to spend time with them to celebrate their most important days!