Grandma's

Me, Grandma Garcia and David 2000

In Florida for Grandma's 80th birthday

My Grandma Augusta, David, me, Grandma Garcia and My Grandma Ellen

Our last trip to Florida for Grandma Garcia's 90th Birthday

There is nothing like the love of a Grandmother.  I have been lucky to know both of my own Grandmother's as an adult.  One passed away 11 years ago, which was heart wrenching for me.  She lived next door to me my entire childhood and I had an amazing bond with her, as did my siblings.  My other Grandmother is almost 91.  She is healthy, happy and still has an amazing amount of energy for her age.  I was lucky enough to grow up with her nearby as well and have always enjoyed her company, wisdom and the way she takes care of herself.  When I married David, I had an opportunity to know both of his Grandmother's too.  One passed away a year after we were married.  I didn't get to know her as well as I would have loved to.  David's other Grandmother who lived in Florida, made it to our wedding as did my Grandmother's.  We also made several trips to Florida over the years and she made it to Oregon for David's sisters weddings.  A couple of weeks ago, Grandma Garcia got a cold that turned into pneumonia.  Being 91 years old, she was unable to fight it.  Tomorrow her life will be celebrated.  I will not be there, but David and his family will.  She was a Grandmother to me.  She was a blessing to all that knew her.  Her humor and charisma will be missed by us all.  Rest in Peace GG.

30 something

My 30's have been a time of awakening.  The older I get I realize how black and white life is NOT.  I realize as a growing believer the struggles that I have to fight evil and to do right.  We are not perfect, yet the standards we try to set for ourselves can never measure up to our expectations.  The older I get the more reflecting I do, alone in my thoughts.  When I say I am trying to find myself, that is exactly what I am doing.  Although I love my life, I have some regrets.  Things that I have or haven't said, quality time that I have or have not spent with people, career/school choices that I did or did not make.  The other day I heard something wise, which really resonated with me.  If we could only put a 50 year old head on our 20 year old bodies, we would have avoided a lot of mistakes, pain and heartache.  Of course part of growing older comes with learning from past mistakes to become a better person and mentor to those who may be walking in similiar shoes.  Life is short..embrace it, love it, learn from it, enjoy it.


Quote of the day:  When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
- Helen Keller

Family Beach day

She loves the beach 

Evan 

Me and my Girlie 

Dancing Queen 

Paddle Ball

Where is Gracee?

Me and my boy

Last weekend we had a beautiful 70 degree day at the beach.  We are going to try to work on having more beach days this year.  The kids have way too much fun and the relaxing is great for all of us.