Saturday, April 30, 2011

When I want to think of you...

I skyped with Kate today for a nice long conversation.  She is well and ready for the rainy season to come to her island.  She sent me new pictures while we talked.  I knew you would enjoy them.  I decided to put all the photos I have in a video so I could try to get a feel for what her life is like.  Come, take a few minutes and go to Little Corn Island with me...

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Happy Birthday to the Island Girl!

"Of course if you like your kids, if you love them from the moment they begin, you yourself begin all over again, in them, with them, and so there is something more to the world again."

I do, I did, there is.

Your father and I wish you all the happiness the world can give. I shall miss sharing your birthday with you. I hope you can feel my heart, my hugs and kisses. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!
Psalm 127:3

The Energizer Lawyer!

He just keeps on going and going and going and going...

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

A Story about Aidan by Alan

Aidan is being lifted by Keegan and another team mate.

Last night Aidan got a dramatic base hit to win the game for our team, the Tigers.

We went into the bottom of the final inning behind 8 to 2. The Tigers rallied, mainly by obtaining a lot of walks from the opposing pitcher. By the time Aidan got to the plate, the Tigers were down 8 to 7. The bases were loaded, and there were two outs.

One of the first pitches hit Aidan's finger and bat at the same time. That hurts! Aidan was hurt and crying. I went out to check on him (I'm the coach). The umpire said that we could bring in a substitute hitter since Aidan appeared hurt. I asked Aidan if he would like to stay in the game or have a substitute come in. He was crying too much to speak, but he motioned that he wanted to go back up to the plate.

Aidan came back up to the plate. He got behind in the count... no balls and two strikes. The bases were still loaded with two outs, and the Tigers were down by one run. If Aidan had allowed one more strike, the Tigers would have lost.

Aidan hit the next pitch solidly up the middle, allowing two runners to come home to score. The Tigers won! The team preserved its undefeated record for the year (seven wins, no losses).

Aidan's teammates and Keegan came out onto the field and started chanting "Aidan, Aidan, Aidan!" They carried him off the field to the extent a bunch of nine and ten year olds can carry someone off the field.

Very soon after receiving the game ball, Aidan handed it to me and said, "Can you hold this? I want to go get some popcorn before the snack shack closes."

Monday, April 25, 2011

Easter 2011

"I am confirming that all of you and your entire families, except for brother Tom’s, will be our guests for Easter Brunch at 11 a.m. at the Commerce Club in the 191 Peachtree ST. building on the 49th floor. This is the re-named 191 Club in its new quarters in the same building. Parking in the garage below. Bring your ticket up to the reception desk of the Club to be validated. Easter Bunny (but no more egg hunts, sorry Joe), private room (the Ivan Allen room), and groaning board, per usual."  Love, Grandad
  
Easter Egg and more fellowship to follow at the Heath!


Thursday, April 21, 2011

Easter was given for you and me...

REMEMBER SWEET ONES, JESUS IS THE KEY.
 HAPPY EASTER.

I have so many found memories of Easter; yesterday, today and tomorrow the gift is ours.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

In Honor of Terrence's 71st Birthday...4/13/11

As I start to write this blog all I can think to say is that I want many, many more birthdays with this man I call Honey.

You held my hand
When it was cold
When I was lost
You took me home
You gave me hope
When I was at the end
And turned my lies
Back into truth again
You even called me friend

We've celebrated 34 of your 71 birthdays together and never once have I doubted your love and devotion.  These gifts along with your honesty and truth are what I hold dear and the gifts I will give to you in return.

And I can't believe it's you I can't believe it's true
I needed you and you were there
And I'll never leave, why should I leave
I'd be a fool
'Cause I've finally found someone who really cares
dYou needed me 
You needed me

I rejoice in your birthday, I look forward to every night that I can cuddle up in your arms and each morning that we can wake together to a new day.


Happy Birthday, Terrence, I want to thank you for seeking God's will with me. You are my forever and in this uncertain world, that's all I need to know.
 

Saturday, April 09, 2011

More Spring Break and Birthdays!


A GREAT time with Morgan!
(Oops, sorry about the mistake on the video; Morgan was born 4-13-99.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MORGAN!

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

In a word...Joe

Today is Joe's day.  He was born in 1998 and today he is 13, that's THIRTEEN years old!  Over the years it has has been my privilege to see the softer side of Joe (sometimes kids are a little more gentle with Grandparents than with others) when he has come to stay with me, at least once a year while his parents are out of town on an annual trip. He has always been a delight to have around the house and has never fails to touch my heart.

I still feel my heart strings tug when I see him these days, on the baseball field, out to dinner, at home doing his homework, at school on Grandparent's day... always doing his boy thing, too old to be taken care of, but every time we hug hello or goodbye, he is so sweet to let me say, "I love you" with my embrace, and my heart always feels his goodness.

I see him trying to be the best he can be, whether on the baseball field or doing his homework.  That's good character, grandson, and every time I see you biting down intently on your tongue as you are throwing a baseball, I know you are in the zone, digging deep down inside and praying you succeed.  That's a good quality to have, and that's what I think makes you the best of the best!

Thirteen, I can't believe you are already 13!  Oh, how I have loved watching you grow so fine.  Remember, Jesus will be your best friend for the asking and your best is always the ultimate gift you can give.

Happy Birthday, dear Joe.  Can you hear me and Grandad singing?!  

Sunday, April 03, 2011

Home Grown Random Act of Culture

After the Wesleyan Jr. High Player's hit show, "Seussical", part of the cast went out to dinner to celebrate a successful closing night.  The cast came up with the bright idea to share a song from the show with the patrons of the restaurant where they were eating (joining the many who have recently performed in huge numbers, at malls etc.,  their version of a random act of culture).  I'm sure you will recognize the tall, beautiful, white shirted, brother and sister team (Andrew and Emily), standing together with their backs toward the camera, as they join in the impromptu performance!

What fun!  There's no business like Show Business!!  I've always wanted to do this!!


Cell phone video by:  Daddy Tom
Rhythmical clapping by:  Mama Kim

Saturday, April 02, 2011

.Signs by Kate

Still on Little Corn and now using her skills with a paint brush to help pay the rent.
(photo: Kennedy was introduced to me by Kate on Skype.)

On the outside wall of the Dive Shop
A map of the island and designated areas where you can have different diving experiences. (I think.)

Forever the advocate for recycling...I understand, very much a necessity on the island.
Who knew she had such a talent!