What's in a name?

What's in a name?
History passed down through the generations...
Gwendolyn

My mother: gave me a strong sense of family, high standards, work ethic, set an example of what a wife should be and was  consistently dependable in times of trouble. Her house is always the place you can come home to.

Me...Merry Gwen
Gosh, I hope I have passed on the same.

Kimberly Gwen
Like Peter...the Rock. I know she picked up each family strong point and added some of her own. Always brings God into Monday and trusts each day to Him.

Emily Gwen
Still learning what she is going to be, still growing her stock that is already paying dividends. This magnificent, statuesque, beauty, will hopefully carry on the love, dignity and character of the mothers before her and raise them to even greater levels.
We have a mother-daughter lineage in common and a name, untarnished, that has been passed down...
but it took a lot more to make us who we are:
Grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, sisters, brothers, children and other grandchildren whose names (except for the Gwen part) could just as easily fit into the list above, not to mention our faith and a multitude of friends.

Upon reflection, I shall always strive to be the best:
G-gracious
W-wise
E-evangelical
N-nurturing
...Gwen that I can be. :)

Nana in Atlanta for "Oklahoma"!

The Atlanta family is delighted that Nana has come for a visit.  It has been a long time coming and we are grateful she was able to make the trip.

 Today, Andrew performed in the closing  production of his high school play, Oklahoma.  It has had a tremendously successful run and Andrew thrilled us all with his song and dance!

 Mom and Dad were of course very proud, along with grandparents and great-grandparent who attended.

 Andrew greeted William's friends who came to the show all excited to have their picture taken with a REAL actor cowboy!

 Nana was welcomed by a warm hug from a delighted grandson who appreciated her effort to be there.

Me...I was proud all around...to have all the Gwen's together, Andrew's performance, hospitality from Kim and Tom, Mom's effort, Grandad's support and love, William's reading of a story and help in the kitchen.

Family...if you remember nothing else I have ever said in this life, please remember...The gift of a good family makes life oh, so very sweet.

For you all I am grateful.

P.S.  Tomorrow I get to take Nana to spend time with Mike, Mary, Joe and Issy!

Happy 8th Birthday, William!!!

Ford Inducted in National Honor Society!

 Today, with pride and pleasure, Grandad and I watch as Ford was inducted in Woodward's National Honor Society.

Ford receiving his certificate...

National Honor Society

Induction Pledge

 I pledge myself to uphold

The high purposes of the National Honor Society

To which I have been elected

Striving in every way 

To make its ideals

The ideals of my school

and my life.

 Well done Ford...well done.

Crofts of high purposes...

Carry on

Gene

Goodbye, Gene

1995-2012

William's Birthday Camp-out!

It was cold...

but the snow melted by the time everyone arrived.  Still too cold for tents; we built a large fire in the buck stove, threw down air mattresses for the dads and put up a couple of pup-tents in the upstairs back bedroom for the boys to sleep in and the party began!

On the 18th William turns eight years old and we will still be celebrating!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOUNGEST GRANDCHILD. GRANDAD AND I LOVE THE WAY YOU ARE GROWING!

I love you...

Issy's team is a WINNER!

1st place in their division and overall sportsmanship, Issy and her teammates are winners!  Way-to-go!  I know it took an incredible amount of work to succeed.  We are proud of you!  (Issy is a fly girl, moving left to right.)
‎

It's # 13 for Emily!

Today Emily spent most of her day studying even though it was her 13th birthday, but it was yesterday afternoon at a very unusual "cocktail party" that the fun began...

The magic hour was 5:30, after all guests had arrived, that everyone took on the personality of the assigned character given to them in a special birthday invitation.  There was a preppy cheerleader who was always trying to cheer everybody on and jack them up with excitement, the queen of an unknown country that thought everyone was her subject, a crazy homeless lady who conveniently introduced a pillow as her baby, a French girl who spoke very little English and was an emotional wreck, somebody with a food obsession and a beauty queen has been; just to name a few.  Our birthday guest of honor was a gracious southern belle who talked of little but her dear, darling kittens.

Guests were greeted by the butlers (Daddy, Tom and brother, William), taken to the ballroom and served endless glasses of Shirley Temples.  Everyone got to know each other and then was escorted to a lovely sit down spaghetti dinner (still in character). 

After dinner everyone had to guess each person’s character and idiosyncrasies.  Prizes were given for the best portrayal, best costume and many other bests.  Dessert was served (Emily's favorite...PIE!), then a movie, ending with snacks and a sleepover.

A big shout out to party planners-coordinators; Mom and Dad who worked hard and did a terrific job!

What a special, fun way to mark #13!   HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS EMILY!!! 

T H I R T E E N ! Happy Birthday, Keegan!!!

Stay true to yourself and know that we love you.  

Can't believe you are a teenager!!