Mimi's 65 Years Old

In a birthday wish, my sister reminded me to count the pennies, a ritual my grandmother used in her primary Sunday School class when a child had a birthday.  From the "birthday chair" we counted our age out in pennies then gave the treasure as a love offering when the plate was passed.   Last night, from my chair of honor at the head of the table, I counted my blessings.  They were many.  For those near and far, thank you for making my life so very special.  Thank you for coming to celebrate me.  Thank you for your gifts, cards, phone calls, e-mails and video chats.  You made it great to be 65!  (That and my first check from Social Security.)

I love you all...Mimi

Tid Bits

 The S-C family are seeing the Grand Canyon among many other beautiful sights while on vacation.

 Issy is ripping through the water, winning for her swim team.

 The Pedersen boys are in the play-offs. Good luck, boys!

(I know Joe and Ford are playing too, but as of this writing I haven't heard a status report.)

 Andrew starts  drama camp, Red Phoenix Theater Company, as soon as he returns from vacation.

Morgan is off this weekend to Texas,  for the Divisional round of climbing competition.  Good luck, Morgan!

 Special announcement from Mike...

Houck l Regas LLC - Trial Lawyers

Wednesday 

Brad Houck and Mike Regas are pleased to announce the formation of Houck | Regas LLC, a trial firm dedicated to representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death matters involving automobile and trucking accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and defective products. Their office remains at 2 Ravinia Drive, Suite 1020, Atlanta, Georgia 30346, (770) 392-6080.

Mom and I are gratefully celebrating our 65th and 85th birthdays the 9th and 13th of June!  (There is a party in my heart and head for all these things!)

50 Years A Yale Man!

There is much to be said for being taught by teachers who have high expectations of their students' ability to learn.  There is much to be said for the opportunity to learn from teachers who have achieved excellence in their fields.   There is much to be said for doing your best when the best is made available to you.  This may have required extreme effort and expense, but there is really something good to be said about the results.

I have just spent the weekend with the 1962 men of Yale; and from my view point, although they were very privileged, they have given back over the years, far more than they have taken.

I am grateful for the opportunity, through my Yale Man, to have been welcomed into the inner circle.

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Join me for a look back at our weekend, lunches and dinners under the big tent in Davenport quad, faces of old friends, walks around campus while going back and forth to lectures, musical reviews (featuring reunion Whiffenpoofs from years gone by), museums and other activities of Terr's 50th 1962 Yale Reunion!

  

The number one song in of June of 1962 was, I Can't Stop Loving You,
by Ray Charles.

Talent, hard work and faith continues to grow us...

"After many months of searching, Tom has accepted the position of Director of Creative Services at In Touch Ministries.  He starts tomorrow and looks forward to the opportunity it may provide him to author his own chapter."

To you both, we wish much success and satisfaction in your work.  We are proud of your efforts and all the things you have accomplished to get to this point in your careers.  Congratulations!

Morgan takes 3rd place in Texas!

She continues to climb onward and upwards!  Congratulations Morgan!

Good Mothers

For my dear Mama...
 

and my daughters who are Mamas...

I am forever grateful and humbled at my good fortune.  "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!"

For the fine grown-up children who call me Mother, there are no words that can tell you of my love and devotion.  I sing your praises for continuing the tradition of a strong family.

Issy fractured her humerus (which isn't so humorous!) during competition in Orlando, FL.
Didn't stop her and her team mates from winning 1st place in the cheer leading championship though!  

I  am told she is healing nicely and will be back doing flips in a short three weeks!

You're a winner, Issy!  (Just try and be careful.)

And the award goes to...

Wait for it...

Wait for it...

TA DA!  Morgan wins the leadership award for her Urban Core Climbing Team!!!

That is awesome, Morgan!
Congratulations!!!

Speaking of stepping up to the plate..."Keegan was playing catcher (for the second time) and had to give up the plate since the ball hadn’t come his way yet.  He’s got some springs on those feet!" kcp
 
Thanks to Kristin for being my California correspondent!  Great camera work!

UNICEF Youth Ambassadors

For many years, Kim has had a client who chairs the youth division of UNICEF.  Over those years this client has had the privilege of getting to know our Andrew, Emily and William, so when this years youth ambassador board was being selected she invited the two older children to be a part of it.  They have been attending meetings and learning about UNICEF since January.

This past weekend was their big Gala/Fund raiser where all three of the children participated, at different stations, passionately informing contributors about what their donations will do for children in need.

"To those much is given, much is expected."  Better Ambassadors UNICEF could have not had!   Great job, kids, for stepping up to the plate!

 Emily, youth board ambassador, explained to guests how important water is to children living in Africa.

 Andrew teaches a little girl the importance of the 'school in a box' that UNICEF provides to African villages. 

 I am not clear where William's station was but for this rising youth ambassador, I think he very much liked the food table and was excused from his post to frequent it... but hey, all work and no play!

I'm told it was a special night for all involved AND for the very proud parents...

Now, how can I give a little fresh water and one of those school boxes?...

Happy Birthday to Kate!

Talking to self..."Let's see, where you are, is it your birthday yet? Hummm, 8:43 a.m. here means, 9:43 p.m. tonight, your time...darn, not yet, not yet...but I want you to go to bed excited to wake up in the morning on your birthday! (Oh, Merry, she is 28, not 8!) But what if she doesn't open Chatterbox at all...I need to give her time...others time to leave a greeting! That does it, I'm publishing!!!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!

 

No matter where you are in this world we will be singing our happiness for the day you were born on April 28, 1984.  Dad and I hope your day is filled with special surprises from Simon, new friends to sing to you and food that isn't moving!   So, saengil chukha hamnida, dear Kate, Happy Birthday to you...

, 

Mom and Dad

The Kelley/Pedersen family has a new member...

Teddy is an older rescued dog that needed a good home and it looks to me that he found the perfect place.  Welcome Teddy!

Aidan and Teddy

Kristin and Alan were here this weekend for their 25th Westminster Class Reunion; and I forgot to take a single picture!  But boy was it fun having them coming in and out of the house between activities.

I understand that Shannon and Molly made a wonderful Sunday morning breakfast for Alan and Kris, who made it back in time to see Kim, Tom and family when they joined us for lunch after church.

 
Grandad and I agree that it is always a pleasure, and a reward in old age, to have our children and grandchildren come to visit.  

Come back again...and often!

Morgan was an usher at her rock climbing coach's wedding, this week.  She sure was a lovely one! We learned that Keegan pitched a complete game no-hitter on Saturday. Big kudos, Keegan!

 

For his birthday gift, Mike and Joe took Grandad Skeet & Trap Shooting last weekend.  A good time was had by all...especially Grandad!  Thanks, Guys!

Girls, Girls, Girls!

It was a special weekend for our girls, as Emily, Morgan and Issy achieved outstanding goals on Saturday.

First, Emily looked amazing as a woman from the 30's in the Wolf Jr. Players' production of Annie.  She totally proved that there are no small parts for an actor, only small actors.  (Em how the heck did you learn to walk in those very high heels across that long stage, about 20 times, without even one slip of the foot and with such beautiful posture!  I mean it when I say, you looked so elegant.)

Morgan went to Texas this weekend to compete in a climbing competition.  Her success does not surprise me, taking 7th out of 21!  If you have never been on a climbing wall you can't possibly know how difficult it is (I tried when no one was looking and couldn't keep myself on the first handles (or whatever they are called)!
Morgan is picture perfect in style and confidence.  Good job!

Lastly, Isabelle flew high in Florida this weekend as her fantastic Colt's Competitive Cheerleading Squad came in at #1 in the competition!   I have been amazed at what she has been able to teach her body to do; jumps, flips, balance, etc.  She is terrific!

Girl Power!

Cooking School!

Today was a wonderful day for the few of us who could attend a cooking class on the driveway at the Heath. The lesson was a Christmas gift from Shannon to Terrence, one we all got to immensely enjoy!

Grandad and Morgan Celebrate another Birthday!

April 13 is a very lucky day for the Croft family...

Happy Birthday to TLC (72) and Morgan (13)!

An Amazing Easter 2012

With each passing year I have more to be grateful for...That Christ died for me and lives to save me is at the top of my list, then FAMILY...

Our Easter Story

Get Ready to be Blessed!

 Where ever you are, may the glories of this wonderful day fill your heart and lives as we celebrate the day of Resurrection.

Happy Easter!

J O E is 14!

 4-7-98

Happy Birthday Grandson.

You are loved.

Spring Break for William

William is camping out at our house in the "Club House Closet", under the stairs.  We have been busy with much to do.  Tom is looking after the older two and following every job lead possible and Kim is installing a BIG job near Grayton Beach while I get to enjoy his Spring Break with William!

Next weekend is Easter and the Boardroom table will once again be filled.  We will celebrate the risen Lord, Joe (14), Morgan(13) and Terr's (72nd) birthdays and enjoy the wonderful gift of reunion.

I  also hope to celebrate renewed health of my Mother and Sister.

For those who can't be with us, know that we carry you there in our hearts.