2008 School Year is Ending

This is an exciting and special time of the year for my nine grandchildren. School is ending for the summer, honors are being given and baseball teams are playing their championship games. Not to mention the fact that Swim Team practices have already begun for many of them!

Today I witnessed the end of a season for a very special activity at our church. Tom (The Knight), Kim (Nurse Missy), Andrew (The Page) and Emily (the newcomer that jumped out of a box!) had their last performance in the children's department of the storytelling Kingdom of Apostlelot. All winter they have faithfully presented God's word, in story form, to a large audience of eager children, blessing them with wisdom and knowledge of how they too can be members of the kingdom. Everyone was sad to see them go for the summer. Tom has been the brave Knight for four years, Andrew, his page, for two, and Kim joined the ranks this year with bold determination and an exciting love interest for the Knight!

... BRAVO, BRAVO! Teaching the children is where it all begins.

Grandad spent his Sunday afternoon watching Joe working hard in his play-off game and yesterday afternoon watching Ford finish out his season....Note from Grandad...

"Joe's and Ford's baseball teams are deep into their championship playoffs. Each of their teams is 3-1 in a double elimination tournament. They each play on Monday evening. If their teams win, then two more games follow, so long as they keep winning, to become champion of their league. Today, Joe played outfield, catcher and third base, and yesterday Ford played catcher. He will pitch, tomorrow. He has been selected for the top All-Star travelling team, which will spend the last week of the summer baseball season in Cooperstown, NY, in a massive 100 team play-off for the National Championship. That will be the last full week in July. Then both Joe and Ford start football practice. Two busy boys!"

More Boy News from Kristin...

"The boys are having a fun and busy end to the school year, as usual. Manor School's open house is next Wednesday. Aidan's 1st grade class will present aproject on the Town of Fairfax. Aidan selected Fradelizio's (his favorite restaurant) for his report. He interviewed the head chef at Fradelizio's and, after finishing the obligatory questions about the restaurant operations, peppered him with questions such as, "When do you wake up in the morning?" and "What's your favorite food?" The chef was so tickled, he gave Keegan and Aidan their favorite dessert (tiramisu) for free. Keegan's class of 2nd and 3rd graders will be presenting and in depth look at the Ocean for Open House. Keegan will be an expert on the Flying Fish, and has been working on his costume. I was hoping for something as simple as a poster board, fin and a pilot's cap, but Keegan has other ideas.

The boys both ran in Manor School's lapathon last Friday, in record-breaking heat. Parents kept the kids as cool as possible with hoses, squirt bottles and popsicles. The Principal decided to cut the running times short, keeping the kids to 45 minutes. Keegan ran a little over 5 miles, and Aidan ran over 3 miles. I'm sure I couldn't have done either in 90 degree temperatures! Keegan ran the most laps out of his grade level for the fourth year in a row, and will soon be adding another medal to his collection. (Aidan won a medal last year as well for the most laps run in kindergarten, and was a close third this year.)The boys are also both playing baseball this year. Aidan is in the Farm leaque (coach pitch) and Keegan is in the Minor league (kid pitch). Aidan has quite an arm, and has been making great plays all season. He's played all the positions, but particularly enjoys short stop, first base and catcher. Keegan took a video of one of Aidan's games recently. I need to download it, edit and send to you! This is Keegan's first year in the Minors. He's a great pitcher. I'll have to check stats with him, but he's struck out dozens of players so far this season. His team, the Angels, is in second place in the league, which isn't bad considering almost all of the players are new to the Minors. " -

Looks like the Pedersen boys have been busy too!!

<---Here is a picture from Issy's softball season...check out the gal in action! I'm told that, for her, too, the season is over, but she learned so much and is ready to play again next year! Gooo ISSY!

Emily is playing the Tone Chimes at the end of the year school program -->

Congratulations to all of you for awards (to be posted as I get knowledge of them), team work and overall excellence for a great school year! Happy Summer! I look forward to hearing about all those swim team medals.

P.S. William is just being cute, working 65 piece puzzles (alone), playing endless games on the computer and very happy that it's summer once again. --->

Got a poem?....I've got a forum!

Mother's Day I tried my hand at pleasing my mother by writing her a poem...boy, was it hard! Anyway, while all of you sweet grandchildren (and any other family poets for that matter) are cleaning out your old school papers, getting ready for summer, and you come across a poem you too worked hard on; send it to me and I will post on Chatterbox, it along with your picture.


Andrew sent this one to me in March of this year...


Andrew Sabonis-Chafee
McCarren
English-5
12 March 2008

If I had a Wish…

If I had a wish, I’d know what it would be
I’d tell my wish to a magic genie
If he made it come true
I wouldn’t be blue
And I would be so very happy

“ I’d like to have the power to be invisible” I’d say
“ I don’t want it tomorrow, I want it today!”
And with a flimm flamm foo,
My wish would come true
And I’d shout out very happily, “ HOORAY!”

On the very next day, the day we had school,
With my invisible powers I’d be very cruel
I’d pull people’s hair,
And give them a scare,
And replace their real lunch with gruel

While people were in class, I’d play out in the halls
I’d answer my cell phone and check my missed calls
Homework? I’d have none
I’d just have fun
I’d go down to the gym and play with basketballs

The genie would come back when I got home
I’d tell him everything and drone and drone
He said “ You’ve had your fun,
Now your power is done.”
And then all I could do was moan

“ Why’d you take my power away, you nasty little weevil?
“ I took it away ‘cause you were using it for evil”
Then he disappeared in a whiff
And I knew in A jiff,
That my power was not up for retrieval

Morgan is a WINNER!

News about Morgan!

before

after

Our beautiful Morgan was made even more beautiful on the inside (as well as out!) when she cut her long, lush hair a couple of weeks ago and donated it to make a wigs for someone who doesn't have any.

Morgan and Molly finished a 5K run with 1,000 other women! The route went through their neighborhood so it was really fun. Everyone got a carnation at the end. Morgan took a running class every Friday in her after school program so she would be ready!

When Morgan isn't running, painting, going to Ford's baseball games or reading every minute she gets a chance, she is ROCK CLIMBING, in her spare time! I understand that she is quite a champ, winning ribbons in outdoor competitions.

Way to go Morgan! We are so proud of you and the things you have accomplished.

Favorite pictures from Mother's Day Weekend

You'll have to look at Judy's blog for pictures of Mother's Day itself. We all went to the Gutting house where Abby was responsible for a wonderful luncheon. I left the memory card out of my camera and couldn't take pictures. It was a great time and I wouldn't take anything for being with my dear Mother, but I must say, I missed being with my children, terribly.

If you made pictures of your week end, I would love to see them!

A Tribute to the Queen...Mother, that is...

I am a mother and I know what my children mean to me, but I sometimes wonder if a Mother knows what she means to her children. Therefore, this is...

A Song for my Mother
by Merry

Our good fathers have their praises sung,
Throughout their life and ever after.
Our Mothers are so busy singing
That they think their songs are merely laughter.

Selflessly, she gives all she has
To teach the lessons we need for living.
Preparing each child to leave her alone
But never does she stop giving.

I know you’re there
I know you’re strong
I’ve counted on you when all went wrong.
Now it’s time for you to listened to your song…

Today, I see you in my face, I feel you in my being.
I take courage in my tomorrows, that you have let me see.
I will not fear the passing of the time, for the child in me is singing
Songs of praises for the mother that I continue to strive to be.
-mpc

Long live the Queen!

Happy Mother's Day, Mother. Thank you for everything.

I love you,

Merry

(now, then and always)

Our Good Mother's

For these Mothers I am so very grateful and proud. Happy Mother's Day to our beautiful daughters!

With all our love,

Mom/Merry and Terr

Brunch-Limo-and The Lion King

What A Day!



A Memory was made...at least for me.

-Mimi

P.S. Be sure and click the lower left of the screen and on the caption box. I have text printed on the pictures.

Remembering the Day

On this day in 1924 a Great man was born, and I had the privilege of calling him Daddy.

I chose this picture, to remember him by, because it says a lot about what I remember about his physical appearance: handsome, clothes neatly pressed, not a hair out of place even while working on a farm (a place he was most comfortable), a charming crooked smile, a dark tanned face and gray white hair (like mine!).

These traits drew everyone to my Daddy; his kindness, genuine desire to help, his high moral principles, his compassion, his joy in meeting people, his boyish charm and much more, kept them loving him with the highest of respect. I don't think anyone could say a bad thing about this the man who set the standard for me as to what a good man should be.

I am grateful for the way he lived his life and I mark this day with pride. Happy Birthday to all of us who are celebrating the legacy.

-daughter, Merry

GA Bar Meeting in Asheville

The picture above is the view from our room at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. I just wanted to share. I wish you could have smelled the air and experienced the mountains. Even the drive was beautiful. Friday night we had dinner in the Stables of the Biltmore House and got a candlelight tour. It a was nice, if quick, trip.

Daijogo & Pedersen overnight at the Heath

Daijogo & Pedersen, LLP is a law firm specializing in employment law counseling and strategic advice for employers. Both partners, Kristin Pedersen and Maki Daijogo, have practiced management-side employment law for 13 and 14 years, respectively. Their clients include local, national, and international companies.

It was such a treat to have Kristin and her law partner, Maki, staying with us for a couple of nights while they were in Atlanta for a business conference. Time with them was limited to a few minutes before bed time and early morning meetings, but none the less it was a delight to have them, coming and going.

We very much missed the boys, but Kris is looking forward to having time with the family in August!

Note: We are off to Asheville, NC for a business meeting this morning, after the girls leave, but will be back in time to go to "The Lion King" with seven of our nine wonderful grandchildren, on Sunday! Mini Burgers will be served at 11:00, limo arrives at 12:00, pictures until 12:15 (blogging material), then off we go!! Be there or be square!

Family Advertisement :)

Young Lady's Bedroom

at

The Atlanta Symphony Associates 2008 Decorators' Show House and Gardens.

Don't miss my work at the Show House now until May 11, 2008.

-Kim

(Kim's room at the Show House has been picked up by Traditional Homes Magazine! She has had such good response from those who come and look. If you haven't already, try and go to see for yourselves. She would be so pleased to see you there.)

"The Crofts Do Brooklyn!"

"The Crofts Do Brooklyn!". This was the title on a nine page itinerary that Kate printed up for Terrence and me, for our visit with her and Jeremy this past weekend. Every minute was carefully planned with fascinating activities, beautiful tours, delicious food, interesting art and special time in Kate and Jeremy's surroundings, so we could know more about their lives together.

Our visit started off when we opened the door to our hotel room and found Kate sitting in a chair with a big smile on her face, metro cards in her hand for us and a beautiful full picnic basket sitting next to her...She had thought of everything! You will just have to watch the rest in pictures... It goes like this:
1. Picnic in the Orchard at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (where Kate and I had made plans to lie under the cherry trees and take pictures).
2. Roof Party at Love Lane (parents of a friend of Jeremy and Kate's that went to the same prep school that Terrence did. Kate also thought to make and bring along a delicious cake offering for our hosts!).

Second Day: Retrieved from our hotel at 8:30:
1. Tour of the Greenmarket to buy ingredients for breakfast.
2. Tour of Kate and Jeremy's neighborhood and of their new home, then a wonderful breakfast made by Kate.
3. Visit to the Frick Art Collection.
4. Sketched in Central Part.
5. Chinatown for dinner (to try soup dumplings!).
6. And a Mainstage performance at an NYU theatre.

Third Day: We were picked up by Kate and Jeremy at 10:00:
1. Taken for Kate's Birthday Brunch at their favorite restaurant in Brooklyn. After a leisurely time together we were escorted back to our hotel to get our bags and freshen up a bit for our trip home. A car had been arranged to take us to the airport.

We were totally taken care of the whole time we were there. Relive the visit with us by way of these pictures...and thanks to all who sent special birthday greetings, wishes and gifts to New York along with us. From time to time each day, I would pull one out to give to our birthday girl. It made for many special moments and it was so much fun!

Enjoy the pictures of our memory making...

Today is Kate's real birthday date. She had to listen to her birth story (yet, again) while we were in New York (and that of her siblings!) It was a sweet story, and still is...

A Brooklyn kind of Birthday!

Terrence and I are taking a Birthday party to New York City! Our baby is turning 24 years old and we can't wait to spend some time with her on her Birthday week end. We will represent all of you with good wishes for the BEST year of her life! Next year at this time we will be anticipating the count down to her wedding day!

Happy Birthday Kate!

"For the Little Lady, Innocent & Serene"

Before I lose one more minute of the glow (reflected off my daughter, Kim), I want to report how very proud I was of her today. Through her, Terrence and I were invited to a "Suppliers' Party" after first touring the Atlanta Decorator's Show House & Gardens. Our first stop was to go up the circular staircase to the "Girl's Bedroom" on the second floor, which was decorated by Regas Interiors, namely, our Kimberly...

Can you imagine our reaction upon entering this lovely room? This picture speaks a thousand words, and it only shows half of what was there!

(note the scripture, left bottom: "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."- Matthew 18:5)

When you go, and I know you will (you have from now through May 11th to see for yourself), just stand in that room for a little while and listen to the lovely things that people say as they enter the space. It will make you proud too!

Don't miss the special touches that Kim added to her room: photographs of her inspiration, crystal kisses on the bedside table, Gayma's tea set, scripture on a silver bracelet...and a painting, done by her mother, in the center of the double window surrounded by beautiful draperies over a luxurious daybed. I mention these things because they could have been replaced by much more elegant pieces of art and decorator extravagances, but she put her heart in her room as well as her talent. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed my name (and those of other family members) in not one, but several printed acknowledgment statements. I was humbled and touched at her generosity. A decoratored room with a heart and soul... It was obvious that that room had been prayed over.

The Show House Magazine:

<-The cover.

Kim's page inside ->

Tom and the children were a big part of what happened in this beautiful room. As I said earlier those "photos of her inspiration," the children, supported in more ways than they know...and Tom, well, he is a hero. I've never known a man so supportive and helpful. Today, Kim ran out of the above printed cards for guests to take home (ones Tom helped create for Kim). Tom put the children in the car and drove the 30 minutes it took to deliver another box to the show house. This has been a team effort, as it has to be with a family that has three children, and they worked perfectly together.

In showing you some of these pictures, I hope I don't take away from the thrill of seeing the room for the first time for yourselves. Kim has put months of time and effort into this project, she has grown from it and would be honored to share it with the ones she loves.

Special Note to Kim: I wish you much success my darling daughter. I am so proud of you, your girl's room and the way you conduct yourself professionally, with genuine grace. -Mom

Enjoy! ... it's free

In the Mountains, Spring is poking it's head out of the forest floor. It seems different than the way it presents itself in Atlanta, it comes more slowly for sure, but more than that, it comes in a more unplanned way. It is like a surprise that's to be savored and appreciated, so delicate and almost instant death if taken...yet it's free.

I love to walk the mountain roads looking for these treasures after a long barren winter. Like promises from God it nourishes my soul and gives me hope for a world of complex beauty and harmony. Even the decay of winter's leavings accentuates it's beauty. I know it's a little late for most places, but if you have a chance, don't miss Spring. It will inspire you and make your heart glad.

-Mimi

A Birthday Surprise!

Terrence's wish was to go to the mountains for his birthday. It had been a long while since he smelled the fresh air of Northcroft...

Andrew, Emily and I decorated the cabin and planned a balloon drop in honor of Grandad's 68th birthday. Even though it was a day early, when the birthday boy arrived, he was put in the seat of honor and balloons fell to the family singing, "Happy Birthday to you!". Thank you kids for all your help blowing up all 60 of those balloons! It was GREAT!!


Tomorrow (the 13th) he will wake up to a much different atmosphere... just me, a card, a gift (+ the one Tom and Kim left behind for him) and a wish to share many, many, many more birthdays with the man of my heart.
The first thing we will do in the morning is call Morgan (remember, it's her birthday tomorrow too!). I understand that she had a Volcano Party (something to do with an eruption?) today with her friends. Can't wait to hear about it! Last week end Joe had a party with his classmates at school. They went to a place and played Lazar Tag!

Every birthday is a celebration, every year is precious...I'm happy you are living them well!

Happy Birthday in Sweet April!

Happy Birthday

To Joe
4/7/98

To Morgan
4/13/99

to my beloved, Terrence!

4/13/40

and to our youngest daughter, Kate

4/28/84

Glorious! You are my April blooms, without the pollen!

Mimi/Lovey/ Mom