My Youngest Has a Birthday!

The only recent pictures I have of Kate, that you haven't already seen on Facebook, are snaps taken late at night from our chats on Skype. I've tried to capture her essence as we've talked, but due to a slight delay in the camera, I seem to always to get her mouth open or her eyes closed but the smile is always there. Skype is a wonderful tool even though not the same as being with her, especially on a special day. Today (Korean time and tomorrow, our time), I will use the trick Kate and I learned a long, long time ago and I'll be there to sing to her...

I'll just turn on the quiet,

 and close my eyes

and listen inside

(unconditional)

 (unconditional)

  (unconditional)

     and I'll be there to sing to her...

   Happy Birthday to you, 

                                     

Happy Birthday to you…

 Dad and I celebrated your birthday together and...

together we wished that all your dreams would come true.

Visit from Alan and Kristin

Terr and I feel lucky that Alan and Kristin grew up in Atlanta and both have parents, family and friends here for even though they live in California their ties brings them back home.  .

On this trip they were coming to support and witness the wedding of a friend they went to school with.  I'm told it was a lovely wedding at Trinity Church with the reception and sit down dinner at the Piedmont Driving Club.

Shannon came to pick Kristin up for breakfast this Sunday morning.  We had just come in from church when Shannon brought Kristin home and Alan was coming  down the stairs.  I couldn't stop myself from hollering out to Terrence, "Honey, the children are home!"

How blessed is the man/woman whose quiver is full!

postscript...
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More dressing up events in April!

  Kim and Tom going to the Wesleyan Gala, 4/14/2013

Mike and Issy, father-daughter dance, 4/20/13.

Emily ready to go to the 8th grade formal, 4/5/13

The Shuler Awards, 4/18/13

Such loveliness. :)

Just Takes a Little Magic to Make a Better World

It's a lucky day when a little magic comes into your life, especially when it comes in the form of unconditional love.

That happened about eight years ago when the S. Croft family rescued and adopted a retired racing Greyhound named Magic...and he adopted them!

Magic gave the first part of his life to racing; with his powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build, he seemed born for the job; besides Magic was bred to be a champion.  But when champions get a little slow they are retired from the business and left to the mercy of adoption.

Then the real magic happened!  The Crofts and the Gray's paths crossed at just the right time in their lives and unconditional love flowed both ways.

The Crofts knew Magic had worked hard in his life, and needed a place to rest and be loved for the years he had left.  Magic was grateful and did all that he could do to love his people and be a good dog.  It was a good match.

 Eight years later...

Magic died in his sleep this week, resting in his favorite place on the lounge chair at the end of sofa, on his blanket.  The family had gone to school and work so he slipped away before the (middle of the day) dog walker came to care for him and warned Shannon so the others wouldn't have to see him lifeless.  I think that was a pretty magical plan for Magic to have.

Magic will live on in the lives of his people.  He taught them patience, responsibility, consistency, selflessness and yes, unconditional love.   I  am sure they will pass these things on for the rest of their lives.

The Crofts are building a garden deck Magic didn't live long enough to enjoy, but his ashes will be buried nearby.  The new addition has now been named, "Magic Garden".  Fitting, don't you think?

The making of "Magic Garden".

Goodbye Magic...and thanks for loving our Shannon, Molly, Ford and Morgan.

Work Selected for Art Show

Both Keegan and Aidan had their artwork selected to be part of a White Hill Student Art show.  White Hill Middle School has approximately 650 students, all of whom take art.  Approximately 22 of those students were selected to have their artwork on display.   There was an opening reception last Friday evening and their work will be on exhibit for the remainder of the month.

I taught them everything they know.

(Okay, So I wish I could spend more time with them so I could learn their techniques!)

Whitehill Middle School

Student Art Show

By Keegan Pedersen

By Aidan Pedersen

Excellent!

Congratulations, boys, I am so proud of you!!!!

April 13

What a special day...

Happy Birthday you two.

Keegan Going Through a Rough Spot

I am asking each of you to keep Keegan in your thoughts and prayers, an MRI revealed that he has a "syrinx" which is a cyst on his spinal cord.  At best this will mean more tests and reduced activities (which are many in his young ball playing life) until doctors can figure things out and decide what, if anything, should be done.  

I will keep you informed as I get any news about his treatment.  God watch over Keegan.

Happy 15th Birthday To Joe!

It is near the end of Joe's 15th birthday.  He played another good game of baseball today and I imagine, as soon as possible, he will have his learner's permit so he can drive his parents to future games.

Be careful, my handsome grandson, be wise and may God protect you, as he has Ford and Andrew, while you learn this year to be among the best drivers ever!  You will always be in my prayers.

Happy Birthday!

Just another Family Easter

Okay, Easter morning was incredible...amazing...GLORIOUS!  The Sabonis-Chafee's led a sunrise service for about 30-40 people on the golf course of their neighborhood.  We then met up with them for early morning services at Apostles where Mike, Mary and family opted to join us in lieu of going to their home church so we could share the experience together.  After church we headed to the Commerce Club Atlanta for our annual Easter Brunch, adding to our numbers, the Shannon Croft family as well as Tom Croft and the girls!

You know, we're really privileged in this family, privileged in love, generosity and respect for one another.   Just like most of you who read this blog, we have a dang good time when we get together to celebrate.

Heck, I'm going to shut up now and let the following video prove my point...

Harlem Shake from Croft on Vimeo.

Hope you had a Happy, Happy Easter too!

Thank you Easter Bunny.

Join the Chorus

Easter

Easter is the ever shining Light

in The Valley of the Shadow of Life

Whose gleam dispels the darkness

Of men's minds;

Whose radiance penetrates the hardness

Of men's hearts;

Whose glory transcends the outreach

 Of all time.

Easter's Victory has robbed death of its sting;

Easter's Vitality is regenerating a new humanity;

Easter's eVentuallity is the Kingdom of God on earth.

Mabel Smith Brown

Springtime

Crusts of earth are opening

Green shoots are peering through

Buds on trees are bursting

New life's coming into view.

Nature tells us Christ has risen!

Freshness of life appears.

Spring-time is unfolding

Nature shouts triumphant cheers.

Man too may join the chorus;

Sing out with clear accord.

For life anew is ours

Through Jesus Christ The Lord!

Mable Smith Brown

Happy Easter!

It's Friday...but Sunday's Coming!

Everywhere I look today, I am reminded to look to the cross as I wait for Sunday's celebration of the risen Christ.  These are heart felt moments that I share with those I love because that's what we do with the ones we love; share our hearts.

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in Springtime.  Martin Luther

It's Friday...but Sunday's Coming!

Palm Sunday

I hope everyone has had a blessed Palm Sunday.  It was glorious this morning at Church of the Apostles as we sang uplifting praises to God and waved our palm branches.  William and I wrote word phrases from the preacher's sermon and drew doodles on our bulletins to "keep us awake and focused".  The best were the Easter Eggs we drew.  William's were of mountains celebrating "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!!".  I in turn had written on my bulletin, "The very mountains themselves will cry Jesus!".  It was nice to know we were connecting to the same words.

After church, Tom, Andrew, William and Grandad went off to Shane's for lunch and the girls: Kim, Emily and I decided do a little shopping, hoping to find something pretty to wear for Easter.  Emily was a perfect hanger for everything she tried on even when we goaded her into trying on the ugliest prom dress we could find!  We did find a delightful treasure or two, had a good lunch at Nordstroms, shopped a little more then rushed home to homework and preparations that had to be made for an early morning installation by Regas Interiors.

A few other noteworthy things happened this week.  First all, Kristin started the week with her 44th birthday!  Unfortunately, the family dog was very ill and much time, lots of effort and love had to go into saving his life.  I understand though that Teddy is doing well and is expected to recover.
(note: I need pictures from California to go here.)

I've heard reports that Keegan injured his neck and had to play a less strenuous position than pitching the last game or two.  Wishing him a speedy recovery.  Congratulations to Aiden for a near perfect report card and a successful soccer team tryout.

(note: I need pictures from California to go here.)

 On Wednesday, God answered our prayers by helping Ben through surgery.  We are thankful to report that he is healing with the love and help of Adrienne and going to be fine.  Thank you Adrienne for keeping us informed throughout the process and keeping us from worry.
(note: I need pictures from California to go here.)

You California folks, I need reports of GOOD news asap!  Really, I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we are hoping good health reports keep rolling in and you are back on the road to happy adventures as I write.

Grandad and I had a really nice Grandparent's Day at St. Martin's Middle School on Friday.  Joe and Issy were the perfect hosts, sharing friends, breakfast and a delightful program (where Joe sang!).  They then took their four Grandparents on a tour of the new Middle School building.  It is always a pleasure to see the children in their school environment; the things they are working on, meeting their teachers and the friends they have made.  These school days are so important in a child's life.

Equally important this past week was Joe's successful baseball games!  His pitching was impeccable and he hit his first home-run of the season!  (His date to the Daffodil Ball wasn't too shabby either!)

I am still struggling through PT and painting a little.  Grandad was honored by a Supper Lawyer's reception this week and life keeps giving us many moments to be grateful for...

So, get your best Easter bonnet and bright colored dresses, pull out your pastel ties and get ready for Resurrection Sunday!  Sing Hosanna in the Highest and rejoice, for wherever you are, our hearts will join yours in praise and gratitude for our risen Lord and Savior.
Happy Easter Week!

P.S.  Remember your Nana this Easter Week.  She is back home and is planning another Easter celebration with the Murfreesboro family bringing a dish and gathering at her house.  You can send an email  to lopsqueen@aim.com, phone: 615-893-0498 or snail mail to Gwen Patton, 600 North Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. :)

Note:  The pictures of Emily in the green hat and the rose and navy dress were given in delightful fun to her mother and me while shopping for a real Easter dress last Sunday.  Thank you Emily for your good sense of humor!

...and we ate pie!

Did I tell you about about my Christmas gift in mid February?  Well, if I didn't I certainly intended to!

Last Christmas, the children and those they love (as long as I'm living, my babies they'll be) gave Grandad and me gifts of time as our special gifts.  One of those gifts included, for me, a girl's night out to be taken in February.

Well, time came and because of surgery I wasn't up for travel so the girls brought the gift to me!

Kim and Emily arrived early to wash and fix my hair (couldn't do my own at the time) and brought a fantastic catered gourmet feast (from everyone) to be put on hold while waiting for the rest of the girls to arrive.

What a night to remember, we laid the table with the delicious food and wine, sat together for great conversation, even picked out the dresses we would wear to the up coming  Oscars, (that is if we were going)!  We talked so much that we had little time to do other things we'd planned.   The young girls made their way to the basement den and eventually a big pallet on the floor where they could settle down to popcorn and a late movie.  We tried to join them for a while but the events of the day gave way to tired bodies and soon we all found a bed where we could get a good nights sleep before our Sunday School teachers had to get up early the following morning.

(I should add a note here that pays tribute to my steadfast husband who did not join us for dinner but stayed and ate quietly in his sealed office upstairs never once giving us cause to shout, "Man in the Hall!".)

Soon, after a happy early morning breakfast, everyone was gone and we were off the church with Emily to meet the others already there.  Wow, was it quiet Sunday afternoon, the giggles and chatter absorbed into the walls made it a place I still wanted to be.

Talk about a gift that keeps on giving; it couldn't have been more valuable had it been  Frankincense and Myrrh, for it is another added treasure to my memory box.

Oh, I forgot to tell you the very reason the thought came into my mind that I wanted to write this post in the first place...WE ATE PIE!  Sure wish I had some. ;)

Oh Happy Day!

Thing of the Past?

With facebook being the first thing we sign into these days, it seems familychatterbox is becoming a thing of the past.  All my spare time has been used seeing what everybody else is doing, instead of recording my favorite moments and feelings for the hand full of people who faithfully check the box for news of family.

Anyway, Mom made a trip to Northcroft this past weekend and I want a record of her coming.  My sister Judy and her husband Louis gave of their time and energy to bring her and pick up the slack, with the work that needed doing,  because I am still one handed/armed/ from having rotator cuff surgery almost 5 weeks ago.

Really, Louis was recovering from minor surgery too so it was up to Sister to take care of us all!  I pushed to do more than I otherwise would have, so now, as usual,  I am stronger for the time spent in the mountains. (photo by Judy)

The early morning hours, evenings and nights were cold enough for a roaring fire yet the days were perfect for a long walk and a hike to the waterfall and to Egypt. Louis and Judy even did a little firearm shooting to stay in good practice with the guns they own.

Between us we brought enough food to feed our mountain appetites and enjoyed it at a candle-lit table.

Mom did great, getting from one small place to another.  She was a trouper and left with a promise to return.

Thanks guys for making the effort to come and spend time together.  Please know the doors of Northcroft are always open to you...  Speaking of doors, because of what my brother did for me this same weekend, I can now view the inside front door area by internet whenever I want and hopefully soon (next time I go) the outside as well.  I can do this through the eye of a camera; ordered and installed by Hugh!  

(From #1 security camera.)

P. S.  Terrence stayed home and attended a Board of Governor's meeting of the Georgia Bar.  He is so faithful to his profession and so generous not to begrudge me time in the mountains.  Hope we can make it there together this weekend! 

A Special Friday!

Mike met with the former President for breakfast. (Impressive, Yeah!)

Kim had lunch with some college roommates, now lifelong friends. 

  

Terr took me for a sun-on-your-face lunch, after my post-op visit with the surgeon. (Got a good report, too!)

Then Terrence and I had a late, candle light, delicious dinner, sent to us by Kristin and Alan, all the way from California!   (Another dinner awaits us in the refrigerator for tomorrow!)

This past 10 days I have been reminded over and over how important and treasured a gift, family and loyal friends are.  With but one arm tied to my side (I mean, it isn't cancer), so many have come to our aid.  I have been lifted up and covered in prayer, eight meals have been brought to our door, flowers, candy, hair and make-up creations, phone calls (some daily!), emails, skype calls and text messages have let me know others were there or only a phone call away.

I am so humbled.  My promise to you, in return, is to pay it forward and to let you know if you ever need me, I too am but a phone call away.

Forever loving you...

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  

But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

February a happy month for our family!

February birthday wishes go out to Keegan (3rd), Emily (5th), and William (18th)!  God has blessed us, for you have made our family even better!

Love is something if you give it away
You'll end up having more.

We love you!

Happy Birthday to all three of you!

The week after Christmas brought us the company of some of our California children and grandchildren staying with us at the Heath.  It was a very busy week for them, having both Kristin's and Alan's families here to visit and vacation with, and they managed to share time with us, too!

Lots of bumper pool was played, fireside chats, a few meals, gift exchange and a quick overnight trip to the mountains where we enjoyed the outdoors together and Aidan got to shoot a couple of guns with Grandad.

Sadly, Keegan was hit with a nasty flu-like bug, but he kept on going, resting when he could and using all his energy for the baseball batting and pitching lessons, climbing, sledding at Stone Mountain and other activities planned by Uncle Shannon.

It's a long way from California to Atlanta, we are so grateful you could come!

Happy New Year, 2013!

As the ball is but minutes away from falling in Times Square and the excitement rises in those staying up to bring in the New Year, let me take a minute to say to all of you...

Today reminded me that the rushing water continues to flow down the creek at Northcroft, so may your lives also rush towards greater things, being purified by the very road you travel and oxygenated by the tumbles you take. Know that there are greater things ahead than what you can see and I pray you strive to reach them.

I love you all so very much and wish you a very 

Happy New Year, 2013!

photo by Kristin on the way to the waterfall.

Love, Mother/Mimi/Merry