THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 13

I am thankful for the experiences of growing up in the country. My family moved there when I was about 8 or 9 years old. Our new home was on forty acres with pasture land, 4 ponds, a brook, and woods. Dad always had animals, and Mom had two vegetable gardens, chickens, and lots of flower beds around the house. There were lots of outside chores to do, but I always had time to play with my little brother and to explore. I don't think I ever complained of being bored! This was where I developed my great love for animals and Mother Nature.

, 

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 12

Grandma Thieret, Carl, and me

I am thankful for my early childhood memories of living on Holly Street. Life was so simple in those times. I remember playing tag, hide-and-seek, kick-the-can, hula hooping, roller skating, splashing in the rain, and catching fire flies at night with my siblings and the neighborhood kids. It was an imaginative time in which kids put on plays, parades, played dress up, and made mud pies. Mothers stayed at home and neighbors looked out for each other. Each weekday, a horse-drawn cart with ice cream came by in the afternoon. Sweet memories!

   

               

  

Gerald, Harold, Helen

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 11

I am thankful to all our military personnel

for the sacrifices you have made 

for our freedom.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 10

Friendships are like works of art; some are masterpieces and have been around forever, while others are in the process of being created. Friends make the good times more enjoyable, and most importantly; they make the difficult times easier to endure. You know who you are. I thank each and every one of you for being my friend!

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 9

I am thankful for Aunt Zita's influence in my life. As a child I was shy, and whenever she visited our family, she always made me feel extra special. Later in life, every trip to Florida always included a visit with her. Naturally, she would prepare one of her delicious meals for us. She had a zest for life and dearly loved her family, friends, and the Lord. I will always remember the time when she drove a pink convertible T-bird, and had a little "rat" of a dog that went everywhere with her! Love you Aunt Zita.

THANKFULNESS THOUGH # 8

I am thankful for our Aunt Olga (Bucek) Kurc. When we moved to Texas, she became our surrogate mother and grandmother. She had a great love for her family, the Dallas Cowboys, sewing, gardening, and cooking. We have so many fond memories of our time with her. Simply, she was one of the best and was a great blessing for our family. Love you Aunt Olga.

Aunt Olga and Cathy

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 7

I am thankful for Momo Peg. Our children have wonderful memories of her. Our summertime visits to Missouri always included a sleep over with her for the grandkids. Their tradition included a trip to K-Mart for a board game, and eating laffy taffy and Klondike bars! Love you Peggy.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 6

I am thankful for my siblings. 

Our opinions and viewpoints may vary from time to time,
 but at heart, we are alike in our core beliefs. 

Growing up in a family of five children (me being the 4th in line), as most younger sisters do; I thought my oldest brother "hung the moon". He was fun loving and popular, a high school basketball star, and a teenage rebel. Since both of our parents are deceased, I consider him the head of the family. Even though he is no longer a rebel, I still enjoy listening to his youthful escapades! Love you Harold.

My second oldest brother and I share the "pack rat" family gene. I must admit he is 100x the hoarder than me; although my husband would probably disagree! I appreciate his role of being our family historian, and the "center" for family gatherings and my trips home. I enjoy working with him hosting our annual Thanksgiving dinner. We are like two little old ladies in our planning. My grandchildren love going to his house so the can gather eggs, play pool, and eat his country breakfasts! Love you Gerald.

One of my earliest childhood memories was when my youngest brother was born and came home from the hospital. I vividly remember watching my parents as they walked up the icy sidewalk to our front porch. Since we were closest in age, we were playmates. This is probably the reason why I was a tomboy! As the youngest he was thoroughly spoiled, and he usually got "me" in trouble in our escapades! Love you Carl.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 5

I am thankful for my mother who instilled in me the love for flower gardening and sewing. Growing up I never realized all the different roles she played as a wife and mother. Her father died when she was very young and her mother had a hard time providing for their family. These early-life experiences and living through the depression instilled in her how to eke out the most she could in providing for her own family. Christmas still remains my most favorite holiday because of the memories I had as a child which was attributed to Mom making it special. Love you Mom. May you rest in peace.

  

My mother had a "green thumb" and could grow flowers from seeds, cuttings, etc. Some of her favorite flowers were irises and hydrangeas. I have lots of irises in my flower beds, but I am still trying to grow hydrangeas. 

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 4

I am thankful for my dad who taught me by example to have a strong conscience, a good work ethic, and to give 100% on my endeavors. Although he did not have much formal education, he successfully provided for his family and enabled me to attain a college education. He was not a demonstrative man, but I never doubted his love for me. As I get older and wiser, I appreciate the physical hardships he endured for his family. I love you daddy. May you rest in peace.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 3

I am thankful for my daughter, Cathy; 

son-in-law, Aaron; and my 3 grandchildren. 

They have blessed my life with happiness and joy.

Cathy is an exceptional daughter 

who has a compassionate heart and generous soul. 

She was my advocate and took exceptional care

 of me during my breast cancer journey. 

There are not enough words to describe how much 

I love and appreciate her. 

As always, 

"I love you from the green grass to the blue sky and back."

(Enjoying Disney World 2011)

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 2

Even though at times he drives me crazy, I am thankful for my husband, Pat. He has a generous heart and is always there to "fix" things whenever I truly need him. He was at every medical appointment and took care of me daily throughout my breast cancer journey. I could not have done it without him.

Enjoying a Caribbean cruise.       

 February 2014       

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 1

I am thankful to be alive and able to share

my life with family and friends. 

As a cancer survivor, I know I am 

one of the "lucky" ones.

65th Birthday

My husband and daughter surprised me with a 65th birthday party last Friday night. Although, I don't care for surprises, this was a wonderful time of sharing with family and friends.

Of course, there must be balloons for a party!

Cake too!

Friends and Family

My Daughter's Family

Father George, Pat, and Me

Sweet Aunt Nute

BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHES SHOPPING FOR THE GRANDKIDS

I can't believe it is August already, and the grandkids are going back to school later this month! We spent yesterday afternoon buying some new school clothes. One is so ready to start her new adventure at the 5th grade intermediate school, but the other two elementary gkids (1st and 3rd graders) are not ready for the summer to end! I definitely am going to cherish the last full days I will have playing with them!