April 2008 Archives

Gone, but never forgotten. Happy Birthday, Sam.

When I got the ad for this photo shoot, I couldn't resist scheduling an appointment. The babies did very well, and I love how the pictures came out! Those are not our overalls or hats, and I don't usually allow them to go out barefoot or shirtless, but.... it works for the dramatic effect. The day we took these photos, we were the 4th set of 2 boys to take this special shoot. All of the other sets of brothers were in the same age group as Samuel and Luke, and of the 4 sets, 3 of the younger brothers were named "Luke." So I guess I'll be putting Luke H. on all of his school things when that time comes. In my day, the common boy name was "Chris."

Samuel & Luke

Brianne interviewed on Friday at Bramlett Elementary School. It is in neighboring Barrow County. The school is 13.2 miles from our house. She said that the interview went very well and that on Friday the principal all but offered her the job. The principal told Brianne that she had conducted some interviews that morning, but that she really liked her and the things she was saying. Brianne was asked if she would prefer first or second grade because there were openings in both. Brianne told the principal that she loved both of the grades and could not make up her mind. The principal told her that she thought she would be great at both grade levels.

All weekend Brianne thought about what she liked about both grade levels and she kept coming back to second being her favorite. It was in second grade that she chose teaching as a future career. She says that second grade was her favorite year of her school career and she fully credits the teacher for making the year so wonderful. Anyway, she received an email from the principal today offering her a second grade teaching position for next year. She is elated and so are we!

Tomorrow is her last day of student teaching in first grade in Gray, Georgia. She has had a very good experience, but is looking forward to graduation on May 10th. She will begin graduate school for a Master's Degree in Reading and Literacy at Georgia State in June.

Barrett was baptised by Fr. Al, on April 6. We had a bunch of people at the church for the baptism and even more people over at the house afterwards. After church people came over for brunch, which Kellie & Brianne prepared the day before. We had a million egg casseroles...all very good. Anyway, things went really well and we we're really happy Barrett's Great-Grandma was able to attend. My buddy Allen was the Godfather and Brianne was the Godmother.

Barrett's Baptism

What a surprise it was to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers at work today. The card was signed "We love you, your sisters." I got home from work at 50 and there was a knock on the door. Scott said that someone was at the door with flowers. I was incredulous when he walked in with another gorgeous bouquet of flowers. This one was signed, Happy Birthday, Love, Janine, Katie, Elizabeth, Angela and Christina." Also, Scott had a lovely bouquet displayed on the kitchen table when I got home. Thank you all for remembering me in such a thoughtful and generous way! I am very appreciative and will enjoy the beauty for a while. Scott took pictures so I'll have the memory of your thoughtfulness forever.

I'm including a few pictures from Barrett's first spend the night at our house. We took care of him one night so that Kellie and Stephen could go out to eat and have a night to themselves. Kellie nursed him before they left and then I gave him a bottle at bedtime. He slept until 6:50 a.m. and then I gave him another bottle. They picked him up at 8:30. He was such an angel the entire time. Kellie returns to work tomorrow and Scott starts the babysitting rotation. He will babysit on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Geraldine and Red will babysit on Thursdays and I have Fridays. Brianne graduates from college on May 10th and she will take over on the 12th and babysit until the last day of school on May 23rd. We are all looking forward to our time alone with him.

The Christening was last week and Stephen is supposed to put some pictures on the blog of that. If he doesn't soon, I'll put what I have. Barrett looked beautiful in the baptismal gown that I made 30 years ago. He was the 11th baby to be baptized in it.

Thank you for the birthday wishes! I am going out to dinner now.

Oh, and Barbara - Scott said to tell you re, your comment about him saying my age in public (which, of course, appalled me) that he isn't scared of me! Do you believe that??

Happy 50th to Sue

Happy 50th to Sue

Sue was ten years old when she took sewing lessons. I can’t remember who the teacher was or who went with her. I had to buy a pattern and a length of material for a play suit, a top and bottom. I bought a heavy red cotton. The details of this summer project escape me, but when all was said and done, she had a darling outfit that fit her perfectly and was stitched together by a person who was well on her way to being an expert. She is still an expert at whatever she attempts – sewing, crocheting, embroidering, gourmet cuisine, child rearing, and now GRANDMOTHERING! I am so proud of her. Happy Birthday, Sue.

Happy Birthday, Sue

Have a day!

On This Day throughout history

Jimmy and Molly

Pictured are Jimmy and his girlfriend, Molly. Last night Elizabeth and Scott hosted a prom party for Jimmy and some of his friends. They arrived at Elizabeth's around midnight and quickly scarfed down the pizzas they had ordered for them. They all had fun playing some Wii game that involved playing the drums, and I think dancing, and something else- Elizabeth or Jim will have to get on here to elaborate for themselves as I'm just the messenger with the technical know-how. Scott sent them all to bed around 4 a.m. I had Polina spend the night with me and Joe was at Christina's. Polina was an angel, and Samuel had a great time with her here!

Angela