Parents

Tomorrow starts a new year. I wanted to take this time to share with my grandchildren how proud I am of their parents. As a parent, I made mistakes along the way. Even parents are human and sometimes do not make the best decisions. But I am so proud that despite any bad decisions I may have made, the good decisions came out on top. First let me tell you that you will not always like what your parents do. There will be times you may even think you hate them, but you really won't. You have some of the greatest parents. They work together as a team and support each other even when they may not agree with each other. No matter what their decisions, they are making them based on what they believe is in your best interest. And that is the most important thing they can do for you. It's not always easy for parents. They don't enjoy having to discipline and/or punish, but recognize it is important to your growth. You also have parents who make time to have fun with you. It may be rolling around in the floor or going out to a movie and many things in between. They also recognize the importance of sharing you (their most valuable asset) with family and friends. And most importantly, they recognize the importance of church and developing your life as a Christian.

But I think one of the most important things they may be doing is to take time to help mold the current youth (teenagers) who are often your role models and someday will be your leaders. In a few weeks, they will be taking them to Gatlinburg for a youth retreat called "Resurrection". This is a very powerful experience for Christian youth. When Michael and Jessica moved back to Chattanooga area, Chris and Regina stepped up to organize and continue this trip. They recognize how important it is that your future leaders develop a strong relationship with God. Michael and Jessica will also be joining to spend some time with the youth they so loved and had to leave behind as they entered a new chapter of their life. The really positive side is that Grumpy and me will get to spend valuable time with you. Time away, truly devoted to you. I can't wait.

So to Chris, Regina, Michael, and Jessica.......I am so proud of the responsible adults and parents (even when I don't like your decisions) that you have become. I love you all so much. I know I don't say that often enough. I wish you a happy, safe, and prosperous year ahead.

A Christmas message to my grandchildren

I'm a bit behind on my posts, but didn't want to pass up this moment. Christmas is such a magical time of year. It's a beautiful time of year as everyone lights up their homes with decorations and everywhere you go, there is excitement in the eyes of children. Michael once told me that there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a Christmas tree without your glasses! Although I don't wear glasses, I will never forget that year when he handed me his glasses to look through. You see, me looking through his glasses gave a similar appearance as when he looked without them. It was a very beautiful mass of lights. But the thing the most important about Christmas is to remember what the celebration is all about. You see, without Jesus, there would be no good cheer and no presents. The giving of gifts wouldn't happen if God had not given us the gift of his son, Jesus. The wise men brought gifts to the Baby Jesus and we continue the tradition by giving gifts to each other. So even though it is great to get gifts and exciting to buy gifts for the people we love, always remember to wish a "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and thank God for sending him to us, so that we might share the feelings of love with all of those around us. I love you so and pray I get to spend many more Christmases with you and some day watch you as you delight in the joy of Christmas with my great-grand-children. Because next to God, my family is the very most important part of my life. I've included a few of my favorite shots for this year.

Reed's First Birthday

Reed, It's so hard to believe that you have already turned a year old. It seems like just yesterday that Grumpy and Me (along with others) were at your house in Pleasant View, building the room upstairs so we could move your Mommy's office and get your room ready. It didn't even seem like work the day we painted your room. We were so excited to get it ready for your arrival that even though is was a lot of work, it was so much fun. Now Gramma can paint, but you are such a lucky little boy to have a Mommy and Granna who are so talented and got everything decorated and made you such a fun room. Grumpy didn't even complain about putting the bed together. He and your Daddy worked almost all of Sunday afternoon. Your cousin Caleb helped them out to. And before we knew it, the big day finally arrived. Your Daddy called me at work early on Monday morning to tell me he and your Mommy were going to the hospital, but wasn't sure yet if you would be arriving that day. Even though he said to just wait until I heard back from him, I called your Grumpy and told him to get ready or I would be going without him. He was ready and before your Daddy could call me back, we were ready and waiting. We brought Memama and G'Daddy along to the hospital and we waited and waited and waited. Granna and Papa T soon arrived and we all waited and waited and waited. Finally your Daddy came to the waiting room and told us you had arrived. Then we had to wait some more before we could see you. So some 12 hours or so from the time your Daddy called me, we finally got to see you. You were such a beautiful baby. I couldn't hold you that day and was pretty disappointed about that, but so excited that you were here and that you and your Mommy were okay. I would say that I fell in love with you on that day, but that wouldn't be true. I actually fell in love with you long before you were born. It's amazing how our love can just grow and grow. And now you are a year old! And once again, Gramma has been painting your room at your new home on Signal Mountain, trying to get it ready for you to move in. Granna has been busy making those curtains (among many other things) and she and your Mommy will soon have it all decorated and fun just like your room was in Pleasant View. Even though I didn't see you every day in Pleasant View, I miss knowing that I could if I wanted to. Having you 3 hours away is much different than when you were just 30 minutes away. I miss you so much, but see that you will be very happy in your new home. I've enjoyed pushing you in your stroller through your new neighborhood when we have been there to help on the house. And you have put many of my fears to rest when you greet me with that big smile and reach your arms out for me. You have helped bring sunshine back into my life. Celebrating your birthday here at Gramma and Grumpy's house was such fun. It was a busy, but exciting weekend. You were so tired by the time you had your cake (you preferred your cranberries), so Kaelyn, Reed, and Lane helped you out with the cake. Having my whole family (4 generations) here at the house sharing laughter and fun times together was the priceless part of the weekend. I know you won't remember this time, but hope that this journal of my thoughts and all of the pictures will always remind you of how very much you are loved. So just one more time, Happy 1st Birthday, Sunshine! I love you.

A great weekend!

Last weekend was a great time. It's been a really busy week so I haven't gotten to update the blog yet. Don't want to rush because it was an important time (celebrating Reed's first birthday) so will write about the weekend soon. Until then, here are a few pics. I love you Reed!

Chicago and an American Girl Birthday Celebration

Kaelyn, What a great weekend! This weekend might have been planned just for you, but it has proven to be a fantastic time for all of us. I can't remember when I have laughed so much. I know you are old enough to remember some things for yourself, but I want to share some highlights I think were worth remembering. The fun started right at the train station. Kassandra and you picked up right where you left off last time and even made new friends right off. Remember Sarah, the young lady who was going alone to visit her friends in Chicago. Remember how she found you on the train and sat right down in the floor with you and started reading your books to you. That was quite a compliment for you girls. You were having so much fun, this college girl who was at least 12 to 15 years older than you, wanted to spend time with you later. We should have gotten more information from her so we could share some of our photos. I think she was just one of God's angels he sends our way sometimes. Then there was the older lady (even older than Gramma) who was quite impressed with the way you girls presented yourselves. I was very proud of you. Then what about that train ride. Wasn't that just awesome? The food wasn't so great, but it was still fun making our way from car to car to get to the dining area. Just like in the movies! The conductor was also quite impressed with your good behavior and smiling faces. It shows in the pictures we captured. Getting that little 'power nap' before we arrived was a good idea, even though you looked like little homeless children lying there on the floor of the train. The bus drive to the hotel was a little less than exciting, but our hotel made up for it. What about that view! Waking to the sunrises over the water in the mornings put us in a good mood right from the beginning of the day. Shopping at the American Girl Store was unbelievable. I think Miss Cindy, Nana, Mama, and me had as much, if not more, fun as you and Kassandra. It brought out that little girl in us that we hadn't seen in a while. But it is always there. You should always hang on to that little part down inside of us that never grows up. And what was up with all of that food we had at your birthday brunch! Good thing we did a lot of walking. And a lot of walking is an understatement (my thighs are still sore). I wish we knew how many miles we walked over those 2 days. And once again, Kassandra and you handled it like real troopers. You didn't complain and hung right in there every step of the way. And then there was Navy Pier. Thank you so much for keeping me calm while riding that giant ferris wheel. Wasn't that just too cool? I can't repeat every event, but I want you to know that this was certainly a memorable weekend for me. I hope as we both grow older, you'll always find a little time to share a weekend with me. Even when it is you who has to help me. But most importantly I hope you loved this enough to remember to do these things with your own daughter/granddaughter someday. Sharing so much laughter with family and good friends is definitely the priceless part of this trip. When you have laughed so much your jaws hurt, you know it has been a good time. And it was a healing time for me. After all, laughter is the best medicine. I love you so much. I know I say that a lot, but that is one phrase I don't think you can say too many times. Especially when it comes straight from the heart! Don't forget to look at the pictures in the slide show. In addition to Kaelyn and Kassandra, I want to thank Regina, Barbara, and Cindy for such a wonderful weekend. We did pretty good ourselves. Six people in one hotel suite can get pretty 'cozy' and I don't remember one time when any of us had an issue. Thanks girls! Next post will be Reed's 1st birthday!! Can't wait to see him (Michael and Jessica, too). Seems like he changes so much in between visits.

Kaelyn's Birthday

Kaelyn, I can't believe my "Sweet Pea" is 6 years old already. Your party was so much fun. You are so special to have a family who loves you so much. I'm so excited about this weekend when we take the train to Chicago! I'll have more birthday memories to post for you when we get back. But for now, I just wanted to tell you how very special you are and how very much I love you. The day before your party, you just couldn't resist picking the one lone rose off my rosebush in the back yard. I wanted to be mad at you, but how could I be mad when I was looking at this...

I love you, little girl.

"Baby Reed"

Oh, little Reed. I was so excited when your Mom and Dad announced they were expecting you. We were at the Catfish House (one of our favorite places) for G'Daddy's Birthday when your Daddy either asked what names we recommended for the new baby or said what they might name the new baby. It didn't really matter, all I heard was there was going to be a new baby. I was so excited I could burst. My baby was now having a baby! You see, all I ever wanted out of my life was to have babies. I have always loved children and that will never change. I wanted a 3rd child (still often wish I had done that), but circumstances didn't allow it, but now I was getting a 3rd grandchild and I was very excited. Your Daddy & Mommy wanted to keep it secret for a couple of months, but I wanted to tell everybody immediately. Two months was a long time to keep good news silent. I felt like I would burst (even angry sometimes), but finally we were allowed to tell; everyone in the whole family, church, and community were so excited. Of course your Mom's pregnancy was a little different from that of your Aunt Regina and Cousin Nay Nay. She was determined from the very beginning to make everything perfect and took absolutely no risk. Eating and drinking exactly as she read was appropriate according to the articles she researched. Nothing wrong with that, we just had to pick more healthy restaurants (you see your Gramma doesn't cook much). Now, your mama is very private and loves her personal space, but she stepped outside her comfort zone occassionally to let us feel you move or watch as you rolled around in her tummy. She was so proud of you growing healthy and strong, she just couldn't help but want to show you off (modestly of course). She and your Daddy began early making plans for you. They want you to be the best and most loved child ever. Now your mom and dad had a niece, nephew, and cousin to start watching behaviors and things that your Gramma and Grumpy did that weren't necessarily bad things, but things that might be considered spoiling. They didn't want some of these things for you and started making a mental list (and telling us of course) of things we would not be allowed to do. Don't worry, we'll still sneak something in every now and then, but would never, never, do anything that would harm you in anyway. I've got my eye on a dill pickle for you. Your cousin Kaelyn loved them. Used to suck all of the juice out and leave an old shriveled up shell. We'll see what you think soon. The day you were born, I was ill and there was a chance I could pass that to you. So Grumpy had to hold you and I could only look. I still grieve for what I missed that day. I think the touches you feel that first week or so stay with you forever. Finally I got to hold you a week later and I was in heaven. Then I went and got myself into an accident and wasn't able to hold you at all for a while. But when I could sit on the floor, you used to crawl up next to me and (with people yelling at me to be careful) I could still pull you into my lap a bit. Now you've moved away and distance cuts down on those numbers of hugs. So someday when you are reading this for yourself, stay prepared, because the Lord willing, I will still be kicking and looking for those hugs to make up for all of those we lost early on and those we miss due to the distance between us. I do love you so, Reed. I'm so sorry that the few precious months you lived in Pleasant View, circumstances didn't allow us to spend lots of quality time together. I do pray God keeps us close as a family even across the miles and brings you within my reach very often! I can' t wait to share your first birthday celebration with you. You have fun in Florida and have Mommy take lots of pictures. Before we know it, you'll be able to talk to Gramma on the phone and tell me about your days. I can't wait!! Love you, my sunshine. (Yep, I've decided that's what you are). Kaelyn is my Sweet Pea, Caleb is my Sugar Bear, and you are my Sunshine! What will the new one be? Oops, not supposed to tell that yet. Your Gramma is in trouble again. Oh well, I'm getting used to it. I'm sure there will be times that you and I are in trouble together some day! But it will be safe and fun, I promise! See you soon, Sunshine! Give everyone hugs from Gramma!

Happy 3rd Birthday Caleb

Caleb.....today you've turned 3 years old. Time flies by so quickly. You are such a precious and smart little boy and this day's post is dedicated to you. Your party was so much fun. Watching you and your friends play in the park was the best. Even though there were 2 slung off the merry-go-round and 2 really sick, it was still the hit of the party. Sometimes we adults forget how tuff you kids are. Jumping up to get right back on. When the party was over, it was off to see "Disney on Ice". The sparkle in your eyes as you watched, sang, and shouted greetings to your favorite characters was well worth fighting the crowds for. Thank you, Ms. Cindy for inviting us! Running in to Kyle and Allie was an added bonus. And hearing that tired little voice saying "I love you, Gramma" when I dropped you, Kaelyn, and Mommy off at home when the evening ended is priceless. I love you Sugar Bear! Happy Birthday.

Go faster Grumpy!!!!

A day in history....

Yesterday was September 11th. A date you will some day see in your history books. I hope that by the time you are old enough to read this, God will still reside in most hearts and fear will not be a part of your everyday life. As American's most of us do not really know fear. We hear about it and see it on TV, but most of us do not live in a situation where you must run from your house to the next building in fear of being shot, stabbed, or bombed. But on September 11, 2001, all Americans experienced a fear that most had never been subjected to. I remember the morning very well. I was at work when I heard about the first crash. As with any plane crash we all knew there would be many lives lost and our sympathies were immediately there, but no real fear. After all, it was just an accident, right. Then as the news came in about the next plane, and the next, ...... it became very evident, it was no accident. The United States was under attack. One of the girls in our office building ran home and got a portable TV so we could see the news as it came in. We did at least get a moment of relief from fear while setting up the TV. You see there was no cable TV in our building and it sits in a hollow next to the river bottom. So we had to make ourselves an antennae. We gathered aluminum foil from the kitchen, anything we could find to help get reception. The fear soon returned quickly as we got reception and saw the pictures coming in of the twin towers in New York burning and crumbling to the ground. We sat in awe as each of us wondered what was next. I immediately started calling my family. I couldn't reach Michael at first. He was still in school in Chattanooga and I was frantic until I finally heard his voice. Of course, he was okay, but I wanted him home! You see being a mom is just like being an old mother hen. Whenever there is something threatening our babies (no matter how old they are), we want to gather them under our wings and protect them. The fear that something major might happen in our area and my family would be spread in different places, not knowing if another was okay or not, was almost more than I could bear. Living in a military town, security was bumped up everywhere quickly. Flights were stopped immediately all across the country. The only aircraft in the sky was military. Working in a plant near a major river means we get lots of military traffic overhead. Just the sound of an airplane or helicopter would send us to the window to make sure it was safe. I can't explain the fear that day brought. That night our community gathered at Henrietta's Volunteer Fire Department hall and held a church service to pray for our country, the families of those who were victims of the attack, and yes, we also prayed for the attackers. You see, even in this early time, we had to begin forgiving our attackers or we would continue to live in fear. God gave me peace that night and I saw all of my immediate family members, except Michael. But God brought him home to me over the weekend, so I could just see him and touch him to know God was still in control. Now there was and still is a lot of question as to whether we should retaliate. We are human, and most of the citizens of the United States supported fully the decision to "make a statement" that we would not sit quietly and watch our country attacked. I'm not going to get into any more details, you can read about it in your history books or whatever method you'll be using by the time you read this, but I just wanted to share how I felt that day with you. You see life is not always fun. We have to learn to deal with the bad and sad times along with the good. We can't stick our heads in the sand and pretend they aren't happening. They won't go away. This is the same in your relationships with your siblings, parents, grandparents, friends, co-workers, and so on. If there is a time of adversity, stand up and face it head on. Talk about it, listen, and be sympathetic even if you feel you were wronged. And never be afraid or to proud to say you're sorry (and mean it). This is the only way to truly heal and move forward without regret. Love and hugs! Gramma

Number 2

Caleb, there's lots of things that aren't the same when you're not the 'first' grandchild, but don't ever let anyone tell you that it means you are any less special. There is one thing you will learn as you grow up, and that is there is so much love, it can never run out! Your mommy and daddy let Kaelyn share the news about you. She was so proud to announce that she was going to have a baby brother or sister! We watched you grow in your mommy's tummy and sometimes it looked as if you were doing back flips in there. In some ways watching as you developed was more exciting than 'the first'. We also got the pleasure of watching Kaelyn as she rubbed your mommy's tummy and talked to you even before you were born. I love you so much. You are such a kind and loving little boy. You'll always be my "sugar bear", even when you are big like your daddy. Last week you started your new school! Only two days there and your teacher already loves you. You keep Lane out of trouble and continue to set a good example for him. This is all new to him and you're experienced! I'm glad you two have each other and hope you will be best friends. Just always remember that Jesus loves you, even more than your Gramma.

Watching you grow!

Kaelyn, It was a fun time watching you grow in your Mommy's tummy. You were such an important part of our lives even before we could touch you. It was much the same then as now. Whenever we would go to dinner, we always asked "What does Kaelyn want tonight?" Your mommy always seemed to know what you wanted! Of course, that was after we knew you were Kaelyn. On Mother's Day that year, I received a great card that said, "Happy Mother's Day...... Love, Kaelyn Elizabeth Hampton." How exciting, a baby girl. There's lots of stories to tell about times between then and now, but you've just passed a most important milestone that I want to talk about today. You've started kindergarden!! I still remember the day when your Daddy started school. You and I have talked about it. He was just as precious to me as you. Some days I wish he was still a little boy, but then I wouldn't have you. He had a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Evans. You've met her a few times. I'm sure your teacher, Mrs. Bryant is going to be just as great. Mostly because you are great. I know that Gramma has to get a little "mean" with you sometimes, but that's just a part of helping you grow up to be a respectful and loving young lady. You are a smart and beautiful little girl. Always remember that you are God's child first and you will be just fine. And as long as your Gramma is breathing, I will always be here for you, even sometimes when you may not want me to be. I love you so much, Sweet Pea. Have fun at school and "Stay Green".

The First!

It was February, 2002. It had been a really hard previous 6 months. Phillip had his heart attack in August with angioplasty & stent; another angioplasty in October, and quadruple by-pass surgery in January. He was back in the hospital for some minor complications. Regina called and said she was bringing Phillip a special gift to the hospital that evening. Could my suspicions be true? For many years I have had this sort of sixth sense thing going on and it had kicked in a couple of weeks before this. Now was it coming true? All arrived at the hospital. My Mom & Dad (nothing really unusual), Rodney (also not unusual), Kenny Ranallo had stopped by and then Regina's Mom and Grandmother came in. The anticipation was growing. There was a reason Chris & Regina had wanted all of us there. Regina handed Phillip a gift bag and he pulled out a "thermometer". I immediately suggested that he not put it in his mouth! I was the only one that without hesitation recognized it as a pregnancy test. Maybe because I was suspicious already, but once I identified it, all were immediately excited. Of course, Aunt Stacy and Uncle Michael had been told earlier. What an inspiration for Phillip to get well. Phillip was very excited and later confessed to me that he really must take care of himself so he would be around for the baby. Our love for this child was already strong and unconditional. Our lives were already changed.

My wish........

Paul Harvey’s Wishes for Children:

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand-me-down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meatloaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy/girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what Ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove, and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your grandma/grandpa and go fishing with your uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Hanukah/Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you — tough times and disappointment, hard work, and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

_____________________________________________________________________________

I'm not sure I agree with every little thing in this narration by Paul Harvey, but I sure think it carries a strong message. So many classmates and others in or near my generation are freeloading off their parents, robbing them of everything they worked hard for, are caught up in drugs, alcohol, theft, and on and on. I'm sure the statistics of this kind are getting larger because the population is getting larger, but where and how does it stop. Seems to be a trend that folks should not be accountable and pay the price for their own actions. I thank God that my children have grown up with love, sorrow, sadness, disappointment, love, hard work, punishment, love, pain, puppy births, pet deaths, love, friend deaths, relative deaths, love, and on and on. And yes, there is a reason love is mentioned more than once. Above all else, my children were always (and still are) blessed with the love of many, many friends and family. I've been accused of being too hard on them, too easy on them, too protective of them, too controlling, too lenient, blah, blah, blah...........and I plead guilty as charged. I'm sure I did some things right and some things wrong, but through the grace of God, family, coaches, pastors, fellow church members, teachers, and friends my boys turned out pretty darn good! They have chosen life mates I'm certain God led them to and are now blessing me with the most fantastic grandchildren in the world. I hope to share a bit of their lives and some tidbits from Gramma that I want my grandchildren to know as they grow up and their children grow up and their children grow up and their children grow up, long after their Gramma is gone. Be back soon!

In the beginning.......

I hope as this blog develops, you find it refreshing and inviting. Although life as Gramma can have it's ups and downs, it is the most wonderful life I can think of. I'll soon be starting at the beginning, (when we found out about Kaelyn) up to the current, and future.