My favorite veteran

I'm very patriotic at heart. Love my country. Love the flag. Love American history. But most of all--I love this veteran. We entered the air force after 3 months of marriage (Vietnam era) and after officer training school headed to Georgia for pilot training. After passing the prop plane training and 1/2 of the small jet training, it became very clear to Cris and his trainer that he was NOT going to be a pilot. His slow, methodical approach to everything in life wasn't working in the cockpit. He left pilot training and we spent the next 3 years in North Carolina at Pope AFB. It was a great experience that blessed us in many ways over the years. Just wanted you to see how handsome he was.
So cut to yesterday. . . .Veteran's Day parade in Bakersfield. We LOVED watching Riley's middle school band march in the parade. It was soooooo fun. And we also were able to honor Papa and his service. Melted my heart.

Just some of my favorite Trick or Treaters.

Natasha and Isabella--a beautiful fairy and Rapunzel.

The Rickster as "Rusteze"

Little Miss Caroline (Rachel) as a witch.

Tracey is a gorgeous gypsy but what is Christine?

Looks like Seth is a rapper.

Tracey and her punk rocker dude.

Liesl as an angel and Clara as a cute witch.

Question: How many parents sneak candy from their kids stash? Lots!!

Weekend Fun

Super fun weekend. Memzy and company (not kids) went to Vegas to run the "Regnar" (can't wait for her post) and I was having fun with Jack (also Charlie a bit cuz him was sick and needed Gramma). Nick and the girls came for a visit and let's just say--We had a blast!!!! I took these people to "Disney on Ice" and our seats were 5 rows from the ice!!! 5 rows!!! I thought Liesl was going to have a stroke every time a princess skated by and waved at her. "She can see me--she waved to ME".
Great show.

We celebrated Becca's birthday with special food, cake and decorations. Happy birthday to a wonderful daughter/wife and mother. And then we visited Cris' grave and planted flowers. I love spending time with Bella and Tasha and miss them when they leave. It was a great weekend. Thanks to everyone.

Shopping Savvy

I tried a new hair dresser/Salon last Friday and although I really like the new girl and her cut--the color/weave is too blond for my taste. Others say it's fine--but I'm not sold. Anywho--I saw a purse at this salon that was darling times 10 but decided I didn't want to spend that much money, so I passed.



Tonight I decided to take a swing through Marshall's and look what I found!! Isn't she pretty? And my new wallet is edgy/quirky and adorable. I'm so happy. Marshalls rocks.


These little angels are coming this weekend for a visit and we're going to "Disney on Ice"! I'm excited.

Mental note to self-----

The other day I was playing with Graham and Clara and while explaining something to Clara, I stopped myself and muttered, "You probably can't comprehend that". She never missed a beat. "I can't comprehend that Gramma".


Just to "Clara"-fy------
Mission accomplished.
Once they are over 3 years old they become much more flexible and cooperative.
And BEFORE they are toddlers---well, they're just too cute for words.

How was your day?

My day was up and down and then up again with a happy ending. . . . . .as pictured here. Cris headstone is finally completed and in place.

I received a post card in the mail today (I've called once a week since the end of August) telling me that his headstone is in place. So I go to the cemetery to take a look/pictures and have a moment. Uhhhhmmm--it's not there--not even close. So I call the office (while standing on his grave). "Hello"--I received a post card today stating my husband's headstone is in place and I'm standing here NOT looking at it. Can you help me please"? Long time on hold--long time. Then the funeral director himself comes walking across the lawn. BIG apologies because it was actually installed in the wrong place. They were very embarrassed and said they would move it immediately. I stayed--I watched--I hovered. All with a calm but disappointed face. They dug it up, moved it to the correct place.
They took great care to make it perfect. NOW I'm happy. Hurting heart--but happy. I'm sure he loves it.
It looks great.

A side note: In the interest of fiscal responsibility I salute this Costco baby swing. Purchased for $20 in 1997 for baby Christine, all 14 grandchildren have swung on our patio. Grahammy Bear love it just as much as all the rest. Sigh. . . . .Life is Good.

Can you STAND it? NO--you can't!!

And then there's this--a most precious and poignant moment in our memories. This was recorded just a few days before he left us.



But this is how I like to remember him--loving every minute of every day.