Baby Desiree--Here At Last!

As promised, this is about the new addition to our family. She was born yesterday at 10:23 a.m. She weighed in at 7 lbs., 11 ozs. and her name is Desiree Adeline. How beautiful is that? We are all thrilled and can't wait to watch her grow and turn into the person she'll become. Desiree is the latest addition to the family that includes her parents and big brother, Daniel. May God bless them all!

On Baby Watch!

This morning I woke up to my cell phone ringing. My mind was still not quite awake but I instinctively picked it up and looked at it. When I saw it was my sister's cell phone number, my mind snapped awake and I answered with a little excitement. The reason for the call and my excitement is that my niece is in the hospital ready to deliver her second child! In my family every birth is viewed as an event. All the cousins gather around the prospective parents to oooh and aaah about all events in the pregnancy and the impending birth.

Like my dad before me, I view every new baby and a special gift from God to be cherished and loved. As thrilled as I am about every new baby born into our family, I still can't help but think about what my dad's reaction would be. He adored his grandchildren and would have been beside himself with joy about his great-grandchildren. I've often told Candie that my dad would be at Fort Irwin at least two weekends a month to see Noah. It's the cycle of life and death I'm discovering...the joys of a new life and the sadness of losing a loved one. It's odd to me how closely they are linked.

For now I'm focused on the birth of the new baby. When there is news, I will write about it. God bless all mothers and babies everywhere.

Summer Nights

At last today it began to feel like summer! We've had unusally cool weather this year and I'd started thinking summer would pass us by this year. On the 4th of July Ray, Nicole and I went to my sister's house to barbeque and watch fireworks at the local high school from the field behind her house. It was cool when we got there and by 7 p.m. we were sitting outside in sweatshirts freezing. We watched fireworks in bundled in sweatshirts and blankets, too!

Last weekend Ray finally got the pool ready so on Sunday we actually got in for the first swim of the season. It was great! I've always wanted a built-in pool and realized that if I lay on my floatie with my eyes closed, it feels exactly like a real live built-in. I'm almost ready to give up my dream of a built in pool and be happy with the little pool I have. Now that summer nights have arrived I look forward to sitting outside with Ray, watching the stars and talking about whatever comes to our minds. I treasure those evenings outside, lost in listening to him talk, exchanging ideas for our future and our hopes and dreams. This is our 10th summer together and we still haven't run out of things to say to each other during our summer nights outside in the driveway. I guess this is what a happy relationship is about. Here's to summer! Thanks, Lord, for all the blessings You've given me in my life. It's been a great ride!

Passages

It's July and we are days away from the birthdays of my two youngest children, Nikki and David. This is the year that David will turn 18 and Nikki will be 15. Wow, where did my babies go? Unlike their older brother and sister, these two were born to more "mature" parents. Dave and I were 38 when we had David and 41 when Nikki came along. Having experienced how quickly babies turn into young adults, I was determined to enjoy every moment of their lives. I'm happy to say that there has never been a regret or a dull moment involving these kids.

David recently graduated from high school and this achievement has filled him with confidence about his future. He has had a life-long love of cars and he's developed a lot of knowledge and ability when it comes to fixing them. I know he's also looking forward to getting his driver's license (his appointment is July 21 at 10:15 a.m.) At this particular moment he's teetering on young adulthood and I'm in the early stages of opening my hand to let this little bird test his wings. My heart is beginning to ache but it's time to give him over to the Lord and let him fly. Soon a new relationship with my son will begin to form and I'll be reminded that if you do a good job as a mother, your children leave your side and prosper on their own. It's one of the thorns of motherhood. I must remember to tell that to my daughter, Candie.

Nikki started high school last year and will begin her sophmore year on August 30. She loves sports (volley ball and softball), the beach and hanging out with her friends. She's a pretty normal kid, despite the fact that she is my baby and has been treated accordingly. I've loved watching her grow from a curly-headed toddler into the straight-haired teenager she is today. She has struggled with normal issues and a couple that most kids don't ever have to face, but she's come out on top. She's a good student, great athlete, and a sweet, loving daughter, sister and aunt. She will be my last child to graduate and I'm going to treasure each moment of her remaing years in high school.

I remember reading somewhere that you always remember the "firsts" but seldom remember the "lasts". As I grow older I realize that it's true. Maybe I will make a greater effort to remember the "lasts" these two children have. God bless everyone and cherish each moment of your life and the lives of your loved ones.

On Being a Grandma

One of the areas in my life that has changed dramatically is transitioning from "mom" to "grandma." How is it possible that I feel so young, yet am a grandmother? Happily, my darling Ray has helped me adjust to this new and very happy stage in my life. Being grandma to his grandpa actually feels good. We cherish every moment we have with our grandsons. I haven't had the opportunity to spend lots of time with Augie because he lives in Oregon with his parents. Despite the separation from him, I'm happy to be a part of his life and love that he knows who I am.

Noah lives a 2 hour drive away so I try and visit him at least once or twice a month. What I've noticed is how quickly children change. When Noah was born he looked just like his daddy. Now, he reminds me of his mommy, only in a different color. Noah has also grown like a weed this first year! He was so tiny when he was born such a short time ago. Now he's turning into a little boy before my eyes. He definitely knows who I am and has started calling me "G." His name for Ray is "Papa." Watching him run around my house gives me a good feeling. I thank God for every moment I have with this precious child He's entrusted to my daughter and her husband. Grandchildren are definitely a gift from God to be loved and appreciated.

Back to Blogging

It's been a very long time since I've even looked at The Jade Page. Things in my life have been going very well and I'm feeling particularly blessed these days.

Noah, my grandson, has reached the ripe old age of (almost) 18 months. How can I describe the feeling I get when I see his little face, feel his hand in mine, or listen to his laughter? I can't...the miracle of Noah is beyond description. I've watched him grow from a very tiny infant to a curious toddler before my eyes. Candice has also transformed from a young wife into a loving, nurturing mother. Watching her take care of Noah has made me realize that the gamble I took when I quit my job after she was born was well worth it. She is really, really good at taking care of her son! One of the things that especially impressed me was the way she taught Noah how to "sign" so he can express himself a little better. As a result, Noah is growing confident and good at letting us know what he needs and wants.

Thomas is still in the Army and due to separate later this year. However, the job market in tough these days and he is a responsible husband and father. He will not leave the Army until he's confident that he can support his family. I'm praying that he will find something soon so they can stay close enough for me to see them.

My youngest son, David, graduated from high school on June 10! He's never done anything the easy way and high school graduation was no exception. After spending half the school year at the continuation school, making up unearned credits, he beat the odds and was able to return to his regular high school in January. From then on, he had to work hard to maintain his grades and earn his credits to graduate. In order to do this, he even had to join the chorus and sing! He finally got word Friday before graduation that he'd passed his classes and would be allowed to walk with his class. I promptly got on-line, ordered his cap and gown (paid $45 for expedited shipping too) and then began to pray it would arrive on time and that it would be the right shade of blue. Thank God, it was! We got ready and left to get the boys (David and Gabe, my foster son) to Azusa Pacific University at 4 p.m. After we parked the car and made our way to the auditorium, the emotions began to hit me. Once the music started, my tears came fast and plentiful. I thought about taking him to kindergarten for the first time, the loss of his father 2 weeks later, and all the years in between then and now. I hope my late husband, Dave, is watching from Heaven and is happy with the way I've raised the children. Anyway, David accomplished a task that was nearly impossible and he graduated from high school with his friends on time! I'm so very proud of him. Thanks, Lord for all your help!

Please keep praying for our troops. I hope to blog a little more often than I have recently. In the mean time, God bless everyone!