“To love deeply in one direction makes us more loving in all others.”

                                       ----Anne-Sophie Swetchine

Today has been a lazy day -- which has been nice.  I have spent most of the day watching t.v. and even more relaxing and fun, playing with my sweet grandson, Julian.  He helped me cook dinner, do the dishes and loves to play counting games.   

This week has been rather emotionally hectic, both at work (it is our busy season) and at home (my daughter's marriage has officially ended). I have been very sad because Justin (my son-in-law) has moved out of the area to begin anew -- which is good for him, I realize -- But, it is sometimes hard to let go of those you care about and who have been a part of your family.  In my heart, Justin will always be my son-in-law -- and, I will always consider him part of my family (for he will always be my grandson's daddy).  He is a good young man with a wonderful, sweet heart and I hope all of the very best for him.  My heart has just so very heavy with his leaving -- the finality of circumstances...  The reality of life and living are sometimes simply difficult.... You so badly want things (e.g. relationships) to work out -- to have the happy ending we all see at the movies -- but sometimes it is just not to be. 

I often wonder why so very few relationships work out these days.... I wish all families could have the role models of my wonderful parents, who are my heroes in life.  Certainly, they have struggled in their 50+ year relationship, but the love they have with each other and their genuine friendship and solidarity of purpose has allowed them to show others how very wonderful life can be to share, to love one another, love your family and not give up when things are hard.  I would love to share one of the family videos Steve and I made for my parent's 50th Wedding Celebration last June.  This video is entitled "Beginnings" as it showcases their young lives, both before they actually met -- and up to their wedding -- and ends with photos/memories of their parents and grandparents relationships.  To view the video, please go to the link: http://video.xanga.com/ApplePie2005/b4b48669141/video.html

Be sure to turn on your speakers because it is accompanied by music.   I hope you like it! 

Love to all!

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” 

 ---Nelson Mandela

Hi!  I hope you all are well!  I have had a nasty time with the flu for the last three days.  Dylan was sick with it over the weekend and, after taking care of him, I then came down with it on Tuesday.  I am glad to report that Dylan is better and went back to school on Wednesday. Anyway, I have not felt this sick or drained in years.  (I suppose I have been pretty lucky, when you look at it that way!) Apparently, there is a flu epidemic in my area -- and a few of the schools have even closed down to disinfect!  I know I need to rest and take care of myself -- but is it VERY frustrating to be sick!!!  No time for this, ya know?  But then again, I suppose that is LIFE!   Take care of yourselves, okay?

"Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them."

--John Updike

Ryan just celebrated his 19th Birthday!!! 

It truly seems like yesterday that he was a sweet, smiling baby in my arms:)  He is now a grown man, learning about life as an adult.  He is working in a 'fire watch' position for a large contractor in Freeport, Texas.  I sure miss him but know it is time for him to grow up...  Since he was a baby, he has shown others a sweet, caring and sensitive spirit.  He is very kind and goes out of his way for the underdogs in the world, even receiving a reward in 6th grade for his kindness and for standing up for kids in school who were constantly being teased by other not so kind students.  Photos of Ryan clearly show his kind nature -- and everyone can easily recognize, simply by looking at his sweet eyes just how special he is.  Thought I would share some of those precious photos with all of you.

My smiling baby Ryan

Sweet soul 

Ryan after he had ear surgery to remove a cholesteatoma

My nephew Kyle, daughter Taylor and son Ryan

Ryan's Graduation from Preschool

Smiling Ryan

Soccer Days

A formal event

Ryan's first car

Silly

Ryan and childhood friend Matt

Ryan and friends (Ryan is on the top, 2nd one from the left) 

Ryan's Graduation from High School (Dylan, Me, Ryan and Taylor)

Ryan has made me a very proud mom!  He is a very special person.  Thank you for letting me share him with you:)

It has been a LONGGGGGG time...:)  I have missed everyone -- but have kept up with everyone through my daily xanga subscription reports.  Even though I have not posted in awhile, I think of all of you quite frequently.  Since my divorce, I have just had a mental block of sorts when it came to posting and relating with others.  I suppose my ZEST disappeared for a bit.  Then, I just got tremendously busy with daily life, working, spending time with my family, etc.  I am now working as a junior partner with my former boss (with whom I have worked for over 10 years prior to going to law school).  My job keeps me extremely busy -- we are in the middle of a very busy season -- so, I am rather stressed out when I get home -- so, I often zone in front of the t.v.   So much is going on -- I will have to catch everyone up gradually...  Steve has become a major part of my life... I am lucky to have him. He is wonderful, supportive and very loving. 

Taylor and Julian have moved in -- and Ryan has moved out (now living in Texas with his paternal grandmother).  Ryan is working for his uncle making good money and paying off his car loan.  I miss him very much but I think the move will be good for him as he needs to see how the real world operates. Dylan is doing extremely well in school, making wonderful grades. 

I have read all of your posts -- and shared your triumphs and mourned your heartaches.  So much has happened to my xanga friends:  divorce, devastating fires, marriage, love, loss of family.  We have all shared so much with one another.  My heart has been so very touched and saddened to watch my good friend Mimi (leayellowrose) endure and struggle with her young and precious Julian's fight with a devastating form of cancer -- watching him gain his angel's wings.  Julian's grandmother, Judy (lilgrandma), is also my xanga friend and my heart has been so very touched with both of their posts.  He was a beautiful boy -- and now he is a beautiful angel.  Please say a prayer for this beautiful family....