Emma ~ One who Heals
Sage ~ One with Great Wisdom
Emma Sage is our little girl that is blessed with a little extra ~~ chromosome that is ~~ on her 21st pair.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The Flower Shop.....
My dear friend Fran is at it again......Thank you for bring a huge smile to my face and lifting my spirits!! You truly are a gem and I'm so blessed our paths have crossed.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembrance......
Eight years ago..........September 11, 2001
Eight years ago.............our world shook. It wasn't because of a natural disaster, like the Tsunami or Hurricane Katrina, but it was a far worse disaster ~ because it was created by human hatred
Life for our family is good [we are truly blessed] and the morning of September 11, 2001 found us in our typical daily routine.........up early, breakfast, drive the children to school and then Emma Sage and I would come home to a quite morning.
Rick was in Montreal, Canada, for school [we had been up to see him a week earlier and spent a glorious vacation touring Montreal, driving home Labor Day weekend.........because of the terror attacks Rick was not able to return home to us for days.]
I dropped Katrina and Greta off at Woodglen and then drove down the valley to drop Otto off at school at Valley View. On the way to Valley View I noticed a plane flying very low..........lower than I have ever seen a commercial flight on the flight pattern we see from our area heading to Newark Airport. I notice planes all the time because of Ricks career in aviation. I shrugged it off as maybe I was just off my bearings that morning.
It was truly a glorious September day,,,,,,,,,,,,,the sky was bright blue, the air was dry and warm, the landscape was draped in light that just made it look like a Rembrandt painting.
Emma Sage and I got home and went inside to hear the phone ringing. I answered the phone and it was my sister Patti, telling me to turn on the news as a small plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I had a brief moment of fear..............I had worked for years in the area and at one point in my life, had dinner at least once a week at Windows of the World,,,,,,,,,,,,,and then another sinking fear, I was supposed to be at a financial conference put on by Risk/Waters magazine this morning, but I had turned the job down because I just couldn't leave Emma Sage.
I watched the TV,,,,,talking with Patti on the phone. I said to her that I couldn't believe a small plane could have done such damage. I started to cry...........holding Emma Sage in my arms, pacing back and forth, kissing her sweet head and talking with Patti.........
and then BAMM!!!!
In horror my sister and I [on the phone with each other] watched the second plane crash into the second tower. I knew as I watched the plane that it was a big commercial plane and at that exact moment I knew this was a calculated attack.
Patti and I were both crying,,,,,trying to come to terms with what we just saw. All along I clutched this precious child of mine to my chest. Not wanting to let go of her, afraid of what was going on.
This was familiar territory to me..........buildings that were an important part of my life. I watched these buildings being built,,,,,my father driving us to the city from time to time to marvel at the progress of the towers going up,up,up,,,up. A fellow skydiver friend of mine jumped off the Trade Center. I dined at Windows of the World weekly for a few years, I traveled through the towers everyday to the American Express tower in the Financial Trade Center and the building I worked in for Merrill Lynch was the last building to fall on that fateful day. As I watched the TV screen, I was paralyzed by fear and overcome by a sadness that was, to this day, so utterly profound.
I tried to call Rick and was finally able to get through to him in Canada to let him know what was happening in the states.
I then I felt so alone. Watching the horror unfold............talking to my sister and crying, and holding my precious little girl.
As time has moved forward, I realize that there is a reason for everything [sometimes many reasons] and I know that Emma Sage is a blessing in multiple ways..........but one incredible feeling I will never release is the feeling that I have knowing that her extra chromosome [her Down syndrome] is a major reason I was not at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Her birth made Rick and I realize that my being home with the children [but especially this child],,,,giving up much in the way of income,,,,meant that she would have only family to care for her..........to work with her,,,to help her develop to her fullest potential, and it kept me home on that fateful Tuesday in September.
Today I remember a dear friend, David E. Rivers,Editor of Risk/Waters Magazine.......You were truly an amazing man, editor, writer, friend, husband and father. David, you are missed dearly and will never be forgotten.
This is the memorial at our township park.....these are beams from one of the World Trade Center buildings.
3,715 flags.......
Otto helped place these flags on the field on Wednesday evening with his Boy Scout troop.......he said that each flag he placed, he had to hold back tears......
Writen by a child........may we always remember.
Eight years ago.............our world shook. It wasn't because of a natural disaster, like the Tsunami or Hurricane Katrina, but it was a far worse disaster ~ because it was created by human hatred
Life for our family is good [we are truly blessed] and the morning of September 11, 2001 found us in our typical daily routine.........up early, breakfast, drive the children to school and then Emma Sage and I would come home to a quite morning.
Rick was in Montreal, Canada, for school [we had been up to see him a week earlier and spent a glorious vacation touring Montreal, driving home Labor Day weekend.........because of the terror attacks Rick was not able to return home to us for days.]
I dropped Katrina and Greta off at Woodglen and then drove down the valley to drop Otto off at school at Valley View. On the way to Valley View I noticed a plane flying very low..........lower than I have ever seen a commercial flight on the flight pattern we see from our area heading to Newark Airport. I notice planes all the time because of Ricks career in aviation. I shrugged it off as maybe I was just off my bearings that morning.
It was truly a glorious September day,,,,,,,,,,,,,the sky was bright blue, the air was dry and warm, the landscape was draped in light that just made it look like a Rembrandt painting.
Emma Sage and I got home and went inside to hear the phone ringing. I answered the phone and it was my sister Patti, telling me to turn on the news as a small plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I had a brief moment of fear..............I had worked for years in the area and at one point in my life, had dinner at least once a week at Windows of the World,,,,,,,,,,,,,and then another sinking fear, I was supposed to be at a financial conference put on by Risk/Waters magazine this morning, but I had turned the job down because I just couldn't leave Emma Sage.
I watched the TV,,,,,talking with Patti on the phone. I said to her that I couldn't believe a small plane could have done such damage. I started to cry...........holding Emma Sage in my arms, pacing back and forth, kissing her sweet head and talking with Patti.........
and then BAMM!!!!
In horror my sister and I [on the phone with each other] watched the second plane crash into the second tower. I knew as I watched the plane that it was a big commercial plane and at that exact moment I knew this was a calculated attack.
Patti and I were both crying,,,,,trying to come to terms with what we just saw. All along I clutched this precious child of mine to my chest. Not wanting to let go of her, afraid of what was going on.
This was familiar territory to me..........buildings that were an important part of my life. I watched these buildings being built,,,,,my father driving us to the city from time to time to marvel at the progress of the towers going up,up,up,,,up. A fellow skydiver friend of mine jumped off the Trade Center. I dined at Windows of the World weekly for a few years, I traveled through the towers everyday to the American Express tower in the Financial Trade Center and the building I worked in for Merrill Lynch was the last building to fall on that fateful day. As I watched the TV screen, I was paralyzed by fear and overcome by a sadness that was, to this day, so utterly profound.
I tried to call Rick and was finally able to get through to him in Canada to let him know what was happening in the states.
I then I felt so alone. Watching the horror unfold............talking to my sister and crying, and holding my precious little girl.
As time has moved forward, I realize that there is a reason for everything [sometimes many reasons] and I know that Emma Sage is a blessing in multiple ways..........but one incredible feeling I will never release is the feeling that I have knowing that her extra chromosome [her Down syndrome] is a major reason I was not at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Her birth made Rick and I realize that my being home with the children [but especially this child],,,,giving up much in the way of income,,,,meant that she would have only family to care for her..........to work with her,,,to help her develop to her fullest potential, and it kept me home on that fateful Tuesday in September.
Today I remember a dear friend, David E. Rivers,Editor of Risk/Waters Magazine.......You were truly an amazing man, editor, writer, friend, husband and father. David, you are missed dearly and will never be forgotten.
This is the memorial at our township park.....these are beams from one of the World Trade Center buildings.
3,715 flags.......
Otto helped place these flags on the field on Wednesday evening with his Boy Scout troop.......he said that each flag he placed, he had to hold back tears......
Writen by a child........may we always remember.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thank you Fran......
My Dear friend Fran is at it again.....look what she created this time. You know me and Angels and Fairies, so this just melted my heart!!!!
Thank you!
Friday, August 21, 2009
This is for AB&Cs Mom
You asked what was on Emma Sage's T-shirt......
I do think in the one picture the little girl was looking to read her shirt, but I have to share, that I have so many pictures that I have taken over the years, that capture how children 'stare' when they meet Emma Sage for the first time [or two] and are trying to figure out what is 'different' about her.
Isn't this the coolest shirt? I got it at the Princeton Down syndrome Awareness program. I can't remember the name of the vendor, I assume they must have a website and if I find it in a search, I'll post it.
I do think in the one picture the little girl was looking to read her shirt, but I have to share, that I have so many pictures that I have taken over the years, that capture how children 'stare' when they meet Emma Sage for the first time [or two] and are trying to figure out what is 'different' about her.
Isn't this the coolest shirt? I got it at the Princeton Down syndrome Awareness program. I can't remember the name of the vendor, I assume they must have a website and if I find it in a search, I'll post it.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Field Hockey 2009
The field hockey season has begun, and this season there is a new Hintz out on the playing field. Emma Sage is going into second grade this year, and is now 'Officially' our newest player. Even though the kid has had a stick since she was a baby [I have to go find it and take a picture of it, but it is the cutest darn thing ever...so small]
Eleven years ago, my friend Alison and I started the Lebanon Township Junior Field Hockey program. Greta was the first 2nd grader in our township to play, we had one 3rd grader [Alison's daughter] and 8 ~ 4th graders [Katrina and my friends daughter Stephanie, and six of their friends] so it has been so wonderful to see the program come full circle for me as Emma Sage is now out on the field.
Emma Sage loves hockey, indoor and field hockey, so she has been so excited all week. Unfortunately, it has been hot and humid, so it does wipe her out a little bit, but she is such a trooper and is all grins on and off the field.
One of the things that has hit me the hardest as I watch my little girl out on the field, is the realization that it seems like yesterday that Greta was my 2nd grader out there playing, and time has moved forward so swiftly and in reality, she is off to college in one week.
The other thing that brought tears to my eyes watching Emma Sage was that one of the few things that I wished and dreamed for after Emma Sage was born and we realized she had Down syndrome was for her to [1. read,,,,,,,that I truly did pray to GOD for and ask that she be given the gift of learning to read] and the other was that she would be able to participate in field hockey and other sports and activities [as sports are such a big part of our lives] so here she is........learning and playing field hockey.
and in action~*~*~*~*~
and one tired girl ready for a water break:
I have to go find and scan in pictures of Katrina and Greta at their first practice......
Eleven years ago, my friend Alison and I started the Lebanon Township Junior Field Hockey program. Greta was the first 2nd grader in our township to play, we had one 3rd grader [Alison's daughter] and 8 ~ 4th graders [Katrina and my friends daughter Stephanie, and six of their friends] so it has been so wonderful to see the program come full circle for me as Emma Sage is now out on the field.
Emma Sage loves hockey, indoor and field hockey, so she has been so excited all week. Unfortunately, it has been hot and humid, so it does wipe her out a little bit, but she is such a trooper and is all grins on and off the field.
One of the things that has hit me the hardest as I watch my little girl out on the field, is the realization that it seems like yesterday that Greta was my 2nd grader out there playing, and time has moved forward so swiftly and in reality, she is off to college in one week.
The other thing that brought tears to my eyes watching Emma Sage was that one of the few things that I wished and dreamed for after Emma Sage was born and we realized she had Down syndrome was for her to [1. read,,,,,,,that I truly did pray to GOD for and ask that she be given the gift of learning to read] and the other was that she would be able to participate in field hockey and other sports and activities [as sports are such a big part of our lives] so here she is........learning and playing field hockey.
and in action~*~*~*~*~
and one tired girl ready for a water break:
I have to go find and scan in pictures of Katrina and Greta at their first practice......
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
*~Please Vote for Emma Sage~*
My photograph of Emma Sage eating a delicious ice cream cone along the banks of the Raritan River has made it to the final round and now it is time to vote:
VOTE FOR EMMA SAGE [click this link]
Thank you so much for your support!!!!!
VOTE FOR EMMA SAGE [click this link]
Thank you so much for your support!!!!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
But we are not a family......
"But we are not a family" are the words spoken from my little girl.
"Otto, Greta and Nini are not here so we can't be a family" she continues.
Awe.........
That was the response I got when I told Emma Sage that her Daddy was taking she and I out to Gronsky's Milk House for an ice cream treat [her most favorite thing in the summer] and that were were going just us, as a 'family'.
But to her, we are not a 'family' as three members are missing.
We miss you Otto, Greta and Katrina [and look what you are missing.......Gronsky's Ice Cream!!!]
"Otto, Greta and Nini are not here so we can't be a family" she continues.
Awe.........
That was the response I got when I told Emma Sage that her Daddy was taking she and I out to Gronsky's Milk House for an ice cream treat [her most favorite thing in the summer] and that were were going just us, as a 'family'.
But to her, we are not a 'family' as three members are missing.
We miss you Otto, Greta and Katrina [and look what you are missing.......Gronsky's Ice Cream!!!]
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tis' the Season ~ Raspberry Time
This is the Columbia Trail, that runs from the town I grew up in [High Bridge] up along the river to just north of Califon [where we have lived for the last 22 years, and where Emma Sage's Daddy was born and raised] It used to be a train bed [and when we were younger and out berry picking along the tracks, we would sometimes hop on a freight train that were creeping by.....they went sooooooooooooooooo slow, that you could run faster than they were going]
Now it is this amazing running/hiking/biking/horseback riding trail through one of the most picturesque places I know.
So last night, this little Imp and I went down to High Bridge to hop on the trail and berry pick [she also had an ulterior motive, as Gronsky's Milk House is also in High Bridge and she wanted Ice Cream too!!!!
And look what we found..........Japanese Winesap Berries.
More than you could ever imagine.......just stretched for miles along the trail [we are heading back out today with two big pails and a little more time on our side to pick] Yesterday's trip were eaten as we walked.
So sweet and delicious!
Yes, this is what you call a Raspberry overload face.......Yummy!!!
We then called PopPop and he ordered a Chocolate Ice Cream in a cup and we brought it up to him to finish out a wonderful evening out, just me and my littlest one.
This was taken two years ago, with a little of our bounty from our property. Rick has been busy clearing out all the stone walls around our property, and thus, our berry patches are gone. We have a few left, and I've been rooting the canes as they are cleared out, so hopefully next summer we will only have to walk out our door to pick.
Now it is this amazing running/hiking/biking/horseback riding trail through one of the most picturesque places I know.
So last night, this little Imp and I went down to High Bridge to hop on the trail and berry pick [she also had an ulterior motive, as Gronsky's Milk House is also in High Bridge and she wanted Ice Cream too!!!!
And look what we found..........Japanese Winesap Berries.
More than you could ever imagine.......just stretched for miles along the trail [we are heading back out today with two big pails and a little more time on our side to pick] Yesterday's trip were eaten as we walked.
So sweet and delicious!
Yes, this is what you call a Raspberry overload face.......Yummy!!!
We then called PopPop and he ordered a Chocolate Ice Cream in a cup and we brought it up to him to finish out a wonderful evening out, just me and my littlest one.
This was taken two years ago, with a little of our bounty from our property. Rick has been busy clearing out all the stone walls around our property, and thus, our berry patches are gone. We have a few left, and I've been rooting the canes as they are cleared out, so hopefully next summer we will only have to walk out our door to pick.
Foever......
This will make you smile....tear a little from the realization that there is just so much LOVE and ENERGY surrounding this union.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Listen to the Exhortation of the Dawn!
Look to this Day!
For it is Life, the very Life of Life.
In its brief course lie all the
Verities and Realities of your Existence.
The Bliss of Growth,
The Glory of Action,
The Splendor of Beauty;
For Yesterday is but a Dream,
And To-morrow is only a Vision;
But To-day well lived makes
Every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness,
And every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope.
Look well therefore to this Day!
Such is the Salutation of the Dawn!
~Kalidasa
“May your days be many and your troubles be few
May all God's blessings descend upon you.
May peace be within you may your heart be strong.
May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam.”
~An Irish Blessing
Missing my Mother dearly today.......off with Emma Sage for a walk up the lane to the graveyard to visit. May your day be filled with an abundance of Blessings........
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
My little dare-devil
This child has no fear.....she will try anything, and usually with a smile on her face.
Tubing on the Delaware with her cousins......fun stuff.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Yummmmmm.......Ice Cream, Blue Bunny Ice Cream
5 Minutes for Special Needs is running a photo contect......
Here is my little ice cream lovers entry.
Go check it out and enter your little ice cream lover........
I scream, you scream ~ We all scream for Ice Cream!!!!!
What children pick-up......
One of the things that has always amazed me is how children pick-up everything that is going on around them, even if it is in bits and pieces.
A case in point: Emma Sage does not watch regular TV, she can watch the Disney Channel or DVDs, History Channel or her current favorite, The Weather Channel [she is hysterical with that one, as she is now my little weather forecaster!]
But there is TV in the home from time to time [especially if Daddy is home] and it is usually the news.
I had yet to mention the passing of Michael Jackson to Emma Sage.......first, because she truly is moved when she knows someone has died [and why expose her to more death than she has to be aware of] and secondly, I don't think she even knows who Michael Jackson is [I like his music, loved him as a young girl and I know how to do the Thriller Dance.....but that is as far as my fan-ship went] so it just hasn't been discussed here around her.
Well, she comes up to Rick the other night and has tears in her eyes......he asks her "What is the Matter?" and she says, "Jackson died....I really Miss him" He proceeds to say "Michael Jackson?" and she says "Yes, Jackson....he was FIVE" lol!!!
The kid has picked up from the background news programs [and I think now reading the covers of the tabloids at the grocery store [she is becoming a great reader] that a 'Jackson' has died and has figured out he was five because she must have heard 'The Jackson Five' a few times.
Too cute.
So, I sat down with her and explained who 'Michael Jackson' was and she is now learning how to do the 'Thriller Dance' herself!
R.I.P. Michael.....knowing you have a new little fan.
A case in point: Emma Sage does not watch regular TV, she can watch the Disney Channel or DVDs, History Channel or her current favorite, The Weather Channel [she is hysterical with that one, as she is now my little weather forecaster!]
But there is TV in the home from time to time [especially if Daddy is home] and it is usually the news.
I had yet to mention the passing of Michael Jackson to Emma Sage.......first, because she truly is moved when she knows someone has died [and why expose her to more death than she has to be aware of] and secondly, I don't think she even knows who Michael Jackson is [I like his music, loved him as a young girl and I know how to do the Thriller Dance.....but that is as far as my fan-ship went] so it just hasn't been discussed here around her.
Well, she comes up to Rick the other night and has tears in her eyes......he asks her "What is the Matter?" and she says, "Jackson died....I really Miss him" He proceeds to say "Michael Jackson?" and she says "Yes, Jackson....he was FIVE" lol!!!
The kid has picked up from the background news programs [and I think now reading the covers of the tabloids at the grocery store [she is becoming a great reader] that a 'Jackson' has died and has figured out he was five because she must have heard 'The Jackson Five' a few times.
Too cute.
So, I sat down with her and explained who 'Michael Jackson' was and she is now learning how to do the 'Thriller Dance' herself!
R.I.P. Michael.....knowing you have a new little fan.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
This child of mine......
just makes me laugh, often.
Tonight we were all out getting some things that Daddy needs before his trip and we were driving in the car. Emma Sage turns to Greta and says "Greta, Text me" [she had my phone in her hands]
Greta turns to her and says "Why?"
Emma Sage replies "It will keep me busy!"
lol!!!!!
Tonight we were all out getting some things that Daddy needs before his trip and we were driving in the car. Emma Sage turns to Greta and says "Greta, Text me" [she had my phone in her hands]
Greta turns to her and says "Why?"
Emma Sage replies "It will keep me busy!"
lol!!!!!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Sharing a beautiful gift.......
My children will be the first to tell you that I am the biggest sap in the whole world. I cry at commercials. Songs can move me to tears and laughter. I can only watch love stories or comedy's as anything else can profoundly move me, from sadness, to fear, to uncertainty, so very easily [and I feel my emotions with my entire being] so I just avoid movies and shows that are not, romance or comedy [two emotions that I embrace fully and easily]
Reading is my greatest passion and with reading, I can read more powerful stories, as I have the ability to pause and regroup much easier than in a film or musical score.
So, one of my most favorite things to read is true life stories, of love, of hope, of dreams come true.
The best place to read such stories is at my favorite ministry called Reece's Rainbow, as it is an international adoption resource for children with Down syndrome to be adopted. Sadly, in many countries outside of the U.S., children with Down syndrome that are not adopted by a certain age are destine to be institutionalized for life.
If you want to be empowered, to see the Grace of GOD at work, scroll through this page at Reece's Rainbow, as it is the photographs and stories [links to blogs] of families who have reached out and adopted a child with Down syndrome from around the globe.
and then if you will, click on one of the links to the children who are awaiting a forever family and if you are able, make a donation [however large or small] to help ease the cost of adoption, so that the dreams and hopes of a waiting child and their forever families may come true]
I promise you, it is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
Reece's Rainbow
Reading is my greatest passion and with reading, I can read more powerful stories, as I have the ability to pause and regroup much easier than in a film or musical score.
So, one of my most favorite things to read is true life stories, of love, of hope, of dreams come true.
The best place to read such stories is at my favorite ministry called Reece's Rainbow, as it is an international adoption resource for children with Down syndrome to be adopted. Sadly, in many countries outside of the U.S., children with Down syndrome that are not adopted by a certain age are destine to be institutionalized for life.
If you want to be empowered, to see the Grace of GOD at work, scroll through this page at Reece's Rainbow, as it is the photographs and stories [links to blogs] of families who have reached out and adopted a child with Down syndrome from around the globe.
and then if you will, click on one of the links to the children who are awaiting a forever family and if you are able, make a donation [however large or small] to help ease the cost of adoption, so that the dreams and hopes of a waiting child and their forever families may come true]
I promise you, it is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
Reece's Rainbow
Saturday, June 27, 2009
I Am Neda
“Human rights is the soul of our foreign policy, because human rights is the very soul of our sense of nationhood.” ~ Jimmy Carter
I Am Neda........
I Am Neda........
Thursday, June 25, 2009
My big girls at Camp PALS
Just sharing two photographs of my big girls at Camp PALS.
I just love the blog and being able to follow along the activities of the campers [and counselors] as the day's roll forward] Emma Sage made me record her today saying "I can't WAIT for Camp PALS" because she loves seeing all the video clips [she got the inspiration from the invitation that some of the Campers made to the sponsors to join them on Saturday at the closing ceremonies.
We are heading out early in the morning, as Katrina said that they have a few things for Emma Sage to do and they wanted her to join them for lunch and the to watch the closing ceremonies. I can't wait to see my little girl at camp.......as she is so excited to go again this year. I hope to remember my camera!!!!
I just love the blog and being able to follow along the activities of the campers [and counselors] as the day's roll forward] Emma Sage made me record her today saying "I can't WAIT for Camp PALS" because she loves seeing all the video clips [she got the inspiration from the invitation that some of the Campers made to the sponsors to join them on Saturday at the closing ceremonies.
We are heading out early in the morning, as Katrina said that they have a few things for Emma Sage to do and they wanted her to join them for lunch and the to watch the closing ceremonies. I can't wait to see my little girl at camp.......as she is so excited to go again this year. I hope to remember my camera!!!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Camp PALS 2009
This week is Camp PALS. It is both Katrina and Greta's favorite weeks of the year, as they have headed down to Cabrini College and are volunteering as Counselors. Katrina is now a head counselor and is in charge of the Purple Princesses. Greta is a counselor for a wonderful young lady named Miranda and they are part of the Pink Pather team.
Come visit this link and scroll down, watch videos and look at pictures......you will notice my girls about camp.
Camp PALS Link
On Saturday morning, Grammy, Emma Sage and I are heading down to camp to visit with the campers and girls [Emma Sage is a mascot and is invited to have lunch with all the campers] and then we will be off to the closing ceremonies.
It will be bittersweet, as we get to spend a few hours with Katrina before she heads back down to college in Florida. You know, this stuff about your children growing up and heading off to college and on with their lives can be sometimes very hard to handle. We have only been blessed to visit with Katrina for a week since last August........and sadly, I really don't know when we will get to see her next [praying it is sooner than 8 months again]
Come visit this link and scroll down, watch videos and look at pictures......you will notice my girls about camp.
Camp PALS Link
On Saturday morning, Grammy, Emma Sage and I are heading down to camp to visit with the campers and girls [Emma Sage is a mascot and is invited to have lunch with all the campers] and then we will be off to the closing ceremonies.
It will be bittersweet, as we get to spend a few hours with Katrina before she heads back down to college in Florida. You know, this stuff about your children growing up and heading off to college and on with their lives can be sometimes very hard to handle. We have only been blessed to visit with Katrina for a week since last August........and sadly, I really don't know when we will get to see her next [praying it is sooner than 8 months again]
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
"I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles,
to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities,
and to the most special places your heart has ever known." ~Author Unknown
Last night, our Greta donned a mortarboard and gown and walked with her classmates as graduates of Voorhees High School, class of 2009. She graduated with honors, and wore the black/red/gold cord for National German Honor Society and the golden cord of National Honor Society.........a golden ribbon was pinned on each students gown in memory of their classmate Tucker, who left their sides way too soon on this journey.
Rick graduated from the same school in 1977 and I in 1981.......as well as her Aunt Heidi 1979, Uncle Kenny 1982, Uncle Mikey in 1989, Aunt Patti in 1991 and her big sister Katrina in 2007...........it was a cloudy evening and quite chilly,,,,,,but the sun began to shine upon the graduates halfway into the ceremony and I was looking for a rainbow to appear.
I had tears of joy.......and a few of sadness, as this moment in time has begun to hit me hard.....harder than I had thought. I think that the realization that my Greta is now off on her life journey [like her sister Katrina] and the reality that there will be greater periods of time before I get to see her, has tugged hard on this Momma's heartstrings.
Emma Sage was the first to let the tears fall.......as she fully understands that Greta is leaving soon, just like Katrina did and she is not all that happy about it.
What a great class of kids this group was.....they headed to Project Graduation and partied the night away. When Greta returned this morning at 6:30 a.m. she gave me a big hug and the greatest smile and said she had the 'Time of Her Life'..........
This is just the beginning my dearest Greta.....Make each day the 'time of your life' and celebrate all the little things ~ as they truly are the treasures of life.
I love you.............
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Trout and Cinnamon
Well, actually, we omitted the cinnamon this time around......while I really wanted to 'try' Emma Sage's recipe, I also did not want to ruin a perfectly, delicious rainbow trout.
If you notice, little Miss has a runny nose mustache. She as ill this week with a cold and cough. Feeling better now, especially after a trout dinner.
If you notice, little Miss has a runny nose mustache. She as ill this week with a cold and cough. Feeling better now, especially after a trout dinner.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day.......
Today was a delightful day for me......as I slept in a little later than usual, was greeted with lots of loving wishes and hugs.
A great big cup of java and a day that was picture perfect.
I spent the day cleaning and organizing, whilst Emma Sage went grocery shopping with her Daddy. Otto got to go play at his cousins, and Greta caught up on her sleep before work.
Katrina sent lots of love through the phone and we dined with my sister and brother and their families.........truly a perfect day.
Of coarse, Mother's Day is much more difficult when your own beloved Mother is absent, as it reminds you how much she is missed and loved and that having a Mother as loving and giving as your own is one of the most precious things in the world......and it hurts when there is such a void of love.
Emma Sage's class made an adorable cookbook to share with their Mothers........it was such cute to read each child's contribution.
Here is Emma Sage's....I know it will make you smile as much as it did for me.
and if you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by, and we'll pop on over to the river and catch a fresh trout to cook up for you. [we actually had five beautiful rainbow trout fresh caught from the river two weeks ago]
Enjoy!!!
P.S. I've never tried cinnamon with my trout...that was Emma Sage's idea! lol!!!
.....and on the back page it continued:
broccoli, salt and pepper in the the trout pan. Cook it for 2 minutes on high heat. Wait 3 hours on low heat and then it is done cooking. Finally it is time to eat it. Enjoy the food!!!!!
I hope you had a beautiful Mother's Day....one filled with quiet moments, tender thoughts, belly laughs and trout!!!!!
A great big cup of java and a day that was picture perfect.
I spent the day cleaning and organizing, whilst Emma Sage went grocery shopping with her Daddy. Otto got to go play at his cousins, and Greta caught up on her sleep before work.
Katrina sent lots of love through the phone and we dined with my sister and brother and their families.........truly a perfect day.
Of coarse, Mother's Day is much more difficult when your own beloved Mother is absent, as it reminds you how much she is missed and loved and that having a Mother as loving and giving as your own is one of the most precious things in the world......and it hurts when there is such a void of love.
Emma Sage's class made an adorable cookbook to share with their Mothers........it was such cute to read each child's contribution.
Here is Emma Sage's....I know it will make you smile as much as it did for me.
and if you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by, and we'll pop on over to the river and catch a fresh trout to cook up for you. [we actually had five beautiful rainbow trout fresh caught from the river two weeks ago]
Enjoy!!!
P.S. I've never tried cinnamon with my trout...that was Emma Sage's idea! lol!!!
.....and on the back page it continued:
broccoli, salt and pepper in the the trout pan. Cook it for 2 minutes on high heat. Wait 3 hours on low heat and then it is done cooking. Finally it is time to eat it. Enjoy the food!!!!!
I hope you had a beautiful Mother's Day....one filled with quiet moments, tender thoughts, belly laughs and trout!!!!!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Eight years old.....
My baby girl is Eight years old.....oh, how can that be?
It seems like yesterday, it was a realization that your little soul was on its way into our hearts.
Just like her, Emma Sage's 8th Birthday was a Magical one. This child truly radiates joy.
She started her day going to her dancing class, which she adores....music and movement, what could be a more glorious combination.
She got a phone call from her beau, Ryan,,,,,,,and you should have heard her giggling during the call, and how sweet the two of them are with each other.
Trying on Daddy's helmet
Our little biker chick:
We then headed home for lunch and she asked to attend the Art and Music festival along the river by our home.......so off we went.
Down by the river......
and she danced, danced, danced......
Playng Lucky Ducks......and she is one Lucky Duck!!!!
It was so cute....a little girl came up to Emma Sage and said "Oh, you have the most perfect dress" She loves it because when she dances it spins......
One of her favorite things....getting her face painted.
Oh, how this child melts my heart.
She got a phone call from her other beau, Nash, and this is a picture I captured of her on the phone....too cute!!!!
One the phone with Nash.....sorry Ryan, I was driving when she was talking to you on the phone and couldn't take a picture of the big smile she had on her face for you.
Then her request for her favorite food in the world.....Japanese.
Happy Birthday Emma Sage........We love you dearly and are so blessed that you are our daughter!
It seems like yesterday, it was a realization that your little soul was on its way into our hearts.
Just like her, Emma Sage's 8th Birthday was a Magical one. This child truly radiates joy.
She started her day going to her dancing class, which she adores....music and movement, what could be a more glorious combination.
She got a phone call from her beau, Ryan,,,,,,,and you should have heard her giggling during the call, and how sweet the two of them are with each other.
Trying on Daddy's helmet
Our little biker chick:
We then headed home for lunch and she asked to attend the Art and Music festival along the river by our home.......so off we went.
Down by the river......
and she danced, danced, danced......
Playng Lucky Ducks......and she is one Lucky Duck!!!!
It was so cute....a little girl came up to Emma Sage and said "Oh, you have the most perfect dress" She loves it because when she dances it spins......
One of her favorite things....getting her face painted.
Oh, how this child melts my heart.
She got a phone call from her other beau, Nash, and this is a picture I captured of her on the phone....too cute!!!!
One the phone with Nash.....sorry Ryan, I was driving when she was talking to you on the phone and couldn't take a picture of the big smile she had on her face for you.
Then her request for her favorite food in the world.....Japanese.
Happy Birthday Emma Sage........We love you dearly and are so blessed that you are our daughter!
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