Memorial Day Musings

If it weren't for the war (WW II), these two would have never gotten together. They met in Salzburg, Austria in the months following the war.


My father was a Sargent in General Patton's Army in Europe. He directed artillary fire in France, helped liberate the concentration camps, and was part of the occupation army.  He loved serving his country.

My Mother was forced to work for the Nazi government (as a secretary) when Hitler occupied her country, Austria. She hated working for the Nazi's. 
So many people sacrificied so much for their country. Many gave all -- like my husband's Uncle Carl, for whom he is named.    A very brave paratrooper (Company "C", 517th Parachute Infantry)  Carl  had already recieved the Silver Medal for single handedly taking out a German machine gun nest in Italy, when he was killed in action in southern France, two months after the invasion of Normandy. He had just turned twenty, and never got the chance to marry his sweetheart back home and raise a family of his own.

Uncle Carl and his nephew Carl, photos taken when they were both about the same age. (My hubby Carl's photo is not a police mug shot, but his Texas Tech University I.D. photo.)

A week with Andy and Kay

It's so nice when  grown-up kids fly in for a visit. This was one last trip to Texas for Andy and KayLynn before moving to California at the end of May. We sure enjoyed hanging out with them and taking a little trip to San Antonio.

In spite of severe drought conditions, there was just enough water in the Guadalupe River for a little tubing.

           My big boys enjoyed the tree growing through the patio of our cabin. (This brought back memories of when Andy was a little boy, and I was always hollering at him to get down from the top of the tall pine tree in back of our house.)

                                              View of the Guadalupe from our cabin.

                                  It was fun to introduce KayLynn to Texas history at the Alamo.

After boat ride down the San Antonio River, we enjoyed lunch at one of the many restaurants on the Riverwalk.

Later on that  week, we joined with our other other Texas kids and grandkids for a day at the beach, Mother's Day, and a fun night at an Astros ballgame.

The grandkids really enjoyed playing with Andy and Kay (Emily's group had already headed for home, and missed getting in this picture.) The girls loved the "princess party" that KayLynn did for them. They will really miss her. Thanks for coming to visit us Andy and KayLynn!

the Easter Bunny's come and gone

All that's left are a few plastic egg shells lying around in the yard, and memories.

The Easter egg hunt was held early Saturday evening. (That's why the background is dark, and in case you're wondering about Avery's mini bangs, she gave herself a haircut, and tried to tape the  pieces back on with masking tape). Everything was  fun and games, as seen in these smiling faces, until ---

Avery got attacked by baby brother who wanted her plastic eggs, and is trying to hit her.

Looks like just a little love pat Evan is giving her, but Avery is very distressed. (In case you're wondering about this grandson's mismatched outfit, he insists on picking out his own clothes.)

The grandkids were in a delightful, sugary mood for their group pictures taken after church on Sunday. (In case you're wondering about that strange creature on Evan's lap, that's Jessica's pooch minus all her fluffy hair.) (And in case you're wondering, I sure do miss those 2 cute bunnies in Minnesota who should be in this group picture.)

We're so grateful around here

What a month this has been, for Grandpa (and me)!

Grandpa celebrated his big 65th birthday last week, surrounded by 8 out of his 10 grandchildren.

• So grateful that he is having a truly amazing recovery from his surgery on Mar. 7
• So grateful a serious life threatening condition was disovered just in time to be completely cured.
• So grateful for having the very best doctor/surgeon in the great Texas Medical Center who is not only highly skilled in this hi-tech, robotic method of surgery, but who is also a man of God.
• So grateful for the hand of our Lord in all things, for His watchful care over us, His great healing powers, and  for the guidance and comfort of the Holy Ghost.
• So grateful for all of your prayers on his behalf (especially those sweet prayers of grandchildren).

a guest post -- by "the house fairy"

While "Baby Boomer Grammy" is attending to more important matters, like flossing her teeth, I thought I'd sneak onto her blog, and introduce myself.

I am the house fairy! What an exciting week it's been.  Baby Boomer's grandkids have all gotten surprise visits from me (except those darlings in Minnesota, but their turn will come). For their sparkling clean rooms, they get surprise treats from me.

I was in for an especially big treat when I flew to Vidor to surprise the grandkids there. Not only were their rooms so clean that it took my breath away, but I was able to congratulate Dario on a very special event --

He was getting baptized that very same day!  I couldn't stick around to see the happy event (house fairies are very busy), but his Baby Boomer Grammy and Grandpa did.  I can see why they love him sooo much and are so very proud of him.  Not only does he have a very neat and tidy room, but he is a very fine young man who is making very good choices. Way to go Dario!
  love, housefairy 

a lovely day

The day started off with breakfast for the two of us, with heartshaped pancakes for my sweetheart (heart-healthy, of course, made with oat flour, white wheat flour,flaxseed, cherries, almonds, etc, -- topped with peach yoghurt, blueberries) I just take a regular buttermilk pancake recipe and do substitutions.)

Then the mailman came and brought a surprise all the way from Minnesota --

The grandbabies painted these hearts!

This totally made our day! Thank you Saige and Colby (and mommy for being so creative)!
And it's only 10:00 a.m. What a great start to a lovely day.
Happy Valentine's day and love to all!

Aren't they cute?

These cuties are getting extra special attention on my blog because....

They're both having February birthdays (Jessica's B.D. is Feb 4th , I can't remember Lady's)

and they're both missing their Walter, who is away in the Carribean, studying hard to be an M.D. Next year's birthday celebration will be a lot happier, with their Daddy lots closer.
Happy birthday Jessica!