February Cards

Both our sons celebrate birthdays in February.  Chris was 26 this year, Greg 32.  We are very proud of them.

This is a thank you for my sister Amy who bought our Mom a tank of heating oil.  I sent this card with a check to help with the payment.

I'm hoping these folks like to receive Valentines as much as I do.

From Little Things

Today is our son Chris' 26th birthday.  When Chris was born, he weighed only 4 1/2 #.  The pictures here are of Chris around his first birthday.  The title of the page is actually from the background paper "From Little Things Big Things Grow".  I can't tell you how proud we are of this young man today!

Bob wrote the journaling:  "The size of your child's face will change throughout the years, but the smile on it will always be the same.  Happiness has no age limit."

January Cards

My older sister Terry has a birthday on January 10.  This card is for her.

"Happy birthday sister
hope all your dreams come true,
you're someone who is special
there is no sister quite like you"

After Christmas we received a large package with a collection of gifts from Julie, who saves things throughout the year to send us during the holiday.  There were handmade apple placemats, a beautiful apple baking dish and a clear apple shaped plate.  Julie writes a handwritten note about her life and encloses.  I am touched by her memories of our time we worked together many years ago.  This is my thank you card for her.

"Thank you for the gift,
And all your wishes too,
To spend your hard earned money,
On me was very kind of you,
You really made my day,
And this card is to let you know,
I never will forget,
The kindness that you showed."

My former colleague Jim celebrates a birthday on Groundhog Day.  I couldn't resist making this card for him.

"Here’s hoping there’s100% chance you’ll have a Happy Birthday!"

Grownup Surprise

Bob wrote the journaling for this page about presents the kids have given him:

I may be a "grownup" but I still love a Christmas surprise.  Last year Chris found me a Matchbox army tank and transporter just like one I got as a present about 55 years ago.  This year Greg got one of my most favorite photos made into a giant-sized canvas print that looks great on the living room wall.  It really makes me happy that my boys and Michelle worked so hard to come up with special presents.

Christmas 2018

December Cards

Bob's brother David celebrated a birthday this month.  He visited us the weekend before Christmas and we celebrated then.  David is a history buff.

"A birthday is an excuse,
To spend a day doing what you like best,
Indulging yourself in a pastime,
Or maybe just having a rest,
For today is about celebrations,
It's about enjoying a day just for you,
So in this card are many good wishes,
And all our love is sent with it too."

My nephew Dan has a birthday December 28th.  He loves anything outdoors. . . and has a big heart.

"Sit back and relax,
Let us make your day,
You do so much for others,
Now it's our turn to repay,
You deserve a day that's special,
A day that's just for you,
So take time out on your birthday,
Let's all celebrate along with you!"

My lifelong friend Linda celebrates her 65th birthday this month.  Linda just moved back to our home place and bought a house.  She is a very hard worker.

"I sat and thought of years that have gone,
The games we played while the sun always shone,
The days that we courted and met husbands to be,
Then we married and were happy with our growing families,
Now older we are and how many things move on,
But our friendship has endured - it has always been strong,
May you be blessed on your birthday with all good things,
And take pleasure in our friendship and the memories it brings."

This is my favorite Christmas card-for Bob's co-workers at OSI, where they drive flag cars for wide loads.

"Here's wishing you extra loads of fun in the New Year."

Last year all my Christmas cards were the same design.  This year I started in the summer and made over 100 cards, all different.  I addressed my Mom's card envelopes first, and let her pick out what card she wanted to send to that person.  We had enough cards then to give all our acquaintances at her senior center a card.  That was the best part.

"These wishes aren't original
But still they're most sincere -
Have a really Merry Christmas
And a wonderful New Year!"

 

 

Rituals

Our time is not long and I want to make the most of my weekly trips to see my Mom.  2 weeks till Christmas we drive to the Veterans cemetary to lay a wreath on Dad's grave.  Here Mom signs cards while I buy her a sundae.

2018