Friends - Then and Now

Then - Shannon and Chelsey.  I think they were about ten or eleven years old in this picture.  And by then they had been friends for years, having  met in kindergarden.   They did everything together.  Somewhat opposite in personalities, yet  they complemented one another.  Chelsey, the singer and performer with the outgoing personality.  Shannon, quiet and shy, yet fearless,  and sweet as they come. 

Recently,  I read a book by Lisa See "Snowflower and the Secret Fan".  Set in 19th century China, when women and daughters had their feet bound, had arranged marriages and lived somewhat in seclusion, some girls were paired with laotongs, "old sames,"  bound as sisters for life.  Maybe that would have been Shannon and Chelsey....."old sames".....had they been born into a families in 19th century China.



Now - Chelsey and Shannon.  All  grown up. I love this picture of the two of them.  Still friends, no matter the distance.  One a college student.  One a mom.  Living in different states even.  But they remain best friends and probably always will.   



The Birthday Celebration continues with Baby Pictures



Sarah Rogde Walker - Geneve Lee Rogde holding "Baby Bette".  I think my Aunt Sarah is about 8  years old, adorable with those red curls.  And there is my so lovely mother.  Looks like they are at a car show.  Guess not, it's just that it's 1947 so they're all classics!



Happy Birthday To Me!



A long,  long time ago.........I was a baby.   My handsome dad
 and beautiful mom were thrilled with me. 
I said "No more pictures!  That sun is too bright!"  









So cute....so chubby.



No idea how old I am here. 
But I recognize the surroundings. 
 By then we had left California.



and moved to snow country! 
I remember this snowsuit. 
It was brown. 



An old photo that expresses my joy in the bubbles. 
I remember standing in the kitchen making these bubbles.
 Not your normal bubbles.  Very stretttttttttchy!

And still feeling joyful today!  All because "....the joy of the LORD  is my strength"!!!  Nehemiah 8:10



Lots of Praise for Downton Abbey

Watch the full episode. See more Masterpiece.

Downton Abbey will be back  with Season II on January 8th and I can't wait!  It won best Miniseries at the Emmy Awards last night.   And now - but for a limited time only - you can watch Season I online! This link will take you right to it:  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/#mediabox 

There are some who say he is the World's Best Grandpa!

Shannon and Ally agree!

Just another reason I love this man of mine!

35 Years Ago Flying Was So Much Friendlier!!!

Look closely - there is Jayme in the window looking out of the cockpit.  She was 7 years old and flying alone and the pilot took her up to the cockpit for a look around before takeoff.  1976.  What a different world we live in 35 years later!
All this to say, Jayme just left for home this morning.  We were up bright and early and off to the airport.  I miss her so much already.  It was a great few days with her and she had a good time at her high school reunion.  Now I am counting the days until we drive out for Ally's 1st Birthday Party!

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Keith

Happy Birthday David Rogde!

The birthday boy with Al and Barbara. 
Happy Birthday David!  You are the baby of the family....and our favorite!
Love, Your Elder Sister

Today Ally walked!

Shannon called with exciting news:  Ally walked today!!

I Miss You Ally!

I have been hearing phantom baby sounds throughout the day.  So sure I could hear Ally in the other room.  Never a cry.  Just that happy baby talk - she is always chattering away.   But they were phantom sounds.  All part of my imagination?  Or real in my imagination?  Regardless, the memory of Ally being here with us for ALMOST 3 weeks!  is VERY sweet.  How I miss her!  I am longing for the next visit!