Shades of Grace

First of all I would like to thank Grandmaw Elwanda for providing me with another good read!! Thank You!! Thank You!!

I loved reading this book!
It was like looking into the personal life of Dear Abby!

I also loved it, because it was about a 61 year old woman suffering from AD,(Alzheimer's Disease). 61, that is so young!! The youngest AD resident I worked with was 59. It was so heart breaking!

Here is the set up for the book:
Shades of Grace
By: Barbara Delinsky

An End Offers Hope Of New Beginnings

Grace Dorian is a national treasure. She is The Confidante, America's favorite advice columnist. Her wisdom and guidance over to generations have helped millions, including her daughter Francine and granddaughter Sophie, who both manage the vast Dorian empire and oversee the thousands of details in Grace's life.

But suddenly, Grace does not seem right. Her razor-sharp mind is showing strain; her columns wander. Now, in addition to worrying about Grace, Francine must step in to fill her legendary mother's shoes. But Francine must also live her own life- which includes her confusion over her feelings for Grace's handsome doctor and her worry about her tempestuous daughter Sophie, who needs as much guidance as Grace's public does.

Shades of Grace is a poignant and heartfelt story, in which love, devotion, and romance are put to the ultimate test.

Super Sixteen

Oh to be SIXTEEN again!?
I don't know that I would go back!?!
What about you?!?

My stepbrother Jacob, had an early celebration last night.
We all went to El Chico! The highlight of the night was watching Jacob turn 3 shades of red while being serenaded by the singing staff & family! He was such a good sport!

I just can't believe Jacob will be SIXTEEN!!
Our parents married when he was six so I have seen him grow from a little boy into a young man!

Here are a few pics:


Grandma Faye, David, Sue, Uncle Gary & Jacob


Jacob, Emily, Kayleigh, & Nathalie

Dare to Be

I enjoy my monthly M&Ms (Mom & Munchkins) group. I have met so many wonderful women within this group.

At our meeting last night, we enjoyed Mexican food & had a speaker that talked with us about crafts for kids. We even demolished a pinata. It was great seeing a bunch of grown women beat the heck out of it!

I was so excited to win one of the door prizes (really cute hand made cards)! We always get a really good newsletter with recipes & craft ideas. This time it also included a poem! I love poetry & this poem I thought was wonderful!

Steve Maraboli is an Air Force veteran turned motivational speaker.

Dare to Be
By Steve Maraboli

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.
When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.
When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.
when something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.
When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you're feeling tired, dare to keep going.
When times are tough, dare to be tougher.
When love hurts you, dare to love again.
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.
When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you've done your best.
Dare to be the best you can -
At all times, Dare to be!

Jump Rope Jill

Jill Strong aka Jump Rope Jill came to the girls school.
I went to watch the assembly. She was awesome!!


Here are some facts about Jump Rope Jill:

Jumping rope since she was about 6 years old

Competing since the age of 10

6 Junior Olympic Individual Gold Medals

3 Time Individual World Champion

Jill was so much fun! The kids really enjoyed her!!

Kayleigh brought home a jump rope to show us some of the skills. It was fun watching her. She was really proud of the things she has learned! The kids will participate in a Jump Rope For Heart fundraiser towards the end of school.

Joseph

Joseph & The Techni-Color Dream Coat

My mom, Kayleigh & I went to see this musical! It was GREAT!

The man (Joshua James)that played Joseph reminded my mom & I of the guy I dated in high school. You know, kinda loud & obnoxious, but you can't help but like them. We laughed the whole time, it was soo, funny!

The man (Matthew Swift)[No relation to Taylor] that played Pharaoh was hysterical! His character resembled Elvis. Again, we laughed soo hard!!

Kayleigh said, "Mom, I thought this was a Bible story!?!"

It was a blast!! We had such a good time & laughed until we cried!!
The Musical ended with the cast receiving a well deserved standing ovation!!

Good-Bye Basketball

Basketball season has come to an end!

Kayleigh's team, Holliday Hotshots finished with a 5 win/3 loss and came in 4th overall. Kayleigh really picked up the sport quickly. I hope she will consider playing again next year!?!

Here is a picture of Kayleigh's team:
Holliday Hotshots 2010


Emily's team, Holliday Heartbreakers ended up an undefeated team! They came in 1st overall. Emily struggled at the beginning, but made us all proud by scoring a goal at her last game! Everyone cheered & some had tears of joy!!

Here is a picture of Emily's team:
Holliday Heartbreakers 2010


I am so proud of both Kayleigh & Emily for playing their 1st season of basketball! They had so many fans (family) cheering them on! Thank you to all the family for taking time to come & support the girls! It really means a lot!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA JERRY!!

Today is my PaPa Jerry's 75th Birthday!! We celebrated last night at mom & David's. PaPa loves my mom's spaghetti! How could he not!?! My Nanny was Italian; she had tomato sauce flowing through her veins. Papa has two rules about Italian food; NO mushrooms & NO garlic on his toast.

Here are a few pics of the celebration:

PaPa w/his cake


PaPa w/Emily & Nathalie
(Kayleigh had baseball practice)


PaPa w/Andy & Tommy

Happy Birthday PaPa Jerry!! We Love You!!