DISTRACTION!

My goodness where have the days gone? I can't believe it's been two months since my last posting to my Blog. Everytime I thought about posting, something would come up or there would be a distraction. Wait, oh that's right, his name is Lil Adler Alan Bates! This child is good!!! He's such a good baby. He is always smiling and laughing. Did I mention, Adler has his own alarm clock built right in! Shelby has gone back to work (Nov. 13) and Adler comes to see Papa and GMa. I think everyone is starting to get into a rhythm now Who knew such a little thing could bring such Joy to our lives. The holidays have begun. Thanksgiving was great. The weather was even pretty. As usual, we had way too much food, but no one can say they were hungry. Heavier but not hungry. Christmas is right around the corner and as it seems once again, I am not ready. Up until about 5 years ago, I would be completely through with shopping before December arrived. That is not the case anymore. It will be nice to have the whole family together again. Each year I realize more and more that our time together is short and should not be taken for granted. Terry is busy with work and helping out with Adler, the house and taking me to OKC once a week for my doctor visits. Three weeks ago, I started seeing a Doctor (Dr. Rogers) in OKC for my pain. I think we are making some progress. It's a different approach and technique but I'm staying positive. Terry has been such a trooper through this whole ordeal, I'm hoping we can see the end of it soon. I have enjoyed keeping Adler so much. Shelby and Jared are great parents. With Shelby back at work, Jared has been helping get Adler ready in the mornings. It gives Dad some alone time with his boy. Sadie is staying busy with her school and rotations at the hospital. She has done really well with her Scentsy the past couple of months. Sadie takes pride in everything she does. She has been looking into some part-time positions at some local hospitals while she finishes her last part of school. She would want to me to tell everyone that she will be finished July 28! Stephen, the young man that Sadie has been seeing, has made a nice addition to our family. He compliments Sadie well. He makes Sadie "Smile". Izzy, poor Izzy, has taken a back seat to Adler. I know, it had to be expected, it's just I can't help but feel sad for her. Everything use to be about Izzy and only Izzy. She has done really well. She seems to be taking up her role as "Protector" lately. She is very gentle and never aggressive. She even gets to put her nose on him once in a while (Shhh!) She follows him from room to room and when possible she lays next to him. I'm sure it's to make sure she doesn't miss out on something! You guessed it! I have alot, lot, lot of picutres t the bottom. God Bless and Enjoy Your Holidays.
~DEO VOLENTE~

"DO-OVER"

Adler seems to change daily! We are so fortunate to live so close to our children. I would have to pack my bags & move if that were not the case. When I started my Blog, I thought I would only be able to write about my day, my scrapbooking and Izzy's daily adventures. Little did I know, that I now have to limit myself on how much I do blog. Adler is starting to really see things and show more facial expressions. He loves to watch TV! When he's awake his little arms and legs are constantly moving, just like his Mother! I'm not sure if I have said this before, but I am going to keep Adler when Shelby goes back to work on the 14th of Nov. I know her heart is aching, so I hope that I can help make it a little easier. I finally get it! God gives us Grandchildren so that we can have a "Do-Over". I can't believe how fun and relaxing it is to have Adler in our lives. Thank you, Lord. Sadie is still busy with School, hunting with Stephen and her Scentsy selling. She had a really nice Scentsy party last night, here in Cherokee. I hope that she will have many more with the holidays coming up.
I haven't had any new Collages to work on lately but hope that I will start having some calls for them soon. I have been faithfully challenging myself with my studies on the Bible and feel like I am making some progress. It is so amazing how much love God has for us individually. So many promises and blessings, there for the asking. Terry has been gone a lot lately. Izzy and I await his return Friday afternoon. Hopefully, I can go with him again soon. Now, to every one's surprise, I will put some new pictures at the bottom! Enjoy.
~DEO VOLENTE~

WHAT A MONTH!

My Goodness, what a month! Where to start...Adler is now 4 weeks old and growing. He is such a joy! Jared and Shelby are wonderful parents and seem to be getting into a "rhythm". They went to Enid and had pictures taken at 2 weeks. Of course, all of them are great. Great Great Grandma Clytice made a stocking (in 3 hours) for Adler to wear for pictures. It turned out really cute. You always hope for that one special picture and they got it. The one of Jared kissing him is priceless. He was awake for the entire photo shoot. Shelby is doing really good and Jared has been great at helping. Grandma tries to see Adler at least every other day or more. Papa (Terry chose this name thinking it would be easier to say and possibly sooner than GMa) sure is silly about the little guy. He still goes to Alva quite a bit but he's not golfing as much! We were fortunate enough to get a "Special Photo" of the Five Generations, GMa Clytice, Laura, Terry, Shelby and Adler. Terry and I have been very Blessed with all of our family. Sadie is staying busy with school. Her schedule has changed and she has started spending more time at the hospital. In order for her to keep up with her studying, she gave up her catering job at Panevino's and started selling Scentsy. She doesn't care too much for the distance between her house and her nephew's house. It's been nice that she's coming home more often though. Her relationship with Stephen is growing. He would make a great addition to our family. Last, I finished several more collages and hopefully will have more
coming up. I have really enjoyed making these for people. I would love to have some of you sign in as followers and leave some comments. As always, there are several new photos (yes, mostly of Adler!) at the bottom to enjoy. Enjoy.
~DEO VOLENTE~

ADLER ALAN BATES!

OK, I know you have probably heard this or said it yourself. But seriously! Have ever seen anything as beautiful as this little guy? Seriously!
Adler Alan Bates entered our lives on August 17, 2010. Weighing in at a hefty 8 lbs. 8.9 oz., 20 3/4 inches long and wide eyed to his new world. He was not upset at all! All he wanted to do was look at everything! Adler made his "Grand Entry" sooner than the doctor predicted. Leaving both sets of his Grandparents getting to the hospital shortly after his arrival. This Grandma was a little heart-broken, but wouldn't have changed a thing. Sadie was the first to get there and was able to help and witness Adler being born. A moment two sisters can hold in their hearts forever! Sadie was about to bust at the seams. Jared is a wonderful Father. Talking and holding his new son oh so gentle. Shelby, what can I say, what a trooper! I am so proud of her. She couldn't have done any better. She is going to be such a good Mother. She has brought such a new Joy into our lives. Oh, of course there are more pictures at the bottom!
~DEO VOLENTE~

IT'S GETTING CLOSER!

It's getting closer to the time for Our Little Guy to get here. Oh how life will change once "He" does get here. Terry is so funny. Everytime he sees Shelby, he tells her how beautiful she is. I haven't decided how I am going to react, seeing my baby have one of her own. I have a feeling it might be an emotional event for all of us! This will be the First Grandchild on both sides of the family. I wonder if he will be Rotten? Shelby thinks He already knows how to play football! Sadie doesn't think that he ever moves. Shelby's friends gave her a really nice Baby Shower a couple of weeks ago. I put some pictures down below. Izzy has become very vocal whenever Shelby comes home. She's not quit sure why Shelby won't let her jump up and kiss her anymore. It's hard being Izzy.

"BIRD WHISPERER"

A couple of weeks ago, Terry and I found a couple of baby Blue jays in the backyard. Mom and Dad were close by making quite the ruckus. Nevertheless, they didn't seem to be worried about us or Izzy coming and going. Last week, I noticed one of them sitting in the grass not trying to scurry away from Izzy. I was able to pick the tiny bird up and noticed it's left leg was terribly swollen and had a string wrapped tightly around the upper part, cutting down to the bone. Of course, I brought it into the house and proceeded to cut the string off. During the entire procedure, the little guy never struggled. After cleaning the wound with soap and water, I put some ointment on it and gave him a drink of water. I told myself, "I have done my part for Mother Nature", I took him back outside and tossed him over the fence to the neighbor's yard! Even though I wanted to help, I new without a doubt, I didn't want the poor little thing dying in my yard! To all of our amazement, Terry, myself and Izzy, both of the baby blue jays are still with us and visit daily.

There are more new pictures at the bottom of the blog. I hope you are enjoying.

6 WEEKS & COUNTING DOWN!

Oh my Goodness...Shelby has 6 weeks left until she and Jared will become new parents and I will be a Grandma. Yea! This picture was taken at Father's Day. Everyone keeps telling us that this is the most awesome, life-changing experience we will ever have. I can't wait. Sadie is going to make a great Aunt. She's pretty excited and keeps wanting "Him" to move. Shelby thinks napping is fine. Ha! She's feeling great. They went to OKC last week and had a 4D Ultra Sound done. That was cool. You can see the "Little Guy"(picture below). Jared is glad it's not him carrying around that baby. Terry just needs to know which type of Golf Clubs to buy, left handed or right? I have been trying to talk to Izzy every chance I get about the arrival of the baby. I'm not sure she openly acknowledges that this will involve some adjusting on her part too. Poor Izzy, she has no idea that "NOT EVERYTHING is about her". I am considering Therapy for the two of us?

We are getting pretty soggy around the state. We had rain for the Forth of July weekend and are still getting more showers this week. Bring on the Mosquito spray, buuuzzzzz.... smack!

I finally mustered up the courage and presented my Collages to a business associate. I was so excited to be given the opportunity to broaden my possibilities in marketing my new venture. Now I need to work on my presentations and options to show future customers. It's been awhile since I have worked directly with the public. I keep thinking of "Thomas" the train, I Think I Can, I Think I Can. ChooChoo! I recently finished a different approach to the collages and made one for "Lost Companions". I will post it at the bottom for you to look at. Let me know what you think. Love...

Squirrel Patrol

Wow, have we had some storms this year! Early this morning we received over an inch of rain. Terry has been mowing twice a week. Of course, it doesn't help when he's uses a "cheap" mower that doesn't cut short enough. Yes, I'm doing my part, I ran the sprinkler on Sunday for him!

Izzy is in "Full Alert" on squirrel patrol. She just can't understand why those pesty squirrels keep coming back into the yard. I feel a little guilty putting out a new batch of corn and sunflower seeds each day! Although, I never grow tired of watching her walk as slow as she can out the back door and down the steps as if she just might catch one of them off guard. I don't know who would be more surprised, Izzy, the squirrel or me!

Shelby and Jared have the baby's room all ready. I get to go with Shelby this week to her doctor's visit. I think it's time for Grandma to check this doctor out. It has been a couple of days since I've seen Shelby. I am always amazed how much she changes each day. August 20, is right around the corner.

Sadie is staying busy. She has school twice a week and clinicals three days. She still works part-time catering and spends time everyday with Stephen. Sadie is a "certified" city driver now. It seems that whenever I talk to her she's always in a hurry to get there, wherever that may be or how far. She does manage to fit her mother in every now and then. Life seems good for Sadie.

New Pictures Below, Enjoy.

Making Progress

I really think I am! I am happy to say that I finished my first Bible Study (Beth Moore Series) and actually read the entire study. I wasn't very good at writing down the answers, but did read the whole thing. I had a good friend tell me about a 30 minute program that comes on in the morning featuring Joyce Meyer. Oh what a great motivational speaker! I hope to someday see her in person at one of her conferences. I am trying really hard to stay disciplined on reading my Bible and praying more.

I have changed gears (once again) and started back into scrapbooking the girls' pictures. I have "squeezed" (shhh), in some really cute Boy pages for my new Grandbaby that will be here before we know it. With all that said, I think I am MAKING PROGRESS!!!

May is always a busy month. Graduations , Wedding Showers, Weddings, Birthdays, and our Anniversary. Another year (29), I still can't believe Terry puts up with me.

Summer is always Terry's favorite time of the year. Golf, Golf, Golf. The nicer the weather gets, the less I see of my husband. Terry would golf everyday if our Oklahoma weather would allow it. He always seems to come up with a few "I never have gotten to golf on ...............this day or that course! He has become a "Pro" at it.

Shelby is feeling great and looking so cute with her Tummy! Jared and her, with the help of her Dad, remodeled their home and are now waiting on the Baby's furniture to arrive. It will be exciting to see the nursery when she gets it set up. I am having mixed emotions about my "Baby" having one of her own. I can still remember that life changing experience. I can't wait to see the emotions that will come over us all!

Sadie is doing really good in school and at her clinicals. She has always taken great pride in what she does. I know she will be an asset to the profession. One more year and she will have her degree. Yea! Sadie has been seeing a young man for a couple of months now. We have really taken a liking to Stephen. It's neat to see Sadie happy and silly again! They really make a cute couple.

Izzy has been making a few adjustments, herself. I am sorry to say that my dog's behavior has been somewhat out of control or should I say "she has been in control too long. We have started a new training program and she has been wearing a "pout face" for a couple of days. I am trying to stay strong and be patient. Discipline is good???

Dizzy~~~

I'm sure some of you are dizzy trying to keep up with my decision making ability. If you recall, at the beginning of my Blogsite, I mentioned that I was going to venture into a side business of scrapbooking for others. Well, I did complete a couple of albums for some friends. By doing so, I realized that I was not completing any of my own! I love the "creative" part of scrapbooking but have struggled with the "time" part. I'm sure most of you have heard the saying "Opportunity Knocks". I recently put together a Collage of pictures, of Loved Ones no longer with us, for others to cherish. At first I was a little nervous taking on the responsibility of putting together something so important. Once I relaxed, I realized God was giving me an opportunity of Giving. I enjoyed every minute of it! I am hoping to continue with this new alternative style of scrapbooking and reaping the enjoyment that it gives to others. I have been very Blessed in my life. I hope to never take any of my Blessings for granted.

It's A Boy!!

I'm not sure, but I really think that this is the "Best" picture that I have posted so far! If some of you haven't heard (and I'm sorry if I haven't had a chance to tell you) I am going to be the proud Grandmother of a beautiful baby boy! Yea! Shelby is due August 20th. How great is that? I can't believe it has taken me so long to get this on my blog. Momma and baby are doing great.
Sadie is doing really good in school and at her clinical. She seems to be enjoying Radiology. We keep getting Great remarks from the staff at the hospital and school. She will finish up in May of 2011. I am sure she is asready as her Father and Mother! Terry has been busy helping Shelby paint and redecorate the house. She wants to get things in order while she still feels good.I have been staying busy, taxes are done! I have also been tinkering with making gift bags with tags. "Bags & Tags" on Facebook if you would like to check it out. My Fibromyalgia has been a challenge to say the least. I have a hard time telling myself that I can't do as much as I once could. I have also started a Bible Study with Beth Moore, "Breaking Free". So far it has been a real insight for me. I hope I am up for the challenge of completing the 10 week series. My scrap booking is getting the best of me! I am having a tough time keeping my quota each week.As for Izzy, I have been talking to her daily about the arrival of "Baby Bates". I am afraid this event will be a tremendous "shock" to her life as we all know it! She still amazes me with her IQ! She had been being lazy about ringing her bells on the back door to let me know that she needed to go out. I took a moment on the way out the door to remind her that she needed to use her bells to get my attention. As I have said before (probably several times), she is way too smart for me. Later that day, I was in the bedroom when I hear the clang of the bells. I waited and listened, giving Terry an opportunity to respond. To my surprise! He didn't! At this time Izzy repeated her request on the bells again! As you can imagine, I was really surprised when I came out of the bedroom to find Terry STILL sitting down, watching TV. I then took the time, as Izzy and I were going out the back door, to "refresh" Terry on the "Rules of Engagement" also. If only our spouses and children could be taught as easy as our companions.

Beautiful!

That is so Beautiful!

Those were the words that I kept saying over and over again, two weeks ago, when we received a heavy frost from Mother Nature. The outdoors looked as if Mother Nature opened her mouth and "Sighed" a breath of air that instantly turned to crystal and blanketed everything it touched. I couldn't take enough pictures to capture the beautiful sight. I was able to get a few really nice pictures to show off some of the beauty. Enjoy. If possible, let me know what you think?

Joy.

I have been receiving an email called "Amanda Gore's Monthly Endorphin Injection" for over a year now. Most of the time I move them to file without taking the time to read them. For once, I read her newsletter which topic was "JOY" and all I can say is Wow! Once in a while things do actually hit home and this one did. She talked about the difference between Happiness and Joy. Happiness is about wanting. Joy is about giving. Imagine an iceberg, the teeny bit at the top which is visible would be called Happiness. The huge part that is below the water would be called Joy. Joy is giving, connecting and serving. It consists of gratitude, compassion, hope, generosity, reverence, laughter, love, listening, cheerful enthusiasm, equanimity, energy and vitality and forgiveness. She went on to say that when we practice any or all of these qualities in everyday living, we will find that Joy emerges from within us. I am challenging each one of you to live each day in a state of "JOY".

Mind Over Matter!

Two words, Fibro Myalgia. I never knew two words could control a body and mind to such a degree. For the past few months I have been learning about and dealing with Fibro Myalgia. I have decided to call it my "Mind over Matter"situation. Time will definitely tell whether the mind or the matter wins! I have however, with the help of Shelby, managed to start scrapbooking again. For some reason unknown to myself, I have prolonged doing any of the girls' pictures for the past few years. With some "pushing" I mean encouragement, Shelby and I finished five pages. I am challenging myself to do at least 3 pages a week. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it would be a huge accomplishment for me. Izzy tries to be as much help as possible. No matter where I put things to work on, she manages to lay right on top of it all! It's fun seeing how much things have changed since those pictures were taken.

Happy New Year!

2010 is going to be a great year! It is always a good feeling (sometimes scary) to get a "Do Over". I am trying hard not make any resolutions that I won't be able to accomplish. I can't handle failure or defeat! The first goal of the new year was to figure out how I could keep from taking down the Christmas tree and putting it back up in December again. I know, about now your thinking what's the big deal? It's nothing to fret about until December! The problem is that I have never enjoyed putting up the tree and ALWAYS enjoyed my girls doing it for me. This year I decided maybe if I bought a smaller tree that it wouldn't be such a "big" project. So I did, only to leave it in the box, in the living room, until the week of Christmas. How sad is that? Well, this year I have decided to not take the tree down! Instead, I talked Terry into helping me carry the tree (with everything still on it) to the basement storage room. Some of the ornaments will have to be adjusted but I am going to leave the tree standing (covered) in full decoration until the day after Thanksgiving. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Again, I have put some of my favorite pictures at the bottom of my blog to share.