WOW!

I really cannot believe it has been this long since my last posting. Time has slipped by without me noticing. That's scary! Next month will be a huge turning point for our family. First of all, Sadie graduates from Autry Tech the 28th of July. I'm sending out a Big HOOOORAH! Terry and I couldn't be more proud of her. I was talking to her this morning encouraging (OK, maybe just a little caution thrown in) that she only has one more week to keep her head down and stay focused. It has been a long road, sometimes tough, but the end is here. She will then be able to take her final exam to get Certified in August. ~YEA!~ Did I mention how proud we are of her? Stephen and Sadie have bought a home in Alva. They are closing and moving the first load today. Stephen has been working for SandRidge for the last month and has really enjoyed it. Sadie starts working full-time, the second week of August, at Share Medical Hospital in the Radiology Dept. in Alva (Shelby is an RN there). Shelby and Jared will celebrate their 3rd Anniversary the 2nd of August. It has been a busy year for the two (no, make that three) of them. Last but never least, August 17, Mr. Adler will be having his Birthday! He changes everyday. His independence, mobility, curiosity, appetite, personality (stubbornness), and looks change everyday. Happy Birthday Adler, Hugs & Kisses, Love Grandma. Izzy and Adler are becoming quite the pair. Izzy is very patient with Adler's pulling and stepping on her. The only conflict they have is deciding who's toy it is. Adler wants to play with Izzy's toys and Izzy has successfully chewed the head off of two of Adler's little construction men. I'm sure she didn't mean to! Terry and I are blessed. WOW, it's a little busy around here. Wouldn't ask for anything to change. Added some more pictures at the bottom. Enjoy!

~DEO VOLENTE~

Joy!

We have had a lot of Joy these past couple of months. Sadie is putting the finishing touches on her education. She graduated from NOC last Saturday with 2 Science Assoc. Degrees. Most of the family helped her celebrate her big day. She will now graduate July 28 from Autry Tech getting her Radiography. She has been putting in quite a few hours at Bass Hospital in Enid and Share Hospital in Alva. When she works at Alva, it gives her an opportunity to spend time with Jared, Shelby and Adler. Terry and I are so proud of her. Sadie had some puddles to jump but she's a hard worker. Terry and I are so proud of her accomplishments. Let the celebrating begin!
Terry stays busy with work and helping me around the house and kennel. He LOVES being a PaPa. Now that the weather is getting nice, he's managed to get in some golfing. Shocker!
I am still going to OKC to see Dr. Rogers. I was a bit "cranky" last trip. I hope he will continue to see me.
The medicine I take causes a little trouble with brightness and motion but it seems to be getting more tolerable.
Easter was good. The weather wasn't very nice but it was good to get together and Easter Services are always a nice reminder of how blessed we are.
May is such a busy month; Terry and I will celebrate 30 Years on the 20th, YEPEE! Dad, Shelby, and Sadie each have a Birthday, and Mother's Day. Whew!
Now, Mr. Adler... is growing so fast. I can't believe how much he changes. I know I sound like a scratched record, but I enjoy keeping him so much. He sure gives this GMa a good pick-me-up. His little personality sure shows thru those big blue eyes. Adler is such a creature of habit. He is pretty much a schedule keeper. In order for the kids to keep somewhat of a routine, I also try to mimic the same schedule or ways that Shelby does things. However, when it comes to feeding time, well let me just say, NOT! This is the one and might I say only time Mr. Adler and GMa Do Battle! Now I'm not saying that I haven't tried to do feed Adler at the same time and exactly what he should eat. No, the confrontation begins with the HOW. You can see this little glimmer appear in this little boy's eyes and here we go. For a month or so, even though he is only a baby, there is pure enjoyment that comes over Adler when I try to feed him his baby food. I have "restrained and threatened" him within an inch of his tiny little body. Now don't get me wrong, Adler and GMa manage to get this feat accomplished but not before I am completely exhausted mentally. Shelby keeps telling me that I am not firm enough. HA! My oh so cute, irresistible, can't help but love grandson is whipping this GMa's backside.
Izzy loves Adler so much. Bless her heart, she wants to play with him. Her feelings are crushed when she brings all of her toys to him and then gets into trouble when when make her take them back. Just a few more months and the playing will never end. Izzy also understands the pressure that builds during eating time. The minute Adler gets into the highchair, Izzy runs for cover and stays in her bed until it's over.
My journal is a daily tool to better my life. Making a daily choice to strengthen myself inwardly, is a "Begin Again" gift from God.
As always, check out the pictures below and I hope you enjoy!
~DEO VOLENTE~
Love,

SSS

I can remember as a little girl, women my Grandmother's age having trouble keeping their stockings pulled up. They would be wrinkled or look saggy all the way down the lower part of their legs. It always amazed me why their stocking had evolved to this condition. Now it is the best explanation that I have for my present situation. I am struggling with the "Saggy Stocking Syndrome". The past few months (two years) I have battled keeping my socks pulled up, matched together or even on my feet. With help and encouragement, I do have Faith that I am slowly regaining the elasticity and durability in my socks. Terry and I have been making a couple of trips to OKC a month. I have started my new regiment of medication and a program (Marshall Protocol). I have let this problem kick my "Behind" long enough. Terry has been my Hero through out my struggle. He is my strength and backbone. If not for his encouragement and support, I could not have the opportunity of enjoying my "Little Buddy". Adler just makes GMa smile.

Terry and I have Exciting News! Sadie is engaged! Steven proposed last SuperBowl Sunday and she said YES. Terry and I couldn't be happier. It looks like we will be having a 2012 May Wedding. More details will come later. You can hear Sadie bubbling through the phone. It will be fun planning another Big Day! I think Big Sister is pretty excited about helping too.
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Izzy is doing well. I can see a true friendship growing between Adler and her. A couple of weeks ago, Adler was being a little fussy sitting in his bouncy seat. Terry and I were in the kitchen, when I realized Adler was quite. I looked over the counter to see Izzy, with gentle love and affection, licking the top of his head. To my surprise, Adler was grinning and giggling! It was too cute. I'm sure his Mom & Dad wouldn't think so, but it was too cute.
More later,
Enjoy
~DEO VOLENTE~

2011!

This morning while driving to meet the kids to pick up Adler, the radio was talking about why people say Two Thousand Eleven (2011) when it is Twenty Eleven? It makes sense, we never did say One thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine (1999) did we?
I thought that this picture summed up our Holidays! We ate until we couldn't eat another bite. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I hope it was the same for all of you. Adler took in the festivities in style. He seemed to enjoy all of it but did get a little off schedule. Once again, Terry and I were blessed to able to see all of our Family through the holidays. I am glad that we all live within driving distance. The best part of my week seems to be keeping Adler. I enjoy it immensely! It seems to help me forget all of the other "Junk". I am so happy to help out. Not sure who is helping who. Terry and I have been making a few trips to OKC to see a new Doctor, Dr. Barry S. Rogers DO. NMMOMM ( how's that for a mouth full!) he seems to be making some progress. Before Christmas, they sent off several tests, concluding that I have Limes Decease and an elevated Vit. D. This Friday, I will meet with Dr. Rogers and start a regiment of medicine that will hopefully fight off the infection and help reduce the inflammation in my body (keeping my fingers crossed). I think of my self as a Realistic. I try not to make but a few New Years Resolutions, hoping that I won't have to admit failure. They are to get more sleep and educating myself more on what's happening around us. Terry and I have started watching Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilly every evening. The tough one will be getting more sleep, I have always had a problem with sleep. I'm slowing realizing that it's one of the healthiest choices I can make for myself and Terry. I will also continue to deepen my relationship with my Bible and God. I have enjoyed my journey I started this past year and am excited to continue on. The kids seem to be busy with work, school and daily activities. Izzy, seems to be accepting the fact that she now shares her days with Mom (GMa). If possible she remains constant about staying close by and laying between Adler and I as much as possible. Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year or as we need to say "Twenty Eleven"! Check out the pictures, mostly of Adler, of course.
God Bless You.
~DEO VOLENTE~