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~

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...