Thinking about Becky...

Today I've been thinking about Becky Taylor Henning. Becky is Uncle Tap's youngest daughter and on Monday she is having her first, and last, birth. Becky, at age 34, decided to have one biological child, for her husband, Doug, who is adopted. I keep thinking that tying her tubes is a mistake after only one birth, but Becky says they'll adopt if they want another.

I remember the youngster Becky, visiting her Gram Taylor, here in CA, when she was only 4 years old, the first time. We have many fond memories of Becky, and her sister Tracy's, visits! And best of all, Becky remembers staying and visiting with us, too!

It is exciting to know that she is now to become a mom and perhaps we will establish a tradition of sorts, with her daughter. We have several (meaning 3) young granddaughters living rather close by and a new baby grandson coming in August.

We aren't the young folks we were when Becky was a child, but the heart stays young enough and the mind remembers good times with joy. We are excited and happy to have a new baby in the family and one that will grow up with Chris & Andrea's "son in the making!"

I miss our VA grandchildren's visits each summer and want to have them back!!! Those days can never be duplicated and once grandkids are grown those moments are gone forever...

Happy Birthday, Andrea

Now I know Andrea doesn't read my blogs, but her birthday is important, none the less. At 39 she isn't the happiest camper, about being pregnant ~ and barefoot in the kitchen ~ but this baby boy will bring her much joy in the long run! She looks beautiful, as she always does when pregnant, and we are excited about another little grandchild in the family.

In my growing wisdom - and age - which seem to be happening at the same time, I realize how valuable and impacting mothers and fathers are. I am grateful for a mother who asked little from me and received even less, I fear. Having her in our home for her final 16 years, I feel blessed to know her first concerns were for her children and their spouses.

She taught me many lessons about giving of oneself without the attitude of what she might receive back in return. Her simple pleasures - on birthdays and other holidays ~ are now treasures to me. She was a most selfless person and I wish I'd inherited those traits for myself.

I guess what I'm saying is that although I know I love my children unconditionally, I expect something more in return. My goal is to have the love I feel truly be unconditional in every way. Maybe my mom is still working on me... I think with the help of our Heavenly Father perhaps she is.

So happy birthday to Andrea - and of course my mom whose birthday is this coming Sunday. xoxoxo

Mother's Day and Happy Birthday wishes!!

Since I write this blog, mostly for Greg, let me start by saying thank you for your comments on Theresa's blog. I happen to think Theresa is a pretty hip "step" mother and I say that with all due respect to Christina.

There are many things 'other mothers' do, for their 'other' children. One thing is to love them and to let them know this, too. Theresa hasn't had the opportunity to be a 'natural' mother, but a good one she would truly wish to be. I can not imagine she would behave differently about M,C or K.

Theresa tries to help Christina's kids, but she knows who the mother is there. T. is a (great) YW president and learns much that is good and right for teenagers in the church. Being a woman she feels things a little differently than 'natural' dads do, as well.

You have an 'other' parent to which you are very kind and loving, because you have made the decision that by doing so you are honoring all parents for trying their best to be there for you.

Our temple sealing, with you and others, is not about making us perfect, but rather about bringing us close to each other for eternity. The Lord will surely help us, if we but honor our covenants with him.

I have turned those matters over to Him. It is beyond my ability to change the hearts of others and I chose not to be resentful as a result.

I know those who loves me, accept me as I am. I am grateful for that love, for surely it is as unconditional as is my love for each of you.

It has been an interesting Mother's Day in many ways. It has not been my favorite, but I am grateful beyond words for the calls and the family members who came. We women shared the very integral part of Mother's Day - each of us being mothers' ourselves.

Special thanks, Greg, for speaking to each of the women, here today! And how wonderful of Andrea's GranPa in Australia to call us today, too.

The birthday parties were all but nil. We'll all laugh about it one day - I hope. It is late and I must close. I missed my mother very much today... her wisdom and common sense. If you are reading this blog... I love you... xoxoxo

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY, OLIVER!!!

Today is Oliver's 8th birthday. It seems like yesterday that he was born! Poppy, Grammy and Syd didn't do such a good job of calling him today... we are really slipping up on this a whole lot.

I think it's because Grammy can't hear so well on the phone that she forgets about using it sometimes... like maybe ALL of the time, lately.

We are looking forward to celebrating Oliver's birthday with him this Sunday. Andrea and Poppy's birthdays are in May, as well! It is Mother's Day and we are all mothers, too. So I guess the guys will have to clean up the kitchen and the grill, eh???

It is becoming increasingly difficult to get family together for family birthdays and events. The CA grandkids are growing up so quickly ~ AND ~ so are their parents!!!

For all the mothers and May birthdays I'm making a "shout out" for the day!! Enjoy, enjoy, ENJOY!!!

Love, Grammy-Joyce