I am so glad Caitybug is OK. It could have been so much worse. Hope she is healed up for her big 18th birthday!

She's always with us.

On Saturday, Caitlyn went to Cozad to visit a friend. Most unfortunately the friend's dog bit her on her right arm. We were grateful that Naomi and Pat were home and were able to take a look at her arm and assist us in getting her to the hospital for treatment.
When the doctor began to irrigate the wound, Caitlyn passed out for a minute or so. Upon awakening and sitting up on the bed she found a penny on the bed next her. Pat told me that she had no change in her pockets, nor did he and the doctor was on the other side of the bed. She is definitely with us.
She was very fortunate, the injury was not severe, just one good sized puncture just below the elbow. It still hurts but we are just glad it wasn't any worse...and I was so glad that Pat and Naomi were able to help out when we were 2 hours away. And of course, grandma was with her of that she is assured.

April Birthdays

I can't believe that April is nearly here. I think that it should still be January. Too many things too do and time flies by all too quickly.

Here is the list of April birthdays
Caitlyn Thomas - 18 - April 4
Jenny Rapier - 8 - April 4
Jacki Bailey - April 5
Tyler Smith - 25 - April 13
Jaimee Bailey - April 20
Alyssa Bailey - 9 - April 22
Liz Johnson - April 26
Addison Fuller - 2 - April 28
Angela Thomas - April 29
Anniversaries
Tim and Jenna Bailey - 8 years - April 15
Here's a link to a calendar page that can be printed.

More about Skye Schultz

Here's another article about Skye. Jasmine is listed too.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/high_school/112450.php

Letter to MOM

March 15, 2009 Letter to MOM
You left us 7 years ago as you looked into the face of God with awe and wonder, reached out and took his hand and flew away. You left children, step children, grandchildren, step grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, as well as their spouses, who adored you. As you did each of them. We ask that you look over us as you did in life. Make quiet whisperings in our ears to remind us to be strong in the face of adversity, kind to one another, fair in our dealings and loving to each other. Remind us of the things you taught us in life. Let us take just a moment each day to be quiet and reflect, times when your voice can be heard.

We went to the Home & Garden Show yesterday. The same event that was your last outing. How you loved the splash of colors and fragrances, bright yellow tulips, pink hyacinth and your favorite purple rhododendrons. You wanted us to push your wheelchair near a splashing fountain surrounded by blooms and leave you there for a while to soak in the sounds and smells. I am so glad you left this earth with that recent memory.

Your last weeks were spent in deep. quiet reflection on your life as you faced the next step in your journey to Glory. I want EACH of your family to know that you spoke of every one of them in those weeks. Your body may have betrayed you in some ways but your hearing was so acute right up to the end. Sometimes we would whisper in the dark so we wouldn't wake John as you shared your all encompassing love for EACH of them. You shared the very trait that made each of them your favorite. I want them to continue on the journey of their life knowing in the depth of their heart that you loved them, wanted the best for them, cheered for them to be the best they could be.

As our family moves forward, with the addition of yet another generation with young Peyton, may we never forget our roots and always strive to make YOU proud of us....as you are always looking over us. And in my quiet moments, I never fail to hear you whisper..."I love you, Jacki Lee".

Sweet baby Peyton William

A new little hand has wrapped it's tiny fingers around my heart forever. Peyton William Smith was born Saturday, March 14 around 10:00a.m. to Tyler Smith and Mandy Blessing. He weighed 7 pounds and 3 ounces, was 20 inches long, and he is a charmer.

The Dr. induced his mommy on Thursday evening, and things did not progress well. The decision was made to do an emergency c-section on Saturday morning. Grampa Phil and I were so delighted to see baby and mom doing well when we arrived at the hospital.

Tomorrow is March 15th, the day when we lost our dear mom. I really like to imagine her sitting quietly in her rocking chair above us, gently making sure that an angel is available to take care of all the little ones. I know I could sure feel all the love and care wrapping around our family as we gathered to rejoice in this new little one.

A new generation starts. We are thankful, and blessed.

Cheryl

Central daylight savings time

Another change to pry me out of my rut and make me grumpy!! Seriously, we are still changing clocks around here, we only have 14 to do, I counted 'em. Lynnie, you and Vi are lucky to be in AZ where they don't practice this nonsense.

I am patiently waiting for that call from Tyler about a new baby. Due date is March 13th. Les called Thursday night and asked if I could hear what was coming over his phone. I said, some pretty music, he said, yep, the Oak Ridge Boys. He works parttime at the Kearney events center, and helped setup and teardown for the concert. He talked with one the stars for a few minutes. I fondly remember when we met them in Nashville back in my radio station days. KCNI is celebrating the 60th anniversary in September, and have asked me to be a special guest. I am excited.

Joy spent a couple of days this last week filling her limit of trout at Calumus. She knows how to enjoy life.

Cheryl

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory of our dear sweet momma.
12-20-24 - 3-15-02
I miss you still!!

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there, I did not die.

Gina's Girls

Skye is player of year in southern Arizona. And Jasmine made the first team. Here is the link to the article.

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/preps/282309

Thanks

Thank Cheryl and Nels for the reminders about Mike and Jody and Jamie. I have those dates in the program now. I also looked back at the comments. I guess I should pay better attention. I didn't even realize there had been a comment on the first birthday list. I have the others you noted in there now, Nels. Thanks!