The joys of Christmas!

The grandchildren have come home and now all the excitement and joy of the Christmas holidays begin. With the grandchildren’s smiling faces, all their activities, the shopping, parties, going out, and seeing friends. The fullness of family life fills the air. OH JOY!

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The first two grandchildren to arrive home are Christian and Katy home from “SCAD” Savannah School Art & Design, in Savannah, Georgia. Christian is majoring in Equestrian studies and rides on the Equestrian team. She will be doing an accreditation next quarter. She will be having a working internship in Houston, Texas at Top Line Sport horses International. She will return to Scad to complete her senior year this spring. Katy is studying Architecture and will be interning with Architectural firms over the Christmas break and return to SCAD to complete her junior year of study. Katy is also very talented in Interior decorating and has interned in that field as well.

The next one to arrive is Claire who is attending the University of Kentucky where she is studying Human Nutrition. She will also be graduating next year in 2019. Oh dear all our babies are all grown up and ready to enter the business world soon or go on to graduate school.

from left to right Renèe, Craig, Jete, Gene, Family friend Karl, Claire, Me (Katy) & Katy! Kneeling is one of the actors. Guess who?

Gunner has now arrived home from Stanford University where he is in his Sophomore year majoring in art and Computer Science. The fall semester in 2019 he will study art in Florence, then return to Stanford to complete is Junior year.

A family tradition during the holidays is making Church Point Pralines. We made them this year at Renèe & Craig’s home. This is the gate to their new home! The property is beautiful with three British Labradors, Christian’s Thoroughbred horse Ganster, and a mimi horse Alvin all running around. If you were not in the Christmas spirit you would surely have it by spending time here!

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the two steps to making Church Point Pralines….sooooo easy!

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This is my Ninety nine year old aunt Anita’s cook book first published in 1977 and revised in 1993. The receipt for these pralines is in this cookbook. However this is the simple way to make these creamy delicious delights for the holidays:

In a large heavy pot combine 2 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup pet milk, a pinch of soda and cook slowly. In a smaller heavy pot heat 3/4 cup of sugar until melted and carmelized to a light brown color. Then add this to the large pot slowly stirring constantly. Cook until a small amount forms a soft ball when tested in cold water then add 1/2 stick of butter and cook about 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir like crazy until you feel it starting to get thick, then add 1 to 2 cups of chopped pecans (or) whole pecans and drop candy on wax paper to cool and set. Yum!

Parker is arriving today December 21st after graduating from Ole Miss and going on a graduation ski trip with buddies. Parker will continue his adventures by going on a five to six month hike on the Pacific coast trail from Mexico to Canada. Then returning home to find a job!

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Ryan graduated last year as an engineer from the University of Denver. He gets home on the 23rd from Indiana where he works for a medical Company in bloomington, Indiana. We can’t wait for all to be home and spending time together. Our family Christmas will take place on the 23rd so stay tuned.

‘Tis the Season

The Christmas spirit jumped into my body on December 1st when my high school graduation class Christmas luncheon was scheduled.  I drove the three and half hours from Mandeville to Lake Charles, Louisiana listening to Christmas music and arrived filled with holiday cheer.

My friend Shirl and I visited her ninety nine year young mother Doris who was holding court in the meet and greet area outside her room at Resthaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  She was sharp as can be asking me about everyone in my family and waving and speaking with everyone that passed by. What joy she has brought our class throughout the years.  She is our inspiritration and our cheerleader !

We spent the afternoon talking and laughing and catching with up with everyone.  Since we were such a small group this year we really had a chance to speak with everyone and really appreciate our time together.

My best friend in the group above is Elizabeth.  She and I kept pajamas and our tooth brushes at each other homes from junior high through high school because it seemed we spent the night most weekends at either her home or mine.  Throughout the years she always gave me turtles for my birthday.  Last year at our Christmas party she told me she had bought me a wonderful turtle for my birthday but couldn’t find it.  This year she was all excited because she found the turtle.  She had planted it and had it on her patio and just remembered, so she brought it to me this year at our Christmas party! If you knew she and I you would say we were  “birds of a feather,” except I never lost her birthday present that I can remember.

My next stop was Lafayette, Louisiana to visit my Ninety nine year young aunt Anita. My cousin Paula and her husband James hosted a lunch at their home for us.  If anyone has ever visited people from this part of the country you know you will enjoy some of the best food you will ever put in your mouth. It seems everyone is a born to be a chef extraordinaire.

This was such a fun time with all my staff at our annual Christmas party.  Everyone in this picture are artist except for me.  I do love to paint but always one of these fantastic artist will help make my painting look professional. It’s usually Rachel, she always comes to my rescue.

I am so lucky to have these amazing artist work for me, one has worked for me for seven year, one six years, one five years, one four years, everyone else is one year and less. These ladies are so talented and I’m grateful that they love their work!

Katy is Eighty – Episode Twenty Three

A “Thanksgiving Day” to be remembered

Our favorite guardians of the gate Whiskey, River, and Bear!

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Our personal decorator was Katy Crosby!  She created the decor for this special day, the name tags, wooden chargers, centerpieces and flowers! She made everyone’s vision come to life and posted the theme for the day, “I’m grateful for,” at the entrance of this beautiful woodland paradise she created for this special day. It was magical!

 The weather also helped create the perfect day for lingering under the gazebo with family and friends.

Renee and I had a hard time deciding where everyone would sit to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and conversation.

Tommy Crosby was “the man of the day” not only did he bring the best appetizers of the day “ Charbroiled oysters” and “Oyster and Artichoke soup,” but he also had this tree cut down and cut into circles, for the chargers that Katy, Parker and Renee had planned. These perfectly completed her woodland décor.  Tommy will do anything to help his children with their projects and dreams. What a dad!

Renee and Craig Maloney were the host and hosted for this very special “Thanksgiving Day” celebration.  They had so much to be grateful for this year and wanted to make this celebration one to be cherished and remembered.  

The day began at eleven O’clock with the decorating team Whitney, Karen, Katy, Christian and Max.

Bailey, Max, Parker, Renee and Craig make sure the food is being prepared and ready for the serving dishes.  Now it’s almost two O’clock and the guest will be arriving soon for a feast! 

                              A special moment between Bailey and her Dad!            

Parker, Renee and Craig checking to make sure all the guest are finding their tables and have everything they need for a fabulous meal!

Dinner was served with the sun bright in the sky and was still being enjoyed while it became dim and football was on the horizon.  I would say everyone felt what our host and hostess and decorator wished for, a thanksgiving that left this message in everyone’s heart, “what are you grateful for?”

Now it’s time for football and pool

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”– Melody Beattie

         Now it’s time to say goodnight to a wonderful day! 

Dennis

Beautiful Baby

Dennis is my last grandson and what a treasure he is!

When I was an Airline Stewardess with United Airlines in the 60’s one of my favorite layovers was Boston and one of my favorite restaurants was “Durgin Park.”

They had a poem “Just a Boy” by an unknown author posted outside the restaurant.  I am going to use that poem to describe my grandson Dennis because it is so appropriate to him.

Just a Boy

Get to understand the lad,

He’s not eager to be bad.

If the right he always knew,

He would be as old as you.

Were he now exceedingly wise,

He’d be just about your size.

When he does things that annoy,

Don’t forget he’s just a boy.

Could he know and understand,

He would need no guiding hand.

But he’s young and hasn’t learned,

How life’s corners must be turned.

Doesn’t know from day to day,

There is more to life but play.

More to face than selfish joy,

Don’t forget he’s just a boy.

Being just a boy he’ll do much,

You will not want him to.

He’ll be careless in his ways,

Having his disobedient days.

Willful, wild and headstrong too,

He’ll need guidance, kind and true.

Things of value he’ll destroy,

But reflect – he’s just a boy.

Just a boy who needs a friend,

Patient, kindly to the end.

Needs a father who will show

him the things he wants to know,

Take him with you when you walk,

Listen when he wants to talk,

His companionship enjoy,

Don’t forget – he’s just a boy.

I thought of this poem, “He’s just a boy” which I discovered fifty-five years ago, because it so described my son and now I’m thinking of it today to describe my grandson Dennis for he’s “a chip off the old block.”

      

Dennis is smart, funny, and a great athlete! He’s played Soccer, football, and baseball. Now he’s taking boxing as well. He loves playing baseball most of all.

Dennis has a statistical mind.  He can tell you the stats on football players and baseball players.  He can tell you the dates and what teams won a Super Bowl.  He can tell you what baseball teams won the playoffs.

My friends asked me recently how I got so interested in football. I tell them it’s because of Dennis, I listened to him as he sat on the floor surrounded by books on the best players in the NFL, the teams that won the super bowl, players who became Heisman Trophy winners, etc..  He told tell me about players he loves and why they are so good at their position.  Now when I watch football games I’m pulling for all the players Dennis loves because I was so impressed with his knowledge.

It is fun going to grandparent day and having Dennis describe all his projects and the subjects he’s studying!

His best subject is math.  That’s probably why he’s so good at statistic.  He’s energetic and very available. He loves to show you around his school. Every year we have our picture taken and when I look at it on my book shelf it reminds me of this grandson I love and all the many things I love about him!

Anita

Anita is my youngest granddaughter.  I was so excited to have another sweet baby in the family.  I was thinking my life would be filled once again with years of tender moments only children can bring.  Anita did give me those moments but I have to repeat the mantra, “Where does the time go.”

As she grew her little personality exploded and she was a ball of energy.  The days  it seemed were not long enough for her and the activities were never enough for this little spitfire!

Anita loves her School, “Louis S. McGehee School,” an all-girls private independent school in the Garden District located in New Orleans, Louisiana.  It is the school her Grandmother and her mother attended.  Anita started attending in the Early childhood Program called “Little Gate.”

Anita at this age was very independent and wanted to do everything herself.  She was inquisitive about everything and never shy about tackling a new task.

She loved to play games and kept those around her busy playing.

       

Anita is named after her maternal grandmother and looks so much like her.  Her personality is also like hers as well.  Her grandmother Anita is a wonderful roll model for her to follow.  I’m sure Anita will make this grandmother and me proud of her achievements, her character, and her artistic development as time marches on.

Anita, now a sophomore, is very involved in her school.  She loves children and has worked with the children at “Little Gate” last summer.  She is also a counselor at “Jimmy Club Day Camp.”  The counselors get service hours for working at “Jimmy Club” and “Little Gate.” These community service hours are designed to improve the quality of life for the community or schools.

Anita was class president last year and she participates in the theater program every year.

Anita was a standout in every scene she was in.  She has confidence, energy, and the creative instinct of a seasoned actor.

She loves paying sports and plays on the schools volleyball team.  She is a very good Server and because she is, she is sometimes used  on the varsity team.

          

Anita and I have enjoyed going to the Theatre and eating out together.   I have loved going to all the grandparent days, plays and musical programs at her school.  I love seeing her having fun! Anita’s personality always shines weather having a milk shake, attending the theatre, or eating Sushi.  Sushi remains her favorite meal of choice!

Anita’s real love is dance!  We may have a Broadway Star in our mist.  She a great actress and a beautiful dancer. Way to go Anita!

Yes the years have flown by and that sweet little baby has become this beautiful young teen who I feel certain will continue to shine. She will surely light up the world wherever she goes and in whatever she decides to do.

Thanks for all the memories and those still yet to come Anita!

Anita you may be the last granddaughter but you will make your name known and insist on being right at the top of the pack.  You will surely shine, just like those who came before you!

Gunner

Gunner was such a darling little boy with his brown eyes and his honey blonde hair. He was a very easy and happy child.  As soon as he could talk he was always smiling and chatting away.

When Gunner was about two years old he had a pencil in his hand drawing.  The only thing his father requested was that he not draw on the walls.  He had a little pad that he drew on and carried everywhere he went.

Gunner loved to read and watch the silliest movies like Tweety Bird, Looney Tunes, and Daffy Duck. We went to the library to check out movies and carrying books home. We then spent hours having a good old time watching and reading and laughing .

Gunner loved attending art classes and being a ham!

My word for Gunner is “Happy”.  Every time I think of Gunner I think of Pharrell Williams song “Happy.”

When he was in elementary school, he made up stories with the art he drew and filled many binders with these stories. He also drew cartoon characters and made his own comic books.

From an early age Gunner’s teachers noticed that he showed a talent for art.  They were amazed that his art was so advanced for his age.

Gunner graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School, a charter high school, in New Orleans for gifted children in 2017.

While there he started ” the Hot Fire Mix-Tape Club”  and it became the fastest  growing and largest club in the schools history . They had four hundred members and had to hold their meetings in the auditorium.  Music was another love of Gunners. He spent hours looking for musical artist from other countries he hadn’t heard before.

Gunner attended Benjamin Franklin his freshman year until noon then drove to New Orleans Center for Creative Arts to study art until 3:00 pm. His sophmore year until graduation he did a full day at Benjamin Franklin and then studied at NOCCA until 7pm every day. So he was attending school from 7am until 7pm daily.

The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts or NOCCA is a school that provides professional arts training, coaching and performance opportunities for high school level students who aspire to be creative artists.  This is where he really began to attract attention not only from his teachers but also from friends and other adults.

When a student wants to attend NOCCA they have to present pieces of art they painted in the application they submit.  This is one of the pieces Gunner turned in with his application.

This was the first pen and ink drawing Gunner did.

Gunner told me when I asked why he painted himself in almost everything he painted at NOCCA. He said NOCCA told the students that they were their own best model (Cheapest and most convenient).

NOCCA held a fundraiser called “the little Free Library program.”   The students created their own design for a lending library.  People bought one of the students designs and placed them in their yards by the sidewalk for people to borrow and share books.  Gunner’s design was a Trojan horse Sculpture.

Gunner had several art shows during his years at NOCCAl like this one.

Gunner is now attending Stanford University which was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their only child.  Stanford has a very colorful and interesting history and ranked as one of the world’s top universities.

It is very appropriate that Gunner has chosen this university to attend because he is also a very colorful and interesting young man who is multi talented and gifted.

I can’t remember Gunner ever having a bad day.  He lives his life to the fullest doing the things he loves and being with the people that mean the most to him. He loves to learn, he loves art, music, Italian, and computer science and making people laugh.

This is Gunners Sophomore year and already he is making waves in the art community at Stanford. He has been given the opportunity to teach his own class on Collage.

It is very difficult to summarize the life of this grandson of mine in just a few paragraphs.  I can attempt to do so by saying he is like a whirlwind of activity.  He’s “Easygoing yet very intense when it comes to his projects or activities in which he desires to participate.  For instant he wants to attend Art Basel in Switzerland and the Venice Biennal Architecture Exhibition this summer so he is writing grants at Stanford to get the money to attend them this coming summer. He doesn’t wait for things to happen he makes them happen.  He’s proud when someone praises him and yet he is not prideful.

He is doing exactly what he wants to be doing. He enjoys every day of his life.  How many of us can say that?

In a nut shell Gunner was born loving life and life is certainly loving him back!

I’m so very proud of you Gunner!

Claire

Portrait by Garland Robinette   ROBINETTESTUDIOS.COM 

Claire is a very religious person with a strong personality! She has a positive attitude, is enthusiastic, a strategic thinker, has great focus, and is cautious.  My prediction is that this grand daughter of mine will accomplish great things in her life.

Claire is a twin! Twins are quiet interesting. At two years old Claire and Katy had their own bedrooms but they did not want to be separated. They stayed together in the same room until they were about six years old and to this day they are fiercely protective and loving of each other.

Claire was a great tennis player but her love was running.  Claire ran with the wind!  She never seemed to struggle or show mental exertion.  She just focused ahead and effortlessly ran for the gold.  The gold she did win, breaking all kinds of records and becoming a legend at Mandeville High, in Mandeville, Louisiana.

2014 indoor 800m State Champion, 2015 Outdoor 1600m State Champion, 2015 XC Individual State Runner Up, 2015 XC Composite State Champion, 2016 Indoor 1600m State Champion, 2016 Indoor 4X800m State Champion, 2016 Outdoor 1600m State Champion, 2016 Outdoor 3200m State Champion.

School Record: 3 mile (xc), 1600m, Distance Medley relay, 4-800m relay, and 4-400m relay.

Indoor State Champion record holder in the 4-800m relay, Outdoor Class 5-A record holder in 1600m.

While running Claire looked at the food she ate. Claire is always focused on being the best she can be at anything she attempts so I’m sure she looked at food as a way to impact her body, mind, and spirit.   When she went off to college she decided to major in Human Nutrition.  She is part of an organization called “SStop Hunger”: sustainable solutions to overcome poverty and hunger.  She has also been a part of “Campus Kitchen” which takes meals from the dining halls or farmer’s markets and add nutritious items to them then delivers them to schools and nursing homes.  The students also cook and serve meals every Wednesday to people in need.

Claire went on a study abroad trip to Ghana for two weeks.  She was able to learn a lot about Ghanaian culture and life. She  got to meet the chief and the Queen Mother of the villages.  She saw a very vibrant, open, and passionate people.

Claire loved all the children and they obviously loved her!

Claire has a bigger than life personality so don’t let her brains and her athletic ability taint your opinion that she is serious and all busines. She is a fun loving young lady!

Claire was a returning maid in the Mystic Krewe of Hermes in 2017.  Hermes is known for it’s tradition, the Walking Parade. Members meet earlier the day of their parade in the French Quarter.  After lunch with friends and fellow float riders, the members, dressed in suits and Krewe ties and laden with beads to throw, spill from various restaurants and gather on Royal and St Louis Streets.  High school marching bands thunder to life and lead the procession as they march through the Quarter on their way to dress for the night parade.

Claire’s paternal grand father Mr. Crosby was the king of Hermes in 1984 and so loved the organization that he wanted all his grandchildren to have the privilege to be in the court.

          

Claire’s personality has many layers!  Piety, Perfectionism, Need for cognition, and Grit. Then throw into the mix her ability to express love for you.

WOW quiet a girl!

My grand daughter Claire will keep you on your toes.  She’ll challenge you, surprise you and confront you!

She’s one of a kind! She is Unique!

Oh how I love you Claire!

Katy

                             Portrait by Garland Robinette   ROBINETTESTUDIOS.COM 

I think of my granddaughter Katy as a beautiful butterfly because she makes the world more colorful and interesting! She loves to flit around to her various groups of friends and gathers everyone together for fun and games or just to spend time together. She unites people and they want to be around her and with her.

Katy and her sister Claire are twins.  Since Katy was the first twin born my daughter said she would be my namesake.  What a wonderful surprise and honor it was to have a child named after me.  The joy of having a namesake gave me a rejuvenating glow that continue to this day.  I love my life as a grandmother to all my nine grandchildren.

I used to love to watch Katy play tennis.  She was such a graceful player.  We spent hours at tennis matches when she was in junior high and high school, but to my sad regret she gave up competing.

The hours it took to practice and play at a competitive level was a bit much for this butterfly. She had her mind on developing her artistic side. This picture was taken her freshman year when her team won a State Championship for Mandeville High.

Katy also has a serious side, which she doesn’t let many people see.  Behind her bright smile and fun loving ways she made great grades while seemingly never focused on studying.  She also grew to know exactly what she wanted to accomplish in life.

There is a bit of steel behind these baby blue eyes!

This is Katy! She has that winning smile and those bright sparkling eyes. She’s sincere and friendly and that’s why she builds friendships wherever she goes.

Katy also takes responsibility for her life. She decided she wanted to do something in the field of art and took extra credits at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts or NOCCA. This school provides professional arts training, coaching and performance opportunities for high school level students who aspire to be creative artists.  She drove forty-five minutes after school in Mandeville, Louisiana each afternoon to attend NOCCA in New Orleans.  Some of her art projects were a drawing of herself, a sculpture, a mobile on a piece of cypress driftwood, and a mobile book drop box made from pieces of medal which she soldered together.

Katy also started an online jewelry site to sell her custom designs:

She even tried her hand at cake decorating!

Mardi Gras is the biggest celebration the City of New Orleans hosts yearly. The Mystic Krewe of Hermes was founded in 1937 and has paraded longer than any other night Parading krewe in New Orleans.  Mr. Crosby , Katy’s paternal grandfather , was the King of Hermes in 1984. He was an enthusiastic member of the organization and he registered each grandchild to be a member of the court.  Katy was a returning maid in the 2017 Hermes Court.

Katy now attends Savannah Collage of Art and Design or SCAD in Savannah, Georgia and is majoring in Architecture. The Architecture program at SCAD teaches the skill needed to help succeed in a number of careers, including Urban Planner, Sustainable Design Consultant, and Project Architect.

Katy is standing in front of an art project at SCAD, that has nothing to do with her direction of study.  I just love showing off Katy personality and sense of play.

Katy is an “All American Girl!” She’s fun loving, determined, talented, and gifted.  The world is this butterfly’s playground. She will be successful and happiness will surely follow Katy wherever she goes.

“Joy” describes this grand daughter of mine

Parker

Parker, a name of old English origin, meaning “park keeper” or “keeper of the forest.” Parker fits his name perfectly for he is a man of the forest, the rivers, and the mountains.  He is an explorer and an adventurer! He’s strong and graceful.  I just know he will do something special in life for he’s always looking and searching for his distinct career and when he finds it look out!

 

In high school Parker played center on the football team. He was a tough competitor.  They say that the second most important player on the offense is the center.  The center, it is said, is the guy who puts the skill players in position to make plays.  Therefore the center is the most intelligent player on the offensive line. Parker will put to use what he learned as a center in his college years and I’m sure in life.

Parker decided to attend Ole Miss and study business. Not knowing exactly what he wants to do in life he felt like a business degree would be helpful in any direction he took.

While leading outdoor adventure trips at Ole Miss, Parker bought an old bus and took groups of friends caving, hiking, biking, climbing , etc.

Parker transferred to the University of Hawaii his junior year in college.  He wanted to go away where no one knew him and he knew no one in order to find himself. What better place than the paradise of Hawaii for an adventurous soul to search for his truth.

Parker is a very introspective!  He likes to play his guitar and examine his own thoughts and feelings. He thinks about various career choices for his life.  He searches for his truth.

He is a warm and tender soul. When he comes home from college he will always call me for a breakfast or lunch or comes over with a rose bud for my vase.  Can you imagine my “oh so happy grandmother heart?” when I get his call that he is coming  to see me over a holiday visit.

Hawaii is known as the birthplace of surfing and Parker had his pick of some of the greatest spots to enjoy this sport. I’m not sure where he surfed but he had his pick of fifteen best surfing places to explore in Honolulu such as Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Beach, Queen’s Beach, etc.

I’m still tying to figure out how this shot was taken?  I’ll have to ask him after I finish writing this blog.  He doesn’t know I’m writing about him, it’s a surprise.  Since his sister Christian said she wanted me to write about her, and I did last week, I have decided to give each of my grandchildren there own blog.  I love this picture; it’s so Parker! He loves to make statements and create a moment.

There are too many places to count to hikes on Oahu but if you Google the ten best hikes I’m sure Parker tried to hike them all. He met a group of friends at the University that became his exploring team while in Hawaii. This is a good picture to say goodbye to Hawaii and return to Oxford, Mississippi and Ole Miss where Parker will now complete his studies and graduate.

Parker decided he wanted to continue his self-discovery by getting a house off campus and living alone. So he and Whiskey moved into this little house in the woods and he invited me to come for a visit on my seventy ninth birthday.  I was amazed at how clean and orderly he kept his home.  Everything had its place, pictures were hung, and he and I made a trip to home depot to purchase hanging plants to complete the look he wanted to achieve for his home in the woods! It was a cozy and inviting home, not what you would expect from a college student.

Parker was so intent on showing me around Oxford and what his life was like living there. The South Campus Rail Trail is an old gravel railroad bed now being developed into the South Campus Recreation Center. This trail is where he hikes with Whiskey.  Since I’m not much of a hiker anymore we walked the trail while throwing the frisbee for Whiskey.

                   

We went to “the Graduate” a hotel located on the Square, the cultural and historic hub of the city center, just about a mile from the ole Miss campus and steps from the famed Square Books, City Grocery, and the Library Sports Bar.   All spots that Parker insisted I see and enjoy.  The Graduate has a big study area for the students to use while on the square and one day Parker studied for a test while I played.

Parker also took me to dinner every night, to his favorite places to listen to music, and even to a party his friends were giving for parent/student weekend.

We had breakfast at “the Grill at 1810” located in the Olivia and Archie Manning Performance Center.  This is where Parker has breakfast daily because they focus on nutrition and the University nutrition staff’s motto is “you eat like an Athlete!”

It’s the day of my birthday and I wake up to find these wonderful tulips and a birthday card on the coffee table in the living room!  I don’t know why this gesture of love made me cry for it is one of many thoughts of kindness and love from Parker throughout the years.

So when I think of my grandson Parker I wonder what will he be?  What will his life work be?

He likes to work with his hands, to explore, to play music, he likes contemplating life, to organize groups of friends to go on adventures.

He’s artistic and independent, a person of the woods, rivers and mountains.

It doesn’t matter what he decides to do in life I will always love his thoughtfulness, his smile, and his tender heart. Thoughts of Parker always brings a smile to my heart!

When are you going to write about me?

There is a need in all of us to want to be seen and heard and especially understood. That is probably one of the hardest things in life for us to do, “stop and listen”.

With our busy lives and all the noise of life, to stop and spend quality time with someone we love, to really speak with them, hear them, see them, seems like an impossible task.

My grandchildren mean everything to me so to hear one of them say when are you going to write about me made me stop and pause.

Since I began writing my blog “Katy is Eighty, I try to find things about my life that may seem interesting to others.  I also want to leave a history behind for my family as I’ve lived it and seen it unfold.  I have written about Christian in a blog with one of my other grand daughter Claire in Episode Eleven however clearly she wanted my complete attention to be a blog about her. So hears for you my very special, very clever, very talented, and very loving Christian!

I must have rocked Christian a thousands miles!  She was the grandchild who needed me the most it seems and of course I loved being wanted that much.  She was such a sweet baby and adorable little girl with those big brown eyes with held a glint of mischief.

The other grandchildren would ask me, “Mimi why does Christian always cry for you when you leave”.  I would answer, “I don’t know,” and for years I really didn’t know. Watching Christian grow up to love and take care of her horses gave me my answer.

Christian is what we call an “old soul,” someone who finds her outlook on life vastly different; she’s more matured than those around her. She lives her life internally. She walks her own path.

You see Christians maturity as you watch her take care of her horses, wash them, feed them, give them their medicine and special feed, muck their stalls.  She drives them by herself to horse shows and back and forth to school and home on the holidays. She somehow stills finds time to complete homework and studies and makes good grades.  It takes hours and hours of work and she does it without complaining and with great care and love.

She’s steady, determined, dedicated to the task and resilient. So looking back and answering the questions why does Christian cry so much when you leave is because Christian has this very strong and urgent drive and capacity to love.  The person on the receiving side that she shines her big brown eyes on and cries for will be the lucky benefactor of her love. Thanks Christian for loving me as you do.

Horses teach you to conquer fear.  One knows this because after being thrown off; there is a horse out there that helps you regain that trust.

After winning top ribbons in the so many Equestrian shows competing against those her age and even adults and trainers she was off to attend college at SCAD (Savannah School of Art).  It is the only art and design school to offer equestrian studies as well as having a riding team.

Christian made the riding team her first year which was not a usual thing.  SCAD’s equestrian team has won more national championships in the last decade than any other team in the country.

Horses inspire you to be a better person because when dealing with horses,

You cannot have a bad attitude.

You appreciate the beauty of a horse but also their tremendous athletic ability.

Equestrians need to have the concentration and ability to judge distance like a golfer, strength and stamina of a hockey player, artistic flow and ability to make a hard thing look easy and beautiful like a gymnast.

It is said that horses teach you what real trust is.  You learn to trust an unpredictable, 1200 pound animal that could easily kill you.

I’m sure Christian would say whatever kind of day you are having, a horse can make it better. You can groom them or kiss them and they will brighten your day and there is no greater pleasure than running them through the pasture!

So my beautiful Christian with much love I’ve written your story!  It is just the beginning to speak about the love and strength I see in you.  It’s just the beginning of the talent I see that I know you will take to great heights.

I cannot wait for your next chapters to unfold!