My third grandson, Sammy, has autism.  They are going to dismantle his school and build a new one.  This change is not comfortable for Sammy.  While they are building the new school, he will be going to my old school, Oxford School.  I keep trying to cheer him up with happy stories of how nice Oxford School is.  I don't think he's buying it.

So, to give my daughter a break, I took Sam and Nate out for the afternoon on the last sunny day we had.  We went to West Island Beach.  We were the only ones there.  They ran, threw stones, picked up shells, and just had fun experiencing that beautiful beach. 

The ocean is such a calming presence, isn't it?  It smells mysterious, feels cool, and has the rythmic sound of the waves, too! A sensory experience!! I know that the soft air, and watching the boys enjoy themselves was therapeutic for me.  I am suffering from allergy - related yuckiness.  The ocean air, really helped me, too.  And the boys had Fun.

We went back to my house afterwards and I gave them each a mini massage on the chair...and one on the table.  I had flute music playing, but Nate said it was spooky... he cracks me up! 

I have a big clawfoot bathtub and the boys enjoyed a bath ... with LOTS of water.  We watched a movie..."Happily Ever After"... the continuing story of Snow White and her Prince.  I remarked, "After the movie, we'll take you home, ok?"  To which Nate replied... "No, we haven't had ice cream yet..." And how can you argue with that?

Last night, my second grandson graduated Jr. High.  It is the same Jr. High that I attended.  I was very emotional thinking that this child had such a difficult beginning, and here he has achieved academic success and is moving on to High School.  AJ was born prematurely.  He had many health issues and I can remember holding him in my arms... tubes and all...and just praying with every fiber of my being that he would strengthen and grow.   Whenever I did that, he would smile.  I love that kid.

Of course, when his older brother, Tyler, graduates High School, next year...I will bring tissues.  I know it's going to hit me.

Also, I saw little Gracie... just over one year old... and thought...gee, I'm going to have to live another 18 years to see this one graduate high school.  And my youngest son is expecting a baby boy in September this year.

So, I just don't want to leave the party.  I will have to take very good care of my health, and God Willing, I will be the old granny yelling "yeeeehaw!!"  at all their graduations!!

Sorry, if this sound a bit maudlin.  I have been ill with allergy-related issues and it's a bit draining.  I am feeling better at the moment, though. 

Just More Than Thankful for my life and all the love that is in it.  Life is Good.

I have not been feeling very well these past couple of days.  It may be due to the stress of end of semester workload.  My tummy is at war. 

I like to post positive things here because there is so much out there that is negative.  Even though I feel a bit yucky, I am still quite thankful for my life.

I am lucky that a positive attitude comes quite easily to me.  I am close to some who always see the negative, and I try to help them with that.  It is best to have a balance between the two.

I have made a little ritual of bringing bagels to my daughter's house every Tuesday.  We have coffee and then chat.  When the kids come home from school, they love having a bagel and look forward to it.  I need to remember to bring something Gluten-free for Sammy.  

My youngest son and his fiancee are expecting a baby.  I am so pleased about that.  It is a blessing, for sure. They have been engaged awhile, and I am pleased that they will have a family.  Not sure when the wedding will take place, but I am sure it will be fine.  I wonder if it will be a boy or girl? Fun.

Well, my yucky tummy is telling me to end this blog.  Hopefully this thing will be Over with by tomorrow. This is the second day...didn't my mom tell me that it takes about 3 days to get over a bug?  She was always right.

I was driving along the other day and realized how fortunate I am in that my family is close by.  I have a sister,a niece,  children, grandchildren, and those friends who are 'family' all living nearby.   The salon where I do massage therapy is a happy place to be on most days. 

My studies at the University are challenging, but I think it is helping my 60+ year old brain to keep active and healthy.  So far, I am studying Portguese, French, and English.  At first, I wasn't thinking of working toward a degree, but now I think I will try for it.  Just because I can.  I'd like to get my degree in Portuguese.  I also want to tag the French along with it.  So, the next time I go in to the university I will talk to a student advisor. It will take me a very long time to get it, but so what?

My husband will be finishing his degree program soon, and hopefully, he will be able to find a job.  So we remain positive. 

So, the world has continued to turn despite my not writing in my blog lately.  We have had a very mild winter, and I am sure many will moan "Global Warming".  Except, the previous winter was brutal, and so I am grateful for the reprieve.

I have been enjoying my life, and despite having a very sore shoulder right now, I'm feeling pretty good.  Today, I had breakfast with my hubby, then I went to church.  I met my sister and her godchild there and we went for coffee after church.  It was fun. I must head over to my part time job for 2 pm.  Some days, I wish I did not have to have that second job, but I realize I would miss it if I did not have it.  Not only would I miss the extra money, but I'd miss the co-workers as well.

I just bought a wonderful countertop appliance.  It is a combination convection and microwave oven.  I will try it out on my next day off. 

My shoulder is really hurting me right now, so I should end the typing.  Going to try to massage it out myself, and then apply heat.  If I had my druthers, I would make a living giving massage, but the economy is not helpful on that score.  I only have a few clients.  And so the second job.  Bye for now.  

So today, I was snubbed by my cousin.  She is upset with me for something I said.  Well, I acknowledge I can be somewhat direct and blunt.  But I am not vicious, I hope.  Perhaps with the passage of time, it will be understood that what I said was motivated by concern for my sister.

In my close family, we have always been direct with each other.  It saves time. I am used to this mode of expression.  And at any rate, I get to have my say, as well, so I feel it is fair. Sometimes there are arguments and the uncomfortable realization that "heck, maybe I WAS wrong??"  But since my family actually loves me, and I them, we get through these things.  They say what they think, and I say what I think, and through discussion we sort things out.  Sometimes the discussions are LOUD.  But I am glad to say that nobody stays mad for very long.

So, I am unsure of how to proceed with this.  I have gone over and over my words, and they did not seem so very unforgiveable.  And at this point, I am willing to let this go until she feels up to talking to me again.  Clearly, she doesn't want to hear from me.  So be it.

Time to move on and enjoy the rest of my life. 

So, my task is not to worry over this, but to move on.

I have not written for this blog since December.  I was off from school for the winter break and trying to get caught up with so many things around the home.  Now, I am back at the university taking English 102 and Portuguese 202 and French 102.  It will be hectic, I know.

There is a dog in my house.  His name is Chance and he is very lovable.  I am thinking of offering him to my daughter because he needs a new home.  His owner has had to move and he cannot have a pet where he is now.  The dog does not bark and seems very docile with no aggressive tendencies.  But they would either have to fence the backyard in, or tie him outside to do his business.  Once the kids get home, he would have ample people to give him walks.  I wonder if this will work.  If not, Chance can keep us company for awhile.  He's a good doggie.

This weekend is the Superbowl, and although I am not a huge sports fan, I'm inviting the kids to come over to watch the game since they do not have cable.  First thing in the morning will be Church, and then a get together for brunch with the ladies from our salon where I do massage therapy.  Finally, there will be fun times at home with the family watching the Superbowl.  Must make sure my homework is finished by then.

It is good to be thinking of something happy.  There has been too much death this year.  Young people have died in accidents, and it has been so very tragic. So, I welcome the time to get together and enjoy. 

Enjoy the good things in your life.