We grew gardens in several places and the children were always a big part of the garden project. Our gardens were sometimes flooded out, burned up by too much heat and not enough water, over run by bugs, but always we were able to enjoy some produce cultivated by our own efforts. In California Jesse wanted to buy 2 strawberry plants in June right after we moved there. I told him they wouldn't produce anything until the next spring, but he was insistent that's what he wanted to spend his money on. We bought the plants and in November, we had hundreds of plants to separate out and replant (we gave lots to friends.) In March we had loads of strawberries. We made freezer jam and ate lots of strawberries fresh. We had more and more plants every year. Jesse's strawberries were a big success.

We were always looking for a museum, zoo, or factory facility to visit. We found lots to go see. The kids were so inquisitive. They wanted to read every placard at the zoos and museums we visited. We never saw the entire Houston Natural History Museum or the Houston or Dallas Zoos in one trip. Every time we went we would start with favorite parts and then pick one or maybe two new areas to explore. In the summertime, we did a date with mom. Each of the kids would get a date with me - each of them got choose what the two of us would do on our date. They really looked forward to that event.

Now my children are grown and gone from home. Some of them have children of their own. It is a joy to see the next generation growing and learning. I see something of their parents in them from time to time and since I think all of my children are exceptional, I am pleased to see some of those exceptional qualities passed along.

Jesse left mortality 3 years ago today. It seems like just yesterday that our world was knocked off kilter and yet it's been three long years. I miss his wit, wisdom, and the little chats we used to have. Oh, how I miss my little boy. Sometimes my heart just aches that he isn't here to share in our everyday challenges and triumphs. It makes me so sad that he isn't here for his adorable little ones. I know we'll see him again one day, but I still miss him in the here and now. I love to visit with each of my children and really miss the chance to visit with Jesse.

Jesse, you are missed every day. Little things remind me of you everyday and I just wanted to jot down these few thoughts on this sad anniversary. Jesse, your mom and dad sure love you.

Happy Birthday Dora! You are our favorite little bean.

Bridget

Our neighbors gave us some of the things their children had outgrown - Hayley loves playing in the little house and eating at the picnic table and sliding on the slide. She also likes for PaPa to take her walking to see if any of the neighborhood dogs are out so she can visit with them. It was a nice cool day in May and we all enjoyed the time outside.

Here are the ones I took with my camera. It was a fun little parade and we had a terrific time during the parade and then afterward when we went to eat.

When we got back from the park Emma, Eli, and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. We spied a bunny and took a picture of it. Then we took a picture of Eli looking at it. The bunny didn't want to play as it turns out and hopped away shortly after the picture. The picture of Eli with both arms up is when he was showing me how big he is.

Then we had an early birthday party for Eli since I wasn't going to be able to be there in July. He is pretty good at opening his presents these days. He was quite interested in what was in the box. Turns out though, after he tried the chair, he found the box to be much more fascinating.

Dora also had her first introduction to rice cereal. She is so smiley whenever anyone talks to her, especially her mom, that she could hardly eat for smiling at all the attention.

While at the party, we were able to get a 4 generation picture of Don's mom, Don, Clint, and Hayley and Colin. What a fun picture to get.

There are a couple of pictures of John Paul and his three children. I was lucky to get Dylan, Brock, and Hope to stand still long enough to take a couple of pictures. They had lots of activities they were enjoying and taking pictures wasn't really high on their list, but they cooperated pretty nicely.

Bridget

The last couple of pictures are of Hayley and Colin on a recent visit to the house. What fun it is to have them living close by.

To be clear, Don insisted that I get a newer vehicle that would be more likely to be dependable since he is far away and it worried him that the blue 2002 Explorer had 165,000 miles on it. The last straw was when it needed a new transmission and a catalytic converter, new tires (in another month), and a new windshield. He was as insistent as someone who is on the other side of the world can be that we get something newer. Since I have to have the punch button entry (so I don't have to take my purse/keys in when I visit clients) I looked for a used Explorer. None of my current dealerships had one, so I returned to my first store. They treated us well with discounts on the vehicle and the extended service contract. The trade price was a little lower than I expected, but then it does need all those previous detailed items and they have to make a profit somewhere to stay in business.

The new ride is silver with a charcoal interior. It is quiet and rides very nicely. It also has Bluetooth technology which I'm sure Clint will show set up for me and give me instructions on operating. The shifter is made to look more sporty and supplanted my little junk tray so I suppose I'll have to be neater. I included some pictures of the interior as well as the exterior. There is also one of me - boy do I look haggard... I also included a picture of some of my old fashioned roses that are in bloom.

Now Don doesn't have to worry so much about mechanical complications on the car I'm driving. Thanks dear, for the present to me for your birthday! (Seems like that has happened in our family before...)