Graduation and Winter Fun

On Friday David and I travelled to a Kentucky State Park with Pam, Julia and Sam to spend the night, and to attend Pam's graduation from Lincoln Memorial University where she earned her EDS degree. This is one year away from her doctorate in Education, and we are certainly proud of her. It was an amazing weekend because when we arrived at the lodge, there was snow on the ground and David and I got to experience Sam's first snow, and Julia's first remembered snow! We had snow ball fights, Julia made her first snow angel, and Sam learned to throw snowballs! He wasn't sure about the snow at first, but once he realized that it was fun, he really had a wonderful time! It was so great to see our daughter's accomplishment, and to enjoy being with Juila and Sam, as we don't get to spend as much time with them as we'd like! We hope you enjoy the pictures!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Although this is our annual Christmas card photo, I decided to share it here because this was taken on Thanksgiving day and I hope you can see our joy! We have so much to be thankful for! David and I have FOUR miracle grandchildren and we are so thrilled to have them all together. It never seizes to amaze us at how well the three oldest play, for hours, without arguing! Julia is the little mother of the group and she takes pride in watching Sam and Charli and keeping them happy! Our house is pretty child friendly, with lots of toys and things they can play with. There is very little in our home that they cannot touch, and they know what to play with! As you can see, baby Luke won't be long behind the others in "running the show". He's growing way too fast!

TRICK OR TREAT

Julia and Sam didn't get to be with us for this little holiday, but they were in our thoughts! Julia chose a costume that she wore for a dance recital, but needed the added touch of a cape! Of course, MeMe was more than happy to get out the sewing machine and accomodage her! The best part of it is that Julia "designed" the cape by drawing what she wanted me to make, and I followed her instructions! Sam, our SUPERMAN, looked awesome in his chosen costume! They're growing up way to fast to suit me!

Charli chose to be Tinkerbelle, and loved it, including the RED SHOES! Those, of course, didn't go with the original theme, but when she chose them, they certainly brightened her costume and gave everyone a new "take" on Tinkerbelle! She was the prettiest Tinkerbelle I ever saw!

Baby Luke was very excited about his first Halloween, and chose to be a "horsie"! He donned the costume and really played the part--he "neighed" every chance he got, and sometimes it almost sounded as if he was crying! I think that's because he didn't have any teeth to eat his candy with, so his mommy helped him out and ate it for him!

We had a wonderful time at the church "Trunk or Treat" on Wednesday night, then on Friday, the two that were here, Charli and Luke, dressed up again and came to DHR with their parents to celebrate Halloween with DHR staff and foster children. The workers had candy and treats in each office, then there was a party in the conference room for everyone! Children, parents and foster parents attended as well as DHR staff.

Baby Luke is weighed for the first time!

Luke met mommy for the first time in surgery!

MeMe is so happy to meet this little guy as mommy looks on!

G-Daddy is telling Luke about "the building" and the fun they'll have out there!

We are currently celebrating the arrival of our fourth grandchild, Lucas McLeod Robertson, who was born on Wednesday, September 24, 08 at 8:01 a.m. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. Luke gave us quite a scare during labor, as his heart rate dropped several times, to as low as 12, instead of the 140 beats per minute it was originally! The doctor placed a probe on his head, and they completely lost the heartbeat, briefly, before deciding an emergency c-section was in order to get him out safely! He spent the first 5 days of life in the neonatal intensive care unit and did very well! We brought him home on Monday and he is thriving! We are so blessed to have these wonderful grandchildren. Cousin Charli says that he is her "baby Uke" and Julia and Sam can't wait to meet him. Due to his being in the NICU nursery, Juila and Sam weren't allowed to visit, so when he came home to Glencoe, Charli met him first. What a wonderful time we've had! Here's a peek at our newest! We hope you agree--HE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

This photo was taken on July 11, 1970, our first anniversary, and hence, it is rather old and tattered--yet it is one of my favorites, and my children love to see it too! WHY? Because, our expression says it all! We were madly in love, and still are, for that matter! If you look closely, you'll notice that my tummy is round! Yes, that's Amy, on the way to her birthday--October 16, 70! During that time it was anybody's guess if the baby was a girl or boy, and we could hardly wait for the baby to get here! We prepared for both, but I think David secretly hoped for a boy, while I was anxious for a daughter. I had chosen her name when I was only 15 years old, before I even knew that David existed. I chose Amy Laduska because I thought Amy was a beautiful name, and Laduska because it was my maternal grandmother's middle name and an unusual one. David agreed that if we had a girl that could be the name so that's how she came to be named! Today, we are anxiously awaiting the birth of Amy's first child, a son, who will be named Lucas McLeod. He will be called Luke and its only about 3 weeks before he should arrive, so we look back with joy at Amy's arrival, and we look forward to her future as a mother. She is so awesome and will make a wonderful mom! Pam, our second child, has two precious children, Julia and Sam, and she is so precious as a mother. Matt has amazed us as a daddy to Charli! He is loving, gentle, yet firm and strong as he parent's this adorable little girl! While David and I anxiously awaited parenthood, and thrilled with each child, our pleasure at being grandparents is difficult to describe!

Ninety Nine and Counting!

On June 27, 2008, Aunt Thelma celebrated her 99th Birthday! She is so awesome!!!! Her hearing isn't good, but she listens intently and if one speaks loudly she understands and participates in the conversation. Her mind is still sharp as a tack! She seemed to enjoy the day! Pam, my daughter, and Julia, Sam, and Charli (my three cherished grandchildren) and I went down yesteday morning, and we took her to Shoney's, in Clanton, for lunch! Brenda and Mike met us there, and we shared a fun lunch before going back to her house. We spent the afternoon there, and then returned home.
I don't want to end there! Let me tell you about this wonderful "ROCK" in my life! As a small child, our family lived next door to Grandmother, Aunt Thelma (who never married) and Uncle James (the youngest of the family) who was still living at home. Our "village" was full, with relatives visiting on a regular basis, and we loved it! Aunt Thelma, a first grade school teacher, had an amazing level of patience with us, and would read stories to us, bring home her school supplies and teach us, and make us happier than anyone could imagine! We moved from there when I was in the first grade, and when I was in the 2nd grade, Grandmother died, and Uncle James was in school at Auburn. That fall, I stayed with Aunt Thelma, though the rest of the family lived in Clanton, and I attended school with her. It is really my happiest and most memorable year in my entire school career. Being one of 6 children, there were seldom moments for individual attention (understandably) but with Aunt Thelma, I was truly an ONLY child! I thoroughly enjoyed being spoiled by her, yet she made me mind and corrected me when I was wrong. One of the strongest lessons I learned was to tell the truth. She has been my spiritual mentor my entire life, and has encouraged me to do my best, and remain strong in my faith. The summer after second grade, I made a personal decison to follow Christ, and was baptised after a summer revival at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in the summer of 1957. That fall, my parents and siblings moved to Gadsden to follow my daddy's job, but I chose to stay with Aunt Thelma for the rest of the school year. We went to chuch on Sunday mornings and nights, and on Wednesday nights, as well. It was a very small church, but there were several children from the community there to enjoy learning with. The one incident I remember most is that I lied to Aunt Thelma about taking some medicine she had to give me following a bout with the flu. She and I both had the flu, but she had to go outside to do something outside. I didn't want to take my medicine, so when she came in, I told her I'd taken it. In fact, I'd poured it down the kitchen sink. I think she knew I hadn't taken it, but I kept up the facade until bedtime that night. Each night, we would read our bibles and say our prayers before going to bed. I can't say for sure, but I think Aunt Thelma may have chosen the scripture to "guide" me because after we finished reading, and started to say our prayers, I confessed to Aunt Thelma that I didn't take the medicine--- so she led me to ask forgiveness, and set it right with God. How well I remember that time, on our knees, beside the bed, asking God to forgive a 9 year old for lying. It had a great impact on my life, even to this day!
The year which I spent with Aunt Thelma bonded me even closer to her, and she has to be the most awesome person in my life! She gave unselfishly to me, and to my siblings and cousins, having us for weeks in the summer, spring break and Christmas holidays each year. She worked tirelessly to feed us, work in her garden, put up summer foods by canning and freezing, and still managed to keep 6-12 kids in her home! She took us to church, even though she sometimes had to make two trips to get everyone there. She'd take some older, and some younger, and drop them at the church, then return home for the rest! We never stayed home from church because there were too many kids! She, and her older sister, Aunt Myrtle, cooked for the crew, and we took turns cleaning up. Aunt Myrtle worked at Belk Hudson in Montgomery, and sometimes came home on the weekends! She was more stern than Aunt Thelma, but it was evident she loved us too.
Aunt Thelma told me an amusing story yesterday that summarizes her sense of humor. She said that her brother, Uncle James told her that if she lives to be 100 she probably won't ever die. She laughed and said that's because you hardly ever hear of a 100 year old dying!!!! She just laughed!

Father's Day 08

Isn't this what it's all about? FUN! FUN! FUN!!!!!!! This year, we celebrated Father's Day on Saturday, so that the Rutlands could spend Sunday with Jud's dad. We had such fun with all of the grandchildren here! Even the one who isn't born yet! Sam just finished swim lessons, but he still wasn't sure about staying in the pool a lot! Charli loves the water, and has no fear! Julia, an accomplished swimmer was so busy swimming, jumping off the diving board, and going down the slide, that it was difficult to catch her on camera! I did get the one of her diving under just as she started her dive! As you can see, we had a fun day! After swimming we grilled kabobs, ate roasted potatoes and had tea and rolls! It was a wonderful afternoon; one that will be remembered for some time! Who's not in the picture? G-daddy! Somehow, he didn't get into the spot light much, but he did swim and says he really enjoyed the day! I'm so blessed to have such a happy and loving family! Julia has always been my very heart, and Charli and Sam only enhanced my love for grandchildren. Baby Luke is scheduled to arrive in late September, and I can't wait! As I placed my hand on Amy's tummy yesterday, he wiggled and that was my first feel of the miracle of another grandchild! WOW! I just can't wait for him to big enough to be born! The photos tell it all!

Pierce Family Reunion

These are just a few shots from the Pierce family reunion which is held the 1st Sunday in May each year. We've had this reunion yearly for as long as I can remember. It started at Grandmother's house, then after she passed away, it continued until Aunt Thelma and Aunt Myrtle felt overwhelmed with the task of hostin it. Later it was held at the Clanton Recreation Center, for a few years, then a cousin, Harold Pierce graciously invited the family to hold the reuinon at his home in the Enterprise community of Chilton County. In years past we have had over 200 participants, but in recent years it has been much smaller. The 1st picture is my cousin Doyle and my eldest brother, Ken. Next is Aunt Cherry, Uncle James and their son Phil. (Aunt Cherry passed away last week after a valiant fight with cancer). She lost the battle, but won the victory as she was a strong Christian. The third picture is my granddaughter, Julia, with aunt Thelma, then a group of my siblings and their immediate families as we gather each year, in a cluster, under a tree, at the reunion. The last is my cousin (Mary) JO, and she will probably "kill" me for using it, but I just thought it looked like her mom so much that I used it anyway. There were 11 children in my dad's family, who lived to adulthood, but now only three of them are living. Just to see if I can, I will list all of their grandchildren:

Uncle Leon had three daughters, Dot, Nell and Judy;

Uncle John had: Ola Faye, Harold & Doyle,

Uncle Jessie: Billy, Bobby, Patricia, Peggy, Margaret, Michael, Debra, Jake and David;

Uncle Wolf (Wilbert) Carole, Dale, Steve, Kaki, Phyllis & Jan

Uncle James; Phil & Tim

My dad: Ken, Brenda, Shirley, Cynthia, Greg & Mark

Aunt Maggie: Mary Jo & Jerry

Aunt Jewell: Juanita, Donald & Gerald

Aunt Mattie Ree: Wayne, Charles & Joan

After Granddaddy Pierce (Clyde) left our grandmother (Josephine); he re-married and three more children; Buddy, Joyce and Shirley Ann.

Seeing this list, you can guess that there are lots of relatives to attend these reunions! Its always fun to gather and visit with those who attend each year! Of memory, I can only think of one I missed, and I was sick, or one of the kids was sick. I'll add more pictures, and try not to bore you anymore. I just wanted to include some of it for a better picture of who I am.

Julia (at her 6th birthday Party) along with her brother, Sam would like to share their latest family news. ANNOUNCING: We are the very proud children of Mrs. Pam Rutland, TEACHER OF THE YEAR for Johnson Elementary School, Floyd County Georgia! Although we had to let mommy leave every morning to go to her school, it was worth it because our mommy proved that not only is she a wonderful mommy--she is also a wonderful teacher!

Yes, Julia and Sam had a little help writing this one, but they love their mommy so very much! Of course, MeMe and G-Daddy, (our mom calls them Mom and Dad) are so very proud of her too!

A little story about Pam--When she was a last semester senior at Jacksonville State University she held a summer job at Camp ASSCA, a camp for special needs kids and adults. In July, one month prior to graduation, she called home to say that her plans to be a physical therapist had changed, and she had decided to change her major to education and to prepare to teach Special Education. Because Matt was already at JSU also, and Amy had previously graduated there, we insisted that Pam accept her undergraduate degree, since it was already earned. She entered Grad school in the Education arena, and a year later, graduated with her Master's in her newly chosen field! She has a very special gift and loves her students more than anyone can imagine! She maintains her love of teaching although there are many challenges in managing a classroom of special needs children.

WAY TO GO PAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is my paternal grandmother, and she had a great impact on my life although she passed away when I was only 8 years old. When I was a preschooler, our family lived next door to Grandmother, Aunt Thelma, and Uncle James. Running in and out of her house daily was part of our routine! The latter two were siblings to my dad, and are the only two siblings that are still living.
There are so many fond memories of Grandmother that I can't recount them all, but I will try to give you some images that are a memorable part of my childhood! On Sunday afternoons, most of grandmother's children and their children would gather at the family home site and visit. There were cousins galore to play with, and we rambled the fields, the gully, the woods and a branch that adjoined the family land. During the Sunday visits, in the summer, at least, the front yard was quite a site to see. Each adult had some sort of seat and the family formed a circle so everyone could visit and talk. Some of the men, my daddy included, would take a ladder-back chair and turn it on the ground, using the ladder part as a backrest. Children of all sizes roamed in and out of the circle, playing with cousins, while the babies napped on quilts laid on the groud. I can still "see" it when I think of those times! Life was so simple and carefree.
Grandmother was quite a seamstress and made clothes for her grandchildren which delighted us to no end. Sometimes, because we lived next door, I would go into grandmother's house and sit to watch her sew. One afternoon, before I was old enough to go to school I saw her making a pretty dress. I asked about it and she told me it was for Patricia, my favorite cousin. I became jealous and told Grandmother I wanted a new dress too. She didn't scold me, or remind me that she had just made me a dress. Instead, she put aside her sewing and took one of Uncle James' tee shirts. Within a few minutes, she had sewn Ric Rack around the neck, sleeves and hem, added a pretty sash and I had perhaps the FIRST tee-shirt dress ever! They became the fad when my girls were growing up, and I told them about the wonderful dress Grandmother made me!
On another day, also before I started school, my younger sister, Cynthia and I were outside playing but told Grandmother we had nothing to play with. She asked what we wanted to play and we told her we wanted to have a tea party but we didn't have a table or chairs for our tea things. Grandmother quickly took her hammer, handsaw and nails and set to work building us a table and two chairs. In what seemed only minutes Cynthia and I were sitting at a little table, pouring "tea" for ourselves and Grandmother. Not only did she build the table and chairs but she furnished the treats and joined us for our "tea" party! WOW! was she something! Before you begin to think that she probably was a "young" and new grandmother, my siblings and I were some of her youngest grandchildren and she had over 40! Some were old enough to be our parents! LOL
Grandmother, mother and some of the neighbor ladies would sit and quilt all day, in the winter, and Cynthia, Patricia and I would lie under the table, watching the needles go in and out--listening as the ladies talked and sewed! I don't remember what they talked about, but I know they laughed and seemed to be having fun! As I think of them, their names and faces are so vivid in my mind and heart--Aunt Vick, Aunt Cora, Ruby, Ms. Silas, Grandmother, Mother, and I sure others, but those are the ones who come to mind.
I'm sure there are other memories that I could relay to you, but I thought these might give you a glimsp of me that few know of! Oh yes, another thing I remember is the game of "Thimble Shine". Grandmother would take one of her thimbles and place it somewhere in the room. The children would have to search with their eyes, without moving from their seat, and the first to find the thimble would get to place it again, while everyone else hid their eyes. This game would amuse us for long periods of time. Grandmother was really patient!

My last post was several months ago and I hadn't realized it has been so long! Spring is upon us and we're getting ready for another "swimming" season! David has worked on the pool a lot this week and it is really beautiful. This has been therapy for him, as his closest friend, Don, passed away two weeks ago from a massive stroke. David and Don grew up together and loved each other like brothers. They were as different as two men could ever be, but they loved and supported each other in everything. David will miss him until they meet again!
Much has happened since I last wrote. The biggest news we have is that another grandson is on the way. Amy, our eldest, lives in Birmingham, and at the age of 37 chose to become a mom in a fairly new and unique way. She remains single and refuses (rightfully so) to marry someone just for the sake of having a family. She is very strong in her beliefs and chose to have artificial insemination to have a child. Our entire family is extremely proud of her and supportive of this choice---AND---in late September Lucas McLeod Robertson will join our clan and bump Sam from his spot as the baby of the family! WE CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!
Julia and Sam continue to grow, and its hard to believe that Sam and Charli are two!!! Julia will be 6 in May and she will be in first grade in the fall! WOW! She was just born the other day, how can this be! Our grandchildren are so precious to us and we thrill to have them with us! We hope everyone gets as much joy as we do from having them! I'll write more later, but just wanted to add a little update.