Great summer

Our summer fun continued with Charlie's big FIRST birthday. It is hard to believe how fast this year flew by. She was adorable in her balloon #1 dress and had so much fun. Mother Ashley had a beautiful cake for everyone, but the party was complete with Charlie's very own small cake with 'ALL MINE' written on it. You can see from this photo that she definitely enjoyed the cake, and her first real experience with SWEETS!!! She had cake on her face, hands, arms, legs, even her shoes!!! Her chuckle is infectious, and everyone loves hearing her cackle and smile. We will long remember this wonderful day with Charlie. And, how very blessed we are that she and sister Aubrey and their mom and dad are with us for the summer. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Our summer kicked off at the beach with the annual 4th of July parade. More than 100 decorated golf carts along with some cars, trucks, etc. go along about 1/2 mile route, throwing out thousands of pieces of candy to the beach-goers that gather for the annual tradition. Last year we had a "Dora" cart and this year we had the Princess carts. Here is Aubrey, now 2 1/2 - will be 3 in August, with her tiara, necklace and earrings. She had a blast as did all of us. Sister Charlie joined us for part of the trip.

Mary Beth Baxter, in memory

It is with a very heavy heart that we learned today that Mary Beth Baxter died after a brave 5-week struggle after suffering a heart attack. Surrounded by her loving family and friends, Mary Beth is at rest and now surrounded by the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Everyone who ever knew Mary Beth is the better for it. She was one of the funniest people I have ever known, her laughter was infectious and her stories were never-ending. I shall never forget the love she shared with our daughter, Ashley, when she was undergoing surgery for an acoustic neuroma brain tumor. Mary Beth hand wrote Ashley lengthy letters, detailing all of the going-ons at her shop and daughter Heather's bakery next door, and about her beloved grandchildren. That was Mary Beth, though - always thoughtful, always doing for others. It meant so much to me and to Ashley. Mary Beth was not only one of the most talented artists we have ever known, but she was also a wonderful gift shop owner of primitive and Americana folk art on Cape Cod. I am sure all of her loyal customers and those at Heather's bakery will dearly miss Mary Beth. Her artwork, home and shop were featured in many national magazines. I remember Mary Beth saying that "as a six year old I excelled in everything artistic. It didn't matter the time or place, from large abstract paintings to an early bride's box, the use of color and shape came as second nature to me." She always said that love and family and reverence for America were central themes of her artwork. My thoughts today are how very fortunate my life has been to have known Mary Beth. I wish all of you could have known her. She truly made this world a better place, and she will be missed everyday of my life. Some people come into our lives and leave no trace; others come and leave footprints. Mary Beth left beautiful footprints.

First Sky Diving, Now Flying!

Happy Birthday, Ashley & Kevin! It's a busy June with their birthdays + sweet Charlie, who will be one on June 25th. So, how does Ashley & Kevin celebrate their birthdays? Like the rest of us, go out to dinner and have a nice evening? Oh no! much too simple! These two decide not only to go up in a plane at the Santa Monica airport, but to actually fly the plane. They took turns at the controls. Years ago Ashley decided to sky dive. She had the wisdom NOT to tell us until AFTER the fact, knowing we would have tried to talk her out of it. But....I know they had a ball in the air over LA, Hollywood, Malibu, Beverly Hills...all over everywhere. See what happens when you get "older?" So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both of you.

What a happy design

Sometimes a new design just makes you feel happy when you look at it. Is it because I have two beautiful granddaughters? or is it because Maureen has been working so hard? or does it make you think of "Mother's Day?" or is it just cool design.... all are correct. I feel confident that Maureen will get a great "deal" on this new collection (this is just one), but I know it will bring a smile to your face, too.

Enjoy...and to all my friends out there - HAVE A WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY. May it be relaxing, fun and reflective. Remember "life is too short not to smile."

Oops, Charlie, Oops!

Our adorable youngest granddaughter, Charlie, is now 10 months old & loves standing up at any chance. Bigger sister's Dora Playhouse is just the perfect height for Charlie. How our daughter captured these photos is amazing....and they will definitely bring a smile to your face (see the grin on Charlie's face in the middle photo - she is such a happy baby)....then you'll die laughing....OOPS! Note in the background that bigger sister, Aubrey (2 1/2), is not paying any attention to Charlie. True-to-form, Charlie was not bothered in the least by her misfortune.

Another post finally

Well...it has been a long time since I posted. I had a wonderful time with my two beautiful granddaughters, Aubrey and Charlie, in Santa Monica. They are so very good it makes being a grandmother even more wonderful. I helped out my daughter, Ashley, and son-in-law, Kevin, for a few days, but then came down with the worst case of flu ever. It has stayed with me for 11 days, but some meds from my doc should finally call an end to this mess. I hope so...and I would not wish this crud on anyone. Bill has been a real trooper during my "in home" extended stay.

Here is a new photo of Aubrey waiting to go to her play school....she loves it so much. She has so much personality, and we have a ball together....going to the playground, eating pizza, picking out our favorites at Pinkberry, playing on the sidewalk, going on treasure hunts, visiting the Disney Store and watching endless hours of Nemo, Toy Story, Dora and Mickey. Makes me wish I were with she and Charlie again.

HAPPY ST PAT'S!

Ah....the luck of the Irish! Does this mean if I buy a lottery ticket on Thursday I'll win?? Don't I wish!!! But whatever you plan to do (and make sure eating is a part of your plans), have a wonderful, fun, happy day. And....if you win the lottery, I'll expect my share!

Sally Keszler did this great St Pat's design....we all love it. So, if you see Sally, be sure to "Kiss" her as her design says!!! thanks Sally for all you do! You always make us smile!

Think SPRING

We can feel it in the air -- Spring is arriving and none-too-fast. The daffodils are up, the Lady Banks roses are bursting out (such a beautiful sight), the temperatures are rising, and smiles are on everyone's face. Life is grand. No need to worry, no need to fret. Spring is proof enough of God. It is a true time to rejoice of all our blessings. Bonnie Young just sent in this wonderful chick and eggs design & it just brings such happiness to all of us & I had to share. Bonnie is a beautiful person outside and in; what a wonderful part of our licensing family. ENJOY!

God Bless America

Lainey Daniels always continues to dazzle and encourage us with her wonderful artwork. She is such a hard worker and has a beautiful heart. It is hard to believe how long I have know her -- we go back to "old days" in the textile arena --- and that we have worked with her. This new Hearts and Stars layout makes all of us think about our great country, our dedicated men and women in the service to whom we owe so much, and the pride we have in the USA. Lainey has two daughters, and I think about Ashley and two baby girls that will grow up so fast (even though I'm sure she doesn't think so at this moment) just like Lainey's. Our day brightens whenever we get new artwork, and Lainey's always brings a big smile to us. As teenagers text - BFF - best friends forever.

My heart is in California

We just returned from a wonderful visit with our two adorable granddaughters, Aubrey 2 1/2 and Charlie 8 months (and their parents). They kept us on the go, and we loved it. Santa Monica is beautiful (except this trip it was rainy and cold). Aubrey goes to play school 4 days a week at a Baptist Church (yeah) and loves it. We enjoyed taking them to the Promenade, the ocean park for soccer ball kicking, Carousel at the Santa Monica pier, yogurt at Pinkberry, park for swing, slides, the restaurant at Santa Monica airport to watch the planes, and many, many fun lunches and dinners. Our Christmas gift from Ashley and Kevin was "breakfast" with Disney characters at the Disney hotel in Anaheim. It was "Goofy" as the host, and Pluto, Aladdin and the Genie, Bo Bear, Chip and Dale. Aubrey was shy at first with all the characters - when you're small, they all seem large. Bo Bear was really, really big, but broke into the "twist" at our table & it warmed Aubrey up. She even put her hand in his huge paw. It was a wonderful day with memories for a lifetime. How fast they grow!