.........God's blessing for Papa

Cancelled Trip/Saturday Together

2007-01-06T17:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I planned a trip to Florida to see my brothers and I also promised Lilly that I would take her with me. I had called and made the arrangements to stay with one of my brothers and was planning to leave Lilly at my other brothers with his daughter Kimmy. Lilly didn't like that idea at all and said that she wanted to stay with me. At the same time John had business to take care of and he was hoping that we would have time together and the situation with Lilly would create problems with having the time with me that he and I wanted. To cut to the chase, I ended up cancelling our trip until another time and just stayed home. Lilly and I made new plans for saturday.
We got up around 8:30 and went to Waffle House and had breakfast and then headed out for the mall. We bought tickets to Charlotte's Web and then rode the carosel together. We then went shopping which was nothing more than just looking as we didn't see anything we couldn't live without. Then we went into the movie theathre and bought drinks and a popcorn to share. The movie was very good, but as before in other movies, towards the end, Lilly HAD to have a bathroom break. I walked her to the ladies room and waited on her. We made it back in good time and watched the last of the movie. Then it was time for some ice cream and she wanted dipping dots. They only had the one flavor which was fudge, and Lilly was fine with that. We came home and checked in with her Mommy and told her all about the movie. A little while ago, Lilly and her Nana went to Pet Smart to purchase some new fish to put in our freshly cleaned aquarium. If Papa is not doing for our Lilly, then Nana is. I know she is just enjoying the day having Nana and Papa home on saturday together for a change.
With all of that, I still feel that we missed out on a lot not being able to make our trip happen. Next time My Lilly!! With much Love,
Papa

Our Little Chocolate Thief

2006-10-13T18:54:00.000-05:00

Serveral weeks ago, Lilly came home with a brochure of products to sell for the school. Both Dorothy and I took this brochure to work to help her sell her product and try to win prizes. Well, today the product came in to be distributed to those that ordered them. Mommy picked Lilly up from school today with the bags of product in tow, and she told Lilly not to touch anything in the bag... well..... She "forgot" and saw some chocolates that were too tempting for her.
I was working on a project in the bathroom when Lilly brought me a piece of minty chocolate. I made the assumption that it came from Mommy or Daddy not knowing about the bags of product. So I was an accomplice without knowing it. Once I found out what was going on, I got very upset with Lilly at which time she started to Boohoo and then cry out loud. She begged me to forgive her at which time I did. How could I possibly deny this child anything when she is hanging on my neck and crying that she is sorry!!! She really knows how to rip my heart out!!!
Anyways, we told her that it would be OK and that we would make it right to the customer of the chocolates that Lilly had gotten into. After she calmed down, we decided to go outside and play with some of the little toys that she had won from selling the product, at which time I knew it was time for another photo op.
Do you see the chocolate smeared around her mouth?? Thats my girl!!
The last picture is her on the trampoline before I got on it with her. It's just not the same without Papa.

Day at the Park!

2006-10-13T18:27:00.000-05:00

One of Lilly's favorite things to do is to go to the park whenever possible. We recently visited Bogan park which is right around the corner from where we live.
I had picked her up from school on afternoon and she begged me to go to the park so I relented and stop. I had my camera and desperately needed some pictures so while I was trying to get some good pictures she constantly ran from me and made it difficult to get a good picture, but I did manage to get some good ones.
She is growing so fast that I need to be taking more and more pictures of her whenever possible. This child is loved on all the time and it is shown through the smiles in the pictures. The one pictures where she is at the bottom of the slide is where she is trying to kick me while I am snapping up the shots.
I know this is just one of the many blessings God has sent my way. Thank you God!!

Bible Reading and Prayer

2006-10-10T06:59:00.000-05:00

For some time now, Nana and Papa have been reading two bible stories to Lilly, and aftwerwards we pray over her. She has come to love this very much. If we start to miss this, she will call us into the room and want us to read her stories. This is one of the greatest things we could do for our precious child. This is our part of raising her up in the ways of our Lord Christ.
There has been numerous times in the past when she would come into the room while I was praying and kneel down with me and try to pray. How I loved that!! She does love her time in church very much as she is in the Awana program (Sparks), and in the choir, and on Sunday morning in KingsTown.
I just thank God for all the activities that are out there for young children through our church! We are blessed by being a part of all that God is doing there!

Lilly & Papa

2006-10-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

I found this Picture and thought I would upload it. Lilly loves for me to pick her up and now she is getting so big that it is becoming increasingly more difficult. She regularly falls asleep in the car at chich time I have to carry my girl up the stairs and put into bed. Actually, I am still enjoying this stage being I am able to do so. She does love the affection that is given to her and I am always more than willing to give her the desired attention. I'm really looking forward to when I can retire from my full time job and spend time with her as she goes to school events or whatever opportunities that may arise.
Being that I am on vacation this week, I hope to get several more chances to get some new pictures and/or time to go and do stuff together.

Festive Hair

2006-10-07T15:42:00.000-05:00

Today I started my vacation and decided to go check out the Fall Festival at Flowery Branch with Dorothy and Lilly. It was a perfect day for it as the skies were blue and with a very moderate temperature with a slight breeze. I totally botched the day being I had forgotten to bring my camera with us. We walked around checking out all the booths to see what they had for sale. I course I had to find a booth where they were making fresh baked turnower pies. Yumm!!!
Lilly found the train ride and rode that around the block with other kids and really enjoyed that. We also found the pony rides and of course that was a big hit as well. Over behind the train depot, there was a booth were all the little girls were getting their hair all fancied up. It was called "Fair Hair". Needless to say they had some wild and crazy hairdo's. We let Lilly get her hair done and had to leave after that to come home. Lilly and Dorothy were feeling a bit under the weather, so we called it a day and came home.
Once we arrived home, we brought Lilly in to see her Mom and Dad to show off her hair. Mom and Dad loved it and of course, Mom took a bunch pictures and this is the source from which we received this picture.
Now, Football is on and I am off the preoccupy the rest of my day in front of the tube. I know this will make several people happy as I have not posted recently due to work and not much quality time with my little girl. This was a GREAT way to kick off my vacation though!!!

No so "Little" anymore!

2006-08-25T23:23:00.000-05:00

Well, our girl has started school. She is in Kindergarden and seems to be doing quite fine. She had one note from the teacher on the day that she was too disruptive, but we had a good talk with her and made sure that she understood that when the teacher talks, she is to listen attentively!!! She gets stars in her book when she is a good girl and we are incouraging that very much.
Many days when I come home from work, she is quick to ask how my day was and now I can reciprocate that back at her. I'll ask if she was a good girl today!
As long as I get a "Yes sir" from her, she is OK. But I told the teacher that if she gets chatty and disruptive again to let me know.
Mommy and I went to open house the other evening and found out about when she can and can not do, what treats she can bring in to share with the rest of the class or what to bring in that is not messy. It's hard for me to believe that she is in school now as that also means no more staying at home with Papa on his day off. I do look forward to school activities that I can attend with her and know that I will have plenty of opportunity to be involved with her in the future at school. I do miss having "little" Lilly around to make trips to McDonalds on our days off, but one blessing down and hopefully many more to come!!! How I love my girl!!!

Our surprise

2006-08-22T18:32:00.000-05:00

Well, Papa has been working way too much lately and has not had much time for my Lilly. I got off today and Nana and I were going to surprise our granddaughter Lilly. Bob and Larry, the Veggie Tale characters were going to be at Chick Fillet and we were taking Lilly to dinner there. I told her we were going home f1rst to change and to pick up the camera. She asked me what I was getting that for, but I declined comment other than to say, "You'll see".
Nana got home and we all loaded up in the car and headed for Chick Fillet for Lilly's surprise. To our surprise, it was not all that crowded. We drove around back looking for a parking spot and Lilly was quick to see that they had Bob and Larry toys in the store for the kids. Then she spotted Larry dressed up as he exited the back door. We knew the gig was up and expected to see and hear and excited little girl. We parked the car and looked to the back seat thinking Lilly would be excited and ready to go, but to our surprise Lilly was just the opposite. She was moody and said she did not want to go!!! We tried everything from comforting her and telling here that we would be right there with her to even saying she did not have to stand with them. All she said was "why didn't you tell me". We told her that this was her surprise, but she would not have anything to do with it. She has a great fear of clowns, but never would we believe that this would happen. I asked her if she wanted to go in or go home. She chose to go back home instead. So instead of having a good time and getting some pictures of Lilly with Bob and Larry, we got zilch!!! Imagine that!!!!
Now the next problem is that next month her other grandparents are suppose to be taking Lilly for her first trip to Disney World. Lilly has been begging for that for almost 3 years now. I guess they will have to forgo the surprise and let her know their intentions.
I had wanted to get some new pictures of my Lilly to post, but....
Maybe next time!!!!

Cars, Cars, and More Cars!!!

2006-07-09T18:58:00.000-05:00

Well, Papa held true to his promise from the last message, but before I could get a day off and take Lilly to the movies, her mommy and daddy were off on the 4th of July and took her to see the movie Cars. So I get home and she says "Guess what Papa, Mommy and Daddy to me to see a movie". I asked which one and then she said "Cars". That was the movie I had planned to go see with her and was a bit let down as it was going to be "OUR" movie to see. Well, I asked her if she wanted to see a different movie, but she said "no, I want to see Cars again so you can see it Papa". I asked if she was sure she wanted too and she said that she was sure she did.
The next day, I kept Lilly home from the day care provider and we made a day out of it. I told her that Papa needed to go into work for just a little while, but that I would take her to breakfast at McDonalds. She was good for that so we got dressed and headed out for the day. At McDonalds she gobbled down some delicious pancakes and scrambled eggs. She was good to go for a while. We went to work so I could help out for just a little while and once I knew they would be ok, we took our leave, but not before a free cookie and free balloon.
I told her that I needed to go to the bank for some cash and then we needed to go home to drop off her new balloon and get her carousel card to go ride her favorite black horse on the carousel. After going home, we drove to the Mall and first thing went up to the ticket office and bought our matinee tickets. We had a little time to shoot so we went window shopping and spent the extra time looking at gadgets, games, and toys. With a child you have to be careful not to go near any childrens toy store as I know one thing for sure, she would be begging me for a new toy. That is something she does NOT need!!!
Time came for the movie to start so we caught the elevator up to the third floor and went into the movie venue. We bought a large coke to share and a medium bag of popcorn. $10.50 for the treats. We went in and waited for the movie. We watched the trailers and talked about the upcomming movies that we wanted to see. The movie started and we really enjoyed it tremendously. As like the last time I took her to the movies, she had to go potty close to the end. I ran her across to the ladies restroom and waited on her at which time we ran back to see the last few minutes of the movie. We really had a great time.
We left the mall and drive to Walmart where I bought her a new movie to watch at home. It was a good day with my Lilly. I look forward to another day that we can spend quality time together.
On the following saturday, Lilly got to spend some time with her GrandMa Kaye and GrandPa Rick. They decided to to catch a movie. Would you want to guess what movie they went to see??? Of course, the movie was CARS!!! Three times in one week. I'm sure it was a matter of her wanted to let GrandMa Kaye see the movie, but she enjoyed it again too... I'm sure we will be getting that movie when comes out on DVD in six months.... Boy, Lilly sure loves her movies.....

An urging from a loved one.

2006-06-28T18:20:00.000-05:00

I received an email from a very special person today. I have such fond memories of this lady (memories of a cheap date :) ), that I felt urged to post something new about my Lilly.
Yesterday, I got home just before my Lilly did. I wasn't home more than 5 minutes and she wanted to drag me off of the computer and go get into the little pool outside. We quickly changed clothes into our swim suits and went out with towels in arm to go for a quick dip. I had to skim the pool out for small debris and little critters that also decided it was a good time for a dip. Their dip didn't go quite as ours did.
Lilly was in a huge hurry like usual. I wasn't going to get into the pool until I had everthing out. She started whining, "Hurry up Papa, I want to playyyyyyy!!"
I finished the job I started and climbed in. Once in I realized that the bottom of the pool was starting to get a bit "slick". I told her that I didn't want to swim because the pool needed to be shocked. She pitched a pretty good fit, but Papa won out and told her, "Let's get on the trampoline instead". With tears in her eyes she finally agreed. I told her that we would treat the pool and go swimming another day. Not only that, but I promised that I would make it up to her and told her a new secret that I would treat her to a movie next week at which point she cheered right up. She definately loves new secrets especially secrets that include her doing anything "fun". Problem is, Papa is an easy touch when big alligator tears show up. I might be a sap, but Papa is a loved sap! One look at her big bright blue eyes and it's all over!!!
Sometimes I think of my grandsons in Florida and really wish we had a lot more time to share while they are growing up. I am looking forward to their visit in September as is Lilly. Those are HER boys!! She is always very anxious when she knows they are comming. Then Lilly and I will be able to share some new secrets with them then! My heart too grows anxious.....

Over the Hedge & More!

2006-06-08T03:13:00.000-05:00

I promised Lilly that I would take her to see the movie "Over the Hedge". This in part was to compensate for us going out of town. So true to his word, Papa took Lilly to see the movie. We got us a medium coke to share going in to see the movie and were really enjoying the movie. The movie was getting close to the end of the movie when Lilly proclaims that she really needs to go potty! I told her to hold it as it was getting to the climax of the show when she says, "I gotta go now!" So we make a beeline for the restroom and by the time we got back to the show, we've missed a key segment to the movie. I guess we'll have to get it when it comes out on DVD. It was a very good show!
After that we went back to the house to wash Nana's car. We basically took time to get each other sufficiently wet and then got the job done washing the car. I opened the truck of the car to clean it out when we found a bubble making toy that was bought for her. I gave it to her and for the next 30 or so minutes whe spend making lots of bubbles. I wasn't paying any attention to her when she tugs on my shirt and says "Papa, I spilt the bubble solution". Sure enough, the bottle was on its side and the contents were on the driveway. I did get a bit upset with her and she knew it. I told her to go inside and watch TV while I cleaned the car. A few minutes later she was by my side with tears in her eyes as she was sorry. I too apologized and told her we would get more solution at the store another time. Sometimes I have to remember she IS only 5.
When she looks at me with those big blue eyes, Papa just melts and has to have big hugs... Thank You God!

Today with Lilly

2006-05-31T21:55:00.000-05:00

This morning we watched cartoons and ate cereal. When with Lilly it's always cartoon time. We were waiting to see if Boo (her friend Brian) was comming over for them to go swimming and to jump on the trampoline. We never heard from Boo's Papa so Lilly and I went to McDonalds for lunch then to the mall to do some shopping.
First it was time to ride the carosel as she has one particular black horse she likes to ride. It's the only black horse and it's on the outside. As she rode around and around, we would high five each other and she would exclaim "I love you Papa". How I love that little girl!!
Then we went to Payless Shoe Store and bought her two new pairs of shoes. One pair was for church and the other is sandals with multiple colored flowers on them. She also wanted a little purse so Papa got her a pink Hello Kitty one. We made our way back to the food court were I had promised her some ice cream. She got a vanilla cone dipped in chocolate. She wanted to walk outside in the courtyard of the mall. Lots of children were playing in the fountain and there was a new little train system. We rode it around and then walked through the fountain and which point we got just a bit wet and was cooled off. We went back inside and up the escalators. Lilly wanted to see a movie, but there wasn't enough time as it was 4:30 and her mother would be comming home soon. I did promise to take her to see "Over the Hedge" another time and left to go home.
We got home and Lilly quickly changed into her bathing suit and was ready to go get into her new pool and her Nana had bought and that her Mother and Father had just recently put up. We went and climbed into the pool and had a great time for a couple of hours. Later as we watched tv, she got comfortable sitting with me in the recliner with a blanket over us and fell asleep.
I thank God for times like these and it makes the long hours at work just a bit more bearable! Till next time Lilly!!

Natural born shopper

2006-05-28T17:59:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning, I was getting Lilly up to get ready for church. Dorothy had already gone ahead as she is the director of the first aid ministry. I was putting on Lilly's shoes and commented that we need to get her a new pair of shoes and that I would take her wednesday to get new ones. She is wearing old shoes that are showing their age. She wasted no time in telling me that "I need 3 new pairs of sandals and 3 new pairs of other shoes. Also, I need 3 sets of new cloths." My thought went immediantly to "WOW, are all girls born automatic shoppers or what"? Then I was thinking that thats probably why most children are birthed singularly! How does a father of a whole household of young ladies survive going broke??? I remember taking Mary shopping back when she was younger and actually I look forward spending time with Lilly doing some of the same. Dorothy reminded me that when Lilly was 2, her favorite phrase was "Go shopping, Go shopping". I'll take my special time with Lilly any way I can and be thankful for it!

A blog of special note!

2006-05-27T21:13:00.000-05:00

Although I will be posting a great deal about my granddaughter Lilly, I feel I need to recognize my daughter inlaws own blog. She is the mother of our other grandchildren, Joshua Luke, Stephen Thomas, and Andrew James.
We love Lisa and the boys very much and only wish we could spend considerable more time with them. Lisa has had her blog going for quite a while and has many wonderful stories of her boys. Lilly calls them "Her boys"!
We just thank God for our many blessing He has bestowed upon us! For these children are gifts from our creator to enjoy and to raise them to love the Lord and walk in His steps!
As you read from my occasional posting on the fun that Lilly and I have, I would invite you to link over to Lisa's blog and enjoy the creativity and fun she puts into her writtings!
Enjoy!!

Wednesday 24th, 2006

2006-05-25T21:18:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, Lilly and I went to the park. For late spring it was quite warm so we decided to cut that short and go to the lake. We went back to the house and loaded up our tandem kayak and headed for lake Lanier which is 10 minutes from the house. We kayaked around a bit splashing the cool water on each other and we really enjoying it. Lilly wasn't satisfied on bit though as she wanted to get INTO to the water! So I found a shallow spot to teach her the techniques of swimming. She just had to get to the deep part though and I ended up sitting on top of the kayak holding the loop in her safety vest and had my leg swung out for her to grab if needed. She had a blast of a time and did not want to return home. "Let's stay till dark" was her reply. This is the same way she is when we play on the trampoline. Full of energy!
Between the heat of the day and all the exorcising, by the time I got back to the house she was curled up in her chair asleep. I carried her inside and got her comfortable and she slept soundly for several hours.
Good job Papa!!!

Foreword

2006-05-25T20:00:00.000-05:00

On November 14th, 1986 I married into a pre-made family. Wife Dorothy, with Jerry, Matthew, and Mary in tow. The eldest, Jerry, was 16, Matthew 10, and Mary only 7 years old. This brought many blessings and some real headaches at times too. I had told my wife how nice it would be to have one of our own, but it wasn't to be.
I did the very best I could with no previous child rearing experiences, and managed it ok. After these children grew up and left the home I can honestly say that I felt something missing. And that was having a child that I could put my values and beliefs into.
Through my oldest step son Jerry, I have 3 grandson whom I loves very much.
Jerry and Lisa had 3 boys, Josh, Stephen, and Andrew James (my namesake).
Lisa and the boys currently reside in Florida.
My daughter Mary had a little girl named Lilly. We have had the pleasure of having her being raised in our home. She has been such a blessing from God of which I am extremely grateful. Since the day she was born, I prayed to God that she would be His. I feel this is one of the reasons I have been so blessed to have this little girl living with us. We have been close since the day she recognized my face.
Now as a little 5 year old girl, we are very, very close. When papa comes home from work, no matter how tired I am or how long I have worked, it is time to play. We play together and pray together. We spend time at the park, on the carousel at the mall, jumping on the trampoline, going kayaking and swimming and sometimes just watching TV together.
I feel this is God saying, "OK, now you have a child to raise, let's see how you are going to raise her up". I fully intend on raising this child up to love the Lord our God and know her salvation is from the Lord Christ! She is very involved in church activities and loves choir, awana's and all the events they have for children. I know she loves the Lord and is a short matter of time till she fully understands and will accept and be baptisted. Thanks and Praises be to God!!!