Happy Birthday to Great Grandpa Ray!

Lisa August 31, 2009 0Comments

Dear Mom and Dad,

How are you?  I am sharing today’s love letter and my personal ALL ABOUT ME with Great Grandpa Ray.   It is his birthday today.  He is seventy nine. Born in 1930 from what I hear.  I’ve been doin’ my homework on the 30’s.  Here is what I learned.   During the 30′ s Big Band and Swing became poplular.   Shirley Temple began making classics, and while the Model T had been around a while, it was the Model A, Roadster, Touring and Sedans that were big sellers for about 650 bucks!  Since Great Grandpa Ray, LOVES refurbishing  autos, and specifically “T’s” a Model T gets top billing today on my site, it is cute, but not as cute as photos of me.

Here is the birthday Grandpa himself…

BESIDES BEING AWESOME BECAUSE HE WAS BORN, THE 30’S WERE FULL OF INTERESTING THINGS….A few worth menion, Gone With The Wind and the Wizard of Oz (the original version) were popular in the 30’s as were Clark Cable, Joan Crawford, Will Rogers and Fred Astaire.   The ball point pen was invented.  Electric razor, helicoptors and jet engines, all invented in the 30’s.   In 1930 they invented ‘tape’, as well as the Polariod camera in 1932 and a photocopier in 1938.   Sunglasses became poplular in the 30’s.   Also born on this very same date in history is Actor Richard Gere…..in 1949 though.  

The first drive in, for cars appeared around 1933, and by 1936 50% of Americans owned a car. In 1937 Oldsmobile released the first semi automatic transmission.  In 1938 Buick was the first to implement electric turn signals.   In the 30’s unemployment peaked at 28% post depression, and Franklin Roosevelt introduced Americans to ‘Fireside’ chats.  Life expectancy was only 58.1 years at that time for a man.   My great grandfather flew and went on Safari this past July at 78 years young.  SO COOL. 

 Every decade is full of new things, and change, yet the one thing that is constant …. the thing that is always true even if it is always evolving… is… that we are lucky for the time we get with people like Grandpa Ray.   He has made life better for so many too.   He met my Poppy neary 18 years ago… and has treated him like a son.   Great Grandpa has raised his kids, yet his childrens’ kids, are always home when they go to see him.  It’s just that kind of place.  Warm, and inviting, and full of the kind of love he and his wife (the late, Great Grandma Betty) made over the fifty plus years they were married.    When you go there, you can feel it, it is like magic.   Now, as you know he was all Marine, and even though you and daddy are all Army… the wish he has for you  – and is pretty much the same wish that any of us have for you,( no matter whether you have been in the service or not) it is to ‘GET YOUR BUTT’S HOME, ASAP’ …and get them home SAFELY.  

Hey, I want to go for a ride in one of Great Grandpa Ray’s oldie cars…

and if he is really good,

maybe I will take him touring in may shiny red convertible..

But first, I think I check out the whole Model T thing…

Think he will let me drive?

(not if he wants to stay on the road with it)  If you are as cute as I, does driving skill really matter?   I mean, look at my face… I am out havin’ a picnic… !

Yea, I was out enjoying the day, and my head was a spinnin’ with all the things I have learned about the 30’s with both Great Grandpa’s celebrating special birthday’s.   The craziest thing of all that us Grandkid’s and GREAT grand kids learn …. is how amazing it is that we get the chance to have these people in our lives .   Poppy put it best, when you and daddy deployed,

he said that Grandpa Ray has taught him so much about what being a Grandfather means and how honored he is to be a part of this family.  Since Grandpa Ray kept Nana, and all of the campers in his life, when he didn’t have to, he taught all of us about integrity and character.   He has been a grandfather to momma and all of mommy’s sisters of  Nana’s marriage to Poppy… even though Nana was no longer married to Grandpa Ray’s son, he has always been like a dad to her.    He has loyalty to his family & friends, beyond measure.   We have all become a special kind of blended and unique family….. all of the Aunts and Uncles from this family welcomed Poppy, and all of my Aunts, my Mommy and Dad into their hearts too, and OF COURSE ME.   Happy Healthy Birthday GREAT Grandpa Ray.  I am a very lucky little girl to have you and all of the family be considered as my own family.  All the older campers got to have dinner with Great Grandpa, however, Nana and I were unable to go,  and Poppy had to work, but here is the group with Grandpa Ray.. not shown is Gappy, Uncle Brian, and Uncle Jim… they must be on the other side of the table.   Hi to all of you from Mom and Dad, and from ME… the littlest princess of the family.  (aka “the family favorite”) 

Until tomorrow, Mom and Dad, please remember I am as always, your LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, your daughter,

Guillianna!

A Day Trip- ONE LAST TRIP TO THE NORTH

Lisa August 30, 2009 1Comments

Dear Mom and Dad,

I had a field trip to Northern Michigan for one last visit, I THINK.   It was very cold up there already, and clearly a good reason why they call this state the mitten state…. IT IS STILL AUGUST, and overnight lows hit the upper 30’s in the North.    Nana’s brother has been very sick, and Great Grandma it seems has sold her property.  We had to rent a big truck and move some stuff, but now… everything is done.   We left camp around 6ish, and went all the way there and back in one day.   Needless to say, I was in my car seat quite a bit, but was AS USUAL sweet and adorable.   Just that Nana doesn’t have a lot of pictures today. 

The ones she does have,

PRETTY MUCH LOOK ALL LIKE THIS…

Me bundled in a car seat.

We stopped frequently, and I got to play with Poppy and two of the campers here that traveled with them to entertain me.

I was so good.  

Last night we returned the big truck, and we came back to camp where I got a tubby and Nana tried to snap some pictures of my long locks of hair… but you can’t see it too well since they are so light.  But it is growing…. almost time for a ponytail… or maybe not so much.

I can tell you this though, when the wind blows, and it makes my hair move, I laugh, and smile.   I love the way it feels… maybe that means when I grow up Daddy and Mommy need to buy me a convertible, so my hair can blow in the breeze.   So here I am after my tubby just sittin’ back and relaxing at camp.

I will write tomorrow and let you know how camp is going, but for now my road trips are ended.   Sad for Nana, but at least she has memories with lots and lots of photos of the place, and she says, nothing will change that.   So I plan to keep writing you and sending you photos, so that even when you are sad, or feeling lonely… you can look at these pictures and know I am right here… waiting for you… and ready to make a lifetime of memories with you two.   As always, your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, (here is one last photo from Great Grandma Sally’s)

Guillianna!

Are You Ready For Some Football? It’s cold enough!

Lisa August 29, 2009 0Comments

Dear Mom and Dad,

Today’s weather in Michigan felt like FALL and you could smell college football in the air….  or something like it… believe it or not Nana had me wearing a coat outside!   Well, today may have been cool enough for a coat but it does not impede my desire to be outside.   I love it, and it shows… the beast and I had some quality time together today, so I will cut to the chase and you can see it written all over my face,  ‘it says….’LOVIN’ IT!’  

I am sure you will love today’s photo shoot, as I took so many excellent photos.  Nana and the beast are napping they are so tired from today’s pics.   Which is your favorite?   As far as words go, I am doing great, and I am happy… I am working on all kinds of things and developing as I should, no real news, still love my bob, and some cereal and fruit.   Nana let me lick a bit of Papa’s ice cream, and it was delish, I also licked a tad of frosting, and it was even better.   I will wait to have my own first birthday cake with you and daddy.   For now, let me share my photos!

THE PRINCESS WAVE!

I am trying to learn it, and doing very good.  Sometimes I get it and other times, I just like to follow my hand… either way… it’s fun!

 Really, I was just at the end of a yawn… and the beast caught it…

Nana doesn’t even like the story of Little Miss Muffet, and the arachnid, let alone a story with a wolf that eats a Grandma… so

No worries here, chances are, I won’t even get to watch any G rated things – and any mean nursery rhymes somehow get new words.   She Nana – izes them and and sings her own words.  Silly Nana!  I think she just forgets the words…. 

So there is no hiding how I feel about taking walks with the campers, or going for a stroll outside…

It may change when winter strikes, and Michigan is a winter white wonderland of sub zero temps and snow and ice… but for now..

I LOVE IT. 

I also had a great time inside at camp today… and don’t think the beast and Nana were not there to catch it, because… the ‘snap-arazzi’ were snappin’ up photos!

So since it is before Labor Day, are white shoes still okay?

I am hoping so, cause I wore my white party shoes today…

and I am very happy about it..

Can you tell?

Have you chosen a favorite yet?

Nana obviously CAN’T!

I hope your days and nights are full of pictures of me in your head, and on your heart… I know this has been so awful for you both, but rest assured, I am going to be ready to spend a life time with you both.   The pictures will all become reality, and I will always, and forever be your your, Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, the one the only

GUILLIANNA! 

Now, I have my own applause…. if you like my pictures or letter of the day, you can clap!   Simple as that,  I am learning how to clap, and now you can clap with me, if you feel like it…. just move the mouse over the clap button… and you’ve got it.    Clapping may be easy for you grown ups, for me it’s a big deal…. SO CLAP ON AND with every clap we are making a wish for the safe return of mom and dad  ASAP!  You can go back to favorite days, and clap there if you wish… it’s a new feature, and may not stay on the site, it may make it easier for Mommy to respond since she cannot type me notes.   Just a mouse click and I will know you were there!

Celebrating Great Papa…

Lisa August 28, 2009 3Comments

Dear Mom and Dad,

I am out on a date tonight, with Great Papa for his birthday.  I know this is a place that is normally ALL ABOUT ME… but Great Papa, has turned 73 years old.   I hope he doesn’t mind my sharing this information with all of the world, but it is such a nice thing.  Great Papa was born in 1936.   Jesse Owens won four GOLD MEDALS in the Olympic games, that year, in Berlin.   It was the first time a major sporting event was televised – and it was BERLIN… it was historical and 73 years later, to bear witness to the changes in the world… well it is amazing.   American soldiers like you and dad, we all hope will be home soon, and wouldn’t it be nice that if in my life time, peace prevailed?  

Here I am in chewing on my favorite little toy, and contemplating..

73 years…

Papa and GGma have four children.  They have seen much and learned much.  One thing is certain, he loves being a Papa, and he has done such a good job … he is active in the lives of all his kids, as well as his eleven grandchildren, and TOO MANY Grandpets to count when you figure in, Great Aunt Michelle’s and those at camp Nana.   Topping it all off the CHERRY ON TOP… me!   I have to say Mom and Dad, when he holds me, or see’s me, his whole face, shows his heart.  No hidin’ it, he is in love.

I have been known to have that effect… but you can see it can’t you.   Nana says, he and GG-ma have had that for all the grandkids, always going to cheerleading competitions, or hockey games, sitting on cold bleachers, in frigid ice arenas… traveling accross the country to see all the grandkids, and even taking you to Disney World with all your sisters and brother!   I know he still works hard, every day trying to find ways to make the lives of his kids, and now his kids, kids, KID, better.   Lucky… we are very lucky.  So no being shy about 73 years, Papa, you wear them well, and you can be so proud them.   To this world, you brought children, and my Poppy, well he has walked in your footsteps, professionally, and with his family… bringing my mommy who has now brought me into a world of love, filled with true, honest and unconditional love.   SOOOOO LUCKY…. SO VERY VERY LUCKY.

In case you didn’t know, in 1936 these were the top ten most popular songs!

‘All My Life’ – Fats Waller

‘Alone’ – Tommy Dorsey

‘A Beautiful Lady in Blue’ – Jan Garber

‘Did I Remember?’ – Shep Fields

‘A Fine Romance’ – Fred Astaire

‘The Glory of Love’ – Benny Goodman

‘Goody Goody’ – Benny Goodman

‘I’ll Sing You A Thousand Love Songs’ – Eddy Duchin

‘I’m Putting All My Eggs In One Basket’ – Fred Astaire

‘In The Chapel In The Moonlight’ – Shep Fields

No, I am sure my mom and dad have never even heard of these songs, and will be heart broken to learn that I AM A NEIL DIAMOND fan and will only go to sleep with his music, but what they will know when we finish this love letter dedicated in my Great Papa’s honor, is that there is so much of where WE HAVE BEEN that leads us where we are going.   Great Papa, helped my momma, unconditionally through much of her life, now he holds me, and helps me through this time with out her and daddy, and I KNOW he hopes and prays everyday for their safe return to me.   Nana says she doesn’t know the yiddish word that translates to the PATRIARCH of his family,  but thinks that his mom, Great Great Grandma Gert, would have written a beautiful poem for him if she were here.    Describing far better than I could, what his being here these past 73 years has meant.   But my birthday gift to you is this little poem, from a great grand child whose time at camp and spent with you – is truly devine!

A son, you are, a brother too,

 a loving husband – an uncle, a father, what else do you do?

A grandparent, a doctor, a craftsman as well,

the list is endless, how do you do it? You really must tell!

Now a great grandfather, who is adoring and kind

I am a lucky little princess, whose made quite a find.  

I hope we have years to share in your love and to ‘dance’,

I know I will grow happy just having had the chance.

Seventy three years of expericence, and more life to live,

One thing stands out, your amazing ability to give! 

Thank you dear Papa, for all you have done

in raising my Poppy –  your youngest son! 

You have taught him so much and passed on your gifts.

But most of all Papa, it is your smile that uplifts. 

I see it here as you stand with your sons,

your mind ever thinking, IT CONSTANTLY RUNS!

Love for your daughters and grandchildren too,  really Papa – enough said,

Your love is appearant ….you keep our hearts and souls well fed! 

 Any challenges we face as a family,  I know we can withstand,

for the joy and love you have brought us, is truly so very grand!

All of my love, your GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER,

GUILLIANNA

Besides your coming to the world, in 1938 this is what what goin’ on-

This is the year the Hoover Dam was completed, gasoline was 10 cents a gallon,  average cost of a new home, about $3925.00.   Average annual income, (if you could find a job post depression with unemployment over 16%), was $1713.00 per YEAR.   Wow, how some things have changed.   WHAT HAS NOT CHANGED, IS THE LOVE A PARENT HAS FOR THEIR CHILD, FOR THEIR CHILDS’ CHILD, and now for me!

My formula alone per year, is nearly twice the average wages for a year then.  CRAZY HUH?   You have seen my little red sports car, well when Great Papa was born, a Studebaker car (yes that is a real name of a car) was $665.00.   Cribs are more than that!   Exhausting to even think about huh?   Just thinking about it all, I had to crash for a while…. what will it be when I am 73?   

I had a great time visiting tonight, all the campers and I celebrating LIFE and 73 years that have evolved into this very day, this very moment.    We thought of you two often, and can’t wait till you are here… until then, I love you both, and as always, I am your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, and a Great Granddaughter,

Guillianna!