A Tribute to My Mom

Mother's Day 2007

Mother's Day 2007 Grandma Ruby & Susan at the Iris Farm

Thanksgiving 2007

My Family visit Grandma Ruby - Thanksgiving 2007

Four Generations - November 2007

Valentine's Day 2008

Christmas 2008

Susan & Gram July 1, 2009

Loretta & Ruby - July 1, 2009

Oh, my, check the duplicates!

Loretta, Keith, Gene, Barb, Melvin & Ruby - July 27, 2009

Loretta, Gene, Dad & Mom - July 27, 2009

Mom & Gene - Celebrating #85!

Special Friends - Jeannie & Marilyn
came to sing Happy Birthday!

Today was my Mother's 85th Birthday and I shall ever be grateful for the bonus days we have with her. We are now in our eighth, almost ninth year of the battle with the dreaded disease called Alzheimer's. In February, 2007, she broke a bone in her knee and we had to move her to Countryside Nursing Home for rehabilitation of the broken bone. It was then that my brother and I realized just what a toll her care was taking on our Dad and made the decision that the care at the facility was the best for not only Mother but Dad as well. She is no longer able to feed herself, walk, or do even the most minute details of personal care. Often, she does not know us - but we know her and continue to care for her daily, watching for those jewels of time when we see a spark of recognition or have her utter a few words that actually pertain to the happenings of the moment. What a joy recently when the following happened early one Monday morning - I was going to take her outside for a walk in the beautiful flowers and when we got to the door, I leaned down by her wheelchair and saw that it had started to rain. When I muttered to myself, "Oh, bummer, it's raining." She looked to the side and said, "I have an umbrella". My tears fell like the lovely morning rain - - - That was all she said that morning, but that was enough. . .

I share some pictures taken in the months that she has been at the nursing home, ending with Birthday Pictures taken today, July 27, 2009.

Kyle's Graduation Party

The Graduate!

The many faces of Kyle (k-12) above the BBQ!

The Goodie Table!

Dad takes a break to watch the video Ashlyn had made.

The Mom who put it all together!

Gram 'n Gramps 'n The Grad!

Gram 'n Gramps 'n the KAT KIDS!

A Fun Time was had by all!

I intended to post this with a June date - but pfffttt the days went by and it didn't happen! Anyway, Susan and Bruce hosted a great graduation party for Kyle Thomas on June 20, 2009 - a wonderfully warm Saturday - and we were able to be there for a few days to join in the fun. About 80 adults and perhaps 'a hundred' of Kyle's peers showed up for BBQ and all the trimmins'! Lots of work for Mom and Dad getting ready but a fun day. Guests began arriving shortly after 3 p.m. and the last bunch left after 1 a.m. Nobody had to rock us to sleep that night - and we barely made it to the last Sunday morning service at church a few hours later! Fun memories - once again we are thankful that God has blessed us with our precious family.

My Digi-Scrapping Efforts

I've recently been doing some digital scrapbooking - and find it to be a very satisfying way to preserve some special memories. I look forward to doing more - with pictures from our past as well as our future. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed making them.

A tribute to one of my favorite people - My Dad!

The following needs no explanation!

aah sweet memories. . .

Our Grandson's High School Graduation

On Sunday, May 24, 2009, our first grandchild graduated from Kaneland Senior High School, making us appreciate even more the treasured times spent with our family. We are so very proud of the achievements of our family, but more so of the fact that they all have Jesus in their hearts! We have watched Kyle grow from a busy baby boy, to an even busier young man, one that has never seen a stranger and often argues with a sign post! We are proud of his academic achievements and awards but even more so of his ability to make friends and be a friend to not only his peers but those older and younger. He is a born leader and we anticipate great things from him and know that the Lord has a special place in his service for our Kyle. We love him dearly and thank the Lord every day for allowing us this special gift.

Maybe someday I'll learn how to move pics from Photobucket in a size that can be seen - until then, enjoy what I have. Posted by one proud KATSGRAM!

Ina Grade School Graduation 2009

This week we were honored to attend the 8th grade graduation at Ina Grade School of my brother's granddaughter, Page Abigayle Clinton. How quickly our 'greats' are growing up! Enjoy some digital shots of this special family time!

Page Abigayle Clinton IGS Class of 2009

Mom, Dad & the Grad
Wayne & Melinda Clinton

Cousins!

Samantha, Spencer, Page & Shaylee

Sisters!

Four Generations of Clintons
Melvin Wayne - Melvin Eugene
Wayne Eugene - Page Abigayle

IGS Class of 2009 Salutatorian - Page Abigayle Clinton

Guest Speaker - Pastor Brad Ryan

Kyle's Senior Prom

Help with the cufflinks from Uncle David

Mom and Aunt Sheila carefully watching!

Fisherman's Cove for picture time with friends!

Beautiful Memories!

Our first grandchild - Kyle Thomas Slamans

and his date Danielle Ryan Anderson

at his senior prom

and my first attempt at digital scrapbooking.

Beautiful subjects made for a first-timer's success!