Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!  This year has been one of the best ever.  We spent Christmas Eve with Heather, James, Sammie and Hayley, Dave, Nicole, Cheryl, Robert, Austin, Emma, Eden; Aunts Mary, Annie & Lyn; Kevin, Damon, Tim and dear ol' wonderful Dad.  And Christmas Day, Dad is hosting a sumptuous feast at the Village where he lives.  We are so blessed and thankful for the wonderful gifts of love and family that the Lord has given us.  I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.  Feliz Navidad.

Thanksgiving Travels with Bruce

Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving.  

Before we left Vegas, we took a tour via the monorail service.  They are just wonderful.  Clean, quiet, fast and time saving.  Saw replicas of the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower,  MGM's Gold Lion, the Brooklyn Bridge the Luxor Pyramid, Stratosphere and much, much more.  Bruce was in photographers heaven.  We were going to gamble $20 but after Bruce lost $5 in the first few minutes and I won $11+ in as many, we lost interest.  No wonder I'm called the black cat in Vegas.  The casinos will never get rich on us.  We came for family and won really big time!!!! 

Sunday morning we left for Oregon via Bishop, The Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Death Valley.  Not necessarily in that order.  Then on the fast I-5 the rest of the way.  Death Valley is a strange, unusual,  almost eerie place.  I'd love to see it when the wildflowers are in bloom in Spring.  It's not a place to put on our annual vacation list tho'.  We saw maybe six cars until we reach the hiway 50.  Traffic was never heavy on the whole trip.  All in all, a beautiful, leisurely ride.    

Got to Larry and Clara's (Putlitz) Tuesday afternoon. We hugged, laughed, visited....all the usual family stuff that makes holidays so special.  Got home on Saturday and crashed!!!!  We had the most enjoyable and leisurely Thanksgiving trip ever.  

Love and God bless.

Grammy's on Drugs

Hi Folks,  Finally went to the doctor about this awful cough I've had for the last 2 months.  My asthma was set off by something and I couldn't shake it on my own.  I thought it would go away but doctor said only Prednisone will clear up the infection in the lower part of my lungs.  I'm not contagious.  But when you see me I might be puffed up like the Poppin' Fresh Dough Grammy LOL, shaky and maybe a bit testy.  I'll do my best to be my old self but like Sis Mary says Prednisone is like PMS in a pill.  By Christmas I'll be on a much lower dosage.  Hope it reduces the bad side effects.  Hope you are all enjoying the Christmas festivities and preparations.  Love and God bless you all.

Hillstrom Reunion

                                                                                               As my Emma loves to say....Happy Day.  This has been two of the happiest days of my life.  My Uncle Alan and his daughter, (my cousin) Kristen, (The last time we saw each other was 30 years ago!) came to Las Vegas to see my Unca' Bob.  We arrived Friday;  Cousini Barb and Jimmy came in Thursday and Cuz Sheri & Martin arrived Friday.  We had dinner Friday.  What a happy, noisy bunch we were.  I grew up with my Uncle Alan in the first 11 years of my life.  I loved him then and love him now.  My uncle Bob, too.  We all talked at the same time, laughed, hugged and kissed.  All I can say is...Happy Days.  Love you all.      

This One's for You, Mary

Emma came to visit us early this week.  She and I took a walk with Blackie and a little pup  that I bought for Eden that Emma  pulled on a string.  It turned out that the pup walked some and was pulled sideways most often.  Afterward, Papa came home with a Happy Meal!!!!!  We dined in style in the living room and after gave her the toy in the box.  A PENGUIN!!  It was a happy day for all!!  Hope your have a happy day, Mary.  Love you lots.

The Other Two of Our Four Beautiful Granddaughters

This is my lucky day.  Heather posted some really great photos of Samantha and Hayley.  Now we have up to date pictures of all our grandaughters.  I tried to enlarge them but couldn't.  What lovely girls.  We love them so much.

Two of Our Four Beautiful Granddaughters

Look how fast they've grown!!!  Emma has promoted me to GRammy.  And Eden is a happy little jumping jack.  Thank you Lord, for these wonderful gifts.  

Bruce got a great shot of our favorite grandson.  Love you Austin.

Eden"s Dedication Day

...Eden was dedicated today...or I should say her mom and dad dedicated themselves to raising her in the 'way she should go'.  She is looking at the pastor with rapt attention.  What a love.  Emma took the whole thing seriously too.  That's as cheerful as she got at church.  She makes me laugh even when she's frowning.    Fortunately, she cheered up when she got home.  She and Papa Bruce played Hide Papa Under the Blanket.  She just loves it when she 'finds' Papa.  We all had fun just being with them...the homeade apple pie was good too.  God bless you all.

.

Go USC

Go USC!  This is a get well greeting for James.  Bruce said the score was 69 to something.  Hope you are healing fast and that we see you all again soon.  Nothing like your team winning to give you an adrenalin boost.  Miss you all.  Love, Barb aka Grandma

Happy Day Annie!!!!!

Happy Day!  Happy Day!  Happy Day!  Have a wonderful birthday with your great set of friends.  Are you coming down to celebrate your birthday with us?  Either way, we love you and appreciate you.  God bless.

Happy Birthday, Bob!!!!!

Bob, Happy 28th Birthday to you.  Best wishes for a special birthday.  Please come to our second Sunday get together October 12th.  What's your favorite cake or dessert?  What would you like to us to serve for lunch?  It's your call.  Love you so much, Tnua Arabrab

Gammy's Jammies

Spent the night at Mary's.  When I walked by the hall mirror I had to laugh at my reflection.  So I threw one of Mary's scarves around my neck and took a snap of my fashionable (lol) ensemble.  I could get a job at MacDonald's as Ronald's mother.  How'd you like to get a doll of me in a Happy Meal!!!  (LOL Louder)  Looking forward to seeing  you all at Emma's party.  Love you.

Lasik Surgery Postponed

No Lasik surgery today! Surgery has been postponed until the end of September. Had pressure issues and some question about cataracts. More tests on September 18 will point the way to next steps. Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts. Love you all!

Happy Birthday, Hayley!!!!!

Happy birthday 6 year old.   What a big girl you've become.  Grandpa Bruce and I are looking forward to celebrating at your birthday party this Sunday.  Always know we love you and you are soooooo special.  Love, Grandma Barbara 

LASIK surgery

I'm having LASIK surgery on the 28th of this month.  Kind of scary and very exciting.  Friends who've had it done think it's the greatest thing since potato salad or white bread. LOL  Prayers are appreciated.  Love you all.

Hi Guys,  It's been a long time since I wrote anything.  In July my brother and I went on that vacation I mentioned in April.  Thank you , Bruce, for thinking of us and making it all possible.  I flew up to Oregon and then we drove back to Corona for a couple of days and to pack the wheelchair that we've been storing for him.  Larry got to meet some of you (I wish it could have been all of you).

  Here is an excerpt from a letter he wrote after the trip:  "...It was a pleasure to see Herm - a real gentleman; and Dave - a man grown and nice guy, and Nichole - a real treat - I could see those two belong together; and Cheryl - such a good mom and so happy; and Emma and Eden - what more can one say about cute; and Annie - her fun fuse is lit and away we go.  Most of all, I got to see a slice of your life and what value you all place on family..."  

Here's what he wrote about when he and Bruce loaded and secured the chair into his van, "I think Bruce's and my knowledge of the 'Laws of Physics in Relation to Moving Wheeled Objects Into Other Wheeled Object in an Urban Mediterranean Clime' deserves to be written up and submitted to NASCAR, 'First ya get two guys with oh, about three-quarters of a brain between 'em, and some plywood and boards and rope and stuff and make sure no one else is watching.  Then the guy with the least brains gets to be the 'driver' and the other guy gets ready to run in case it don't work...'  A real scientific piece.  I'm sure NASCAR would not be what it is today without pioneers like us."

Got to go now.  I got some kind of ugly message that Autosave failed.  I hope that doesn't mean everything is lost.  <3

Happy Birthday, Tim

Happy Birthday, Tim 

 In less than 18 years you've gone from 

Barney to Berklee!

Congratulations with love from two of your biggest fans.  

Happy Birthday, Robert

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you.  Happy birthday, dear Robert.  Happy birthday to you.  And many more!!!  Love you lots and hope you have a wonderful day.  Dad & Barb

Get Well, Sammy

Dear Sammy, I hope this note finds you all better.  I did the message and Grandpa took the picture with a wide lens camera.  It looks prettier in the picture.  We love you and pray for you and Hayley every day.

Grandparents Day Photo

We received a real treat in the mail the other day. The picture taken in February at Trinity Private School for Grandparents Day. Here we are with two of the sweetest girls in the world.  What a wonderful day that was.  Samantha and Hayley, you're not only sweet, you're smart!  We got to see samples of your schoolwork and watch you play at nutrition time.  We also saw a wonderful show presented by all the students.  You're not only sweet and smart!  You're talented!  You're not only sweet and smart and talented.  You're loved!

Fight High Gas Prices

A friend of mine sent me an e-mail that's worth telling others about.  Boycott Exxon and Mobile for the rest of this year!   If they're hurting they'll lower prices and the competition will have to lower theirs and so on and so on and so on.  That's the theory anyway.  Hope to see you all separately or en masse soon.  Love, Barb

Thank You So Much!

• I'm loving our Digital Picture Frame.  Thanks, Heather, James, Samantha & Haley.  
  
• I'm also loving my Digital Picture Key Chain.  Thanks, Cheryl, Robert, my sweet Emma and Eden for the sixth best Mother's Day present ever.  The first five, of course, are Austin, Samantha, Hayley, Emma and Eden!  <3

Big Oops!

Happy belated birthday, Cheryl!  I read your delightful birthday cake story and for some reason registered Mother's Day.  I hope it was happy in spite of me.  You are so very special and I'm so lucky that you and Robert found each other.

Happy 3rd, Dave and Nicole!  I love the way you love each other.

Half Price Sale!!!!!

• Annie, have I got a car for you....It was 1/2 price. I guess because it had only one 8!!! lol Thinking of you with love.
  
• I just got a call from Cheryl. She put Emma on the phone who said, "Happy Day, Gammie!" really loud several times. Eden threw in a wail that I interpreted as the same greeting. I may now be hearing impaired but it was worth every decibel.
• Happy Mothers Day to all you moms out there and up there too.

Blessings Galore

• Today I met Cheryl, Emma and Eden at the Dr Joe's.  I was in the room next to Cheryl and the girls.  While I was waiting I could hear Emma's soft sweet voice making all kinds of unintelligible conversation.  I sneezed a couple of times and then heard Emma saying the same thing over and over.  Finally, she ran into my room, blue eyes shining and said, "B'ess you, Gammy."  I've been smiling all day.  Eden slept the whole visit.  After a quick lunch at Carl's Jr we parted ways with hugs all around.   It was a short visit but I did get my Emma, Eden & Cheryl fix so I'm happy.  
  
• Glad you're doing better, Mary.
• This is a picture of me mowing, lol, my Grandma's lawn.  
• Love to all.

Apples of Gold

• Last night was the potluck for Apples of Gold, the mentoring group that I am a part of.  We all brought our favorite dishes and had a wonderful feast.  I made Chicken Kiev which is one of my few (or maybe two) specialties. A lot of work but I made it up Saturday and chilled overnight.  All that needed doing was to bake it for 20 minutes.  The other dishes were delicious.  Good food, good friends....perfect.  The girls gave us each a lovely bouquet of flowers.  I only sneezed once, something about florist flowers is they don't smell like homegrown.  Hope to get them to Mary before they or I wilt!
• Mary cut her leg again on a cardboard box.  The doctor who sewed her up did a much better job than the last one.  So less trauma.  Thank you Lord.   Bruce stayed with her Sunday night and we'll see how she's doing tonight, Monday.
• Dad, how are you.  Is your cold gone?  You get better too!  Love you.  

Miscellania (?)

• Larry, was good to hear from you.  I'm looking forward to our trip in June.  Love to Clara.
• Mary, keep getting better & better.  Got your emails but it was too late to reply by text.  Glad you're getting rest and taking your meds and treatments and all the myriad other things you have to do to stay well.  Let me know if I can help in anyway that doesn't involve lifting your walker chair and pushing you uphill.  If I'm needed for an overnighter, I will bring warm clothes and that shawl you are making for me.  Looking forward to getting that.  Thanks for the prom picture or is that Tim's senior picture?  I have a very handsome nephew.  The mat/frame is of a better quality than I've seen before.  He is proudly displayed on our mantle.
• Tim, Bruce was really tickled to get your music on his IPod.  He needs to copy it onto mine.
• Dad, how are you feeling?  Is your cold gone yet?  Still looking forward to seeing your new car.  Maybe on the 18Th. 
• Dave and Nicole, we have photos for you.  Will give them to you Sunday.
• Love to all the rest of you.

Update on Mary

• Got a call from Mary Tuesday around noon.  Her blood sugar was scary high.  I threw some stuff in a bag and got there after the nurse checked her out.  It's now Wednesday afternoon and she is resting and taking good care of herself.  Her blood sugar is under control and feeling much better.  Bruce will come up early this evening after work to stay the night and take Mary to her doctor's appointment on Thursday.  Fortunately, he can do his work via his computer, so will be able to juggle both tasks from Mary's.  There may be a few rust spots here and there, but he sure is our Knight in Shining Armor.  I was going to do the doc visit but Mary needed her special chair and knew I couldn't lift it or push her all the way up to the office without hurting myself.
• Going to do my Bible Study on Friday and write some checks for a friend which is something I do once a month. 
• Sunday am going to a Potluck to celebrate the completion of a project my friend, Cherlyn, did for a group of young women in our church.  It's called Apples of Gold.  Anyway, I was involved in one phase.  Saturday I'll be pounding chicken for Chicken Kiev.  One of the few things I can make that's really good.  It's a big job but my KiSA usually helps me.
• By the way, Dad, hope you're cold is better.  Love you.

Update

Hi All,

• Friday I had lunch with Cheryl, Jean (co-grandma) Emma and Eden.  Cheryl is amazing.  She juggled the care of her bambinos and made it look easy.  She's such a good mommy.  Her mom, Jean, gets kudos from me for raising such a special daughter-in-love.  Odds are we won't see Jean until the next baby.  Goodbye, Jean,  thanks for all you did to help make Eden's entry into this world including you and Rob delivering her!!!  It was great to see you and have a safe trip home.  Best to the rest of your (who are now ours also) family.  God bless you all.
• Emma is giving the best hugs now and now calls me Grammy!  I love it.  She's so precocious that she's already into her terrible twos!  LOL  A little stubborn independence rose up in her about eating her lunch.  But the magic  words were ice 'ceam'.  After she ate lunch she ordered ice 'ceam' all by herself and relished every spoonful.  Emma accepts her baby sister without any apparent jealousy.  Eden cried a little, nursed a little and slept a lot. 
• Saturday, we picked up lunch for Mary, Annie and ourselves.  Got to give more hugs and kisses all around.  Thanks, Annie for all you did to get Mary home and settled.  Mary, we're praying for you to get better.  Tim and his friend were getting all gussied up for prom that night.  Hope it was wonderful, guys!
• Afterward we went to Austin's other Grandma's house for Mona's surprise 70th birthday.  Bruce plans to post pictures he took so anyone who wants copies can have them.  Good man, my Bruce.  Mona's gardens are really lovely.  Their were oranges ripe and ready and what looked like little green apricots on another tree.  If Monet were alive, he would have enjoyed painting.  Made me want to paint.
• Today is Sunday.  We went to church, came home, ordered pizza for dinner and did absolutely nothing else all day.  It felt good.  Annie, have a safe trip home. 
• Hey, Dad, congrats on your new car.  Saw the picture Bruce took.  Nice Blue!
• Heather, haven't heard from you in a while.  Hope and pray for good things to happen for you and Samantha and Hayley.  Also pray for a softened heart for Manny.  Hi, James. 
• Still don't know how to post photos.  Had a super one of Austin playing in Mona's yard but I'm missing a step or twelve somewhere.
• Dave and Nicole, love you too.  I always look forward to seeing you Sundays.
• God bless and love to you all, Barb

    

Jury Duty

No more jury duty for one year.  I was one of over one hundred who was released before noon. Mary texted that she spent a good night sleeping in her own bed in her own HOME!   Dad is going to see her and Annie is there too.  I plan to spend time with my tutorial today.  Love you, <3 

Jury Duty

• Gotta do my civic duty Wednesday!  Jury Duty tomorrow. 
• Mary can go home with Home Care Service daily.  A nurse will come each day to do her IV/medicine.  Annie's coming in to Ontario at 10 am.  Bruce will pick her up for me.  Annie will work out a schedule for after she leaves.  Hopefully just for daytime but we'll do what's necessary to get Mary better.  Will keep you up-to-date.   Love B    

Happy Earth Day

• Happy Earth Day!  It's good people are greening up this beautiful earth God made. 
•  Here is a quote from the cartoon, Baby Blues:  "Every day is Earth Day when you have a sandbox in the back yard."  Thought of you, Cheryl.
  
• Bruce surprised me with a Mac last Friday and I'm loving how easy it is to use.  (I'm also loving the man who gave it to me.)  He received a surprise bonus and spent the whole thing on me!  It just blows me away!  Thank you again, Sweetheart. 
• I'm still in the learning stage and so far haven't been able to add the pictures I want.  I need some time with the tutorial and assistance from TutorMan (Bruce).  I intend to add pictures to my current postings when I learn more.
• Love and God bless you all

Good News

• No jury duty Tuesday!  Will be able to visit with Mary tomorrow.
• Sunday afternoon was a delight at Rob & Cheryl's.  Rob barbequed burgers and Cheryl made the best brownies  plus all the other fixings for an enjoyable repast.  We all got to see little Eden and enjoy Emma and Austin. 
• Emma served me about 20 cups of pretend tea.  Also on her menu was corn, peas, a banana and watermelon with steak sauce and ketchup.  She really loves her playroom and has a fine collection of cookware, dishes and plastic food.  She also has the cutest little kitchen.  She invited her Aunt Nicole in for a quick cup of tea and Aunt Heather got tea and a big hug when Emma toppled her trike and needed some love.  These are the most precious times and I thank my precious Lord for them.  I hope next time Samantha and Hayley will be able to be with us.  Love you all!  
  

Saw Mary today.  She's okayed to walk around the second floor and her appetite is  hearty.  Her specialist wants to keep her at San Antonio for a couple more days.  Then she will go to a nursing facility.  I was her official "drug runner/gofer" today.  Picked up stuff from her house, then went to her allergist in Upland to pick up her shot medication and drove to hospital in time for lunch.  Last night, Bruce and I were drooling watching her eat dinner.  She made sure we knew how good every bite was.  So today I went down to the cafeteria and got a meatloaf sandwich and custard.  It was every bit as good as she said.  We visited some and I left when she started to get sleepy.  Oh, by the way, Annie, The basket of flowers and teddy bear came while I was there.  Really cute!  Mary was thrilled.  Love to you all. 

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3!

Lar, at the bottom of this posting it says: comments.  Click there to leave me a comment and I will get back to you.  Love you with all'a my heart!  Had comments on what a handsome lad you were.

Update on Mary

We both went to see how Mary was late this afternoon.  Bruce gave her a beautiful photo of a lavender rose that he took and I brought Emma's almost finished baby doll for her to ooh and aah over.  She had a good dinner.  She was in good spirits and  was dozing off when we left.  We'll stop by Sunday after the family gathering with the latest news and pictures.  Dr thinks Mary will be able to go home Monday.  Fortunately, I'm not needed for jury duty Monday, so I can take her home and do whatever she needs done.   Will give you all an update after we see her Sunday.  God bless, Barb

Trip to Buckeye

Had a super visit with my friend (bff), Val, in Buckeye. (That's where Dad used to work.) She and John live in a beautiful new home with Three Guest Rooms. As usual, we drank coffee in pretty cups, enjoyed time with John and Gizmo the kitty, and we talked! We talked and laughed every waking moment. It was so much fun! She especially enjoyed seeing pictures and hearing about what was new with us. And I enjoyed the same about her family. Our Dave and her Andy played together when they were little guys. Next year we might go to Sedona for a mini vacation with our husbands. All of Sedona is one big photo opportunity. Bruce's camera will shoot a lot of breathtaking pictures and John is a man who likes to hike and be outdoors. As you know, Val, is an author, so she will be soaking in fodder for her books. Me? I'll get me some good walking shoes, enjoy the company of friends and wish I could start painting again. Thanks, John and Val, for a delightful visit. Love and God bless, Barb

Note About Mary

I'll start at the end...Mary is recovering from a bout with Bronchitis at San Antonio Hospital for the next day or two. Bruce got a phone call at 3am this morning from her that she needed to go to the ER. She is on a bipap machine. It is helping. She is resting and coughing less. Please say extra prayers for a swift recovery. Love, Barb

Open Letter to Austin

I just heard about Hazel. Austin, I am so sorry for your loss. You too, LeeAnn & Larry. It's hard to let go of someone you love, but it a true sign of your love to let that someone go. Honey, I hope you will treasure the memories you have of Hazel. In that way she will live in you forever. You're a brave and wonderful grandson and I love you very much. Grandma Barbara

Happy Birthday Larry

Friday, April 18th is your big day, Lar and I just want to say Happy Birthday, brudder. It seems like just yesterday we were in a shoving match over who got the best railing on our porch to play cowboys and Indians! I have a great present for you. How about I fly up to Oregon and drive back with you to Corona, stay over however long you can and we drive back up and I fly home? Bruce suggested it as a special time we can share together. Say yes, Lar. Love to Clara. Love you with all'a my heart, Sis Barb

Open Letter to Mary

• Will gladly see that you get a white iris after it multiplies (math term just for you LOL) more.


• We're having the 'Second Sunday' get together at Cheryl and Rob's on April 20th. Maybe you & Tim can come to it. That new baby is beyond precious!


• Hope your cold is better.


• Got a real kick our of that picture of Tim & Kevin on the roof. Still chuckling.

Dave and Nicole

More wonderful flowers. 2007

James, Hayley, Samantha & Heather

More beautiful flowers from my garden taken Christmas 2007.

Rob, Cheryl, Austin & Emma

More flowers from our garden. Taken Christmas 2007 .

Flowers

Midnight Blue Iris.

Flower

Light blue Iris.

Flowers

White Iris

Apricot Iris

Annie, this bud's for you! Or I should say, bulb...no corm. Whatever the root, it just came up in our garden from last year. I thought it had died or been tossed during the yard makeover. When you come in May I'll try to get some starts for you. (I might [LOL] need a reminder.) Somewhere there is a soft blue and the Midnight Sky, dark purple, is blooming too.

Austin

Super Athlete 12 years old.

Samantha

Pretty Princess, 7 years old!

Hayley

Lovely little mermaid 5 1/2 years old.

Sweet Emma

Three pretty flowers. And the prettiest is Emma. 19 months old.

Eden Awake

Perfect eyes and look at those toes!