WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER 2022

Well, here I am! lol So much to comment about and things that happened a couple of weeks ago, that I never commented about. I know you will all forgive me if I miss something.
Rebecca- Loving the pics of Athena! She is such a beauty! Big hugs to you and your sister. Navigating the hard stuff is easier with someone helping.
Tracey- Love the ceramic castle and dragon! I don't think I have painted ceramic anything since jr high. We have an art barn nearby, that allows the public to come in and make all kinds of things (stained glass, tile creations, ceramic stuff, etc) Of course, it is pricey, but I am thinking I might do it as a treat for myself. Maybe take one of my artsy friends with me.
Michele- You are kind to take on your coworker and deal with his "life issues". But do you feel like you have to? That's not good for you (or him) if you feel like it is an obligation. When is your visit with Denise?
Barbie- THANK YOU for bringing us into September! Like many others, I enjoy reading how you have streamlined your life to make it easier for you and your DH! Inspirational!
Heather- I rejoice with you and your upcoming "surprise" cruise! As I cruise, vicariously through you, I say you enjoy every moment of this trip with your generous/adventurous Johnny! La Dolce Vita! Love the pics of the kids! Sweet Bea! Just when we think she is getting so old; here she is with her "lovie"!
Machka- I enjoy reading your posts. I think we are very similar in the way we process and handle the challenges that come into our lives. I feel like mentally, we are in the same place when it comes to handling the stresses of being "carers" for our husbands. It is a challenge. Definitely not one I thought I would be facing at 50 (now 55). But we get it done. Hugs to you!
Katie bug and Beth- Thinking of you both as you handle living situations for your parents. Been there with my inlaws. Not an easy road to travel.
Karen VA- I am with you on the "purging" of things. I have never really been a "saver" of anything, though. I think that is due to losing my folks so young, and having to go through the sorting/selling of their things. My DH learned when his mom passed. He wanted to (and so we kept) many things. Over the years, he has finally been able to let go of a LOT of it. It does look like I will be stuck with his mother's ugly green cookie jar for the rest of my life, though.
Rori- Has anyone ever told you how stunning and full of life you are?! Whenever you post, it is very life affirming, warm, and real. Sending you all of the love!
Rita How exciting to be teaching! I think it is very fulfilling to teach someone something new. Kind of a cool little tidbit about your park.

Let's see, what have I been up to? lol My childcare has been growing. As the older kids have headed off to school, I have had to fill a few part time (M,W,F) spots. So I have interviews set up for four new families. The kids are all over 18 mos. They have to be; because I currently have three under 18 months with two more infants starting in February/March of 2023 (as the oldest infant will be over 18 mos at that point). I have another infant scheduled to start in August of 2023. Yes, that is right my infant spots are being booked a year to a year in a half in advance. One of my childcare families outgrew me this fall. Their boys are 2nd grade and Kindergarten. The mama of these two made me the most spectacular quilt. She titled it Guiding and Growing and incorporated many little symbols of the care I gave her boys. She got the idea for it and began the planning/work on it four years ago. On the boys last day, when she and her husband came to pick up the boys, they presented me with the quilt. I was so touched. I have never had someone put that much thought (and work) into a gift. She and I were both crying in my driveway. Pictures of the quilt and the letter explaining the quilt are posted below. The morse code translation is: Thank You, Love J,J,S,P (their first initials). Extremely touching and humbling. The parents have also invited DH and I to dinner tonight at a very nice upscale restaurant. Kid free. I have not dined in a place like this since DH and I were dating (33+ years ago)!
My grandsons are growing like weeds. I have recent pics of Joaquin starting Kindergarten and of Javier in his walker. My daughter calls his walker "baby jail" because that is where she puts him when he is getting into the dog's food and water dishes. YES, he is throwing a full on tantrum in shots three and four. LOL I have not included a pic of Miguel, as all of his pics lately have been coming to me via video. He is an almost three year old ball of energy and he is going through a language growth spurt. His latest thing to say is "I da boss." (I'm the boss.) This is usually in answer to whatever his mom is attempting to get him to do.
Baby Joaquin:
Kindergarten boy, Joaquin:
Javier the jail bird:
Myself with the two boys that outgrew me:
the quilt:
The letter that came with the quilt:

I have today off, so I slept in until 7am. Enjoyed two cups of coffee before DH woke up and needed my help getting up. There is a road crew outside tearing up our bike path (and repaving it). It makes me kind of sad that I don't have the kids today. They love to watch the bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks. They have been working in view of my house since 7:30 this morning. The kids would have been mesmerized.

Sending love and hugs to all! So many I haven't responded to, but know I read your posts and you are all in my heart. Welcome new girls!
OH! P.S. to PIP- Let me know when you begin collecting for the MS bike ride! I know it is coming up. Send me the link to donate to your page.

ttfn xoxoxo KJ (Kelly)