Monday, December 28, 2009

Happy New Year To Everyone...Oh What A Year.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR" to everyone who is reading this posting of my blog. I hope that the next year is a great one for everyone and that we all have a better year than this one.And whether your celebrating New Year's, Festivus, Hanukkah or whatever, that you make the coming year a project to make this world better. For yourself, your family and the people around you.We need to pull together as a world and make this world a better place, a safer place and a more loving place for all of us. We owe our children who will be the keepers of the future, a better place for their children to live in.
And speaking of children, I have had a great year...oh I had a few bumps in the road and will be looking forward to 2010 being a little more stable for me and Nana, but I wouldn't change a thing. For 2009 gave me two things I hold dear to my heart.
My first grandchild was born just before Christmas last year...he's a year older, a year wiser and a very big part of my heart. 2009 has been the year that I got to know my grandson, Ryder, to see him grow into the little man he is. I still can't wait to see him as much as he can't wait to see me. His smile is precious to my heart.










And in August of this year a Angel came down from heaven...her name is Madelyn Audrey and she weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 ozs. and has a dimpled smile that will make a very large Pawpaw turn into a puddle in seconds.
She has a smile I saw only once before, in my mom's. When I opened a gift I got this year from my son I held in my hands a picture of hope, of love and of my granddaughter. I see a little of both of my parents in her and I can't wait til next year to get to watch her grow up. I know that they are watching her from Heaven...especially "Pop"...oh what he would be like around Maddy. And "Mom" would have had a ball dressing her up, and rocking her to sleep...just like she did for Maddy's daddy.
Maddy fills a large part of my heart also...thus making me a very proud "Pawpaw". I can only hope to be the granddad to Maddy that "Pop" was to Matt...large shoes to fill..but then again I wear a size 13 anyway....I can't wait til I see her again...and to see Ryder also..I am a blessed man for sure...and a very loved one too.
Top it all off with 3 loving kids and a beautiful, loving wife...my heart is full of love and I am a blessed man indeed.
So I hope you have a very good New Year's celebration, enjoy yourself and get some rest. We have a large task ahead of us all. We have to make the next 10 years better than the last 10...not just for us, but for our kids and grandkids.
So "HAPPY NEW YEAR" and I hope you will come back and visit with me next year. I want to thank everyone who's emailed me, texted me and has taken time to read my blogs...without you I would be only writing for myself. Until next year....

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Do Dogs Go To Heaven...from Waterside Yorkies

This is a post from our blog "Waterside Yorkies" that I posted on Dec. 8th ...I hope you will enjoy it and come back and check us out again. Thanks for stopping by and have a great holiday season.
'DO DOGS GO TO HEAVEN'

I received a email today from someone I have never met, never talked to. Our only contact has been by emails and blogging. She read's mine and I read her's, connected by the net, both of us owning Yorkies. This is my tribute to "Trixie"...dog, pet and friend...
Well, this morning I opened up my email to find a sad one...don't like sad emails. It was from a friend, she told me she lost her dog of 10 years to illness. She was devastated, and asked me if I thought dogs go to heaven. Now talk about religious beliefs and animals, and you get looks like your totally insane. Some people believe animals don't go to Heaven, it's for humans who are seeking redemption, and since animals don't have sin, nor do they have souls, they aren't allowed in Heaven. I am a animal owner and lover, I believe...no I hope that my God does allow our animals to come to Heaven. I can't imagine Heaven without animals. My Lord allows animals, he does in my belief of the Bible. Not having anyone come back from death and tell me different, that's the way I will believe until I find out myself. I will make some mad, some won't even come back and read my blog, but that's fine. I will miss them, but I can't force them to live my beliefs as much as I won't live theirs, we all are different, yet the same at times.
I searched for a story I saw many years ago on "The Twilight Zone". It's written by Earl Hamner, and follows the storyline of a man and his dog. The man and the dog go raccoon hunting and they both fall into a lake and drown. The story goes something like this:

An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they come to a gate in fence and looked in, it was nice - grassy, woody areas, just what a huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'No Trespassing' so they walked on.
They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven" he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him.
The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you." The old man asked "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now." The gatekeeper responded "Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promiss you anything, but, the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road." The man and his dog went on.
They walked awhile and came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "Scuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course, there's some cold water under the tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable." "You sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs aren't allowed anywhere." "Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?" "No Sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final."
The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven." "You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"
"That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"
Wow...been years since I saw that story on TV...feels good to read it again. They don't write storylines like that anymore...reality tv has replaced writers. I saw on the website a quote from Will Rogers...he said "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Funny man, a true legend lost in time.
I told my friend the story... forgot a few things..but all in all the same story...I told her that God wouldn't give us our animals in life to be taken away and never seen again. I believe that my Rosie, my first dog I had, will be waiting for me. To rub her ears, pet her back...brush her. But that's my belief, your entitled to yours. I hope I helped my friend, made her feel a little better. I know that thinking about that story helped me, it gave me a great memory and put a smile on my face and love in my heart. I love my animals, my wife and I have had Yorkies everyday of our marriage...they have seen our good days and our bad. But they have never judged us, yelled at us or abandoned us. And when we come home, they are waiting for us...hoping for a little love, a small price to pay for a lifetime of love back. So yes, I believe dogs go to Heaven...but I am lucky I have a little bit of Heaven already in my house, and 3 Yorkies to show me what it's going to be like. And "Trixie" will be waiting for my friend...wagging her tail, waiting to lick her face and give her the love back, she had received all those 10 years on Earth together.
Thank you for taking time and reading about my friend, her dog and my beliefs...I hope those of you who own animals will appreciate this entry on my blog...and those who don't...maybe it will touch your heart and make you want to help a animal, maybe one in a shelter near your house. I can only hope that this story made someone feel the need to go save a life and start a lifetime of love and affection...God works in many ways, and loves all of his creations...even dogs.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Turkey, Fish and Fun

The Holden Beach fishing tournement champion holds his prize winning catch and looks like it's just another day at the beach. Matt caught this one with a little shrimp bait...biggest one we ever caught in the inlet...good job "Fisherman Matt".
He also caught a few sheepsheads, croakers, and shad...just to keep it real. He had a great time and I had a good one too. I had a fishing pole in my hand, my granddaughter was napping up in the cabin and we were about to eat a giant Thanksgiving meal. And another, and another...alright Matt keep a few in the inlet for next time will ya. It was a good day for everyone, except the fish.We normally only catch little ones, but today we were having a good luck streak...well Matt was.



After a good day of fishing, we ate a large Thanksgiving meal and played with our granddaughter. She's 3 months old and growing like a weed. This was her first trip to the beach and I can't wait til she comes in the spring...to see her playing in the sand by the ocean waves.
Like all good things, the weekend had to end and everyone had to go home...Mom and Dad packed up the car and head back. I was going to throw one of those fish into the car like "Grumpy Old Men" but couldn't do it to my granddaughter and to Matt's beautiful new car.
So that's what I did on Thanksgiving..hope yours was as special as mine, and may your Christmas is a wonderful one. I look forward to seeing the grandkids, the grown kids and all of our relatives and friends. Now if we just get a little snow to play in..I mean for the grandkids to play in...hey that's it...and maybe Pawpaw too.



Saturday, November 28, 2009

Hallmark Ornament Treasures....Oh What Fun We Had

Nana and Pawpaw went treasure hunting again...this time for Hallmark Christmas ornaments..and boy did we strike gold. We spent about a half-hour sifting through multiple tables of ornaments at a nearby yardsale. We found almost a boxful of treasures to add to our collection we already had.
We found a total of 36 ornaments that made us smile, laugh and cry a little. Nana found a Barbie doll ornament to add to her collection of babydoll ones....like Chatty Cathy. I found 2 for our grandkids...one boy one and one girl one...it made me a very proud and happy Pawpaw and will help me remember the great fun I have had this past year with my 1 year old grandson. He has grown up so much in just one year...unbelievable...I do love that little boy. And I now have a brand-new, 3 month old granddaughter. She reminds me of my mom, who past away a few years ago...tears of days gone by, and tears of days ahead with her. She has a little bit of mom in her eyes...I think so at least. I love that little girl...and can't wait til she calls me "Pawpaw"one day...you'll hear the teardrops as they flow off my checks and hit the floor. Hallmark started making ornaments back in 1973...6 glass ornaments and 12 yarn ones. Now they produce about 200 different each year and have over 3,000 different ornaments in their series. Making memories for people to share, to adore, to decorate their Christmas trees with.
Who could refuse Santa...when we saw him we had to have him. He's part of their world series...and will make a beautiful addition to our tree.
And you know you would have gotten this one...a Santa cookie jar...with 3 cookie ornaments that came with it and are stored inside the Santa's body by popping off his head. Magical fun for our grandkids when they grow up a little more.

All in all, we found a total of 36 ornaments..a boxful of treasures, of memories. It was like going to a candy store...we couldn't decide on which ones we want...but we did good..we only bought the ones we knew we had to have. Oh, I know we could have bought the whole lot..it was that much fun.














So we added up the retail values of each of the ornaments, and we didn't even add tax...it came to $443...we are sure glad we paid only $40..yes, FORTY DOLLARS..unbelievable.
Pawpaw's wisdom is this...never judge people who bargain shop...at thrift stores, consignment sales or yard sales...they might not be as crazy as you think...We might be very intellegent people who know where to find the best bargains around...we think so....did you save $403 this week....we did...and that's without taxes even.



Thursday, November 26, 2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...I Am A Blessed Man

What more can a "Pawpaw" say then is expressed in the photo below. How thankful could he be, then for the great blessings God has put on his plate.
I am married to Nana, the most loving, beautiful person I could ask for...she's a wife, a mom and a grandmother all in one great package...I am a blessed man.
I am a dad, and a step-dad to 3 great kids. They have shown me alot of good times, hard times and loving times...and I Love them very much....I am a blessed man.
I am "Pawpaw" to 2 grandkids...Ryder, who just turned one year old and has grown up so much in this year. And Maddy, who just turned 3 months old and has just started to giggle. She is going to be a beautiful little young lady one day...that reminds me..have I cleaned my shotgun lately.
With Ryder and Maddy in my life, I am a blessed man.
And with all my other family members, my friends and all of you who I have met this year...I am a blessed man.
Now, Mr Tom Turkey, he's not a blessed man...he is a blessing to man. What would Thanksgiving be like without all that juicey meat, filled with stuffing, and placed on your dining room table. And all that other food with it...yams, potato's, rolls, butter.........are you hungry...I'm getting hungry. For all the food we will have today I am a blessed man.


And Pumpkin Pie...could there be anything better in the Fall...smell those spices...and Cool Whip on top....for this I am a blessed man.
I have had a blessed year...good times, bad times, happy times and and sad times...but I survived it...and have alot of blessing to show for it. The Lord has blessed me with everything one man needs, plus a few things more. He has allowed me to be blessed with alot of love, the kind that fills your heart full and makes you feel warm and tingly. When I think of all that I have...I tear up..I am a blessed man. Thank you Lord for allowing me to have all that I have. To give me a family that I love with all my heart, a life full of friends and people who make me a better man, 3 Yorkies, who drive me crazy one minute, and make me smile the next...they have a lot of love in their little furry bodies, and 2 precious grandkids, they make me "PawPaw"...a blessed man...Amen.



Sunday, November 22, 2009

Happy Birthday Ryder, Part 2

Part 2 of my grandson's birthday celebration happened on Saturday. His parents were as organized as they always are. He even had a special outfit to wear. He was a happy birthday boy...and boy did he love his balloons that his parents got for him. But he did very well, we only lost one to the ceiling and that was after the party. For a one year old I think that's excellent, don't you.
His mom and dad got a beautiful bakery cake for all of his guests to eat, and yes it was as good as it looks. Can't you taste the icing....
Ryder had his own cake, just for the birthday boy. What more could a kid want, then to have his own whole cake...wow.
He didn't like his crown very much, but hey he's one...try putting anything on a one year old..it's like wrestling a bear at times.
"Mommy...this whole cake is mine...all mine" runs through Ryder's head as his mom gave him his special cake.


























He did a very nice job of eating his cake...he really never got crazy or threw it to his dog...he just took his time...piece by piece...and no he didn't eat it all. He had leftover's for the next day to eat.





HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYDER ...I Love You "Little Man" and hope you had a great birthday..I know I enjoyed watching you celebrate your day.
I know the next year will bring many new adventures for you and for me. I can't wait can you.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to read about my grandson and in helping him celebrate his birthday. I hope you'll come back and check on me again.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYDER

On November 18th, a year ago, the stork delivered us a angel...his name was Ryder David. As his "Pawpaw" I have the pleasure to wish him his first birthday, by way of the net. I started this blog right after he was born...and I look back at it from time to time to see how much this "little man" has changed, has grown into a toddler, has learned to walk and is talking too. And boy, did you change your momma's life...she could hardly wait for you to get here. And once you did, she's been a great mommy, I'm very proud of her...your a very loved little boy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYDER....May this day is as special to you, as you are to your Pawpaw. Your smile can still melt my heart and your hugs make all my aches go away...I Love You Ryder.





How could so much love come in such a small package...




Only for you would a "Pawpaw" take such a silly photo...




You sure do love your "gizmo" ...I know it's a pacifier, but Ryder and me call it a "gizmo", it's our little thing we have going.




Nana is a proud grandma...can you tell?



Even the Yorkies lives have been changed...they never knew what little hands were before you came along.

And Ryder you turned a "good man" into a greater man. You have a daddy that is on the job, 24/7. He became a dad when you were born and hasn't let up yet...you are a loved son.





Your Aunt Tori takes a turn in holding and feeding you...

And even Uncle Eric got brave and held you.





And you made Granny a Great-Granny...it has been a joy for her to see you grow up into the toddler you are.

And Aunt Jordan had the opportunity to hold a baby, while carrying a baby herself. Your cousin Maddy was born in August and will give ya some one to team up on us with.

Uncle Matt really enjoyed getting to know you this year...he can't wait til you and Maddy get to play together.

Nana, tell Ryder that those aren't candy, would ya? Or do you think he thinks they are checkers...maybe we'll have to play someday.



You've been a great baby to watch... easy...very easy.

And I always came when you cried...me and the Yorkies came a running...you'll alway be safe in Pawpaw's big arms...like a bear with his cub.





And boy did you discover your fingers and your hands....out came the "gizmo", in went the fingers and hands.



Your Nana loves you, can you tell....look at that beautiful smile...it's all for you. I really enjoy watching her with you...it makes me teary at times.

And you make my dimples shine everytime I hold you...but that's a Pawpaw's right isn't it?


You sure do love playing on that spotted blanket...fuzzy, warm....just right to play on.

And look at you styling in that hat...what a face...so handsome.



This is one great photo your parents took of you surfing...and not even a year old yet...


Tinkerbell sure does love it when you come visit...she can't keep herself from loving on you.

And here I am in my Redskin's hat you gave me...I still smile whenever I wear it...I am a very proud Pawpaw.



Always playing, always alert, alway a joy to hold on to, to teach, play, and hug.


And even the puppies we had in the Spring loved on you...


Nana and Pawpaw's kids with their kids....can a man be any prouder....




And here's Granny getting and giving a little lovin' again.


A spiked hairdo and a sippy cup..what could be better.



Pawpaw and grandson....a smile-off contest...no loser's here.

A angel sleeping on earth....


Ok Uncle Matt...it's time to play...put me down mommy...I have things to do, and people to play with.



Thanks to Ryder, watching the Panthers isn't as painful as it usually is.

So as we are walking with you, we try and remember when you were just a newborn...small and little...where did this grown-up toddler come from.
And Halloween was really fun this year..watching you go trick-r-treating...


You have changed alot over this first year, but so have we. A year ago I wasn't a Pawpaw, just a dad, a husband. You have changed me forever, and all in good ways. I am so proud to be your Pawpaw "little man". It's a job I take very serious, and I have you to thank.
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYDER....from your Nana and Pawpaw. May all you days be as happy as the ones you have given us. I love you Ryder...I think you know that...I see it in your smile when I'm smiling back at you.
No wisdom to share....only love today...but I guess that's some wisdom in itself, isn't it.


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