Hi Guys, Someone emailed this to me today and I thought it was worth sharing even though some of you may have already seen it.

Later taters,

Kim


The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.

Old Age, I decided, is a gift.I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful.But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

Wanted...

Hi guys,
I want/need some pics from you guys. I want to add a little bit of all "my peeps" on here so everyone know who I'm talking about when I post.
For those of you who haven't visited Allison's blog yet, I wanted to share this recent funny Ryan story with you. As you know, he is somewhat hearing impaired and his language skills have been delayed as a result. Allison says he has been progressing by leaps and bounds at his new school in Japan and below is a note from Allison on what happened this week. Enjoy.

"Another funny story from the star of most of our funny stories. . .Ryan. . .I picked him up from school today and he tells his teacher, " 'mere "(which means come here) as he motioned his finger toward himself for her to bend down to his level. Of course she did. She kneeled down and was looking him in the face to see what he had wanted or needed from her. He looked so serious. He put his arms around her neck and said "dimme tiss beh-bie"! LOL! She hugged and squeezed him and smooched his little cheeks as he cackled. It was the cutest!!! LOL!!! His talking is coming along so well. It's so funny to hear him expressing himself now!" --Posted By Allison

Hi everyone,
Well I'm well on my way to figuring out the world of blogging. My brother informed me that "blog" is short for the term Weblog. So, now I know.
I want you all to view my slideshow and enjoy the pictures I have on here so far. I'm still trying to figure out how to add some of my pictures from Snapfish to my slideshow so that you can see some current ones of all my grandbabies including our newest family addition Avery Madeline
Cole.
Oh and just so ya know, the pics of Ryan drinking what looks like champagne was really the non alcoholic stuff we had at our niece Michelle's wedding this summer. I know it's hard to believe after seeing how much he's enjoying himself dancing with the ladies. :)

Please feel free to send me your suggestions and advice on how to improve my layout here.

Hello!

Hi everyone,
This is a test run on a whole new world I've entered called blogging. Let's give it a try shall we.
Blogging, hmm, who came up with that term anyway? I don't care so much for it. We'll discuss that later. For now I'm obviously in the process of putting this crazy thing together as I am technologically challenged. With the help of my brilliant brother and genius daughter, I will achieve this objective. :)