Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Kids and Grands

The picture above is of my three sons, and it was taken in late 1971.  Bert (who goes by Tre now--since he is a III) is about 8.   Jeff (the baby) is about 4-5 months. And Mark is almost 2.  I had Bert in July, 1963, lost a child between Bert and Mark,  had Mark in Jan. 1970, and had Jeff in May of 1971.  There's only 16 months difference between Mark and Jeff.  Bert was a great 'older' brother!



This picture I think was taken in about 1981.   Bert would be 18 here,   Mark -11 and Jeff -10.



And this picture was taken in 2007,  the LAST time I have seen all three sons TOGETHER...   That's Bert and Mark seated and Jeff standing behind them.  I love my sons more than life itself --and miss them so much!!!



This past Sunday,  I got to see one of my sons (Jeff) ---and three of my five grandchildren.   We met in Knoxville for lunch.   All five of my grandchildren are growing up so fast.  The five are:  Bay Lee-17,  Landon-almost 16,  Chris-15,  Brooke-14, and Avery-13.   Bay Lee and Brooke belong to Mark.  Chris belongs to Bert.  And Landon and Avery belong to Jeff.  The three grandkids in this picture who came to see us were Avery,  Brooke,  and Landon.  I was THRILLED to see them....  I cried all the way home because I miss them all so much.



Here's a picture of  these three wonderful grandchildren with me and son, Jeff.




Can you see the smiles on George's and my faces?  We enjoyed our little visit so very very much.  We don't get to see any of them very much --so when we do,  that time is extra-special!!!



Finally,  Jeff took this picture of all five of the grandchildren,  taken when they were visiting their other grandfather.  From left to right:  Avery,  Landon,  Chris,  Bay Lee, and Brooke.    Isn't that a great group of 'cousins'????   They are all growing up so fast.  I'm so proud of all of them.

Hug your kids and grands ---and if they live nearby,  be thankful that you are there to watch them grow as they go through their busy lives!!

Call me totally crazy --but I am now on Facebook.   I truly don't have time to do something like this ---but my kids/grands are all on Facebook and that seems to be the only way I can keep up with them and hear from them....  SO---if you are on Facebook,  I would love to be your 'friend'....  Go to my sidebar and click on my site!!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy
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56 comments:

  1. Ms. AAugust 10, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    Lovely family, Betsy. I'm so thankful my kids and grandkids live close. Even so, their lives are busy and I don't see them as often as I would like to. I thought my kids grew up fast, but I think the grandkids are growing up even faster.

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  2. Twilight ManAugust 10, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    What a proud mama and grandma you are! Your grand kids are beautiful teenagers today and so healthy looking! I am truly happy for you and George!

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  3. Big DudeAugust 10, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    A few generations ago, it was no big deal for the whole family to be together, but now it's a very rare event.

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  4. BethAugust 10, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    Such a good-looking family, Betsy! I'm glad you got to see your son and grandchildren. I can understand why you decided to join Facebook. I've heard lots of grandparents who joined as a way to stay in touch with their grandchildren---it's such an important part of so many kids' lives these days.

    Forgive me for being late, but I did want to wish you a belated Happy Birthday! I can see from your posts that it was a lovely birthday. You are blessed to have so many people who love you. God bless you, friend.

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  5. From the KitchenAugust 10, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Thanks for sharing such a special time! The children are wonderful. It is hard to be geographically separated from children (no grandchildren yet). We have a son on each coast. We do get to see each at least twice a year but that's not nearly enough (for me). I'm on Facebook and will check you out. Instead of taking a lot of time, I've found it a quick way to keep up with family and friends. See you there.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  6. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmAugust 10, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Great pics of your 3 sons and your grandchildren as well! Good idea getting on FB to keep up with them all :-)

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  7. KarinAugust 10, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    What a lovely group of cousins! Great family shots for the memory books! Blessings! I'll go find you on fb - not that I write on there too often - but I do check it out regularly too! Love chatting with our grands and daughter when they are on! Off to babysit the youngest grand - another two full days!

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  8. TexWisGirlAugust 10, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    sweet kids...both your own boys and then their kids. great pix. :)

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  9. diane bAugust 10, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    How thrilled you must have been to get such a precious visit. They look a great bunch of grands (and sons). I know what it is like to be a long way away from children and grandchild.

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  10. Kim@stuffcould....August 10, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    This is so nice to see your three sons grow up!!!

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  11. ConnieAugust 10, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Great pictures of your family, Betsy. I'm glad to hear you had such a nice visit with them. They do grow up fast, don't they!

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  12. Cheryl @ TFDAugust 10, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    You have a lovely family, Betsy. I know you miss them and I'm sure they miss you, too. I'm glad you got to have this nice visit. Everyone looks like they had a great time. Wonderful photos of all!

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  13. RoeHAugust 10, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    What a neat bunch of people. And I'll bet every one of them is as nice as they look. You done good, Betsy!

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  14. DarAugust 10, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Betsy and George,
    Your Grandloves are gorgeous and so grown up already. So happy for you to get to hug their necks., even tho not enough. You are so right, they grow so fast. It's one of the reasons, I love taking care of some of mine, even tho it gets 'hair-raising' at times. I love them to death.
    Love their names Landon, Avery, Brooke, Chris and BayLee...
    BlessYourHearts

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  15. Busy Bee SuzAugust 10, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Oh Betsy...I bet this just tugs at your heart...being away from them all. I really understand this. Living away from family is so difficult and we must treasure all those moments when we get them.
    your grandkids are beautiful outside and I am sure they are just as beautiful INSIDE...I mean, look at their Grandma. :)
    xoxoxoxo

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  16. Becca's DirtAugust 10, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I would love to friend you on FB. There are a couple of other blogs I follow that are FB friends also. Oh my goodness Betsy - they are growing up so fast. I know because mine are too. The grands are so special. Great photos.

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  17. Becca's DirtAugust 10, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    PS Not any of mine live nearby either and I miss them so.

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  18. MadSnapperAugust 10, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    you are truly blessed with a handsome family. great shots of all of them and of you and george.

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  19. JeanneAugust 10, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    I too understand how much you miss your boys and grandchildren. Our children all are away and it's never easy saying goodbye. Thank goodness for e-mail, cell calls, and texting! I have tried Facebook too but like texting better for now.

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  20. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Betsy, you have a wonderful looking family.

    Most of my family are "facebookies". I don't care much for FB for a number of reasons. I closed my account about a year ago. I hope your experience with FB is better than mine was :-(

    Have a great week :-)

    ~Ron

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  21. Janice KAugust 10, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    I understand not having your children and grandchildren not living close by. Sad to say, it is usually for funerals that we are all together. However, since we retired, getting to visit them is easier.

    Thank goodness for email, blogs and facebook, keeping up with their lives at least somewhat visually is possible.

    And, it was really nice that our son married a wonderful young woman with two really special young girls, who we are able to enjoy right here in Fort Wayne.

    You have such a lovely group of grandchildren. You are right...enjoy every minute you can.

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  22. Terry and LindaAugust 10, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Your family is just beatiful! They have the same sunny smile as you!

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
    http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

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  23. Personalized Sketches and SentimentsAugust 10, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    AW! Wonderful photos! I know what you mean about not seeing our kids as much as we would like! And it has gotten harder to have a time that we are all able to be together! My heart's desire is that when we are finally grandparents, that we live at least in the same state as all our three kids and their future families!

    Blessings & Aloha!
    I would love to be a facebook friend :o) I am still learning more and more about fb, blogging, etc! haha (I'd love if you become a "fan" of my facebook art page too)
    & thank you so much for stopping by my parachuting post...I can NOT imagine myself parachuting! :o)

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  24. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Thank you for sharing your family photos of your sons and grandchildren with us. What a blessing they are! They grow up so fast and time spent together is very precious. I have never been on Facebook but it sounds like a fabulous way for you to stay in touch with your beautiful family. God bless you all. Hope you and George enjoy your day. Love, Mildred

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  25. mudderbearAugust 10, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Ah Betsy...what sweetness. You have a beautiful group of children there. No doubt they all love seeing you. It's heartbreaking to miss them so much. I am very sympatico with you at this moment. My Ben and his group was here yesterday. They live in Florida. I know how you miss yours as I miss mine.
    Hugs and empathy, dear friend.
    Rosalie

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  26. imacAugust 10, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    Family time is golden.

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  27. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiAugust 10, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    You have a beautiful family, Betsy, and I'm glad you were able to spend some nice times with your son and grandchildren! As a long distance grandmother I know how wonderful those moments can be.

    I'm on facebook for the same reason --I'll go over and ask you to be my friend :)

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  28. Ginny HartzlerAugust 10, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Yes, I am on Facebook! I will have to go and friend you! When I first learned it, I got addicted and was on every minute, once I found blogging I don't go on very often. I have my blog automatically linked to publish on Facebook. But I'm warning YOU, I have friends who get addicted to Facebook and STOP blogging!! It is a very good blog thief. My best friend hated Facebook and said she would never join, but it was the only way she could stay in touch with her grandchildren, so she finally gave in. Now she sees all their pictures and what they are up to and their conversations with their friends. Wonderful pictures of your family!!

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  29. LolaAugust 10, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    That is a lovely pic. I know you had a wonderful time with your son & the kids.
    I wish I were able to do more with mine. I have the GGS's often, have all their life. GS's are close but never stayed over. They are kept very busy, which is good. They are growing up much too fast.

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  30. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Hi Betsy, You have a family any woman would be proud of! You are blessed. Have a super day!

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  31. UnknownAugust 10, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Beautiful family you've got there! Wow, where does the time go? My oldest grandchild is about to start his senior year in high school while Laura, our "surprise" youngest child, is just beginning her sophomore year in college.

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  32. HappyKAugust 10, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    Grandkids grow seem to grow up faster than your own kids!! I'll be going out to Denver sometime next month to see my daughter and two of my grandkids. They are already grown up at 18 and 20!!!

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  33. Arkansas PattiAugust 10, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    Your sons are definitely your sons. They didn't fall far from the tree.
    What a grand group of grands. They all have neat names but I really love the name Bay Lee.
    Good luck with Facebook. I keep getting asked to join by family and friends but I don't like that FB will sell your information. I'll just stay anonymous here in bloggerville but it is a great way to keep in touch with the younger generation.

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  34. NealAugust 10, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Very nice family. I know you would love to spoil your grandkids.

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  35. Sally WesselyAugust 10, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    I love seeing the photos of your grands and totally understand exactly how you feel. It is so hard to not live close to your children and grandchildren. I treasure every minute I spend with them. Like yours, mine are growing up way to fast.

    I am struck by how much Avery looks like you. Avery is a family name on my father's side. It was my grandfather's name. It goes back generations. I don't think anyone has named a girl Avery though. I like it as a girl's name.

    Your grandchildren are a handsome bunch.

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  36. Linda at To Behold The BeautyAugust 10, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    You have a great-looking family. And it's so nice that they enjoy getting together with you.

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  37. AnnAugust 10, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    What a lovely family you have. Those are great shots of them and yes I can see the big smiles on you and George. Glad you had a great visit with them.
    I have a facebook account for the same reason, because all my relatives do. I rarely go and check it but I will go add you.

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  38. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsAugust 10, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    ...ok shedding a few tears with you my friend...mission our babies is heartbreaking!!! A beautiful family indeed...see you on FB...

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  39. LyndaAugust 10, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    You are a smart woman to enjoy every minute you have with them. Life does go by way too quickly to miss out on any time we can have with loved ones.

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  40. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    Great picture of you, Jeff and the grand kids as well as the picture of you and George with the grand kids! I'm on my way now to find you on Facebook.

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  41. A Brit in TennesseeAugust 10, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Such a wonderful gathering, your grandchildren are so fortunate to have a wonderful family who is so proud of them !
    I love the pictures of you all together, you couldn't smile any bigger :)
    Thanks for sharing with us Betsy...
    ~Jo

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  42. Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪August 10, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Happy birthday, 1 week late. I am sure you had a great time with your family.

    So we are now facebook friends. I resisted, until I published my book. My friends told me to go on it.

    Guess what, I found old old friends, At the end of this month, I am going to fly to earthquake ravished Christchurch to meet these friends I knew in 1975 and some siblings I have not seen since them. They found me on facebook.

    Just hope there will be no serious after shocks when I am there, and no cold snaps. Auckland is very warm compared to Christchurch.

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  43. I Am WoodyAugust 10, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    I can only imagine how much you miss them!!

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  44. Fred AltonAugust 10, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Great pictures! You have wonderful children and grandchildren. Last time I was here Blogger would not let me comment so I went to fb and signed up to be one of your friends. Don't know where we find time for all these connections - but it's fun! ☺

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  45. AndreaAugust 10, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Your grandchildren are so lucky to have you as their grandma. And the love between you and them is showing through. May you be fully blessed to be still seeing the grand-grand kids. God bless and take care.

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  46. Chatty CroneAugust 10, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    You have 5 priceless gems there! So beautiful!

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  47. DonnaAugust 10, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Ah, what a great looking family! You should be very proud! I'm not on Facebook and would never have time for it. Most of my family doesn't even read my blog, LOL.

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  48. carolina nanaAugust 10, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    What a good looking group of youngsters you have there.
    And yes your are right I feel very lucky to have all my kids close and be able to so far watch my grandson grow up. Life is full of surprises and you never know when change will blow your way so I just enjoy it while I can.
    School starts here next Thursday. G-son is only four and will start pre-Kindergarten in a couple weeks. My where has the summer gone?
    Blessings
    Marilyn

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  49. SquirrelQueenAugust 10, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    From the smiles on your and George's faces I can tell you had a great time with the grands. The baby picture of your boys is just precious Betsy.

    We only have one child, my stepdaughter, and she is going to school in Anchorage. Hopefully no grandkids for awhile since she just turned 21, she needs to grow up herself first.

    Facebook? Betsy's on FB, I'm on my way to friend you! I'm not on all that much but I do play around with it sometimes.

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  50. CarlettaAugust 10, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Tears are welling up in my eyes. I so wish my kids and grandkids were closer. I was lucky to have the girls this summer and think we'll do it again a couple of times before Lily is old enough for school.
    You have a lovely family Betsy!
    All the smiles are beautiful!

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  51. LorenAugust 11, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    Oh Betsy...You are just beaming :0) Your love for your grandchildren is so obvious! I am so happy you were able to see them! I know I was always beyond happy to see & spend time with my grandmother (nana) I treasured her and miss her so much.
    The gift of family is so very precious!

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  52. camp and cottage livingAugust 11, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    Betsy
    What a blessing! I'm so glad you got to see your son, Jeff, and the grandkids.
    I know how hard it is to live away from your children and grandkids.
    I think Facebook will be a great way to keep up with them. So go for it!
    Take care now-Kimberly

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  53. Padharo RajasthanAugust 11, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    Beautiful Old Photos !! Memories Sweet Memories !!Great !

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  54. Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotteAugust 11, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Nothing beats being with one's family even when it's brief.

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  55. Cicero SingsAugust 12, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Hi Betsy. Enjoyed seeing the progression over the years. Glad you got to see the grands ... that they give you such joy!

    Befriended you on Facebook.

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  56. RoseAugust 13, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    Life passes just too fast...I sure understand your feelings on this...though I get to see my toot often and I am thankful for that...I still miss her being just 20 minutes away...and we won't talk about my oldest daughter being on the west coast. Some days are worse for me than others...most of the time I am okay...but there are days where I miss her so bad.

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