A little about me and my family...

My photo
My love of people, photography and the world began as a child. My family moved a lot and taking pictures was my way of remembering friends, capturing special places or moments and holding them close. Becoming a wife and a mother has always been a dream of mine and I count my blessings daily. I started this blog shortly after our daughter, Yaya joined our family through the blessing of adoption. Its purpose was to share pictures and stories about our life with family and friends. Later, it shared our adoption journey to our second daughter, Baby Bird as well. Now that our family is complete I like to think of it as our family’s journal or life book. I'm passionate about life, my family and preserving our history one snapshot at a time. The thing that amazes me most is the abundance of beauty God blesses us with every day and in the simplest ways if only we take the time to slow down and appreciate them.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

My Grandpa

Today is my grandfather's 79Th birthday.
He's the best grandpa ever! He's someone who knows what it means to give of himself and ask for nothing in return. I even have proof how awesome he is! Take a look Here at an article that mentioned a few of his hobbies/talents. He was also featured in the following video Here. Then, click where it says Video in blue at the top of that web page. When someone needs help he jumps right up and readily gives his time. For example, he made 5 wooden Stars of David in various sizes for a fellow blogger's home school project. I kept this one for myself, couldn't resist!
I told him I liked them so much he made me a few more for our Christmas tree.
We received this beautiful carving of California for Christmas. He's made a few more for my dad's co-workers, plus one of New York State for our friend, Beth after she underwent brain surgery.

I received the peacock shown below for my college graduation. He said, "I saw this peacock and I knew I had to make it for you. I wanted you to know I'm proud as a peacock!"

I am so lucky to have him as my grandpa. Growing up many of my friends adopted him as their own and Bird has done the same. As a kid, I loved spending time with him in his garage during our family vacations. He's a bicycle repairman so there were always bikes waiting for us to ride and lots of fun things in his garage to explore. My brother and I used to get filthy playing in his garage during our summer visits. Last summer, Yaya and her cousins did the same.
Each time I call he's helping the church, community, family or friends. As a result, he's earned a few awards including Volunteer of the Month and even Volunteer of the Year in his community. He also received the Silver Beaver Award. It's the highest award you can receive through the Boy Scouts of America. His greatest joy comes from time with his grand kids though.
He's 79 and still plays on the floor on his hands and knees with his great granddaughter.
I think they're smitten don't you?
I love you grandpa and I want you to know how proud of you I am! I hope you have a wonderful day today. I wish we could be with you to celebrate. Yaya has asked where you and grandma are every day since you returned home. She misses her great grandpa very much and so do I.
Happy Birthday Grandpa!

19 comments:

Unknown said...

OMGoodness... those carvings are AMAZING! Happy Birthday Grandpa!

The G' Unit said...

What a talented artist he is! WOW!
You are lucky to have such a WONDERFUL Grandpa! ;-)

Mummy McTavish said...

How incredibly talented! I think I love that last photo the best though. Grandad's are so funny about their little girls, then the little girls of their little girls now that's really special!

Anonymous said...

Wow! He is one TALENTED man!!!
Happy Birthday to him!!!!

Rebecca Jo said...

I'm in awe.... that craftmanship is amazing!!!! The peacock just brought tears to my eyes on why he made it for you.... What a blessing you still have your grandma in your life!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!

Rebecca Jo said...

I'm in awe.... that craftmanship is amazing!!!! The peacock just brought tears to my eyes on why he made it for you.... What a blessing you still have your grandma in your life!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!

Susie said...

He sounds like a really great grandpa! I hope he has a great day:-)

BBB said...

What an incredibly talented man!!!

And so CUTE too.

You are so blessed. I miss my grandpa a great deal....

Cindy said...

WOW!!! If he's ever bored - he can make a carving of Guatemala for us! tee hee!!
OR - would he be willing to go one if we pay him?? SERIOUSLY! Let me know!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Happy Birthday! How wonderful...he has a great smile!
-sandy toe

~Trish~ said...

What a great man!!!

oº˚ Homeschool Mom˚ºo said...

Love the carvings! Your grandpa is amazing!

I'm doing good. I will find out everything tomorrow.I don't think it is anything. I havn't had anymore so don't know.

Hugs

Nichole said...

He sounds like such a sweet man :o). And what a wonderful woodworker!

Just Lisa said...

Those are so cool! Love 'em!

Nancy said...

Happy Birthday Grandpa...from Florida!!

Rowena said...

Count me in as one of those who would love to think of your grandpa as their grandpa! That carving work is amazing!! Buon Compleanno Nonno!

Anonymous said...

Grandpas are just the best, aren't they. Your grandpa has true talent. Working with his hands and with his heart in everything he does. So sweet to see Yaya with him in his workshop, just as you used to do...very special!

Shannon said...

Aw, what a special post! Hope your grandad had a grand birthday!

LOVE the ornaments!

Gramma 2 Many said...

What a talented man!! I cannot believe the carvings. The peacock will certainly become an heirloom, as will everything else he lays his talented hands on.
Happy Birthday Grandpa!
How lucky for Yaya that she still has a G.Grandpa and one that is healthy enough to enjoy her.