Halloween.....

Halloween, past and present!

As I was driving to work today and looking at the kids lined up at the bus stop in their Halloween costumes, I was thinking back to the days of trick or treating at our house...and when you have four kids that encompasses MANY years of costumes and knocking on doors!

I asked my students to think back and tell me what their favorite costume was when they were younger..like four or five years ago! Unanimous answer...POWER RANGERS! So, that is what was going on during that time period in their lives.

Made me wonder..what did my kids like? That was many costumes and many years ago and I really could not remember. Thank goodness for photo albums!! This is what I found...the Shubzda kids were not going for the kind that came in a box! "Hey mom, can you make me a clown suit?" Or..."Hey mom, can I be a cheerleader?" Tim what were you thinking...or better than that, what was I thinking???!!! Guess he really did have the legs for the costume! Note, that the family did not mind hand me downs..as Drew repeated the clown idea many years later, we only changed the wig!

Kids love Halloween. Our neighborhood goes all out with a parade followed by a big block party and then trick or treating...and they want more than one handful of candy in that bucket. I am more than glad to accommodate them because that is what is fun. My kids came home dumped the bags on the carpet and proceeded to divide their loot into categories. They loved it! So did I. Moms have the right to pick out of the stash, right?!

So to everyone who loves the holiday...Happy Halloween, and I hope you get to eat all of the candy you want!

Touchdown!..........

Dressed for NFL Sunday...specifically The Cowboys vs. Atlanta, Little Ms. Brooklynn has learned early what matters the most on Sunday afternoon....football!!!!

You might know that one of her first toys would be a pink football and her Sunday attire would be adorned by a blue star...and today we can be proud of the Cowboy star!! Not sure what inspired the team this week but they actually played with enthusiasm. Maybe it is her good luck game day gear!

And, love that Tim and Mandy knew one of her first things she should learn is how to signal ... TOUCHDOWN!!!

A VIP Day.....

We did indeed feel like VIP's (very important people!) as we sat in the reserved section for Blue Angels friends and family at the Alliance Airport Air Show on Saturday. What a thrill!!

Jimmy, Sara, Drew and I spent the day looking at the planes on display and watching wonderful aerobatics by many, many talented pilots. Yes, this pink and black helicopter caught Sara's attention. She is a girl for heavens sake, why would plain old camo coloring be interesting?!

Though we have seen the Blue Angles perform on several occasions you never get used to the fact that these precision pilots fly with such accuracy that the wing to canopy distance between planes is only 18 inches. The control and concentration is simply beyond what I can imagine. The Angels keep up this pace for a 45 minute show that never ceases to amaze us.

I met one of the Angels families..a young wife with two small children. The pride she feels when she watches her husband crawl into that cockpit was so aparent on her face. What an honor to be one of those elite pilots who fly such risky manuevers with such confidence. It was a great moment to watch them land, taxi by with their canopies up and see the look of relief when her husband waved..safe on the ground. She was so very,very proud of him.

The wonderful day ended with a family picture with the Blue Angels. What struck me was how real these guys are. The have every reason to be cocky, and self absorbed...but they are honest and sincere and truly incredible young men. What a wonderful bunch to have such a demanding schedule and still find time to smile and greet admirerers after a performance. Wow...it is something I will not soon forget and I was so thrilled to be on the VIP list on a beautiful Saturday afternoon!!!

Broolynn, 2 weeks....

I guess the most exciting part of my day these days is opening up my email and finding a new picture of Brooklynn. She does not even look like the same baby I left two weeks ago. A newborn develops and changes so quickly that you don't want to miss a minute. Her precious face and little hands are just moving and forming new expressions way to fast. She will be a changed child when they arrive home next weekend. I am so looking forward to holding her and smelling that beautiful baby smell and getting to know her. Our other visit was so brief.

I also love to see her nestled in that little green and yellow afghan. My mom crocheted one for all of my babies to come home from the hospital in. Tim still has his, though it is mere threads at this point, but it is from his grandmother and it means something. Brooklynn has the last one my mom finished before she died. It was carefully folded, wrapped in white tissue and tucked away neatly in one of her dresser drawers...that was so my mom. I found it and it stayed in the same tissue paper for 8 years until it could be wrapped around her first great grandchild as she came home from the hospital. No it did not match her precious pink going home outfit but someday Tim can tell her were it came from and all about her great grandparents.

I did not know you could feel so much love as you looked at a baby you could not even hold...but I do and the joy she gives me every morning cannot be matched.

Our New Address.....

And this is the best address of all!!! We have waited a very long time to declare our Cedar Creek lake property Gramma and Gramp's place and now it is official!

After putting my birthday gift from Tim and Mandy on hold for two months Jimmy could finally get out his tools and hang our new sign! I love it!

We look forward to many happy moments with our family, including our newest member Brooklynn, and also with all our friends who we can entice out there to visit. I have envied everyone who could declare their residence the grandparents house. I am so proud that I am now advertising the fact that two old people live here and one of their greatest pleasures will be to have Brooklynn and all future Shubzda grandkids come to hang out with us. This is the BEST!

Seven Years.....

It was seven years ago today that you took off from an airstrip at NAS Lemoore and landed in the arms of God. It has been a tough time. There are days I accept this and there are days I still get very angry. I have, however, come to realize that it is a reality. No, it is not okay but at some point you accept that things are what they are. This is somehow God's plan and though I am not sure why you are gone, I know that your life has touched people in many ways, Matt. We are still blessed by the fact that due to many kind and generous friends, a scholarship is given in your name to a deserving high school senior each year. I know that would make you very proud.

We have a beautiful new member of our family now. I know that Brooklynn will know you through stories and pictures and the memories we have of wonderful times together. She is the gift that has made this day easier this year than past years. God has blessed us in many ways and I am grateful for family and friends that love and support us still now.

This day will never be easy as I still wonder why in a mere moment the picture of our lives changed forever. That split second that two planes could have veered a slightly different direction could have meant saving the lives of four men whose families will never be the same. It is a second that changes a whole lifetime. For those families I pray for peace and good thoughts to fill their day today, as that is what we are focusing on. We know your days are blessed and someday we will share those same blessings together as a family again in heaven.

Until then know, Matt, that you were a gift and though 27 years was not near long enough, it was more than some have. Those years were full of so many wonderful moments and we thank God that we have that to hold on to.

I love you,

MOM

Happy Homeowner........

This really has been a record month for the Shubzda family. I am just wondering if it can get any better than this!

* The first of October Tim and Mandy closed on their house at Cedar Creek Lake. It has been a dream of theirs since they got married. They signed on the dotted line and now have a beautiful residence on beautiful water. What a great place to take the kids on the weekends. What great memories for their family as they grow.

* October 6 brought a new baby...a much awaited gift for all of the family. Brooklynn Mae has been a blessing from the first minute we saw her.

* Today Drew bought his first house! I was lucky enough to be able to go look at his new residence and I am so happy for him. It is a great house in a wonderful neighborhood and he is just so lucky to have found it in time to qualify for that great first time homebuyers tax credit...just under the wire on that one!

We are only half way through the month and I wonder if it can get any better than this. For Drew this has to feel so great. He has been a nomad since graduating from Tech. He has parked his belongings in more places than I can remember. Job moves, apartment changes, and so on. Now he has a home and what a great place to begin. All parents wish good things for their kids and this is just the best.

For me...wow, it means I am back to cleaning up after three of us, not four. I am not sure what part of empty nest I was anticipating but this looks nothing like what I imagined. I love my full house but for awhile a little less to do will feel good.

One Week Old...

That is amazing to me. It seems like yesterday on one hand, but forever ago on another. Brooklynn went in yesterday for her one week check up and has gained 2 oz. since her birthday. Yes, she was 7 lbs. 10 oz. and perfectly behaved in the doctor's office. She is also doing wonderfully at night. The little princess has been getting up once during the night to eat, allowing her mom and dad to get as much rest as can be expected for new parents. You just could not ask for more. Each time I have been able to see her via skype, she has been awake, alert, and I really think she is smiling. What is it they say about a newborn..."it is only gas"? I think this goes beyond gas. I really do think she has a grin on her face!!!

She is a precious little girl and just waking up each morning knowing that she is here and healthy and cared for and loved is an awesome feeling. I am anxious for them to get here in November but in the meantime it is so great to be able to see her via the computer. I am in love!

A Feelin' Proud Moment.....

No, I am not from Indiana, nor am I an avid Colts fan...but I do like Peyon Manning. I think he is a classy guy who does a great job of leading a team and being a true professional. I usually watch the Colts because I like Peyton and also because Melvin Bullitt #33, who played football with Drew in high school is the starting defensive back for the Colts. It is great to see a hometown guy who played on the field with your son make it to the pros. Last night was even more exciting as another Naaman Forest graduate, Jacob Lacey #27, started at corner back. Jacob was an undrafted free agent this year...way to step up to the plate Mr. Lacey!!!

You have to understand the history of Naaman to fully appreciate the thrill of it all. Matt started on the first Ranger Varsity team in 1992. Tim was on the squad for three years and then Drew put on the Namman Ranger green and white and played until 2002. I sat through more losing seasons than I would like to remember. It was a nightmare sometimes...but we still went and cheered and believed. Other high schools just laughed because they were winning and we were always loosing.

Well, thank you Mr. Bullitt and Mr. Lacey! National television and there in the defensive starting lineup are two former Naaman Forest Rangers. Who else can boast such success? It took some years but it is time to applaud our guys. We hung in there and now we can be proud. The Rangers are on the map!!!!

Four Days Old....

Technology is amazing. Pics sent from a cell phone, Skype (if you don't have it, it is awesome), and computers. Less than 15 years ago you had to wait on snail mail to get updates from you kids, grandkids, family ect. Now it is simply, snap and send. It is the best. Because of this, though we have traveled 1300 miles back to Dallas we have been able to be in touch and see development of Brooklynn daily. No, it is not fun being so far away but I am so much more blessed than families were years ago. Distance means I cannot touch, cannot hold, cannot smell that baby smell after a bath, but I can see and I will take that! Today I watched Tim and Mandy in their living room with their baby..instantaneous gratification!!! She can hear our voices and see our faces. Right now we are a blur to her but in the months ahead maybe she will recognize us even if it is via the computer. California to Dallas is not ideal but I am grateful to whomever decided to spend their time developing things that make us feel like we are as close as we can be right now.

This Is Love.......

If this did not bring tears to my eyes nothing will. This is a picture I received today from the kids in California...my beautiful grandchild nested on her dad's chest right next to a Texas Tech logo!!!! Could a family of Red Raider lovers be prouder?! Yes, I am in love. I never knew a grandchild could bring such joy. I have sat with friends and listened to them go on and on about their grandkids for years but until it happens to you, you just do not realize the love that is there. So, bear with me while I experience the thrill that others have known for years. This is all new to me and it is absolutely wonderful!

Brooklynn Mae....

Brooklynn Mae arrived today, October 6th at 6:07 pm. What an amazing moment!!! It is late and for once I am at a loss for words. It is hard to explain the emotions of seeing your child with a child. Mandy fought a real battle to get this beautiful young lady here and Tim was at her side every step of the way. I love them both right now more than I can even say. They have given me a gift greater than I ever imagined. I have a frame that says "A grandchild fills a space in your heart you never knew was empty." I have known for years there was an empty space in my heart but now it is so very full. Thank you Mandy and Tim for a moment that filled me with more joy than I could ever imagine.

Welcoming Committee.....

Just thought I would let everyone know that there are an anxious bunch of people here waiting for "Little Buddy" to arrive. After football, chili, and jigsaw puzzles we decided on a picture before we called it a night. Look what you have to look forward to Baby Shoob...all these smiling faces to love on you and be so excited and proud. You would think you would be anxious to get here just to meet all of us. Okay...maybe the two on the far right side are getting a little carried away. You might want to meet them last!!!!

We are waiting!!!!!!

When You Have No News.....

The family has gathered. Those of us who were not already here arrived in Lemoore on Friday. When Baby Shoob gets here there will be will be many smiling faces and happy family members. Enough hugs and love to go all around. In the meantime....we entertain each other. Yesterday we shopped, watched a pee wee football game, celebrated a birthday and just enjoyed the company. Today, a not so exciting Cowboy game...I think that is an understatement. Do we need to rid the team of Phillips, Garrett, or Jerry??? Or maybe all of the above. To anticipate each Sunday and be so uninspired when it is over is so sad. I want to love the Cowboys, to wear my gear with pride and that is just not going to happen any time soon I don't think.

For those not excited about NFL Sunday a 1000 piece puzzle is great for entertainment. Way to go Sara...you have much more patience than I do. I wish I could be that intent and committed.

And for a snack....stuffed jalepenos. Maybe that will stimulate contractions! For all of the waiting we have done, let me say that it has been an enjoyable time. The guys have solved the problems of the world and the women have just done whatever. We are blessed to have such a great family to welcome this baby.

Spare Time......

This is really an unknown quantity in my life...spare time. That being said, I have loved it. I know that Mandy is ready to have that baby but while we are waiting I am enjoying that fact that there is nothing scheduled on my calendar. So, after a much needed pedicure, we headed where else, but baby shopping! Pink, blue? We are prepared for both. A few gowns in each color so there is no gender question on outings. Neutral is fine if you are at home but when you are out there should be no question about what that baby is.

I also had an evening I was able to spend with a good friend who is a much accomplished photographer. He gave me some great tips on taking better pictures. So what to do when you are restless...take pictures of plants!