Grandma G.'s Birthday Celebration!

We went to Gaylord for Doug's moms birthday, and had such a great time. Blase and Harrison played, while the adults got to visit. We got to spend time with Aunt Sandy, Uncle Jim and Aunt Renee, Aunt Patty, and Grandma. Grandpa Tractor came over too. We had a cook out with great food, and a cake that was so yummy! I really wanted two slices, but decided to practice self control for once. Blase and I had green tongues and their are pictures of them for your enjoyment! Blase loves going to Aunt Sandy's and Grandma's house, because of the dogs, micro machines, and the doggy door. He climbed in and out of that thing all day. Aunt Sandy gave him two new dogs and he had me take a picture of him climbing through the doggy door, with Fred and Dusk posed next to it. Thanks Sandy for always thinking of Blase, he adores you. Laurie, I hope your birthday was good and we love you very much. I pray this year will bring you many blessings! We had such a nice time with you all, I wish we lived in the same town. Much love to you all and Happy Birthday Grandma......We love you!

In loving memory of Jeanne Francis Dowling on her Birthday!

Today Grandma Dowling would have been 86 years old. I would like to honor her today, on her birthday because of the wonderful women, wife, and mother she was. I have always wished I would have had the chance to have known her. To ask her questions, tell her I love her, thank her for the best Aunts and mother...uncles too anyone could ever have! I have always wanted to touch her hands because my mom says that her hands are just like Grandma's were...always chapped and cracking. When I was little I did love going to the cemetery. It was a place where I could imagine Grandma and her life. I would observe my mom and her sisters as they would cry, and say we love you mom. My Grandma Tacia would take me there too, on bikes...yes bikes! She was always thoughtful enough to take me to visit Grandma Jeanne when I came to her house. I remember at night journaling about Grandma. Grandma Tacia always had me journal and it is something I have done for a long time.
This month we got to hear many stories and memories. All 5 sister were together and Uncle Tom came to visit too. I love to hear his stories because he had 20 years with Grandma! Alicia's favorite story from our mom is hearing about how the kids would sleep with their shoes on and hide Grandma's purse so she could not go anywhere without them! How sweet and funny is that! I love to hear about how Grandma and Grandpa would dance and light up a room. Aunt cath read a letter from Grandma to Grandpa from a week maybe before she died and it was precious and gave insight into who Grandma was, her love for god, her children, and husband!
Most of you know the story, but for those of you who don't ....here it is. The newspaper clipping reads something like....An intended happy reunion turns tragic when Jeanne Francis Do ling mother of 9 was tragically killed by the propeller of an airplane, at the Chicago O'Hare Airport.She was 45 years old, born in South Sioux City Nebraska July 15T,h 1922, and died on June 24Th 1968. Her children ranged in ages from 5-20.
Thank you Grandma for the Godly life you led, for the time you did have with your children, the way you prepared them to raise each other and their own children. Thank you God for your favor on all 9 of the children. Thank you for opening their hearts to the gospel. Grandma, Happy Birthday and I can't wait to celebrate with you in eternity.

3 Posts one day!!!

Three posts in one day, but how could I have forgotten a picture of Debra? Love you girl! I always enjoy getting to chat with you! love you.

Two posts in 1 day...whew!!!!!!

Pictures at the farm are always so beautiful. Mom and Jon thank you so much for having us at your house. We always have such a wonderful time at the farm. I can't even explain how nice it is to have a home away from home, that has enough room for everyone! Thanks to Rachel and G. G. for taking such good care of Harrison. Thanks to everyone for playing with Blase! I think the most fun Blase had was showing Joey his room.....he is still asking when Aunt Jenny will let Joey have a sleep over. Get ready for some bunk bed fun Joey! Next summer maybe. there are some pictures of Harrison hiding in the cupboard. Now that he can walk he is really going places. I made two posts today because I had forgotten to put the picture of Aunt Theresa and Aunt Jenny from the parade on the other post. I loved the picture and think Aunt Theresa looks so good! You do too Aunt Jen....Yer' Hot Girl! I so enjoyed the fellowship and the memories we made together there! I felt like I just wanted time to stop, because everyone is growing up way too fast. Not only do my kids adore you all...their mother does too. I love you all and hope to see you soon!

Forrest Festival Fun!

We had such a wonderful time being together in beautiful downtown Manistee. The parade was so much fun! the kids loved getting candy, and all sorts of treats! a definite highlight was the Scottville Clown Band. We had perfect seats and everyone enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Maggie for taking the photos! More to come and I miss you all terribly!

Family Fun @ Sleepy Bear and Glen Haven

We went camping for a day with Grandpa Tractor and Dean & Sara and boys! We had a wonderful day. The weather was perfect! The boys swam, the mom's chatted, and the Gapinski men slept! I think it runs in the family....ha ha. Mitchell did some snorkeling..what a great swimmer! My boys love Mitch, David, Trent and Alex. They have a blast together. I wish we lived closer to them. At the camp ground, the boys climbed trees, Blase fell out at one point, and managed to only get a minor scrape. Harrison got filthy! He broke one of his shoes, so if you look at the pictures close he has one shoe on and one shoe off! He was a real ball of dirt. Harrison bonded with Grandpa Tractor because he kept feeding him and giving him drinks of pop......Harrison loves food. Doug came after work, we ate and went swimming. It was such a great day! Thanks for inviting us and let's do it again before summer is over! p. s. One of the pictures of the boys on the beach you can see Don up in the shade!