The Becker's (Shawn and Bill)

Happy Birthday, Jaycie!

2015-08-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe that 17 years ago today you came into this wonderful world!

From birth, it was apparent you would march to the beat of your own drummer and as

you've grown and matured it is one of the things I most admire about you.

You have a beautiful smile and I want to remind you

to focus on positive energy and

surround yourself with people who will build you up ,

not tear you down.

You have always been loving and nurturing to all
and you especially enjoy being around babies and young children.
This is where you have found your niche in life!

You have a sweet gentle spirit.

You also have a playful side, I want you to always remember to have fun in life!

Always put family first.

In times of uncertainty or troubles, lean on us.

We know you best and we will always be just a phone call ( or text) away.

These are the ones who will always have your back!

With this many supporting you, even if you fall it wont be far
because we will be right there to pick you up!

Jaycie,

I'm so proud of you and all that you have accomplished.

Just this past year,

You maintained a 4.0 average your junior year.

You ventured out to Warren Tech last fall.

You Lettered..again!

You auditioned for and made Sounds, I know how excited you are for this adventure!

You started working at day care centers and have found the best fit for you.

You are planning for college and a career you will thrive in.

Soon you will be starting your last year of high school.

With your studies, job, Sounds and hanging with friends,
I hope you take time to enjoy every moment.

This year will fly by and before we know it,

you will be graduating and starting the next chapter your life.

Together, we have made so many wonderful memories.

We have traveled,

We have baked, sewed, talked,

watched movies and played games.

We went to a concert and to the theater.

I have cherished every moment we have shared. I have loved
watching you blossom into the beautiful woman you are today

and I can't wait to see where life takes you!

I love you to the moon and back!

Nana

Be Thankful day #7

2014-11-07T19:24:00.001-07:00

Today, and everyday, I'm thankful for my amazing grandchildren!

I'm proud of each and everyone of them! Today I want to tell one of them how extremely proud I am of him! He truly is a Super Star!

Be Thankful Day #6

2014-11-06T07:50:00.003-07:00

Today I'm thankful for the end of the elections

for I think they can bring out the best in people

and the worst.

While scanning FaceBook yesterday,

I read many posts from those who disagreed with the outcome of the elections.

Instead of trying to pull this country together, they were vilifying those who won the

state elections.

I was tired of the negative campaign adds on the television, and so happy they ended at 4:30 pm on Election Day.

Then, I woke up yesterday morning and saw all the negative comments

on FaceBook!

Hopefully, in the months ahead, we can find a common ground, quit the bickering, listen to others opinions with an open mind and realize that ,in the end, we all want what is best for the country.

Be Thankful Day #5

2014-11-05T09:46:00.003-07:00

I am thankful for friends!

In fact, today I'm having lunch with two of my BFF's

Be Thankful Day #4

2014-11-04T09:34:00.002-07:00

Today I'm thankful for the Right to Vote!

Thankful Day #3

2014-11-02T07:52:00.001-07:00

Today I'm thankful for the wonderful group of women I have worked with for the past 14 years!

After 23 1/2 years of working for the same company, first in the hospital and then in the surgery center, I retired!

This past year has been extremely difficult. Our center went through many changes which were heartbreaking and caused stresses beyond belief. Despite the internal stresses, our nursing staff continued to give the utmost professional care to our patients. We forged ahead, many times without proper staffing, and worked as a team to make sure every patient (and their family) received the best experience possible during their short stay at our center. I'm so proud to have worked beside these wonderful women.

My last day was bittersweet. At times I questioned my decision knowing I will miss my work family, and the close bond we had formed, but I will not miss the changing tide of nursing. The profession can not go back to " the way it used to be" so it is time for me to go forward.

Hopefully, there will be positive changes in the next few months which will ease the stress for my former coworkers. Positive changes have been few and far between but there is always hope. For me, I know it is time to enter the next chapter of my life.

Be Thankful Day #2

2014-11-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for the love of my Family.

For without their love, I would have nothing.

This picture was taken last year at the cabin

which is owned by the father of my children. He and his significant other hosted

our Thanksgiving dinner, we all had a wonderful day eating,

making memories and taking

many, many pictures.

Life is Good!!

~Shawn~

Be Thankful...Day #1

2014-11-01T09:55:00.000-06:00

First, and foremost, I'm thankful for my FAITH!

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

AMEN

Fall=Homecoming Dances!!

2014-10-21T09:57:00.001-06:00

First a confession..

I never went to a Homecoming dance.

In my day we could only attend if we had a date!

I remember the lucky girls dressed in their plaid skirts with big Mum corsages pinned on their blouses, sitting in the bleachers watching the football game!

I'm sure I was envious but I honestly don't remember wasting any time thinking about it!

There was always enough friends to hang with at the games..but we went home after the game while the others went to the dance.

My Grandkiddo's have all gone to their Homecoming dances..

They do not have the pressure of wondering if someone will ask them to the dance because everyone is welcome! I think this is wonderful and it allows each student to enjoy the tradition of Homecoming week!

As Nana to four high school students, I love this time of year!

I look forward to seeing them dressed up and meeting their friends at parks to take pictures!!

First up was Emma and Jonah!
Emma is our Senior and Jonah is a Sophomore.
This year was very hard on my daughter, she cried most of the day knowing it will be the last time she helps Emma get ready for the dance!
It's OK, Erin, we still have two years with Jonah!

Emma and Jonah 2014

Cousin Daylee joined us for photos!

Next was Jaycie
Unfortunately I was in Washington, visiting another Grandbaby,
and had to copy these pictures from her FaceBook page!
Jaycie is a Junior this year

Jaycie is on the far right!

Love this picture!

Last was Daylee our Freshman!!

Daylee with her brother Evan!

..with cousin Jaycie!

I'm so proud of these teens!
Each one is sweet, thoughtful and focused on the future!
I'm also proud of my daughters who are doing a wonderful job,
raising each one to be a responsible, caring and productive adult!

Wishing my granddaughter a Happy Birthday!!!!

2014-10-14T07:30:00.000-06:00

Daylee,

It's hard to believe that you are turning 15 today!

It seems like just yesterday that I held you in my arms for the first time
and saw your sweet face peeking out of the blanket.

Now you are a young woman and will be learning to drive!!

I'm so proud of your accomplishments, not only your grades in school but

your dedication to Volleyball!

I've seen you work hard, win graciously and face defeat with a smile on your face.

This year

You accepted Jesus as your savior.

You started high school,

You made the Junior Varsity Team,

You passed your driving school,

You went on vacation with friends,

You blossomed into a beautiful woman whose

smile lights up the darkest room.

When you were little, before you went to bed,
you always wanted your mommy to sing

" You Are my Sunshine".

When you stayed with Nana, you wanted me to do the same....

Even though I could not carry a tune in a bucket,

I sang your song before you would go to sleep.

As you grew older...I was the one going to sleep early

while you and the cousins stayed up laughing, talking

and watching movies into the wee hours of the morning!

I cherish the wonderful memories we made on those spend-the-nights,
especially the year we tried numerous times to make the perfect cupcake!

Daylee,
You are intelligent, caring, sensitive and mature beyond your years.

I can not wait to see what the next year holds for you

and the blessings you will receive.

Remember to keep your Faith and Family close to your heart,

if times get hard, turn to them first.

Remember how much you are loved and how proud I am of you.

You Are My Sunshine,
I Love you to the Moon and Back,
Nana

New Blog Hop

2014-10-13T21:56:00.000-06:00

Its been a long time since I've blogged, let alone joined a hop but this one sounds intriguing!

The blog is hosted by Retired Not Tired,
If you want to take a look, just click on the button.

A prompt will be posted every Monday,

Today's is : My First Home

I've had many homes over the years,
I've lived in Arizona, Missouri and Colorado.

My very first home was located in Glendale, Arizona.
I was 19 and my hubby was 20 when we bought a 3 bedroom ranch, built in the 60's, for $16,500. Three of my daughters started their precious lives in this home and for the first couple of years it was our dream home. As the girls grew and toys filled every nook and cranny, we started to feel the effect of a small ranch. Soon we decide to build on a bedroom, bath and large family room with a moss rock fireplace. With the help of family and friends we did most of the work ourselves except the electrical and final plumbing. I think it took us about six months to completion and there were many rough spots during that time.
This large project put a strain on an already precarious relationship and, unfortunately, we divorced.

I've thought of that home many times over the years/ The neighborhood was filled with young families just starting out and we all formed a quick bond. I loved hosting Halloween parties, barbecues and card games. I hope each family was blessed with a beautiful life.

Paelo Diet

2014-03-07T11:48:00.002-07:00

I'm on the third day of a Paelo diet.

Two years ago, I decided we needed to be strict Vegetarians to help with my hubby's cholesterol.

We have enjoyed the lifestyle but my fibromyalgia discomfort has increased. My daughter suggested trying the elimination Paelo diet to see if it would help with my symptoms. After much reading, I decided to give it a try and chose the first day of Lent as a starting point. I figured it would be a difficult transition and, if I was to give up many of the things I crave, Lent would be a great time to put the plan into action.

Here is the plan:

No SUGAR

NO Processed food

No Dairy

No grains

No alcohol (Yikes, I might need a glass of wine!!)

Yes to

Meat

Vegetables

and Fruit

with minimal good fats

I read the first week is the hardest and baby is that right!
Three days into it and my stomach is churning!
I can have my coffee but it has to be black, no cream or sugar.
I've watched my coworkers eat sweets, while I sat drooling!
I've eaten more green beans than I have in the last year.
I've had a hard time purchasing the meat because I see the slaughter houses in my head.

I will keep you posted as the weeks go by.
Wish me luck to a new....pain free.. body!!

A quick hello!

2014-03-02T11:35:00.003-07:00

Hello Friends,

I hope you are enjoying your Weekend!

We've had another few inches of snow and, to be honest,

I'm getting tired of Winter!

I can't wait for sunny skies, green grass, flowers

and SPRING!!

Now, this is what I'm talking about!

Today my Granddaughter turns 14!

2013-10-14T10:46:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday

Daylee!!!

Today Daylee celebrates her 14th Birthday!

I remember the day you were born.

All of our family was at the hospital, standing outside of the delivery room

waiting to hear the sound of your first cry!

I can not explain the joy I felt when I first saw you and held you
in my arms!

You were an angel sent from above!

Now you are a beautiful young woman.
You are kind, thoughtful and caring.

You work hard to maintain your excellent grades and
realize the importance of your education.

You have found your niche in volleyball,
I look forward to watching you reach your goals with your
new team.

You are a wonderful daughter to your parents and they are very proud of you.
Even when you have disagreements, as all families do,
remember that they have been through everything that you are experiencing now.
They can be your strongest critics and your biggest champions.
They will always lead you on the right path so trust their advice.

You are a sweet grand daughter and I want you to know how proud I am of you!
Daylee,
I am always here for you....just a phone call away.

When you turned twelve, I wrote you a Birthday post..
Then things I wished for you back then, I wish for you today.

My hopes and wishes for you:

Always First: I hope you remember how much you are loved!

Remember, friends will come in and out of your life but your family will always be here for you,

never forget to turn to us in times of need.

I hope you realize what a unique person you are, find your self confidence and let it shine through.

I hope you reach for the stars, remembering that with hard work anything is possible.

I hope you know it is OK to make mistakes, just pick yourself up and learn from them.

I hope you always live in the moment, cherishing everyday.

I hope you always look for the good in others.

I hope you remain strong and do not succumb to peer pressure; be the Leader, not the follower.

I hope you continue to champion for the underdog, as you have in the past.

I hope you realize that people and relationships, not material items, are what is important in life.

I wish for you more smiles than tears,

More sunshine than clouds,

More love than your arms can hold!

......these will always be my wishes for you!

Happy Birthday!!!

Love,
Nana

40th Birthday Party!

2013-04-28T12:59:00.003-06:00

The Party is Over...

Celebrating at D Note in Arvada, Colorado,

with family and friends.

She will not be happy to see this picture..I think it's adorable!!

Shhhhhhhh..don't tell her I posted it!!

Tiff and her SIL

..and with her Daddy!

This was a first for me..Scottish Rock band..Amazing!!

My Ex..always the clown..puts his hand in the way of my picture..gotta love him!!

..and a good time was had by all!!!

Lordy, Lordy...Look who's 40!!!!

2013-04-21T17:03:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Tiffany!!

Celebrating your 1st Birthday..

You were a special little girl with beautiful red hair..

You grew into a lovely young lady who loved to dance..

The years flew by, soon you were in High School..

Then, I turned around and

you were getting married!

Tiffany, I'm so proud of You.

You are a wonderful wife to Jesse

and a loving, supportive mother to Daylee and Evan!

My wish for you is that you will
always be as happy as you are in this picture!!

Dang, You are a Beautiful 40 year old woman!!

Cheers!!
Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mom

What keeps me busy....

2013-04-08T17:14:00.001-06:00

This is what keeps me busy!

I'm trying to learn a new craft,

stressing over the imperfections

but learning something new every time I sit at the sewing machine!

I told Emma, a lot of love

and several HBO words went into this quilt!

In the end,

Nothing feels better than seeing the smile on a grandchild's face!

I'm making a quilt for our new grandbaby using the Yellow Brick Road pattern.
All of the blocks are sewn,
I need to lay it out ( that's where I'm stuck) then sew it together!

~SHAWN~

Happy Sweet Sixteen!

2013-04-02T11:28:00.000-06:00

Today my beautiful granddaughter turns sixteen!

Another milestone for our family!

Emma was a precious baby,

I could have held in my arms forever!

She grew too fast into a precocious toddler!

The years flew by and

our sweet little girl turned into a lovely young woman!

She loves to travel,


Emma showing me one, of her many talents!!

is a good student and athlete,

... has climbed a Fourteener!

and run a race with Nana!

Last week she traveled to California, one of her favorite places, to visit colleges.

Can we be at that time already?

Emma,

In the past I have given you advice on life;

to respect others,

to always do your best,

to enjoy everyday,

to always put family first and

to remember how much you are loved.

Today, I see the wonder of the world in your eyes,

the excitement of all things to come!

I pray you have a life that is filled with love, an exciting career

and many adventures!

Love,

Nana

Happy Birthday, sweetie!

We love you and feel so blessed, God chose us to be your Grandparents!

Love,
Nana and Grandpa Bill

It's SPRING!!!

2013-03-21T13:07:00.000-06:00

Finally,

Spring is here!!

So many things to celebrate....

Flowers will soon be blooming..

Tiffany, one of my beautiful daughters, will soon turn the big 4 OHHHH my goodness!!

My Granddaughter, Miss E, will turn Sweet Sixteen....

to celebrate we will travel to Greece!

My grandson (Ryan) and his team played in the basketball championship game last night...

and took 1st place!!

.....AND.....

a new little Bun is in the oven....

Aaron and Kelly (my son and lovely DIL) are expecting their first baby!

Baby Boy Collins will make his grand appearance in June!!!

Life is Good!

~SHAWN~

Happy November 1st!

2012-11-01T11:10:00.002-06:00

Long Time No Blog!!!

I'm checking in to see how everyone is doing and praying that those of you who live on the on the East Coast are safe , and recovering, from the horrific storm, Sandy.

I've been off the blog for almost two months. Sometimes life gets in the way of sitting at the computer but I've checked in with your blogs but have not always commented. I think things are finally slowing down and I will be back in full swing soon!

I have been taking a quilting class and will be putting the binding on next Monday! I have sewn for many years and have admired the art of quilting but did not realize how different making a quilt would be from sewing with a pattern. Oh, Silly Me!!!!

Here is my first project before I added the border.

I have gained a whole new respect for anyone who quilts......

I have ruined fabric while trying to learn to read the RULER!
I have worn my seam ripper to a dull point!
I have cried tears of frustration!
I have cussed the sewing machine when IT didn't sew a 1/4 inch seam!!

But I have worked through the problems,
Learned so much from my two instructors,
And did not give up..even when I wanted to throw my sewing machine out the window!

Hopefully I will be able to show you the completed quilt next week!

~SHAWN~

9/11

2012-09-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

~ SHAWN ~

Just a little reminder!

2012-09-06T10:58:00.001-06:00

In these trying times,

I need to sit back and reflect.

May you have a blessed day,

filled with Love and Happiness!

~ SHAWN ~

Welcome, Ethan!

2012-08-20T17:06:00.000-06:00

Introducing.......

Ethan Kojah

Son of Summer and Tarik Kojah

My Great Grandchild!

August 20, 2012

7lbs 13oz 19.5 inches

Many of you might remember my post... Summer's Wedding, if not click HERE.

This morning, Summer gave birth, by planned C-Sec, to this beautiful baby!

Isn't he just the cutest little bundle of joy!!!!

Look, he's smiling for the camera!!!!

This is a joyful occasion for the proud parents,

the birth of their second son.

Brother, Baby Eric, is smiling down from Heaven!

Congratulations to Wendy (my daughter) and her husband, Dave!

Welcome to the glorious experience of being a Grandparent!

Congratulations to Frank and Dawna Greer..Wendy's parents!

WooHoo ...Great Grandparents!

Congrats to all of the Kojahs, Skousens and the Greers

A new precious life has entered our world..

God's Marvelous Blessing

LOVE,

~NANA SHAWN~

Summer is Ending!

2012-08-20T12:57:00.002-06:00

It is hard to believe that we will soon be strolling into fall!

I always look forward to the end of the school year because I know the Grandkids will spend the night every Wednesday. It is our tradition, our special time together!

My Grandkiddo's are heading back to school this week and we are celebrating two milestones.

Jaycie is entering high school!

Wow, where did the time go?

Watch out world, here she comes!


This morning before school.

Next is Daylee, who is starting 7th Grade, her first year in Middle School!

She is now a young woman

and entering a new stage of life!

This morning!

Good Luck Girls, I'm so proud of you!

Love,

NANA

We have a Surprise!!

I will post later today or tomorrow...

Hold on...

it's a big one!!!

It's 9AM, do you know where my Grandkids are??

2012-08-02T09:17:00.000-06:00

Four are AWAKE!!!!

Three are still SLEEPING!!