Rose of Sharon Jewelry

My #1 grandson, Hunter becomes an official teenager today! He is an adorable guy with a passion for Kart racing, looking cool, cooking and being a great big brother.

Since the first day we met him as a very talkative 7-years-old, he charmed us. That little smile is a joy to see.

 

Here’s a link to a Happy Birthday slideshow I put together to look back on Hunter’s life with Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Arden.

 

For You, Hunter

Hunter –

• may you be forever young,
• may you always know what it means to love and be loved,
• may you find a career path that feeds your soul,
• may you discover the joy of learning is more than good grades (although we do like those too),
• may you find a sport/exercise that keeps your body healthy and strong,
• may you always be an great example for your little brothers,
• may you never forget your Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Arden and
• may you continue to become a kick-ass Kart racer.

 

We love you!

 

P.S. Happy Birthday Captain Jim, too!

Thanks for stopping by again. Don’t forget to check out the newest releases in the Rose of Sharon Jewelry store.

You knew it was coming – pictures of my wonderful Grandsons. These are pics from their recent trip to the San Jose Children’s museum. Please feel free to go aaah!

 

 

Hunter (12) thinks about a career as a fireman. He is at the I’m cool stage so this picture by Dawn may prove to be embarrassing.

 

 

 

Looks like water is going to be involved which would make Kael (left) and Orion (right) very happy!

 

Twins (4)

 

 

 

It sure is wonderful to be a place where Mama doesn’t have to keep telling me to keep my hands off!

 

Twins

 

 

 

Sometimes the most fan can be in the hotel pool!

 

 

Kael

 

 

 

Yep! I’m cute and I know it.

 

Orion

Thanks Dawn for some great iPhone pictures.

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Grandson Hunter experienced the hardest life and death lesson this week after a young girl friend collapsed at school. The athletic 13-year-old girl died while being air lifted to a hospital.

On Tuesday before classes started, Hunter was chatting with the young girl when she complained her legs hurt and sunk to the  ground. The bell rang and the hallway became chaotic. Some kids ran to the school office alerting a “Code Blue” team which subsequently called CareFlight.

Hunter and a second girl friend waited with the 13-year-old until she was taken aboard the helicopter. Facts are scarce so far but it seems she died in route to the hospital from a heart attack.

Hunter, being a strong young man not unfamiliar with death of a loved one, spoke to a school grief counselor but never called home. The school district sent out an automatic phone call notifying parents of the tragedy which worried his Mom. Dawn wouldn’t find out Hunter was involved in the incident until he returned home from school.

Hunter is understandably sad and bewildered. How can someone be laughing one moment and gone the next – especially when you seem to be a healthy young girl?

There are no real answers – even when we learn the facts surrounding her death – that will ever satisfy a friend, a teacher, a sibling or a parent.

Our prayers go out to the young lady’s family and our pride in Hunter is confirmed. He stood by a friend even during an emotionally charged episode. People are shaped by their experiences and Hunter has once again strengthened his character.

 

 

 

 

 

Hunter (summer 2009)

Twins Kael and Orion had a blast at Train Town in Sonoma, CA. Kael is wild about trains and Orion is just wild about anything mechanical. 

Had so much fun riding the scaled down train, feeding goats, exploring the tiny Western town, riding a carousel and chasing after the exited 3-year-olds.

I was able to keep my cold at bay for the day and walk about enough to enjoy their excitement and take pics. Had to ice down the ankle at the end of the day but it was worth it.

Saturday, we were at the Kart track at the Jim Russell Karting School at 8:00 a.m. for Hunter’s first Kart race. With “arrive and drive” you just pay your money and show up. They provide a working Kart, fire suit and helmet. 

Speed Demon

Hunter did great in practice and qualifying (8 out of 10 which is good for a first race with little experience) and was ready to take everyone on in the official race.

He did great in the rolling start and captured 3 positions when someone bumped him from behind in the first curve. This set up a chain reaction with Hunter and his Kart flying 3 feet in the air. He landed safely but his front end was damaged enough to restrict his speed. He did finish 8th by holding off a faster car.

Hunter how has a souvenir front end (costing Grandpa $113) and some wonderful memories. He may have had some bad racing luck but we are proud that he stuck to it and finish.

Cannot wait for next season!

As if dealing with broken and sprained ankles and surgery weren’t enough – now I have a cold. With OTC meds, I’m foggy headed but at least I can breathe. Between coughing bouts, I’ve been finishing up my backlog of very stale work-in-progress projects.

Actually, it is time well spent and so far I have completed several wonderful necklaces and bracelets and learned a new technique. I dismantled a couple of necklaces and reworked them with much better results. New beads, improved techniques and Mom’s feedback helped!

At the end of the month, I should have enough stamina to set up the photo studio in the loft and share with you the finished pieces.

Bye for today. Got to get well so I can travel with the whole family to Sonoma, CA for 12-year-old grandson, Hunter’s first Kart race! I’m the official photographer so I’ll share some pics next week.

Here’s a pic from this summer’s Kart racing school.

Back in the office today with way too many emails and that doesn't even count the SPAM folder that has almost tilted. We had a fabulous time with Hunter at racing school in Sonoma, CA. We also found some really great food by shaking my iPhone! What fun to explore and take changes. I'll be back later today with additional info on our trip and my newest handmade find.