God Truly Blessed

Blended families are often unhappy and controversial but God truly blessed ours. Our time at the beach was filled with much laughter, hair fixing, pictures taking, and just spending time together. To see all of us so "together" in such tight quarters and never hearing cross words or times of "unrest" really was a blessing.

Tom and I are so very proud of our children. The fact that Jean FINALLY got some rest of her every day stresses and even though they will go on and on she does find some peace at the beach. Kim too found some time to relax and we got to share with her her precious grandchildren. Libbi found out while she was there that her dream house is about to become a reality. She and Pete have worked so hard and waited so long for this to happen. Floyd and Laurel did so much to try and make this a special time for all the siblings. I loved the shopping trip they took Emily on and the food they made for so many. Kerry added energy and laughter to the mix and her "friend" is truly another blessing in her life. She's waited a long time. Maybe this is the one God had in mind all along and she just had to be patient.

Our grandchildren are all gems. LaNelle and Steven have become adults and were a joy to be around. It really make me feel my age when talking to them and seeing their maturity. Peter has found his true love and gave her a diamond while they were at the beach. She's beautiful and will be the perfect additon. Andrew left his Clemson hat and everytime I saw it it made me miss his a little more. Patti is always a joy and the twins and Jonathan make quite the "triplet" pair. Heather is such a vital part of our family and Caleb is just fun to be around. Beth and her family always add sugar and spice to the group. How she does it is beyond me. Congratulations on the new "girl". She'll fit right in. Poor Seth! Lauren and Michael looked so good and seemed to be happier than ever. I'm sure the fact that they did get to the beach had a lot to do with that. Wish I could have been on Emily's shopping spree. Her hair looked beautiful. Only got to see David of Kim's boys and loved the picture of him and Patrick showing the height they had grown. David's always ahead by a few inches. Kerry's time with us was delightful. She'll never know how empty my heart is when we're apart.

OK, we were crowed and really didn't like not being together in one place. Libbi is already working on that for next year so we're already counting the days. Thanks to each of our children for making our week the best. The pictures will be such treasures and we can't wait to get them so we can show everyone how fortunate we are to have been given the gift of each of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Love truly abounds in the Swilley family. Ninna - and Grandaddy, too - would have been so proud. I'm sure they were smiling from Heaven when we were all on the beach.

Vacations Are Beginning

Today begins the vacation time for our children and they all certainly deserve it. Jean and Jeff are coming our way after over a month of hospitalization. I'm sure no one deserves the time more than they do and their children. Libbi will be at the beach on Monday but Pete, twins, LaNell and Steven and Andrew are there now. It nice to have them so close even though we won't be down there until next Saturday but then the fireworks will begin for us.

This year for the first time in many many years all our children will be together. That's the most exciting part of this vacation for Tom and I. We are so proud of our children and never take for granted how successful each of them has become in his or her own way. We have come such a long way but God has blessed us with an endearing love for each other. Our "blended" family is quite unusual in it's success but I truly believe that God had a plan and even though some times were hard he blessed us with each one of our children. We now have a financial planner, a nurse, a school secretary (accountant), a wonderful stay-at-home mom (who could be a nurse or even doctor) and a school teacher. We are a deversified group and we love each of them dearly. They have brought into our lives daughter and sons-in-laws and many grandchildren that have added so much to our lives. So many people in the world today don't have what we have and I truly believe that they miss so many blessings from Heaven.

Our vacation will not only give us rest and a change from our daily routines but will give us time to share special memories in the days ahead. I love each of "my" children and know that these final years of my life will only continue to be filled with times shared and love given. I thank each of them for their special love and my love will only continue to grow.

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE

BoJo arrived about six weeks ago and we now don't know what we did without him. He is a complete joy and has added so much to this house of "old" people. Daddy Tom is completely in love with him even to the point that I will be driving him to Liz's for our 4th of July vacation because he refuses to let just "anyone" keep him and he certainly doesn't want to leave him in a boarding situation. He's a tiny Yorkie and everyone who sees him would love to steal him. He's very much a people dog so we have to be careful when we let him out because he will "fly" to those in the parking lot whether he knows them or not. Daddy Tom has always been a dog person but I've never seen him this crazy. Of course, he says it's because we have so much love to give and now that he is part of the family he is reaping the rewards. Of course, I'm the one who does all the maintenance - pooper scooper, outside taker, restauranteer (since I'm trying to figure out what he likes to eat), treat giver. bather, playmate, rocker to sleeper and whatever else needs to be done for him. I get very little "me" time now as most of what I have is spent sitting outside with him so the hawk won't get him thinking he's a squirrel. I just know that BoJo (named after Floyd as Tom always ends telephone conversation with him with "See ya BOJO. I love you). Now let's see, how much is that doggie stroller and grocery cart dog holder and let's don't forget a wardrobe (we're looking for a Clemson t-shirt for himj)? Just know that Daddy Tom is very happy with the new addition to the family! He'll be waiting to meet each of you and give you lots of kisses.

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY, TOM!

It's amazing to look at Tom, Daddy Tom, Big T, Tommy and know that we will be celebrating his 70th birthday in a week. He's is one amazing man even though he thinks he's worn out. He has touched so many lives in his 70 years and won the respect, love and admiration of all who have been blessed enough to have been made a part of his life. He loves his family above all else and would do anything he could for them. Nothing makes him happier than when they call or come and he gets to spend time with them or talking to them. His heart is so big and people from a very young age to the older folks feel special in his presence. He treasures his friends and his heart breaks when losing one like John Gibson. His love for God is beyond measure and he shares that love with all he comes in contact with. The world is truly a better place because of his being here. I am so fortunate to be able to call him my husband, my comfidante, my best friend and my "preacher". Happy Birthday to him and may the years ahead be filled with nothing but love and times shared.

It's Me Again - Finally!!

When you get older your memory just seems to leave you at times. Jean had told me how to post then I forgot and now, hopefully, I have figured it out once again.

The past month has been awful. I have been as sick as I've ever been and still can't shake the cough. Felt so for LaNell since she had it too. Doctor fussed and wanted me to go to hospital but without good insurance I fight that. After finally a lot of medicine including shots and so forth, it seems I'm about to be well again. It's no fun being sick and especially when your husband really doesn't know what to do and you have to keep on keepin' on. I even missed church and that's only the second time in the almost eight years we've been here that that's happened.

I am in the midst of making plans for Daddy Tom's 70th birthday. It's hard for me to believe that he's this old. At our age it's funny that when you read the newspaper obituaries that you check the ages of the people - and scarey because a lot of them are SOOOOOOO close to our age. Facing the final years of life makes one so thankful for all the we have. Many times he and I have talked about how fortunate we have been to have such wonderful children and grandchildren. We know so many people whose lives have been filled with heartaches because of the actions of their children, etc, but we have never had to worry. God has truly blessed us with the BEST!

Spring is about to arrive and then summer. Hopefully, this summer will find us spending time together at the beach. Time is quickly passing and I want to take advantage of our being together. This past week Tom lost his best friend (John Gibson) and it has really affected him. He so wanted to go see him before he died but didn't make it. There are some things that we don't need to put off. Memories have flooded his conversations the past weeks and he has truly been sad.

Do you know what our greatest regret is? That we have not been close to each of our children and been able to spend as much time sharing in their daily lives. We love being in Hartsville with Kim and getting to share those years with them. I just wish I could have been closer so that I could have helped in some small way - keep children, cook meals, nurse you when you were sick, and oh, so many other things.

Know that you are always loved dearly and thought about each and every day. We talk about you all the time because that makes us feel just a little bit closer.

"Dumb Dora"?

Had to call Jean to find out how to post. That just shows I may be too old to do this but I'm going to at least try.

CHRISTMAS - My what a Christmas we had. The best part was that we got to be with all our children. They will never know what it means for us to get to see them. They really gave me exactly what I needed - and loved. Libbi a fushia colored sweater coat which I wore on Sunday and got lots of compliments on. Kim a quilt rack which I immediately put together and hung my throws on - it's quite the nifty item. Jean a blanket that everyone should have - it's warm and Tom loves it as much as I do - we don't have to use the spread on the bed anymore because it's so warm - Kerry bath and body works and a pedicure which I'm saving for summer (why hide it under socks) - and Floyd a Kincade print. So you see I must have been good this year.

The most unusual gift of the season was Heather's. It is so unique and looks great in our home. The sentiments are just how I want everyone to feel when they come into our home - Bless all who enter.

Our trip to Florida was lots of fun even though Clemson lost. We toured St Augustine, which everyone should do sometime, and just had a good time in general. It was a long ride but worth the tired bones when we got home.

As the New Year arrived, I thanked God for the blessings of the past year. Each of our children are very special to us and loved very much. Each one has his or her special place in my heart and its amazing how love just continues to grow.

I love reading everyone's blog as at least I feel like I can share in a little piece of each of your lives. I will try and continue to update "Dibbie's Doings". Don't expect pictures. I'm just glad I've learned to do this.

New to Blogging!

Okay everyone....I am new to the blogging world! Jean set me up an account. Be patient with me while I experiment with this new blog!