Cal Poly Pomona Graduate!

"Bachelors of Science Degree in the Study of Biology" That is what they announced for our Randi Holmes on Friday, June 12th! Our girl has worked hard and long to have this diploma in hand! Going from AA degree in Psychology, to a full time Sister Missionary for 2 years in Boise Idaho (time home for knee surgery in there) , returning home to change majors and schools, to a 5 year journey to receive her degree in Biology working full time and getting great grades, and next to venture out to go to graduate school working to receive a Masters Degree in Physician’s Assisting. So this next year she is going to be volunteering to get "patient hours", and a job in which her Biology degree will be of great use. Then applying to more graduate schools this fall.

We were waiting for the festivities to begin Grandma and Grandpa Holmes with Daddy Russell , Kelly and SkylerShe decorated the top of her mortarboard with her initials and glitter, can't miss that! Her Professors that I met, had great things to share about our bright and intelligent girl, and wished her well on her future endeavors. We went from Graduation to dinner, and had a great time with family and friends to celebrate this great day for our Great Girl!

the light of Cal Poly just dimmed a bit...cuz this bright girl is moving on....! Congrats Baby!

Our baby girl is here!

As I arrived at the Denver airport on Friday afternoon, I received that greeting I was waiting for as My Jackson's face lit up, and he jumped to me! Love it! We stopped for a little yogurt at the airport. All afternoon and evening Heidi was having mild contractions then in the evening they were stronger, but quit when she moved around. The night was uneventful, but by morning the contractions were getting stronger and closer. We took an afternoon stroll downtown Brighton at the annual Cultural Street fair. Jackson got a kick out of the remote control dalmation on the fire engine!When we got home, we had lunch and took a nap. By about 5 pm Heidi was laboring well. She called her doctor’s service at we were at the hospital by 7:30. This is the little mom happy to be leaving for the hospital. It went very well, and she did great with pains strong and about 4 minutes apart before getting the epidural at about 9:30. Daphne Jill arrived at 12:57 pm officially on her due date of June 7th. She weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and measured 19 ½ inches. She's telling daddy all about it! She resembles her brother’s newborn pictures, but is her own little person. Gramma’s little beauty! She latched on to feed for 45 minutes immediately, and that was amazing, as nursing was a difficult process for Jackson at first. She wrapped her hand around her momma’s pinky finger…so sweet.

When Jackson arrived the next morning, he went right to his sister to give her hugs and kisses. He told "sister, I love you". Heart melter! Blessing to be gramma!!

My Bird Man

Yesterday I received a call from my hubby while at my desk at work. Russell has been telling me of a nest of hawks out side his office, and he has enjoyed watching as the momma brings food to her young. Well, one of those young fell out of the nest yesterday, and was lethargic, and wouldn't move much at all. Soooo with the excitement of a youngster, Russell explained to me how like last years sparrow hawks, he was going to bring this baby hawk home to see if he could nurse it back to health. It is quite beautiful, but much larger than those sparrow hawks were. After some food and water, it perked up quite a bit. The real problem is that its claws, or talons I guess, aren't opening, and it doesn't stand on it's legs at all. This would be a problem for trying to fly, or catch food. Russell put in a call to a friend that is a vet to see if there is anything that can be done. Gorgeous creature isn't he? Oh the bird is pretty great looking too!

Books

I have always had a love of children’s books. As a child my mother instilled this in me. I started reading before Kindergarten, as did many of my kids. I am always on the look out for books for my Jackson, and have bought our baby girl a few already as well. I love to buy books for my nephew William and have helped my niece Kristy aquire a library of Junie B. Jones.

Yesterday after work I wasn't feeling well, and unfortunately had to miss a gathering entitled “Books for Kenya”. My boss (principal) belongs to West Coast Companeros, Inc. A group of former Jesuit Priests who spend much time and energy helping the poor and needy. Such is their current project with Ger Liech Primary School in Kenya. They are collecting new and gently used books, and money to ship, as it costs about 50 dollars a box to send. There are many good hearts out there donating both. A wonderful project. Although they do have their own language, all of their studies are done in English.

We know that the reading of good books is imperative as is literacy. A pleasure to imagine those students in that the far away land enjoying a good story sent with love.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

It’s here upon us, that day of days,
When songs we sing and words of praise
Pay honor to the woman who
Helped make you into amazing You!
My mom sends wonder thru my head
When I think of all the ways she led
By Example in Truth and Righteousness
Generations now and future to bless.
As gardener of the land and heart,
Pruning out tares, making works of art.
Whether it be a soul or a garden great,
She tills the soil and helps cultivate.
Bringing forth grand beauty there
Planting, nurturing, words of prayer.
Taking time to pause and Celebrate
Our Master Gardener, her queenly state.
For I know I wouldn’t be who I am
Without the loving touch of this “Master’s Hand”.

Sunday is that day when we are all able to take pause and celebrate the one woman who in giving us life, also gave us wings. I know it is so for my mother. Geri Pitt. Mom has let us know from the time we were small, that you give life all you have to give. She instilled in me the knowledge of who I am, the means by which I could come to know that for myself, and in the process develop a relationship with my Heavenly Father and Savior. She has always led out by example. Example of love, dedication, service and sacrifice. At 75, she is just now figuring out that as a Great-grandma, her physical being may, and I do say MAY, be slowing down more than she would like. Her quick mind, and love of learning are ever present for all to see. As she learns, she shares. If you know her well, you know the likes of her self-mastery is rare and would be hard to find equal.
Each day to me is a new day of knowing that I was sent to this, my angel mother for a reason. In knowing her, being loved by her, I am grateful to see a glimpse of what our Father has planned for us as Eternal Families.

Baby face...you've got the Cutest little baby face!

This little angel was blessed yesterday, June Marie Ferguson is our newest Holmes family great-grandchild and she is adorable! While we were celebrating her wonderful day, we were surrounded by the little family masters and misses...ready? Here are some of the darling's!

June's big brother Roy with his favorite "G-Pa" Mark

Russell's sister's boy Walter "Wally" Reese... It is fun having grandchildren of the youngest Holmes' being born alongside the Grandchildren of the Oldest siblings..yep that would be us!

Baby Nora's big blues....

Cousin Becki's little Luke....he is a doll baby!

Angel babies, I have a spot in my heart and my arms for every one!
I get laughed at often, because I can steal away a baby no problem.
I even stole little June away from her momma for a rock a bye to sleep.

It worked of course, but the sleep didn’t last long due to the volume problems

with a crowd of Holmes,
But I did enjoy it while it lasted!

Wonderful Holmes days spent two weeks in a row....truly Heavenly Being Holmes

May Day...Good Day

I had a good May Day...how bout you? I was able to do a little Flower delivery to a few of my most favorite girlfriends!

I received a call from my Heidi who is due in 5 weeks with our Grandbaby GIRL! She went to the doctor today and everything is great....

I shopped a bit for a few baby showers this week, sooooo, of course a few cute things were just waiting for Gramma to buy for our little girl! this is TOOOO FUN! Whatcha think Heidi?