Happy Birthday Grandma, Grandpa and Granddaddy!

Oh my goodness, I'm so behind here! Last week marked a significant birthday for Grandma (Kevin's mom), but I'm not telling which one! We spent it with her in Rhinelander and had a fantastic time! There are lots of things we love about Grandma - her kind spirit (I mean LITERALLY I've never heard her say a mean word about anyone), fabulous sense of style and decor, her love of a good bargain (remember Mom, it's only a bargain if you need it) and relentless coupon clipping (I have diaper coupons that expired before I met Kevin). Then there's the plethora of toys she has saved for 30 plus years, which her grandkids now treasure too. And her yummy cooking. Most of all, we love the way she cares so deeply and unapologetically for her family. Happy Birthday!

The same day marked my Granddaddy's 89th birthday. Somewhere along the way, it becomes okay again - and almost a pride point - to share your age. Of course, Grandad thinks he's 30 still, working like a madman in the yard and garden. I swear if his tomatoes and corn aren't in Heaven, I may have to reconsider Jesus. And speaking of Jesus, my grandad is by far the closest comparison I have ever encountered. NEVER a mean word has come from his mouth. He shares well beyond measure of all he has with all he meets. I have SO many memories growing up with him where we would take dinner or groceries to someone in need, visiting churches and nursing homes, and even handing out government cheese and milk to those who could not afford to feed their families. His garden has fed hundreds of people over the years. And somehow it never runs out. I could go on and on, but really you just need to meet him just once in your life. Love you Grandad! (and YES, he does read the blog occassionally)

And finally, this weekend marked my own Dad's birthday as well! Must be a good week to be born. Growing up, I have so many fun memories of Dad working on the farm - teaching me to grow Kentucky's cash crop (the legal one - tobacco), drive a tractor, then moving on to "Big Green" and "Sweet Betsy," an old farm truck and two-ton truck respectively. Somehow I feel I learned more working with him on the farm in the summers than I ever did in an office or retail shop. He also had a healthy love of Marlena Evans on "Days of Our Lives," which ensured a 12:00 sharp lunch break every day. More recently, I've enjoyed watching him spend time with my kids as they look on adoringly. I hope Owen looks to him for golf lessons, considering I can't even hit the ball. And perhaps he and Lyla will enjoy some court time playing "HORSE" with him - sorry Dad, they're still gonna root for the Illini though. Happy Birthday!

And I'd be a stinky wife if I failed to mention the man of my dreams also celebrated his birthday in the last couple of weeks! Kevin is completely modest when it comes to celebrations revolving around him, so we spent the evening with friends at a reception for a retreat he recently attended. Then we made s'mores in Rhinelander instead of a cake. An amazing friend, husband and father, I am incredibly blessed to be Mrs. Kevin Ruff! Happy Birthday Honey!