TO BREAK A CYCLE

The generation before us did not break the cycle of

drug and alcohol abuse. Our generation did not do it either.

My children's generation started the break up but I have a good 

feeling that the next generation,

Bean and My great nieces and nephews,

will be the one to do it.

Hence, my story of today.

My godchild/ great niece Cameron

called me yesterday. Ever since she was a little bitty thing

she liked boys and I told her boys were Trouble capital T.

Then I told her if she had to have a boyfriend he had to have

a real name. We went back and forth with names

"Nannie, what about Drake, can I have a boyfriend named Drake?"

"Drake??? Cami that is a duck, no you can't have a boyfriend 

named Drake"

"Nannie how about Tanner, can I have a boyfriend named Tanner?"

"Cami, really?? Tanner?? that is like someone who has a tan

and goes out in the sun to become Tanner, no that won't work"

For some reason it was a running joke between us for

many years. Then she had the "Nerve" to become a teenager

and go to the dance with a boy she liked and vice versa.

"Nannie, his name is Jestin and I don't care what you say,

I like him"

"Jest in Case.... Cami that won't work"

her response, "Nannie, too bad he is my boyfriend"

Now to the breaking the cycle bit.

Cami's dad, Miki, is a recovering addict, he spent many

years suffering and found sobriety almost three years ago.

Since has found the love of his life and has had a baby boy

with her. My own baby boy, who although did not use

for many years, is about to celebrate 10 years sober.

Brings me to their offspring, Bean and Cami.

Cami called yesterday and says, 

"Nannie, I have some good news to tell you"

I jokingly answer, "You broke up with your boyfriend"

"Nannie! you are psychic!"

She proceeds to tell me that he, at 12, decided to get drunk.

When she tried to tell him it was bad stuff and she would

not go out with someone who drank or used drugs

he would not listen. Continued to try and say it was

not bad and was actually fun. She broke up with him right there.

She explained that she will not go out with a boy 

who drinks or used drugs. We speak for some time.

I talk to her about her younger years, all the pain

those darn drugs brought her and she should not settle for

anything less than what she wants....

She agrees and we have to hang up because our connection is bad.

I continue to think of this strong little girl.

I pray she never abuses nor uses drugs,

I pray that her generation, which includes my Bean

is the one that breaks the cycle of addiction as well

as enabling. You go, girl, Cami!

So proud of ya!

I am a believer...

Througout my whole lfe, I have heard the

story of sister veronica's tale of getting pregnant on her

honeymoon. She was married in December and her first

baby, Tiffany was born in September,

Exactly 9 months after her and J's wedding.

Even though she insisted many times that she was

not active until her wedding night, none of us really 

believed her. Even her offspring, Tiffy and I laughed

growing up at the thought of what she told.

We believed it just could not happen the first night

of your married life. She always told the same story however,

"That's my story and I'm sticking to it"

is Veronica's famous words for everything, it is fitting

in this story.

So, like I said, I never really believed it until now.

Arthur and Amanda were married late November.

I shared that night at the reception how I teased them

that now they could make babies.

Arthur laughed and said,

"I am working on that tonight"

Amanda said as she petted Arthur's chest,

" I am doing that, My Husband"

I will never forget the pride in her voice when she said that.

Hence, here we are late December and on Christmas

day they tell us, yes, they are expecting a baby in August.

I have no doubts this child was not conceived before the

wedding and now, I believe.

I believe that my dear sister, Veronica really was one

of those who got pregnant on their honeymoon.

Congrats to Arthur and Amanda and the grandparents.

Especially my sister, C who is the last of us Collins kiddo's to

become grandparents. She has so much love coming her way,

her sugar babies will be so spoiled as it should be.

A rousse baby due in August!!!

Veronica.... sorry all these years I laughed at the thought

of your story you stuck to that you got pregnant on 

your honeymoon..... I am now a believer!

....And so this is Christmas...

....ALLELUIA...

Christmas 2013 nearly done.

My Dear friend, Shirley gave myself and Bean her entire

collection of Liberty Falls houses, over 70 pieces!

They were in her attic and after she saw that we were collecting

she asked if I wanted those in her attic.

What?!!?? For sure! 

She refused to take any money for them,

saying she would get her reward by watching Bean and I loving

it instead of living in her attic.

However, there is no way I can repay her for this.

We played with it for hours and now I am thinking of

a permanent home for them but somewhere that we can

play with them.

Thanks dear friend! Cannot tell you how proud I am

to have this! 

 Sunday evening we did our Riera Christmas.

I always want my gifts to be something well thought out.

This year HOBL gave both the kiddies and myself trips.

He and Baby Boy leaving tomorrow for a guided hunting trip,

Gypsy baby and I, leaving January 16 for Disney and

Harry Potter Land. Thanks HOBL.

I was left with what gift could I give my dear

daughter-in-law that would be meaningful.

A gift certificate for a 4-D ultrasound brought her to tears.

I would say I scored on that one!

 Bean was not sure about those tears, she is learning

about feelings but tears are still confusing to her.

When she cries it is never a good things so I guess

when seeing others cry she can't get what "Happy Tears" are.

 IT was then Bean's turn.

A scooter and few other gifts from Pappy and Mumsie

with the scooter being what she really wanted.

Yet, she pulls out the cheapest bath toy, one

I bought last year the day after Christmas for four dollars

and that is the one that gets the most excitement.

Never fails, right?

 So glad Jodie and Chance decided to stay for our

little Christmas, pictures by Jodie.

Was happy to see she left me some of them two.

 Nannie and Meg also scored with Lego's and this

Pizza set for the Bean.

We all had never had felt Pizza before but that night,

each had their fill.

 My best gift of all was that one from my sweet Tedi-Girl.

She knows her Nannie well.

Knows there is no gift I love more than one from the heart.

A love letter and requesting me to be her confirmation sponser.

OH, BE STILL MY HEART!

How I love this gal....

 I spent Monday taking down my Christmas, 

determined to get through Christmas Eve doing something

different than I normally do.

A few years after my Daddy died, Mommy found

herself alone on a Christmas morning.

As soon as she dressed she came over to my house and

with tears in her eyes, she said,

"I never again want to find myself alone on Christmas morning"

Since then I always made sure she didn't.

The last few years while living at the Manor,

I would attend church with her at the Manor,

she and I would go ride and look at lights

then I would take her to my home, her apartment with

me sleeping with her, or take her to one of the sisters.

Needless to say, all my thoughts yesterday was of her.

Yet, last night HOBL and I picked up

these two beauties and ate at LaBerge steak house

called 18 Steaks.

It is where my gypsy baby works. Tonight she was off.

what a fancy place, loved seeing her interact with those she works with.

Dining at its finest.

Then there is these gals.

Spending the evening with two so in love.

 Never thought there could be another so much like 

my gypsy. To see her so happy is what a mommy

wishes for her babies.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.

A NEW YEAR IS A'COMING

Our Riera Christmas is done. 

It was a success. I am glad it was, all my Kiddies

were happy and they were also very kind to me.

Gypsy baby insists that  I will love the gift she had

to order for me which will be ready today.

My offspring know I expect a love letter each holiday.

The only one that I got was one that was not from 

a child I gave birth to but who is just as important,

my dear godchild, Tedigirl.

I don't want to share the whole love letter here

as it is so personal, between she and I and yet,

she has made me cry and asked me to be

her Confirmation sponser.

Of course a large, resounding YES!

My lil pookie, having some rough days with growing up

issues and I am so very touched that I am in her "village"

able to help her along with her Mommy and Daddy.

Now my Christmas things are down,

HOBL and I, doing a fall cleaning.

So many before me has had the first Christmas

without a person they loved. Like I with my Mommy.

Some have also said I have to get over the loss.

I know that, I will yet we all must do it each in our own way.

The way I handle it is allowing me the sad feelings of

my loss so that I can let it go.

When seeing someone sad, realize it is not always a bad

thing even if it looks like the person is suffering more.

I miss my Momma. I can't deny that.

I was so happy to take down the Christmas trees.

I cried as I took down my silver one.

I know my Mommy would have been with us.

She would have loved to watch us all enjoy our presents.

I just miss her so. 

The year 2014 is coming. 

I am making changes, big changes.

Going to have a big, big resolution list...

It will be one with many challenges,,,,

stay tuned.

Sugar Plums dance in our heads...

I have dropped a few little comments about the new Riera baby

due in May but it is now very safe to say, all is

well with this pregnancy, Well well with the baby

not so much for poor KD who has been sick with 

morning sickness every day, through the whole day.

She is such a trooper, doesn't complain,

just runs to the bathroom, does her business and comes

out to take care of Bean as if nothing happened.

Back to the baby.

For blogging purposes, I will call the new one

Sugar Plum until we know boy or girl.

It is fitting for the time of year, isn't it?

 Bean is sooo excited, calls it her baby.

Loves the term "Big Sister" and 

practices with her babies daily.

These pictures are her carrying the very first ultrasound 

pictures of Sugar Plum.

 How am I feeling about Sugar Plum.

I am so excited, so happy for them.

Miscarriages are always so hard and yet,

the fact that KD decides to continue on the grow their 

family has be admiring her all the more.

The fact that she is so sick and yet, the want of 

another baby has her willing to go through it all

and still see the excitement of each milestone Sugar Plum makes.

This week Sugar Plum kicked, both BB and KD so excited 

about this. The new house is going up fast,

I know they are wanting to be settled into the house

before Sugar Plum's due date in late May.

I think they will make it.

So, yes, I am going to be a Mumsie once again.

Can't wait to hold Sugar Plum but more so,

I cannot wait to experience Bean and Sugar Plum's

relationship. She will be the best big sister!

SANTA CLAUSE IS WATCHING

You better not pout, better not cry

Better be good

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list

Checking it twice

Gonna find out who's naughty or nice

Santa Claus is coming to town

He knows when you've been sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows when you've been good or bad

So be good for goodness sake

You better not cry, better not pout

Better be good

He's checking you out

Santa Claus is coming to town

He knows when you've been sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows when you've been good or bad

So be good for goodness sake, oh

You better not pout, better not cry

Better be sweet

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

( My mommy was Santa at my Dad's photography studio many 

years ago, hence the scary mask)

Have you ever thought of just how scary this song can be to a very 

imaginative two and a half year old?

Kd had shared with me a few days ago how when Bean was told

that Santa was watching her and she needed to be a good girl,

she kind of freaked. her Daddy also said it when laying to sleep,

"Santa Clause is watching"

her response was something like,

"Is he Under the bed?"

She was afraid and if you think of it, wouldn't this be a tad 

scary? Especially if the Santa in your mind looks anything like

the one above... CREEPY.

 (Lil Miki as a little boy... he wasn't afraid but I think it's cuz

this Santa was his Daddy)

(Baby boy finally sitting on Santa without decomposing. Why none

of gypsy baby? Well she was always smart enought to avoid this)

Her fears were not on my mind when yesterday, being

sick, she came to Mumsie's for a little while for a nap

as her Daddy had some cleaning to do at the new house

and her Mommy, working nights was sleeping.

You could tell she was not up to par as she

asked me to rock and sing to her.

"Sing some Christmas songs, Mumsie"

I began the above song,

"You better not pout..."

She didn't stop me but those little eyelids popped open

as she listened intently.

I finished the song and sang more and her little eyes

closed once again. As I began to sang it again

because I was out of more Christmas songs,

Again, her little eyes popped open,

"No Mumsie, you sang that already, that is scary"

Then I remembered her fears from before, 

yes it is a tad creepy to think this strange man who

dresses up in a costume daily, who can be

seen in three places at the same time,

who can change how he looks but always

the same costume, who can see little children,

who look at him as a stranger all the time.

It is amazing that more children are not afraid 

of this song. For our Bean, aint singing that one no mo'!

Tripping to Harry Potter World

Islands of Adventure, Harry Potter,

Disney World...

here we come.

Gypsy baby and I have been given the best 

Christmas gift from HOBL.

An all expense paid trip just me and the baby girl

to Disney, specifically to visit Harry Potter.

We are giddy with excitement and it is hard

to believe that it is like a month away

as in earlier years, to be able to afford trips

to Disney, had to book a year in advance.

HOBL decided since he and Baby Boy's

Christmas was a hunting trip in Texas,

that it was only fitting for the gals to take a trip.

I am hoping that it is a new yearly thing we will do.

So we are leaving on Jan. 16th to our wonderful 

vacation. I cannot wait to have limitless time

with my gypsy baby. We love each others company

yet as she gets older, an adult now, it is so hard.

WE both making a New Years Resolution 

that at least while she is living in Baton Rouge,

and I in Plaquemine that we will meet each

Tuesday for an early movie.

Besides my bestie, Laurie and her babies,

Gypsy is the one I love to critique movies with.

Well this was a rambling post....

 Geeze I miss my baby girl!

the big C hits the Little family

I am an obsessed TLC watcher.

Aside from SAY YES TO THE DRESS

I love all the other shows. One of my favs.

is the Little Couple.

I was shocked and so sad to find out

when Katie the neighbor came to visit to find

out that Jen has cancer. 

After finding out, I looked it up and sure enough,

Katie was right. Some things just don't seem even.

So much for one couple. 

In the midst of realizing that to have children adoption would

have to be the way.

In the midst of getting sweet William and waiting for Zoey 

to be ready to come home,

Jen finds she has cancer. It seems like her prognosis is good

but she has not shared what type of cancer it is she

is battling. She is such a trooper, having been through 

so much in her life, still never a negative word from 

her. Puts my life into perspective.

Prayers and love to the Little couple and their family.

I will be following them as they are planning

to share their battle with all of us.

Makes me love them even more.

(going to have to buy people mag. to read this)

GUILBEAU CHRISTMAS

YESTERDAY WAS THE GUILBEAU CHRISTMAS PARTY

HOSTED AT KD'S PARENTS HOME.

THEY ALWAYS OPEN THEIR DOOR TO US RIERA'S

CONSIDER US FAMILY AS WE DO, THEM.

IT IS ALWAYS FUN TO WATCH THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE CHILDREN.

 I AM SO HONORED THAT ALTHOUGH I AM NOT REALLY

LIZZIE'S GRANDMA, THAT SHE CALLS ME MUMSIE ALSO.

TO SEE THE LITTLE ONES TOGETHER, OH IT IS WHAT 

THE SEASON IS ALL ABOUT.

I WATCHED KD'S OLDER COUSINS,

MARISOL AND VICTORIA, NOT ONLY IN THIS PICTURE

BUT THROUGHOUT THE GATHERING

TALKING, HOLDING HANDS AT TIMES,

PLAYING WITH THE OTHERS HAIR AND

JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW LUCKY THEY ARE

NOT ONLY TO HAVE A SISTER BUT TO BE

THIS CLOSE EVEN DURING THE TEEN YEARS

IS THE BEST GIFT OF ALL.

WHEN I SAW THEM I THOUGHT MAYBE BEAN

HAVING A SISTER WOULD BE AWESOME.

TO HAVE THE BOND OF A SISTER, NOTHING LIKE IT.

 OUR DEAR CARTER WAS THERE, THREE YEARS OLD NOW

AND SUCH A  CUTIE!

HE TOO CALLS ME MUMSIE. INHERITED GRANDKIDS

JUST BECAUSE BB MARRIED KD...

LUCKY I SAY.

 ENJOY THE REST OF THE PICTURES FROM

ANOTHER SUCCESFFUL GUILBEAU CHRISTMAS GATHERING.

 LIZZIE LOU! LAUGH EVERYTIME I LOOK AT THIS PICTURE

AS SHE WAS SUCH THE DIVA YESTERDAY.

ALL SHE WANTED, ALL SHE POUTED FOR

WAS HER "LIPSTICK"

I THOUGHT BEAN WAS OBSESSED WITH HER 

RED CHAPSTICK BUT LIZZY HAS HER BEAT.

SHE COULD HAVE HAD EVERY PRESENT BEEN

A TUBE OF CHAPSTICK THIS YEAR AND SHE WOULD HAVE

BEEN PERFECTLY HAPPY WITH THAT.

POPPA DIDN'T GET TO WEAR HIS SANTA'S HELPER

SUIT FOR VERY LONG BEFORE CARTER HAD TO 

TRY IT OUT. A FUTURE HELPER IN THE MAKING.

SOME OF THE GUILBEAU COUPLES....

 LAST BUT NOT LEAST MAW VERLY AND PAW JOE

THE BEGINNERS OF THIS MOST WONDERFUL FAMILY.

THANKS FOR HAVING US CATHY AND FRANK

WE LOVED THE DAY.