golddust, what a fantastic story. You've had some rough spots in your life, but sounds like you received enough loving support to make them strengthening ones. Thanks for letting us in on your wonderful uncle. I have a theory that it isn't the big gestures that make the best impact on the world, but little kindnesses and quiet expressions of affection done over the years that add up. Your uncle is proof of that.

Thanks Minnie and Lia. I do hope that my friends and family enjoy my cards as much as I enjoy doing them. Here are the other cards that I've made. As you can see, I like water towers! LOL 2001 - the snow is wishful thinking! 2002 - My 2 youngest sons on their horses and Jammer and I on the bike. I'm already thinking about next year's card. Our town is so small that I'm really limited to themes. I'm thinking about using a picture of the church. It's been there since I was an infant and the steeple is visible from all over town. I don't think I'll have Santa driving his sleigh over the steeple, though! LOL Maybe an angel would be more apprppriate. I've also thought about the old theater that we all used to go to. It's no longer there, but I do know there is a photo somewhere of the big sign that hung outside. Lia, I'd love to help you with your card next year! But no printing!!! Oh BTW...I've ordered a new printer and computer. should be here next week!

Very good advice! Last summer I worked at computer for hours listing our collections, tools, etc. and approx. worth at that time in case anything happened to us. My DH has collected model cars for years so we gave him name of trusted relative to advise him on value. (This person has much larger collection & could afford to buy them all. Made detailed list of things each kid loved & had been promised. (One child had always been fascinated with bookkeeping ledgers used in my parents business in the early 40's- the others cared nothing about them.) Also listed things we wanted dear friends to have...like fabric for a quilter, craft supplies to another, etc. Attorney said his fee would run higher if we listed all in our Will, but if I typed them all he would sipmly add the list as a codicil to the Will. I was so determined to finish it all my DG thought I was ill or something. It was simply something I felt compelled to do, and am so glad it's done! Suzi

bleigh - That's a little harsh, don't you think? lyban - Thank you for the kind words, and understanding. You hit the nail on the head! I was most surprised with my sons reaction. He is the one who never plans to return back to our hometown. He only spent his first summer away at home, and has only been back for holidays ever since. My first born, on the other hand, will not think about dating anyone that does not have roots where we are. She is not spoiled (or a BRAT), but definitely a homebody, and much loved! work_in_progress_08 - You are correct. I thought about that last night. I will change the card to The Smith Family and Riley. beekeeperswife - We have friends who send a doggy card every year. They have no children. whitdobe - I see your point, too. I like to see the names pre-printed for that very same reason. Funny story... my mother once received a Get Well card from someone. She could not read the signature. Thought it said from The Chair. She was racking her brain trying to figure out who the "Chair" was. One day, she mentioned the card to a friend. The friend started laughing and said the card was sent from the CHOIR at church, that my mother sang with. lol I showed the cards to my DH last night and asked him which he liked the best. First off, he said "I like the one with Riley, but who in the heck are Victor and Susan Smith?" LOL When he looked at the other card, he said, "why would we send that generic card?" He did not even recognize his own front door. I am surprised he even recognized the dog... MEN!