Daddy's Love

A couple nights ago, Grace asked me if I would read her a book. Before I replied, Paige said, "Hey Grace, he is your Dad...he will do anything for you."

Soccer Team (undefeated!)

Paige was fortunate to be part of an undefeated soccer team this Fall! She played goalie in her final game (black shirt in picture).

Freckle rubbed off

While visiting the museum of natural history yesterday, Angi noticed a black smudge on Paige's face. Paige was upset because she thought one of her freckles rubbed off!

Seeing your Daddy

Paigy,

I think it was so neat that you said the best part of your Daddy's Chemistry magic show was seeing your Daddy.

Guess what? I felt the same way when he did a show for me.

Love,
Daddy's Mom
(Grandma Kathy)

Learning to Ride

Dearest Paige,

Last August, we watched you learn how to ride your bike without training wheels! You were brave and kept trying even though it was frustrating at times. You had a few mishaps and bruises, but didn't get discouraged. You kept trying. All of a sudden, it happened...you got it! We were so proud of you.

This Thanksgiving we visited, and discovered that it was time for a new bike, because you had grown so. It was fun going shopping with you. I told you that Papa and I wanted to get you a new bike for Christmas. You were hesitant. I think you thought it was too much money. Once I convinced you it was OK, you started looking the bikes over and your gaze kept coming back to the bright pink and purple Hannah Montana bike. Sure enough, that was the one you picked. It was a beautiful bike and you got to ride it to the checkout. People commented, "Look! that little girl just got a new bike!" You looked so proud! And we were happy too!

We hope you will remember the lesson you learned when learning to ride the bike and learning how to swim too. Sometimes things seem almost impossible, but if you persevere (just keep trying to do your best) it happens. You get it!!! What a great feeling it is!!! God gives you special gifts and when you do your best, it makes God smile and it makes you smile : - ) too!

Paigy, we are very proud of you and love you very much!!

Grandma Kathy and Papa Joe

Chem Magic Show (feedback)

I did a Chem Magic Show for Grace's class today, and Paige got to join us. Grace said her favorite parts were the hydrogen balloon fire ball and when I talked funny with helium. Paige said her favorite part was "just seeing my Dad." This was the best feedback I have ever received from a Chem Magic Show...thank you, Paige!

Grandma Castle pearl necklace (from picture)

Aunt Kay gave Paige Grandma Castle's pearl necklace...the one from the picture that we all have. Looks like Grandma was in her 20's in the picture. Aunt Kay said this, "I was told to give it one of nieces that was "grounded to nature, art, and faith. Paige won out--I wanted to give it to her for her First Communion to wear. So, please understand, it was a choice I made and I do not want others to know. Others will get "items" from me eventually as time goes on. Grandma Castle was 21 years old when she had the picture taken; it was orginally B&W but hand colored but the guy who did it, placed her hair in black not brown but it is still a a lovely picture of her--her "flapper days" by the way. Grandma Castle was born 14 Sept 1908 in Aur Hus Denmark (Eleanor Marie Christina Christiansen). Grandpa George Castle was born 27 Jan 1902 io Fairfield South Dakota."

In response to the thank you note Paige sent Aunt Kay:

"PS Your Great-Grandma Castle would love your drawings Paige; I know she is aware of you and Grace. She so loved her grandchildren. I want you to know that she was very devote in her faith. Her favorite Saint is St. Theresa, Little Flower; she named your Grand-Aunt Theresa after her. Whenever I am walking out in Forest in thinking of my mother, I aways smell roses even when there is not a bush around even wild roses. I know that she is telling me, she is present to me. Your Great Grand Grandma loved dance, like Grace and too she love to sing and tell stories or joke around to make us laugh. So keep up the dancing, the drawing, and simply being little girls. Love with prayers, Great-Grand Aunt Kay"