Great Gram’s real name is Etta Gwendolyn Buzzell St. Laurent (Buzzell was her maiden name).  She was married to Bernard “Nard” St. Laurent for 53 years.  She grew up in Dover, and he was a Somersworth boy.  They had four girls, Marcia, Nancy, Brenda and Karen (also known as your Grammy).  Her husband died in 1992 at the age of 73 (the same year my Dad died at the age of 67).

Over the past 24 years, Great Gram has lived on her own on Pinewood Drive in Somersworth. She does her laundry, cooks her own meals, goes grocery shopping, takes a daily shower and can hear a pin drop on the other side of a room (otherwise known as good hearing).  She’s still sharp as a tack, meaning mentally sharp… able to listen attentively, able to join a conversation and express herself in every way.

What makes this somewhat ordinary set of things extraordinary is the fact that she turned 98 years old October first.

98 years old! 

She’s been blessed with a loving family and very good health (she was only admitted to the hospital twice in her life besides giving birth to her daughters).  Most people (A) never live that long and (B) if they do, have lost their health, can’t hear, can’t walk, can’t talk, are in nursing homes, and aren’t mentally sharp.  Among other challenges!

Almost a century old, she was born in 1918, the same year World War I ended.  Woodrow Wilson was President, the Red Sox beat the Cubs in the World Series (they wouldn’t win again until 2004).   The average annual wage was $1500.00 (today it’s $50,000).  A house cost $4,820 (today it’s at least $300,000.00 for a decent house in the NH Seacoast).  A car cost $360.00 (today it’s $33,000.00).

Amazing huh?  Happy birthday Great Gram, you are living, breathing history!

Are you ready soccer players??!!??

It’s a new September, a new season and from the photos below you sure are READY to go!

It was a beautiful summer with a couple notable twists: the Clickman clan lived there from June 30 through August 15; it featured phenomenal weather with the longest stretch of sun and clear skies I can remember in our 20 years of owning the beach house.  We had our annual 4th of July party, there were sleepovers, lots of boogie boarding, yummy deck food grilling, drippy castle building, freeze pops; river and lake building and visits to the Scoop Deck.  Here’s a visual recap of July & August:

Happy Birthday July girl!

here are nine cool things about you (there are a lot more!):

1. your brains – you’re a great student because you want to learn and understand. And you want to do the very best you can do.  Your natural competitiveness shines in the classroom too!
2. your smile – I love the way it lights up a room. Take a look at the photo below, you’ll see what I mean!
3. your athletic ability – you’re incredibly flexible, fast and fantastic (triple F girl). I’ve always been amazed at what you can do. As you get older you’re getting more and more confident in trying new things and showing the world what you’ve got inside.
4. your laser like focus – since you were little, you’ve always been able to zero-in on a target and make it happen, not giving up.  You’ve got the kind of drive and determination that says “There’s no stopping me, look out world!”  Keep driving Ainsley!
5. your friendshipability – what!?!  that’s not a word of course, but it’s a word I made up for you.  It means your ability to make friends and nurture friendships. I see it with your cousin Molly and with friends from school.  When you moved to Maine you put yourself out there and quickly made new connections. That’s friendshipability!
6.  your looks – no doubt about it, you’re a stunning beauty girl!  For proof, in case you need it (which you don’t), look at the photos I’ve posted of you over the years. Heck, just look at the one below!
7.  your fashion sense – I like the way you think about what you’re going to wear and the way you express yourself.
8. your lovability – you’re not a “jump all over you” type of girl, pushing yourself onto others saying “notice me, kiss me, hug me, squeeze me!”  The Ainsley Beaupre style is more laid back, more low key, unfolding more than exploding… it’s genuine, authentic “quiet lovability” and when it unfolds it’s shared with a genuine hug, a gentle touch, a day-making smile.
9. your nurturing –  as a big sister, you are leading the way. Madigan watches your every move and wants to do whatever you do.  I love how you help her, talk to her, inspire her, teach her. Happy Birthday Ainsley, I love you!