Grandma and Grandpa Porter turn 80!

David and I both have wonderful Grandparents. They have influenced our lives for the better in more ways than they will ever know. Thanks to all of you (Grandma and Grandpa Parker, Grandma and Grandpa Ard, Grandma and Grandpa Porter and Grandma and Grandpa Shaw)!
A few weeks ago Grandma and Grandpa Porter came to Auburn to have a celebration for their 80th birthdays. They also had their 60th wedding anniversary last year, so it was celebrated a little late. It was great to see them and enjoy being together as a family. Their grandchildren wrote up memories of their grandparents when they were growing up. One thing that stood out to me was how they all mentioned how fun it was staying overnight at Grandma and Grandpa's and listening to the Cuckoo and Grandfather clock in their home. Grandpa Porter is extremely tall, so they also mentioned how exciting it was when he would swing them off his shoulder. Yikes! It was interesting to realize what things made a lasting impression on the grandchildren.
One thing that amazes me is how well Grandma Porter has dealt with her diabetes. She was diagnosed shortly after the birth of her third child. At this point in time the tools to measure and control your blood sugar were archaic at best. How she has managed to stay healthy despite this incredible obstacle leaves me awe struck. She has lived with this for over 50 years! For those of you who know how diabetes affects every system in your body, you understand what an insurmountable challenge that is. She has lived on a very strict diet the whole time and has adhered to it completely. She's said getting diagnosed with such young children at home, she had no other choice. She decided early on that she would be around to watch them grow up, which she has, as well as her grandchildren and now multitudes of great grandchildren. As diabetes runs rampant in my family, I commend all of you who live with this disease every day of your lives. Thank you for taking care of yourselves so we can be blessed by your presence.
The last two are pictures I stole from Lisa's blog (sorry, since I'm planning on making my journal with this I wanted your pictures since they turned out better). Is the problem with the camera or just the photographer? I think it's time to upgrade!