Who is Ayla Grace?

AYLA attending Church with her "Favorite" Neighbor!

AYLA really gets a KICK out of playing DEFENSE!!

Guess Who's an 19 yr. old "TEEN-ANGEL"? Ayla likes Jaguars the best!

I run as fast as I can to get to AYLA! She's "PURR-TY"!

In today's Blog, I'm continuing my (not so)"New" tradition of blogging for each of my grandchildren's birthdays. December 9th is our granddaughter from Fort Myers' birthday, Miss Ayla Grace. Ayla, whose name means, "God's Oak Tree," & she will be "19" years old & is like "Solid Oak" in many ways! As Ewe will see, Ayla is very determined to stand as "firm as an Oak" at home, at church, in school, or in the community. Let's take a peek into this sweet young lady's life & I hope Ewe come to appreciate her as much as I do!


"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek."
Mario Andretti



Ayla & I have liked each other ever since I got my STRIPES!

No Lion! I get a "KICK" out of hanging out with Ayla!

As EWE can see, I just "FLIP" over AYLA!

First, at home, Ayla loves taking charge in the kitchen! She loves to cook & bake her famous "chocolate-covered pretzels"! Her Mom describes her as compassionate, helpful, & very witty. She helps her siblings with their homework, runs errands for Mom in the neighborhood, & brings a great deal of laughter to the family! Ayla's determination & gifts are helping her to make a "Solid as an Oak" contribution to her family. A perfect illustration of this quality just happened in our household! Ayla & her mom recently made a "Surprise Trip" to our house with all kinds of Thanksgiving Goodies for her grandparents, who had spent the holiday alone! 

Ayla Loves "Hanging" out with her Aunt Belen & sisters!

Ayla loves her Family! (Especially at "Family Reunions"!

Ayla enjoys running errands on her bike, for her mom, to the neighbors!

Did Ewe know that Ayla loves to Cook & Bake? Her Chocolate-covered pretzels are the BEST!

My MOM taught me everything I Know!

Next, at school, Ayla's sheer "Determination" enables her to stand firm & strong as "God's Oak Tree", regardless of the challenges that she is presented with. Webster defines "Determination" as; "a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult." This is a very fitting description of Ayla & of her approach to her responsibilities!  Whether it's Reading A.R. & achieving the status of "Double-Millionaire", (2,000,000 words) or being nominated six years ago for the prestigious "Dr. Ben Carson Scholarship", (honoring academics) Ayla is determined to do her BEST! This year, Ayla is attending her fourth year of "High School" & is "ready" for a new set of "Challenges" by attending her second year of College through Dual enrollment! Academics are a priority to Ayla, & she works very diligently to do her best & compete at the Top of her Class! She enjoys Reading, P.E., playing piano, running Cross Country, Computer, playing Soccer, experimenting with science, & putting together difficult jig saw puzzles with her doting grandparents! Ayla is presently studying Psychology at Palm Beach Atlantic on the east coast & works for Security on campus!

AYLA was recently recognized for outstanding achievement on her Science Project!

Ayla likes Lizards, especially those that can play music!

AYLA likes to "TICKLE the IVORIES"!

Even though it's "RUFF", she became a "DOUBLE MILLIONAIRE"!

Ayla is not "OFF HER ROCKER" for wanting to STUDY so hard!

Third, in the community, Ayla is determined to be the best player she can be on her community sport teams! She works well with her teammates, exhibits outstanding sportsmanship, & plays rock-solid ("God's OAK TREE") defense in soccer! As a matter of fact, three years ago, she was selected to play on a "Competitive" soccer team, & Ayla loved it! She is actually following in the "footsteps" of her former "Soccer Star" parents!

 Ayla has a real "Ball" playing soccer & is not "CHICKEN" to play!

Ayla has to defend against some BIG opponents!

Ayla doesn't "Monkey" around when it comes to DEFENSE!

DO NOT TRY to TAKE the BALL AWAY from AYLA!

Finally, at church, Ayla continues to demonstrate herself as being determined to be "God's Oak Tree"! She is very active in her faith & has participated in the "AWANA" program at church. She also really treasures memorizing Scripture, & her favorite verse is John 3:16! Ayla also enjoys attending church VBS programs in the summer, as well as Sports' Camps. (Even when visiting her cousins in CA) She has a very compassionate heart, which expresses itself by helping those in need whenever possible! The three summers ago, on July 4th, Ayla & her sisters & cousins got baptized! It was an exciting event that I had the privilege of participating in! Ayla's terrific work ethic fuels her desire to do her best for the Lord, not only at church, but also in whatever she does!

"Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you."  Denis Waitley

Ayla enjoys listening to worship & praise music!

Ayla "Hops" to anyone in need of a helping hand!

Ayla enjoys drinking in the "milk" of God's Word! 

Sheep live a well-balanced life under the care of their watchful Shepherd. They enjoy the benefits of being loved by their Shepherd!

You have to believe me, I got Ewe covered! 

Ayla is well loved, just like we are!

Enjoy grazing in the pasture the Shepherd leads Ewe to this day, knowing that He has everything under control! He is training a whole new generation of lambs in the flock, & Ewer future looks brighter than ever, especially with Ayla Grace in the fold!   

"Be strong & take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24 (Ayla's life verse)


Ayala celebrated Christmas a few years ago, with her cousins in TN!



HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY AYLA!