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I love being called "Mammy", thanks to my oldest granddaughter, Ashley, and treasure every moment I get to spend with my boys and the entire family. There is never a dull moment. We are all active and still very competitive. I love playing tennis with Chris when I'm up in Plano visiting. When I'm up in Plano with my "Plano Sumner" family, we normally have a full schedule of fun events scheduled.
Ashley, my oldest granddaughter graduated from A&M in College Station in 3 years, Magna Cum Laude! She was immediately hired at a top advertising firm in Dallas and within her first year, she had one of her articles published. She now works and lives in Fort Worth, after joining another first class advertising firm and continues to be a rising star. She is beautiful inside and out (and also 5'10" tall. Yep, Mammy at 5'2" is a midget to Ashley and her sweet boyfriend who is 6'2").
Paige, my second oldest granddaughter, loves music and animals, just like her Mammy! Paige has already passed up Mammy in height. Paige is very involved at SFA in the Wildlife Society and Forestry and Agriculture. She still many instruments in her room, thanks to her loving parents, that when I'm up there, we can have a great time playing the keyboards, banjo, drums, and even a piccolo! Megan dances to the music while we are playing. I'm the only one who plays the piccolo. Last time all of family was up visiting Chris and Felicity in Plano, my kids were amazed when they heard the piccolo music coming from Paige's bedroom and came in to see that Mammy was playing. Some things you never forget.
Hunter is my only earthly grandson. His two older brothers, Dylan and Austin, left us at birth back in 2006 and will be waiting to greet us in Heaven. I couldn't ask for a more lovable and an awesome grandson. He is very much like Cory, his Dad. Hunter just celebrated his 15th birthday and is already 6 ft. tall. Since Cory, Tanya and Hunter live close by, Maddie and I enjoy going visit and attend Hunter's tennis. Maddie and I enjoy meeting them for dinner, spending time at their relaxing home with their two pups, and dipping our toes in their swimming in their pool.
Megan, who is 14 years old, loves to dance. She auditioned and was selected to dance in the Moscow Nutcracker Ballet a few years ago in Dallas. Her performance in the Nutcracker was awesome. We are so proud of her and everything she as accomplished. She is currently a very active member of her Drill Team. The first time I was at their game and watched the drill team perform, I was amazed with the precision! Paige and Megan are very close sisters and keep their Mom and Dad busy, but never too busy to play games, go swimming, attend many cultural events in the Dallas area, and of course going to visit their many relatives.
We are hoping to plan a family vacation (both Sumner families, including Mammy) very soon to either a trip to Hawaii or a cruise to Alaska. Our last mini family vacation was spent in Branson, Mo, at the beautiful Big Cedar Lodge. We packed in as many adventures as humanly possible - It was a blast!
As for me, I have been blessed to be an instrument engineer ever since the Lord opened the door to this wonderful opportunity back in 1994. I thought I had retired back in 2020, but God thought differently. I was contacted by a former colleague who asked if I would like to work remotely, from home. I joined aeSolutions, on a part time bases or "On Call" back on November 13, 2024 as a Principal Specialist, SIS-FEL. Retirement isn't in the Bible, but if and when the Lord lets me know, I'll know.
I still play my piano, but my flute needs new pads. I now play another instrument. I am singing in the choir at Church, instead of playing in the orchestra.
Also, as most of my friends know, I have a precious pup named Maddie. She's what you call a "MaltiPoo" (Maltese Poodle mix). She's been with me since she was six weeks old and has been one of the smartest dogs I have ever had the privilege of training (and her training me). We completed Therapy Dog training and passed the test per AKC CGC requirements back in 2019. She is now a certified Therapy Dog. We visit everywhere from hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and just anywhere we are needed to give comfort. We pray to be used to touch the lives of those where God leads. Maddie touches my life daily - she's my very own comfort/therapy dog. Maddie will be joining me for some of the reunion events when we drive up from Houston to Amarillo for the 55th Class Reunion.
