We’re here to give your life its start –We’re here to hold you in our arms and heart.We’re here to care for your needs that arise –And a great deal more than you realize.To listen when you feel like talking –To laugh at the fun things you say –To cry with you in life’s disappointments… Read More What Are Parents For? by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

The ground is so hot in my bare feet I’m hopping –The mercury’s so high – the pavement is popping.It really is hit – ‘bout a hundred and two –And in stripping off clothes, I have lost one shoe.Kirstie is having the time of her life –She and her cousin are on the go day… Read More Vacation in Missouri by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

To: You –The young boy that I chanced to meet.Who really swept me off my feet –And I’m so glad we somehow found –Our way to live on common ground.We have our problems and disagree –And don’t know if it’s you or me –But somehow, someway things get worked out –And I guess that’s what… Read More TO YOU by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

Happy 16th Birthday – it’s quite an event –You now have the privilege, the fenders to dent.But if you dent them or get a ticket –You may find you’ll have to learn to “picket”.To bargain your way back under the wheel –For Dad doesn’t just make any old deal. Love and Safe Driving, Mom &… Read More TO: THE NEW DRIVER IN OUR FAMILY by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

You’re a darling little fellow, with your eyes so big and blue –And that curly-top so pretty, with its blonde, shiny hue.You’re not much for talking. “Ma-ma” and “Da-da” is all –But your walking’s getting better, ‘thou you still do get some falls.You no longer smile a toothless smile, and we say, “That’s all right”!!!‘Cause… Read More To Randy Lee by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

This year has seen some changes, in you, my little man.You’ve added inches to your height and learned to take a stand.You know that little head of yours has ideas of its own.And you know how to get your way by standing staunch as stone.You’ve added words to the very few, you knew a year… Read More To Randy Lee 002 by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

When ice and snow is everywhere –And we shiver and we shake –We tell ourselves how nice it’ll be –In Summer – We can’t wait!It seems that spring just lingers on –Old “Jack Frost” hangs around –We want some warmer days, alas –But chilly winds abound.And then one fine June mornin’ –When the suns a… Read More The First Heat of Summer by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

Just want you to know I think you’re great –And thank you for the food I ate –I’m grateful you didn’t throw me out –When the storm was raging all about.And for that hair I left behind –Well, thanks a lot you’re awfully kind.Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillWritten for her mother in-law, Caroline Stogsdill Fletchall and her… Read More TO MY BABYSITTERS by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

I remember your smile from the hallway –From the stairs or wherever we meet.I remember the sunshine you gave us –And, oh my, you were always so neat.If you ever had problems or troubles –They never showed on your face.You were always the same, day after day –And you always seemed full of grace –I’m… Read More Leona by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

While principles may come and go –You’ve been one to win the show.You’ve known all the students by name –And were always ready to join in a game.There will be many as the years go by –Who’ll remember you, and your part in their lives.They’ll remember back to Van Slyke School –Where a friendly principle… Read More Principle by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill