Stories of a Fairy Grandmother

Merry Christmas from the boys!

2011-12-25T08:49:00.003-06:00

Today in the town of David...

2011-12-24T12:22:00.001-06:00

Happy Belated Birthday #1

2011-12-22T08:15:00.001-06:00

So much of what we learn of love,
we learn at home.
Happy many Birthdays, #1!

We're no angels

2011-12-13T18:37:00.000-06:00

I just love that song...it is simple but beautiful. It is from the movie "We're No Angels". It is the old version of the movie with Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov. It is a comedy about three convicts trying to escape from Devil's Island. Fate intervenes when they hide out with a kindly but inept man Felix and his family. The convicts take the family under their wing and help them but they themselves are touched by the kindly family.In one scene...Aldo Ray is talking and this line is so profound and has stayed with me for years..."If crime showed on a man's face, there wouldn't be any mirrors." Mull on that one.

I know this is an old movie, but I hope you will watch it and enjoy, laugh and appreciate your family.

Crazy Man!

2011-12-10T09:42:00.001-06:00

This brings multi-tasking to a whole new level!
Crazy man...crazy

Have I told you lately that I love you

2011-12-09T18:02:00.001-06:00

39 years...it was only yesterday!Your Dad played this on the piano for me tonight!Swoon.

Yesterday A Day of Infamy

2011-12-08T18:14:00.000-06:00

Deer Fear and A Beautiful Place

2011-12-05T19:11:00.001-06:00

One morning, before the sun was up I was on my way to the Fall Fairy's house. I was concentrating on driving in the dark. I don't see very well and instead of looking for deer (which I usually do), I was wanting to catch the cars in the distance so I wouldn't have to struggle so hard to see. As I pushed harder on the gas, going hmmm perhaps 55-60 mph or so, out of nowhere a huge body flew across the road filling my entire windshield. Now I saw no head, nor feet, just body filling my eyes. I know that buck must have had a full blown rack of antlers. I only had time to tap the brakes and I'm telling you I know not how but we did not collide which I am sure would have taken both of us to an early death. Fifteen minutes later my heart was still racing. I now have what is known as Deer Fear. (I made that up :) So when Handsome asked me if I wanted to take an 8 hour drive with him into the heart of deer country, of course I said... yes...

We drove and drove and drove and drove...we saw large splashes of red on the road...scenes of untimely deer deaths and who knows about the drivers...dusk was falling rapidly, we watched earnestly for big brown eyes, hopefully still at the side of the road...we saw a fawn and then came to a town where the houses lined the road we were on...Betcha we can relax.......nope, out trips Bambi's mom and 2 teenage deer. Finally, we made it to the hotel.

We could sense that the lake was very close, but in the deep dark we could not see it.
The hotel staff had made a bonfire and we were able to toast marshmellows and make s'mores. Our room was lovely, luxurious and I felt thoroughly princess-like and spoiled.

In the morning we had breakfast and the restaurant overlooked the lake which was a stone's throw from the hotel...we walked the beach and collected pink rocks. Handsome was not feeling well and spent most of the afternoon in bed. He said that he was glad I was with him and I have treasured that comment ever since.

So beautiful and big ... although after Saturday night there were only 5 cars in the lot (besides the staff). Off season you know ... kind of reminded me of The Shining (although that movie made us laugh). We did feel as if we should be seeing some ghostly forms walking the long corridors.

Yep, we were right the lake is RIGHT THERE. By that tree, see those rocks, that's the fire pit.

Pampas grass so lovely in the wind.

Can't believe there were still leaves on the trees...it was mid to late November after all.

"I want to take THAT one home", I said. He tried, but he couldn't quite do it.

Such a lovely room with balcony and kitchenette. The linens were so soft and pristine white.

I wanted to upload more photos, but blogger wouldn't let me. I tried 3 times and I am ready to throw the computer through a window. But I digress as the Fall Fairy would say.

We started for home later in the morning ... we learned it was opening day of hunting season ... We stopped at the strangest McDonald's for lunch and what to our wondering eyes did appear but a pick up truck with a really big buck in the bed. Now I am no tree hugger, but the sight of a gutted deer is just not what I want to follow behind on a two lane road for miles...couldn't they cover them up...we were glad to get closer to civilization where Handsome manipulated the spaghetti-like toll ways and express ways in quite a wonderful fashion avoiding any traffic jams and hot spots just in time for us to pick up Sargie poo poo before it was dark! He is amazing (Handsome is).

It was a really nice trip, but we were glad to be out of the car. Beautiful place, but we still think the UP trumps. I feel I should be talking about Christmas, but I really wanted to share this story with you.

Maggie Daley called home

2011-11-28T07:23:00.001-06:00

A Man's Happiness

2011-11-26T18:33:00.001-06:00

What more could a man ask for?
He has his best friend by his side...
2 computers,
one is on the Drudge Report;
the other is on Instapundint.
And best of all he has a McDonald's cheeseburger, large fries and a coke...
Who needs a man cave when you have all that!
Hmmmm, maybe a Kindle Fire to hold in his hand?

Disney Part Tres The Characters

2011-11-08T13:50:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite characters, Belle...She was very attentive to the children as you can see by the look on our Rose's face.

Our biggest littlest baby had no fear of the characters...he loved them all. Poor Donald, out in the blazing sun...also no touchy Donald, baby boy, you just had a popscicle!

Little did we know...Goofy is part of our family tree!

Kisses from my wild blonde boy...We are at breakfast at the castle and everybody ate and enjoyed!

This picture says Magic to me...

The characters couldn't have been nicer and more gentle.

Awwww

Awww Awww

Rapunzel was the hardest to see. They have shorter visiting times for her. She did spend a nice amount of time with our middle Rose. The hair...the hair...every girls dream. How much "Wen" would that take?

Who do THOSE two belong to?
(Waiting for Mickey)

Boys! Girls! The picture says it all.

A brief interruption to the Disney posts...Halloween!

2011-11-06T07:29:00.001-06:00

So our youngest, in her free time created these lovely candy corn cookies and much to the dismay of her mama heart, her 3 children decided to decorate them with Easter, Christmas, Valentine sprinkles.
And her mama heart died a little.
But she said nothing and allowed them the joy of creating all of the above loveliness.
Now that is the mark of a good mama!

She also made her own caramel and dipped wonderful tart green granny smith apples. And she rolled them in various and wonderful things.

We enjoyed them immensely.

And Rapunzel took down the Ninja turtle and the biggest, little baby chewed on...I have no idea what?!*

And these two had the best time except for when jumpin J had a slight problem in the driveway and daddy and ray left her with mama until the crying stopped...15 or so minutes later! Lucky mama!

Wanted you to see the real Ninja in this one!

And she looked adoringly up at her crying brother (why was he crying? because Grandma wanted a picture and they weren't going trick or treating fast enough!)By the way that is Toothless the Dragon and his Fairy sidekick...

This is our November, summer sunset from the other night...quite beautiful don't you think?

The month is amber
Gold and brown.
Blue ghosts of smoke
Float through the town.
Great V's of geese
Honk overhead,
And maples turn
A fiery red.

Frost bites the lawn.
The stars are slits
In a black cat's eye
Before she spits.
At last, small witches,
Goblins, hags
And pirates armed
With paper bags,
Their costums hinged
on safety pins,
Go haunt a night
Of pumpkin grins.

Disney Part Deux

2011-10-27T18:02:00.001-05:00

Do you see this happy, mama face? This is how she looked on the whole vacation while dragging her mom, dad, 3 kids and husband through the airport and Disney. She did it gracefully, with fun and very much precision and efficiency. That's my girl!

Do you see this happy mama face? She lights up the tea cup ride!

Do you see this happy mama face? Even in the blazing heat and humidity...she is still taking care of everybody and may I say looking lovely.

Do you see this happy mama face? Notice the maps in her hand and she is ready to lead us to the Magic Kingdom.

Do you see this happy mama face? Flying on Dumbo with the Wild Blonde Boy.

Do you see this happy mama face? She is so proud and thrilled to be able to experience this great time with her children and parents.

Do you see this happy mama face? Being able to show all her children such a wonderful vacation and partly relive her childhood.

Do you see this happy mama .... We would gladly follow her all over the park and are grateful for her and her family...

Disney Part Uno

2011-10-25T10:20:00.001-05:00

Look who we ran into at the airport! We stayed at a hotel close to the airport and they still beat us through security! Handsome, as usual got the X Ray!

Our wild blonde boy played good guys and bad guys until Mama, Papa and the kids walked the moving sidewalk until it was time to board.

After a short time of crying, this happened!

After a short time of not crying...this happened!

Middle Rose was very excited and this is how she stayed! Mama stayed brave the whole time!

This is what we saw upon take off. Cool clouds reflected in the water below. Sure is a short runway at the airport and when we took off it felt like a rocket ship! Straight up!

The wing please! What movie is that from?

After being picked up in a nice bus and registering, our luggage arrived (thank God cause we had long pants on), we changed and went to find food!

Happy faces on the bus! We got a seat this time.

We were in the hot seat! I think the bus's motor was right under us.

Handsome was quite taken with that little hand around the neck and captured this priceless photo...

Love your tender side Handsome...
Next post, my love - hate relationship with Mickey.

Random Thoughts

2011-10-16T14:03:00.002-05:00

This fall was so glorious. The weather, the colors, the light! It made my heart hurt. Does that make any sense to you?

Take a picture of these leaves, Grandma! said my Ray of Sunshine. They reminded us of Indian feathers and we put one in Jumpin' J's hair, 2 on Finchy's collar and 1 in Ray's hair.

This is what I got to gaze at for a week or so between 6pm and 6:10pm...(any later and the light would change) just lovely...takes your breath away! Oh and the "Moo" as my Jumpin' J says, was full and bright.

This boy is doing his best to fill Chili's spot. He is awfully boney, bonier than usual, but his tail is wagging now and he is eating a bit. He snuggled up so close to me one night on the couch. He melted into me and I could feel his heart sigh and ease up a bit and mine too.

This face! Need I say more?

She's trying to let her heart heal. But its not the same :( No luxurious coat to run her fingers through.

Who would have thought? Look at her go...and she listens when you tell her to turn around!

She can pull that heavy wagon over my foot quite easily! She is a feisty one. She also gave me a black eye. Her head is definitely made out of black box material.

Enjoying cookies he and #1 made.

Mom came to visit last weekend. The weather was heavenly and we got to sit outside on the swing a lot and enjoy the colors, the sky and the fresh air. Her favorite thing though is doing work. She washed some of my windows for me! 87 and still going strong, WOW. Thanks MOM.

Two our Biggest Little Baby

2011-10-04T20:21:00.000-05:00

What a lovely day at the farm...the animals were captivated by you and you by them.

Happy Birthday to you!

I can't believe what a big boy you have become!

You still don't have many words, but you certainly can get your point across.
You are very smart, very wirey, you will climb anything, you can throw, kick or dribble a ball really well and you love your mama and papa.
Happy Birthday to our Biggest, Little Boy...
We love you so much.

Happy Birthday #2

2011-10-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

And so another year has passed...
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday #2 ooooooooooo
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuu

Have a screamin birthday!

The Happiest Place on Earth

2011-09-19T15:51:00.000-05:00

So I am trying to get excited about this extra special trip we are taking. I always feel that we are r*aped by Disney because they hold you hostage at their park and can charge lots of money for food and what nots and make you stand in line forever and there is no shade or places to sit for weary old people and the water costs a small fortune (I know nobody is holding a g*un to my head to make us go). But then I remember these faces...

and I grin and bear it and ready myself

and as

I whistle while I work

I think I can feel the love tonight

and see the colors of the wind

and I will wait for my prince to come home

and I will ask him if this is love!

To the happiest place on earth...

Where dreams come true!

Hakuna Matata to you...

Nostalgia

2011-09-17T15:49:00.000-05:00

I am having a weepy day. Handsome asked me to go through the girls old school papers. I thought that sounded like fun. I had a big box full of papers and as I sorted through it I felt so proud of our oldest's grades and awards.

Her awards were many and her stories were full of bicycles, cycling gloves, times with her Daddy and her bike ride with him...the Udder Century. Her drawings were wonderful and neat and precise. Comments from the teachers were complimentary.

And there she is up above with her most favorite teacher, Mrs. Schert. She was my favorite too.

Here is an example of her artwork.

This story made my stomach hurt and I felt sad. Never cared for Ms. Parks for my oldest dear girl who would tighten her pony tail when she was nervous. I finished going through the grade school stuff and started on the high school papers. Woven throughout the papers was her love of SCIENCE...a test she had taken to see what her interests were...SCIENCE...and her declaration of independence telling about our family dynamics which made the buttons burst off of my shrt. Headaches played a major role in her high school years and still they plague her. Wish I could take them away.
My heart was full thinking how blessed we were with this daughter (you too fall fairy, I haven't done yours yet, will have to wait to do that on a nice cheery day, I can't cry anymore today). I started to weep. Handsome came down and told me to stop sorting papers.
I felt sad for many things...that the time went so fast, that I didn't spend enough individual time with each girl, that I didn't appreciate all they did and how they behaved.

Then I found 4 thick, blue folders. What in the world? It was such a treasure, email from college! Email had just started and Wenna Woo is not so good on the phone, but oh she can write. I had a wonderful time reading certain ones...seeing how well she managed what little money we sent her and how she met her wonderful husband and some back and forth with her sister. They love each other...I was so hoping that my girls would have a special bond. There is nothing more precious than a sister.

And this is how I looked after 2-3 hours of sorting and remembering. Good memories yes, but bittersweet because of the speed of time.

I love you so much my oldest, special girl!

Together at Rainbow Bridge

2011-08-31T07:55:00.000-05:00

Our girls have so eloquently written about the Chili Dawg which you can read here and here. I would like to share some memories with you.

Together at Rainbow Bridge.

Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat your dog.

To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge...
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing, they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
But the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

My Handsome

2011-08-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

I love that you're an excellent business man yet you listen to my insignificant conversation so willingly.

I love that you are generous and kind and don't think the worst of people.

I love that you showed me the beauty of Irises and our Mock Orange Bush.

I love that you always say we can, when I am thinking we can't.

I love that little granddaughters (and sons) can make my big man melt like a Lindt chocolate.

I love that you love your mother.

I love that no matter how many times I ask "Do you love me?" you never get angry. And you say "Yes, I love you."

Happy Birthday to the man I love.

My Middle Rose, My Heart

2011-07-17T18:32:00.000-05:00

So heart of my heart, today is your 6th birthday.

And you make me laugh..."Grandpa your tummy is big and soft like a pillow. My other Grandpa has one too. Papa has one too, but his isn't as big!"

"Why are you so messy?" Mama asked. "That's just how God made me right now!" Me too my Rose, for many years now the food has jumped off the plate or fork and onto my clothes.

And you can make me cry... She was barely two and wanted me to listen to "Colors of the Wind", "because you like it Baba HooHoo." "Why are you crying Baba HooHoo?" "Because you make me so happy." Sniffle, sniffle, slurkle, slurkle.

You are good..."The angels are singing for you my little servant girl. You have been such a big helper to me today!". Sounds of Baba HooHoo singing like the angels. (Not too pretty I might add).

And you are naughty..."Sometimes you just sin, Mama." We all do little one.

You have made my world wonderful. I can't wait to see what every year brings, but then I want to stop it too.

"Where are you going my little one, little one?"
"Where are you going my baby almost my own?"
"Turn around and you're tiny."
"Turn around and you're grown." And we'll stop that song right here!

Happy birthday Rose! I love you with all of my heart!

1,2,3,4,5

2011-06-09T18:04:00.000-05:00

But not any more! Its

1,2,4,4,5

Happy Birthday to my WILD BLONDE BOY who is Sor today!

I love you so much.

And here we are doing what we do...watching BATT MAN!

Hearts and prayers for your surgery dear Chili

2011-05-09T17:28:00.000-05:00

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones;
and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task,
go to sleep in peace. God is awake. Victor Hugo

Happy Retro Birthday to you tooooooo!

2011-05-03T18:51:00.000-05:00

Turn around and you're tiny...

Turn around and you're grown...

Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of her own.

Happy, happy birthday to our beautiful donkey!

Happy Birthday Littlest Rose!

2011-04-28T19:20:00.000-05:00

She wasn't where she had been.

She wasn't where she was going...

but she was on her way!

He is risen indeed!

2011-04-25T18:40:00.002-05:00

The sun shone brightly on our Easter Sunday (which was really Saturday) and littlest Rose's birthday celebration. We bought both of the Roses beautiful dressies and stuffed eggs for THE hunt. We ate a huge prime rib, 13 lbs to be exact and devoured some ladybug cake and homemade peanut butter cups!

THE roast!

And my Ray said, "Momma, sister looks like a princess!"

Looking for eggs...

The middle Rose was so kind...she helped the mini Rose and made sure she got enough eggs.

And my Wild Blonde Boy chose an egg from his basket and gave it to the mini Rose!

And she opened and liked the paper best while the middle Rose, my Wild Blonde boy and my Ray helped her.

She knew she was the center...she loved being sung to and even ate her cake that Mama had made her.

Before and after peanut butter cups!

Doesn't everyone dance in their diaper during their birthday celebration!

Our biggest little baby loved laying by Chili, who graciously allowed it for the moment...he is quite lame and I have to give him credit...he is so gentle.

The 3 Roses, that is my Mom's hand.

Seriously? Really!#*

2011-04-18T07:02:00.001-05:00

You know what today's date is, right...and what is that frozen white stuff all over the ground. While beautiful, yes? But isn't it April showers, not April frozen white stuff that you have to scrape off your car! God moves in mysterious ways.

I think the forsythia are shivering...

It is pretty though.

Scraping a car in April...who knew it could be so fun.

Sargie poo poo was not real happy about this change of landscape!

Mama?

2011-04-09T10:07:00.000-05:00

I thought you said you washed my face?

The "Shes"

2011-04-08T06:21:00.002-05:00

She laid her head on my shoulder
and her breathing filled me . . .

almost to beyond what
I could hold.
Story people.

Which ensemble do you think suits him?

2011-04-06T09:31:00.006-05:00

So handsome!

Read previous blog first!

2011-04-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen such a beautiful layout! We had the best time!

Phone calls

2011-04-05T09:21:00.001-05:00

I got two phone calls last night. One was from my oldest telling me that Ray of Sunshine said I was his favorite Framma. (Now I know he rarely sees his other Framma...but to my starving heart it sounded like the world to me.) He then got on the phone and I told him he is my favortie 4 year old. He said thanks and then asked when we were coming to visit so I could read him a story. Last time we visited, he and I had the best time reading Curious George and watching the movie from the library. That Curious George! He gets into a lot of trouble!

My second phone call was from my special Rose asking me if I could please make lemon poppy seed muffins. She has discovered she LOVES them, they are her FAVORITE. They are my favorite too.

Of course I said yes. The last time we had our special day together she made them with my supervision and she did an excellent job.

She also set up ALL the Barbie stuff on the bed so we could play and I wouldn't have to sit on the floor. What a nice day!

I have a photo to upload, but it is not letting me.

First sunny day!

2011-04-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

Doesn't he remind you of a chubby deer?

Happy Retro Birthday to YOOOUUUU

2011-03-26T08:09:00.001-05:00

You, who were so new from God,
a happy baby and a joy to your
Mom and Dad.
Happy birthday little girl.
We love you!
This photo was taken on the
day you were baptized.
We didn't know the Lord yet.
But we found Him.

Hey Babies

2011-03-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

Drowned kitten?

Brat pack?

Happy Birthday Ray!

2011-03-03T07:18:00.000-06:00

This book was a huge hit!

It warmed my Grandma's heart

Mama put it on his wish list, BUT I chose it from there!

And I was as excited as he was! I picked out a COOL boy present!

You never cease to amaze me. You had your book just about memorized before we left for home!
You bring joy to my heart!
Happy Birthday my Ray!

The Three Roses

2011-02-22T17:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day Handsome!

2011-02-14T14:03:00.002-06:00

I love you . . .
Even while sick and after driving several hundred miles
you came home with flowers for me.
Thank you my Handsome.
I love you so.

Gone for only 1 hour

2011-02-08T17:50:00.000-06:00

Sargie poo poo, you could be a surgeon because...

no kleenex were harmed in the destruction of this box!

Blizzard Schmizzard

2011-02-03T17:07:00.000-06:00

Blizzard of 1967
Me and my sister.

Blizzard of 1979
Wenna Woo dressed to go out for 5 minutes it was soooo cold.
She looks a bit like Noah.

1979
Yes, we used to have orange shutters :(
Look how small that maple was!

Blizzard of 1999
Number 1 drove ALL the way from Pennsylvania to pic up his love...
and then drive to Bethel

Blizzard of 2011
Its like being in the trenches!
I can't believe how much Handsome shoveled and he's still moving pretty good today.

Happy Birthday Baby Sister

2011-01-28T10:28:00.001-06:00

Looks like a Wild Blonde Boy face?
Have a great day, sister!

Biohazard and Happy New Year

2011-01-25T11:34:00.000-06:00

Yes that stone on the right is my gallstone...It is about the size of an acorn. It is hard as a rock and I am glad to have it and my very inflamed gallbladder out. Handsome took very good care of me. The first two days were rough. I am much improved...the burping and gas have calmed down some...I am hoping it continues. I have 4 small stab wounds which are healing well. They were closed with something like crazy glue. So amazing.

Thanks for the flowers Auntie Val and Uncle Randy. They are still lovely and doing well.
I also received a basket of plants and flowers from work.

The cards really tickled me. My two friends sub consciously remembered my beagle and Snirt the blonde kitty.
Thanks for the prayers.
Happy New Year to all.

Merry Christmas, Welcome to your world, Jesus

2010-12-24T15:49:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday #1

2010-12-20T10:46:00.000-06:00

It is the Merry-Hearted Boys

that make the Best Men!

Hope you had a wonderful day #1!

POLAR EXPRESS

2010-12-12T18:53:00.000-06:00

Here you have "The Golden Tickets"!

The day was snowy...it was a perfect and magical day. We arrived at the train station and a HUGE flock of geese flew over honking out our arrival. We were served cookies, goldfish and the special beverage of the day
HOT CHOCOLATE!

The train went fast...we saw horses and we thought we heard wolves and saw an eagle flying overhead. The hostess of the ride read the Polar Express story and all of the children received
SANTA'S BELL!

We arrived at the NORTH POLE...it was beautiful. And who should be waiting to greet us but SANTA! Some of them sat on his lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas. One of them created a memory. They all received a gift bag from Santa.

Santa rode the train back to our station. He spoke briefly to everyone and did mention he loves cookies and milk. His reindeer also like carrots. We sang Christmas caroles.
Soon we were back home.
It was a wonderful morning!

My Version

2010-12-07T18:20:00.002-06:00

"Grandma," my middle Rose said, "you're going to have the best birthday ever and Grandpa will help!" And she said this on HER birthday, what a girl! So keeping this in mind, I told my Handsome what she had said and lo and behold he found tickets for a play! Not just any play but The Wizard of Oz! And it was right around my birthday. He purchased the tickets and used his points for A Hotel which is how the Rose says it, very importantly and capitalized. Two weeks before the big day he and the Fall Fairy told her what was to happen and do you know She Kept IT A Secret! She asked me to help her pack cause she and mama were going on a special date and I was to watch the boys.

Segue, Handsome had made reservations and they were in the name of Mr. Baba Hoo Hoo and it would be for two double beds. The reservation should have read Mrs. Baba Hoo Hoo, but we figured they would see I was a woman.

Anyway, the day dawned and I excitedly and nervously drove to the hotel. I had never checked in to a hotel all by myself. I spelled our last name...she said oh Mr. Handsome and I said it was booked in my name Baba Hoo Hoo, anyway she said she would change it. Then she said we have a king sized bed for you on the conceirge wing. I said oh no that won't do, my grandaughter is coming and we need two beds... (Meanwhile, I am thinking what is the conceirge wing...and why was it Mr. Handsome and king size bed, but hey) She said I would have to use my key to open the door to that wing. Whoa I thought, that seems important.

Mama and Middle Rose arrived and I told them I would meet them in the parking lot. We went up to the room and after checking extensively for bed bugs, (because that's what we do) we decided to explore.

At the door to the conceirge wing was a tuxedoed man with a tray of chocolate covered strawberries and some exotic water. I said jokingly is that for us? He said it is if you are in room 123 ... I said we are in room 123... I was all aflutter and said Handsome must have sent them. Middle Rose was so excited, there was even a flower on the tray. She carried the tray around and touched the water and put the stuff in the fridge for enjoyment later. The man said they were from the hotel. (Hmm, I was a getting a bit uneasy). There was a card for Handsome, (right first name, slightly misspelled last name) but people do that all the time...Mama and I joked about that.

We decided to explore the hotel and found some clues about the play...we returned to the room and the phone was flashing...who would call us here, we had our cell phones with us...I told Mama I think there is a mistake, I think we are in the wrong room. AND I bet we have to give the strawberries back.
While I called down to the desk, the middle Rose was taking the tray out of the fridge and sadly putting it back on the dresser. The front desk told us we had no reservation but we had them at the other hotel right across the street. I was very upset...this was my birthday after all and this was the hotel we were supposed to be at and the middle Rose was so excited about everything. The hotel sent a very nice bellhop up to help us with our things. And down the hall and out the conceirge wing we went. Apparently the room and strawberries were meant for the CEO of COSCO! His name is very close to Handsome's.

I have alway had trouble keeping my composure and while mama thought the situation was funny, I started to cry. The middle Rose looked up at me sweetly and said "Happy Birthday Baba HooHoo." I think I was crying because of the strawberries, after all the middle Rose had wanted the one with sprinkles. The extremely nice front desk manager cancelled our reservations for the wrong hotel and proceeded to put us back in the conceirge wing. (All the while my Handsome was working frantically from home trying to right this wrong. Turns out the hotel reservations made the mistake and we were able to still use our points and not be penalized. That Handsome, he's quite a guy!)

We went out for a nice dinner and I had the pleasure of Happy Birthday sung to me by the waiters (much to Middle Rose's delight). Back to our room... and what was waiting for us there but a beautiful platter of fresh fruit, water crackers, brie, bottles of water and vase with a flower were waiting for us with a nice note from the front desk manager wishing me a Happy Birthday and a nice stay. (We told middle Rose the fruit was from Grandpa HooHoo.) She was very happy with the fresh strawberries and bananas that were on the plate.

I was exhausted by this time and we laid back in bed...Little did I know I was in a Disney movie...you know the one...the character is snoring and the covers are going up and down. Well, Happy and Doc snored the night away...I think I got a bit of sleep but it was worth it the next day to see her face when she saw the Wizard and realized the importance of the RED shoes that Dorothy had left for her the night before.
It was the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

Like a kick in the stomach

2010-11-16T15:22:00.000-06:00

That's how we all felt after the Children's Memorial train wreck. Such disappointment, I felt like all the wind was gone from my body. Nothing was discovered...except our Ladybug is not mal- nourished...which is a testimony to her mama and daddy. My Ray's behavior was wonderful and his concern for his sister was something considering he is only 3. Well, I guess it is onward and upward from here.
Thought I would post a few of my favorite photos.

Ladybug loves Grandpa

So sweet

Beautiful Boys...no Grandma HooHoo, we're Handsome!

This happens sometimes....

Thanks for the prayers...we still need them.

Peace and Hope

2010-10-23T10:04:00.001-05:00

I pray for peace and hope for the days ahead.
Love each other and be there for each other.
God will hold you in his arms and you and your family will be covered in prayer.

We love you.

"He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock...

And covers me there with His hand."

How good it feels, the hand of an old friend...

2010-10-19T14:33:00.000-05:00

The day was beautiful and full of conversation.

Is that the profile of someone we know?

It seemed that even the rocks had lips and could talk.

Louis canyon...one way in and one way out.

It was beautiful, the sandstone of the rocks is soft enough to write your name with your fingernail. The leaves fell gently from the sky. It was a haunting, magical place. Someone was drumming which added to the eerieness of the place. It has been very dry this fall, so the paths were not muddy or very wet. The disappointing part was there were no waterfalls.

Our friends told us they had never seen the park so crowded. We had trouble finding a parking place. I said it reminded me a bit of Disney World only the sweat was not flowing down my umm, well you know. Some places we had to wait to get down the paths...the crowd did thin out some and we were able to enjoy the beauty of this place.

We ended up at one of my favorite places...Skoogs!

Just the words homemade fried chicken and homemade mashed potatoes send me into a swoon.

A delicious end to a wonderful day!

Fred The Beagle 1996-2005

2010-10-14T06:00:00.005-05:00

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.

You are his life, his love, his leader.

He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.

You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

It's been five years and I still miss him...

One year ago today...

2010-10-11T19:45:00.000-05:00

we took our dog Sarge to Doggy Camp...and then drove for 2 hours because of the awful construction(it should have been 1) to a hotel near the Hospital. My dear Handsome was going to undergo an ablation at the crack of dawn. An ablation is a process that burns paths on the surface of the heart to try and reroute the electrical impulses that are causing the heat to beat irratically and rapidly. And yes, the patient is awake.

Somehow we managed to sleep. We arrived at the hospital and got the #1 parking spot. We waited and waited for admitting to arrive. Finally we were admitted and after a bit of a wait we were escorted to the heart wing. Handsome was then prepped for a first procedure to see if he had any blockages or clots etc. He had to swallow a camera, he who has a very sensitive gag reflex. A doctor and a nurse were in attendance.

I went out to the waiting room. I was called back in after a while. Then the real waiting began. He was to have had this ablation by 9am. However there was an emergency, so he was on his back from 7 til 11 o'clock. Handsome has a bad back so this was very hard on him. He was hooked up to iv's etc. Finally we asked if he could get up...of course when we did that, his Dr. was ready to go. In my head I figured on 4 hours for the actual ablation. We had already been at the hospital for 6.

I sat for a while. I had 2 cell phones with me. After about an hour I went to the cafeteria. Believe me it was no Central DuPage. The place was a beehive and I noticed people leaving with empty trays. Apparently they keep the trays at their desks cause there was a great shortage of them. Anyway, the pickings were slim, I was exhausted and there were no trays. I did find a place to sit. Feeling very lonely, I watched the buzz of the hospital and wished the day was done.

Back to the waiting room. People came, people went...someone was dying...I could tell the way the family was talking. Why was no one crying...I think I'd be crying...but maybe the person had been ill for a long time.The hours ticked by slowly, I tried to watch tv... but I didn't care about Oprah, or Maury or any soap opera. There was no concentration left in my brain.

I texted and called the girls and family.

It is past the four hour mark...I am getting worried now. What in the world? Maybe they couldn't get his heart to fibulate...then what...

In the middle of one of my cell phone calls, the phone died and my cell wasn't getting reception. It was close to dinner time. The waiting room was thinning out. I couldn't face the cafeteria again. I started to cry...the tears running down my cheeks. I needed a human...Lord...someone with skin on.

A young lady sat down next to me...She was about our girls age. She talked to me about her mom who was in the heart ward. She needed a new heart. She offered me her phone. I was grateful for her. About a half hour later she was called for her Mom.

I decided to ask the lady at the desk if she could find out anything...she called surgery for me and said Handsome was still being worked on.

It is now 6 hours...I sat back down and tried not to cry. I thought of things we hadn't done and places we hadn't gone. But that didn't matter, I just wanted to look into his chocolate brown eyes and hear him tell me he loved me.

I heard my name, the lady at the desk said the nurse wanted to talk to me, my heart did a dive...
"We are still working on him...don't know how much longer." I must have looked quite despondent. The kind lady behind the desk suggested I go to the chapel. She told me it was easy to find and very pretty. Normally I don't respond to these kind of suggestions...

I took the elevator to the basement of the hospital. I found the chapel...I opened the door. It was cool and quiet. Someone was working on decorating the altar for Autumn. I stood a moment in the cool, peaceful silence...There at the right side of the pews was a small grouping of chairs and a statue of Jesus sitting with a few children. One of the children reminded me of how I imagine our Faith. She had curly hair and a dress on.

I sat down and said, "I know you don't have to be in church to pray, or for you to hear me, but please be with my Handsome." A peace came over me and calmed my heart and soul and HE met me there in this chapel, in the quiet and the peacefulness of this room that has felt so many tears. I felt HIS comfort and love. It was as tangible to me as the young lady in the waiting room.

I heard a crying sound. To the left was a family, I could hear the words MOMMA coming from them. I prayed for the Momma who was in distress in this hospital. I cried for them too.

After a while, I went back to the waiting room. It was deserted. The kind lady was gone. I prepared for a long wait but almost immediately my cell phone rang. It was the Doctor. He was on his way to talk to me in the lobby. When he found me, he told me once they had the fibs started, they couldn't stop them. They had to do a lot of burning. He said it was probably about the time I was in the chapel that they finished and stopped the fibs. I cried uncontrollably, but he told me Handsome was fine. They had done what they needed to do. And in the good doctor's words they burned the sh*t out of his heart. He looked me right in the eyes and spoke in words that I could understand. He cared and took the time with his team to do the job even though it took such a long time. And he acknowledge my time in the chapel.

He took me back to recovery. After a bit and a hug from the most wonderful nurse (she was a true servant and Florence Nightingale would have given her the nursing award) and offer of a sandwich, my Handsome was wheeled in. I couldn't touch him yet, but just seeing him living and breathing was what I needed.

Now possibly the worst part was to begin...Until his blood clotted, he would have to continue to lay on his back with catheters that were in his neck and 2 in each side of his groin. No rolling, no bending, no sitting. His bed was a prison and his back was screaming.

The nurses sent me up to his private room to rest. I dropped off my stuff, laid down for about 10 minutes, but I couldn't not be with him. Back down to recovery I went like a person who is driven to go home. And home to me is where Handsome is.

Up to his private room we were finally taken. It was a large, nice quiet room. My bed was right at the window with a beautiful view which I would appreciate when it was light out.

Having not eaten for 24 hours he was starving. We were able to get him some ice. No eating until the catheters came out. The nausea hit hard...he could not sit up or move...so imagine trying to throw up in that state. Anti-nausea drugs did the trick.

The pain in his back was horrible. They had orders for heavy duty pain medication. It would work for a short period of time. It was hard to watch...the pain in his back would not stop. He almost cried and this is one tough man!

The cath team came 2 times to check on the clotting. The team was made up of 2 men and 1 woman. They would have the job of pulling the catheters and then putting pressure on for as long as it took the bleeding to stop. Finally the third visit was the charm. At about 2:30 am in the dead of night they appeared and did their job. The catheter in the neck was the worst. I couldn't watch. He turned a terrible gray color. One of the men said the next two wouldn't be so bad. After a good 15-20 minutes of pressure, Handsome was free of his bonds but still had to lay still for an hour or so. Finally he could move a bit. He seemed a new man. He wanted food and to GO HOME!

And that is what happened. We got Sarge by 11am and were home shortly after. We were overjoyed to be home, but exhausted.

The next day he felt pretty well and wanted to go to the pharmacy to get the shots to thin his blood really fast. Bad idea, he was much weaker than he thought. We got the shots and crashed back home. I had to give him 2 shots a day for 3 days. You should have seen his bruises, between the cumadin and the shots, he was a beautiful shade of purple, yellow, black, blue and every other color of the rainbow.

Well, what was the result of the surgery? He will need another procedure...he is not ready yet, but when he is, dear Lord, help me to be better prepared for the waiting...but can you ever be?

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Farm!

2010-10-10T12:19:00.001-05:00

Oh the excitement here!

Queen of the Horses

Where's my wild blonde boy?

Frank we've waited for you for a whole year!

Sweet Moments at the Farm

Sugar lips and pumpkin lips

There's a lot to do at the Farm!

The Day I Met The Third Boy I Ever Loved

2010-10-04T19:21:00.001-05:00

And the days went by with the wink of an eye!

Happy Birthday to our biggest, little baby!

He is our neatest birthday cake eater yet!

Happy birthday little man! We love you.

Happy Birthday #2

2010-10-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

But you are also #1 because you take such good care of:

Happy birthday #2 er, ah #1!

Ba

2010-09-30T07:58:00.000-05:00

It can mean so many things...just ask this littlest man.

Ba means:

Pick me up.

I want a banana.

Turn the paddle fan on.

I want to go outside.

I want my mama.

I'm hungry.

I want my ball.

I love my sister.

I love my brother.

Papa's home.

And with a questioning "Ba?" The world is yours my little prince. Has anyone ever been luckier? "Ba?" I don't think so.

Just a few more summer memories

2010-09-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

The smokey joe birthday party.

Boy it hurts when you put your arm down! And that's just what I did. I whined for days about the burn on my elbow.

That's the way to go down a slide!

Our youngest and his great grandma.

Ray kept the birthday secret until Grandpa had the package in his hands. Then Ray whispered loudly, "Its a helicocker."

Our middle Rose proudly showed Grandpa the birthday card she made for him.

It appears that 3 supermen er, ah superwomen stopped by.

Helping Grandpa blow out the candles

The three cousins.

Where is my super hero? Why mama, Batman is right next to you.

Ahoy maties, there be pirates among us.

Grandpa and his girlies!

Grandpa and his girlies.

Thomas

2010-09-23T17:53:00.000-05:00

need I say more

He's coming!

He's here!

We're riding and sister is not crying!

One excited Ray of Sunshine!

Oh boy!

No street here!

This little man loved the trains...

Thomas up close...

Say what?

The End...

'til next year and Mama and Daddy can spend their next anniversary with their kids

and Thomas.

It's still summer today...

2010-09-22T18:21:00.001-05:00

at least until 10:09 pm. Here are some summer memories, although I feel that it might as well have been snowing...to me the weather was very disagreeable. I hardly went outside. Sad. But now I can complain about snow.

Here are a few photos of our summer vacation.

Disney, I'll give you a tirade on that later, but the faces on the kids were priceless. Also it gives the word HOT new meaning.

Wish I could have heard what Minnie said...

The sweetest princess there...Belle.

The sweetest mama and daughter there too.

My dream, to be on the beach with my grandchildren. Look at the blue, blue, blue Gulf and the pristine, white sand. Everytime I see this, it takes my breath away.

My brave little man...

Really cool feeding the flamingos. It tickles.

I want a hat like that and doesn't mama's foot look nice?

I wouldn't mind this hat either, if I could rock it like the ladybug.

The reason for the visit. Great Grandma J's 90th!

There's no place like home!

What a trip! What a summer! What memories!

"When summer opens, I see how fast it matures, and fear it will be short, but after the heats of July and August, I am reconciled, like one who has had his swing, to the cool of autumn." Ralph Waldo Emerson

These tiny hands

2010-09-21T08:44:00.000-05:00

have this man

wrapped very tightly...

but when Grandpa would not let her go into the street, she crawled quickly to

her Daddy, and he said, "Wouldn't that mean Grandpa let you go in the road?"

And she cried for an hour and a day and told him all about it...

Wearing Mama's dressie

2010-09-13T19:19:00.000-05:00

Uh oh Mama, seems your baby has more hair than you did!

And to take a quote from my Baby Wild Blonde Boy,

"Nobody loves me and I need new shoes!"

Dear World

2010-08-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today I bequeath to you one little girl in a crisp dress, two twinkling eyes and a happy laugh that ripples all day long and a flash of curly hair that bounces in the sun when she runs. I trust you will treat her well. She's slipping out the backyard of my heart this morning and skipping off down the street to her first day of school and never again will she be completely mine. No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch steps on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in the side walk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn and kiss the lilac blooms in the morning dew. The books and learning will replace the blocks and dolls. She'll find new heroes. For 5 full years I've been her sage and Santa Claus and pal and playmate and father and friend...But today I'll stand and watch her start out on that long, lonely journey to becoming a woman.

So world, I bequeath to you today...

I trust you'll treat her well. by Dan Valentine

Love, Papa

Breakfast mmmmmmmmmm

2010-08-29T10:44:00.001-05:00

Tomatoes, Food of the Gods

but only IF they are like these. Firm skin but juicy inside and just the right flavor...my mouth is watering just thinking about these

Add bacon, mayo and toasted bread

Luscious...

One of my favorite things

And yes for Breakfast

Gotta have lots of mayo!

It makes me happy!

What strange and wonderful things do you eat for Breakfast?

Boys...Girls

2010-08-18T20:36:00.000-05:00

The Lap of Luxury

2010-08-17T19:13:00.000-05:00

Mama and corn...what more do you need?

You are the Smile to my Face

2010-08-12T20:17:00.000-05:00

Happy, happy birthday my dearest love.

I met you when I was 17...I can't believe how the time has flown.

You are the horizon to my sky.

You are the gravy to my mashed potatoes.

You are the cold milk to my cookies.

You are the ink to my pen.

You are the ketchup to my french fries.

You are the water to my ocean.

I love you!

...I thought we had sorever...

2010-07-25T16:54:00.001-05:00

Only 3 days old and she had my heart.

By the age of one, I knew she was my "bosom friend" as Anne of Green Gables so aptly put it.

Age 2
Her love of all things chocolate...hmmm.
Her love of Barbies...hmmm.
Her girliness, love of pink, purple and sparkles...hmmm.
Hmmm does that remind you of anyone?

Age 3

How happy it makes me to see her complete joy and excitement over things I do for her.

Age 4

I am lovesick and my heart is full to bursting as I think of this day and how she told me "I love my cake Baba HooHoo".

Now she is sive years old...I cannot believe where the time went. She is the ultimate "Time Bandit"...she has shown me just how fast the years are going...

And I thought we had sorever to play Barbies, and Princesses and Pirates...But she is sive now and school is looming on the horizon...I must capture all of the moments and hold them inside my heart...and remember all of our times in our world of make believe. I hope she will remember them sorever too. And the tears are running down my cheeks as I write

I love you my Rose...

Happy Birthday!

The Day I Met the 2nd Boy I Ever Loved

2010-06-28T16:05:00.000-05:00

The day he turned 1

The day he turned 2

And he accepted Grandpa Hoo Hoo's heart first...

But I think that I might have captured a tiny bit of his heart too...

Happy Birthday my Baby Wild Blonde Boy

I Yuv you!

Baby Wild Blonde Boy

2010-06-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

"Hey Baby Wild Blonde Boy", I say to him and he says "What?" and I say, "I yove you." And he answers "Yove you." All of a sudden one day he smiled real cute at me and said, "Baby Gamma HooHoo...I yove you." And he giggled, cause he knew he was making a joke. He thought of that all by myself. So smart!

One day I was holding him on my lap on the rocky chair...I started rocking and singing..."Yo Ho. Yo Ho a pirate's life for me." He asked me to sing more (and if you heard me sing, you'd wonder why he said more.) and so we sang together and sailed over rough seas and a full moon with the wind in Pirate Wild Blonde Boy's curls. And the game of pirate was born...We use our foam swords and say "All sor one and one sor all." And he tells his sister, "Go way, I playing wiss gamma all mysels." He really likes the pirate game. (We do let sister join in, she loves to be the mermaid.)
One day he was looking for a dvd...I couldn't figure out which one he wanted. He proudly held up "Veggie Tales, The Pirates who don't do anything". "See, I tole you Gamma!" I love when we have our moments...they are few and and hard to come by, but I cherish them very much.
His affection is not easily won and I love when he gives me a WET kissie.
He is a big boy and can appear rough...however he is not and my favorite image of him is dragging his ragged, blue blankie behind him up the stairs. So sweet..........

Anywhere...

2010-06-04T20:20:00.000-05:00

When this little man takes my hand, I can feel the tug all the way to my heart. When he says, "Framma, I missed you..." I melt into a puddle. He is my Ray and a very special boy.

When he takes my hand, I will go wherever he wants me to.

And we have the best time of make believe...

And I cherish our special time together.

Sairy (fairy) Garden

2010-06-03T19:42:00.001-05:00

So our oldest granddaughter decided she would come and spend the night "all by myself, because I love you Grandma HooHoo". She was very excited and couldn't wait for her parents and brothers to leave.

We were going to make a sairy garden. Neither one of us is Martha Stewart, meaning we both got dirty, our clothes, our arms and legs. We scooped new dirt into the pots and then she picked out what plants to put in which pots and stuck them in the holes. Then came the funnest part...decorating them. She used sparkly stones, eggs, bird nests, a sairy house, moss and whirly gigs. We think they are wonderful...one of them even has a solar light which will help the sairies sind their way home. What do you think?

Then she said, "Grandma, I'm tired of being dirty, can I take a bath?" Of course, my darling...and she had the best time and turned into a prune. Then we did her piggy toes and fingers in four different shades of pink and red.

After dinner and watching part of Heidi with Shirley Temple (which tickled me to no end), we tried to go nigh night. We did end up looking at the moon and "Grandma, look at the stars, I never see those at home".

In the morning, I actually made pancakes and sausages and she set the table so pretty and folded the napkins under the silverware. "Who taught you that?" "I saw it on Oso." Then she disappeared...and came back with some sparkly fabric for the table and Grandpa HooHoo graciously moved everything and helped her place the cloth.

She was very proud of herself and we thought it was lovely.

Then we took her home.

And...the house was very quiet without her...

Uh oh (in the words of our Ladybug)

2010-06-02T19:41:00.001-05:00

How did you get up there Frampa and how in the world will you get down?

Frampa has an appointment to see Dr. John on Thursday for a cortisone shot for his injured shoulder.
Uh oh!

Guess who is crawling????

2010-06-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to THE biggest baby we ever loved!!

2010-05-04T20:52:00.000-05:00

10 lbs 15 oz...the biggest girl ever born in our hospital. The doctor had to hold you with two hands.
We found out 3 months later that your collar bone had been broken during delivery. Then we knew why you would cry everytime we put you down. You didn't like to eat either and at 3 months old you were a skinny mini and for "some reason" the name screaming mimi was given to you. You remind me a lot of our wild, blonde boy naughty and charming all at once. You have grown into a beautiful, warm- hearted woman and I can't believe that you were ours for a brief moment in time. MOM

Birthdays are only dates that signify that another year of memories has gone by. This birthday I remember a little girl who was barely tall enough to look in the top of her sisters dresser drawer and did...even though she was told not to touch her sisters things. Her daddy spent about 15 minutes watching her pull things out, inspect them and carefully put them back. This is the same little girl who grew up to be a mommy and stand in the doorway and watch her little boy go into his sister's dresser drawers and inspect things despite being told not to touch. Birthdays bring back great memories. I love you dolly.
Love Dad

Live in the moment

2010-05-01T09:30:00.002-05:00

Words fail me

2010-04-29T21:06:00.000-05:00

AND SHE'S ONE!!!

2010-04-27T20:19:00.001-05:00

For a long time there were only your footprints and laughter in our dreams and even from such small things, we knew we could not wait to love you forever.

A girl...

So Beautiful...

Our Princess all made up and ready to go to the Ball...

Happy, Happy Birthday...I can't believe you're one.

Thank you Jesus for pictures...Yes she is growing and I would say THRIVING!

Oh What a Busy Day!

2010-04-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

My best little helper! She said she was making them oh SO shiny...

Boots for being in the yard...no one wanted to wear them...I want the ones with flowers.

The middle Rose enjoyed digging in the dirt and finding things for our fairy garden...Our wild blonde boy...not so much

He liked swinging with gampa and then they disappeared into the house and emptied the sink of bubbles...didn't get any photos of that :(

This is beer batter bread that the 2nd Rose made all by herself...she loved when it bubbled and the yeasty smell made her sigh and say it smelled so good!

Nothing like swinging on a beautiful day...

Doesn't he look important? And handsome in those boots?

Mary, Mary was not contrary and her garden is growing quite well thank you very much!

Love the blue ant...

She helped me arrange my yard art...

And threw the ball for Sargie poo poo...

Maybe that's why he didn't want to wear the boots?!

A Visit...We missed you so, so much!

2010-04-26T07:55:00.000-05:00

When God is Silent part 2

2010-04-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

"Life with Me is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties. My guidance is often by shut doors." from God Calling by A.J. Russell

When God is Silent

2010-04-16T07:24:00.000-05:00

I want this to be a wise post, a comforting one, an uplifting one, something the Proverbs 31 woman would write...
But I am just me...and when God is silent to our prayers...it can be a time of anger and hopelessness. It seems that our requests have fallen on deaf ears and Dear Jesus, we need some hope for our little girl and her mama and her daddy...they need a meadow in this storm...can you provide this for them?
My heart is hurting and I cannot change or control the situation...I can only give them back to you...but you are still silent...
We thought by her 1st birthday the eating problem would be about solved, but she has regressed and Lord we don't understand this...how can this be?
Mama and Daddy are doing all they can with strength that they summon from who knows where (could it be You!)
I ask for this meadow and hope because my mama's heart is breaking for them...
You sent Holly at the right time...she has been a joy for them and even though I haven't met her, she must be wonderful, because my little Ray said, "Dear God, Thanks for sister and for Holly...Amen" Who could ask for better praise than that.
And I know you're there and the family knows you're there, but a meadow Lord, please, just for a moment a sense of normalcy for this family...
I know about unanswered prayer because for 20 years I have been praying that you would take "The Headache" away from our Wenna Woo...it is like a monster rearing its head many times...but as I think about it Lord, this thorn in her flesh has made her a very tough and determined young mother, wife and teacher. And so I must say, You in your infinite wisdom know what is best for all of our family.
Thank you that you hear me and understand, even this "Silence of God" because when you were kneeling in the garden, all your friends were sleeping and you were weeping all alone...so even in this you understand...
"The Silence of God" by Andrew Peterson helped me understand that you are there too, and you do understand that great and terrible feeling "When we're bleating for comfort from Thy staff and Thy rod and the heaven's only answer is the silence of God"

Wreck of the Hesperus

2010-04-15T18:05:00.003-05:00

I have been feeling like the "Wreck of the Hesperus"...lately. Handsome asked me what that was and for the life of me, I couldn't tell him...I thought it had something to do with...a wreck of some kind... Anyway, he googled it and it is a poem by Longfellow...it is very sad...it is about a sea skipper and his little daughter who are in a storm...anyway, the ship weathers it, they do not. I have weathered the last several weeks...still am not feeling that great...my stomach is a mess...the cure for some things seems as if it will kill you. I have a few photos of things we did manage to do.

Hope you all had a Happy Easter...He is risen indeed!

Just a quickie

2010-04-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

Going to visit the antique Rose today...going to lunch hopefully to have my mostest, favoritest soup,

Egg Lemon!

And then on to a jewelry store...to see how much a $250.00 gift certificate will buy!

Have a great day! Happy Spring!

Guess what I got?

2010-04-10T16:03:00.000-05:00

A New Camera!

I had gotten one for Christmas. I wanted a small camera to take on a trip. But for the life of me I couldn't focus and it had auto focus! I had other people try it and they couldn't either. I took it back.

Anyway, Handsome and our littlest big baby saw something Instapundit had written about a Sony camera...lo and behold it arrived on our doorstep...It is even tinier, but I can see the screen without my cheaters! Oh joy, oh bliss and it takes the most beautiful photos without flash and i can adjust the ISO and many other things. Thank you Sony, Handsome, littlest big baby and Instapundit.

PS...Dear Instapundit, do you know of a good vacuum that will do pergo without spitting everything back onto the floor!

Happy Birthday to the First Baby We Ever Loved!

2010-03-25T23:50:00.003-05:00

MOM: You have become such a wonderful, young woman. I was so scared when I had you, that I would hurt you in some way or do the wrong thing...you know all first babies are guinea pigs. You were the best baby...

DAD: For those who don't know, when you were a baby Johnny Rivers came out with the song "Slow Dancin' Swaying to the Music". I would put it on the stereo--they had these things called vinyl records back then and I would play it and dance with you all around the house. You would cling to me. When you got married, and we had the father/daughter dance that was the song I chose. Again you clung to me. Some very special memories.

Happy Birthday to our First Baby We Ever Loved!

And now, if you would indulge me and listen to :

On the way home from seeing Ray and Littlest Rose

2010-03-23T07:18:00.000-05:00

This was the best thing that ever happened to this part of the highway. It has made the drive not so scary or long! Thank you highway engineers.

And this part of the trip always fascinates me...

Check out all of the lanes! I call it the video game and it is especially cool at night going north. I feel like a frog in the old game frogger!
We'll miss our little Ray and littlest Rose.

Look what I bought!

2010-03-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

Guess who these shoes are for...

I MADE these...and I didn't say one bad word!

Aren't they too cute?

#2 I liked him first...

2010-03-13T09:07:00.000-06:00

Well, I met #2 son-in-law at work...I was not happy to have another young man sitting next to me...I had just had a bad experience with one who was disrespectful and extremely rude. I must say #2 was not that way at all. I would come home from work and tell Handsome about how nicely he talked about his grandparents and that he had quads for brothers and sister. He reminded me of Handsome, always reading the newspaper, eating donuts with pop, loving sports and being nice to everyone. One time I was crying (shocker) and he was the only one at work who seemed to know what to do and he patted my shoulder...

I would jokingly ask him if he wanted to go and get one of my daughters and bring them home from college. He always politely declined...until he met the Fall Fairy. (She worked with us over Christmas.)

This was one of their first dates.

I was nervous about Bill not being saved. But unbeknowst to us, he accepted the Lord in a terrible snowstorm after watching a few trucks go off the interstate on his way to visit the Fall Fairy.

He asked Handsome for her hand...and guess who was his bestman?

His much loved Grandpa!

#2 is only #2 because he is #2, but he is equally #1 as well. And I do mean it. Huh?

Papa and his girls...

Papa and his little wild, blonde boy...

And Papa and his biggest littlest baby...

Papa is always there for his children. He loves to play with them AND

he makes a mean meatloaf and brownies!

Everybody loves Papa! So glad you're in the family #2!

Papa is 1 wild and crazy guy!

Our Greatest Littlest Worry

2010-03-11T17:50:00.000-06:00

Our littlest Rose is going to the neurologist in 2 1/2 weeks. We will see what they say.

I saw this quote on a lovely woman's blog and it helped to comfort me.

"If, believer, thou requirest still greater comfort, remember that you have the Son of Man WITH you in the furnace.

In that silent chamber of yours, there sitteth by your side One whom thou hast not seen, but whom though lovest; and ofttimes when thou knowest it not, He makes all thy bed in affliction, and smooths thy pillow for thee". Charles Spurgeon

Grandpa says you melt his heart, littlest Rose...

The rest of the story...

2010-03-09T14:49:00.000-06:00

Have you ever seen such a smile?

He lights up for Grandpa who has become the new Middle Rose...

Can you hear him thinking, "This is MY Grandpa

and I have him all to myself."

Have you ever seen such meaty hands or

such luxurious baldness?

Sargie wants His Mama back...

Grandma loves her baby kisses!

Even if he was awake from 3:15am 'til 5:30am ish

Don't make me go Papa! We had a great overnighter!

Weather

2010-03-05T07:55:00.000-06:00

What is going on? Sunday it was 40 degrees and melting like crazy, but for most of the day it was snowing, big flakes, small flakes, all kinds of flakes. I am perplexed...how did God do that?
As I was typing this it was still snowing...Amazing...O spring where art thou?

The Day I met the first Boy I Ever Loved!

2010-03-03T07:00:00.003-06:00

The day He turned 1

The day He turned 2

And He took my hand and I went where ever He wanted me to go

My favorite picture of us!

Happy Birthday my Golden Ray of Sunshine!

I know what we did last weekend

2010-03-01T20:29:00.000-06:00

We persuaded our oldest and her #1 husband to go on a date. They went for lunch AND a movie. This is a biggie for them as they have been very tired and overwhelmed with the health problems of the little girl and sickness in the rest of the family too.

He almost had her to sleep!
Grandpa did an amazing job with the littlest Rose. She can be difficult, but Handsome has a special touch for delicate little girls.

She charmed the socks off of him and he did the same for her. He even got her to eat 2 tubs of food. The bottle was a whole different story though...but he got to rocky her for a long time...something I am longing to do.

I did get "some" time with her too...

I also got to spend time with my Ray. We played all kinds of things and he would squirrel me away to the downstairs where he could have ALL of my attention.

Hey Grandma, I fishin!

We also took time out to enjoy the Valentine's goodies from Auntie Jaime and the middle Rose.

This is a face that is truly . . . beautiful. This is Finchy and he thinks I am his.

And this is Sargie poo poo telling Finchy, that I am his mother!

We decided to leave early Sunday, there was a threat of BIG snow...weathermen, wrong again, but they still make the big bucks. Anyway, Mama told Ray to stop crying and he said, (now pay attention, this is profound)...

"I not cryin, I whinin!" How smart is that! And he was right...he wasn't cryin, just whinin. We all had a really good laugh over that one.

The time is flyin and my little Ray will be 3 years old this week...I can't believe it.

An Overnight Guest

2010-02-28T15:01:00.000-06:00

Can you guess who it was?

It was our littlest Instapundit fan!

If you haven't guessed who, shame on you!

More about this visit on another post, stay tuned.

Fashionista!

2010-02-25T16:54:00.000-06:00

Well, too cute or what? Tell me...how do I look?

I have never been in style...maybe I am today!?

I can't believe I can actually see with glasses...usually I get them and everything is still blurry. I can see far...I can see close. The top ones are for distance and up close. The green monsters are for me and MY COMPUTER! And they really work...can you tell I am excited! Glasses...they can work...who knew?

Finding it!

2010-02-23T10:08:00.000-06:00

Some things never change!

These little boys of ours

2010-02-20T08:10:00.001-06:00

Eyes that shine so bright, lips that kiss goodnight,

Arms that hold you tight...

No one could ever know, how much your coming has meant. You're everything, you're something heaven sent.

You're all the world to me, you climb upon my knee...

To me you'll always be those little boys of mine.

My Mom

2010-02-18T07:19:00.000-06:00

This is my Mom. She is a strong lady.

We were decorating cookies at the Fall Fairy's house. GG Rose came up with this design...in case you don't recognize it...its a chicken. She is famous for her chicken renderings.

She was in charge of our biggest, little baby that day and got to feed him 3 times. Although, somehow he spit up on me!

She entertained the middle Rose and they had a great time. Our blonde boy was not feeling so good. He took a long nap and we didn't see him very much.

We were all pooped when it was time to go home and Mom said what a good time she had.

Early the next morning (Valentine's Day) I got a call from my sister. Mom was at the ER. She had a terrible nosebleed that woke her up in the night. She could not stop it, the paramedics couldn't stop it, the ER doctor couldn't stop it. A specialist Eye, Nose and Throat doctor happened to come in. He took care of it by cauderizing it with silver nitrate. I arrived at the ER right after they had done the procedure. The specialist, who looked about 12, told me this was very serious and he was glad she had come in.

GG Rose looked good but was glad I was there. I know she was a bit frightened. She was discharged shortly after. She had no shoes or coat and her cardigan was stained with blood. I went to get the car and then gave her my coat. Unfortunately I had no shoes to share with her, but I got her home quickly and settled in. I got her medicine at the store and then some breakfast. I could see she needed to sleep and probably wouldn't with me there. I covered her up, got her the remote and cordless phone. I kissed her and promised to check on her. It is hard seeing such a strong lady vulnerable. It hurt my heart. I called her several times. She told me she was ok but afraid to go to sleep, afraid she would wake up with the same problem. I reassured her and reminded her to take care of her nose, the nose God gave her, we only have one nose you know. She managed fine and woke up with a clean pillow. Thank you God for taking care of my Mom...I am still a little girl inside sometimes...I love her very much.

Happy belated Valentine's Day

2010-02-16T06:47:00.000-06:00

I love you Handsome.

Love doesn't make the world go 'round.

Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. Franklin P Jones

Our Valentine's Day was a little different than planned. I will post more on that later.

I love my Barbies!

2010-02-15T06:59:00.000-06:00

When I was little, my Uncle made furniture for the Barbies. My Mom painstakingly made the mattresses and the bedspreads. This is what remains...I am so glad that I saved it, cause guess who loves to play with it (besides me that is)?

I fully expect that the littlest Rose will enjoy them too.