26 For Her 26th

We have a tradition in our family.  When the children were the same age as their birthdate they received that number of presents.  All of her life Bonnie has looked forward to this birthday.  26 presents.  It took some suggestions from her and a little inspirational creativity to come up with a variety of gifts.  Who thought it would take so much effort?

With her little helper!

Abigail wasn't quite sure about her new hat.

At the end of the day there was a twinge of sadness - Megan and her family weren't here to celebrate and now the tradition has come to an end.  Guess we will have to start something new. 

Thank You, Aunt Millie

When I was about junior high age my Aunt Millie taught me how to crochet.  I don't remember the reason for wanting to know how.  My Mother loved to knit, but didn't crochet.  So Aunt Millie taught me.  I made hats, a poncho (it was the 70's) and then a baby blanket for Justin.  I challenged myself and did snowflake ornaments for the Christmas tree.  I learned to tole paint from my mother-in-law and the crocheting went dormant.  Quilting took the place of the painting as my one true craft love.  But the last year or so I picked up the crochet hook and did a couple of baby hats.  I had to go back and remind myself of the stitches, but it all came back quickly.  I enjoyed it a lot.  Bonnie wanted a hat for Abigail.  She found a picture online, but it had no pattern.  I found a comparable pattern for the hat and another for the crocheted roses and voila!

I tried to remember the particulars of learning this skill, but no defined memory returned.  But I began to think about what I have learned over the course of my life that have shaped me into the person that I am today.  For example, two wonderful history teachers - Mrs. Hammer and Mr. Snyder who instilled a love for history that remains to this day.  A mother who taught me homemaking skills.  Children and grandchildren that enrich my life.  A husband who patiently taught me about computers.  And an aunt who got me hooked on crocheting.  Thank you, Aunt Millie!

Winter Wonderland

It rained most of yesterday.  In the late afternoon the temperatures dropped and that rain changed into huge snowflakes.  It was peaceful and beautiful (even if winter is my least favorite season!)  This morning Kevin called me to look at the tree in our front yard.  As the sun came up it looked as though there were beautiful crystals dangling from the branches.  The photos don't do it justice - pardon the sunshine.

Friday Visitor

I had a cute little visitor yesterday.  Cole spent some time here to see how well he handled being away from his Mom for a little while.  Crystal was upstairs working and he was downstairs playing with me.  Last week when he was here by himself, he begain screaming the minute she left him and did not stop until she returned.  He was still recovering from the croup and getting another tooth.  However, the minute she returned he was all smiles.

He did much better yesterday.  We played with the toys and he was fine until he heard her voice upstairs.  He would look around and up at the ceiling very intently.  He made a noise that was a precursor to crying, but I distracted him with the toys.  He sits up and has two teeth.  He loves to be up and jumping up and down.  He is fascinated with his feet. 

Weekend Getaway

We took advantage of a nice weekend and went up to see Bonnie, Joe and Abigail in Smithfield.  We took them to lunch at a fabulous restaurant, the Elements.  http://www.theelementsrestaurant.com/ .  Bonnie and I did some shopping, and we played games and had dinner at their home.  It was very relaxing.  Abigail is 15 months old now and has lost all of her baby looks.  She is an active little girl and we enjoyed playing with her.  We got her these soft plastic blocks for Christmas and she loves to knock down whatever you will build for her.  I love to hear her giggle!

She loves to play on Kevin's Ipad.  She has always been a fussy eater and sometimes the only way Bonnie can get her to eat is to distract her with her favorite show on the Ipad.  Then Abigail will kind of zone out and eat two or three containers of baby food.  According to my Mom, I was the same way - but no Ipad then!  Reading me stories usually did the trick.  Hurray for modern technology!

 

Christmas Part 2

More Christmas fun . . .

Benson was one happy little boy on Christmas morning!

Checking out the new flashlight while reading assembly instructions.

Lizzy has a loose tooth, so this is her tooth fairy pillowcase. 
It has a little pocket and the fabric was very glittery.  I am still
finding glitter on the ironing board.

Joe and Abigail enjoying the chaos.

 

Love this picture of the cousins - Abigail and Lincoln!



Kevin with Benson  and Brian with Cole.  These children are such a
blessing to all of us!

 

Up On the Housetop

No, it is not Santa with his reindeer, but a crew ripping off the east slope of our roof.  We had enough  damage from the winds in December that the insurance allowed for a full replacement on the damaged side.  They are taking off the two layers of shingles and we will be starting from bare wood.  It is raining shingles right outside the den window as I write!  It is very noisy and feels like they will come right down through the ceiling.  Good thing Santa and his crew are not this noisy!  Yikes.

Christmas

Where did the two weeks go since we celebrated Christmas?  We were all gathered that morning and it was a joy to be together.  I'll put a few photos on today and add more this next week for those who didn't have a camera.