Office Chair Express

We had family here over the weekend.  We have found that when the little ones are here, we are easily entertained.  Abigail loves to ride in the office chair and her Grandpa willingly obliges.  Up and down the hallway and around the island they go.  Really, I'm not sure who is having more fun.  We all sit around and laugh at her expressions and squeals of delight.

More silliness!

Patty-cake with the feet.



Valentine Visitor

Look who came to hang out with Grandma on Valentine's Day!

His favorite new toy - the toothbrush. 

Budding musician.

A minute after a tearburst and he was happy as can be.

The Best Valentine Ever

30 years ago today we got the best Valentine ever, all 9 lb. 13 oz. worth!

She has brought us lots of joy and laughter.  Below - Miss Megan Potato Head

She loved to read - and still does.

Her daughter Lizzy is now the "Mom" of the doll.

25 years ago!

Hope your day was great, Megan!  We love and miss you lots.

Happy 7th, Ross!

It seems like yesterday that our first grandchild was born!

With his safety googles at Christmastime.

It has been a joy to watch him grow up at change.  We missed being with him on his birthday, but Skype is the next best thing.

Here We Go Again . . .

I woke up at 5:15 a.m. to a very familiar and unwelcome noise.  I put my earplugs in and hoped by the time I got up to stay that the noise would be gone.  Not so.  The dreaded east winds had returned and with it lots of loud, unidentifiable noises.  I opened the blinds on the west side and looked out the bedroom window.  Here is what I saw.

Yes, those are the brand new shingles from the roof.

I had that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach and wondered what I would discover when I opened the blinds in the kitchen. 

No, we are not trying to grow a new crop in the garden.  Maybe that was one of the mystery noises that I heard this morning.



I looked out the window and what did I see?  Shingles hanging in the apricot tree.

There is also some damage on the south side, but this area seems to be where those winds really catch the shingles.  So, I called the roofing company and they had someone here very quickly.  Should have it fixed up again before too long.  Wind, wind, go away.

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!