I've Been a Little Busy . . . But Who Hasen't?

 This little doll, otherwise known as Baby Cakes, has been keeping Grandma and Grandpa busy lately.  We kind of like it that way.  It has a little something to do with why no one has seen much here lately!

I keep thinking I'm going to find an extra minute or three to post something or other, and then it's midnight and I'm exhausted and I haven't posted anything.

So, I'm going to try to post something now.  My #2 daughter and her three children (who have lived with us for the past two years) are now out west.  I drove them out (in daughter's van); my husband and our son drove out a few days later and we had a nice visit with several of my siblings and their various children/children's spouses, etc. including a super surprise visit from one niece-in-law back home for a brief visit from Germany (where nephew is serving in the USAF).

Since we got back home, it's been B U S Y!!!! Crazy busy.  Youngest, or #3, daughter (expecting her second child) has been with us since we got back, so we could get re-connected with her little Doll, our youngest--for now--granddaughter, before our second trip out west--scheduled for this week--with a truck load of household goods (including 30 boxes of books.  30 very heavy boxes of books, I might add) for # 2 daughter who is working to graduate in three weeks with her Bachelor of Science degree at BYU, and on getting settled in a new home, new job (we're praying for), and all the things that go with all that with her three very special, delightful, busy, intelligent children!

Not-so-good news:  Two weeks ago  my mother fell and broke her femur while getting out the car to go into Church.  Several members of the Church who are medical professionals were on the scene and came running to assist as soon as they saw what happened.  Surgery was successfully performed the following day to secure the break so it could heal properly.  She's okay, thankfully, but not progressing with therapy, because she, unfortunately, doesn't like to do any kind of exercising.  We're all concerned for her current/future well-being under the circumstances.  She's stubbornly and avidly avoided almost any and every form of healthful, minimum exercise for at least the past 20 years, so that mind-set is really difficult to overcome in her present circumstances.  My brother and his wife--where Mom's been staying since March of this year--are looking after her along with my nieces and their families.

Also, since returning in early/mid-June, this Grandma, ME, has been dividing her time between getting caught up
     on paying bills
     taking care of #1 daughter after gallbladder-ectomy surgery/recovery
     taking care of Little Baby Cakes during the mornings (while her expectant Mom--#3 daughter-struggles
          with the effects of her new pregnancy)
     trying to stay on top of all the new changes in medical insurance stuff that goes along with someone  
         (read:   my husband) retiring
     working to rearrange our two storage units so that we can divest ourselves of a bunch of stuff by taking it
         to #2 daughter and her three children
     with Church callings
     and breathing and enjoying the summer (WHAT?  Do I get to do that when it's 100+ outside and the
          humidity is 75% or more?  Occasionally, yes. When it's a little cooler)
     and packing.

I know, waa, waa, waa and double waa.  But such it is/was.  And then we load the U-Haul--(Yes.  We are trying our luck with U-Haul once more . . . PLEASE PRAY FOR US!!!  The other options are slim to none.  **Sigh.**)--on Wednesday and pray that everything packed (and yet to be packed), along with the pieces of furniture we're planning to take, will all fit therein and in my husband's truck, which I will be driving so we have a way back home--and I imagine . . . you get the picture.  Buying the gasoline for the gas-hog U-Haul for 1500 miles will be bad enough, but then we're talking 3000 miles round trip for the much smaller truck that's ours, as well.  (Guess that's partly why someone who recently retired is going to be going back to work.  But then they do want him back and were a little loath to let him go, so they said multiple times.  It will be a new job to him, so I think he'll enjoy it.)

So, with all that, the yard is showing the great effects of Husband's labors.  The garden is making tomatoes and peppers for us to enjoy along with a volunteer "pie pumpkin", as well as with the various flowers and herbs planted here and there in the yard and in pots likewise.  And Baby Cakes has become excessively attached to said Grandpa for various and sundry TLC she's received at his hands.  (We are all so grateful for Good Grandpa's and their TLC!!)

I'm not sure how we'll survive once we get back home in August and all the children and grandchildren will be far, far away.  Well, the children who have children will be far, far away. The other two are, fortunately, not so very far away.  I'm getting a little misty eyed even as I type, just thinking of it.  We've missed the three older grandchildren so much since we left them in Utah in early June, and now the youngest will be leaving (about the time we leave to go west) to go back to Georgia and I don't know how I'll survive!

It will be far too quiet and still around here!  There will be no pudgy little cheeks to snuggle and kiss.  No thrilling giggles to hear from tickles being administered, or various games of peek-a-boo being played.  No multiple readings of various books along with the pointing out by tiny fingers of this and that picture, or character, or color, or alphabet letter and the little voice calling out the proper names of all those listed things found in the various books that accompanies the pointing tiny finger . No spontaneous tiny voice singing her own songs or dancing to music on the TV to the delight of her mother and grandparents who applaud and clap with joy at the precious moments. But, there will be other days for future joys.  It will just be so very quiet here till then.

So, I might get caught up on my cleaning.  I might actually get the smaller storage unit emptied and its remaining contents moved into the large one.  I might be able to remember things I need to be doing a little better.  I might be able to sit down to read a book or two.  And I might just sit down and cry in the quiet house that will be filled with sweet memories of when little, precious children graced us with their presence on a daily basis and cluttered the living room with their toys and books, and smiles, and giggles and hugs and kisses.

I've got to be more positive!  I'm planning to go to Georgia for the birth of Baby Cake's sibling when that time comes.  That will certainly be a welcome experience and that thought brings a new smile to my face, as we speak. God is certainly good to me, and us, day by day and week by week.  Challenges abound for us and everyone else we know, but with challenges come new opportunities to grow in so many ways, particularly as we recognize that God's always near and willing to help us on our path as we rely on His loving care and keep moving forward.

Here is little Baby Cakes.

She was pulling faces like this BEFORE the camera came out.  Finally got ONE after the camera came out!  She's teething and enjoys a Popsicle to ease the discomfort.

 

We were dancing and having a great time together--after she danced and entertained her Mom and Grandpa and me first.

(I don't  know why I can't figure out how to flip pictures up 90 degrees to the right when I need to!)

This child has quite a repertoire of expressions to entertain us with!  I can't tell you how much we've enjoyed having her and her Mom with us the past few weeks.  I'm just trying to figure out how we can get her and her cousins in Utah back together again sometime soon!  They would have so much fun together again!

The Two or Three Kid Workout

During the last few days, I've revived the two or three kid workout for my exercise routine. Let me explain . . .

The three grandchildren who live with us, ages 2, 4 and 6, are rather lively and full of energy as children of those ages are and should be. We were recently on a trip and as we waited for Mom to get her shower (etc.) readying for our departure, the youngest required some "entertainment" to keep him from terrorizing the cousin's apartment we were staying in--after she'd already departed for work. This youngest young'n loves to be chased, which I indulge him in knowing I have need of physical aerobic exercise myself. The beauty of the dynamic here is that his legs are considerably faster than my own but much shorter, so for every several steps he takes at a good rate only requires a corresponding step or two from me. (Yay!)

Since the aforementioned apartment was facilitated with a "round" traffic pattern through the living quarters and kitchen area, it was perfect for the chase which changed direction multiple times as Grandma matched wits with him and his siblings as they each joined the game er...exercise. There were great and abundant amounts of joyful squealing and giggles throughout the process as Grandma would post herself in a spot at one corner or another trying to surprise them as they came around to discover them forcing a run in the opposite direction.

When I realized a mirror hung advantageously on the foyer wall allowing me to see into the kitchen where they would lurk in anticipation of my catching them, I used that advantage quite well . . . until . . . middle child discovered it worked to his advantage also. Since this exercise program took place around 7:30-8:30 am, I wonder if any of the neighbors reported us to the authorities? As we escaped the scene soon after, I may never know. I convinced myself that most of the tenants were probably away at work or school as was our wonderful and gracious hostess.

Well, the opportunity for the chase, the exercise and the peals of giggles and laughter have continued since arriving at home. The back yard has again proved to be a larger playing field. I do not know how long we all participated this morning, but Grandma has become exhausted and a little while after our fun enterprise, Grandma was discovered napping on the couch in the living room--next to her still awake compatriots.

Ah! The joy of living! Oh, yes and the attendant benefits of losing a size or two in the clothing department. Score!

Outta Gas

Yep. I've run outta gas. And my brain doesn't work well either. I've come to the conclusion that being 60 and running after 2 year olds for hours on end might be good for aerobic exercise and all the attendant benefits, but seriously, my clock seems to be losing power somewhere along the trail.

Since last post a plethora of things have occurred. I'm not sure I can remember them in detail, or even in sequence, but I'm now totally outta my league. At the age where some folks used to think about getting off the merry-go-round and settling down to retirement is so far removed from my reality . . . Maybe I'm just winded!?!

I love watching my grandson that's 2. He counts his toes, cars, blocks, correctly identifies shapes and colors and is the sweetest of little guys--till he feels thwarted in some form or fashion--and if you're familiar with the movie The Incredibles, you'll know why the picture of Jack-Jack might come to mind. For a pint-sized person, he's got more stamina, grit and energy that the law should allow! He's without fear, and nearly impervious to pain. And no fat, just muscle--except in his fat little cheeks.) But his little face is so precious and sweet, his voice matches, and he gives sweet kisses and hugs . . . it's just hard to reconcile with his "other side" sometimes!

His older siblings have their good and bad sides, too. (Don't we all?) And they are a joy to behold--most of the time. I just need to find some really good ear plugs. They're so exuberant that what they say often explodes from their young throats. Of course, I could tell you that I, myself, was often spoken of as "very shy" in my early years--up to maybe the age of 15 or 16--(backward would probably more closely describe me then) but I remember the multiple, multiple times I was warned by my parents that I was being "too loud"! And to "Quiet down!" I guess those of us who have joy in living and an excitement about our daily discoveries can be a little overwhelming for those not in the same place. At the same time, why does diminishing hearing not kick in when it's most needed for myself and others who are past 60? I still say--as I did when my children were much younger: someone needs to invent a volume control--complete with a parental remote control device; oh, and add a speed control (for those fast little legs they have) as well.

Okay. I'm not going to weigh you down with the myriad other things in our basket at this time. Heaven forbid I should bore you, right?

I'm going to bed. I'm tired, pooped, well . . . yeah. Outta gas. Pfsssssssssssssssst. " 'Nite, ya'll."

Thanksgiving Week Fun

These few pictures show just some of the fun I had during Thanksgiving week! I'll refer to this young man as: LMH

His mantra is: Let Me Help!

He loves to fix things, cook things and help in general! Wow! I'd like to keep him around!

The lovely young lady to his left is his Auntie Sarah.

This little munchkin I'll call: AFT

Angel Faced Trouble (with a capitol "T") (I think his mother came up with that moniker.)

Early one morning he was sitting with his Dad and me on the couch when he nearly clocked his Dad with a metal toy tuck. Fortunately his Dad's lightening speed (Kendo and Tae Kwon Do trained) response saved him a nasty head wound!

Big Sister, otherwise known as: PPG (No. Not some kind of Plexi Glass! But, Princess Pony Girl, you ninny!) Wanted to share the love by helping little brother, AFT, have a go at the rocking horse Great Granddaddy built for their Mom and her siblings many years ago. As you can see, AFT's having quite an enjoyable ride.

Gotta love the smiles! Grandkids are good for Grandparents.

Fun Friday Fotos

Getting ready for Church and related difficulties.

Oh, Grandpa, I feel so . . . weird . . . and . . . out of focus . . .

I'm also pretty sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I don't like standing still.

Ha, ha! NOW I feel better! And check out my big sister's sparkly shoes!

This is Big Sister. She loves me. Even though I do torment her sometimes.

(You know, it's a little brother's job to do that.)

Grandpa, see! This is one of my most cherished toys. It's a little parrot.

Well, I tried to keep my shirt tucked in, but it just won't stay.

See! So what's a guy supposed t' do, anyway? Huh?

Someone's Unhappy!

Here are the grandparents. And here are the grandchildren. One of the grandchildren isn't exactly thrilled with what was going on at the moment. I know you needed that clarification, since it's not self-evident. I don't even remember what upset him. Perhaps it was that when he finally got out of the stroller he wasn't allowed to get into the piles of fallen leaves as his siblings had just been doing--and having a great lot of fun doing so.

Youngest of the grandchildren is often disappointed when he tries to play with the "big kids." It's totally unfair as far as I'm concerned, too!

So, this picture proves that we did actually get to spend a little time with our daughter's family, including said grandchildren. It was great. It was COLD and windy. We'd come from 80 degree temps to 60 something degrees during daylight to 30 something degree nights. Older generation has an adjustment gap there, you know, with extreme temp changes. 50 degree temp differential is not particularly kind on aching knee, back and elbow joints to those over 50 years old. At least, those two folks pictured above.

We do have happier pictures of the distraught youngster, this being one.

He's happy being in Mom's arms.

Grandma and Grandpa are very grateful they got to visit with this family. Dad (to the three adorable children, husband to the lovely daughter) was busy working most of the time we were taking pictures. You'll have to wait for a picture of him.

Going to See the Grandchildren

Lots has been happening. Lots of prayers have been said. Some seem to be being answered. We'll see. God has His own time frame and we often don't understand it.

HOWEVER! How things turn out is partly in our hands and partly in His. We will trust in His grace to guide, direct, protect, help, etc. as we work our best to do His will to the best of our understanding. (We always have much room for improvement in that area.)

But, we are going to see the grandchildren tomorrow! Can't wait! They're in a new location, state, town, environment, etc. Son-in-law says the hardwood trees are in splendorous color and we should really enjoy the drive. We're looking forward to that as well.

I made a lot of "picture cards" which my daughter will help (or do because I might get in the way) laminate so I can play games with the children. I've thought that matching cards of things that go together might be kind of fun. I have a picture of a house and one of their family. I have a picture of our house and individual pictures of their family and ours. And a lot of other pictures, as well. Like one of a tablet and one of a pencil (can you tell why that might be? Big surprise, I'm sure!) One of a spoon and one of a bowl of gumbo. I'm sure it's easy to figure out for us BIG kids.

The next game I thought of entails the children picking several cards and then telling us a story using the various chosen cards. I hope it will work and be fun for them. I love telling stories and listening to those that others tell as well. There should be plenty of pictures to choose from--I have about 80 or 90!

If it all goes well, I'll report back. If it doesn't, I might report back anyway!

The Joy's of Having Grandchildren

Youngest to Oldest

Hey! There's a button! If there's a button, I gotta push it . . . I mean, that IS what they're for. Right?
Did you push the button? Huh? Me? Not me. I'm innocent. Don't I LOOK innocent?

Grandma, I think I want to put this red block right here.

Don't you like this cool fort we made?


Now we come to Grandpa taking Glamour Shots of #1 (and only) Granddaughter.

Cameras are part of my life, you know.

I love you, Grandpa.

You know, I AM only four! (Despite what my publicist says.)

A Bug Story--But Still No Pictures

As I read 'Scribbit's' post this morning titled "How to Get Rid of Tapeworms" I laughed. (You can find this great blog and this really great post at http://scribbit.blogspot.com/.) Truly, I did. Laugh, that is. Then I began to respond in the comments section. Before I hit the post comment button, I began reading the other comments left there. I laughed even more!

One mom apparently felt she was safe from the collecting of bugs, etc., as she has 4 girls--at least for now she feels safe.

To all those mothers with girls. Ha, ha. Oh, ha, ha! BEWARE! I was a girl once. (Female still. I'm a grandmotherly woman now. Not a girl. Just so you don't get confused.) I kept grashoppers, etc. in my closet, turtles under my bed, parakeets in a cage. In fact, I remember gathering bees in my little hands (I might have been four or five at the time)--and getting stung, of course, in the process. But they were so fascinating and my Mom actually let me put them in a jar for awhile--with some clover flowers, of course, in case they got hungry. And my second oldest daughter is an entomologist! (Can you imagine?)

After she married, I can't tell you how many TONS of bugs she collected in our Louisiana back yard to classify in my house, on the dining room table! And I've captured a few (bugs) over the years for her to assist in those classes she used to take. I sincerely find them rather interesting, facinating actually, to this day. Oh, just as a side note . . . those tons of bugs--caught at night, of course, with a blacklight under a white sheet strung over long flat tubs of soapy water--stink when the vile mix is brought inside for classification purposes. Just keeping to the facts. Full disclosure, here, you know.

Which reminds me. When we lived in Texas--this child was like 2 years old when we moved there and 8 when we moved away--we had these really pretty, fuzzy black with white polka dots spiders that liked our kitchen bay window. Yes, on the inside. Their eyes and fangs were metalic peacock blue. Honest. They were really "pretty". We named any such spider, "Herman." Don't ask me why, we just did. They were jumping spiders, not the web-spinning kind. They seemed rather tame. Never bit any of us.

Back then this daughter collected a few caterpillars and we kept them in a large, gallon size pickle jar while they pupated and turned into gorgeous butterflies--Gulf Coast fertillaries, or something like that. We even have pictures somewhere of her turning them loose.

A few years ago she and her husband went on another bug collecting trip while he was still working on his masters--botany/plant genetics--degree. Yeah. They make a very compatible comple that way: the plant guy and the bug girl. Anyway, when my daughter was classifying bugs one day, their not yet three-year-old daughter watched as Mommy did her thing and asked if she could help.

Before I go further, I must explain. This child and her one brother (at that time) have been raised with all kinds of books--many of which were books about bugs. She knew the names of the bugs and could tell me about them as she showed me the pictures--at two. So, when this bright child asked Mom if she could help, Mom handed her a pair of bug tweezers and told her what to look for. My daughter called me that night to report that her daughter had done an amazing job of selecting just the right kinds of bugs her Mom was looking for out of the soupy mix. We're not talking HUGE bugs here. Little bugs.

Now, my oldest grandson, her now 3 year old brother asks, whenever he talks to me on the phone, "Grandma, what kind of bugs do you have at your house?" I begin on the list--which my daughter is, of course, far more qualified to explain than I--one type of bug at a time. After a bug or two he asks, "Do you have any mosquitos?" "Oh, yeah. Lots of them." "Do they suck your blood?" he asks gleefully. "Oh, yeah."

Then in the background I hear his excited comments: "Mom! Grandma has mosquitos at her house. And they suck her blood!" Next question in his innocent voice now: "Grandma, do you have any cockroaches at your house?" "Yes, dear. We live in the woods. We can't help it." He repeats the delightful news back to his mother. Then from the background I hear my daughter chuckle and respond, "Mom, are you sure you want the world to know you have cockroaches at your house?" To which I, of course respond, "Hey! You lived here once. You know they only come IN the house on occasion--and without a invitation! We get rid of them as fast as we find them, thank you very much!"

Grandson then asks about a variety of other creepy crawly critters before his Mom decides the list is endless and she takes control of the phone again. Then my daughter reports that for a few days her two oldest would taunt each other with, "There are mosquitos or mites in the room with you. And they're going to SUCK your BLOOD!"

I think I'll end on that cheerie note. Kids. What entertainment possibilities. Glad I had all four of mine. Even more glad to have the grandchildren. Somehow they're even more entertaining. (You can't see me smiling, can you? I'm smiling. Big.)