Christmas 2008

We certainly had a wonderful Christmas. Melanie and John did a wonderful job intertaining both Christmas Eve and Sat the 27th. They have the rythm for intertaining. The down side for me is that I didn't have the battery powered up in my camera so didn't get any pictures for myself. i know plenty were take. The kids were all so good and excited. Sofia had a baby shower of sorts for her Ruthie, American girl doll before she even got it on Christmas morning. Ruthie has clothes, horse and motorscooter (compliments of Gpa). Jake has transitioned to being with the grown ups. He is very good with the little ones but mostly stayed with the adults. Where have the years gone. I will look for some pictures of him. My firstborn grandson.

Christmas in Chanhassen

Just a few pictures of simplicity this year. I didn't put out all my things and kept it more simple. It is a very snowy day today. We have our neighborhood party tonight. We had our fellowship group party last night. Great fun with great friends. We have been blessed with wonderful people in our live here in Chanhassen. A blessed Christmas as we celebrate our saviours birth to all.

Inside Santa's workshop

Melanie, Isabelle and I had a great time peaking at the work the elfs do at Christmas. Isabelle even found a lost pet cat and named her "Serena" We have no idea where she came up with the name but we sure like it. We toured the Elf factory 2 times and by the second time Isabelle said she would definitely sit on Santa's lap and she did. She also talked with him. this was a big move for a preschooler who hasn't wanted to have anything to do with Santa till now. She is my special "peanut" with honey!

oophs vital statistics needed

Number 10 was born Dec 2 and weighed 9lbs 10oz and his name is Caleb Aaron Wolfe. He is welcomed by parents and sister Sofia age 6, John age 4 and Lilia age 2.

The Tenth

Yes it is now 10 grandchildren and this one is as special as the others and our excitment has been equal to the others. He is such a cutie and has dark hair and darker skin. We have had a lot of activity around the family helping out with the other kids even though grandma Deb is here. There seems to be enough activity for all of us to be involved. Today I had four of the children over and we made lego ornaments. We also made garland out of small pieces of pastel colored licorice and fruit loop cereal. They are not quite old enough to stick with the garland but it sure was a great project. I made a 3 foot one and sent home with Isabelle.

Moving on

It is difficult to believe that all the years of focus on work and nursing is now over. As of Dec 31, I will be totally retired. I have applied for SS and my other retirement from my days at the U of M. I know there is still a great plan for these next decades that will will be unfolded as I stay faithful to the Lord and trust Him for daily direction.

Fearless head of clan

Lest you think my man did't contribute. He did. He was the official photographer and the last man standing after all had left. He made sure all the dishes were done and dishwasher emptied before his day was done.

Thanksgiving Day feast continued

I couldn't get all the pictures in so here are a few more

Thanksgiving Day feast

Thanksgiving Day feast

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with children, grandchildren and siblings. Each of us participated even the kids (Sofia served the food loaded crowd downstairs their pie) I think we had more than enough side dishes as I was madly microwaving a couple things even as we were starting with the soup and salad. Pauline had a well thoughtout and prepared turkey craft for the kids and once they saw the results of their efforts loved it. We were thankful for: return to good health, family, jobs, help when needed and grace of God. The children and grandchildren watched Wall e while the older adults chilled Bro Dan wanted to take a walk. He thought I walked too fast but managed to keep up and saw a shorter way home than i was planning. It invigorated us to try the pies Pauline brought. Mel made her wonderful salad. John made grilled vegetables and green bean casserole. All in all it was a well orchestrated day. Thank you Lord for a grace filled day!

Atlanta to MOA American Girl bistro for lunch

I got home from Atlanta and within a couple days had a great time with the Minnesota girls at the new MOA American girl bistro for lunch. The girls were great and we had a super table overlooking the park and all the rides. This is going to be an American girl Christmas for all the girls (including the southern girls). It brings out the girl child in us looking at and deciding what to purchase for each of the girls and their personalities. The bistro lunch was a birthday party for Auntie Non. Wow, what fun to be a part of all these memorable moments

My Grits visit

I had a great time with the "grits" or 'girls raised in the south'. We baked, saw two great movies, a school play, did crafts, games and went walking and playing at the park nearby. They are wonderful granddaughters, I love them tons and tons. It is hard to be away for such long periods of time. One funny moment was when Gracie wanted to sleep with me and she got into bed with her, well lets mildly say,gross bunny blankey that smelled badly. I said she would have to substitute another blanket if she was going to sleep with me as i couldn't stand the smell ( I soaked and washed it the next day) and she put it on the floor and used another blanket. Wow, I was impressed that a Grandma could have that much influence. I am proud of you all!!

Any Hobbies Grandma?

I will admit to my new addiction. I am making jewlery. Now don't get excited those who know me well and try to expand it. i am doing it a certain way and enjoying it. i will add new challenges as I see the need. Attached is a photo of some of the jewlery. You will notice i am onto rock type necklaces and wear them every chance I get. I also presently use a lot of turquoise. It has something to do with the genetics of my southwest origins on my Fathers side.

More to come on the "grand" children

Next week I go to see the princesses in Atlanta. I am so excited. I will bring my camera and bring the details of fun back with me.

Continuing backwards to summer and squarefoot gardening

We are in a townhouse with Mike and Caroline as out roofmates. After having landscaping done in June, Caroline and I made gardens after the book "Squarefoot gardens". Now, I do not want to brag as Caroline is truly the brains behind our garden and I follow her direction although she is extremely user friendly and wants to think I contribute as much to the plan. In case you wonder what we are doing is stirring the mix of three things for the soil in our gardens. An example of the garden is in the background. Anyway, we had fun and have different plans for the winter for intertainment. Later.

Grandson number one

What is up with my Jakester? What happened to my boy....with all the memories we share and no documentation. It is all in my heart. He is now in the initial stages of becoming a man and I proud of what I see. He is active in Scouts or has a "party" so is not available for Friday night pizza. He has long days this Fall as he practices and prepares for the play he is in at school in early December. The name of the play is Fame. He did such a good job as the pirate at the Treasure Island play last year that I am very excited to see how this goes. 

Continuing to catch up with Fall

Here are my special princesses and pirate after returning from a outdoor autumn party at church. They are so fun. What can I say? This is what I do. Invest in the adults of the future. Are they special or what?

Going back to the last of Fall

Isabelle and I enjoyed time at the arboretum and looked at all the scarecrows. She led through some of the paths in the woods and it was very fun. How special and fun with my little princess.

The First Snow Fall

Today Sofia, John Michael and Lilia were here for the afternoon. We had fun with the first snow of the season. It is the same every year. The first snow is very exciting even to me. By March I am more than over it but for today I am excited. We slid down the hill in the back yard and attempted a snow man but the snow was a little wet. Fun, fun.

Grandchildren

Oh the joy of my young blessings. I love them so much. I had the 2 youngest Wolfe children, John and Lilia yesterday morning. They are wonderful. We bought the fixings for carmel apples. I wasn't sure how well a 2 year old could help. Well, I should know this is Lilia and not just any 2 year old. First John put sticks in the apples. John opened the carmels alone at a rapid rate and Lilia did the same with a start on each carmel by gma. They never stopped or complained one second. I thought it would be frustrating to wait for the carmels to melt, but no, John was faithful the whole 20+ minutes it took to melt them. He then dipped the apples like a pro. I held Lilia's hand for guidance and she did her share also. No I don't have a picture to attach. It is a precious picture in my minds eye.

Seasons of Life

I am now a semi retired nurse and able to see my husband off each day. No I haven't taken to making him breakfast as in the very early years. As he was leaving, I looked at him and saw the changes for a moment. The graying hair, slight age lines yet still the handsome man of my youth. I said to him" I am so glad to have been with you all these years and through all the stages of life with all the emotions attached."

Who am I and how did I get HERE!

I am early retirement age and have never done a diary or been good at sharing who I am. Now the whole world can read this. I am in a happy place and appreciate my the friends around me and feel gifted to have friends from decades back who love and appreciate me. It is completely puzzling how I woke up one morning and my youth, young adulthood, adulthood is gone and I am moving to young old. So many life experiences that reflect my own journey and becoming who I am today. How would one have a sense of joy and comfort if you had not had all the complex emotional experiences of sorrow, anger,hurt,and ongoing challenges that make up a human. Where does this joy and comfort come through a partial lifetime lived. It is through the years of being a believer in the provision and person of Jesus Christ and walking with Him through faith in the Bible, prayer and the working of His Holy Spirit in my life. Thank you dear Lord for your provision for me!

Too many blog sites

I have created 3 blogs sights and don't know how to delete 2 of them. Any thoughts out there?