Grandma Pegs musings

Christmas 2009

2009-12-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

Melanie's blog was inspirational and I am proud of her on all levels. She truly has her "heart at home". I like to keep thing pretty much the same adding a new ornament each year and discarding old meaningless ornaments. Here are pictures of the tree. Note that this tree depicts a Grandma. i have a picture ornament of all ten grandchildren. It is precious to me. I also love my nativity...it is all white and just makes me joyous about the celebration of our Saviour.

FYI

2009-09-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

There are about 12 posts of the 20 day motorcycle trip so keep looking back to get to the beginning :)

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

As you can see it was quite an extravaganza. We loved it. No our seats are not sore. We are very comfortable on the bike. We were gone a total of 20 days. Hope you all enjoy the pictures!!

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to go to the first post to see all the photos. Now were are at Arrow Rock Missouri with friends...Al and carol

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T13:45:00.001-07:00

Almost to the end..are you looking at all the pictures?

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

Red rocks, Betsy and her friend..Joe (my new friend also) then on to St Louis...keep up with me here.

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

More pictures...

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Keep up with me now! Joe and Deb went home after a week and we continued on to Garden of Gods, Boulder to see my neice then on to St Louis to meet up with friends, Al and Carol for a few days.

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

How do you like the motorcycle mama/grandma's? The above pictures are continuing through Silverton, Ouray and on to Colorado Springs.

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

More pictures from Durango area to Silverton this time. The hotel in durango is an old hotel that was there when i was in Durango in the 60's for my public health training while in nursing. The hospital has been torn down...they now have a large medical center outside of town.

Motorcycling in the Rockies continued

2009-09-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

All the pictures will chronical the days from start to end. Description of the pictures in the first post....The first days we went down through Kansas to see my Grandma's grave who is buried in Pretty Prairie Cemetary...yes there is a town named Pretty Prairie, Kansas. The Hotel picture is of the Hotel my aunt and uncle were part owners in for a number of years in the late 60's and earlly 70's.

Motorcycling in the Rockies

2009-09-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

We went on a 3800 mile motorcycle trip a week after Jerry retired from General Mills. We had a wonderful time. For those who don't know the vacation starts the minute you get on the cycle as you don't miss much and seeing everything...accept for me the passenger who doesn't see what is ahead but has total confidence in the driver. I will post pictures as the blog lets me to give the flavor of the trip as well as my advancing picture taking abilities. Here goes!!

New motorcycle trailer.

2009-08-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

Does it mean something that after over 10 years of Motorcycling in blue ridge mountains, around lake Superior, and to Ozarks that we have finally added to our ability to take more stuff? I am telling myself it is about being able to stay on the road longer so we need more......shoes, clothes, picnic pack ability. This little bugger even has carpeting and a garment bag...so my husbands style. Looking forward to leaving in a few days and meet up with the Byrds in Cedar Rapids. Then....off to the Rockie Mountains.

My beautiful gems

2009-08-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Genny and I went to Alpharetta to visit the Gems ( Grace, Evie, Mady, Sarah). They are wonderful, loving, and spirited girls. I love them and miss them so much. It was the weekend of the state swimming meet and E was in a number of competitions and relays. She placed 1st and 2nd in her personal races and overall did a wonderful job for herself and the team ( called the Dynamos) The girls are all fabulous swimmers. We played games and one day Genny and I took the 3 younger girls to Helen for the day. We also made a quick stop at the cabbage patch house in Cleveland. Genny had mads some great Cabbage patch dolls so it was fun for her to see where it all began. Ah....memories of the 70's

The day has finally come!

2009-08-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Jerry has officially retired from General Mills. A wonderful party at the Wayzata Country Club and great wishes and gifts from his co workers. Really a nice send off. Praise God for good health and most of all for the ability to retire. It is a blessing and I do hope we will reflect joy, adventure and the spirit of the Lord every day in all we do and say. We are currently working on expectations of how each day will look. Many years of habits that need to alter some with both of us on 7 day weekends now. It is all good. Our first trip will be a motorcycle trip with the Byrds to the Rockies. It has been a couple years since our last road trip so we a really excited to meet up with them a go. It will be a great time. We plan to come back through Kansas and Missouri stopping to see old friends that we haven't seen for 5 years, Al and Carol Keyes.....friends from Jerry's 3M days.

Practice retirement

2009-07-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Last vacation as an employee.....ha hoo.... spent week at home. We got trailers ordered for cycle and car. ...went on an all day mtorcycle trip around Stillwater...Low key.....Spent 4th of July at Tom and Genny's. Absolutely great weather and a wonderful time. It did seem quiet without the kids but we all rallied and had a fun time. coffee,Eating, boating, eating, coffee, with much visiting inbetween. Genny's parents came also in late afternoon.

More pictures

2009-07-04T19:13:00.001-07:00

Special day with a special boy.

2009-06-22T15:38:00.003-07:00

John Michael and I had a great time today. We went to Hub Hobby where I used to take his Dad when he was a little boy and even as a young teen. Then we went to centinial Lakes in Edina and had lunch. We then went paddle boating. I got my biking exercise for sure. It was so very hot and humid that we didn't quite complete our 30 minutes. John steared the boat very well. He did very well. We had to have a dairy queen to cool down then on to the pool at Grandmas. Great times with my special young man.!!

Gurthrie night pictures

2009-06-10T08:06:00.001-07:00

Grandson and Guthrie plus one

2009-06-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous time last night introducing my grandson and dear friend Britta to the Guthrie theater. We had dinner first. Somehow, we ended up in the upscale Guthrie restaurant and had a delicious supper of steaks and I had a crab cake. While I stood in line for "Rush" tickets the teens went exploring the interesting architecture of the building. The play was great and I enjoyed it as much or more than the first time I saw it. " Caroline, or change" As a chaparone, I felt comfortable and they didn't seem to mind having me around. They are wonderful teenagers. I feel blessed to see how #1 is blazing the way for the other delightful 9 grandchildren.

A tiny bit of T.O.in Chanhassen

2009-05-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

We are trying to have a little garden in the back yard. Caroline and Helen are veterans of gardening. They just make it look so easy. I am learning a lot as I have not planted or done gardening in many years. This makes me think of all the gardening my Dad did when we were little and what a therapy and joy he had in this. It really wasn't about the yield for him as it was the joy of watching, tending and waiting.Mother would make pickles, tomato juice and we used the produce to enhance the meals. I remember every night the trip over to his land a couple of blocks from our home. I really couldn't understand it but he went every night as if it was his farm.I don't think I went more than a few times. Years later he did get the farm in Wisconsin. Memories. I wasn't interested in the farm either but do understand now the meaning and need for this in his life. Understanding though late does come.

11 plus years away from the North

2009-05-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Bragg duo plus dog left Minnesota almost 12 years ago. They are now a duo plus 4 beautiful girls,6 new dog,cat and guinea pigs. How time flies and changes come. They have been blessed with so many wonderful friends that have weathered the test of time. None more precious than the Houser's. They were one of the first friends. i will never forget seeing them come down the hall in the hospital when Evie Jill was born, bringing a large balloon to celebrate. They hardly new anyone and the 4 of us were celebrating alone making calls to the North. It was a special blessing for them to come and share such a precious moment with their new friends the Braggs. Later they were blessed with Wes and Emma who are Mady and Sarah's age. Such a joy to enjoy Mother's Day with them at Stoney River.

Toddler Tuesday

2009-05-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

We are almost past the toddler stage with the 10 grandchildren. lilia and Caleb are the only 2 left under 4 years old. Today was Lilia's special day with Grandma. It is Toddler Tues at MOA and they had cinco de mayo activities in the rotunda which overwelmed her so we kept decorating a minature sombrero short. We then went to American girl and got Bitty Baby a lunch back pack to have for camping and outdoor picnics with Sofia and her AG doll. We then went on 4 rides. Twice on the Merry go round, once on the semi trucks and once ont the school bus. We then had lunch at the AG Bistro and once she ate she got her second wind and was raring to go again. We then spent time at Barnes and Noble. She loved the books.She is such a joy to be with. Our special time will forever be in Grandma's heart and memory. I sure love you Lilia!!

My greatest accomplishment

2009-05-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

If when I die all the Grandchildren think they are my favorite...which they are.. and they continue on with faith in Christ as saviour..as well as follow godly principles..work diligently...serve others..and enjoy what they are allowed. Wow, that would be such an outstanding blessing. They will experience those things but I do realize nothing comes easy. They will have enough sorrow and frustration to keep they grounded in faith. There is so much you want or your children and then you see what they have had to go through to get where they are. I am ever grateful for the sustaining grace, comfort and peace of Christ that sees us through life and not around over or under things.

Joy in the journey

2009-05-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

A picture says it all. Isn't she the cutest little gal. She finds such joy in everything. She wanted to use her umbrella in the rain that they had discovered the day before in the back of a closet. How can one put into words the joy she brings? She is always saying "I love you Grandma" She is easy to please (except for the food thing) and loves life. I hear her Mom's words coming out and know that she is being mentored consistently. What joy to be with her and yet know when she goes home she is well taken care of and will be taught the principles of faith in Jesus Christ and life in general by her parents and brother.

The precious part of awesome/precious

2009-04-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

i spent Saturday with Isabelle. We had a great time. We painted for a long time and found that fingers all with different colors can make a beautiful picture. The Michael Wolfe clan stopped for a short while with a fabulous piece of machinery for Isabelle. They found a great bike. A beautiful purple color, just the right size and perfect price. She was slightly frightened for the first few rides. i gently encouraged her and within a short time she was pedaling forward to go and expertly pedaling backwards to stop. She rode all the way to the playground on the sidewalk. Her steering was quite good. She was able to stay on the walk really well. She is so polite and told me she loved me many times. I am so touched to see her grateful loving heart displayed. Our little ones are on a journey to independence. Seeing the step by step development gives great joy to a Grandma's heart.

Catch up musings with Wolfe cubs

2009-04-25T17:28:00.001-07:00

We finally had a couple of days of warm spring sunshine this week. One day I met Julia and the kids and we hiked around the beautiful arboretum near our home. John was the leader down the paths for a long time then it was Sofia's turn to lead the way. They did a great job. Fun stuff and memories for Grandma Peg as well as them. They are too cute. Lil's is my side kick.

Spring has sprung

2009-04-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Finally......spring seems to be here. It has been a cold and dark winter. It is so great to have daylight till 8PM and wake up to sunshine. I feel like a new person the past few days. i am walking with my friend Helen almost daily and getting out with friends several times a week. I find myself getting the housework done better. The goal for the new week or two is to get the garden set up and started. Caroline and I will do that together.

I really had a wonderful time with Sofia today going to MOA and going through American Girl store. This is what she most wanted to do. She looks at the magazine all the time from what her Mom says. I did get her a couple of things. She knew she wanted food for "Ruthie" What she wanted was the lunch basket Ruthie uses for her school lunch. It has carrots, celery, apple, cookie and sandwich. Of course I could have stopped there but Ruthie needed a pack with school which has the multiplication tables, pencils, crayons a notebook, report card.

I am putting on the pictures of the first four AG beds and the quilts that my friend Caroline made for them. I still have 4 left to deliver and will photo them as well. Thats it for now.

Himself

2009-04-07T17:41:00.001-07:00

I have been pondering the wonderful song written in the early 1900's by A.B. Simpson.
"Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord; Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word; Once His gift i wanted, Now the Giver own; Once i sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once was painful trying, Now is perfect trust; Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost! Once wa ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast; Once was constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.
Once was busy planning, Now is trustful prayer; Once was anxious caring, Now He has the care; Once was what I wanted, Now what Jesus says; Once was constant asking Now is ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be; Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me; Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty one; Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus Now I know He's mine; Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine"

It is a testament to the ongoing work of Christ through the years and centuries. It is so true to me the "Jesus never changes"
Life and lifestyle changes but the word and work of the Lord is unchanging.

Lent

2009-02-27T06:32:00.000-08:00

Wow! i just read the blogs of my eldest daughter and neice. Though we are all in different "denominations" the root of our faith in Jesus Christ and the cross shines through and I am blessed by these two and their prospective on the lenten season. i have grown up to focus on the cross and never gave much thought to actual lenten season as it was a time to "just give something up" and I didn't get how this was increasing faith. I think and see it different after reading the blessed thoughts on it from Mel and Jessie.It is truly a time to refocus on our faith. I started reading through the gospels after the first of the year and aim to finish by Easter. I am also reading Leith Anderson's book "Jesus" to go along with it. May my resolve to serve and live more fully for Him be accomplished. I appreciate having each morning to pray, ponder, and read the word. I am in awe of God's grace and work in our children and neices and nephews. Thank you Lord!!

Madeline's birthday extravaganza

2009-02-23T11:36:00.001-08:00

Wow!! What a fabulous birthday weekend. Madeline came to Minnesota for her 8th birthday. She had fun many different ways.
1. We saw a play "Gralufalo" at the Childrens theater to start.
2.We sled down our "hills' in the back yard.
3.We did the swim park at the hotel Radisson. Yes, I went down what was dubbed the family friendly ride on a raft with Shel, Mady and Raley. Never again. I just kept remembering the gal said that the law of gravity was such that I would not fall off if I held on!!
4. We spent a day at MOA/American Girl. Lunch at the AG Bistro with Auntie Non.
5. Afternoon of Rides at the Nick Park at MOA with Wolfe cousins.
6. Overnight with Raley at the hotel with us ( this is when we did the swim park). I totally handled going around the river area on a tube. In the end did get hair wet ( hair color no no)
7. Movie in the room with Shel, Non, Mady and me. We saw High school musical 3.
8. Ice skating at Centennial Lakes. Rented skates for Mady, Shel and Non. Mady had never been in the tundra of our winters and what a thrill it was for her that we had 3 inches before she left. She totally enjoyed the snow.

The Goo

2009-02-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Highlight of the day is our little fashionable, loveable,thumbsucking, bunny hugging, color orange favoring, Gracie Goo. My precious had an unfortunate accident outside with sister Sarah. She broke her arm. It was broken in such a way they had to sedate her a little to get it back in place. She wanted, of course, an orange cast but settled for red. Sister, Sarah was in the garage with a sharpee as they were carrying her in and was already signing it( Sarah is for another blog). She has a learning curve getting to handle the weight of it and has to have help with most things but as her MOM wrote a moment ago she (I suspect with the help of Sarah) was able to get a fashioable look for the morning play. She is one of my precious and Gma does not like to see her have to go through this. The good thing, as she gets a few days behind her, is that it is a status symbol at this age. Her cousin, Isabelle, was trying to break her finger yesterday so she could go to the hospital but that is another blog note from Melanie. No one in the immediate family has had a break so it is quite the novelty. Anyway, it underscores the need to be ever vigilant in prayer for each of the children and grandchildren. I love you Gracie!!!

Happy Birthday John Michael!

2009-02-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

Today is John Michaels birthday.He is 5 years old. My dear, loving, sequential, predictable boy. This is the only recent picture and he is playing tetris intently. What can I say? He is my transformer loving, lego building, Thomas the train savy, handheld video loving and generally an all around happy boy who loves his family. He manages to stay his boyish self despite being surrounded with every feminine toy possible. He sees the boyish side of it all. He is so happy to be in cubbies this year and learning all the Bible verses and teachings that his sister has been learning. He is always aware of sharing with the sisters. I love my 5 year old dear boy. The only thing as grandma I am not sure of is if he sees the need to be a motorycle guy as his forefathers. That will be up to them to instill (: GMA

Sunshine

2009-02-06T06:17:00.000-08:00

Sunshine in the sunroom. What a special treat. I can get my sun vitamin D today. It has been too cold to think or write. I have been in a funk. A new day and sunshine does the trick. We went to a funeral of a very elderly family friend of Jerry's yesterday. She was 99 years old and you could say quite poor her whole life. But....she was sunshine to everyone around her. To listen to her grandchildren and great grandchildren talk and reminise was a real blessing. Her cup was always over half full. When her sister and her where put in the same nursing home and each in wheelchairs they were visiting one morning and her sister says "I am unpset with the food and care here" Esther says " well I think it is a wonderful place, if you are not happy you need to go upstairs and pack and leave" Well, of course, neither could leave, but it underscored her positive nature and contentment with what was.
A life well lived in areas that are the most important. The "village" she left behind is a real testament to her life. The gospel message was clearly presented and the example of her faith made it all the more real.

Saturday fun

2009-01-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Grandma had a headache all day on Sat but managed to rally some. Isabelle wanted me to take a video of her in her ballet costume but, of course, I am not sure how to do that on my fancy camera. We also went out on the deck. I shoveled until she made me stop as i was taking away the "hills" by my efforts. I try!

Having fun at Grandma's house

2009-01-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

We had a fun friday night at Gma and Gpa's. Isabelle was here for a night as her parents are having an "off sight" to prepare for goals of the year in home and business. The Wolfe cubs were here for the evening as their parents went to a PFR ( I don't really know the name) concert. Evidently they haven't played together for 10 years. It was songs of their "youth" from college age time frame. Here are pictures of the adventure at the Grandparents. Caleb did very well but had a few sad moments

Lets get sentimental

2009-01-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

Who are the two endearing women in my life..there for every celebration, every sorrow, encouraging and always staying strong in the ever changing journey of life? Dorothy and Cari. They are a continual blessing not only to me but to all those around them.

Lilia

2009-01-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

An acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. Who does this remind you of? She is such an affectionate and loving little one. She runs when I come and cries when we part. Such touching times with my loving "lillers" She loves her little critters and her bitty baby. She can run fast in a circle and has a large vocabulary. She wants 3-4 pacifiers at a time when going to bed. Then there is always one in reach. She recently stopped bringing to Grandmas. I had two here for her but am suspicious her parents took them as I cannot find one of them...unless of course she took them home. I smile when I think of her.

Frigid cold

2009-01-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

It iwas frigid to even go from car to club to work out. I had to park in an overflow parking lot. Wow, it must be the place to go for all the non workers at 10 am in the morning. I met Mel and we did workout for 45 min. Tread mill today. She ran, I walked. At least I am moving in this cold weather when it seem to be most comfortable sitting in the sunroom and keeping warm. I had Izzy for the afternoon. It went well but I am sure not good at continued play with the little ones. We did get in playdough, coloring, and stickerbook work plus played with Strawberry dolls until I couldn't track with her creativity anymore. All this said to admit even though now home full time I didn't get any supper ready so Jerry is off to pick up a pizza at Carbone's. I don't know what to tell you all. I am a low key at homebody. i don't feel afraid if I don't function at full force anymore so I don't. I do have a goal to get the 2 storerooms gone through and organized before Jerry retires in July. Oh well, more than you all wanted to kow. I did work for 40 min in the larger storeroom while Izzy watched a video. I freed up a whole cupboard. If I haven't used it in 4 years i am going to let it go.

American Girl Bed DONE

2009-01-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

You can see the picture of the bed Caroline and I made for Sofia today. It was inspiring for me to do it with her, What i didn't think of she did. We added supports inside the bed box as it seemed to flimsy and would break if anything too heavy was put on it. We are proud. Sofia will love. I still have to make the mattress and quilt.

Wednesday with Peanut

2009-01-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

Isabelle was here on Wednesday for part of the day. I played with her for a couple of hours. We watched a movie. We had a tea party and we played a long fun time with play dough. Who knew it could keep her occupied for so long. I will have to get some new as we mixed everything together. She had quite the imagination and expected me to do my imaginative part. We I have to put a lot more effort into it than she does. Fun times with these precious grandchildren.

Special Day with Sofia

2009-01-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

My dear Sofia needs a bed for Ruthie her American girl doll. After buying the pattern and looking multiple times at the pattern and consulting with girlfriend Caroline several times I realized it would be a 2 adult person task at least for the first one. So i picked up Sofia and instead of making the bed (more of that on next blog note) I took her to American Girl at MOA for bistro lunch and we looked at everything they had in the store. She was stuck on the Ginger a cat as a pet for her doll Ruthie ( by the way there is no resesession at the American girl store, nothing on sale at all). I bought the pet Ginger, of course. Anyway, we then went to fabric store and got red material to use on the bed. By then she was tired and so was I. we went home had hot chocolate, watched a movie then played Sorry (she beat me by a hair). We then put a 100 piece puzzle together that I had bought for her a while ago. For bedtime we watched "Molly" American girl movie. We slept downstairs in the queen bed. She woke me up at 5AM and I couldn't get up til at least 6 AM. We then just hung round and she worked on the computer some. Her are pictures of our special time together.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-31T04:45:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-20T13:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-10T18:31:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-28T07:17:00.002-08:00

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

Thanksgiving Day feast

2008-11-28T07:17:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Day feast

2008-11-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-08T07:09:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-08T06:58:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-23T20:45:00.001-07:00