Reminiscence

2010-11-20T16:29:00.003-05:00

GREENFIELD VILLAGE 2010

It was fun to spend the day with two of our favorite grandsons last Saturday!

Shelley was on a business trip, and Bob was working, so we got to spend the whole day with Matthew and Nolan. (Matthew was a little apprehensive about riding on the large carousel. But I stood by him and he relaxed. Nolan didn't cry, but was petrified!. Terry held him on one of the animals - a dog that he picked out - and when it started up, he kept leaning in to Terry and his eyes were very big!!)

We packed a lunch and headed for Greenfield Village. The boys had never been there and so it was an adventure. We were hoping we could find enough that would interest them there knowing that they were probably a bit young yet to really appreciate it!

I had only taken a few pictures with my camera, when my camera stopped working. I later found out that my batteries were completely dead. I don't even know how I took that five pictures that I did! I was very frustrated that I couldn't get some great pictures of the boys enjoying the day, but had to live with it. Of course, I forgot my spare batteries!! They were at home on the kitchen table.

We enjoyed the Model T cars and rode on them twice. Matthew especially enjoyed the rides through the village. We got to visit the roundhouse where the train engines are kept. The train had shut down as of November 1! But we got to see all of the old engines close up and even got to walk below one of them and see what it looked like underneath. That was fun for us all. We rode on the carousel, ate lunch on a picnic table, learned how glass was blown, and went in some of the old log cabins. It was a beautiful day and passed very quickly.

This is the first Model T that we rode in. For the second ride, Matthew wanted to ride one with the top up. We had to wait for one to come around. The rides had to be taken in the order the cars returned. Someone was nice enough to let us ride in the car that came up for them when they heard Matthew stating that he wanted to ride in one with the top up. We ended up going to the glass house twice because Matthew was so interested in it. Also it was warm in there! We had a great time - and a made a good memory!

2010-08-23T17:09:00.014-04:00

APPLETON

We got back from Appleton last week after being there for four fun days. Shari and Mark just moved there a couple of months ago. This is their fifth state in eight years! I loved Appleton. It is a quaint old town - very large and interesting. There are a few beautiful parks, a railroad, restaurants, nice shops, lots of churches, and lots of interesting houses. It is an historical town, so all of the houses were built over 50 years ago, and each one of them is unique. This is a picture of the house that they just bought. It has a lot of fixing up to do, but has all of the original wide woodwork with lots of built ins like old houses used to have. All of the bedrooms have built in closets with drawers and cupboards. The upstairs hallway is wide and has many built in storage cupboards and drawers. All of the floors are wood. The worst room is the kitchen which had actually been updated in the fifties and doesn't match the rest of the house. It needs remodeling badly.

We went to visit for Esme's second birthday. While we were there, Shari made her a birthday cake with one of Esme's favorite characters on it - Dora, the Explorer. It turned out very cute as you can see, and Esme was very excited by it!

A few of these pictures "somehow" got out of order when I was loading them. i don't know how I always manage to do that! The one above is of Esme and Asher on about the third day we were there. I am very prejudiced, but I think they are both so cute! Asher is four months now.

Esme loves to pretend. I got her some dishes to go with the kitchen that she got at Christmas. She loved them and was very good at pretending to serve everyone.

Aunt Shelley, Uncle Bob, and Matthew and Nolan sent her a couple of gifts. These are the wooden dolls with magnetic clothes that they sent for her. She loved putting on all of the clothes, but sometimes put the pants up under the dolls chin! She's only two.

Many of her toys are upstairs in the spare room that we spept in. I played up there with her a couple of times. Here she is pretending to have a conversation on a play phone. She looks very authentic, doesn't she?

Asher is a very happy baby. He has such a sweet smile. He is already using his bouncy seat, rolling over and over and over, and scooting himself around. He is just so precious, soft and warm!!

We took a walk one evening into town to go to a restaurant by the river. Esme loved to walk, but it is a very long walk, so she road some of the way. This was a very hot day!!

Like I said, Appleton has beautiful parks. We stopped at one along the way, and Esme had a good time on the slides and swings.

Shari and Esme'

This picture got out of order. This is the actual day of Esme's birthday. We celebrated it on Sunday, but her birthday wasn't really until Tuesday. Mark had to work that day, so we celebrated with cake and gifts early. On this day we walked downtown to a place called the

"Building for Kids". It was a big building with lots of rooms filled with interesting things for kids to do. I thought this was a cute picture of Esme' and "Grandpa" walking together holding hands.

This is the restaurant that we walked to. We ate outside because all of the tables inside were taken. It was VERY HOT out!! It was next to the river and a dam. Very pretty place!

ASHER - 4 Months

Appleton is about six or seven blocks long. There is also a college, Lawrence University, there. It has a beautiful campus right in the middle of town. There are also several very large churches in town. Shari and Mark can walk to everything from where they live.

This is one of the rooms in the "Building for Kids". It was the water room. The kids put on raincoats and there are huge tubs with water toys and fountains and rivers, etc. for them to play with. Esme loved it!

Shari put Asher in his "baby bjorn" so that she could carry him around with us. It looks like he is in a straight jacket, but he likes it.

The building had two floors, so we had to use the elevator to get upstairs. I thought this was a cute picture of Esme. She wasn't quite sure that she liked it!

Such a sweet baby!!

There was an authentic looking fire engine in the building for the kids to play in. I forgot to get a picture of the outside of it.

There was a room set up like a small grocery store for kids. Everything was their level. It had shopping carts, groceries (empty boxes), a cash register, baskets, and carts.

One room was a doll hospital. There were dolls, bottles, baby beds, benches, diapers, and nurse aprons to wear. Esme loved taking care of this baby.

This was a big crane that you could operate. The big lifter picked up magnets. Here is Terry helping Esme try to operate it.

We had such a great time with the kids and Shari and Mark. They are very hospitable - what a joy to visit! I will miss those little ones so much - they grow up so fast. I am going to try to upload some videos of Esme, but so far I haven't had much success. I don't know if they will turn out at the bottom or top of this post. If I can't upload them now, I will try to do them later in another post.

2010-08-22T16:53:00.027-04:00

A SISTER IS A FOREVER FRIEND!

For the past seven years, my younger sister, Carol, and I have traveled somewhere in Michigan to spend some special time just reconnecting with each other. Sadly, even though we both live in Michigan, we don't see

each other often.

In the past we have taken a few days each summer and driven to some small town or towns on Lake Michigan. We both love the lakes, the lighthouses, beaches, and small towns with quaint shops to explore. It gives us some special "sister" time to catch up with each other's lives. This year instead of going to a town near Lake Michigan on the west side of the state, we decided to try the "thumb" of Michigan on Lake Huron. It was so beautiful!!

Unlike Lake Michigan, Lake Huron has lots of big rocks. Many of the piers are lined with huge rocks. We wondered how in the world all of the rocks were taken to the piers because there are so many, and they are so huge!

We stayed at a bed and breakfast this

year for the first time. It was different. Nice in some ways (great breakfasts! - but obligitory. )Our room was very small and cramped - we found out that there were some very large rooms upstairs that would have been available. OK - it was cozy in our room. We stayed in Harbor Beach at night and then drove to some of the neighboring little towns along the water during the day. We went to Port Austin, Port Hope, Granite City, and Caseville. We saw about three or four lighthouses and walked for a long while on a beach in a state park.

Being near the lake is always so relaxing to me. All of the cares of the world seem to vanish. I love the sounds of the water lapping on the rocks, and the trees blowing. I love to watch the ripples of the waves and see the sailboats and freighters. I love the vastness of the Great Lakes and the Ocean. Creation is just amazing - and being close to it makes me think of how great God is to make all of it so perfect and beautiful.

We had some good sister talks about our families and our lives. It is stuff you can talk to your sister about and feel perfectly comfortable. We walked on piers and saw lots of boats and marinas and took lots of pictures. Carol especially likes lighthouses, so we made the effort to see the ones that were close by on Lake Huron. Many of them are not in use anymore.

We were fortunate enough to pass through the town of Lexington both on our way to Harbor Beach and on the way home. Passing through on the way there, we saw that there was an art and craft show going on in the city! We always hope to find one of those and didn't expect it this time. What fun! It was huge. There were tents up and down the streets and parking lots. We didn't buy a whole lot, but it was so much fun to look.

We found one restaurant right on the lake. That was the best place that we ate and so beautiful. We shopped alot one of the days because it was cloudy and drizzly all day. But the next day it was warm and sunny enough to go to the beach for most of the day. We didn't swim, though, because there

was alot of black seaweed in the water close to the shore. But

who wants to get into a bathing suit anyway? It was so peaceful. It was also fun to see some of the gorgeous, big homes along the water. I can't imagine getting up to the beautiful views of the lake every day - like heaven.

I miss being with my sister very much! I can't wait to plan next year! We both came home and went our own ways. Carol was going to visit her family and I was going to visit Shari and Mark in Wisconsin. But I so enjoyed talking with her. She is so special to me!

I've heard it said that sisters are different flowers from the same garden. I like that description because I love flower gardens. The flowers are all beautiful, but each one is different and special from the others. The more I talk to Carol, I notice the ways we are so alike, and yet we are different in so many ways also. I am thankful for her and the time that we get to spend each summer just relaxing together and enjoying each other's company. I hope there are many more years to come! Love you, Carol!

(I just lost about five or six pictures when I went to publish this! I am so aggravated that I don't even know how to fix it! What I just wrote isn't as interesting without my pictures! The joys of blogger!)

A Beautiful Day at George George Park

2010-05-31T07:16:00.016-04:00

Saturday was just a beautiful spring day!! Shari and Mark came to visit again for the last time before they move. We decided to meet at the new park near our house so that the kids could play outside together. Shelley was in Arlington for the release of the book she illustrated, and Bob had to work, so we had the boys most of the day. The kids all had a great time and were even nice enough to "pose" for some pictures together. Usually it is hard to get them all in one picture because they are moving so fast!!

Nolan and Matthew

Matthew, Nolan, and Esme'

Shari and Mark with Esme' and Asher. Esme' was tired of pictures and wanted down. She was not happy about this picture. I took about five or six others, but she was crying in all of them. Everybody tells Shari that Asher looks just like her. It is still hard to tell, but he is certainly a sweet baby!

Grandpa with the kids.

Esme' loves flowers and also loves to PICK them! She doesn't understand that all "fowers" are not to be just picked. This park has beautiful flower beds.

Two little angels - I love this picture!

Nolan surveying the area.

Esme' and Nolan. Esme' on her way DOWN.

We had a great time and the kids were very tired by the time we got ready to leave and go to lunch.

Mark, Matthew, Nolan, and Terry

The park has a really nice play area for kids as well as a nice picnic area, cement paths for walking, bridges, fountains, ponds, and the river runs through it.

The little kids loved the swings and liked to be pushed. While Shari and I were pushing them, Grandpa and Matthew went for a walk by the pond where they saw ducks, geese, frogs, tadpoles, and birds. I actually got in a picture here - I'm usually the one taking them!

Esme' and Nolan

A VISIT FROM SHARI AND MARK

2010-05-30T17:34:00.013-04:00

Shari and Mark, Esme' and Asher came for a quick visit this week on their way to move to Wisconsin. It was great to see them again so soon! Asher has gained two pounds since we were there when he was born last month.

Esme' and Asher are now just about the same size although Esme' is just a bit older.

In these pictures we are visiting at Shelley and Bob's new condo. The kids had a fun time together building a marble run, playing with Matthew's bugs (in the container) and just being silly.

Matthew is proud of his marble run. He earned it with his marble jar by accomplishing a goal.

Here is Shari reading to Nolan and Esme'.

Uncle Mark playing with Matthew.

Here is Asher. Just as sweet as can be - we barely heard a peep out of him all day. He just

slept and ate.

Shelley holding Asher.

Mark playing with Esme'.

Matthew playing checkers with Grandpa. Matthew LOVES to play games, but

HATES to lose! It was a fun day. We ended the day by going back to our house and barbecuing chicken kabobs. More pictures to come!

2010-05-06T19:03:00.012-04:00

This flowering bush was across the street from Esme's house. She loved the flowers! They live at the end of a dead end street, so we could walk in the street and not worry about cars coming. It is a beautiful street with hills and lots of trees. Isn't she precious?

Missing You!

This is the house in Tennessee that Shari and Mark have been renting. It is a beautiful, quiet, neighborhood and I had a great time playing with Esme' in her yard and on her street. We played with her car, her stroller, bubbles and walked her doll baby. We looked at all the flowers and listened to the dogs barking and the birds chirping. I had a wonderful time with her!

Here is a sleepy Esme'! She is putting her head in her doll carrier. Such a sweetie!

Picking "fowers" (dandelions)

Here is her little car. She likes getting in and out, in and out, in and out. She wants to be pushed, but will only let you push her about two feet and she wants to open the door and get out - then back in - then out.
This picture actually reminds me of a picture of myself about this age sitting on Grandma's porch. I didn't have as much hair, but the way she is sitting is similar to the picture of me.

I love her so much!! What a cute age - and I feel like I am missing all the cute things she says and does. Life is sad sometimes. I just have to be thankful that we have all of our grandchildren and that they are all healthy - and so CUTE! This is another video of Esme playing in the kitchen and living room of their house. If shows how active a two year old can be!

2010-03-27T21:14:00.015-04:00

One More Makes Four!

Little Asher was born on a Wednesday afternoon. Shari called me at church at about 7:15 to tell me he had been born. I had hoped to be able to leave the next day to go to Tennessee and see him, but ALAS... Terry was in Kentucky and I had to wait for him to come home and pick me up. As it was, we ended up getting there on Friday just after Shari came home from the hospital.

Asher is just a sweet baby! He is so perfect! Esme' was not too sure how to react to him. She just stared at him as though he were a real doll. She would look him over and then scoot far away from him. By the time I left this past week, she was asking to "hold you" and rubbing her little cheek on his.

Shari and I went grocery shopping toward the end of my visit, and we took both Esme' and Asher with us. There wasn't much room for groceries once we got Esme' and Asher in the cart. I would often forget that we even had Asher because he slept so much! One time I picked up a package of buns and tossed it into the cart - forgetting that Asher was in there!! Shari said that it was a good thing it wasn't a can of soup!

So we now have four beautiful grandchildren - what a blessing! God is good. The last day we were in Knoxville, Mark accepted a new job in Wisconsin! They will be a couple of hours closer to us, and we can take the ferry across Lake Michigan to see them in the summer. Mark starts there on June 1. So this will be our last stay in Tennessee.

This is a video that I took of Esme' while playing with her outside last week. I am going to miss her so much! She is just the sweetest little girl!

2009-10-20T20:44:00.004-04:00

FALL GRANDCHILDREN PICS

NOLAN

Matthew and Nolan

Matthew's first "two-wheeler"

SHARI AND ESME'

ESME' - Walking!

Esme'

Esme' in the pumpkin patch

Esme' with the goat

2009-08-18T06:44:00.002-04:00

Esme' eating her first birthday cake.

Esme's Birthday Video

2009-08-17T22:08:00.004-04:00

2009-08-17T13:23:00.016-04:00

OUR GRANDCHILDREN

This picture was taken the week of August 9, 2009.

Shari and Esme' were visiting us from Tennessee and Shelley, Bob, Matthew and Nolan were at our house visiting Shari and Esme' for the day. I have been wanting a picture of all three grandchildren together, but we never seemed to be able to pull it off. This one turned out great with Matthew holding on to both of the littler ones.

NOLAN, 8 months

MATTHEW, 3 years

ESME', 1 year

Oh, Lord, I do not ask for much,

Eternal beauty, or youth, or such,

Just give me a little hand to hold,

And I'll forget that I'm growing old.

I do not ask for cloudless skies,

A life that's free from tears and sighs.

Just give me a little face to kiss,

And anxious moments will turn to bliss.

For what is there, really, that means so much

As little hands that reach and touch,

As little eyes that search and see

Only the very best in me?

So let me grow more loving and wise

By looking at life through their wide eyes.

For through these little ones, you have given

This grateful grandma a glimpse of Heaven!

Author: Barbara Burrrows

What precious children they are, and I am thankful for them every day. This verse now has special meaning to me:

Psalm 71: 18b "... let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me."

2009-08-17T08:00:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday One Year Old!

Esme's Fiesta Birthday Party

How could one year have gone by so quickly? Our little baby granddaughter is now crawling, walking around furniture, saying words, and growing so beautiful! We love her very much - she is the sweetest little girl!

Her party was at her "other" grandparents' house and it was a Mexican fiesta. Shari and Mark made all of the food (very good!), and there was color everywhere! Colorful balloons, bright roses, colorful tablecloths, and lots of gifts. Esme' wore a colorful ruffled dress and a bright flower in her hair. That is until she discovered that it was there and then she pulled it out! Mark's sister Amy, and her family were there, Mark's brother Jim, and his family, Mark's parents, Shelley and Bob and boys, and two other couples, friends of Shari and Mark, and their kids, and us. Esme' got lots of great gifts. She was a little awed by everything and everyone and it was hard to get a good picture of her all day. She moves very quickly and there were many people to get in the way of a good picture. Today is her actual birthday and they are back home in Tennessee now. It was so much fun having them here for a little while and we will miss Shari and Mark and Esme' until we see them again in a couple of months. But the party was fun and a good memory. I picked her up before I had to leave her and just cried! She is so sweet and soft and smiley and I will miss her!!!

2009-08-15T11:03:00.017-04:00

Sister Retreat

This year my sister, Carol, and I traveled to Western Michigan to the Ludington area for our sixth annual sister vacation. We have gravitated to that area every year because we both love to be by the water and Lake Michigan is the perfect getaway place. There are quaint little towns, beautiful lighthouses, breathtaking beaches, trees, birds, etc. It is so peaceful and relaxing! The picture above is the Big Sable Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. It is in a State Park and the walk on the beach to get there is about two miles. But it was wonderful! We were very tired and opted to walk back on the pathway through the park, but the walk there was so beautiful! The lighthouse is just perfect. We walked up the 130 steps to the top and the view was amazing from up there!

This lighthouse is in the town of Ludington. We spent time walking the pier out to the lighthouse. The lake was so blue and was full of sailboats, cabin cruisers, and freighters. We watched the sunset one night while walking on the pier. It wouldn't be hard to live in a place with a pier and a lighthouse and a beach!

It was great to be with Carol! We got to talk all we wanted and catch up with each other's lives. Carol lives in Grand Rapids. You would think that we lived light years apart because we hardly ever see each other! I love her very much and always have a great time traveling with her and exploring small towns and lighthouses. I would never want to give up our little vacations and am already looking forward to next year - place to be announced.

We shopped in some nice little towns. Both of us love toy stores! We could both spend all kinds of time in them. Carol and I both have grandchildren and just love to pick out toys ahead for birthdays, etc. It was sad that a couple of the towns we visited seemed like ghost towns! Many of the shops were closed down and out of business. But we did manage to buy a few things anyway!

It is always fun to find new places to eat our meals while away together. We have usually had really good success in finding good places. Sometimes we ask for recommendations from townspeople and other times we search out places CLOSE TO THE WATER! (That is one of our prerequisites!) Some towns just don't cooperate, though. They don't see the importance of great restaurants right on the water!! I can't figure it!

We found a game to play while we were there and we played it in the motel room two evenings. It was a very competitive game and lots of fun. We also went to a movie the first night we were in Ludington since it was a rainy night. We went to see Julie and Julia and it was a very good movie - two true stories incorporated into one movie.

We almost ran out of gas one day while trying to find a beach or lighthouse. I can't remember which! It seems every year that happens to us, but we have never actually run out of gas yet. We are just so lucky! Actually, the Lord is so good to us and is taking care of us!

Here is a picture of one of the beautiful sunsets that we saw on Lake Michigan. They were awesome! Another year has gone by and another special time with my wonderful sister is over -

I will always treasure these times we have spent together just talking, exploring, and catching up. I can't wait until next time!

"There's a special kind of freedom sisters enjoy.

Freedom to share innermost thoughts,

to ask a favor,

to show their true feelings.

The freedom to simply be themselves."

Author Unknown

2009-08-02T07:31:00.009-04:00

When I read my daughter"s version of "not me Monday" these past few weeks, I told myself that I "would never" write a "not me" Monday post on MY blog! Never! Because I just don't do things like THAT! Well, here is what I did NOT DO this week!

First of all, Shari did NOT call to say they were coming to Michigan this week to celebrate Esme's birthday when we had planned to go to Tennessee in two weeks. I DID NOT take all of the wallpaper off the bathroom walls two days before she called. The bathroom is NOT a total mess along with the rest of the house that I DID NOT let go while stripping wallpaper! Shari is NOT staying another whole week while I am scheduled to go on a sister vacation with my sister three days after she gets here!

I certainly did NOT type the whole bulletin for church with a note to parents about an "important meeting" to discuss policy, procedures, and future activities and told them NOT to miss it ----but forgot to put the date!! - so that Pastor Bob DID NOT have to make a special announcement about that date left out of the bulletin! I was NOT embarassed a single bit! Not me!

I did NOT purchase a beautiful piece of luggage for my son-in-law Mark's birthday and then decide that it was too small and had to be returned. I DID NOT buy another piece of luggage before I had taken the other one back. I did NOT forget to take my receipt with me all the way back to the mall when finally deciding to return the first piece of luggage and did NOT only have my gift receipt with me. The manager did NOT tell me that I could only have an in store credit or exchange with a gift receipt! I WOULD NOT HAVE driven all the way back home to get the original receipt and WAS NOT mad all the way home and BACK - NOT ME! I DID NOT call the company to complain about their return policy - NOT ME!!

Later that SAME DAY at four o'clock in the afternoon, just after I had emptied two refrigerator shelves and placed everything on the kitchen table while I gave the refrigerator a much needed cleaning, Terry did NOT call to tell me he had forgotten to take the car that morning and needed it to take his dad out to eat in an hour. After I had put everything back into the refrigerator, driven in rush hour traffic to trade vehicles with him and gotten back home to remove everything from the refrigerator again, I DID NOT receive another call from him to tell me that I did not leave the keys to the car on the floor of the front seat like I said I would! I did NOT have to repeat the whole process again to drive back to the church in worse rush hour traffic to give him the keys! NOT ME, I WOULDN'T!

Next day, Saturday, after deciding to give some of our windows a much needed cleaning, I DID NOT place a plastic container full of water on a high window sill while washing the track that the window slides on. The "black" water did NOT get knocked off by me and DID NOT splash all over the clean curtains, rug and wood floor in the room Shari and Mark will be staying in for two nights while here. And I DID NOT wash the curtains in the washing machine even though the tag said, "DRY CLEAN ONLY"! Enough said! :( And I did NOT write this post when I am supposed to be cleaning the house, cutting the grass, grocery shopping, and doing laundry!

2009-07-06T08:48:00.007-04:00

JULY 4TH - 2009

This whole weekend was a beautiful one! We spent much of it working in our yard taking out our very overgrown bushes in front of our house and replacing them with some updated and more colorful ones. Bob helped Terry pull our bushes which completely covered those bottom windows to our family room by cutting them down and then pulling the very deep roots by tying them to a rope and then tying them to our truck and backing the truck up. They worked very hard because those bushes had been there probably about 30 years!

On the fourth, Terry and I went and bought some new bushes and plants and mulch to replace the old stuff. That was the fun part! I wish we had done it years ago! We had just had our trim painted and a new chimney and porch done while we were on vacation. Now we have to cut down a huge pine tree right in the front of our house. :( I love trees and really don't want to do that.

We spent the rest of our weekend with Shelley, Bob, Matthew, and Nolan. It was fun! Bob was helping Terry part of the time, but we had a few meals together and played with the kids and watched a ball game also. We had drumsticks after dinner one night. Matthew did really well eating it, but mostly liked the chocolate and peanuts.

Nolan got to taste the vanilla ice cream also. He thought it was wonderful! Who wouldn't after eating that stuff babies usually eat?

We spent some time playing with the kids. I decided to show Matthew the camera on my computer that allows one to take a picture of yourself and there are many options to enhance it. I use the word "enhance" loosely!

Matthew thought this was great fun and begged to keep doing it until I had to finally make us stop!

I love this one. He was laughing so hard when he saw it, he could barely sit up! Don't I have a handsome grandson?

We had lots of fun playing and eating and talking and working. Shel, Bob, Matthew, and Nolan went home to watch some fireworks from their house. Matthew is afraid of the loud noises so they were going to maybe watch from inside their house.

Terry and I decided to take a walk and watch all the fireworks around our house. Most years it sounds and looks like a war zone around here on the fourth. This year it was rather quiet with only a few fireworks. It was a beautiful, cool night and we were so tired after the weekend that we probably went to bed before all of the loud noises. We didn't hear a thing!

We are reminded on this day how good it is to live in this country. Freedom is not something to take for granted - especially in the world we live in! God has blessed us with the privilege of growing up in America. Why? I know that I can't even imagine what other people in less fortunate countries live with every day. I just want to be so thankful for our beautiful and free country! Thank you, Lord!

Vacation 2009 - Knoxville and Cocoa Beach

2009-06-27T21:31:00.014-04:00

It Was HOT!!

This is one of our favorite spots in Cocoa Beach - The Cocoa Beach Pier

I know it is hard to believe, but this pier actually has two large restaurants a bit farther back on the pier. One is very casual and one is more high end. We eat there a couple times while in Florida.

This year we were once again back in Cocoa Beach! We own a time share at the Resort on Cocoa Beach and we like it so much that we have gone back every year. Well, that and the fact that Terry gets stuck in tradition and doesn't want to try new things. We do love it there, though. It is just a beautiful resort right on the ocean.

We were on the seventh floor this year and had a beautiful view from our balcony. On one side we could see the ocean and from this view we could see the inter coastal waterway. It was very pretty at night with the sunset and all the lights.

The resort has a beautiful pool that we used quite a bit this year. It was in the 90's all week and very hot on the beach. We also had Esme' with us and it was easier to go in the pool with a baby than the ocean.

This was the view from our balcony on the ocean side. I just love being near the ocean and could easily live right there! I love the soothing sound of the ocean waves and the wonderful breeze. This year there was little wind and hardly any waves and it was HOT!!!

It was very fun having Shari and Esme' with us. Esme' turned 10 months while we were there. She is crawling and loves to put her head down like in this picture. She actually comes to a sitting position this way. She boosts herself up on her hands and feet, then crosses one leg over the other and eases herself into a sitting position. It is too funny!

We got to spend a lot of time just playing with Esme'. We hadn't seen her since Christmas and it is so hard to be so far away. She grows so fast! Grandpa enjoyed playing with her and thinks she is pretty special.

We ended up eating out most nights. There are many great restaurants in the Cocoa Beach area. It is tricky with a baby along, though. Babies don't exactly love being in restaurants. One night is was so beautiful outside and there was a wonderful breeze. We went to a restaurant on the Indian River. This river is where the huge cruise ships dock and use to get out into the ocean. The restaurant is a favorite of ours. This evening we chose to eat outside. There was live entertainment that night and Esme' was mesmerized by it. The guy who sang and played the guitar kept coming over to her and playing just to her. She got a lot of attention that night and didn't seem to mind!

At some of the other places we went, we didn't have as much luck with her!

We especially had fun in the pool on those hot days. Esme' loved it and we spent many hours in the water. We could just walk right in because it was so warm.

Shari brought along this apparatus for Esme' to use in the water, and it was great. She loved it and it was more relaxing for her than being held all the time. She looked so cute in it and lots of people came up to talk to us.

Grandpa entertaining Esme'

We got lots of reading done out on the balcony in the hot afternoons. Esme' had to nap, and Shari had school work to do. She is taking classes online for a degree in Interior Design. She has a two year degree in Graphic Arts, but would now like to get a bachelor's degree. She and Mark would eventually like to start their own business.

So Shari set up Terry's laptop out on the balcony where she could work and still enjoy the ocean view. Not so bad! She worked almost every afternoon while Esme' slept.

These are pictures of the beautiful beach on the the ocean. The bottom picture is taken from a restaurant on the Cocoa Beach Pier. There is a great view of the beach there and lots of surfers. The surfers were not as prevalent this year because the ocean was so calm.

Terry and I have been going to Cocoa Beach for at least eight years now. We found our time share one year while in Florida trying to view a Shuttle launch. Every year the shuttle launches either before or after our vacation. It is very frustrating because we would LOVE to see a launch. We can see Cape Canaveral from the beach in front of the resort. This year they finally had a launch scheduled in the middle of the week that we were there. It was set for 5:40 in the morning and we were out on the beach ready...then we found out that it was canceled until later in the week or possible until July. The next week the launch was rescheduled for that week. Again we got up early and were getting dressed when we heard that it had been canceled until July. We were very disappointed since this is to be the last Shuttle launch ever.

The second week in Cocoa Beach, we stay in a friend's condo in Cocoa Beach, but on the intercoastal. The screened porch is about 25 feet from the water. It is different there because we can see Manatee and porpoises play in the water behind the condo. It is almost directly across from Ron Jon's and only about a 10 minute walk from the ocean and Cocoa Beach Pier.

Shari and Esme' spend a couple of days with us there and then we took them to Orlando to catch a flight back to Knoxville.

This picture got out of order. It belongs down away and I will explain it.

Babies are funny. They can have every toy on earth, but what do they like the best? ANYTHING that is not a toy. Esme' liked the kitchen measuring cups so much that I bought her some colorful ones while we were in Cocoa Beach.

After Shari and Esme' went home, Terry and I moved to the condo on the intercoastal. We spent a lot more time on the ocean, though. We walked on the ocean every night and one afternoon drove south of Cocoa Beach for about an hour and walked on a different beach. All of the beaches were different from one another. That beach had piles and piles of larger shells! It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed just being by the ocean.

One morning Terry and I went golfing. I should say that Terry went golfing and I just rode in the golf cart! Terry loves to golf and went several times while we were in Florida, but mostly by himself. The whole course was being redone, so it was like you were on a detour the whole time. All of the regular greens were being renovated, so there were alternative greens and holes. It was hard to navigate and figure out where the next hole was. There was a sprinkler system going in certain areas also. Terry was driving the cart and forgot that I wouldn't want to go right through a sprinkler and get wet. Men don't worry about that as much. I guess! Anyway he went driving along the walkway right through a large sprinkler. I got soaked on one side of my body! I guess it was kind of funny, but it sure wasn't comfortable after that!

On one of our last days in Florida, NASA rescheduled a liftoff of an unmanned rocket to the moon. After missing the shuttle because the liftoff was postponed until July, we were excited to at least watch a large rocket go up. We had seen one last year and it was spectacular! We found a place called Jetty Park which is very close to Cape Canaveral. It has a large wharf that goes out quite away and makes a good viewing spot to take pictures.

We got there in plenty of time. There were hundreds of people on the wharf ready to take pictures. We kept hearing from people there who were talking to people who were on the internet that it was being delayed 10 minutes and then 10 minutes more, etc. Finally there was a time set for sure. We had been talking to people around us who had come from all over to see this rocket launch. The people beside us had driven all the way from Tampa that day to see it.

When the time was near, we saw one of the big cruise ships coming our way. It would have to pass right in front of us! Everyone was worried it would completely block our view. But it got by without doing that. When it was time for the rocket to take off, we were all poised with our cameras. Nothing happened. Then Terry said, " I wonder what that tiny light is up there?" It looked like a small plane with one headlight. Then it disappeared and a couple of minutes later we heard the loud booms overhead for quite awhile. We then knew that that tiny light had been the rocket! It was very overcast and we had not seen one thing! Everyone was flabbergasted that it was over and no one had even been able to get one picture!! But there was another cruise ship coming about that time and we got lots of pictures of THAT!

We had a wonderful time this year. We ate out too much, but it was fun! We did a lot and even though we won't get to see the shuttle launch, it was a fun trip. We ended up by driving through Knoxville and spending the night with Mark and Shari and Esme'. We had to return all her things to her that she couldn't take on the plane. So we got to spend more time with them. We made dinner and played games that night and got up and left in the morning. The driving is hard. It is a lot of hours in the car. Terry and I listened to a book on tape this trip, so that helped to pass many hours. So until next year, goodbye Florida!

2009-06-23T21:21:00.006-04:00

Esme'

We arrived home from our trip to Tennessee and Florida on Saturday night. We had a great time! We were gone for two and a half weeks and got to spend about a week and a half of that time with our daughter, Shari, and granddaughter, Esme'.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves. She is beautiful and so SWEET! I love her sweet smile, her feather soft hair, and the dimples on her chubby hands and feet!

She has such a cute personality. I got to ride in the backseat of our pickup truck with her from Tennessee to Cocoa Beach. I got to play with her and entertain her the whole way and we had fun.

Esme' learned to crawl while we were in Florida. She also turned 10 months.

This is my favorite picture of her. She loves the music and songs from the movie, Sound of Music. Her favorite song is "Do, a deer, a female deer..." This is the smile she makes when you begin singing that song!

I will write about our trip in my next post when I get all of the pictures ready. But I wanted to post these first because I miss her so much!

2009-04-25T08:01:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday to Shelley!!

Shelley, we love you so much!

We are proud of the woman you have become.

You are relaxed and loving with your children.

You are kind and thoughtful with your husband.

You are forgiving when we are busy and at times neglectful.

You are upbeat even when you are tired.

You have given us two unbelievably sweet grandchildren.

You are so talented and resourceful!

You are creative and use your talents well.

You are nice and loving to everyone.

We know that you love the Lord and want to serve him.

You are such a blessing from the Lord and we are so thankful for you!

We could not have a more deserving daughter of a...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2009-04-18T19:06:00.007-04:00

Spring is Here!

Today was really our first warm and sunny spring day this year. The skies were blue, and the air was warm, but not hot. It was the perfect spring day - finally! It has been a long winter, and we decided to walk around our new mall, Partridge Creek. It is a beautiful place to walk and see people and all kinds of dogs - because dogs are welcome there. You can see the most unusual dogs everywhere!

When the mall was built, they made a big deal about saving this beautiful old oak tree and they put up a sign telling about it. It is very big and a lot more beautiful when it has leaves on it!

We stopped to read about the tree and just relax and enjoy the lovely weather.

Shelley, Bob, Matthew, and Nolan met us at Max and Erma's for lunch at the mall. The boys had both been sick with a virus for over a week. Shelley had not gotten much sleep all week because Nolan and Matthew were both sick and needing attention. It was good for them all to get out in the nice warm sun, and they were all happy to be out.

Nolan was more himself today and had such a sweet smile! He wants so badly to just get up and walk and get things he wants. He just loves to stand up!! (With some help, of course!)

After eating in the restaurant, we all walked to the "Apple Store". It is one of the "boys'" favorite places. It is full of computers, ipods, computer programs and games. There is a table just for kids and Matthew loves to sit at the table and play the games. Today he sat right down and immediately pressed the right key to make a man walk in a computer game! Terry is playing a game on the computer here and Matthew loved watching him! I love the hand on the knee! :)

I think that men could play on the computer all day!! And it starts young these days!

Doesn't Matthew look happy? What a great smile!

We walked around the mall for awhile after that looking at all the people and interesting dogs. We saw two miniature greyhounds! There are two bocci ball courts that can be used for free at the mall. Matthew likes to watch people play and was watching a young couple play today. They let him throw the white ball to start the game a couple of times and he thought that was great.

We had a fun time walking around and talking. It was so nice to enjoy the fresh air and sun! I was just exhausted, though. I had a busy week and the sun was so bright that it was putting me right to sleep. We had a good time and then went home to relax some more.

2009-04-18T17:59:00.006-04:00

Easter Sunday in Tennessee

Shari put these pictures of Esme' on Facebook today, and I copied them and added the frames. These were all taken on Easter. I thought they were so cute of her! I love it when she wears a cute hat.

I miss her very much and I am always so happy when I can see pictures of her or see her on the webcam!

2009-04-13T15:00:00.009-04:00

Easter Sunday 2009

Easter Sunday was a quiet one this year. Terry and I had gone to a wonderful Good Friday service at Cornerstone Friday night. It was an awesome service with lots of music, scripture reading and communion. Unlike some Good Friday services, it was all about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What is the death of Christ without the resurrection?

This morning was a busy one. Terry ended up in the Gathering Space during the service because we had so many visitors coming in at all different times and Terry was responsible for visitor reception. Bob spoke from Revelation 1, verses 17-18. ' When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys to death and Hades." ' Aren't those great verses?

We went home after church to have dinner with Shelley, Bob, Matthew, and Nolan. I had made lasagne and put it in the oven to start and stop cooking at certain times - and amazingly enough, it worked!! We had a nice dinner together. Terry, Matthew, and Nolan were all sick with the same sort of cold or virus. They all had a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, runny eyes, etc. The kids were pretty miserable. I was also starting to feel as though I was coming down with it.

But we had a nice day in spite of all that.

You would never know that Nolan was sick here. He was so sweet and smiley even though he didn't feel well and hadn't slept much or eaten much for days.

I didn't get many pictures today, since the kids weren't much in the mood for it and neither was I. I thought this was a nice one of Shel and Nolan, though.

Terry brought his train table in progress upstairs so that Matthew could watch the train go around. He proceeded to do just that for A LONG TIME!! He is still very young for this type of train, though. He wanted to play with it and touch things, and Terry couldn't let him do that because everything is so delicate. Later in the day, Matthew asked me to get out a little toy train that he used to play with when at our house. It is really too young for him, but he wanted one that wasn't "delicate".

We had a bunny ice cream cake for dessert. I took this picture of Nolan sleeping to show how big he has gotten! Every time I see him, I am amazed at how much he has grown!

By the end of the day, Nolan had a fever and after some Tylenol, fell asleep again. Shelley and Bob eventually took the kids home around 8:00 p.m. They had only been home about an hour, when Shelley called us to come stay with Matthew while she and Bob took Nolan in to emergency because he was wheezing so much and was so uncomfortable. Fortunately, the doctor said that he was uncomfortable but that it probably wasn't too serious and his lungs were clear. That was a relief!

Another Easter has come and gone. We are so thankful to have our family and so many blessings! The grandchildren are so special to us and we thank the Lord that we could have this Easter with them! It is only a month and a half until Shari and Esme' join us for a vacation in Florida. :)

Terry Turns ... (Only the cake will tell!)

2009-04-06T10:44:00.006-04:00

Happy Birthday, Terry!

Terry had a momentous birthday on Saturday. He said that it really seemed wierd to be an age that he always thought was "old". I won't tell you the age because it is the same age I am turning in August. Now he knows that it is not really old! He shared his cake with his sister, Barb, who just had a birthday last week.

We had a family party at our house. Ken and Sandy came, Barb and Ron, Aunt Shirley and Aunt Bev, and Shelley, Bob, Matthew, and Nolan. (and me) We had a great time eating and talking and opening presents.

Terry is reading his cards. He got a new golf bag, golf hat and golf glove. He also got some money and lots of cards.

Nolan was so cute all night and so good! He just talked and smiled and laughed! What a cutie! Everyone enjoyed seeing him. He has grown so much and loves to be standing up! (With someone holding on to him, of course!)

Matthew liked watching Grandpa open gifts.

The "girls" (and Nolan) had a good time talking around the table in the family room while the guys watched the Final Four on the big screen TV. They were all wanting Michigan State to win and they did!

Terry is re lighting the candles on the cake for Barb to take her turn making a wish and blowing out the candles.

We had a nice evening. We don't get together all that much, so it was fun to visit and laugh together.

Pinewood Derby

2009-04-06T08:15:00.006-04:00

This is a belated post that I should have written about last week, but just didn't get the time. We attended our annual Pinewood Derby at church and Shelley, Bob, Matthew, and Nolan came! Terry had gotten a car for himself, Bob, and Matthew and they had all worked hard on getting them just like they wanted them. I put this picture of Nolan first. This was actually taken as they were leaving the Pinewood Derby. I wanted to show that Nolan was there, too, and was very good the whole night.

Matthew was very excited to be in the race and asked all week "is it Friday yet?" He actually painted his own car and did a super job! Shelley taped the stripe for him so he wouldn't go out of the lines, but he painted the whole car very carefully. He ended up winning second place in his age division and here he is holding up his medal. The fact that he came in second has Terry already planning for next year because Terry is the one who worked on preparing all three cars for the race. He worked on the wheels, the weights, etc. to get them to go fast.

This is one of the tracks that the races take place on. One even had a photo finish camera!

There were about fifty or sixty cars in the race and they were very creative! Matthew's car is the blue one with the black stripe.

All of the kids (and adults) were crowding around the cars before the races to see their own and all the other creatively painted cars. Matthew wanted to see his and had to squeeze in a look between two other boys.

Matthew's other grandpa was still in Michigan at the time and came to watch the race. So Matthew had both grandpas and his dad, mom, brother and one grandma there. I am not usually in the pictures since I am the only one who takes the pictures.

Terry won first place in the adult division and was very pleased that his car was the fastest since he is very competitive. Terry? - No! He just wished that it had been Matthew's car that won first place - well, not INSTEAD of his, but at least along WITH his!!

Bob and Matthew are holding their cars here. They had a good time together that night.

Here is what the races were like.

We had a fun night. We made a good memory and I'm glad I have the pictures to remember it!

Esme' Video II

2009-03-26T19:17:00.003-04:00

Here is another video I took of Esme' and Shari feeding her when we were at their house in Tennessee this month.

Esme' Video

2009-03-26T18:49:00.003-04:00

I took this video of Esme' when we were in a restaurant in Gatlinburg this past month. She was very interested in Mark's food! The person talking in the background is me - my voice sounds horrible!

TENNESSEE TRIP

2009-03-17T22:25:00.014-04:00

Our trip to Tennessee was uneventful until we got to Kentucky and drove in the mountains. We got into a really bad SNOW storm! It was also very foggy and it was part sleet at times. Several cars had slid off of the road and one had rolled over. It was a very tense and quiet two hours through Kentucky. But it was worth it to finally be able to see Shari, Mark, and ESME'! :)

We had such a great time being with them! Esme' is just so beautiful and sweet and cute and funny! She has a really cute personality and I just loved playing with her!

These pictures are not in any particular order because I have quite a few and since I don't have much luck with that anyway, I decided not to even try. Here is Esme' before she got her bath. She has discovered her feet and loves to put her toes right into her mouth!

Shari is feeding Esme' squash here. She likes squash and sweet potatoes, but prunes not so much. I just love her little chubby hands which you can see here!

Playing with bunny

Esme' loves to kiss people with her mouth wide open. She is also saying, "Da da da."

All dressed up for church. We went with Shari and Mark to the church that they have been going on Sunday. I think it is called Providence. They have been attending for quite a few weeks now and have almost decided to stay there. They have met a really nice couple there and have gotten together with them outside of church at least once.

Grandma giving Esme' some kisses.

Even though it rained most of the time we were in Tennessee, we had a great time. Saturday we went to Gatlinburg. We went to the aquarium there and then walked around the town for awhile and found a place to eat.

Esme' sitting patiently in her carseat.

This is the aquarium in Gatlinburg. It was not raining much and very foggy in the city. After dinner, we could barely see the mountains and it looked like the lift went straight up into the clouds! Below are some more pictures of Gatlinburg.

The aquarium was really nice. In the picture below, we were in a glass enclosed tunnel with fish all around us.

Mark, Shari, and Esme'

Walking around the streets of Gatlinburg - This the back of Shari.

Below are some more pictures of Esme'.

This is a picture of Shari and Mark's townhouse. You come in on the garage level to a landing, then you go upstairs to the living room and dining area and kitchen. There is also a half bath on this level. You go upstairs again to three bedrooms and two bathrooms and a laundry room. It is very nice and much more convenient than their last place for having company because of the extra bedroom and bathroom.

We had a very nice time visiting and playing games and eating with them. They are always so hospitable and easy to be with. Can't wait to go again! When we got to the mountains, though, it was raining hard and it was very foggy and difficult to see our way. It was a relief to get into Ohio where it was actually sunny for awhile!

2009-03-07T15:23:00.011-05:00

NOLAN IS THREE MONTHS

Time has flown by and our newest grandson is already three months old! He is starting to respond to us more and smiles and coos at us. He is so precious! My only problem is that SOMEHOW I call him " Logan" once in a while! I don't know why!!? Maybe we just go to Logan's too much! I know we do!

This week we took Shel and Bob and the kids out to eat to celebrate Bob's fortieth birthday. Nolan enjoyed it and we enjoyed playing with him.

I got to babysit a couple of times this week and spent a lot of time with Nolan and Matthew. He smiled quite a bit for me.

He looks like he is intently listening to a conversation here!

I finally got in a picture!

Nolan loves to stand up (with someone holding on to him). Here he is standing on the table at the restaurant.
Each little one has his own unique personality and we are excited to see what Nolan will be like. He is growing up so fast and we want to enjoy every minute! Grandchildren are a blessing from the Lord!

2009-03-05T06:43:00.003-05:00

Mom's Birthday

Terry and I took a quick trip to Grand Rapids on Tuesday of this week to visit with my mom and Roy and my sister Carol and Don. It was a beautiful day to travel and we really enjoyed it!

We spent most of the day just visiting because we really haven't seen any of them since Thanksgiving at our house. So it is just nice to sit and talk and catch up. I didn't take more than three pictures because most of the people there don't like getting their pictures taken and I would rather just sit and visit anyway. So these are the two pictures I took - a couple didn't turn out so I won't post them.

Mom and Roy make such a great couple! We enjoyed the day with them. The six of us ended the day by going out to eat and then going back to Mom and Roy's to have some strawberry shortcake. It was good to see everyone again!

2009-03-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

BOB,

Happy Birthday!

Bob

Brother, Son, Husband, Daddy

Good natured, patient

kind, loving

Son-in-law

A poet I'm NOT! :)

Technology is Wonderful!

2009-02-03T18:01:00.004-05:00

Seeing Esme' and Shari twice in one week!

What fun to come home yesterday and find that Shari had left me a video message on tokbox!

I just can't believe I am going to get to see Esme' as often as I want! :) This is how they look on my computer screen.

Shari said that they were getting a snowstorm in Knoxville and already had about an inch of snow. (Very unusual for them!) Well I am glad to spread the joy around!!

Isn't she sweet? This just made my week!

Tuesday Night at Cheli's

2009-01-30T15:28:00.004-05:00

Tuesday night was a relaxing night out with the grandkids and Shel and Bob....

Cheli's is a sports restaurant partly owned by Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings. It is close by our house and it has become a favorite restaurant of ours. It has lots of TV screens and the guys like watching the basketball, hockey, and football games there. Not that we are there that often! This particular night the screens were all showing the Red Wings game that was going on. What we didn't know was that every time the Red Wings would score, a LOUD buzzer/horn would go off in the restaurant and everyone would cheer/ hold their ears. Did I say it was LOUD??? It was deafening!! There is no warning when it will go off because it goes off as soon as a goal is scored. We weren't prepared for it and, needless to say, neither were Matthew or Nolan. Matthew was scared to death and cried and then covered his ears the rest of our time there. Poor Matthew! Nolan was peacefully sleeping in his car seat when the horn went off. His eyes stayed closed but his whole face changed and his lip puckered up like he was going to cry and then he just fell back to sleep!

Terry holding Nolan

Here is Nolan peacefully sleeping with noise going on all around him! The place was packed and noisy and every TV (about 50 of them) were on full blast! Other than the loudness of the night, it was fun, relaxing (for me) and always a joy to be with Shelley, Bob, Matthew, and Nolan!

We Finally Figured Out How to Use Our Web Cam!

2009-01-30T15:15:00.006-05:00

Web Cams are wonderful when you haven't seen your grandchild for over a month...

It was awesome! Shari was in Knoxville and I in Clinton Township, and we were talking on the phone trying to figure out how to get our web cams to work so we could see each other. We ended up leaving Skype and using Tokbox instead. All of the sudden Shari popped up on my computer! She has to wear earphones and hold a little microphone, so holding Esme' was awkward. Esme' had just awakened from her long nap and she was so cute. She kept staring at the computer screen. I was waving to her and throwing her kisses. She was so cute and getting so big! The talking was a tiny bit delayed and at times the picture of the other person would freeze for a couple of seconds, but it was so worth it! :) I can't wait to use it with Shari again and to try it with other people, too.

2009-01-17T08:27:00.004-05:00

EIGHTY - NINE!

Happy Birthday!

Thursday, January 15, Dad (Grandpa or Great-Grandpa to some) turned eighty-nine. It was a very frigid day in the Detroit area. Many schools were closed because of the cold.We had gotten lots of snow in the previous week and it was so cold that it didn't melt at all. Icicles and hills of snow were everywhere and also slick roads. It was so cold that we kept the birthday celebration small. The little kids like Matthew and Nolan weren't going out in this cold weather!

Dad looked great! We took him to a chinese restaurant on Jefferson near the nursing home at three in the afternoon - sort of a lunch/dinner. It was just immediate family this time.

Here we have Terry, Sandy, Ken, Dad, and Barb. I had to go around the table for another picture to get everyone in.

Here are Terry, Sandy, Barb, Ron (who had open heart surgery four weeks ago) and Aunt Shirley. I am the one in the mirror who is taking the picture! We had a nice time together eating chinese food, eating birthday cake (chocolate!) and reading our fortunes. We don't get together enough and it was fun to just have a relaxing meal and get to catch up on things. Dad got some clothes for presents and lots of cards. These birthdays seem to come along faster each year - it seems like yesterday that I was blogging about Dad's 88th birthday!

A Quiet, Relaxing Beginning to 2009

2009-01-02T15:39:00.014-05:00

A Railroad Town!

It has been a nice, quiet, and relaxing week after the crazy, busy holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas! Terry has been home much of the week. He worked Monday and has had the rest of the week at home. He took some vacation time this week. We spent New Year's Eve with friends and had dinner with Shelley and Bob and the kids on New Year's night. Other than that, we have been home.

After Thanksgiving, Terry bought an "N" gage train and decided to build a set for it. Our grandson, Matthew, has LOVED trains almost from the day he was born! Who knows what makes people have a passion for certain things! But trains have been a passion with him for his three years. That got Terry interested in owning a train so that he could play with Matthew with it and someday it could be Matthew's. Someday he will be old enough to be responsible with it. So...Terry began planning our train set. By the way, notice what is being used to hold the track down! :)

These pictures are backwards (you would think I could get pictures in the right order by now after blogging for a year, but no!) Terry bought several train magazines to learn how to build mountains and lakes and roads, etc. It is far from finished, but he has made good progress on it this week. I think it is relaxing for him, and that it good. I have been able to do some of it with him, but for the most part, he has done it on his own.

It has pretty much taken up our kitchen table for the past week. :( If it isn't one thing, it's another! I haven't minded so far, though, because it has been fun seeing it come together.

This was the very beginning of a mountain with a tunnel going through it.

We have bought several buildings for the set. Most of them had to be put together like a model car. All of the pieces had to be punched out and glued together. We worked together on these and now they probably will need to be painted, which I may end up doing.

Everything had to be laid out and layers of styrofoam glued on ready to be carved. I will add more pictures to show our progress. I have no idea where we will put this whole setup!! The only room we have is in our small basement which is now a disaster area. That is a bit of an incentive to clean it up, so that will be our next project! :)

Ending 2008...beginning 2009!

2008-12-29T17:15:00.013-05:00

Contemplating a new year....

The years just seem to be speeding by...I notice it more every year! As I get older, I realize that it is good to reevaluate my life knowing that time is short. It is disappointing to look back and be sorry for lack of accomplishment some years and lack of spiritual growth as well. I don't want my life to be wasteful of the strength and energy that the Lord has given me while I still have it! It is so easy to be self-absorbed instead of Christ-centered! The beginning of a new year is a great time to look to the future and see myself where I want to be this time next year. Goals are important...I intend to set some important ones this year and depend on God to see me through accomplishing them for his glory.

Life Characteristics that I want in my life:

Humility (or lack of pride)- in my marriage, my family relationships, and my friendships

Servant's Heart- this is a big problem for me! I am too self-centered and need to serve others more!

Discipline- I go back and forth from being very disciplined to absolutely being a slouch!

Love- I want to really love other people more - more than I love myself! That is really hard!

These are the things I will pray for and with the Lord's help will make progress on this year.

Practical Goals for the Year:

Memorize the rest of Colossians

Memorize Romans 8 ( our whole small group is working on this passage)

Memorize Ephesians

Read through the Bible

Get involved in a special ministry at Cornerstone ( I have an idea for this one!)

Intentionally begin and end my days with God

Be more hospitable (have at least one family a month over to our home)

Have my sewing machine cleaned and running so I can sew some projects.

Take off bathroom wallpaper and paint and redecorate the bathroom

Paint the other rooms in the house

Cultivate at least one friendship

Communicate with my family more (especially the ones who don't live nearby!)

Get the web cam up and running and use it!

Spend more time with my grandchildren!

Be diligent in taking my vitamins

Go to bed earlier

Watch less television

Find an exercise plan that I can keep up with!

Be more thankful.

Don't complain!

That seems like a lot of goals, but I have a whole year to work on them. It is kind of exciting to look forward to accomplishing them! I also know that with every intention that is godly, Satan will work to thwart the plans. I guess I just have to expect that and watch for it. We were reading in the Psalms on Sunday morning in church and I came across some verses that I want to be my prayer this year:

Psalm 119: 33-37

"Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."

Awesome verses!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-27T09:45:00.011-05:00

CHRISTMAS 2008

Christmas was fun and busy this year. Shari and Mark and Esme' were staying with us from Sunday morning until Christmas morning when they went to Mark's parents. We had a great time with them. Esme' is four months now and just the sweetest thing! She is very smiley in the mornings! Shelley, Matthew, and Nolan came to visit us and we went to visit them. We even babysat for Nolan for about an hour while Shelley took Matthew to the doctor. We made meals, went out to eat, went shopping, and just hung out at our house.

Christmas Eve we all went to Sandy and Ken's for our traditional night with the O'Brien family. Ron and Barb could not make it because Ron is recupperating from open heart surgery last week. He is doing well, but since it was so cold and it would be late, he decided it would be better not to go out yet. So we missed them, but two of Sandy's sons were there as well as her mom and brother and his wife. We always have a great time of appetizers and food and then play a game exchanging $10. gifts.

This is Shelley sitting in the kitchen with some appetizers.

Mark and Shari got to see Nolan quite a bit this week. He is only three weeks old, so this is his first Christmas also. He sleeps most of the time, but we did get a peek at his eyes a couple of times. He is so precious!

I will really miss our sweet little granddaughter! It was so great to have her with us for several days and get to spend time with her and get to know her! I was very sad when they left on Christmas day. But there are other grandparents and relatives who want to spend time with her also. :( (Can't blame them!!)

I got to hold Esme' while she slept on Christmas Eve. What a precious baby!

Shari fed her and then took over holding her while she slept. That was a very comfy chair!

Here is a picture of Melissa, Robbie's wife sitting with Shelley while she fed Nolan. Melissa and Rob have a little girl just a bit older than Esme'. Kate is about 5 1/2 months old.

We pick up Great Grandpa every year to come to our Christmas Eve gathering. He had never seen Nolan until that night. Here he is with Esme' and Shari. We did take Grandpa out to eat with Shari and Mark earlier in the week, so he had seen her once before. He is in a nursing home now, but Barb, Ken, and Terry take turns visiting and taking him out a few times a week.

Kalen was home for Christmas. He is Barb and Ron's son and attends Northern University in the upper peninsula. He's used to the snow!!

This is Kristin, Ron and Barb's daughter. She works in the medical field and is going back to school in the fall to study to become a physician's assistant.

Here is "Grandpa Ken" holding little Kate. She is a beautiful baby and he is very proud of her. Her other grandparents, Pam and Barry, were sharing her for the night. Cheryl is the other "grandmother".

CHRISTMAS DAY

Terry and I took part of the the dinner to Shelley and Bob's, and Shelley made the rest of the dinner. We had a nice time visiting, eating, and opening presents with Matthew, Shelley, and Bob, and Nolan BUT....I FORGOT MY CAMERA!!!!!!!!! :( :( How could that happen? I have no clue! I intentionally put it in my purse that morning. But I must have taken it out to get to something else and not realized that I hadn't put it back. I was very mad at myself. Shelley and Bob will share some pictures, but I don't have any yet.

We left Shel and Bob's around 5:00 because they were going to visit Bob's brother and family that night. Terry and I decided to go to a movie and it was kind of fun with just the two of us. We saw a movie about one of the attempts made on Hitler's life during World War II by people in the German army that were close to the inner circle. There were actually 15 attempts on his life that failed. This one happened about a month before he killed himself. It was an interesting movie and I ate TOO MUCH popcorn!

2008-12-19T11:32:00.016-05:00

Christmastime!

I love this time of the year! I guess that there is just so much activity that is hard to get bored or lonely. There is so much beauty all around and the beautiful snow just puts the finishing touch on everything.

This is a picture of our Christmas tree this year. The tree is aging and is not as good looking as it used to be, so I just took a close up which makes it look wonderful! :)

Last Saturday was our annual church staff party at Bob and Cathi's home. We always have a wonderful time together. We all contribute to the wonderful meal and then we usually have some type of activity for the rest of the evening. Lately our youth intern has been in charge of an activity or game to get us all interacting. Kevin, this year's intern, did a great job of planning a fun game for us to play in teams. This is a picture of Terry and Jim, husband of Bob's assistant.

This is Jan, Bob's assistant and Dena, our Youth Pastor's wife in front of the beautiful fireplace in Bob and Cathi's family room.

Last night Terry and I were able to go down to the Fox Theatre in Detroit with some friends to see the live play, "White Christmas" by Irving Berlin. It is just so beautiful at the Fox. Before the play, we got to eat upstairs behind the box seats and had a really great meal together. We were overlooking the main entrance hall and got to view all the beautiful decorations and carolers and a choir singing Christmas carols.

This is Sandy and Ken, Terry's brother, by the beautiful tree in the entrance hall.

The decorations were just gorgeous and of course, all of the gold and carvings are awesome there. The play was done just beautifully and had elaborate sets that were changed often. The actors and actresses did a great job also. It was one of the better done plays I have ever seen. So it was a very fun night - very Christmasy, with good food and friends!

These are some pictures of the inside of the theatre.

This morning we woke up to this beautiful scene. We had our own white Christmas! :) It has been snowing since about 6:00 this morning and we have about eight inches so far by our house. Terry and I got to drive in it early this morning because I had an appointment at Troy Beaumont. It was an adventure driving in the snowstorm and kind of fun!

This is what it looked like outside our home this morning. Isn't it beautiful?

We are looking forward to this week. Our daughter, son-in-law and four month old granddaughter are heading this way tonight from Tennessee to spend the Christmas holiday at home. AND we have another new grandchild born at the beginning of December - Nolan. So we are looking forward to a nice Christmas spent we our daughters, their husbands, and our three grandchildren. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, too, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The verse on this picture is too small to read, but here it is:

John 1: 10-12

"He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."

PRAISE THE LORD!

Time with the New Baby

2008-12-09T15:32:00.002-05:00

Today we got to spend some time with Nolan and with Matthew. I finally got to see his eyes open! I can't seem to get my eyes to stay open during flash pictures, though!

Matthew got this present from his Mom and Dad when they got home from the doctor with the baby today. He loves watching the Snoopy Christmas and this plays the same song. He was happy with it! It is hard having a new brother!

But Matthew does seem to like him and be gentle with him.

I like this picture of Nolan peacefully sleeping in his car carrier. They had come in from seeing the doctor and he slept on!

2008-12-07T17:32:00.005-05:00

NOLAN OLIVER is Born!!

Last Friday morning, December 5, 2008, Shelley went to Beaumont in Grosse Pointe to be induced. She was now four or five days late because she was due to have the baby on Dec. 1. I was at their house at 6:00 in the morning to stay with Matthew. I was so excited! - both to spend time with Matthew and for the new baby to be born.

Matthew got up that morning early and we played together the whole morning. We learned to play a game on the computer with two cars that race. He loved it and wanted to "practice" by himself for a long time before we actually "raced." He would have played that game all day if I had let him!

We also went downstairs where Matthew has quite an extensive wooden train layout. Some of it is on a train table, and some of it is on the floor. He loves to lay out track by himself and is very creative. One thing that he always loves to do is play "air show" with me. He actually has an older cousin who was part of the Thunderbirds for many years. He got to see a couple of air shows then and still remembers them.

So we lined up his many airplanes and put wooden people in the audience and carried on an airshow for almost an hour! He loves to pretend and really gets into flying all of the planes and helicopters. I had a great time with him this weekend while the baby was being born.

Later Friday afternoon Shelley called with the news that the baby had been born and that it was a boy! I didn't tell Matthew anything. He was taking a nap for almost three hours that day and Shelley and Bob wanted to surprise him when we took him to the hospital. So we told him that we had a surprise for him and when Terry got done with work, we headed for the hospital.

On the way there, Matthew asked where we were going. We told him it was a surprise, but he asked if we were going to the hospital. Terry and I just looked at each other and laughed. He is so smart! Then he asked if Mommy had the baby. We said to just wait and see. He got to walk into Shelley's room first and see his new brother, Nolan Oliver. Nolan weighed 6 lbs. and 12 oz. and was 21 " long. He has lots of dark hair, long fingers and feet and a very clear complexion. I think he looks a lot like Matthew, but different, too.

This is me holding Nolan. It is not the best picture of me - but I had been playing with Matthew all day and I guess I have an excuse! Shelley actually looks better and she was the one who had just gone through labor and delivery! Isn't the baby sweet? We are so thankful that Shelley had a relatively quick delivery and that the baby is healthy and so perfect.

Here is the four of them. Don't they look happy?

Shelley and Bob got to bring Nolan home on Sunday morning. They picked up Matthew at Cornerstone because he was still with us until then. We can't wait to actually spend some time with the new little one! More pictures will be coming this week.

Thanksgiving - Part 2

2008-12-07T17:10:00.004-05:00

The real Thanksgiving Day was spent at our house with Shari and Mark and Esme; my sister, Carol and her husband, Don, and son Dylan; and my mom and her husband Roy. Shari and Esme had spent about ten days with us by then, and our son-in-law, Mark had come from Tennessee the day before. My sister, Don, Mom and Roy, and Dylan came late morning. Shelley and Bob and Matthew were also here until it was time to eat. Then they left to go to Bob's parents house.

This is a picture of Terry and me holding Esme.

Below is a nice picture of Mom and Roy in our family room.

We started out with all kinds of appetizers in the family room. Thanksgiving is always kind of a crazy day for me. I enjoy the company, but the meal is so much work - especially actually getting all that food on the table and getting everyone around it! I loved having part of my family here. I always enjoy being with my sister. Don loves babies, so he just took over holding Esme that day. I am so thankful that everyone could be here with us! Shari and Mark and Esme had to leave late afternoon to go to Mark's family's house. We are very blessed to have had them this year for Thanksgiving!

This shows Dylan and Shelley (cousins). Shelley is about nine months along at this time and we were eagerly awaiting a new baby!

Here is our daughter, Shari, holding her nephew Matthew and daughter Esme. We miss them both so much. We found out that they are coming home again for Christmas! It was a wonderful Thanksgiving - we have so much to thank the Lord for! Having our family for Thanksgiving was a great blessing!

Thanksgiving - Part I - Thanksgiving at Dad's

2008-12-07T16:22:00.005-05:00

I have a lot of blogging to catch up on! I'll begin with Thanksgiving at Dad's house the Sunday before the actual Thanksgiving Day. We got to have dinner with Dad; Ken and Sandy; Barb, Ron, and Kristin; Rob, Melissa, and Kate; Shelley, Bob, and Matthew; and Shari and Esme. Ron and Barb made a couple of great kinds of lasagne and then we all pitched in with other food.

Here is Kristin with Rob and Kate (four months). Dad is sitting in his chair. He was at home for the day. He now lives at a nursing home in St. Clair Shores.

The younger generation sat at this table and the "older generation" which includes Terry and me :( sat with Dad at another table. We had not been together in quite awhile and had a good time visiting and playing with Matthew, Kate, and Esme.

Below is a picture of "Grandpa Ken" with his granddaughter, Kate. Isn't she beautiful?

We were missing lots of people at this gathering and we did miss them, but it was a fun time and we were thankful to spend time with this side of the family for a special day. We were so blessed to have Shari and Esme with us. Shari hadn't been home for Thanksgiving for about six years! I think that I failed to get any pictures of Esme on this day. The poor girl was probably sick of pictures by then anyway!!

We're Done! Yea!

2008-11-12T08:47:00.001-05:00

(Except for refinishing the floor - an AFTER Christmas job!)

Done by Thanksgiving??!!

2008-11-01T15:06:00.005-04:00

Not only is our kitchen a mess, but so is our living room! Much of our stuff from the kitchen is thrown in there to make more room to work in the kitchen while we do a little remodeling. Nothing major - WE THOUGHT!

When we started the project of taking down our kitchen wallpaper at the end of September, I JOKED that I HOPED we'd have the kitchen painted and our floor refinished by Thanksgiving! Now it's coming back to haunt me - only three and a half weeks until Thanksgiving and now Shari and Esme' are coming a week and a half early! :) :( Oh no!

We are so happy to have them coming early so we get to spend some time with them, but we surely need to rush this job which is taking way longer than I expected. The wallpaper had been up for twenty years and did not come off easily. Then about 1/16 " of hard paste was left on the walls when the paper came off. That was even harder to get off and Terry hurt his neck and back scraping it off!! It took about a week and a half for him to be able to get back to working on the kitchen after going to the chiropractor about four or five times! :)

This is the state of our kitchen now. We actually have a gray primer on all of the walls! Yea! The ceiling needs to be painted yet and then I can paint the rest. I am painting the top half a pretty gold color and the bottom half cream. Then we have to work on the floor which is trashed. It needs to be sanded, restained, and tung oiled. We have our work cut out for us!

I can't wait to get the house back together. A week or so with everything a mess is O.K., but it is now getting old and much too close to Thanksgiving. Speaking of Thanksgiving, we are so blessed to be having my sister and her husband, my nephew Dylan, our daughter Shari and son-in-law Mark, baby Esme, our daughter Shelley and son-in-law Bob, our grandson, Matthew, and my mom and her husband Roy all joining us for Thanksgiving! (Shelley is actually due to have her baby the week of Thanksgiving, so it could turn out to be interesting!) We will have a houseful and it will be fun. So we better get to work!! Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-10-27T21:08:00.008-04:00

Happy Birthday, Shari!

You will always seem like our "little girl" even though you are certainly all grown up! You are beautiful to us - such a wonderful daughter, sister, wife and mom!

You have a wonderful husband who takes good care of you and we are so thankful for that since we don't get to see you much. I am having no luck in loading the picture of Shari with Esme!

You have given us such a precious granddaughter! We love Esme so much! We are so blessed to have you for our daughter and we love you very much.

MATTHEW IS THREE!!

2008-10-21T07:35:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

How could three years have gone by so quickly? You have grown from a tiny baby into a "little boy"! You have your own personality, likes and dislikes, and talents. You are a special boy and we are so thankful to the Lord that he allowed us to have you for our grandson!

These are some favorite pictures of you from the past year. We feel fortunate to live so close and be able to have a part in your life! You make any day fun.

We already have some fun memories of times we have shared - the ocean, the parks, the zoo, days spent at our house, playing trains, racing cars, playing with stuffed animals, and reading lots of books.

One of our best memories will always be taking you to your first ballgames! You have become quite a baseball fan - the Tigers can be proud! Grandpa loves to have you at the ballgame with him. Last time we were there he almost fell down the stairs while holding you and trying to get a fly baseball at the same time!! For you, of course! :) And he got one! Thank goodness, he didn't fall!

Have a fun birthday. I hate to see our little grandson grow up, but I know you will be a wonderful "big boy" also!

This picture was taken by me one night at your house. We were playing ball in your front yard and Grandpa had been trying to teach you how to use a baseball bat. You would have none of it! But you loved playing!

I love your smile and your hugs! You are the best grandson ever! We love you and wish you a

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

New Esme Pictures!

2008-10-20T21:41:00.006-04:00

Esme

Look at this little princess! She has it made!

These pictures are from their vacation a couple of weeks ago in St. Augustine, FL. They had a cottage right on the ocean.

Shari and Esme

Isn't she a sweetie?

We can't wait to see her and hold her again! She has gained about three pounds since we last saw her!

Birthday Party!

2008-10-19T21:00:00.013-04:00

Matthew Turns Three!

Today we celebrated Matthew's third birthday with a party of family and some friends at his house. He was so excited! He picked out this cake himself. He loves baseball and has seen the American flag at baseball games at Comerica Park, so Shelley took him to pick out a cake and this is the one he wanted! :)

This car wasn't really a birthday present, but Bob was driving in the neighborhood one day this week and this car was being discarded. He stopped to see how much the man would charge for it and the man gave it to him for free. It runs on a rechargeable battery. Matthew is in this picture with Peyton, his cousin who was at his party.

Matthew got lots of presents. He wanted to play with all of them and would forget that he hadn't opened all of them yet. He loves using playdough and these were some tools for making things out of playdough.

Bob made sure he looked at all of the birthday cards that came with each present.

Matthew is just getting to the age where he is able to play some games. He got a couple of them for his birthday and he was very pleased.

It was a nice enough evening that the kids got to play outside for awhile while the adults visited. They were in and out and had a great time playing together.

One of his favorite presents was a set of wooden and plastic cars that have interchangeable parts which he got from his aunt who lives in Arizona.

We had appetizers, donuts and cider, pizza, salad, cake, and ice cream. Matthew had lots of family there - His Uncle Tom, Aunt Lisa, Cousin Breanna, Aunt Carol, Uncle Dave, Cousins Peyton, Karia, and Savannah. Terry and I were there, and some friends Amy and Dave Jacquemotte with their kids Avery and Lucas. Avery and Matthew are the same age and she is a special friend of his.

Here are Matthew and Avery looking at one of Matthew's presents.

It was a fun evening! Matthew loves having company and was just old enough this time to really know it was his birthday and was able to enjoy the presents and cake.

Yate's Cider Mill

2008-10-11T19:36:00.004-04:00

Today was a beautiful fall Saturday! The weather was perfect - pleasantly warm and sunny! We started out the day by working a couple of hours in the kitchen where we are removing the wallpaper and paste that have been there for about twenty years. We are making good progress! At noon we got together with Shelley, Bob, and Matthew and went to lunch at Chelies. It is one of our favorite places and we had a great time visiting with Shel and Bob and playing with Matthew. Since it was such a great day, we decided to go to Yate's Cider Mill for part of the afternoon. Shelley and Bob and Matthew couldn't join us, but we went anyway.

It was VERY crowded!! We parked quite far away and walked. The line for cider was long, so we decided to walk along the river. It is always so beautiful there. While we were walking, we saw a little girl of about seven standing along the railing. She was alone and crying. She said she was lost. She knew which way her mom had headed, but had lost track of her. Another lady came up about that time and suggested that she call her mom on the lady's cell phone. She did that and a few minutes later her mom came up and just kind of grabbed her. I think the mom had been scared and just reacted out of embarassment and fear.

These are some pictures of the scenery we saw today while walking along the river. Isn't it beautiful?

A young couple wanted us to take a picture of them, so they reciprocated and took a picture of us!

When we got back from walking along the river the line for cider was two or three times what it was before, so we had to give up the idea of getting cider today. So we bought our favorite tart apples (Empire) and started home. There won't be many more days like this! I know winter is coming and it is long, so we were thankful to have a day to just enjoy the beautiful fall season! God is good!

GEORGE GEORGE PARK - Autumn 2008

2008-10-09T16:02:00.008-04:00

Today was a beautiful autumn day - a day that would be hard to spend inside when you could be outside enjoying the cool breeze, the warm sun, the blue sky, and the gorgeous autumn trees!

It was a perfect day to go to George George Park - a beautifully landscaped place with two fountains, many bridges, creeks, ponds with geese, clean picnic areas, gardens, and beautiful TREES!

In the middle of the park is a children's Play Area. It is for climbing, swinging, sliding, and pretending. Shelley and I played with Matthew there for awhile before we ate our lunches on a picnic table under the shade of a beautiful old tree. For awhile we played on a black twine structure that looked like a spider web. We all had to be "spiders". Matthew knows that neither one of us likes spiders, so he let us be "little tiny" ones!

The trees are just beginning to turn colors and they are so beautiful! Here is a view across the park.
We crossed several bridges on a walk through the park. This was the view from one of the bridges of a little creek running through the property.

I don't know what happened to my frame around this picture - I did make one - but it is still a great picture of Shelley and Matthew at the top of one of the slides in the play area. Shelley actually went down the slide with Matthew and she is eight months pregnant!! She gets around very well, but it is getting tougher to keep up with an active almost three year old.

We stopped by a large pond to see all of the geese swimming in the water and getting food in the mud and grass. There were also some cute ducks.

Matthew was very nice to pose by this big pine tree. It kind of shows how little he is, but most of the tree got cut off.

Matthew was getting tired of pictures by this time, but we "snuck" this one in. I wanted one that showed some trees in the background, but he would have nothing to do with any more pictures.

We had a great time - what a wonderfully beautiful place! Here is the pool around one of the fountains. There used to be a sign that said "No swimming!" in front of it. One day Terry and I were walking here and saw two girls actually swimming in this pool. Their mother had brought a change of clothes and towels to dry them when they got out. Go figure!!

Michigan is so beautiful in the autumn! I had a great time being outside. I am so grateful that we have these times together. I love my grandson very much - he's the best! Soon we will have another grandchild to love and play with -can't wait! :)

In the midst of all of the chaos in the world right now with the economic crisis and the crazy Presidential campaign, it struck me how peaceful it was at the park today and how peaceful we can feel in the middle of a world at unrest because we have a family who loves us and a God who holds us in his hand!

More ESME pics!

2008-09-26T16:41:00.017-04:00

Shari and little Esme. How sweet!

Esme burping (or not!) for Mark

I also was sent a funny video of Mark and Esme, but Blogger

didn't cooperate in loading it. Oh! I got it to load. It is right below this post.

Esme Speaking French!

2008-09-26T16:31:00.008-04:00

This is a video of Mark playing with Esme - when she gets older she'll deck him!

Esme Arabella Fields - Three weeks old!

2008-09-12T16:57:00.006-04:00

I am the queen of THIS castle!

One has to be prepared for the bright sun in North Carolina!

I kind of like this whole balcony thing! You can see all the people shopping and walking by and the sun feels really warm! :) I especially think that the palm plant is interesting.

My daddy thinks I'm so special. It makes me feel so secure!

I actually think he's very nice, too!

What happened to the sponge baths and spa treatments? This real bath thing is scary!!

KNOXVILLE!

2008-09-11T20:39:00.007-04:00

Today Shari called to confirm that Mark has accepted a new job and that they will be moving to Knoxville, Tennessee! He begins the middle of next month, so they will be moving in October.

They are sad to leave North Carolina, but grateful that the Lord has provided this job for Mark - one that he hopes he will like so much better than his present job.

Knoxville is a LITTLE closer to us than Charlotte, NC, so we are happy for that. It is only a couple of hours closer, but every little bit helps!

Knoxville is just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - a beautiful place! It is also home to the University of Tennessee. We will be anxious to visit and can maybe go through there on our way to Florida each year by taking a different route than we usually have. We are excited for them. We are praying that they will find a good church family quickly and that Mark will love his job. This is really the first time in their married lives that they can actually be together on weekends and every night because Shari will not be working - at least not outside their home. Little Esme is growing, gaining weight and doing very well! :) I miss her!

These are pictures of Great Smoky Mountain National Park just outside of Knoxville. Looks so beautiful!

Tiger Game with Friends

2008-09-11T11:02:00.009-04:00

Yesterday was just one of those wonderful late days of summer that makes you sad for the end of the warm weather and yet welcoming of the cool, crisp days of autumn. It started out to be a very cool day, but warmed up through the day, and it was BEAUTIFUL! Blue sky, fluffy clouds, a nice breeze - and a ball game! :)

We had tickets for a day game at Comerica Park. Terry took part of the day off and we invited a couple of our very favorite people to join us at the game. Often when we invite friends to join us, the game becomes secondary while we get to talk and catch up with what is going on in each other's lives. That is always fun to do - and we really enjoyed doing that with Cyndi and Mike! They are newer friends in our lives, but have impacted us so much with their love for the Lord and their daily trust in his provision in their lives. They are an inspiration to us and many others! We dearly love them. They have NINE children - all of them just the nicest people ever!

The TIGERS lost the game - but, that has been the story for much of the end of the season. It is always fun to go to Comerica Park, though - it is beautiful there. In spite of the loss, it was a fun day spent with people we enjoy and love. We don't get time to do enough of that and it was a pleasure!!

LABOR DAY 2008 - Frankenmuth and Birch Run

2008-09-02T17:21:00.008-04:00

SEPTEMBER 1, 2008

A Trip to Frankenmuth and Birch Run

Monday morning after we had slept in a bit and gotten dressed, Terry and I sat down on the couch to talk and we both decided that we didn't have anything to do that day and just didn't want to stay at home and work around the house. After all, it was so beautiful outside and it was our last summer holiday. So we tossed around ideas like going to the State Fair, the Romeo Peach festival or just going to the mall and to eat. But we decided in the end that even though it was already 10:00 A.M. that we could be at Frankenmuth by noon. So we just got in the car and headed off! What a gorgeous day it was!

All of the flowers and grounds looked beautiful. We arrived just in time for lunch at Zehnder's. We walked right in and got a seat right away. We thought it would be best to eat our big meal first and then walk it off while we walked around Frankenmuth and Birch Run.

The meal was really delicious. We had chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread and rolls, relishes, dressing etc. As always at Frankenmuth, we had an excellent waitress. So we left stuffed and happy and ready to walk.

We looked at all of the shops in Frankenmuth - it is a beautiful place! Then we took off to do so serious shopping at Birch Run. We walked around Birch Run for about three or four hours and then left for the trip home. I really enjoyed just being with Terry on the trip there and back and the meal and all of the walking. It is so nice just to connect for awhile and get away.

The end of the summer is just about here. It has been a really nice summer for us. We were able to get away several times this summer and enjoyed God's beautiful creation. We enjoyed the mountains on the way to North Carolina, the weather and ocean in Florida, an interesting Retailer's Show in Florida and we were able to go to North Carolina again to welcome a new granddaughter into the world. We feel very thankful and blessed! We look forward, too, to fall and all the beauty and color that it brings along with the cooler weather, but will look back on this summer as a happy, busy, and peaceful.

"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Colossians 3: 16,17

A First Visit with New Granddaughter, Esme!

2008-08-28T11:56:00.010-04:00

Isn't she a sweetie? I just got back from my five days in North Carolina. Terry and I drove down and Terry stayed for a day and a half and drove back and I stayed for a couple more days. Esme is just so precious! She is still under six pounds and just perfect! Her little hands and feet are so cute and soft. She has very dark brown hair, but light eye lashes and eyebrows, so she may end up with lighter hair. She looks very much like Shari looked as a baby. Shari says she thinks Esme has Mark's mouth, and she may. She has a very expressive mouth - very nicely shaped and cute. She still sleeps much of the time - except at night!

I LOVE this picture! It shows just how little she is and how expressive! Mark and Shari are so proud of her.

Here is Esme with her proud grandma.

What a little angel!! So innocent and sweet.

Mark is very good with Esme and likes to cuddle with her - she likes it too, and falls right to sleep! Mark actually gave her a sponge bath one day while I was there because Esme had messed herself up and needed a bath. She was so funny! She LOVED it! She never made a peep, but was awake the whole time and really loving all the attention. She got her hair washed and fluffed and baby lotion and baby oil rubbed into her hands and feet - a real spa treatment! She knew she was in the right home!

Here is Terry holding Esme. Notice the ice cream cone on the T-Shirt? This is a shirt that Mark found for Terry to wear in place of his own. Terry picked up Esme for the first time and sat down on their couch - Esme immediately pooped and it went through everything she had on and all over Terry's shirt! It was so funny! But he just took her back as soon as they were both cleaned up. Grandpa's are like that.

Shari looks great here! She is actually very tired. Small babies like to nurse a lot all day and all night and it does take its toll on a new mom, but she is so happy! Esme actually had her eyes open here and looks all content. I hated to leave - I love her already and will miss holding her and feeling how soft and warm she is! Granddaughters are just wonderful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROL!

2008-08-21T13:12:00.015-04:00

A TRIBUTE TO A LOVING SISTER

My sister is a wonderful person! She is godly,

loving, caring, and sweet!

She loves her family and lets them know it

in so many creative ways.

Her grandchildren mean the world to her!

She is a talented photographer and makes beautiful,

meaningful cards with her pictures.

She wants to serve the Lord with all her heart.

Anyone would be fortunate to have her for a friend

(and she has many!)

She is a precious sister and friend to me,

and I love her dearly!

5TH ANNUAL SISTER GET-AWAY!

2008-08-21T09:44:00.006-04:00

Carol and Ruthanne

OLD MISSION POINT LIGHTHOUSE

August 2008

I am very late in posting about this trip with my sister. My daughter Shari had our first granddaughter as soon as I returned and I have been in a fog of excitement and anxiousness. (Wanting to be there and waiting to go)

For the last five years my sister and I have taken a trip together to reconnect with each other and relax and enjoy the state of Michigan. We have stayed in Frankfort, Charlevoix (twice), Manistee, and this year in the Traverse City area. I say area because we actually went to Mission Point, drove around and shopped the whole Leelanau Peninsula, shopped in Traverse and went to the sand dunes this trip. It was so beautiful and we had a great time!

The weather was absolutely beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking. We shopped, took pictures of lighthouses and the lakes and beaches and the sand dunes. Carol had never been to the sand dunes before. We took the scenic trip by car and stopped whenever we wanted to spend some time at a certain place.

I have always loved being by the water - it isn't a vacation otherwise! Isn't Lake Michigan so beautiful? It is calming and peaceful to me to watch the water!

We stayed in Traverse City which was central to the spots we wanted to visit. I could actually live in the Leelanau Peninsula - no problem! At night we walked along the marina in Traverse. I love to see the beautiful sailboats. There were a lot of them to see this trip.

We actually had time to spend on the beach this trip! It was relaxing to sit and talk and just hear the sound of the water and the birds and be with each other.

We went to see three lighthouses. (Carol's passion) We have actually thought of being lighthouse keepers for a weekend or a week. We met four ladies who were doing just that at the Traverse City lighthouse in this picture. That would be a great experience! Anyone interested?

We had a little trouble finding the lighthouse at Mission Point because we used a Mapquest map that showed it to be on the west side of the island right in the middle! Well it wasn't! That island had a lot more roads than the map showed also! Don't trust those maps. We finally found the lighthouse up at the very top of the island. It was a bit overgrown and it was not a currently working lighthouse, but it was a beautiful area!

Doesn't this look peaceful and happy? I love this picture. The water was so clear and the day was just beautiful! It was great to be with Carol and I will always remember this time away as a wonderful, happy time. We had good fellowship and friendship. Who could ask for more? We are blessed by our heavenly Father with each other and a beautiful state to explore and enjoy!

Esme Arabella Fields

2008-08-18T16:29:00.006-04:00

Welcome to our new granddaughter! We can't wait to actually see you and hold you! You look like a sweetie!

This picture was taken shortly after her birth and sent to us email by Mark. Thank you, Mark! It felt surreal knowing that we had a new granddaughter, but not knowing what she looks like. Can't wait to know her - we already love her! I decided to choose a verse for her:

I Timothy 4:12

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

She is a little young to live out that verse yet, but I will pray that verse for her that her life will be an example of this verse as she grows up.

I am going to NC this weekend. I will take lots of pictures to post!

A GRANDDAUGHTER!

2008-08-17T16:18:00.003-04:00

Today is special because it is the day our new granddaughter is born! We haven't seen her yet, but have heard all about her. Her name is Esme (with an accent over the e) Arabella. She was born in North Carolina at 11:45 a.m. on this beautiful Sunday morning, August 17, 2008. She is tiny - only 5 lbs. 11 oz. and 18" long. Shari says that she has about 1/4 to 1/2" of hair on her head and Mark says that she looks like Shari.

I won't see her until this coming Saturday night when Terry and I are driving to North Carolina, and then I will be staying there for a few days to get to know her and help Shari and then flying back on Wednesday. Her birth seems surreal because we can't see her yet. Hopefully Mark will send some pictures by email this afternoon. What a happy day!