Library Party

When approached by the idea of a "library party" by our head librarian, I was a little skeptical. But the party happened on Saturday and was a great success! We had about 20-25 kids. They were divided into three groups to hear a story, paint and decorate a library bag for the books and videos that they take out, watch a short magic show, tour the children's area of the library, fill out a form for a library card and then search for books and DVD's to borrow, and then have a snack. It was a great success and the kids that came really seemed to have a good time. I learned not to be afraid to try something new! It is good to have people who can come up with new ideas - which is partly what the body of Christ is all about.

Only a Car!

I am writing this as much for myself as for others who will read it. Sometimes writing something down solidifies it in my brain.

This is a picture of our Jeep. The lease on the Jeep is up as of today, and Terry and I returned it to the dealer. I didn't think that I was attached to it until that moment when we had to give over the keys. It has been a wonderful car - very reliable and fun, but safe to drive. But it has been an expense that we could do without. We have a Ford pickup truck, which we plan on getting back on the road tomorrow, and a Buick Century, which is older, but doesn't have many miles on it. So, we are fine, right?

Why is it that we get so easily attached to "things"? It often happens before we consciously know it - and we're hooked! I am reminding myself of the verses in Matthew 6 that say, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

So it is time to let go of the car and just appreciate what the Lord has so graciously given us. He has given us so many "things" to enjoy, but more than that, we have our families, our church family, and more than that, we have his love even when we don't deserve it. (Which is always!) Thank you, Lord, and keep reminding me of these verses that I need to take into my heart and live by every day.

Pretend Air Show

When I was babysitting for Matthew yesterday afternoon, he suggested that we play Air Show, one of his favorite things to do with me. Matthew has been to a couple of Air Shows because he has a grownup cousin who is one of the Thunderbirds! Elizabeth is their PR person who travels with them and makes all of their arrangements. Matthew loved the air shows that he has been to although they were a bit loud for him. He remembers everything about them and has collected many small planes to use in pretend air shows.

So we lined up the airplanes for viewing, the little people drove their cars up into the parking garage and used the elevator to come down to the show. They walked among the airplanes admiring them all, and then all of the planes performed. (including Jay Jay, the airplane) Some even flew upside down like the real ones do. It was very loud!! Then the little people gathered for lunch around the umbrella table before picking up their cars in the parking garage. After they left, Matthew decided that the planes could also park in the parking garage and use the elevator! Who am I to argue with that? :)

Playing With a New Computer

Terry decided that he was tired of going back and forth from his computer at work (an Apple) to his laptop computer. (also an Apple) He was always forgetting to copy things from one to another, so he decided to give me his computer and just use his laptop. He could also use the computer when he wanted to at home. Terry tells me that Apple Computers are awesome. Well getting used to an Apple after using a PC is very difficult and I can't do much yet. One thing that I did learn is that the computer has a camera. A person can sit in front of the computer and take a picture of himself. (Which I did!) It was fun, but I couldn't seem to get the picture onto my blog without getting an error message. I can't seem to fix it. I am computer challenged to say the very least -there is a lot to learn. I took a picture without my glasses because I have never seen what I look like without them - I am thinking about laser surgery, but I have worn glasses for 49 years and I wanted to see what other people would see. I just went to my PC (which is still hooked up) and found out that the picture worked! (I used the one with glasses) I'm still amazed at what computers can do! Anyway, I'm so glad that God sees the inside and loves us no matter what the outside looks like - the outside is getting old!

Back to Work

Last week I went back to substitute teaching which I haven't done in about ten years. I did it to earn some extra money, but now I'm not sure that the money is worth it! Things surely have changed since I was in an elementary school! Of course, subs don't usually get good lesson plans. They are usually quickly done and something that can be carried out easily. BUT, they are usually boring plans that don't interest the kids. I was told that substitute teachers must carry out the teacher's plans, so I was stuck with them. The kids were hard to handle and their names!! - I didn't even recognize some of them as being names of boys or girls! IIlyia - a boy, Jazmin - a boy, Verrin - a girl! And they are insulted if you can't pronounce it or remember it. I came home very tired and ready to just quit both days I subbed. But I decided to try it again this week to give it a fair chance. I went in with a good attitude both times and both times came home discouraged and very exhausted. But maybe those experiences were just a fluke! I hope! I know that the Lord can get me through and help me to be uplifting to the kids that I have in class. They are so needy! I'm not promising anything yet!

Grandpa and Grandma Babysit

         Last Saturday night Terry and I got to babysit for Matthew together. It had been a while since we had done that. Shelley and Bob were going out on a "date". :) So Terry and I had the pleasure of having Matthew all to ourselves. We had fun playing with trains, going grocery shopping with fake food, etc. Grandpas will go to any length to get a laugh as you can see when Terry put the track on his head. The only problem is that he can't stay awake long enough for Matthew to notice him. He actually fell asleep on the couch when Matthew turned his back for just a minute! Matthew was a little disgusted and tried to wake him. The really good thing about having grandparents take care of you is that they let you eat white sugar donuts!! Mmmm!! Grandpa said he could have a chocolate one after he finished the white one, but Grandma put the cabash (?) on that! After Grandpa fell asleep again, Grandma was the one who got to get Matthew ready for bed and then cuddle with him while reading ALOT of books. I wouldn't trade that time for anything! He is my sweetie.

Our Son-in-law, BOB

It has recently been pointed out to me that I have left a very important person out of my blog so far. (Although I did mention that I have two very special sons-in-law!) So anyway, I want to say a few things about one of the very special sons-ln-law now. God just seemed to drop Bob into Shelley's life quite unexpectedly at a crucial time in her life. When they fell in love, it happened fast (maybe on the phone from Florida! - he called her while she was with us on vacation and they talked for hours) and things progressed quickly after that. We are so happy that they have a happy marriage - they seem to treat each other in a very loving way and Bob obviously loves his wife and son! We appreciate him so much not only as a son-in-law, but as a friend! :)

Great Grandpa turns 88!

Today Terry's dad turned eighty-eight! He is doing well and seemed to enjoy the little party we had tonight at Logan's. Aunt Shirley was there, so were Barb and Ron, Sandy, Shelley and Bob, and Matthew, and Terry and I.    Here is a picture of Dad blowing out his candles. 

We had a very cozy room with a fire going. The other picture shows four generations - Dad, Terry, Shelley, and Matthew.

A New Grandchild on the Way

Here is our first glimpse of our new grandchild! Shari and Mark are due September 1 and the baby is progressing nicely. They heard a heartbeat already! It is neat to see them so excited. We can't wait to have another baby to love.

A Play Date with Matthew

Today was special because it was a "play date" with Matthew. I haven't been babysitting much lately because Shelley isn't teaching a class this semester and I have been sick. So I have missed playing with him so much!! When I got there he was all excited to see me and said," Grandma, you play with me?" So we played with the big train upstairs and then went downstairs to play at his train table and with numerous other toys. I had a great time with him. What a sweetheart - he loves to have someone pretend with him! Then he, his mommy, and I went to Baker's Square and had some lunch. I couldn't think of a nicer way to spend my day. Thank you, Matthew! (and Shelley)