So Much Fun!

THGGM didn't have to be to work until 9:00 today.

He dropped me off at Daughter's and I got to spend the day hugging grandkids.

Kado let me hold him most of the day. Such fun it is, holding him!

The day just flew by.

Seriously. It did.

The Play! The Play!

Well. I learned something today.

How to take a picture from Facebook and move it to my blog.

The really sad thing is that I will probably have to relearn it next time I want to hi-jack a picture.

Oh well.

Here we have Oldest Son with his nephew, Jonge.

Oldest Son has been acting in plays for a very looooong time.

He was King Keisel in "The Frog Prince".

This was Jonge's first play. I hope he gets to go to many more.

He stars in many plays of his own imagination, so maybe the acting bug will bite him someday too.

Men.

It was a lovely afternoon here in my corner of the world.

Oldest Son was in a play at Circle Theatre. He was the king in "The Frog Prince". We went today. It was Jonge's first play! How exciting to have an uncle for a king! He loved it. So did we.

We also found time to get together for cake and ice cream to celebrate Daughter-in-law's birthday.

This picture is from later in the afternoon. THGGM with Kado and my Brother-in-law with his grandson. These four could sleep through anything. And did.

I took 126 pictures today. I liked this one best!

Remembering Father's Day

Father's Day was lovely. I remember it well.

This is a picture of MY dad meeting Kado for the very first time.

Kado is my dad's fourth great-grandchild.

They are the light of his life!

After the day was over and I crawled into bed with "Mansfield Park", I read this and found it to be true:

"After the business of arriving was over, it was first necessary to eat, and the doors were thrown open to admit them through one of two intermediate rooms into the appointed dining-parlour, where a collation was prepared with abundance and elegance. Much was said, and much was ate, and all went well. The particular object of the day was then considered."

Feel the Love

Kado is ten days old today! My, how time does fly.

It is SO much fun to watch a newborn. He gives a cute little smile whenever he hears his mommy talking. Squeals from Famke and his eyes pop wide open. When Jonge holds him, Kado will cuddle right up to him.

Today, Daughter and Son-in-law took him out at lunch time where he met Daughter's co-workers and former co-workers.

Everybody seems to be adjusting very well.

Oh, Yes! It Is True!

Only SIX months until Christmas!

Wow. To me, it seems like it was just Christmas yesterday.

To be honest, I still come across the errant decoration that hasn't been packed away yet.

But, I'm also happy to announce that I now have a root cellar Christmas room. LOVE all those built in shelves. Everything safe and tidy in ONE place.

And, that book in the picture? I LOVE that book! If you are interested, I saw one yesterday on the 50% off table at Barnes and Noble.

Mine was a gift, and I shall cherish it always.

In fact, I used the idea on the cover in my half bath. I have my old blue Christmas ornaments sitting on the tops of all my old cobalt blue medicine bottles. Charming. And, still there. Sixths months after the fact.

I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe because nothing says "Christmas" to me quite like blue ornaments resting on top of blue bottles.

Whatever. I like it.

There. Just for YOU, I added a picture of what some of the bottles look like. Even though they look dusty, I still added them. For YOU. Famke is my 'duster' and she cannot reach way up there. Neither can I.

So. Merry Christmas. In six months.

Good Times

90 degree weather is TOO hot.
In the morning, we played outside a bit.

Jonge did his funny seal impressions in his little pool. Famke played on the swings. Kado slept in his mommy's arms looking cute.

It was too hot to play outside in the afternoon.

The basement felt wonderful.

I cannot stand the heat.

Tonight I bought a book I have had on my 'wanted' list for nearly a decade.

"Diary of an Old Soul" by George MacDonald.

Maybe I'll read it tonight.

Or, maybe I'll just give thanks for getting to be the Beppe of three of the sweetest children on Earth.

My Day

I got to stare into this adorable face today.

He is such a sweety.

Eight days old.

Someday I'd like to meet the person who taught people to say "CHEESE!" when having pictures taken.

So, here you have the "cheesy grins".

Can you tell? They love their new baby brother.

Unhappy Potato Head

Yes. I am busy tonight.

But, not too busy to take a picture of this potato.

If I were to not eat food with a 'face', I would not eat this potato.

I didn't put him in the potato salad.

He is sitting above my sink, looking oddly at me.

Well now.

Back to work!

Altered Shorts

Stuck home today.

The DISH guy was supposed to come between 12 - 6. For a free upgrade. After he called at 5 I cancelled, because the free upgrade would result in the loss of my 17 episodes of Signing Time, 19 episodes of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and a whole bunch of The Wiggles. HDTV is not worth the loss of those.

Then, at 6 we were supposed to sign papers for our refi. It is now 7:15.

We have things to do. Places to go. People to see. Not to mention that I am hungry and haven't grocery shopped yet this week.

Hmmm.

So, we are taking turns running out on short errands hoping we don't miss this guy when he calls.

The picture is of the pair of shorts I'm working to convert into a bag. I like the two smaller bags best.

I used one of the hems to make a bow. The covered buttons are a nice touch, too.

But, it still needs straps. I've tried a few different things, but, nothing that looked quite right.

Thursday? Yes. It Is Thursday.

No pictures of cute babies today.

I spent the day at home.

Alone.

I needed that.

Although, I could still hear the happy chatter of children in my memory.

I made a blanket for Kado out of some lovely thrifted flannel. Thrifted batting. Thrifted binding.

It still requires some hand sewing on the corner binding.

And, I may need to tie it. Or add embroidery.

Then, since I was in my sewing room, I sewed a worn pair of THGGM's shorts into a bag of sorts.

There were a few worn spots, so he could no longer wear them, but they were made from the nicest patchwork fabric. I just could not throw it away!

So, I now have a bag with four pockets, two unattached matching small bags and three fabric covered buttons!

It's quite possible that I will never ever do anything at all with this bag, but it was fun to make.

Sewing the binding on a blanket? Not so much.

Next time I donate plasma, I'm hoping to make a stop at the fabric store across the street and purchase some "Dick and Jane" fabric.

I feel the need for nostalgia.

It seems that the days that I am home alone just fly by.

I got up, had two mugs of coffee, did some reading and it was time for lunch.

After lunch I did laundry and sewed.

While I was carrying my clean laundry and newly made baby blanket up the steps, I noticed a man napping on the couch in my breeze way!

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

It was only THGGM, home from work.

I could not believe it was already time for him to be home.

Not a bad day, but I did miss "I DO IT" and "YOU DO IT" very much.

It Is Quiet Here

Jonge and Famke went home tonight to join their family.

Pake and I stopped by later to see how they all were doing.

Kado had just finished nursing and was sleeping contentedly.

Jonge and Famke adore him.

I am happy to report that they are all doing fine.

Well. All except for Beppe, who misses them terribly.

Making Pudding

Most weeks find me saying "How did it get to be Friday?"

THIS week, I cannot believe that it is only Wednesday.

It's

been a busy week, but GREAT fun!

Today, after lunch, singing time, story time, naps, book reading and watching The Wiggles, we made pudding!

Famke is an extremely independant little girl.

Her phrase of choice is still "I DO IT!"

She was mortified when her milk spilled and trickled down on her knees.

Hearing her, one would have thought that her knees were ruined for life.

I am really going to miss them when they go home tonight.

A Gathering of Siblings

Kado seems to have enjoyed his first day!

He looks like such a little man.

His big brother Jonge was so excited to get to meet him.

And Kado looks well pleases also.

Famke seemed to notice a few differences between Kado and her dollies.




Kado cried (although just a teensy little bit). She did not like that.

So far, he is a sweet, cuddly, calm and quiet little guy.

We think he is perfect.

He Has Arrived!

He made his appearance at 7:34 pm, June 15, 2009.

On my blog, he shall be known as Kado, meaning 'gift' which he truly is!

He weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 21 inches.

He does resemble his mommy!

Doesn't she look relieved?!

I haven't met him yet. While I sang songs with the two very excited siblings, THGGM snuck away to the hospital to meet him.

It was love at first sight!

Good Observations

It was our extreme pleasure to host the grandkids over night last night.

Such fun!

We took them to church to work with us, which reminded me of a funny story.

Daughter onced picked Jonge up from his 'class' at church and was told that he seemed to have a very good time, but mostly, he played with a toy vacuum. Apparently he spent a good deal of time with that vacuum, as it really made an impression on his teacher.

And why wouldn't he?

That is what WE do when we go to church.

Some people go to worship God with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

We go to worship God with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs making music in our hearts with the steady hum of a vacuum cleaner as accompaniment.

Today Jonge went to church with Pake. He loves this, because he gets to sit nestled between him and Pa.

He really likes music, and his 'birthday buddy' Laura sings with the worship team.

When he got home, he was eager to find his toy guitar so he could play it.

I was busy arranging things in Famke's life in ways that she might find pleasing, so I wasn't paying all that much attention to Jonge.

His guitar is one that I found at the thrift store. It has buttons that one can push to make one's own music, or there are buttons that will play pre-recorded songs. And, there is even a way to make it play a pre-recorded song by pushing any button what-so-ever. Apparently, that is the track it was on this morning while Jonge was playing and singing along.

Suddenly he looked up at me with a quizzical expresion on this face and said:

In my head I'm thinking it's supposed to be "Jesus Loves Me", but it sure sounds like "Old MacDonald Had a Farm".

Does She Like It?

I Do Not Think She Likes It

Seventeen Piece Tea Set

I've never been so thankful to see a Friday!

THGGM worked 5:30 - 2:00 this week.

He doesn't mind it one bit.

Except, he cannot sleep if I am reading in bed, which is what I must do if I am to fall asleep.

I have tried other things, like reading in different rooms.

But the getting up and going to bed wakes me up!

So, that only means that I have been getting to bed at about 1:30 and not being able to fall asleep.

And, oh, does this ever make me whiny. To the extreme.

Tonight I roamed around Michael's looking for something fun to use my 50% off coupon on.

I wondered back into the children's kits section, and found this 17 piece tea set!

It WAS plain, but it came with paint.

No red, so I used only the blue.

Just splotched on some spots with a paint brush.

Random splotchy blue dots.

I love it. I think I shall be looking for these (i bought the last one they had on the shelf) whenever I have a 50% off coupon.

I might even improve at adding the dots, buy my own glass paint (in red) and make my own line of splotchy-dot tea sets.

(what? i might.)

Its Two Two Two Posts In One

Here one can see the advantage to THGGM getting out at 2:00 this week.

After-nap time is SO much more fun!

And, for part two, see those framed ferns? The ones on the top shelf?

Those are MY FERNS!

I picked them just before we left for Traverse City, weighted them down with heavy books on the dining room table, and by the time we got back they were done!

I'm so glad I had the forethought to pick them then, because now they are too large for any frame that I could afford.

Last week Michael's had 11 x14 frames for only $5, with an extra 25 % off as well.

VERY inexpensive.

Pennies

Daughter came for lunch today!

She brought me my birthday present.

Although, what I REALLY wanted was a grandson on my birthday, I like this present too.

She brought me a 2009 penny for my penny box. Since I turned 51 this month, it is my 52nd penny.

The first penny which is from 1958 is the very last year of the wheat penny.

The next 50 pennies have the Lincoln Memorial on the back.

And, the new one looks like this!

I'm sure my children hope that I live long, at least long enough so that when I die they can each inherit twenty-five cents a piece.

This is it kids, aside from assorted value-less bits of dinged up odds and ends, your mom is worth 52 cents.

(the idea for my penny box came from the book 'the hundred penny box' by Sharon Bell Mathis - good book - look it up!)

Conversations Heard at Restaurant

Things in my little world have felt a bit mixed up lately. I do not deal well with change. Even GOOD change.

Two weeks ago THGGM and I were on a nice vacation in Traverse City. It was lovely. Relaxing and refreshing.

The following week, THGGM was still on vacation. It felt as if I got nothing done. It was fun, but not as productive as I had hoped.

(meaning, i still do not have shelves in my kitchen closet, although the boards are cut and the lines drawn for hanging.)

What we DID do was go out to eat A LOT. Well, we didn't actually EAT a lot, we went out a lot.

At breakfast one morning we were sitting in a section with two sweet looking elderly women.

And, a younger business man eating alone while conducting business on his cell phone.

The elderly women were actually the closest people to us (by this time, thggm and i had absolutely nothing left to say to each other - two weeks of vacation together will do this, and neither of us mind one bit. this always causes one of us to quote a line from 'when harry met sallly') but we never heard even one word of their conversation. They were well mannered ladies.

For reasons unbeknownst (i love that word!) to me, the younger business man had NO PROBLEM at all talking very loudly on his cell phone.

It was almost like he was the elderly one and hard of hearing also.

Without wanting too, I now know personal information about his client. I also know that someone in the office is extremely mad about something, but it is not this man's fault. No. It wasn't him. Maybe if he had only said this once, it wouldn't have stuck with me, but he seemed to feel compelled to repeat this over and over, increasing the volume with each telling.

But, if he were the only loud one, breakfast may have been relaxing. I find it easy to ignore things about which I have no interest, and I have no interest in real estate nor money.

Enter: Loud Mom and Two Year Old with ability to masterfully control her Loud Mom.

Loud Mom ENTERED the room by saying LOUDLY - in a voice I have only ever heard used by that thick-bearded guy on TV who sells things like OxyClean - STOP SAYING THAT. YOU CAN HAVE CHOCOLATE CAKE AND ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST BUT WE HAVE TO ORDER IT FIRST.

Although we NEVER personally talked with this woman nor her 2 year old dictator of a child, I am privy to much information about the two of them.

They are moving. (moving is stressful. i know that.)

They are going to live with grandparents for awhile while daddy fixes up the new house on many acres in the country. (hopefully enough acres to not disturb close neighbors.)

I know the name of their dog, and the name of a dog they may have to borrow so that foxes and bears do not eat their little dog. (comforting words to a child of two, no doubt.)

She does not normally give her child chocolate cake and ice cream for breakfast, she said, but the little dear wants it so badly. She even woke up asking for it. (i did once feed my 22 month old chocolate cake for breakfast just because he asked for it. but, i was 9 months pregnant and in the privacy of my own home. also, the boy was shocked that i acquiesced.)

It's okay to give her chocolate cake and ice cream for breakfast because she will be taking a nap when they get back to the hotel. (really? how'd that work out, i wonder.)

Not only did the child get chocolate cake and ice cream for breakfast, she was escorted to the bakery window to pick out the exact piece she wanted. The entire time she worked at eating it Loud Mom ran a constant play-by-play of everything that had happened so far that day. To the daughter.

Then, she called the child's grandma and repeated it all over again to her. Loudly. (she asked to talk to grandpa, but thank goodness! he was busy!)

Next, she told the waitress, the waitress who had obviously never served chocolate cake and ice cream before noon to a 2 year old.

Followed by a retelling in triplicate to the businessman. The businessman who told the child what a nice mommy she had for ordering her chocolate cake and ice cream for breakfast.

Oh, and just for fun, the restaurant started filling up, and EVERY passer-by got to hear the unabridged account of why the two year old was having chocolate cake and ice cream for breakfast.

I believe that I would be less bothered by breathing second hand smoke than by being exposed to the sounds of people who have no clue that there IS such a thing as an inside voice.

There. I got that off my chest.

Aren't my peonies beautiful?

I love them!

Peony Time!

It rained here yesterday, so I ran out to rescue the blooming peonies.

Big blooms like this were laying all over.

Now, I have lovely bouquets of peonies all over the house, and it smells WOOOONDERFUL!

Another Rainy Monday

Although I do take many pictures, I rarely try to pose anyone. Not that these two would allow that anyway...

I randomly shot pictures throughout the day today, and took this one as it was happening.

I heard Jonge tell Famke that she went poo-poo. She denied it, and before I could make a comment about their conversation, Jonge took matters into his own, um, nose.

She hadn't. Not yet, anyway.

I thought she looked rather 'queenly' in this one.

And here they are watching The Wiggles.

That sly sideways smile is one I am seeing more and more of lately. She is always thinking.

And, I'm quite fond of the angelic quality of this one, with the lamp adding a 'halo' effect.

We had a fun day today. This is Daughter's last week of work before the New Baby makes his arrival.

Please pray that all goes well.