Party weekend

Ayden & Daddy

Mommy & Daddy helping with the presents.

Following a busy VBS week I just crashed on Friday nite and we watched a double feature here at home.  But Saturday brought some new excitement.  It was Ayden's 1st birthday and she had a great big party.  I always let Jen & Becky post their kid's events but Jessie & Stevie don't have a blog so I hope it was ok that I post some pictures from the party.  I think we all had a great time and I enjoyed getting to visit with all Jessie's family.  It's always fun watching all the kids interact.  Somehow I missed getting a picture of Veronica (Jessie's niece) but trust me, she's a cutie too.  Tomorrow is Ayden's 'real' birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AYDEN - WE LOVE YOU!!

Coen & Mommy

Mommy & Gracie

A big smile from Spencer

Birthday girl playing her piano for us.

Ayden looks like she's thinking, "where am I going to put all this stuff?"

Ayden's birthday cake - I think she liked it!

 

From a Child's Point of View

I'm working with the 2 & 3 year olds at VBS this year.  It's funny how we adults think a kid should enjoy certain activities and yet we have to almost drag them around and try to convince them that 'this is fun!"    At this young age it could just be nap time but sometimes I really think our 2 & 3 year olds would like to just sing a few songs they already know, hear a story, some of them want to 'make' something but the best part is a simple snack (animal crackers or goldfish) and just let them run & play.

Of course the older kids get more out of all the activities going on.  My grandson Spencer is 4 and I have been driving him home after VBS.  He is very verbal and sometimes I forget he's only 4 because he can be so mature - but I love hearing his version of what he did at VBS that day.  He quickly figured out by my questions that I already know what he's been doing since all ages follow the same routine.  So when he was tired of talking about it (this is his lunch & nap time) he tells me, "Nana, you already know what games we played."

The one thing he's been consistent about the last few days is that he doesn't like Chadder because he's scary.  Chadder is a people sized chipmunk - he is in fact the hero of the little movie they watch.  This movie has thunder storms, a scary museum in an old castle, a weird mad scientist, trap doors that lead to a dark & scary science lab, people turning into hairy animals - and all of this is accompanied with that haunted house music - and this sweet boy doesn't like Chadder because he's scary - all the other stuff doesn't bother him in the least.  Kids are so great and so much fun - and I think we should really pay close attention to their point of view sometimes.

Birthday Girl

Today is Jenny's birthday - Italian dinner and a very yummy strawberry chocolate cake from Maggie Moos!  We had lots of fun and lots of action with 4 grandkids  - it's hard to believe that it was 32 years ago that the  birthday girl was just a baby.  You look to young to be over 30!!  I love you Jenny and you are always my little girl but I love the mommy, wife, and caring daughter you've grown up to be.  Hope your day was happy and you get to celebrate the whole rest of the week!! :)

I Went to Yemen Today

I'm sure most of you have noticed the latest additions to a lot of blogs lately - the maps or listing of places that have viewed that blog recently.  I know some of the blogs have gotten some hits from some exotic locations - but I was tickled that I was hit by more than from St. Louis.  

As I check these locations I find myself trying to figure out if it's someone I know or just an accidental hit - who are you guys anyway?  When I actually got one that wasn't even in the USA I was really stumped.  It says Izmir, Izmir.  I checked and it's in Turkey - that had to be accidental.  But it made me wonder - how many countries are there in the world?  I've always been lousy at geography but lucky for me - we have the internet.  

Actually the answer depends on who you ask - it is anywhere between 192 and 195 - countries, that is.  Have you ever heard of Qatar, Chad, or Bhutan?   Of course there is also the complication of names changing and borders moving, etc,.  There are also somewhere between 58 and 61 colonies and territories that belong to about 8 of these countries.  The USA either owns 12 or 14.  I know of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, & Guam - but where is Baker & Hawland Islands?

I know you're wondering 'where is she going with this?' - to Yemen and San Marino of course.  One of the web sites was Global Web Explorer which invites you to visit some of these places via internet.  I checked out quite a few but most of them were in a foreign language (imagine that!) or you had to have 'clearance'.  Anyway I did visit Yemen a little and I chose it because I remembered it from "Friends" - remember when Chandler claimed he was moving to Yemen?  And I checked out San Marino because it claims to be the oldest republic in the world and it's the 3rd smallest country in the world - it's a rather interesting place I think I'd like to visit.

So actually this blog is nothing but rambling and a few statistics - but just in case you were wondering what I did today - I went to Yemen.  You all have a great week!!

Great Classic

OK - I may be the only person who has never read this book but Uncle Tom's Cabin is a 'must read' classic!  I'm not sure why I had never read it and I've actually owned it for a few years but kept putting off getting into it - but once I got started  I was surprised how easily I got wrapped up in it.  I figured an old book like that would be dry and difficult to struggle through.  It would probably be filled with sermonizing and archaic language.  But the language was like any you would find in a historical novel written today about that period in history.  And there were definitely sermons woven into the story but you never felt preached at  - it was more like a good ole' vibrant action packed tent meeting that was easy to relate to.  In fact, I think Uncle Tom is my new spiritual earthly hero.  As you wonder if someone could actually remain so faithful and righteous with all the misery and pain they put him through, you realize it was his faith and  drawing himself closer to God rather than turning his  back on Him that got him through.  I strive for that close relationship he attained with God and I do believe that there are people like Uncle Tom who survive many sorrows by clinging to their faith so intently.  

I also never knew the history of the book itself.  It is historical fiction for us now but it was written in 1851-52 and was present day life for Harriet Beecher Stowe.  Just like books we would now find written about our current news stories.  It was written after the Fugitive Slave Law came in effect.  This law said that Northerners were required to return any runaway slaves to their masters in the South.  H. B. Stowe wanted to bring to light the lives these slaves were running from.  Several, Abe Lincoln included, felt this book fueled the fire that started the Civil War.  

If you're considering reading this book don't be afraid that it may be too graphic because H.B. Stowe did a great job of alluding to misery rather than giving gory details.  I'm sure there are a lot of great classics I need to read - I've read Mark Twain, Louisia May Alcott, and C.S. Lewis - any suggestions for other classic 'must reads'?

Neighbors & Cooking

For all those who felt I probably came from the 'wrong side of the tracks' - here's your proof - washing machine on the back porch - that should say it all.  All I need is an old couch on the front porch and I'm in the club.  Actually I'm getting a new floor in my laundry room but seeing the machine on my back porch just made me wonder what my neighbors would think.  Lucky for me I've got some of the best neighbors in town - one of the reasons we could never bring ourselves to look for a larger house and just kept adding on.  Since we were the 'younguns' when we moved in here all our older families keep moving to condos and such but so far the 'replacements' have been very nice but the close knit feeling just isn't the same.  Our first neighbors when we moved here (with one exception) was as good as growing up in south St. Louis.  Good neighbors are quite a blessing.

What does that have to do with cooking?  Nothing at all.  I went to my friends blog to check out her version of last night's episode of 'Food Star Network Challenge' - (her version always gives me a chuckle) but instead I found her "I Came From" blog.  It was fun reading and I may attempt to do my own but it probably won't be as organized and poetic as hers. 

 Anyway - back to cooking.  As I watched the show last night I kept thinking "there's no way in the world I could do what they are asked to do"  If you gave me 6 items and told me to make a dish from them I'd have to go to a recipe search engine.  If you gave me a dish to taste and had to describe it - I could never pick out all the different spices - I don't even know what saffron looks like much less how it tastes and smells!  And if you tell me I only have 45 minutes to cook & plate a meal - well, let's just say I don't work well under pressure.  

I understand that these people are claiming to be chefs and they've asked for this challenge.   Although, I think several have found out they bit off more than they could handle.  I agree they should have more than my basic knowledge  - they should know all about food and how one compliments another.  They should be able to whip up dishes more easily than I and without a cookbook handy.  They should even be able to make the plate look appetizing.  So - my question is - for the rest of us, what makes a good cook.  I've always admired friends and family who know what a dish needs or has too much of - or can tell you how to cook something without looking it up first.  I don't consider myself a good cook even though people have been very kind and complimented what I've prepared.  But I have to plan ahead, make a list, use a recipe and all my measuring instruments (none of that 'eyeballing' it for me).  And there have still been a few times when we just choked down our meal or sent out for pizza.  The closest I've ever come to creating a dish is when I combine several recipes using the ingredients that my family likes.  So, just for fun, I have a little poll set up to see what you consider a good cook.  

Well, I'm gonna go whip me up some gourmet lunch - yeah, right - ha :)

Summer Overdone

I know that most of you are loving this heat and lazy days of summer -

 but I for one long for the crisp cool days of autumn.

The bad part is - it's still only JUNE!!

Mama would say I'm wishing my life away - so I'll try to endure and delight in the pleasures of summer - like fresh tomatoes and watermelon - lots of green and various flowers - no coats and lighter laundry.  Actually, summer just doesn't do much for me but it is easier to delight in what it means for others that I care about: like more golf and baseball games for Steve and the guys; lots of backyard and water playtime for my grandkids and their mommies - and they love Grant's Farm and the zoo.  Summer is worth it just to see them all have so much fun - but I think I'll stay hibernated in the AC and look forward to long walks in the falling leaves and drinking coffee on my back porch.

Dreams, Beans, & Other Things that I don't know what they mean

Steve & I went out to eat last night and then to see The Producers at the Muny.  As I looked around the restaurant I noticed that out of the 10 occupied tables - 7 of them were really old couples - I'm talking upper 80's here.  For some reason this really bothers me - am I being gently shuffled into an old folks home without my knowledge.  Steve says it's the economy - young families can't afford to go out to eat as often anymore.  But I don't know - it seemed kinda 'twilight zoney' to me.  As for The Producers - it was a beautiful night to be outside but I wish they would have quit making so much noise on the stage - or in other words:  it was bearable but nothing I would recommend.

Dreams have always intrigued me.  My mama use to have some of the craziest dreams ever and I've known several to dream of events that actually happened later.  I saw my niece Meredith in my dreams before I knew she was born - looked just like her.  My dad had a second middle name (which he always denied but it was on his birth certificate) because his mother dreamed a great aunt visited her in a dream and reminded her this baby was to bear her name - so Alason was added to his James David.   I know everyone dreams and we all have those weird 'what did I eat before I went to bed?' dreams - but lately I'm dreaming in snippets.    The first night it was like I was dreaming in snippet flashes - I kept waking up in between the dreams (at least I think I was really waking up) but I was very aware the dreams were all the same sort but just quick flashes that really had no connection.  Last night the dreams were like I was watching movie previews or commercials - I never got to see the 'feature presentation'.  Any dream experts out there to tell me what this might mean - maybe I just need to go live in the woods for awhile away from technology.

And just in case you're wondering - I have nothing to say about 'beans' - it just made my title flow better.  :)

Have a great day and sweet dreams!

Father's Day

Tomorrow is Father's Day.  I had a wonderful daddy and I miss him so much.  He was one of those people you just enjoyed being with - even when he was 'trying' to be hard to get along with - he loved to tease and always put me in a good mood. 

 Happy Father's Day Daddy!

I have a son and 2 son-in-laws that have proven to me that they are fantastic fathers already.  It's fun to watch them goo at their babies and I know they will raise my grandchildren to be amazing people and they will bring them up to know and love God.

Happy Father's Day Karl, Stevie, & Nate!

Nate & Gracie (yes I stole this picture from Becky's blog)

Stevie & Ayden

Karl & his boys - Spencer & Coen

And then there is the father of my children.  Thank you Steve for being a good Christian example for our children and for all the fun you brought into our lives.

Happy Father's Day Steve - And Happy Belated Birthday Party!

Just Thinking Out Loud

Two Thoughts:

# 1 -TV Reality shows

I know lots of people that truly love all those reality shows - but I have a tough time with them.  I'm not really sure what characterizes a "reality" show, but I see 3 different groups.  There's the 'out on an island' or 'let's all live in one house' group - I really have no interest in watching people swat bugs and argue about who's side who is on.  I'm not sure that sentence makes sense - but you get my drift.  

Then there's the very worse group - I'm not sure if there's more than one show of this sort but I caught the last 2 minutes of Moment of Truth - these people are crazy.  I'm guessing it's all show and they're all really lying- but still - who want's to watch that?

Then there's the 3rd group - and I can understand the attraction to some of them - Idol and Can you Dance type shows.  By a friend's encouragement I actually watched the Food Network show about finding a new 'cooking star' and it wasn't too bad.  I know I'm just too wimpy but it hurts me to see those people get put down.  

I guess I'll just stick to the bloody, violent shoot 'em and cut 'em up shows like NCIS, CIS, and House.  I really don't like the blood and violence but I enjoy the drama and  chemistry between the characters.

 #2 - Books of a 'spiritual' nature:

I just finished reading "The Shack" because I had heard so many people talking about it.  It was ok but not one I'd recommend to anyone - too wordy & preachy for me.  But I noticed as I read this book - sometimes the author says things that IF he really knew what he was talking about, he would have answered some question of mine.  I have to stop and remind myself that he's not receiving this by inspiration - he's just another guy with his own opinion, regardless if I happen to like that opinion or not.  Which made me think about all the other books that I've read that had the same effect on me - sometimes about heaven, miracles, angels, or the 'last days'.  We have the Left Behind series, 5 People You Meet In Heaven, This Present Darkness, City of Angels, 90 Minutes in Heaven, Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, Peace Like a River, and even Stephen King's Last Stand.  I'm know there are plenty more.  I figure God is shaking his head and just laughing at us.

One final thought for the day: I know most of you are loving this summer weather - But I would really love to have a summer of 60- 70 degrees - but I guess that's just me.  Everyone have a good week and all you daddies have a great Father's Day.

Someone is 59!

Doesn't look a day over 58 does he?  

And he'll always be a little kid at heart!

We will have to wait until kids return from trips 

and the dust settles before we can really take him out to celebrate.

But that doesn't mean he's not already another year older.

Happy Birthday Steve!  Love you

High School Reunions

My daughter was mentioning that her 10 year class reunion was this summer - although I know that can't be true because it was bad enough when her older sister had hers (4 years ago!) and I know I couldn't be that old.  

Anyway, as it would happen, I also found myself perusing that Classmate website - which led to them sending me emails.  You know the ones "See who's checking up on you by giving us money - yada, yada, yada"  But they did email me that I could check out someone's photo album for free.  It happened to be a girl I went to grade school & high school with and it was pics from out last reunion (guess how many years) which I did not attend- so of course - I checked it out.   WHO WERE THOSE OLD PEOPLE?? :)

I've never been very good at recognizing someone I've not seen in years but I did actually pick out a few familiar faces - but most of them were just total strangers to me.  Which got me thinking - if they have another one next year (which is another landmark year for us) should I go?  I can't imagine what I would have to say to most of them - if I could even figure out who they are.  Oh I know there will be name tags but unless they are written in about 50 font - I will have to stand very close to read them.  And even then - can I be sure I'll remember who they are.

The truth is - I don't think I really like reunions as such.  I know I'm probably the odd one -Steve would probably enjoy mine even more than I would but that's because he has never struggled to find something to say even to a total stranger.  

I remember the 10 year reunion - everyone still recognizable but a few shocking changes and we were just starting to get on with our own personal lives.  The 20 year was a little harder and the 25 - except for a few old friends I really wanted to see, I couldn't wait to leave.   And I think that is my problem - I'm not a party person - I prefer one to one get-togethers.  I've only kept in touch with a couple of friends from those years.  I tried to do better but you know how life gets in the way.  So I can't decide if it is worth my discomfort to try and catch up with a few people I really would like to see - or should I just skip it and save myself the grief (you know what I mean - there's the diet - the right outfit - the haircut, etc. etc.   Any suggestions?

More Birthday

We celebrated Karl's birthday last night - can't believe he's 34 - seems like I was just 34!  Karl is a wonderful son-in-law that loves his wife & kids and is happy to include all his in-laws as family - what more could a mother want.  He's one of those people I think of when you hear about 'Random Acts of Kindness' - he's quick to see what someone needs and always jumps in and lends a helping hand.   Happy Birthday Karl - I love you!  (See Jen's blog for better pictures.)

It's been another busy week - Jen & Karl are working on getting their new house ready to move into - my three kids all have 'teething babies' right now - and we celebrated Jessie's graduation from graduate school - yeah Jessie.  Ok - so I guess everyone else has been busy - not sure what I've been doing but I feel like I've been busy.  Hope everyone has a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend.

Birthday Time

Look whose birthday it is!!  A great dinner,  very yummy ice cream cake and good time with family.  Hope Gracie sleeps in for you and your day is full of love & sunshine  - just like you.  You are my very favorite middle child - and I love you always!

Mother's Day & Other Random Thoughts

Ducks: 

The last few days we've seen these four ducks wandering around our neighborhood.  I know it's not as exciting as a deer or maybe an elephant - but it was fun watching them waddle from yard to yard.  Jen said she saw some ducks over by her new house also - wonder if they were the same ones??  I tried to get a picture of them but every time I'd take a step closer they'd be on the move again.

Computers:

My computer quit on me a few weeks ago and so I was without internet - but I learned life still goes on - of course it helps if you have children who let you log in on theirs now and then.

Mother's Day:

Mama has been gone for 18 years now - doesn't seem possible.  Although I find Mother's Day to be a Hallmark money making event - it is a good time to recognize mothers.  My mom was a wonderful mom and I wish I had spent more time listening to her and sharing my children with her.  Happy Mother's Day Mama.

And even though my favorite sister never tried to "mother" me - she has been an excellent example for me in raising 2 girls & a boy - and she always has the answers I need if I ask - Happy Mother's Day Nancy

And of course - the mothers of my grandchildren:

You girls are doing an outstanding job of loving & caring for my grandchildren - I'm proud of all of you.  I know there will always be tough days (even when they are adults with their own families) and as the quote says in my sidebar -"You're only as happy as your unhappiest kid." - but it's all worth it and the happy days make it all worthwhile.

love you - Happy Mother's Day Jenny, Becky & Jessie!!!

What is Retirement?

This morning while talking to Stevie he was teasing me about sleeping in until 7 and that I had taken time for a walk.  I know he doesn't really begrudge me my flexible schedule - but it made me wonder if I might be missing something.  Am I letting this time of my life slip by without making the most of it?  Should I feel guilty when I take a long walk or sit down with a book?  Sure my house could use a good cleaning but my body is only willing to work a short time before the the joints & muscles start complaining.

 Four and a half years ago I decided to quit my job and retire.  I wanted to be 'available' to be a grandma - or Nana as it actually turned out.  My children are doing an excellent job of helping me stay busy in that capacity - and I love that.  But of course this only fills in some of the time - plus Nana is not as young as she once was and does need her own time once in awhile.  I know at some point the grandkids are all going to start school and will only need me now and then - and then later their lives will become so busy - well, I don't even want to think that far ahead.  The point is - am I going to have trouble filling in my time without feeling guilty about it?  Is retirement free license to enjoy yourself?   The answer is - I don't know and I've decided I really am not even going to worry about that right now.  

This morning I heard a song Jenny had on her blog several weeks ago.  "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins.  It's about a girl who can't wait to be 18, and then when married can't wait to have kids, and when the kids come feels overwhelmed with them - and she keeps being reminded 

'You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this'

After the song I remembered a paper I had written in high school.  It was an essay about some quote from a guy who claimed the good times are in the past.  I remember that my stand was that the best of times are right now - at whatever point you are at.  I remember my teacher writing on it 'I wish you lots of luck in trying to hang on to that point of view'.  I'm still not sure if she was being genuine or sarcastic - but I have always tried to maintain that outlook.

So what have I done today you ask - I took a walk, ran errands, read my bible, wrote a blog - and tonite I am babysitting Ayden.  In fact the only 'real work' I've done is make my bed and do a little pick-up.  Ok - so maybe I'll go do some laundry and clean a bathroom - but its NOT because I feel guilty!!

The Beach

My blog seems to have a mind of it's own so it has posted "The Beach" 

before "Disney- without Kids" -

just in case you're thinking maybe I had a little too much sun and am confused.  Well, I'm often confused and this may be my own fault but I didn't intend to post this way.

This was the view out our 'den' window at Daytona Beach.   The place was clean and we enjoyed the beach but - and maybe it's just Daytona - there was so much constant noise even at 2 and 4 AM that I have no desire to ever return to that particular part of Florida.  I guess it could have been 'spring breakers' still but the woman yelling at either her kid or husband at 4 AM was just rude!  

Anyway, it wasn't exactly the quiet serene beach I had hoped for but we made the best of it - by the 3rd day we were more than ready to pack up and head for home.
As I said, the beach was very nice - a great walking beach - which Sue used a lot, both Brad & I took some walks with Sue - but Steve never stepped foot on.  He didn't know what he was missing.  Of course, he and Brad had done a lot of walking on the golf courses every day.
I always enjoy a beach sunrise or sunset (I prefer sunsets for sleep's sake - but that's on the Gulf side).  The guys (headed off to golf) told me I missed a spectacular one the day before so I made Steve wake me up for this one.  It wasn't as good but since we were leaving the next day before the sunrise it was the best I could catch.
All in all it was a great time and another good thing - I managed to come home without a sunburn!!!  Yeah!!  Ok - so my scalp is a little tender - but it gets hot with that hat on.
Well, I hear my washing machine beeping for me and the cupboard is bare so I need to head to Schnucks - I guess my vacations is over.

Disney - without kids

Steve, Brad, Sue, & I had decided to take a little trip to Disney without kids just to experience a few of the things they had always found 'boring'.

  The funny thing was that I still had kids on my mind - but it was grandkids this time.  As you can see from the above picture - we had to get a pic of us with Mater for Spencer.  I found myself making mental notes on what the kids would enjoy and what they would find a little too frightening, etc.  

But we did enjoy our adult times. Above is a pic from the German restaurant where we had our first dinner.  The food was very good and as you can see, it included some lively entertainment.  The other dinners we had on Disney property were ok but they didn't come close to the quality of this one.   We learned later that to get in at the good restaurants you had to make a reservation about 6 months ahead of time so I guess we were lucky to get this one.

As I said this was our first day there and about 1 hour after we checked in(around 1:00 pm) it began raining - not just a drizzle - it poured for the rest of the day.  We didn't let the rain slow us down - in fact, it made it a little easier to get on some of the rides at Epcot.  The best part was that we had to buy umbrellas and Steve's had a bonus we didn't expect - Mouse ears.  If it hadn't been raining so hard I would have taken a pic but trust me - it was a hit with everyone who saw him.  We did see a few others but not as many as you'd expect.

The rest of our time at Disney had great weather and was fun.  We stayed at the Port Orleans - French Quarter and it was very nice.  It had a nice River walk that we (especially Sue) enjoyed.  We visited Epcot about 3 times, MGM (this is not what they call it now but I forget the right name) a couple of times, and even the Magic Kingdom once - the best place to find souvenirs for the grandkids.  We didn't make it to the Animal Kingdom but it looked interesting - I bet Spencer will love it when he gets a little older and goes.  

We also took one 'off the grounds' trip to have dinner with Bill & Lorraine (my cousin) and enjoyed some yummy barbeque and a very nice visit.  Thanks guys for dinner and for taking the time for us.  I wish I had thought to get a picture. 

But by the 4th day we were all quite tired (even without kids) and ready to move on to a slower pace.

Books & Book Clubs

   Anyone who know me at all knows how much I enjoy reading.  The problem is that I can never remember what I've read after a few days - but I really do enjoy the journey with a good book.  I've started keeping a notebook to help me with this task.

   Almost 3 years ago Susan,a friend I've known for almost 30 years, asked me to join a book club she was forming and to bring a friend.  I brought the best friend I've ever had, my sister.  The other members of the club are all nurses Susan knows.  Our group is a nice mix of women with different views and a variety of backgrounds so it's always an interesting evening when we meet.  Nancy and I learn a lot about the real scoop on how a hospital is run - sometimes good to know and sometimes wish I didn't know.        

Unlike most groups we don't have a 'list' of books we're going to read.  Each meeting we decide on our next book by making suggestions or more often, perusing the 'popular paperback' tables at Barnes & Noble.  This can become a real challenge at times  - Rita prefers mysteries, I prefer historical fiction, Nancy is (of course) agreeable to anything, Kris who is such an avid reader that she's always read almost all of the books, and my favorite is Susan who chooses a book by the size.  Not really - I'm just teasing but she does read the end before she'll read the book and she's the only person I've ever met who didn't like "The Red Tent".  All this just makes us a great fun group.  

The best part about this method is that I've read several books I never would have chosen on my own and been pleasantly surprised with the choice.  If I knew I could get the books read I'd almost join a second club - but I really like the group we have and they might have set too high a standard.

So, I have found another option - I find other 'readers' and get suggestions from them.  Kathy & Kathryn have been excellent sources for me (must be something about the name??)  But I'm always open to more.  Right now I have 5 books on my desk to read that have been suggested and a list of about 6 more - but those will be gone sooner than I like.  

So what am I babbling on about?? - I'm not sure myself.  I guess I'm recommending book clubs and sending me any good titles you've read lately.  I'll even give you a few of my favorite recent reads :

"The Space Between Us"

"Water for Elephants"

"Same Kind of Different As Me"

"One Thousand Women"

"The Book Thief"

I'm just starting "Those Who Save Us" - looking good already!

Easter 2008

The boys at play and the 'Easter" family shots.

Spencer with his beautiful Easter smile.

Coen trying to sneak off with his cousin's toy.

Ayden showing us the proper way to use a pacifier.

Gracie just being cute.

The 'girls' hanging out.

We had a very nice Easter Sunday even though the weather outside was cold & snowy.  The babies are all beginning to pay more attention to each other and Spencer keeps careful watch over all three of them - he's a great big brother and older cousin.  I can't believe how fast they are all growing up  - and next year we'll have another baby to play with.  Hope all of you had a great day too.

Cousins

As often as the opportunity arises we try to get the cousins in a group photo.  Last night we celebrated Jessie's birthday and all the cousins were there, still awake and not TOO crabby.  We almost had to tie Coen down - he is in constant motion these days.  Spencer was being very good - he is so patient with the babies.  Ayden was just fascinated by Spencer - he had her belly laughing earlier and I think he is her little hero.  Gracie wasn't sure what was going on but she was being most agreeable.  They are all such cuties and each one has a totally different personality - they keep Nana & Popo supplied with plenty of "grandparent' stories and we love it!!

Grandkids at Rotolite Party - or - Trying to Capture Spencer

CoenAyden with her daddy Stevie
Gracie with her Uncle Karl
Cousins Gracie & Ayden


Yesterday was one of those fun pre-Christmas days when I was able to watch Spencer perform in his preschool performance (he was the best one!!) and then we had our Annual Rotolite Party.
I often have trouble catching the kids at the right moment for a good photo shot. But as you can see above, the babies at least sit still for a few moments for me. Below are 16 of the 21 shots I took trying to get Spencer. He has so many cute expressions though I had to post them all. There are a lot of benefits to digital cameras!!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with family & friends - Merry Christmas!!

Newest Grandchild

Grace Roslyn, new daughter of Nate & Becky.
8 pounds 9 1/2 ounces and 20 3/4 inches.
Lots of hair and beautiful big eyes -
Everyone doing well and love that she's finally here.

To Chicago by Amtrak

Steve & I just took a few days last week to visit Chicago. We took the Amtrak there and back - but more on that later. We had a good time and did LOTS of walking. We arrived late afternoon and went out to Navy Pier where we just walked around (photo #1) and then went to Bubba Gumps for dinner. As we were walking back to our hotel ( Side note: Knickerbocker - an historical hotel. The bed was good and the people were nice but the bathroom was a total joke!!) anyway, we were walking along Michigan Avenue with hordes of people who were on their way home from work (it was already after 7pm) and we see an old friend waiting for his bus home. David E. was leaning against a building reading a book- I think we gave him quite a start. He only had a few minutes to chat before his bus came but it was good to see him.
Next day we walked down to the Wrigley Building where we caught an architectural boat tour - (photos #3 & #4). It was a beautiful day and a great tour. From there we walked on down to the Theater District to find lunch and to see Wicked - which was my main reason for coming to Chicago in the first place - (when we made these plans we didn't know it was coming back to St. Louis.) It's a great play and if you have a chance go see it. We walked all the way back to the hotel, did dinner, and then caught a taxi to the Blue Man Group - let's just say I can say I've seen it. It wasn't bad but not something I'd ever bother going to again.
Next day we caught a Gangster Tour Bus (photo #4) - this was fun and they took us through a lot of Chicago we wouldn't have seen on our own. After that we caught a taxi to the Field Museum and after seeing Sue the dinosaur and about a hundred other exhibits we were too tired to do any of the other museums and went back to the hotel for some r&r. We ended our trip that evening by going to a fun play Shear Madness. It's a little unusual but we enjoyed it.

Now about the Amtrak. It's an interesting experience. Things to Know:

1 - Don't expect to arrive anywhere on time. We were an hour late to Chicago and more than an hour late back to St. Louis.
2 - I really don't recommend it with young children unless it's a very short trip. Trying to walk on the train while it's in motion is a challenge to adults and stepping from one car to the next is actually terrifying to the little ones.
3 - The best time to use the 'facilities' is when the train is not moving. I found that the most opportune time was when the station stop was deemed a "smoke stop" - which means we would be there for at least 3-5 minutes for the smokers to get off and indulge.
4 - Food is expensive - bring your own if at all possible.
5 - St. Louis has the saddest excuse for an Amtrak station - it's called a shack and for good reason. Even these tiny little towns in Illinois had cute little stations like in Kirkwood.
6 - Chicago's Union Station is downright scary - you're underground and have to walk along these long sidewalks between tracks. Plus, being a larger station - it's run more like an airport - but no bag checks at least.
7 - Your fellow passengers are an interesting assortment but usually quite harmless. Except for the few who curl up and sleep the whole way, most people chat with each other as if you were at a fellowship of some sort. You can have the quiet Amish family sitting near you or the total opposite. As we left St. Louis in a half empty car, a drunk decided to occupy the seat across from us. When he popped open his 4th beer can within the first 40 minutes of the trip (and it was only 9AM) we moved back several seats. He didn't really bother anyone except when he'd yell out "And people wonder why I drink!" Anyway, he was the worse. Most of the time the people may be a little different from what we know but the stories you hear make the trip pass quicker. It's everything from the seasoned train traveler who can tell you how the whole operation works to the young college girl who has no clue. You find out who is going where and why, what kind of work they do or family they come from. Also, I've noticed that people tend to talk a lot louder when they are on their cell phone - I couldn't believe how the gal behind us yelled at her mom because the train was running late (what could she do about it??!!) and then she shared with all of us as she chatted with her friend about her drug/alcohol abuse since school started. But we met a lot of very nice normal people too who were equally interesting.
All in all - we had a good trip but both agreed it was great to get back home.