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.

Becky's Baby Shower

Saturday was Becky's Baby Shower and it was a great time. Lots of family & friends - including Ayden and a couple of pirates (Spencer & Coen). We had some yummy food and then Becky had a mountain of presents to open. Hard to believe Gracie will be here in about 2 more months. Grandkids are so much fun!! I was only able to get one picture to upload - maybe Becky will have more on her blog.

Stevie's Very Belated Birthday

Stevie celebrated his real birthday 2 weeks ago with several family and friends - but he wanted to wait for his 'official' celebration until I was well enough from my surgery to join them. Of course, it's always hard to get everybody together so we were minus Becky & Nate. We had a good visit and we even got a few pictures of the cousins together - in a few months we'll have to update those to include the Kelley cousin. But of course, even though I've tried many times in the last 24 hours, I can't get pictures to upload again - sorry - but anyway -----

Happy Very Belated Birthday Stevie - I love you!

These Brothers See Eye to Eye

This is a picture Jenny & Karl shared with me - I love the expressions on their faces. I believe these brothers already have a sincere love for each other that will last their whole life through. They make each other laugh and then you can't help but laugh too. I've watched this same love between my own three children and felt it with my own siblings.
The following quote really has nothing to do with this picture but when I saw they way they looked at each other it reminded me of this quote which I had read in Tending Roses written by Lisa Wingate.
It reminds me of what 'brotherly love' is all about whether you're related or not:
"What we cannot change we must endure without bitterness. Sometimes we must try to view the actions of those around us with forgiveness. We must realize that they are going on the only road they can see. Sometimes we cannot raise our chins and see eye to eye, so we must bow our heads and have faith in one another.

New Granddaughter

Ayden Elizabeth
born to Stevie & Jessie
7 pounds 10 ounces
20 1/4 inches

Everyone is doing well!
Still can't get pictures to upload but check out Jenny & Becky's blog in the near future.

Jen's Birthday

My blog or my computer is acting up again and I can't get a picture to upload but......
It has been brought to my attention that my eldest didn't get her birthday on my blog. Actually I don't really have a blog anymore but since I will probably be posting new granddaughter information and hopefully pics in the next day or so - I figure I should give Jenny her due. Happy belated birthday Jen - sorry it's so late! Love you!!!!

Still a Kid at 58!

Ok - I know this is way way late - but it's the first time in weeks that I was able to upload pics - So - Happy Birthday/Father's Day Steve!

Karl's Birthday

We celebrated Karl's 33rd Birthday last night with dinner at the new restaurant in Crestwood and then came back to our house for apple pie, brownies, & strawberries - weird combination but that's what the birthday boy wanted. Karl's grandparents were not able to join us but the rest of us were there to enjoy his birthday - hope you had a great birthday Karl!
I don't know if it's Blogger (which has it problems now and then) or Charter.net (which has become so slow and undependable this week that I'm reconsidering dial-up AOL again) - but I've tried off and on all day and cannot get a picture to upload - sorry about that.

Becky's Birthday

Becky is another year older and we celebrated last night with dinner at J.Bucks and presents & fondue at home. Also - congrats to Nate for receiving his MBA degree (I think those are the right letters?) Yeah KELLEYS!!

Jessie's Baby Shower

We had a fun baby shower for Jessie and she got all kinds of adorable outfits and a lot of the useful 'baby' stuff she will need in a few more months.
Thanks Sarah & Heidi for hosting the shower - you did a great job!
And thanks family & friends for sharing the fun time with us.