Christmas 2008

What a beautiful Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve here at home with all of our family. Only Ari was missing this year. Veta, Mike, Darrin, Aubrey, her boyfriend, Fabian, Austyn, our friend Krista, and of course, Papa, joined us all for a celebration feast of prime rib, and all the fixins. It was our first Christmas that Mom wasn't here with us, and could have been very sad. But there was a gift of a quote that Veta and I received seperately, but the very same one on the very same day. We thought to share it with each other, and were stunned to know that we had each been encouraged and blessed by this quote by Dr. Seuss...."Don't cry because it's over....Smile because it happened". Mom was some of the very best moments of our lives, and it feels so good to acknowledge that, and to focus on that. Not on the loss. And that's what we did. We had a wonderul evening. We had good laughs, and enjoyed watching the babies play. Caleb and Lilly opened just a few of their gifts, and we sat together by the fire sharing funny stories. Before we knew it, it was time for most of the family to say goodnight. The kids, and grandkids spent the night, and we were all awakend by the babies for an early start to the day. Good practice for David and Sarah! We had fun opening gifts, watching the excitement, and playing together. Lots of wrap mess, dogs, toys, etc... Then we shared a breakfast of pumpkin streusel muffins (Thanks Kate!!! Yum!) fresh fruit and egg/bacon casserole. Caleb was hungry and shocked us all with how much he can pound down! He'll be giving David a run for his money soon! We got to spend a good part of the day together, then as everyone headed home, Bruce and I spent a short while putting the house back in order, then spent a quiet evening together with Papa, playing a few games, and reading by a cozy fire. In fact....that's where I'm off to. And I'm thinking a cup of hot cocoa might hit the spot...and warm our tummies too! It was a Christmas we love the most....family time, celebrating the most wonderful of all miracles...the birth of our Lord and Savior...Jesus Christ! Praise God who loves us so much he sent his own son to prove it to us all!
Merry Chrismas everyone. May you know in your heart why He came! And feel loved!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Another wild and fun weekend with our Grandbabies....boy are we pooped!!!

As I have read recently, "children are the cupcakes of life, grandchildren are the frosting!" Indeed! We had the exhausting and exhilarating pleasure of watching our Caleb & Lillian for a few days, and as the weekend draws to a close, I find I'm already enjoying some of the photos! I figured I share them with you, and show you how adorable they are. Who knew they could demolish a clean and tidy home in under 5 minutes. Yes, they are talented as well as adorable. I truly am in awe of the younger me, how did I do it? Deana is amazing, she does it so well. And as the babies sleep, and I gather the strength to go clean up, I wanted to jot down some of the highlights before I lose them in my tired brain. Caleb is so smart! Yes, I know! But he is! He wanted to go for a walk with his Papa, but as we strapped his sister into the double stroller, we went to put him in, and he cried out "no!", and backed away. What? We thought you wanted to? "No....I walk", he says. Ok then. Once again we tried to put him in, and he was adamant..."No". Then he showed us what he wanted, since words failed him. He points to, and touches the ground with one finger, ......"I walk." Then to emphasise the point to us dummies....he marches in place. OH....we get it. Finally! Poor baby needs sign language to communicate with us.

Then later while we waited for the pizza to arrive (Grandma ran out of gas....needed help with dinner) he sang the first few A,B,C's. Grandma tried to join in with him, and he said "no!" again. Then proceeded to sing the rest all the way to "J". Pretty awesome for not quite "2"! So I'll brag on him till you're all sick of me.... He's so smart!!!

And Lily, she is so stinking cute. She smiles so big, steals your heart, and she's so easy, till she's not. We laugh about that because she rarely gets upset, but when she does it's as if she's been saving it up! Whew! She takes an awful lot of bumps and spills, and seems to take it in stride. She's brave, frightenly so, in the bath tub, and holds her own with rambunctios older brother. She'll cross a room in seconds, then get her middle 4 wheeled stuck over something, and holler like the dickens. She almost flirts with her "Papa", smiling so coy and sweet. They get in yelling contests, but she wins with the cutest smile while yelling.

Here's a few pictures to document what I'm saying is oh so true! Adorable!

My Mother.....

Beautiful long fingers, perfectly, prettily groomed nails. Strong, yet undeniable feminine. Those were my Mother’s hands. She always said they were too large. But they weren’t. They were perfectly hers. My mother’s hands caressed my face, wiped away my childhood tears, brushed my pixie hair, checked my brow for fever, and spanked my little butt when I needed it. She used them to create, to comfort, to pray for us, to hold us. She used them well.
Few people possessed the dignity that she held. She remains for me an ideal…..to aspire to her level of class. Although not elaborate or expensive, she was always impeccably groomed. Yet a more warm and fun mother never existed. She laughed easily, and often. I loved hearing her stories of her childhood, and she made light of how difficult it had been. I’ve never been able to figure out how boiled chicken feet can actually be considered a treat. She shared the story of walking home from school one day to discover they had moved, and forgot to tell her. She described her blonde haired skinny little self sitting on the porch in tears, waiting….and a long legged brother who walked down the road and said, what are you doing kid…..? And took her home to their new house. She shared the story of when she and her best friend Jeannie, were walking behind a warehouse on a hot Tulare day, and spied a frosty pipe. They decided to refresh themselves, and gave it a lick together. She laughed often over that one. I loved her stories, loved seeing her dance. She would dance around the house barefoot with her big toes pointing straight up, dancing with the doxie’s doing that little click click to the music. Oh how she loved her little doxies. She was fun, happy and full of life.
One thing my mother did best was to love. She so loved us all. She married the love of her life, and loved him well, to the very end she knew him. Called him Papa, or honey. Stroked his cheek, and told him I love you so much. Even when simple words were so difficult for her to speak. And he would say “I love you more.” To which she’d reply ….”you couldn’t”. She adored him, and even when all else failed her, her love for Dad remained, even to her last days.
My mother…..she was love. She gave of herself so unselfishly. She was the ultimate good mother. I could tell her anything. She never criticized me. I knew how loved I was, and that’s a treasure. As I became an adult, Mom never gave advice to me. She trusted my choices. I guess she knew that I’l learn what I needed To from any mistakes I might make. She also never interfered in my life, or my marriage. She enhanced it. She was an encourager, never a discourager. I was so blessed to have a mother’s love, and acceptance. She raised me to be strong, to be kind, to be fair, and to have a heart for people. It was by her example, that I strive to model my life. To love. Because she loved so well.
She was a wonderful example to us….slow to anger, not prideful, nor boastful. She was truly humble. She had a quiet dignity, and a positive outlook. She was a loving friend, loyal and fun. She had a great sense of humor, and laughed easily. Good thing, being married to Dad. He’s always kidding around, and laughing. They had an incredible marriage. They NEVER argued or fought in front of us, never. They were so respectful, and considerate of each other. Married on Nov. 2, 1950, one month shy of 58 years. Married so very young, and their love and devotion to each other grew with each passing year.
You all know of how she struggled these last years in life. These past few weeks were a final gift from God. He heard our prayers, and He took her home. But He had a few life lessons for us before He did. He wanted me to trust Him more, to give my will over to Him. His timing stretched me, I knew how much she wouldn’t have wanted to have to live like this, and I so wanted it over for her. I thought after the head injury He was going to take her home…the Dr. said so, and though incredibly hard, I felt it was answered prayer….she would be free. And then she stayed. Why? But then…these past few weeks….she rallied. She laughed a little. She even made a few wise cracks……and for the first time in so many months….said my name. She knew me for a few very precious seconds…. Knew Veta and Dad….loved on him. It was God’s final gift through Mom, that she stayed. Teaching me to trust in Him, in His plan, not mine….His timinng, not mine, before He took her home…and healed her. And knowing Mom, she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Veta said that one thing Mom didn’t do well, was say goodbye. She hated goodbyes. And even to the very end, she found a way to slip away quietly. Jesus came to her that night, told her “Daughter, you’re tired…come home. At peace, and at rest…she laid her hands on her chest and went to sleep. Her hands….at rest. Her beautiful hands. And now…..she dances with Jesus. And I have to wonder if there are doxies? Yeah….probably.

I'm ba-aack!!!

Wow....has it been a loooong time since I got on this blog and updated. An indication of how whack*a*doodle my life has been of late. A couple of weeks
ago, Bruce was going to be out of town on business for a week, so I took advantage of the time to follow Jacob, Deana, and babies to Bakersfield for
a fun but quick trip to see Jackie, Danny, and family in Bakersfield. We arrived
around noon on Sat., and had a fun day of visiting, and playing with the kids in the pool. What fun. Miraculously it wasn't even all that hot!!! (I've definitely been spending too much time in Paso this summer, to even think that way!!!)
Anywho....we had fun all day, and then when we got little ones off to bed, we had a wonderful dinner, Salmon smoked with onions & capers...marinated pork loin, roasted veggies, cucumber mint chutney, red potatoes with rosemary....
it went on and on....so yummy. And I didn't do any cooking...just loved on babies, and encouraged the troops. My penance for not cooking was washing the dishes, and Jackie and I cleaned up while the gang hung out by the pool on a delishishly lovely evening. The next morning after breakfast, Jackie and I purveyed a quaint antique shoppe, and snagged a few little treasures. Then it was a quick hug, and goodbye, as I slipped off to drive down to Costa Mesa to pick up Dad and his friend, Fred. They had enjoyed a week-end long dixie-land jazz music fest. A couple of real fanatics. So Sunday was a long day of driving, then I had to get ready for my trip to join Bruce on his business trip in Virginia. We had such a great time. While Bruce was working, I explored the little towns, drove the green and hilly country roads, and hit a few shops. Then when he returned from work each evening, we'd head off to dinner somewhere, and enjoy a long meal, and catch up on our days. One night we went to this really cool Brazilian fixed price dinner, with a unique delivery of the meal, you go to the buffet for soup, salad veggies, etc...but the meats are walked out by the carvers, on skewers, and you leave a green sign up if you want them to come to your table and shave some off, red if you're done. They had skirt steak, sirloin steak, pork tenderloin, chicken, sausage, etc.... even grilled pineapple. It was delicious, and quite different. Then an Italian meal that was the closest thing we've had since returning from Italy. The best tiramisu ever.....!!! One afternoon, we drove around the back roads, and found a cute BBQ place, all decked out with every kind of piggy you can imagine, and more. Posters, figurines, pictures, wood cut-outs, ALL over the place. And great BBQ, with
collard greens, baked apples, and hush puppies. Oh, and all the sweet tea you can drink. Fun, and way tacky, which I think meant they had the best food. Low overhead apparantly. We took the train to DC on Sat. morning, and stayed at a really cool hotel...Hotel Monaco. It's across the street from the Smithsonian Art and portrait gallery, which was really cool. And right on the next block was
the spy museum, lots of fun!!! We enjoyed watching a re-enactment of Lincoln's inaugural ball. Beautiful building, and amazing portraits from the civil war, and all the presidents. We enjoyed a sea-food dinner at Mccormick & Schmicks, and then walked a couple of miles around for a night viewing of the white house, and some of the federal buildings. It was lovely, not too warm, and my feet held out for the most part. Our stay was short, just 2 days, be we enjoyed seeing the sights, and the rest from our regular lives. Good thing, because we no sooner returned, and Mom had a bad fall that would change the course of her decline from Alzheimer's disease. She had a cerebral bleed from hitting her head, and
we've spent the last week watching and waiting to see where we go from here. She's suffered some damage, and is less able so speak, and will most likely not be able to walk anymore. Once she stabilized we moved her to a skilled nursing facility, where she is on hospice care. She is awake, and can speak some, but with difficulty. She is comfortable, and our goal is to ensure she stays that way, but with care that she won't have to endure any invasive treatments. God has answered our prayers that she not suffer, for she has little awareness of her surroundings, and is not anxious. She is not tormented by not being "home", and she seems more at peace than she previously showed. In that, we feel blessed. But it has been an incredibly difficult time, and the trial has weighed heavy on my heart. My family grieves, and I have felt more heart-broken for the loss of Mom than I could imagine. She is loved and missed more than I can express.
How I long to share my joy of my grand kids with her....she would be so happy to see them, and watch them grow. Lily is such a beautiful soul, so content and happy. An easier baby, there never has been. And Caleb, oh my. What an exuberant life he leads. So full of character, so bright, and loving. They have
stolen my heart, and I'm glad to give it.
So off I go, to share a quiet evening with Bruce. We'll play a game of strategy, watch a movie, and share a dinner of spaghetti together with Papa. He is so quiet, but strong. He is equally tired, and could use our prayers. His health has suffered, as has his broken heart. But we can count on God for His comfort, He never fails to lift me, I just have to get over myself long enough to cry out to Him and ask. So I did, and He did. He is ALWAYS faithful.

Ohhhh sooooo pampered....

There's more blessings than being a Grandma & Papa than I ever imagined. Who knew you could fall in love over and over, again and again. I finally understand what I've been told by so many besotted Grandmothers before me. I never imagined I could love another child as much as I love my own children. Wrongo marylou!!! Then do it again. Caleb and Lillian have so effectively stolen our hearts, we would risk life, limb and pocketbook for them. So far, only the pocketbook has been sorely effected. hee hee! Come to think of it, my life is turned upside down, and my limbs have never been as sore. Hmmmm, me thinks possibly we've given over our all. And that's just fine.

And just when you think the blessing jar is overflowing, more blessings pour forth. Our surprise blessing arrived in the way of a full court press "thank-you" from Jake and Deana, for watching the babies while they were away, vacationing in Italy. They set it up so that we were home last Sat. awaiting their arrival, and unbeknownst to us, never even planned on coming. They arranged for a masseuse to come to our home and give us the most delicious, hour long, full body massage, ever. While one of us was being massaged, the other waited with a good book and the chilled champagne that was sent over for us. Thank you, Mickie for an incredibly relaxing, and thoroughly lovely massage!!! Then came the next "phase" of the thank you gifts......Our own personal, professional chef arrived, bringing with him our dinner that he would be preparing in our kitchen. Charming & friendly Ryan, formerly of Justin Winery, not only prepared one of the most delicious meals we've ever had (certainly the best ever cooked in my kitchen!!!) but showed us how he effortlessly created each dish. He started with watermelon soup, garnished with crispy pancetta crumbles and a tangy but sweet balsamic reduction. Soooo refreshing! The main course was seared, baked, lamb chops stuffed with swiss chard, onion, and garlic that he sauteed in olive oil. He set that over potato risotto (to die for...) and paired that with glazed baby carrots. Our final treat was the chocolate souffle, lighter than air....with a dollop of whipped cream. Yummmo!!!! Jake had sent over one amazing bottle of pinot noir to enjoy along with our meal....and so we did! It was an incredible thank you to us, so imaginative and generous. I'm babysitting again tomorrow, and honestly guys....being with my babies is truly thank you enough. But if Ryan or Mickie are available....so be it! hee hee

So....Jacob & Deana....thank you for the amazing "thank you"! You did it up big, and set the bar waaayyy too high!

More beach and Kayak pictures!!!

Here's some more photos of our great beach day. I'll include a couple of another highlight of the week.....kayaking with our good friends, Gary and Kate in Morro Bay. We were out for over 3 hours, and had a picnic on the dunes. Another great day! What a wonderul find these kayaks were. Thank you Craigslist!!!

My babies are turning 30???? It can't be!!!

I can't believe it.....my babies are 30 years old!!! That makes me officially O*L*D! We celebrated on one of our favorite beaches in Avila with a BBQ with family and friends. Lot's of sun, food and fun. We were blessed to have a bright, sunny, but not hot day. A bit windy, but not too bad. Jake made his famous hamburgers, and they lived up to their reputation, dee-lish!
And many brave souls took advantage of the opportunity to try out the kayaks, which was fun. Caleb had a wonder-filled day....he loved it all. Lots of food, playing in the sand, eating a bit of
sand, and throwing a bit too. Lily napped, ate, smiled, and gave everyone that wanted to a chance to hold her. She's generous that way. She's soooo incredibly easy. Such a happy, contented baby. Now, if only she had a little hair. She's her papa's girl...hee hee. Sarah was feeling a bit under the weather, but she made it through the day, keeping on her sunglasses to hide her weepy, puffy eyes. She made a killer fruit salad. Yum! It was great, watching everyone visit and have fun, and enjoying the beauty that God made. We are so blessed to be able to live here. Raising our kids on the coast gave us the opportunity to spend many a day basking in the sun in Avila. I have so many good memories of summer days spent there with many of you that we love. I smile just thinking about it....warms my heart to remember. Thank you God for those precious days when my babies were small....and for these days to enjoy with them still. And now the next generation of babies will grow up here as well...disovering the beauty and fun of our favorite little beach towns like Cayucos, Morro bay, and Avila. God willing!

Mommy and Daddy are coming home tomorrow!

Maybe Mommy will like this pretty flower. But then again... I wonder what it tastes like???

"Oh Grandma, Caleb's on the fireplace again!!!! "

So this is the very last evening that our babies spend the night with us before Mommy and Daddy return and abscond with them back to Paso Robles. We'll certainly miss them. Caleb asked for them over and over again today, almost in anticipation of their coming home. He held the phone to their photo, and "blew a kiss" to them. We have had an amazing time with them, so much fun, so many memories made to treasure. We've also never felt so completely exhausted! What a reminder of how our lost youth took with it our stamina for child rearing. We is O*L*D! But these days were truly blessed, and we are so grateful to have been able to spend them together. Caleb grows in his language skills each hour it seems, and is trying to say everything, and babbles to himself often. Then he giggles, so you know he's having a conversation that only he is in on. Today was a "surprise" procedure for Great Papa at the hospital, and I had to get him there quickly. So I left Bruce in charge of the babies, and he was on his own with the two of them from noon until bedtime. But our good Father knew that he would love some help, and sent our angel, Heather, who was in town for the weekend, and "just happened to call" and offer her services to us to help with our babies and dinnertime for the night. God is so good to us. He sends help when you have troubles. She arrived in time to help out with the busiest time of day, helped to make dinner, bathe the kids, and clean up. Bruce was grateful, as was I, since I needed to be with my Dad. God answered our prayers, and the procedure was sucessful. The prodedure required stopping and re-starting his heart. We are so blessed that he is safe, and feeling better. Now we just need to get him home, and started on the new medication that can control the A-fib, and then he won't be so exhausted, and have the problems associated with that. Another bonus of Heather coming by is Caleb has another prospect for a hottie girlfriend. He was shy, then smitten, and finished the evening with a good effort at showing off. Typical male reaction to a cutie. hee hee !!!
Lillian spent the evening practicing her cooing, perfecting her smiles, and generally being a supportive sister to a big brother who was making a run on the new gal in town. And he did have a rather tough day, after all. Grandma tried to squeeze him in half when she cracked her shin over a low drawer that he left open in the kitchen while carrying him. She liked to squish him to death. (And no, he wasn't finished playing in it yet!) And she didn't seem too pleased about Caleb's idea to give the doggies their water on the floor instead of keeping it in the bowl. It was just too good of an idea to waste...so yeah, seemed like a good idea at the time, but her face didn't look to happy about it when she stepped in it. Yup, he's a busy boy. And that precious face just melts my heart. A little dog-water never hurt no-body anywho. And I won't notice the bruise on my shin a week from now. But I'll never forget that sing song voice trying to repeat the ABC's song, without remembering a single letter. Or the cute way his mouth and eyebrows looks while he says Noooo-ooo in 2 syllables. Or those dark, long lashes. Or the smile he gives when you understand what he asked for, and he responds "yawh". And the way he tilts his head, dropping chin to shoulder to sing, with such an innocent expression....completely void of feeling self-conscious. And watching Lily delight at your appearance, as if by magic. How she grasps your finger while you feed her, or plays her hand across your arm. How she can practically curl her toes around your finger as well. The wide open mouth smile, with the chin like Mommy. Or the dimples in her elbows. How you'll look up across the room, and find the bright blue eyes watching your every move, so quietly and patiently. Unless of course there is a hint of a hunger pain. And then, watch out! Yes, we'll miss them.
Then again, I'll see them next week!
So "woot-woo", come and get em' Mom and Dad.

Another sunny day....in fact, a HOT one!

Wow, was it ever HOT today! Los osos, the fog capital of CA, reached upwards of 98 in the shade of our porch today. Caleb's energy waned as quickly as his pink cheeks flamed up. We had a great visit with Beverly, who stopped by to spend time with us. She misses her lil' Mia, who's about 7 months, and she got to love on Lily, and play with Caleb for us today. The day was fun, and passed quickly. Maybe it was the heat, but the kids couldn't get a good nap in this afternoon, so they both felt tired and fussy, which made Grandma tired and fussy. Bathtime I'm sure felt good, since it was still hot, and they both fell asleep quickly tonight. Both babies sleep through the night really well, which is a HUGE blessing. Caleb spoke with Auntie Sarah on the phone, and was so excited to hear her voice. He's missing Mama and Daddy, and brings me their pictures often to talk about them. He's enjoying reading a winnie the pooh book, and is learning the characters, Poo, Tigger, and Piglet. He's also been a very concerned big brother, wanting to help Lily when she cries, and to help her with her pacifier, or to feed her. Grandma has to watch where she leaves bottles, as he's likely to find it, and try to give her a snort up the nose. Interesting how rattles that he long ago lost interest in, now look curiously fun when Lily is holding them. Lily is good at sharing though, and never seems to mind. She especially loves holding and playing with her feet, and I caught a cute picture of her doing just that, but she fell asleep still hanging on. So cute!!! Well, since Mommy and Daddy will be back in just a couple more days, we'd best get all the fun and loving we can. Papa is home with us tomorrow, so we'll try to make it to a park, or the ocean again, especially since it's supposed to be hot..... again.

Sunshine in Los Osos

Great Papa helps out with anther pair of arms to hold lil' Lillian. She's pretty pleased about it.
It's just like a bath, only wayyy better!
Sticky buns!!! hee hee
And she did it all by herself!

What a beautiful day we woke up to this morning. The sun was shining, just begging for a blow up swimming pool in the front yard. But first we had to

take a walk in Grandma's limousine of a stroller. It was Grand! The best part was we got to walk by that tractor again that's parked on LOVRd. Then after nap time we blasted outside with excitement and giggles. Caleb was so excited

and actually wasn't sure it was OK to get into the pool. I had set the water in it earlier while he napped, so it wasn't cold, and after a few timid attempts, he gave it a try. Getting in and out seemed to be most of the fun, so he did that over and over. We blew a few more bubbles to chase on the lawn, and then he tried the slide. Only problem was, it was dry, and nekkid bottoms don't seem to slide so well. So as he squeaked to a stop half way down, he got so tickled, and just sat there giggling. It was hilarious! His new favorite game is to yell, "GO", and then blast off running. So he lapped the yard a number of times, and did an excellent job of tiring himself out. Then we scooted inside to scoop up Lily, give her some loving, and set her in the activity saucer with a few toys on the tray. Lo and behold she grabs one up by herself, and gets it to her mouth for a thorough investigation. Lucky quick shot and I caught that first grab of a rattle on camera. So cool! Papa has been off to work, so when he gets home he'll help with dinner, baths, and bedtime. It's been another good day.

Play date in Avila

Sticking out your tongue really helps with difficult coordination..oh yeah!
Hello???? Anyone? A girl could use a little help getting out of this thing!!!
The best Papa in the world can teach a boy about sand, sticks and stones....

All ya gotta do kid, is pucker up and blow!
Not so sure he likes getting his hands so dirty, but still??? Is there an ice cream in my future?

"I'm winning", Grandpa!!!

Okay, today had to be the best day yet. We took off after morning naps, and drove to Avila Beach. It was foggy in Los Osos, but beautifully sunny in Avila. We went straight to custom house for lunch...fish & chips. Yummy with lots of ketcup to dip in. Then a short walk to the park (unless you happen to have extremely short legs) for a romp on a great park slide, and jungle gym. They even have a pirate boat. I think you'll find it best to stick out your tongue the entire time you climb around those things. It's great for balance. Then the sand at the beach beckoned, and we were off to dig in the sand, collect the best sticks that nobody else was lucky enough to find, and a few blah-colored rocks.... Jackpot!!! Then Grandma and Grandpa decided it was time for a reward for not throwing sand.....ice cream! Do we know how to show a guy a good time, or what? Lily was happy to sit out the excitement, and just bask in the glow of admirers. The bubbles were tempting though.... Nah....napping won. Caleb worked up such an appetite he had 2 plates of Mama's delicious enchilada's and had room for a bowl full of fresh strawberries. Lily passed though, and just wanted milk. Bath time, hugs, and sleep comes easy to two tuckered tots.

A very good day indeed!

For you, Jake, a picture of your great gopher/lizard hunter. This flowerbed kept Buddy's attention for quite some time. He's been after the same critter there for several days, but alas...no luck yet.
Oh sweet Lillian, just look at those eyelashes. Me thinks they shall be dark like big brother's after all. And eyes as blue as blue can be.

Calebito.....having fun on the slide. Caleb is delighting in being outside. He is discovering the "forest" as Papa calls it, the big oak tree near the house. How fun it is to crunch the leaves underfoot, and walk through the ivy. The challenge? Not to hit your head on the low branches if you like to watch your feet in the leaves when you walk.
Yesterday was a bit more challenging, poor me had some tummy troubles, and spent a good part of the day nauseas and pitiful. Exta grateful for Papa. He picked up the slack and then some. Even made dinner for himself and greatpapa. Caleb's enjoying the fresh fruit and yogurt, but didn't want anything for dinner except milk. But most days he eats quite well. I suspect he'll wake up extra early for breakfast today. I woke up with a start today, wondering what happened to the 2 big plants I bought for the sign in table. Hadn't thought of them in all these days, and then have to wake up thinking about it, as if it's the most important detail of my day. Yikes, up before dawn, kids still sleeping. What's the matter with me. Probably just needed my quiet time, and knew I wouldn't have the sense to get up and get it for myself, my poor body had to take over and do it for me. Feeling much better now than yesterday. Our hope is to take the kids to Avila today. We'll enjoy the park, the beach, and get some fish and chips for lunch. I'm already looking forward to playing in the sand with Caleb. That hasn't appealed to me in years, and now it's just the very best of ideas. Bruce, never at a loss for good ideas, thought of it, and I'm thinking it's going to be a very good day. Just think of the pictures!!! Caleb is beginning to think I grew a camera to my face. hee hee! Yesterday was a special treat! Yahyi (aka...Sarah)
came over for about a 1/2 day, and brought Teedah. Happiest little dog ever! Caleb was beside himself with glee...and Lily saved her very best smiles for Auntie. We had a great time catching up on all of the honeymoon news, and reminiscing about our wonderful wedding day. And of course lots of hugs and playtime. Caleb showed off his new "shape sorting" skills. Auntie was duly impressed. My good young friend, Karen Sindayen stopped by and enjoyed the stories, and of course the "skills" and Caleb did his best to get as close to her as possible, touching her hair and literally gushing flirtation. We do believe he'll marry an asian gal, he's so smitten with her every time he sees her. He gets so carried away she blushes every time. So adorable!
So, Mommy and Daddy....no worries. Your babies are well, and happy. They miss you, but they are fine. Grandma and Grandpa are pooped at the end of each day. REALLY Pooped! But these days are precious and we are getting the best out of them. Well, gotta go for now, I have sand castles in my future.

The days are cool, and we are enjoying a bit of coastal fog, as the No. county suffers triple digit heat. Aaahhhhh.....Los Osos. We love it so! There's a busy house bright and early on Madera St. Lots of happy squeeling, diapers, drooling and playtime. Caleb is sleeping well, eating well, playing all the day long, and is constantly making us laugh. (Which he loves to do!) Lily is pretty much doing the same, with the drooling thrown in. She's such a happy girl. Bruce and Caleb are hiking in Montana De Oro, Lily is taking a mid morning siesta. I'm going to go spluge some time on a much loved and needed shower. But in the midst of all this, I'm so aware of the fragility of life, and how blessed we are. Great Papa is still with us, we are blessed by his love and his good nature. We are learning to appreciate each day, to not take things for granted. It's good to take a moment or more on each day....look at what God is currently blessing you with, and give thanks. So......thank you God. I've noticed.

Father's Day 2008

Cutest, slobberiest baby face ever! My kindom for a bib....

Caleb and his Papa, such good pals!!!

Innocence wrapped in energy..... :)








Precious face, yummy fingers, sweet baby breath..............grandma's lovie

Happy Father's Day to Jacob, Bruce, and Papa!

It's a good day to celebrate the men in my life who have been excellent examples of loving Fathers. Jacob, you amaze me with the joy and exuberance you have for life. And better yet, you shower your family in with it. I'm so blessed to see how you play with, and care for your own, so very like your own Dad did with you and your sister. You are, and will be an awesome Daddy to Caleb and Lillian. And Bruce, watching your face as you play with the babies, it's so obvious how very much you love them, and what a wonderful Grandpa you are. It was a blessing raising our two together, and now we get to have all the fun with our sweet ones as well! God is so good! And my own Papa. He is such a sweetheart, so loving and kind, always trying to put others first, even when his own needs are screaming. You are truly an example of God's love. I owe you so much, Dad.

To my Father in heaven...thank you Jesus for loving me, and blessing me with such amazing Godly men.