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.

Friends photos from David & Sarah's wedding day

So here's a few photos that friends took of the wedding. We had such an incredible day, the weather was perfect, the food excellent, all of our loved ones there, and most importantly, God was present. He created marriage, and he oh so obviously blessed this one. To those who were a part of this amazing day, our heartfelt thanks. We are blessed to add a beloved son to our family, and thank you all for your encouragement and support of David and Sarah as a couple. We covet your prayers for them as their new journey, as husband and wife, begins.

Grandbaby Heaven....

To my beautiful big grown up babies, your babies are fine. Dad and I are still a great team. I took off for 3 hours to have a special time with my girlfriends. Rosemae turned 50 this week, and we went to the tea house in SLO, and had a wonderful girl time. Dad had fed the babies, and put them down for naps, so it wasn't too hard on him. Lily definitely wants to eat at the very first hunger pain, or else all hell breaks loose. Dad said she almost turned her head all the way around and threw up split pea soup....hee hee. Just kidding! I just laid her down for her afternoon nap, and she was cooing and smiling behind her pacifier, and reaching up and touching my face. She got her fingers in my mouth, pulled and laughed out loud when I kissed her fingers. She was sleeping peacefully when I left her there on our bed. Such a living doll, I'm totally in love with her. Caleb is still asleep, and it's been 2 1/2 hours. His Papa wore him out this morning playing outside, and taking him in the backpack for a long hike. They were gone almost an hour. Today was the first time that Caleb ran into his Papa's arms to throw an excited loving hug around him. They are bonding bigtime. So wonderful to watch. Soon his Papa will be his very favorite person, and Grandma will be boring, so I'm luxuritating in the glow of being the favorite for now, knowing that it doesn't last. Little boys always want to be like the men in their lives, and that's as it should be. But dang if it doesn't sting a bit. So Papa is waiting like a vulture to step in as soon as little Caleb realizes Grandma is "just a skirt". Thanks for that one Danny! And speaking of Caleb, I hear his happy squeals in the bedroom down the hall, so I'll go give him Grandma kisses, and hugs, and juish, and enjoy these next few hours together. Blessings for the day.

Missing Mama and Daddy

So what a busy day....diapers, cleaning poop painting off of little feet(Poor Bruce had that doodie) chasing Caleb all around the yard, photo time, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, whew! We never knew how lazy we really were. It was a good day, but one of concern, Caleb misses Mama and Daddy, and asks for them often. Distraction works, and he's happy. I'm so incredibly grateful for Bruce's help, he played with Caleb all the day long. We did drop by to see some friends around dinner time, it was a celebration for Daniel Cameron's high school graduation. We couldn't stay long, as it was time for the kids to go to bed. But Caleb scoped out the fancy cheese tray, and grabbed a whole wedge and took a big bite out of it. So funny. Home too late for baths, so we'll get them in the morning. Highlight of the day, Caleb made a "sentence". He said tee-too Papa.

So cool. And he stacked blocks and then knocked them, down over and over. That was a first here. Lillian was patient during Grandma's photo shoot, and she napped like rip van lily. Her smiles melt your heart. This poor old woman is tired, so I'm off to eat a quick dinner, and drift down into a soft chair and veg out. Thank you Lord, for sweet rest tonight, for babies, Bruce, and me.

Grandchildren are God's reward to those who don't kill and eat their own young....

Or so I've heard. But I have to say, it was just as much fun, (& work), waaaaay back then. It was a good day. Caleb was so happy to be here, and delighted in entertaining us. He loves making us laugh, and he's as good at it as his Daddy was. He practiced saying no over and over about 1/2 way through the day, which was new for us. He meant "yah", but said no, and really enjoyed saying it. I seem to remember Jacob went through the "terrible 2's" at 18 months, a bit early, so possibly we'll see the same trend in Caleb. And it wasn't all that terrible, just had a mind of his own, and didn't like hearing "no" unless he was the one saying it. And come to think of it, that's the way most of us end up acting for the rest of our lives. So far both of the babies are happy and on schedule for eating & sleeping, and we had good naps and happy attitudes. Lillian is so funny. Such a chill, laid'back type of lil' lady, so feminine and sweet. But without an ounce of patience when she feels a hunger pain. The very first indication that she might be becoming hungry sends her immediately into pitiful wails, with huge tears. She pours it on fast! Then as soon as she's fed, it's right back to happy & contented baby. So funny! Today she enjoyed sitting in her activity saucer, and even managed to play with the bright colored spinning disks. She was fascinated with smacking them over and over, even with her uncontrolled spasmodic arm movements. She concentrated so hard she had a frown, but she was loving it. She has the longest fingers and toes I've ever personally seen on a 4 month old. So that must mean we have a guitar or piano player in our midst. Possibly a harpist? Caleb's finest moment of the day has to be when his Grandpa put him in the swing under the oak tree. I stood on the driveway, since I was shoeless, and cheered him on, and he got so excited. He was kicking his feet, laughing, tossing his head side to side, and then he'd scream with enthusiasm at the top of his lungs. And he has quite the high pitch of a scream. When he'd settle down, I'd jump around yelling yah-hoo, and then he'd freak out again. This went on for at least 10 minutes. He was loving it. We all were. Or maybe the best moment came at dinner time. I made beef stew, and his Grandpa was feeding him, and he'd growl and snatch up every bite so quick, then look at great Papa and I and laugh. It was quite the game. I'm not so sure it was the best way to encourage table manners, but there's time for that later. And we were having way too much fun to discourage it. Before you knew it, it was bath and bed time, and they both slipped off to sleep so easily, I keep peeking in to make sure they're really out for the night. It was a great first day, and if it doesn't kill us, we'll have lots more stories, and fun to share with you. We are old...we are pooped, and intensely grateful for babies that sleep until morning.....from my words to God's ears..... :)

Today is the big day...Jake and Deana have flown off to Italy, and Bruce and I home with the grandbabies. So far so good. Lily is napping, and Caleb is in the backpack off on a walk with his "Pa-pa". He says that so cute. Lots of new words, "thank-you"(tee-too) being the current favorite. He seems to be in an especially happy mood, which is so fun, and I've got time while
they are off on their walk to write some thoughts down, and then get a stew on for dinner. I loved sitting on the front porch amidst all the blooms, giving Lillian her bottle, watching her
stare at me with those gorgeous blue eyes. The shadows were dancing on the bouganvilla vine, and played across her face. The air was slightly warm and still, and I felt so peaceful staring at her precious face. She has incredibly beautiful skin, like her Mommy, and she was so small and still, a moment of time to feel love and joy for the blessing of babies. Especially these two. I'm grateful for the moments of peace, and know that they may be few and far between in the busy-ness of caring for them. So I vow to take time to notice them, and remember. More later maybe, when they go down for the night. I've promised myself that I would take the time to
write, even if I'm too pooped to do it each night. Hopefully I'll get plenty of pictures too!

Here's the pastry balls....

Yummy? Not so much!

Fun and Food in Italy

Since looking at my pictures of Italy, I've decided to add a few of my favorites. Somehow they seem to be all food related.......hmmmm? What's up with that? Is it strange I like to take pictures of food? yeah...probably, so I'll just go with it. I'll add one from Germany that follows the same thread....round pastry balls. Looked good, tasted BAD! And surprise...the fruit market photo in Rome, not real....that's right, all made of marble. Each one looked so real, I was actually deciding which to buy for the next mornings breakfast, until I picked one up. Sarah hates fake fruit decorations......but these were actually pretty cool!

Apparantly this store sells gloves...

Jacob and Deana are off to Italy this week, for a 10 day stay in Tuscany. What an incredible opportunity to re-visit my own trip there in May of 2006, as I live vicariously through them. The picture of the glove shop was taken in Venice. I loved the days we spend walking the cobbled streets, watching the gondolas on the canals, and especially our boat trip to Burano. What an incredible little island. I'll post some pictures of the colorful houses after dinner. We'll be caring for our babies, while they travel, and though we'll be pooped, it's going to be so much fun. I'm glad Bruce will be helping. It will be so much more fun, with extra hands and eyes. More later...

Well, ok. I'm not even sure I know what a blog is, and here I am creating one. Maybe during the process I'll figure out what it is I'm doing. That's the way I often work anyway, one foot forward, one foot dragging. This will hopefully be a meeting place. Somewhere I can journal my thoughts, post pictures of my loved ones, and create a link to sharing my heart with those I love. If this works out, it would be less time consuming for me to send pictures and e-mails, and allow those that want to be included, come visit me on their own timetable. Maybe we will have a link to each other, when you create your own blog, and I'll come and join you when I wake up at in the early morning and can't go back to sleep. That seems to happen more often as I age.....a subject I don't intend to dwell on. Fair warning though, this blog will be self-serving, allowing me to indulge my inner Grandma......lots of thoughts and observations of my grandbabies, Caleb and Lillian. A dear friend has been after me to write down my experiences with them, so they'll have them when they are older, and I am gone. It will be good for them to know how very much I have loved and adored them. I intend to show them, but so many of these moments we share will be lost forever for them, only living in my memories. I know that the time we share together will be a part of who they are.....and that blesses me. But maybe through my writing of our time together, they will be blessed later as well. So for whatever it's worth, here is my heart. Grandma loves you so.......