My Birthday

Has anyone asked you lately about what God is working on in you? It isn't something that often comes up in a normal conversation, but more and more I'm realizing that it's something we need to share. Yes, there are times when I only have a feeling that God is working on something and I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is, but usually I discover that I don't know because I haven't asked. The answer comes when I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to me. In Matthew 7:8, Jesus tells us "For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." We need to ask and we need to share it so we can pray for each other.

Hang in there and I'll get to my title topic! Today was my birthday, and there is no better way to spend it than with my family! I am truly counting my blessings! And I can't believe I didn't take even one picture! So that is why I'm going to post just a few recent favorites. The introspective part in the last paragraph came after everyone went home and I started thinking about the 17 phone calls from my mom today (mmm, that may be a new record for her!), and the frustration I started feeling. I'm pretty sure the LORD is working on patience in me. Perhaps it's because I've always felt that I've been gifted with a generous amount of patience and I need a new perspective, or maybe He's taking me to a new level. I'm not sure, but I'm praying that I'll be listening.

So what is He working on in you?? If you don't know, ask Him. Then share it.

Grandma, are we done yet??

New Foods For Sydney

The Hearth/Stage

Ever since Isa first started to walk and then discovered that she could climb, our 11 inch high hearth has been one of her favorite places. It has become a sort of stage for her imagination and performances. Being our oldest grandchild, she has paved the way for her brother and sister and cousins to follow. There's something about standing even 11 inches off the ground that makes them feel like they are in the limelight. And the fact that the TV is right next to it being watched by the adults, makes it easier to have a captive audience! But capture us they do. I can't help but wonder though, what future compromises may have to be made when Sydney starts walking and wanting to join in on the fun....and then there's Baby Yerkes.  Will 6 fit fit up there all at once?

THE CAST:

More Catching Up--Sock Hop

On Valentine's Day I was, at first, disappointed when I heard that Isa's school doesn't have Valentine parties. As a teacher, that was always my favorite. It was fun showing them how to make hearts and watching the kids open their cards and sort through their collections. Although I'll have to admit that it was more of a girl thing than a boy thing. Many of the boys would get caught up in the whole idea only because the girls made them feel like they needed to (not much changes as we get older, huh?!), and more than once I found valentines in the trash after they were opened, viewed, and all of the candies removed. The cards in the trash always belonged to a boy--NEVER a girl!

But Isa's class did exchange valentines, they just didn't have a party. Instead, they took the kids to the cafeteria for a Sock Hop for the last 1/2 hour of the day. The kids were told to dress for the occasion, so I retrieved a poodle skirt that I had made for Jill at that age from our costume collection.  SO cute!!  I think the Hokey Pokey was Isa's fav dance.

Where to begin?

I seem to have gotten behind in my blogging. The last couple weeks have flown by; it almost felt like a time warp when I came home after being gone for 5 days/6 nights. Then this morning when I woke up and my left eye was glued shut, it added to the strangeness. But I did my obligatory 2+ hours at the urgent care to get eye drops for my conjunctivitis and I hope tomorrow begins with both eyes popping open. I thought about posting a picture, but decided it was more than I wanted to share!  I also thought it somewhat strange (and pointless) to be given an eye chart exam at urgent care--well, not the whole test, but the part with my glasses off.  Chart, what chart?? Well, yes, I could read the top row of one large letter....

Now to get back to what I've missed posting about.

Cade and Isa have begun soccer practice and I rearranged my schedule so I could attend one of the practices a couple weeks ago. Before Cade left to go out on the field, I told him to turn around so I could take his picture. The pose was his idea.

I think maybe he's been watching big sister, Isa, who is in to posing.

Walking out to the field with Daddy

 
Following directions
 
The sideline gallery was busy, too.

 

As much fun as it was to watch these 2 and 3 year olds, I'd have to say that it was not as much fun watching the adults out on the field with them. Come on parents, pick ONE family member to accompany your little one! Some had both mom and dad out there giving directions, and one little guy had mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa!!! Poor boy didn't know who to listen to!

Funny Faces

Little Miss Isa and Little Man Cade recently tried teaching Amelia and Nathan (and Sydney!) how to make funny faces. Isa has it down pat. She's had plenty of time to practice while looking in a mirror. (Her mother also had a thing with mirrors. When she was about 3 or 4 and would get upset and the tears would flow, Mike and I would have to stifle our laughs because she would run to a mirror to watch the tears, and then the volume would increase.)  Cade is kind of half way there. The tongue is out, but he is still looking cute.

 But these 3 sweeties will need more practice to look anything but cute and adorable.

Lucky Dog

No, the Lucky Dog is not this adorable pup:

Although she was just as cute as cute can be today at school when the Kdgn classes were celebrating the 101st day of school by dressing like dalmatians.

But no, the Lucky Dog is me, The Grandma (or Damma, as Cade calls me, or Gram, as Amelia says). Today I took Isa to school and spent the morning helping her teacher by running sets of papers at the copy machine and then helping in class at the "Parent Table". Today it was a fun project of cutting out hearts to glue together to make a dog. 

 From school I moved on to take care of Cade and Sydney until Jill got home from work. They are starting to feel so much better than last week and the weather cooperated, so it was great to get outside to enjoy the sunshine. Jen came over with Amelia and Nathan (who are also feeling better) and we all enjoyed the warm sun together.



Well, Sydney was enjoying it til I put her down to take the picture.

So, Lucky Dog Grandma (and blessed) who got to spend time with all 5 grandbabies and both daughters in the same day!